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Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 25 July 2025

Content India’s Electoral Architecture: Structural Fault Lines Beyond the Brain Drain: Healthcare Worker Migration India’s Electoral Architecture: Structural Fault Lines Current Trigger: Bihar Electoral Roll Revision (2025) Over 1.2 million voter names deleted in Bihar during 2025 revision. Deletions primarily due to “non-residency” during verification. High out-migration districts like Gopalganj and Sitamarhi saw 5%–7% deletions. Opposition alleges targeted disenfranchisement of: Poor Minorities Migrants ECI and supporters defend it as a technical clean-up to maintain roll sanctity. Relevance: GS 2 (Elections and reforms) Practice Question: Discuss the limitations of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 in the context of India’s mobile population. What alternative voter enrolment models can be considered for inclusive electoral participation? (15 marks) Structural Fault: Residency vs. Citizenship Disconnect Citizenship (Constitutional/legal status) ≠ Residency (electoral enrollment status). Indian electoral law privileges “ordinary residence” as criterion for voter registration. Migrants exist in a liminal space – not present in home state, not resident elsewhere officially. Leads to functional disenfranchisement. Representation of the People Act (1950) doesn’t reflect mobile India. Migration Reality vs. Electoral Law 37% of Indians (~450 million) are internal migrants. Bihar: 36% of households have at least one migrant. Over 20% of working-age population lives outside the state. 2011 Census: 13.9 million Biharis outside state. 2025 estimate: 17–18 million. Yet, voter rolls still assume sedentary citizenship, a legacy of post-colonial era when: 82% rural <8% mobile/migrant ECI’s Institutional Limitations Legally bound by RPA, 1950: can’t rewrite law but must administer it. Current approach: Administrative minimalism: Procedural compliance > inclusive design Rigid neutrality ≠ equity Fails to address systemic exclusion despite knowing the data Cleaning voter rolls ≠ electoral justice if rules themselves are exclusionary. Global Best Practices – What India Can Learn USA: 30–35 million voters live outside their registered precinct. Mail-in and absentee ballots allow flexible participation. Philippines: Overseas voting system for 1.8 million workers. Turnout often exceeds 60%. Australia: Mobile polling stations in remote/migrant-heavy areas. Turnout consistently above 90%. Key insight: Integrity and inclusion are not mutually exclusive – it’s about design + will. Gaps in Public Awareness and Participation Claims and objections window exists but is: Poorly communicated Burdened by migration-driven disconnection Voter awareness in Bihar: 60% unaware of revision process Among migrants: <25% awareness Political parties: Prefer to exploit disenfranchisement as narrative tool Do little to educate or assist migrant voters Blaming voters risks victim-blaming, not empowerment. Reform Recommendations ECI must push Parliament for legal reform. At minimum, it should: Pilot alternative enrolment models (e.g., portable voting rights). Use existing authority for migrant outreach and inclusion. Suggested reforms: Absentee ballots Digital claims/objections linked to Aadhaar migration history Mobile voting booths in high-migration districts Targeted IEC campaigns in migrant-origin and destination areas Conclusion: Systemic Overhaul Is Essential The real issue isn’t fraud or partisanship—it’s legal obsolescence. India’s static voter laws fail its mobile, working-class majority. Electoral legitimacy in 21st-century India demands: Laws that reflect migration-driven demography Inclusion without sacrificing integrity Defending ECI isn’t enough. Citizens, parties, and institutions must demand a fairer architecture. Beyond the Brain Drain: Healthcare Worker Migration Global Health Workforce Crisis The world faces a shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. Most countries, including those importing workers, lack adequate domestic health personnel. Migration mostly flows from Global South → Global North: E.g., South Asia and Africa → OECD countries. Relevance: GS 1 (Society), GS 2 (Social Issues) Practice Question: Discuss the need for binding bilateral agreements to regulate healthcare worker migration. What lessons can India learn from countries like the Philippines and Australia? (15 marks) Paradox of Source Countries Source countries like India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines face: Acute domestic shortages of doctors and nurses. Yet continue to export health professionals in large numbers. India: ~75,000 doctors trained in India work in OECD countries. 640,000 Indian nurses work abroad. Philippines: 193,000+ Filipino-trained nurses abroad. This is 85% of the global Filipino nurse population. Push and Pull Factors in Migration Push Factors (from source countries): Limited career growth. Low wages. Political instability or conflict. Pull Factors (from destination countries): Better job prospects, higher pay. Health system shortages. Trade agreements facilitating skilled migration. International recruitment drives during global crises (e.g., COVID). Result: Source country depletion despite the remittance benefits. Policy Failure: Exporting Health Without Securing Domestic Needs Governments like India and the Philippines have formal policies to promote health worker export. Motivations include: Economic gains through remittances. Diplomatic leverage. But: Comes at the cost of undermining domestic health systems already under strain. The net workforce loss outweighs benefits in many contexts. India’s Diplomatic Use of Health Workforce India uses health worker migration to: Deepen strategic partnerships. Strengthen medical diplomacy (e.g., COVID deployments). Enhance its global healthcare influence. Promote circular migration instead of permanent brain drain. However: This cannot override the need for a resilient domestic workforce. Needed: Fair Bilateral Agreements & Compensation Most migration currently benefits destination countries disproportionately. Proposed reforms: Binding bilateral agreements between sending and receiving nations. Compensation mechanisms: Invest in medical education in source countries. Fund health infrastructure or technology transfers. Implement and strengthen WHO Code on International Health Personnel Recruitment. Best Practices: Philippines & Kerala Philippines: Department of Migrant Workers coordinates overseas employment. Focuses on grievance redressal and returnee integration. Kerala (India): Dedicated state-level agency for overseas health workers. Manages deployment, grievances, and reintegration. Could serve as a national model. Strengthening Domestic Workforce Capacity Strategic investments needed in: Health education infrastructure and institutions. Incentives to retain skilled professionals domestically. Improved working conditions for nurses and doctors. Policies that promote circular migration, not permanent outflow. Tech-Enabled Global Healthcare Contribution Explore digital health delivery platforms: Allow Indian professionals to provide services remotely, avoiding full emigration. Example: Telemedicine, remote diagnostics, virtual second opinions. Enhances global engagement without depleting local capacity. Call for Regional and South-South Collaboration Regional approaches could include: Joint health workforce production mechanisms. Shared investments in training centers across South Asia. Technology transfer pools for mutual benefit. Amplifying Global South voices can: Increase bargaining power. Ensure fairer terms of migration for workers. Strategic Vision for Transformation Migration isn’t inherently harmful, but must be: Balanced with national needs. Regulated through equitable agreements. Integrated into broader development goals. India and similar countries must become architects of workforce strategy, not just exporters. Conclusion: From Brain Drain to Opportunity With the right mix of: Workforce investments Bilateral diplomacy Digital innovation Equity-focused reforms → The healthcare migration challenge can become a strategic asset for national development. The future lies not in halting migration, but in smartly governing and leveraging it.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 25 July 2025

Content: Lakshadweep coral cover fell by 50% in 24 years Tughlaqabad: A fort misunderstood Humpy ousts Lei, sets up all-Indian final against Divya India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA): Deal’s Done ICJ’s Climate Ruling 24-year survey reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep saw a 50% reduction Key Findings of the Study Coral Cover Decline: Coral cover in Lakshadweep declined from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022, a ~50% reduction over 24 years. Three Major ENSO-linked Bleaching Events: 1998, 2010, 2016 – each event led to mass coral bleaching. Despite decreasing coral mortality with each successive event, recovery rates slowed. Delayed Recovery Trend: Recovery picked up only after 6 years of bleaching-free conditions, suggesting a critical minimum recovery window. Local Factors Matter: Wave exposure and depth act as local environmental filters influencing reef vulnerability and resilience. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Scientific Contribution Predictive Framework Proposed: Based on long-term monitoring of Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls. Can help identify reefs at higher risk vs. those with recovery potential. Published In: Diversity and Distributions, emphasizes interplay of local environmental filtering and marine heatwave frequency. Climate Change Linkages Anthropogenic Warming: Ocean temperature anomalies have become more frequent and intense, driven by global climate change. ENSO Amplification: ENSO-related events are occurring more often, increasing cumulative stress on coral ecosystems. Retrospective Linkages 1998 Baseline: First major ENSO event led to widespread bleaching globally and marked the beginning of long-term degradation. Policy Gaps in the 2000s: Limited reef restoration or marine protected area (MPA) implementation in Lakshadweep. Poor climate adaptation integration into reef management strategies. Concerns & Risks Future ENSO & Heatwaves: IPCC projects more frequent marine heatwaves, risking even the remaining 19.6% coral cover. Loss of Ecosystem Services: Coral reefs provide coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism income — all under threat. Biodiversity Collapse: Lakshadweep reefs host diverse marine species, many endemic — bleaching threatens their survival. Way Ahead (Policy + Scientific) Establish Coral Resilience Zones: Protect areas with better depth/wave exposure which act as natural refuges. Early Warning Systems: Integrate remote sensing & thermal anomaly forecasting for timely reef management. Community-Based Monitoring: Involve island communities in reef stewardship, using traditional ecological knowledge. Urgent Climate Action: India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 must integrate marine climate resilience. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Expand MPAs in Lakshadweep with enforceable no-fishing zones to allow recovery. Tughlaqabad: A fort misunderstood Historical Significance Built in 1320 AD by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. Designed as a military fortress to repel Mongol invasions. Served briefly as the capital under Ghiyasuddin before being abandoned after the capital shifted to Daulatabad under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,History and Heritage) Architectural and Strategic Genius Located in the Aravalli hills — built into the natural terrain. Featured: 15-metre-high walls Granaries, escape tunnels, water reservoirs Multiple defensive perimeters with surrounding water bodies. Considered more militarily sound than even the Red Fort or Agra Fort, according to historian SM Azizuddin Husain. Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions Site of a historicmehfil where Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya defended the practice of Sama (spiritual music). Resulted in qawwali being formally accepted in the Indian Sufi tradition. Symbolisestensions between spiritual and political authority: Sultan Ghiyasuddin vs. Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Saint’s “curse” (“May it remain desolate”) allegedly followed the Sultan’s diversion of labour from the saint’s baoli. Debunking the “Curse” Historians argue: No factual basis for the “curse” — legends grew later to explain abandonment. Abandonment linked to political irrelevance, not supernatural punishment. Ghiyasuddin’s death in a pavilion collapse post-Bengal campaign fuelled myth-making, but could also reflect political intrigue. Myth vs Reality: Governance Implications Heritage activist Sohail Hashmi: Myths distract from its real political and architectural value. Tughlaqabad should be viewed as a “classroom under the sky”. Current under-visited state contrasts with monuments like Qutub Minar or Red Fort. Reflects heritage management challenges: Lack of interpretation centres, tourism promotion, community engagement. Retrospective Linkages Tughlaq architectural style: Fort reflects early Indo-Islamic military architecture. Nizamuddin Auliya’s role: Integral to Delhi’s spiritual history; represents Sufi influence on Indian syncretism. Urban planning under the Delhi Sultanate: Tughlaqabad was part of the third historic city of Delhi. Cultural Policy Lessons Reviving Tughlaqabad: Can be integrated into Delhi’s heritage tourism circuit. Use of digital reconstruction, AR/VR, and guided trails. Curricular inclusion: Fort can serve as a pedagogical site to teach military history, Sufism, urban planning. Need for better ASI funding and multi-stakeholder conservation models. Countering ‘curse narratives’ with historical literacy and community storytelling. Humpy ousts Lei, sets up all-Indian final against Divya Core Developments Koneru Humpy defeats China’s Lei Tingjie in a dramatic multi-tier tiebreaker. Sets up an all-Indian final against teenager Divya Deshmukh — a first in Women’s World Cup history. Both qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, a gateway to the World Championship. Relevance :Facts for Prelims Game Strategy & Psychological Strength Stalemate in regulation: Two classical games and initial tiebreaks drawn. Comeback under pressure: Humpy lost in second tiebreak, bounced back with a must-win game using the Queen’s Pawn Opening. Decisive third tiebreak: Dominated with White, then sealed the win with Black — showing technical precision and mental composure. Significance for India Chess as a soft power asset: Highlights India’s emerging leadership in global mind sports. Women-led achievement: Symbolizes the growing stature of Indian women in international competitive arenas. Legacy and pipeline: Humpy: India’s senior-most active female Grandmaster. Divya: Product of India’s post-2010 chess ecosystem, trained under newer support schemes. Policy and Governance Linkages Schemes supporting chess: Khelo India, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and National Centre of Excellence (NCoEs) aid elite training. Chess is increasingly supported despite being a non-Olympic sport — sign of evolving sports policy orientation. Federation Role: All India Chess Federation (AICF) plays a growing role in gender-inclusive chess promotion. Background Humpy’s Legacy: First Indian woman to cross 2600 Elo. Made comeback after motherhood — case of gender resilience in sports. India’s Chess Resurgence: Follows successes of Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali at global level. Consistent improvement since Viswanathan Anand’s world titles in 2000s. Future Implications 2026 Women’s Candidates: Both Humpy and Divya will be in the 8-player tournament to challenge reigning world champion. Future policy shift: Likely increase in CSR and public-private funding for chess. Boost to women’s chess leagues and junior girl participation. India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA): Deal’s Done Core Agreement Highlights Signed on July 24, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) aims to: Double bilateral trade by 2030 (from $56B in 2020). Cut/eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to UK. Provide labour-intensive sector access (textiles, leather, seafood, gems). Remove social security double payments for temporary Indian workers. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) ,GS 3(Economy -Import & Export) India’s Key Economic Gains Zero tariffs on: Textiles (earlier up to 12%) Tea and coffee (earlier up to 10%) Footwear, gems, leather goods Liquor tariff halved from 150% → 75%, to fall to 40% in 10 years. Auto tariffs down from 70–110% to 10% (after 10 years, for limited vehicles). Scotch import duties halved: Enhances consumer access and revenue. Relief on Social Security Contributions Through the Double Contributions Convention: Indian professionals temporarily working in UK (up to 10 years) will no longer pay into both UK and Indian social security systems. Benefits ~75,000 Indian workers. Reduces costs for Indian employers and raises net salary for workers. Broader Trade & Investment Impacts Merchandise trade projections: India’s exports to UK to rise 12.6% by 2024–25 to $14.5B Imports from UK to grow 2.3% to $8.6B FTA aims to increase bilateral trade volume by nearly $34.5B annually by 2040. Sectors gaining access: Dairy, machinery, pharmaceuticals, IT services, processed food. Movement of People & Services UK side gains: Professional access in legal, financial, education, and consulting services. UK has created an annual quota of 1,800 short-term work visas (e.g. chefs, yoga teachers, classical musicians). Faster mobility for UK service professionals in India — with simplified regulatory framework.  Strategic & Defence Roadmap (Vision 2035) Both nations launch Vision 2035: Focus on defence, AI, education, climate, cyber, and clean energy. Aligns with India’s technology sovereignty and national security goals. Joint Defence Industrial Roadmap to: Facilitate co-production Share critical mineral access Boost cyber security cooperation Retrospective Linkages First major UK FTA after Brexit (2016). Builds on India’s shift toward bilateralism after RCEP exit (2019). Similar to India’s FTAs with Australia (ECTA, 2022), UAE (CEPA, 2022), ASEAN. Future Implications Can become a template for India–EU FTA negotiations. Promotes India’s goal of $1 trillion goods exports by 2030. Boosts India’s global reputation as a trade partner amid de-risking from China. ICJ’s Climate Ruling Context The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that countries are under a legal obligation to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address climate change. Though non-binding, it could shape international climate litigation and increase pressure on states. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Background Request came from the UN General Assembly (2023), led by Vanuatu. Part of broader efforts to bring climate justice into international law. ICJ was asked to clarify obligations of states regarding GHG emissions and responsibilities for harm caused. ICJ’s Observations Climate action is not optional or a matter of policy choice; it is a legal obligation. Countries must: Prevent harm to other states (under no-harm principle). Act in line with human rights obligations. Ensure adequate mitigation/adaptation efforts. Failure to act may invoke international legal consequences. Ruling’s Relevance Could be used to support future climate lawsuits. Likely to influence domestic court decisions, especially in countries with strong public interest litigation (PIL) cultures like India. Implications Area Impact Climate Litigation Could empower lawsuits against states or corporations for inaction. Global South Helps press for climate reparations, technology transfer, and climate finance. Treaty Enforcement Though ICJ cannot enforce treaties, its opinion adds moral-legal weight to commitments like the Paris Agreement. Equity Principle Reinforces common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR-RC).

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 24 July 2025

Content BHARAT FORECAST SYSTEM AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS Outcome and Employment Generation under PMKVY BHARAT FORECAST SYSTEM AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS BharatFS: India’s Panchayat-Level Weather Revolution Overview and Capabilities Officially adopted: 26 May 2025 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Resolution: 6 km horizontal grid — ideal for panchayat cluster-level forecasting. Objective: Improve short- and medium-range prediction of extreme weather (e.g., rainfall, storms). Not intended for: Long-range (seasonal or climate-scale) predictions. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Technological Innovations TCo (Triangular Cubic Octahedral) Grid: Enhances resolution over the tropics while reducing computational overhead. Improved physical representation: Orography, filtering, energy conservation. Model evolution: From 12 km GFS T1534 to BharatFS → 30% increase in extreme rainfall prediction accuracy (especially in Central India). Rigorous testing: Validated since 2022, extensively peer-reviewed. India’s Early Warning Systems for Natural Disasters: A Global Benchmark Institutional Backbone Spearheaded by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Key Agencies: IMD – Weather, cyclone, rainfall warnings. National Centre for Seismology (NCS) – Earthquake monitoring. Central Water Commission (CWC) – Flood forecasting. NDMA – Coordination & dissemination. Observation & Modelling Infrastructure Surface & upper-air observations, radar (10 min interval) and satellite (15 min) data. GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS): End-to-end monitoring and dissemination platform. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Integration of local, regional, global models. Supercomputing support: Arka and Arunika bolster processing of massive datasets. Forecasting Evolution From conventional to: Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) – Area-specific risk analysis (district, sub-city). Risk-Based Warning (RBW) – Colour-coded matrix for decision-makers. AI/ML Integration: Enhancing forecasting, pattern recognition, and bulletin customization. Early Warning Dissemination: Multi-Platform & Multilingual Mobile & Digital Tools Apps: Mausam, Meghdoot (Agromet), DAMINI (Lightning), UMANG, FloodWatch India v2.0. Social Media outreach: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Blogs. Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): Integrated alert mechanism across agencies. Customized bulletins for agriculture, urban floods, tourism, etc. Mass Media & Traditional Channels AM/FM/Community Radio, Doordarshan, private broadcasters, newspapers, SMS, WhatsApp, fax, email. Weekly/Daily Weather Videos for public outreach. Specialised Tools for Disaster Risk Reduction Cyclone Monitoring & Management North Indian Ocean sees 7% of global cyclone events—many catastrophic. Zero-casualty achievement: Cyclone Biparjoy (2023), Cyclone Dana (2024). Result: Global recognition – IMD awarded UN Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Flood Forecasting CWC issues short-range forecasts (24 hrs lead time). FloodWatch App v2.0: 7-day forecasts. Real-time alerts. Storage data of 150 major reservoirs. Integration with SDMAs and NDMA for proactive mitigation. Hazard Vulnerability Atlas Web-based GIS “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas” for 13 meteorological hazards. Identifies hotspots for States & Disaster Agencies → key for climate-resilient infrastructure. Earthquake Monitoring: Present Limitations No system globally can predict earthquakes (time, location, magnitude). NCS provides real-time seismological alerts via app, SMS, email, fax, and social media. Focus: Post-quake intensity maps, not early warning. Key Milestones & Future Outlook Mission Mausam (Central Sector Scheme) Vision: Make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation. Focus: Strengthening AI/ML in forecasting. Panchayat-level weather integration (via BharatFS). Disaster-resilient infrastructure planning. Innovation Highlights Panchayat Mausam Seva. Dynamic risk matrix. Cloud burst, heatwave, lightning-specific alerts. Regionalized alerts for Northeast, Himalayan belt, and coastal zones. Global Benchmarking Recognized by UN and WMO for best practices. Deaths from cyclones reduced from 10,000+ (Odisha, 1999) to zero (2023–24). Model for Global South’s climate adaptation. Conclusion India’s Early Warning Systems—particularly with BharatFS and GIS-based DSS—have evolved into one of the world’s most advanced, hyperlocal, and integrated disaster resilience infrastructures. With real-time forecasting, AI-powered decision systems, and public engagement across 20+ platforms, India now stands at the forefront of global disaster preparedness and climate adaptation efforts. Outcome and Employment Generation under PMKVY PMKVY (2015–2025): A Decade of Skill Transformation Scheme Structure and Evolution Launched: 2015 by MSDE Key components: Short-Term Training (STT): For fresh entrants. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For up-skilling/re-skilling existing workers. Placement Linkage: PMKVY 1.0 to 3.0 (2015–2022): Placement rate ~43% (STT only). PMKVY 4.0 (2023–25): Focused on empowered career pathways, not just placement numbers. Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3(Employment ) Skilling Trends (2020–2025) Total Candidates Trained Over 5 Years: Cumulative: 5.36 million (53.6 lakh) trained. Notable slump during COVID-19 years (2021–22: ~6.1 lakh) but strong post-pandemic recovery seen in: FY 2023–24: 5.39 lakh FY 2024–25: 20.34 lakh (highest in 5 years) Top 5 Performing States (FY 2024–25): Rank State Trainees 1 Uttar Pradesh 4,63,569 2 Rajasthan 2,79,609 3 Madhya Pradesh 2,58,623 4 Punjab 1,06,401 5 Haryana 75,305 Lowest Performing UTs (FY 2024–25): Lakshadweep: 120 Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 1,407 Goa: 236 Impact & Outcomes: Third-Party Evaluations Sambodhi Study (PMKVY 2.0): STT graduates: 15% higher average income than control group. RPL graduates: 19% higher income than unskilled peers. NITI Aayog (2020 Evaluation): 94% employers willing to hire PMKVY-trained candidates. 52% of RPL-placed candidates reported higher earnings or expectations thereof. IIPA Impact Assessment: 70.5% of surveyed candidates got placement in their desired skill sectors. Paradigm Shift in PMKVY 4.0 (2023–25) From Training to Employment Empowerment: Emphasis on career-oriented skilling, not just job linkage. Candidates given orientation to entrepreneurship, freelance gigs, and apprenticeships. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): Launched: Under PMKVY 4.0 Functions as a lifelong skilling ecosystem. Integrates: Training and certification records Job and apprenticeship marketplaces Employer–trainee interface Trainee data available to employers in real-time. Supported by nationwide Rozgar Melas. Challenges Noted Low average placement rate (43%) under STT until PMKVY 3.0. Inter-state disparities: Some large states like Telangana, Kerala, Gujarat underperformed compared to peers. No current impact report for PMKVY 4.0 released (yet); real outcomes remain to be quantitatively validated. Way Forward: Strategy & Recommendations Strengthening Outcomes Conduct real-time impact audits for PMKVY 4.0. Incentivize demand-driven skilling based on regional employment patterns. Digital Leverage Fully integrate SIDH with e-Shram, NCS, Udyam, and CSC platforms for seamless migration of workers into formal economy. Use AI/ML tools to map candidate preferences with employer demand. Improve Industry Linkage Mandate on-the-job training/apprenticeship linkage for all STT courses. Expand engagement with MSMEs and startup ecosystem to absorb trained manpower. Conclusion: India’s Skill Push Reimagined PMKVY has evolved from a training-centric scheme to an aspirational skill-building framework that empowers youth through income enhancement, entrepreneurship orientation, and digital integration. With platforms like SIDH, targeted Rozgar Melas, and growing employer trust, India’s skill development narrative is transitioning from quantity to quality and long-term employability.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 24 July 2025

