Dec 25, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 25 December 2025

Content Telangana likely to get five more Geographical Indication (GI) tags soon Why manufacturing has lagged in India What is the Bureau of Port Security and its role? Did an ancient flood contribute to Keezhadi’s abandonment? ISRO rocket LVM-3 places 6000-kg US satellite — its heaviest — into orbit Only 1 in 4 marginal farmers in India linked to cooperatives, report finds Large share of India’s PM2.5 not emitted directly, but chemically formed in the atmosphere: CREA Study Telangana likely to get five more Geographical Indication (GI) tags soon Why is it in news? Telangana is close to securing five new Geographical Indication (GI) tags — Narayanpet jewellery making, Hyderabad pearls, Banjara tribal jewellery, Banjara needle craft, and Batik paintings — after completion of field studies and documentation. Additional GI applications are pending for Armoor turmeric, Nalgonda chitti dosakai, Kollapur Benishan mango, Mahadevpur tussar silk, Jagtial sesame, and Nayakpod masks. In the last two years, the State obtained two new GI tags — Hyderabad lac bangles (2024) and Warangal chapata chilli (2025) — taking the total to 18 GI-tagged products. Relevance GS-III: Economy — Inclusive Growth, MSMEs, Rural Development GI-linked value addition, craft-cluster livelihoods, FPO linkages, women-led enterprises GS-I: Indian Culture & Heritage Protection of traditional crafts, tribal art, cultural identity Telangana GI Ecosystem Total GI-tagged products (current): 18 Includes: Pochampally Ikat, Adilabad Dokra, Warangal Durries, Hyderabad Haleem, etc. GI Authority: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai (under DPIIT). Legal Basis: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Ownership & Value Effects Protects place-linked identity & brand premium Ensures exclusive usage rights to local producers Enables authentication & traceability Economic Linkages GI clusters typically show Price premium: 10–30% (avg. Indian handicrafts/food GIs) Higher rural employment multipliers in craft-based economies Cultural Impact Safeguards intangible heritage, artisanal skills, tribal crafts Strengthens community identity & transmission of traditional knowledge Sectoral Significance of the Proposed GI Tags Banjara crafts (jewellery + needlework) → protects tribal livelihood chains, encourages women-led craft enterprises. Hyderabad pearls → reinforces historic trade heritage, boosts export-tourism branding. Narayanpet jewellery making → formal recognition to regional artisanal metalwork traditions. Batik paintings → strengthens handloom-art crossover markets and design innovation. Takeaways GI = place-specific, collective intellectual property (not individual trademark). Registered under DPIIT; validity: 10 years; renewable. Pre-eminent Telangana GIs: Pochampally Ikat, Adilabad Dokra, Warangal Durries, Hyderabad Haleem. Recent additions: Hyderabad lac bangles (2024), Warangal chapata chilli (2025). Upcoming pipeline: Armoor turmeric, Kollapur Benishan mango, Mahadevpur tussar silk, etc. Why manufacturing has lagged in India ? Why is it in news? A recent discussion on A Sixth of Humanity by economist Arvind Subramanian revisits why India has lagged behind China and South Korea in industrialisation despite comparable starting points. The argument applies the ‘Dutch Disease’ framework to India — suggesting that high public-sector wages distorted labour markets, pulled workers away from manufacturing, raised domestic prices, appreciated the real exchange rate, and weakened manufacturing competitiveness. The debate reopens larger questions on technological upgradation, wage dynamics, inequality, and structural transformation in India’s growth model. Relevance GS-III: Economy — Growth, Structural Transformation, Employment Manufacturing stagnation, wage–productivity dynamics, inequality GS-III: Industry & Infrastructure / Industrial Policy Technology adoption, export orientation, PLI, R&D ecosystem Key Facts & Data Manufacturing share in GDP India: broadly 15–17% for three decades, declining recently relative to services China: rose from ~25% (1990s) to 28–30%+ during industrial boom South Korea: sustained 25–27% during export-led industrialisation Employment structure India: manufacturing employs ~11–12% of workforce; large informal share China/South Korea: manufacturing central to productivity & wage gains Wage dynamics in India Entry-level IT wages stagnant since early 2000s (real terms barely improved) Platform firms (Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Blinkit) rely on labour-intensive, low-productivity models rather than technology-deepening Inequality signal Top-end wealth and corporate profits grew faster than median wage/productivity, indicating lop-sided growth. Dutch Disease Originally used to study Netherlands’ 1959 Groningen gas discovery. Mechanism: Resource boom → higher wages & capital shift into booming sector Currency appreciation / price rise → imports cheaper, exports costlier Manufacturing becomes uncompetitive → stagnation or decline Extension to India (policy variant): Expansion of high-wage government sector → manufacturing cannot match wages at existing productivity Higher incomes raise domestic prices → real exchange-rate appreciation even without nominal rupee change Demand tilts toward cheaper imports, hurting local manufacturing. Critical Interpretation of the Argument Strengths of the hypothesis Explains factor-market distortion: skilled labour moves to safer, better-paid government jobs Clarifies link between wages, prices, competitiveness, and structural transformation Limitations Classic Dutch-disease arises from natural-resource windfalls, not deliberate wage policy Ignores why firms did not upgrade technology over time to sustain higher wages Public sector wages may be symptom, not core cause, of weak industrial policy and ecosystem gaps. Technology & Wage Question Induced-innovation theory (Habakkuk, Allen, Acemoglu) High wages → firms invest in automation, capital-biased technology → productivity & wage growth Seen in Germany, Japan, South Korea with labour scarcity India’s contrast Large labour reserves reduced incentive to automate Manufacturing became labour-absorbing but low-productivity, limiting wage growth Services growth did not diffuse productivity economy-wide. Structural Bottlenecks Beyond Wages Shallow export orientation vs. East Asian export discipline Weak firm size-upgrading (missing middle; dominance of micro-units) Patchy industrial policy and cluster-level support Low R&D intensity and technology adoption Logistics, power, and compliance frictions historically higher than peers. Policy Implications Shift from labour-abundance reliance to technology-deep manufacturing Strengthen export-linked manufacturing clusters and scale-up pathways Invest in skills, automation readiness, design & R&D Reform wage-productivity linkages: raise productivity alongside wages, not suppress wages Leverage PLIs, supply-chain localisation, semiconductors, electronics, green manufacturing with stronger technology absorption. What is the Bureau of Port Security and its role? Why is it in news? The Centre has constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to strengthen port and coastal security amid rising maritime, smuggling, piracy, and cybersecurity threats. The move coincides with major reforms in India’s maritime governance — including the Indian Ports Act, 2025, Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, and Modernised Merchant Shipping Legislation, 2025 — aimed at modernising port regulation, improving security oversight, and supporting trade efficiency. Relevance GS-III: Internal Security & Infrastructure Port security architecture, cyber-maritime threats, anti-smuggling, trafficking control GS-II: Federalism & Regulation Centre–State powers, regulation of non-major ports, governance reforms What is the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) and what is its role? Institutional design Statutory body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Legal mandate to enforce International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and global security standards Core functions Single-point regulatory oversight & coordination across ports and ships Standardised security audits, risk assessments, certification & compliance CISF designated as Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) → prepares security plans, trains private & State port agencies Graded security implementation across major and non-major ports Cyber & intelligence role Dedicated division for cybersecurity of port IT/OT systems Collection & exchange of security intelligence; coordination with national cyber agencies Scope of threat coverage Maritime terrorism, smuggling (arms/drugs), human trafficking, illegal migration, poaching, piracy Digital intrusions & cyber-sabotage in port operations What challenges in coastal and port security does India face, and how will BoPS address them? Multi-agency fragmentation Roles split across Coast Guard, Navy, CISF, State Marine Police, Customs, Port Authorities → gaps in coordination Non-uniform standards Varied security protocols across major vs. non-major ports Rising maritime-crime footprint Increased drug & arms smuggling via sea routes, illegal migration, and grey-zone activities Cyber-vulnerability Growing digitisation of ports → exposure to ransomware, data breaches, navigation system tampering Trade scale-risk mismatch Rapid growth in cargo & port capacity outpacing legacy security frameworks How BoPS mitigates these ? Unifies command & oversight → reduces duplication and response delays Standardises security architecture across all ports via CISF-led plans Integrates intelligence & cyber defence within port systems Ensures continuous compliance with ISPS & international benchmarks Creates nationwide port-security ecosystem supporting trade + safety together Key Legislative Reforms (2025) Indian Ports Act, 2025 → replaces 1908 Act Modernises regulation, safety, environmental norms, port conservancy Aims to improve ease of doing business & sustainability Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 Simplifies licensing, boosts domestic coastal trade & Indian-flagged vessels Modernised Merchant Shipping Legislation, 2025 Aligns India with global maritime safety & operational standards BoPS Act / provisions (2025) Establishes statutory port-security regulator Maritime Growth — Data Signals Cargo handled: ↑ from 974 MMT (2014) → 1,594 MMT (2025) Port capacity: ↑ 57% (last decade) Ship turnaround time: ↓ to ~48 hours (≈ global benchmarks) Coastal shipping volumes: ↑ 118% Inland waterways cargo: ↑ from 18.1 MMT (2014) → 145.5 MMT (2025) (≈ 8x rise) Global recognition: 9 Indian ports in World Bank Container Port Performance Index What criticisms exist? Centralisation concerns Greater Union control over non-major (State-run) ports → termed a “silent cost to maritime federalism” by some States Procedural safeguards Powers of port, conservancy, and health officers for entry/inspection seen as broad, with unclear judicial guardrails Note: Critiques target the legislation & governance design, not the BoPS institution per se. Keezhadi — Flood-Burial & OSL Dating Study Why is it in news? A new study by researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad and the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology has used Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating to determine when flood sediments buried parts of the Keezhadi settlement along the Vaigai river. The findings suggest that portions of the site were covered by flood-borne sediments roughly ~1,000 years ago, helping distinguish when people lived there from when nature buried the remains. The study was published in Current Science (October 25) and strengthens efforts to build a scientific timeline for the Keezhadi cultural landscape beyond literary references from the Sangam corpus. Relevance GS-I: Indian Culture / Archaeology Urban settlement archaeology, Sangam-era material culture GS-I & GS-III: Geography–Environment Interface River dynamics, floods, settlement relocation, late-Holocene climate context Facts & Data — Keezhadi Excavation Context Location: Keezhadi, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu — on the Vaigai floodplain. Excavations have revealed: Brick walls, channel-like drains, fine clay floors, pottery fragments Settlement layout suggesting urban planning, craft activity, and trade linkages Key research challenge: Sangam poems mention towns & trade, but lack precise chronology → archaeology + geoscience used to build timelines. What did the new study examine? Focus: Sediment layers covering the archaeological structures, not the bricks themselves. Hypothesis: Flooding events of the Vaigai deposited sand–silt–clay layers that buried the settlement remains. Goal: Date when burial occurred → infer damage/abandonment phases of the settlement. Method: Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Quartz grains accumulate energy from natural radiation while buried. Sunlight resets this clock when grains are exposed at the surface. In the lab, grains are stimulated with light → measured luminescence = time since last exposure → approximates time of burial. Study details: Four sediment samples from two pits (KDI-1, KDI-2) Samples extracted using light-tight metal tubes to prevent exposure. Result: OSL dates indicate flood-deposit burial ~1,000 years ago (late Holocene phase). Climate & River Dynamics The late Holocene climate in South India shows wet–dry fluctuations and river course shifts. The Vaigai today flows a few kilometres away from the mound → supports long-term channel migration. Implication: Floods + course shifts may have damaged infrastructure disrupted water access triggered abandonment or relocation of settlements. Why the finding matters (Archaeological Significance)? Differentiates two timelines: Period of habitation vs. period of environmental burial Provides a process-based narrative: settlements respond to hydrological hazards, not only political decline. Guides future excavations: variable sediment thickness across pits suggests differential preservation of older layers. Limits & Scope of Interpretation OSL dates the burial sediments, not the construction age of structures. Does not prove modern-type climate change → indicates long-term fluvial processes. Requires integration with ceramic typology, carbon dates, cultural layers, and stratigraphy. ISRO LVM-3 — 6-tonne US Satellite Launch Why is it in news? ISRO’s LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) successfully placed the 6,000-kg US communications satellite “BlueBird Block-2” into orbit — the heaviest foreign satellite ever launched by India. This was LVM-3’s third consecutive commercial mission under NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), reinforcing India’s position in the global heavy-lift launch market and demonstrating reliability after its role in Chandrayaan-3. Relevance GS-III: Science & Technology / Space Sector Heavy-lift capability, cryogenic tech, commercial launch ecosystem Core Facts & Data Launch vehicle: LVM-3 (GSLV-Mk III) – India’s heavy-lift rocket Payload mass: ~6,000 kg (heaviest satellite launched by ISRO to date) Payload customer: U.S. AST SpaceMobile Orbit: Near-equatorial LEO for direct-to-mobile broadband constellation Mission profile: Satellite released ~21 km lower than target orbit → onboard propulsion to raise orbit Commercial arm involved: NSIL Earlier LVM-3 high-value missions: Chandrayaan-3 (2023) OneWeb constellation launches — 72 satellites placed in orbit across two missions About LVM-3 Class: Heavy-lift, 3-stage launcher Stage 1: Two S200 solid strap-on boosters Stage 2: L110 liquid core stage Stage 3: C25 cryogenic upper stage (LOX + LH₂) Lift capability GTO: ~4–5 tonnes LEO: 8–10 tonnes (mission-dependent) Designed as India’s workhorse for deep-space & heavy satellites What makes this mission significant? Market Positioning Demonstrates India’s entry into the heavy-satellite launch segment, competing with SpaceX Falcon-9, Ariane-5/6 Cost-competitiveness advantage LVM-3 offers lower launch costs than Western providers → boosts commercial demand Technology credibility Repeated success = higher global customer confidence in ISRO/NSIL Strategic signalling Enhances India’s role in satellite broadband constellations & dual-use space markets About the Payload — BlueBird Block-2 Purpose: Direct-to-mobile satellite broadband connectivity (no ground towers needed) Use-cases Remote-area coverage, disaster communications, maritime connectivity Constellation vision: Global space-based mobile network (competes with Starlink variants) India’s Commercial Launch Trajectory — Evidence ISRO commercial launches (last decade): ~45 missions Shift toward LEO broadband constellations — OneWeb + BlueBird NSIL contract portfolio expanding → growth in global launch services exports Broader Strategic Relevance Space economy expansion → supports Make in India + export revenues Private–public ecosystem integration (NSIL, IN-SPACe, startups) Strengthens technological sovereignty in heavy-lift & cryogenic capability Supports ambitions in Gaganyaan crewed missions & deep-space exploration Challenges & Next-Step Priorities Fleet cadence & capacity — increase launch frequency for competitiveness Reusability roadmap — RLV/Next-gen launchers to cut costs further Global competition pressure from SpaceX rideshare pricing Supply-chain deepening — domestic ecosystem for engines, avionics, composites Only 1 in 4 marginal farmers in India linked to cooperatives, report finds Why is it in news? The State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025 report by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) — released on Kisan Diwas (Dec 23, 2025) — finds that less than 25% of marginal farmers are active members of agricultural cooperatives, despite marginal farmers constituting ~60–70% of India’s agricultural households. The report assesses cooperative access and outcomes across six states — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura, and Uttarakhand — and highlights structural exclusion, digital divides, and gender gaps within the cooperative ecosystem. Relevance GS-III: Agriculture, Inclusive Growth, Rural Institutions Role of PACS, credit access, service-hub model, livelihood outcomes GS-II: Social Justice / Participation Gaps Gender exclusion, digital divide, elite capture, governance capacity Key Facts & Data — Who are marginal farmers? Definition: Own < 1 hectare of land. Share in agrarian structure: 60–70% of farm households; backbone of smallholder agriculture. Yet only ~1 in 4 are cooperative members — signalling weak institutional inclusion. Role of Cooperatives & PACS — Why they matter ? Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) = lowest tier of the cooperative system; closest interface for rural households. Provide credit, input supply, procurement & marketing channels, and increasingly digital/public services (PDS, e-governance links). Function as rural service hubs in several states → linked to better livelihood outcomes. What the report finds ? — Evidence from Six States Low participation especially in Bihar, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh. Barriers to inclusion Complex membership procedures & documentation Long distances to PACS and weak last-mile presence Limited working capital → low service reliability Persistent social exclusion (caste, class, gender) Consequences Higher dependence on informal credit/markets Slower income growth, higher vulnerability to climate & price shocks Digital Divide — Facts Tripura: 77.8% cooperatives use no digital tools Bihar: 25% cooperatives report zero digital adoption Digital use largely informational, not transformational Women & older farmers face skill constraints, limiting benefits. Gender & Leadership Gaps Women members registered: 21.25 lakh (2.125 million) Women directors on cooperative boards: 3,355 → very low leadership conversion Barriers: restrictive norms, mobility limits, unpaid care burden → decision-making remains male-dominated. Where access exists — Impact is measurable ? Income outcomes 45% cooperative-linked marginal farmers report income increase ~21% report decline/stagnation Livelihood security 49% members report improved security; ~16% remain insecure Financial inclusion 67% members access credit/financial services via cooperatives Productivity 42% report improved crop yields; 22.5% report decline States with PACS as integrated service centres show stronger positive outcomes. Why are marginal farmers excluded? Institutional design gaps: procedures, documentation, capital constraints Geographical inequity: uneven spread of PACS, long travel costs Social hierarchies: elite capture, weak voice for women & marginal groups Capability deficit: limited digital literacy, low management capacity Policy-practice gap: cooperative reforms focus on scale, not inclusion. Policy Relevance Strengthen last-mile cooperative presence in low-coverage districts Simplify membership & governance norms; ensure grievance & transparency Capital infusion + professionalisation of PACS operations Targeted digital capacity-building, especially for women & elderly farmers Promote integrated PACS (credit + inputs + procurement + services) to maximise impact. Large share of India’s PM2.5 not emitted directly, but chemically formed in the atmosphere: CREA Study Why is it in news? A new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) finds that a large share of India’s PM2.5 pollution is not directly emitted, but is chemically formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases, especially sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from coal-based power plants. The study shows that up to 42% of India’s PM2.5 is secondary particulate matter, mainly ammonium sulphate, and warns that unless India targets SO₂ and other precursor emissions, air-quality gains under NCAP will remain limited and short-lived. Relevance GS-III: Environment / Air-Pollution Governance Secondary PM2.5, SO₂ control, coal-power emissions, NCAP strategy gaps GS-III: Energy–Environment Trade-offs FGD policy, precursor-gas regulation, public-health externalities Key Facts & Data — PM2.5 Composition in India Share of secondary PM2.5 (national): up to 42% — predominantly ammonium sulphate Primary precursor: SO₂ → reacts with ammonia & atmospheric oxidants → secondary sulphate aerosols India = world’s largest SO₂ emitter ~60% of national SO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants FGD policy gap: ~78% of coal plants exempted from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) → weak SO₂ control at source State-level Evidence (CREA assessment using NASA MERRA-2, 2024) Highest ammonium sulphate contribution Chhattisgarh — 42% Odisha — 41% Across states: ammonium sulphate = 17–42% of PM2.5 mass Most states cluster at 30–40% annually Seasonal profile (pan-India) Winter: 31–52% of PM2.5 Post-monsoon: 27–53% Summer: 11–36% Monsoon: 4–26% ➝ Secondary PM remains significant year-round, and dominant in polluted months. Delhi Case Study — What drives severe episodes? ~33% of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 = secondary ammonium sulphate Seasonal dominance: Post-monsoon: 49% of PM2.5 Winter: 41% Summer/Monsoon: ~21% Episodes are driven largely by regional SO₂ plumes + secondary formation, not only local primary emissions. What the findings imply ? PM2.5 challenge ≠ just road dust / primary emissions Secondary particulate matter is a core driver, not a marginal factor. Coal-power SO₂ controls are pivotal FGD exemptions undermine health & NCAP outcomes States with dense thermal clusters show highest secondary sulphate loads Policy–monitoring gap Current strategies emphasise PM10 & visible dust sources Chemical composition & precursor gases (SO₂, NO₂, NH₃) remain under-regulated. CREA’s Policy Message (Evidence-linked) Reinstate mandatory FGD installation across all coal-based TPPs Integrate precursor-gas reduction targets in NCAP revision Expand speciated PM monitoring (sulphate, nitrate, ammonium) alongside mass concentration Coordinate regional emission controls during winter/post-monsoon high-risk periods. What is Secondary PM2.5? Primary PM2.5: emitted directly (dust, combustion soot, vehicle exhaust) Secondary PM2.5: forms in the atmosphere when gaseous precursors react: SO₂ → sulphates (ammonium sulphate) NOx → nitrates NH₃ (agriculture, waste) → reacts with SO₂/NOx aerosols Secondary particles are finer, more toxic, and travel long distances → regional pollution episodes.

