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Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 29 July 2025

Content Classrooms of Change: NEP 2020 and the New Era of Schooling Higher Education under NEP 2020: Reimagining India’s Academic Landscape Classrooms of Change: NEP 2020 and the New Era of Schooling Background and Vision Launched on July 29, 2020, NEP 2020 replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education (1986). Anchored in SDG-4: Inclusive and Quality Education for All by 2030. Envisions a learner-centric, flexible, and inclusive education system driven by curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Integrates India’s civilizational knowledge traditions with 21st-century skills. Relevance : GS 2(Education , Schemes) Structural Reforms: 5+3+3+4 and NCFs Replaces 10+2 with 5+3+3+4 structure: 5 years: Foundational (3 pre-primary + Grades 1–2) 3 years: Preparatory (Grades 3–5) 3 years: Middle (Grades 6–8) 4 years: Secondary (Grades 9–12) Supported by: NCF-FS 2022: Play-based foundational curriculum (ages 3–8). NCF-SE 2023: Multidisciplinary, competency-based learning framework. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) & ECCE >85% brain development occurs before age 6 – NEP prioritizes ECCE. Key programs: NIPUN Bharat (2021): Targeting FLN for all by 2026–27. Vidya Pravesh: 12-week play-based school readiness program. Balvatikas: 3 crore+ children enrolled in pre-primary. NCF-FS adopted by all 36 States/UTs. Jadui Pitara: Toys, puppets, puzzles for age-appropriate, multilingual learning. Digital push: 2,778 FLN content pieces on DIKSHA; e-Jaadui Pitara launched. Teacher capacity: 12.97 lakh teachers trained under NISHTHA. Impact: ASER 2024: Reading: 23.4% of Class III students in govt. schools read Grade II-level text (vs. 16.3% in 2022). Arithmetic: 27.6% perform subtraction (vs. 20.2% in 2022). PARAKH 2024: Rural Grade 3 students outperform urban peers in Math & Language. Universal Access and Equity Samagra Shiksha ensures seamless schooling from pre-primary to Grade 12. Gross Enrolment Ratio (2023–24): Primary: 97.8% Upper Primary: 96.57% Infrastructure improvements: Drinking water (98.4%), Girls’ toilets (97.1%), Electricity (85.1%), Ramps (85.1%). Residential Schools: 1,137 Netaji Subhash Avasiya Vidyalayas (1.15 lakh SEDG students). 5,269 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (7.58 lakh girls). NIOS: Re-integrating out-of-school children and Agniveers with flexible learning. Vidyanjali portal: 30,000+ assets contributed; 1.7 crore students impacted. Inclusion and Disability Support PRASHAST app: Early disability screening tool under RPwD Act (2016). ISL as a Subject: Indian Sign Language now taught at secondary level. 1,000+ ISL videos and talking books in 46 subjects. UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2021) awarded to India for inclusive literacy efforts. Curriculum Reform & Competency-Based Learning Emphasis on experiential, toy-based, and integrated learning. New textbooks: Mridang (English), Sarangi (Hindi), Joyful Mathematics. Introduction of new subject: “The World Around Us” (Grades 3–5). Vocational Education: Exposure from Grade 3. CBSE + UGC notify National Credit Framework (NCrF) implementation in schools (Grades 9–12). Use of Technology DIKSHA platform: Available in 133 Indian languages. Includes QR-coded textbooks, teacher training (NISHTHA), and student resources. PM eVidya: “One Nation, One Digital Platform” with 200 DTH TV channels. Rashtriya Vidya Samiksha Kendra (RVSK): Real-time monitoring via State VSKs. Tracks KPIs for evidence-based decisions. Teacher Development and Capacity Building NEP 2020 emphasizes teachers as change agents. NISHTHA: Over 14 lakh teachers trained across ECCE and FLN. DIKSHA provides: Interactive lessons, multilingual content, career advancement modules. Reforming Assessment and School Quality Shift from rote to formative, holistic, and competency-based assessments. PARAKH: National Assessment Centre. 2024 survey covered 21.15 lakh students and 2.7 lakh teachers. Holistic Progress Cards: Cover academics, socio-emotional skills, creativity, and community engagement. SQAAF (School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework): Quality evaluation across: Administration, Curriculum, Assessment, Infrastructure, Inclusiveness. Challenges Ahead Digital divide persists: Only 72% of schools have internet access. Teacher shortages, especially in rural and tribal regions. FLN outcomes, while improving, still lag behind global benchmarks. Balancing multilingual education with standardisation in assessments. Integration of vocational and academic pathways still nascent. Conclusion: Towards a New Paradigm NEP 2020 is a visionary step, aligning education with India’s demographic dividend and global aspirations. By fostering joyful learning, inclusion, critical thinking, and teacher empowerment, it transforms Indian classrooms from rote-centric spaces to hubs of innovation and equality. Continued investment, capacity building, and community participation will determine whether this reform becomes a revolution. Higher Education under NEP 2020: Reimagining India’s Academic Landscape Foundational Vision & Systemic Shift NEP 2020: First education policy in 34 years; adopted after 2L+ public suggestions & 5 years of consultations. Envisions a flexible, multidisciplinary, learner-centric ecosystem aligned with 21st-century skills and rooted in Indian knowledge systems. Anchored in 5 pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. Relevance : GS 2(Education , Schemes) GER Target & Structural Reforms Target: 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035. 4-year UG programmes with Multiple Entry & Exit (MEME) options—already adopted by 153 universities. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): Digital academic credit repository; 97 CFIs onboarded. Biannual Admissions: Implemented to enhance student flexibility and intake capacity. Curriculum & Credit Framework (2022): Interdisciplinary, credit-based, portable, and hybrid-friendly. Inclusion & Access PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme (2024): ₹2,358 crore loans sanctioned to 13,358 students; 8,379 loans disbursed. Collateral-free up to ₹7.5 lakh; 3% interest subvention for families below ₹8 lakh. Target: 22 lakh students annually + 7 lakh more till 2030–31. Support for Divyangjans: Inclusive pedagogy guidelines, assistive tech, personalised counselling. Standalone colleges converted to multi-disciplinary HEIs by 2040; 1 major HEI per district by 2030. Digital & Online Education Expansion SWAYAM MOOCs: 5.15+ crore enrolments, 16,530+ courses; 388 universities permit 40% credit transfer. Virtual Labs: 900+ labs, 1,200+ experiments. NDLI: 8 crore+ digital resources (video, text, audio). SWAYAM Plus (2024): Industry-aligned digital university base (AI, Data Science). Anuvadini & e-KUMBH: Multilingual education in 22 Indian languages. Equity Through Financing & Schemes PM-USHA: ₹100 crore to each of 35 public universities for research, autonomy, global linkages. Outcome-linked grants tied to NIRF & accreditation scores. HEFA (2017–2024): ₹44,449 crore sanctioned for 201 projects; benefited IITs, IIMs, NITs, CUs. NEAT & IDEA Labs: 393 EdTech partners onboarded; 1.15 lakh EWS students aided. 423 IDEA Labs established promoting STEM, AI, and experiential learning. Quality Assurance & Autonomy Higher Education Commission of India (HECI): Upcoming single regulator replacing UGC, AICTE, NAAC. Graded Autonomy: Performance-based freedom via new Autonomous College (2023) & Deemed University (2023) regulations. NAAC Revamp: Outcome-linked metrics (employment, research, community impact). NIRF 2.0: Now linked with funding; includes equity, innovation, digital access. Research, Innovation & Start-ups Anusandhan NRF (2023): ₹50,000 crore hybrid fund. PhD enrolment: 2.34 lakh (↑100%); Women ↑136%. India: 3rd globally in publications (2024); patent filings hit 92,168 (25% by HEIs). 16,051 Innovation Councils in HEIs across 28 States/8 UTs. KAPILA Scheme: 10,800 patents filed; 71,000 trained in IP literacy. Faculty & Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Malaviya Mission (MMTTP): 2.5 lakh faculty trained in AI, STEM, ethics. IKS Mission: 51 centres; 88 research projects; 5,527 internships. RDCs (Research & Development Cells): Present in 2,871 HEIs. ASMITA: 22,000 books in 22 languages by 2029. Globalization of Indian Higher Education Indian HEIs Abroad: IIT Madras–Zanzibar, IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi, IIM Ahmedabad–Dubai. Foreign Universities in India: Deakin & Wollongong (Gift City), Southampton (Gurugram); 6 others given Letters of Approval. Study in India Campaign: 47,602 foreign students; 8,000+ courses; 600+ HEIs from 136+ countries. Twinning/Dual/Joint Degrees: 103 Indian HEIs collaborating with foreign universities. SPARC: ₹515 crore for 799 research projects, 51 patents filed. Institutional Expansion (2014–2025) Total Central HEIs rose from 115 → 157. Central Universities: 40 → 48 IITs: 16 → 23 IIMs: 13 → 21 IIITs: 9 → 25 NITs: 31 → 32 Sindhu Central University in Ladakh launched PG courses in tech & public policy. Centers of Excellence in AI: IISc (Health), IIT Kanpur (Sustainable Cities), IIT Ropar (Agri), IIT Madras (Education) — ₹1,490 crore combined outlay. International Rankings & Reputation India: Most represented in QS Asia Rankings 2025 – 163 universities out of 987. 7 Indian universities in Asia’s Top 100 (IITs, DU, IISc). QS Subject Rankings 2025: 79 Indian HEIs, 10 among global top 50. Strengthening global academic brand via dual degrees, SPARC, and Study in India. Conclusion: India’s Higher Education – Future-Ready NEP 2020 is not just a reform, but a reimagination of the Indian academic landscape: Bridging equity, inclusion, and excellence. Digital-first, industry-aligned, and research-driven. Positioned to become a global education and innovation hub by 2047.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 29 July 2025

Content India’s Culture of Risk in Mass Religious Gatherings Chola Rule: Beyond Temples, A Governance Legacy India’s Culture of Risk in Mass Religious Gatherings Trigger Events & Pattern Haridwar Stampede (July 27, 2025): 8 pilgrims died after panic from a rumour of electrocution on temple steps. Ayodhya (July 28, 2025): 2 more died as overloaded monkey-proofing mesh caused sparks, triggering a stampede. Pattern: Both stem from poor electrical safety, lack of infrastructure audit, and overcrowding without escape mechanisms. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Practice Question : “India’s mass religious gatherings often turn into disasters waiting to happen.” In light of recent stampede incidents, critically examine the structural, legal, and administrative lapses contributing to such tragedies. Suggest robust reforms for safer pilgrimage management. (250 words) Structural & Administrative Failures Temples lack basic disaster readiness: No automatic power cutoffs. Makeshift wiring and overloaded transformers common. Absence of real-time CCTV monitoring and underground cabling. Example: Mansa Devi temple had one entry/exit route—violating NDMA norms which mandate multiple, segregated access routes. Poor Compliance with NDMA Guidelines NDMA’s crowd management protocol: Calculate carrying capacity, Stagger entry, Ensure real-time monitoring, Maintain emergency exits. Ignored across states, especially in hill temples. Systemic Governance Gaps State’s role limited to providing priests, ignoring physical planning. Despite High Court and Supreme Court orders, states fail to adopt: Tech-based surveillance, Crowd certifications, Temporary infrastructure for seasonal surges. Darshan does not require certification, unlike sports events or protests. Legal Loopholes & Risk Transfer In Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh, temples are exempt from NDMA norms under legal loopholes. Shrine boards often outsource management to under-trained volunteers. Victims are given compensation, but no accountability is enforced on management bodies. Data Context (Supportive of Argument) India has over 1,500 major annual religious gatherings, many drawing crowds of 1–5 million people. 2013 Kumbh Mela: over 120 million visited, but crowd planning hailed only due to military-style command control. Between 2001–2024, over 900 deaths in India from stampedes — majority during religious events. Comparative Insights Japan’s Shinto festivals cap visitors using electronic queuing systems. Mecca’s Hajj uses RFID wristbands, staggered timings, and AI heatmaps to avoid bottlenecks. Way Forward Mandatory Crowd Management Plans: Enforce NDMA’s crowd control manual across all pilgrimage sites—crowd mapping, real-time monitoring, staggered entry. Infrastructure Audit & Modernisation: Compulsory audits for electric load, wiring, transformers; auto-cutoff systems for temples. Pre-certification & Safety Clearances: Mass gatherings must require certification on safety, crowd density, emergency exits, and basic life-support systems. Volunteer & Emergency Training: States must train and certify volunteers in crowd psychology, disaster response, and evacuation protocols. Stop Routine Mass Events Without Review: Avoid routinely held, unregulated large religious events; allow only those with infrastructure readiness. Legal Enforcement for Organisers: Penalise organisers of mass events for negligence—ensure personal and institutional accountability. Conclusion India must move from ritualistic crowd gatherings to scientifically planned ones, ensuring electrical, civic, and structural audit before mass events. Crowd safety certification and NDMA compliance must be legally enforced, even at religious sites, to prevent repeat tragedies under the guise of faith. Chola Rule: Beyond Temples, A Governance Legacy Background Rajendra Chola I (reign: 1014–1044 CE) built the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple (UNESCO WHS). But Chola kings were also pioneers in governance, decentralisation, and water engineering. PM Modi’s speech (July 27, 2025) spotlighted these often-ignored aspects. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage , History) Practice Question : “The Chola legacy offers more than just temple architecture; it provides enduring models for water governance, structural resilience, and grassroots democracy.” Critically examine with reference to contemporary governance challenges in India. (15 marks, 250 words) Advanced Water Management Systems Chola-era tanks, canals, and reservoir networks still influence Tamil Nadu’s irrigation. Data: 40,000+ traditional irrigation tanks still operational in Tamil Nadu (WRD, 2024). Emphasis on community-led tank maintenance under Kudimaramathu system — a model of participatory water governance. Editorial calls for reviving local water institutions in Cauvery delta suffering from mismanagement. Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure (Pre-modern Seismic Design) Brihadeeswara Temple (Thanjavur) and Gangaikonda Cholapuram have withstood 1000+ years, including seismic activity. Structural Engineering Institute (2023): Chola temples used interlocking stone masonry, flexible joints. Lesson: India has historic expertise in climate-resilient design; needs mainstreaming in modern public infrastructure. Deeply Rooted Local Self-Governance Uttaramerur inscriptions (c. 920 CE) document village assembly elections, audit systems, and rotational leadership — a millennium-old model of local democracy. Key features: Eligibility criteria for village office. Lottery-based selection for impartiality. Annual audit and recall mechanisms. Today’s Reality: 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments remain under-implemented: Only 17 states have devolved all 29 functions to Panchayats (MoPR 2023). Urban local bodies lack fiscal autonomy. Tokenism vs Real Reform While temples/statues are celebrated, Chola-era decentralisation models are ignored in policymaking. India needs: Real devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to local governments. Learning from Chola institutional design for accountability and participatory planning. Data-Backed Policy Takeaways Theme Chola Era Benchmark Modern India Challenge Water Management Community-led tanks, canal networks Fragmented and neglected rural irrigation Infrastructure Earthquake-resilient stone structures Poor maintenance of public infrastructure Local Governance Rotational, accountable village panchayats Weak fiscal/political autonomy in PRIs/ULBs Cultural Integration Temples + Trade + Public Goods Focus on heritage but neglect of institutions Data-Driven Inferences 1000+ years: The temples have stood resilient through centuries and seismic activity. 200+ years: Archaeological record of earthquakes in southern India (temples survived). 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992): Over 30 years later, grassroots governance still suffers from poor implementation, especially in urban India. >8.44 lakh cooperatives in India: Though not mentioned in this article, comparing grassroots institutions like cooperatives (from other sources) further underscores the weakness of elected local bodies. Conclusion The Chola legacy offers not just cultural pride but actionable models for water governance, structural resilience, and grassroots democracy—urgently needed in today’s India. To honour their legacy meaningfully, modern India must revive their administrative ethos—not merely their idols.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 29 July 2025

Content Justice on hold: India’s courts are clogged What is Maharashtra’s new security Bill? How the fair use clause is being applied to generative AI Noon River Rejuvenation Initiative in Uttar Pradesh India vs Qatar: The Race to Host the 2036 Olympics Justice on hold: India’s courts are clogged Core Issue: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied Prolonged delays in Indian courts undermine public trust and access to justice. District courts, which handle 87% of pending cases, face the worst delays — civil cases often stretch beyond 5 years. Relevance : GS 2( Judiciary , Social Justice) Data Highlights Total Pendency: Over 5 crore cases across all courts. Supreme Court: 86,700+ cases. High Courts: 63.3 lakh. District & Subordinate Courts: 4.6 crore+. Vacancy Rate: 21%–33% of sanctioned judge posts remain vacant. Only 15 judges per 10 lakh people, against Law Commission’s 50 judges per 10 lakh recommendation. Time to Disposal (Chart 2): Supreme Court Civil Cases: ~8.3 years. District Courts Civil Cases: ~5.7 years. High Court Civil Cases: ~5.3 years. Lok Adalat Potential: 22.2 crore cumulative cases resolved in last 4 years (pre-litigation + pending). Key Structural Issues Severe judge shortage at all levels → Only 79% of sanctioned strength is filled. Heavy dependence on courts for every dispute → no credible ecosystem for pre-litigation resolution. District courts overstretched with complex, voluminous caseloads and poor infrastructure. Limited use of alternative mechanisms like ADR, mediation, online dispute resolution. Inadequate digital integration at lower judiciary levels despite e-Courts push. Institutional Challenges Structural bottlenecks: outdated procedures, adjournments, lack of unified court management systems. Legal delays: frequent misuse of appeals, bail, and procedural loopholes. Inconsistent reform: judicial reforms often bypass subordinate judiciary where majority pendency lies. Way Forward Fill all judicial vacancies urgently. Implement All India Judicial Services for professional recruitment. Strengthen ADR mechanisms: mediation, conciliation, Lok Adalats, Online Dispute Resolution. Expand digitisation, especially at district court level: AI-based case triage, e-filing, virtual hearings. Enforce strict adjournment control and case management systems. Create a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority (pending proposal) to modernise courts. Promote citizen awareness about alternative resolution options to reduce court dependency. What is Maharashtra’s new security Bill? What is the Bill About? Bill Name: Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 Objective (Govt’s Stance): Tackle ‘urban Naxalism’ and left-wing extremist (LWE) frontal organisations, particularly in urban Maharashtra. Justification: Govt claims 60+ Naxal-linked front organisations operate in the state, inadequately addressed by existing laws. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Legislative Timeline Introduced: Monsoon Session, late 2024 Revived: December 20, 2024 (after Mahayuti’s return to power) Public Feedback: 12,500+ suggestions/objections received Changes Made: Only 3 minor amendments incorporated Passed: Voice vote, July 2025 Status: Awaiting Governor’s assent Key Provisions Expansive Definition of “Illegal Activity”: Includes gestures, expressions, or signs that may “tend to interfere with public order” or “cause concern”. No Ban Limits: Organisations can be banned indefinitely. Executive Power Expansion: Govt can unilaterally declare organisations as “unlawful”. Protection to Officials: Immunity for actions “in good faith”. Restricted Judicial Access: Lower courts barred from jurisdiction. Opaque Governance: State can withhold information “in public interest”. Criticism & Concerns Ambiguity & Overbreadth Terms like “cause concern” or “interfere with order” are vague and subjective. May criminalise peaceful protest, satire, critical expression, or civil disobedience. Democratic and Civil Rights Risks Could be misused against farmers’ protests, student groups, NGOs, and opposition voices. CPI(M) formally opposed, other parties raised concerns but abstained from voting. Critics warn of it becoming a tool for silencing dissent post-2024 elections. Comparative Context Similar State Laws: Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh have older Public Security Acts. However: These laws pre-date a strengthened UAPA. Critics argue UAPA already covers most threats the Bill addresses. Govt itself notes LWE now confined to 2 districts, questioning the need for new powers. Legal & Constitutional Implications Article 19: Potential infringement on freedom of speech, association, and expression. Article 21: Due process and fair trial standards may be undermined. Article 14: Risk of arbitrary classifications and unequal application. Curtailment of Judicial Oversight: Blocking lower courts may delay access to remedies, increasing legal costs. Future Scenarios & Impacts Legal Challenge Likely: Could face PILs in High Court or Supreme Court. Possible Domino Effect: Other states may replicate the law if upheld. Public Trust Issues: Civic backlash and legal activism may rise. Governance Risk: May fuel polarisation and erode federal and democratic norms. Core Tensions Dimension Security Justification Civil Liberties Concern Public Order Urban Naxal threat Peaceful dissent targeted Legal Framework Faster, stronger action Weak due process & oversight Executive Powers Administrative efficiency Risk of authoritarian overreach Conclusion The Bill sits at the intersection of national security and constitutional freedoms. With broad executive authority, vague definitions, and minimal judicial checks, it raises substantial concerns around misuse and erosion of democratic dissent. The Governor’s assent and ensuing judicial review will determine its constitutionality and long-term implications. How the fair use clause is being applied to generative AI Context & Relevance Access to diverse and voluminous training data (books, articles, web content) is central to improving Large Language Models (LLMs). This includes both public domain and copyrighted works—raising significant legal and ethical issues when used without permission. Relevance : GS 3(IPR , Technology) Central Legal Issue Key Question: Does using copyrighted material for LLM training—without authorisation—constitute copyright infringement? In the U.S., this hinges on whether the use qualifies as “fair use” under Section 107 of the Copyright Act. Fair Use Doctrine – Four Factors Courts evaluate fair use claims based on: Purpose & Character: Is the use transformative (e.g., generating new knowledge vs reproducing existing works)? Nature of Work: Factual works are more likely to be fair use than fictional/creative ones. Amount & Substantiality: How much of the original was used? Market Effect: Does the use harm the original’s market or potential licensing revenue? Case 1: Anthropic PBC (Claude LLM) Used copyrighted books—some legally purchased, some from questionable sources—to train its GenAI. Court ruling: Training with legally purchased books = Fair Use  (due to transformative use). Copying from illegal sources = Not fair use ; court refused to grant blanket protection. Key takeaway: Court distinguishes between transformative use and how the data was acquired. Case 2: Meta (LLaMA LLM) Sued by 13 authors for using illegally sourced books for training. Court ruling: Training = Fair Use  (highly transformative). Plaintiffs failed to prove market harm with empirical data. Court did not penalise unauthorised downloading as a separate infringement (unlike Anthropic case). Judge acknowledged “market dilution” concern but said proof of harm was lacking. Comparison: Anthropic vs Meta Factor Anthropic Meta Transformative Use Recognised Recognised Market Harm Downplayed Downplayed but noted future risks Illegal Sourcing Treated as separate infringement Not distinctly addressed Judgement Focus Data sourcing and use Final use only Precedent Case: Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence Court held no fair use because AI simply retrieved legal opinions (not transformative). Also competed directly with plaintiff’s product—thus hurting the market. Emerging Legal Standards Courts seem to support transformative use in GenAI training—tilting toward fair use. But evidence of market harm will be crucial in future cases. Use of illegally sourced data may be treated as a separate violation—creating liability even if training is transformative. Challenges for Plaintiffs Hard to prove “market substitution” or “licensing market harm.” LLM outputs are often not reproductions, but generated content—making infringement indirect and difficult to establish. Implications Going Forward Unsettled legal landscape: Outcomes will vary case-by-case, based on data sourcing, model purpose, and market effects. Need for clearer copyright licensing frameworks and/or legislative clarity. Future rulings may hinge on empirical studies, including AI impact on creative economies. Noon River Rejuvenation Initiative in Uttar Pradesh Context & Background The Noon river in Kanpur district had become indistinguishable due to infestation of jal kumbhi (water hyacinth) and siltation from debris and blocked channels. Reviving the Noon is part of a state-wide river rejuvenation mission launched in June 2024 at the Saryu Mahotsav, with the motto: “One district, one river”. Uttar Pradesh has identified over 60 forgotten rivers to be revived—each district assigned one. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) ,GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Geographical Details Length of Noon River: 48.5 km Coverage: Flows through 34 gram panchayats across 3 blocks—Shivrajpur, Chaubeypur, and Bilhaur. Origin: Kanhiya Khera in Rampur Narua Endpoint: Ganges river Area Surveyed: Nearly 24 km of natural path mapped and cleared. Key Interventions Drone Mapping & GIS: Remote sensing used by Remote Sensing Centre (Lucknow) to detect dry patches, channel blocks, and water hyacinth zones. Entire stretch digitally mapped for revival planning. Community Participation: Awareness slogans like “Hum sabne milkay than lia, Noon nadi ko fir se jeevant karana hai” helped mobilize women and villagers. Villagers contributed shramdaan (voluntary labor) and input for tracing natural channels. Multi-departmental Coordination: Officials from 10 departments (forest, agriculture, irrigation, horticulture, fisheries, etc.) coordinated under district administration. Employment Generation: Works carried out under MGNREGA, creating local employment while reviving ecology.  