Content Takeaways from the Swachh Survekshan Spare live animals, move to biological models The Silent Epidemic Takeaways from the Swachh Survekshan Background of Swachh Survekshan Launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) to rank cities on sanitation and waste management. Aims to foster healthy competition among ULBs and drive behavioral change through citizen engagement. Backed by MoHUA and executed by Quality Council of India (QCI). Survey methodology evolved from basic cleanliness metrics to include grievance redressal, citizen feedback, and worker welfare. It now serves as a key urban policy instrument, influencing funding, planning, and municipal performance appraisals. Relevance : GS 2( Governance & Social Justice ) Practice Question : Swachh Survekshan has evolved into a powerful tool for urban transformation in India. Evaluate its role in promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices, and identify areas for further improvement. (250 words) Key Takeaways from Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Scale and Impact: Over 4,500 cities participated in the 9th edition, compared to less than 100 in 2016. Supported by 140 million citizen feedbacks, third-party audits, and performance metrics. Covers 10 parameters from waste collection and sanitation to grievance redressal and worker welfare. Super Swachh League (New Category): Created to break the dominance of top performers (Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai). Allows older clean cities to set benchmarks, while new cities like Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow gain top ranks in their population categories. Fairer Population Segmentation: Expanded from 2 to 5 population categories, allowing equitable comparisons: Under 20,000 to 1 million-plus population groups. Example: Odisha’s significant rise — Bhubaneswar (34th to 9th), small towns like Aska and Chikiti excelled. Insights into Regional Performances: South India: Yet to mark dominance; Bengaluru underwhelming; however, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Mysuru performed relatively better. NCR: Mixed results — New Delhi Municipal Council & Noida excelled, while Delhi, Gurugram, Ghaziabad improved against expectations. Tourist Towns: Greater focus — Prayagraj rewarded, Kumbh sanitation lauded, but India still only gets 1.5% of global tourist footfall. Innovative Practices & Case Studies: Indore: Segregates waste into 6 categories at source. Surat: Monetises sewage-treated water. Pune: Empowers ragpickers via cooperatives. Agra (Kuberpur): Converts toxic dumpsite to green area using bioremediation. Lucknow: Built a waste wonder park. Visakhapatnam: Developed an eco-park from legacy waste. Challenges & Thematic Shifts: Behavioural Change is the Missing Link: SBM helped end open defecation but waste intolerance and anti-consumerism habits are yet to evolve meaningfully. Theme Evolution: Previous: “Waste to Wealth” — underutilised potential for revenue generation. Current: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR)” — promotes circular economy and self-help group enterprise. Policy Gaps: Lack of investor incentives for waste-to-energy projects. Private sector wary of commercial viability. Enforcement Needs: Solid waste: 1.5 lakh tonnes/day. Strong ULB performance needed in segregation, transport, plastic and e-waste handling. Way Forward: Treat top cities as mentors to underperformers. Institutionalise peer learning, decentralised waste management, and citizen-driven cleanliness movements. Link waste management with job creation, tourism, and urban aesthetics. Critical Reflection: The success of Surat, once known for garbage and plague outbreaks, proves that transformation is achievable. Swachh Survekshan is not merely a competition, but a policy instrument driving sanitation awareness, data-driven governance, and innovation. However, sustainability depends on behaviour change, empowered ULBs, and a culture of continuous improvement. Spare live animals, move to biological models Introduction Animal testing has long been justified on grounds of scientific necessity and human superiority. However, growing scientific evidence shows limited reliability of animal models in predicting human outcomes. Ethical discourse now views animal suffering not just as a technical concern but as a moral obligation, especially given shared sentience. Technological advances in regenerative medicine and computer modeling offer viable, humane alternatives. Legal reform, educational shifts, and cultural rethinking are essential to align with ethical science and India’s legacy of ahimsa. Relevance : GS 4(Ethics-Empathy) , GS 3(Science and Technology) Practice Question : In light of emerging regenerative medicine and increasing ethical concerns, critically examine the scientific and moral grounds for continuing animal testing in India. Suggest legal and educational reforms to align with global humane practices.(250 Words) Key Issues Raised: Moral Superiority & Human Obligation: Humans, seen as morally superior beings, owe animals love, kindness, and protection. Ethical duty arises not just from superiority but shared sentience and capacity to suffer. Historical Perspective: Early toxicology testing (e.g., U.S. experiments 1902–1904) involved humans. Shift to animal testing stemmed from the unpredictability of human reactions — not from greater ethical concern. Shows that moral indifference can shift targets — from animals to humans — if rationalised. Scientific Unreliability of Animal Testing: Increasing consensus that animal experiments do not reliably predict human outcomes. Findings are often not translatable due to biological differences. Proposed Solutions & Innovations: Adopt Regenerative Medicine Alternatives: Tissue engineering has enabled the creation of artificial skin, bladders, blood vessels, and more. These lab-grown parts can serve as ex-corpus models to replace animal testing. Encouraging use can both reduce animal suffering and advance biomedical innovation. Policy & Legal Reform Suggestions: Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, specifically Chapter IV, to: Mandate use of lab-grown anatomical parts “wherever possible” in place of live animals. Make it a Directive Principle, setting long-term ethical and legislative intent. Education & Public Awareness: Replace animal dissections in biology education with: 2D radiographs 3D computer models Enhances learning while preserving animal life. Broader Ethical Frame: Animal suffering is not a technical issue but a moral problem. Recognising animals as “fellow beings who suffer like us” challenges anthropocentric ethics. Advocates for a civilisational shift in values — one that sees life (human or non-human) as sacred. Critical Analysis & Implications: The shift to in vitro and in silico (computer-simulated) models aligns with global ethical trends (e.g., EU bans on cosmetic testing). India can become a leader in ethical science, combining its scientific capacity with its traditional values of ahimsa (non-violence). However, implementation depends on: Interdisciplinary coordination Legal backing Budgetary support for regenerative medicine The Silent Epidemic Core Message India is facing a rapidly growing obesity epidemic, especially within urban and middle-income households. This crisis: Is no longer limited to the affluent. Has economic, biological, and intergenerational consequences. Demands population-wide, systemic interventions, not just individual action. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Practice Question : “India’s obesity crisis is no longer a lifestyle issue—it is a structural and systemic public health emergency.” Discuss with reference to recent trends, health impacts, and policy gaps.(250 Words) Key Data Points & Alarming Trends Nearly 20% of Indian households have at least one overweight adult. 10% of all adults classified as obese. In urban areas (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Punjab): ~2 in every 5 households have obese adults. Obesity now clusters within families, highlighting environmental and behavioral patterns. A recent IARC (2023) study: excess body fat = significant risk for 13 cancers (e.g., liver, kidney, colon, ovary, pancreas). American Cancer Society: excess body weight = 14% of cancers in women, 5% in men in the U.S. Biological & Medical Insights Obesity linked to: Hyperinsulinemia: elevated insulin → promotes fat storage & inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation: driven by visceral fat → increases cancer and metabolic disease risk. Hormonal disruptions: estrogen, insulin, cortisol → impact breast and endometrial cancer risk. Why It’s a Systems Issue (Not Just Personal) Household clustering shows: Shared lifestyle, dietary, and behavioral patterns. Obesity should be tackled as a family/community issue, not just at the individual level. These patterns span generations, impacting children in obese households via: Poor diet Sedentary behaviors Early onset of metabolic disease Policy and Institutional Responses Government Response: Setting up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals by 2026. National Programme for Prevention & Control of NCDs (NP-NCD) needs to be expanded and more targeted. GapsIdentified: Many current programs target high-risk individuals, not whole households. Regulatory tools (e.g., food labeling, junk food bans) need stricter enforcement. Economic & Social Costs Obesity-related health costs devastate family finances. Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer driven by obesity → cause long-term productivity losses. Clustering of obesity = compounds poverty and poor health together. Recommendations & Strategic Imperatives Go beyond individual-level awareness to address: Urban design that discourages activity. Lack of access to fresh, affordable food. Unhealthy food environments in schools and neighborhoods. Encourage cross-sector policy: Urban planning, public health, school systems, food and agriculture. Scale preventive strategies: School-based nutrition to break intergenerational cycles. Affordable access to public exercise spaces. Editorial Position Obesity is a transgenerational, structural problem. It is not a disease of affluence, but increasingly a marker of inequity. The real challenge: Not whether we can prevent obesity, but whether we choose to, through systems-level thinking and sustained public health investment. Conclusion India’s obesity crisis is no longer a hidden epidemic—it’s a visible, growing public health emergency tied to urbanization, inequality, poor food systems, and lack of physical activity. Addressing it requires: A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach, including: Household-focused interventions Urban redesign Stronger preventive health policies Equitable access to nutrition and fitness

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 24 July 2025

