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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 24 September 2025

Content UNESCO recognition for Kerala’s Varkala Cliff sparks celebration — and unease India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month The mapping of the India-China border How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10 L-1 visa vis-à-vis the H-1B UNESCO recognition for Kerala’s Varkala Cliff sparks celebration — and unease Why is it in the news UNESCO recognition: Kerala’s Varkala Cliff added to UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. Significance: Acknowledges its geological, ecological, and cultural value, drawing national and international attention. Sparks debate over tourism, climate risks, and governance for fragile heritage sites. Relevance: GS I (Geography & Culture): Coastal geomorphology, laterite cliffs, sacred landscapes, human-environment interaction. GS III (Environment & Disaster Management): Coastal ecosystem conservation, climate change impacts, sustainable tourism. GS II (Governance & Policy): Heritage management, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder participation, eco-tourism policy. Understanding Varkala Cliff Location: Varkala, Kerala, along the Arabian Sea coast. Geological significance: Only place in Kerala where cliffs rise directly against the sea. Formed during the Mio-Pliocene age; millions of years old. Composed of laterite and sedimentary layers; contains fossils and paleo-climatic evidence. Vulnerable to erosion, landslides, and human disturbances. Cultural significance: Janardana Swamy Temple (over 2000 years old) and Sivagiri Mutt (Sree Narayana Guru) anchor the cliff’s spiritual identity. Serves as a site for pilgrimages and sacred rituals. Economic significance: Tourism hub: guesthouses, cafés, yoga centres, employment opportunities. Supports local livelihoods including fisherfolk. Current Concerns Environmental risks: Erosion, landslides, and cracks accelerated by monsoons and climate change. Sea-level rise and stronger storms threaten stability. Tourism pressures: Waste accumulation, septic leakage, unregulated construction. Narrow paths congested; risk of irreversible geological damage. Local community impact: Fisherfolk fear displacement and loss of livelihood. Economic benefits of tourism may conflict with environmental and cultural preservation. Governance issues: Weak regulatory oversight, flouted building codes, poor coordination between agencies. Proposed geo-park or heritage zone initiatives delayed. Opportunities from UNESCO recognition Global visibility: Enhances research, conservation, and responsible tourism. Funding & technical support: Access to UNESCO advisory, heritage management frameworks. Education & awareness: Schools and NGOs can promote geological, ecological, and cultural knowledge. Policy impetus: Encourages Kerala to develop a comprehensive management plan including carrying capacity studies and climate adaptation strategies. Strategic Implications Environmental governance: Recognition can act as a catalyst for stricter enforcement of building codes and waste management. Encourages science-based climate adaptation and erosion control. Tourism policy: Necessitates sustainable tourism models, zoning, and controlled visitor flows. Balancing economic benefits with preservation is crucial. Social equity: Fisherfolk and local communities must be actively involved in conservation decisions. Avoid displacement and preserve cultural identity. Conclusion UNESCO recognition is a double-edged sword: Celebrates geological, cultural, and economic value. Exposes risks from unregulated tourism, climate change, and governance failures. Way forward: Define carrying capacity, regulate construction, involve locals, and implement climate adaptation to ensure long-term sustainability. India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month What is happening Exercise Name: Cold Start Timing: First week of October 2025 Location: Likely Madhya Pradesh Participants: Indian Army, Navy, Air Force; includes industry partners, R&D agencies, academia, and other stakeholders Focus: Testing drones and counter-drone systems, evaluating air defence capabilities and operational readiness Relevance: GS III (Internal Security & Defence): Modern warfare preparedness, drone and counter-drone technology, integrated tri-service exercises. GS III (Science & Technology): UAV systems, GPS-jamming, autonomous aerial platforms, R&D in defence technologies. Background and Context Post-Operation Sindoor: Largest joint drill since Operation Sindoor; previous exercise validated counter-drone and GPS jamming systems. Evolving aerial threats: Includes drones, UAV swarms, and GPS-jamming threats from potential adversaries. Reference to Pakistan: Exercise aims to stay ahead of adversary capabilities, acknowledging that adversaries also learn from India’s operational experiences. Strategic Importance Operational Readiness: Ensures the integrated response of Army, Navy, and Air Force to aerial threats. Force Multipliers: Counter-drone systems, GPS-jamming technologies, and advanced surveillance increase defensive and offensive capabilities. Inter-service synergy: Joint exercises enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and rapid response across services. Technological and R&D Dimensions Focus on innovation: Inclusion of industry, academia, and R&D agencies ensures testing of state-of-the-art technologies. Drone and counter-drone systems: Likely tests detection, interception, neutralization, and electronic warfare capabilities. Future warfare preparation: Exercise aligns with modern warfare trends emphasizing unmanned systems and autonomous aerial platforms. Implications for National Security Airspace dominance: Enhances India’s defensive posture against UAV and drone threats, especially near sensitive borders. Deterrence signal: Demonstrates capability to neutralize aerial threats, sending a message to adversaries. Learning and adaptation: Feedback from the exercise will inform procurement, strategy, and capability development, ensuring readiness against emerging threats. The mapping of the India-China border Historical Background: The Basis of the Border Manchu Rule (1644–1911): Two major maps drawn with European Jesuit assistance: Kang-hsi Map (1721): Tibet-Assam segment; Tibet considered only up to the Himalayas; Tawang (south of Himalayas) not Tibetan. Ch’ien-lung Map (1761): Eastern Turkestan-Kashmir segment; Eastern Turkestan not conceived as trans-Kunlun; southern desolate region not claimed. 1913–14 Simla Conference: RoC delegate accepted non-Tibetan tribal belt (present Arunachal Pradesh) was not Tibetan. India included it in Assam; outcome consistent with Kang-hsi’s map. Implication: Traditional Chinese claims were limited; historical maps did not support trans-Himalayan claims in Arunachal Pradesh or Aksai Chin. Relevance: GS II (International Relations & Security): India-China boundary disputes, historical treaties, diplomatic negotiations. GS I (Geography & History): Geopolitical importance of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, historical mapping. GS III (Security): Strategic implications of border management, principle-based negotiation, territorial sovereignty. Evolution of Chinese Claims 1943: RoC sets aside Manchu maps; claims large Indian territories during WWII. Justification: map described as “unprecise draft.” December 1947: Similar map used amid India-Pakistan conflict. Pattern: China inherited and expanded claim-making from predecessor regimes rather than based on historical precedent. Post-Independence Diplomacy 1960 Talks (Jawaharlal Nehru & Chou En-lai): Chou questioned India’s historical evidence, using semantic and rhetorical tactics. Proposed resolving the boundary not solely on maps, but via principles: equitable, reasonable, dignity-preserving “package deal.” Key Insight (Vijay Gokhale, The Long Game): Chou avoided suggesting territorial swap (Aksai Chin ↔ Arunachal Pradesh). Both sides aimed for comprehensive resolution, integrating boundary, geopolitical, and trade matters. Specific Boundary Alignments 1914 Alignment: Indo-Tibetan boundary in line with Kang-hsi map; acknowledged by both parties at the time. 1899 Alignment: Kashmir-Sinkiang boundary line; based on watershed principle; related to Aksai Chin. Core Principles for Resolution Equity & Respect: No defeat to either side; preserve dignity and self-respect. Historical Evidence: Manchu-era maps provide strongest evidence for India’s claims. Geopolitical Package Approach: Consider boundary settlement along with trade and security issues; possibility of territorial swap remains contingent on mutual security needs. Key Takeaways Historical maps favor India: Manchu-era records clearly delineate Tibet’s southern boundary and Aksai Chin claims. China’s modern claims: Largely political opportunism during moments of Indian vulnerability; not supported by historical documentation. Diplomatic complexity: Both sides acknowledge need for principles beyond maps to achieve a sustainable, dignified settlement. Strategic perspective: India must maintain historical evidence, assert sovereignty, and engage in principle-based negotiations while safeguarding national security. How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models Why is it in the news Trump administration imposes $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa to curb labour arbitrage and favour domestic employment. Target: Indian IT firms (TCS, Infosys, Wipro) and global tech companies using cheaper foreign labour. Impacts new visa applications only; aims to reshape the IT outsourcing and talent ecosystem in the U.S. Raises concerns over innovation exodus, competitiveness, and global talent attraction. Relevance: GS III (Economy & Industry): Labour mobility, global IT outsourcing, impact on Indian IT firms, STEM talent flows. GS II (International Relations): India-US economic ties, trade, and visa policy implications. Basics of H-1B visa and context H-1B visa purpose: Allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign professionals for specialized roles, particularly in IT and STEM. Trend: H-1B workers now account for 65% of the U.S. IT workforce (up from 32% in 2003). Current issue: Rising H-1B hires coincide with mass layoffs of U.S. graduates in IT-related fields, triggering political and economic scrutiny. Existing filing cost: Previously a few thousand dollars per visa; minimal barrier led to “lottery-style” mass applications. Key drivers behind the policy Labour arbitrage: Indian IT firms leverage cheaper foreign engineers for onshore roles, impacting domestic wages. Domestic unemployment: 6.1% CS graduates and 7.5% computer engineering graduates remain jobless despite high H-1B usage. Political angle: Focus on protecting American workers and curbing displacement by foreign talent. Implications for Indian IT & Big Tech High fee impact: $100K per visa makes hiring foreign engineers onshore economically unviable. Strategic choices for IT firms: Raise client prices drastically. Shift operations offshore, reducing onshore employment opportunities. Big Tech: Need for selective hiring; only exceptional candidates will be considered, restoring the original purpose of H-1B. Collateral damage: May accelerate operational relocation overseas, potentially hurting U.S. employment instead of helping. Implications for U.S. innovation & economy STEM talent loss: International students contribute $40B+ annually; high fees discourage post-graduation retention. Global competition: Canada, Australia, UK actively attract STEM graduates; China’s tech growth increases geopolitical stakes. Innovation risk: U.S. risks losing intellectual capital needed for future technological breakthroughs. Disproportionate impact: Startups and mid-sized firms face higher barriers than tech giants (Google, Microsoft), potentially consolidating talent among large incumbents. Policy design critique Blunt instrument: Flat fee disregards skill levels, salaries, or elite university background. Better alternatives: Tiered fees based on salary, field of research, or U.S. university graduation could target arbitrage without losing top talent. Broader implication: Risk of undermining U.S.’s historical role as a global hub for science and technology talent. Strategic & geopolitical angle Global talent mobility: Countries with lower barriers can capture world-class talent. U.S. competitiveness: Policy may inadvertently strengthen China, EU, and Commonwealth nations in tech innovation. Trade-offs: Short-term labour protection vs. long-term strategic innovation disadvantage. SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation What is happening Event: Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by CJI B.R. Gavai discussed judicial stagnation. Issue Highlighted: Weary feeling and stagnation among subordinate judicial officers due to prolonged litigation and career bottlenecks. Context of Reference: Whether judicial officers with 7 years’ legal experience can avail Bar quota for District Judge appointments. Data on Pendency: Total district court cases: 4.69 crore Criminal: 3.69 crore, Civil: 1.09 crore (National Judicial Data Grid) Relevance: GS II (Polity & Governance): Judicial structure, career progression in judiciary, access to justice, Articles 32, 226. GS II (Law & Ethics): Judicial independence, efficiency, pendency, systemic reforms. Key Observations by the Bench Justice M.M. Sundresh: Stagnation undermines the vitality of district judiciary, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Example: Bright law clerks hesitant to join judicial service due to uncertain career progression. Weak base in district judiciary → multiplication of litigation. Lawyers can accomplish in 5 years what judges do in 1 year on the Bench, indicating overburden and inefficiency. CJI B.R. Gavai: Difficulty attracting talent due to perceived long stagnation before promotion. Many capable officers do not become principal district judges even after 15–16 years. Underlying Issues Career Stagnation: Lack of timely promotion in subordinate judiciary reduces professional motivation. High Pendency: Over 4.69 crore pending cases strain the judiciary, particularly district courts, affecting public access to justice. Impact on Talent: Talented law graduates and clerks hesitant to join judicial service. Systemic Bottlenecks: Delay in appointments, promotions, and streamlined career progression. Constitutional and Institutional Relevance District Judiciary: Vital for a healthy justice system; considered part of basic structure. Access to Justice: Weak base → delayed justice, undermining Article 21 (Right to Life & Liberty) and public trust in judiciary. Judicial Independence & Efficiency: Stagnation risks demoralizing officers, reducing effectiveness and independence. Broader Implications Quality of Judicial Service: Stagnation impacts the professional standards and effectiveness of judges. Litigation Multiplication: Weak lower judiciary leads to case pile-up in higher courts, aggravating pendency. Policy Gap: Need for career planning, promotion reforms, and Bar quota clarity to maintain judicial motivation. Talent Retention: Ensuring attractive career trajectory crucial to draw best talent into public service. India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10 Why is it in the news India will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP30 in Brazil on November 10, 2025. Expected to include increased energy efficiency targets and reinforce climate commitments. COP30 presidency (Brazil) emphasizes assessment of gaps in NDC achievement globally. Submission is timely as only 30 out of 190+ countries have submitted updated NDCs so far. Relevance: GS III (Environment & Climate Change): NDCs, Paris Agreement, emissions intensity, renewable energy targets. GS II (International Relations & Governance): Climate diplomacy, COP negotiations, global climate commitments. GS III (Economy & Energy): Carbon markets, energy transition, policy interventions in 13 major sectors. Understanding India’s NDCs NDC Definition: Nationally Determined Contributions are country-specific climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement. India’s 2022 NDCs: Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (2005 levels). Source 50% of electric power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. Create a carbon sink of at least 2 billion tonnes by 2030. Key Terminology: Emissions intensity of GDP: Carbon emissions per unit of GDP; does not equal absolute emission reduction. Non-fossil fuel capacity: Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear). Current Status (2023): 33% reduction in GDP emissions intensity (2005–2019). 