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Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 11 July 2025

Content : Let the Rivers Talk to Each Other Aiding India’s progress with choice, control and capital Let the Rivers Talk to Each Other India’s rivers, especially the Yamuna and Ganga, are lifelines that sustain ecology, economy, and culture. However, urban pollution, fragmented governance, and lack of basin-scale planning threaten their health. Integrating rejuvenation efforts under a unified, systems-based approach is key to restoring their vitality. Relevance : GS 1 (Geography, Society), GS 2 (Governance, Federalism), GS 3 (Environment, Economy, SDGs) Practice Question : “River rejuvenation in India requires a shift from fragmented interventions to integrated basin-level governance.” Critically examine this statement in the context of Yamuna and Ganga restoration efforts.(250 words) Why Yamuna’s Revival is Nationally Strategic The 22-km Delhi stretch of the Yamuna contributes nearly 76% of the river’s total pollution load, though it comprises only about 2% of the river’s length. As a major tributary of the Ganga, the Yamuna’s health directly affects the broader Ganga river basin ecosystem and must be treated as an integrated hydrological unit. Namami Gange as an Institutional Backbone Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched in 2014, has received over ₹37,000 crore in allocations and sanctioned 400+ projects across pollution control, biodiversity, and public awareness. It is anchored by the National Ganga Council (NGC), chaired by the Prime Minister, with key ministries and Chief Ministers of basin states as members. Innovations include: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for sewage treatment infrastructure District Ganga Committees, real-time pollution monitoring, and Ganga Task Forces for ground-level enforcement. Need for Basin-Scale Integration The current approach to the Yamuna focuses on isolated interventions like STPs or beautification efforts, lacking catchment-wide governance. Pollution inflow from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh remains unchecked due to absence of cross-jurisdictional coordination. Integrating the Yamuna project under NGP would enable systemic planning, pollution budgeting, and shared accountability across basin states. Policy Recommendations for Convergence Treat Yamuna as a pilot urban river node under Namami Gange for testing basin-scale integration. Create Urban River Management Units (URMUs) under the NGC to coordinate city-specific pollution and rejuvenation efforts. Institutionalize river-to-river knowledge transfer, supported by hydrological data sharing and ecological planning frameworks. Promote citizen participation, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and impact investments for decentralized monitoring and community-driven river health programs. International Best Practices to Emulate The Rhine River Basin restoration (Europe) shows success through multi-country catchment cooperation and pollution source elimination. Chicago River (USA) rejuvenation demonstrates the impact of grey-green infrastructure investment and stormwater planning. Lessons from these models point to the need for collaborative governance, transparency, and systems thinking. Reimagining River Rejuvenation in India River restoration must move beyond engineering solutions to include ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Integrating Yamuna rejuvenation into the Namami Gange framework can serve as a template for managing other polluted rivers, especially in urban India. This convergence will help achieve goals of clean water, climate resilience, and healthy ecosystems, aligning with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities). Broader Dimensions Governance & Federalism Cooperative Federalism: River rejuvenation requires coordination across central ministries, basin states (Delhi, Haryana, UP), and urban local bodies. Institutional Innovation: Namami Gange’s architecture (NGC, DG, State Missions) offers a replicable governance model for other rivers. Mission-mode Governance: Shift from scheme-based to mission-based delivery improves convergence across sectors (urban planning, water, sanitation). Environment & Sustainable Development (GS3) SDG Alignment: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities SDG 13 & 15 – Climate Action and Life on Land Ecosystem Services: Restored rivers improve biodiversity, recharge aquifers, and act as climate buffers during floods and heatwaves. Water Security & Agriculture Downstream Dependence: Ganga basin supports over 400 million people; polluted tributaries like the Yamuna threaten drinking water, irrigation, and livelihoods. Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Efficient river management optimizes use across competing sectors—urban consumption, agriculture, and industry. Ethics & Intergenerational Equity Environmental Stewardship: Ethical obligation to protect rivers as shared public goods and cultural heritage. Future Generations: Sustainable river governance ensures ecological and resource security for coming generations. Climate Resilience Nature-based Solutions: River rejuvenation using wetland restoration, floodplains, and riparian buffers supports urban resilience against extreme weather. Urban Flooding Mitigation: Healthy rivers with restored natural drainage systems reduce flood risk in cities like Delhi. Yamuna River – Key Facts Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand (Altitude: ~6,387 m) Length: ~1,376 km States Traversed: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Major Cities Along Course: Yamunotri, Dehradun, Paonta Sahib, Karnal, Delhi, Agra, Mathura, Etawah, Allahabad (Prayagraj) Tributary of: Ganga (joins at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, UP) Pollution Hotspot: Delhi stretch (~22 km) accounts for ~76% of total pollution load due to: Untreated sewage (70–80%) Industrial effluents Encroachments and solid waste Yamuna Action Plan (YAP): Initiated in 1993 (Japanese aid) – now in Phase III. Ganga River – Key Facts Origin: Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh), Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Main Stream Name Upstream: Bhagirathi Length: ~2,525 km (longest river in India) States Traversed: Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal Empties into: Bay of Bengal (via the Hooghly–Padma distributaries) River Basin: Covers ~26% of India’s land area Supports ~43% of India’s population (~500 million) World’s most populous river basin Major Tributaries: Left Bank: Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda Right Bank: Yamuna, Son, Tamsa Pollution Challenges: Over 1,000 drains discharge into Ganga; about 50% of pollution from just 10 cities. Namami Gange Programme (2014–ongoing): Integrated mission with ₹37,000+ crore allocation. Conclusion Restoring Yamuna and Ganga through integrated basin-level planning is vital for ensuring water security, ecological health, and sustainable urban development, making river rejuvenation a national development priority. Aiding India’s progress with choice, control and capital With global population exceeding 8 billion, the 2025 World Population Day theme – “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world” – rightly centers the discourse on reproductive rights, youth aspirations, and inclusive development. For India, home to the world’s largest youth population, the challenge is not just numbers but ensuring reproductive freedom, economic empowerment, and dignity for all. Relevance: GS 1(Society: Women and youth issues, child marriage) , GS 2 (Governance: Health, education, and welfare policies) Practice Question: “India’s demographic dividend will only yield results if the reproductive aspirations and economic agency of its youth are fulfilled.” Critically examine in the context of declining fertility and persistent gender inequality. (250 Words) India’s Demographic Opportunity 371 million youth (15–29 yrs), per UNICEF – largest globally. World Bank & NITI Aayog project $1 trillion GDP boost by 2030 if investments are made in youth health, education, and employment. However, declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) (NFHS-5: 2.0) raises questions on future workforce potential. Reproductive Autonomy: A Crisis in Aspiration 36% adults face unintended pregnancies; 30% report unmet fertility goals. 23% experience both, revealing systemic failures in enabling informed reproductive choices. Fertility aspirations are unmet not due to disinterest but due to barriers: poor access to services, stigma, and patriarchal norms. Child Marriage & Early Pregnancy NFHS-5: Child marriage reduced from 47% (2006) to 23.3%, yet remains high. Teenage childbearing among 15–19 years: 7% nationally, >15% in some states. UNICEF: 1 year of secondary education → 6% reduction in child marriage likelihood. Model Interventions Project Udaan (Rajasthan, 2017–22): 30,000 child marriages prevented; 15,000 teenage pregnancies averted through education, scholarships, contraceptive access. Advika (Odisha): 11,000 villages declared child marriage-free; 950 prevented in 2022 alone. Project Manzil (2019–25): Trained 28,000 young women; 16,000 employed – boosted agency, delayed marriage through economic empowerment. Global Fertility Crisis: Misplaced Alarmism UNFPA 2025: 1 in 5 globally can’t realize desired family size. India-specific factors: financial constraints (38%), housing (22%), childcare (18%), unemployment (21%). UN projections: Population will peak at 10.3 billion by 2080s; concerns of “collapse” are premature and politically charged. Policy Lessons from Korea & Others Korea spent $200 billion to raise birth rates (2005–2025) → only a 7.3% birth rebound in Q1 2025. Shows monetary incentives alone fail unless structural barriers (gender roles, employment norms, housing) are addressed. India’s Policy Gaps & the Way Forward Achievements: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, National Adolescent Health Programme, NFHS-5 progress. Gaps: Unequal access to SRH (sexual & reproductive health) services. Low female labour force participation (~25%). Persistent stigma around contraceptives and abortion. Structural Needs: Universal access to contraceptives, safe abortion, maternal care. Removal of societal barriers: gender norms, mobility, childcare. Reforms in workplace policies: flexible hours, maternity protections, remote work options. Strengthened adolescent-centric, rights-based SRH education. Conclusion: India stands at a pivotal juncture. While demographic numbers create headlines, it is the quality of agency, autonomy and access that will determine whether its youth become assets or are left behind. Shifting from fertility control to reproductive choice and from token schemes to structural empowerment is essential. For India’s future to be fair, hopeful, and inclusive, the voice and freedom of every young person—especially every young woman—must be placed at the heart of policy. Data and Facts India’s Youth & Demographics Population (2024): 1.43 billion Youth (15–29 yrs): 371 million (UNICEF) Median age: 28.2 years Dependency ratio: 47.6% (2021) Fertility & Reproductive Trends TFR (NFHS-5): 2.0 (Urban: 1.6; Rural: 2.1) States below replacement TFR: 23/36 Teenage pregnancy (15–19 yrs): 6.8% nationally Unintended pregnancies: 36% Unmet contraceptive need: 9.4% Male sterilization usage: <1% Child Marriage Prevalence (NFHS-5): 23.3% of women (20–24) married before 18 India’s share of global child brides: 1 in 3 (UNICEF) SRH & Health Indicators Modern contraceptive use: 56.5% Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 per 100,000 (2020–22) Adolescent fertility rate: 24/1,000 women (15–19 yrs) Women’s Autonomy & Work Female LFPR (2022–23): 37% (↑ from 23% in 2017–18) Youth female LFPR (15–24 yrs): ~23% Women involved in health decisions: 74% (NFHS-5) Global Context Global population (2024): 8.2 billion Peak projected: 10.3 billion (2080s, UN WPP 2024) South Korea’s TFR: 0.72; spent $200B on fertility push UNFPA 2025 Report: 40% globally unable to meet fertility aspirations

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 11 July 2025

Content Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 Are existing mechanisms effective in preventing custodial violence? The need to safeguard the right to vote Trump threatens 500% tariff on countries importing oil from Russia TB death audits, like maternal mortality model, can aid elimination’ Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 Introduction The Maharashtra Assembly has passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing unlawful activities of Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) groups and similar organisations. The Bill will be tabled in the Legislative Council for final passage. Relevance : GS 2 ( Governance & Polity), GS 3 (Internal Security ) Key Features of the Bill Applicable to individuals associated with banned organisations classified as unlawful. Punishment: 2 to 7 years of imprisonment. Offences under the Act: Cognisable and non-bailable. Power to seize and forfeit funds of such organisations. Only those proven to be members of banned groups can be prosecuted. Legislative Process Introduced in December 2024 during the Winter Session. Referred to a Joint Select Committee for detailed examination. Passed in the Assembly after a two-hour discussion by voice vote. Current Context Maharashtra reportedly has 64 frontal organisations associated with extremist groups—among the highest in India. Four other states—Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—have similar public security laws. Concerns and Debates Definition Clarity: Some stakeholders have raised concerns about the broad or ambiguous terms in the Bill. Potential Overreach: Questions raised on whether student groups, farmer unions, or peaceful protestors could be affected. Safeguards: Emphasis needed on ensuring that only individuals with proven links to banned organisations are prosecuted. Security vs Rights: A Balanced Lens Merits: Aims to address the organisational and financial infrastructure of unlawful groups. Adds state-level legal backing to act against extremist networks beyond central laws. Cautions: Overbroad definitions may risk misinterpretation or misuse. Strong legal tools require clear accountability mechanisms and judicial oversight. Ensuring protection of peaceful dissent is essential to maintain democratic space. Comparative Insight The Bill aligns with existing models in other states that combat insurgency or extremism. Draws parallels with central legislation like UAPA, though the scope is confined to state jurisdiction. Conclusion The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 reflects a proactive approach to addressing organised extremist threats. However, effective implementation requires a rights-respecting, evidence-based, and transparent framework. Ensuring that the law is used strictly for security threats—not ideological expression—is vital to preserve both safety and civil liberties in a constitutional democracy. Are existing mechanisms effective in preventing custodial violence? Introduction The custodial death of Ajith Kumar (27), a security guard in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, has