Outcomes & Impact Hydrological Restoration: Removal of hyacinth and clearing of silt restored water flow in large sections. Monsoon overflow now properly channels into Noon, rather than damaging nearby fields. Agricultural Benefits: Fields previously waterlogged or left uncultivated have regained productivity. Cost Efficiency: Revival used minimal external funding, relying largely on community labor and existing government schemes (e.g., MGNREGA). Challenges Faced Resistance from Locals: Convincing farmers and landowners was difficult due to past failures. Required strong leadership by gram panchayat officials and continuous dialogue. Ecological Degradation: Old jal kumbhi infestation (over 10 years) had choked many sections. Replicability & Model Value Model can be scaled to: Other degraded non-perennial rivers and rivulets in the Indo-Gangetic belt. Similar efforts in Bundelkhand and eastern UP facing groundwater distress. Combines: Tech-driven mapping Employment-linked public works Decentralized governance Community-led planning Way Forward Institutionalize “One District, One River” under a mission-mode program. Create a real-time monitoring dashboard using drone & GIS tools. Launch eco-literacy campaigns for aquatic weed control & water stewardship. Link river rejuvenation with crop planning and irrigation strategy. Integrate with Namami Gange for rivers feeding into the Ganga. India vs Qatar: The Race to Host the 2036 Olympics Context & Background Both India and Qatar are competing to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. This race also includes Turkey, Indonesia, Hungary, and Germany (seeking to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Berlin Olympics). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet begun the final selection process, still reviewing current rules and proposals. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Infrastructure Readiness: Qatar vs India Qatar’s edge: Claims 95% of Olympic venues are already in place and tested. Cites infrastructure legacy from: 2022 FIFA World Cup 18 world championships hosted in past 20 years Asian Games 2006, U20 Athletics (2028), and future Asian Games 2030 All key sporting complexes already built and operational. India’s status: Infrastructure building underway: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave (Ahmedabad) to be the central hub. Ahmedabad to host: 2030 Commonwealth Games (in bid stage) 2027 Volleyball World Championship 2028 U20 World Athletics Recent events: 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting and Asian Wrestling Championships. Diplomatic & Strategic Messaging Qatar’s diplomatic pitch: Emphasizes being a “global hub of tolerance, inclusion, and peace.” Aims to mark: First Olympics & Paralympics in Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Platform for Arab youth, regional unity, and global representation. Strong emphasis on Arab soft power. India’s diplomatic pitch: Links Olympics bid to: Global South representation Transformative social-cultural impact in SAARC & South Asia A natural extension of India’s growing global diplomatic standing. Cited as “the only major economy yet to host the Games.” Vision & Narrative Framing Qatar’s Vision: “National Vision 2030” — leveraging sports infrastructure and prior mega-event experience to ensure smooth, tested execution. Targeting inclusion, youth empowerment, and regional identity. India’s Vision: “Viksit Bharat 2047” – Olympics as a transformative moment tied to national development goals. Pitch: “India reflects the types of sports and social benefits the Olympics can provide.” Data & Comparative Edge Metric Qatar India Olympic Venues 95% complete & tested Under construction Major Sports Events Hosted (20 yrs) 18+ incl. FIFA WC, Asian Games, etc. Few – recent bids and limited past events Legacy Infrastructure Strong Still developing Global Diplomatic Leverage Strong in Arab & Muslim world Strong in Global South & SAARC IOC Influence Factors Inclusivity, tested readiness Youth potential, emerging economy Challenges & Weaknesses India: Weak on tested infrastructure. Tight timelines to complete venues and host qualifying events before 2036. Qatar: Possible perception of “sportswashing” due to prior controversies (2022 WC). Needs to overcome past criticism around human rights, labor laws, and inclusivity. Outlook Qatar appears more ‘ready’ – infrastructure complete, experience strong. India brings ‘promise’ – demographic and geopolitical capital, long-term vision. Final decision will depend on: IOC’s evolving criteria (sustainability, inclusiveness) Readiness vs narrative Regional geopolitics & IOC’s outreach strategy

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 28 July 2025

Content: India–UK CETA India–UK CETA Overview Signed: July 24, 2025, by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, with PMs Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer present. Bilateral Trade: USD 56 billion (USD 23 billion merchandise, USD 33 billion services), with a goal to double by 2030. Tariff Elimination: 99% of India’s exports to the UK duty-free, covering nearly 100% of trade value; India opens 89.5% of tariff lines for 91% of UK exports. Key Sectors: Textiles, leather, marine products, gems & jewellery, toys, engineering goods, chemicals, auto components, IT/ITES, financial services, healthcare, education. Impact: Job creation, export growth, and inclusive economic development for artisans, women-led enterprises, MSMEs, and farmers. Relevance : GS 3(Economy ,Trade ) Key Features Tariff Elimination: India: Duty-free access for 99% of exports (textiles, leather, marine, gems, toys, chemicals, engineering, agri-products). UK: 89.5% of tariff lines opened, with 24.5% of exports getting immediate duty-free access. Sensitive sectors (dairy, cereals, pulses, gold, jewellery, smartphones, etc.) protected with phased liberalization (5-10 years for Make in India/PLI products). Safeguards: Bilateral measures to manage import surges. Simplified Rules of Origin: Self-certification for exporters, no origin documentation for consignments under £1,000, and Product Specific Rules (PSRs) aligned with India’s supply chains (textiles, machinery, pharma, processed food). Services and Professional Mobility: UK offers market access in 137 sub-sectors (IT, financial services, education, healthcare, telecom, etc.). Temporary entry for Indian professionals: Business Visitors (90 days), Intra-Corporate Transferees (3 years), Contractual Service Suppliers/Independent Professionals (12 months), no Economic Needs Test or numerical restrictions. Quota of 1,800 for Indian chefs, yoga instructors, and musicians annually. Double Contribution Convention (DCC): Exempts Indian workers/employers from UK social security contributions for 3 years, saving INR 4,000 crore (USD 500 million) for 75,000 workers and 900 companies. Sector-Wise Gains Agriculture & Processed Food: Tariff Lines: Agriculture (1,437, 14.8%), Food Processing (985, 10.1%). Exports: India’s global agri-exports USD 45.05 billion (2022-23); UK imports USD 37.52 billion, India’s share USD 811 million. Growth: 50% rise in agri/processed food exports in 3 years; zero-duty access for tea, mangoes, grapes, spices, marine products. Competitive Edge: Matches EU, South Africa, Canada, etc., in fresh grapes, processed foods, bakery, preserved vegetables, sauces. States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Northeast benefit. Marine Products: Exports: USD 8.09 billion globally (2022-23), UK imports USD 5.4 billion, India’s share 2.25%. Growth: Tariff elimination (4.2-8.5%) boosts shrimp, tuna, fishmeal; exports to double capacity utilization. States: Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha. Textiles & Clothing: Tariff Lines: 1,143 (11.7%), zero-duty from 12%. Exports: India’s global exports USD 36.71 billion, UK imports USD 26.95 billion, India’s share USD 1.79 billion. Growth: Eliminates duty disadvantage vs. Bangladesh, Pakistan; boosts RMG, home textiles, carpets, handicrafts. States: Tirupur, Surat, Ludhiana, Bhadohi, Moradabad. Leather & Footwear: Exports: USD 5 billion globally, USD 440 million to UK. Growth: Zero-duty access (from 16%) to UK’s USD 8.5 billion market; exports to hit USD 900 million, 5% market share gain. States: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Delhi NCR. Engineering Goods: Tariff Lines: 1,659 (17%). Exports: India’s global exports USD 77.79 billion, UK imports USD 193.52 billion, India’s share USD 4.28 billion. Growth: Exports to double to USD 7.5 billion by 2029-30; supports USD 300 billion target by 2030. Sectors: Electric machinery, auto parts, industrial equipment, aerospace, defense. States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab. Electronics & Software: Exports: USD 35 billion globally, USD 2 billion to UK; UK imports USD 78 billion. Growth: Zero-duty access for TVs, monitors, telecom equipment; exports to double to USD 4 billion by 2030. Software/IT services to grow 15-20% annually. States: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices: Pharma: 56 tariff lines (0.6%), India’s global exports USD 23.31 billion, UK imports USD 30 billion, India’s share USD 1 billion. Medical Devices: Exports USD 2.2 billion globally, USD 37 million to UK; UK market USD 32 billion (2024), projected USD 69 billion by 2035. Growth: Zero-duty for generics, surgical instruments, diagnostics; mutual recognition of CDSCO/ICMED certifications. Competitive Edge: Outcompetes China, Brazil, Vietnam. Chemicals & Plastics: Chemicals: 1,206 tariff lines (12.4%), UK market USD 28.35 billion; exports to rise 30-40% (USD 650-750 million in 2025-26). Plastics: India’s exports USD 0.509 billion to UK, projected to reach USD 800 million in 3 years. Competitive Edge: Outcompetes US, China, Germany, France. Gems & Jewellery: Exports: USD 941 million to UK, projected to double in 2-3 years. Growth: Zero-duty from 4%; boosts jewellery (USD 400 million). States: Rajasthan, Delhi. Services: Trade Surplus: USD 6.6 billion (exports USD 19.8 billion, imports USD 13.2 billion). UK Commitments: 137 sub-sectors (IT, financial services, education, healthcare, telecom). India Commitments: 108 sub-sectors (accounting, telecom, environmental services). Growth: IT/ITES, fintech, education, healthcare; supports GCCs, startups. Social & Economic Inclusion Farmers: Duty-free access to UK’s USD 63.4 billion agri-market; sensitive products (dairy, cereals, pulses, oils) protected. Fisherfolk: Boost to seafood exports, benefiting 28 million livelihoods. Workers: Job creation in labour-intensive sectors; labour rights protections. Women & Youth: Gender equality provisions, easier market access for startups, skill development. SMEs: 30.1% of GDP, 45.8% of exports; benefits from customs simplification, digital trade, SME contact point. State-Wise Benefits Maharashtra: Engineering, pharma, apparel. Gujarat: Pharma, chemicals, engineering, marine. Tamil Nadu: Textiles, leather, engineering. Karnataka: Engineering, electronics, pharma. Andhra Pradesh: Marine, textiles. Odisha: Marine, handicrafts. Punjab: Textiles, engineering. West Bengal: Leather, tea, processed food. Kerala: Marine, spices. Rajasthan: Handicrafts, gems. Delhi: Apparel, engineering, jewellery. Broader Impacts Supply Chains: Streamlined procedures, reduced compliance costs. Digital Trade: Paperless trade, electronic certification. Sustainability: Cooperation on clean tech, renewable energy. Skilling: Professional mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications. Inclusivity: Empowers women, youth, SMEs, and rural communities. Conclusion The India–UK CETA is a transformative agreement fostering trade, investment, and innovation while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. It strengthens economic resilience, enhances global value chain integration, and paves the way for inclusive growth across India’s diverse sectors and regions.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 28 July 2025