Content : In Odisha, Crimes Against Women Mount as Courts and Police Falter Can Presidential Reference Change a Judgment? Is the Plastic Industry Trying to Influence Green Policies? Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Neurodevelopmental Issues Paika Rebellion of 1817 AfaDixVax: India’s New Weapon Against Malaria In Odisha, crimes against women mount as courts and police falter  Alarming Recent Incidents 15-year-old girl in Puri abducted, assaulted, and set ablaze in broad daylight; now critical. 20-year-old college student in Balasore died by suicide after alleging sexual harassment and institutional inaction. Nepali student died by suicide after similar harassment, triggering a diplomatic fallout with Nepal. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Justice) High Crime Rate, But Justice Elusive Odisha recorded 51 cases of crimes against women per 1 lakh population in 2022 — among the highest in India. India’s average stood at 33 cases per lakh — Odisha far exceeds this. Chargesheeting in Decline Chargesheeting rate fell from 91.2% in 2017 to 71.4% in 2022. Indicates weakening police efficiency in taking cases forward for trial. Consistent decline despite a higher-than-average crime rate. Conviction Rates Among the Lowest Only ~9% of women-related cases sent for trial in 2022 resulted in conviction. Odisha had the second-highest number of such cases sent for trial, yet ranks near the bottom in conviction outcomes. Reflects investigation gaps, prosecutorial weakness, and judicial delay. Trial Pendency at Crisis Levels Over 95% of rape cases in Odisha were pending trial in 2022 — highest in India. Massive backlog points to a choked judiciary and absence of fast-track mechanisms. The Triple Crisis Odisha is marked by a dangerous combination: High incidence of crimes against women Falling chargesheeting rates Low conviction outcomes This “high crime–low justice” paradox creates a culture of impunity and public distrust. Systemic & Institutional Apathy Colleges failed to act on complaints; grievance redressal mechanisms remain non-functional. State response marred by administrative inertia and political silence. Policy Imperatives Strengthen fast-track courts and judicial infrastructure. Enhance police-investigation and forensic capacity. Make college and workplace grievance mechanisms legally accountable. Expand victim support services, including mental health and legal aid. Enforce time-bound chargesheeting and trial timelines for gender-based crimes. Can Presidential Reference change a judgment? Context & Trigger On July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Union and States on a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on the powers and timelines for the President and Governors in assenting to State Bills. Triggered by the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment which ruled Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in assenting to 10 Tamil Nadu Bills as illegal and unconstitutional. The April ruling imposed judicially enforceable timelines for constitutional authorities to act on State Bills—a first in Indian constitutional jurisprudence. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Constitution ) Core Constitutional Question Can the President or Governor be judicially compelled to act within a prescribed timeframe on Bills passed by State legislatures? Does such judicial compulsion violate the discretionary space constitutionally granted to these authorities? Role of Article 143(1) Provides advisory jurisdiction to the Supreme Court when the President refers questions of law or fact of public importance. Such questions need no ongoing litigation, and the court may accept or decline the Reference. The Supreme Court is not bound to answer; it has discretion (e.g., declined Ayodhya Reference in 1993 for violating secularism). Scope & Limits of Advisory Opinions The court’s opinion must remain within the scope of the Reference—it cannot enlarge or rewrite the issues referred. While not binding precedents, advisory opinions carry high persuasive value (as seen in R.K. Garg case). Still, Article 141 binds courts only to decisions arising from the court’s adjudicatory (not advisory) jurisdiction. Can Advisory Opinions Overturn Judicial Rulings? No. As per precedent (e.g., Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal case), Article 143 cannot be used to reverse settled judgments. The April 8 decision, passed under Article 141, remains binding unless altered via review or curative petition. However, the court may clarify or refine its legal interpretation under advisory jurisdiction without overturning the earlier verdict (e.g., Natural Resources Allocation case, 2012). Key Precedents in Use of Presidential References 1998 Collegium Reform Reference: Court refined judicial appointments process while upholding core judgment of 1993. Ayodhya Reference (1993): Declined on constitutional and secularism grounds. Special Courts Bill (1978): Clarified opinions are not binding but can influence future rulings. Governance Implications The Reference has arisen due to increasing friction between State governments and Governors, often politically appointed. Clarification may set clear timelines and processes to ensure federal balance and legislative autonomy of States. Could reinforce judicial oversight over executive inaction, while preserving constitutional boundaries. What Lies Ahead A Constitution Bench led by CJI Gavai will begin detailed hearings by mid-August. The Reference will test the delicate balance between constitutional morality, federalism, and judicial review. Outcome may redefine how constitutional functionaries are held accountable for delays that stall governance. Is the plastic industry trying to influence green policies? The Backbone of India’s Plastic Recycling Over 70% of plastic recycled in India is collected and processed by informal workers — ragpickers, sorters, grassroots recyclers. These workers operate without protective gear, legal recognition, or social security, facing toxic exposure and deep vulnerability. Despite their critical role, they remain excluded from policy frameworks and municipal contracts. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Steps Toward Formal Integration National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme (2024): Seeks to integrate waste-pickers and sanitation workers into formal systems. Offers health insurance (Ayushman Bharat), safety equipment, and access to social security schemes. As of May 2025, over 80,000 workers profiled under the scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2022): Enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) — obligates manufacturers to manage and recover plastic waste. Pushes for inclusive models that recognize the role of informal workers in collection and segregation. Challenges Persist Implementation gaps remain in integrating informal workers into city-level contracts and supply chains. Lack of identity documents and low digital literacy prevent full access to formal entitlements. Many workers continue to operate under unsafe, exploitative conditions, without union protection or labour rights. Global Industry Tactics: Parallels with Tobacco Plastic industry, like tobacco, shifts blame to consumers while downplaying systemic harms. Promoted recycling from the 1980s despite knowing it’s economically impractical at scale. Funded misleading campaigns to divert scrutiny from corporate responsibility. Greenwashing through fake labels (“biodegradable,” “compostable”) misleads consumers and weakens regulation. Exploits weaker regulations in Global South as Global North tightens plastic laws. Vulnerability of the Global South Plastic consumption in Asia projected to triple by 2060, compared to just 15% growth in Europe (OECD, 2022). Low- and middle-income countries like India face the double burden of rising plastic imports and poor waste infrastructure. Informal sector workers bear the brunt of this unsustainable growth without adequate safeguards. The Way Forward Recognize and register waste pickers under urban local bodies and waste management policies. Promote worker-owned cooperatives and micro-enterprises in formal waste contracts. Strengthen social protection, workplace safety, and income security. Hold producers accountable through strict enforcement of EPR norms and transparent plastic reporting. Vitamin D deficiency linked to neurodevelopmental issues From Bones to Brains: Expanding the Role of Vitamin D Long recognized for its role in bone health and immunity, vitamin D is now being linked to brain development and mental health. A major Danish study (The Lancet Psychiatry) shows compelling associations between neonatal vitamin D levels and reduced risk of schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) Key Findings from the Danish Study Sample: Over 88,000 newborns (1981–2005) from Denmark’s neonatal biobank. Higher neonatal vitamin D levels correlated with: 18% lower risk of schizophrenia 11% lower risk of ADHD 7% lower risk of autism Public health modeling suggests: if all babies had top 60% vitamin D levels, up to 15% of schizophrenia and 9% of ADHD cases could have been prevented. Biological Mechanism and Genetic Insights Researchers used polygenic risk scores (PRS) and Mendelian randomisation to reduce bias and test causal relationships. Findings suggest inherited capacity to produce and bind vitamin D may protect against neurodevelopmental disorders. Limitations remain: possibility of pleiotropy (genes influencing multiple traits) and timing sensitivity not fully resolved. Indian Context: Sunlight-Rich, Yet Vitamin D–Poor Despite abundant sunlight, India has alarming rates of deficiency: 85.5% of pregnant women and 74% of infants deficient (AIIMS Rishikesh study). 92.1% of newborns in Bengaluru found deficient. Factors include limited sun exposure, indoor lifestyles, cultural clothing, and poor dietary intake. Pregnancy and the Biological Inheritance of Deficiency During late pregnancy, the mother’s body: Doubles active vitamin D production Increases calcium absorption for fetal skeletal growth Yet, maternal vitamin D doesn’t rise without proper diet or sunlight. Deficiency in the mother directly affects the fetus, making it a biological legacy passed across generations. Clinical Practice in India: Slow But Emerging Response High-dose supplementation (60,000 IU/week) during the third trimester shows benefits: Improved infant growth, immunity, and vitamin D levels Reduced risk of severe neonatal deficiency by six months Still, routine vitamin D screening in pregnancy is rare, especially in rural and semi-urban settings. Policy & Public Health Implications Recognize vitamin D deficiency as a developmental and neurological risk factor, not just nutritional. Integrate vitamin D screening and supplementation into antenatal care protocols. Launch awareness campaigns to tackle persistent myths (e.g., sunlight is always enough). Prioritize early, preventive intervention starting in the first or second trimester. Balanced Perspective Vitamin D is not a magic bullet, but part of a larger neurodevelopmental puzzle. The goal is caution, not alarm — acknowledging that early nutrition can shape mental health trajectories. With growing global and Indian data, preventive supplementation is emerging as a low-cost, high-impact intervention. Paika Rebellion of 1817 Background: Paikas of Odisha Paikas were traditional foot soldiers recruited by Gajapati rulers since the 16th century. They held rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) in return for military service. By the 19th century, discontent grew across rural India due to East India Company’s expansion, affecting agrarian and tribal communities. Relevance : GS 1(Modern History ) British Annexation of Odisha (1803) Colonel Harcourt led the East India Company’s forces into Odisha. Mukunda Deva II, the last Khurda king, was defeated. In return for surrendering forts and parganas, the king was promised Rs. 1 lakh but later betrayed. Four key parganas were withheld; King Rajguru and Jayee Rajaguru resisted. Rajaguru was captured and executed in 1806; the king was exiled to Puri. Economic and Social Discontent Loss of political patronage and jagir lands post-British annexation disempowered Paikas. Revenue and land reforms displaced Paikas; Odia landlords were replaced by Bengali ones. Shift from cowrie-based to rupee-based taxation hurt tribal economies. Salt monopoly and coastal raids by British added to rural distress. The 1817 Paika Rebellion Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, over 400 Kondh tribals joined Paikas in revolt. Attacked police station at Banpur, killed British officers, looted treasury, and marched to Khurda. Over months, several clashes occurred, but the rebellion was suppressed. Jagabandhu went underground and remained at large till 1825. Legacy and Historical Debate Seen in Odisha as a symbol of early resistance to colonialism. In 2017, Odisha government demanded it be called the “first war of independence”—predating 1857. Cultural Minister in 2021 announced NCERT inclusion, calling it a major uprising. Paika Memorial and Paika Academy initiatives launched to commemorate the event. Key Takeaways Not merely a military revolt—rooted in agrarian distress, displacement, and cultural alienation. Demonstrated early signs of organized anti-colonial resistance. Its omission from early NCERT history textbooks triggered backlash in Odisha. AfaDixVax: India’s New Weapon Against Malaria Malaria Burden and New Hope Malaria kills ~400,000 globally per year, with India contributing significantly despite sharp recent declines. ICMR announces a promising candidate vaccine (AfaDixVax) for Plasmodium falciparum, to be co-developed with private players for commercial use. Though P. falciparum is more lethal, India’s cases are largely due to P. vivax, against which AfaDixVax is ineffective. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance ) Declining Trend in India (1995–2022) Reported malaria cases dropped from 2.93 million (1995) to just 0.18 million (2022). Deaths fell drastically from 1,151 (1995) to just 83 (2022). These improvements are due to enhanced surveillance by NVBDCP and WHO support, though real numbers may be underreported. What is AfaDixVax and Why it Matters Targets two P. falciparum proteins (PfCSP and Pf34/Pf48.5) using the PfCo6 protein strategy to prevent liver-stage infection. Demonstrated 90%+ protection in mice for over three months—translating to nearly a decade in humans, per ICMR. Early animal studies show robust, longer-lasting immunity, better than other vaccines. Adjuvant & Safety Advantage Contains alum as adjuvant—widely used in childhood vaccines, safe and avoids chronic inflammation risks. Compared to WHO-approved RTS,S and R21, AfaDixVax: Does not rely on CSP protein, reducing breakthrough infection risk. Induces stronger protection in pre-clinical models. Can be stored at room temperature for months, potentially solving cold chain challenges. Production, IP, and Commercial Path ICMR will develop and test the vaccine, and partner with industry for manufacturing and commercial rollout. IP rights will be jointly held by ICMR and the partner, but ICMR retains all data and rights for non-commercial use. Global Context & India’s Role Malaria is most endemic in Africa, but India’s innovation may help global fight, especially with scalable, heat-stable vaccines. AfaDixVax adds to India’s growing role in global health innovation, vaccine self-reliance, and public-private partnership models.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 23 July 2025