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources. Significance of Updated NDCs (NDC 3.0) Operational timeline: Likely to indicate targets for 2035. Carbon Market: India aims to operationalize the India Carbon Market by 2026 for 13 major sectors, enabling emission trading via reduction certificates. Global assessment: Updated NDCs feed into the UN ‘synthesis report’ to evaluate whether collective efforts are sufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals (well below 3°C warming). Global Context EU: No formal 2035 target yet; indicative reduction 66.25%–72.5% (1990 levels). Long-term goal: net zero by 2050. Australia: Updated NDC aims to cut emissions by 62%–70% of 2005 levels by 2035. Global gap: Even if all NDCs are perfectly met, world is projected to heat by 3°C, missing Paris target of well below 2°C. Strategic and Policy Implications Energy Transition: Higher energy efficiency and non-fossil power targets reinforce India’s climate leadership. Market Mechanism: Carbon market encourages corporate participation, incentivizes emissions reduction, and integrates economic tools with climate goals. International Diplomacy: Timely and ambitious NDC submission strengthens India’s position in global climate negotiations. Domestic Implementation: Targets will require policy interventions across 13 sectors, technology upgrades, and regulatory enforcement. Challenges Achieving absolute emission reduction while sustaining economic growth. Sectoral compliance: Ensuring carbon market operations are effective across industries. Global comparison: Need to match or exceed peers’ commitments to maintain credibility in climate diplomacy. Monitoring and Reporting: Accurate data collection and progress reporting to UNFCCC is critical. L-1 visa vis-à-vis the H-1B Why is it in the news The US administration imposed a $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B applications, prompting companies and workers to explore alternative work visas. The L-1 visa is being discussed as a potential alternative for certain employees of multinational companies. Policy relevance: Could affect Indian IT firms, Big Tech, and global talent mobility. Relevance: GS II (International Relations & Policy): US visa policies, bilateral labour mobility implications. GS III (Economy & Industry): Global talent mobility, Indian IT and Big Tech staffing strategies, international labour arbitrage. Understanding the L-1 visa Definition: L-1 is a non-immigrant intra-company transfer visa for executives, managers (L-1A), or employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B). Eligibility: Must have worked abroad for the same multinational firm for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years. Only the employer can petition; individuals cannot apply independently. Duration: L-1A: 7 years max (executives/managers) L-1B: 5 years max (specialized knowledge employees) Advantages: No lottery or quota; can apply year-round. “Blanket petitions” allow faster processing for large firms. L-1 holders can pursue a green card without jeopardizing status. Limitations: Tied to a single company; cannot switch employers freely. Not available to F-1 students (lack of prior international work experience). Cannot extend simply while awaiting a green card beyond allowed period. L-1 vs H-1B: Key Comparisons Feature L-1 H-1B Purpose Intra-company transfers Specialty occupation workers Eligibility 1 year abroad in same firm Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field Cap / Quota No cap 85,000/year (65k regular + 20k advanced degree) Lottery No Yes Prevailing wage Not required Required Duration L-1A: 7 yrs, L-1B: 5 yrs Initial 3 yrs, max 6 yrs Employer flexibility Tied to same company Can switch employers with new petition Green card Allowed, does not jeopardize status Allowed, but may require extensions for pending GC Student eligibility F-1 ineligible Optional through H-1B post-F-1 OPT   Conclusion: L-1 is not a blanket substitute for H-1B; it is specialized for multinational transfers, advantageous for eligible employees but limited in scope. Current Data L-1 issuance (US State Dept): FY2019: 76,982 FY2021 (pandemic low): 24,863 FY2023: 76,571 Refusal rates increased from ~7% to 12% in 2023. Strategic & Policy Implications For Indian IT and Big Tech firms: May rely more on L-1 transfers for eligible employees to mitigate the $100,000 H-1B fee. Encourages offshore staffing models for employees ineligible for L-1. Talent mobility: L-1 ensures retention of highly skilled employees within multinational structures. US perspective: Maintains focus on protecting domestic labor while still allowing multinational firms to bring experienced talent. Global competition: Other countries (Canada, Australia, UK) may attract H-1B-eligible workers unable to use L-1.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 23 September 2025

Content Ayurveda Day High energy pushes atomic brotherhood making way for next generation quantum devices Ayurveda Day What is Ayurveda? Meaning: “Ayur” = Life, “Veda” = Knowledge → Science of Life. Principle: Harmony between body, mind, spirit, and environment. Pillars: Preventive care, lifestyle management, diet, and natural therapies. Philosophy: Seeks balance between humans and nature, linking health to ecological well-being. Relevance : GS1 – Indian Heritage & Culture: Ayurveda, ancient holistic health system; harmony of body, mind, spirit, environment. GS2 – Governance / International Relations: Ministry of AYUSH initiatives; ICD-11 recognition; ISO/BIS standards; MoUs with WHO, Germany, Japan, Mauritius, Nepal. GS3 – Science & Technology / Environment: Digital portals (DRAVYA, APTA), Ran-Bhaji Utsav; preventive healthcare, sustainability, medical tourism. Ayurveda Day: Background First celebrated: 2016, focused on “Diabetes Prevention & Control”. Earlier Date: Dhanteras (Lord Dhanvantari’s birthday, divine physician). Fixed Date (since 2025): September 23 (Gazette Notification, March 2025). Purpose: Institutionalize Ayurveda as a global calendar event. Evolution of Themes: 2022: Ayurveda @ 2047 (vision under Amrit Mahotsav). 2023: Ayurveda for One Health (human-animal-plant-environment interlinkage). 2024: “Vaishvik Swasthya Ke Liye” (Global Health through Ayurveda). 2025: “Ayurveda for People & Planet” (health + sustainability). Ayurveda Day 2025 Highlights 10th edition, celebrated at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa. Massive Outreach: Across India + 150+ countries via Indian Missions, universities, wellness orgs, diaspora. Key Launches: Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan: Nationwide health check campaign (CCRAS). DRAVYA Portal: Largest database on Ayurvedic herbs/products (classical + modern data). APTA Portal: Documenting lives & contributions of Ayurveda luminaries. Integrated Oncology Unit: Jointly by AIIA, Goa Govt., Tata Memorial Centre. Ran-Bhaji Utsav: Celebrating local edible plants for health & biodiversity. New Hospital Infrastructure: Sterile supply, linen care, blood supply at AIIA Goa. Recognition: National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards to promote excellence in practice, teaching, research, and policy. Institutional & Policy Framework Ministry of AYUSH (2014): Dedicated ministry for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy. National AYUSH Mission (2014): Strengthening AYUSH hospitals & dispensaries. Co-location of AYUSH in PHCs, CHCs, DHs. Establishment of integrated hospitals. Global Integration Efforts: WHO: Inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani in ICD-11 (TM-2). ISO (2023): Dedicated standards for Ayurveda for global credibility. BIS: 91 standards (herbs, Panchakarma equipment, Yoga terminology). WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine: Gujarat. MoUs with countries: Germany, Mauritius, Japan, Nepal. AYUSH Chairs in foreign universities: e.g., Western Sydney University. AYUSH Cells in 30+ countries. Economic & Societal Relevance Billion-dollar industry: Growing demand in preventive healthcare & wellness sector. Medical Tourism: Ayurveda centers attracting international patients. Innovation: Digital Ayurveda tools, start-up incubation, integration with modern healthcare. Employment: Expanding sector generates opportunities in pharma, research, wellness, and tourism. Arguments in Favor Holistic Healthcare: Preventive and lifestyle-based approach suits modern health challenges (obesity, diabetes, stress). Global Recognition: WHO, ISO, BIS standardization increases credibility. Sustainability Link: “People & Planet” aligns Ayurveda with environmental ethics and SDGs (climate-health nexus). Cultural Soft Power: Enhances India’s global leadership in traditional knowledge. Challenges Scientific Validation: Need for more robust clinical trials and peer-reviewed research. Integration Issues: Coordination with allopathic medicine still limited. Commercialization Risks: Over-commercial use may dilute authenticity and sustainability of medicinal plants. Access & Equity: Benefits of Ayurveda must reach rural & marginalized communities, not just urban elites or foreign markets. Holistic Perspective People Dimension: Preventive healthcare, lifestyle balance, mental health, affordable wellness. Planet Dimension: Sustainable use of medicinal plants, biodiversity protection, local edible greens (Ran-Bhaji Utsav), climate-adaptive health practices. Global Dimension: Bridging traditional knowledge with modern healthcare systems, enhancing India’s soft power, promoting “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future). Conclusion Ayurveda Day 2025 marks a milestone in positioning Ayurveda as a science of both human and planetary health. By combining ancient wisdom with modern validation, and local roots with global outreach, Ayurveda is being rebranded as not just India’s heritage, but a global public good. Its future lies in scientific rigor, sustainable practices, equitable access, and global collaboration, ensuring Ayurveda’s role as a cornerstone of the 21st century wellness movement. High energy pushes atomic brotherhood making way for next generation quantum devices Atoms & Rydberg States Atom: Smallest unit of matter with electrons orbiting around the nucleus. Rydberg Atom: Atom with one electron excited to a very high energy level → atom “balloons” in size. Special Properties: Hypersensitive to external fields (electric, magnetic, light). Strong inter-atomic interactions. Ideal for exploring quantum entanglement and simulations. Relevance : GS3 – Science & Technology: Collective behavior in Rydberg atoms; next-gen quantum computers, sensors, communication devices. GS2 – Governance / Strategic Technology: Supports National Quantum Mission; strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech strategic sectors. The Experiment (India-led) Institutes: Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru (experimental), IISER Pune (theoretical). Atoms Used: Rubidium atoms cooled to near absolute zero → trapped with lasers + magnetic fields. Process: Excited atoms with light into Rydberg states. Observed Autler–Townes splitting (clean signal pattern of excited atoms). Pushed beyond 100th energy level → signals distorted (blurred). Significance: Distortion is not noise/error but evidence of atoms interacting collectively, not behaving independently. Discovery & Its Meaning First Global Demonstration: Interaction-driven distortions at such high Rydberg states. Threshold Identified: The line between isolated precision atoms and entangled atomic communities. Implication: Knowing when atoms “talk” to each other is crucial for building quantum devices. Why It Matters for Quantum Tech Quantum Computers: Collective behavior of atoms can be harnessed for faster and more secure processing. Quantum Sensors: Ultra-precise detection of signals (magnetic fields, gravity waves, etc.). Quantum Communication: Secure, entanglement-based data transfer. Simulation of Complex Systems: Understanding biological, chemical, or astrophysical systems by mimicking them with interacting atoms. Technological & Scientific Contributions Detection Breakthrough: Custom detection system at RRI → capable of catching signals from even a few photons. Enabled study of very high Rydberg states (n > 100) where signals are weak. Collaboration: Experimental (RRI) + theoretical (IISER Pune) integration → strong India-led innovation. Scientific Advance: Validates models of how matter transitions from single-particle physics to collective quantum systems. India’s Position in Global Quantum Race Global Visibility: First to show such distortions at high Rydberg states → places India on the frontline of quantum research. Strategic Value: Supports India’s National Quantum Mission (2023–2031). Strengthens India’s role in emerging tech geopolitics (US, EU, China also racing in quantum). Talent Development: Young researchers (PhD students) at the heart of discovery → builds next-gen scientific ecosystem. Broader Implications Fundamental Physics: New insights into matter’s behavior at extreme scales. Technology Development: Helps design reliable, scalable quantum devices. Innovation Ecosystem: Bridges lab-scale physics with real-world engineering of sensors/computers. National Impact: Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech frontiers, reducing dependence on Western quantum ecosystems. Strengths: Pioneering experiment, globally significant. Demonstrates India’s ability to engineer sensitive detection setups. Strong collaboration between experimental and theoretical physics. Challenges: Translating lab-scale physics into commercially viable devices is a long process. Needs large-scale funding and industry partnerships to compete with US/China quantum investments. Requires integration with global supply chains for quantum hardware (lasers, cryogenics, semiconductors). Conclusion This breakthrough marks a turning point in India’s quantum journey. By proving how atoms shift from independent to collective behavior under extreme energy, Indian scientists have opened a new roadmap for quantum computers, sensors, and communication systems. The discovery strengthens India’s scientific prestige, technological capabilities, and strategic positioning in the global quantum revolution.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 23 September 2025

Content PHC doctors — a case where the caregivers need care The growing relevance of traditional medicine Basic structure PHC doctors — a case where the caregivers need care Context Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Backbone of India’s public health system; first point of contact in rural and semi-urban areas. Population coverage: ~30,000 per PHC; 20,000 in hilly/tribal regions; 50,000 in urban areas. Role of PHC doctors: Beyond clinical care—planners, coordinators, program implementers, health educators, and community leaders. PHC core functions: Preventive care, maternal and child health, immunization, disease surveillance, vector control, school health programs. Relevance GS2 – Governance / Health Policy: Public health delivery, primary healthcare system, Universal Health Coverage (SDG 3.8). Role of PHC doctors in implementation of national programs (RBSK, immunization, disease surveillance). Workforce management, health administration, digital health systems (IHIP, HMIS). GS1 – Society / Social Issues: Access to healthcare in rural and tribal areas. Community-centered health delivery and participatory governance (gram sabhas, ASHA/ANM engagement). Practice Questions : Critically examine the challenges faced by PHC doctors in India and suggest systemic reforms to strengthen primary health care delivery.(250 Words) Expanded Responsibilities Clinical load: ~100 OPD patients/day; includes high-risk pregnant women, chronic illnesses, and emergencies. Multi-specialty expertise: Doctors must handle newborn care, geriatrics, infectious diseases, mental health, trauma, chronic diseases, and emergencies. Community engagement: Mentoring ASHAs/ANMs, visiting sub-centres/Anganwadis, organizing health education, participating in gram sabhas. Program execution: Key drivers of national health programs like RBSK, immunization campaigns, and outbreak response. Administrative Burden Paperwork overload: 100+ physical registers for patient records, drugs, MCH, NCDs, sanitation, etc. Digital systems: IHIP, PHR, Ayushman Bharat, IDSP, HMIS, UWIN → often duplicate physical registers. Result: Long hours, administrative fatigue, reduced time for clinical care and research. Burnout & Workforce Well-being PHC doctor stress: Clinical, administrative, and programmatic pressures → emotional exhaustion, detachment, and inefficiency. Global recognition: WHO ICD-11 recognizes physician burnout as occupational phenomenon; meta-analyses show 1/3 of primary care doctors in LMICs report exhaustion. India context: Even in progressive states like Tamil Nadu, systemic pressures remain despite NQAS certification. Systemic Challenges Mismatch of expectations and support: High patient load, program targets, data reporting vs. inadequate staffing and recognition. Redundant processes: Manual + digital documentation; lack of meaningful automation. Limited capacity for innovation: PHC doctors have little time for reflection, research, or skill development. Way Forward Administrative reform: Reduce redundant registers, meaningful digitization, delegate non-clinical tasks. Global best practices: Adopt initiatives like 25 by 5 to reduce documentation time by 75%. Supportive systems: Shift from compliance culture to facilitation; ensure physical, mental, and emotional well-being of doctors. Community-centered approach: Reinforce preventive care, local engagement, and holistic health delivery. Strategic Importance PHCs & UHC: Gateway to Universal Health Coverage (SDG 3.8) → essential for access, quality, and financial protection. Investment priority: PHC doctors are the foundation of a resilient health system; their welfare directly impacts public health outcomes. Policy Implication: Strengthening primary care is not just infrastructure expansion but systemic redesign with empathy and efficiency. The growing relevance of traditional medicine Context Traditional Medicine (TM) globally: Practised in 88% of WHO member states (170/194 countries). Significance: Primary healthcare for billions in low- and middle-income countries due to accessibility, affordability, and cultural familiarity. Beyond healthcare: Supports biodiversity conservation, nutrition security, sustainable livelihoods. Relevance GS1 – Society / Social Issues: Traditional knowledge systems, healthcare equity, wellness culture. Lifestyle diseases, preventive healthcare, community wellness. GS2 – Governance / Health Policy: Ministry of AYUSH initiatives, international cooperation, WHO partnerships, standards and recognition. Integration of traditional medicine in national/global health architecture. Practice Questions : Evaluate the role of traditional medicine in India’s public health system and its potential contribution to global healthcare.