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Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 04 August 2025

Content: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’ Another slip up by India in the trade pact with the U.K. The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’ Core Argument India’s steps toward a “Right to Repair”—via a proposed Repairability Index, e-waste incentives, and DPI policies—are welcome. However, these overlook the informal repair ecosystem, which holds vital tacit knowledge—non-codified, experience-driven expertise—critical for sustainability, economic resilience, and digital justice. The article argues for a broader rights framework that includes a “Right to Remember”—to preserve and support hands-on, culturally rooted repair knowledge. Relevance : GS 3( Environment , Employment ,Technology ) , GS 2(Governance) Practice Question : Discuss the role of informal repair ecosystems in India’s circular economy. How can AI and public policy frameworks be reoriented to preserve and integrate tacit repair knowledge? (250 words) India’s Current Policy Landscape on Repair Recent Positive Developments Repairability Index (May 2025): Will rank electronics based on ease of repair, spare part access, and software support. New E-waste Policies: Introduced minimum payments to encourage formal recycling. Right to Repair Portal (2023): Covers electronics, automobiles, farm equipment (launched by Dept. of Consumer Affairs). Mission LiFE & NSAI: Promote circular economy, sustainable tech, and AI innovation. Key Gaps & Blind Spots E-Waste Rules 2022: Focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) but mention repair only in passing. PMKVY Skilling Framework: Prioritises standardised, formal industrial roles, ignoring diagnostic improvisation and creative reuse. NEP 2020: Emphasises experiential learning but offers no real support for hands-on repair traditions. AI and DPI Policy: Largely ignore informal knowledge systems despite relying on their insights indirectly. The Importance of Tacit Knowledge What is Tacit Knowledge? Non-verbal, experiential knowledge passed down through observation, mentorship, and muscle memory. Examples: Diagnosing faults via smell, sound, or feel, reusing discarded parts, improvising tools. Real-World Examples Mobile fixers in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, technicians in Chennai’s Ritchie Street, and appliance repairers in Bhopal keep devices alive beyond planned obsolescence. Quote: “He never explained with words. He just showed me once, and expected me to try.” Challenge with AI & Tech Policy AI systems benefit from repair knowledge (e.g. data from breakdowns), yet contributors are unacknowledged. Risk: Rising tech efficiency while local repairers remain excluded and invisible. Global Context & Comparative Policy European Union: Introduced legal mandates for manufacturers to provide repair documentation and spare parts. UN SDG-12: Repair is explicitly part of responsible consumption and production. India is lagging in equitably integrating its informal repair sector into these frameworks. Data-Driven Insights Indicator Value India’s e-waste generation (2021-22) 1.6 million tonnes Global rank in e-waste production 3rd largest iFixit (2023) repairability score (Asia smartphones) Only 23% were easily repairable Informal sector share in repair economy Estimated 70–80% (various NITI Aayog/NSDC studies) Concept of “Unmaking” Unmaking = disassembly, repair, reuse as core design principles. Shifts focus from consumption to longevity. Encourages design feedback loops, highlights product design flaws, and opens up space for local innovation. AI-Enabled Pathways for Repair Justice Institutional Actions Needed Ministry/Agency Recommended Intervention MeitY Embed repairability criteria in AI procurement & standards Dept. of Consumer Affairs Expand Right to Repair to include community-based repair classification Ministry of Labour (e-Shram) Recognise informal repairers; provide access to social protection Ministry of Skill Development Develop non-linear, improvisation-oriented training modules Tech-Based Knowledge Preservation Use LLMs (e.g. ChatGPT, Bhashini) to codify, summarise, and translate tacit narratives. Build decision trees and repair path libraries without removing local context. Create community-generated repair repositories, like “Repair Wikis”. Economic & Environmental Significance Informal repairers help reduce: E-waste Carbon footprints Import dependency on electronics Enable cost-effective access to essential digital devices for low-income users. Promote self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in electronics servicing. Another slip up by India in the trade pact with the U.K. Core Issue Chapter 13 of CETA, titled “Intellectual Property”, includes Article 13.6 which states that the “preferable and optimal route” to ensure access to medicines is through voluntary licensing, not compulsory licensing. This represents a significant shift from India’s historical stance at the WTO and other multilateral platforms. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Practice Question : In light of the India-UK CETA provisions on intellectual property, critically examine how free trade agreements may dilute domestic safeguards for public health and technology access in India. (250 words) Impact on Access to Medicines Dilution of Compulsory Licensing Regime Compulsory licensing (CL) is a key safeguard under India’s Patents Act (2005 amendment) in line with TRIPS flexibilities. Case Study (2012): India issued CL to Natco Pharma for sorafenib tosylate (anti-cancer drug): Bayer’s price: ₹2,80,428/month Natco’s price: < ₹8,800/month Result: 97% price reduction; improved accessibility. Current CETA Provision Risks Promotes voluntary licensing (VL) as the default mechanism, weakening India’s right to issue CLs. Erodes the Doha Declaration on TRIPS & Public Health (2001): Declared every WTO member has the freedom to determine CL grounds. India had led this coalition of developing countries at the time. Weakening of Patent “Working” Requirement Under Section 84 of the Patents Act, CL can be issued if the invention is not “worked” (i.e. not manufactured or used) in India. Patent Rules (pre-FTA): Annual disclosure required on whether patent is being “worked”. Dilution via FTAs: India-EFTA FTA (2024): Reduced frequency of working disclosures to once every 3 years. India-UK CETA (2025): Reinforces this dilution — less monitoring, fewer triggers for CL. Voluntary Licensing: Why It’s Problematic Weak Bargaining Power Domestic generic companies often have little leverage to negotiate fair terms with Big Pharma. Restrictive Terms Imposed by Patent Holders MSF Findings: Voluntary licences can: Limit supply of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Impose geographic restrictions on licensees Undermine affordability Real-World Evidence: Remdesivir Cipla’s production under VL from Gilead (2020): Indian price (Cipla): Higher (in PPP terms) than US price (Gilead) Contradicts assumptions that VL leads to affordability. Undermining Global Technology Transfer Demands Historical Context India’s long-standing call for “technology transfer on favourable terms” dates back to: UNGA Resolution on New International Economic Order (1974) Linked to industrialisation and environmental goals of developing countries. Implication of CETA Language The absence of assertive clauses on mandatory tech transfer weakens India’s: Climate negotiations leverage Industrial policy goals under initiatives like Make in India, Startup India Latest Government Report India’s 4th Biennial Update Report to UNFCCC (2024): “Barriers like slow international technology transfer and IPRs hinder rapid adoption of clean technologies.” Yet, CETA moves away from remedying these barriers. Legal and Parliamentary Concerns 2005 Patent Act Amendment: Passed unanimously by Indian Parliament after Joint Parliamentary Committee scrutiny. Carefully designed to preserve TRIPS flexibilities. CETA’s provisions compromise the spirit of this legislation without parliamentary debate. Broader Concerns India’s Global South Leadership Weakens: Erodes India’s moral high ground in WTO debates and G77+China negotiations. Public Health Vulnerability: Could delay or block the affordable production of lifesaving medicines, especially during health emergencies (e.g. pandemics). Climate Strategy Undermined: Loss of tech transfer leverage will affect India’s Net Zero 2070 roadmap and renewable R&D.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 August 2025

Content Bio-fortified potatoes to hit Indian market soon Farming under the shadow of guns How does the World Bank classify countries by income? How will railway to Sairang help in regional connectivity? Why is Hong Kong regulating and licensing stablecoins? ‘Anything that moves, NISAR will see with unprecedented fidelity’ ‘Bio-fortified potatoes to hit Indian market soon’ Context and Background Biofortification: Nutritional enhancement of crops through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. Potato’s Role in India: India is the 2nd largest producer of potatoes globally (FAO, 2023). Key food crop for nutritional security and income in states like UP, WB, Bihar, and Punjab. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) What’s New? Bio-fortified Potato with Iron: First such variety released in Peru by the International Potato Center (CIP). Iron fortification aims to combat iron-deficiency anaemia – a major public health issue in India. Bio-fortified Sweet Potatoes with Vitamin A: Already introduced in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. These varieties are part of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) campaign against Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). Institutional Ecosystem International Potato Center (CIP): Global CGIAR research body based in Peru. Focuses on genetic improvement and agronomic practices for tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes). Now setting up its South Asia Regional Centre in Agra, India – a major institutional milestone. ICAR – Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla: Nodal Indian body for potato R&D. Currently evaluating germplasm for Indian agro-climatic suitability and biosafety. Health Relevance Iron Deficiency in India: NFHS-5 (2019–21): 67.1% of children, 57% of women (15–49) are anaemic. Fortified potatoes can become a household nutritional staple alongside rice and wheat. Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD): Major cause of preventable blindness and child mortality. WHO: Affects ~250 million preschool children worldwide. Biofortified sweet potatoes can be a game-changer in combating VAD in rural India. Agricultural and Economic Implications Seed Dissemination Plans: CIP plans to make iron- and vitamin A-rich potato seeds accessible to small and marginal farmers. Enhanced input-output ratio, especially in regions dependent on tuber crops for livelihood. Market Impact: Biofortified crops may increase consumer demand, opening new domestic and export markets. Aligns with India’s “Eat Right” and “POSHAN Abhiyaan” missions. Policy and Global Relevance Global Alignment: Supports UN SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Part of India’s commitments to food-based approaches to nutrition at global platforms (e.g., G20, World Food Programme). National Missions Linkage: National Bio-Energy Mission and National Nutrition Strategy emphasize innovation in crop productivity with nutritional outcomes. Complements Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)‘ outreach to farmers. Challenges Ahead Regulatory Clearance: Varieties must clear ICAR’s biosafety and field adaptability tests. Farmer Awareness and Adoption: Need for targeted extension programs and pricing incentives. Supply Chain Readiness: Cold storage, logistics, and market linkages need upgrading for perishable fortified crops. Farming under the  shadow of guns Contextual Background Conflict Trigger: Ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meiteis (valley-based) and Kuki-Zo communities (hill-based), resulting in over 250 deaths. Key Geography: Khoirentak Khuman village, a Kom tribal area in the buffer zone, lies in Churachandpur district (Kuki-Zo area) but is administratively under Moirang sub-division, Bishnupur district (Meitei area). These overlapping jurisdictions reflect the administrative duality contributing to insecurity and governance issues. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) Security Architecture in Buffer Zone Three-tier Security Layer: CRPF: Manned the central buffer midline. BSF: Positioned on both sides of the buffer zone, stationed along the ‘high canal’ and foothills; maintains movement registers. Army & Assam Rifles: Deeper into both valley and hills, manage overarching security 24×7. Incidents of Violence: A Meitei farmer was shot and injured on July 19, 2024, in Phubala while working under heavy security, showing that perceived security does not ensure safety. Impact on Agriculture Data on Losses: COCOMI Farmers’ Wing Findings: 2023: 9,720 hectares left uncultivated → 32,263.76 metric tonnes rice production loss. 2024: Area left fallow dropped to 7,084.586 hectares. May 2025 (Pre-Kharif): Non-cultivated area rose again to 7,290.406 hectares. 2023 Estimates by Loumee Shinmee Apunba Lup: Loss in crop area: 9,719 hectares on valley fringes. Income loss: ₹211.41 crore. Paddy’s Share: 93.36% of total agricultural and allied production. Government Compensation: Ministry of Home Affairs relief: ₹38.06 crore for 5,127.08 hectares. COCOMI says this is only a fraction of actual losses. District-wise Situation: Bishnupur: Worst affected: 5,288 hectares (54.4% of land) left uncultivated in 2023. Only 1,419.794 hectares reclaimed in 2024. Khoirentak Khuman & Thamnapokpi: Farmers allowed to cultivate only up to 100m from high canal, despite official order allowing up to 300m or more. Socio-Political Fallout Population Displacement: Total displaced: ~62,000 people. Majority: Kuki-Zo from Imphal Valley. ~8,000 Meiteis displaced from valley fringes due to hill raids. Allegations of Land Usurpation: Meitei leaders allege Kuki-Zo takeover of ~300 hectares of farmland in buffer zones. Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum declined to comment. Sense of Injustice: Meitei farmers express helplessness at watching new settlers cultivate their land while they remain barred from entry. Emerging Trends & Administration’s Response Change in Tone Post President’s Rule (Feb 13, 2025): Administration claims improved coordination and mixed-farming resumption (Meiteis & Kukis farming “eyeball-to-eyeball”). Appeal for Peace: Ex-CS Prashant Kumar Singh urged civil society to not escalate minor incidents. Ground Reality Disconnect: Despite administrative orders, ground-level access remains restricted. Farmer confidence remains fragile, as highlighted by villagers and grassroots leaders like Muton. Policy Lens Governance Gap: Ethnic fault lines have exposed deep administrative ambiguities and challenges in maintaining territorial integrity and equitable access to land. Security vs. Livelihood: The militarised buffer zone intended for peacekeeping has become an agricultural dead zone, severely hurting food security and rural livelihoods. Relief Inequity: A mismatch between compensation disbursed and actual economic loss reflects a policy implementation failure. Fragile Reconciliation: Efforts to encourage joint farming are commendable but remain fragile and dependent on sustained security presence. Policy Suggestions Immediate: Expand area domination with civilian farming corridors. Neutral arbitration for land ownership disputes. Enhance psychosocial support and conflict resolution at village level. Medium-Term: Establish a Manipur Agrarian Rehabilitation Authority for: Transparent compensation. Buffer-zone re-cultivation schemes. Crop insurance for conflict-affected zones. Long-Term: Institutionalise ethnic reconciliation through joint farming cooperatives. Reimagine buffer zones as peace corridors with integrated rural development. How does the World Bank classify countries by income? Core Framework: World Bank Income Classification Purpose: Provides a standard method for comparing national incomes globally. Classification Groups: Low-income: ≤ $1,135 Lower-middle income: $1,136–$4,495 Upper-middle income: $4,496–$13,935 High-income: ≥ $13,936 Metric Used: Gross National Income (GNI) per capita → Includes domestic + income from abroad. Relevance : GS 3(Growth and Development ) , GS 2(International Relations) Methodology of Calculation Currency Conversion: GNI figures converted to USD using Atlas exchange rates. Annual Adjustment: Thresholds revised yearly based on global inflation (not relative economic performance). Absolute Nature: A country’s status is independent of others’ growth—purely based on whether it crosses a fixed threshold. Origin and Evolution of the System Initiated: Late 1980s. Initial Purpose: To guide lending decisions—e.g., eligibility for concessional loans like IDA. Over time: Decoupled from operational decisions; now mainly used for economic comparison and monitoring progress. Trends in Global Income Distribution (2004–2024) 2004: Low-income population: 37% of global total. Upper-middle income population: <10%. 