Content : PM JUGA – India’s Largest Tribal Village Development Scheme AI & Drone-Based Agricultural Transformation in India PM JUGA – India’s Largest Tribal Village Development Scheme Context & Significance Launched: October 2, 2024, from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Objective: All-round, all-inclusive development of over 63,000 tribal-majority villages, covering ~5 crore tribal people (≈50% of India’s ST population). Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in convergence with 17 line ministries. Total Budget: ₹79,156 crore – Centre: ₹56,333 cr | States: ₹22,823 cr Geographic Reach: 549 districts (~71% of Indian districts). Relevance : GS 1(Society ), GS 2(Social Justice) Coverage Criteria Villages with: ≥500 population with ≥50% tribal residents Villages in Aspirational Districts with ≥50 tribal residents Targets: Address critical gaps in housing, health, education, livelihood, connectivity, and governance. Sectoral Interventions – Converging Flagship Schemes Sector Target Scheme Housing 20 lakh pucca houses PM Awas Yojana – Gramin Roads 25,000 km rural roads PM Gram Sadak Yojana Healthcare 1,000 mobile units Ayushman Bharat Health Infra Mission Electricity 2.35 lakh households Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme LPG 25 lakh connections PM Ujjwala Yojana Water Piped water to all households Jal Jeevan Mission Education 1,000 hostels, upgrade Ashrams Samagra Shiksha Digital Services 5,000 villages BharatNet, Digital India Agriculture & FRA Promote farming for title holders DoAFW schemes Skill Training 1,000 VDVKs, 8,500 livestock groups Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Livestock Mission Tourism 1,000 tribal homestays Swadesh Darshan Nutrition 8,000 Anganwadis, 700 Poshan Vatikas Poshan Abhiyaan, National AYUSH Mission Fisheries 10,000 SHGs PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Health Insurance All eligible ST households PM Jan Arogya Yojana Forest Rights Expedited FRA implementation Capacity building via Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Alignment with SDGs SDG 3: Mobile health units, Anganwadis, Poshan Vatikas SDG 4: Hostels, tribal schools, Ashram school upgrades SDG 8: Tribal marketing centres, tourism, pisciculture SDG 9: Roads, housing, digital infra, electricity, LPG, tap water Case Study: Bairlutygudem, Andhra Pradesh Issue: Chronic water scarcity; dangerous treks through wildlife zones. Solution: Tap water via Jal Jeevan Mission. Outcome: Village Water & Sanitation Committee (all women-led) now maintains systems. Community ownership model replicated in other tribal hamlets. Comparison: PM JUGA vs PM JANMAN Aspect PM JANMAN PM JUGA Focus PVTGs (~28 lakh people) Broader ST population (~5 crore) Villages ~22,000 ~63,000 Start Nov 2023 Oct 2024 Approach Targeted to most vulnerable Comprehensive tribal development Decade of Tribal Welfare: Key Achievements Parameter Progress (till 2025) FRA Titles 23.88 lakh issued Scholarships 1.02 cr Post-Matric, 54.41 lakh Pre-Matric EMRS Schools 346 operational; 1.38 lakh enrolled NGO Projects 310 projects, 9.35 lakh beneficiaries VDVKs 4,465 sanctioned; 2,507 operational TRIFED Expansion 118 outlets; 3,069 empaneled suppliers NSTFDC Loans ₹383.18 cr sanctioned for 93,609 beneficiaries Budget Rise ₹4,296 cr (2013–14) → ₹14,926 cr (2025–26): +248% Cultural Empowerment Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Nov 15 (Birsa Munda’s birthday) 2024: 150th anniversary; 1+ crore participation 46,000 events across India 11 Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums sanctioned TRIs: 9 new Tribal Research Institutes set up post-2014 Governance & Monitoring Framework Gram Sabha Empowerment: FRA claim processing Capacity-building of PRI members MIS & Dashboard: Real-time tracking of scheme implementation across ministries Convergence Model: PM JUGA as template for tribal mainstreaming in national programs Critical Analysis Strengths Gaps/Challenges  Largest integrated tribal development scheme in India’s history ✘ Risk of implementation lag due to inter-ministerial coordination issues  Strong SDG alignment & outcome-based approach ✘ Last-mile delivery in difficult terrains  Community ownership (e.g., water committees) ✘ Continued vulnerability of PVTGs beyond infrastructure access  Convergence boosts cost-efficiency & accountability ✘ Monitoring & audit transparency yet to be fully institutionalized  Combines economic, social, and ecological goals ✘ Digitisation & e-services gaps in no-internet zones Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) 1. Who are PVTGs? Subset of Scheduled Tribes, most vulnerable and marginalized. Identified based on: Pre-agricultural level of technology Stagnant/declining population Extremely low literacy Subsistence-level economy 2. Key Facts Indicator Value Number of PVTGs in India 75 Total STs in India ~10.45 crore (Census 2011) Estimated PVTG population ~28 lakh States with highest PVTG presence Odisha (13), Andhra Pradesh (12), Madhya Pradesh (7), Maharashtra (3), Jharkhand (8) Ministry Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) PVTG-specific Scheme PM-JANMAN (2023) Forest Rights Act, 2006 (Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) Purpose Corrects historical injustice to forest-dwelling communities by recognizing their rights over forest land and resources. Types of Rights Under FRA Right Type Description Individual Forest Rights (IFR) Cultivation rights for STs on forest land Community Forest Rights (CFR) Rights to use and manage forest resources collectively Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) Governance rights over traditional forest territories Habitat Rights (Section 3(1)(e)) For PVTGs and nomadic tribes Conclusion PM JUGA represents a paradigm shift in tribal development, leveraging convergence, data-driven planning, and culturally sensitive implementation. Backed by a decade of scaled-up investment, the scheme positions India as a global leader in inclusive, tribal-centric development. AI & Drone-Based Agricultural Transformation in India Policy Context & Relevance India is harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technologies to revolutionize agriculture. The focus is on: Boosting crop productivity Enhancing resilience to climate change Empowering small/marginal farmers Ensuring precision farming and resource optimization Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Technology) Key AI-Driven Government Initiatives (i) Kisan e-Mitra AI-powered voice chatbot for real-time farmer assistance. Handles >20,000 farmer queries per day; answered 95 lakh+ queries to date. Supports 11 regional languages. Initially focused on PM-Kisan, now scaling to cover other schemes. (ii) National Pest Surveillance System Uses AI + ML + image recognition to detect 400+ pests across 61 crops. Helps farmers upload pest images for identification → promotes timely intervention. Utilized by 10,000+ extension workers, mitigating climate-linked crop loss. (iii) Satellite-Based Crop Mapping Uses field photos + satellite data for crop-weather matching. Enables real-time monitoring of sown areas and crop health. Drone Promotion: Financial Architecture under SMAM – Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Objective: Encourage drone adoption via targeted subsidies for: Demonstration Individual ownership Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) Beneficiary Subsidy Rate Max Limit ICAR/KVKs/SAUs/PSUs 100% ₹10 lakhs FPOs (for demo) 75% – CHCs – Cooperatives, FPOs, Entrepreneurs 40% ₹4 lakhs CHCs – Agri Graduates 50% ₹5 lakhs Individual Ownership (SC/ST/Women/NE) 50% ₹5 lakhs Other Farmers 40% ₹4 lakhs Namo Drone Didi: Women Empowerment via Drones Feature Detail Scheme Type Central Sector Time Frame 2023–24 to 2025–26 Budget ₹1,261 crore Target 15,000 drones to Women SHGs Subsidy 80% (up to ₹8 lakhs); SHGs cover 20% (via AIF loans with 3% interest subvention) Drones Distributed (2023–24) 1,094 total (500 under Namo Drone Didi) Aim Enhance women-led agri-services, reduce operational costs, and provide livelihood alternatives State-Wise Drone Distribution (As of July 2025) State SMAM Namo Drone Didi Total Andhra Pradesh 1475 96 1571 Madhya Pradesh 300 34 334 Karnataka 24 82 106 Telangana 0 72 72 Uttar Pradesh 158 32 190 Maharashtra 25 30 55 Tamil Nadu 10 17 27 Punjab 0 23 23 Gujarat 0 18 18 Total 2,122 500 2,622 Top States: AP, MP, UP, Karnataka, Telangana Lagging States: Bihar (10), Assam (9), Nagaland (2), Manipur (4) Critical Evaluation Strengths Challenges  Multi-channel AI interventions ✘ Limited AI literacy among farmers  Gender-focussed drone policy ✘ Dependency on state-level implementation capacity  Real-time pest/crop health monitoring ✘ Patchy broadband/internet connectivity in rural areas  Use of SHGs, FPOs, CHCs ensures decentralized access ✘ Data privacy and misuse concerns from image/voice-based systems Conclusion India’s push to integrate AI and drone tech in agriculture is a transformative leap toward precision farming, climate resilience, and inclusive agri-growth. From Kisan e-Mitra to Namo Drone Didi, these initiatives symbolize a convergence of Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the agri-sector.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 23 July 2025

Content China, India and the conflict over Buddhism Realities behind the global experiment of ‘remote work’ China, India and the conflict over Buddhism The Real Frontline: Not Maritime, But Monastic While headlines focus on the Indo-Pacific naval competition, the Himalayas are the actual geopolitical frontier. The contest is centered on Buddhist spiritual leadership, identity politics, and cultural influence — not conventional military tools. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) Practice Question : “The future of Himalayan geopolitics may be decided not by military confrontation, but by monastic allegiance.”Critically examine this statement in light of the Sino-Indian contest over Buddhist soft power and the Dalai Lama succession.(250 Words) Buddhism as Statecraft: China’s Long Game Since 1950s, China has used Buddhism as a tool of internal control and external influence. Key strategies: Asserting state control over reincarnation of lamas (2007 law mandates govt approval). Maintaining a database of approved lamas; co-opting monasteries. Launching Buddhist diplomacy: funding shrines, inviting monks to China, building infrastructure near sacred sites. Goal: Spiritual legitimacy = Political sovereignty. India’s Response: Moral Clout, Late Strategy Hosted Dalai Lama since 1959, but tactical engagement began only recently. Actions: Promoting India as Buddha’s birthplace. Developing Buddhist circuits in Bihar, UP, and Northeast. Limitation: India’s approach is fragmented and reactive, unlike China’s centralized soft power model. The Succession Dilemma: Two Dalai Lamas? Dalai Lama (90) plans reincarnation outside Chinese territory, likely India. China insists on selecting next Dalai Lama via Golden Urn tradition. Potential outcome: Two rival Dalai Lamas: India-backed: With Tibetan diaspora & global Buddhist support. China-backed: Installed in Lhasa under surveillance. Impact: Will polarize Buddhist populations across Ladakh, Arunachal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal. Flashpoints of the Spiritual Struggle Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh): China claims it using cultural logic — birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama. Lumbini (Nepal): China invests heavily around Buddha’s birthplace. Bhutan: China courts monasteries subtly, despite Bhutanese state control over religion. Internal Buddhist Schisms as Strategic Tools Karmapa schism: Two rival claimants — one aligned with India, another with China. Dorje Shugden sect: Rejected by Dalai Lama, but supported by China to undermine exile legitimacy. These disputes are spiritually symbolic but politically consequential. Why It Matters: Monasteries = Influence In remote Himalayan areas, soft power = hard power. Monasteries shape: Local loyalties Political preferences Cultural identity A shift in monastic allegiance can tip strategic control of entire valleys or districts. Global Implications of Succession The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation will be a global event: Countries like Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan may be forced to choose sides. For India: Opportunity: Reinforce soft power and leadership in Buddhist world. Challenge: Manage Chinese retaliation, protect border regions from ideological drift. Strategic Summary for UPSC Use Dimension India China Approach Buddhist diplomacy Buddhist statecraft Tactics Pilgrimage circuits, diaspora engagement Monastery funding, lama control Soft Power Base Dalai Lama’s moral authority Government-controlled monastic institutions Goal Preserve cultural-spiritual ties Dominate religious legitimacy to assert territorial claims Value Addition : China’s Use of Confucian-Buddhist Synthesis: Beijing blends Confucian hierarchy with Buddhist institutions to build a uniquely Chinese Buddhist model, diluting Tibetan influence. Artificial Monastic Infrastructure: China is constructing “theme–park style” Buddhist towns (e.g., in Sichuan) to attract pilgrims, redefining Buddhist spaces outside traditional Tibetan lines. Control via Religious Surveillance: China deploys facial recognition and digital surveillance in monasteries, especially in Tibet and Inner Mongolia, to preempt dissent under spiritual guise. India’s Missed Diaspora Linkages: India underutilizes its leverage over large Theravāda and Mahāyāna communities in Southeast Asia, despite shared reverence for Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. China–Myanmar–Lumbini Axis: Beijing builds