(250 Words) Global Market Overview Market growth: Global TM market projected to reach $583 billion by 2025 (10–20% annual growth). Key national sectors: China ($122.4B), Australia ($3.97B), India’s AYUSH ($43.4B). Trend: Shift from reactive treatment to preventive, wellness-oriented approaches addressing root causes. India’s AYUSH Transformation Industry expansion: 92,000+ MSMEs; manufacturing revenue ↑ from ₹21,697 crore (2014–15) to ₹1.37 lakh crore; services revenue ₹1.67 lakh crore. Exports: $1.54 billion to 150+ countries; Ayurveda gaining formal recognition internationally. Public awareness: NSSO 2022–23 → 95% rural, 96% urban aware; over 50% used AYUSH in preceding year. Usage pattern: Ayurveda preferred for rejuvenation and preventive care. Scientific Validation & Research Institutions: All India Institute of Ayurveda, Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, National Institute of Ayurveda, CCRAS. Focus areas: Clinical validation, drug standardization, integrative care models combining traditional and modern medicine. Technological integration: AI, digital health, big-data analytics to strengthen clinical validation and predictive care. Global Outreach International partnerships: 25 bilateral agreements, 52 institutional collaborations. Global presence: 43 AYUSH Information Cells in 39 countries; 15 academic chairs in foreign universities. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre: Located in India; aims to integrate traditional medicine with modern science and technology. Philosophy & Contemporary Relevance Core principles: Balance of body–mind, humans–nature, consumption–conservation. Holistic approach: Encompasses human, veterinary, and plant health → aligns with “One Health” concept. Relevance 2025: Ayurveda Day theme “Ayurveda for People & Planet” emphasizes sustainable, preventive, and inclusive healthcare. Policy & Strategic Implications Economic: AYUSH sector as billion-dollar industry and global export driver. Soft power: Promotes India’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge internationally. Public health: Supports preventive care, lifestyle disease mitigation, affordable access. Sustainability: Integrates health with environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Conclusion India’s AYUSH sector is a convergence of traditional knowledge, modern science, and technology, serving preventive, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare. Global positioning: Enhances India’s soft power, economic footprint, and leadership in integrating traditional medicine with global health strategies. Future outlook: Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda can provide solutions for lifestyle disorders, climate-related health challenges, and holistic wellness, making them integral to planetary and human health. Basic structure Context Event: Mysuru Dasara festival, state-sponsored cultural celebration at Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnataka. Incident: Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim Booker Prize-winning writer, invited to inaugurate the festival. Petition: Claimed her participation violated Articles 25 & 26 (freedom of religion). Relevance GS1 – Society / Social Issues: Secularism, religious pluralism, cultural integration. Role of festivals in social cohesion. GS2 – Governance / Constitution: Articles 25, 26, and the Preamble; basic structure doctrine. Judicial review as a check against communalisation of public events. Practice Question : “Secularism is the cornerstone of India’s constitutional identity.” Discuss in light of recent Supreme Court rulings on public events.(250 Words) Supreme Court Intervention Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. Ruling: Petition dismissed; clarified Dasara is a public/state cultural event, not a private religious ceremony. Principle reaffirmed: Secularism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Key observation: The State cannot discriminate based on religion in public events; participation in cultural events cannot be restricted by religious identity. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Articles cited: Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs. Interpretation reinforced: Right to practise one’s religion does not confer the right to restrict others from participating. Public events organised by the State must respect pluralism and secularism. High Court support: Karnataka High Court previously upheld participation as constitutional. Social & Cultural Significance Festivals historically transcend social and religious barriers, promoting unity. Shared participation in cultural events strengthens social cohesion and pluralism. Editorial warns against political opportunists exploiting communal sensitivities to create rifts in society. Ethical & Governance Implications Ethical stance: Excluding participants based on religion is indefensible in a diverse society. Governance message: State events must reflect constitutional values — secularism, equality, and inclusivity. Accountability: Individuals or groups attempting to communalise public spaces must be held responsible legally and socially. Broader Lessons Secularism is not just a legal principle; it is cultural and political praxis in India. Public celebrations can serve as platforms to reinforce national unity and pluralistic ethos. Courts play a crucial role in upholding constitutional values against opportunistic communal interventions. Conclusion The Supreme Court reaffirmed that public events cannot discriminate on religious grounds, strengthening secularism as a core constitutional value. Key takeaway: In a pluralistic society, cultural celebrations must embrace diversity and reinforce the ethos of coexistence, resisting communal exploitation.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 23 September 2025

Content H-1B’s New $100k Entry Cost: Why Young Indian Women Are Most at Risk Why is India Not Importing Corn from the U.S.? Supreme Court Judge Says It’s High Time Defamation Was Decriminalised Number of Polluted River Sites Showing Slight Reduction: CPCB Report Too Loud to Ignore: Why Indians Should Care About Noise Pollution in Cities Seed Treaty Reforms and Farmers’ Rights H-1B’s new $100k entry cost: why young Indian women are most at risk What Happened? U.S. government raised H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 (from a few thousand dollars earlier). Applies to new applicants, not renewals. Expected to disproportionately impact young Indian women. Relevance GS 1(Society): Gender empowerment, social equity. GS 2(International Relations): India–U.S. relations, diaspora policies, global migration. GS 3(Economy): Skilled workforce, IT services, economic self-reliance, innovation ecosystem.   Contextual Background H-1B visa: U.S. non-immigrant work visa for skilled professionals in tech, engineering, medicine, etc. India = largest beneficiary (over 70% of approvals). Historically, male-dominated pool, but women’s share in new applications is rising (37%). Fee hike follows U.S. debates on immigration, protectionism, and election-year politics. Institutional Angle U.S. domestic law: Immigration & Nationality Act governs H-1B. For India: India–U.S. migration policies, diaspora ties, protection of skilled workers. IT sector, services exports, employment generation. WTO relevance: Fee may be challenged as non-tariff trade barrier. Data & Reports Gender Gap: FY24 – 74% men vs 26% women in renewals; 63% men vs 37% women in fresh approvals. Salary Gap (Initial Employment): Women bottom 25%: $71k vs Men: $80k. Women median: $91k vs Men: $99k. Women top 25%: $125k vs Men: $131k. Age Profile: 75% of women <35 yrs (vs 65% men). Education: 44% women had Master’s (higher than men at 39%). Nationality Skew: Gender gap sharp for Indians, not Chinese. Multi-Dimensional Overview Political: U.S. signalling protectionism to appeal to domestic voters. Diplomatic strain possible in India–U.S. relations. Economic: Indian IT exports ($150B+ annually) may face talent bottlenecks. Small firms/startups hit harder than tech giants. Social: Women disproportionately affected despite higher qualifications. Entry barriers may reduce gender diversity in tech workforce. Geopolitical: U.S. risks losing talent to Canada, UK, Australia. India may push harder for skilled migration pacts (e.g., mobility partnership). Ethical: Raises fairness concerns: fee burden not aligned with wages, discriminatory impact on young women. Arguments & Counter-Arguments Arguments for fee: Curtails over-dependence on foreign workers. Generates revenue for U.S. immigration services. Protects local employment opportunities. Counter-arguments: Discriminatory impact on women and young professionals. May reduce U.S. competitiveness in tech and R&D. Violates spirit of equal opportunity and open markets. Way Forward For India: Diversify skilled migration partnerships (Canada, EU, Japan). Strengthen domestic digital ecosystem under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Push for mobility chapters in FTAs (UK, EU). For U.S.: Balance domestic labour concerns with global talent competitiveness. Way forward: Collaborative mobility frameworks that ensure affordability + inclusivity, preventing disproportionate impact on women. Why is India not importing corn from the U.S.? What Happened? U.S. Commerce Secretary demanded India import U.S. corn. India has been self-sufficient in maize, producing ~50 MT in 2024–25, with 10–12 MT diverted to ethanol. India imports ~1 MT maize (2024–25), mainly from Myanmar & Ukraine — but not from the U.S. U.S. maize is largely GM-based, which India resists. U.S. push is linked to agribusiness interests and Midwest political stakes (corn belt). Relevance GS 2(International Relations): India–U.S. relations, WTO, trade diplomacy. GS 3(Agriculture): Agriculture, food security, ethanol blending, energy security. Contextual Background India’s maize yield: <4 t/ha vs. world avg. 6 t/ha; U.S. yield: ~12 t/ha. Ethanol blending (20% by 2025) creates new maize demand. U.S. agriculture → export-oriented, capital-intensive, seeks overseas markets. WTO rules have curtailed subsidies, forcing U.S. agribusiness to push exports. Policy Angle India’s GM policy: Only GM cotton approved; GM food crops under moratorium. Ethanol blending policy (E20 target): Part of India’s renewable & energy security strategy. Trade law: Anti-dumping concerns if U.S. maize is imported at 70% of Indian cost. Political economy: Farmers’ protection, rural employment, and electoral stakes (e.g., Bihar maize farmers). Data & Reports India’s maize output: ~50 MT (2024–25). Imports: ~1 MT (2024–25), 60% Myanmar, rest Ukraine. U.S. maize: ~350 MT annually, 45 MT exported. Ethanol substitution potential: 20% blending can save ~$10B forex annually. Multi-Dimensional Overview Political: U.S. push tied to Republican corn-belt voters & Iowa primaries. India resists due to farmer distress risks and upcoming state elections. Economic: U.S. maize is cheaper → threat of dumping. India risks harming its domestic ethanol-maize ecosystem. Forex savings from domestic ethanol could be eroded. Social: GM safety concerns (toxicology, food chain risks). Lessons from Mexico: NAFTA imports displaced 1M+ farmers. Environmental: Ethanol programme reduces oil imports and emissions. Importing feedstock dilutes green & self-reliance goals. Technological: U.S. mechanisation vs. India’s labour-intensive agriculture. India’s scope: R&D in higher yield, non-GM maize hybrids. Ethical: Balancing farmer livelihoods vs. global trade obligations. Corporate agribusiness vs. smallholder protections. Arguments & Counter-Arguments For imports: Cheaper corn, bridging ethanol demand-supply gap, better yield efficiency. Against imports: Farmer distress, risk of GM contamination, undermining ethanol programme, political backlash. Conclusion Prioritise self-reliance in ethanol feedstock via better maize yields & diversified crops. Invest in research on non-GM hybrids & biofuels. Use trade diplomacy to resist U.S. pressure while leveraging other areas (tech, services) for negotiation. Safeguard farmer livelihoods & rural employment while balancing climate and energy goals. Maize (Corn) – Value Addition Agro-Climatic Requirements Climate: Warm, humid climate; grown in both tropical & subtropical regions. Temperature: 21–27°C (optimum); frost-sensitive. Rainfall: 50–100 cm; drought-sensitive, but also waterlogging intolerant. Soil: Fertile, well-drained alluvial or red loamy soils; pH 5.5–7.5. Season: Kharif (major), also Rabi & Spring (due to short duration hybrids). Leading Producers in India Top States (2023–24): Karnataka (~16–17% of national output) Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Telangana Bihar Together, these five states contribute ~65–70% of India’s maize output. India’s Global Standing Production (2024 est.): ~35–50 million tonnes (varies by source). Share in world production: ~3% (U.S. ~30%). Rank: 4th–6th globally (after U.S., China, Brazil, Argentina). Yield: ~3.5–4 t/ha (vs. world avg. ~6 t/ha, U.S. ~12 t/ha). Uses of Maize in India Food grain: Direct consumption (cornmeal, makki roti, snacks). Feed: Poultry, cattle, aquaculture (major share). Industry: Starch, sweeteners (glucose, HFCS), plastics, cosmetics. Alcohol and beverages. Biofuel: Ethanol blending (10–12 MT maize diverted in 2024–25). Policy & Programmes National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Maize: productivity enhancement. Ethanol Blending Policy: 20% target by 2025–26 → maize as feedstock. ICAR – Indian Institute of Maize Research (Ludhiana): R&D on hybrids. Price support: MSP for maize in Kharif MSP schedule (2024–25 MSP: ₹2,225/qtl). Challenges Low productivity compared to global peers. Vulnerability to pests (Fall Armyworm outbreak since 2018). Price volatility due to poultry & ethanol demand. Resistance to GM maize (policy + socio-political concerns). Climate stress: rainfall variability affects yields. Supreme Court judge says it’s high time defamation was decriminalised What Happened? Justice M.M. Sundresh (SC) suggested time has come to decriminalise defamation. This comes despite the 2016 Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India case, where SC upheld criminal defamation as a reasonable restriction on free speech under Article 19(2). Multiple cases (Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, The Wire) highlight how criminal defamation is used for political and personal vendettas. Relevance GS2 (Polity & Governance): Fundamental Rights (Art. 19, 21), Reasonable restrictions, Judiciary. GS2 (Governance): Media freedom, political accountability. Context & Background Defamation in India: Civil defamation → monetary compensation. Criminal defamation → IPC Sections 499–500; up to 2 years imprisonment. 2016 SC ruling: Reputation is part of Article 21 (Right to Life) → justified criminal defamation as protecting “social interest.” Current debate: misuse by political actors and private individuals → clogs judiciary, chills free speech. Constitutional / Legal Angle Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech & expression. Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions (defamation included). Article 21: Reputation as part of life and dignity. Conflict: Balancing free speech vs right to reputation. Data & Reports Law Commission (267th Report, 2017): Recommended retaining criminal defamation but ensuring safeguards. Global practice: Many democracies (UK, USA) have abolished or rarely use criminal defamation; rely on civil remedies. India: NCRB data → thousands of pending defamation cases clogging trial courts. Multi-Dimensional Analysis Political: Criminal defamation often used by ruling/ opposition parties to harass opponents. Social: Journalists, activists, comedians face silencing effect (“chilling effect”). Legal: Re-examination needed—SC itself staying summons in many cases shows inconsistency. International: UNHRC & international bodies recommend decriminalisation to protect free speech. Arguments & Counter-Arguments For decriminalisation: Misused as a political weapon. Freedom of press & democracy require robust protection. Civil law sufficient for protecting reputation. Against decriminalisation: Reputation is fundamental right (Article 21). Civil defamation remedies (monetary) insufficient, especially for marginalized individuals. Fear of misuse of free speech without deterrence. Way Forward Balanced approach: Retain defamation as civil liability. Decriminalise or narrow criminal defamation (only for national security/communal harmony). Ensure faster disposal of defamation cases to protect reputation without stifling dissent. Way forward: Law Commission re-examination, Parliamentary debate, harmonisation with global democratic practices. Defamation in India – Value Addition Definition Defamation = Injury to a person’s reputation through words (spoken/written), signs, or representations. Types in India: Civil Defamation → tort (private wrong). Criminal Defamation → offence under IPC. Civil Defamation Nature: Private wrong → individual remedies. Legal Basis: No codified statute; governed by common law principles of tort. Standard: Plaintiff must prove → false statement + publication + harm to reputation. Remedies: Monetary damages (compensation). Injunctions (to stop further publication). Burden of Proof: On plaintiff (balance of probabilities). Criminal Defamation Nature: Public wrong → affects society at large. Legal Basis: IPC Sections 499–500. Section 499 IPC: Defines criminal defamation (with 10 exceptions). Section 500 IPC: Punishment → up to 2 years imprisonment or fine or both. Burden of Proof: Higher → “beyond reasonable doubt”. Examples of Exceptions (Sec. 499): Truth for public good. Fair comment on public conduct of public servants. Reporting of court proceedings. Literary/artistic criticism. Judicial Stand Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016): SC upheld criminal defamation → reputation = part of Article 21. Criminal defamation = reasonable restriction under Article 19(2). Recent SC Observations (2025): Growing misuse → suggested decriminalisation. Imran Pratapgarhi case (2025): “Defamation must be judged from standards of reasonable, strong-minded men, not touchy individuals.” Global Perspective Abolished/Decriminalised: UK (2009), USA (only civil), Ghana, Sri Lanka (partially). India: Among few democracies retaining criminal defamation. Number of polluted river sites are showing a slight reduction: CPCB What Happened? CPCB released updated data (2023) on river water quality. Key metric: Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). 