Dec 24, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 24 December 2025

Content Exploring Extremes: A Landmark Year of Discoveries by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences Intergenerational Bonds Exploring Extremes: A Landmark Year of Discoveries by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences Why is it in News? Year-End Review 2025 of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) highlights a landmark year of scientific ‘firsts’ with direct socio-economic impact. Achievements span deep-ocean exploration, weather forecasting, disaster resilience, polar science, desalination, supercomputing, and urban climate services, aligned with India’s Vision 2047. Relevance: GS III (Science & Tech, Disaster Management, Environment): Deep-sea mining, HPC-based forecasting, tsunami warning systems. GS II (Governance): Science-to-society delivery, inter-institutional coordination (MoES–NDMA–States). Science with Measurable Human Impact Cost–Benefit Breakthrough (Third-party Audit): Investment: ~₹1,000 crore (Monsoon Mission + HPC). Economic Returns: ~₹50,000 crore (50:1 return). Beneficiaries: ~11 million BPL families—small farmers & fisherfolk using daily weather/ocean advisories. One of India’s first quantified ROI audits of scientific public spending. Breaking Records: Deep & Dark Oceans Deep-Sea Mining Trial: Successful test at 5,270 m depth—deepest such test globally. Strategic relevance: critical minerals, Atmanirbhar Bharat, UNCLOS-linked seabed exploration. Samudrayaan Mission: MATSYA human submersible cleared comfort & stability tests. Indian scientists reached 5,002 m depth in the Atlantic (international collaboration) → new benchmark for Indian oceanography. Coasts, Islands & Blue Economy Lakshadweep Water Security: 3 eco-friendly desalination plants commissioned. Flagship: 1.5 lakh litre/day LTTD plant at Chetlat (NIOT). Make in India – Ocean Research Fleet: Indigenous vessels Sagar Tara & Sagar Anveshika deployed for ocean health monitoring. Disaster Readiness: Tsunami Early Warning Centre monitored 32 major earthquakes in 2025—zero missed threats to Indian shores. Weather, Climate & Computing Power Mission Mausam & IMD Vision 2047: Launched 14 Jan 2025 to future-proof weather–climate services. Supercomputing Leap: HPC capacity enhanced to ~21 PFlops → high-resolution coupled weather–climate models among the world’s best. Forecast Infrastructure: Doppler Weather Radars inaugurated at Raipur & Mangalore (27 Nov 2025). Urban Climate Services: UES25 platform (NSM-funded) integrates weather, air quality, urban flood intelligence for municipalities & disaster managers. Polar, Ocean & Earth System Science Push NCPOR Infrastructure (22 May 2025): Polar Bhavan (11,378 sqm; ₹55 cr): advanced labs + Science on Sphere (South Asia’s first Polar & Ocean Museum—Phase I). Sagar Bhavan (1,772 sqm; ₹13 cr): ice labs & cleanrooms. Polar Science Leadership: 4th National Conference on Polar Science (Sept 2025): 265 participants; 160 young researchers. ESSO Review (Shillong | 19 Dec 2025): Roadmap alignment with Vision 2047 across weather, climate, ocean, Earth systems. Technology, Labs & Capacity Building Underwater Acoustics: Acoustic Test Facility designated as national laboratory (12 Apr 2025). Ocean Sensors: India’s first conductivity & temperature sensor calibration facility at NIOT (11 Feb 2025). Advanced Geochemistry: Q-ICP-MS Lab at NCESS (30 Oct 2025). AI in Aquaculture: 10 m submerged open-sea cage with AI/ML-based fish biomass estimation deployed in Andaman (17 Apr 2025). Governance, Safety & Global Engagement Heat Action Plans: Co-developed with NDMA + States to reduce heat mortality. SAHAV Platform: Released at UN Ocean Conference-3 as a global model for tech-enabled ocean governance. Extended Continental Shelf: Multi-channel seismic surveys via ONGC to strengthen India’s ECS submissions under UNCLOS. Atmospheric Electricity & Extremes: 9th National Lightning Conference focused on resilience to lightning–extreme weather linkages. Strategic Takeaways Science-to-Society Model: Weather & ocean science delivering quantified welfare gains. Blue Economy + Security: Deep ocean capability + tsunami vigilance enhance economic & strategic autonomy. Data-Driven Governance: HPC, AI, and integrated platforms (UES25) mainstream predictive governance. Vision 2047 Alignment: Institutions, infrastructure, and talent pipelines positioned for long-term resilience. Conclusion 2025 establishes MoES as a global-standard Earth System Science ministry—where frontier research, indigenous technology, and public welfare converge with measurable returns. Intergenerational Bonds Why is it in News? The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment organised “Celebration of Intergenerational Bonds” on 22 December 2025 at Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing India’s policy push on active, dignified ageing and social cohesion. Relevance GS II – Governance & Social Justice: Senior citizen welfare, inclusive policies, community participation. GS I – Society: Family structure changes, ageing population, value transmission. Policy Context: Why Intergenerational Bonds Matter ? Demographic Transition: India’s elderly (60+) population projected to rise from ~10% (2021) to ~20% by 2050 (UN estimates). Social Challenge: Urbanisation, nuclear families, and migration are weakening traditional family-based elder support. Governance Imperative: Shift from welfare-only to participatory ageing—elders as contributors, not dependents. Key Government Interventions Highlighted 1. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) Objective: Assistive devices for mobility, vision, hearing to promote independent living. Coverage: 7.28 lakh+ senior citizens benefited nationwide. Governance Insight: Links health, dignity, and productivity of elders. 2. Elderline 14567 Function: 24×7 toll-free support—guidance, distress response, emergency assistance. Utilisation: 27 lakh+ calls received. Significance: First structured national-level grievance & support ecosystem for elders. 3. Community & School-Based Outreach Grandparents’ Day in Schools: Institutionalises intergenerational value transmission at early ages. Cultural & Community Programmes: Reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and strengthen social capital. Conceptual Framework Active Ageing (WHO): Optimising health, participation, and security to enhance quality of life as people age. Intergenerational Solidarity: Mutual exchange of experience (elders) and energy/innovation (youth) → balanced social development. Social Capital Theory (Putnam): Strong community bonds → higher trust, cooperation, and governance outcomes. Outcomes & Significance Social: Reduced generational divide; improved empathy and mutual respect. Psychological: Tackles elder loneliness; enhances youth social sensitivity. Institutional: Demonstrates soft-governance tools beyond cash transfers. Normative: Reinforces elders as mentors, custodians of values, and nation-builders. Critical Takeaway India’s elder-care strategy is evolving from assistance-based welfare to engagement-based governance. Programmes like Celebration of Intergenerational Bonds operationalise constitutional values of dignity, fraternity, and inclusiveness, making ageing a shared societal responsibility, not a private burden. Conclusion: Intergenerational harmony is no longer a cultural ideal alone—it is emerging as a core pillar of India’s social policy architecture under Viksit Bharat@2047.

Dec 24, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 24 December 2025

Content AI Diffusion, Not Chip Dominance: India’s Real AI Advantage End the exploitation AI Diffusion, Not Chip Dominance: India’s Real AI Advantage Why is it in News? A widely cited op-ed by Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), argues that India’s real AI opportunity lies beyond chips and data centres, at a moment when: India is scaling IndiaAI Mission (₹10,300+ crore), Global AI geopolitics is fragmenting into Compute-rich vs Compute-poor blocs, Policymakers are debating sovereignty, regulation, and economic capture in AI. Relevance GS III – Science & Technology / Economy AI as a General Purpose Technology (GPT). Industrial policy vs innovation ecosystems. Digital Public Infrastructure as growth multiplier. GS II – Governance Role of state in technology diffusion. Regulatory capacity in emerging technologies. Practice Questions “Artificial Intelligence as a General Purpose Technology rewards diffusion more than invention.”Examine this statement in the context of India’s AI strategy. (250 words) Core Thesis of the Article Compute (chips, data centres) is necessary but not sufficient. India’s comparative advantage lies in AI diffusion, applications, and governance, not in winning the chip arms race against the US or China. Three Distinct AI Phases Identified 1. Compute Era Dominated by: Advanced semiconductors (≤5 nm chips), Hyperscale data centres, Capital-intensive infrastructure. Reality Check for India: Global AI compute market dominated by US firms (NVIDIA, AMD, hyperscalers). Cutting-edge fabs require $10–20 billion per plant and long gestation. India currently imports >85% of high-end chips. Inference: Competing head-on here offers low returns, high dependency risks. 2. Diffusion Era (India’s Sweet Spot) Focus shifts from who builds models to who deploys them at scale. Involves: AI adoption across health, agriculture, logistics, MSMEs, governance. Integration with existing digital public infrastructure (DPI). India’s Structural Advantages: Population-scale platforms: Aadhaar (1.3+ bn), UPI (≈12 bn transactions/month in 2024–25), CoWIN, DigiLocker, ABHA. Cost-efficient innovation: Lowest marginal cost of digital delivery globally. Talent pool: ~1.5 million engineering graduates annually. Precedent: India led global diffusion of digital payments without owning core hardware. 3. Value Creation Era Economic value accrues not to model builders alone, but to: Domain-specific AI solutions, Workflow integration, Localised, trusted AI systems. Example logic: LLM ≠ value, LLM + sectoral data + regulation-aware deployment = value. Key Warnings in the Article Mistaking LLMs for the entire AI stack: Models are commodities over time. Differentiation lies in use-cases, data pipelines, and institutional embedding. Over-centralised AI policy: Risk of stifling innovation if regulation precedes diffusion. Copy-paste Western regulation: EU-style heavy ex-ante AI regulation may be misaligned with India’s developmental needs. Policy Prescriptions Suggested (Implicit & Explicit) 1. Strategic Compute, not Maximal Compute Secure baseline sovereign compute for: Research, Critical public services, Strategic sectors. Avoid prestige-driven chip nationalism. 2. State as Market-Maker Government to: Anchor demand via public procurement, Enable sandboxes for AI deployment in welfare, justice, climate, urban governance. Historical parallel: UPI succeeded because state created rails, private sector built innovation. 3. Regulate Outcomes, not Innovation Focus on: Accountability, Bias, Safety in high-risk use cases. Avoid regulating models in abstraction. Critical Evaluation Strengths Realistic assessment of India’s constraints. Shifts debate from hardware fetishism to developmental outcomes. Anchored in India’s proven DPI success model. Limitations Underplays long-term strategic risks of compute dependency. Requires high-quality state capacity to avoid diffusion without accountability. Conclusion India’s AI race is not about owning the fastest chips, but about deploying intelligence at population scale. If the 20th century rewarded those who controlled factories, the 21st will reward those who control platforms, workflows, and trust. The article reframes AI from a geopolitical arms race into a governance and development challenge—where India holds asymmetric advantage. End the exploitation Why is it in News? The Supreme Court of India, in a 19 December 2025 judgment, termed child trafficking a “deeply disturbing reality” in India. The Court upheld convictions under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) in a Bengaluru case involving sexual exploitation of a minor by organised trafficking cartels. The ruling comes amid persistently low conviction rates, despite multiple anti-trafficking laws and institutions. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Protection of vulnerable sections. Role of judiciary in rights enforcement. Police and criminal justice reforms. GS I – Society Child rights, social evils, organised crime. Impact of poverty, migration, and urbanisation. Practice Questions Despite a robust legal framework, conviction rates in child trafficking cases remain abysmally low in India. Analyse the structural and institutional reasons for this gap. (250 words) Key Judicial Observations (Doctrinal & Practical) Nature of Crime: Child trafficking is a grave violation of dignity, bodily integrity, and Article 21 protections. Operates through multi-layered organised networks: recruitment → transport → harbouring → exploitation. Victim-Centric Jurisprudence: A trafficked child is not an accomplice. Testimony of a minor victim must be treated as that of an “injured witness”. Evidentiary Standards: Courts must show “sensitivity and latitude”. Minor inconsistencies in testimony cannot be grounds for disbelief, given trauma and age. Bench: Justices Manoj Misra and Joymalya Bagchi. Scale of the Problem: Data Snapshot Human Trafficking Cases (2018–2022): 10,659 cases (as informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to Parliament) Conviction Rate:~4.8% Indicates a severe enforcement and prosecution gap, not absence of law. Forms of Child Exploitation: Sexual exploitation (dominant in urban networks), Forced child labour, Domestic servitude, Begging rackets, Online grooming and trafficking via digital platforms. Legal & Institutional Framework (India) Substantive Laws: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016. Constitutional Mandate: Article 23: Prohibition of trafficking. Article 39(e) & (f): Protection of children from abuse and exploitation. Institutional Gaps: Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) exist on paper in many districts but suffer from: Understaffing, Poor training, Weak coordination with NGOs and prosecutors. Why Laws Are Not Enough ? Low Conviction Rates: Weak investigation, Hostile witnesses, Poor victim protection during trial. Rehabilitation Deficit: Rescue often ends with one-time compensation. Inadequate focus on: Long-term psychological care, Education continuity, Skill development. Federal & Inter-State Complexity: Trafficking networks operate across states; policing remains largely state-bound. Digital Transformation of Crime: Use of social media, messaging apps, and encrypted platforms for: Grooming, Recruitment, Sale and movement of victims. Prevention Lens: What the Editorial Emphasises Education as Prevention: Enforce Right to Education Act promise of schooling up to 14 years. School retention is among the strongest safeguards against trafficking. Community & Civil Society Role: Early warning systems, Community vigilance, NGO–police collaboration. Need for Comprehensive Anti-Trafficking Law: A standalone, modern Anti-Trafficking Act with: Victim-centric procedures, Inter-state investigation powers, Time-bound trials. Critical Takeaway India’s child trafficking challenge is no longer a legal vacuum problem, but a governance, enforcement, and rehabilitation failure. The Supreme Court has clarified the judicial approach; the remaining burden lies with: Executive capacity, Police professionalism, Prosecutorial sensitivity, Civil society participation. Conclusion: Child trafficking will not end with harsher laws alone—it demands a coordinated ecosystem of prevention, sensitive justice, and long-term rehabilitation, with the child placed firmly at the centre of the response.