Content The Soft Sedition The need for doctor-led innovation The Soft Sedition Source : IE Core Argument Regional linguistic prejudice is manifesting as a subtle, insidious form of “soft sedition” — a sociopolitical tendency that, while not legally seditious, undermines constitutional nationalism, unity, and the federal fabric of India. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Governance) , GS 1(Society ) Practice Question : The idea of India as a multilingual, multicultural nation is being challenged by soft forms of linguistic majoritarianism. Discuss the role of policy, politics, and civil society in countering this trend.(250 Words) Triggering Incident A shopkeeper in Mumbai was allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding regional language enforcement. The article draws parallels with past incidents involving Hindi signboards being defaced in Tamil Nadu and Hindi speakers being assaulted in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Linguistic Diversity and National Integration 22 official languages in the 8th Schedule (Eighth Schedule of the Constitution). India has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages/dialects (Census 2011). The authors argue that celebration of linguistic plurality should be seen as a source of cultural strength, not suspicion. Bilingualism is widespread: Census 2011 shows that over 26% of Indians are bilingual, and 7% are trilingual. Concept of ‘Soft Sedition’ Coined to describe actions that, while not criminal, go against the spirit of constitutional unity. Rooted in regional chauvinism, this form of sedition operates through language policing, public shaming, and exclusionary cultural nationalism. Contrasted with Section 124A IPC (colonial-era sedition law), which punishes overt acts against the State. Constitutional Provisions and Legal Context Article 19(1)(a): Right to freedom of speech and expression. Article 29(1): Right to conserve one’s language and culture. Article 51A(f): Fundamental duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of composite culture. Article 350A & 350B: Safeguard linguistic minorities in education and administration. The Supreme Court has upheld the freedom to speak any language and struck down coercive impositions (e.g., State of Karnataka vs Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools, 2008). National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 & Three-Language Formula NEP encourages use of mother tongue/regional language at primary level but doesn’t mandate regional language imposition. Promotes multilingual education, recognizing India’s linguistic richness as a pedagogical asset. Authors warn against misusing NEP to justify linguistic majoritarianism. Dangers of Linguistic Vigilantism Encourages mob behaviour and xenophobia against internal migrants. Hampers economic mobility, social cohesion, and internal labour migration. Contradicts India’s aspirations of being a unified but diverse federal democracy. Politicization of language fuels electoral polarization and identity-based vote banks. Comparative Constitutional Nationalism Advocates for “constitutional nationalism” — loyalty to pluralism, federalism, and civil liberties over ethnolinguistic parochialism. Warns that regionalism, when unchecked, can become ethno-linguistic authoritarianism. Calls for legal action and civic education to uphold constitutional values. Sociopolitical Insight Language has become a cultural boundary and gatekeeping mechanism in urban spaces, especially for migrants. Urban hostility echoes nativist trends globally (e.g., anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe/USA). States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have witnessed regional identity politics interfering with national unity. Way Forward Strong legal enforcement against linguistic hate crimes. Sensitization of law enforcement and civil society. Educate youth about India’s multilingual identity through curriculum and civic platforms. Encourage interstate linguistic exposure (e.g., exchange programs, national integration camps). Political parties must resist the temptation of weaponizing language for populism. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in The Indian Express and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. The need for doctor-led innovation Source: TH Central Argument Medical professionals, despite their central role in healthcare, remain largely uninvolved in innovation. This needs to change. Doctors must transition from being service providers to problem-solving innovators, driving healthcare breakthroughs by combining clinical insight with entrepreneurial mindset. Relevance : GS 3(Research and Development) Practice Question : “Innovation in healthcare is no longer optional; it is essential.” Critically evaluate the role of medical professionals in shaping India’s MedTech future.(250 Words) The Innovation Gap in Medicine Healthcare innovation is increasingly driven by engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs, not medical professionals. Doctors are confined to clinical roles, despite possessing first-hand knowledge of patient pain points and systemic gaps. Why Doctor-led Innovation Matters Unique Insight: Doctors understand patient care pathways, workflow challenges, and clinical constraints. Systemic Pressure: Rising chronic illnesses, ageing populations, and overburdened systems demand disruptive solutions. Clinical Applicability: Doctor-designed products are more likely to be practically viable and patient-centered. Barriers to Medical Innovation Barrier Explanation Lack of Time Clinical workloads + admin duties leave little space for innovation. Risk Aversion Medical training emphasizes safety, not experimentation or failure. Educational Gaps No exposure to finance, product design, regulatory affairs. Cultural Mindset Innovation perceived as the domain of engineers or startups. Curricular Reforms & Institutional Support Incorporate entrepreneurship, biodesign, product innovation into medical education. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Encourage joint projects between MBBS and engineering students. Internships in biotech incubators, exposure to startups and regulatory pathways. Role of Hospitals and Professional Associations Establish Innovation Hubs within hospitals for prototype testing. Organise pitch sessions, mentorship networks, and angel investment opportunities for doctors. De-stigmatise failure in medical innovation, as is common in the startup ecosystem. India’s Innovation Ecosystem for MedTech Government Support: Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council). Make in India: Incentivizes local MedTech manufacturing (e.g., tax breaks, simplified approvals). Institutional/Incubation Support: C-CAMP, Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Venture Center (Pune). Academic partnerships with IITs, IISc, AIIMS, and PHFI drive research translation. Funding Mechanisms: India Health Fund (Tata Trusts): Focus on infectious diseases. CSR-linked health innovation grants from corporates and philanthropy (e.g., Wadhwani Foundation, Wellcome Trust). Global Comparison & Need for Catch-up In the US and Europe, doctors are actively involved in startups (e.g., Flatiron Health, Butterfly iQ). India lags behind in clinician-led healthtech IP generation, limiting contextualised innovation. Way Forward Short-term courses in product innovation for working doctors. National medical councils and AIIMS-type institutes should mandate innovation credits. Create a dedicated Health Innovation Fund under PM Gati Shakti or Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Recognise and reward innovative doctors through fellowships, public awards, and fast-track grants.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 July 2025

Content Eight killed in stampede at temple in Haridwar How is India preparing against GLOF events? India’s emerging shield against the climate crisis Chola Democracy Before Magna Carta India’s Cheetah Diplomacy in Africa Eight killed in stampede at temple in Haridwar What Happened Date & Time: Morning of July 27, 2025, around 9 a.m. Casualties: 8 killed, 30 injured in a stampede at Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar. Cause (Preliminary): Rumour of a snapped electric wire triggered mass panic during peak footfall. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) Geographic and Structural Context Location: Mansa Devi temple sits 1,770 feet above sea level in the densely forested Shivalik Hills of Uttarakhand. Access Path: Narrow stairways and barricaded routes became choke points. Weather & Terrain: Monsoon season + slippery pathways likely worsened crowd management challenges. Demographics of Victims Victims aged between 12–60 years. Pilgrims hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, indicating regional religious magnetism. Administrative Failures No Real-Time Crowd Regulation: Absence of responsive crowd control personnel during critical congestion. Lack of Redundancy: No alternate escape paths; single staircase acted as both entry and exit. Failure in Risk Communication: The rumour about electric wire went unchecked, causing chaos. Structural and Policy Dimensions Recurring Pattern: India has seen over 300 stampede deaths in religious places in the last two decades. Systemic Gaps: No unified National Religious Pilgrimage Safety Protocol. Lack of crowd simulation planning, tech-enabled footfall monitoring. Poor inter-agency coordination between local police, temple boards, and municipal authorities. Way Forward Mandatory Crowd Management SOPs for high-footfall religious sites. AI-based surveillance systems for crowd density alerts. Training of temple volunteers in disaster preparedness. Legal obligation for religious trusts to conduct structural safety audits during festival periods. Pilgrim insurance tied to temple visit registration apps (like Char Dham portals). How is India preparing against GLOF events? Recent GLOF Catastrophe in Nepal On July 8, 2025, a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) devastated Nepal’s Lende river valley, destroying a China-built bridge and disrupting the Rasuwagadhi Inland Port. Flash floods rendered four hydropower plants on the Bhote Koshi river inoperative, cutting 8% of Nepal’s electricity supply. Another GLOF occurred hours later in Mustang district; earlier GLOFs in Humla (2025) and Solukhumbu (2024) show a pattern of increasing frequency. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Cross-Border Challenges in Early Warning The Lende river flows from Tibet to Nepal—yet no early warning was issued by China despite the lake shrinkage from 63 ha to 43 ha in a day. Nepal lacks a bilateral early-warning system with China; growing supra-glacial lakes in Tibet elevate risk further. Transboundary glacial watersheds like Lende or Bhote Koshi amplify downstream vulnerabilities and diminish proactive responses. Historical Recurrence of GLOFs in Nepal Major past events: Cirenma Co (1981), Digi Tsho (1985), Tama Pokhari (1998). Mitigation attempts at Imja Tsho and Tsho Rolpa involved manual water drawdown above 5,000m—logistically arduous. Despite past lessons, institutionalised regional protocols remain absent. India’s Exposure to GLOFs The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) spans 11 river basins with 28,000 glacial lakes, including 7,500 in India alone. Two main lake types:  Supraglacial lakes (on glacier surfaces; summer-melt prone).  Moraine-dammed lakes (held by unstable debris; high burst risk). India’s Risk Landscape Two-thirds of GLOFs arise from ice avalanches or landslides; others stem from meltwater pressure or earthquakes. Remote high-altitude locations (mostly >4,500 m) hinder direct surveys—limited to summer windows. Severe events:  Sikkim’s South Lhonak GLOF (2023): destroyed Chungthang dam (1250 MW), raised Teesta riverbed, worsened flood risk.  Kedarnath disaster (2013): Chorabari GLOF + cloudburst triggered multi-layered devastation. India’s Mitigation Strategy NDMA has adopted a risk-reduction-first model under the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR). First national GLOF mitigation programme launched ($20 million), targeting 195 high-risk glacial lakes in four categories. Five-fold focus: Lake-specific hazard assessments Automated Weather & Water Stations (AWWS) Downstream Early Warning Systems (EWS) Physical mitigation (drawdown, retention structures) Community engagement Tech & Knowledge Gaps Leveraging SAR interferometry to detect micro-slope changes (cm-level) in unstable moraine dams—currently underutilised. Limited Indian innovation and tech investment in Himalayan cryosphere resilience. Remote sensing (surface area monitoring) remains the only scalable tool, but it’s post-facto, not predictive. Expedition Insights (Summer 2024) Multi-institutional teams visited lakes across J&K, Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal. Employed:  Bathymetry to measure water volumes.  ERT to detect hidden ice cores in moraine dams.  UAVs and slope stability surveys for terrain mapping. Installed real-time monitoring stations at two lakes in Sikkim—transmit data every 10 minutes. ITBP deployed as manual early warning buffer in the absence of automated systems. Way Forward Monsoon 2025 expeditions already being planned. 16th Finance Commission (FY2027–31) expected to scale the GLOF programme across Himalayan states. Sustained progress demands:  Institutional cross-border EWS protocols (especially with China).  Local community trust-building.  Private innovation ecosystem for climate-resilient Himalayan infrastructure. India’s emerging shield against the climate crisis Context & Urgency India faced 764 major natural disasters since 1900, nearly half after 2000 – showing accelerating climate volatility. Between 2019–2023, India lost $56 billion to weather-related disasters — the highest in South Asia, ~25% of Asia-Pacific losses. Conventional indemnity-based insurance is slow, disputed, and inadequate for sudden climate shocks. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) How Parametric Insurance Works Pays automatically when pre-defined weather thresholds are breached (e.g. <300 mm rainfall, >40°C, wind speed, seismic activity). Based on independently verified datasets from IMD, NASA-MERRA, satellite systems — ensuring objectivity. Eliminates the need for damage assessment, enabling rapid liquidity in crisis. Implementation in India Nagaland (2024): First Indian state with multi-year parametric cover for landslides and extreme rainfall. Pilots in Rajasthan and U.P.: Protected women smallholder farmers against drought via water balance index. Jharkhand: Model proposed for microfinance-linked crop loan protection triggered by rainfall/temperature thresholds. Global Relevance Successfully deployed in Africa, Pacific Islands, U.K. — for droughts, floods, cyclones, even livestock farming. Covers modern sectors like solar energy, where policies trigger payouts based on irradiance levels. Infrastructure in Place India already has the climate data ecosystem, digital platforms, and State disaster mitigation funds to scale up. Early wins in agriculture, renewables, rural credit, and public disaster finance demonstrate viability. What India Must Do Next Treat parametric insurance as critical climate infrastructure, akin to UPI in payments. Expand data networks, integrate into State Disaster Response, embed in climate finance architecture. Develop a scalable national framework — pre-approved triggers, digital disbursement, and legal-enforceability. Strategic Advantages Offers speed, transparency, and resilience in an era of climate uncertainty. Helps preserve livelihoods, sustain credit cycles, and stabilize local economies during disasters. Can de-risk investments in climate-sensitive sectors and support climate adaptation finance under SDGs and Paris goals. Chola Democracy Before Magna Carta Context : PM Modi, speaking at Brihadeeswara Temple, highlighted that India had democratic traditions centuries before the Magna Carta (1215), citing Chola-era electoral practices. Uttaramerur Inscriptions (c. 920 CE): These stone inscriptions in Tamil Nadu provide one of the world’s earliest written records of an electoral system. Local Governance Framework: Sabha: Brahmin-dominated settlements. Ur: Non-Brahmin village assemblies. Both were elected councils, managing revenue, justice, public works, and temple administration. Relevance : GS 1(Culture, Heritage ,History) Kudavolai: The Ballot Pot System Procedure: Names of eligible candidates written on palm leaves. Placed in a pot (kudam). A young boy, symbolising impartiality, would draw names publicly. Eligibility Conditions: Minimum age, education, property ownership, and moral character were prerequisites. Exclusions: Women, labourers, and landless individuals — reflective of caste and gender hierarchies of the time. Decentralised Governance & Civic Autonomy Subsidiarity in Action: Empowered village assemblies and merchant guilds (e.g., Manigramam, Ayyavole) formed a bottom-up administrative model. Sustainable Administration: Cholas used civic systems to extend control, not just military might. Historian Anirudh Kanisetti noted the Cholas “engineered legitimacy through local institutions”, contrasting later centralised empires. Symbolic Statecraft & Strategic Messaging Gangajal Episode (1025 CE): Rajendra Chola brought Ganges water to his capital, GangaiKonda Cholapuram. As per copper plate grants, it was called a “liquid pillar of victory” — blending ritual piety with imperial symbolism. Military + Administrative Innovation: As Tansen Sen observed, the Cholas excelled not only in naval campaigns but also in creating proto-democratic governance that projected power through order and ritual. Beyond the Magna Carta Western lens on democracy often begins with the Magna Carta and Enlightenment; the Chola model shows alternative civilizational trajectories of governance. No modern liberalism, but the institutionalisation of accountability, procedure, and civic duty reflects enduring democratic instincts in Indian polity. Brihadeeswara Temple – Chola Architectural Marvel Built by: Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of “Great Living Chola Temples” (2004), along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temples. Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswara or Rajarajeswaram). Dravidian Architecture: Noted for its grand scale, symmetry, and granite construction—rare for that region. Vimana (tower): Soars to 66 meters, one of the tallest temple towers in India, capped by a single 80-ton granite block. Nandi (bull statue): Carved from a single stone, among the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India. No binding agents used: Stones interlocked with precision engineering, showcasing Chola mastery in structural design. Murals & Inscriptions: Inner walls adorned with Chola frescoes, and inscriptions detail royal donations, military conquests, and temple rituals. India’s Cheetah Diplomacy in Africa Project Context and Strategic Relevance The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation effort, aiming to restore ecological balance by reintroducing Asiatic cheetahs (extinct in India since 1952). It serves as a soft power instrument, enhancing India’s conservation credentials and diplomatic presence in Africa. The project aligns with India’s “Act Africa” policy, expanding bilateral ties beyond trade to include biodiversity cooperation. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations), GS 3(Environment and Ecology)  Bilateral Dynamics with Key African Nations 1. South Africa – A Technically Strong But Politically Shifting Ally India signed a 5-year MoU with South Africa in 2022, facilitating the transfer of 12 cheetahs and ongoing veterinary/technical support. A post-election regime change in 2024 has led to bureaucratic reshuffling; new officials are reviewing the MoU’s scope and implementation. South African wildlife scientists remain engaged, but policy continuity has stalled, creating a diplomatic deadlock flagged in recent NTCA meetings. South Africa’s expertise in predator translocation (e.g., lions, leopards) makes it a vital partner, not just a source country. 2. Botswana – A Steady Contributor Despite Regional Volatility Botswana has formally committed to sending 4 cheetahs; timelines under discussion. With robust wildlife governance and lower political churn, it offers stability and institutional clarity. The diplomatic success here reflects India’s proactive engagement and Botswana’s confidence in India’s management of the Kuno habitat. 3. Kenya – A Long-Term Strategic Investment, Not Immediate Source No cheetahs yet; focus is on capacity-building, exchange programs, and institutional cooperation (e.g., ranger training, habitat design). An MoU expected in March 2025, but talks have remained generic and non-committal regarding cheetah numbers or timelines. Kenya’s world-leading expertise in large predator ecology (e.g., Masai Mara) makes it valuable for long-term ecosystem resilience efforts in India. 4. Tanzania and Sudan – On the Radar, but No Formal Engagement Steering Committee minutes referenced possible future ties with these nations, but NTCA later clarified no formal progress or MoUs. Sudan’s internal instability and Tanzania’s regulatory rigidity pose diplomatic and logistical hurdles. Institutional and Administrative Coordination The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the nodal agency overseeing negotiations, backed by India’s embassies and the Ministry of Environment. Madhya Pradesh Forest Department officials have been deployed as field-level diplomats — visiting South Africa to assess protocols, address technical gaps, and pitch India’s preparedness at Gandhi Sagar (future release site). Cheetah Project Steering Committee led by Dr. Rajesh Gopal is monitoring international engagement, domestic habitat readiness, and mortality audits. On-ground Challenges and Ecological Imperatives Kuno has witnessed multiple cheetah deaths, raising questions about habitat capacity, prey base, territorial behavior, and disease control — making the need for fresh genetic stock urgent but cautious. Experts have raised concerns about carrying capacity saturation, leading to discussions on alternative sites like Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi. Logistical complexities include quarantine protocols, air transport regulations, and veterinary clearances across jurisdictions — all dependent on tight diplomatic synchronisation. Geopolitical and Developmental Linkages The cheetah diplomacy adds to India’s development partnerships in Africa, complementing solar energy (ISA), vaccine diplomacy, and digital skilling programs. Africa’s trust in India’s conservation approach bolsters broader South-South cooperation models where biodiversity is a shared priority. India’s ability to sustain this project through political transitions abroad reflects a maturing global conservation leadership role, akin to its tiger conservation narrative under Project Tiger.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 26 July 2025

Content Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Honouring 26 Years of Valour and Victory Power to the People: The Boom and Transformation of Cooperatives in India Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Honouring 26 Years of Valour and Victory Date Observed: 26 July 2025 Commemoration of: Victory in the 1999 Kargil War Conflict Duration: May–July 1999 Location: Kargil Sector, Jammu & Kashmir (now Ladakh UT) Codename: Operation Vijay Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence) Background of the Kargil Conflict (1999) Nature of Intrusion: Pakistani regular soldiers, disguised as insurgents, infiltrated Indian territory across the Line of Control (LoC). Occupied strategic peaks in Dras, Batalik, Kaksar, and Mushkoh sectors. Aimed to sever NH-1A, cutting off Leh from Srinagar. Breach of Peace Accord: The infiltration violated the Lahore Declaration (Feb 1999), a bilateral peace initiative. Indian Military Response: Launched Operation Vijay on 8 May 1999. IAF involvement: Operation Safed Sagar—first major high-altitude air combat. No LoC transgression by Indian forces despite provocations—upheld international law. Nature of the Kargil War Terrain and Conditions: Battles fought at 16,000–18,000 ft elevation, with temperatures below freezing. Challenges included rarefied oxygen, narrow supply lines, and vertical cliff assaults. Duration: ~60 days of intense combat (May–July 1999). Casualties: Indian Side: 545 soldiers martyred, over 1,100 injured. Pakistan Side: Estimated 700+ casualties (exact figures remain classified). Iconic Battles and Sectors Sector Strategic Point Heroic Events Dras Tololing First major Indian victory; led by Major Rajesh Adhikari (MVC Posthumous) Dras Tiger Hill Retaken after daring night assault by 18 Grenadiers and 13 JAK Rifles Mushkoh Point 4875 Captured by Capt. Vikram Batra’s team; he sacrificed life in final assault Batalik Khalubar Ridge Cleared by Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey (PVC Posthumous) Heroes of the Kargil War Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Recipients (4) Capt. Vikram Batra (Posthumous) Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav Rifleman Sanjay Kumar Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Recipients (9) Capt. Anuj Nayyar (Posthumous), Maj. Rajesh Adhikari (Posthumous), Lt. Keishing Clifford Nongrum (Posthumous), Maj. Vivek Gupta (Posthumous), among others. Unique Valor Acts: Capt. Batra: “Yeh Dil Maange More” became a national slogan of bravery. Grenadier Yadav: Scaled icy cliffs despite bullet wounds. Capt. Thapar: Left an inspiring farewell letter to family before martyrdom. Legacy and Memorialisation Kargil War Memorial: Built at Dras in Ladakh; bears names of all fallen soldiers. Naming of Peaks: Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Gun Hill stand as symbols of Indian resolve. Gun Hill officially renamed in 2023 to honour artillery’s role. 26th Anniversary Initiatives (2025) 1. Commemorative Expeditions Tololing Peak Climb (11 June 2025): Joint Army-Air Force team of 30 soldiers. Tribute to historic battle route and fallen comrades. Gun Hill Expedition (7 July 2025): 87 soldiers, including artillerymen and veterans. Reinforces memory of Point 5140 victory. Mountain Terrain Bicycle Expedition (25 June–12 July 2025): 680 km route from Siachen Base Camp to Dras via Khardung La. Outreach to 1,100 students across Ladakh. NCC interaction to inspire youth. 2. Nationwide Outreach Drive Started: 1 June 2025 Coverage: Families of 545 martyrs across 25 states, 2 UTs, Nepal. Purpose: Honour and support war families. Share personal memorabilia for national archive. Culmination: 26 July 2025, Dras Commemoration Ceremony. Strategic Impact and Defence Transformation Post-Kargil Military Reforms: Creation of Kargil Review Committee → Intelligence coordination overhaul. Formation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2020. Enhanced surveillance, mountain warfare readiness, and artillery modernisation. Doctrinal Shift: From defensive postures to proactive, calibrated responses. Examples: Surgical Strikes (2016) Balakot Air Strikes (2019) Operation SINDOOR (2025) – retaliation for Pahalgam terror attack: Targeted 9 terrorist camps in PoJK. Eliminated 100+ terrorists incl. Pulwama & IC-814 suspects. Used loitering munitions, net-centric warfare, and counter-drone tech. Broader National Significance Patriotism Reinvigorated: Kargil War redefined public perception of the soldier. Rekindled civilian-military emotional bond. Message to Adversaries: India will respond with restraint, resolve, and precision. Commitment to uphold territorial integrity without international overreach. Civil-Military Synergy: Youth engagement through NCC, veterans’ inclusion in expeditions, and family outreach deepen national-military connect. Conclusion Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 is not just a tribute to the past but a torch for the future. It reminds India of the cost of freedom, the strength of unity, and the resilience of its armed forces. As the tricolour flutters over Dras once again, it symbolises a nation unbowed, united, and unafraid. Power to the People: The Boom and Transformation of Cooperatives in India Theme: Inclusive growth through cooperative empowerment Context: New National Cooperative Policy & IYC 2025 Relevance : GS 3(Co-Operative Societies , Economy), GS 2(Governance) Strategic Overview India has 8.44 lakh+ cooperative societies across 30 sectors: agriculture, housing, credit, dairy, fisheries, etc. Cooperatives are becoming multi-functional rural service hubs — offering credit, education, insurance, healthcare, and digital access. The cooperative sector is now a pillar of inclusive rural growth, livelihood generation, and local governance. India’s approach aligns with the UN-declared International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 — an opportunity to globalize Indian models. Policy Framework and Institutional Push Creation of Ministry of Cooperation (2021) First dedicated ministry to oversee cooperative reforms. In 4 years, 61 structured initiatives launched. New National Cooperative Policy (Launched: July 24, 2025) Vision: “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation). Goals (2025–2045): Inclusive & professional cooperatives. Large-scale rural employment & livelihoods. Global leadership in cooperative innovation. Enable “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Digital Transformation PACS Computerisation & ERP Integration 73,492 PACS sanctioned for computerisation. 