3 mg/l → unfit for bathing. 30 mg/l → Priority 1 (most polluted). Findings: Locations unfit for bathing: 807 (2023) vs 815 (2022). Polluted river stretches (PRS): 296 (2023) in 271 rivers vs 311 (2022) in 279 rivers. Priority 1 stretches reduced to 37 (2023) from 45 (2022). Relevance GS1 (Geography): River systems, water resources. GS2 (Governance): Inter-agency coordination, role of CPCB. GS3 (Environment): Pollution control, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). Context CPCB monitors 4,736 locations: rivers, lakes, drains, canals. A river is classified as PRS if two continuous locations exceed BOD criteria. CPCB reports prepared in two-year phases → data is crucial for water policy, NGT orders, Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange. State-Wise Findings (2023) Highest PRS/locations: Maharashtra (54), Kerala (31), MP (18), Manipur (18), Karnataka (14). Priority 1 stretches: Rajasthan (5 highest in 2023). Earlier (2022): Maharashtra had 55 polluted stretches, followed by MP (19), Bihar (18), Kerala (18), Karnataka (17), UP (17). Why BOD Matters? Definition: Amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter. High BOD = oxygen depletion → aquatic life stress → unsafe for human use. Proxy for sewage discharge, industrial effluents, agricultural run-off. Systemic Issues Urbanisation & Sewage: 70–80% untreated sewage flows into rivers. Industrial Waste: Effluents without treatment plants. Monitoring Gaps: Rural stretches less covered. Governance: Multiple overlapping agencies (CPCB, SPCBs, Jal Shakti Ministry). Positive Signs Incremental reduction in polluted stretches (311 → 296). Decline in Priority 1 stretches (45 → 37). Indicates some improvement from river cleaning initiatives (e.g., Namami Gange, AMRUT 2.0). Concerns Still 807 locations unfit for bathing → unsafe for communities depending on rivers. Maharashtra continues to dominate polluted stretches list. Priority 1 stretches remain high, showing severe hotspots. Way Forward Expand Sewage Treatment: Universal STPs for cities and towns. Industrial Accountability: Strict zero-discharge norms for polluting units. Strengthen Monitoring: Real-time water quality sensors across rivers. Decentralised Solutions: Phyto-remediation, wetlands, bio-digesters for rural sewage. Community Engagement: River monitoring by local communities, citizen science initiatives. Policy Integration: Link CPCB data with Namami Gange and Atal Bhujal Yojana for holistic water management. Too Loud to Ignore: Why Indians Should Care About Noise Pollution in Cities What Happened? Noise pollution is a recognized air pollutant under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Despite its health risks (hypertension, stress, sleep disorders, cognitive decline), it is neglected in policy and enforcement. WHO recommends ≤55 dB(A) by day, ≤45 dB(A) by night. Indian rules: 55 dB (day), 45 dB (night) for residential areas. Reality: Indian traffic often exceeds 70 dB(A) regularly. Relevance GS1 (Society & Urbanisation): Impact of urban noise on quality of life. GS2 (Governance, Policy): Role of Pollution Control Boards, fragmented governance. GS3 (Environment): Noise as a pollutant under Air Act, link with SDGs (Goal 3: Good Health, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities). Context Noise is not just a nuisance but a serious health hazard: cardiovascular diseases, mental stress, premature mortality. Unlike air pollution, systematic monitoring is minimal. Governance is fragmented across multiple authorities, leading to poor enforcement. Systemic Failures (as Article highlights) Inadequate Monitoring Few real-time noise sensors. Limited, sporadic, incomplete measurement. Structural & Cultural Barriers Honking, loudspeakers, festivals normalized. Lack of recognition that noise is as harmful as smoke. Fragmented Governance Pollution boards, municipalities, police work in silos. Weak incentives, limited resources. Health, Social & Economic Impact Health: Hypertension, sleep disturbance, poor cognitive performance, hearing loss. Social: Disproportionate burden on street vendors, traffic police, urban poor living in congested corridors. Economic: Productivity loss due to stress and poor sleep; rising healthcare costs. Comparative Perspective Air pollution received attention only after public health crises & civil society activism. Same neglect is being repeated with noise pollution. In advanced economies: real-time monitoring, strict zoning, green buffers are common. Policy Path Ahead (Article’s Suggestions) Expand real-time noise monitoring; machine learning to map sources (traffic, construction, industry). Urban planning: Green buffers (parks, trees, sound barriers). Zoning laws to separate high-intensity noise areas from residences. Governance reforms: Noise regulations must be backed by transparent data. Cross-sector collaboration: transport, power, urban development. Community engagement: awareness campaigns, religious & cultural stakeholders. Equity focus: protect the most exposed groups (workers, urban poor, traffic personnel). Right to Quiet should be treated as a basic public health right. Arguments & Counter-Arguments For stricter regulation: Protects health, aligns with WHO norms, equity for vulnerable groups. Against (practical challenge): Enforcement difficult in culturally diverse, noisy societies; resistance from religious/cultural groups; resource constraints. Way Forward Recognize Noise as a major environmental hazard like air pollution. National Noise Control Policy with real-time monitoring, stricter penalties, urban design changes. Citizen awareness campaigns + school education on noise sensitivity. Integrate Right to Quiet into public health framework → basic dignity and wellness. Seed Treaty reforms and farmers’ rights The Treaty International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA / Plant Treaty) – under FAO (2004). Objective: Facilitates exchange of seeds/genetic resources for food security and ensures equitable benefit-sharing. Current system: Multilateral System (MLS) covering 64 crops (rice, wheat, maize etc.), accessible to researchers, companies, and institutions. Benefit-sharing mechanism: Expected when commercial crops are developed from shared resources. Relevance GS 2(International Relations): International treaties, governance of commons, India’s role in global negotiations, rights of farmers/peasants. GS 3(Environment and Ecology): Biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, biotechnology, IPR issues. Key Proposals Under Negotiation (2025 Reforms) Expansion of MLS: From 64 crops → all plant genetic resources (including wild, uncultivated, non-edible plants). Dual-access system: Subscription model: Fixed fee for broad access. Single-access model: Pay only when commercialising. Digital Sequence Information (DSI): Allows use of genetic data online without physical seeds → risk of digital biopiracy. Concerns Raised by Farmers & Civil Society Seed Sovereignty at Risk: Expansion without strong safeguards → unrestricted corporate access to India’s seed diversity. Weak Benefit Sharing: Millions of seed samples shared, but little/no benefit returned to source countries or farmers. Biopiracy: Companies patenting varieties developed from traditional seeds, selling them back to farmers. Digital Loophole: Genetic data (DSI) exploited without benefit-sharing. Exclusion of Farmers: Treaty reforms shaped by corporate lobbying, with limited farmer consultation. Contradiction with National/International Laws: Risks undermining India’s Biodiversity Act (2002), PPV&FR Act (2001), CBD, Nagoya Protocol, and UN Declaration on Rights of Peasants. India-Specific Implications India is mega-biodiverse → vast genetic resources at stake. Farmers’ Rights (under Article 9 of Treaty & PPV&FR Act): to save, use, exchange, sell seeds. Could be eroded. Seed Sovereignty: Expansion could transfer control of India’s gene banks to multinational corporations. Public Health Risk: Seeds used for pharma/biotech → medicines developed and sold back at high costs. Strategic Position: India co-chairs current negotiations → outcome directly affects domestic sovereignty. Broader Global Dimensions North-South Divide: Developing countries (Asia, Africa, Latin America) fear loss of genetic sovereignty; developed countries & corporations push for open access. Food Security Challenge: Monocropping & corporate dominance vs. resilience of indigenous seed systems. Climate Change Angle: Traditional landraces crucial for adaptation and nutritional security. Way Forward Strengthen Benefit Sharing: Mandatory upfront payments, fair royalty models, and data governance for DSI. Transparency: Public disclosure of who accesses seeds and how they are used. Recognition of Farmers’ Rights: Stronger safeguards in line with Article 9 of Plant Treaty. National Sovereignty: Ensure treaty reforms align with India’s Biodiversity Act and PPV&FR Act. Inclusive Process: Consult farmers, seed savers, and state governments before adopting reforms.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 22 September 2025

Content Tripura Sundari Temple: A New Dawn for Spiritual Tourism in the North-East Seeds of the Future: Clean Plant Programme Gaining Momentum Tripura Sundari Temple: A New Dawn for Spiritual Tourism in the North-East Why in News On 22 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura. The project, sanctioned in 2020–21 under PRASHAD scheme with an outlay of ₹34.43 crore, has upgraded facilities, connectivity, and spiritual tourism infrastructure. The event highlights the government’s focus on making the North-East a hub for spiritual and heritage tourism, linking it with the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” and Viksit Bharat 2047. Relevance GS1: Indian heritage, Shakti Peethas, syncretism in NE traditions. GS2: Centre–State coordination in PRASHAD, tourism governance. GS3: Infrastructure, sustainable tourism, employment, Act East policy. PRASHAD Scheme – Overview Launch: 2015, Ministry of Tourism, Central Sector Scheme. Full Form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive. Coverage: 54 projects across 28 States/UTs till 2025. Objective: Provide world-class amenities at pilgrimage/heritage sites. Preserve sanctity while ensuring modern infrastructure. Generate local employment and promote sustainable tourism. Significance of Tripura Sundari Temple Redevelopment Historical & Cultural: Built in 1501 A.D. by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas; state’s name Tripura derives from Goddess Tripura Sundari. Known as Matabari and Kurma Pith (tortoise-shaped base). Redevelopment Features: Food court, multipurpose halls, Prasad ghar, modern sanitation, solar PV, storm-water management. 51 Shakti Peethas Park showcasing replicas → cultural branding. Impact: Positions Tripura as a major spiritual tourism hub. Connects with Kamakhya Temple (Assam) to strengthen a Shakti Circuit in NE India. Broader Context – Spiritual Tourism in North-East Key Sites: Shaktism: Kamakhya (Assam), Tripura Sundari (Tripura), Parshuram Kund (Arunachal). Vaishnavism: Majuli Satras (Assam), Manipuri Raas traditions. Buddhism: Tawang (Arunachal), Rumtek (Sikkim), Mon monasteries (Nagaland). Cross-Border Potential: NE can attract pilgrims from Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar. Integration: Combines religious tourism + cultural festivals + eco-tourism, enhancing the Act East Policy outreach. PRASHAD’s Role in NER Past Projects: Kamakhya (2015–16), Meghalaya (2020–21), Nagaland (2018–19, 2022–23), Mizoram (2022–23, 2024–25), Parshuram Kund (Arunachal, 2020–21), Yuksom (Sikkim, 2020–21). Model Shift: Moves NER from “periphery image” to core tourism circuit. Livelihoods: Expanding homestays, guides, handicrafts, eco-cultural enterprises. Strategic Importance Economic: Spiritual tourism accounts for ~60% of India’s domestic travel. NER stands to gain from this market. Cultural Diplomacy: Positions India as custodian of Hindu, Buddhist, and syncretic traditions. Regional Balance: Ensures development beyond metros; integrates remote NE states into national mainstream. Vision 2047: Aligns with E-A-S-T principle (Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform) for Northeast. Challenges Connectivity bottlenecks (last-mile rail/road/air). Risk of over-tourism damaging fragile ecology. Sustaining sanctity vs commercialisation balance. Post-project maintenance and governance capacity. Conclusion The Tripura Sundari Temple inauguration is not just a religious event but a policy milestone: It illustrates how PRASHAD scheme is reshaping spiritual tourism by merging heritage preservation with infrastructure development. For the Northeast, it signifies a new dawn of temple tourism, linking faith with jobs, regional pride, and cultural diplomacy. Together, these efforts position the NER as a heritage-driven growth engine within the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Seeds of the Future: Clean Plant Programme Gaining Momentum Why in News On 21 September 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted progress of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) through field actions, hazard analysis, lab assessments, and nursery evaluations. CPP, approved in August 2024 with ₹1,765.67 crore outlay (including $98M ADB loan), is emerging as a transformative horticulture initiative. Relevance GS2: Government policies & interventions (Agriculture, Horticulture, One Health approach). GS3: Science & Technology in agriculture, climate resilience, food security, exports. GS1: Role of horticulture in rural livelihoods, nutrition, equitable development. What is the Clean Plant Programme? Definition: A centrally approved initiative to provide farmers with virus-free, high-quality planting material for horticultural crops. Nodal Agency: National Horticulture Board (NHB). Technical Support: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Funding: ₹1,765.67 crore (includes ADB loan). Core Idea: Prevention of systemic diseases (viruses, pathogens) at the seed/planting material stage → healthier crops, higher yields, lower losses. Key Features 9 Clean Plant Centres planned (3 in Maharashtra: Pune for grapes, Nagpur for oranges, Solapur for pomegranates). Modern nurseries: ₹3 crore for large, ₹1.5 crore for medium; target to produce 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually. National laboratory in Pune: For original plant species research. International Cooperation: Israel, Netherlands for technology & expertise. Process: Acquire → test → treat (if infected via tissue culture, cryo, heat therapy) → propagate → distribute. On-Ground Progress (2024–25) Website launched: Central hub for CPP resources (cpp-beta.nhb.gov.in). Hazard analysis completed for grapevine (578 samples tested); underway for apples (535 samples). Nursery visits: Maharashtra (2024) and J&K (2024) for climate-specific evaluation. Laboratory assessments: Bioinformatics pipeline for high-throughput sequencing (HTS). First Clean Plant Centre: Bidding underway for design. Benefits of CPP For Farmers: Higher yields, income stability, reduced losses from viral outbreaks. For Nurseries: Certification and infrastructure support. For Consumers: Better quality, nutritious fruits. For Exports: Stronger market credibility for Indian horticulture produce. For Equity & Inclusion: Access ensured for small/marginal farmers; women farmers integrated into training & planning. Broader Significance Climate Resilience: Virus-free crops more tolerant to stress; helps adapt to rising pest-disease interactions under climate change. Economic Impact: Horticulture already contributes >30% of agriculture GDP; CPP boosts India’s competitiveness. Food Security: Enhances fruit quality, reduces post-harvest losses. Health & Nutrition: Supports India’s focus on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Alignment with Wider Initiatives Mission LiFE (COP26): CPP promotes sustainable farming by reducing pesticide dependence. One Health Approach: Plant health → directly linked with human, animal, environmental health. MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): Complements MIDH’s goals of productivity boost (12.56 MT/ha in 2024–25 from 12.10 MT/ha in 2019–20). Challenges Ensuring wide adoption by small/marginal farmers. Capacity of state agricultural universities and labs to scale up diagnostics. Certification compliance and monitoring across thousands of nurseries. Need for sustained funding and international technology exchange. Conclusion CPP is shifting Indian horticulture from “cure” to “prevention” by investing in clean, disease-free planting material. With strong institutional backing (NHB, ICAR, ADB), CPP could become a game-changer like the Green Revolution and White Revolution—this time for horticulture. Future: Expansion to more crops (mango, guava, litchi, avocado, dragon fruit), digital certification systems, and farmer-centric training will determine CPP’s success.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 22 September 2025