Dec 24, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 24 December 2025

Content India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy Jnanpith Award & the Demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla The Upskilling Gap: Why Women Risk Being Left Behind by AI How India’s Exports Are Concentrated in a Few States Rhino Dehorning and the Decline in Poaching Made-in-Tihar Products Go Online India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy Why is it in News? Union Government finalising India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. Inputs consolidated by the Ministry of Home Affairs with operational feedback from National Investigation Agency. NIA anti-terror conference (26–27 December, New Delhi) to outline policy contours. Relevance GS III – Internal Security Terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies Role of intelligence agencies (NIA, IB, NSG) Border management (India–Nepal open border) Terror financing, digital radicalisation, identity fraud Strategic Context India lacked a unified anti-terrordoctrine; counter-terror responses have been: Statute-based (UAPA, NIA Act) Agency-driven (NIA, IB, NSG) Incident-reactive rather than prevention-centric Contrast: National Policy & Action Plan on LWE (2015) → integrated security-development model. Terrorism domain lacked an equivalent pan-India template. Key Threat Vectors Driving the Policy Digital Radicalisation (High Priority) Shift from physical indoctrination to algorithm-driven online recruitment. NIA interrogation after Nov 10 car-borne suicide attack near Red Fort: Perpetrators radicalised entirely online. Identified risks: Encrypted messaging platforms Social media micro-targeting Foreign-hosted servers beyond Indian jurisdiction Institutional gap: Very limited number of trained cyber-radicalisation spotters at police-station level. Foreign-Funded Conversion & Radicalisation Networks Intelligence inputs point to: Overseas religious centres acting as ideological nodes. Suspected linkages with Pakistan’s ISI. Pattern: Funding → conversion → ideological grooming → terror facilitation. Policy likely to integrate: Financial intelligence Social media monitoring NGO & charity oversight (within constitutional limits). Open Border Exploitation (Nepal Corridor) India–Nepal border: ~1,750 km Visa-free, largely unfenced Reported modus operandi: Khalistani operatives enter Nepal on foreign passports. Discard passports → enter India illegally → move via UP–Bihar corridor to Punjab. Policy focus: Border intelligence fusion Joint surveillance with Nepal Technology-enabled profiling (without border closure). Aadhaar Spoofing & Identity Fraud Emerging threat: Synthetic identities used for SIM cards, bank accounts, logistics. Links to: Arms trafficking Drug-terror financing nexus Requires coordination between: UIDAI Financial Intelligence Units State police cyber cells. Institutional Architecture Being Integrated Core Agencies National Investigation Agency – federal investigations, terror financing, international linkages. National Security Guard – tactical response, hostage rescue, urban counter-terror. Intelligence Bureau – threat anticipation, radicalisation tracking. State ATS & Special Branches – ground-level intelligence. Technology Backbone National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Secure access to 20+ databases (immigration, banking, telecom, vehicle, travel). Shift from post-event investigation → pre-emptive detection. Policy Orientation: From Reaction to Prevention Old Approach Proposed Policy Shift Incident-led response Intelligence-led prevention Central agency dominance State-centric capacity building Post-attack prosecution Early detection & disruption Fragmented data Integrated data grids Elite-unit focus Police station-level vigilance Federal Dimension Policy designed as a template, not command-and-control. States consulted post-Pahalgam terror attack (April 22). Emphasis on: Training local police Standard operating procedures (SOPs) Shared best practices across States. Significance for Internal Security (GS III) First attempt at doctrinal clarity in counter-terrorism. Acknowledges non-traditional threats: digital ecosystems, identity fraud, ideological financing. Balances: National security Federal autonomy Civil liberties (critical for judicial sustainability). Likely Challenges Online radicalisation vs freedom of speech. Inter-state coordination asymmetries. Capacity gaps at thana level. Managing foreign policy sensitivities (Canada, Nepal). Conclusion The proposed policy marks India’s transition from event-driven counter-terrorism to ecosystem-based prevention. If implemented effectively, it can become the internal security equivalent of the LWE framework (2015)—but success hinges on State-level absorption, training depth, and tech-human integration. Jnanpith Award & Demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla Vinod Kumar Shukla, celebrated Hindi poet and novelist, passed away at age 88 in Raipur. He was the 2024 Jnanpith Award recipient — India’s highest literary honour. First writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award. Relevance GS I – Art & Culture Indian literature and literary institutions Regional language contributions (Hindi literature) Cultural diversity and non-metropolitan voices Prelims Jnanpith Award: year, nature, eligibility, administering body First Jnanpith awardee from Chhattisgarh Vinod Kumar Shukla Born: 1937, Rajnandgaon (present-day Chhattisgarh). Literary career began: 1971. Known for: Minimalist language Poetic treatment of everyday life Quiet subversion of power, class, and alienation. Major Works Poetry Lagbhag Jaihind (debut, 1971) Kavita Se Lambi Kavita Novels Naukar Ki Kameez Adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi Literary style often compared with: Post-Nayi Kavita humanism Everyday realism rather than ideological grand narratives. Awards & Recognitions Jnanpith Award (2024) Sahitya Akademi Award Numerous state and national recognitions for poetry and fiction. Jnanpith Award: Instituted: 1961 First awarded: 1965 Administered by: Bharatiya Jnanpith (trust founded by Sahu Jain family). Eligibility: Indian citizens Works in any 8th Schedule language. Nature: Awarded for overall literary contribution, not a single book. Award Components Cash prize: ₹11 lakh Citation Bronze replica of Saraswati, Hindu goddess of knowledge. Significance Considered the literary equivalent of the Bharat Ratna. Recognises lifetime achievement and cultural impact. Conclusion Vinod Kumar Shukla’s death is not only a personal loss but a civilisational moment for Hindi literature. His 2024 Jnanpith Award symbolised the recognition of simplicity, empathy, and everyday realism as enduring literary values. The Upskilling Gap: Why Women Risk Being Left Behind by AI Why is it in News? Recent analysis based on India’s latest Time Use Survey (2024) highlights a structural time poverty faced by women, raising concerns that the AI-driven future of work may deepen gender inequality. As India pushes AI-led growth through initiatives like the India AI Mission, evidence shows women lack time, access, and flexibility required to upskill for AI-era jobs. Aligns with broader debates on: Automation risks Right to disconnect Gender budgeting India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Relevance GS I – Society Gender roles and unpaid care work Time poverty and gender inequality GS II – Governance Gender budgeting Social infrastructure (childcare, transport, water, energy) Women’s Workload & Time Poverty Labour force participation (women): ~40% (2024). Average daily work (paid + unpaid): Women: ~9.6 hours/day Peaks at 70–80 hours/week for ages 25–39. Key driver: ~40% of women outside the labour force cite household & caregiving responsibilities. Nature of work increase: Over 80% of recent rise in women’s workforce participation comes from: Unpaid family work Low-paid self-employment Informal, low-productivity jobs. Gender Gap in Paid vs Unpaid Work Across the Life Cycle Men: Total work: 54–60 hours/week Unpaid work: minimal and stable across ages. Women: Total work exceeds men at almost all ages. 25–39 age group: Women spend 2× more time on unpaid caregiving than men. Childcare is the largest component. Even in later life: Men’s unpaid work rises marginally (elderly care), Structural inequality at home persists across income, occupation, and age. AI-Specific Risks for Women 1. Higher Automation Exposure Women overrepresented in: Routine, clerical, low-skill service jobs Informal and home-based work These roles are more automation-prone under AI adoption. 2. Algorithmic Bias AI-driven productivity metrics: Ignore caregiving interruptions Penalise time constraints Reward uninterrupted, long-hour availability Care work remains invisible to algorithms. 3. Upskilling Time Deficit Women spend ~10 hours less per week than men on: Learning Skill enhancement Self-development Gap widens to 11–12 hours/week in prime working years. Result: Limited transition from low-skill to high-value AI-linked jobs. Health & Well-being Costs Women sleep 2–2.5 hours less per week than men during peak working years. Time adjustment happens at the cost of: Rest Mental health Physical well-being Long-term impact: Lower productivity Higher burnout Reduced career longevity. Policy & Governance Solutions Highlighted 1. Time-Centric Policy Design Shift from job-counting to outcome-based employment metrics. Explicit use of time-use data in: Labour policy Skill missions AI governance. 2. Gender Budgeting as an Enabler Integrate time-use indicators into gender budgeting. Prioritise sustained spending on: Affordable childcare Elderly care services Piped water Clean cooking energy Safe public transport. 3. AI-Era Upskilling for Women Design lifelong, flexible, modular skilling: Local delivery Hybrid / online formats Low time-intensity learning Scale targeted programmes: India AI Mission AI Careers for Women Focus on: Digital literacy Applied AI tools Locally relevant vocational tech skills. Conclusion AI will not automatically empower women; without time-sensitive policy design, it may entrench inequality. Until women’s time is valued, freed, and integrated into growth strategy, India’s AI ambitions and Viksit Bharat @2047 vision will remain constrained by: Invisible labour Time poverty Underutilised human capital. How India’s Exports Are Concentrated in a Few States Why is it in News? Recent analysis using the RBI Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024–25 shows India’s export growth is increasingly concentrated in a handful of States, raising concerns about: Regional inequality Jobless export growth Breakdown of the traditional export–industrialisation–employment link Despite a weakening rupee and record export values, export-led development is not translating into broad-based industrial employment. Relevance GS III – Indian Economy Export-led growth model Industrialisation and jobless growth Capital deepening and labour absorption GS I – Regional Development Inter-State disparities Core–periphery model Core Export Concentration: Top 5 exporting States: Maharashtra Gujarat Tamil Nadu Karnataka Uttar Pradesh Share of national exports: ~65% (5 years ago) ~70% now Implication: National export aggregates mask severe regional divergence. Rising Geographic Concentration (HHI Evidence) Export geography measured using Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI): Rising HHI → increasing concentration. Pattern emerging: Core–periphery structure Coastal western & southern States → tightly integrated into global supply chains. Northern & eastern hinterland → decoupling from export growth. Agglomeration logic: Firms prefer existing industrial clusters due to: Logistics efficiency Supplier ecosystems Skilled labour pools Global Context: Why Convergence Is Failing ? Shrinking Global Trade Window World Trade Organization data: Merchandise trade volume growth slowed to 0.5–3% band. UN Trade and Development (2023): Top 10 exporters control ~55% of global merchandise trade. Consequence: Latecomers face entry barriers. Global capital now seeks complexity, not just cheap labour. Shift from Volume to Value Economic Complexity Trap Modern exports cluster around dense product spaces: Automobiles Electronics Precision machinery These sectors: Require advanced logistics Depend on accumulated industrial capabilities Regions exporting low-complexity goods face: High barriers to upgrading Weak backward–forward linkages. Export Growth ≠ Employment Growth Capital Deepening Evidence Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2022–23: Fixed capital growth: +10.6% Employment growth: +7.4% Fixed capital per worker: ₹23.6 lakh Indicates: Rising capital–labour ratio Factories becoming less labour-absorptive. Manufacturing Employment Stagnation Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Manufacturing employment share: Stuck at ~11.6–12% Despite record export values. Interpretation: Employment elasticity of exports has collapsed. Exports are generating value, not mass jobs. Capital Bias & Wage Compression ASI data shows: Wage share in Net Value Added (NVA) declining. Productivity gains in: Petrochemicals Electronics Gains accrue disproportionately to capital owners. Outcome: High industrial GDP growth Limited mass prosperity Spatial Stickiness of New-Age Exports Electronics exports (PLI-driven): ~47% YoY growth Locked into: Kancheepuram (TN) Noida (UP) Reason: High supply-chain complexity Precision logistics unavailable in hinterland districts. Financial Divide: Credit-Deposit Ratios Coastal vs Hinterland RBI Credit–Deposit (CD) ratios: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh: >90% Local savings reinvested locally. Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh: <50% Savings mobilised but lent elsewhere. Effect: Capital flight from hinterland to coast Reinforces regional divergence. Structural Diagnosis Exports no longer act as: A bridge from agriculture → industry A mass employment generator Instead, exports are now: An outcome of prior structural capacity A mirror of accumulated industrial wealth. Policy Implications Why Old Assumptions Fail ? Export-led growth ≠ labour-intensive industrialisation. India bypassing East Asian trajectory of: Low-skill manufacturing Broad middle-class creation. Need for New Metrics Export growth ≠ inclusive development. Policy must track: Employment elasticity Wage share Regional diffusion Otherwise: Risk mistaking outcomes for instruments. Bottom Line India’s export success is real but narrow. Without correcting: Capital bias Financial asymmetry Human capital gaps Export growth will deepen regional inequality rather than resolve it, making inclusive industrialisation increasingly elusive. Rhino Dehorning & Poaching Decline Why is it in News? A peer-reviewed study published in Science reports that rhino dehorning led to a near-elimination of poaching in African wildlife reserves. The study analysed 7 years of data (2017–2023) from 11 reserves in South Africa’s Greater Kruger ecosystem, home to the world’s largest rhino population. Findings challenge the dominance of technology-heavy anti-poaching strategies and reframe conservation economics. Relevance GS III – Environment & Conservation Wildlife protection strategies Anti-poaching models Biodiversity conservation GS II – Governance Evidence-based policymaking Institutional capacity vs incentives Global Rhino Status: Global rhino population (2024): < 28,000 (all five species combined). Major threat: Poaching for horns, driven by illicit international demand. Greater Kruger losses: 1,985 black & white rhinos killed (2017–2023). ~6.5% population loss per year, despite heavy surveillance. Anti-poaching expenditure: ~$74 million spent on: Armed patrols Tracking dogs AI cameras Aerial surveillance. Core Findings of the Study Impact of Dehorning 2,284 rhinos dehorned across 8 reserves. Poaching outcomes: 75% reduction compared to pre-dehorning levels. 78% drop where dehorning was implemented rapidly (1–2 months). 95% lower poaching risk for dehorned rhinos vs horned rhinos. Cost efficiency: Achieved using only 1.2% of total anti-poaching budgets. Methodology Data type: Quarterly poaching records (2017–2023). Analytical method: Hierarchical Bayesian regression modelling. Comparison: Dehorned vs non-dehorned reserves. Before–after intervention analysis. Outcome: Strong causal inference rather than correlation. Why Dehorning Works ? Economics of Poaching Rhino horn: Composed of keratin (same as hair & nails). No proven medicinal value. Illicit market value: $874 million – $1.13 billion (2012–2022), per Wildlife Justice Commission. Removing horns: Eliminates primary incentive, not the animal. Behavioural Reality of Poachers Killing the rhino allows: Faster removal No resistance Dehorned rhinos: Offer minimal reward Increase risk–reward imbalance for poachers. Limits of Enforcement-Only Models Arrests and patrols showed limited deterrence due to: Corruption Weak prosecution Cross-border trafficking loopholes Surveillance ≠ prevention when incentives remain intact. How Dehorning Is Done (Animal Welfare) ? Conducted by veterinarians: Sedation, blindfolding, earplugs. 90–93% of horn removed, above the germinal layer. Horn regrows naturally. Stump sealed to prevent infection. Considered non-lethal and reversible. India–Africa Contrast African Context Large landscapes. High-value illicit trade routes. Enforcement stretched thin. Indian & Nepali Model India & Nepal do not dehorn. Losses: 1–2 rhinos in last 3 years. Kaziranga National Park success drivers: Smart patrolling Community participation Local intelligence Role of Local Communities & Rangers Research involved: 1,000+ hours of workshops with rangers. Rangers: Often local residents. Hold critical ecological knowledge. Study highlights: Ranger welfare (pay, safety, training) is as vital as technology. Conservation Economics: Dehorning shifts strategy from: Policing supply → collapsing incentive. Represents preventive conservation, not reactive enforcement. More cost-effective than high-tech surveillance alone. Conclusion Rhino dehorning is not a silver bullet, but it is: Highly effective Cost-efficient Data-validated The study redefines conservation success: Remove incentives, not just criminals. Policy lesson: Conservation outcomes improve when economics, ecology, and local capacity align. Rhinoceros Species & Distribution Five species globally: White, Black (Africa); Greater one-horned, Javan, Sumatran (Asia). India hosts the Greater one-horned rhinoceros, mainly in Assam (Kaziranga, Pobitora). Conservation Status IUCN: Javan & Sumatran – Critically Endangered Black – Critically Endangered Greater one-horned – Vulnerable White – Near Threatened Global population (2024): < 28,000. Major Threats Poaching for horn (illegal trade worth ~$0.9–1.1 billion, 2012–22). Habitat loss, fragmentation, and human–wildlife conflict. Biology & Horn Rhino horn is made of keratin (same as hair and nails); no proven medicinal value. Used for digging, defence, and mating displays. Made-in-Tihar Products Go Online Why is it in News? Delhi Prison Administration plans to sell Made-in-Tihar products on major e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon. Marks a shift from offline-only sales (jail canteens, courts, exhibitions) to nationwide digital marketplaces. Aimed at improving inmate rehabilitation, skill utilisation, and post-release employability. Relevance GS II – Governance & Social Justice Prison reforms Rehabilitation of convicts and undertrials Reformative vs retributive justice What Are “Made-in-Tihar” Products? Produced by inmates inside Tihar Jail, South Asia’s largest prison complex. Product range includes: Food items: cookies, mustard oil Handicrafts: bags, footwear Household items: furniture, paper products Around 13 categories currently marketed. Scale of the Programme Inmate workforce: ~5,000 inmates engaged daily in manufacturing and vocational work. Production units: Multiple industrial workshops across Tihar Jail complex. Revenue generation: ₹2.42 crore turnover in FY 2023–24. Average inmate earnings: ₹412 per day (credited to prison accounts). Skill coverage: About 70 different products across food processing, carpentry, tailoring, and handicrafts. Economic Dignity of Prison Labour Shifts narrative from: “Prison labour” → “Correctional industry”. Supports constitutional values: Article 21 (right to live with dignity). Reinforces Supreme Court guidance on: Fair remuneration Voluntary skill-based work. Governance & Implementation Aspects Sales via: Government-approved accounts on platforms. Branding: “Made-in-Tihar” already has recall value due to: Quality perception Ethical consumption appeal. Oversight: Delhi Prison Department ensures: No forced labour Wage crediting Product quality control. Comparative Context Similar initiatives: Open prisons in Rajasthan Prison handicraft programmes in Kerala & Maharashtra. Distinction: Tihar is among the largest prison-based industrial ecosystems in India. Challenges & Caveats Pricing competitiveness with private brands. Logistics and supply consistency. Ensuring: Non-exploitation Transparency in revenue sharing. Need for: Skill certification linkage with NSQF Post-release job placement pipelines. Conclusion Taking Made-in-Tihar products online transforms prison labour into a scalable rehabilitation model. If implemented with safeguards, it can: Humanise incarceration Generate ethical livelihoods Recast prisons as institutions of correction, not exclusion.