59,920 PACS onboarded onto Unified ERP platform (as of July 22, 2025). Benefits: Real-time monitoring. Fraud detection & transparency. Resilience against natural disasters (e.g., Arakandanallur PACCS – Tamil Nadu). Case Study: Kharsai Society (Maharashtra) Shifted from paper-based to digital ERP. Results: Enhanced speed, accuracy, transparency, and member satisfaction. Cooperative Expansion: Quantity + Quality 23,173 New Multipurpose PACS Registered (as of July 22, 2025) Offer: Fertiliser, grain storage, petrol pumps, LPG, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, CSCs. Unified Multi-Service Model Vision: “One cooperative per village”. Digital + physical service delivery convergence. Innovative Cooperative Models Green Energy: Dhondi Solar Energy Producer Cooperative (Gujarat) First solar cooperative: 9 out of 12 farmers irrigate via solar panels. ₹8 lakh earned by selling surplus energy to grid. Children’s Cooperative: Bal Gopal Society (Gujarat) India’s only cooperative for children aged 0–18. ₹17.47 crore saved by 19,020 members from 335 villages. Unique model: Baal Bachat Sanskar. Guardians eligible for loans against child savings. Market Access and Global Outreach Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Onboarding 667 cooperatives registered as buyers (as of Mar 2025). 2,986 transactions worth ₹319.02 crore completed. Exports: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) 8,863 cooperatives onboarded. Exported 13.08 LMT agricultural commodities to 27 countries. Value: ₹5,239.5 crore. Specialised Multi-State Cooperatives (Formed in 2023) Cooperative Focus Achievement NCEL Exports ₹5,239.5 crore, 27 countries NCOL Organics 21 products under Bharat Organics, MoUs with 10 states BBSSL Seeds Licensed in 13 states, 19,171 members Model Societies: Grassroots to Greatness Borkheda Gram Seva Sahakari Samiti (Rajasthan) Founded in 1954 with ₹30. Now: 8,299 members, ₹107.54 lakh share capital. Offers: Mini Bank, e-Mitra Plus, Aadhaar services, insurance. 70% members from marginalized communities. Madhusudankati SKUS (West Bengal) Offers credit, SHG loans, fertiliser, procurement, health camps, play areas. Runs agricultural service centres & KCC facilitation. Murakata SKUS (West Bengal) Grown from 45 to 1,603 members. Provides banking, credit, hiring services. Enabled shift from single-crop to year-round farming. Gold MPCS (Poonch, J&K) Offers loans, insurance, CSC & PM Surya Ghar services. Transactions (FY24–25): ₹9.16 lakh. Atholi Cooperative (Kishtwar, J&K) Jan Aushadhi, CSC services, Anganwadi supplies. FY25 turnover: ₹18.66 lakh. Impact Summary Domain Transformation Rural Finance Digital PACS, mini banks, ERP-led transparency Livelihoods 23k+ new PACS, energy and education-linked cooperatives Child Inclusion Saving schemes, education-linked loans Women & Marginalized SHG-linked credit, Aadhaar, subsidy access Green Energy First solar cooperative powering farms & revenue Disaster Resilience Cloud storage preventing data loss during floods Market Linkage GeM buyer status, cooperative exports via NCEL Global Positioning in IYC 2025 National Action Plan launched to: Showcase successful models (e.g., AMUL, IFFCO). Promote cross-country learning, cooperative startups. Make India a global hub for cooperative innovation. Top Performing Cooperatives in India Name Sector Achievement AMUL (GCMMF) Dairy Pioneer of White Revolution; ₹7.3B turnover IFFCO Fertiliser World’s largest cooperative (GDP per capita) Nandini (KMF) Dairy 2nd largest dairy cooperative Indian Coffee House Consumer 400 worker-run outlets ULCCS (Kerala) Labour 7,500 projects completed; oldest labour cooperative Conclusion India’s cooperative movement is no longer archaic—it’s aspirational. From analog societies to digital multi-service hubs, cooperatives are: Empowering every demographic, from children to farmers. Bridging rural-urban gaps through digital and service outreach. Positioning India as a thought leader in people-centric economic models. “What began as a grassroots necessity has matured into a governance innovation.” Cooperatives today are not just economic units—they are beacons of inclusive development.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 26 July 2025

Content Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy Introduction: India’s journey from the 1999 Kargil War to Operation Sindoor in 2025 reflects a profound transformation in its military doctrine, counterterrorism strategy, and national security architecture. These episodes mark India’s shift from reactive defence to decisive and pre-emptive retaliation against cross-border threats. Relevance : GS 3 ( Internal Security) Practice Question : Discuss how the lessons from the Kargil War shaped India’s evolving military and counterterrorism doctrines, culminating in the strategic assertiveness seen during Operation Sindoor (2025). (250 words) Kargil War (1999): A Watershed in Conventional Warfare Timeline: May 3 – July 26, 1999 (Operation Vijay) Nature of Conflict: First full-scale conventional war under the nuclear overhang between two declared nuclear powers (India & Pakistan). Geography: High-altitude warfare in the Kargil-Dras-Batalik sectors (avg. altitude ~16,000 ft). Pakistan’s Strategy: Infiltration by Northern Light Infantry troops disguised as mujahideen, violating the Lahore Declaration signed in Feb 1999. India’s Response: Complete eviction of intruding forces without crossing the LoC. Mobilised ~200,000 troops. Airpower used under Operation Safed Sagar (Mirage-2000 precision bombing). Human Cost: India lost 527 soldiers, over 1,100 injured. Pakistan suffered >1,000 casualties (as per Indian estimates). Diplomatic Outcome: Global support for India, including from the US; Pakistan was diplomatically isolated. Live Media Coverage: First ‘TV war’ in India—shaped public opinion, boosted nationalism. Kargil War: Key Lessons and Reforms Triggered ➤ Strategic & Intelligence Shortcomings No real-time intelligence or aerial surveillance; both RAW and IB failed to detect build-up. Led to Kargil Review Committee (KRC) headed by K. Subrahmanyam. ➤ Institutional Overhaul (Post-Kargil) Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) – est. 2002. National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) – est. 2004. Permanent National Security Adviser (NSA) role introduced. Revamp of NSCS, Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). ➤ Doctrinal Evolution Birth of Cold Start Doctrine (2004): Limited war under nuclear threshold; rapid mobilization. Creation of Mountain Strike Corps for high-altitude warfare. ➤ Modernisation Push CDS position created in 2019 (General Bipin Rawat). Emphasis on jointness: Movement towards Integrated Theatre Commands. Counterterrorism Timeline: From Restraint to Retaliation Year Incident Indian Response 1999 IC-814 hijacking Release of terrorists (e.g., Masood Azhar) – Seen as weak 2001 Parliament attack Operation Parakram: Mobilisation, but no kinetic response 2008 26/11 Mumbai No direct retaliation despite global sympathy 2016 Uri attack Surgical strikes across LoC – strategic shift 2019 Pulwama attack Balakot Air Strikes – IAF bombed deep inside Pakistan 2025 Pahalgam attack Operation Sindoor – Unprecedented conventional strikes inside Pakistan Operation Sindoor (2025): A New Security Paradigm Trigger: April 22, 2025 – Pakistan-based terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir (26 tourists killed). India’s Response: Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025) Targeted 9 terror camps across Pakistan (LoC and hinterland). Destroyed 11 Pakistani military airbases, including forward and deep assets. Used BrahMos cruise missiles – notably hit Nur Khan Air Base near Kirana Hills, reportedly crippling a nuclear storage site. Executed within 96 hours – first-of-its-kind strategic blitz by India. Result: Pakistan requested ceasefire unconditionally. India’s Transformation: From 1999 to 2025 ➤ Geopolitical Positioning 1999: Isolated post-nuclear tests, under sanctions. 2025: Key player in QUAD, IMEC, and G20 Presidency (2023); global support base widened. ➤ Military Capability 1999 (Kargil) 2025 (Sindoor) Scarcity of high-altitude gear Indigenous manufacturing of snow warfare suits Mirage-2000 airpower Rafale, Su-30 MKI, S-400, BrahMos, UCAVs Weak logistics, intel sharing Real-time ISR, integrated C4I2SR networks ➤ Make in India & Strategic Autonomy Indigenous platforms: Tejas Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, Dhanush artillery, Akash NG, DRDO UAVs. Enhanced defence exports: ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023–24 (vs ₹1,940 crore in 2014). ➤ Tech-Enabled Warfare Use of AI-enabled surveillance, satellite-based targeting, cyber warfare cells, and net-centric command during Sindoor. ISR superiority aided by US-Israel collaboration and domestic satellites (e.g., RISAT series). Key Shifts in India’s Counterterrorism Doctrine Pre-Uri (2016): Strategic patience, diplomacy-focused, fear of escalation. Post-Uri: Shift to proactive, kinetic strikes as legitimate self-defence. Post-Pahalgam: Expanded scope – hitting both terror and military assets simultaneously. Message: Any future Pakistan-based terror provocation = multi-domain retaliation. India’s National Security Architecture (2025) Component Strength NSA-led structure Centralised decision-making under PMO Tri-service synergy CDS-led reforms; theatre commands underway Intelligence RAW, IB, DIA, NTRO operating in synergy Civil-military interface Improved coordination post-Doklam and Galwan Lessons Institutionalised No repeat of intelligence failure: NTRO & DIA coordinate real-time surveillance. No tolerance for terror: Pre-emptive, not reactive strikes. No international isolation: Pre-emptive diplomacy runs parallel to military action. No dependency on foreign systems: Drive toward Aatmanirbharta in Defence. Way Forward: Staying Ahead of the Curve Vigilance is key – State-sponsored terror will continue to evolve; cyber-terror, drone swarms, proxy fighters. Strategic clarity – Maintain doctrine of proportional but unpredictable retaliation. Defence tech acceleration – Invest in hypersonics, DEWs, swarm drones, indigenous satellites. Integrated Theatre Commands – Ensure operationalisation by 2026 for better synergy. Civil-military harmony – Ensure political will continues aligning with military vision. The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword HISTORICAL CONTEXT & SHIFT IN PERCEPTION Pre-1980s Perception: Mangroves were seen as “wastelands” suitable for reclamation and agricultural expansion, especially during British rule (e.g., Sundarbans). Local Knowledge: Coastal communities intuitively valued mangroves for livelihoods, fishery resources, and natural storm protection. Paradigm Shift: Post-1989, scientific and policy discourse shifted to view mangroves as multi-functional ecosystems critical to: Climate adaptation (carbon sequestration) Cyclone and tsunami risk reduction Salinity control and soil stabilization Biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology), GS 4(Personalities) Practice Question : “Mangroves have transitioned from being perceived as wastelands to becoming a central pillar in climate resilience and coastal governance in India.” Critically examine this transformation with reference to the role played by scientific leadership, policy evolution, and community participation. (250 words) M.S. SWAMINATHAN’S LEADERSHIP (1989 ONWARD) Visionary Intervention at Tokyo Conference (1989) Key Insight: Predicted that climate-induced sea-level rise would cause salinisation of coastal agriculture, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. Proposed Strategy: Sustainable mangrove management rooted in Ecology + Economics + Equity. Innovative Research: Advocated for gene transfer from mangroves to crops (e.g., salinity-resistant rice). Global Institution Building Founded ISME (1990, Japan): International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems; served as its first President. Charter for Mangroves: Drafted and included in the World Charter for Nature at UNCED (Rio, 1992). Global Outputs: World Mangrove Atlas Manual on Mangrove Restoration Workshops and capacity building for 9+ countries Valuation of ecosystem services (including India) DATABASE & SCIENTIFIC NETWORKS GLOMIS (1992): Global Mangrove Database and Information System Tracks mangrove species, genetic resources, and research. Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres (23 sites): Evaluated across South & Southeast Asia + Oceania. Now protected by respective national governments. REVOLUTIONISING MANGROVE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA Colonial Legacy & Policy Gaps 1783–1980: Clear-felling and reclamation were dominant. Restoration efforts under British and early post-Independence plans failed due to biophysical disruption. Participatory Research & Policy Reform MSSRF’s Intervention (1993 onward): Scientific evidence showed degraded hydrology, not local overuse, caused failures. Fishbone Canal Method: Innovative hydro-ecological restoration. Pilot-tested in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal. Joint Mangrove Management: Endorsed by MoEF in 2000 for national replication. Led to increased central and state investment. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION VALIDATION 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone: Mangrove belts reduced storm surge damage, saving lives and property. 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Further validation of mangroves as natural infrastructure. Catalysed international attention and funding for large-scale restoration. CURRENT STATUS: INDIA’S MANGROVE COVER (2023) Total Mangrove Area: 4,991.68 km² 0.15% of India’s total geographical area. Increase since ISFR 2019: +16.68 km² Top States by Mangrove Area: West Bengal (Sundarbans) – ~42.45% Gujarat – ~23.66% Andaman & Nicobar Islands – ~12.39% ISFR 2023: Notes increase due to plantation and natural regeneration in Odisha, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. MULTIPLE USE ECOSYSTEM: VALUE ADDITION Ecosystem Service Contribution Carbon Sequestration Blue carbon sinks; mitigate global warming. Fisheries Support Nursery grounds for 70+ fish species. Storm Protection Reduce wind and wave impact up to 70–90%. Livelihoods Honey collection, fishery, eco-tourism. Biodiversity Hosts over 30 true mangrove species in India.  CHALLENGES AHEAD Urban encroachment in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi. Shrimp aquaculture replacing natural mangroves. Pollution and invasive species altering ecosystems. Climate change may still outpace restoration in some areas. INDIA’S STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Blue Carbon inclusion: Mangroves part of India’s carbon accounting (IPCC/UNFCCC frameworks). State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Coastal states include mangrove restoration targets. Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction): Recognised in NDMA and MoEFCC planning. CONCLUSION: LEGACY OF M.S. SWAMINATHAN M.S. Swaminathan transformed mangroves from ignored swamplands to centrepieces of climate resilience. He combined policy advocacy, grassroots work, and international collaboration to institutionalise mangrove science and conservation. His work laid the groundwork for India’s globally recognised nature-based solutions strategy.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 26 July 2025