Content The Visa Barrier: A Wake-up Call Uranium unrest The Visa Barrier: A Wake-up Call Why in News US visa policy shift: Trump administration’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees — impacts Indian IT professionals, students, and companies. Reflects US protectionist measures targeting mobility of high-skilled professionals. Raises questions about India’s over-dependence on foreign markets, talent migration, and weak self-reliance. Relevance : GS2 (International Relations / Governance) India–US relations and impact of protectionist policies. Migration and visa regulations affecting skilled workforce. GS3 (Economy / Technology / Governance) Economic self-reliance and domestic innovation. Skilled workforce management and Make in India/Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Practice Question : In the context of US protectionist policies, discuss how India can diversify international partnerships to reduce strategic and economic vulnerabilities.(250 Words) What the Editorial Says H-1B visas: Definition: A non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. Eligibility: Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Purpose: Primarily for IT, engineering, science, medicine, and research professionals. Duration: Initially 3 years, extendable up to 6 years (with some exceptions for green card processing). Cap & Allocation: Annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 regular + 20,000 for US master’s degree holders). Employer-driven: Only a US employer can file the petition; the visa is tied to the sponsoring company. Significance for India: Approximately 70% of H-1B visas go to Indian professionals, making it crucial for India’s IT sector and skilled migration. Indian students in US: Among top foreign student groups; US is top choice for higher education abroad. Indian Nobel winners (1990–2020): 26% were immigrants to US → illustrates brain drain. Policy shift impact: Higher fees = greater costs for Indian firms, discourages mobility, pressures skilled immigration. Editorial connects this issue to India’s structural economic weakness: dependence on US & China for markets, technology, and capital. Key Arguments of the Editorial US Protectionism Raising H-1B visa fees is part of broader American protectionism (tariffs, goods restrictions, immigration barriers). Targets India’s strongest area — human capital mobility. India’s Dependence Economic reliance on external powers: US: services, markets, IT exports, student visas. Russia: defence supplies (~60% of equipment imports). China: electronics, APIs, machinery, power equipment. Makes India vulnerable to shocks in any of these relations. Talent Drain & Brain Drain Elite/middle-class Indians migrate for education & jobs; India loses talent while US gains. Limits India’s capacity for domestic innovation. Self-Reliance Deficit Despite Atmanirbhar Bharat rhetoric, India lacks indigenous capacity in critical areas (semiconductors, aircraft, advanced manufacturing). Editorial warns that India has been in this dependency trap since the 1990s liberalisation. Geopolitical Vulnerability India lacks autonomy to withstand pressure from great powers (US, China, Russia). Reliance on external tech and defence imports weakens India’s Indo-Pacific role. Counter-Arguments Globalisation Reality: Interdependence is inevitable in a global economy; complete self-reliance unrealistic. India’s Strengths: Large domestic market; demographic dividend. IT services & skilled talent remain India’s comparative advantage. Growing domestic startup ecosystem partially offsets brain drain. Diaspora Leverage: Indian-origin professionals in US contribute to India’s soft power and remittances (~$120B annually). Incremental Atmanirbharta: Some progress in defence indigenisation, digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar), renewable energy. Policy Adaptation: India can negotiate better mobility agreements (e.g., with EU, Australia, Japan) to diversify beyond the US. Broader Implications Economic: Higher costs for Indian IT firms → reduced competitiveness. Educational: Middle-class families face higher barriers to US education; could redirect students to UK, Canada, Australia. Strategic: US immigration policy directly influences India’s domestic human-capital strategy. Policy Lesson: Dependency on external demand & talent absorption limits India’s autonomy in global geopolitics. Critical Takeaway Editorial frames the H-1B fee hike not as an isolated issue but as a symptom of India’s larger problem: lack of economic self-reliance. Unless India builds domestic innovation, manufacturing, and skill absorption capacity, it will remain vulnerable to foreign policy shifts of major powers. Conclusion The H-1B visa fee hike underscores India’s over-dependence on foreign markets and talent absorption, highlighting vulnerabilities in economic and strategic autonomy. India’s persistent brain drain and weak domestic innovation ecosystem reveal that rhetoric on Atmanirbhar Bharat has yet to translate into full self-reliance in critical sectors. To mitigate external shocks, India must strengthen indigenous capabilities, diversify international partnerships, and build robust domestic opportunities for skilled professionals and students. Uranium unrest Context & Background Event: Centre plans uranium mining in Meghalaya’s Domiasiat and Wahkaji regions despite sustained local opposition. Historical opposition: Khasi communities have resisted uranium exploration since the 1980s, citing environmental and livelihood concerns. Recent development: Union Environment Ministry issued an office memorandum (OM) exempting atomic, critical, and strategic mineral extraction from public consultation. Relevance : GS2 (Governance / Constitution) Participatory governance in resource extraction. Tribal rights under Fifth and Sixth Schedule. GS3 (Environment / Economy / Security) Environmental governance and sustainable resource use. Strategic importance of uranium for energy security. Practice Questions : Discuss the significance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in resource extraction projects in tribal areas of India. Evaluate its implementation in the context of Meghalaya uranium mining.(250 Words)   Key Issues Highlighted Erosion of procedural safeguards OMs are executive instruments without independent scrutiny. The current OM bypasses community consent, reducing local populations to passive observers. Sets a worrying precedent for future mining governance in India. Tribal rights and legal frameworks Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council can invoke Sixth Schedule powers to protect tribal land rights. Precedents like Niyamgiri (2013) establish the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for tribal communities. Exemption undermines Fifth and Sixth Schedule protections guaranteed under the Constitution. Environmental and health concerns Uranium mining is highly polluting; risks include landscape degradation, radiation exposure, and loss of biodiversity. Communities have historically reported neglect of concerns, language barriers in notices, and forced compliance in other uranium mining projects (e.g., Jharkhand). Governance & democratic deficit Dialogue with local leaders has been ignored, signaling that community “no” is unacceptable. Coercive approaches may achieve short-term objectives but breed long-term resentment and distrust. Highlights tension between national security/development priorities and local democratic rights. Editorial Arguments Need for consent: Upholds global norms requiring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before resource extraction. Alternative strategies: Suggests exploring other deposits, substitutes, or alternative power-generation methods instead of forcing uranium mining. Judicial recourse: Communities can challenge the OM in courts to protect constitutional safeguards and precedent. Policy caution: Withdrawal of the OM is necessary to prevent a dangerous shift in mining governance across India. Broader Implications Environmental governance: Weakening public consultation undermines sustainable resource management and ecological protection. Tribal autonomy & social justice: Ignoring consent risks violating constitutional protections, tribal rights, and ethical standards of governance. Democratic accountability: Sets a precedent where executive instruments bypass participatory decision-making, threatening India’s democratic ethos. Considerations National security & energy needs: Uranium is critical for nuclear energy and strategic purposes. Development argument: Mining projects can create local employment and contribute to national economic growth. Administrative efficiency: Exemptions may be intended to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic delays. Balanced approach needed: Risk-benefit assessment should consider environmental, social, and strategic dimensions equally. Critical Takeaways Exempting uranium and other critical minerals from public consultation undermines constitutional protections and FPIC principles. Democratic governance requires dialogue and consent, not coercion, especially for vulnerable tribal communities. India must reconcile strategic resource needs with environmental sustainability, social justice, and local autonomy to prevent long-term conflicts. Conclusion Exempting uranium mining from public consultation undermines tribal rights, democratic safeguards, and constitutional protections. Free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is essential to balance national resource needs with environmental and social justice. Coercive resource extraction risks long-term resentment; dialogue, legal safeguards, and alternative strategies must guide policy.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 22 September 2025

Content Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Implications for Indian Workers and the IT Sector The Rising Age of India’s Leaders: Gerontocracy, Governance, and Youth Representation Can timelines be fixed for Governors? Supercomputers vs. Normal Computers: Basics, Architecture, and India’s Technological Edge Sawalkote Hydel Project: Balancing Energy Security, Environmental Governance, and Water Diplomacy The Problem with Low Inflation: Fiscal Arithmetic, Economic Implications, and Policy Challenges Blending Isobutanol with Diesel: Feasibility, Benefits, and Challenges for India’s Biofuel Strategy Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Impact on Indian Workers and IT Sector Context H-1B Visa: U.S. work visa allowing companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields (tech, engineering, medicine, etc.). Previous Fee: $2,000–$5,000 per application. New Fee: Raised sharply to $100,000 for fresh applicants, effective midnight, September 20 (New York time). Scope: Initially applied only to applicants “currently outside the U.S.”; later clarified as a one-time fee per petition, not annual. Relevance: GS2 (International Relations / Governance): India–U.S. relations, bilateral trade and workforce mobility. Diplomatic response, humanitarian concerns for Indian citizens abroad. GS3 (Economy / Science & Technology): Impact on Indian IT services, skilled workforce mobility, and project continuity. Implications for economic competitiveness, talent migration, and global tech industry. Immediate Implications Impact on Indian workers: Indians account for 71% of H-1B beneficiaries (FY 2023-24). Median Indian H-1B salary: $95,500 (2024), among the lowest across all nationalities. 60% earn ≤ $100,000; 12% earn < $75,000, 47% earn $75,000–$100,000. The $100,000 fee could exceed or match many workers’ annual salaries, making sponsorship economically unviable. Business and IT sector effects: Nasscom warns disruption in onshore projects and continuity risks. Small and mid-size tech firms may find hiring Indian H-1B workers unfeasible. Timeline of implementation (Sept 21) created operational uncertainty. Humanitarian and diplomatic concerns: Indian government termed the move likely to have “humanitarian consequences.” Missions abroad instructed to assist H-1B holders and families. Policy Rationale (U.S. perspective) Trump administration argument: H-1B visas are being used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Share of IT workers on H-1B visas rose from 32% in FY 2003 to over 65% recently. Cited economic and national security threat. Commerce Secretary’s statement: Companies can no longer justify training foreign workers at nominal fees. The $100,000 fee per worker is intended to deter “non–economical” hiring. Data Analysis Salary mismatch: Median salary of Indian H-1B workers ($95,500) vs. new fee ($100,000) → cost exceeds earnings for majority. Non-Indian H-1B median salary: $120,000; Indians disproportionately affected. Potential employer behavior: Employers may reduce hiring of Indian professionals. Could push Indian IT talent toward alternative destinations (Canada, Europe, Singapore). Reactions Indian Government: Studying full implications, assisting visa holders. Industry bodies (Nasscom): Warned of disruption in project timelines and uncertainty for businesses. Highlighted the short notice as particularly problematic. Clarifications One-time fee: White House clarified that the $100,000 fee applies only to new petitions, not annual for current visa holders. Flight surge avoided: Initial panic over visa fees triggering mass returns mitigated by this clarification. Broader Implications Economic / Tech Sector: Could slow India-U.S. tech workforce integration. Small to mid-size IT companies disproportionately affected; large corporations may absorb cost. Possible impact on bilateral trade negotiations, as this coincided with key Indo-U.S. trade discussions. Human Capital & Migration: May push Indian professionals to seek other migration routes (Canada’s tech visas, Europe). Could reduce U.S. tech sector competitiveness in the long term if high-skilled talent inflow decreases. Political Messaging: Domestic U.S.: Framed as protecting American jobs. India: Seen as a diplomatic irritant; potential impact on India-U.S. bilateral cooperation. The Rising Age of India’s Leaders: Gerontocracy, Governance, and Youth Representation Context Trigger Events: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President citing age-related health issues. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat suggested leaders should step aside at 75; sparked debate as PM Modi and other leaders continue beyond this age. BJP’s unofficial “75-year limit” symbolized through Margadarshak Mandal (retirement/advisory cell). State-Level Relevance: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s age and health questioned ahead of elections; public gaffes raised concerns about policy decision-making. Relevance: GS2 (Governance / Polity): Leadership demographics, political succession, party mechanisms. GS1 (Society / Culture): Historical perspective on leadership, global comparison of gerontocracy. Global Perspective Gerontocracy: Rule by older leaders or councils of elders; prevalent globally. 2024 U.S. Elections: Age was central; Biden left office at 82, Trump inaugurated at 78 years 220 days. Other Examples: Brazil: Lula da Silva, 79 Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu, 75 India: Narendra Modi, 74 Authoritarian Context: Leaders like Erdogan (Turkey, 72) and Putin (Russia, 72) maintain power long-term; shows age rarely constrains political dominance in non-democracies.   Historical Roots Ancient Precedent: Greek city-states and Roman Senate: Age associated with wisdom and experience; legitimized elder rule (traditional authority). Indian PM Trend: Nehru: First PM at 58, median age 66; demitted office at 74 Rajiv Gandhi: Youngest PM at 40 Morarji Desai: Oldest PM at 81 Modi: Entered office at 63; median age of PMs rising to 76 by 2014 Historical median PM age: ~67 Indian CMs Trend: Median age rose modestly: 57 (1950s) → 59.5 (2020s) Peak decade: 2010–2020, median CM age 62.25 Younger appointees balanced by veteran leaders like Prakash Singh Badal, V.S. Achuthanandan, M. Karunanidhi. Parliamentary Demographics Lok Sabha Age Profile: Average MP age: 46.5 (1952) → 56 (2014) Share of 25–40-year-old MPs: 25–30% (early years) → <10% (2019) MPs aged 56–70: <25% → ~40% (2019) Youth Representation: Random Indian <30 years old: 50% probability Random MP <30 years old: 0.007% probability Indicates significant underrepresentation of youth in Parliament Key Implications Gerontocracy as Norm: India mirrors global trend of older leaders in democracy and autocracy. Experience and longevity often prioritized over generational turnover. Governance Implications: Older leaders may face health or cognitive constraints affecting decision-making. Public perception of leadership may shift (e.g., Nitish Kumar’s “sushasan babu” image vs current doubts). Political Culture: Lack of formal retirement age allows leaders to hold power indefinitely. Party mechanisms (e.g., BJP’s Margadarshak Mandal) signal informal retirement frameworks. Democratic Renewal: Declining youth representation in Parliament may reduce innovation, responsiveness, and generational equity in policy. Gerontocracy raises questions about succession planning, leadership grooming, and inclusion of younger voices. Global Comparison: Indian median age of PMs and CMs rising, similar to trends in U.S., Brazil, Israel, and authoritarian regimes. Suggests gerontocracy is a persistent feature of political systems, whether democratic or autocratic. Can timelines be fixed for Governors? Background Presidential Reference (May 2025): Supreme Court asked for opinion on 14 questions mainly on Articles 200 and 201 (Governor/President assent to State Bills). Trigger Judgment:State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor of Tamil Nadu & Anr (April 2025) Prescribed timelines: Governor: 3 months to act on Bills (assent, withhold, or reserve for President). President: 3 months to decide on Bills reserved by Governor. Delay beyond timelines can be judicially reviewed. Government Objection: Raised question of Court’s authority to prescribe timelines when Constitution does not specify them. Relevance : GS2 (Polity / Governance): Governor’s discretion, state–centre relations, federalism, judicial review. GS2 (Constitutional Law): Articles 163, 200, 201, principle of responsible government, commission recommendations. Constitutional Provisions Article 200: Governor’s options when a State Bill is presented: Assent Withhold (reject) Return for reconsideration Reserve for President Article 163(1): Governor must act per Council of Ministers’ advice, except when Constitution requires discretion. Provison in Article 200: Governor may return Bill “as soon as possible” for reconsideration. Article 201: President’s assent to Bills reserved by Governor; no timeline specified. Discretionary Powers of Governor: Rare, e.g., Bill contravening Constitution or affecting High Court powers. Otherwise, action is ministerial, not discretionary. Judicial Precedent: Shamsher Singh (1974): Governor cannot withhold assent at will; must follow ministers’ advice. April 2025 judgment interpreted “Governor shall” as mandatory, not discretionary. Commission Recommendations Sarkaria Commission (1987): Only rare reservation of Bills for President implies discretion. President should act within 6 months on reserved Bills. Punchhi Commission (2010): Governor should decide on Bills within 6 months. Arguments Centre / Union Government: Governor has constitutional discretion under Article 163(1). Courts cannot fix timelines; issues between Governor, State Govt, and President should be resolved politically. Article 201 (President) has no timelines; judicial intervention may undermine federalism. Opposition-ruled States: Governors in such States allegedly delay assent/reserve Bills selectively. Delays against ministerial advice undermine popular mandate. Delay cannot be termed as legitimate discretion. Supreme Court’s Stand (April 2025): Interpreted Article 200: “Governor shall” act, not discretionary. Prescribed 3-month timeline for Governor/President actions. Reliance on past judgments (Nabam Rebia, 2006) and commission recommendations. Challenges Federalism vs Judicial Oversight: Balancing Governor’s discretion with elected government authority. Politicisation of Governor’s Post: Allegations of bias in Opposition-ruled States. Democratic Functioning: Delays in assent/reservation can stall law-making and governance. Way Forward Short-Term: Centre and Governors should adhere to April 2025 judgment timelines (3 months) to respect federalism and democratic principles. Await Supreme Court opinion on Presidential reference for clarification. Long-Term / Structural: Consider measures to reduce politicisation of gubernatorial posts. Ensure constitutional scheme provides for nominal head while protecting State government’s authority. Foster political consensus to prevent recurrent legislative impasses. Significance Clarifies scope of Governor’s discretion vs ministerial advice. Strengthens principle of responsible government at State level. Judicial timelines aim to prevent undue delays in legislative process. Reinforces federal and democratic checks and balances How different are supercomputers to normal computers? Basics Supercomputers are high-performance computing machines designed to solve extremely large, complex, and calculation-intensive problems. Unlike ordinary laptops, they can handle tasks like weather forecasting, nuclear simulations, astrophysics modelling, and AI training. Performance is measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second); modern supercomputers operate in petaflops to exaflops. Relevance : GS3 (Science & Technology): High-performance computing, AI/quantum/neuromorphic computing, national infrastructure. GS3 (Economy): Strategic technological self-reliance, innovation ecosystem. Working Principle Parallel Computing: Instead of relying on one fast processor, supercomputers use thousands to millions of processors (cores) simultaneously. Each core handles a part of the problem; results are combined for a complete solution. Processor Types: CPU: Handles general-purpose tasks. GPU: Handles repetitive mathematical computations efficiently; widely used in scientific simulations and AI. Nodes: A node = a group of processors + memory; thousands of nodes make up a supercomputer. Interconnection: Nodes are connected via high-speed networks enabling ultra-fast data exchange. Memory & Storage: Each node has local memory; central storage systems handle petabytes of data with special file systems for parallel access. Cooling & Power: Massive heat generation requires water-cooling, refrigeration, or immersion cooling. Power consumption can match that of a small town, requiring careful distribution and efficiency. Software & Programming Supercomputer software manages: Task scheduling across thousands of processors. Memory management and inter-node communication. Load balancing to prevent idle cores and reduce power waste. Programming frameworks: MPI (Message Passing Interface), OpenMP for parallel programming. Users interact remotely using terminal-based job scripts specifying: Program to run, resources needed, and duration. Jobs are queued and assigned by a scheduler, with output stored in the file system. Performance Metrics FLOPS (Floating Point Operations per Second): Laptops: billions of FLOPS. Top supercomputers: exaflops (10^18 operations/sec). Enables tasks that no human or ordinary computer could complete in a lifetime. India’s Supercomputing Landscape History: C-DAC founded in 1988 after Western countries denied high-end exports. PARAM series: First indigenous supercomputer (PARAM 8000, 1991). National Supercomputing Mission (NSM, 2015): Aim: 70+ high-performance computing facilities across India, teraflops to petaflops. Collaboration: DST, MeitY, C-DAC, IISc. Focus on indigenous hardware & software (Rudra, AUM nodes). Major Supercomputers: AIRAWAT-PSAI (C-DAC Pune): Fastest in India, top 100 globally. Pratyush (IITM Pune), Mihir (NCMRWF Noida): Weather & climate modelling. PARAM-series also at IITs, IISERs, IISc, and central labs. Applications in India: Weather forecasting (monsoons, climate change). Oceanic & Himalayan modelling. Molecular dynamics, drug discovery, nanotech simulations. Astrophysics (black holes, gravitational waves, galactic structures). Defence scenario simulations, AI model training. Future Trends Exascale Computing: Machines capable of exaflops performance; e.g., JUPITER (Germany) — fully renewable-powered. Quantum Computing: Leverages quantum mechanics for specialized problem-solving; may reduce hardware and energy demand. Neuromorphic Computing: Brain-inspired designs integrating processing and memory on a single chip; potential gains in energy efficiency and speed. Key Insights Supercomputers are critical national infrastructure for research, defence, climate, and AI. Parallelism, high-speed networks, and efficient software are central to their operation. India’s self-reliance in supercomputing is growing, reducing dependence on imports. Future innovations may drastically reduce energy needs while increasing computational capacity. Sawalkote Hydel Project: Energy Security, Environment, and Water Diplomacy Context Project: Sawalkote Hydel Project (1,865 MW) on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir. River System: Chenab is part of the Indus river system, which flows into Pakistan. Status: Project stalled; environmental clearance is under review by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment. Significance: One of India’s largest hydropower projects on a western river. Relevance : GS3 (Infrastructure / Energy / Environment): Renewable energy development, hydropower, environmental governance. GS2 (International Relations): Indus Waters Treaty, India–Pakistan water diplomacy, regional stability. Geopolitical Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan governing sharing of Indus rivers. India can use western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) only for non-consumptive purposes (hydropower, irrigation limited to run-of-the-river projects). Full control over Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (eastern rivers). Current Challenge: Treaty in abeyance after Pahalgam attack; diplomatic sensitivities around water projects heightened. Environmental & Regulatory Aspects Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC): Reviews large infrastructure projects for environmental compliance. Evaluates environmental impact assessments (EIA) submitted by project developers. Strategic Importance of EAC Meeting: Clearance could unblock the stalled project. May set a precedent for large hydro projects on western rivers in J&K. Strategic & Political Significance Energy Security: 1,865 MW hydropower will significantly augment power supply in J&K and northern India. National Strategy: Post-Pahalgam attack, the project has been prioritized for strategic and economic reasons. Multiple tenders already floated, indicating government push for rapid implementation. Diplomatic Angle: Any development on Chenab may require careful handling to avoid tension with Pakistan. Could influence Indo-Pak relations, Indus Waters Treaty negotiations, and regional stability. Technical Considerations Type: Hydroelectric dam with 1,865 MW capacity. Location: Udhampur/Reasi/Ramban districts of J&K; part of western rivers. Design Considerations: Must comply with run-of-the-river restrictions under IWT. Requires environmental mitigation, including submergence impact, ecosystem disruption, and sediment management. Broader Implications Water Diplomacy: India’s use of western rivers is highly regulated under IWT, so projects like Sawalkote are closely monitored by Pakistan. Energy & Development: Hydropower projects are key to renewable energy targets and local employment. Environmental Concerns: Potential ecosystem impact, displacement, and river ecology changes must be mitigated. Federal & Strategic Priority: Central government treats such projects as national strategic assets. Key Takeaways The Sawalkote dam represents the intersection of energy development, environmental governance, and international diplomacy. Clearance decisions will balance India’s energy needs with Indus Treaty obligations and environmental safeguards. EAC’s recommendation could unlock one of the largest hydro projects in northern India, shaping the future of hydro infrastructure in J&K. The Problem with Low Inflation: Fiscal Arithmetic and Economic Implications Context Inflation Data: CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation: 2.07% in August 2025. WPI (Wholesale Price Index) inflation: 0.52% in August 2025 compared to August 2024. Nominal vs Real GDP: Real GDP: Adjusted for inflation; measures physical growth of goods/services. Nominal GDP: Unadjusted for inflation; reflects monetary value of all goods/services and is critical for government’s fiscal calculations (tax revenue, deficit, debt). Budget Assumptions: 2025-26 Union Budget assumed nominal GDP growth of 11% (₹357 lakh crore) from revised ₹321 lakh crore in 2024-25. Fiscal deficit target: 4.4% of nominal GDP; Debt-to-GDP: 56.1%. Relevance: GS3 (Economy / Fiscal Policy): Nominal vs real GDP, budget assumptions, inflation impact on tax revenue and deficit. GS3 (Monetary Policy): RBI’s role, price stability, corporate profitability, demand-supply dynamics. Overview Low Inflation: Implications Positive for consumers: Prices of goods and services are rising slowly → higher purchasing power. Reduces cost-of-living pressures for households. Challenges for government: Slower nominal GDP growth → lower than expected tax revenue. Makes fiscal targets (deficit, debt ratio) harder to achieve without additional revenue or expenditure cuts. Nominal GDP Growth and Budget Arithmetic Current Trends: Real GDP growth Q1 FY26: 7.8% (5-quarter high). Nominal GDP growth Q1 FY26: 8.8% (3-quarter low) → below 11% Budget assumption. Significance: Government projections for tax revenue are tied to nominal GDP growth. Weak price growth reduces the monetary value of output, affecting revenue calculations. Even with strong real growth, low inflation can depress nominal GDP. Historical Perspective & Base Effect Nominal GDP regularly misses Budget targets: Last 13 years: only 4 years matched Budget assumptions. Economic forecasting is inherently uncertain. Base effect in FY25: GDP revised from ₹321 lakh crore → ₹331 lakh crore. Required nominal growth for FY26 to meet Budget: ~8% (lower than initial 11%). Highlights dependency of fiscal arithmetic on nominal GDP benchmarks. Causes of Low Inflation Oversupply / Weak demand: Ideal scenario → low inflation is benign. Corporate profitability: April-June 2025: sales rose ~5.3-5.5%, net profits increased 17-27%. Indicates profits rising faster than sales → not due to productivity gains. Other factors: Global commodity price moderation. Weak investment (capex) → less demand pressure in economy. Consequences for Fiscal Policy Short-term impacts: Slower nominal growth → tax revenue below projections. Pressure on government to maintain deficit and debt targets. Medium-term considerations: If low inflation persists, may limit government’s capacity for new spending or stimulus. RBI may maintain accommodative monetary policy to support nominal GDP growth. Broader Economic Implications Policy tension: Low inflation benefits consumers but can constrain fiscal space. Balancing growth stimulus vs fiscal discipline becomes challenging. Market signals: Strong corporate profits with weak sales growth → uneven economic expansion. Potential signs of demand-side weakness despite supply-side stability. Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel? Context Biofuel under consideration: Isobutanol – an alcohol compound with inflammable properties. Agency: Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) exploring blending with diesel. Motivation: Ethanol blending with diesel was unsuccessful; isobutanol blends better with diesel. Pilot Project: Expected duration ~18 months; if successful, India may become the first country to blend isobutanol with diesel. Relevance: GS3 (Economy / Energy / Environment): Alternative fuels, emission reduction, import substitution. GS3 (Science & Technology): Biofuel production, fermentation technology, engine performance studies. Production & Raw Material Raw materials: Sugarcane syrup, molasses, grains, and other biomass sources used for ethanol production. Production process: Specially engineered microbes ferment natural sugars under sterile conditions. Unlike conventional yeast for ethanol, these microbes are designed to produce isobutanol. Infrastructure requirements: Existing ethanol plants can be retrofitted: Fermentation tanks slightly modified. Distillation tanks to separate ethanol from isobutanol. Example: 150 klp/d plant → 125 klp/d ethanol + 20 klp/d isobutanol with minimal changes. Why Ethanol Was Discarded Miscibility: Ethanol blends poorly with diesel. Flash point concerns: Ethanol has a lower flash point → higher volatility → greater fire risk. Surplus issue: Ethanol is already in surplus; government targets 20% blending with petrol. Advantages of Isobutanol Better blending with diesel: No need for efficiency complements. Higher flash point than ethanol: Safer for storage and transport. Emission benefits: Reduces pollutants and aids India’s net-zero targets. Import substitution: Reduces dependence on fossil diesel imports. Utilization of surplus biomass: Offers an alternative use for sugarcane molasses/syrup. Challenges / Cons Cetane number: Significantly lower than diesel → may reduce ignition quality and combustion efficiency. Diesel knock risk: Uneven/premature combustion can damage engines and reduce power. Miscibility issues with diesel: Requires blending with biodiesel to stabilize mixture. Cost implications: Cetane-enhancing additives needed → incremental cost. Blending limit: No more than 10% isobutanol recommended in diesel to avoid engine issues. Further testing needed: Impacts vary by vehicle type and class; pilot studies essential. Impact on Engine Performance Potential positive: Reduced emissions, better environmental outcomes. Potential negative: Lower cetane → slower ignition, reduced power, risk of engine knock. Proper additives required to restore performance. Pilot study essential to determine optimal blending ratios and effects on different engines.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 20 September 2025