2024: Low-income population: <10% — massive reduction in global poverty. Upper-middle income population: 35% — surge in economic advancement. Countries That Slid Down Examples of Downward Mobility: Syria and Yemen fell from lower-middle to low-income in 2017 due to conflict and collapse of GDP. Triggers: War, currency depreciation, population revisions, prolonged recession. Upward Mobility: General Trends Most countries show positive movement over 2–3 decades. Examples of Progress: India: 2004: Lower-middle income. 2024: On the cusp of upper-middle income; GNI per capita around $2,700–$2,900 (as per recent estimates). China: Crossed into upper-middle income around 2010. Now approaching high-income threshold. Why These Classifications Matter for Policy Targeting Aid & Development Programs: Income groupings guide international aid, development priorities, and eligibility for concessional finance. Benchmark for National Policy: Helps assess progress under schemes like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, Skill India, etc. Investors & Analysts: Use income classification to assess country risk and market potential. Limitations & Criticisms GNI per capita masks inequality: Rising averages can hide internal disparities. Currency fluctuations: Reclassification can occur due to exchange rate volatility, not real income changes. Absolute thresholds can delay recognition of structural poverty improvements or declines. India’s Relevance in Global Context (2024) Status: Lower-middle income, close to threshold of $4,496. Policy Goals: Achieve upper-middle income status by early 2030s. Reduce dependency on external aid; shift to regional development leadership. Structural Enablers: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): UPI, CoWIN, ONDC. Manufacturing push: PLI schemes. Welfare inclusion: DBT, Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM trinity). How will railway to Sairang help in regional connectivity? Project Overview: Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line Length: 51.38 km (gauge-converted from metre to broad gauge) Location: From Bairabi (on Assam-Mizoram border) to Sairang (18 km short of Aizawl) Sanction Year: 2000 (as part of gauge conversion) Construction Began: 2008-09 Commissioning: Received safety clearance in June 2025; inauguration awaited Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) Engineering and Infrastructure Highlights Tunnels: 48 (Total length: 12.85 km) Bridges: 142 (One of them had India’s tallest railway pier) Casualties: 18 workers lost lives in August 2023 bridge collapse Cost: Over ₹5,020 crore Challenges: Highly landslide-prone, hilly terrain Inclement weather and logistics constraints Shortage of skilled manpower Strategic Importance for Mizoram Pre-existing Rail Connectivity: Only 1.5 km metre-gauge track (Bairabi to Assam’s Silchar) Travel Impact: Current road travel (Aizawl-Silchar): ~5 hours Train via Sairang: ~1.5 hours Economic Boost: Lower logistics costs Expansion of tourism and local trade Reduced truck dependency Connectivity Impact: The railhead serves as a key node linking Mizoram to the broader Indian rail network Geostrategic & Act East Policy Relevance Act East Policy (2014): Successor to 1991’s Look East Policy; aims to transform Northeast into India’s ASEAN gateway Sairang’s Role: Facilitates future transhipment from India-funded Sittwe Port (Myanmar) Potential future link to Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project (if completed) Enhances security logistics and economic diplomacy with ASEAN Rail & Road Corridors under Act East Policy: Dimapur–Zubza (Nagaland): 82.5 km project (on track) Imphal–Moreh (Manipur): Affected by ethnic unrest Asian Highway 1: Links Assam → Kohima → Imphal → Moreh (gateway to Myanmar) Barriers to Regional Integration Myanmar Crisis: Military coup (Feb 2021) led to civil war; halted India–Myanmar connectivity plans Bangladesh Instability: Fall of Sheikh Hasina govt (Aug 2024) has stalled critical cross-border projects Delayed Projects: Kaladan Project: Cost: ₹2,904 crore Aim: Reduce Aizawl–Kolkata distance by 1,000 km Current Status: Delayed Agartala–Akhaura Railway: Goal: Link Tripura to Kolkata via Chittagong Port Status: Stalled amid Bangladesh political turmoil Act East Policy: Infrastructure Progress (2014–2025) Parameter 2014–15 2024–25 Change Budget Allocation for NE ₹36,108 crore ₹1,00,000+ crore ↑ ~300% Railway Tracks Built – 800+ km New connectivity Highways Built – 10,000+ km Enhanced road linkages Airports Established – 8 new airports Improved air mobility Inland Waterways – Several initiated Intermodal transport growth Conclusion: Balancing Progress with Geopolitical Risk Domestic Achievement: The Sairang project marks a major step in domestic integration of Mizoram with India’s rail network. International Setbacks: Regional volatility in Myanmar and Bangladesh has significantly hindered India’s outward Act East ambitions. Way Forward: Stabilize and secure India’s northeastern border states Strengthen trilateral cooperation with ASEAN via Japan, BIMSTEC, or Quad frameworks Expedite critical infrastructure like Kaladan for seamless trade access Why is Hong Kong regulating and licensing stablecoins? Background: What are Stablecoins? Definition: Cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset (fiat currency, commodity, or algorithmic logic) to reduce volatility. Types: Fiat-backed: e.g., USDT (pegged to USD), issued by Tether. Crypto-backed: e.g., DAI, backed by Ethereum-based collateral. Algorithmic: e.g., UST (now defunct), regulated by code rather than reserves. Use Cases: Trading pair within crypto exchanges. Protection against local currency depreciation (e.g., Turkey, Argentina). Cross-border remittances (low cost, fast settlement). Daily transaction utility in cash-scarce economies. Relevance : GS 3( Economy ) Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance (Effective August 1, 2025) Prohibitions: Illegal to offer or market unlicensed fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) to retail investors in Hong Kong. Mandatory Licensing Requirements: Licence from HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority). Reserve Management: Backed by fiat or other approved assets. Reserve transparency and redemption mechanisms mandatory. Compliance Protocols: Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) safeguards. Independent audits and asset disclosures. Limited Licenses: Initial phase: only a “handful” of licences will be granted to maintain systemic trust. Why Regulation is Necessary: Data & Global Trends Metric Value Global stablecoin circulation (2025) $250+ billion USDT supply (as of July 2025) 163.75 billion USDT Stablecoin Rank USDT: 4th largest cryptocurrency by market cap Systemic Risk: Rapid issuer expansion can undermine trust if reserves are unverified. Historical Collapse: Terra-LUNA (May 2022) – stablecoin UST lost peg → wiped billions of dollars in market cap → global contagion. International Regulatory Landscape USA – GENIUS Act (2025): 100% Reserve Mandate: Stablecoins must be fully backed by USD or short-term Treasuries. Monthly Disclosures: Issuers must publish reserve composition. Marketing Rules: Protect consumers from deceptive promotion. Japan: Regulates stablecoins under Payment Services Act. Limits issuance to licensed banks and money transfer agents. Singapore: Licensing under Payment Services Act (PSA). MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) mandates capital and operational risk requirements. Volatility Despite Stability? Stablecoin Peg Notable Deviation USDT USD Dropped to $0.92 UST USD Collapsed to $0.01 Causes: Redemption pressures, loss of confidence, poor reserve transparency. Impact: Loss of investor wealth, liquidation crises on exchanges, regulatory crackdowns. India’s Relevance: What Can Be Learnt? Policy Lessons for India: India lacks a dedicated stablecoin law; oversight falls under broader crypto restrictions via RBI. Recommendations: Designate stablecoins as a separate class from volatile cryptocurrencies. Mandate reserve disclosure norms with regular audits. Implement licensing and KYC norms like Hong Kong to manage cross-border risk and illicit flows. Fintech & Digital Rupee Nexus: India’s CBDC (e₹) under RBI offers state-backed stability. But privately issued stablecoins could foster: Faster remittances (₹84 billion/month in inward remittances). Trade settlement in rupee-linked tokens. Regulatory sandbox may explore pilot cases, akin to Singapore’s innovation-driven model. Way Forward – Global Coordination Needed G20 FSB (Financial Stability Board) guidance needed to avoid: Regulatory arbitrage Cross-border misuse of unregulated stablecoins BIS Recommendations (2023): Stablecoins should be: Subject to banking-like regulation Held to “same risk, same regulation” principles Conclusion Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance marks a shift from crypto-libertarianism to centralised accountability. It balances innovation with risk mitigation, offering a regulatory template for jurisdictions like India. In the long run, global crypto financial systems may hinge on interoperable, transparent, and auditable stablecoin ecosystems. ‘Anything that moves, NISAR will see with unprecedented fidelity’ Mission Overview: Launch Date: July 31, 2025 Agencies: Jointly developed by NASA (USA) and ISRO (India) Launch Vehicle & Site: Launched aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota Satellite Type: Earth Observation Satellite with dual-frequency SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) – a global first Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Technological Breakthroughs: Dual-frequency SAR: Uses L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radars First satellite globally to integrate two radar frequencies on a single platform High-resolution imaging: Detects surface movements <1 cm over areas as small as half a tennis court Massive Reflector: 12-meter (≈40 feet) deployable reflector Would require a 5-mile solid antenna to match resolution without SAR Core Capabilities: Surface Deformation Mapping: Detects subtle shifts in earth’s crust: useful for volcanoes, landslides, earthquakes Forest Monitoring: Tracks deforestation, biomass changes, and carbon stock Disaster Prediction & Response: Identifies land instability and wildfire risks (via dry fuel detection) Post-disaster Assessment: Monitors building shifts, infrastructure damage after earthquakes Agricultural Monitoring: Precision farming, crop monitoring, soil moisture mapping Strategic and Scientific Relevance: Climate Change Mitigation: Monitors glacial retreat, sea-level rise, ground subsidence Planetary Science Linkages: Data can improve models of planetary interiors (e.g., Mars tectonics) Data for Global Earth System Models: Enhances simulation accuracy for hydrological, geological, and atmospheric changes Calibration Challenges & Innovations: Cross-Band Calibration: L-band and S-band feeds are slightly offset; calibrated using corner reflectors Thermal Load Issues: Reflector had to be redesigned with heat-resistant coatings after thermal vacuum testing revealed overheating risks COVID-induced Delays: Remote collaboration, in-person testing disruption led to 11-year build time Early Adopters Program: 200+ Early Adopters Globally: Farmers, insurers, geologists, infrastructure firms, and climate modelers are preparing to use NISAR data Use-Cases: Earthquake early warning systems Infrastructure stress mapping (railways, dams) Risk models for insurance and disaster finance Monitoring crop yield patterns for food security Commercial & Industrial Demand: Widespread Commercial Utility: 75% of NASA’s Earth Observation users are from .com domains 75% of Fortune 100 companies already use EO data Sectors: Agriculture, Insurance, Finance, Transportation, Urban Planning Expected Applications from NISAR: Customized analytics for climate-resilient infrastructure Precision agriculture for yield optimization Urban risk zoning and planning International Collaboration & Diplomacy: NASA-ISRO Partnership: A landmark in Indo-US space diplomacy NISAR becomes a symbol of South-North tech collaboration in climate resilience and disaster management Technology Transfer: Expertise from JPL’s planetary radar missions now powering earth observation systems Cost & Engineering Complexity: Mission Duration: 11 years in making Engineering Feats: Coordination of dozens of subsystems, radar alignment precision Overcame pandemic disruptions, transcontinental assembly and testing Future Prospects: Open-Access Data Policy: ISRO is expected to follow a similar free and open access model Capacity Building in South Asia: Potential for data-driven capacity building for disaster response in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Potential Legacy: Could catalyze a new generation of hybrid remote sensing satellites combining radar, optical, and hyperspectral instruments

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 August 2025