reignited national concern over police torture and custodial deaths. In response, a CBI probe has been ordered and the Madras High Court has directed submission of a report by August 20, 2025. Relevance : GS 2 ( Governance) , GS 3 (Internal Security: Human rights and custodial safeguards) , GS 4 (Ethics: Abuse of power, rule of law, and justice delivery) Custodial Violence in India – Core Issues No stand-alone anti-torture law: India signed but has not ratified the UN Convention Against Torture. Entrenched police culture: Violence is often seen as a tool for quick justice amid slow legal processes. Public perception split: Outrage is selective; celebratory responses to extra-judicial killings highlight societal complicity. Data deficiency: No centralized, credible public database on custodial torture or deaths. Institutional Gaps & Legal Loopholes CCTV directives (SC, 2020): Implementation is patchy; cameras are often non-functional or torture occurs off-camera. Judicial oversight: Magistrates often fail to physically inspect arrestees or question custodial treatment meaningfully. Evidence loophole (Section 27, Indian Evidence Act): Allows admissibility of evidence recovered via custodial confessions, indirectly legitimizing torture. Reform Recommendations Training & Sensitisation: Incorporate human rights, scientific interrogation, and bias-awareness in police training. Decriminalisation of petty offences: Reduces unnecessary custodial detentions and police overreach. Empowering magistracy: Strengthen their role as the first line of custodial rights protection. Reverse burden of proof: Law Commission has recommended shifting onus to police in custodial death cases. Functional Police Complaints Authorities: Supreme Court mandated them in Prakash Singh (2006), but few States comply fully. Structural Factors Hierarchical culture: Rigid command structures may protect erring officers. Social hierarchies: Marginalised communities face disproportionate abuse. Promotional incentives: In some cases, officers accused of excesses receive promotions, not punishment. Community & Civil Society Role Community policing: Can build trust, but requires clarity, training, and monitoring. Civil society & media: Vital in rights awareness, independent scrutiny, and pressure for accountability. Key Court Judgments Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006): Mandated police complaints authorities. Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020): Directed CCTV installation in police stations and gave victims right to access footage. Conclusion Custodial violence in India is not merely a legal or procedural failure—it’s a reflection of deeper institutional, social, and cultural dysfunctions. Addressing it requires more than camera installations or one-time probes. It calls for comprehensive reform, strengthened oversight, and a fundamental shift in policing ethos—from dominance to service, from control to accountability. The need to safeguard the right to vote Introduction On July 10, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The court’s observation — that the right to vote goes to the root of our republic — re-ignites a critical debate on inclusiveness vs vigilance in India’s electoral democracy. Relevance : GS 2 ( Electoral reforms & ECI role ,Statutory vs Fundamental voting rights ), GS 4 (Ethical inclusion & democratic accountability) Right to Vote in India: Status and Jurisprudence Not a Fundamental Right: As per Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006), the right to vote is a statutory right under Section 62 of RPA, 1951. Not a Constitutional Right: Although debated, a larger Bench has not recognised it as a constitutional right. However, courts and civil society treat it as a democratic necessity (a “democratic imperative”). Justice Ajay Rastogi’s dissent (2023): Linked right to vote with Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21, but this remains a minority view.  Supreme Court Intervention in Bihar’s SIR SC directed EC to accept multiple ID documents — Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card — to prevent wrongful exclusions. Next hearing on July 28. Petitions claim that errors and exclusions in SIR are disenfranchising genuine voters.  Electoral Rolls: Legal Framework Governed by: RPA, 1950 – electoral roll preparation, revision, inclusion/exclusion. RPA, 1951 – election conduct, offences, disqualifications. Section 21 of RPA, 1950: Empowers EC to carry out revision of rolls. Section 19: Only “ordinary residents” aged 18+ can be registered. EC’s constitutional power under Article 324 ensures it is the final authority in electoral matters.  What is “Ordinary Residence”? Means genuine, habitual presence in a constituency. Manmohan Singh Case (1991) clarified: Mere casual stay or address doesn’t qualify. Prevents fraudulent voting, ensures real voter-constituency linkage.  Why Roll Accuracy Matters? Mass exclusions violate “one person, one vote”. False inclusions allow impersonation, vote dilution. Courts say: Only substantial and material errors that affect election outcome can invalidate results (Lakshmi Charan Sen v. A.K.M. Hassan Uzzaman, 1985).  Citizenship Verification & Legal Safeguards Lal Babu Hussein v. ERO (1995): EC cannot delete voters on vague suspicion. Due process must be followed: full inquiry, fair hearing, evidence, and quasi-judicial procedure. Md. Rahim Ali (2024) reaffirmed that prior voting history and due process are critical in deletions.  Inclusivity Measures Postal ballots under Rule 18 of Conduct of Election Rules, 1961: For armed forces, government staff abroad, election officials. NRI voters (Section 20A of RPA, 1950): Can vote only in person — no postal/proxy yet.  Historical Comparison – Global Context UK allowed universal suffrage only in 1928 (women). US needed constitutional amendments + civil rights reforms to make voting truly inclusive. India adopted universal adult suffrage from day one (1950) — an exceptional choice globally. Conclusion India’s electoral integrity depends not only on preventing fraud but also on ensuring access for every legitimate voter. The Supreme Court’s directive in the Bihar case reflects this dual imperative — vigilance with inclusion. As the country prepares for future elections, the EC must combine technological tools, due process, and legal safeguards to maintain both the purity and inclusivity of the electoral rolls. Citizens too must be proactive in verifying and updating their data, for democracy’s strength lies in the validity of every single vote. Trump threatens 500% tariff on countries importing oil from Russia The Trigger: U.S. Sanctioning Russia Act, 2025 Proposed by: Bipartisan U.S. Senators (Lindsey Graham & Richard Blumenthal) in April 2025. Provision: Proposes 500% tariff on countries importing Russian oil. Objective: To pressure Russia into good-faith peace negotiations over Ukraine. Status: Endorsed in principle by Donald Trump; described as “optional” and “under review.” Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) , GS 3(Indian Economy)  India’s Rising Dependence on Russian Crude In 2022: < 2% of India’s oil imports came from Russia. In FY25: ~35–40% of India’s total crude imports came from Russia. Discounted prices under the G7/EU $60 per barrel price cap were a major draw.  Economic Implications for India Energy Security Risk: Disruption in supply from Russia (10% of global oil output) may force India to rely on costlier alternatives (e.g., West Asian, African grades). Price Volatility: Oil prices could spike to $120–130 per barrel, per Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Trade Deficit Impact: Higher import costs → rising Current Account Deficit (CAD). Fiscal Burden: Potential rise in fuel subsidy if global prices soar.  India’s Strategic Response Diplomatic Engagement: EAM S. Jaishankar raised energy concerns with U.S. lawmakers (July 2, 2025). Ministerial Standpoint: Puri reiterated that Indian oil imports are legal, within global price caps, and benefit global markets. Diversification: India may accelerate diversification of crude sources (Middle East, U.S., Latin America).  Global Supply Chain Concerns Russia produces ~9 million barrels/day — around 10% of global oil (97 million bpd). Sudden exclusion could: Tighten global supply. Strain OPEC+ spare capacity. Raise inflationary pressures worldwide.  Geopolitical Stakes India’s balancing act between: Strategic ties with the U.S. and G7. Energy cooperation with Russia, a top supplier. Any unilateral tariff or sanction by the U.S. would test India’s non-alignment diplomacy and energy pragmatism. ‘TB death audits, like maternal mortality model, can aid elimination’  Urgent Focus Areas Short-term Priority: Reduce TB mortality in India (from 22 per 1,00,000 to lower benchmarks). Long-term Goal: Achieve End TB and SDG targets by 2025/2030. India’s current TB death rate: 22 per 1,00,000 (vs. China’s 3 per 1,00,000). 800–900 deaths/day from TB in India — mostly unreported and under-recognised. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Policy ) Key Reforms Proposed District-level TB Death Audits (like maternal death audits): Headed by District Collectors. Non-programme partners (e.g., medical colleges) to conduct independent reviews. Every TB patient to be screened for co-morbidities: diabetes, anaemia, alcoholism, HIV.  Diagnostic Gaps and Innovations Subclinical TB forms 40–50% of total cases → missed in symptom-based screening. Solution: AI-backed portable X-ray devices (WHO/STOP TB/ICMR approved). Molecular Testing: Increased from ~30% to wider coverage under 100-day TB campaign. Household screening: Now feasible with handheld diagnostics.  Nutritional Support as “Natural Vaccine” RATIONS Trial (Jharkhand): Nutritional support prevented 50% of secondary TB cases. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Monthly DBT doubled from ₹500 to ₹1000. Challenge: Delivery gaps in remote/rural areas, reliance on volunteers.  Best Practice: Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET Model Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (2022) aimed to reduce TB deaths by 30% in public-notified patients. From 14,961 patients: 13% (1,509) identified at high risk of severe illness. 75% of high-risk patients assessed at nodal centers. 4% mortality among admitted severely ill cases. Routine BMI monitoring now institutionalised.  Structural Barriers High TB burden among productive age group (25–55 years). Causes of death include: Late diagnosis, private sector delays, co-morbidities, severe undernutrition. Public health mindset needed: treat TB like COVID or maternal deaths.  Way Forward: Recommendations Universal clinical evaluation for all TB patients. Independent TB death reviews to inform district-level response. Scale up portable diagnostics, nutrition schemes, and community-based care. Ambitious, well-funded National Strategic Plan essential to drive systemic change.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 10 July 2025

Content : Eat Right India: Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Food for All India’s Roadmap to Energy Independence by 2047 Eat Right India: Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Food for All Background: India’s food system transformation began in 2018 with the launch of Eat Right India, a nationwide movement led by FSSAI to ensure food is safe, healthy, and sustainable across the entire supply chain. In response to rising non-communicable diseases and food safety concerns, the initiative blends regulation, innovation, and citizen engagement to reshape how India eats—from streets to campuses to homes. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health , Governance) Key Takeaways : Indicator Numbers Remarks FoSTaC (Training) 25 lakh food handlers trained Capacity building across food value chain Clean Street Food Hubs 249 certified hubs Covers 15 States/UTs Eat Right Stations 284 certified stations Across 23 states RUCO (Used Cooking Oil) 55+ lakh litres collected, 39 lakh litres converted into biodiesel Circular economy & biofuel push Hygiene Ratings 75,300+ applications; 69,700+ completions Enhancing accountability in food business Food Safety Mitras 62,000+ registered Last-mile compliance agents Fortification (F+) 157 products, 114 companies involved Covers 47% of top edible oil & 36.6% of milk industry Objectives & Rationale Combat rising NCDs: Obesity, diabetes, hypertension linked to poor diets. Enhance food safety amid industrialisation and chemical contamination. Address hidden hunger via food fortification. Promote eco-sustainability in food systems. Empower people with informed food choices through behaviour change. Core Strategy: 3-Pillar Framework Pillar Focus Area Key Initiatives Supply-side Reform Hygiene standards in food businesses FoSTaC, Eat Right Campus, Eat Right Station, Clean Street Food Hubs Consumer Awareness Behaviour change communication Eat Right School, “Aaj Se Thoda Kam“, DART Book, Trans Fat-Free India Sustainability Environmentally conscious food systems RUCO, Food Waste Reduction, Sustainable Packaging, Fortification, SNF Behavioural Campaigns with National Impact Campaign Outcome “Trans Fat-Free India by 2022” 34.9 million reached; praised by WHO “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” Industry-wide pledge for reducing salt, sugar, and oil “Stop Obesity” (2025) 10% reduction in salt/oil consumption pushed by Health Ministry Global Recognition Rockefeller Foundation – Visionary winner of 2021 Food Systems Vision Prize. WHO Recognition – Among 44 best practices globally for eliminating trans-fats. SKOCH Platinum Award 2017 – For Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA), enabling 50+ million meals redistributed. Multi-Stakeholder Governance Stakeholder Role Central Ministries MoHFW, WCD, Housing, Education – policy alignment State & Urban Bodies Local certification & audits Private Sector C4ERI platform, reformulation, food safety CSR Academia & Civil Society Curriculum, outreach, grassroots mobilisation Public-Private Labs Food testing via mobile/static labs (e.g., NFL) Alignment with SDGs & National Missions Goal Synergy with Eat Right India SDG 3: Good Health Reduces diet-linked NCDs and food-borne illnesses SDG 2: Zero Hunger Tackles malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency SDG 12: Responsible Consumption Waste reduction, eco-friendly practices SDG 17: Partnerships for Goals Whole-of-Government + society approach Ayushman Bharat Preventive care via healthy food access POSHAN Abhiyaan / Anemia Mukt Bharat Fortified foods and nutrition awareness Swachh Bharat Mission Food hygiene in public places Technology & Innovation FoSCoS – Seamless licensing & compliance portal. Food Safety Connect App – Grievance redressal + inspections. Food Safety Mitra Program – 62,000+ grassroot support agents. Mobile Food Labs (FSW) – Real-time testing in rural areas. Jaivik Bharat Portal – 1.4 million visits for organic food traceability. Industry Collaboration Sector Key Players Committed Food Manufacturing Britannia, ITC, Nestlé, HUL Retail & E-Commerce Amazon, Big Basket, Zomato Oil & Milk Fortification 47% top oil firms, 36.6% milk sector enrolled Conclusion The Eat Right India movement is not merely a food regulation campaign—it is a holistic health and wellness revolution. By integrating policy, public awareness, private partnerships, and tech innovation, it transforms every node of the food supply chain. Its alignment with India’s 2030 Agenda makes it a global benchmark for food system reform, sustainable nutrition, and public health transformation. India’s Roadmap to Energy Independence by 2047 Introduction : India unveiled an ambitious roadmap for energy independence by 2047 at the 9th OPEC International Seminar, positioning itself as a global stabilizer in oil markets. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri outlined sweeping reforms, exploration expansion, and a just energy transition rooted in equity and sustainability. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security ) , GS 2(Governance) Top Announcements Goal/Target Details Energy Independence Achieve by 2047 (100th year of independence) Net Zero Emissions Achieve by 2070 Global Oil Demand Share India to contribute ~25% of global incremental demand Current Crude Demand ~5.4 million barrels/day (India = 3rd largest global consumer) Ambitious Hydrocarbon Exploration Vision Initiative Scale & Targets OALP Round-10 Opened 2.5 lakh sq km for exploration Future Exploration Goals 0.5 million sq km by 2025, 1.0 million sq km by 2030 Guyana-scale discovery Expected in Andaman Sea No-Go’ Area Reduction 99% cut, freeing 1 million+ sq km Supporting Surveys National Seismic Program, Extended Continental Shelf Project, Andaman Offshore, Mission Anveshan Policy Reforms: Exploration & Beyond Reform Outcome HELP Regime Shifted to Revenue Sharing Model, replacing PSC ORD Act 1948 Amendments Better lease management, safety, and dispute resolution Integration with Renewables Hybridisation of oil/gas blocks with renewable energy Refining & Petrochemical Capacity Goals Parameter Targets Refining Capacity 310 MMTPA by 2028 (from ~254 MMTPA in 2024) Petrochemical Sector Expand to $300 billion industry by 2030 Crude Import Diversification From 27 countries (2014) to 40 countries (2025) Energy Transition & Biofuels Push Focus Area Achievements & Plans Global Biofuels Alliance 29+ countries, 14 international organisations Ethanol Blending Scaled up blending in petrol CBG, SAF & Biodiesel Rapid deployment across transport and aviation sectors Equitable Energy Transition “Development with dignity” for the Global South Ujjwala Moment: LPG & Clean Cooking Leadership Indicator Value LPG Connections (PMUY) 103 million+ provided to women (largest in the world) LPG Coverage From 55% (2014) to near-universal (2025) Subsidised Cylinder Price $6–7 for 14.2 kg vs global price of $10–11 OMC Loss Absorption $4.7 billion absorbed in FY 2024–25 to support affordability India’s Strategic Approach Pillar Key Focus Diversification Imports from 40 countries, LNG terminals, strategic reserves Decarbonization Blended fuels, renewable integration, EV & SAF acceleration Energy Equity Targeted subsidies, LPG for all, CBG in rural grids Stabilising Role Predictable demand anchor in global oil markets Conclusion : With bold targets and global partnerships, India is steering a balanced path toward energy security, sustainability, and equity. Its strategy underscores a future where development and decarbonization go hand in hand.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 10 July 2025

Content: End custodial brutality, begin criminal justice reform Minding the minerals gap End custodial brutality, begin criminal justice reform Source : TH Context : Custodial Deaths Persist Despite Safeguards Between 2020 and 2023, India reported 462 custodial deaths (NHRC data). Tamil Nadu ranks among the top five states in reported incidents, highlighting systemic issues despite constitutional and legal protections (e.g., Article 21, D.K. Basu Guidelines). Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice , Governance, Constitution ) Practice Question : Despite judicial directives and constitutional safeguards, custodial violence remains pervasive in India. Examine the structural and cultural causes behind this persistence. Suggest institutional and legislative reforms to ensure accountability and prevent custodial deaths.(250 Words) Recent Shocking Cases in Tamil Nadu Ajith Kumar (2025): 44 wounds, cigarette burns, and forced narcotics—suggestive of extreme torture. Vignesh (2022): Autopsy revealed multiple injuries. Raja (2024): Dalit man died after being accused of theft. These are not aberrations but indicators of a pattern of impunity and normalisation of excessive force. Budgetary Skew in Police Modernisation Tamil Nadu allocated over ₹9,300 crore for police in FY 2024–25. However, <1% goes to mental health, training, or ethics reform. Majority is spent on vehicles, surveillance, and weapons—a deterrence-heavy model with little investment in human-centric policing. Mental Health Crisis in Policing Indian police work under extreme stress: low officer–population ratio (152/1 lakh people vs. UN norm of 222), long hours, and constant exposure to violence. Yet, India lacks institutionalised mental health support, leading to burnout and brutality. Lack of Accountability and Oversight In 2022–23, out of hundreds of custodial deaths, only 3 resulted in convictions (NCRB). Post-incident suspensions or transfers rarely lead to justice. There’s an urgent need for legally binding accountability mechanisms, not ad-hoc administrative action. Non-functional CCTV Cameras Undermine Reforms Despite Supreme Court orders (Paramvir Singh Saini v. Union of India, 2020), CCTV coverage in police custody areas remains patchy, with poor auditing and high camera downtime, undermining transparency. Outdated Police Training Curriculum Current training focuses on law and order, with little emphasis on ethics, trauma-informed investigation, community policing, or human rights jurisprudence. Modernising the syllabus is essential to align policing with democratic values. Need for a Comprehensive Anti-Custodial Torture Law India is not a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, and custodial violence remains under-legislated. A proposed law must include: Time-bound magisterial probe, Mandatory video recording of interrogations, Civilian oversight boards, Strict compensation and penal provisions. Structural Discrimination and Marginalisation Dalits, Adivasis, and poor working-class youth form a disproportionate share of custodial torture victims, reflecting embedded social hierarchies in law enforcement. Justice Must Be Preventive, Not Post-Mortem Ajith Kumar’s last words — “I didn’t steal” — underscore the moral failure of the State. Reform must go beyond symbolism: invest in counselling, real-time monitoring, legislative overhaul, and empathy-driven policing. Data Points on Custodial Violence in India (2025) Conviction Rate Between 2001 and 2020, 1,888 custodial deaths were reported. Only 893 cases were registered against police personnel, and merely 26 resulted in convictions — a conviction rate of just 2.9%. Source: Indian Express, NCRB, Ministry of Home Affairs RTI Data High Incidence in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu reported 109 custodial deaths in FY 2021–22, a sharp rise from previous years, making it one of the highest in the country. Source: NCRB Prison Statistics 2022 Police-Population Ratio Deficit India’s police-to-population ratio is 152 per lakh population, significantly below the UN-recommended 222 per lakh. Source: Bureau of Police Research & Development, 2023 Skewed Budget Allocation Less than 1% of Tamil Nadu’s ₹9,385 crore police budget is allocated to mental health, ethics training, or officer welfare. Most funds are spent on hardware like vehicles and surveillance. Source: Tamil Nadu Budget Documents 2024–25 Marginalised Communities Overrepresented 41% of custodial violence victims in 2022 were from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or OBC communities. Source: NCRB Disaggregated Data 2022 Underreporting of Violence In 2023, NHRC registered only 33 cases of custodial violence, whereas independent civil society estimates suggest the actual numbers are much higher. Source: NHRC, Status of Policing in India Report 2025 CCTV Monitoring Still Weak More than 40% of police stations across India lack functional CCTV systems with real-time recording and secure storage, despite Supreme Court directives (Paramvir Singh Saini vs Union of India, 2020). Source: SC Compliance Reports, 2024 Legal Vacuum on Torture India has not ratified the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) and lacks a standalone anti-torture law, despite repeated recommendations by the Law Commission (2017) and NHRC. Source: Law Commission Report No. 273 (2017) Police Culture and Attitude Issues According to the Status of Policing Report 2025, 20% of officers justify custodial violence as “very important,” and 27% condone mob justice in emotionally charged cases. Source: Common Cause & Lokniti-CSDS Survey Non-Compliance with DK Basu Guidelines Core guidelines on arrest memo countersigning, 48-hour medical examination, and timely magistrate intimation are inconsistently followed across many states. Source: NHRC Reviews, SC Orders (D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal, 1997 Minding the minerals gap Source : IE Geostrategic Imperative: Avoiding Overdependence India’s rapid clean energy transition (EVs, solar, wind, semiconductors) demands uninterrupted access to lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths, and graphite. China currently dominates over 85% of global rare earth refining and 70% of battery mineral processing. India must avoid falling into strategic dependence on either China’s mineral dominance or Western critical mineral cartels. Policy Need: Build autonomous and diversified supply networks without entrenching asymmetrical dependencies. Relevance : GS 3(Mineral Security ), GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : ”India’s critical mineral strategy must strike a balance between strategic autonomy, global collaboration, and equitable development.”Critically examine India’s evolving approach to securing critical mineral supply chains in the context of global energy transition and geoeconomic shifts. (250 words) Upgrading from Refining Hub to Value Chain Leader There’s a structural risk of India becoming just a midstream processor (e.g., refining lithium or cobalt) while raw extraction and high-end manufacturing remain offshored. Extractive activities (e.g., in Africa or Latin America) might remain outside Indian control, limiting strategic leverage. Strategic Response: Invest in vertical integration — from geological surveying → mining → refining → component production → end-product manufacturing (e.g., battery packs, turbines). Critical Mineral Diplomacy & the MSP Platform India is a member of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) alongside the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc. The MSP enables joint exploration, investment, and ESG-compliant mining in third countries. Leverage Point: India should use MSP access to: Build secure bilateral mineral corridors Finance joint ventures in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America Negotiate long-term offtake agreements ensuring raw material inflow Domestic Capability Building: R&D, Tech Transfer & IP India lags in rare earth metallurgy, purification technologies, and battery chemistry. Current domestic R&D in mineral sciences is fragmented, with minimal industry-academia collaboration. Policy Gap: There is no large-scale national mission for critical mineral R&D comparable to Semicon India. Solution: Launch a National Critical Minerals Mission with: Public-private partnerships for refining technology Patent incentives Strategic raw material reserves Greenfield pilot plants for mineral separation Diaspora & Historical Linkages as Levers India has influential diaspora networks in mineral-rich regions (e.g., East Africa, Southeast Asia, Caribbean). Unlike China’s state-led model, India can use diaspora-led development models that are less extractive and more politically acceptable. Diplomatic Opportunity: Forge B2B and G2B linkages for mining rights, tech collaboration Use trilateral cooperation (e.g., India-Japan-Africa) for clean mineral supply chains Strategic Geography: Island & Oceanic Assets Island territories (e.g., Chhabha Island) have been identified as having rare earth potential. Maritime presence enables India to tap deep-sea mineral resources and develop trans-shipment hubs. Geoeconomic Advantage: Create coastal Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for critical mineral processing Establish Indian-controlled rare earth refining and export facilities Green and Ethical Supply Chains as USP Western markets are moving towards ESG-compliant sourcing norms (e.g., US Inflation Reduction Act, EU CBAM). Countries with poor mining records face trade barriers. Strategic Differentiator: India can brand itself as a “responsible supplier” of clean-tech minerals by: Ensuring traceability Avoiding child labour and ecological harm Promoting circular economy models Bridging Industry & Foreign Policy Critical minerals policy is currently fragmented across ministries: Mines, Commerce, External Affairs, Heavy Industries. Coordination with private sector is ad hoc. Institutional Fix: Create a National Critical Minerals Authority or inter-ministerial task force Develop a sovereign critical mineral fund to invest in overseas assets Integrate trade, technology, and defence planning around supply chain security Conclusion: Securing Strategic Sovereignty India’s long-term autonomy in clean energy, electronics, and strategic technologies hinges on how well it controls and integrates critical mineral supply chains. The roadmap must go beyond imports or refining to focus on: Exploration partnerships IP creation ESG compliance Regional leadership in the Global South Failure to act decisively now risks replacing oil dependence with mineral dependency, undermining India’s 2047 vision of strategic and economic sovereignty. Relevant data and facts: 100% Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for key minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite—critical for EVs, solar, and electronics. Lithium Reserves Found: Geological Survey of India confirmed 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir (2023)—making India the 7th largest holder globally. Rare Earths Strength: India has 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth reserves (3rd largest globally), but only a small fraction is mined or processed domestically. National Critical Minerals Mission (2025): Aims to explore 1,200 new blocks, set up 4 mineral parks, and 3 centres of excellence, and reduce import dependency through R&D and processing. Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): India joined MSP with the US, Japan, Australia, and others to build secure, ESG-compliant supply chains and co-invest in mining projects abroad. Argentina Lithium Deal (2024): India’s KABIL signed agreements to explore 15,703 hectares of lithium blocks—first such overseas strategic mineral acquisition. Strategic Risk – Processing Trap: India may end up as just a refining hub, while extraction remains offshore and high-value tech manufacturing happens in developed countries. Incentives for Rare Earths: Government plans ₹5,000 crore PLI scheme to boost magnet production capacity and reduce overdependence on China (which controls 90% of global supply). Domestic Capability Gap: Institutions like IREL produced only 2,900 tonnes of rare earths in FY2024; India still lacks large-scale magnet, battery, and refining technology. Geoeconomic Leverage: India is tapping diaspora links, historical ties, and MSP partnerships to build long-term access to mineral assets while ensuring fair, non-extractive diplomacy with the Global South.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 10 July 2025