strategic Buddhist corridors linking Tibet to Nepal and Myanmar, aiming to flank India’s sphere of influence from both east and west. Decline of Tibetan Language Promotion in India: China supports Sinicized Tibetan education, while India has not institutionalized preservation of Tibetan language and script among exiles. India’s Buddhist Diplomacy and QUAD: Tokyo and Washington have shown interest in Buddhist heritage cooperation — an untapped soft power plank for India within the Indo-Pacific narrative. China’s Leverage over Buddhist Aid NGOs: China funds “Buddhist development NGOs” in Nepal and Mongolia, allowing ideological penetration under the garb of aid and heritage preservation. Cyber Buddhism and Narrative Warfare: Beijing funds online Buddhist influencers, WeChat sermons, and YouTube channels to dominate Buddhist discourse digitally, sidelining Tibetan voices. India’s Constitutional Dilemma: While India constitutionally upholds secularism, China’s state-sponsored Buddhism paradoxically gives it structural power in religious diplomacy. Conclusion: Beyond monasteries and reincarnations, China’s digital, linguistic, and transnational Buddhist strategies reflect a full-spectrum contest. India must evolve beyond symbolic gestures to strategic institutional responses in the Himalayan cultural frontier. Realities behind the global experiment of ‘remote work’ Key Themes: Cultural & infrastructural resistance to remote work in India/Asia Gendered dimensions of work-from-home (WFH) Health risks & employer unease Policy & technological gaps The hybrid model as a middle path Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Social Issues) , GS 3(Economy) Practice Question : “Work-from-home is no longer a temporary adjustment, but a structural inflection point in how societies define labour, equity, and well-being.” Critically examine this statement in the Indian context, highlighting the socio-economic, gender, and governance dimensions of the remote work transition. (250 words) Global Trends vs. Indian Realities Aspect Global Trend India/Asia Ideal WFH Days 2.6/week (avg.) ~2.3 (expressed) Actual WFH Days 1.27/week (2024) ↓ 1.1/week Workplace Norms Flexible, innovation-driven Presenteeism persists Infrastructure Better broadband, home-office ergonomics Cramped housing, unreliable internet Policy Response Broadband stipends, ergonomic standards emerging Lagging regulatory response The Presenteeism Paradox Cultural inertia: In India, Japan, China – presence in office = loyalty, discipline. Managerial mindset: Remote work seen as risky, unproductive. Reality: COVID-19 proved productivity can thrive remotely. Gendered Aspirations Survey Finding: Mothers seek 2.66 remote days/week vs. 2.53 for childless women, and fewer for fathers. Dilemma: Is WFH a tool of empowerment or accommodation of unequal care burdens? Europe’s contrast: Men report slightly more remote work than women—indicative of cultural flexibility. Health: The Hidden Cost Statista 2023: Remote workers face more physical ailments (backaches, eye strain) and psychological issues (isolation, burnout). Office-centric designs vs. home setup: Ergonomic risks are greater at home. Blurred work-life boundaries fuel chronic stress. The Retreat of WFH Reasons: Falling team spirit, oversight issues. Lack of sector-specific remote tools. Resistance to shifting deeply ingrained office norms. Health risks and legal ambiguities. Gender Inequality: Reinforced or Redefined? Dual roles for women: Employee + caregiver, often without institutional support. Remote work becoming necessity rather than liberation. Men’s preference: Driven by freedom and personal development, not family duties. Policy Gaps & Recommendations For Governments: Universal broadband access as a basic right. Home-office ergonomics: Enforce minimum standards. Subsidies or tax credits for home workspace upgrades. Formal inclusion of WFH in labour codes (India’s 4 Labour Codes silent on remote rights). For Employers: Hybrid models tailored to roles (not one-size-fits-all). Digital boundaries and structured breaks to prevent burnout. Mental health support and virtual team-building. Gender audits on remote work policies to prevent new biases. India-Specific Relevance Digital divide: Still stark across rural-urban, gender, and socio-economic lines. Smart Cities Mission & PM-WANI can support WFH ecosystem via digital infrastructure. Startups/IT-BPM sector: Early adopters but now pulling back. Gig economy rise: Shows potential for remote, flexible, decentralized work. Future Outlook: A Mirror of Deeper Shifts Work-from-home is not just about flexibility. It’s a litmus test for inclusion, adaptability, and trust. The shift is not just technical or logistical—but social and psychological, demanding rethinking of: Labour laws Gender norms Urban housing Digital governance

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 23 July 2025

Content Redeeming India’s nuclear power promise How different constitutional drafts imagined India MiG-21: End of an Era Apache AH-64E Induction: A Major Leap for Indian Army Systemic Failure in Ensuring Safety of Sewer Workers Urban India 2030–2050: A Call for Action Redeeming India’s nuclear power promise India’s Nuclear Energy Pivot: Budget 2025–26 at a Glance Focus Area Budget Announcements Installed Capacity Target of 100 GW by 2047 (from 8.18 GW today) Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) ₹20,000 crore allocated to develop 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033 Private Sector Entry Legislative reforms to allow private and foreign investment Legal Reforms Pending Amendments to Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLNDA, 2010 Relevance: GS 3(Nuclear Energy) The Historical Trajectory: From Vision to Isolation to Reengagement Milestone Details 1956 Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor commissioned 1963 Work begins at Tarapore (first nuclear power reactors in Asia) 1974 Peaceful Nuclear Explosion → Global isolation 1998 Pokhran-II → Strategic negotiations begin 2008 NSG waiver allows India to re-enter the global nuclear market 2010 CLNDA introduced — slowed foreign participation due to supplier liability clause 2025 Shift toward private sector and international partnerships for scaling up nuclear power Why Nuclear Now? Rationale Behind the Shift Strategic Goal Role of Nuclear Power Energy Security Provides stable baseload power unlike intermittent renewables Decarbonisation Low-carbon option to meet Net Zero by 2070 Economic Growth Powering GDP rise from $4 trillion to $35 trillion by 2047 Urbanisation & Development India’s per capita power consumption (1,208 kWh) lags far behind China (4,600) and the U.S. (12,500) Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) accounts for ~50% of capacity but only ~20–25% of actual energy generation due to intermittency. Reforms on the Horizon: Legal, Regulatory, and Financial Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – Proposed Changes Issue Reform Needed Monopoly of NPCIL Allow private ownership & operation under safeguards Fuel Supply & Waste Responsibility Clear allocation between operator and supplier Foreign Investment FDI up to 49%, with safeguards on Indian control CLNDA, 2010 – Proposed Amendments Clause Problem Reform Section 17(b) Makes suppliers liable for accidents—deterring foreign partners Limit or re-interpret supplier liability to enable partnerships Tariff & Commercial Disputes  Current Model – Under Atomic Energy Act — Tariff notified by govt  Dispute Example  – NPCIL vs Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam led to conflicting verdicts  Reform Direction – Move to Electricity Act framework with levelised cost model under CERC Regulatory Framework Body Current Status AERB Technically autonomous, but under DAE and not a legal entity Reform Need Establish an independent, statutory regulator (Bill lapsed in 2011) Institutional Strategy: Three-Track Expansion Plan Track Objective  Standardised SMRs Use 220 MW PHWR design for scalable, indigenous Small Modular Reactors Accelerate 700 MW PHWRs Fast-track land acquisition, licensing, and local supply chains  Revive Global Partnerships Restart stalled talks with France (EDF) and U.S. (Westinghouse, GE-Hitachi) Financing & Incentivising Nuclear Power Challenge Details High capital costs ~$2M/MW for nuclear vs <$1M/MW for coal Lifecycle costs Nuclear plants last 50–60 years but need funds for decommissioning and waste Classification Not yet considered “renewable”, hence not eligible for green finance Green financing classification Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Special tax incentives for nuclear infrastructure Private Sector Involvement: Opportunities and Roadblocks Company Potential Role Tata, Adani, Reliance, Vedanta Build, operate, or co-finance new reactors NTPC-NPCIL JV Four 700 MW units at Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan REC JV New financial partnership to support nuclear infrastructure JVs with public sector units already underway — but scaling to 100 GW will require private and foreign players. Global Momentum in Nuclear Energy Event Significance COP28 (Dubai, 2023) Declaration to triple global nuclear energy IAEA–World Bank 2024 Agreement Nuclear backed as key for developing economies Ajay Banga (World Bank President) Called nuclear essential for base-load power in modern economies Conclusion: What India Must Now Do India’s nuclear renaissance must be decisive, comprehensive, and inclusive. The key pillars: Legislative reform to allow private participation while ensuring safety, accountability, and public trust Global partnerships based on updated liability and financing frameworks Institutional overhaul with an independent nuclear regulator Green classification and incentives for nuclear as low-carbon energy Fast-tracked projects combining scale (700 MW) with modular innovation (SMRs) Nuclear power is India’s best shot at clean, reliable base-load electricity, essential for a high-growth, low-carbon future. How different constitutional drafts imagined India Context: India’s Constitutional Journey Before 1950 Between 1895 and 1948, at least five major constitutional drafts were proposed by diverse political actors—liberals, radicals, socialists, and cultural nationalists. These drafts reflected competing visions of sovereignty, democracy, federalism, economic justice, and identity. Relevance : GS 2(Constitution and Polity) The Five Key Drafts: Origins & Philosophical Anchors Year Draft Author/Group Ideological Leaning 1895 Constitution of India Bill Early nationalists (e.g., B.G. Tilak) Liberal constitutionalism 1944 Constitution of Free India M.N. Roy, Radical Democratic Party Radical humanist, participatory democracy 1944 Hindusthan Free State Act Hindu Mahasabha (right-wing nationalists) Cultural nationalism + liberal guarantees 1946 Gandhian Constitution for Free India Shriman Narayan Agarwal (foreword by Gandhi) Village-centric decentralism, moral republicanism 1948 Socialist Party Draft Jayaprakash Narayan Democratic socialism Comparative Thematic Analysis 1. Democracy & Sovereignty 1895 Bill: Emphasised civil liberties and representative democracy but within British dominion. Roy’s Draft (1944): Participatory democracy with right to revolt and citizens’ committees—an anti-elitist model. Hindusthan Free State: Asserted unitary sovereignty but with democratic elements like elections and judicial review. Gandhian Draft: Sovereignty vested in self-sufficient villages, led by moral authority. Socialist Draft: Unicameral legislature based on class representation (workers, peasants, intellectuals)—radical departure from liberal democracy. 2.  Civil Liberties & Rights Draft Civil Liberties Socio-Economic Rights 1895 Bill Strong (speech, property, equality) Absent Roy (1944) Strong + Right to revolt Binding, justiciable socio-economic rights Hindusthan Free State Strong religious freedoms, anti-discrimination Minimal economic guarantees Gandhian (1946) Focus on duties/community over formal rights Rural economic self-reliance, minimal state role Socialist (1948) Civil liberties secondary Core focus: Economic democracy & equality Roy’s draft uniquely made socio-economic rights enforceable, unlike the 1950 Constitution’s non-justiciable Directive Principles. 3. Centralisation vs Decentralisation Roy & Gandhi: Advocated decentralisation but differed: Roy: Federalism + institutional oversight. Gandhi: Gram swaraj (village autonomy) rooted in moral norms. Socialists & Hindusthan Draft: Supported centralised control for economic restructuring or national cohesion. 1895: Silent on federal structure, assuming British-style parliamentary setup. The tension between unity and local autonomy was central to these early debates. 4. Economic Vision Draft Economic Model Gandhian Minimalist, rural self-reliance, trusteeship Roy Democratic economic planning, mixed economy Socialist Party State socialism, nationalisation, planning commission Hindusthan Draft Silent on redistribution, strong on cohesion 1895 Bill No mention of economic justice or planning These drafts represent the full spectrum from agrarian minimalism to radical socialism, anticipating later debates on India’s economic model. 5. Cultural Identity & Secularism Roy & Socialist drafts: Strongly pluralistic and secular. Hindusthan Free State: Advocated one culture/one law, but included explicit religious freedom, no state religion, and caste equality—an ideologically hybrid document. Gandhian: Rooted in Indian traditions, emphasised communal harmony over majoritarianism. 1895 Bill: Avoided identity politics, sticking to a neutral liberal template. 