Content Relief for Households: Inflation Eases Infrastructure development for Judiciary Relief for Households: Inflation Eases After months of inflationary pressure, recent data shows a clear cooling of prices, easing household burdens and boosting consumption, especially in rural India. Simultaneously, India’s robust export growth and structural reforms are strengthening macroeconomic stability, positioning the country firmly on its path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy- Inflation) GDP Growth: India’s real GDP grew at 6.5% in FY 2024–25 (MoSPI), expected to continue in FY 2025–26 (RBI). By 2030, India is projected to become the 3rd largest economy with GDP of $7.3 trillion. Growth Drivers: Strong domestic demand. Youth-dominated demographic dividend. Ongoing structural reforms (logistics, compliance, tax policies). Inflation Trends – Retail & Wholesale Wholesale Price Index (WPI): June 2025 WPI inflation: –0.13% YoY. Key contributors to decline: Food items, crude oil, mineral oils, basic metals. WPI Food Index: declined to –0.26% YoY. Consumer Price Index (CPI): June 2025 CPI inflation: 2.10% – lowest since Jan 2019. Within RBI’s target band of 2–6%. Food inflation (YoY): –1.06% (lowest in 6 years). Major contributors: Vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, spices, meat. Implication: Indicates softening demand pressures and effective supply-side management. Purchasing power has increased for households. Reflects macroeconomic stability in both input and output prices. Rural Economy Dynamics Income & Consumption: NABARD’s RECSS (July 2025): 76.6% rural households: increase in consumption. 39.6% rural households: increase in income YoY. Rural CPI: Declined to 1.72% in June 2025 (–394 basis points YoY). Agricultural Output: Rice: 1490.74 LMT (↑ from 1378.25 LMT in 2023–24). Wheat: 1175.07 LMT (↑ by 42.15 LMT YoY). Better yields → lower food inflation, improved rural income. Government Measures: Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS-D): Released buffer stocks strategically. Stock limits to curb hoarding. Income tax exemption up to ₹12L for individuals: enhanced disposable income. Monetary Policy Intervention Repo rate: Raised to 6.5% earlier to tame inflation. Reduced to 5.5% in 2025 to balance growth and inflation. Transmission: High earlier rates helped contain demand-led inflation. Recent rate cut will promote investment and consumption recovery. External Sector: Export-Led Growth Q1 FY 2025–26 Export Performance: Merchandise exports: $210.31 billion (↑5.94% YoY). Services exports: $98.13 billion (↑10.93% YoY). Trade deficit: Reduced to $20.31 billion (↓9.4% YoY). Export Composition Growth: Rising exports: Electronics, cereals, tea, dairy, poultry. Declining imports: Pulses, newsprint, coal, transport equipment. Long-Term Trends: FY 2024–25: Total exports: $824.9 billion (↑6.01% YoY). Reflects: Better global integration. Strengthening of India’s high-value manufacturing and services base. Policy Interventions – Supply Side & Trade Trade & Export Promotion: FTP 2023: Export incentives, e-commerce boost, Amnesty Scheme. RoDTEP/RoSCTL: Tax reimbursement for export sectors. Districts as Export Hubs: Localized export strategy. TIES & MAI: Export infra & marketing assistance. Infrastructure & Manufacturing: PM GatiShakti & NLP: Cut logistics cost; multimodal connectivity. PLI Schemes (2025–26): Increased budget for: Electronics, Textiles, Auto, Defence. Ease of Doing Business: 42,000 compliances removed, 3700+ laws decriminalized. NSWS & Trade Connect: Digital single window and trade matchmaking. MSME Export Facilitation Centres: 65 centres linking MSMEs with credit, fintechs, and global markets. Multidimensional Impacts Dimension Positive Impact Households Rising incomes + lower inflation = better consumption & living standards Rural Economy Stable food prices + better MSP + employment = rural confidence Trade Sector Rising exports, especially services = better foreign exchange earnings Macro Stability Balanced growth-inflation matrix; fiscal + monetary synergy Manufacturing PLI + Make in India + FTA outreach = long-term structural capacity expansion Investment Climate Reduced compliance, digital platforms, and lower repo rate boost investor sentiment Challenges Ahead Global uncertainty: Fed rate cycle, oil price volatility, geopolitical tensions. Monsoon variability: Can impact agri-prices and rural incomes. Sustaining export momentum: Depends on global demand recovery. Manufacturing competitiveness: Requires continued reforms in logistics, energy, and skill gaps. Conclusion India’s recent macroeconomic indicators reflect a positive shift: Inflation under control (both CPI & WPI). Consumption rising, especially in rural areas. Exports strengthening, narrowing trade deficit. Structural reforms in manufacturing, compliance, and logistics are paying off. With well-calibrated policy coordination, strong export resilience, and household relief from inflation, India is navigating toward sustainable, inclusive growth — setting the stage for its transition to a $7.3 trillion economy by 2030. Infrastructure development for Judiciary Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary ) , GS 3(Infrastructure) Physical Infrastructure Development (CSS since 1993-94) Objective Augment state resources in creating physical judicial infrastructure through a centrally sponsored scheme. Five major components: Court Halls Residential Quarters Lawyers’ Halls Digital Computer Rooms Toilet Complexes Financial Outlay Total Fund Released: ₹12,101.89 crore (1993–2025) Since 2014-15: ₹8,657.59 crore (71.54% of total) Reflects increased central prioritization of judicial infrastructure in the last decade Physical Assets Created (India-wide) Year Court Halls Residential Units 2014 15,818 10,211 2025 22,372 19,851 % Increase 41.43% 94.40% The growth in residential units nearly doubled, suggesting focus on improving living conditions for judges and staff—a major retention and deployment issue earlier. Maharashtra Focus Funds Released (1993–2025): ₹1,099.83 crore Since 2014-15: ₹700.17 crore (63.67%) Current Infrastructure (2025): Court Halls: 2,503 Residential Units: 2,202 Under Construction: 560 court halls, 144 residential units Maharashtra alone holds nearly 11% of the national court hall infrastructure, indicating its judicial caseload and scale. Digital Infrastructure – eCourts Mission Mode Project (Since 2007) Project Scope Part of National e-Governance Plan Integrated approach to digitize judiciary operations across all levels Now in Phase III (2023–2027) with an outlay of ₹7,210 crore Key Digital Deliverables under Phase III Component Details Funds Allocated Digitization & Digital Preservation High Court + District Court records ₹2,038.40 crore Pages Digitized till June 2025 High Courts: 213.29 cr District Courts: 307.89 cr — Paperless Courts Software Digital Courts 2.1 — Record Preservation Software Developed for High & District Courts — Over 520 crore judicial pages digitized — indicative of India’s massive legal archival workload and forward movement on e-governance. Stakeholder-Specific Digital Services Lawyers e-Filing 3.0: Submit case documents from anywhere e-Payment: Online transfer of court fees NSTEP: Digital tracking of summons & process service Litigants & Public Judgment Search Portal: Search judgments by Bench, Party, Case No., Year (free access) eSewa Kendras: 1,814 facilitation centers offering court services to the public Virtual Courts: 29 courts across 21 States/UTs for traffic violations Strong emphasis on citizen-centric justice delivery, with digitized backend and frontend both. Multi-dimensional Assessment Dimension Impact Governance Reduces pendency, increases transparency Inclusivity eSewa & eFiling improve rural/remote access Efficiency Reduces time & paperwork; improves file tracking Security Digital preservation enhances data integrity Sustainability Paperless courts align with green goals Challenges and Way Forward A. Challenges Digital divide: Rural lawyers/judges need more training & internet support Non-uniform adoption: Some states still lag in infra & digitization Cybersecurity concerns: Need robust data protection protocols Language barriers: Most digital tools still English-dominant B. Future Priorities Integrate AI/ML for legal research & cause-list generation Enable real-time video trials beyond virtual courts Ensure vernacular interface in all digital services Expand Phase III with feedback loops from stakeholders Conclusion The judiciary infrastructure drive—both physical and digital—shows a marked acceleration post-2014. The e-Courts project (especially Phase III) represents a transformative shift toward technology-enabled justice. However, last-mile connectivity, inclusivity, and digital literacy remain key areas for further reform to truly achieve Accessible, Affordable, Accountable Justice.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 August 2025

Content What has been missed is India’s digital sovereignty A Democracy grown at home What has been missed is India’s digital sovereignty Background: What is the India-U.K. FTA? Official Title: India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Objective: Deepen bilateral trade, investment, and services ties. Celebrated As: “Gold standard” trade deal by Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Negotiation Context: Ongoing since 2022; comes amid India’s broader push to ink FTAs with major economies (UAE, Australia, EU, etc.) Key Sectors Covered: Agriculture, manufacturing, services, pharmaceuticals, and digital trade. Relevance : GS 2 (International Relations) , GS 3(Indian Economy ) Practice Question :“India’s economic diplomacy must not come at the cost of its digital sovereignty.” In the context of the India-U.K. FTA, critically examine this statement. Also suggest a roadmap to safeguard India’s strategic autonomy in digital trade negotiations.(250 Words) What Is Digital Sovereignty? Definition: The ability of a nation-state to govern and regulate its own digital infrastructure, data flows, and digital economy without external dependence or coercion. Pillars: Data sovereignty (control over citizens’ data) Algorithmic and source-code transparency Cybersecurity and regulatory autonomy Local innovation and digital industrialisation What Has Been Missed: Concessions Affecting Digital Sovereignty Source Code Disclosure Prohibition Aspect Implication What India gave up The right to demand ex ante (pre-emptive) access to source code for foreign software/digital products Precedent India had resisted such prohibitions at WTO; U.S. itself rolled them back in 2023 due to domestic concerns CPTPP exception CPTPP excluded critical infrastructure and non-mass-market software UK-India FTA clause Prohibition applies to all software, with no exceptions for telecom, health, or AI-critical infrastructure Long-term risk Dismantles regulators’ ability to “look under the hood” for compliance, safety, national security Implication: India risks importing black-box software, including in sectors like AI, health, telecom, and national security, with no regulatory oversight. Open Government Data Access for UK Entities Aspect Implication Concession granted Equal, non-discriminatory access for U.K. firms to “Open Government Data” Problem The term originated in pre-AI era to promote transparency; today, government data = raw fuel for AI models Nature of clause Currently a best endeavour, non-binding commitment — but a precedent is set Global shift U.S. and EU are moving towards data protectionism for national AI competitiveness Strategic misstep Weakens India’s ability to harness public sector data for indigenous AI innovation Implication: Undermines India’s AI competitiveness, opens doors to data colonisation. Commitment to Future Data Flow Liberalisation Aspect Implication Clause India commits to “enter consultations to extend equivalent disciplines” if it offers concessions on free flow of data or data localisation to others Strategic danger Effectively ties India’s hands in future FTAs, reducing its diplomatic manoeuvrability Contradiction Contradicts India’s stand at G20, WTO on strategic localisation of data for national development Reversal of past position India had strongly pushed for data localisation in the Personal Data Protection Bill and in global forums Implication: A slippery slope toward ceding ground on cross-border data regulation, compromising strategic autonomy. Why This Matters: Digital Trade ≠ Commodity Trade Unlike tariffs (which can be reversed), digital trade rules are structural, long-term, and affect: National security Law enforcement access Digital taxation Domestic innovation ecosystems Once conceded, digital rule regimes are nearly irreversible — locking India into a Western-led architecture dominated by Big Tech. Comparative Global Context Country Position on Digital Sovereignty U.S. Withdrew source code & data localisation liberalisation clauses in 2023 due to backlash EU Enforces Digital Markets Act, Data Governance Act, strong digital sovereignty framework China Fully controls cross-border data flows, mandates source code access for key sectors India (Pre-FTA) Advocated for data localisation, regulatory access, and algorithmic transparency What’s Missing in Indian Approach No cohesive national digital sovereignty policy No cross-sectoral digital industrialisation roadmap Lack of high-level political awareness or institutional safeguards in trade negotiations Absence of digital sector representation at negotiation tables Overemphasis on traditional ‘sensitive sectors’ (agriculture, textiles) Historical Parallel: Digital Colonialism Like colonial-era concessions that robbed India of its industrial future, digital trade concessions risk: Losing control over national data wealth Turning into a digital colony that merely consumes Western digital services Ceding the AI frontier to global players Strategic Implications Area Impact AI ecosystem Loss of access to Indian training data → undermines competitiveness of Indian startups and AI labs Cybersecurity Lack of source code access = regulatory blind spots in critical systems Digital governance Weakens India’s ability to enforce sectoral compliance (e.g. fintech, healthtech) Innovation No level playing field for Indian firms; foreign firms gain edge using Indian data Geopolitics Erodes India’s leverage in future digital rule-making at WTO, G20, BRICS The Way Forward: India Must Act Now Immediate Steps Draft a National Digital Sovereignty & Industrialisation Strategy Ensure all future FTAs include Digital Impact Assessments and non-negotiable clauses for strategic sectors Involve multi-stakeholder experts (tech, law, industry, security) in trade teams Mandate security and algorithm audits for all critical imports Medium to Long Term Build digital public infrastructure (like ONDC, Aadhaar stack) with local control Invest in home-grown AI, cloud, and chip ecosystems Establish national data stewardship frameworks Launch Digital Bretton Woods 2.0 vision for alternative global digital architecture Conclusion The India-U.K. FTA may be a win on paper for traditional sectors, but the real cost may be hidden in digital trade clauses. By surrendering regulatory rights on source code, opening public data to foreign entities, and committing to softening positions on data localisation, India risks undermining its digital sovereignty at a formative moment. If uncorrected, this could jeopardise India’s ambition to be a digital and AI superpower, locking it into a system of digital dependence and diminished agency. A Democracy grown at home Historical Background Uthiramerur Inscription (c. 920 CE) Located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, Uthiramerur inscriptions from the reign of Parantaka Chola I (907–955 CE) provide detailed constitutional guidelines for local self-governance. Epigraphic Source: Inscription No. 52 of 1891, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Sanskrit-Tamil mix. Codified rules for: Ward divisions Eligibility of candidates Election procedures (kudavolai or ‘ballot pot’ system) Removal mechanisms and disqualification criteria Accountability of committee members Kudavolai System – An Early Ballot Method Voters inscribed names on palm leaf slips and placed them inside ballot pots (kudavolai). Slips were drawn in public to ensure transparency and non-manipulation. Relevance: GS 1(Culture , Heritage) ,GS 2(Governance) Practice Question : “Democracy in India was not a colonial gift, but a civilisational inheritance.” Examine this assertion in light of the Uthiramerur inscriptions and discuss their relevance to modern democratic governance in India.(250 Words) Key Features Of Chola Era Democracy Feature Details Eligibility Age 35–70, landownership, residence in same village, good character, Vedic learning, passed moral ‘tests’ Disqualification Alcoholism, criminal record, debt default, moral transgressions, including family of the guilty Committee System Sabha (assembly) with smaller groups like garden committee, tank management, festival arrangements Removal Protocol Members removed for dereliction of duty or misconduct; enforced via strict code of conduct Documentation Rules carved in stone — legal permanence; akin to a written constitution Pre-Chola Democratic Evidence Vaishali (6th century BCE): Licchavi republics had elected representatives, deliberative councils. Buddhist Sanghas: Practiced consensus decision-making (Vinaya Pitaka details procedures). Kautilya’s Arthashastra (3rd century BCE): Notes Samghas and Gana-sanghas with autonomous rule. Conclusion: Participatory governance was not alien — it was woven into ancient India’s socio-political fabric. Global Comparison Parameter Magna Carta (1215, England) Uthiramerur (c. 920 CE, India) Purpose Limiting King’s arbitrary powers Decentralised self-governance Nature Charter of rights Constitutional rulebook Format Negotiated by nobles Popularly mandated system Inclusiveness Restricted to barons Based on ethical, civic, and economic criteria Inference: Uthiramerur’s system was more participatory and codified for local contexts long before European constitutionalism. Relevance to modern India Why PM Modi’s Speech Matters Symbolic Reclamation: Counters narrative that democracy is a colonial transplant. Cultural Legitimacy: Affirms the indigenous origins of democratic values like equity, accountability, and ethics. Federal Ethos: Highlights South India’s historic contributions to democratic governance — beyond Delhi-centric narratives. Lessons for Today Ethics in Public Life: Moral disqualification was integral — echoes today’s concerns over criminalization of politics. Transparency in Elections: Public draw of lots resembles today’s push for voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPAT). Grassroots Governance: Strong parallel with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments enabling Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies. Challenges in contemporary democracy Challenge Chola Model Reflection Money Power Wealth alone wasn’t enough; moral stature was key Criminalization Disqualification for even indirect criminal associations Centralization Chola governance was radically local Digital Manipulation Ancient systems used public oversight and oral verification Electoral institutions: Bridging the ancient & modern Aspect Chola-era Sabha Election Commission of India Autonomy Sabha selected by people; functioned independently Constitutional body with operational independence Eligibility Code Inscribed rules and punishments Model Code of Conduct, criminal disqualification clauses Documentation Stone inscriptions Electoral rolls, EVM-VVPAT audit trails Way forward: Drawing from our roots Ethical Vetting of Candidates — revisit disqualification norms based on morality. Deeper Panchayati Empowerment — revive functionally active sabhas. Public Participation Models — experiment with lot-based systems for local committees. Civic Education — include Uthiramerur model in textbooks for democratic literacy. South India’s Role in Democratic Heritage — counter the northern bias in historical democratic discourse. Conclusion PM Modi’s reference at Gangaikondacholapuram is a strategic invocation of a forgotten legacy — one that reclaims India’s indigenous, millennia-old democratic tradition as not just a cultural curiosity, but a living foundation for today’s constitutionalism. It reminds us that democracy is not an imported ornament, but a homegrown institution, rooted in our history — codified in granite and palm leaves, just as it is today in legislation and electronic voting machines.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 August 2025