Content : 12 killed as key bridge collapses in Vadodara ASI allows retired T.N. archaeologist to prepare report on Keeladi excavations How can cat bonds plan for a natural disaster? How did Himachal achieve a high rank on the NAS? India’s Inequality Debate IAF Jaguar Jet Crash 12 killed as key bridge collapses in Vadodara The Incident Date & Location: Early morning, July 10, 2025 — Gambhira river bridge near Padra town, Vadodara district, Gujarat. Casualties: At least 12 dead, 9 rescued, 5 hospitalized. Collapse Type: A 15-meter-long concrete slab between two piers gave way. Vehicles Involved: Trucks, vans, and private vehicles tumbled into Mahisagar river. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) Bridge Profile Structure Age: ~40 years old, linking Central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region. Type: RCC bridge — likely designed with pre-liberalisation specifications, outdated by modern stress norms. Function: Major economic and passenger artery; collapse disrupts movement of agricultural and industrial goods. Probable Causes Structural Fatigue: Age-related concrete degradation and poor pier maintenance. Monsoon Impact: Heavy rains may have compromised soil or base structures. Lack of Audit: No recent comprehensive structural health monitoring reported. Broader Governance Context 1. Systemic Neglect of Infrastructure Audits CAG & Parliamentary Committees have repeatedly flagged: Lack of periodic audits for aging bridges. Incomplete implementation of Bridge Management Systems (BMS) by States. 2. Absence of Preventive Maintenance Culture Focus remains on post-tragedy repair, compensation, and political blame games. No public database on load capacity, usage frequency, structural stress for old bridges. 3. Urban-Rural Infrastructure Divide Most such collapses occur in semi-urban/rural areas due to: Lower prioritisation. Infrequent inspection cycles. Absence of real-time monitoring sensors. Comparative Insight: Recent Bridge Collapses Location Year Cause Casualties Morbi, Gujarat 2022 Corrosion, overloaded footbridge 135+ dead Bihar (Ganga Bridge) 2024 Under-construction, design flaw 3 dead Mizoram 2023 Railway bridge collapse 26 dead Now: Gambhira, Gujarat 2025 Age + structural neglect 12+ dead Pattern: India sees approx.10–15 major bridge failures annually, many preventable through timely inspection. Policy & Administrative Fallout Expected Probes: PWD/State Infrastructure Department likely to face inquiry. Probable FIRs against bridge maintenance contractors. Governance Signals: Trust deficit in public infrastructure. Pressure on Gujarat government amid upcoming fiscal planning for the 2026 Census preparation phase. Way Forward: A Governance-Driven Infrastructure Agenda Bridge Safety Audit Mandate: Annual certified audits for all bridges 20+ years old. Digital BMS Expansion: Geo-tag, track, and monitor bridges via sensors & satellite imaging. Independent Safety Authority: Bridge safety oversight body independent of State PWDs. Transparent Public Dashboard: Real-time update on bridge health for citizen awareness. Preventive Budgeting: Earmark minimum 1% of GSDP annually for infra-retrofitting. ASI allows retired T.N. archaeologist to prepare report on Keeladi excavations What is Keeladi and Why It Matters Location: Keeladi, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. Findings: Urban settlement traces, brick structures, script inscriptions, pottery, and industrial remains. Significance: Indicates a Sangam-era urban civilisation (circa 6th century BCE – 3rd century CE), suggesting: Continuity of Tamil culture Urban centres along the Vaigai river valley Advanced trade, literacy, and planned habitation pre-dating many north Indian sites. Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage,History ) Timeline of Excavations Phase Year Lead Agency/Archaeologist Key Findings I–II 2015–2016 K. Amarnath Ramakrishna (ASI) Brick structures, graffiti suggesting urban life III 2017 P.S. Sriraman (ASI) Controversial – no continuity reported in structures IV+ 2018 onwards Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Dept. Continued urban findings; now in 10th phase by 2025 Institutional Conflict 2017: ASI transferred Ramakrishna to Assam post-phase II, despite breakthrough findings. Sriraman Phase (III): Claimed lack of continuity with prior phases → criticized for downplaying significance. 2024–25: ASI permitted Sriraman to complete pending reports for Phase III (Keeladi) and Kodumanal. Meanwhile: ASI asked Ramakrishna to revise his original reports — he refused, defending his conclusions as sound and peer-worthy.  Keeladi vs Kodumanal Kodumanal: Located in Erode district — known for bead-making industry, iron tools, and trade links with the Roman Empire. Sriraman also excavated one season here; report pending. Current Progress 10 Phases completed at Keeladi (State-led). Hundreds of antiquities recovered. Material stored in Chennai, facilitating ongoing study and report writing. Governance Challenges Conflict of Interpretations: Differences in archaeological conclusions reflecting possible ideological or bureaucratic interference. Central vs State Dynamics: Shift of excavation control from ASI to Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Dept. led to more sustained exploration. Report Delays: Highlights need for a time-bound reporting framework in Indian archaeology. Implications for Indian Cultural History Counters Aryan-centric narratives: Keeladi suggests Dravidian urbanism existed independently and early. Sangam Age Reimagined: Reinforces historicity of Sangam literature describing trade, urban governance, literacy, and culture. Decentralised Heritage Management: Tamil Nadu’s persistence led to deeper exploration, setting an example for other States. How can cat bonds plan for a natural disaster? What are Cat Bonds? Definition: A hybrid insurance-cum-debt financial instrument that transforms disaster insurance into tradable securities. Purpose: Transfers pre-defined natural disaster risk (e.g., earthquakes, cyclones) from sovereigns to global investors. Issued via: Financial intermediaries like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, or reinsurers. Payout Trigger: Based on objective disaster parameters (magnitude, location) — parametric triggers. Relevance : GS 3(Economy, Disaster Management, and Environment ) How Do Cat Bonds Work? Component Role Sponsor Sovereign/state (e.g., India) – pays premium and defines risk scope Issuer Intermediary agency (e.g., World Bank) – issues bonds to investors Investor Pension funds, hedge funds, family offices – provide upfront funds Trigger Event If disaster strikes, part/all of investor principal is used for relief High returns, high risk: If no disaster occurs, investors earn attractive interest. If disaster hits, they lose some/all principal. Why Investors Buy Cat Bonds Portfolio Diversification: Cat risk curves are independent of market risk (low correlation). High Returns: Coupon rates vary (1–2% for earthquakes; higher for hurricanes/cyclones). $180 Billion+ issued globally so far; $50 Billion currently outstanding. Favored by: Large pension funds, seeking low-correlation assets for risk hedging. Why India Should Lead in Cat Bonds Disaster-Prone Profile: India faces recurring floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and forest fires. Example: ₹1.8 lakh crore spent on disaster relief over the past decade (approx). Under-penetration of insurance: Individual homes, livelihoods mostly uninsured → leads to financial vulnerability post-disaster. Fiscal Prudence: Annual Mitigation Budget: ₹1.8 billion allocated since FY21–22 for capacity building. Cat Bonds reduce strain on public finances post-disaster → predictable budgeting. A South Asian Regional Cat Bond – The Big Idea India as Lead Sponsor: Leverage its credit rating, financial depth, and disaster mitigation record. Risk Pooling Benefits: Shared risk lowers individual premiums. Leverages region’s hazard diversity (earthquakes in Nepal/Bhutan, tsunamis in Bay of Bengal, cyclones in Bangladesh & India). Geo-economic Gain: Enhances India’s role as a disaster-resilient regional leader in South Asia. Design Flaws: Challenges to Watch Trigger Mismatch Risk: Example: Earthquake bond designed for 6.6M threshold may not pay out for 6.5M quake that causes major damage. Perception Risk: If no disaster occurs, questions may arise on high upfront costs. Solution: Transparent cost-benefit comparisons with historical relief expenditure. Policy Recommendations Pilot a Cat Bond: Start with one high-impact hazard (e.g., floods in Assam or coastal cyclones). Use World Bank/ADB as Issuer: Tap into established credibility and global investor networks. Layer with Mitigation: Include DRR commitments (e.g., early warning systems) to lower premiums. Build Awareness: Educate policymakers and state disaster management authorities (SDMAs) on financial risk transfer tools. How did Himachal achieve a high rank on the NAS? What is the NAS? Conducted by: Ministry of Education (every 3 years) Coverage: Classes 3, 5, 8, and 10 in govt & aided schools. Subjects Tested: Language, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Science, Social Science. Purpose: Diagnostic tool to assess learning outcomes across States. Relevance : GS 2(Education , Governance) Why Himachal’s Jump is Significant 2021 Rank: 21st 2025 Rank: Top 5 Improvement: Massive 16-rank leap in 4 years — biggest positive swing among all States. Context: Reversal of a two-decade decline in public schooling quality post-liberalisation. Reform Strategies Behind the Success Structural Rationalisation: Over 1,000 under-enrolled schools merged to optimise teacher deployment and infrastructure. Unified school system under a single education directorate (pre-primary to Class 12). Accountability & Ownership: Class 12 focus reintroduced to boost end-stage learning outcomes. Greater autonomy in school-level decision-making. Teachers and high-performing students sent for exposure visits (national & international). Cluster-based School Management: Promoted peer learning, resource sharing, and community participation. Fostered local identity and emotional connection with schools. Political Will: Administration showed strong public commitment to education reform, reversing a legacy of neglect. What NAS Captures — and Misses Captures Misses Language, Maths, Science Socio-emotional well-being, civic awareness Relative academic benchmarks Holistic quality of teacher-student relationships State-level learning gaps Equity dimensions (e.g. rural, marginalised learners’ challenges) Test scores ≠ Education quality. Himachal’s real achievement lies in restoring public trust in government schooling, not just academic scores. Broader Socio-educational Context Historical Strengths: Legacy of Y.S. Parmar’s village-centric education model post-Independence. Decline Phase: Contractual hiring, poor facilities → private school boom even in remote areas. Demographic Challenge: Declining fertility rate (NFHS-5) demanded resource consolidation, not expansion. Way Forward Regularise teacher recruitment to ensure stability and motivation. Expand beyond NAS: Introduce holistic assessments focusing on creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking. Equity Focus: Ensure remote, rural, and SC/ST students are not left behind in resource allocation or digital access. Sustain Community Engagement: Strengthen parent-teacher forums and local governance in school management. India’s Inequality Debate: 10 Critical Analytical Insights Inequality and the Gini Debate In July 2025, the Government of India cited a World Bank brief ranking India as the 4th most equal country globally, based on the consumption-based Gini index (Gini: 0.29). However, this ranking masks the ground reality, as income and wealth inequalities in India are among the highest globally, as per the World Inequality Database. As of 2023: Top 1% earned 22.6% of national income and held 40.1% of total wealth. Bottom 50% earned 14.6% of income and held only 6.4% of wealth. The Gini index based on consumption does not capture asset inequality, capital income, or structural disadvantages — leading to misleading claims of equality. This raises critical questions about the validity of India’s equality claims, the limitations of survey-based data, and the need for multidimensional inequality metrics. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy ,Inequality , Gini Co-efficient) Claim vs Reality: Gini Index Interpretation World Bank’s Brief (2024) ranked India as the 4th most equal country based on consumption-based Gini index. India’s Gini index (consumption) was estimated at 0.29, implying low inequality. Issue: This metric ignores income and wealth inequality, which are significantly higher. Income Inequality is Rising Sharply As of 2023: Top 1% income share: 22.6% Top 10% income share: 57.7% Bottom 50% share: just 14.6% Reflects a threefold gap between top 1% and bottom 50% in income control. Source: World Inequality Database Wealth Inequality is Even More Stark In 2023: Top 1% own 40.1% of total personal wealth. Top 10%: 65% Bottom 50%: only 6.4% Indicates extreme concentration of wealth. Historical trend: Wealth inequality has been consistently rising since the 1990s. Limitations of Consumption-Based Gini It underestimates inequality because: Consumption is smoother across households (poor borrow; rich save). Surveys underreport elite consumption. Rural-urban price differences and housing costs are not well-adjusted. Gini fails to capture wealth hoarding, capital gains, inheritance effects. Survey Quality Issues Distort Findings NSSO and NSO surveys suffer from: Non-response bias Under-sampling of top-income households Outdated consumption baskets This results in misleading aggregate equality metrics. India’s Claim Omits Income/Wealth Data World Bank brief did not include income or wealth Gini (India does not officially publish them). Other global rankings using income or wealth inequality place India far lower in equality metrics. Taxation System Does Not Correct Inequality Pre- and post-tax income share of top 10% shows little difference. Indicates that India’s taxation is not redistributive enough. Direct taxes and wealth taxes are limited; subsidies don’t offset wealth concentration. Bigger Picture Missed: Structural Inequality Gini does not account for:Caste-based or gender inequalityEducational or health access gapsIntergenerational mobility blockages These structural issues exacerbate long-term inequality, especially among marginalised communities. Global Comparisons are Misleading Nordic countries (e.g., Denmark) rank equal on both consumption and income metrics. India’s claim of equality collapses when judged on income, asset ownership, or human capital indicators. Suggests cherry-picking one metric to portray a broad narrative. Policy Implications Need for triangulation: Combine consumption, income, and wealth data to assess inequality holistically. Revise tax structures to be more progressive. Improve data transparency: India must release periodic income and wealth Gini estimates. Strengthen social safety nets, asset redistribution schemes, and education/health access to reduce long-term disparities. IAF Jaguar Jet Crash The Crash: Key Facts Incident: A Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Churu, Rajasthan on July 9, 2025, during a routine training sortie. Fatalities: Both pilots — Wing Commander R. Takle and Flight Lieutenant A. Dixit — lost their lives. Pattern: This is the third Jaguar crash since March 2025, highlighting a disturbing frequency. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management , Defence) Technical & Operational Concerns   Aging Fleet: Jaguars were inducted into IAF in 1979; many are now over 40 years old. Previous Incidents: March 2024: Jaguar crash post-takeoff from Ambala, pilot ejected safely. March 2025: Pilot died during a similar crash in Rajasthan. Combat Capabilities: Designed for deep penetration strikes and low-altitude flying — operationally challenging roles that stress older airframes. Why It Matters Obsolescence Risk: The Jaguar fleet is no longer being upgraded; IAF has discontinued the DARIN-III upgrade midway. Crash Trend: Out of 160 Jaguars inducted, fewer than 100 remain. Of these, many are at end-of-life. Survivability Issues: Unlike Su-30MKIs and Rafales, Jaguars lack modern ejection systems and sensors, reducing pilot survival chances. Replacement & Modernization Imperatives Future Roadmap: Jaguars to be replaced by HAL Tejas Mk1A, Su-30MKI upgrades, and Rafales under ongoing modernization. HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a long-term solution — first flight expected by 2030. Gap Risks: Decommissioning Jaguars without rapid replenishment could create operational gaps in deep-strike capabilities. Macro Picture: India’s Combat Aircraft Fleet Aircraft Type Induction Year Status Quantity (approx) Jaguar 1979 Phasing Out ~90 Mirage 2000 1985 Mid-Life Upgrade ~50 Su-30MKI 2002 onwards Backbone Fleet 270 Rafale 2020 onwards Operational 36 Tejas Mk1A 2024 onwards Inducting 83 ordered Strategic Implications Training & Safety Protocols: Routine sorties turning fatal signal need for enhanced flight safety audits and stress testing of aging jets. Global Perception: Frequent crashes may dent IAF’s image in international military aviation, especially in light of export ambitions (e.g., Tejas). Pilot Morale & Safety: High-risk training in outdated platforms could impact combat readiness and morale of younger IAF personnel.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 09 July 2025

Content : India’s Healthcare Transformation (2014–2025) Digital Employment & Welfare Ecosystem in India (2015–2025) India’s Healthcare Transformation (2014–2025) Context and Vision Policy Commitment as Catalyst: Over the past decade, India’s healthcare reforms have been guided by goals of accessibility, affordability, equity, and quality in service delivery. 2014 Baseline: India faced gaps in physical infrastructure, human resources, diagnostics, medicine availability, and public trust in healthcare. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Social Issues,Governance) Foundations of Reform 1. National Health Mission (NHM) Core vehicle for systemic reform. Impact: Improved maternal and child health outcomes, communicable disease control, and system strengthening. 2. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AB-HWCs) 1.77 lakh operationalised; doorstep primary care. Data: 427.57 crore visits, 36.64 crore teleconsultations, 5.5 crore wellness sessions. 3. Telemedicine Push eSanjeevani + TeleMANAS = pan-India digital health bridge. Impact: Specialist access in remote areas, mental health mainstreamed. Maternal & Child Health Revolution Key Stats: MMR decline: 86% vs global average of 48%. (UN-MMEIG) IMR decline: 73% vs global 58%. Global recognition: India called “exemplar” in reducing child mortality. Initiatives: Targeted NHM interventions, Mission Indradhanush (6 new vaccines). U-WIN Portal: 42.75 crore doses administered, 10.68 crore beneficiaries digitized. Preventive Care over Curative Care Cancer screening at Arogya Mandirs: breast, cervical, oral cancers. NCD screenings (as of May 2025): Hypertension: 28 crore Diabetes: 27 crore Oral cancer: 27 crore Shift: Early diagnosis reduces disease burden and cost. Communicable Disease Milestones Disease Status Timeline Polio Eliminated 2014 Maternal-Neonatal Tetanus Eliminated 2015 Trachoma Eliminated 2024 Kala Azar Eliminated (early) 2023 Malaria 80% drop in cases 2015–2023 Tuberculosis 17.7% ↓ incidence, 21% ↓ mortality 2015–2024 TB “missing cases” From 15 lakh to 1.2 lakh 2015–2024 Financial Protection & Affordability Trends: Government Health Expenditure (GHE): ↑ from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP. Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): ↓ from 62.6% to 39.4%. Key Schemes: Free Drugs & Diagnostics (CT, labs in 30+ states). Dialysis Program: 28 lakh beneficiaries, ₹8,725 crore saved. Ambulance network: 28,000+ vehicles, 1,498 MMUs (including tribal PM-JANMAN services). Infrastructure & Human Resources PM-ABHIM (since 2021): 18,802 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs 602 Critical Care Blocks 730 Public Health Labs Human Resource Surge: 5.23 lakh NHM recruits, incl. 1.18 lakh CHOs bridging community–PHC gaps. 34,000+ facilities NQAS certified — quality & patient safety. Digital & Data-Driven Systems U-WIN: Vaccine logistics and tracking at population scale. eSanjeevani: One of the world’s largest teleconsultation platforms. Digitization of health records: Under ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission). Outcome Metrics: A Scorecard Indicator 2014 (Baseline) 2025 Status MMR 167 22 (est. 86% decline) IMR 39 ~11 (est. 73% decline) OOPE 62.6% 39.4% GHE as % of GDP 1.13% 1.84% NCD Screening (total) ~<2 crore 80+ crore eConsultations (cumulative) Negligible 36.64 crore Critical Reflections & Challenges Ahead Sustainability: Will funding levels keep pace with ambitions? Quality gaps: Despite quantity, are secondary/tertiary care units improving fast enough? Urban-rural equity: Urban India may leap ahead in digital health; rural areas need greater connectivity. NCD burden: Preventive efforts must be scaled faster to offset rising NCDs. Conclusion: The Road to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) India’s 11-year healthcare journey represents one of the world’s most ambitious and large-scale health transformations. It showcases the interplay of political will, digital innovation, human capital expansion, and financial restructuring. The vision of “Swasth Bharat”—healthcare for all—is now more tangible than ever. Digital Employment & Welfare Ecosystem in India (2015–2025)  The Digital Governance Framework Vision: Leverage digital tools for efficient, citizen-centric delivery of employment services and social security. Transformation Pillars: Interlinked platforms (NCS, e-Shram, EPFO) Aadhaar-based targeting Real-time data flow Integrated service delivery Crisis-resilient infrastructure Relevance :GS 2( Labour welfare , Governance , Social Issues) Digital Public Infrastructure for Jobs & Skills 1. National Career Service (NCS) Portal Launch: 2015, by Ministry of Labour & Employment Scale: 5.5 crore+ job seekers, 57,000 job fairs Integrated With: SID, Udyam, e-Shram, EPFO, ESIC, DigiLocker, PM GatiShakti Features: Career counseling Job search by skill/location Internship/apprenticeship listings Impact: Democratized job access via phone; links job seekers with 30+ state/private job portals 2. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) Enables skill tracking, upskilling, certifications Integrated with NCS for seamless training-to-employment mapping Compliance, Grievance & Transparency Portals Shram Suvidha: One-stop portal for labour law compliance Samadhan: Worker grievance redressal and settlement of claims ESIC Dhanwantari Module: Digitised patient records, better hospital care UMANG App: Access point for EPFO, e-Shram, ESIC Social Security for the Unorganised Sector 1. e-Shram Portal Launch: 2021; Registrations: 30.7 crore+ Integrated Schemes: 13+ Central + 32 State schemes Features: Unique ID card for each unorganised worker 22-language multilingual access (via MEITY’s Bhashini) State Microsites, Mobile Apps for ease Union Budget 2025-26: Extended e-Shram to gig/platform workers Coverage under PM Jan Arogya Yojana enabled 2. Interlinkages Connected to PM-SYM, myScheme, DISHA, NCS, SIDH Workers can register once and access pensions, insurance, jobs, skills 3. Global Recognition ILO Social Protection Data (2025): Coverage jumped from 19% (2015) → 64.3% (2025) India ranks 2nd globally in beneficiary count (94.13 crore) Recognised in WSPR 2026 as the first country to report comprehensive central + state scheme data EPFO 2.0: Digitisation & Pension Reforms Metric Value/Impact (2025) Members 34.6 crore+ Pensioners under CPP System 77 lakh Auto-settlement limit raised ₹1 lakh Members benefitting (auto-claims) 7.5 crore Yearly fund transfer ₹90,000 crore E-passbook, UAN, Digital Life Cert. Ease & transparency Centralised pension disbursement improves accessibility Fund transfer process simplified: 1.25 crore+ members benefit Benefits of Interlinked Portals Stakeholder Benefits Job Seekers Access to national jobs, skills, benefits on one screen Workers (Unorganised/Gig) ID-based access to multiple schemes and insurance Employers National talent pool, paperless compliance Policymakers Real-time databases for targeted interventions State Governments Better planning from e-Shram’s shared data Crisis-Responsive Infrastructure Pandemic Preparedness: e-Shram and NCS databases allow quick identification of distressed workers Resilience in Real Time: Portals can deliver benefits directly, even in lockdowns or disasters Summary Scorecard: Key Achievements Parameter 2015 Baseline 2025 Outcome NCS Registered Users <1 crore 5.5 crore+ e-Shram Registered Workers NA 30.7 crore+ Social Security Coverage (ILO) 19% 64.3% Job Fairs Few hundred 57,000 Scheme Integration Fragmented 32 central + all states Digital Settlement (EPFO) Manual dominant 7.5 crore+ auto-claims, UAN Challenges and Way Forward Challenges: Fragmentation still exists in regional portals Gig/platform workers’ contributions to funds remain unstructured Awareness and digital literacy gaps, esp. in tribal and remote areas Recommendations: Encourage private-sector data sharing with e-Shram Incentivize gig platforms to co-contribute to workers’ welfare Expand digital training for workers on using scheme portals Create portable, stackable benefits across state boundaries Conclusion: Tech-Driven Welfare State India’s digital welfare architecture represents a new model of inclusive, responsive governance. With real-time databases, interoperable portals, and universal access frameworks, India is now closer than ever to ensuring every citizen is not only employed but also protected.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 09 July 2025

Content : Quick Fix The ECI does not have unfettered powers Address Misgivings  Quick Fix Policy Context & Institutional Architecture Union Cabinet Approval: Cleared a ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme aimed at boosting private sector investment in basic research. Fund Structure: To be housed under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). ANRF to act as a single-window funding platform for universities and research institutions. Oversight: Ministry of Science & Technology. Funding Model: ~70% expected from private sources, rest from the government. Target Shift: Currently, 70% of India’s R&D funding comes from the public sector. Policy goal: Reverse the ratio in favor of private-led R&D growth. Relevance : GS 3(Research and Development) Practice Question :Government funding alone cannot transform India into an innovation-driven economy without structural reforms in the research and industrial ecosystem.Evaluate the prospects and limitations of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in revitalizing India’s R&D landscape.(250 Words) Design Features & Eligibility Criteria Eligibility Constraint: Only projects with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL-4) are eligible. TRL Scale (NASA-origin, 1970s): TRL-1: Basic theoretical research TRL-4: Validated in lab TRL-9: Proven in real-world environment Implication: Early-stage research (TRL-1 to 3) excluded, despite high innovation potential. Core Concerns & Structural Weaknesses Conservatism in Risk-Taking: Excluding early-stage R&D discourages blue-sky science and radical innovation. Over-focus on “market-ready” technologies mimics venture capital logic—but without its risk appetite. Ignoring Global R&D Models: In many advanced economies, military-industrial complexes have historically incubated frontier technologies (e.g., Internet, GPS). India lacks a similar public R&D anchor for high-risk, high-reward science. Brain Drain Continues: India continues to lose top-tier scientists to developed countries due to: Low domestic investment in early research Lack of institutional autonomy Poor career incentives Manufacturing Ecosystem Gaps: India’s low-tech manufacturing base cannot effectively absorb or scale scientific innovation. Translating lab innovation into industrial output remains a weak link. R&D Investment Snapshot (India vs Global) Indicator India Global Benchmarks (2023–24) Total R&D Expenditure (GDP %) ~0.64% U.S. (3.45%), China (2.4%), Israel (5.4%) Govt Share in R&D Funding ~70% OECD Avg: ~30–40% Private Sector R&D (India) ~30% South Korea: ~75%, Japan: ~80% Researcher Density (per mn pop) ~260 OECD Avg: >4,000 Expert Takeaways Funding ≠ Innovation: Capital infusion is necessary but insufficient for long-term R&D success. Systemic Fixes Required: Build robust linkages between academia–industry–government. Reform procurement, IP regimes, and academic autonomy. Need for Risk-Backed Public Science: India must fund bold, early-stage research without insisting on immediate market viability. Manufacturing Synergy: Strengthen advanced manufacturing to translate research into products. Conclusion The editorial argues that India’s RDI scheme is well-intentioned but structurally flawed due to: Arbitrary entry barriers (TRL-4) Overdependence on private sector readiness Weak ecosystem to absorb innovation Call to Action: Blend funding with institutional reform, risk appetite, and ecosystem development to unleash India’s full innovation potential. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. The ECI does not have unfettered powers Context & Trigger ECI Order (June 24, 2025): Directed a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections in November 2025. Opposition Allegation: Accused the ECI of attempting to disenfranchise thousands of voters, particularly by targeting their citizenship status. ECI’s Stand: Denied allegations; justified revision as within its powers. Relevance : GS 2(Elections -Reforms) Practice Question : In a democracy, the legitimacy of electoral processes rests on transparency, legality, and inclusiveness.Discuss this in light of the recent electoral roll revision ordered by the Election Commission of India in Bihar.