Dec 23, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 23 December 2025

Content India – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement PESA Mahotsav 2025 & the PESA Act, 1996 India – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Why in News ? 22 December 2025: Press Information Bureau announced conclusion of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Concluded within ~9 months (March–December 2025) → among India’s fastest-negotiated FTAs. Relevance GS II – International Relations Bilateral & Regional Groupings Strengthens India’s engagement with Oceania / Indo-Pacific economic architecture. Enhances India’s role as a rule-shaper in services- and mobility-centric trade agreements. India’s Trade Diplomacy Strategy Post-RCEP calibrated FTA model: market access + protection of sensitive sectors. Continuity with India–UK CETA, India–Oman CEPA → coherent IR–economic alignment. GS III – Indian Economy External Sector & Trade Policy 100% duty-free access for Indian exports; addresses tariff escalation barriers. Improves export competitiveness in textiles, engineering, pharma, leather, processed foods. Strategic Context Oceania Pivot: Positions India as a preferred economic partner in the Pacific–Oceania supply chains. Trade Diplomacy Continuity: Follows India–Oman CEPA (2025), India–UK CETA (2025), EFTA TEPA (2024). Geoeconomic Logic: Diversification away from tariff and non-tariff barriers in traditional markets. India–New Zealand Economic Snapshot New Zealand economy: Per capita income: USD 49,380 Imports (2024): USD 47 bn | Exports: USD 42 bn Overseas investment stock (Mar 2025): USD 422.6 bn Diaspora leverage: ~300,000 persons of Indian origin (~5% of NZ population). Bilateral Trade Trends Merchandise trade: USD 873 mn (2023–24) → USD 1.3 bn (2024–25) (+49%) Exports: USD 711 mn (+32%) India maintains positive trade balance. Long-term trend (2015–25): Exports from India: +130% Imports from NZ: +7.2% Services trade: USD 634 mn (2024); +13% YoY Key sectors: IT, travel, business services. Core Architecture of the FTA Tariff liberalisation: 100% duty-free access for Indian exports into NZ (8,284 tariff lines). NZ average applied tariff 2.2% → 0% at EIF. India’s tariff offer: Coverage: 70.03% tariff lines Exclusions: 29.97% (dairy, sugar, key agri items, metals, arms). Phasing: 30%: Immediate elimination 35.6%: Phased (3/5/7/10 years) 4.37%: Tariff reduction 0.06%: TRQs (apples, kiwi, honey, albumins) Protection of Sensitive Sectors Dairy & core agriculture fully excluded → shields small & marginal farmers. TRQs + Minimum Import Price + seasonality prevent import surges. Reflects India’s calibrated FTA approach post-RCEP exit. Sector-wise Gains to India Textiles & Apparel: NZ imports from world: USD 1.9 bn Tariffs up to 10% → 0% Engineering goods: NZ imports: USD 11 bn India exports (FY25): USD 77.5 bn globally Pharmaceuticals: NZ pharma imports: USD 1.4 bn Regulatory annex for faster approvals. Leather & Footwear: NZ imports: USD 0.51 bn Zero duty across 181 tariff lines. Agri & Processed Food: 1,379 tariff lines (17%) Tea already zero; others peak 5% → 0%. Services & Mobility: Biggest Structural Win Services coverage: Commitments in 118 sectors; MFN in 139 sectors. AYUSH & Traditional Medicine Annex (NZ first-ever): Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy. Coexists with Maori health systems → soft power synergy. Student mobility (binding commitments): Work: 20 hrs/week Post-study visas: STEM Bachelor: 3 yrs Master’s: up to 3 yrs PhD: up to 4 yrs Professional mobility: 5,000 visas (3 yrs) for: AYUSH practitioners, Yoga instructors, Indian chefs, music teachers IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction. Working Holiday Visa: 1,000 Indians/year, multiple entry, 12 months. Agriculture & Technology Cooperation Action Plans: Apple, Kiwi, Honey. Interventions: Centres of Excellence Planting material & orchard management Post-harvest & food safety Institutional mechanism: Joint Agriculture Productivity Council Outcome: Productivity gains without market distortion. Investment & Regulatory Provisions FDI commitment: USD 20 bn over 15 years. IPR: NZ to amend laws within 18 months for EU-level GI protection. Trade facilitation: Customs clearance: 48 hrs (24 hrs for perishables) Advance rulings, e-documentation. Rules of Origin: Anti-circumvention safeguards. Way Forward Ratification after domestic processes; EIF expected 2026. Model FTA for: Services-heavy agreements Mobility-centric trade diplomacy Balanced agri protection Conclusion The India–New Zealand FTA marks a qualitative shift from tariff-centric FTAs to mobility, services, technology, and soft-power driven trade architecture, aligning directly with Viksit Bharat @2047 goals. PESA Mahotsav 2025 & the PESA Act, 1996 Why in News ? 23–24 December 2025: PESA Mahotsav – Utsav Lok Sanskriti Ka organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at Visakhapatnam. Commemorates the anniversary of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). Objective: Awareness, capacity-building, and celebration of community-led governance in Fifth Schedule Areas. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance (CORE AREA) Constitutional Framework Article 244 + Fifth Schedule; operationalisation through PESA. Addresses the governance vacuum left by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Centre–State Relations States bound by PESA’s mandatory features; limits legislative discretion. Rights-based Governance Consent-based land acquisition; protection against displacement. Constitutional & Demographic Context ST population: ~8.6% of India’s population. Scheduled Areas notified by the President under Article 244 + Fifth Schedule (excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram). 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1993): Added Part IX + Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects). Did not automatically apply to Fifth Schedule Areas → governance gap. PESA Act, 1996 filled this gap by extending Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas with tribal-specific safeguards. Core Philosophy of PESA Gram Sabha-centric governance reflecting tribal customary law. Asymmetric decentralisation: stronger village-level powers than general PRIs. Legal override: State laws cannot dilute PESA-mandated powers. Salient Features of the PESA Act Gram Sabha as the fulcrum: Approval of development plans, projects, and programmes. Mandatory consultation/consent for land acquisition, rehabilitation. Resource sovereignty: Ownership & management of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Control over minor water bodies and minor minerals. Cultural protection: Safeguards customs, traditions, dispute resolution mechanisms. Administrative accountability: Prior recommendation for mining leases. Regulation of money lending. Democratic deepening: Prevents alienation of tribal land; strengthens social justice. Fifth Schedule Coverage: States with Scheduled Areas: 10 Administrative footprint (Total): Villages: 77,564 Panchayats: 22,040 Blocks: 664 Districts: 45 Rules status: PESA Rules notified: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana. Draft Rules: Odisha, Jharkhand. Government Implementation Measures Capacity-building (2024–25): 2 rounds of master trainer programmes. >1 lakh elected representatives & officials trained. Digital governance: PESA–Gram Panchayat Development Plan Portal (launched Sept 2024). Enables hamlet-wise planning and tracking of: Central & State Finance Commission grants CSS, State schemes, local funds. Institutional support: Dedicated PESA Cell within MoPR (legal, social science, finance experts). Knowledge localisation: Manuals translated into Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia + tribal languages (Santhali, Gondi, Bhili, Mundari). Centres of Excellence (CoE): Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak: Central share: ₹8.01 crore (5 years). Focus: documentation, training, dispute resolution models, 5 model PESA Gram Sabhas. Evidence from the Ground: Outcomes & Best Practices “PESA in Action” (July 2025): Compilation of 40 success stories across states. 1) Livelihoods & Local Economy (Chhattisgarh – Kanker) Village: Khamdhogi (443 population). Interventions: Mandatory male–female household representation in Gram Sabha. Committees + technical training. Outcomes: Forest produce, fisheries, bamboo-based activities. Shift from subsistence to diversified livelihoods. 2) Customary Law & MFP (Himachal Pradesh – Kinnaur) Product: Chilgoza pine nuts. Gram Sabha control over harvesting & revenue sharing. Equal household distribution + plot-wise allocation. Demonstrates custom + statutory harmony under PESA. 3) Minor Minerals & Revenue (Telangana – Godavari Basin) Tribal Sand Mining Cooperative: ₹40 lakh annual revenue. Funds channelled to education, health, infrastructure. Converts extractive activity into community asset creation. 4) Anti-displacement Shield (Rajasthan – Udaipur) Gram Sabha vetoed eviction under wildlife sanctuary notification. Used PESA + Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1999. Outcome: Land, livelihood, and cultural security preserved. Governance Impact Assessment Economic: Local value capture from forests, minerals, water. Social: Inclusion of women, customary institutions revived. Political: Real decentralisation beyond devolution on paper. Environmental: Community-led sustainable resource management. Challenges Delayed rule-making in some states. Variable administrative compliance with Gram Sabha consent. Capacity asymmetry across regions. Overlap/conflict with forest & mining departments. Conclusion PESA Mahotsav 2025 symbolises a shift from bureaucratic tribal welfare to constitutional self-rule. With data-backed capacity-building, digital planning tools, cultural anchoring, and legal empowerment, PESA is evolving into India’s most radical decentralisation experiment. Effective implementation is central to inclusive growth, federal justice, and democratic deepening in Scheduled Areas.