Content 185 Pak. Refugees Get Indian Citizenship Under CAA In Bihar, a Matter of Life and Debt Modi Overtakes Indira, Clocks Second-Longest Continuous Stint as PM States Can’t Seek Delimitation Claiming Parity with J&K: SC NSG Bill 2025 Will Safeguard Women Athletes 185 Pak. refugees get Indian citizenship under CAA Background of the CAA, 2019 CAA Objective: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, to provide fast-track Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before 31 December 2014, citing religious persecution. Exemption from Illegal Migrant Tag: These individuals will not be treated as illegal migrants even if they entered India without valid documents or overstayed their visa. Reduced Residency Requirement: Normal requirement for citizenship by naturalization (11 years) reduced to 5 years for these groups. Applicability: Applies only to migrants from three neighboring Muslim-majority countries and six specified religions, excluding Muslims, drawing criticism as discriminatory. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Social Issues ,Governance ) Recent Development: Citizenship to 185 Displaced Persons in Gujarat Date of Event: July 2025 Place: Rajkot, Gujarat Total Beneficiaries: 185 individuals From districts: Rajkot, Morbi, Kutch Religious communities: Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist Demographics: Included women doctors, daily wage workers, elderly, homemakers, children Scale of Displacement from Pakistan Pakistani Hindu migrants in India (mostly in Rajasthan and Gujarat): ~25,000–30,000 (per Lok Sabha Q&A and NGOs) Asylum Seekers from Pakistan in India (UNHCR): ~14,000–18,000 Religious Persecution in Pakistan: Hindus constitute <2% of Pakistan’s population (1947: ~12–15%) HRCP reports frequent abductions and forced conversions of Hindu and Christian girls Annual migration out of Pakistan due to persecution: ~1000 families/year (NGO estimates) Key Significance of This Move Protection Against Statelessness Many had lived in India for decades without legal identity, rendering them ineligible for education, healthcare, or formal work. Citizenship ends this limbo and restores human dignity, particularly for women and children. Access to Rights & Schemes Post-citizenship, beneficiaries become eligible for: PMAY (Housing) Ayushman Bharat (Health Insurance) Education Schemes like RTE, scholarships PDS access, ration cards, Aadhaar, electoral participation Case of Woman Doctor: A Highlight Reflects brain drain due to persecution: Trained professionals seeking dignity and security. Showcases India as a humanitarian refuge and rights protector. Administrative Preparedness Government machinery activated to: Enroll new citizens into official records Ensure smooth access to social services Facilitate property rights and documentation Emotional & Symbolic Closure Public distribution of citizenship certificates carries emotional weight — chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” reflect restored identity and sense of belonging. Geopolitical and Domestic Context Domestic Gujarat has a large number of long-settled Hindu migrants, especially in Bhuj, Gandhidham, and Rajkot. State has historically facilitated citizenship applications for refugees from Pakistan post-Partition and post-1971. International Religious minorities in Pakistan continue to face: Blasphemy charges Forced conversions of minor girls Mob violence and temple desecration CAA Implementation Update (As of July 2025) Online application portal launched: March 2024 Total applications filed nationwide: ~20,000+ Citizenship granted so far under CAA: Estimated ~1,100–1,200 individuals (as per MHA sources and state-level press briefings) Major states processing CAA cases: Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Delhi Chhattisgarh Way Forward Transparent and time-bound processing of pending applications Sensitization of local officials to support integration of new citizens Ensure no disruption to communal harmony Greater inter-ministerial coordination to roll out welfare benefits In Bihar, a matter of life and debt Background: Bihar’s Debt Burden Landscape High Dependence on Loans: Bihar has the highest share of households (18%) in India borrowing from non-institutional sources, as per Piramal Enterprises’ 2025 study based on CMIE data. The proportion of EWS (₹1-2 lakh/year) households using formal credit fell by 4.2% (2018-19 to 2022-23), while informal borrowing rose by 5.8%. Low Household Income: According to Bihar’s 2022 Caste Survey, 34% of households earn ₹6,000 or less per month—barely enough to service any sustained debt. Push Factors Driving Borrowing: Weddings, medical emergencies, and dowry demands are key reasons women take multiple loans. Many women borrow from 3–5 microfinance institutions (MFIs) plus local moneylenders (mahajans). Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 3(Economy , Borrowings) Microfinance Model: Promise and Peril Microfinance Loans in India: Defined by RBI as collateral-free credit to households earning up to ₹3 lakh/year. 224 MFIs operate under the RBI-approved body Sa-Dhan. While group lending increases access, it amplifies peer pressure and spreads liability among borrowers. Inadequate Oversight: Despite 2022 RBI guidelines, rampant violations of repayment norms and interest caps continue. Interest rates often disguised — women quoted 2% monthly interest that translated to 25-28% per annum. Loan purpose misclassified (e.g., wedding loans shown as agriculture/poultry). Debt Trap Cycle and Psychological Toll Multiple Loans → High Installments: Borrowers like Somini Devi paid ₹7,000/month against ₹1.35 lakh debt — unsustainable on low rural incomes. Punam Devi paid fortnightly installments for loans taken for hospital care (interest up to 28%). Harassment by Recovery Agents: Frequent house visits, public shaming, confiscation of household items (beds, gas cylinders, Aadhaar cards). Verbal abuse includes suggestions to “sell body” or beg to repay loans. Evading Recovery: Recovery agent Mahesh Kumar Roy tracks 1,100 households, of which ~450 have fled to avoid harassment. Women like Pawan Devi fled to Punjab for over a year to escape lenders. Regulatory Vacuum in Bihar RBI Guidelines (2022): Cap EMIs to ≤50% of household income. Agents must not harass, intimidate, or publicly shame borrowers. Borrowers must have repayment flexibility. Poor Enforcement: Despite clear directives, Bihar’s lack of regulatory enforcement renders RBI guidelines ineffective. Women report routine harassment, even when default is minimal (e.g., ₹50 shortfall). State-level Legislative Gaps: Unlike Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam, Bihar has no state law regulating MFIs or recovery practices. Several States (Kerala, Gujarat, TN, MP, Maharashtra) have moneylender laws that indirectly cover MFIs. Social and Caste Dimensions Marginalised Communities Bear the Brunt: Most borrowers are from Musahar (Mahadalit) community — among the poorest and most socially excluded in Bihar. Low literacy, lack of documentation, and no legal awareness make them easy prey for mis-selling and coercion. Women as Primary Borrowers: Due to SHG-centric lending and male migration, women shoulder the loan burden, facing agents alone. Dowry Economy’s Debt Footprint: Weddings involve motorcycles and gold as dowry items — compelling families to borrow large sums. Link between patriarchal expectations and inter-generational debt. Political Apathy Ahead of Elections No Political Party Addressing the Crisis: Bihar Assembly elections due Oct 2025 — yet no political push for a Microfinance Regulation Bill. Silence attributed to lack of urban media attention, low political cost, and invisible suffering of women in remote villages. Expert Warning: Prof. Jayati Ghosh warns of “fundamental flaws in microfinance” — no income monitoring, high interest, no borrower protection. She calls for income-linked SHG-bank models, like Kerala’s Kudumbashree, which generate cooperative-based income. Policy Implications & Way Forward Strengthen Enforcement: Empower RBI to audit and suspend MFIs flouting repayment or harassment norms. Create a real-time grievance redressal platform for micro-borrowers, especially women. Bihar-Specific Legislation: Draft and pass a Bihar Moneylender and Microfinance Regulation Act. Borrow from models like Telangana’s MFI Act (2011) which mandates licensing and agent accountability. Promote Income-Supportive Credit: Revive and upscale SHG-Bank Linkage (SBL) schemes. Invest in rural livelihood generation, e.g., MGNREGA, Skill India, agri-value chains. Public Financial Literacy Campaigns: Use Panchayats and SHGs to run credit literacy programs. Make loan terms transparent via visual formats (e.g., pictograms) for low-literacy borrowers. Conclusion: India’s Broken Microfinance Model in Bihar The Bihar case exposes the deep contradictions of India’s microfinance revolution — what was meant to be empowering has turned into a trap of humiliation and destitution for thousands of women. Unless regulation, enforcement, and socio-economic safeguards go hand-in-hand, the cycle of multiple loans, coercive recovery, and debt migration will continue to undermine both financial inclusion and women’s dignity. Modi overtakes Indira, clocks second-longest continuous stint as PM Key Milestone (As of July 25, 2025) Tenure Completed: 4,078 days of uninterrupted service as Prime Minister since May 26, 2014. Surpassed: Indira Gandhi’s record of 4,077 days of consecutive service (Jan 24, 1966 – Mar 24, 1977). Matched: Jawaharlal Nehru’s feat of winning three consecutive Lok Sabha mandates (1952, 1957, 1962 | Modi: 2014, 2019, 2024). Relevance : Facts for Prelims Background: Top 5 Longest-Serving Indian PMs (Consecutively) Prime Minister Uninterrupted Tenure Total Days Party Jawaharlal Nehru Aug 15, 1947 – May 27, 1964 6,130 Congress Narendra Modi May 26, 2014 – present 4,078* BJP Indira Gandhi Jan 24, 1966 – Mar 24, 1977 4,077 Congress Manmohan Singh May 22, 2004 – May 26, 2014 3,653 Congress Atal Bihari Vajpayee 1998–1999, 1999–2004 ~2,268 BJP *As of July 25, 2025 Comparative Highlights & Governance Benchmarks Longest-Serving Non-Congress PM Modi is the first non-Congress leader to serve more than one full term as PM. Vajpayee’s longest complete tenure was from 1999–2004. Dual-Level Governance Experience CM of Gujarat: 7,545 days (Oct 7, 2001 – May 26, 2014) PM of India: 4,078+ days Total Continuous Executive Tenure: ~11,623 days (over 31 years)—longest in Indian history for any elected head of government. What Makes Modi’s Tenure Stand Out? Mandate-Driven Legitimacy Unlike Nehru or Indira Gandhi (whose early tenures followed turbulent nation-building phases), Modi’s ascent was through massive electoral mandates: 2014: Absolute majority (282 seats – first time for BJP) 2019: Bigger majority (303 seats) 2024: Retained power via NDA alliance (~293 seats), despite BJP falling short of solo majority. Hyper-Incumbency in Modern Democracy Sustaining high approval for over a decade in a social media-driven, anti-incumbency-prone democracy is unprecedented. A 2024 CVoter-Lokniti survey placed Modi’s personal approval rating above 60%, even during economic and geopolitical pressures. Global Visibility Modi is now among the top 5 longest-serving elected leaders globally (among democracies), alongside: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey) Vladimir Putin (Russia – hybrid regime) Hun Sen (Cambodia – stepped down 2023) Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) States can’t seek delimitation claiming parity with J&K: SC Background: What is Delimitation? Delimitation refers to the redrawing of boundaries of parliamentary or assembly constituencies to reflect population changes. Conducted by the Delimitation Commission, constituted under the Delimitation Act (latest in 2002). The objective is to ensure equal representation to equal segments of the population. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Constitution) The Supreme Court Verdict (July 2025): Key Highlights Case: Petition filed by Prof. K. Purushottam Reddy seeking delimitation in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, arguing discrimination vis-à-vis the 2022 J&K delimitation. Verdict: Dismissed the plea; ruled that the Centre’s action in J&K was constitutionally valid and not discriminatory. Bench: Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh. Key Judicial Observations No Parity Between States and UTs Article 170(3) freezes delimitation in States till the first Census post-2026. Jammu & Kashmir, being a Union Territory with Legislature, falls outside the scope of this freeze. Delimitation in J&K is Constitutional Conducted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and Delimitation Commission Act, 2002. Based on 2011 Census (as mandated). Avoidance of Disruption Allowing selective delimitation would cause inter-State imbalance and judicial overreach. Would trigger similar demands from Northeastern states, which were also excluded via a 2021 MHA notification. Constitutional Basis Provision Relevance Article 170(3) Freezes State delimitation until after Census post-2026 Article 239A & 239AA Provide special status and legislature for UTs like J&K J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 Empowers the Centre to redraw constituencies in J&K Delimitation Act, 2002 Legal framework for setting up the Delimitation Commission Data & Context Parameter Jammu & Kashmir Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Status Union Territory with Legislature Full-fledged States Latest Delimitation 2022 (based on 2011 Census) Last held in 2008 (based on 2001 Census) Constitutional Freeze Not applicable Applicable under Article 170(3) Population Basis 1.22 crore (2011) Combined ~8.2 crore (2011) Why Was J&K Treated Separately? Post-abrogation of Article 370 (August 2019), J&K became a UT with a separate legislative framework. As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, the Centre was empowered to redraw Assembly constituencies. A new Delimitation Commission (2020) was constituted for J&K under Justice Ranjana Desai. Implications of the Verdict Judicial Clarity: Reinforces the idea that States and UTs have distinct constitutional treatment. Electoral Uniformity: Prevents piecemeal delimitation which could undermine electoral equity. Curb on Political Litigation: Limits judicial intervention in delimitation as a political and administrative function. Preserves Federal Balance: Avoids precedence that could trigger competitive claims among States. Why This Verdict Matters for India Upholds constitutional sanctity of electoral representation. Clarifies separation of powers—delimitation is not for courts to dictate but for a statutory body. Highlights India’s federal asymmetry, where States and UTs can be treated differently for valid reasons. NSG Bill 2025 will safeguard women athletes Background: Indian Sports Governance & Urgency of Reform Lack of Central Sports Legislation: India has historically lacked a dedicated central legislation governing sports federations — most function under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or as private associations with limited transparency and accountability. Repeated SC Interventions: Multiple Supreme Court interventions in BCCI (e.g., Lodha Committee, 2016) and other federations pointed out systemic lack of athlete welfare, financial transparency, and gender equity. Athlete Harassment Crisis: India witnessed alarming incidents such as: Wrestlers’ protests (2023) against WFI chief over sexual harassment allegations. 56% of Indian female athletes reported facing harassment during careers (based on 2022 Safesport India Survey). Lack of effective redressal mechanisms at grassroots levels, especially for rural minors. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) National Sports Governance Bill 2025 – Key Provisions 1. Safe Sport Policy (Aligned with POSH Act, 2013) Mandatory Complaint Redressal Mechanism: Every NSF must establish internal committees (ICs) to address sexual harassment complaints. Rural athletes and minors now get accessible institutional routes for grievance redressal. Accountability Mandate: Coaches, administrators, and officials will face strict action if complicit or negligent. Encourages zero-tolerance towards abuse irrespective of gender, rank, or federation. Data-Driven Significance: India has ~1.5 lakh registered sportspersons under Khelo India (2024 data), many from rural belts where social stigma silences victims. 2. Gender Equity in Governance Minimum 4 Women Mandate: Executive Committees and governing bodies of all NSFs must include at least four women members. Aligns India with IOC’s global target of 30% gender representation (India was at ~10% before 2023). Why It Matters: Women can better understand gender-specific safety, psychological and logistical concerns. Diverse leadership correlates with athlete welfare, better grievance responsiveness, and performance sustainability (UN Women, 2023). Khelo Bharat Niti + ASMITA Leagues: Complementary Reform Engine Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 Highlights: Framework to make India one of the top 10 sporting nations by 2036. Unified athlete ID, robust sports infrastructure at district/block levels. Focus on sports science, performance analytics, and inclusivity. ASMITA Leagues: Target women athletes from rural belts with structured, recurring grassroots-level competitions. Visibility + safety = performance enhancement + retention in sports. Athlete-Centric Reflections (Voices like Anjum Moudgil) Need for Institutional Support: Earlier, athletes could only confide informally in peers or committees without structured recourse. Safe spaces now institutionalised through grievance cells, mentorship models, and athlete commissions. Psychological Impact: Female athletes often carry trauma due to harassment, unsafe environments, or discriminatory behaviour. Confidence to speak up without fear of retaliation is a game-changer for long-term careers. Inclusive Redressal Culture: Harassment is not gender-specific — male, female, or minor athletes must be equally protected. Mental health, dignity, and post-incident care are embedded in the Safe Sport Policy framework. Implementation Challenges & Road Ahead Grievance Redressal Access in Rural India: Connectivity, literacy, and awareness gaps must be bridged for athletes from Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural belts. Monitoring & Enforcement: MoYAS (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) must set up an independent Sports Regulatory Authority to monitor implementation, review IC performance, and audit NSF compliance. Integration with Digital Tools: Use of Digital India stack: grievance portals, video-recorded complaint hearings, anonymised redressal dashboards. Strategic National Significance Global Sporting Reputation: India eyes top-10 Olympic finish by 2036; foundational governance must be athlete-centric. Safety and equality are not fringe issues but performance prerequisites. Link with Viksit Bharat 2047: Sports policy is now not just about medals, but dignity, jobs, health, and nation-building. The Modi government’s approach integrates sports into national development, governance, and women-led growth models.  Conclusion: A Turning Point for Indian Sports The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is not merely a legal reform — it’s a cultural shift. It prioritises respect, safety, and inclusion, creating a trustworthy ecosystem where talent is not held back by fear or abuse. For every aspiring athlete, especially from rural and marginalised backgrounds, this bill offers a promise: a safer, fairer, and more dignified sporting journey.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 25 July 2025

Content INCOME TAX DAY, 2025 EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION INCOME TAX DAY, 2025 Historical Background Income tax introduced on 24 July 1860 by Sir James Wilson post-1857 revolt. Commemorated as Income Tax Day annually. Income Tax Act, 1922 laid structured tax system foundations. Central Board of Revenue Act, 1924 established institutional governance. Key tech milestones: Computerization started in 1981. CPC (Centralized Processing Centre) launched in 2009. Relevance: GS 3(Economy -Taxation), GS 2(Governance) Importance of Income Tax Funds public services: education, healthcare, defense, infrastructure. Supports redistribution of income and social justice. Enhances economic self-reliance and state capacity. Strengthens the democratic social contract: pay → get services. Essential for national development and fiscal stability. • ITR Filing Trends ITR filings rose by 36% in 5 years: FY 2020–21: 6.72 crore FY 2024–25: 9.19 crore – Indicates: Growing voluntary compliance Wider formal economy Stronger digital public infrastructure • Gross Direct Tax Collection (₹ Lakh Crore)              Year                Collection 2020–21           12.31 2021–22           16.34 2022–23           19.72 2023–24           23.38 2024–25           27.02 (Provisional) Growth supported by: Economic rebound post-COVID Tech-driven tax enforcement Better compliance and analytics Digital Transformation PAN system: Introduced in 1972; upgraded in 1995 to current format. CPC (2009): Enabled automated, paperless return processing. – TRACES (2012): TDS mismatch resolution and reconciliation. TIN 2.0:  New tax payment platform, real-time credits, faster refunds. Demand Facilitation Centre (Mysuru):  Centralized platform for tracking and resolving tax demands. • Project Insight – Data Power Builds a 360° taxpayer profile using: GSTN Banks and brokers Financial data warehouses Goals: Detect evasion patterns Enhance compliance Enable data-driven nudges Smart, Transparent Tax Systems Faceless Assessments (2019): Removes physical interaction; ensures fairness. e-Verification Scheme: Fully online resolution of return mismatches. AIS and TIS: Pre-filled data from multiple sources like banks, stock brokers, etc.  Boosts accuracy, reduces filing errors. NUDGE Campaign – Behavioural Tax Compliance NUDGE = Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable. Based on behavioural economics, uses:  AIS + TIS + third-party data  AI/analytics + field intelligence Encourages correction of returns under Section 139(8A). Updated return window extended to Budget 2025–26: Major Tax Reforms New regime:  No tax up to ₹12 lakh  NIL tax up to ₹12.75 lakh for salaried (with ₹75,000 standard deduction) Expected outcomes:  More savings for middle class  Boost to spending and investment Simplification & Compliance Incentives Updated return window: Increased to 4 years from earlier 2. Self-occupied property benefit: Now applicable to 2 properties (earlier only 1). Charitable trust registration: Valid for 10 years (earlier 5). NSS withdrawals post–29 Aug 2024:  Fully tax-exempt. TDS/TCS Rationalization Interest limit for senior citizens: ₹50,000 → ₹1 lakh. Rent TDS threshold: ₹2.4 lakh → ₹6 lakh/year. TCS on foreign remittance: ₹7 lakh → ₹10 lakh. Delay in TCS payment: Decriminalized. Income Tax Bill, 2025 Replaces outdated Income Tax Act, 1961. Retains structure but: Simplifies language Removes redundant clauses Supports vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Final Strategic Takeaways Tax system now built on:  Data analytics  Tech-based convenience  Behavioural nudges Policy shift: From fear-based scrutiny → trust and facilitation Result: Inclusive, transparent, citizen-centric tax ecosystem EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION Overview of the Export Promotion Mission Announced in Union Budget 2025–26. Jointly driven by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ministry of MSME Ministry of Finance Lead Department: Department of Commerce. Focus: Boost export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs. Relevance: GS 3(Economy -Import and Export) Key Objectives of the Mission Improve access to export credit for MSMEs. Enable cross-border factoring to ease global receivables financing. Assist MSMEs in addressing non-tariff barriers in international markets. Ensure that implementation benefits MSMEs nationwide. Supporting Government Initiatives for MSME Exports Launched to supplement the mission with grassroots-level interventions. International Cooperation Scheme (Ministry of MSME) Provides financial assistance to MSMEs for: Participation in international trade fairs.  Exhibitions abroad to showcase Indian MSME products. Support to MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh (Last Two Years): Financial Year : Amount Released (₹) : MSMEs Supported 2023–24           9,31,127           5 2024–25           6,76,026           2 Indicates ongoing efforts to promote MSME visibility in global markets. E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) – DGFT Pilot Piloted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Aim: Enable traditional artisans and MSMEs to grow exports via e-commerce. Key features: End-to-end support for cross-border e-commerce exports. Streamlined regulatory and logistics processes. Faster customs clearance and easy returns management. Designed to make MSME exports simpler, scalable, and digital-first. Parliamentary Acknowledgement The information was provided in a written reply in Lok Sabha. Reflects government’s emphasis on transparency, policy coordination, and MSME upliftment. Strategic Takeaways The mission complements India’s “Make in India for the World” vision. Targets financial, logistical, and regulatory pain points of MSMEs. Aligns with national goals of: Export-led growth MSME global integration Digital commerce transformation E-Commerce hubs + credit reforms = next-gen export infrastructure for MSMEs.