(250 Words) Legal Framework for Electoral Roll Revision A. Constitutional Basis Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are based onadult suffrage. Voting rights are limited to Indian citizens aged 18 or above. Article 324: Vests superintendence and control of elections with the ECI. Described by the Supreme Court as a “reservoir of power”, but not unlimited. B. Statutory Provisions – RPA, 1950 & 1951 Section 19 (RPA, 1950): Conditions for registration – citizen, 18+, ordinarily resident. Section 21 (RPA, 1950): ECI may order: Annual revision (default) Revision before elections Special revision with reasons – limited to a constituency or part. Section 14: Defines qualifying date as January 1 each year (except in special revisions). Section 11A (RPA, 1951): Lists voting disqualifications for criminal offenses. Key Legal Inconsistencies Highlighted Qualifying Date Mismatch: ECI Order cites 01/07/2025 as the qualifying date. Law (Section 14) only recognizes 01/01/2025 for general revisions. Conclusion: The new date has no statutory basis under existing law. Scope of Revision: Section 21(3) permits special revisions only for a constituency or part, not entire states. Applying SIR to the whole of Bihar arguably exceeds legal mandate. “Special Intensive Revision”: No legal recognition of this term in the RPA or accompanying Rules. Judicial & Doctrinal Interpretations Mohinder Singh Gill v. CEC (1978): The ECI must act within existing law where it exists. May invoke Article 324 powers only where law is silent, and only to ensure free and fair elections. Natural Justice & Voter Rights: The Supreme Court affirms ECI’s obligation to follow due process and fairness. Electoral Registration Officers cannot reject applications solely due to absence of “foolproof” citizenship documents. Rule 8 of Registration of Electors Rules: Citizens must submit information only “to the best of their ability”. Administrative & Political Concerns Timing: Ordered mere months before elections, despite 2024 roll revisions, raising questions on intent. Petitions in SC: Multiple pleas filed challenging the ECI’s order; legal uncertainty persists. Transparency: The opaque nature of the SIR process has drawn criticism from civil society and legal experts. Data & Precedents Parameter Value/Observation Assembly Election Month November 2025 Last Electoral Roll Revision 2024 (annual cycle) Legal Qualifying Date January 1 (Section 14, RPA 1950) ECI’s Used Qualifying Date July 1, 2025 (statutorily unsupported) Coverage of SIR Entire State of Bihar Legal Scope for Special Revision Only constituency or part thereof (Sec 21(3)) Conclusion & Recommendations Legality in Doubt: SIR lacks statutory support due to incorrect qualifying date and state-wide scope. Constitutional Principle: Electoral fairness and voter inclusion are basic structure doctrines. Need for Caution: ECI must avoid any perception of bias. Greater transparency, clear legal justifications, and judicial oversight are essential. Possible Course Correction: Restrict scope to specific districts if justified by evidence. Publicly clarify criteria and safeguards for deletions to maintain public trust. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. Address Misgivings Strategic Context Geostrategic Importance: Great Nicobar is critical for India’s maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, especially amid rising Chinese activity in the Bay of Bengal and Strait of Malacca. Government’s Vision: Part of a broader five-year plan to develop the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a forward maritime outpost and logistics hub for India’s security interests. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology ,Infrastructure) Practice Question : While infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones may serve strategic interests, it must also uphold environmental safeguards and tribal rights. Critically examine this statement in the context of the Great Nicobar Island project.(250 Words) Infrastructure Plan: Scope & Components Mega Infrastructure Project on Great Nicobar Island includes: International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Greenfield international airport New township Gas and solar-based power plants Objective: Strategic deterrence and economic development of the island chain. Environmental & Social Concerns Ecological Sensitivity: The region harbors coral reefs, marine ecosystems, leatherback turtles, and the Nicobar megapode—many of which are endangered. Impact on Indigenous Communities: Potential adverse effects on the Shompen tribe, an isolated, vulnerable indigenous group. Civil society groups warn of disruption to forest-based livelihoods and displacement. Legal & Institutional Oversight NGT Intervention (2023): Directed the Ministry of Environment to form a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to re-evaluate environmental clearances. HPC Report Findings: Found that clearances were issued based on “statutory provisions,” but the report remains classified. Transparency Issues: Lack of public disclosure violates the RTI Act’s provisions on environmental clearances. Civil society flagged secrecy as a barrier to accountability and tribal rights. Secrecy & Due Process: Concerns Raised Government’s Non-disclosure: Ministry submitted the HPC report to NGT but kept its contents sealed. Legal Challenges: Rajya Sabha questioned environmental procedures and raised concerns via the NGT and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Environmental clearances challenged for non-compliance with due process and lack of public participation. Institutional Positions MoEFCC’s Stance: Has not clarified whether any action will be taken based on the HPC report. Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Reported to be reviewing project impacts on tribal communities. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation: Claims no Wildlife Conservation Plan (WCP) has been approved. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology: Still drafting a report on the island’s biodiversity impact. Timeline Snapshot Year Event 2015–2020 Strategic planning and initiation of island development 2021 Announcement of major infrastructure projects 2023 NGT directs MoEFCC to review clearances via HPC 2025 HPC report submitted, remains sealed; legal disputes ongoing Key Contradictions & Dilemmas Strategic imperative vs ecological caution: The project is vital for India’s regional dominance but conflicts with environmental protection norms. Speed vs transparency: Expedient implementation undermines due process and public scrutiny. National security vs local rights: Indigenous and wildlife concerns need balancing with defense and trade ambitions. Takeaways & Way Forward Transparent Environmental Governance: Public disclosure of impact assessments and HPC reports is essential. Stakeholder Engagement: Tribal voices and local communities must be included early in planning. Balanced Development: Consider phasing or redesigning components of the project to reduce ecological footprint. Independent Evaluation: Scientific institutions should independently assess ecological impacts before approvals. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 09 July 2025

Content : Rare Great Hornbill sighting in Ezhimala sparks renewed calls for biodiversity conservation What will be the effect of rising military spending? Terror attack accused in India used online payment services, e-commerce sites: FATF Countrywide survey reveals deficits in student learning Nearly 600 Eklavya school students cracked IIT-JEE and NEET, says Tribal Affairs Ministry NIPGR’s gene-edited rice has better phosphate uptake, more yield Rare Great Hornbill sighting in Ezhimala sparks renewed calls for biodiversity conservation Ecological Context Species: Buceros bicornis (Great Hornbill), locally known as Malamuzhakki Vezhambal. Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (maximum protection) Typical Habitat: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats. Notable ranges: Silent Valley, Parambikulam, Athirappilly, Nelliyampathy, Aralam. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and ecology) The Sighting: Key Facts Location: Kakkampara near Ezhimala, Kannur, Kerala – a coastal belt. Date: First spotted on May 24, 2025. Duration of Stay: The bird remained in the area for about two weeks. Initial Sighting: Perched on a fig-laden Ficus exasperata tree. Movement: Foraged in the area, flew occasionally to nearby habitats including the Ezhimala Naval Academy campus. Observers: Birdwatchers Manoj Karingamathil, P. Jameela, and forestry student Abhinav Jeevan. Significance of the Sighting Geographical Rarity: Great Hornbill sightings in coastal zones are highly unusual; primarily forest dwellers. No documented evidence exists of previous sightings this close to the sea in Kannur district. Ecological Indicator: Presence outside its traditionalrange may indicate: Shifting habitat preferences due to climate change or forest degradation. An underexplored biodiversity hotspot in the Ezhimala-Ramanthali belt. Biodiversity Significance: Local governance (Ramanthali Grama Panchayat) hailed the sighting as proof of continued biodiversity richness despite human habitation. Reinforces importance of semi-urban fringe areas as ecological buffers. Conservation & Policy Implications Indicator Details Conservation Priority High (Endangered, Schedule I species) Conservation Concern Habitat shrinkage, forest fragmentation, poaching Policy Call Need for micro-level habitat protection in coastal areas Research Need Mapping of non-traditional sightings and coastal foraging corridors Citizen Science Role Accidental discovery via WhatsApp status, highlighting scope of public involvement in biodiversity tracking Broader Ecological Reflections Climate Link?: Possible range shifts due to habitat loss, climate stressors, or changing food availability. Seed Disperser Role: Hornbills play a crucial role in forest regeneration through dispersal of fig and fruit tree seeds. Conservation Gap: Coastal ecosystems often overlooked in hornbill conservation plans, despite potential seasonal or adaptive significance. Way Forward Biodiversity Zonation: Integrate coastal hills like Ezhimala into eco-sensitive zone mapping. Species Monitoring: Use citizen science + academic research to build sighting databases. Community Engagement: Train local communities to identify and report rare wildlife sightings. Habitat Linkage: Restore coastal-forest ecological corridors for seasonal/occasional wildlife dispersal. What will be effect of rising military spending? NATO’s New Defence Target: A Paradigm Shift New Target: NATO pledged to raise defence and security-related spending to 5% of member GDP by 2035, up from the long-standing 2% target. Objective: Claimed to be a response to rising global threats—especially Russia, Iran, and hybrid warfare scenarios. NATO Share: With 32 members, NATO accounts for 55% of global defence spending ($1,506 billion in 2024). Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Defence ,Internal Security) Global Military Expenditure: Rising Rapidly 2024 Global Military Spending: $2,718 billion, a 9.4% YoY increase—highest since 1988. As % of World GDP: 2.5% in 2024, rising from a low of 2.1% in 1998. Cold War Peak: 6.1% of GDP in 1960. Trigger Events: Russia–Ukraine war Israel–Gaza conflict Israel–Iran and India–Pakistan conflicts in 2025 Top Global Military Spenders (2024) Country Spending (USD) % of Global Total Special Notes  USA $997 B 36.7% Largest military spender  China $314 B 11.6% 2nd largest globally  Russia $149 B ~5.5% Despite economy constraints  Germany $88.5 B – Top NATO contributor in EU  India $86.1 B – 5th globally 🌐 NATO Total $1,506 B 55% Concentration of spending in rich blocs Development vs. Defence: Stark Contrasts UN Budget (2025): $44 billion Only $6 billion raised by mid-year → Now downsizing to $29 billion. Contrast: U.S. spent $1 billion in 12 days just on missile defence in Israel-Iran war. USAID Closure: Trump-era cuts to foreign aid ($50–60B/yr) risk 14 million additional deaths by 2030, incl. 5 million children, per Lancet. Crowding-Out Effect: Study (Ikegami & Wang, 116 countries): Defence spending reduces health expenditure, especially in LMICs. Examples of Extreme Military Burden: Lebanon: 29% of GDP Ukraine: 34% of GDP India-Specific Concerns Current Defence Spending: 2.3% of GDP (₹6.81 lakh crore in 2024–25) Extra ₹50,000 crore sanctioned after Operation Sindoor (2025). Health vs. Defence: Ayushman Bharat allocation (2023–24): ₹7,200 crore (for 58 crore people). Public health spending: 1.84% of GDP (target: 2.5%) → Far lower than OECD average ~10%. Policy Dilemma: Rising public support for militarisation post-conflict may stifle long-term investments in education, health, and climate. Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG Setbacks: SDG 1 (No Poverty): $70B/year could end extreme poverty; just 0.1% of high-income countries’ GNI. SDG 3 (Health): $1/year/person on NCD prevention → 7 million lives saved by 2030. Climate Costs: NATO’s 3.5% defence GDP goal would emit +200 million tonnes CO₂ annually. 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded → Escalating need for climate mitigation spending. Global Peace Trends Global Peace Index (2023): Militarisation increased in 108 countries. Most conflicts since World War II witnessed in 2023. Scholarly View: Fear of Russia is exaggerated: Russia’s economy is 25x smaller and military spending 10x lower than NATO. Militarisation driven more by geopolitical narratives than actual capability gaps. Key Takeaways 5% GDP on defence = less on health, education, climate. Huge opportunity cost for sustainable development and human welfare. Militarisation ≠ Peace: Peace also means adequate public goods, not just absence of war. Global South and civil society must assert budgetary justice in global forums like the UN, G20, and BRICS. Terror attack accused in India used online payment services, e-commerce sites: FATF Key Findings from FATF’s July 2025 Report Report Title: Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks Publisher: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Context: Highlights evolving methods used by terrorists globally, with India cited in two major case studies. Case 1: Gorakhnath Temple Attack (April 3, 2022) – Lone Wolf Radicalisation Nature of Attack: A “lone actor” radicalised by ISIL ideology attempted to attack security personnel at the Gorakhnath Temple, UP. Modus Operandi: Fund transfers worth ₹6,69,841 via PayPal to foreign entities allegedly supporting ISIL. ₹10,323.35 received from foreign source—indicative of reverse funding. Used VPNs for online communication, calls, and downloads to mask digital identity. Third-party international transactions used to obscure traceability. Investigation & Charges: Handled by UP ATS. Accused charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Case 2: Pulwama Attack (February 14, 2019) – E-Commerce Enabled Logistics Attack Details: Suicide bombing on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, J&K killing 40 personnel. Orchestrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. Use of E-Commerce: Aluminium powder, a component of the IED, was purchased via Amazon. Used to enhance blast intensity. Procurement traced through digital transaction logs. Aftermath: 19 individuals were charged under UAPA, including 7 foreign nationals and the suicide bomber. FATF’s Broader Concerns on EPOMs & Digital Platforms EPOMs: E-commerce Platforms & Online Marketplaces are becoming prime tools for terrorist procurement. Money Laundering & Terror Financing (ML/TF) Risks: Criminals pose as fraudulent sellers/buyers. Employ trade-based techniques like over/under invoicing to transfer value covertly. Use EPOMs as fronts for illegal activity, including: Purchase of restricted components Disguised fund transfers Virtual storefronts aiding cross-border logistics Policy Implications for India Digital Ecosystem Gaps: Insufficient regulation over cross-border PayPal flows and cryptic VPN use. Lack of real-time data sharing between fintech and intelligence bodies. Needed Reforms: Strengthen FEMA & PMLA enforcement in digital payment corridors. Mandate KYC across all EPOMs, including global platforms operating in India. Enforce traceability mandates for VPNs and encrypted communications under the IT Act. Public-private coordination between e-commerce firms, fintech, and counter-terror agencies. India’s Regulatory Landscape (As of July 2025) Tool/Platform Current Status Regulatory Gap PayPal & Intl Wallets Subject to FEMA norms & RBI monitoring Poor traceability for foreign P2P transactions VPN Services Users not required to register with govt. High anonymity = misuse risk E-commerce (Amazon) GST, KYC enforced for sellers No vetting of component-level product buyers Cryptocurrency Partially regulated via FIU and tax reporting Largely opaque—used for cross-border fund flows Key Takeaways  Terrorists are shifting from hawala to hyperlinks—digital traceability is now the new battlefield.  