Content The Business of Selling Babies Tamil Nadu’s Engine of Progress: Education for All ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Failure and Upcoming BlueBird Launch Himachal on the Brink: Supreme Court Flags Ecological Collapse Tariffs, Trump & Tensions: Navigating India’s Trade and Strategic Balancing Act The business of selling babies Introduction and Background India was once a major hub for commercial surrogacy due to medical tourism and regulatory loopholes. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 banned commercial surrogacy and sought to regulate ART practices. A 2024 incident involving a Secunderabad-based fertility clinic exposed a baby-selling racket under the guise of surrogacy and IVF, prompting legal and ethical scrutiny. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice), GS 3(Internal Security-Organised Crimes) Key Facts and Case Highlights A Rajasthan couple was charged ₹30 lakh and handed over a baby unrelated to their own gametes; DNA tests revealed the fraud. Police raids at Universal Srushti Fertility Centre uncovered a network of egg and sperm donors, surrogate mothers, and forged medical records. The clinic operated without a valid license and violated both the Surrogacy Act and ART Act. Multiple women, including surrogates from poor states, were exploited, unpaid, and even abandoned post-delivery. A woman from Odisha died while escaping sexual assault, highlighting physical and sexual abuse risks. Brokers and clinics were found to be operating across multiple states in a coordinated network. Governance and Social Justice Dimensions Failure in enforcement of Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and ART (Regulation) Act, 2021. Weak monitoring by State Appropriate Authorities allowed unlicensed clinics to function. Reflects poor coordination between medical councils, local police, and regulatory bodies. Ethical concerns regarding the treatment of poor women as surrogacy supply sources. Violation of reproductive rights, right to dignity, and child protection norms. Science and Technology, Internal Security Dimensions ART and IVF technologies were misused due to the absence of real-time gamete tracking and verification. Lack of tech tools like RI Witness allowed sample swapping and fake parentage. The scam shows how reproductive technology without ethical safeguards leads to child trafficking. Highlights emerging threats in the form of tech-enabled organized crime in the healthcare sector. Society Dimensions The case underscores how medical tourism and commodification of childbirth impact societal norms and vulnerable populations. Surrogacy, which can be empowering, turned exploitative due to lack of informed consent and economic coercion. Shows the intersection of gender, class, and regional inequalities in reproductive health access. Ethics and Integrity Dimensions The doctor in charge had a history of malpractice but resumed work due to absence of long-term accountability. Gross violation of medical ethics, informed consent, and the principle of non-maleficence. Local complicity by lodges and brokers shows the erosion of ethical values in both private and public domains. Treating children as saleable commodities challenges the basic tenets of human dignity and integrity in healthcare. Legal and Policy Dimensions The clinic violated sections of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 — specifically sections banning commercial surrogacy. Also violated the ART Act, 2021, which mandates licensed clinics, donor regulation, and traceability. Criminal charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Sections 61, 316, 335, 336, 340) for conspiracy, fraud, and trafficking. Recommendations and Way Forward Create a real-time, Aadhaar-linked national registry for IVF and surrogacy clinics to track licenses and patient records. Mandate digital gamete tracking systems like RI Witness in all ART facilities. Strengthen the enforcement capacity of State Appropriate Authorities through audits and inter-state intelligence sharing. Establish fast-track courts for surrogacy and ART-related violations to ensure timely justice. Develop a victim compensation framework for abandoned surrogate mothers and defrauded parents. Introduce whistleblower protection and community-based reporting systems in medical zones. Conclusion The Telangana surrogacy scam reveals the gap between law and practice in India’s reproductive healthcare sector. Despite a robust legal framework, the absence of technological safeguards, ethical accountability, and administrative vigilance has turned reproductive services into a front for human trafficking. A multidimensional approach — combining legal reform, digital oversight, institutional strengthening, and ethical enforcement — is essential to safeguard reproductive rights and public trust. Tamil Nadu’s engine of progress: education for all Introduction / Background The article reflects on Tamil Nadu’s sustained efforts to use education as a tool for social inclusion, particularly for students from historically disadvantaged communities. It is contextualised around a recent development: 135 students from Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools in Tamil Nadu have secured admission into some of India’s most prestigious higher education institutions. The article credits these achievements to systemic policy design, administrative consistency, and a long-standing commitment to social justice through education. Relevance : GS 2(Education , Governance) Historical Context and Legacy Early 20th Century: Tamil Nadu (then Madras Presidency) pioneered education-led welfare with: 1920: Launch of India’s first mid-day meal in a school at Thousand Lights, Chennai. 1921: Introduction of a Communal Government Order (GO) ensuring representation in education and public employment. These policies, originally influenced by the Justice Party’s emphasis on equity, later evolved under successive governments into institutional frameworks promoting access to education. Key Policy Instruments and Schemes Policy / Scheme Purpose Mid-Day Meal (Expanded) Encourage school attendance and improve child nutrition. Free Breakfast Scheme (2022) Further reduce classroom hunger; especially for children in rural and poor households. Pudhumai Penn Thittam Monthly ₹1,000 stipend to promote girls’ higher education from government schools. Illam Thedi Kalvi Community-based tutoring to address learning loss post-COVID. Hostel and Scholarship Support Financial aid, free accommodation, and travel relief for students from remote regions. Recent Outcomes (2025 Highlights) 135 students from marginalized communities admitted to elite institutions such as: IITs, NITs, NLUs, NIFTs, Miranda House, and other top universities. All 6 ST-reserved seats at Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University were secured by Tamil Nadu students. Students were felicitated with laptops and appreciation certificates, recognizing both their merit and the policy ecosystem that supported them. Administrative Interventions Supporting These Outcomes Entrance Exam Preparation: Special training and mentorship to help students compete nationally. Financial Incentives: Full or partial fee waivers, scholarships, and support for entrance exam fees. Basic Learning Tools: Free textbooks, uniforms, and digital learning kits for school students. Nutrition & Welfare: In-school meals and residential hostels for those from remote areas. Skilling & Career Support: Vocational programs to bridge education and employability. Educational Indicators and Performance Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education: Tamil Nadu: 47% National Average: 28.4% GER for Women: Tamil Nadu: 47.3% National Average: 28.5% These numbers reflect not just enrolment, but also inclusive participation in higher education, across gender and caste lines. Systemic Approach over Isolated Successes The article stresses that these are not isolated instances of success, but outcomes of structured interventions implemented over decades. By starting early (school-level) and sustaining support till higher education, Tamil Nadu has built a continuum of care and opportunity for students. Broader Governance Philosophy (As Interpreted in the Article) The model of governance aligns with: Equity-driven service delivery rather than exclusive focus on test-based merit. Balancing access, quality, and social inclusion in educational outcomes. While rooted in regional history, these efforts are described as replicable for other Indian states seeking inclusive development. Critical Evaluation and Outlook Strengths: Data-backed outcomes in GER and elite institution access. Holistic integration of health, nutrition, gender equity, and education policy. Clear alignment between policy design and social goals. Challenges (noted briefly or implicitly): Ensuring long-term support through college and into employment or research pathways. Tackling infrastructure and digital divides in rural or tribal belts. Maintaining political and fiscal sustainability of welfare-heavy education schemes. Conclusion Tamil Nadu’s recent achievements in educational inclusion reflect the maturity of a century-long effort combining policy, politics, and administrative innovation. The success of students from Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools is both an individual and systemic win, suggesting that with adequate state support, social mobility through education is achievable. The approach illustrates how education policy can become a lever for inclusive growth, especially when backed by historical commitment and consistent governance. ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Failure and Upcoming BlueBird Launch Background & Context PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission: Launched: May 18, 2025 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Objective: Place the EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. Platform: Launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61), ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle with over 95% success rate. Outcome: Mission failed due to a snag in Stage 3 of the rocket. Significance of PSLV: Often referred to as ISRO’s “trusted workhorse” with 59 previous successful missions before C61. Used for launching a wide range of satellites, including remote sensing, navigation, and commercial payloads. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Failure Analysis of PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Failure Details: PSLV-C61 had a perfect lift-off and functioned normally till Stage 2. A technical snag in Stage 3 caused mission failure, preventing orbital insertion of EOS-09. Investigation Committee: A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) was constituted by ISRO. The issue is described by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan as a “small” problem. Detailed report finalized; to be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly. Details to be disclosed post submission. Implications: This marks a rare setback for PSLV’s otherwise robust record. Critical for ISRO to restore global confidence in PSLV ahead of upcoming satellite launches. Upcoming Indo-U.S. Collaboration: BlueBird Satellite Launch About BlueBird Satellite: Developed by AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based firm. Purpose: Communications satellite, enhancing global mobile broadband connectivity via satellite-to-smartphone services. Mass: Approx. 6,500 kg — significantly heavier than average PSLV payloads. Launch Details: Launch Timeline: Within 3–4 months (Expected by late 2025). Vehicle: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), ISRO’s most powerful launcher (formerly GSLV Mk-III). Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Satellite arrival in India scheduled for September 2025. Strategic Relevance: Continues trend of Indo-U.S. cooperation in space after the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) mission. Builds India’s reputation as a trusted commercial launch partner. Boosts ISRO’s entry into high-throughput communication satellite launches — a new niche beyond Earth observation. Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme: Parallel Developments Mission Overview: India’s first human spaceflight mission. Scheduled uncrewed test missions: First in December 2025, followed by two more in 2026. Manned launch targeted for first quarter of 2027. Progress Update: Human-rating of the launch vehicle is completed. Orbital module development is in an advanced stage. Crew escape system nearing finalization. Relevance: Technological readiness crucial post-PSLV-C61 setback. Demonstrates India’s advancing capabilities in safe, human-rated space systems. Key Takeaways & Strategic Significance ISRO’s transparent failure audit and timely corrective measures maintain global trust. The BlueBird mission will test India’s capacity to handle heavy foreign commercial payloads. LVM3’s increasing role post-Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan highlights India’s next-gen launcher maturity. Indo-U.S. space ties continue to strengthen via commercial, scientific, and strategic cooperation. Setback in PSLV-C61 underscores the importance of redundancy, stage-wise validation, and telemetry upgrades in future missions. Himachal on the Brink: Supreme Court Flags Ecological Collapse Introduction The Supreme Court of India has raised a grave environmental alarm over the deteriorating ecological health of Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state frequently battered by floods and landslides. A two-judge bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan warned that “the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish“. The remarks came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging a Himachal Pradesh High Court order restricting constructions in green zones. Himachal Pradesh has become a case study in ecological degradation owing to rapid urbanisation, unchecked tourism, and poorly regulated infrastructure expansion in a geologically fragile zone. Relevance : GS 3( Environment and Ecology) Current Disaster Impact and Data (2025 Monsoon Season) Monsoon onset: June 20, 2025. Losses (as of August 1): ₹1,539 crore (as per State Emergency Operation Centre). Human casualties: Deaths: 94 Missing: 36 Houses damaged: 1,352 fully/partially Frequent landslides, flash floods, and road blockages across Bilaspur, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. Supreme Court’s Key Environmental Concerns 1. Climate Change The Court emphasized the visible and alarming impacts of climate change in the region. Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (cloudbursts, glacial melt, erratic rainfall) are cited as direct consequences. 2. Deforestation Unregulated tree felling for hydropower, roads, and construction has weakened slope stability and disturbed natural drainage. Forest degradation is reducing natural carbon sinks and biodiversity. 3. Hydropower Projects Linked to water scarcity, aquifer depletion, and landslides. Violations of minimum environmental flow norms cited — e.g., Sutlej River now resembles a “rivulet.” Structural damage reported by communities living near these projects. 4. Unplanned and Excessive Construction Multi-storey buildings, four-lane highways, and tunnels are being constructed even in ecologically sensitive zones. Lack of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and compliance checks. 5. Unchecked Tourism Massive influx of tourists during peak season strains local resources (water, waste management, traffic). Increase in solid waste, vehicular pollution, and illegal construction in scenic areas. Policy and Governance Issues Himachal Pradesh’s Town and Country Planning Department issued construction restrictions in green zones — but implementation is weak. Delay in proactive ecological zoning and land-use regulations. Ineffectiveness of environmental clearance systems and post-clearance monitoring. Broader Implications For Himalayan States: The Himachal case reflects a pattern across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) — including parts of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. For National Disaster Resilience: Highlights the failure to align infrastructure development with ecological carrying capacity. For Legal and Constitutional Accountability: Article 21: Right to life includes right to a clean and safe environment. Directive Principles (Article 48A) and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A(g)) reinforce environmental protection. Way Forward Enforce green zone protections through legal and executive action. Review and audit all hydropower projects for environmental compliance and local impact. Moratorium on large-scale constructions in ecologically fragile belts until cumulative impact assessments are conducted. Limit tourism footfall using smart regulation (e.g., e-permits, eco-tourism norms). Strengthen disaster early warning systems and slope stabilization efforts. Promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities to reduce dependency on tourism and construction sectors. Central-state coordination on Himalayan ecological policy needed under a National Himalayan Mission framework. Tariffs, Trump & Tensions: Navigating India’s Trade and Strategic Balancing Act Background & Context US-India Relations: The India–US strategic partnership has expanded in defence, tech, energy, and trade, especially after the 2005 nuclear deal. Bilateral trade reached $191 billion in 2023–24, making the US India’s largest trading partner. India enjoys GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)-style benefits for some sectors, though the formal GSP was revoked in 2019. Recent Trigger: On August 1, 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced sweeping 25% tariffs on Indian goods, labelling India a “dead economy”. This marks the harshest tariff regime for India among over 50 countries targeted by the US, with countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China spared harsher duties. Pakistan Angle: Trump also claimed Pakistan had “massive oil reserves”, suggesting future oil exports to India — seen as a strategic jibe aimed at both countries. These remarks drew criticism for lacking geoeconomic credibility, given Pakistan’s limited hydrocarbon exploration capacity. Key Developments  Trump’s Tariff Offensive on India Tariff Hike: 25% tariff imposed on a broad range of Indian exports, particularly textiles, garments, auto parts, and electronics. The hike is higher than that for 50+ other countries — indicating a strategic rebuke. Sectoral Impact: Apparel Exporters (like AEPC) warn of: Loss of price competitiveness vs. Vietnam, Bangladesh. Potential mass layoffs and below-cost exports to survive. Demand for government support (interest subsidies, RoDTEP, alternate market access). Indian Textile Exports to US: Worth over $8 billion annually. Account for 28% of India’s apparel exports. Already under stress due to higher labour and compliance costs. India’s Diplomatic Response MEA Statement: Reiterated commitment to “substantive agenda” with the US. Emphasized that India-US ties have weathered transitions and shocks. Stressed that India’s “time-tested friendship” with Russia will not hinder its global partnerships. Tone of Response: Measured, strategic, and forward-looking, avoiding confrontation. Reflects New Delhi’s focus on: De-risking foreign policy via multipolar partnerships. Preserving long-term ties amid short-term political turbulence. Trump’s ‘Massive Oil Reserves in Pakistan’ Claim Reality Check: Pakistan imports ~85% of its oil and gas needs. Past exploration (e.g., Indus Basin, Balochistan) yielded limited results. No major global oil firm is actively investing in Pakistani oil fields. Strategic Reading: The claim is viewed as a geopolitical distraction or provocation: Aimed to poke India with economic insecurity. Attempt to boost Pakistan’s relevance in US foreign policy discourse. Expert View: Analysts call it “hot air, not hydrocarbons” — symbolic, not substantial. Reflects Trump’s style of populist diplomacy rather than grounded strategic direction. Broader Implications India’s Economic Exposure India’s dependence on exports to the US means such tariffs can severely hurt labour-intensive sectors (textiles, gems, leather). Tariffs coincide with India’s manufacturing push under Make in India + PLI, making trade disruptions even more critical. Geopolitical Balancing India remains committed to: A non-aligned, multi-vector foreign policy. Maintaining strategic ties with Russia (defence, energy) while strengthening the QUAD alliance with the US. Need for Domestic Support Exporters’ Ask: Immediate support via interest subvention, RoDTEP enhancements, and diversification into EU and African markets. Long-term: Focus on quality, brand, and technology upgradation to withstand tariff shocks. Conclusion This episode underlines the volatile nature of India’s external economic environment, where political rhetoric, tariffs, and geopolitical posturing can disrupt sectoral growth. India must: Deepen trade resilience by expanding FTAs (e.g., EU, EFTA). Maintain diplomatic maturity amid provocations. Invest in domestic capacity and export competitiveness to withstand global headwinds.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 01 August 2025

Content Rising Rural Incomes and Upbeat Sentiments Major Government Initiatives for the Development of North Eastern Region (NER) Rising Rural Incomes and Upbeat Sentiments Introduction: Signals of Rural Economic Revival The July 2025 RECSS reflects a sharp revival in rural India’s economy. 76.6% of rural households reported increased consumption — the highest figure across all six rounds of RECSS. RECSS provides micro-level insights into income, credit, savings, and perception patterns in rural households. It also evaluates the impact of government welfare schemes on real economic activity. Relevance : GS 3(Rural Income) Rural Incomes and Consumption: Signs of Grassroots Growth Income Trends 39.6% of households reported higher income — the highest ever recorded in RECSS. Suggests stronger agriculture performance, wage growth, and rural enterprise activity. Consumption Growth 76.6% households noted an increase in consumption over the past year. Only 3.2% reported a decline — lowest since the survey’s inception. Households now spend 65.57% of income on consumption, up from 60.87% (Sep 2024) → indicates rising purchasing power. Implication: Rising income is translating into actual demand, reinforcing consumption-led rural growth and boosting the broader economy. Government Support: Key Driver of Resilience Fiscal Transfers Welfare transfers (food, gas, electricity, education, health, pension) account for ~10% of monthly income. These schemes cushion low-income households from inflation and income volatility. Infrastructure Upgrades Rural development boosted by visible improvements in roads, water, electricity, education, and healthcare. Only 2.6% reported deterioration in basic infrastructure. Top-Ranked Improvements (Perceived by Households): Road Connectivity Educational Institutions Drinking Water Facilities Financial Health: Stronger Savings and Formal Credit Penetration Savings Behaviour 20.6% of households reported increased savings. 13.18% of income now directed to savings; 11.85% allocated to loan repayments. Formalization of Credit 52.6% sourced loans only from formal institutions (banks, NBFCs, MFIs, cooperatives). 26.9% used both formal and informal channels. Shows shift away from exploitative lenders, improving borrower protection. Decline in Informal Interest Rates Mean informal interest rates fell to 17.53% (30 bps decline). 30% of informal loans carried zero interest, mostly borrowed from friends/relatives. Optimism in the Countryside: Sentiments at Record High Short-Term Outlook (Next Quarter) 56.4% expect income to improve. 56.2% anticipate better job opportunities. Long-Term Outlook (Next 1 Year) 74.7% expect income to increase — highest ever. Reflects confidence from favourable monsoon, policy support, and local development. Inflation and Expenditure Patterns: Signs of Stability Falling Inflation Perceptions Rural CPI dropped from 3.25% (March) → 2.92% (April) → 2.59% (May). Households perceived mean inflation at 4.28% in July. 78.4% of rural households believe inflation is ≤5%. Inflation expectation (next quarter): 4.29% | Next year: 5.51%. Stable Food Budgets Despite rising incomes, the share of food in monthly consumption held steady at 50% (median). Indicates diversification of expenditure toward non-food goods/services. Key Comparisons with Round 1 (Sep 2024) Indicator Sep 2024 Jul 2025 Households with ↑ Income 29.8% 39.6% Households with ↑ Consumption 67.2% 76.6% Monthly Income Spent on Consumption 60.87% 65.57% Formal Loan Sourcing Only 47.5% 52.6% Households Saving More 14.3% 20.6% Optimism (Income ↑ Next Year) 68.9% 74.7% Perceived Inflation ≤ 5% 72.5% 78.4% Policy Implications and Future Outlook What’s Working: Targeted fiscal transfers improving household resilience. Infrastructure-led growth feeding optimism. Continued formalization of credit reducing rural indebtedness. Price stability aiding real income gains. Way Forward: Enhance productivity through skilling, rural enterprise, and digital infrastructure. Deepen credit access for women and marginal farmers. Focus on value-added agri-processing, local job creation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Monitor inflation-sensitive inputs like fuel and fertilizers for maintaining price stability. Conclusion The July 2025 RECSS underscores a clear inflection point in rural India’s economic trajectory. With rising incomes, expanded consumption, growing savings, formal credit access, and record optimism, rural India is showing strong macro and micro resilience. Government policies—both fiscal and infrastructural—have played a decisive role in this transformation. Going forward, sustaining this momentum through skilling, deeper financial access, and diversified livelihoods will be critical for inclusive, bottom-up growth. Major Government Initiatives for the Development of North Eastern Region (NER) The Government of India has undertaken a multi-sectoral approach for the holistic development of the North Eastern Region (NER), focusing on connectivity, infrastructure, digital inclusion, and tourism. These initiatives aim to bridge regional disparities and integrate NER with the national growth trajectory. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure , Development)   Road Infrastructure Development National Highways (MoRT&H) Total Constructed: 16,207 km of National Highways across the NER. Rural Roads (PMGSY) Sanctioned: 17,637 road works covering 89,436 km 2,398 bridges Completed (as of March 2025): 16,469 road works (80,933 km) 2,108 bridges Rail Connectivity Expansion (Ministry of Railways) Projects Sanctioned: 12 (08 New Line + 04 Doubling) Length Covered: 777 km Total Cost: ₹69,342 crore Progress: 278 km commissioned ₹41,676 crore spent till March 2025 Digital & Mobile Connectivity Broadband (BharatNet via DBN) 6,355 Gram Panchayats made service-ready Mobile Connectivity 3,297 mobile towers commissioned across NER Funded via Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Air Connectivity (UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme) 90 routes operationalized 12 airports/heliports connected across NE states Objective: Affordable air travel + enhanced regional integration Key Central Sector Schemes for NER (via MDoNER) a) NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme) Two Components: NESIDS (Roads) – Road infrastructure NESIDS (OTRI) – Other than Roads Infrastructure (e.g. water supply, education, health) b) PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region) Launched: Union Budget 2022–23 Approved: 12 October 2022 Outlay: ₹6,600 crore over 2022–26 (100% Central funding) Objectives: Infrastructure aligned with PM GatiShakti Social development projects based on local needs Youth & women livelihoods Plug development gaps in critical sectors c) Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC) Funding for regional planning, infrastructure, skill & livelihood promotion d) Special Development Packages (SDPs) Targeted interventions for border and underdeveloped areas Tourism Infrastructure Support Ministry of Tourism Initiatives (covering NE states): Swadesh Darshan & Swadesh Darshan 2.0 PRASHAD Scheme – Pilgrimage & heritage site development CBDD – Challenge Based Destination Development (sub-scheme of SD) SASCI – Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment These schemes complement State Government efforts by offering financial assistance. MDoNER’s Tourism Support Additional funding to NE States under Central Sector Schemes for tourism-specific infrastructure and services. Summary Snapshot Sector Key Progress National Highways 16,207 km constructed PMGSY Roads 80,933 km completed out of 89,436 km sanctioned PMGSY Bridges 2,108 completed out of 2,398 sanctioned Railway Projects 278 km commissioned (12 projects; 777 km total; ₹69,342 cr sanctioned) Rail Capex Utilized ₹41,676 crore BharatNet 6,355 Gram Panchayats connected Mobile Towers 3,297 installed UDAN Routes 90 routes across 12 airports/heliports operationalized PM-DevINE Outlay ₹6,600 crore (FY 2022–23 to 2025–26) Strategic Importance Boosts Act East Policy through integrated connectivity to Southeast Asia Bridges development deficit in remote & border districts Empowers youth, women, and rural communities via livelihood & digital access Supports tourism & culture for sustainable economic growth Enables multi-modal infrastructure through convergence (e.g., PM GatiShakti)

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 01 August 2025