Dec 23, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 23 December 2025

Content Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work CSR as Corporate Obligation for Grassland Restoration & GIB Conservation Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work Why is it in News? Private Member’s Bill introduced in Parliament proposing a statutory Right to Disconnect for employees. Comes after consolidation of labour laws into four Labour Codes (2019–2020), especially: Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSHWC Code) Industrial Relations Code, 2020 Reflects growing concern over digital overreach, 24×7 connectivity, and blurred work–life boundaries in platform-driven and white-collar employment. Rare significance: Very few Private Member’s Bills become law, making it a normative agenda-setter rather than immediate legislation. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Labour law reform and regulatory capacity of the State Role of Parliament and significance of Private Member’s Bills Fundamental Rights in the workplace (Article 21: dignity, autonomy, mental health) State regulation of employer–employee power asymmetry Practice Question “The Right to Disconnect reflects a shift from regulating physical workplaces to regulating employer control in the digital age.”Examine the significance of this shift in the context of India’s labour law framework. (150 words) Structural Context: Why the Bill Matters ? Digitalisation of work: Remote work, hybrid models, platform labour, gig work. Employer control now exercised through emails, calls, messaging apps, task trackers. Indian labour law remains time-centric, designed for: Factory floors Physical supervision Fixed workplaces The Bill marks the first explicit legislative recognition that: Work now extends beyond physical space Connectivity itself can be a form of control Core Provision of the Bill Grants employees the right to not respond to: Work-related calls Emails Messages beyond prescribed working hours. Prohibits penalisation for exercising this right. Key Legal and Conceptual Gaps Undefined Concept of “Work” in a Digital Economy Indian labour law does not define “work” for digital contexts. OSHWC Code, 2020 regulates: Working hours Overtime Rest intervals Critical ambiguity: Does after-hours digital engagement = “work”? If not, can overtime protections apply? Result: Communication is regulated without being integrated into working-time law. The right risks becoming a behavioural norm, not an enforceable labour standard. Disconnect without Reclassification = Weak Protection The Bill: Regulates response behaviour But does not reclassify availability, standby time, or employer control as work. Consequence: Employers may still: Implicitly expect availability Structure workloads assuming after-hours responsiveness Without redefining work, enforcement becomes difficult. Interaction with Existing Labour Codes OSHWC Code: Prescribes maximum daily/weekly hours. Overtime is compensable only if classified as “work”. Bill does not clarify: Whether digital engagement triggers overtime. Whether refusal to respond affects performance appraisal. Creates a normative–legal mismatch. Constitutional Dimension: An Unanswered Question Clear linkage with Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty): Mental health Autonomy Dignity Rest and leisure (implicit) However, the Bill: Does not articulate constitutional grounding. Leaves unclear whether the right is: Merely statutory, or An extension of fundamental rights into the workplace. Risk: Divergent judicial interpretations. Weak constitutional backing during challenges. What India Has Not Done (Yet) ? European Union Judicial evolution of “working time”: Employer control, not activity, is decisive. ECJ rulings (SIMAP, Jaeger, Tyco): On-call time Standby periods Availability under employer control → treated as working time. France Does not redefine work. Clearly demarcates: Working time Rest time Digital communication regulated through: Collective bargaining Employer policies aligned with working-time law. Germany Strict enforcement of: Maximum working hours Mandatory rest periods Digital engagement integrated into existing labour standards. Key takeaway: Right to Disconnect works only when employee time is legally recognised as working time. Indian Specificity: The Missing Link Indian labour codes: Mix mandatory standards (hours, safety) With contractual flexibility (policies, agreements) The Bill does not clarify whether: Right to disconnect is non-waivable, or Can be diluted via contracts and HR policies. Conclusion What the Bill achieves ? Acknowledges digital transformation of work. Initiates legal discourse on constant connectivity. What it fails to resolve ? Definition of work in a digital economy. Integration with working-time and overtime law. Constitutional anchoring under Article 21. Net assessment: Best seen as a normative starting point, not a complete labour reform. Signals the need for future judicial and legislative evolution in Indian labour jurisprudence. CSR as Corporate Obligation for Grassland Restoration & GIB Conservation Why is it in News? 19 December 2025: A Supreme Court of India judgment reinterpreted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act as a legally enforceable obligation, not voluntary charity. The ruling arises from ongoing litigation to prevent deaths of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) caused by power transmission infrastructure. Continues the Court’s conservation jurisprudence since 2021, balancing: Wildlife protection Renewable energy expansion Corporate environmental accountability Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Expanding role of judiciary in environmental governance Constitutional duties under Article 51A(g) Corporate accountability and legal personhood Judicial balancing of development and environmental protection GS III – Environment & Ecology Biodiversity conservation (Great Indian Bustard) Linear infrastructure vs wildlife habitats Grassland ecosystems and conservation financing CSR as a tool for internalising environmental externalities Practice Questions “By reading CSR as a constitutional obligation, the Supreme Court has altered the nature of corporate responsibility in India.”Analyse this statement in light of recent environmental jurisprudence. (150 words) What is New in the Judgment? CSR re-framed: CSR spending is treated as discharge of constitutional duty, not corporate philanthropy. Environmental and wildlife protection are read within CSR’s legal meaning under the Companies Act. Constitutional anchoring: Corporations, as legal persons, share duties under Article 51A(g) (duty to protect environment). CSR expenditure on ecology = constitutional compliance, not discretionary goodwill. Why This Matters for Conservation Financing? Direct implication: Conservationists now have a stronger legal basis to demand corporate funding for: GIB recovery programmes Grassland restoration Mitigation of infrastructure-induced ecological harm CSR + Project-linked funding: If enforced, CSR can support recurring costs, not just one-time pilots: Captive breeding and chick release Habitat restoration and long-term grassland maintenance Monitoring and mitigation near power corridors Background: Supreme Court’s GIB Protection Trajectory 2021 Interim Order Restricted overhead transmission lines across ~99,000 sq km of GIB habitat. Mandated: Undergrounding where feasible Committee-led feasibility assessment Triggered tension with: Renewable energy projects Power evacuation infrastructure 2024–25 Course Correction Expert committee constituted to: Balance species survival, climate commitments, and renewable expansion 2025 judgment operationalises this balance: Shifts from blanket-area restrictions to priority habitat zones Narrows but deepens conservation and mitigation obligations What the Judgment Enables ? Legal clarity: CSR can be compelled for prevention and ecological recovery, not just compensatory actions. Targeted conservation: More detailed habitat–infrastructure planning reduces friction with renewables. Cost internalisation: Corporations linked to ecological risk can be made to internalise environmental externalities. What the Judgment Does Not Do ? No quantification: Does not specify: Which companies pay How much Timelines Project-wise allocation Audit & enforcement gap: CSR non-compliance penalties remain under existing law. No dedicated monitoring architecture for conservation outcomes. Ecological mapping challenge: GIBs are mobile; risks may lie outside notified priority zones. Shifts burden to accurate habitat mapping, a known weakness. Grasslands at the Centre: Why CSR is Critical ? India’s grasslands are: Ecologically rich but legally undervalued Often classified as “wastelands” Restoration requires: Long-term funding Continuous management CSR, if enforced: Can underwrite maintenance-heavy ecosystems where market incentives are weak. Outcome vs Doctrine: The Real Test Doctrinal advance: Strong CSR + Article 51A(g) = enforceable environmental obligation Implementation risk: High Depends on: Speed of undergrounding and rerouting State capacity and utility compliance Translation of corporate funds into measurable ecological outcomes Conclusion The judgment marks a paradigm shift: From CSR as charity → CSR as constitutional and statutory duty It strengthens conservation law without rewriting statutes. Its success will hinge not on judicial reasoning alone, but on: Administrative delivery Corporate compliance Ecological results on the ground Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered (CR) Estimated population: ~150 individuals globally; majority in India Primary habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, open plains Key states: Rajasthan (largest population), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka Major threat: Collision with overhead power transmission lines (leading cause of adult mortality) Other threats: Grassland degradation and diversion Infrastructure expansion (roads, renewables) Low reproductive rate (1 egg per breeding cycle)