Content India’s Manufacturing Momentum: Performance and Policy Strengthening Homes, Lives & Jobs India’s Manufacturing Momentum: Performance and Policy Basics Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Tracks output of manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors; proxy for industrial growth. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI): Survey-based indicator reflecting business activity, new orders, output, and employment trends in manufacturing. Flagship Policies Driving Manufacturing: PLI Scheme (2020): ₹1.97 lakh crore outlay, incentives for incremental production across 14 sectors. National Manufacturing Mission (2025–26): Unified, long-term industrial policy focusing on sustainability, clean-tech, and global leadership. PM MITRA Parks: Mega textile hubs to attract investment and create jobs. Skill India Restructuring (2025): ₹8,800 crore outlay for demand-driven skill alignment. National Logistics Policy (2022): Reduce logistics costs, boost efficiency, integrate digital systems. Startup India (2016): Strengthening entrepreneurship as a growth driver. Relevance : GS3 (Economy): Industrial growth, PLI, exports, MSMEs, job creation. GS3 (Infrastructure): Industrial/logistics corridors. GS3 (S&T/Environment): EVs, clean-tech, Net Zero. Overview Recent Performance Indicators IIP Growth: July 2025: 3.5% YoY (vs. 1.5% in June). Manufacturing: 5.4% YoY (vs. 3.7% in June). Sectoral Leaders (July 2025): Electrical equipment (+15.9%), basic metals (+12.7%), non-metallic minerals (+9.5%). PMI Surge: June 2025: 58.4 → July: 59.1 → August: 59.3 (highest in 17 years). Driven by fastest production growth in 5 years, strong factory orders, hiring expansion. Exports & Global Value Chains Exports April–Aug 2025: Total exports: $349.35 bn (+6.18% YoY). Merchandise exports: $184.13 bn (+2.52% YoY). Target: $1 trillion manufacturing output by FY26; contribute $500 bn annually to global economy by 2030. Strategic Sectors Anchoring Exports: Electronics, pharma, automobiles, textiles. Sectoral Engines of Growth a) Electronics (Digital Factory Floor) Production: ₹1.9 lakh cr (2014–15) → ₹11.3 lakh cr (2024–25). Exports: ₹38,000 cr → ₹3.27 lakh cr (8x increase). Mobile phones: Production: ₹18,000 cr → ₹5.45 lakh cr (28x). Exports: ₹1,500 cr → ₹2 lakh cr (127x). Import dependence: 75% → 0.02%. Now world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer; FDI inflows $4 bn (70% via PLI). b) Pharmaceuticals (Pharmacy of the World) Global share: 50% vaccines, 40% generics (to US). Production rank: 3rd by volume, 14th by value. Target: $130 bn (2030), $450 bn (2047). PLI (₹15,000 cr): 55 projects, focus on high-value drugs. SPI (₹500 cr): Quality upgradation, R&D support for SMEs. c) Automobiles (Shifting into High Gear) Contribution: 7.1% of GDP, 49% of manufacturing GDP. FY25: 3.10 crore vehicles produced. Global standing: 4th largest automobile producer. EV push under PLI & FAME schemes positioning India in future mobility. d) Textiles (Inclusive Growth Driver) Contribution: 2.3% of GDP, 13% of industrial production, 12% of exports. Target: $350 bn industry by 2030, 3.5 crore jobs. Employment: 45 mn directly (majority women, rural). PM MITRA Parks: 7 approved; Dhar, MP inaugurated (Sept 2025) → 1,300 acres, 80 units, 3 lakh jobs expected. Investment Flows & FDI Confidence Total FDI inflows (2014–25): $748.78 bn (143% ↑ vs 2003–14). FY25: $81.04 bn (14% ↑ YoY). Manufacturing FDI: $19.04 bn (18% ↑ YoY). Top states: Maharashtra (39%), Karnataka (13%), Delhi (12%). Top sources: Singapore (30%), Mauritius (17%), USA (11%). Target: Raise annual inflows to $100 bn. Employment, Skills & Human Capital Job creation: 17 crore jobs in last decade; 15% growth in manufacturing jobs (vs. 6% in 2004–14). PLFS Aug 2025: WPR: 52.2%. Female WPR: 32% (rising steadily). LFPR (women): 33.7%. UR: 5.1%; male UR at 5.0% (5-month low). Skill India Revamp (₹8,800 cr): Integrated PMKVY 4.0, Apprenticeship, Jan Shikshan into one demand-driven, industry-aligned system. Policy Catalysts PLI Scheme: Transforming 14 key sectors; boosting exports (e.g., smartphones > ₹1 lakh cr exports in 5 months of FY26). GST 2.0 Reforms: Two-slab structure; rate cuts on essentials, auto, textiles, logistics → cost compression, MSME competitiveness, export boost. National Logistics Policy (2022): Reduce costs, digitalize logistics, improve India’s LPI rank. Industrial Corridors: 12 new projects (₹28,602 cr) → integrated urban-industrial hubs. Startup India: 1.91 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups; 17.69 lakh direct jobs created. Road Ahead: From Momentum to Leadership Amrit Kaal 2047 Goal: $35 trillion economy; manufacturing at its core. Target: Raise manufacturing share in GDP significantly; become global leader in innovation-driven manufacturing. Strategic Positioning: Amid global supply chain realignments, India has a window of opportunity to emerge not just as the “factory of the world” but as an innovation and leadership hub. Sustainability Focus: National Manufacturing Mission aligning industrial expansion with Net Zero 2070 goals. Strengthening Homes, Lives & Jobs Basics Context: On 19 September 2025, the Government of India reduced GST rates on key construction inputs and services. Objective: Make housing and infrastructure more affordable, strengthen MSMEs, boost jobs, and support Housing for All. Flagship Alignment: PMAY-Urban (2015), PMAY-Grameen (2016), Smart Cities Mission, and broader infrastructure goals. Key Materials Covered: Cement: 28% → 18% Particle boards: 12% → 5% Marble & granite blocks: 12% → 5% Job work for bricks & sand lime bricks: 12% → 5% Effluent treatment services: 12% → 5% Relevance : GS3 (Economy): GST reform, housing affordability, MSME relief, jobs. GS3 (Infrastructure): Housing & urban development. GS3 (Environment): Sustainable construction materials, effluent treatment. Overview Cement (28% → 18%) Cost Impact: Cement = 15–20% of total building cost, ~11% of overall construction costs → direct reduction in house and infrastructure cost. Social Impact: Supports PMAY, rural housing, and public projects (schools, health centers, metro, roads). Economic Impact: Boosts demand across cement value chain (mining, logistics, distribution). Employment: High labor intensity → more jobs in manufacturing, transport, and construction. Fiscal Efficiency: Lower cement costs → public spending efficiency rises as projects stretch further. Particle Boards (12% → 5%) Sectoral Role: Key in prefabricated housing, furniture, rural/urban interiors. Sustainability: Jute-based boards = biodegradable, renewable → aligns with India’s climate goals. MSME Link: Cluster-based industry → lower GST reduces working capital pressure, boosts small enterprises. Employment: Expands semi-urban and rural employment opportunities. Marble & Granite Blocks (12% → 5%) Industry Base: States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. Consumer Benefit: Flooring, tiling, interiors cheaper for middle-class and affordable housing. Trade Impact: Strengthens domestic stone industry, reduces reliance on imports. Jobs: Sustains lakhs in quarrying, cutting, polishing, logistics. Bricks & Sand Lime Bricks (12% → 5%) Brick Job Work: MSME-driven kilns get relief → lowers rural housing costs. Sand Lime Bricks: Cheaper → more competitive than traditional red bricks. Technical benefits: Strength, uniformity, eco-friendly. Rural Impact: Promotes pucca housing adoption in villages under PMAY-Grameen. MSME Health: Lower tax = reduced compliance burden + better cash flow. Effluent Treatment Services (12% → 5%) Industrial Impact: Incentivises CETPs → affordable for industries, reduces pollution. Urban Governance: Helps municipalities with waste management, clean energy. Green Jobs: Creates employment in segregation, plant operation, maintenance. Sustainability: Direct contribution to India’s environmental commitments (SDGs, NDCs). Macro-Economic and Policy Impact Housing for All: Directly reduces cost barriers for both urban and rural households. MSME Strengthening: Relief across cement, particle board, brick kilns → improves sectoral resilience. Employment: Construction = second largest employment generator → multiplier effect across mining, logistics, finishing sectors. Investment Boost: Lower input costs attract private investment in construction, real estate, and urban infrastructure. Sustainability Push: Eco-materials (jute boards, sand lime bricks) + CETP adoption = greener housing ecosystem. Strategic Relevance Urbanisation Drive: India will add ~400 million urban dwellers by 2050 → affordable housing is crucial. Social Equity: Lowers financial burden for EWS, LIG households under PMAY. Inclusive Growth: Balances industrial competitiveness, rural employment, and green transitions. Long-Term Vision: GST rationalisation is part of larger housing reforms → infrastructure-led growth, improved quality of life.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 20 September 2025

Content The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy A climate-health vision with lessons from India Shifting sands The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy Context On September 17, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the SMDA in Riyadh. The pact revives defence cooperation and has implications for South West Asia and India’s strategic interests. Relevance GS2 (International Relations): West Asia geopolitics, India–Saudi relations, Pakistan’s regional strategy, U.S. role in Gulf security. GS3 (Security): Nuclear proliferation risks (A.Q. Khan precedent) and India’s energy security. Practice Questions : Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India in the context of the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact..(250 Words)   Background Saudi-Pakistan defence ties date back to 1951; peaked between 1979–1989 with ~20,000 Pakistani troops deployed to protect Saudi Arabia’s Holy Harams and the royal family. Differences emerged over time: Saudi leadership viewed Pakistani forces as mercenary; Pakistan resisted excluding Shia troops; Pakistan declined deployments during the Gulf War (1990) and Yemen civil war (2015). The United States historically supported Saudi-Pakistan defence ties; Trump administration facilitated the revival of the pact. SMDA was signed amid heightened regional tensions: Israel–Iran conflict, Hamas–Israel war, and declining U.S. reliability in protecting GCC states. Key Features of the SMDA Signed between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attending. Provisions likely include limited Pakistani troop presence in Saudi Arabia, training and intelligence cooperation, and a possible nuclear dimension. Saudi Arabia is expected to provide financial and oil support to Pakistan. Agreement is largely optics-driven: reassures Riyadh while offering Pakistan strategic and economic benefits. Strategic Calculations For Saudi Arabia: Pros: Provides nuclear deterrent if Iran goes nuclear, offers symbolic ally amid declining U.S. reliability, avoids deploying Arab or Turkish troops due to historical sensitivities. Cons: Past frictions with Pakistani forces, risk of Pakistani–Chinese entanglement, restrictions imposed by Israel on nuclear cooperation. For Pakistan: Pros: Gains economic support through Saudi funds and oil, access to advanced defence hardware and training, strategic leverage against India. Cons: No Saudi military backing against India, risk of overcommitment or entanglement in regional conflicts with Iran or Yemen. U.S. and Israel Factor The United States facilitated the agreement, particularly through Trump’s engagement with Pakistani leadership. Saudi–Israel normalisation stalled due to the 2023 Gaza war. Israeli strike on Qatar in September 2025 exposed gaps in U.S. protection, increasing the urgency for Saudi Arabia to secure alternative defence guarantees. SMDA is seen as a “consolation prize” for Riyadh after the aborted U.S.–Saudi defence deal. Implications for India Opportunities: India is the third-largest oil importer and second-largest buyer of Saudi crude; strong bilateral defence and intelligence ties; large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia; planned $100 billion Saudi investment strengthens strategic leverage. Risks: Pakistan may leverage the SMDA to manoeuvre against India; potential nuclear or military technology transfer risks. Saudi Arabia reportedly took India into confidence during SMDA negotiations, ensuring India remains a trusted partner. Way Forward for India Deepen energy and economic partnerships with Saudi Arabia. Strengthen diaspora diplomacy to maintain goodwill. Expand defence cooperation through joint exercises and intelligence sharing. Remain vigilant against Pakistan’s attempts to exploit Saudi support. Pursue multi-vector diplomacy to maintain balanced ties with both Riyadh and Tehran. A climate-health vision with lessons from India Context Event: 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Belém, Brazil (July 29–31, 2025). Delegates: Representatives from 90 countries contributed to shaping the Belém Health Action Plan. Purpose: The plan, set to be launched at COP30 (November 2025), will define the global agenda on climate and health. India’s Participation: India was not officially represented, missing an opportunity to showcase its developmental experience as a model for integrated climate-health action. Relevance GS2 (Governance & IR): Climate governance, international conferences, India’s developmental diplomacy. GS3 (Environment & Health): Climate-health nexus, sustainable development, energy and food systems, air pollution, rural livelihoods. Practice Question : Evaluate the importance of intersectoral coordination and whole-of-society approaches in achieving climate-health outcomes.(250 Words) Overview from India’s Welfare Programmes PM POSHAN: Covers over 11 crore children in nearly 11 lakh schools. Connects health, education, agriculture, and food procurement. Promotes millets and traditional grains → addresses malnutrition and builds climate-resilient food systems. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Tackles sanitation, public health, human dignity, and environmental sustainability simultaneously. MNREGA Environmental Works: Improves rural livelihoods and restores degraded ecosystems. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Provides clean cooking fuel, reducing household air pollution and carbon emissions. Key Insight: Non-health interventions can generate significant health co-benefits while addressing climate challenges. Intersectoral coordination amplifies impact. Success Factors in India’s Experience Strong Political Leadership: Direct Prime Ministerial involvement in PMUY and Swachh Bharat ensured cross-ministry coordination. Framing climate action as a health emergency increases attention and public support. Community Engagement: Swachh Bharat leveraged cultural symbolism (Mahatma Gandhi’s vision). PM POSHAN built grassroots support via parent-teacher associations and school committees. Climate action benefits from linking environmental protection to societal health values. Leveraging Existing Institutions: Programs built on accredited health workers, self-help groups, municipal bodies, and panchayats. Embedding climate-health links in existing institutions strengthens implementation. Challenges Siloed Administrative Structures: Divergent responsibilities across sectors can hinder integrated outcomes. Affordability & Access Issues: Example: High LPG refill costs under PMUY due to oil marketing business interests. Social and cultural barriers continue to affect utilisation and equitable access. Structural Inequities: Climate solutions must address systemic inequities and focus on measuring outcomes, not just outputs. Framework for Health-Anchored Climate Governance Strategic Prioritisation: Political leaders should frame climate policies in terms of immediate health benefits. Example: PMUY positioned clean cooking as women’s empowerment; climate action should similarly link to tangible health outcomes. Procedural Integration: Embed health impact assessments into all climate-relevant policies (energy, transport, agriculture, urban planning). Analogous to environmental clearances for major projects. Participatory Implementation: Use health as a mobilising force at the community level. Local health workers can act as climate advocates by demonstrating direct health-environment linkages. Policy Implications Integrated Approach: Fighting climate and health separately is costly and less effective. Intersectoral Governance: India’s welfare programmes provide a model for coordinated solutions addressing multiple development goals. International Leadership: By leveraging its institutional experience, India can emerge as a global exemplar in operationalising the Belém Health Action Plan. Whole-of-Society Engagement: Bold, intersectoral strategies combining political leadership, community participation, and institutional capacity are critical for transformative impact. Shifting sands Basics of the Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) Nature of the agreement: Declares that “any aggression against one shall be considered aggression against both,” formalizing a military-security partnership. Historical context: Pakistan has long trained Saudi military forces. Saudi Arabia has provided financial support, including assistance linked to Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Institutionalization: This is the first formal defense pact between the two nations, moving beyond informal cooperation. Relevance : GS2 (IR): West Asia realignment, Saudi-Pakistan ties, India’s strategic posture. GS3 (Security): Military ambiguity, nuclear concerns, energy and regional stability. Practice Question : Examine the significance of the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact in the context of declining U.S. influence in West Asia.(250 Words) Timing and Regional Context Recent events affecting timing: Announced a week after Israel’s bombing in Qatar, highlighting shifting security dynamics in the Persian Gulf. U.S. focus is shifting away from West Asia; traditional security guarantees for Gulf monarchies are less reliable. Reference points: 2019 attacks on Saudi oil installations by Iranian-backed forces with no U.S. response; Israel’s attack on Qatar (hosting U.S.’s largest West Asian base). Implication: Saudi Arabia is signaling that it is diversifying its security partnerships beyond the U.S. Strategic Motivations for Saudi Arabia Diversification: Reduces overreliance on the U.S. for security guarantees. Signal to Israel and U.S.: Demonstrates independence in decision-making amidst stalled Abraham Accords (Hamas attack of 7 Oct 2023 disrupted normalization with Israel). Risk hedging: Saudi Arabia is preparing for a volatile regional security landscape, including tensions with Iran and Israel. Strategic Motivations for Pakistan Financial leverage: Saudi assistance is critical for Pakistan’s economy. Security positioning: Presents itself as a regional security contributor at a time when Gulf monarchies are uncertain about Israel’s military actions. Potential gains: May strengthen Pakistan’s influence in Gulf politics and security affairs. Implications for India Complication in West Asia policy: India’s pro-Israel tilt could face resistance from Arab monarchies now hedging security bets with Pakistan. Strategic caution: India must avoid overcommitting to an isolated Israel; long-term stability requires a balanced approach. Security risks: The pact could drag Pakistan into West Asia’s “polycrisis” (multi-front conflicts). Saudi Arabia could be pulled into South/Central Asian tensions, indirectly affecting India. Nuclear and Military Ambiguities Uncertainty: The pact does not clarify whether Saudi Arabia gains access to Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella or the exact terms of mutual military response. Entrapment risk: Both nations may face pressures to act beyond their immediate regional interests. Broader Geopolitical Implications U.S.-Saudi relations: Marks subtle distancing from U.S. security dependence. Israel-Arab dynamics: Stalls Abraham Accords; Saudi Arabia signals strategic independence. West Asia security realignment: Shows a trend of diversified alliances, increasing regional complexity. India’s strategic posture: Calls for multi-pillar diplomacy and active engagement in West Asia rather than unilateral alignment. Strategic Takeaways For Saudi Arabia: Security diversification and hedging in an unpredictable Gulf. For Pakistan: Financial support and regional security relevance. For India: Need to balance West Asia policy between Israel and Gulf monarchies; avoid reactive, short-term alignment. For West Asia: Increased uncertainty with multi-directional alliances; risks of regional entanglement are high.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 20 September 2025

Content SC cites Preamble to reject plea against Banu Mushtaq opening Dasara in Mysuru Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal SEBI, RBI in talks to boost trading in corporate bond index derivatives How Did Hands Evolve? The Answer is behind you BBNJ treaty receives 60 ratifications, will enter into force to protect marine life in international waters in January 2026 SC cites Preamble to reject plea against Banu Mushtaq opening Dasara in Mysuru What Happened Event: Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition against Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the historical Dasara festival in Mysuru. Petitioner’s Claim: The petitioner opposed a Muslim Booker Prize winner performing the inaugural pooja, arguing it was a religious activity meant for Hindus. Supreme Court’s Ruling: The plea was rejected based on the principles enshrined in the Preamble—secularism, liberty of thought, equality, and fraternity. Relevance: GS 1 – Culture: Cultural pluralism, festivals. GS 2 – Polity: Preamble (secularism, liberty, equality, fraternity), Article 25, state neutrality. Constitutional & Legal Context Preamble of the Indian Constitution: Declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Fundamental ideals include: Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship Equality: elimination of discrimination Fraternity: promoting national unity Article 25 (Freedom of Religion): Provides for freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion Permits state regulation in the interest of public order, morality, and health, but cannot discriminate based on religion. State Neutrality: Court reiterated that the state’s neutral attitude to all religions cannot prevent intervention to eliminate practices that impede equality. Emphasizes secularism as state neutrality, not state restriction of any faith. Key Legal Principles Applied Secularism as per Indian Law: Not merely tolerance, but active equal treatment of all religions. The court highlighted that Dasara, though having Hindu rituals, is a cultural-historical event with secular dimensions. Distinction Between Religion and Culture: Court recognized two aspects of Dasara inauguration: Ribbon-cutting: purely secular, political act. Pooja before deity: traditional Hindu ritual; essential for cultural heritage but not legally exclusive. Neutrality of State Action: State can invite individuals of any faith to perform ceremonial functions without violating secularism. Social and Political Implications Religious Pluralism: Court reinforced inclusion of individuals from different faiths in public cultural events. Promotion of National Unity: Highlighting fraternity and equality as core to national cohesion, even in religiously sensitive contexts. Protection Against Communal Exclusion: Ensures religious minorities are not barred from participating in public traditions. Political Neutrality: The act of inviting Banu Mushtaq was deemed a state political function, not religious imposition. Overview Link to Secularism Debate: Case reinforces “positive secularism”: India’s secularism is not anti-religion, but pro-equality and inclusive participation. Contrasts with “Western secularism”, which often implies strict religion-state separation. Intersection of Culture, Religion, and Politics: Festivals like Dasara blend historical, cultural, religious, and political dimensions. Legal precedent ensures cultural practices are preserved without communal exclusivity. Impact on Judiciary’s Role: Court acts as a guardian of constitutional values, emphasizing Preamble principles in adjudicating minority rights. Implications for Public Policy: State-backed festivals or ceremonies cannot discriminate based on religion. Encourages inclusive cultural governance in line with national unity. Case Takeaways Preamble as a Guide: This case is an example of the Preamble being directly referenced to uphold secularism and equality. Cultural Sensitivity in Law: Courts distinguish between religious rituals and public/cultural events. Minority Inclusion: Public recognition of individuals from minority communities in traditional roles strengthens social cohesion. Conclusion This judgment is a significant reaffirmation of secularism in practice: The state must be inclusive and neutral, not exclusionary. Cultural and historical traditions can accommodate diversity, fostering national unity while respecting constitutional ideals. Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal Background Political discontent: Longstanding resentment against Nepal’s political elite—Oli, Deuba, and Prachanda—due to corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance. Trigger event: Government banned 26 social media platforms on September 4, 2025, including X, Facebook, and Instagram, citing non-compliance with registration rules. Youth mobilization: Gen Z (born ~1997–2012) used online platforms like Discord to organize protests, highlighting corruption, nepotism (“nepo kids”), unemployment, and economic mismanagement. Economic context: GDP per capita ≈ $1,400. Youth unemployment: 1 in 5 Nepalis aged 15–24. Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency International 2025): Nepal ranked 107/180, score 34. Relevance: GS 1 – Society: Youth unemployment, socio-economic grievances. GS 2 – IR: Nepal politics, regional stability, youth-led democratic movements. GS 3 – Security: Civil unrest, digital activism, law & order. Escalation of Events September 8: Peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent clashes near Parliament in Kathmandu. Police used tear gas and gunfire; protesters returned with force. First casualties reported: 19 young protesters dead. September 9: Violence intensified. Attacks on politicians: Sher Bahadur Deuba and family beaten; Jhala Nath Khanal’s home set ablaze. Government infrastructure targeted: Parliament, Supreme Court, Singha Durbar (main government complex) set on fire. Civilian and property damage widespread; hospitals overwhelmed. Casualties and Human Impact Official casualty figures: 73 dead (majority protesters), many with burns from arson. Hospitals: National Trauma Centre and Civil Service Hospital inundated with gunshot and burn victims; staff worked extended hours. Demographics: Most deceased were 19–24 years old, many students or young professionals. State response: Army intervened to restore order. Airlifted PM Oli and other leaders for safety. Dead cremated with state honours; declared ‘martyrs.’ Political Fallout Immediate resignations: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak (Sept 8). PM K.P. Sharma Oli (Sept 9), leaving a political vacuum. Negotiations: Army Chief General Ashok Sigdel initiated talks with youth representatives to restore governance. Gen Z demands: Leadership with integrity, anti-corruption stance. Sushila Karki (former Chief Justice) chosen to head interim government. Interim Government Appointment: Sushila Karki appointed by President Ram Chandra Poudel on Sept 12, 2025. Parliament dissolved: Elections scheduled for March 5. Cabinet composition: Rameshore Khanal (economist, economic reforms advocate). Kulman Ghising (engineer, ended power cuts). Om Prakash Aryal (lawyer, anti-corruption, social justice). Mandate: Conduct elections on time. Respect Gen Z’s protest spirit while restoring democratic governance. End corruption; restore citizen trust in government institutions. Causes of Unrest Structural political issues: Rotational leadership among same three faces (Oli, Deuba, Prachanda). Centralization of power under Oli; authoritarian governance tendencies. Weak enforcement against corruption and scandals (land grabs, gold smuggling, refugee scams). Socio-economic grievances: Youth unemployment and lack of prospects. Rising cost of living and visible elite extravagance. Digital activism: Social media ban acted as spark; previously used platforms facilitated coordination and consciousness-raising among youth. Youth identity politics: Gen Z asserting civic agency; demanding accountability and transparent governance. Challenges Ahead Political: Restoring trust between citizens and political class. Balancing demands of youth movement with political party interests. Conducting free and fair elections under tense conditions. Social: Addressing lingering discontent and preventing infiltration by violent elements. Ensuring justice for deaths and criminal acts during protests. Institutional: Strengthening the role of digital platforms in civic engagement. Reforming governance mechanisms to curb corruption and nepotism. Broader Implications Democratic maturation: Shows Gen Z’s role in shaping political accountability. Role of technology: Social media is a key enabler of political mobilization and civic engagement in modern Nepal. Youth as political force: Demonstrates generational shift in activism and expectations from governance. Security and civil order: Highlights tension between state security measures and citizen rights during protests. Regional significance: Stability in Nepal affects South Asian geopolitics, governance models, and cross-border youth engagement. SEBI, RBI in talks to boost trading in corporate bond index derivatives Context Objective: Deepen India’s corporate debt market by introducing trading in corporate bond index derivatives. Authorities involved: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Current state of corporate bond market: Secondary trading volumes: ~₹1.4 lakh crore per month (equity market trades similar volumes daily). Issuances: Nearly ₹10 lakh crore raised in FY25; ₹3.5 lakh crore issued till July 2025. Outstanding corporate bonds: ₹17.5 lakh crore (FY15) → ₹53.6 lakh crore (March 2025). Relevance: GS 3 – Economy: Corporate bond market development, liquidity, risk management. Historical Background January 2023: SEBI allowed cash-settled Corporate Bond Index Futures (CBIF) on bonds rated AA+ and above. Earlier attempt: The first push for bond index derivatives failed to gain traction due to limited investor participation and market readiness. Proposed Initiative Collaboration: SEBI and RBI are in advanced discussions to encourage corporate bond index derivatives trading. Goal: Make bond trading comparable to equity trading in terms of settlement, platforms, and trading culture. Attract wider investor participation, especially retail and foreign investors. Current Market Dynamics Investor base: Dominated by institutional investors: banks, insurers, provident funds, mutual funds. Retail and foreign investors remain marginal participants. Municipal bonds: Nascent market; only 16 issuances worth ₹3,134 crore since 2017 (~0.02% of GDP). Importance Liquidity & depth: Derivatives can provide hedging, risk management, and enhanced price discovery. Market maturity: Helps develop a vibrant secondary market for corporate debt, moving beyond institutional dominance. Investment diversification: Encourages participation from new investor segments, including retail and foreign funds. Economic impact: A deeper bond market can reduce dependency on bank financing for corporates and lower cost of capital. Challenges Retail participation: Low awareness and risk appetite among retail investors. Platform & settlement issues: Bond trading currently less standardized than equity trading. Risk management: Corporate bond derivatives can introduce credit risk, liquidity risk, and basis risk. Municipal bond market: Lack of depth and investor confidence limits diversification opportunities. Way Forward Collaboration SEBI–RBI: Develop a framework for trading, clearing, and settlement of bond index derivatives. Encourage market-making to improve liquidity. Investor education: Promote awareness among retail and foreign investors. Regulatory support: Ensure transparency, credit risk assessment, and alignment with global practices. Broader debt market development: Municipal bonds, long-term corporate bonds, and derivatives together can strengthen India’s financial markets. Key Takeaways India’s corporate bond market is growing, but secondary market liquidity and retail participation remain weak. Bond index derivatives can be a transformative tool to broaden participation, provide risk management options, and make bonds more attractive like equities. Success depends on: Infrastructure readiness (trading & settlement platforms) Regulatory clarity and coordination (SEBI-RBI) Market-making, education, and risk management mechanisms How Did Hands Evolve? The Answer is behind you From Fins to Hands Around 360 million years ago, vertebrate ancestors transitioned from water to land. Their fins gradually transformed into feet with toes. Later, the front limbs evolved into hands. Hands are therefore an outcome of long evolutionary repurposing of pre-existing structures rather than entirely new genetic inventions. Relevance: GS 3 – Science & Tech: Evolutionary biology, genetics, CRISPR applications. Genes and Embryonic Development Embryos start as a single fertilised egg containing a full genetic blueprint. Cells divide and inherit the same genes, but turn genes on/off differently to form tissues and organs. Signalling molecules from cells influence neighbours to switch genes on/off at precise locations. Many genes act together like orchestra jockeys, controlling organ development. Role of SDOM (“Molecular Locks”) SDOM: A DNA stretch discovered in 2011 that controls limb formation. In mice: Removing SDOM → legs form but feet fail to develop. SDOM shows that hands/feet were not new genes, but repurposed ancient genetic modules. Zebrafish Experiments Zebrafish share a common ancestor with mammals >400 million years ago. Removing SDOM in zebrafish had little effect on fin development. Instead, SDOM was crucial for tail-end structures: anus, urinary, and sexual openings. Mouse embryos showed similar SDOM roles in genital/anal development. New Hypothesis: Hands Borrowed from Nether Regions Early animals (~500 million years ago) were simple tubular organisms: Body: simple sac connected to digestive tract. Openings: anus + reproductive/urinary exit. SDOM acted as a genetic switch to develop these openings. Evolution reused SDOM for limbs, including fingers and toes ~360 million years ago. Conclusion: hands evolved by co-opting existing genetic “recipes” from other body regions. Key Implications Hands and feet did not require completely new genes, just new combinations of old genetic programs. Evolution is a tinkerer, repurposing ancient genetic mechanisms in novel ways. CRISPR technology allows scientists to test these hypotheses by turning off specific DNA regions in embryos. BBNJ treaty receives 60 ratifications, will enter into force to protect marine life in international waters in January 2026 What is the BBNJ Treaty Full name: Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty. Also called the High Seas Treaty. Focus: Conservation and sustainable use of marine life beyond national jurisdictions (i.e., beyond 200 nautical miles from coasts). Legal foundation: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): UNCLOS adopted: 1982, entered into force: 1994. Provides a comprehensive framework for ocean governance, maritime rights, and resource management. Relevance: GS 2 – IR: International environmental law, UNCLOS, multilateral treaties. GS 3 – Environment: Marine biodiversity, MPAs, EIAs, sustainable use of high seas. Recent Milestone 60 ratifications reached, the threshold for the treaty to enter into force. Entry into force: January 17, 2026 (120 days after 60th ratification). Latest ratifications (Sept 2025): Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Morocco. 143 countries have signed, including India, indicating intent to ratify. Objectives of the Treaty Increase Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas: Current ocean protection: 6.35% of total ocean area. Only 1.89% is strict no-take MPA (no fishing, mining, drilling). Equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs): MGRs include plants, animals, microbes. Applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for high-seas activities: Applies to deep-sea mining, carbon sequestration, other extractive operations. Ensures evaluation of potential ecological impacts. Governance & Implementation Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) meetings: Develop rules for treaty implementation. Key focus areas: Governance structures. Clearing-House Mechanism for information sharing. Financial rules, resource mobilization, and equitable funding mechanisms. Conference of Parties (COP1) to be held after entry into force: First COP will operationalize treaty provisions. Global Significance Covers over 70% of the planet’s surface (high seas). Demonstrates multilateral cooperation on a global commons issue. Promotes sustainable management of biodiversity and ocean resources, balancing conservation with equitable access and use. Signals growing international commitment to marine biodiversity protection ahead of UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Key Takeaways BBNJ treaty: first-ever legally binding instrument for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Milestone ratification shows momentum in global ocean governance. Focus on MPAs, benefit-sharing of genetic resources, and mandatory EIAs ensures long-term sustainability. Upcoming COP1 and UNGA meetings will determine implementation pace and broader adoption.

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