Online anonymity tools like VPNs and international wallets are increasingly weaponised.  India must create a centralised anti-terror-fintech task force involving MEITY, MHA, RBI, and global partners.  Greater FATF compliance and cyber-regulatory overhauls are essential to secure India’s digital ecosystem. Countrywide survey reveals deficits in student learning About PARAKH RS Full Form: Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development – Rashtriya Sarvekshan Formerly: National Achievement Survey (NAS) Conducted by: Ministry of Education, via PARAKH (under NCERT) Scope: Assessed: 21.15 lakh students Grades Covered: 3, 6, and 9 Subjects: Grades 3, 6, 9: Language, Mathematics Grades 3, 6: Environmental Studies (World Around Us) Grade 9: Science, Social Science Coverage: 74,229 schools across 781 districts Teachers/Leaders surveyed: 2.7 lakh+ Relevance : GS 2(Education ,Governance) Best Performing States/UTs (By Grade) Grade Top Performers 3 Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala 6 Kerala, Punjab, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu 9 Punjab, Kerala, Chandigarh Overall Consistent Performers: Punjab & Kerala (Top 3 in all grades) Kendriya Vidyalayas: Weakest in Grade 3 mathematics Strongest in Grade 9 language Learning Outcomes: Key Findings by Grade Grade 3 Language: 67% could use adequate vocabulary for daily interactions. Most could infer meanings of new words from context. Mathematics: 69% could recognize and extend patterns. 68% could sort objects based on multiple attributes. Only 55% could order numbers up to 99 correctly. Grade 6 Math: Only 54% understood place value of large numbers. Just 38% could solve real-life word problems involving arithmetic. Environmental Studies: Only 38% asked predictive questions about natural patterns (phases of the moon, rituals, plant structures). Grade 9 Social Science: 45% understood the Constitution’s evolution, and Indian national movement’s ideals. Language: 54% could identify key points from reading/listening to news texts. Math: Only 31% could engage with number sets (fractions, integers, rationals, reals) and their properties. Critical Gaps & Interpretation Cognitive Depth Drops Sharply: Only 31% of Grade 9 students could grasp foundational number theory. Early Numeracy is Better than Later: 69% of Grade 3 students could extend patterns, vs. 38% of Grade 6 students solving puzzles. Problem-solving Weakness: Significant dip in applied mathematical reasoning from Grade 3 to 6. Text Comprehension Gaps: Even by Grade 9, only half the students show analytical reading skills. Civic Literacy: Less than half understand the democratic and civilisational roots of the Constitution. Policy and Pedagogical Implications  Foundational Learning Progress: NEP 2020’s emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) seems to show early positive trends. Middle & Secondary Stage Lags: There’s a major drop-off in applied learning and conceptual reasoning from Grades 6–9. Pedagogical Rethink Needed: Performance shows over-reliance on rote learning, with low focus on prediction, exploration, and problem-solving. KVs Need Targeted Support in early math; despite national resources, performance lags in Grade 3. Data-Driven Interventions: States like Punjab and Kerala demonstrate how teacher quality, consistent assessment, and early interventions yield results. Nearly 600 Eklavya school students cracked IIT-JEE and NEET, says Tribal Affairs Ministry Background on EMRS EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools): Fully government-funded residential schools for tribal students. Administered centrally by NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Primarily cater to PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) — ~85% of current students. Relevance : GS 2(Education , Social Justice), GS 1(Society) 2025 Competitive Exam Results (as per Tribal Affairs Ministry Evaluation) Exam Total Qualified Expected Top Institution Admission IIT-JEE Mains 218 students ~25 in NITs IIT-JEE Advanced 34 students ~18 in IITs NEET-UG 344 students At least 3 in AIIMS Total ~596 students Across top-tier institutions States Represented: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra. Institutional Support Behind the Success Coaching Support: Delivered via partner centers under NESTS. Includes preparation for IIT-JEE, NEET, and CUET. Administrative Reforms: Last 5 years: centralisation of EMRS management through NESTS. Improved accountability, academic consistency, and result tracking. Government Acknowledgement: Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and MoS Durgadas Uikey praised EMRS teams. Called for greater publicity of EMRS outcomes and impact. Post-Result Initiatives New Outreach Program: Targeted at facilitating post-matric scholarships for high-performing tribal students. Led by Scholarship Division, Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Intends to eliminate application barriers, provide handholding support. Goal: Enable smooth transition of tribal students into higher education without financial hardship or administrative delays. Impact & Broader Implications Equity in Education: Strong proof that affirmative intervention + quality support = competitive excellence. Diverse Representation: Tribal students from remote geographies are now entering national STEM pipelines. Model of Scalable Success: EMRS performance serves as a template for targeted excellence-based welfare in education. Nudge for State EMRSs: States now encouraged to invest further in: Career counselling Mock testing Holistic development Visibility Matters: Officials stress the need for mainstream celebration of tribal excellence, breaking stereotypes. NIPGR’s gene-edited rice has better phosphate uptake, more yield Background: Why Phosphorus Matters Phosphorus (P) is critical for: Root development Flowering & grain formation Photosynthesis and energy transfer (ATP) India’s soil challenge: Widespread phosphorus deficiency, esp. in acidic or alkaline soils. India imports nearly all of its phosphate fertilizer needs. Efficiency crisis: Plants absorb only 15–20% of applied phosphate; the rest is lost to runoff or leaching. Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Science and Technology) The Breakthrough: CRISPR-Cas9 for Root-to-Shoot Phosphate Transport Led by: Dr. Jitender Giri, NIPGR (Delhi) Focused on japonica rice (cv. Nipponbare) in controlled greenhouse settings. Target gene: OsPHO1;2 – responsible for phosphate transport from root to shoot. Genetic Engineering: From Silencing to Precision Editing Failed Attempt: Knocking out the Repressor (OsWRKY6) Researchers silenced OsWRKY6 (a negative regulator). Result: Higher phosphate transport → but poor plant growth. Cause: OsWRKY6 also regulates other vital processes. Successful Strategy: Editing Just the Repressor’s Binding Site Used CRISPR–Cas9 to remove 30 bp binding site on OsPHO1;2 promoter. Outcome: Repressor remains intact (continues other functions). OsPHO1;2 expression upregulated → improved phosphate transport. Phosphate absorbed faster before it binds with Al, Fe, Ca, Mg in soil. Results: Yields, Efficiency, and Seed Quality With recommended fertilizer: yield increased by 20% With only 10% fertilizer dose: yield increased by 40% over control! Mechanism: Roots behave like sinks, absorbing more phosphate. Enhanced shoot phosphate → more panicles → more seeds Seed quality intact: No negative change in starch, dimensions, phosphate content. Technical Safeguards: Precision & Bioethics Off-target effects: Verified using in silico tools + top 10 predicted sites: no off-target changes. Foreign DNA removal: Cas9 & vector DNA removed via Mendelian segregation in 2nd generation. Non-transgenic, precisely edited lines selected for seed generation. Testing: Southern blot and junction fragment analysis used to confirm: No partial insertions Clean genome edits Implications for Indian Agriculture Indica rice adaptation is pending but underway — more time-intensive. When adapted, it could: Reduce India’s import dependence on phosphate. Promote low-input sustainable farming in phosphorus-poor regions. Benefit small and marginal farmers facing fertilizer affordability issues. Ecological value: Reduced runoff = lower eutrophication Efficient use = resource conservation Expert Validation Dr. P.V. Shivaprasad (NCBS, Bengaluru): “If replicated in indica rice, this could revolutionise farming in India’s phosphorus-deficient soils.” Dr. Giri (NIPGR): “This is like a minimally invasive genome surgery — precise, targeted, and transformative.”

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 08 July 2025

Content: NITI Aayog releases second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24) NITI Aayog releases second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24) Overview & Significance Released by: NITI Aayog and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), with technical support from UNDP. Edition: Second edition; first released on 26 August 2021. Objective: To measure district-level SDG progress across 121 districts in 8 Northeastern states. Methodology: Based on the SDG India Index framework developed by NITI Aayog. Utility: Facilitates evidence-based planning, identifies development gaps, and guides interventions. Categories of Districts: Achiever: Score = 100 Front Runner: 65–99 Performer: 50–64 Aspirant: <50 Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Key Highlights 85% of districts showed an increase in composite score over the previous edition. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura are in the Front Runner category. Hnahthial (Mizoram): Top performer in NER with a score of 81.43. Longding (Arunachal Pradesh): Lowest scoring district at 58.71. Nagaland: For the first time, 3 districts feature in the Top 10. Sikkim: Most consistent performance across districts (only 5.5-point score variation). Tripura: High performers with low intra-state variation (6.5 points). Mizoram and Nagaland: Strong performers but higher intra-state score variations (13.72 and 15.07 points, respectively). SDG Goal-wise Insights Good Health & Well-being (SDG 3): Improved scores in 93 districts. Assam: Notable improvements in: Zero Hunger (SDG 2) Quality Education (SDG 4) Clean Water & Sanitation (SDG 6) Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8) State-wise Best & Worst Performing Districts State Highest Scoring District Lowest Scoring District Arunachal Pradesh Lower Dibang Valley (73.36) Longding (58.71) Assam Dibrugarh (74.29) South Salmara-Mankachar (59.71) Manipur Imphal West (73.21) Pherzawl (59.71) Meghalaya East Khasi Hills (73.00) East Jaintia Hills (63.00) Mizoram Hnahthial (81.43) Lawngtlai (67.71) Nagaland Mokokchung (78.43) Zunheboto (63.36) Sikkim Gangtok (76.64) Gyalshing (71.14) Tripura Gomati (78.79) Dhalai (72.29) Institutional Remarks Suman Bery (Vice Chair, NITI Aayog): Emphasized the importance of achieving SDGs by 2030 as an intermediate step to Viksit Bharat @2047. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam (CEO, NITI Aayog): Highlighted PM’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and development of the NE region. Chanchal Kumar (Secy, MoDoNER): Index helps identify gaps and informs efficient resource allocation. Dr. Angela Lusigi (UNDP): Stressed data-to-action transformation for human development. Implications & Takeaways Reflects strong policy alignment, especially with flagship schemes like Aspirational Districts Programme. Reinforces localization of SDGs with robust district-level monitoring. Encourages cooperative federalism through collaborative monitoring and development. Sets the foundation for targeted interventions and improved public service delivery in the Northeast. NITI Aayog SDG India Index – Key Highlights Launched: First introduced in 2018 to track India’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the state and UT level. Prepared by: NITI Aayog, with support from UNDP India and technical expertise from GIZ (in earlier editions). Framework: Aligned with the 17 SDGs adopted by UN Member States under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Latest Edition: SDG Index 2023 includes 100+ indicators across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Coverage: Tracks all States and Union Territories, and increasingly also district-level performance (e.g., North Eastern Region Index, Aspirational Districts). Scoring Categories: Achiever: 100 Front Runner: 65–99 Performer: 50–64 Aspirant: Below 50 Top Performers (2023): In 2023–24, Kerala and Uttarakhand jointly topped the Index with a score of 79, followed by Tamil Nadu (78) and Goa & Himachal Pradesh (77)

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 July 2025