Dec 23, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 23 December 2025

Content India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade Forests can’t be used for non-forestry purposes: Supreme Court India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year On the Right to a Healthy Environment How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris? India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade Why in News ? India and New Zealand concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement on Monday. Negotiations completed in ~9 months (March–December 2025) — among India’s fastest FTAs. FTA expected to: Provide tariff-free access for Indian goods to New Zealand. Bring USD 20 billion investments over 15 years. Double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within 5 years. Formal signing targeted in first half of 2026. Relevance GS II (International Relations): Bilateral relations, Indo-Pacific strategy GS III (Economy): Trade policy, FTAs, agriculture protection Investment flows and services exports India–New Zealand Economic Context New Zealand economy: GDP (nominal): ~USD 250 bn Per capita income: ~USD 49,000 Highly export-oriented, agriculture-heavy India–NZ trade (pre-FTA): Bilateral trade: ~USD 2.5–2.7 bn Trade balance: broadly balanced Indian diaspora in NZ: ~300,000 persons of Indian origin ~5% of NZ population → strong socio-economic bridge Core Trade Architecture of the FTA A. Tariff Liberalisation 95% of New Zealand exports to India: Tariffs removed or reduced Includes: timber, apples, kiwifruit, wine, wool, forestry products India’s export gains: Tariff-free access for: Pharmaceuticals Textiles & apparel Engineering goods IT & business services Generic medicines B. Sensitive Sector Protection (India’s Red Lines) No market access conceded in politically and livelihood-sensitive sectors: Dairy products Rice & wheat Sugar Onions Spices Edible oils Rubber Soya products Reflects calibrated trade liberalisation, not blanket opening. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal explicitly stated that farmer and dairy interests were fully protected. Mobility & Services: A Strategic Gain for India Temporary employment visas for Indian professionals: Quota: 5,000 annually Duration: Up to 3 years Coverage: Skilled occupations Significance: Boosts India’s Mode-4 (movement of natural persons) interests. Reinforces India’s strength in human capital exports. Supports remittance flows and skill upgrading. Investment Dimension: USD 20 Billion Over 15 Years Expected inflows into: Renewable energy Agri-processing & food logistics Dairy technology (without product import liberalisation) Education and vocational training Digital services and fintech Strategic value: Long-term, patient capital, not volatile portfolio flows. Supports India’s manufacturing + services ecosystem. Strategic & Geoeconomic Significance A. Indo-Pacific & Oceania Pivot Strengthens India’s economic footprint in the Pacific–Oceania region. Complements India’s: Act East Policy Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) Counters excessive trade dependence on: China-centric supply chains Traditional Western markets B. Continuity in India’s Trade Diplomacy Part of a sequence: India–EFTA TEPA (2024) India–UK CETA (2025) India–Oman CEPA (2025) Signals: Shift from defensive trade posture to selective openness. Emphasis on speed + safeguards. Risks & Challenges Implementation risks: Non-tariff barriers (SPS standards, quality norms) Mutual recognition of standards Domestic adjustment: Competition for select agri-exports (fruits, timber) Global uncertainty: Commodity price volatility Shipping & logistics disruptions Overall Assessment The India–New Zealand FTA is: Trade-expanding but politically prudent Investment-oriented, not just tariff-centric Strong on services and mobility Represents India’s evolving FTA template: Protect core livelihoods Leverage market access + talent mobility Anchor long-term strategic partnerships Conclusion A fast, calibrated FTA that deepens India’s Pacific engagement while ring-fencing farmers and leveraging India’s core strengths — services, skills, and scale. Forests can’t be used for non-forestry purposes: Supreme Court Why in News ? The Supreme Court of India ruled that forest land cannot be diverted for non-forestry purposes (including agriculture) without prior statutory approvals. The ruling came while cancelling cultivation permissions granted by district authorities in Gujarat to a cooperative farming society over 134 acres of forest land. Relevance GS II (Polity & Governance) Federalism Rule of law Judicial review of executive action GS III (Environment) Forest conservation Environmental legislation Sustainable development Legal Background: The Forest (Conservation) Framework Core law: Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Section 2 of the Act: Prohibits: De-reservation of forests Use of forest land for non-forest purposes Unless prior approval of the Central Government is obtained. “Non-forest purpose” explicitly includes: Agriculture Mining Industry Infrastructure Commercial plantations (other than permitted forestry activities) What the Supreme Court Held ? Mandatory Central approval is a jurisdictional requirement, not a procedural formality. District collectors / state authorities: Have no independent power to permit non-forest use. Cannot bypass or dilute Section 2 safeguards. Cultivation on forest land, even if: Cooperative-led Livelihood-oriented Administratively sanctioned → remains illegal without central clearance. Key Constitutional & Jurisprudential Principles Reinforced A. Environmental Rule of Law Statutory environmental protections override executive discretion. Administrative convenience ≠ legal authority. B. Doctrine of Public Trust Forests are held by the State in trust for present and future generations. Cannot be alienated or repurposed casually. C. Sustainable Development Economic activity allowed only within ecological limits. Agriculture ≠ environmentally benign by default if it degrades forests. Federal Dimension: Centre–State Balance Forests fall under Concurrent List (42nd Constitutional Amendment). Central oversight under the Forest (Conservation) Act ensures: Uniform national ecological standards. Prevention of competitive forest diversion by states. Judgment reaffirms central supremacy in forest diversion approvals. Administrative Lapses Highlighted District authorities: Granted cultivation rights without legal competence. Ignored statutory clearance procedures. Reflects systemic issues: Weak legal literacy at district level. Pressure to regularise encroachments post-facto. Tension between short-term livelihoods and long-term ecology. Implications of the Judgment A. Governance Implications Strengthens enforcement of forest laws. Curtails discretionary misuse of land records and revenue powers. Signals zero tolerance for “administrative regularisation” of illegality. B. Environmental Implications Protects forest cover from: Gradual agricultural creep. Fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Reinforces India’s climate commitments (carbon sinks). C. Livelihood & Social Implications Raises concerns for: Communities dependent on forest land. However: Livelihood solutions must flow through legal routes: Forest Rights Act, 2006 Agro-forestry policies Rehabilitation & alternative land allocation Interface with Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 Judgment does not dilute FRA rights. Distinction: Recognised forest rights (individual/community) → legally protected. Administrative cultivation permissions without FRA process → invalid. Reinforces need for: Proper Gram Sabha-led FRA recognition, not executive shortcuts. Critical Evaluation Strengths: Upholds ecological constitutionalism. Prevents piecemeal erosion of forest law. Concerns: Requires parallel strengthening of: FRA implementation Livelihood alternatives Administrative capacity at local levels Conclusion The Supreme Court has drawn a hard legal line: forests are ecological assets governed by statute, not revenue land open to administrative discretion—even for agriculture. India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year Why in News ? World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released its 2024 Anti-Doping Testing Figures Report. India recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for the third consecutive year. Contextually sensitive as India: Is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games Aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games Relevance GS II (Governance) Institutional accountability Global regulatory compliance GS III (Sports ) Integrity in sports Public policy and youth development What is Doping? Doping: Use of prohibited substances or methods to artificially enhance athletic performance. Governed globally by: World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List (updated annually) Violations include: Presence of banned substances Refusal to submit samples Tampering Trafficking or administration India’s Doping Numbers: Key Data (2024) A. Absolute Numbers Samples tested: 7,113 Positive cases: 260 Global rank: 1st (highest absolute violations) B. Positivity Rate India: 3.6% Global comparison: Norway: 1.75% USA: 1.15% No other country crossed 1.75% India’s positivity rate is more than double the next highest country. Global Comparison: Why India Stands Out ? A. Absolute Violations (2024) India: 260 France: 91 Italy: 85 USA: 76 Russia: 76 Germany: 54 China: 43 India exceeds the second-highest country by nearly 3 times. B. Testing Volume vs Violations China: Tests conducted: >24,000 Violations: 43 India: Tests conducted: 7,113 Violations: 260 Despite 3× fewer tests, India reports 6× more violations than China. Inference: India’s problem is not under-testing alone, but high prevalence of doping. Sport-wise Distribution in India (2024) Sport Positive Cases Athletics 76 Weightlifting 43 Wrestling 29 Boxing 17 Powerlifting 17 Kabaddi 10 Pattern Endurance & strength-based sports dominate Long-standing trend across multiple years Indicates: Performance pressure Inadequate medical supervision Normalisation of substance use at lower levels Elite & Grassroots Signals A. Elite Level Reetika Hooda: Under-23 world champion Paris Olympics quarter-finalist Tested positive; provisionally suspended (July 2025) Signals that doping is not confined to fringe athletes. B. Grassroots Level University Games 2025: Athletes reportedly withdrew from events after anti-doping officials arrived. Suggests: Fear of testing Low deterrence credibility Poor awareness of banned substances Institutional Response: India’s Defence A. National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) National Anti-Doping Agency argues: Higher numbers reflect better detection, not higher drug use. Claims strengthened testing, intelligence, and enforcement. B. Critical Assessment Argument partially valid, but: Countries with higher testing volumes show lower positivity Indicates a structural doping culture, not merely detection bias International Pressure A. International Olympic Committee (IOC) International Olympic Committee: Expressed concern over widespread doping in India Urged authorities to “set their house in order” B. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Indian Olympic Association: Constituted a new anti-doping panel (August 2025) Legal & Policy Response National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Recently passed by Parliament. Aligns Indian law with WADA compliance requirements. Key provisions: Explicit prohibition of doping Institutionalised testing & enforcement Clear adjudication and appeal mechanisms Objective: Restore international credibility Prevent sanctions or compliance downgrades Structural Causes Behind India’s Doping Crisis Early specialisation & medal pressure Low sports science penetration Poor supplement regulation Coaches as informal medical advisors Weak athlete education, especially at state & university levels Reward-heavy incentive structures without ethical safeguards Implications for India A. Sporting Credibility Threatens India’s image as a clean sporting nation Risk to hosting ambitions (CWG 2030, Olympics 2036) B. Athletes Career-ending bans Loss of sponsorships Psychological stress and stigma C. Governance Potential WADA non-compliance scrutiny Increased international monitoring Way Forward Mandatory anti-doping education from junior level Coach certification linked to doping compliance Regulation of supplements & gym culture Independent testing at state & university events Shift from medal-centric to athlete-welfare-centric model Conclusion India’s doping crisis is not a detection anomaly but a systemic integrity failure—posing a direct challenge to its sporting credibility and global ambitions unless structural reform follows legal tightening. On the Right to a Healthy Environment Why in News ? Recurring winter smog in Delhi–NCR with severe AQI levels has revived debate on whether the right to a clean and healthy environment should be explicitly constitutionalised. Existing protection relies largely on judicial interpretation of Article 21, not an express fundamental right. Raises questions of state responsibility, enforceability, and environmental federalism. Relevance GS II (Polity & Governance) Article 21 expansion Directive Principles vs Fundamental Rights Judicial activism GS III (Environment) Air pollution Environmental governance Climate change law The Problem Context: Air Pollution as a Rights Issue A. Delhi–NCR Air Quality Reality Winter AQI frequently enters “Severe” (401–500) or “Severe+” category. PM2.5 concentrations often exceed: WHO guideline: 5 µg/m³ (annual) Delhi winter peaks: 150–300 µg/m³ (30–60× WHO limit). Health impacts: Stroke, ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, COPD. Children disproportionately affected due to lung development. B. Major Sources of Pollution Fossil fuel combustion (power plants, vehicles) Transport emissions (diesel dominance) Construction & demolition dust Waste burning Industrial emissions Agricultural residue burning Particulate Matter (PM) is the single most lethal pollutant. Understanding Particulate Matter (Scientific Basis) Type Size Health Impact PM10 ≤10 microns Enters respiratory tract PM2.5 ≤2.5 microns Penetrates lungs, bloodstream DPM (Diesel PM) <1 micron Neuro, cardiac, pulmonary damage Diesel particulate matter (DPM) forms a sub-category of PM2.5. High toxicity even at low exposure levels. No safe threshold scientifically established. Regulatory Response: GRAP & CAQM Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Key changes: Mandatory school closures under GRAP Phases 3 & 4. Removal of state discretion. Staggered working hours for public offices under Phase 3. Significance: Recognises pollution as a public health emergency, not a seasonal inconvenience. Constitutional Evolution of Environmental Rights A. Original Constitution No explicit environmental provisions. Environmental protection inferred from: Natural justice Welfare state philosophy Directive Principles B. Judicial Expansion via Article 21 (Right to Life) Landmark Cases Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India Expanded “life” to mean life with dignity, not mere animal existence. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of U.P. First recognition of healthy environment as part of Article 21. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987) Explicitly held that pollution-free environment is part of the right to life. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar Read Articles 48A + 51A(g) with Article 21. State has a constitutional obligation to protect air and water. Explicit Environmental Provisions in the Constitution A. Directive Principles Article 48A: State shall protect and improve the environment. Emphasises compatibility of agriculture and ecology. B. Fundamental Duties Article 51A(g): Duty of citizens to protect the natural environment. Limitation: Neither is directly enforceable in courts like Fundamental Rights. Judiciary as Environmental Regulator (Post-1980s) Liberalisation & privatisation increased ecological stress. Courts intervened using: Public Interest Litigations (PILs) under Articles 32 & 226. Judiciary became: Environmental rule-maker Environmental enforcer Environmental adjudicator Environment Protection Act, 1986 Section 2(a) defines environment broadly: Air, water, land Inter-relationship with humans, flora, fauna, microorganisms. Reinforces: Right to live free from disease and infection as part of dignity. Disaster Jurisprudence & Environmental Liability A. Absolute Liability Introduced in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak). Key features: No exceptions Liability regardless of fault or negligence Stronger than strict liability. B. Core Environmental Principles Precautionary Principle Explained in Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v. Union of India. Lack of scientific certainty cannot delay preventive action. Part of Indian law. Polluter Pays Principle Polluters must: Bear cost of remediation Compensate for environmental harm Shifts burden from state to violators. Public Trust Doctrine Explained in M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath. State acts as trustee of natural resources. Cannot transfer or exploit for private gain. Constitutional Anchors Article 39(b): Community ownership of material resources. Article 39(c): Prevent concentration of means of production. Reinforced in Radhey Shyam Sahu v. State of U.P.. Climate Change as a Fundamental Rights Issue M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India: Recognised: Right against adverse effects of climate change Linked to Article 21 (life) and Article 14 (equality) Expands environmental rights into climate justice. The Core Gap: Why Judicial Recognition Is Not Enough Judicially evolved rights: Cannot be directly claimed unless tied to Part III. State compliance remains: Episodic Reactive Crisis-driven Environmental governance becomes court-centric, not institution-centric. The Case for Explicit Constitutional Right Why Needed Makes: Clean air & water justiciable by default State & citizens equally accountable Reduces over-dependence on PILs. Aligns India with: UN Human Rights Council recognition of clean environment as a human right (2021). Conclusion India’s environmental protection framework rests on judicial creativity rather than constitutional clarity; making the right to a clean and healthy environment explicit is now essential for enforceability, accountability, and ecological survival. How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris? Why in News ? A space debris impact cracked the window of China’s crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-20, rendering its return capsule unusable for crew travel. Incident highlights the growing threat of Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD) to human spaceflight. Occurs amid: Rapid satellite proliferation Anti-satellite (ASAT) tests Expansion of crewed missions (including India’s Gaganyaan) Relevance GS III – Science & Technology Space technology Human spaceflight safety Emerging global commons governance GS II – International Relations Global space governance UN frameworks and limitations What is MMOD? A. Micrometeoroids Origin: ~80–90% from asteroid belt collisions (between Mars & Jupiter) Remainder from comets Size: Few micrometres to ~2 mm Each weighs less than a dried grape Velocity: ~11 to 72 km/s (much faster than bullets) Nature: Natural Ubiquitous in space Practically untrackable B. Orbital Debris (Space Junk) Definition: Human-made objects in Earth orbit with no functional purpose Sources: Exploded rocket stages Defunct satellites Accidental collisions Intentional ASAT weapon tests Average velocity: ~10 km/s Key risk: Even a 1 cm object at orbital speed can disable a spacecraft Scale of the Problem: Global Data Orbital Debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO: 200–2,000 km) ~34,000 objects >10 cm (trackable) ~128 million objects >1 mm Hundreds of millions of fragments <1 mm Billions of impacts annually on satellites and space stations Distribution Orbital debris: Concentrated in a “shell” in LEO Micrometeoroids: Exist everywhere Slightly denser near Earth due to gravity Why Space Debris Is So Dangerous Kinetic Energy Reality Kinetic energy ∝ velocity² At 10–70 km/s, even microscopic particles: Penetrate metal Shatter windows Disable avionics Cause cabin depressurisation Directional Risk Highest risk on the forward-facing surface of spacecraft Relative velocity peaks in direction of travel The Kessler Syndrome: A Systemic Threat Proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler Theory: Beyond a debris density threshold, Collisions trigger a cascading chain reaction Eventually makes LEO unusable for spaceflight Risk amplified by: Mega-constellations ASAT tests Lack of binding global regulation How Space Agencies Assess MMOD Risk? A. MMOD Flux Modelling MMOD flux = expected number of debris hits of a given size over mission duration Uses: Tracking catalogues Statistical debris environment models Inputs include: Orbit altitude & inclination Mission duration Spacecraft orientation B. Vulnerability Analysis Specialised software calculates: Probability of: Loss of mission Failure of critical components If risk exceeds safety thresholds: Physical shielding becomes mandatory How Are Spacecraft Physically Protected? A. Whipple Shield (Primary Defence) Widely used across human and robotic missions Design: Outer “bumper” Inner “rear wall” Stand-off gap between them Working principle: Incoming debris shatters on bumper Fragment cloud disperses energy Rear wall absorbs reduced impact Analogy: Sea waves breaking on tetrapods B. Operational Avoidance (For Large Debris) Objects >10 cm are tracked Space agencies maintain collision catalogues If collision probability rises: Debris Avoidance Manoeuvre (DAM) executed Small thruster burns adjust orbit Used routinely for: International Space Station Crewed capsules High-value satellites How Is India Protecting Gaganyaan Crew? Mission-Specific Context Standalone mission: No space station docking No external rescue capability Short duration: <7 days Low probability of collision with catalogued debris Residual risk: Small, untrackable MMOD still significant Protection Strategy Based on international human-rating standards Uses: Passive shielding (Whipple shields) Validation through: High-velocity impact testing Numerical simulations Testing Infrastructure ISRO uses specialised facilities DRDO Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL): Gas gun facility Fires 7 mm projectiles at up to 5 km/s Validates shield survivability under near-orbital conditions Global Governance of Space Debris Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) Members: NASA ESA ISRO JAXA Role: Develops technical standards Best practices for debris mitigation United Nations Framework UNCOPUOS adopts debris mitigation guidelines Nature: Soft law Voluntary No binding enforcement mechanism The Structural Gap Rapid expansion of: Human spaceflight Commercial satellites Weaknesses: No binding global debris removal obligations No liability for long-term orbital pollution ASAT tests still legally permissible The Road Ahead: What Must Be Done Enforce zero-debris-by-design missions Mandatory post-mission disposal Active debris removal technologies Binding international treaties on: ASAT testing Orbital congestion Treat Earth orbit as a global commons, not a free-for-all Conclusion Human spaceflight is now as much an engineering challenge as a governance one; without collective action on space debris, Earth’s orbit risks becoming the most dangerous highway humanity has ever built.

Dec 22, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 22 December 2025

Content India–Netherlands MoU on National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal Bridges of India: Architecture Against the Odds India–Netherlands MoU on National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal Why is it in News? India and the Netherlands signed an MoU to collaborate on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. Partners: National Maritime Heritage Complex (India) National Maritime Museum (Netherlands) Relevance GS I (Culture): Indus Valley Civilisation, maritime history, heritage preservation. GS II (IR): India–Netherlands bilateral relations, cultural diplomacy, people-to-people ties. GS III (Economy): Ports, shipping, blue economy, tourism-led growth. Strategic Background: Why Lothal Matters Lothal (Gujarat) is a prominent Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500 BCE) site. Known for: One of the world’s earliest dockyards, indicating advanced maritime trade. Evidence of trade with Mesopotamia, West Asia, and Africa. Anchors India’s claim of a 4,500-year-old maritime tradition — crucial for cultural diplomacy and historical continuity. What is the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)? Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. Vision: World’s largest maritime museum complex. Core Components: Maritime history galleries (ancient to modern India). Reconstructed Harappan dockyard ecosystem. Naval & merchant shipping heritage. Blue economy, coastal cultures, lighthouse heritage. TargetGroups: Students, researchers, tourists. Local communities and underprivileged sections (inclusive access). Key Provisions of the MoU Knowledge & Expertise Exchange Maritime museum design. Curation and conservation standards. Joint Activities Collaborative exhibitions. Joint research projects. Cultural exchange programmes. Innovation & Outreach Digital museums, immersive experiences. Improved visitor engagement and maritime education. Capacity Building Adoption of global best practices from Amsterdam’s maritime museum ecosystem. Why the Netherlands? The Netherlands has a strong maritime legacy: Dutch Golden Age shipping, global trade routes. Advanced maritime museums and conservation technologies. Contemporary strengths: Port management (Rotterdam model). Maritime logistics, shipbuilding, green shipping. Enhances credibility and global benchmarking for NMHC. Strategic Significance for India A. Cultural Diplomacy (Soft Power) Projects India’s ancient maritime heritage globally. Strengthens people-to-people ties with Europe. Aligns with India’s heritage-led diplomacy model. B. Blue Economy Narrative Links historical maritime prowess with: Modern ports. Shipping. Coastal development. Reinforces India’s ocean-centric development vision. C. Tourism & Local Development High-value heritage tourism in Gujarat. Employment generation in: Museum services. Cultural industries. Local handicrafts and hospitality. D. Governance & Institution Building Demonstrates international institutional collaboration in culture and heritage. Model for future museum partnerships (e.g., with UK, France, Japan). Linkages with Wider India–Netherlands Cooperation Ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in: Green shipping and decarbonisation. Port development and smart ports. Shipbuilding and maritime technology. Fits into broader India–EU and India–Europe maritime engagement. Bridges of India: Architecture Against the Odds Why is it in News? PIB highlighted landmark bridges as symbols of India’s engineering resilience, strategic connectivity, and infrastructure-led development. Focuses on bridges built under extreme geographic, climatic, seismic, and strategic constraints. Aligns with India’s broader push under PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and railway modernisation. Relevance GS I (Geography & Society): Physical constraints shaping infrastructure. GS III (Economy & Security): Infrastructure as growth multiplier. Border area development. Disaster-resilient public assets. Infrastructure Significance ? Economic integration: Reduce logistics cost, travel time, and regional isolation. Strategic & security value: Enable rapid military mobilisation in border regions. Social inclusion: Connect remote, island, hilly, and riverine communities. Climate & disaster resilience: Designed for cyclones, earthquakes, high winds, corrosion. Nation-building: Physical manifestation of state capacity and engineering confidence. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (MTHL) Type: Sea bridge (road). Length: 22 km (16.5 km over sea + 5.5 km on land). Cost: ₹17,843 crore. Status: India’s longest sea bridge. Purpose: Decongest Mumbai island city. Connect Mumbai with Navi Mumbai and JNPT region. Economic impact: Boosts trade, logistics, tourism. Improves port-led development. Delivered despite Covid-19 disruptions → project management capacity. Chenab Rail Bridge Type: Steel arch railway bridge. Height: 359 m above Chenab River (≈35 m higher than Eiffel Tower). Length: 1,315 m. Cost: ₹1,486 crore. Design resilience: Wind resistance: up to 260 km/h. Lifespan: 120 years. Strategic importance: Part of Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Enables Vande Bharat operations. Reduces Katra–Srinagar travel time to ~3 hours. Border infrastructure, national integration, disaster-resilient design. New Pamban Bridge Type: India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Length: 2.07 km. Lift span: 72.5 m; lifts 17 m vertically. Cost: >₹700 crore. Engineering innovations: Stainless steel reinforcement. Polysiloxane corrosion-resistant coating. Fully welded joints → lower maintenance. Operational advantage: Allows ship movement without stopping rail traffic. Space provision for future second railway line. Challenges addressed: Cyclones, strong currents, seismic risks, tidal constraints. Coastal infrastructure, climate-resilient public assets. Dhola–Sadiya Bridge Type: Beam road bridge. Length: 9.15 km. River: Lohit (Brahmaputra tributary). Strategic capacity: Designed for 60-tonne military tanks (Arjun, T-72). Connectivity impact: First permanent road link between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Strategic relevance: Enhances border-area logistics. Strengthens India’s posture in the eastern sector. Anji Khad Bridge Type: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Height: 331 m above Anji River valley. Length: 725 m. Structural features: Inverted Y-shaped pylon (193 m). 96 high-tensile cables. 8,200+ metric tonnes of steel. Geological challenges: Unstable limestone, debris-prone slopes. Extensive slope stabilisation to protect ecology. Timeline: Completed in ~11 months. Role: Critical link in USBRL → Kashmir connectivity. Comparative Value Addition Sea bridges (Atal Setu, Pamban): Corrosion, wind, marine ecology challenges. Mountain bridges (Chenab, Anji): Seismicity, landslides, extreme weather. River bridges (Dhola–Sadiya): Flood load, sedimentation, strategic load capacity. Reflect context-specific engineering, not one-size-fits-all infrastructure. Broader Network Mentioned Bogibeel Bridge – rail-cum-road over Brahmaputra. New Saraighat Bridge – strengthens Assam connectivity. Digha–Sonpur Bridge – rail-cum-road over Ganga.