6. Unique & Surprising Features Draft Unique Element Roy Right to revolt, participatory oversight via citizens’ committees Gandhian Right to bear arms despite ahimsa orientation Hindusthan Right of secession, blending cultural nationalism with formal secularism Socialist Class-based legislature, gender equality before independence 1895 Early model of liberal rights under imperial framework Contradictions (e.g., Gandhi’s right to arms) reflect realism amid idealism—showing the complexity of state-building ideologies. Legacy & Influence on the 1950 Constitution Draft Legacy in Final Constitution 1895 Bill Civil liberties, parliamentary form, separation of powers Roy’s Draft Bill of Rights, decentralisation, participatory federalism Gandhian Idea of Panchayati Raj, trusteeship philosophy (Directive Principles) Socialist Draft Economic justice, land reform, welfare state ideas (Directive Principles) Hindusthan Free State National cohesion + formal secularism; not adopted but influenced debates on identity The 1950 Constitution synthesized diverse ideas — liberal rights, economic justice, decentralisation, and cultural pluralism — though not always in their fullest or radical form. Conclusion: The Prehistory of the Republic India’s road to constitutional democracy was not linear. These early drafts: Captured ideological ferment and competing futures Anticipated modern debates on federalism, rights, secularism, and state power Reflected a rich democratic imagination even under colonialism Though not adopted wholesale, these documents deeply influenced the spirit and substance of India’s final Constitution—testament to the pluralistic and contested origins of Indian republicanism. MiG-21: End of an Era Historical Significance India procured over 700 MiG-21 fighter aircraft since the 1960s. Originally from the Soviet Union, many units were domestically produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Served as the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet for over 5 decades. Relevance : GS 3(Defence , Internal Security) Operational Use & Combat Record Participated in multiple wars: 1971 India-Pakistan War Kargil Conflict (1999) Balakot Airstrikes (2019) – then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 using a MiG-21 Bison, before being shot down himself. Accidents & Safety Concerns Metric Value Total MiG-21 variants inducted 700 Pilots killed in crashes 170 Civilians killed in accidents 40 Common nickname “Flying Coffin” due to high crash rate  The MiG-21’s prolonged service and aging design made it a liability despite mid-life upgrades. Current Status Two squadrons remain (36 aircraft): 23 Squadron “Panthers” No. 3 Squadron “Cobras” Both stationed at Nal Airbase, Rajasthan. Future Impact After phasing out MiG-21, IAF’s squadron strength will drop to 29 (against the sanctioned strength of 42). This could affect IAF’s full-spectrum deterrence unless new aircraft are inducted swiftly (e.g., Tejas Mk-1A, Rafale, or future AMCA). Apache AH-64E Induction: A Major Leap for Indian Army Recent Induction On July 23, 2025, Indian Army received first batch of 3 Apache AH-64E helicopters from the U.S. at Hindon Airbase. Induction conducted under Joint Receipt Inspection Protocol before final deployment. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence ) Deployment Plans Will be deployed by Army Aviation Corps in Jodhpur. Focus on Western Front (Pakistan border) and high-altitude warfare (e.g., Ladakh, Siachen). Strategic Advantages Capability Details Firepower Equipped with Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, and 30mm M230 chain gun Avionics Advanced sensors, radar, night-vision, and electronic warfare capabilities Terrain Versatility Optimised for high-altitude and all-weather combat operations AI/ISR Integration Supports network-centric warfare and real-time battlefield visibility The Apache is a combat-proven platform, extensively used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and global theatres. Modernisation Push India signed a deal in 2020 for 6 Apache helicopters exclusively for the Army (separate from IAF’s 22 Apaches). Apache marks the first heavy-attack helicopter induction for Indian Army aviation. Strategic Context Boosts independent offensive strike capability for Army, especially in: Anti-armor operations Close air support Border skirmishes with China and Pakistan Comparative Force Modernisation Feature MiG-21 Apache AH-64E Entry into Service 1963 2025 (Indian Army) Role Supersonic fighter aircraft Heavy attack helicopter Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich (USSR), HAL Boeing (USA) Retirement Status Phasing out Just inducted Technological Status Obsolete State-of-the-art Strategic Implications for India IAF Combat Readiness Challenges Squadron strength shrinking to 29 vs. required 42. Urgency to expedite Tejas Mk-1A and Rafale deliveries. Risks during a two-front conflict scenario. Army Air Power Autonomy Apache enhances Army’s strike power without relying on IAF. Boosts capability in mountain warfare and border conflicts. Strengthens India’s response posture in Western and Northern theatres. Indigenisation vs. Imports While Apaches are imported, Indian push for Atmanirbhar Bharat continues with HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Rudra. Balanced approach needed: Strategic imports + indigenous development. Conclusion The MiG-21 phase-out and Apache induction together represent a generational shift in Indian military aviation: A legacy platform exits after decades of both glory and tragedy. A modern, lethal system enters, enabling new operational doctrines for the Army. These developments reflect India’s broader military modernisation drive — but also highlight critical gaps (especially in IAF’s force levels) that must be addressed swiftly to maintain credible deterrence. Systemic Failure in Ensuring Safety of Sewer Workers Over 90% of sewer-related deaths in India (2022–23) occurred without the use of any safety gear, reflecting a grim failure of institutional safeguards and persistent hazardous manual cleaning practices despite legal bans on manual scavenging. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice) Data Snapshot: Scale of the Problem Metric Value Total hazardous cleaning deaths analysed 54 deaths Time Period Covered 2022–2023 Districts Covered 17 districts States/UTs Covered 8 Total deaths (govt. data) 150 deaths Deaths without any safety gear 49 out of 54 (90.7%) Deaths with minimal PPE (gloves/gumboots) 5 cases Deaths where mechanical cleaning gear was used 2 cases only Deaths with safety training prior to work 1 case only Consent not taken before work 27 cases Consent taken but without counselling 18 cases   Structural & Legal Context Legal Provisions Manual Scavenging is outlawed under: Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 Hazardous cleaning without safety gear is illegal under: Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Rules, 2013 The MS Rules, 2013 require: Protective equipment Mechanised tools Safety training Consent and risk communication Institutional Lapses: Social Audit Insights 1. PPE Availability & Equipment Readiness In 47 of 54 deaths, no mechanized equipment or safety gear was available. Only two instances reported presence of safety equipment. Only one case showed safety training was provided. In 45 cases, concerned agencies had no equipment readiness. Reflects administrative negligence and token compliance with safety norms. 2. Consent & Worker Awareness No consent in 27 cases. In 18 cases where written consent was taken, no counselling on risks was provided. Indicates uninformed and coerced participation in hazardous work. 3. Hiring Patterns: Exploitative Structures Hiring Type No. of Cases Personally/Individually contracted 38 Government agency employed 5 Public Sector Unit but subcontracted to private 3 Shows rampant outsourcing and informalisation, diluting accountability. 4. Post-Death Response: Poor Awareness Efforts Awareness drives conducted only in 7 deaths (Chennai, Kancheepuram, Satara). Indicates reactive rather than preventive approach by authorities. Policy Update: The NAMASTE Scheme (2023) Objective: Eliminate hazardous sewer/septic tank cleaning and ensure dignity and safety for sanitation workers. Progress (as of July 2025): Metric Value Workers identified under NAMASTE 84,902 States/UTs covered 36 Provided with PPE kits/safety gear ~42,000 (just over 50%) Positive start but coverage is still halfway, training and mechanisation lag behind. Declarations vs. Ground Reality Govt. claim: Manual scavenging is eliminated. Reality: The same deaths due to manual cleaning of sewers without safety gear indicate persistence of de facto manual scavenging. Mismatch between legal abolition and lived experiences. Recommendations Legal & Administrative Reforms Enforce penal liability on contractors and officials under the MS Rules, 2013. Mandate third-party safety audits of all urban local bodies. Institutional Accountability Make mechanisation mandatory across all ULBs (urban local bodies). Maintain publicly accessible real-time dashboards for death tracking and equipment readiness. Worker-Centric Reforms Ensure full coverage of PPE kits + training under NAMASTE by 2026. Provide life insurance, health cover, and legal aid to families of victims. Broader Implications Social Justice Deficit: Marginalised communities, especially Dalits, continue to bear the brunt of sewer deaths. Policy-Implementation Gap: Repeated declarations of ending manual scavenging ring hollow unless backed by institutional transformation and mechanisation. India’s Urban Shame: In a Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat era, manual sewer deaths are a stark contradiction to urban development claims. Conclusion Despite strong laws and public schemes like NAMASTE, manual sewer cleaning remains deadly due to: Institutional apathy Informalisation of labour Weak enforcement of safety protocols Poor state capacity in local bodies The way forward lies not just in legal bans, but in mechanisation, accountability, and dignity for sanitation workers. Until then, the phrase “manual scavenging has been eliminated” will remain a bureaucratic illusion. Urban India 2030–2050: A Call for Action Key Highlights of the Report Prepared by: World Bank in collaboration with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Title: Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India. Main Forecasts: By 2050, India’s urban population to reach 951 million. By 2030, cities to generate 70% of all new employment. Estimated investment needed: $2.4 trillion by 2050 to make cities climate-resilient. If cities don’t adapt, annual flood-related losses may reach: $5 billion by 2030 $30 billion by 2050 Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Issues) Urban Resilience Challenges 1. Rising Urban Climate Risks Urban India faces two major shocks: Flooding Extreme heat Study of 10 major Indian cities (1983–2016) shows: 71% increase in dangerous heat events. Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities get hotter at night due to concrete and asphalt trapping heat. 2. Concrete Urbanization Worsens Flooding Increased construction limits rainwater absorption. Cities growing in flood-prone areas without risk adaptation. Heat-related deaths may exceed 3 lakh per year by 2050 if unaddressed. Governance & 74th Constitutional Amendment Issues 74th Amendment (1992): Provided autonomy to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Problem: Many states have not fully implemented it. Cities with greater decision-making autonomy have: Mobilized more resources. Monetized assets better. Shown higher accountability. World Bank recommends devolution of power to local governments for better urban resilience. Key Recommendations from the Report National & State-Level Reforms: Improve risk assessments. Mobilize private investments. Set urban resilience standards. Create a financing roadmap. Local Interventions: Urban greening, cool roofs, early/late work shifts to beat heat. Resilient infrastructure, particularly in high-risk flood zones. Financial Needs: $150 billion needed for flood resilience in next 15 years alone. Policy Implications for India Cities are economic growth engines but increasingly vulnerable. Climate adaptation must be mainstreamed in urban planning, especially in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. Implementation of the 74th Amendment is key to empower cities. Urban resilience needs to be viewed as an investment, not a cost.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 22 July 2025

Content : Efforts to Reduce Coal Import Dependency SASCI Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism Efforts to Reduce Coal Import Dependency Despite being the world’s second-largest coal producer, India imported 243.62 MT coal in FY 2024–25—highlighting strategic and sectoral gaps in domestic supply, especially for coking coal and coastal power plants. To reduce this dependency, the Government has launched policy reforms, production-linked incentives, and infrastructure upgrades, aiming for a 1.5 BT domestic production target by FY 2029–30 and significant foreign exchange savings. Relevance : GS 2(Governance),GS 3(Infrastructure – Energy Sector) Policy-Level Measures to Reduce Coal Import Dependency Enhanced Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ): ACQ raised to 100% of normative requirement (from 90% for non-coastal & 70% for coastal plants), increasing domestic supply and reducing import dependence. Full PPA Fulfilment via Domestic Linkages (2022): Coal companies mandated to meet full Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) needs of existing linkage holders, irrespective of ACQ/trigger level—ensures steady domestic coal for power plants. Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Reform (2020): Coking coal linkage tenure extended to 30 years under NRS linkage auction—boosts domestic usage and import substitution. Import Regulation via CIMS (2020): Import category revised from “Free” to “Free with compulsory registration” under the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS)—enables import tracking and policy response. Import Substitution Strategy (2020 onwards): Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted; Strategy Paper on Coal Import Substitution released—focus on replacing substitutable imports through domestic supply. Sector-Specific Interventions Steel Sector – New Coking Coal Policy (2024): Sub-sector created: “Steel using Coking Coal through WDO Route” under NRS auctions. Enhances washed coking coal availability; promotes domestic coking coal consumption. Coking Coal Mission: Launched to enhance domestic supply for steel sector—focus on exploration, production, washing infrastructure. Imported Coal-Based (ICB) Power Plants – SHAKTI Policy 2025: ICB plants now eligible for coal under Revised SHAKTI Policy, reducing import reliance. Also allows existing FSA holders to procure coal beyond ACQ under same policy—ensures domestic supply elasticity. Coal Production Boost: Strategic & Legal Reforms Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021: Captive coal mine owners (non-atomic) allowed to sell up to 50% of their production in open market after end-use needs are met. Commercial Coal Mining (2020 onwards): Revenue-sharing model with rebates for early production (50%) Rebates also for coal gasification/liquefaction 100% FDI allowed via automatic route Transparent bidding & liberal terms (no usage restriction, low upfront fees) Single Window Clearance + Project Management Unit (PMU): Fast-tracks environmental and statutory approvals for operationalizing coal blocks. Company-Level Steps to Enhance Domestic Production Coal India Ltd (CIL): Tech Adoption in UG mines: Continuous Miners (CMs), Longwall (LW), Highwall (HW) OC mines: High-capacity HEMM, Surface Miners, Excavators, Dumpers Digital Mining Pilots in 7 mega mines Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd (SCCL): Focus on permissions & infrastructure (CHPs, Crushers, Weigh Bins) for faster production & evacuation. Impact Assessment Import Reduction (FY24–25): Coal Imports: FY 2023–24: 264.53 MT FY 2024–25: 243.62 MT Reduction: 20.91 MT Forex Savings: ₹60,681.67 Crores in FY 2024–25 Current Import Share: Most coal demand met indigenously; imports limited to non-substitutable or essential grades (e.g., low ash coking coal). Future Vision & Infrastructure Coal Logistic Plan & Policy (Feb 2024): Focus: Build infrastructure for efficient coal evacuation. Goal: Handle projected 1.5 Billion Tonnes domestic production target by FY 2029–30 Conclusion: A Shift Toward Coal Aatmanirbharta India is executing a multi-pronged strategy: Policy flexibility (ACQ/PPA/auction reforms) Technological modernization (UG/OC mines) Legal enablement (MMDR 2021, SHAKTI 2025) Infrastructure alignment (evacuation planning) Target: Minimize non-essential coal imports and maximize self-reliance by FY 2030. SASCI Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism Objective & Strategic Vision Purpose: Transform iconic Indian tourist destinations into globally competitive tourism hubs by supporting capital investment projects by State Governments. Core Goal: Enhance end-to-end tourist experience, enable sustainable development, and drive brand India tourism internationally. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Tourism – Economic Development) Key Features of the SASCI Scheme Funding & Implementation: Central financial support under SASCI scheme until 31st March 2026. Implementation responsibility lies with State Governments. Projects must be completed within 2 years of sanction. Selection Criteria for Projects: Evaluated on parameters like: Connectivity Tourism ecosystem Carrying capacity Sustainability (ecological + operational) Marketing plans Impact & value creation Value Chain Approach: Strengthening all stages—from infrastructure, tourist experience, capacity building to branding and maintenance. Promotional Strategy Ministry actively promotes SASCI projects and Indian tourism destinations: Through social media, web platforms, global expos, and domestic outreach. Data Snapshot: FY 2024–25 SASCI Sanctions Total Projects Sanctioned: 36 Total Sanctioned Cost: ₹3,295.76 crore Project Range: From eco-tourism and spiritual circuits to MICE infrastructure, underwater museums, and urban heritage redevelopment. State-Wise Notable Projects (Examples) State Iconic Project Sanctioned Cost (₹ Cr) Uttarakhand Rishikesh Rafting Base Station 100.00 Tamil Nadu Nandavanam Heritage Park, Mammallapuram 99.67 Karnataka Roerich & Devika Rani Cultural Hub, Bengaluru 99.17 Maharashtra INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, Sindhudurg 46.91 Odisha Development of Hirakund and Satkosia (2 projects) 199.89 (Combined) Assam Assam State Zoo & Rang Ghar, Sivasagar 191.88 (Combined) Sikkim Bhaleydhunga Skywalk & Nathula Border Experience 165.56 (Combined) Goa Shivaji Museum, Ponda & Townsquare, Porvorim 188.20 (Combined) Madhya Pradesh Orchha Medieval Splendour & Bhopal MICE Centre 199.30 (Combined) Telangana Ramappa Circuit & Somasilla Spiritual Retreat 141.84 (Combined) Thematic Clusters (Across India) Eco-Tourism & Lakes: Ashtamudi (Kerala), Umiam Lake (Meghalaya), Tilaiyya (Jharkhand), Loktak (Manipur) Spiritual & Cultural Tourism: Bateshwar (UP), Shrawasti (Buddhist Circuit, UP), Bhaghat Singh Heritage Street (Punjab) Adventure & Nature: Pasighat (Arunachal), Nathula Border (Sikkim), Garden of Flowers (TN) MICE & Convention Hubs: Bhopal, Mawkhanu (Meghalaya), Dhordo (Gujarat), Raipur (Chhattisgarh) Heritage Conservation: Gandikota (AP), Jalmahal & Amber (Rajasthan), Rang Ghar (Assam) Strategic Outcomes Expected Tourism-led job creation in Tier-2/3 cities and rural belts. Improved global competitiveness of India’s tourism offering. Strengthened State-Centre tourism federalism. Increased tourist footfall, domestic and international. Boost to India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power. Looking Ahead: Targets & Alignment Timeline Alignment: Schemes align with India’s Vision @2047 tourism goals & G20 heritage tourism push. Convergence Potential: SASCI could align with: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Dekho Apna Desh PM Gati Shakti (for connectivity support)

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 22 July 2025

Content : The threat to India’s ‘great power’ status At FTA’s heart, the promise of Global Capacity Centres The threat to India’s ‘great power’ status Core Argument India’s rise as a great power depends on a multipolar world order. U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran risks cementing U.S.-led unipolarity in West Asia, undermining India’s strategic autonomy, energy security, and regional influence. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : How does India’s commitment to a multipolar world shape its responses to U.S. foreign policy in West Asia? Analyse with reference to Iran. (250 words) Key Themes and Arguments 1. Multipolarity vs Unipolarity India champions multipolarity, viewing U.S.-led unipolarity as antithetical to its great power ambitions. Delhi aligns with Russia and China on this foundational goal, even as it partners with the U.S. on other fronts. U.S. regime-change operations (e.g., in Iran or Syria) reinforce unipolar dominance, harming India’s strategic flexibility. 2. Geopolitical Risks of an Iran War A U.S.-Israel war against Iran may: Trigger regime change or Balkanisation of Iran. Leave no significant non-U.S.-aligned state in West Asia. Increase India’s energy vulnerability, as supplies would be solely from U.S.-dependent Gulf monarchies. Shrink India’s negotiating space with Gulf, Israel, and alternate powers. 3. Strategic Autonomy Eroded India’s balanced diplomacy — engaging Iran, Syria, Russia — will weaken if Iran is overthrown. Post-Assad Syria has already reduced India’s influence; Iran’s fall would worsen it. 4. Growing Tensions with the West Trump sanctions (e.g., 100% secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers) show Western impatience with India’s autonomy. U.K. media branding India an “enemy” over defence ties with Russia signals deeper ideological discord. 5. India’s Options India must use its leverage to urge restraint on Iran from U.S.: Highlight how instability harms U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy (India weakened vs China). Offer quid pro quo via influence on Russia/Ukraine stance. Urge the U.S. to accept multipolarity as a more stable alternative than endless great power wars. India’s Dilemma Strategic alignment with U.S. (countering China) vs ideological commitment to multipolarity. India’s continued refusal to isolate Russia and engagement with Iran shows its resistance to bloc politics. Additional Dimensions: Energy Security & Strategic Autonomy Iran has historically been a vital component of India’s crude oil diversification strategy. Post-2019 U.S. sanctions forced India to halt Iranian imports, increasing reliance on Gulf allies under U.S. influence. Strategic autonomy in energy policy is threatened if all suppliers fall under one power bloc. Chabahar Port & INSTC Implications Destabilization in Iran would derail India’s investment and strategic access via Chabahar Port, a critical node in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Weakening Iran undermines connectivity to Central Asia and Russia — vital for India’s Eurasian strategy. Balancing West Asian Power Blocs India’s unique diplomatic capital in West Asia stems from engaging all regional powers — Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Removal of Iran would eliminate that balance, pushing India into narrower strategic options and loss of leverage. Defense & Technology Partnerships Indian defense diversification (e.g. S-400s from Russia, naval platforms from Iran) is a hedge against dependency on U.S./Western tech. A West Asia fully aligned with U.S. could impact India’s space, missile, and cyber cooperation with non-Western partners. Global South Leadership Role Championing multipolarity enhances India’s credibility among Global South nations wary of U.S. dominance. Taking a principled stand on Iran and resisting bloc alignment signals India’s independent leadership in shaping equitable global governance. Conclusion: India’s vision of multipolarity is fundamentally at odds with U.S.-led unipolarity, making its alignment with Western bloc interests on Iran or West Asia increasingly unlikely. Preserving regional balance and engaging diverse partners like Iran is not just economic strategy but a core component of India’s rise as an independent global pole. At FTA’s heart, the promise of Global Capacity Centres Context & Significance India–U.K. FTA is nearing finalisation, with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) identified as a key pillar. GCCs are evolving from back-office hubs to strategic centres for innovation, analytics, R&D, cybersecurity, and emerging tech. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : “Global Capability Centres (GCCs) represent a new frontier in India–U.K. economic relations.” Discuss the role of the proposed India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement in unlocking the full potential of GCCs. (250 words) India’s GCC Advantage 1,500+ GCCs in India employ ~1.9 million people. India is the global leader in GCC expansion, offering cost efficiency, digital talent, and scalability. Government (MeitY-led panel) and states (e.g., U.P. GCC conclave) actively promoting a National GCC Framework. U.K.’s Strategic Interests Seeks post-Brexit economic diversification via services trade. British firms increasingly view India as a tech & innovation partner. U.K. gains access to one of the fastest-growing digital economies through the FTA. FTA as a Catalyst for GCC Growth Can help remove double taxation, data localisation, and standards misalignment. Enables cross-border mobility of professionals, IP protection, and digital governance harmonisation. Strengthens innovation corridors and co-development of next-gen tech. Institutional & Knowledge Partnerships UKIBC consultations identified governance reforms and global best practices to shape India’s GCC trajectory. National vs State GCC policies debate raised: Coordination vs healthy competition. Highlighted need for talent diversity and managing functional diversity of GCCs (finance, legal, analytics, etc.). Economic Diplomacy & GCCs GCCs as a soft power tool of India’s economic diplomacy. FTA-linked diplomacy can help India: Climb the global value chain Improve R&D inflows and outsourcing sophistication Position itself as a high-value service economy Additional Dimensions : 1. Skill Development & Education Alignment Role of National Education Policy (NEP) and Skill India in aligning talent for GCCs. UK–India higher education partnerships (e.g., Twinning programmes, AI research) can supply talent. 2. ESG & DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) GCCs increasingly adopt global ESG and DEI norms—UK partnership could accelerate social standards. 3. Cybersecurity and Data Sovereignty GCCs in India are handling sensitive financial & tech data—FTA must address mutual data governance trust. 4. Start-up and SME integration Scope for linking UK tech start-ups with Indian GCCs for R&D scaling and piloting innovations. Conclusion The India–U.K. FTA presents a historic opportunity to redefine bilateral economic ties by strengthening the GCC ecosystem — the nerve centre of services trade, innovation, and talent. A well-calibrated agreement, addressing regulatory frictions and mobility barriers, can transform GCCs into the foundation of a resilient, knowledge-based corridor between two global service powerhouses.