Content : Fostering a commitment to stop maternal deaths Rising seas, shifting lives and a test of democratic values Batting for prevention Fostering a commitment to stop maternal deaths The Big Picture: Maternal Mortality in India MMR (2019–21): 93 deaths per 1,00,000 live births (SRS data). Trend: Downward trajectory → 103 (2017–19) → 97 (2018–20) → 93 (2019–21). Yet, 93 maternal deaths per lakh live births remain unacceptably high for a growing economy. Definition (WHO-aligned): Maternal death is death during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, excluding accidental/incidental causes. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Social Issues) Practice Question : Despite significant improvements, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high in many parts of India. Discuss the major reasons behind the persistence of maternal deaths. Suggest a multi-pronged strategy to achieve the SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 by 2030.(250 Words) Inter-State Disparities: India’s Fragmented Maternal Health Map Southern States (Generally Lower MMR) Kerala: 20 (Lowest in India; benchmark state) Tamil Nadu: 49 Andhra Pradesh: 46 Telangana: 45 Karnataka: 63 (Highest among Southern States) Empowered Action Group (EAG) States (High MMR) Assam: 167 (Highest in the country) Madhya Pradesh: 175 Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand: 100–151 range Jharkhand: 51 (Surprisingly lower than average for EAG) Other States Maharashtra: 38 (Performs better than some Southern states) Gujarat: 53 Punjab: 98 Haryana: 106 West Bengal: 109 The “Three Delays” Framework (Deborah Maine Model) Delay in decision to seek care Ignorance about complications → Perception of childbirth as a “natural” process. Gender bias, family neglect, or economic constraints. Illiteracy, patriarchy, and poor women’s autonomy. Solutions: ASHA–ANM networks, women’s SHGs, financial incentives (JSY), community awareness. Delay in reaching a health facility Rural remoteness: forests, islands, hamlets. Lack of public transport or unaffordable private options. Solutions: 108 ambulance service, NHM-supported emergency transport systems. Delay in receiving adequate care at facility Staff absenteeism or lack of trained personnel. Delay in blood transfusion, OT preparation, lab support. Shortage of obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians. 66% specialist vacancies in CHCs; poor FRU functioning. Medical Causes of Maternal Death Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Most lethal; caused by uterine atony post-delivery. Severe blood loss + untreated anaemia → shock & death. Solution: Immediate transfusion, uterine artery clamp, uterotonics, suction cannula. Obstructed Labour: Small pelvis of stunted, undernourished adolescent mothers. Can lead to uterine rupture and foetal distress. Solution: Timely Caesarean section by skilled surgeons. Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (e.g., eclampsia): Often unrecognized → convulsions, coma. Very narrow window to medically control. Unsafe Abortions & Sepsis: Caused by quack practitioners or failure of contraception. Delay in hospital admission and lack of antibiotics cause death. Infections in Home Deliveries: Puerperal sepsis, often due to untrained birth attendants. Co-morbidities in EAG States: Malaria, tuberculosis, chronic UTIs increase risk. Systemic & Infrastructure Gaps Non-functional FRUs (First Referral Units): Required: 4 per 2 million population. Out of 5,491 CHCs, 2,856 designated as FRUs — but many lack: Blood storage units Anaesthetists Round-the-clock OTs Emergency obstetric care Human Resource Crisis: 66% vacancy rate of specialists across CHCs. Inadequate Antenatal Coverage: Missed anaemia detection, nutritional deficiencies go untreated. Late Detection of High-Risk Pregnancies: No routine high-risk pregnancy flagging system in many districts. Best Practices: The Kerala Model MMR of 20 → India’s best performer. Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths: Developed by Dr. V.P. Paily. Data-rich, analytical, and leads to action points. Innovative Practices: Uterine artery clamps, suction cannula for uterine atony. Surveillance for rare causes: amniotic fluid embolism, DIC, hepatic failure. Routine mental health screening for antenatal depression & postpartum psychosis. Comprehensive Audit Culture: Each death studied → individual and systemic learning. Policy Interventions & Missions Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Cash incentive scheme to promote institutional deliveries. National Health Mission (NHM): 108 Ambulance, maternal death audits, ASHA training. LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative): Improving safety and hygiene in labour rooms. PM POSHAN & Anemia Mukt Bharat: Tackle nutritional deficiencies among adolescent girls. Midwifery Initiative: Introducing trained nurse-midwives for low-risk deliveries. What States Must Prioritise EAG States: Focus on basic institutional care first. Fill vacancies in CHCs/FRUs. Expand access in tribal and underserved regions. Improve antenatal outreach and anaemia control. Southern + Progressive States (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand): Enhance quality of emergency care (C-section, ICU). Introduce maternal mental health care. Shift from reactive to proactive risk detection. All States: Mandatory maternal death audits with accountability. Local recruitment of specialists via state cadre services. Strengthen referral chains: PHC → CHC → District Hospitals. Way Forward: Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths Maternal death is often preventable, not inevitable. India must treat every maternal death as a public health failure. With political will, community awareness, skilled care, and accountability: India can reduce MMR to <70 by 2030 (SDG 3.1 Target). The goal should not be just safe delivery, but safe motherhood. Rising seas, shifting lives and a test of democratic values Context : Sea-level rise, saline intrusion, and erosion are displacing entire coastal communities. Coastal India faces a dual crisis: ecological destruction + socio-economic dislocation. Displacement hotspots include: Satabhaya (Odisha): Submerged under rising seas; villagers resettled with inadequate livelihood options. Honnavar (Karnataka): Fishing communities uprooted by port and tourism projects. Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu), Kutch (Gujarat), lowlands of Kerala — facing escalating climate threats. Relevance : GS 3(Climate Change ) , GS 2(Social Justice) Practice Question : Rising seas are not only an ecological crisis but also a humanitarian and democratic challenge. Examine the implications of climate-induced displacement on coastal communities in India. How can a rights-based and resilient framework address the emerging socio-economic vulnerabilities?(250 Words) ROOT CAUSES: Development vs Ecology Ecological Degradation by Human Activity Sagarmala Programme, energy corridors, commercial aquaculture accelerating habitat loss. Mangroves, wetlands, dunes — natural buffers against storms and floods — are being cleared. Cumulative environmental impacts are ignored in fragmented project-level assessments. CRZ Notification 2019: A Regulatory Setback Diluted zoning norms allow ports, hotels, and industries in ecologically fragile zones. Environmental clearance regime prioritises “ease of doing business” over environmental justice. Local communities are often excluded from decision-making despite legal rights to consultation. DISPLACEMENT → URBAN VULNERABILITY Displacement Patterns Forced migration to cities like Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad. Migrants absorbed into informal economy: construction sites, domestic work, brick kilns. Vulnerabilities in Cities Lack of legal protection under labour laws (e.g., BOCW Act rarely enforced). Debt bondage due to wage advances. Gendered exploitation: Displaced women face abuse, trafficking risks in domestic work. Absence of social security nets, identity documentation, or urban inclusion. LEGAL AND POLICY GAPS No Legal Recognition of Climate Migrants No specific law addresses slow-onset climate displacement. Article 21 (Right to life and dignity) exists, but no statutory enforcement mechanism for climate-induced displacement. Existing Laws Inadequate Disaster Management Act (2005): Focused on sudden events, not slow-onset sea-level rise. Environment Protection Act (1986), CRZ rules: Limited to conservation, not human displacement. NAPCC/SAPCCs: Recognise vulnerability but lack rehabilitation strategies. Labour Codes: Silent on migrants displaced due to climate change. SUPREME COURT JURISPRUDENCE: RIGHTS + ENVIRONMENT Landmark cases: M.C. Mehta vs Union of India (1987): Environmental protection part of right to life. Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (1996): Polluters must be held accountable. But… jurisprudence has not translated into community-centric legal frameworks for climate displacement. GRASSROOTS RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE Community Movements Ennore Creek (Tamil Nadu): Fisherfolk protest Adani port expansion. Save Satabhaya (Odisha): Fight for livelihood and relocation rights. Pattuvam Mangrove Protection (Kerala): Resistance against ecological destruction. Challenges to Environmental Defenders Intimidation, criminalisation, surveillance of activists. Violation of constitutional rights to protest (Article 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b)). MISSING PIECES: What Needs Urgent Attention Recognise Climate-Induced Displacement in Law Amend migration and disaster policies to classify climate migrants. Integrate climate displacement in urban planning and housing policies. Build Legal Protections for Migrant Workers Extend labour law coverage (e.g., BOCW Act, Domestic Workers’ Welfare schemes) to displaced workers. Enforce minimum wage, identity cards, portability of entitlements. Inclusive Coastal Zone Governance Revoke dilution of CRZ norms that exclude communities. Institutionalise prior informed consent and participatory coastal planning. STRUCTURAL STRATEGIES: Way Forward Reimagine Development Along the Coast Shift from port/tourism-centric growth to resilience-based planning. Promote eco-sensitive livelihoods (sustainable fishing, eco-tourism, mangrove protection). Link Climate Action with Labour Rights Align with SDG 8.7: Eliminate forced labour and promote decent work. Integrate climate resilience into skilling missions, especially for displaced youth and women. Strengthen Institutional Capacity Create dedicated cells on climate migration in MoEFCC, MoRD, and MoLE. Ensure climate-sensitive infrastructure in resettlement colonies. GLOBAL PARALLELS & RESPONSIBILITY India must acknowledge climate displacement as a domestic human rights issue. Draw from UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Lead by example in Global South for rights-based climate adaptation. CONSTITUTIONAL AND DEMOCRATIC TEST Climate displacement is not just an environmental issue — it is a human dignity issue. It tests the soul of Indian democracy: Can the Constitution protect the voiceless? Can development be inclusive and equitable? Protecting displaced coastal communities is a litmus test for India’s commitment to both climate justice and constitutional morality. Batting for prevention Context : Nipah Virus outbreak in Kerala (July 2025) Two confirmed cases in Kerala: Malappuram: Adolescent girl — fatal Palakkad: 38-year-old woman — critical 425 contacts traced across 3 districts: Malappuram: 228 (12 under treatment, 5 in ICU) Palakkad: 110 (1 isolated) Kozhikode: 87 140+ health workers under surveillance Contact tracing, isolation, containment, and treatment are underway; lab results awaited for remaining suspected cases. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Practice Question : The recurrence of the Nipah virus outbreak in India underscores the urgent need to institutionalise a “One Health” approach. Critically examine the systemic and ecological gaps that allow zoonotic diseases to emerge. Suggest a comprehensive strategy to prevent such spillovers in the future.(250 Words) WHY NIPAH TRIGGERS HIGH ALERT Extremely high case fatality rate: 40%–75% No vaccine or definitive treatment as of 2025. Airborne and contact transmission potential among humans. History of deadly outbreaks in: West Bengal (2001): 45 deaths out of 66 infections Kerala (2018): 17 deaths out of 19 cases Recurring outbreaks since then THE ZOONOTIC NATURE OF NIPAH Reservoir host: Fruit bats (Pteropus genus) Transmission pathways: Direct contact with bat-contaminated fruits (licked or bitten) Animal-to-human via intermediate hosts (e.g., pigs in Malaysia, 1998) Human-to-human via droplets, contact with body fluids CLIMATE CHANGE & ECOSYSTEM DEGRADATION: ROOT CAUSES Deforestation and habitat destruction → bats migrate closer to human settlements. Urban expansion into forested areas increases human-wildlife contact. Climate change alters bat feeding and migration patterns → changes virus shedding behaviour. Fruit trees near human habitation act as bridges for zoonotic spillover. SYSTEMIC GAPS IN PREVENTION Lack of a centralised, integrated One Health framework. Inadequate public awareness about zoonotic risks from bats. Poor enforcement of wildlife habitat protection laws. Limited disease surveillance in animal populations. Fragmented coordination between health, veterinary, forestry, agriculture departments. THE ONE HEALTH APPROACH: A National Imperative One Health = Integration of human, animal, and environmental health India’s draft National One Health Mission (2021) still lacks full rollout. A robust One Health policy must: Create multi-sectoral task forces at central and state levels. Enable joint surveillance of pathogens in wildlife, livestock, and humans. Institutionalise wildlife–livestock–human interface studies. Promote early warning systems for zoonotic outbreaks. SCIENTIFIC & PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION PLAN A. Surveillance & Preparedness Continuous virus surveillance in bat colonies, livestock, and high-risk regions. Monitor ecological disturbances around human settlements. Develop early detection kits and set up regional genomic surveillance labs. B. Community Awareness Public education on avoiding bat-bitten fruits or partially eaten produce. Training farmers, tribal communities, and children in zoonotic disease prevention. Introduce school-level One Health education modules. C. Biosecurity & Food Safety Regulate fruit markets and pig farming practices in bat-dense areas. Promote safe agricultural practices and discourage bat roosting in residential zones. Surveillance in wet markets and commercial animal chains. LEGAL & POLICY INTERVENTIONS NEEDED Strengthen enforcement of Wildlife Protection Act to preserve bat habitats. Revise Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules to include zoonotic risk evaluation. Enact a Zoonotic Diseases Act that mandates: Multi-departmental risk audits Mandatory ecological assessments before land conversion Integrate climate adaptation policies with pandemic preparedness plans. GLOBAL PARALLELS & Scientific Collaboration Learn from Bangladesh (recurrent Nipah outbreaks) — use of bamboo netting over date palm sap. Collaborate with WHO, FAO, OIE to build zoonotic surveillance systems. Fund Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for Nipah-specific antivirals and vaccine R&D. TOWARDS A RESILIENT FUTURE Long-Term Strategy to Prevent Zoonotic Spillover: Institutionalise One Health from panchayat to national level. Invest in research, field epidemiology, and wildlife monitoring. Mainstream zoonotic prevention into climate and development planning. Strengthen health systems to respond to high-fatality emerging diseases. “Preventing the next pandemic begins not in the ICU, but in the forests, fields, and farms of India.”

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