Dec 22, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 22 December 2025

Content Unlocking the potential of India-Africa economic ties Prisoner of Data: Why Prison Statistics Don’t Tell the Full Story Prisoner of Data: Why Prison Statistics Don’t Tell the Full Story Why is it in News? Editroials piece critiques India’s prison data ecosystem, arguing that headline statistics mask structural injustices, especially for undertrial prisoners. Relevant for criminal justice reform, governance, human rights, and data-driven policymaking. Relevance GS II (Governance & Constitution): Article 21 (personal liberty). Access to justice. GS III (Internal Security): Prison reforms. Criminal justice system efficiency. Practice Question Despite extensive prison statistics, India’s criminal justice system continues to violate the spirit of Article 21. Examine how data gaps in undertrial incarceration undermine access to justice.(250 Words) India’s Prison System: Macro Snapshot As per National Crime Records Bureau (Prison Statistics India): Undertrials ≈ 75–77% of total prison population (one of the highest globally). Convicts ≈ 22–24%. India ranks among the top 5 countries globally in absolute prison population. Core Concern Quantitative dominance of undertrials reflects process failure, not crime trends. Undertrials & Bail: The Invisible Injustice Bail vs Reality Gap No national data on: Undertrials remaining in jail after bail is granted. Duration of illegal or excessive detention post-bail. Field evidence (from high-burden states like: Uttar Pradesh Bihar Jharkhand Punjab) shows: ~25% undertrials remain incarcerated >2 years without conviction. Structural Causes Marginal inability to pay bail bonds (even ₹2,000–₹10,000). Lack of legal awareness. Absence of real-time court–prison data integration. Supreme Court Interventions: Limited Reach Supreme Court of India guidelines (e.g., NALSA directions): Release of undertrials detained beyond half of maximum sentence. Result: >21,000 prisoners released (Nov 2023). Limitation: One-time relief, not systemic correction. Does not address daily inflow of similarly placed undertrials. Data Deficit: What Prison Statistics Miss A. Missing Process Indicators No tracking of: Time between bail order and actual release. Frequency of non-production before courts. Delays due to paperwork, surety verification, or digital gaps. B. Quality of Legal Aid No data on: Lawyer–client interaction frequency. Case load per legal aid counsel. Effectiveness of representation. Prison Conditions: Health, Education & Human Capital Health & Mental Health Mental healthcare largely invisible in datasets. Overcrowding → higher incidence of: Depression. Substance withdrawal. Self-harm. Education & Skills >50% of undertrials are: 18–30 years age group. Education profile: ~60% educated below Class X. Skill training: Only ~0.5% inmates received skill training (2023 data). Financial allocation: ~0.5% of prison budgets spent on education, skilling, vocational training. Implication Prison system acts as a warehouse, not a reformative institution. Deaths in Custody: Data Without Accountability Total deaths in prisons (2023): ~1,900. Natural deaths: ~1,500+. Unnatural deaths: ~400. Problem: Over 50% of unnatural deaths categorised as “others”. “Others” may conceal: Custodial violence. Negligence. Medical denial. NCRB does not mandate cause-wise forensic granularity. Governance Gap: Oversight Mechanisms Undertrial Review Committees (UTRCs) Mandated by SC at district level. On paper: quarterly reviews. In practice: Irregular meetings. Poor follow-up. No public dashboards. Community Oversight Limited use of: Non-official visitors. Civil society monitoring. Absence of citizen accountability loops. Why “More Data” ≠ “Better Justice” India’s prison statistics are: Static (stock numbers). Not dynamic (process flows). Focus on: Occupancy, admissions, releases. Ignore: Delay. Discretion. Discrimination. Data that does not track injustice over time risks normalising it. Way Forward What Should Be Counted ? Time-to-release after bail. Undertrial detention beyond statutory limits. Bail amount vs income levels. Cause-specific custodial deaths. Access to legal aid & counselling. Institutional Measures Real-time court–prison–police digital integration. Mandatory UTRC dashboards. Independent prison ombudsman. Expanded role for civil society & district judiciary. Conclusion India’s prison statistics offer numerical clarity but moral opacity. Without tracking delays, discretion, and deprivation, data risks legitimising injustice rather than correcting it. True reform lies not in counting prisoners, but in counting how the system fails them. Unlocking the potential of India-Africa economic ties Why is it in News? Narendra Modi’s visits to Namibia and Ghana (July 2025) and Ethiopia (Dec 16–17, 2025) renewed focus on India–Africa economic engagement. Symbolic milestone: African Union admitted as a permanent G20 member in 2023 during India’s presidency → elevation of Africa’s global economic voice. Context: Slowing and uncertain Western markets. Reconfiguration of global supply chains. Intensifying competition with China in Africa. Relevance GS II (International Relations): India–Africa relations. South–South cooperation. G20 and global governance reforms. GS III (Economy): Trade diversification. MSMEs. Logistics and services exports. Relevance Africa has re-emerged as a strategic priority in India’s foreign policy. Analyse the economic and geopolitical drivers behind India’s renewed engagement with African countries.(250 Words) Structural Context: Why Africa Matters to India Now ? Export concentration risk: FY24: US + EU accounted for ~40% of India’s total exports. Rising protectionism, economic slowdown risks in the West. Africa offers: Fast-growing consumer markets. Young demographics. Resource security. Strategic depth in a multipolar world. India–Africa Trade: Key Data Snapshot Trade Volumes India is Africa’s 4th-largest trading partner. India–Africa bilateral trade: ~US$ 100 billion. FY24 Indian exports to Africa: US$ 38.17 billion. Major Export Destinations Nigeria South Africa Tanzania Key Indian Export Items Petroleum products Engineering goods Pharmaceuticals Rice Textiles Africa’s Import Structure (Comparative Insight) India’s share in Africa’s imports (2024): ~6%. China’s share: ~21% of Africa’s total imports. Bilateral trade >US$ 200 billion. ~33% of Chinese exports to Africa fall under HSN 84 & 85: Machinery Boilers Electrical machinery Semiconductor-linked equipment Reflects China’s manufacturing and industrial dominance. Strategic Gap: India vs China in Africa India’s Africa exports: Still skewed towards commodities and low-value goods. China: Embedded in industrial ecosystems, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Implication: India risks being a peripheral trader, not a production partner. India’s Target Doubling India–Africa trade by 2030. Requires: Structural transformation, not incremental growth. Five-Pillar Strategy for India–Africa Economic Recalibration Pillar 1: Trade Agreements & Market Access Negotiate: Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). Engage with: Regional economic blocs. Major African economies. Strategic alignment with African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Pillar 2: Shift to Value-Added Manufacturing Move beyond: Petroleum and traditional exports. Promote: Two-way value chains. Joint-venture manufacturing in Africa. Strategic advantage: Production in Africa allows preferential access to US markets. Simultaneously taps Africa’s domestic demand. Current problem: Indian firms under-utilise African investment incentives. Pillar 3: MSMEs, Trade Finance & Risk Mitigation Africa is more MSME-friendly than US/EU markets. Constraints: Lack of trade finance. High perceived political and commercial risk. Policy tools suggested: Scaling up Lines of Credit (LoCs). Trade in local currencies. Joint India–Africa insurance pool for medium-term projects. MSMEs crucial for employment-intensive exports. Pillar 4: Logistics & Maritime Connectivity High freight costs reduce competitiveness. Required investments: Port modernisation. Hinterland connectivity. Dedicated India–Africa maritime corridors. Logistics efficiency as a growth multiplier. Pillar 5: Services, Digital Trade & Human Capital India’s comparative advantage: IT & digital services. Healthcare. Education & skill development. Professional services. Services trade: Enables high-value, low-volume exports. Acts as a catalyst for goods trade. Current gap: Policy ecosystem for services trade with Africa remains weak. Investment Dimension: Role of Indian Public Sector Current issue: India’s Africa FDI inflated due to Mauritius-routed investments (tax arbitrage). Real investment gaps in: Manufacturing. Agro-processing. Infrastructure. Renewable energy. Critical minerals. Recommendation: Indian PSUs to lead in: Mining. Mineral exploration. Strategic infrastructure. Barriers: Bureaucracy. Political instability. High financing costs. Strategic & Geopolitical Significance Africa is central to: Global supply chain diversification. Critical mineral security. South–South cooperation. India–Africa ties reinforce: India’s leadership in the Global South. Multipolar economic order. Conclusion India–Africa relations are at an inflection point. To compete with entrenched players like China and reduce over-dependence on Western markets, India must pivot from commodity-led trade to value-added manufacturing, services exports, and long-term investment partnerships—transforming Africa from a market into a strategic economic partner.

Dec 22, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 22 December 2025

Content Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks Speedy Justice Eludes Consumers – Consumer Commissions ISRO Set to Launch Mobile Broadband Satellite Southern Ocean Carbon Anomaly Tiger Conservation & 6th Cycle of All India Tiger Estimation Transfusion Safety Gaps & HIV Risk for Thalassaemia Patients Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks Why in News ? 4th elephant death on railway tracks in 2025; toll 94 since 2019. Dec 20, 2025: 7-8 elephants killed in Hojai/Nagaon, Assam (Rajdhani Express). Recent incident in Assam (Hojai–Lumding section) despite prior warnings and mitigation measures. Raises concerns on human–wildlife conflict, infrastructure planning, and governance failures. Relevance GS I – Geography Human–environment interaction. Ecological corridors and landscape fragmentation. Impact of infrastructure on ecosystems. GS III – Environment, Internal Security Biodiversity conservation (elephants – Schedule I species). Human–wildlife conflict. Non-traditional security threats (train derailments, passenger safety). Sustainable infrastructure development. Scale of the Problem 94 elephant deaths (2019–2025) due to train hits (average ≈ 13–14/year). India hosts ~60% of Asia’s elephants (~27,000; Project Elephant estimates). High-risk states: Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu Rail–elephant collision hotspots: Lumding–Badarpur (Assam) Siliguri–Alipurduar (WB) Chakradharpur division (Jharkhand–Odisha belt) Structural Causes A. Infrastructure–Ecology Mismatch Rail lines cut across traditional elephant corridors (not mapped during colonial-era alignments). Fragmentation of habitats due to: Railways Highways Mining belts Linear infrastructure without wildlife sensitivity B. Governance & Planning Gaps Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) often: Corridor-insensitive Static, not updated with elephant movement data Poor inter-agency coordination: Railways vs Forest Departments Mitigation often reactive, not preventive. C. Operational Failures Speed restrictions not consistently enforced, especially at night. Dependence on human vigilance instead of automated systems. Dense fog + curves + embankments reduce driver visibility. Existing Mitigation Measures A. Technological Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Thermal cameras + AI analytics Alerts loco pilots & stations in real time Piloted in Assam, WB Limitation: Partial coverage, maintenance issues B. Administrative Speed restrictions (30–50 km/h) in notified zones. Elephant watchers & patrolling. GPS-based tracking of elephant herds (limited scale). C. Ecological Underpasses/overpasses (few & expensive). Habitat improvement away from tracks (slow progress). Inference: Measures exist, but scale, enforcement, and integration are weak. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Article 48A: State’s duty to protect wildlife. Article 51A(g): Citizen duty towards environment. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Elephants listed under Schedule I (highest protection). Project Elephant (1992): Focus on habitat, corridors, conflict mitigation. Rail safety still peripheral, not core. Governance Lens (GS II) Illustrates policy silos: Transport efficiency vs ecological sustainability. Reflects weak anticipatory governance. Example of implementation deficit, not policy absence. Need for evidence-based, spatial governance (GIS + wildlife data). Internal Security & Disaster Angle Train hits to elephants cause: Derailment risks Passenger casualties Economic losses Wildlife accidents as non-traditional security threats. Best Practices Canada / USA: Wildlife overpasses + fencing (Banff model). Sri Lanka: Electric fencing integrated with rail alerts. Key takeaway: Structural solutions outperform vigilance-based ones. Way Forward Planning & Regulation Mandatory Wildlife Corridor Impact Assessment for all rail projects. Dynamic corridor mapping using satellite + GPS collar data. Corridor zones to be declared “Eco-Sensitive Rail Sections”. Technology Scaling 100% IDS coverage in high-risk sections. Automated train braking integration with IDS alerts. Night-time speed governors in corridor stretches. Ecological Engineering Standardised wildlife underpasses in all new lines. Retrofitting old tracks with funnel fencing + crossings. Institutional Reform Permanent Rail–Forest Joint Command Centres. Dedicated funding window under CAMPA / Green Railways Policy. Indian Elephant (Asian Elephant – Elephas maximus indicus) Scientific name: Elephas maximus (Indian subspecies: E. m. indicus) Distribution in India: Western Ghats, Northeast India, Eastern India, parts of Central India Population (India): ~27,000 (≈ 60% of Asia’s elephants) Legal status (India): Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I Flagship species under Project Elephant (1992) Ecological role: Keystone species Seed dispersal Forest–grassland ecosystem maintenance Asian Elephant: Endangered (EN) Speedy Justice Eludes Consumers – Consumer Commissions Why in News Media reports highlight systemic delays in consumer dispute redressal, undermining the core promise of speedy, inexpensive justice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Chronic vacancies, rising pendency, logistical deficits, and procedural delays across District, State and National Consumer Commissions. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Access to justice. Quasi-judicial bodies & tribunalisation. Implementation of Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Judicial capacity & administrative efficiency. GS II – Constitution Article 21: Right to timely justice. Article 39A: Equal justice & legal aid. Rule of law and procedural fairness. Constitutional & Governance Context Article 21: Right to life includes timely access to justice (expanded judicial interpretation). Article 39A (DPSP): Equal justice and free legal aid. Consumer Commissions represent quasi-judicial decentralised justice delivery, meant to reduce burden on regular courts. Consumer Commissions: Intended Design vs Reality Intended Simple procedure (no CPC/CrPC rigidity). Time-bound disposal. Low cost, citizen-friendly access. Reality Long-distance travel to State/National Commissions. Repeated adjournments. High pendency resembling civil courts. Appeals escalating disputes across all three tiers. Pendency & Disposal: Hard Data Overall Pendency 5.43 lakh consumer complaints pending (as of Jan 30, 2024) across: District State National Commissions Case Flow (All India) 2024 New cases filed: 1.73 lakh Cases disposed: 1.58 lakh Net backlog increase: ~14,900 cases 2025 (till July) New cases: 78,031 Disposed: 65,537 Backlog continues to rise Inference: Disposal rate < Institution rate → structural backlog generation. Human Cost of Delay Repeated travel (inter-state, often 24+ hours). Economic stress on small entrepreneurs. Justice delayed → justice denied, especially for: MSMEs Rural consumers First-generation entrepreneurs Undermines trust in formal grievance redressal, pushing citizens to: Informal settlements Exit from legal remedies altogether Staffing Crisis: Quantified Vacancies As of 19 August 2025 State Commissions Presidents vacant: 18 Members vacant: 62 District Commissions Presidents vacant: 218 Members vacant: 518 Impact Benches not fully constituted. Matters listed but not taken up. Judicial time lost due to quorum issues. Statutory Timelines vs Ground Reality Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Section 38(7): 3 months → cases without testing/analysis. 5 months → cases requiring testing/expert evidence. Adjournments: Not to be granted routinely. Reasons must be recorded in writing. Reality Cases pending 5–10 years. Adjournments frequent due to: Non-appearance Lack of experts Incomplete benches Rule of law weakened by implementation gap. Structural Bottlenecks Institutional Deficits Inadequate number of courtrooms. Poor digital case management. Insufficient registry staff. Human Capital Mismatch Members legally trained but: Limited expertise in insurance, medical negligence, technical goods, e-commerce. Dependence on: Expert opinions Laboratory reports → delays. Procedural Frictions Non-service of notices. Delayed affidavits. Repeated requests for additional evidence. Appeals used tactically by sellers to wear down complainants. Executive Oversight & Accountability Gap Parliamentary replies acknowledge pendency but: No mission-mode recruitment No binding timelines for appointments. Highlights administrative apathy, not legal vacuum. Economic & Market Implications Weak consumer protection: Raises transaction costs. Encourages unfair trade practices. Harms MSME confidence. Undermines Ease of Doing Business (consumer trust dimension). Distorts insurance, e-commerce, and digital markets. Comparative Insight Mature jurisdictions use: Single-tier consumer tribunals. Strong pre-litigation mediation. Online dispute resolution (ODR) as default. India still treats ODR as supplementary, not core. Way Forward Institutional Time-bound filling of vacancies (statutory deadlines). Circuit benches of State/National Commissions. Procedural Mandatory pre-litigation mediation for non-complex cases. Strict adjournment caps with cost penalties. Technological End-to-end e-filing, virtual hearings, auto-listing. AI-based case triaging (simple vs complex). Capacity Building Domain-specific training for Members. Panel of standing technical experts. Governance Annual Consumer Justice Performance Audit. Parliamentary oversight via standing committee review. ISRO Set to Launch Mobile Broadband Satellite Why in News ISRO’s LVM3-M6 mission scheduled for 24 December to launch BlueBird Block-2 satellite. Mission executed under a commercial launch agreement with AST SpaceMobile. Satellite aims to deliver direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband from space. Relevance GS III – Science & Technology Space technology applications. Satellite communication. LEO constellations & direct-to-device broadband. Commercialisation of space sector. Mission at a Glance Launch Vehicle: LVM3 (India’s heavy-lift Gaganyaan-class rocket). Payload: BlueBird Block-2. Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Client: AST SpaceMobile. Nature: Commercial launch by Indian Space Research Organisation. What is BlueBird Block-2? Largest commercial communication satellite planned for LEO. Designed for space-based cellular broadband: Direct connectivity to ordinary smartphones. No need for specialised satellite phones. Part of AST SpaceMobile’s global satellite-cellular constellation. AST SpaceMobile Network: Key Facts Objective: Bridge global digital connectivity gaps. BlueBird 1–5 satellites: Launched in September 2024. Enabled continuous internet coverage over: United States Select other regions. Partnerships: 50+ mobile network operators globally. End-users: Commercial consumers. Government & emergency services. Strategic Significance for India Space Commercialisation Demonstrates ISRO’s shift from captive launches to global launch service provider. Strengthens NSIL-led commercial space ecosystem. Enhances India’s share in the $10+ billion global launch market. Heavy-Lift Credibility Reaffirms reliability of LVM3 beyond human spaceflight. Positions India competitively against: SpaceX Falcon 9 Ariane 6 Long March series Digital & Developmental Implications Addresses last-mile connectivity: Remote rural areas Maritime zones Disaster-hit regions Supports: Digital governance Financial inclusion Tele-medicine & e-education Complements India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) vision. Geopolitical & Strategic Dimensions Space-based broadband increasingly seen as: Strategic infrastructure Dual-use (civil + security) India emerges as: Trusted, non-aligned launch partner. Enhances India-US tech-commercial cooperation, without data sovereignty entanglement. Regulatory & Policy Context Aligns with: Indian Space Policy, 2023 Promotion of private & foreign participation. Raises future policy questions: Spectrum coordination (satellite vs terrestrial). Cybersecurity & cross-border data flows. Space traffic management in congested LEO. Challenges & Concerns LEO congestion and space debris risks. Spectrum interference with terrestrial telecom networks. Dependence on foreign constellations for critical connectivity. Need for robust international space governance norms. Way Forward Strengthen: Space situational awareness (SSA). Debris mitigation protocols. Encourage Indian private players in: Satellite manufacturing Direct-to-device technologies. Develop clear satellite-telecom regulatory convergence framework. Southern Ocean Carbon Anomaly Why in News ? New peer-reviewed research (published in Nature Climate Change, Oct 2024) shows the Southern Ocean has absorbed more carbon dioxide since the early 2000s, contradicting long-standing climate model projections. Highlights limits of climate models, importance of observations, and risks of abrupt future shifts in the global carbon cycle. Relevance GS III – Environment & Climate Change Global carbon cycle. Oceanic carbon sinks. Climate feedback mechanisms. Non-linear climate responses. GS I – Geography (Physical) Ocean circulation systems. Stratification, upwelling, westerlies. Southern Ocean’s role in global climate regulation. Why the Southern Ocean Matters? Covers ~25–30% of global ocean area. Absorbs ~40% of oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO₂. Acts as a global climate regulator by: Absorbing excess heat. Functioning as a major carbon sink. Inference: Small physical changes here have disproportionately large global climate impacts. How the Southern Ocean Carbon Sink Works ? Cold, relatively fresh surface waters form a “lid”. Beneath lies warmer, saltier, carbon-rich deep water. Strong stratification limits vertical mixing → carbon remains trapped below surface → less CO₂ escapes to atmosphere. What Climate Models Predicted (Pre-2020 Consensus) ? Rising greenhouse gases → stronger & poleward-shifting westerly winds. This would intensify Southern Ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). Result: More upwelling of deep, carbon-rich water. Increased CO₂ outgassing. Weakening of Southern Ocean carbon sink. What Observations Actually Show (The “Anomaly”)? Confirmed Model Predictions Circumpolar Deep Water has risen ~40 metres since the 1990s. Subsurface CO₂ pressure increased by ~10 microatmospheres. Stronger upwelling is real. Unexpected Outcome Despite this, net CO₂ absorption increased, not decreased. Southern Ocean remained a strong carbon sink. What Models Missed: The Key Mechanism? Freshwater-Driven Stratification Increased: Antarctic ice melt. Precipitation. Result: Fresher (lighter) surface waters. Enhanced stratification. Effect: Carbon-rich waters trapped 100–200 m below surface. Prevented contact with atmosphere → no CO₂ release. Conclusion: A surface freshwater “mask” temporarily counteracted deep upwelling effects. Why This Is Temporary (High-Risk Insight)? Observations since early 2010s show: Stratified layer thinning. Surface salinity rising again in parts of the Southern Ocean. Strong winds can: Penetrate weakened stratification. Mix deep, carbon-rich waters upward. Result: Delayed but abrupt weakening of the carbon sink possible. Potential for sudden CO₂ release, not gradual. Why Models Struggle Here (Scientific Limits)? Competing processes: Upwelling (vertical transport). Stratification (vertical blockage). Governed by multi-scale physics: Eddies (few km wide). Ice-shelf cavities (tens–hundreds of km). Sparse year-round observations in Southern Ocean. Inference: Model uncertainty ≠ model failure; reflects data and scale constraints. Broader Climate Governance Implications Reinforces need for: Continuous ocean observations (floats, moorings, satellites). Stronger investment in Southern Ocean monitoring. Warns policymakers against: Assuming long-term ocean buffering. Raises stakes for: Carbon budget calculations. Net-zero timelines. Climate tipping point assessments. Conclusion Climate systems can show non-linear responses. Temporary resilience can mask deeper vulnerabilities. Policy must integrate: Models (future risks). Observations (current reality). Southern Ocean exemplifies “delayed feedback risk” in climate change. Tiger Conservation & 6th Cycle of All India Tiger Estimation Why in News ? 6th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) launched. Union Environment Minister emphasised that India’s tiger conservation model must remain science-based, not driven by political or symbolic targets. Context: Rising human–wildlife conflict, elephant deaths, and pressure on protected areas. Relevance GS III – Environment & Biodiversity Wildlife conservation. Project Tiger. Carrying capacity & habitat management. Human–wildlife conflict. All India Tiger Estimation (AITE): Core Facts Conducted once every 4 years. World’s largest wildlife monitoring exercise. Coordinated by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Covers: Tiger population estimation Prey base Habitat quality Human pressure indicators India’s Tiger Numbers: Data Snapshot 2006: 1,411 tigers (baseline). 2010: 1,706 2014: 2,226 2018: 2,967 2022 (5th cycle): 3,167 tigers India hosts ~75% of the world’s wild tigers. Inference: Quantitative success, but quality of coexistence now the key challenge. Why “Science-Based” Conservation Is Stressed ? Limits of Headline Targets Artificial pressure to increase numbers can lead to: Overstocking of reserves. Increased dispersal into human landscapes. Spike in human–wildlife conflict. Ecological Carrying Capacity Each tiger requires: ~20–60 sq km (female) ~60–100 sq km (male) Ignoring carrying capacity risks: Intra-species conflict. Ecological stress. Human–Wildlife Conflict: Rising Trend Minister flagged conflict as the biggest emerging threat. Examples: Tiger dispersal outside reserves. Elephant–train collisions (Assam hotspots). India has: ~53 tiger reserves. But ~70% tiger landscapes lie outside protected areas. Implication: Conservation success spills into shared human spaces. New Scientific Interventions Highlighted Niger Delta–Inspired Programme Adaptation of conflict-mitigation strategies used internationally. Focus on: Landscape-level planning. Early warning systems. Community engagement. “Management of Tiger–Human Interface” New specialised project. Emphasises: Predictive analytics. Conflict hotspot mapping. Behavioural ecology of dispersing tigers. Institutional Framework National Tiger Conservation Authority: Statutory body under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2006). Project Tiger (1973): One of the world’s longest-running species conservation programmes. Federal structure: States implement; Centre funds & monitors. Governance & Policy Challenges Fragmented landscapes outside reserves. Inadequate compensation & delayed payouts. Railways, highways cutting across corridors. Limited integration of: Transport planning Mining approvals Urban expansion with wildlife data. Way Forward Ecological Corridor-based conservation beyond reserves. Dynamic carrying capacity assessment. Technological AI-based early warning systems. Satellite collars for dispersing tigers. Social Faster, transparent compensation. Community stewardship incentives. Governance Wildlife-sensitive infrastructure clearances. Inter-ministerial coordination (Environment, Railways, Roads). Tiger (Panthera tigris) Scientific name: Panthera tigris National animal of India Distribution (India): Western Ghats Central India Terai Arc Northeast India Sundarbans (mangrove ecosystem) Population (India): 3,167 tigers (2022) → ~75% of global wild tiger population Legal status (India): Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I Flagship species under Project Tiger (launched 1973) Tiger: Endangered (EN) Transfusion Safety Gaps & HIV Risk for Thalassaemia Patients Why in News ? Advocacy groups demand mandatory NAAT testing for blood screening. Concerns raised that reliance on ELISA-only testing exposes thalassaemia and other multi-transfused patients to HIV and hepatitis risk. Context of the proposed National Blood Transfusion Services Commission Bill, 2025. Relevance GS II – Governance & Social Justice Public health governance. Regulatory oversight of health services. Patient safety & rights. GS II – Constitution Article 21: Right to health. State obligation to ensure safe medical care. GS III – Science & Technology Diagnostic technologies (NAAT vs ELISA). Health infrastructure capacity. Cost–benefit of preventive technologies. Why Thalassaemia Patients Are High-Risk ? Thalassaemia patients require lifelong, regular blood transfusions (often every 2–4 weeks). Cumulative exposure → higher probability of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Even a single unsafe transfusion can cause: HIV Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Screening Methods: ELISA vs NAAT ELISA (Most Common in India) Detects antibodies, not viral genetic material. Window period risk: HIV: ~3–6 weeks Hepatitis C: ~6–8 weeks Lower cost, widely used in public blood banks. NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) Detects viral DNA/RNA directly. Reduces window period: HIV: to ~7–10 days Hepatitis C: to ~10–14 days Globally considered gold standard for transfusion safety. Key Gap: Most Indian blood banks do not routinely use NAAT. Scale of the Public Health Risk (Indicative) India has: ~1–1.2 lakh thalassaemia major patients. ~10,000–15,000 new thalassaemia births annually. Blood transfusions annually: millions across India. Even a tiny failure rate translates into large absolute numbers of infections. Case Evidence Highlighted HIV infection detected in a thalassaemia patient after repeated transfusions, despite prior negative tests. Indicates: Infection likely occurred during diagnostic window period. ELISA screening failed to detect early infection. Regulatory & Legal Context National Blood Transfusion Services Commission Bill, 2025 Proposes: Centralised regulation of blood services. National standards for screening & quality. Limitation: Does not mandate NAAT testing. Leaves screening standards largely to existing practice. Current Framework Blood safety governed by: Drugs & Cosmetics Act National Blood Policy NAAT mandatory only for certain private hospitals, not uniformly across public system. Equity & Ethics Dimension Blood safety framed as: Patient safety issue, not donor inconvenience. Ethical concern: Vulnerable patients (thalassaemia, haemophilia, cancer) bear disproportionate risk. Informed consent paradox: Patients assume blood is safe. Actual screening standards vary widely. Governance & Capacity Constraints NAAT challenges: Higher cost per test. Requires advanced labs, trained personnel. Structural issues: Fragmented blood bank system. Quality variation between states and facilities. Result: Two-tier blood safety system (private vs public). International Best Practices Many high-income countries mandate: Universal NAAT screening. Centralised blood services. Result: Near-elimination of transfusion-related HIV/HCV transmission. Policy Trade-Off: Cost vs Safety NAAT increases per-unit blood cost. But long-term: Prevents lifelong HIV treatment costs. Reduces litigation & compensation. Enhances public trust in health system. Inference: Preventive screening is economically rational, not just ethically necessary. Way Forward Legal Amend Bill to mandate NAAT for all blood banks, phased implementation. Institutional Centralised procurement of NAAT kits to reduce cost. Regional NAAT labs serving district blood banks. Financial Public funding support for NAAT under NHM. Cross-subsidisation model. Governance National transfusion safety audit. Real-time TTI surveillance registry.

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