Content Transforming early childhood care and education New phase Transforming early childhood care and education Contextual Background: The Equity Gap in ECCE Pre-NEP Scenario: Private schools had long offered preschool/nursery education. Government schools historically admitted children only from Class 1. Public preschool was limited to Anganwadis, focused more on health and nutrition than structured education. Result: Inequity began before formal schooling, disadvantaging children relying on government systems. Relevance : GS 2( Governance, Social Justice, Welfare Schemes ) Practice Question : The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought a paradigm shift in India’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework. Discuss the structural changes introduced by NEP 2020 in ECCE and analyse their multi-dimensional implications and implementation challenges.(250 Words) Three Structural Shifts in ECCE under NEP 2020 Structural Shift 1: Expansion of ECCE Infrastructure Nature of the Shift: NEP recommends universalisation of ECCE by 2030. Mandates integration of 3 years of preschool education (Balvatika 1, 2, 3) in government schools. Moves beyond 14 lakh Anganwadi centres, which formed the backbone of ECCE so far. Key Implications: Massive scaling up of ECCE in public education. Need for: Recruitment and training of preschool educators. Curriculum development for Balvatika classes. Infrastructure investments in classrooms, toys, child-friendly toilets, etc. Policy Instruments: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan includes dedicated ECCE budget provisions. Varying state response: Some states have initiated Balvatikas. Others are under-utilising funds or limiting reforms to training/materials. Challenges: Uneven implementation. Capacity gaps in managing this expansion efficiently. Need for a monitoring mechanism to track fund utilisation and rollout. Structural Shift 2: Migration from Anganwadis to Government Schools Nature of the Shift: Increasing emphasis on education over nutrition/health in ECCE. Preschool classes in schools perceived as superior, leading to a shift of 3–6-year-olds from Anganwadis to schools. Case Study: Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Introduced preschool classes in all primary schools. Observed substantial migration of 4–6-year-olds to schools. Consequences: Anganwadis may be left underutilised or relegated to nutrition-only roles. Parental preferences reinforcing the educational orientation of ECCE. Risk of “schoolification”: Overemphasis on reading/writing. Erosion of play-based learning, which is essential at this stage. Corrective Measures: Schools must ensure: Play remains central. Learning covers social-emotional, cognitive, motor skills, not just literacy. Anganwadis must integrate structured educational components. The “Poshan bhi Padhai bhi” initiative is a timely intervention. Its effectiveness depends on ground-level implementation and outcome monitoring. Structural Shift 3: Reorientation of Anganwadis towards 0–3 Age Group and Home-Based Care Nature of the Shift: With 3–6-year-olds moving to schools, Anganwadis can focus on 0–3-year-olds. Emphasis on home visits and early stimulation activities for infants and toddlers. Rationale: Scientific consensus: First 1,000 days critical for brain development. Research Evidence: Perry Preschool Study (US): Long-term impact of early interventions. Yale-Pratham Study (Odisha): Home visits lead to better child development outcomes. Operational Challenges: Anganwadi workers overburdened with multiple responsibilities. Lack of time and capacity to conduct regular, quality home visits. ICDS framework still largely centre-based and service-heavy. Potential Transformations: Shift Anganwadi focus to: 0–3-year-olds. Pregnant/lactating mothers. Intensive home visits as a core delivery model. Align with POSHAN Abhiyaan goals on maternal and infant care. Requires: Clear job redefinition. Performance metrics (e.g., # of quality home visits). Dedicated funding and training for this new role. Multi-Dimensional Implications of ECCE Reforms under NEP  Social Equity Addresses long-standing class gap between private-school and government-school children. Makes quality preschool education accessible to the most vulnerable children.  Administrative Reallocation of roles between Education Ministry (3–6) and WCD Ministry (0–3). Need for inter-ministerial convergence and new accountability structures.  Economic ECCE expansion requires large-scale public investment in: Educator workforce. Infrastructure. Monitoring and evaluation systems. Long-term economic gains through improved learning outcomes, productivity, and social mobility.  Pedagogical Reinforces importance of play-based, experiential learning. Shift in training and mindset of preschool teachers required. Integration of mother tongue instruction and developmentally appropriate practices as per NEP.  Gender ECCE reforms can ease childcare burdens on mothers, enabling workforce participation. Anganwadi reforms affect over 13 lakh female workers, needing support and reskilling. Way Forward Track state-level implementation and fund utilisation under Samagra Shiksha. Design holistic ECCE curriculum frameworks for Balvatika. Establish monitoring indicators for both school and Anganwadi ECCE quality. Institutionalise home visits for 0–3-year-olds with clear training, support, and incentives. Maintain play-centric education ethos to avoid early academic pressure. New phase Mission Overview Launch Date & Vehicle: NISAR launched aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota on July 30, 2025. Orbit: Placed into Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting for repeat observations. Weight & Design: A 2.8-tonne Earth observation satellite with dual-frequency SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) — NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band, a global first. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Practice Question : “The NISAR satellite mission reflects a new era of strategic and scientific collaboration between India and the United States.”Examine how this collaboration advances India’s capabilities in Earth observation, disaster risk reduction, and space diplomacy.(250 words) Bilateral Collaboration: NASA–ISRO Synergy Decade-long effort: Joint development began around 2014, marking a landmark in U.S.-India space cooperation. Technology integration: NASA contributions: L-band radar, 12-metre deployable reflector, Ka-band downlink, software stack, and led most design reviews. ISRO contributions: S-band radar, satellite bus, GSLV Mk II launch. Strategic trust signal: U.S. entrusted India with high-value payload, showcasing growing strategic space confidence. Technical Capabilities Dual SAR system: Provides unprecedented resolution and penetration: Detects minute surface changes (cm-level) even through clouds or dense forests. Covers both slow geological processes (e.g. plate motion) and dynamic events (e.g. landslides, floods). Revisit cycle: 12-day repeat cycle under consistent lighting due to dawn-dusk orbit; critical for time-series analysis. High duty cycle (>50%) in L-band enables frequent observations of a given location. Scientific Agenda & Use Cases Climate & Environment: Track glacier flow, polar ice shelf calving, sea ice dynamics. Map mangrove extent, forest biomass, wetlands — critical for climate modeling and REDD+. Agriculture & Soil: Monitor crop-soil interactions, land use change, and agricultural expansion. Urbanization & Geohazards: Detect urban subsidence, fault line shifts, volcanic inflation, landslides. Disaster Risk Reduction: Supports Sendai Framework goals by offering near-real-time data for early warning, response, and recovery. IPCC Alignment: Feeds into climate models, carbon stock assessment, and hazard vulnerability mapping. Significance for ISRO Showcase for GSLV Mk II: GSLV-F16 success bolsters confidence in a rocket that once had reliability issues (“naughty boy”). Technology leap: S-band radar development pushed ISRO into higher precision RF electronics, thermal management, and data throughput. Flight-readiness: Validated ISRO’s capacity to meet stringent integration timelines and hardware quality benchmarks. Geopolitical & Strategic Relevance Global partnership credentials: Signals India’s readiness for high-tech joint missions. Strengthens India’s space diplomacy with the US amid rising geopolitical tech competition. Technology transfer enabler: Collaboration may have catalyzed access to advanced materials, avionics, and communication systems. Challenges Ahead Ground segment capacity: ISRO must scale its Ka-band ground stations to handle the satellite’s high data downlink rate. Data processing & accessibility: Needs automated cloud-based platforms to deliver analysis-ready data within hours for practical use. Data policy concerns: Balance open data access for private analytics vs. protection of sensitive national imagery. Continuity & Sustainability: Must plan successor SAR missions before 2030 to ensure long-term data series. Investment needed in deep-space communication, onboard processing, and systems integration. Way Forward Domestic capability expansion: More funding in advanced materials, software stacks, signal processing, and payload miniaturization. Scientific agenda co-leadership: Future missions must feature early Indian participation in framing scientific goals — to ensure equitable partnerships. Private sector involvement: Enabling startups and private firms to use NISAR data for geoanalytics, agritech, infrastructure monitoring, etc.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 01 August 2025

Content Can the ICJ ruling force rich nations to pay for historical emissions? How not to identify an illegal immigrant Why the world needs better green technologies Malaria’s new frontlines: vaccines, innovation, and the Indian endgame Mystery of African Mahogany G20 sapling solved Language & division of states Can the ICJ ruling force rich nations to pay for historical emissions? Core of the ICJ Ruling Advisory nature: The ruling is not legally binding, but offers a legal interpretation of existing international obligations under climate law. Key reaffirmations: Countries are legally obligated to reduce GHG emissions. Developed nations must support vulnerable states facing disproportionate climate impacts. Reiterates the 1.5°C target from the Paris Agreement as a climate safeguard. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Legal & Scientific Challenges Causality problem: Attribution of specific climate damages to specific countries’ emissions remains scientifically difficult. Most extreme weather events are exacerbated, not uniquely created, by climate change, making legal claims tenuous. Proof thresholds: Courts require clear evidence that a country’s inaction led to measurable harm. As warming remains around 1–1.5°C, anthropogenic signals are not always dominant in many weather events. Geopolitical and Enforcement Constraints Sovereignty prevails: Nations like the U.S., China, and India are unlikely to alter energy systems due to a non-binding ruling. The ICJ has no enforcement arm; any binding action would require UN Security Council backing, which is highly political. Selective compliance: U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement and continues fossil fuel subsidies. Western nations historically dodge accountability, while developing nations are overregulated by the same legal frameworks. Implications for Climate Reparations Reparations unrealistic: History shows little delivery on promised climate finance or reparations; most are repackaged development aid. Ted Nordhaus argues reliance on reparations is a “poor trade-off” that hinders energy access in developing nations Loss and Damage Fund: Though symbolically important, funding remains limited. Both Nordhaus and Grover are sceptical it will yield substantial compensation for vulnerable nations. Domestic Leverage Potential Legal value at home: Ruling offers activists and courts in treaty-ratifying countries a legal foundation to challenge their own governments. Likely to be used more in domestic courts than in international litigation. Vulnerable nations: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) may use this to bolster local climate litigation and international diplomatic leverage. Shift in Global Technological Dynamics Tech flow no longer unidirectional: China now leads clean tech exports, including to the West; India may follow. This undercuts the 1990s assumption of one-way tech transfer from rich to poor countries. Modernising frameworks: The ICJ ruling operates within the outdated “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR) model. There’s a call for a new global climate framework reflecting multi-polar tech development. Equity vs Pragmatism Ecomodernist critique (Nordhaus): Efforts to “co-opt Western legal mechanisms” for equity (e.g., Loss and Damage Fund, ICJ rulings) have failed. Advocates domestic development-first strategies using all available resources. Climate justice perspective (Grover): Acknowledges double standards in global legal norms. Urges developing nations to act for their own sake, citing examples like Delhi’s air pollution and corporate capture of energy policy. Future Outlook ICJ ruling ≠ Global shift: Unlikely to trigger a wave of international litigation, despite some political claims (e.g., U.K. Shadow Energy Secretary). Tool, not a solution: Best viewed as a strategic instrument for domestic action — not a global accountability game-changer. Political reality check: Courts alone can’t force decarbonisation; global politics, power asymmetries, and economic interests dominate. How not to identify an illegal immigrant Context & Administrative Trigger Timeframe: Winter 2024, during Delhi’s cold wave. Trigger: Order from Delhi Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena directing the police to identify “illegal” foreign nationals, especially post-regime change in Bangladesh. Result: Surge in detentions of Bengali-speaking residents across urban slums in Delhi. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Social Issues) Operational Pattern of Crackdown Primary Targets: Bengali-speaking residents, particularly in jhuggi settlements. Indicators Used for Profiling: Language spoken (Bangla dialects). Anonymous community tips on dialect and origin. Clothing (e.g., lungi), and remittance patterns. Key Concern: Reliance on linguistic and cultural profiling rather than legal documentation or due process. Linguistic Bias & Stereotyping Systemic Issue: A narrow perception of Indian Bengali identity, dominated by urban Kolkata dialects and pop culture. Misconceptions: Treating non-Kolkata dialects or rural Bangla as “foreign”. Misreading commonly used words like “paani” as non-Indian — despite their historical presence in early Bengali texts like Charyapada (8th century). Result: Cultural markers wrongly used as nationality tests. Legal & Structural Shortcomings Neglect of Contextual Realities: No consideration of 2015 India-Bangladesh land swap, where residents could opt for Indian citizenship. No nuance in assessing mixed-status families or cross-border remittances. Example: Indian citizen detained solely for sending money to elderly parents in Bangladesh. Ethnic & Cultural Profiling Cultural identifiers used as suspicion markers: Lungi as an alleged “foreign” garment. Remittances equated with cross-border illegality. Cultural pushback: Protest songs and local resistance narratives question this overreach — “Just because I wear a lungi… doesn’t mean I was born in Bangladesh.” Class, Caste & Identity Intersections Initially impacted: Bengali Muslims. Now widened to: Lower-caste Hindu Bengalis. Emerging Trend: A complex overlap of ethnicity, caste, class, and dialect defines vulnerability — not legal status. Public Discourse & Elite Silence Noted Absence: Limited response from Bengali public intellectuals in media, literature, or academia. Key Questions: Is there a class detachment within Bengali society? Are elite Bengalis silent due to discomfort with working-class dialects and attire? Broader Implications Xenophobic Normalization: Language and attire increasingly seen as proxies for illegality. Institutional Fragility: Weak documentation processes. Absence of legal aid for suspected individuals. Lack of linguistic and cultural training for enforcement agencies. Risk: Deepening intra-ethnic, class, and religious fault lines. Key Takeaways Legal due process must override cultural inference in determining immigration status. Language, class, and dress cannot serve as lawful indicators of citizenship. A balanced approach requires institutional training, community engagement, and safeguards against arbitrary profiling. Why the world needs better green technologies Context & Key Question Backdrop: Global climate targets and energy independence goals are driving a massive push for renewable energy. Core Issue: Are silicon photovoltaics (Si-PV) still the best option, or should we invest in next-gen solar technologies with higher efficiency and lower environmental impact? Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Silicon Photovoltaics (Si-PV): Overview Invented: 1954, Bell Labs (USA). Efficiency: Lab efficiency: 18–21%. Real-world (in-field) efficiency: 15–18%. Global Production: 80% of supply from China. India: Domestic capacity at ~6 GW, expected to rise. Efficiency vs. Land Constraints Efficiency matters: Doubling efficiency → halves land requirement. Land crunch: Rapid urbanization. Environmental concerns limiting greenfield solar expansion. Implication: Silicon PV’s lower efficiency makes it less viable in space-constrained or high-demand areas. Alternative Photovoltaic Technologies Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Thin-Film: Up to 47% efficiency. Commercial-readiness: Many next-gen PVs are lab-tested, demonstration-ready, and awaiting commercial deployment. Energy & Climate Dynamics Renewable Energy Installed (India): 4.45 TWh (by end-2024). Atmospheric CO₂: Increased from 350 ppm (1990) to ~425 ppm (2025). Implication: Renewable expansion isn’t keeping pace with energy demand. Green Hydrogen: Promise vs. Reality Production method: Electrolysis using renewable power. Challenges: Electrolysis is energy-intensive. Storage & transport of hydrogen is difficult (leaky, low-density). Energy cascade losses: From Si-PV → electrolysis → storage → reconversion = compounding inefficiencies. Proposed Alternatives Molecular Carriers: Convert H₂ to green ammonia (NH₃) or green methanol (CH₃OH) for transport. But reverse conversion still demands high energy. Artificial Photosynthesis (APS): Directly produce fuels from H₂O, CO₂/N₂, and sunlight. Still in lab-stage, but promising for future. CO₂ Recycling: Turn CO₂ into useful fuels = climate mitigation + energy solution. Europe’s Lead: RFNBO Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO): Fuels made using renewables but not from biomass. Includes green hydrogen, methanol, ammonia from sunlight and air. Policy push: India urged to follow suit to reduce 85% energy import dependence. India’s Strategic Needs Current import dependence: 85% of energy (oil, coal, gas). Geopolitical vulnerability: Global conflicts + price shocks. Recommendation: Ramp up R&D spending, foster public-private innovation. Conclusion & Takeaways Green hydrogen & Si-PV are helpful but not enough. Efficiency and energy economics need urgent innovation. India must diversify energy strategies to: Improve energy density. Optimize land use. Enable cleaner, scalable fuels. Proactive R&D investment today is more cost-effective than reactive damage control tomorrow. Malaria’s new frontlines: vaccines, innovation, and the Indian endgame Malaria control in India has entered a decisive phase, powered by vaccine breakthroughs and innovation. Yet, persistent tribal hotspots and policy gaps challenge the 2030 elimination goal. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) India’s Progress & Persistent Challenges Achievements: >80% reduction in malaria burden between 2015–2023. National ambition: Elimination of malaria by 2030. Persisting Hotspots: Tribal districts still highly affected: Lawngtlai (Mizoram): 56+ cases/1000 people. Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh): 22+ cases/1000 people. Mixed infections: In Jharkhand, 20% of cases involve both P. falciparum & P. vivax. Asymptomatic carriers: Silent transmission even in low-incidence zones.  Malaria Parasites in India P. falciparum (Africa-dominant): More lethal. P. vivax (Asia-dominant): Dormant liver stage → late relapses. P. cynomolgi (monkey malaria): Crucial research model for P. vivax, but underutilized in India. First-Generation Vaccines 1. RTS,S (Mosquirix) Approved in 2021. Protection: ~55% initially, wanes in 18 months. Requires 4 doses. 2. R21/Matrix-M (Oxford–Serum Institute) WHO-approved in 2023. Up to 77% efficacy in Phase 3. Low-cost, fewer doses, room-temperature stable → ideal for India. Limitations of Current Vaccines Target only one life stage (pre-erythrocytic). Vulnerable to reinfection and continued transmission. Need for multi-stage or whole-parasite strategies. Next-Gen Vaccine Approaches A. Whole-Parasite Vaccines PfSPZ (Sanaria): Uses radiation-weakened sporozoites. 96% antibody response, up to 79% protection after 3 doses. PfSPZ-LARC2: Modified version with potential for single-dose use. Targeted use in outbreaks/migrant populations. B. Blood-Stage Vaccines PfRH5: Blocks red blood cell invasion. Strain-transcending protection. Promising Phase 1a/2b trials in UK, Gambia, Burkina Faso. C. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines (TBVs) Pfs230D1 (Mali): Blocks fertilization in mosquito gut. 78% reduction in transmission (Phase 2). India’s TBV candidate – AdFalciVax: Combines PfCSP + Pfs230/Pfs48/45. Completed preclinical testing in 2025. Mice: >90% protection with long immune memory (4+ months). Room temp stable (9 months) → ideal for rural India. P. vivax TBV (Pvs230D1M): First human trial in Thailand: up to 96% transmission reduction. Immune Boosting & Novel Platforms Protein-Based Innovations Ferritin nanoparticle + CpG adjuvant: Cut liver-stage parasite burden by 95% in mice. PfCSP–MIP3α fusion: Enhances antibody + T-cell response. Reduced infection by 88% in mice. mRNA-Based Platforms Pfs25-mRNA (CureVac + NIH): Complete transmission block in mice. Antibodies lasted 6+ months after 2 doses. BNT165e (BioNTech): Blood-stage mRNA candidate. Trial paused by FDA in 2025. Parasite Evasion & Immune Engineering RIFIN proteins bind to LILRB1 receptors, silencing immune cells. Antibody D1D2.v-IgG (India): Binds RIFIN 110x stronger than natural receptor. Restores immune response in lab tests. Vector Control Innovations CRISPR Gene Drives Fertility-suppressing drives: Eliminated entire Anopheles gambiae colonies in lab within a year. FREP1 gene edit: Blocks parasite growth inside mosquito. Spread to 90% of lab mosquitoes in 10 generations. Smart Mosquito Designs Engineered to die early if infected → self-limiting transmission. Prevents ecological disruption by preserving uninfected mosquito populations. Institutional & Policy Gaps Key Challenges: Lack of: Trained doctors, Surveillance for resistance, and Robust vector control systems. India’s P. vivax research underutilised due to: Restricted monkey access, outdated priorities. Steps Ahead: ICMR Expression of Interest (2025): For industrial partners to co-develop AdFalciVax. Critical needs: GMP-grade production, immune biomarkers, and efficacy benchmarking vs RTS,S & R21. Takeaways Category Key Insight Burden >80% reduction, but pockets like Mizoram & Chhattisgarh remain high Parasites India fights both P. falciparum & P. vivax (harder to eliminate) Vaccines RTS,S, R21, PfSPZ, PfRH5, TBVs like AdFalciVax under rapid development Tech mRNA, nanoparticle, CRISPR gene drives, immune-modulating antibodies Goal Malaria elimination by 2030 Need Vaccine innovation + ecosystem of diagnostics, training, and policy support Mystery of African Mahogany G20 sapling solved Background: G20 Plantation at Nehru Park Occasion: India’s G20 Presidency (2023). Event: Ceremonial plantation of saplings by G20 member countries and invited international organisations. Location: Designated plantation area in Nehru Park, New Delhi. Objective: Symbolic diplomacy using ecologically significant trees representing each country. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) The Mystery Issue Raised: A citizen-led platform (X, formerly Twitter) flagged that the sapling labelled “African Mahogany” didn’t resemble the actual species. Trigger: Viral post with over 28 lakh views, prompting questions on whether species verification had occurred. Official Clarification: The currently standing sapling is a substitute, not the original African Mahogany gifted by Nigeria. The original sapling died after being planted due to non-acclimatisation. Scientific & Bureaucratic Process Plant Quarantine: Imported plants underwent a required quarantine at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. Pre-plantation Vetting: Involved expert species identification to maximize survival in Delhi’s climate. Sources Confirmed: Substitutes like Jamun (Indian species) were temporarily planted to maintain visual and aesthetic consistency. Country-wise Sapling Details South Korea & South Africa: Their original saplings failed to survive post-plantation. Embassies confirmed it was within expected parameters. South Korea has already replaced its original species. Nigeria’s African Mahogany: Has now been sourced again and will be planted after the monsoon, as per ideal conditions. Broader G20 Tree Representation A total of 17 tree species were planted by G20 countries and international organisations. Symbolism & Environmental Relevance: Turkey, Spain, Italy: Olive trees. South Korea: Silver tree. Egypt, Saudi Arabia: Date Palm. Indonesia: Frangipani. China: Camphor Laurel. African Union: Sausage Tree, Red Frangipani. Coordination & Logistics Nodal Agency: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Coordination: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Challenges Faced: Survival in new climate. Visual aesthetics of the ceremonial area. Ensuring embassy-level approval before using substitutes. Key Takeaways Plant survival in alien climates is a known challenge; substitution is a standard protocol. Visual consistency maintained via indigenous look-alike species (like Jamun). Embassies remained involved in the replacement process, ensuring diplomatic sensitivity. The episode reflects eco-diplomacy, biosecurity procedures, and public accountability. Language & division of states Background Context Triggering Event: TN Governor R. N. Ravi criticized the linguistic basis of state formation, arguing it led to second-class citizenship for some populations. Core Debate: Whether the linguistic reorganisation of states in 1956 was a divisive or unifying force for India. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues ) India Before First Reorganisation (1956) Dual System of Administration: British India: Directly administered provinces. Princely States: Indirect rule through native rulers. Constitutional Classification (1950): Part A: Former British provinces, governed by elected legislatures. Part B: Former princely states, governed by Rajpramukhs. Part C: Commissioners’ provinces + some princely states. Part D: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (governed by the Centre). Total States/UTs on 26 January 1950: 28 states + 6 Union Territories. Linguistic Reorganisation of States (1956) Key Trigger: Demands for states based on linguistic and cultural identity surged post-Independence. Major Catalyst: Potti Sriramulu’s death (1952) during a fast for a Telugu-speaking state (Andhra) sparked widespread protests → creation of Andhra State. Political Response: Fazl Ali Commission (SRC) formed in 1953. Submitted report: 30 September 1955. Recommended reorganisation of India into 16 states & 3 UTs based on administrative efficiency + linguistic affinity. Data Highlights: After 1956 Reorganisation States created based on dominant languages: Andhra Pradesh (Telugu) Kerala (Malayalam) Karnataka (Kannada) Tamil Nadu (Tamil) Maharashtra (Marathi) Gujarat (Gujrati) States that were reorganised or merged: Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, Bombay, Madras, etc. Part A, B, C, D classifications abolished. New structure: Unified system with elected legislatures and clearer administrative boundaries. Key Arguments For Linguistic Reorganisation Unity Through Identity: Linguistic states ensured that diverse language groups felt included, preventing alienation. Nehru’s Pragmatic Approach: Despite early caution, Nehru eventually supported linguistic states to manage unrest and enhance governance. Democratic Accommodation: Recognised linguistic identities as part of a plural democratic ethos. Successful Model: Scholar Ramachandra Guha and others note that linguistic reorganisation helped unify rather than divide India. Governor R. N. Ravi’s Criticism (2025) Core Concern: Linguistic division has made many feel like second-class citizens. Quote: “In my own state Tamil Nadu… people live together but once it became a linguistic state, one-third became second-class.” Implication: Suggests that linguistic politics led to exclusion, particularly for linguistic minorities in each state. Counterpoints to Governor’s View SRC’s Balanced Approach: Rejected rigid linguistic determinism; argued for unity & cultural balance. Historical Complexity: Bombay and Punjab saw violent protests during their linguistic splits (e.g. Bombay’s bilingual state demand). State Unity Beyond Language: Example: Maharashtra and Gujarat, despite being split, remained stable politically and economically. Broader Implications for Indian Federalism Language as a Unifying Principle: While controversial, it has remained core to India’s identity management. Limits of Linguistic Logic: Not applied uniformly — e.g., Punjab-Haryana division also involved religious and regional considerations. Ongoing Challenges: Demands for new states (e.g., Gorkhaland, Vidarbha) still persist. Need to address intra-state linguistic minorities’ rights. Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy Reorganisation of 1956 was a pragmatic response to post-Independence challenges. Despite criticisms, it largely succeeded in: Reducing secessionist tendencies. Ensuring regional representation. Preserving national unity amidst cultural diversity. However, interior exclusions and new grievances require renewed attention within federal policy frameworks.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 31 July 2025

Content Leap Beyond: Elevating India’s Space Saga Rashtriya Gokul Mission Leap Beyond: Elevating India’s Space Saga Modest Beginnings to Global Leadership 1963: Launch of India’s first sounding rocket from Thumba, Kerala. 1975: Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, launched with Soviet assistance. Now: India has launched over 400 foreign satellites for 34 countries via cost-effective launch vehicles like PSLV. Relevance : GS 3(Space ) Policy Reforms and Strategic Shift Since 2014 Post-2014 space reforms: Opened doors to private sector and international collaborations. India Space Policy 2023: Defined roles of ISRO (R&D), NSIL (commercial), IN-SPACe (regulator/facilitator). FDI Liberalization (2024): 100% FDI allowed; up to 74% automatic for satellite manufacturing & operations. Up to 49% automatic for launch vehicles & spaceports. Result: Emergence of 328+ space startups, vibrant space-tech ecosystem.   Landmark Missions and Achievements NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) – Launch: 30 July 2025 First NASA-ISRO Earth observation mission. Uses dual-frequency L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radar. Tracks: Earth deformation, ice sheets, forest biomass. Coastal changes, landslides, oil spills. First GSLV mission to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. Axiom Mission-4: India’s First Astronaut on ISS Gp. Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Mission Duration: 18 days aboard ISS, returned on 15 July 2025. Collaborative crewed flight with Poland and Hungary, via SpaceX Dragon. Scientific Experiments Conducted: Microalgae, seed sprouting, and cyanobacteria growth for nutrition and biotech. Tardigrade survival and human muscle regeneration under microgravity. User interface in zero gravity & crop seed adaptations for future agriculture in space. Gaganyaan Programme (₹20,193 crore) Goal: India’s first independent human spaceflight by Q1 2027. Components: Human-rated LVM3, Crew Escape System, Service Module. Astronaut training for 4 IAF officers: PB Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Shukla. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035; crewed Moon mission by 2040. Gaganyaan to catalyze: Space station R&D, industrial innovation, high-tech job creation. Chandrayaan Missions: India’s Lunar Legacy Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Partial success; orbiter still functional. Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First soft-landing near lunar south pole. Chandrayaan-4 (Upcoming): Sample-return mission. Will use 2 rockets, 5 modules, orbit docking, sample return module to Earth. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) Launched: 2013, reached Mars orbit in Sept 2014. First Asian country to reach Mars on maiden attempt. Cost: Only $74 million, world’s most cost-effective interplanetary mission. Operated for 7 years (designed life: 6 months). Solar Exploration: Aditya L-1 Launched: 2017; orbits Lagrange point L1. In 2025: SUIT instrument captured rare solar flare kernel from chromosphere and photosphere. Next-Generation Technologies SpaDeX & Satellite Docking India became 4th nation to demonstrate space docking (Jan 2025). Enabled: Refueling, payload transfers, self-sustaining space stations. Next Gen Launch Vehicles (NGLV) Reusable first stage; Payload: 30,000 kg to LEO. 3-stage, 93-meter tall vehicle, with 9 engines in first stage. Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV) Winged body for horizontal runway landings. Currently under testing. Global Collaborations and Commercial Engagements Key Partners: NASA: NISAR mission. Axiom Space: Human spaceflight (Ax-4). France (CNES): TRISHNA infrared resource monitoring satellite. Japan (JAXA): LUPEX lunar rover mission. Europe (ESA): Proba-3 launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV. SpaceX/Starlink: Received license (June 2025); expanding satellite broadband with Airtel & Jio. Communication & Navigation Missions NavIC (Indian GPS) 7 satellites in GEO/GSO; covers India + 1500 km radius. Applications: Military, agriculture, transportation, disaster management. GSAT-N2 (2025) High-capacity communication satellite: 48 Gbps bandwidth. Built by NSIL, launched via Falcon-9. Defence and Debris-Free Initiatives Mission Shakti (2019) DRDO successfully destroyed a satellite in LEO. Proved India’s Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) capabilities. Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM) Announced in 2024, operational from 2025. Goal: All Indian missions to achieve 99% debris-free compliance by 2030. Managed by IS4OM, includes tracking, controlled re-entry, and de-orbiting strategies.  Investment & Budget Growth Space Budget: Tripled from ₹5,615 crore (2013-14) to ₹13,416 crore (2025-26). 11 years: 100 ISRO launches completed. Private sector-led launches increasing via NSIL and IN-SPACe facilitation. Upcoming Missions in 2025 PSLV-C61/EOS-09: Microwave C-band radar imaging satellite. TV-D2: Gaganyaan abort test with full Crew Module recovery. LVM3-M5: Commercial launch for AST SpaceMobile (USA). Chandrayaan-4, Venus Mission, Mangalyaan-2, Gaganyaan. Strategic Vision: Space Vision 2047 Pillars: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (2035) Crewed lunar mission (2040) Interplanetary missions (Venus, Mars) Full spectrum public-private synergy Embedded in India’s Amrit Kaal vision of becoming a global tech and knowledge power. Conclusion India’s space journey reflects: A quantum leap from Earth observation to human spaceflight. A synergy of government reforms, private innovation, and global collaboration. Commitment to peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive use of space. With a future anchored in missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4, and leadership in low-cost, high-impact innovation, India is now a leading spacefaring nation shaping the global space order. Rashtriya Gokul Mission Background and Objectives Launched by: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI Objective: Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation, and enhancement of milk productivity and production. Relevance : GS 2(Scheme ) , GS 3(Livestock) Key Achievements (2014–15 to 2023–24) Increase in Bovine Productivity Overall bovine productivity increased from 1640 kg/animal/year to 2072 kg/animal/year → 26.34% increase, the highest globally. Indigenous and non-descript cattle productivity increased from 927 kg/animal/year to 1292 kg/animal/year → 39.37% increase Buffalo productivity improved from 1880 kg/animal/year to 2161 kg/animal/year → 14.94% increase Surge in Milk Production Milk output rose from 146.31 million tonnes (2014–15) to 239.30 million tonnes (2023–24) → 63.55% increase in a decade Future Target (Vision 2030) RGM aims to boost bovine milk productivity to 3000 kg/animal/year by 2030 Major Components and Interventions 1. Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) Focus: Rural areas with <50% AI coverage Services: Free doorstep AI with High Genetic Merit (HGM) bulls, including indigenous breeds Impact (as of July 2025): 9.16 crore animals covered 14.12 crore AIs performed 5.54 crore farmers benefited 2. Progeny Testing & Pedigree Selection Goal: Breed and select high genetic merit bulls, especially from native breeds Indigenous cattle breeds supported: Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Kankrej, Hariana, Rathi, Gaolao Buffalo breeds supported: Murrah, Mehsana, Jaffarabadi, Pandharpuri, Nili Ravi Outcome: 4343 high genetic merit bulls produced and provided to semen stations 3. Accelerated Breed Improvement Tools used: In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Sex-sorted semen Purpose: Rapid genetic upgradation including for indigenous breeds 4. Genomic Selection Aim: Faster and more precise breeding of superior indigenous cattle and buffaloes using DNA-based selection 5. Human Resource Development Training rural youth as: Multipurpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) Status (as of July 2025): 38,736 technicians trained and equipped to deliver AI services Strategic Significance Boosts India’s Position: Solidifies India’s role as the largest milk producer globally Rural Income Support: Enhances farmers’ livelihoods, especially smallholders Breed Conservation: Ensures sustainable use of native genetic resources Technological Integration: Incorporates AI, IVF, Genomics to modernize livestock rearing Inclusivity: Delivers doorstep services, particularly in underserved rural districts Conclusion Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a transformative initiative integrating genetic science, rural capacity building, and indigenous breed conservation, resulting in unprecedented productivity gains and contributing to India’s agri-dairy resilience and rural economy. The push toward 3000 kg/animal/year productivity by 2030 reflects a bold vision backed by sustained policy and technological momentum.

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 31 July 2025

Content India’s police must get out of Dirty Harry’s shadow Spectacle, privacy and sharing in the digital age India’s police must get out of Dirty Harry’s shadow The Central Analogy: Holmes vs. Harry Sherlock Holmes: Represents evidence-based, rational, and rights-respecting policing. Dirty Harry: Symbolizes aggressive, rule-breaking, violent enforcement prioritizing speed over accuracy. The editorial frames Indian policing at a moral and operational crossroads: whether to choose a civilised, professional law enforcement model or perpetuate a culture of intimidation and impunity. Relevance : GS 2( Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) Practice Question : Despite constitutional safeguards and judicial guidelines, custodial torture remains pervasive in India. Critically examine the systemic causes and evaluate evidence-based alternatives to coercive policing.(250 Words) Custodial Deaths in India: A Disturbing Pattern 687 custodial deaths across India between 2018–19 and 2022–23 (Lok Sabha, 2023). Avg: 2–3 deaths per week. Top states: Gujarat (81), Maharashtra (80), MP (50), Bihar (47), UP (41), WB (40), Tamil Nadu (36). Many deaths misclassified as suicide, illness, or accident. Torture is often off-record—done in vans, abandoned structures, or unmonitored areas (as in Ajith Kumar’s case in TN, 2024). Systemic Roots of Custodial Violence Target groups: Migrants, Dalits, tribals, slum dwellers, daily-wage workers. Reflects structural injustice linked to caste, class, and power dynamics. Police force structure: 90% are constables, often undertrained and ill-equipped for sensitive enforcement. Institutional failures: Weak accountability systems. Rare disciplinary/criminal convictions. Pressure for quick results leads to shortcuts like forced confessions. Scientific and Global Evidence Against Torture Cognitive Science Findings: Shane O’Mara (2015): Torture damages brain areas (prefrontal cortex & hippocampus) vital for memory and reasoning. Leads to disorientation and false confessions. Historical and Global Evidence: French forces in Algeria: Torture yielded mostly useless or misleading intelligence. CIA “Black Sites” (2007): Confessions extracted under torture were false or unverifiable. Innocence Project (US): 375+ wrongful convictions overturned via DNA—many based on coerced confessions. Policy & Legal Frameworks: Gaps and Failures D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1996): Laid out detailed custodial safeguards. Puttaswamy (2017): Reaffirmed dignity and bodily autonomy as fundamental rights. Law Commission Report 273 (2017): Recommended a standalone anti-torture law. No progress by 2025. India has not ratified the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). Global Torture Index 2025: India ranked as a “high-risk” country — a major diplomatic and moral failure. Evidence-Based Alternatives That Work UK’s PEACE Model: Adopted post-Birmingham bombing scandal (1974). Stands for: Preparation & Planning, Engage & Explain, Account, Closure, Evaluation. Focuses on: Rapport-building Open-ended questions Active listening Video recording Result: Fewer false confessions, higher conviction accuracy, improved public trust. Endorsed by the European Committee for Prevention of Torture. Adopted by Norway, Canada, New Zealand. High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG): Joint initiative of FBI, CIA, Department of Defense. Conducted peer-reviewed studies: Non-coercive methods consistently superior to torture. Najibullah Zazi (2009 plot): Cooperated after respectful treatment—his intel helped break terror networks. Norway’s Breivik Case: Anders Breivik (killed 77 in 2011) was interrogated without threats. Led to full confession and insight into extremist networks. Editorial’s Policy Recommendations Ratify UNCAT (United Nations Convention Against Torture). Enact standalone anti-torture legislation as urged by Law Commission. Embed PEACE model into state police training curricula. Declare zero tolerance for custodial abuse nationwide. Shift from confession-centric to investigation-centric policing. Democratic Implications The debate is not about efficiency vs. morality — it’s about democratic maturity. Torture dehumanises not just victims but erodes the moral legitimacy of the State. Justice should protect, not brutalise — Holmes over Harry is not a choice of method but of values. Conclusion India stands at a critical inflection point in policing reform. The evidence is overwhelming: torture doesn’t work, morally or operationally. Embracing scientific, democratic, and rights-based approaches to policing isn’t idealistic — it’s essential for a just and lawful society. It’s time India left Dirty Harry behind and trained its police force in the spirit of Sherlock Holmes. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. Spectacle, privacy and sharing in the digital age Incident Overview: At a Coldplay concert in Boston, a “kiss-cam” moment showed a CEO and an HR director sitting together. An audience member recorded the clip and posted it online without their consent. The video went viral, and people speculated it showed an extramarital affair. As the online backlash grew, the CEO resigned from his position. Fake apology notes and edited images began circulating, fueling more outrage. The situation turned into a global case of digital shaming and moral judgment. A brief, private moment became a public spectacle, raising serious concerns about privacy and online ethics. Relevance : GS 2( Governance, Media Ethics, Privacy Laws, Social Justice) ,GS 4 ( Digital Responsibility, Media Morality) Practice Question : In the age of algorithm-driven virality, digital visibility often overrides individual privacy and dignity. Examine this tension with reference to recent incidents, and suggest ethical and regulatory solutions.(250 Words) Core Themes and Deeper Issues Raised 1. Lateral Surveillance and Participatory Voyeurism Mark Andrejevic’s concept of “lateral surveillance” explains how ordinary individuals monitor and expose each other through digital tools. Unlike top-down institutional surveillance, this peer-driven oversight is informal, viral, and judgmental. Example: The video wasn’t shared by law enforcement or media, but by a concertgoer — its virality emerged from audience spectacle, not news value. 2. Surveillance Capitalism & Algorithmic Amplification Shoshana Zuboff’s theory highlights that platforms like Instagram and X are designed to amplify emotionally ambiguous, provocative content. Virality is driven by engagement, not accuracy or ethics. Algorithms reward: Speculative storytelling Moral indignation Visual ambiguity, often at the cost of truth and dignity. Global & Indian Parallels In Delhi Metro (2023), a couple’s private moment went viral, resulting in: Trolling, public shaming, and Gendered moral policing—the woman bore the brunt of societal backlash. Similar Indian incidents often target: Women, Dalits, tribal communities, and the economically marginalised. Reveals a pattern: Viral content is often a weapon against the vulnerable, not the powerful. Privacy, Consent & Contextual Integrity Philosopher Helen Nissenbaum argues privacy isn’t secrecy but contextual control over personal information. Visibility ≠ Consent: Just because a moment is visible doesn’t mean it’s fair game for public dissemination. At concerts or in metros, individuals do not expect moments to be extracted, magnified, and judged by strangers worldwide. Digital Vigilantism and Public Shaming Daniel Trottier’s concept: Users act as moral enforcers without due process, relying on speculation, outrage, and mob judgment. Consequences: Reputational harm outpaces factual verification. “Guilt by virality” becomes a substitute for justice or inquiry. The Coldplay CEO’s resignation happened amid swirling misinformation, not based on verified wrongdoing. Crisis in Journalism & Verification Legacy media often amplifies viral content instead of verifying it. Coldplay case: Major outlets echoed social media narratives without investigation. Editorial critique: Journalism today often publishes first and checks later, eroding credibility and accountability. Platform Design Flaws Platforms prioritise performance over reflection (Nancy Baym). TikTok, Instagram, and X: Encourage immediate, emotional responses. Lack safeguards for flagging or de-escalating sensitive content. Algorithms are agnostic to truth and blind to harm. India-Specific Concerns Low digital literacy + social hierarchies (caste, gender, religion) = amplified risks. Viral videos involving Dalits or tribal creators often attract casteist backlash. Existing privacy and defamation laws fail to address: Cross-border harm Speed and scale of algorithmic amplification What Needs to Change: Ethical & Policy Recommendations 1. Digital Ethics Education Introduce digital empathy in schools, colleges, and communities. Emphasize that sharing content has real consequences, even if unintended. 2. Platform Accountability Social media companies must: Develop tools to flag sensitive content. Slow the spread of morally ambiguous media. Embed contextual warnings and consent checks. 3. Responsible Journalism Reaffirm the gatekeeping role: Prioritize verification, context, and proportionality. Resist the clickbait economy and restore editorial standards. 4. User Self-Reflection Public must reflect on: When does witnessing turn into exploitation? Should every moment be recorded, uploaded, and judged? Conclusion: Digital Culture at a Crossroads The Coldplay episode is not an anomaly — it represents a global pattern of spectacle over sensitivity. We must ask: Do we want a society where every moment becomes content? Or one where privacy, consent, and dignity are respected? In an age where virality is instant but harm is lasting, digital citizenship must be guided by empathy, ethics, and restraint. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes