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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs Quiz 23 August 2025

Content Migration essential to globalisation; diverse languages, communities in country matter of pride: Amartya Sen Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dogs Order The Great Nicobar Project – Forest Rights Issue Why not all viruses led to a pandemic after transmission ISRO’s 2040 Roadmap: 100+ Satellites, Private Sector Integration, and India’s Heaviest Rocket Migration essential to globalisation; diverse languages, communities in country matter of pride: Amartya Sen Context Speaker: Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics. Themes Addressed: Role of migration in globalisation and progress. Diversity as India’s strength. Concerns about electoral roll revisions and exclusion risks. Broader reflections on human rights, discrimination, and political climate. Relevance: GS 1(Globalisation , Migration) Migration and Globalisation Migration as Driver of Progress: Across history, movement of people enabled knowledge-sharing, trade, and cultural synthesis. Example: Brahmagupta’s mathematics → translated into Arabic → influenced global knowledge. Types of Migration: Voluntary (for opportunities, education, trade). Forced (due to wars, climate, persecution). Globalisation Link: Migration is not just a consequence of globalisation but its core enabler. Without migration, “almost nothing would happen” in terms of cultural or scientific progress. Diversity as India’s Strength Pluralism: India has hundreds of languages, communities, and faiths. Civilisational Pride: Diversity is not a weakness but a core asset of Indian civilisation. Social Harmony: Coexistence and interaction among diverse groups fuel innovation, tolerance, and resilience. Contemporary Relevance: In times of polarisation, reaffirming diversity is vital for democracy and development. Human Rights and Equality Sen’s Stand: Policies must be guided by the motto of human rights for all. Warning Against Discrimination: Laws and practices must avoid exclusion on caste, class, language, religion, gender. Social Climate Concern: Normalisation of communal and exclusionary narratives erodes India’s democratic ethos. Broader Context & Implications For India: Migration → economic growth (migrant labour essential for construction, services, industries). Diversity → democratic vibrancy, but needs protection from identity-based politics. For Governance: Electoral reforms must balance accuracy vs inclusion. Documentation requirements should not disenfranchise poor and migrant workers. For Society: Need for inclusive nationalism, valuing India’s composite culture. Avoiding stigmatization of linguistic/religious minorities strengthens unity. Strategic Significance Economic: Migrants → cheap, flexible labour force; drivers of remittances and consumption. Political: Electoral roll exclusions could fuel alienation and conflict. Geopolitical: India’s image as a plural democracy matters for global partnerships. Social: Migration + diversity promote social mobility and innovation but also test state capacity for inclusion. Conclusion Amartya Sen’s intervention underscores that migration and diversity are not threats but engines of progress and strength. India must ensure that administrative exercises like electoral revisions do not undermine democratic rights. Human rights, inclusive policies, and protection of diversity are essential to preserve India’s democratic and civilisational ethos in the age of globalisation. Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dogs Order Case Background Original Order (August 11, 2025): SC directed civic authorities in Delhi & 4 adjoining districts to capture all stray dogs and confine them in shelters within 6–8 weeks. Rationale: To protect citizens from aggressive and rabid dogs. Problem: The order effectively mandated mass incarceration of strays, which was logistically unfeasible, scientifically questionable, and legally inconsistent. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary , Governance ) Modified Order (August 22, 2025) Court’s Position: August 11 order was “too harsh.” New Directive: Stray dogs to undergo sterilisation, deworming, immunisation. After treatment, dogs to be released back into the localities they were captured from. Reasoning: Total ban on release contradicts Rule 11(19), Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. These Rules are framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Rule 11(19) explicitly provides for release of sterilised, immunised strays into their original habitat. Legal & Policy Framework Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: Governing law for animal welfare in India. ABC Rules, 2023: Mandates catch-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) policy. Recognises right to life of strays in their environment while balancing public health concerns. SC Jurisprudence: Previously upheld animal rights as part of Article 21 (Right to Life – extended to non-human animals in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, 2014). Issues at Stake Public Safety vs Animal Welfare: Public: Concerned about rising dog-bite cases, rabies spread. Animal Rights: Confinement violates ABC Rules & animal welfare ethics. Implementation Challenges: Inadequate sterilisation & vaccination coverage in cities. Lack of infrastructure & funding for shelters and ABC programs. Legal Ambiguity: Need to harmonise citizen safety with statutory protections for strays. Significance of the Modified Order Corrective Balance: Avoids mass confinement → aligns with existing law & humane practices. Strengthens CNVR Model: Reaffirms sterilisation + immunisation as the only sustainable solution. Judicial Sensitivity: Court acknowledged overreach in previous order, showing adaptability to law and science. Precedent for Urban Governance: Reinforces responsibility of municipalities to expand sterilisation-vaccination drives instead of opting for culling or confinement. Challenges Going Forward Execution Gaps: Scaling sterilisation/immunisation requires massive resources & coordination with NGOs. Urban Management: Stray menace linked to poor waste disposal and urban planning failures. Monitoring: Ensuring local bodies comply with ABC Rules uniformly across states. Public Awareness: Community engagement is critical to reduce hostility and encourage adoption of humane solutions. Implications For Judiciary: Shows judicial course-correction and deference to statutory frameworks. For Policy: Highlights urgent need for scientific, humane, and resource-backed stray management policy. For Society: Balances human safety with ethical animal rights – reflecting constitutional morality. Conclusion The SC’s modification restores legal and scientific balance in stray dog management. It underscores that sustainable solutions lie in sterilisation, vaccination, waste management, and community participation, not in mass confinement. This ruling reaffirms India’s commitment to animal welfare principles within the framework of public health and safety. The Great Nicobar Project – Forest Rights Issue Great Nicobar Project Project Components: Transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township. Cost: ₹72,000 crore. Forest Land Diversion: ~13,075 hectares (largest-ever clearance for a project in the islands). Location: Great Nicobar Island, part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N). Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Legal Framework Involved Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognises rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs). Diversion of forest land requires settlement of rights + Gram Sabha consent. Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act, 1956 (PAT56): Gives Administrator powers to divert forest land for “public purpose”. No requirement of Gram Sabha consent under PAT56. Conflict: A&N administration claimed FRA compliance but also argued FRA not applicable due to PAT56 protections. Tribal Council’s Complaint Claim: FRA process not even initiated; hence rights cannot be considered “settled”. Allegation: A&N administration issued a false certificate (Aug 18, 2022) stating rights were identified and settled. Consent Issue: Council says Gram Sabha of Nicobarese was not consulted. Govt claims Gram Sabha meeting on Aug 12, 2022, gave consent. Current Action: Council has written to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram; awaiting response. Concerns Raised by Tribals Loss of Forests: 13,000+ hectares = ecological threat to fragile island ecosystems. Cultural Impact: Tribal land, livelihood, and identity at risk. Legal Bypass: Consent claimed without genuine participation. Vulnerability: Particularly impacts Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Nicobar Islands. Larger Issues Governance Ambiguity: Whether forest clearance was under FRA (requiring Gram Sabha consent) or PAT56 (Administrator’s discretion). Rights vs Development: Clash between mega-infrastructure project and indigenous rights. Due Process Concerns: Possible misrepresentation by local administration to secure clearances. Accountability: Lack of clarity on Centre’s role in verifying compliance. Strategic Significance of Project Economic: Transshipment port to rival Singapore/Colombo; enhance India’s role in global trade routes. Strategic/Security: Strengthens India’s position in Indo-Pacific, close to Malacca Strait. Energy & Connectivity: Power plant + airport + township to support large civilian and military presence. Environmental Costs: Huge ecological footprint in a biodiversity hotspot. Challenges Ahead Balancing strategic imperatives vs indigenous rights. Reconciling FRA and PAT56 legal frameworks. Ensuring free, prior, informed consent (FPIC) of tribals. Addressing ecological fragility and disaster risks (seismic zone, tsunami-prone region). Implications For Tribals: Risk of marginalisation, loss of traditional rights, and displacement. For Governance: Highlights loopholes in implementation of FRA, need for stronger safeguards. For Environment: Raises red flags about large-scale deforestation in ecologically sensitive zones. For India’s Strategy: While project enhances national security and trade, it could face long-term legitimacy and legal challenges. Conclusion The Great Nicobar Project epitomises the development vs rights dilemma. Allegations of bypassing FRA raise serious questions about transparency and due process. Going forward, India must ensure legally sound, participatory, and environmentally sustainable decision-making to balance strategic needs with tribal rights and ecological preservation. Why not all viruses led to a pandemic after transmission Virus Transmission and Pandemics Zoonotic Spillover: When a disease-causing virus jumps from one species to another. Transmission Challenge: Most spillovers fail to establish sustained human-to-human (or host-to-host) transmission. Pandemic Trigger: Only rarely, when the virus adapts successfully in the new host environment, it can lead to a pandemic. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) ,GS 3(Science and Technology) Key Findings from the Study Determinants of Viral Persistence after spillover: Infection Prevalence: Fraction of exposed population that gets infected. Viral Shedding: Ability of infected hosts to release copies of the virus into the environment. Host Susceptibility: How vulnerable the hosts are to infection. Research Context: Study published in PLOS Biology. Conducted by David Kennedy (Pennsylvania State University). Aimed at predicting which viruses could potentially cause outbreaks and pandemics. Experiment Conducted Model Used: Worms exposed to the Orsas virus. Observation: Worms reproduced and grew for 5–13 days. 20 adult worms were then transferred to a new virus-free Petri dish → process repeated until no trace of the virus remained. Data Collected: Fraction of worms infected. Amount of virus shed into the air. Transmission ability across repeated cycles. Implications of Study Why Most Spillovers Fail: Insufficient infection prevalence. Low or unstable viral shedding. Low host susceptibility. Why Some Become Pandemics: Combination of high infection prevalence + high viral shedding + high host susceptibility. Public Health Utility: Helps identify which outbreaks to prioritize for monitoring. Guides allocation of public health resources to prevent and respond effectively. Provides a scientific basis for pandemic preparedness strategies. Conclusion Most viruses that jump species fail to establish sustained transmission, hence pandemics are rare. Key determinants of viral persistence: infection prevalence, viral shedding, and host susceptibility. The study offers a predictive framework to identify high-risk spillovers before they escalate. Findings strengthen pandemic preparedness by enabling targeted public health interventions. Emphasizes the need for scientific surveillance + One Health approach to manage emerging infectious diseases. ISRO’s 2040 Roadmap: 100+ Satellites, Private Sector Integration, and India’s Heaviest Rocket ISRO’s Future Plans Timeline: Next 15 years (till ~2040). Satellites: Over 100 satellite launches planned. Purpose: Earth observation, communication, navigation, science missions (Moon, Mars, Venus), and human spaceflight (Gaganyaan). Current pace: ISRO launches 6–7 satellites annually, but roadmap aims to scale to ~7–8 launches per year consistently. Relevance : GS 3(Space) , GS 2(Governance)   Key Developments 1. Satellite Missions Targets: >100 launches, averaging 7–8 per year. Includes flagship planetary missions (Chandrayaan, Mars, Venus) and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight). Expansion beyond routine launches → focus on deep space, exploration, human presence in space. 2. Private Sector Role ~350 private space firms in India, many working on innovative technologies. ISRO increasingly depending on private players for applications and hardware. Private sector success seen as crucial for ISRO’s 2047 vision (India@100). 3. Heaviest Rocket Development (LMV3 Successor / NGLV) LMV3 (GSLV Mk-III): Currently India’s most powerful rocket, used for Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, and future human space missions. Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Height: Equivalent to a 40-storey building. Timeline: Expected readiness by 2035. Payload capacity: 80 tonnes to low-Earth orbit (LEO), 27 tonnes to Moon. Designed for human missions to the Moon by 2040. Strategic Significance Space Transformation: ISRO shifting from a “slow but steady” approach to a high-frequency, mission-intensive strategy. Global Positioning: India emerging as a major space power, competing with NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, and SpaceX. Human Spaceflight Capability: Chandrayaan-3 success + Gaganyaan + future Moon missions → stepping stones toward long-term human presence. Technology Development: Heavy-lift rockets essential for lunar bases, deep space missions, and international collaborations. Atmanirbhar Push: Indigenous heavy rockets, satellite technology, and growing private ecosystem reduce dependence on foreign launches. Challenges Scaling Up: From 6–7 launches/year → 7–8 consistently for 15 years. Cost & Funding: Large missions require sustained funding and global partnerships. Human Spaceflight Risks: India’s first human mission (Gaganyaan) still pending; lunar human missions far more complex. Private Sector Integration: Success depends on smooth collaboration between ISRO and startups/private firms. Implications for India Economic: Expanding commercial satellite launches and global space services market. Strategic: Strengthens India’s position in global space diplomacy, exploration race, and security. Scientific: Advances in planetary science, deep space studies, and human physiology in space. Geopolitical: Enhances India’s bargaining power in space governance regimes and multilateral initiatives. Conclusion ISRO’s roadmap to launch 100+ satellites and build its heaviest rocket marks India’s shift from regional space player to a global space leader. Success hinges on innovation, private sector collaboration, and sustained political-economic support. By 2040, India aims to achieve human lunar missions, robust satellite infrastructure, and a dominant space industry ecosystem.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 22 August 2025

Content Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan (2025) Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 Context and Rationale Digital Economy Shift: Online gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing digital sectors in India (projected at $8.6 bn by 2027). Triple Dimension of Gaming: E-sports → constructive, competitive, skill-based. Online social games → casual, recreational, educational. Online money games → exploitative, involving gambling-like elements. Public Health Concerns: WHO classified gaming disorder in ICD-11, highlighting addiction, loss of control, and harmful persistence. Indian Scenario: 45 crore people adversely affected by online money games (Govt estimate). ₹20,000+ crore financial losses due to addiction-driven gaming. Reported rise in suicides linked to money-game debts. Legal Gap: Betting & gambling prohibited under state laws + Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), but online gaming largely unregulated. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Governance) Why the Bill Was Needed Addiction & Debt Trap: Young and middle-class families vulnerable. Mental Health & Suicides: Direct link with financial distress. Fraud & Money Laundering: Offshore gaming platforms used for laundering illegal money. National Security: Some platforms misused for terror financing & illegal messaging. Regulatory Vacuum: Lack of consistent central law created jurisdictional issues across states. Promotion of Healthy Alternatives: Needed a framework to promote esports & constructive digital creativity. Key Features of the Bill Applicability Extends to entire India + offshore platforms offering services within India. Promotion and Recognition of E-sports Declared a legitimate competitive sport. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to frame standards, tournaments, academies, tech hubs. Incentives for players & awareness campaigns to integrate esports into mainstream sports. Promotion of Social & Educational Games Govt powers to recognise, certify, and promote age-appropriate, educational, cultural, or skill-oriented games. Creation of safe platforms to distribute such content. Prohibition of Online Money Games Complete ban on games involving financial stakes (chance, skill, or hybrid). Ban extends to advertisement, promotion, and financial transactions. RBI & banks barred from processing payments related to such platforms. Power to block access under Section 69A of IT Act, 2000. Establishment of an Online Gaming Authority Regulatory body for categorisation, registration, grievance redressal. Authority empowered to decide whether a game is skill/social or money game. Can issue guidelines, codes of practice, directions. Offences and Penalties Offering/facilitating money games → up to 3 years jail + ₹1 crore fine. Advertising money games → up to 2 years jail + ₹50 lakh fine. Repeat offenders → harsher (5 years jail + ₹2 crore fine). Cognisable & non-bailable offences. Corporate and Institutional Liability Companies + responsible officers liable. Independent/non-executive directors exempt if due diligence proven. Investigation & Enforcement Central Government authorised to empower officers for search, seizure, arrests without warrant. Investigations under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Rule-Making Powers Central Govt empowered to frame rules for e-sports promotion, recognition of games, functioning of authority. Linkages with Existing Legal Framework IT Act, 2000: Section 69A used to block >1,500 betting/gambling sites since 2022. IT Rules, 2021 (Amended 2023): Online intermediaries accountable; registration with Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs). Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Sections 111–112 penalise unlawful betting, cyber fraud. IGST Act, 2017: Offshore platforms brought under taxation net. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Bans misleading ads; CCPA action against celebrities promoting betting apps. Advisories: MIB (ads), MoE (guidelines for parents/teachers on safe gaming). Cybercrime Mechanisms: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal + Helpline 1930. Expected Benefits Societal Protection of Families: Shields youth and middle class from addiction-driven debt. Safer Digital Space: Eliminates predatory platforms. Mental Health Safeguard: Prevents stress and suicides. Economic Boost to Creative Economy: E-sports & educational gaming → jobs, exports, innovation. Global Competitiveness: India positioned as hub for safe gaming tech & esports. Policy & Governance Closing Loopholes: Brings digital domain under same restrictions as physical gambling. Global Leadership: Model for responsible regulation balancing innovation & social protection. Challenges in Implementation Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: Offshore betting servers may bypass restrictions using VPNs/crypto. Enforcement Capacity: Requires strong cyber-policing, tech monitoring. Balancing Innovation vs Regulation: Ensuring esports/social games don’t get caught in red tape. State vs Centre: Gaming traditionally a “State subject”; Centre legislating may face federal pushback. Addiction Beyond Money Games: Even non-money esports/social games can lead to overuse. Strategic Significance Digital Sovereignty: Asserts India’s control over digital economy. Youth Empowerment: E-sports as a new career stream. National Security: Closes a channel for terror financing. Social Justice: Protects vulnerable groups (youth, lower & middle-income families). Conclusion The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 is both protective and promotional. It bans exploitative online money games while nurturing safe, skill-based, and creative digital spaces. Represents India’s balanced digital policy model: innovation + responsibility. Strengthens India’s image as a global leader in responsible gaming regulation. Long-term success depends on strict enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation against offshore betting networks. Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan (2025) Background & Context Tribal Demography: ~10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe population (2011 Census), spread across 550+ districts in 30 States/UTs, often living in remote areas with governance gaps. Persistent Issues: Last-mile delivery failures, lack of grassroots leadership, health challenges (e.g., sickle cell anaemia), and socio-economic exclusion. Policy Continuity: Builds on recent tribal initiatives – PM JANMAN (2023), Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. Vision: Aligned with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (tribal pride year) and long-term Viksit Bharat@2047. Guiding Philosophy: Sewa (Service), Sankalp (Resolve), Samarpan (Dedication) – reinforcing PM’s inclusive development motto: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas.” Relevance : GS 1(Society) , GS 2(Social Issues , Governance) Objectives of the Abhiyan Responsive Governance: Institutionalise people-centric, accountable governance at village/community level. Capacity-Building through Governance Labs: Multi-departmental Process Labs from State → District → Block → Village, training master trainers and frontline workers. Vision-Building: Co-create “1 Lakh Tribal Villages – Vision 2030” with communities + officials, focusing on local action plans, investments, and scheme convergence. Leadership Development: Build a network of 20 lakh tribal change leaders (Karmayogis) across India to sustain reforms. Inclusive Participation: Engage youth, SHGs, Anganwadi/ASHA workers, PRI members, tribal elders, and professionals. Scheme Saturation: Ensure every eligible tribal household/village avails all government benefits. Structural Design of the Programme Institutional Mechanisms Adi Sewa Kendras: One-stop village-level centres for service delivery. Activities: Adi Sewa Samay (fortnightly service/mentoring), Seva Hour (weekly grievance redressal), Seva Day (monthly service delivery drives). Responsive Governance Groups: At District & Block levels to provide sustained mentorship and coordinate activities. Civil Society Partnerships: NGOs, CSOs, and Sahyogis as field facilitators/mentors. Capacity-Building Model Governance Labs / Process Labs: Structured training hubs for master trainers. Curriculum Focus: Responsive governance, grievance redressal, participatory planning, social mobilisation, and convergence. Cascade Model: Master Trainers → Frontline Workers → Community Volunteers → Villagers. Volunteer Ecosystem Adi Sahyogi: Professionals (teachers, doctors, skilled mentors). Adi Saathi: SHG leaders, NRLM members, PRI representatives, tribal youth, elders. Village Karmayogis: Trained grassroots leaders ensuring scheme delivery. Core Components Adi Sewa Kendra: Anchor of participatory governance at village level. Governance Labs: Workshops to co-create local solutions, multi-departmental integration. Tribal Village Vision 2030: Participatory planning aligned with SDGs + national priorities. Community Leadership Training: Skill-building for youth, women, and traditional leaders. Wall Paintings & Participatory Exercises: Tools for community mobilisation and vision-building. Real-Time Documentation: Local innovations, feedback, success stories → fed upward to district/state for policy refinement. Expected Outcomes Governance Institutionalised grassroots leadership model for tribals. Enhanced responsiveness and accountability of government at local level. Stronger last-mile delivery of schemes (health, education, livelihoods). Community Development Empowered cadre of 20 lakh tribal change leaders by 2030. Creation of Tribal Village Action Plans with convergence of multiple schemes. Reduction in governance gap between tribal and non-tribal areas. Socio-Economic Greater participation of tribals in decision-making. Increased digital & administrative literacy among tribal youth/women. Better utilisation of government funds and schemes. National Vision Tribal empowerment as central to Viksit Bharat@2047. Model for community-led development that balances tradition with modern governance. Linkages with Other Programmes PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) – focused on PVTG development. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023–2047) – addresses key health issue. Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan – improving tribal villages’ socio-economic indicators. NRLM & SHG ecosystem – women’s empowerment. Challenges in Implementation Geographical Accessibility: Remote tribal areas with poor connectivity. Capacity Constraints: Need sustained training to avoid leadership burnout. Cultural Sensitivity: Risk of imposing top-down models that may clash with tribal traditions. Sustainability: Volunteer motivation and continuous funding for Sewa Kendras. Inter-departmental Convergence: Requires effective coordination across ministries/departments. Monitoring & Evaluation: Need robust real-time systems to track progress in 1 lakh villages. Strategic Significance Governance Innovation: First attempt at systematised grassroots leadership training at national scale. Empowerment of Marginalised: Institutionalises tribal voices in development planning. Responsive Governance Model: Could be replicated for other vulnerable communities (Dalits, minorities). Nation-Building: Ensures tribals are active partners in India@2047 journey, not passive beneficiaries. Conclusion Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan (2025) is not merely a welfare programme but a governance transformation mission. Moves from “delivery of schemes to tribals” → “development with tribals”. By building a cadre of 20 lakh trained tribal leaders, it creates institutional capacity within communities. If executed effectively, it will: Reduce exclusion, Strengthen democracy at the grassroots, and Position India as a global leader in participatory tribal governance models.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 22 August 2025

Content The Skills Check Justice is not about ‘teaching someone a lesson The Skills Check Background & Context India’s Labour Market Challenge: Large youth population but low employability due to academic-focused, rote-based system. Formal vocational/skill training penetration extremely low (~4% of workforce). Institutional Setup: India has 14,000+ ITIs and 25 lakh sanctioned seats. Actual enrolment in 2022: ~12 lakh (48% seat utilisation). Employment rate among ITI graduates: 63% (2018). In comparison, Germany, Singapore, Canada show employment rates of 80–90% for VET graduates. Mismatch: India’s VET is both underutilised and unattractive. Relevance : GS 3(Skill Development , Economy) Practice Question : India’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is both underutilised and unattractive. Discuss the key structural, institutional, financial, and perception challenges it faces, and suggest reforms by drawing from global best practices.(250 Words) Why VET Matters Higher Employability: VET graduates worldwide have higher chances of jobs in formal sector. Global Competitiveness: Countries with strong VET (Germany, Singapore) show better labour outcomes. India’s Development Vision: Without a skilled workforce, Viksit Bharat@2047 cannot be realised. Core Problems in India’s VET System Structural Issues VET in India treated as “afterthought” → introduced only after secondary school, unlike Germany where VET is integrated early. Shorter practical training period → weak hands-on exposure. Weak alignment of curricula with industry needs. Institutional Issues ITIs often outdated curricula, poor teaching quality, irregular staff training. Low private sector engagement in VET institutions (curricula design, internships, apprenticeships). Weak feedback loop between industry and ITIs. Financial & Policy Issues India spends just 3% of total education expenditure on VET vs. 10–13% in Germany/Canada. Limited incentives for ITIs → financial unviability → poor training infrastructure. Low per-student investment reduces training quality. Perception Issues VET seen as “second-class education” compared to academic degrees. Social stigma around skill-based training. International Best Practices Germany: Dual system → combines school + paid apprenticeship. Strong employer engagement, early integration. Singapore: Industry-led curriculum, high instructor quality, regular audits, strong upskilling ecosystem (e.g., SkillFuture). Seamless pathways from VET to higher education. Canada: Public-private partnerships, apprenticeship subsidies, employer co-funding. Recent Government Initiatives in India Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme: Formalises jobs but lacks training focus. PM Internship Scheme: Offers apprenticeships to youth. EIP (Employee Incentive Programme): Employers get ₹15,000 for training every 3 interns; interns get ₹3,000/month. Skill India Mission (2015): Large-scale but limited industry participation, poor outcome monitoring. Suggested Reforms Integration & Early Start Integrate VET in school curricula (secondary level), not as a post-school option. Offer flexible pathways from VET to higher education. Governance & Financing Raise VET spending to 8–10% of education budget (closer to global norms). Provide financial viability grants to ITIs → reduce per-student cost burden. CSR & public-private funding to be leveraged. Quality & Relevance Regular audits of ITIs, standardised instructor training. Curriculum designed with real-time industry feedback. Strengthen National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Industry Engagement Stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) in training and apprenticeships. Incentivise firms to host apprentices with tax credits or wage subsidies. Social Perception Campaigns to de-stigmatise vocational training. Link VET outcomes directly with employment guarantee pathways. Expected Benefits of Reform For Youth: Better employability, smoother transition from school to work. For Economy: Higher productivity, competitive workforce, export-oriented industries. For Government: Reduced unemployment, inclusive growth, stronger global competitiveness. Challenges Ahead Bureaucratic inertia and slow curriculum reforms. Resistance from academic-focused education lobbies. Ensuring quality parity across 14,000+ ITIs. Bridging rural-urban disparity in access to skill institutions. Creating demand for VET-trained workers in formal industries. Strategic Significance A strong VET system is critical for: Manufacturing push under Make in India. Atmanirbhar Bharat through skilled workforce. Leveraging demographic dividend of India’s young population. Without urgent reforms, India risks a scenario of educated but unemployable youth, worsening unemployment. Conclusion India’s VET system is currently underfunded, underutilised, and undervalued. Learning from Germany & Singapore, India must: Integrate VET early in schooling, Involve industry in curriculum design, Increase funding, and Elevate the status of vocational education. Only then can India convert its demographic dividend into a demographic advantage for Viksit Bharat@2047. Justice is not about ‘teaching someone a lesson Background of the Case Incident: A Dalit man in Chhattisgarh arrested for alleged public misbehaviour. Medical check → no injuries; hours later → custodial death with 26 postmortem wounds. Trial Court Verdict: Convicted four police officers for murder (Section 302 IPC). High Court Ruling: Reduced conviction to culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304 IPC). Key Observation: Officers assaulted to “teach a lesson” → implying discipline rather than malice. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary, Social Justice) Practice Question : “Teaching a lesson is neither a constitutional principle of justice nor a legal standard.” Examine in the context of custodial violence and judicial reasoning in India.(250 Words) Conceptual Issues Raised “Teaching a Lesson” – Problematic Framing Not a legal principle → rooted in vigilante logic, not constitutional justice. Suggests violence can be corrective/deterrent, not unlawful. Shifts perception from criminality → misguided discipline. Implications of Language Judicial language shapes policy & culture. Acceptance of “teaching a lesson” risks: Normalising custodial violence. Emboldening police officers to act as judge, jury, and executioner. Weakening rule of law, proportionality, and due process. Custodial Violence in India Structural Reality Custodial torture/deaths: persistent issue in India. Supreme Court precedents: D.K. Basu case (1997) – detailed safeguards for arrests and detentions. Munshi Singh Gautam v. State of M.P. (2005) – condemned police brutality. Despite safeguards → implementation weak. Investigations often by same police unit → lack of independence. Disproportionate Impact Marginalised communities (Dalits, Adivasis, poor) are most affected. Structural vulnerability + caste power dynamics → higher risk of violence. Caste Dimension Court’s Treatment of SC/ST Act Trial Court acquitted under SC/ST Act; High Court upheld acquittal. Reason: lack of direct proof that caste identity motivated assault. Problem in Jurisprudence Courts demand explicit caste slurs or intent to invoke SC/ST Act. Ignores structural caste realities: Violence against Dalits often inseparable from power hierarchies. Custodial violence on Dalits cannot be seen as “neutral”. Consequence SC/ST Act narrowly applied, weakening protection. Denies justice in cases where caste operates subtly but pervasively. Rule of Law vs Authoritarian Logic Constitutional Justice Based on dignity, proportionality, due process. State actors bound by law, not personal notions of discipline. “Teaching a Lesson” Logic Replaces legal deterrence with fear-based coercion. Enables state authoritarianism under the guise of discipline. Treats citizens as subjects to be corrected, not rights-holders. Dangers of Judicial Rationalisation Each time courts justify violence as “disciplinary”: Weakens accountability. Undermines safeguards laid down by Supreme Court. Normalises authoritarian policing. Creates chilling precedent for future cases. Way Forward Judicial Role Courts must: Name custodial violence as criminal, not disciplinary. Use strong language reinforcing zero tolerance. Expand interpretation of SC/ST Act to include structural caste bias. Institutional Reforms Independent accountability bodies for custodial deaths (not police-led). Strict enforcement of D.K. Basu guidelines. Mandatory application of SC/ST Act where caste dynamics evident. Victim-centric approach: dignity and rights at the centre. Cultural Shift End public tolerance of “police brutality as discipline”. Recognise that misbehaviour in public ≠ forfeiture of rights. Build policing culture of constitutional functionaries, not enforcers of fear. Conclusion Justice ≠ punishment through violence. “Teaching a lesson” is extra-legal authoritarianism, not constitutional justice. Courts must guard against legitimising custodial torture. The path forward lies in: Strong judicial messaging, Robust application of SC/ST Act, Independent accountability, Reaffirming dignity, equality, and rule of law.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 22 August 2025

Content Simplified Two-Rate GST Structure Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar Kerala: India’s First Fully Digitally Literate State Organ Donation in India & NOTTO’s Advisory on Women India’s Unregulated Cosmetology Clinics Planting Trees in Tropics Has Most Positive Climate Impacts Why Every Tiger Carcass Needs an Autopsy Why Environmentalists Have Criticised Haryana Govt’s Definition of ‘Forest’ Simplified Two-Rate GST Structure: Background: GST Basics GST (Goods and Services Tax) introduced in July 2017 as India’s biggest tax reform. Aim: Replace multiple indirect taxes (VAT, excise, service tax, etc.) with a “One Nation, One Tax” system. GST currently has a multi-slab structure: 0% (essential items, food grains) 5% (mass consumption items) 12% 18% (major slab, covers bulk of goods/services) 28% (luxury & sin goods, plus additional cess on items like tobacco, aerated drinks, luxury cars). Relevance : GS 3(Taxation), GS 2(Governance) The Current Proposal Centre’s idea: Simplify GST by removing 12% & 28% slabs → creating a two-rate structure (likely 5% and 18%). GoM (Group of Ministers) on Rate Rationalisation, headed by Bihar Dy CM Samrat Choudhary, has: Approved the Centre’s proposal. Forwarded recommendation to the GST Council. Next step: GST Council (headed by Union Finance Minister + state FMs) will decide. Why Two-Rate GST? (Rationale from Basics) Simplification: Current 5-slab system is complex, leads to disputes & classification issues. Ease of compliance: Businesses, especially MSMEs, face confusion on rates → simplified GST eases compliance. Transparency: Fewer slabs → less lobbying & manipulation for favorable tax rates. International practice: Most countries with VAT/GST have 1–2 standard rates. India’s current system is an exception. Concerns Highlighted Revenue Loss for States: States fear loss of income if higher slab (28%) is removed. Kerala FM K.N. Balagopal (GoM member) warned that States must be compensated for revenue shortfall. Luxury & sin goods: Currently taxed at 28% + cess. If merged into 18%, revenue may fall and demand may rise (making luxury more affordable). Equity concern: A flatter structure risks taxing rich and poor more equally (less progressivity). Implications of Reform For Consumers: Everyday goods may see minor changes depending on reclassification. Luxury goods may become cheaper if 28% slab is scrapped without cess adjustment. For Businesses: Easier invoicing, accounting, fewer classification disputes. Encourages formalization of MSMEs. For Government: Simplification = better compliance, less litigation. But must balance revenue neutrality vs consumer affordability. Larger Economic Context India is eyeing GST 2.0 reforms as: Compensation cess regime (to cover State revenue losses) ended in June 2022. GST collections now averaging ₹1.6–1.7 lakh crore/month → suggesting revenue stability. With economy stabilizing, reform window has opened. This is part of long-term plan: eventually move to “three-rate GST” (0% for essentials, one standard rate, one higher rate for sin goods). Challenges Ahead Political consensus in GST Council: Requires support of majority of States. Rich vs poor states have divergent priorities. Compensation demand: States like Kerala, Punjab may insist on guaranteed compensation formula. Inflation risk: If restructuring raises rates on mass consumption items, it could trigger inflationary pressure. Way Forward Create a Revenue-Neutral Rate (RNR) to ensure States do not lose income. Retain a sin/luxury cess outside main GST slabs to discourage harmful consumption. Use technology (AI-driven GSTN analytics) to improve tax compliance → reduce need for higher slabs. Gradual implementation → start with merging 12% into 18%, then carefully deal with 28%. Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar Background Context Khelo India Programme: Launched in 2018 to revive sports culture in India. Focus: Grassroots sports + infrastructure + athlete development. Now expanded into specialized verticals like Khelo India Winter Games (Gulmarg, J&K), Khelo India Para Games, and now Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Why Water Sports? India lags in Olympic water sports (rowing, kayaking, canoeing). Globally, these contribute a high medal share – e.g., 16 medals in canoeing & kayaking alone at the Olympics. Water bodies like Dal Lake, Vembanad (Kerala), and Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand) offer natural training infrastructure. Relevance : Facts for Prelims Key Highlights of the Event Venue: Dal Lake, Srinagar — chosen for scenic value + natural conditions similar to European water sports hubs. Participation: 409 athletes from 36 States/UTs. 202 women athletes (≈ 49.4%) → strong gender representation. Largest contingents: Madhya Pradesh (44), Haryana (37), Odisha (34), Kerala (33). Events: 24 Olympic events included (14 kayaking & canoeing, 10 rowing). First open-age national championship, unlike earlier age-specific Khelo India games. Notable figure: Bilquis Mir (India’s first Olympic jury member in 2025, from J&K), highlighting local representation. Significance for Sports Development Olympic Strategy: India’s medal tally remains low in Olympics (7 in Tokyo 2020, 6 in Rio 2016). Sports like athletics, shooting, wrestling, badminton already have focus. Water sports = untapped medal potential → 16 Olympic medals in canoe/kayak + 14 in rowing. Regional Development (J&K): Dal Lake → global branding for Kashmir. Opportunity for J&K athletes to access professional exposure. Sport-tourism synergy: Boost to local economy via events + tourism. Gender Balance: 202 women athletes show deliberate push for inclusivity. Breaking stereotypes around women in water sports. Challenges Ahead Infrastructure Gaps: Limited number of standard water sports training facilities in India. Equipment like racing shells, kayaks, coaching expertise often imported. Talent Pipeline: Grassroots scouting needed beyond urban/elite athletes. Need to expand to riverine and coastal states (Kerala, Odisha, Assam, Bengal, Goa). International Competitiveness: Countries like Hungary, Germany, Australia dominate water sports. India needs long-term coaching + exposure trips + scientific training. Broader Implications For Sports Policy: Strengthens India’s diversification into non-traditional sports. Part of Olympic Vision 2036 (India’s aspiration to host Olympics). For Tourism & Diplomacy: Showcases Dal Lake internationally as a sports + tourism venue. Helps project J&K as stable, safe, and culturally rich. For Local Communities: Youth engagement → alternative to militancy and unemployment. Skill development in allied sectors (boat making, coaching, event management). Way Forward Establish National Water Sports Centres at Dal Lake, Vembanad, Tehri, and Brahmaputra. Provide continuous funding under Khelo India + CSR partnerships. Build domestic competition circuit (annual leagues in rowing/kayaking). Forge international tie-ups with European water sports federations. Create special scholarships for water sports athletes (like TOPS scheme). Kerala: India’s First Fully Digitally Literate State What is Digital Literacy? Definition: The ability to use digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) and the internet for essential tasks. Includes: Operating devices, typing, using apps. Accessing online services (banking, healthcare, education, e-governance). Safe internet practices (cybersecurity awareness, avoiding fraud). Difference from literacy: Traditional literacy = ability to read & write. Digital literacy = ability to participate effectively in the digital society & economy. Relevance : GS 2(Governance), Facts for Prelims Kerala’s Declaration (2025) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as India’s first fully digitally literate state. Part of “Digi Kerala Project” → grassroots-level initiative to bridge digital divide. Process: Survey conducted among 1.5 crore people (83.46 lakh families). 21.88 lakh people identified as digitally illiterate. 99.98% of these trained and evaluated successfully → completion of Phase 1. Symbolic moment: CM video-called a 104-year-old learner, showing inclusiveness. Why Kerala? – Historical Context Kerala already has a legacy of highest human development indicators in India. 1991: First state to achieve near-total literacy (through Kerala State Literacy Mission). Strong base: High literacy, robust local governance (panchayats), and social mobilisation. Digital literacy now builds upon this legacy → natural progression from literacy → functional literacy → IT literacy → digital literacy. The Digi Kerala Project Objective: Ensure no citizen is left behind in digital transformation. Features: Training delivered at panchayat/ward level. Special focus on marginalised groups, elderly, women, and rural households. Evaluation conducted post-training → not symbolic, but measurable. Local bodies deeply involved (bottom-up governance). Outcome: Created a digitally empowered population ready to access e-services. Why Digital Literacy Matters? Governance: Accessing welfare schemes, digital health records, ration distribution, Aadhaar-linked services. Economy: Digital payments, online banking, e-commerce participation. Education: Use of e-learning platforms, online resources for students. Healthcare: Telemedicine, online appointments, health insurance. Social inclusion: Empowering women, elderly, and rural poor. Cyber safety: Preventing digital frauds & misinformation. Challenges in Digital Literacy Infrastructure gaps: Connectivity issues in remote/tribal areas. Generational divide: Older populations find it harder to adapt. Affordability: Devices, internet costs may still be barriers. Quality of training: Risk of superficial training without deeper understanding. Cybersecurity awareness: Many first-time users vulnerable to scams. Why Kerala’s Model is Unique Universal approach: Reached every household → not selective. Community-driven: Local bodies & social volunteers ensured participation. Evaluation-based: Declared only after measurable tests (not self-declaration). Inclusivity: Elderly, women, marginalised included (example: 104-year-old trained). Sustainability: Sets base for digital governance ecosystem. National & Global Relevance For India: Model for other states → helps in achieving Digital India mission goals. Bridges rural–urban digital divide. Strengthens direct benefit transfers, reduces leakages. Globally: Kerala showcases how social development + digital push can complement each other. Comparable to digital literacy models in Nordic countries or Estonia. Way Forward Phase 2: Deeper skill-building → coding, advanced digital economy skills. Cybersecurity literacy: Must be embedded in training. Device affordability schemes: Subsidies for low-income households. Continuous upgrading: Tech evolves → periodic re-training needed. Monitoring: Independent audits of digital literacy levels every 2–3 years. Organ Donation in India & NOTTO’s Advisory on Women What is NOTTO? National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO): Apex central body under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Functions: coordination, regulation, maintaining waiting lists, allocation of organs, and standardising guidelines. Works under Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. Each hospital engaged in organ retrieval or transplantation must link with NOTTO. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Health) Recent NOTTO Advisory (2024–25) Issued a 10-point advisory to States & transplant centres. Key gender-related measure: Women patients and relatives of deceased donors will get priority in organ allocation. Aim: address gender disparity in organ donations and transplants. Other measures in advisory: Create permanent posts for transplant coordinators in transplant/retrieval hospitals. Develop organ retrieval facilities in all trauma centres. Register trauma centres as retrieval centres. Train emergency responders/ambulance staff to identify potential deceased donors (road accidents, strokes). Why Women Were Prioritised? – The Gender Disparity Data (2019–2023, NOTTO): 63.8% of all living organ donors = women. 69.8% of recipients = men. Numbers: Donations: 56,509 total → 36,038 by women. Recipients: only 17,041 women received organs vs 39,447 men. Pattern: Women disproportionately act as donors (often for husbands, sons, brothers). But when women need organs, they are less likely to receive them. Causes of disparity: Socio-cultural factors: Sacrificial role of women in families → more likely to donate. Male health seen as economic priority → men given preference for transplants. Financial constraints: families hesitate to fund transplant for women. Medical neglect: women’s health needs deprioritised in households. Legal Framework Governing Organ Donation Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994 Recognised organ donation from living donors & brain-dead donors. Penalises commercial sale/purchase of organs → imprisonment + fines. 2011 Amendment: Included donation of tissues (corneas, skin, bones, heart valves). Implementation: NOTTO → national apex body. ROTTO → Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisations. SOTTO → State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisations. Status of Organ Donation in India Demand–Supply Gap: ~1.8 lakh Indians develop end-stage kidney disease annually. Only ~12,000 kidney transplants performed per year. Global comparison (WHO): 1.3 lakh solid organ transplants globally annually. Meets only 10% of worldwide need. Potential impact: 1 deceased donor → can save 8 lives through organs + enhance many more through tissues (cornea, skin, heart valves). Challenges in India Low awareness: Organ donation not widely discussed in families. Cultural/religious myths: Fear about afterlife, body mutilation. Gender bias: Women donors vs men recipients imbalance. Weak infrastructure: Lack of retrieval centres, transplant coordinators. Mismatch in appeals vs allocation: Special appeals increase pledges. But allocation is still through waiting list priority → no direct transfer to person appealed for. Why NOTTO’s Step is Significant Corrective measure: Recognises systemic bias against women in receiving organs. Equity in healthcare: Moves towards gender-just allocation. Symbolic value: Sends a strong public message that women’s health is equally important. Encouragement for donors: Families may feel more reassured that female donors (or their relatives) will also benefit if needed. Way Forward Policy reforms: Enforce NOTTO’s advisory at State & hospital level. Monitor gender-disaggregated data on donors & recipients annually. Infrastructure strengthening: Mandatory transplant coordinators. Register trauma centres as organ retrieval hubs. Awareness campaigns: Public messaging on importance of both genders as recipients. Bust myths and cultural taboos. Ethical allocation: Prioritisation should balance medical urgency, fairness, and gender parity. Conclusion India’s organ donation system suffers from a paradox: women donate the most but receive the least. NOTTO’s new advisory giving women priority in organ allocation is a landmark corrective step towards gender equity in healthcare. Yet, for real impact, this must be coupled with better infrastructure, legal enforcement, and sustained awareness campaigns to bridge the massive gap between demand and availability of organs in India. India’s Unregulated Cosmetology Clinics Basics – What are Dermatology & Cosmetology? Dermatology: Recognised medical specialty under NMC. Covers diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail diseases. Includes medical (eczema, psoriasis, infections) and cosmetic (botox, fillers, transplants, chemical peels) treatments. Cosmetology: Non-medical, related to grooming and beauty (makeup, hairstyling, manicures). Has no clinical or therapeutic component. In India, the term is misused to mislead the public, making cosmetic salons appear equivalent to medical clinics. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Health) Nature of the Problem Mushrooming of aesthetic clinics across India with little oversight. Unqualified practitioners performing invasive procedures (hair transplant, PRP, chemical peels, fillers, botox). Often unsafe environments: no sterilisation, no infection control, no emergency backup. Result: Severe complications, permanent disfigurement, and even deaths. Categories of Unqualified Practitioners Dentists (BDS/MDS): Do weekend/online aesthetic courses, then perform complex procedures. AYUSH practitioners: Not legally allowed to practise allopathy, but still administer cosmetic treatments. Completely unqualified individuals: With fake certifications (₹1–2 lakh) or no medical training at all. Doctors from unrelated fields: MBBS or specialists like ophthalmologists, general surgeons, practising dermatology without training. Case Studies Highlighting the Dangers Kochi case (Hair transplant gone wrong): Patient developed necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating bacterial infection). Multiple grafts/surgeries, skull exposed, finances ruined, lifelong trauma. Andhra Pradesh case (Fake PRP treatment): Patient paid ₹3.5 lakh. “PRP” done without drawing blood. Given unlabelled steroid creams → led to topical steroid withdrawal. Severe burning, scaling, long-term skin damage. These cases show life-threatening risks + exploitation of vulnerable patients, especially women. Scope of the Problem Market size: Indian wellness market = $2.5 billion (2024). Projected to grow to $4 billion by 2033 (IMARC Group). Drivers: Rising middle class, beauty-conscious youth. Social media influence & K-beauty/global trends. Misperception: “cosmetic procedures are easy and safe.” Dangerous practices: Clinics not tied to secondary/tertiary hospitals → no emergency backup. Use of unlabelled/steroid-based creams without disclosure. Fake advertising (e.g., “Hair in 7 days”, “Skin whitening in 10 days”). Regulatory & Institutional Failures National Medical Commission (NMC): Guidelines exist → only qualified medical practitioners allowed. Enforcement weak. Conflict of jurisdiction: NMC vs Dental Council of India on whether dentists can do aesthetics. Creates loopholes. State failures: Kerala Clinical Establishments Act not fully implemented → many clinics untracked. Limited inspections, weak follow-up. Lack of oversight: No dedicated regulatory body for aesthetic centres. Few police investigations or license cancellations → not enough to deter quacks.  Professional & Civil Society Action IADVL (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, Leprologists): Running anti-quackery campaigns. Karnataka chapter (1,525 members) submitted memorandum to State Council for public warnings. Created doctor WhatsApp groups to verify suspicious prescriptions. State medical councils (e.g., Telangana): Started inspections. Action under NMC Act Sections 34 & 54 (impersonation + unlawful practice). Limitations: Quacks now use prescriptions in others’ names → harder to catch. Enforcement patchy and reactive. Consequences Medical: Severe infections (necrotising fasciitis), blindness (from wrong filler use), permanent scars. Steroid withdrawal syndrome, skin barrier collapse. Psychological: Trauma, body image issues, loss of confidence. Economic: Patients pay exorbitant fees (sometimes 10x the rate of qualified dermatologists). Families pushed into debt after botched procedures. Public trust erosion: Confusion between genuine dermatologists and self-styled “cosmetologists.” Solutions & Way Forward Regulatory reforms: Stricter licensing of clinics. Mandatory tie-ups with tertiary hospitals for emergencies. Periodic inspections and audits. Dedicated law: Separate legal framework for aesthetic medicine & cosmetology clinics. Penalties for impersonation, fake advertising, and malpractice. Professional accountability: Stronger role of State medical councils & NMC. Fast-track complaints system. Awareness & consumer protection: Patients must verify doctors’ qualifications. Ads must mandatorily disclose practitioner’s registration number. Public awareness campaigns (“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”). Curbing quackery: Ban short-term cosmetic “certifications.” Crackdown on fake institutes selling medical-sounding diplomas. Planting Trees in Tropics Has Most Positive Climate Impacts Background Climate change mitigation relies heavily on carbon sequestration through trees. All trees help absorb CO₂, but where they are planted determines their effectiveness. The new study (npj Climate Action, University of California) finds tropical regions most effective for climate benefits. Relevance: GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Key Findings Higher carbon uptake: Tropics = year-round growth → higher photosynthesis & biomass. Evapotranspiration effect: Trees cool the atmosphere by releasing water vapour. Like sweating in humans – reduces local/regional temperatures. Solar radiation absorption: Trees reduce amount of sunlight hitting Earth’s surface → cooling effect. Fire resistance: Tropical savannas & trees more resistant to fire than grasses. Comparative impact: Planting in tropics > planting in temperate regions for climate benefits. Significance for India India lies in the tropical belt → high potential for nature-based climate solutions. Supports India’s NDC commitments (Paris Agreement). Contributes to afforestation goals under schemes like National Afforestation Programme and Green India Mission. Direct link to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Challenges / Limitations Monoculture plantations may reduce biodiversity despite carbon gains. Land conflicts: afforestation vs agriculture/habitation. Maintenance: Without community participation, plantations often fail. Ecological mismatch: Planting non-native species can harm local ecosystems. Way Forward / Policy Suggestions Prioritise tropical afforestation & agroforestry. Focus on native species for biodiversity + resilience. Link with carbon markets / climate finance to fund large-scale plantation. Community-based forest management to ensure protection and maintenance. Why Every Tiger Carcass Needs an Autopsy Background India has ~3,167 tigers (All India Tiger Estimation 2022) – >70% of global population. Tiger deaths are closely monitored under Project Tiger (1973) and NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority). Each carcass is critical evidence for conservation, anti-poaching, and disease monitoring. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) , GS 2(Governance) Why Autopsy (Postmortem) is Necessary Forensic evidence: Determines cause of death (natural, poaching, poisoning, infighting). Legal accountability: Tiger = Schedule I species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 → highest protection. Early warning system: Identifies outbreaks (canine distemper, epidemics). Territorial insights: Infighting among tigers is common – carcasses reveal patterns. Procedure after Discovery Field staff must immediately report carcass to divisional forest officer, range officer, and NTCA. Scene secured, photographs & videos taken, evidence collected (teeth marks, wounds, location, GPS). Postmortem conducted by vet in presence of officials, local NGOs, NTCA. Samples of tissue, organs, viscera collected for lab tests. If postmortem not possible onsite, carcass preserved → later detailed exam. Carcass disposal: Cremated in presence of officials; bones burnt to prevent misuse (illegal trade). Challenges Delayed reporting → carcass decomposes, weakens evidence. Capacity gaps: Not enough trained wildlife vets, forensic labs. Possible cover-ups: Local staff sometimes collude to hide negligence/poaching. Weak monitoring in buffer zones outside protected areas. Significance for Conservation Maintains transparency in tiger conservation. Strengthens India’s global image as a leader in big cat conservation. Prevents illegal wildlife trade (bones, skins highly valued in black markets). Ensures accountability of forest staff. Way Forward Strengthen NTCA protocols – faster reporting, digital monitoring. Build wildlife forensic labs at regional levels. Train forest staff in wildlife crime scene management. Enhance community vigilance near reserves. Integrate technology: drones, camera traps for better carcass detection. Why Environmentalists Have Criticised Haryana Govt’s Definition of ‘Forest’ Why definition of ‘forest’ matters India’s governance of forests rests on Constitutional, legal, and judicial frameworks: Article 48A (Directive Principles): State shall protect & improve the environment and safeguard forests & wildlife. Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty): Every citizen must protect environment & wildlife. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA): Restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without Central approval. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Environment Protection Act, 1986: Strengthen conservation. Key Issue: India never had a single, universal, statutory definition of “forest”. Forests could mean Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, or Unclassified Forests (as per Indian Forest Act, 1927). But large areas (scrubland, grasslands, community forests) remained outside formal records. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgments T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1996 onwards) SC ruled that “forest” must be understood not just by official records but by dictionary meaning. Any land that fits dictionary meaning of forest—irrespective of ownership (private or govt)—is to be treated as forest and covered under FCA, 1980. Led to a pan-India freeze on diversion of forest land unless approved by Centre. Empowered judiciary to monitor deforestation through Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC). Impact of Godavarman: Vast tracts of ecologically important land brought under “forest” protection. States required to prepare “identification reports” and submit forest maps. Haryana Government’s 2025 Notification New Definition issued by Haryana’s Environment & Forests Department: “A patch of land shall be deemed a forest if it has a minimum area of 1 hectare, is a minimum area contiguous with government-notified forests, and has a canopy density of 0.4 (40%) or more.” Exclusions: Lands smaller than 1 hectare. Open forests (with <40% canopy cover). Scrublands, wetlands, and fragmented green patches. State’s Argument: Brings clarity, avoids confusion in development projects. Provides objective parameters (area + canopy density) for classification. Criticism from Environmentalists & Experts Contradicts Supreme Court orders: Godavarman explicitly avoided rigid thresholds (area or canopy density). Haryana’s rule narrows the scope, defying SC’s broader interpretation. May amount to prima facie contempt of court. Ecological Concerns: Biodiversity Loss: Excludes scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, which are home to endangered species (e.g., sarus crane, leopard, nilgai, reptiles). Habitat Fragmentation: Many smaller forest patches serve as wildlife corridors connecting larger forests (critical in Aravallis). Exclusion threatens connectivity. Climate Vulnerability: Haryana already has one of the lowest forest covers in India (~3.6%). Further reduction will harm carbon sequestration, rainfall regulation, and groundwater recharge. High threshold problem: 1 hectare + 40% canopy rule sets the bar too high, leaving many ecologically important but degraded areas unprotected. This is contrary to India’s National Forest Policy, 1988, which emphasises restoring degraded forests. Political-Economic Angle: Critics argue move favours real estate developers, mining, and infrastructure projects, especially in ecologically fragile Aravalli Hills. Dilution could open up land for commercial exploitation under the guise of “not forest”. Reactions Retired IFS officers: Warned that this violates SC rulings and international commitments (CBD, UNFCCC). NGOs & Environmentalists: Filed objections; likely to challenge notification in Supreme Court & NGT. National Green Tribunal (NGT) in past has repeatedly struck down similar state-level dilutions (e.g., Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka cases). Wider Implications Legal Precedent Risk: If Haryana’s move stands, other states may follow, weakening Godavarman framework built over 3 decades. Impact on International Climate Commitments: India’s NDC (Paris Agreement): Create additional carbon sinks of 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ eq. by 2030 via afforestation. Narrowing forest definition undermines this target. Federal Tension: Forests are in Concurrent List (7th Schedule). State decisions must comply with Centre’s FCA 1980 & SC rulings. Haryana’s unilateral move could trigger Centre–State legal conflict.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 21 August 2025

Content Transformation of India’s Defence and Internal Security Posture SCHEMES FOR TRIBAL AREAS Transformation of India’s Defence and Internal Security Posture Context & Background Pre-2014 Scenario: Heavy dependence on imports (India among the top arms importers). Defence procurement delays, lack of transparency, and poor private participation. Internal security: Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) widespread, frequent terror attacks, porous borders. Post-2014 Shift: Security framed as non-negotiable. Focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), deterrence, and proactive operations. Integration of defence with broader national development (technology, economy, food, finance). Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence) Defence Expenditure & Production Defence Budget Growth: ₹2.53 lakh crore (2013–14) → ₹6.81 lakh crore (2025–26). Defence share of GDP remains modest (~2–2.5%) but more efficiently utilised. Defence Production: Record ₹1.50 lakh crore (2024–25), triple 2014–15. Indigenous platforms: fighter jets, missile systems, artillery, warships, carriers. Exports: 34x growth; ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25 → exports to 100+ nations (including advanced economies like US, France). Key Reforms for Self-Reliance Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Prioritises Buy (Indian – IDDM) over imports. Pushes local design, development, and manufacturing. Make in India (Make-I, II, III): Make-I: Govt funds up to 70% (₹250 Cr cap). Make-II: Industry-funded, inclusive of MSMEs, suo-moto proposals. Make-III: Local manufacturing with foreign ToT. 146 projects approved across services. FDI Liberalisation: 74% automatic route. 100% govt route for advanced tech. Innovation Ecosystem: iDEX (2018): Supports start-ups/MSMEs with grants. TDF: Up to ₹10 Cr grants for advanced tech. 25% defence R&D budget earmarked for non-government actors. Indigenisation Portals: SRIJAN: 46,798 items listed for local development. Positive Indigenisation Lists: 5 tranches, 5,012 items banned for imports. Offsets & Strategic Partnerships: Offset Portal (2019): transparency in contracts. SP Model (2017): Indian firms tie-ups with global OEMs → ToT, infra creation. Technology Push AI & Next-gen Tech: Defence AI Council (DAIC), Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA). AI roadmaps for each DPSU. DRDO focus areas: Space, Cyber, Robotics, Sensors, Soldier support. Future Readiness: Sudarshan Chakra Mission (2025): By 2035, develop predictive defence technologies, all-Indian R&D & manufacturing, and national security shield for civilian & strategic assets. Counter-Terror & Strategic Posture Proactive Operations: 2016 Uri → Surgical Strikes. 2019 Pulwama → Balakot Air Strikes. 2025 Pahalgam (Operation Sindoor): Drone strikes on 9 terror camps, 100+ terrorists eliminated. Five “New Normals” on Pakistan (PM Modi’s doctrine): Firm, decisive responses to terror. No tolerance of nuclear blackmail. Terrorists = Sponsors equally culpable. Talks only on terrorism & PoJK. No compromise on sovereignty (terror & talks/trade mutually exclusive). Internal Security Stabilisation Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): 2010: 1,936 incidents → 2024: 374 incidents. Casualties (civilian + security) down by 85%. Fewer than 20 affected districts (down from ~90+). 8,000+ Naxalites surrendered/rehabilitated. Approach: Security + Development. Infrastructure (roads, telecom, schools) in LWE zones. Welfare schemes expanded to previously cut-off regions. National Security Beyond Defence Food Security: Production: 246 MT (2013–14) → 354 MT (2024–25). PMGKAY: 81 Cr beneficiaries of free food grains. PM-KISAN: ₹3.9 lakh crore disbursed to farmers. Financial Security: FI-Index: 67.0 (2025), +24% since 2021. 89% account ownership (Global Findex 2025). PMJDY: 56 Cr beneficiaries, ₹2.64 lakh crore balance. Dairy & Fisheries: Milk: 146 MT → 239 MT (2014–24). Fisheries: 96 LT → 195 LT (2014–25). India = World’s largest milk producer, inland fish production doubled. Technology & Industry: India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 Cr, 2021). First 3nm chip design centres in Noida & Bengaluru (2025). First indigenous chip ready for production (2025). Strategic Impact Shift in Global Image: From passive security stance to assertive regional power. From top importer to emerging exporter. Greater autonomy in policy due to reduced defence import dependence. Doctrinal Evolution: Preventive, not just reactive, posture. Integrated view of security: defence, economy, energy, food, finance. Security = foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047. Conclusion India’s defence & internal security transformation (2014–2025) is structural, not cosmetic. Key pillars: Atmanirbharta, Innovation, Deterrence, Proactivity, Comprehensive Security. Achievements: Rising global exporter, technological self-reliance, reduced LWE & terror vulnerability, integrated national resilience. Overall → India today speaks and acts from a position of strength, aiming for Viksit Bharat with a security doctrine that fuses hard power, economic resilience, and technology leadership. SCHEMES FOR TRIBAL AREAS Context & Constitutional Framework Scheduled Tribes (STs): Identified under Article 342 of the Constitution; development of STs is a constitutional commitment. Directive Principles: Article 46 directs the State to promote educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially STs. Special Provisions: Article 275(1): Special Central Assistance (SCA) as grants to states with ST population for welfare. Fifth Schedule: Administration of Scheduled Areas. Sixth Schedule: Autonomous District Councils in NE states. Relevance : GS 1(Society) , GS 2(Social Justice , Governance) Institutional Mechanism for Tribal Development Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA): Nodal Ministry for ST development. Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST): Strategy where 41 Ministries/Departments earmark part of their budget for tribal development. Focus: bridging ST vs non-ST gaps in education, health, agriculture, skill, infrastructure. Coordination: MoTA ensures convergence of schemes across line ministries. Major Schemes / Programmes (Core + Flagship) Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2024–29): PM-launched; 25 interventions, 17 Ministries. Target: Saturate 63,843 villages in 30 States/UTs; benefit 5 crore tribals. Budget: ₹79,156 Cr (Centre: ₹56,333 Cr; States: ₹22,823 Cr). Focus: Health, education, Anganwadi infra, livelihoods. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN, 2023–26): Launched on 15 Nov 2023 (Janjatiya Gaurav Divas). Outlay: ₹24,000 Cr. Focus: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Goals: Safe housing, clean water, sanitation, road/telecom connectivity, electrification, health, nutrition, livelihood. Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM): Merged schemes: MSP for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) + Marketing of Tribal Products. Features: MSP fixation & procurement for MFP. Sustainable collection & value addition. Market intelligence + value chain infra. Education & Human Resource Development Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Started in 2018–19. Target: 728 schools (1/block with >50% ST population & ≥20,000 STs). Beneficiaries: 3.5 lakh ST students. Scholarships: Pre-Matric (IX–X): Income ≤ ₹2.5 Lakh/year. Day scholars: ₹225/month; Hostellers: ₹525/month. Funding: 75:25 (Centre:State); 90:10 for NE + Hilly States. Post-Matric: Income ≤ ₹2.5 Lakh/year. Reimbursement of compulsory fees + stipend (₹230–₹1200/month). Same funding ratio. National Overseas Scholarship: 20 awards/year (17 STs, 3 PVTGs). Income ≤ ₹6 Lakh. National Fellowship (MPhil/PhD) & Top Class Education (IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, etc.): 750 fellowships/year; income limit ≤ ₹6 Lakh. Social Security & Welfare National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Includes STs. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): BPL persons aged ≥60 years. Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations: For education, health, hostels, dispensaries, livelihood. Research, Culture & Heritage Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs): Activities: Research, training, documentation, tribal museums, cultural promotion. 100% funding by MoTA. West Bengal – Fund Flow Snapshot (2022–25) Education Scholarships Pre-Matric: 2022–23: ₹29.89 Cr. 2023–24: Data NA. 2024–25*: Provisional (yet to be updated). Post-Matric: 2022–23: ₹34.06 Cr. 2023–24: ₹35.00 Cr. 2024–25*: Provisional. Development of PVTGs 2022–23: ₹665.95 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹0 (gap year). 2024–25*: ₹1631.05 Lakh. NSTFDC Loans (Tribal Finance & Development) 2022–23: ₹1643.33 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹1526.59 Lakh. 2024–25*: ₹2233.75 Lakh. Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) 2022–23: ₹3495.20 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹0.00. 2024–25*: ₹0.00. Article 275(1) Grants 2022–23: ₹4186.5 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹4744.4 Lakh. 2024–25*: ₹3549.61 Lakh. Grant-in-Aid to NGOs 2022–23: ₹476.1 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹1167.79 Lakh. 2024–25*: ₹1390.18 Lakh. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) 2022–23: ₹2303.67 Lakh. 2023–24: ₹1869.70 Lakh. 2024–25*: ₹1789.50 Lakh. Key Observations Shift to Mission Mode: PM-JANMAN & Dharti Aaba Abhiyan show convergence-driven, saturation-based development targeting infrastructure + livelihood. Focus on PVTGs: Dedicated budget lines & saturation approach within 3 years. Education Push: EMRS expansion + multi-tier scholarship architecture (school to PhD + overseas). Financial Inclusion: NSTFDC loans growing steadily; tribal entrepreneurship focus. Fund Utilization (West Bengal): Fluctuations visible (e.g., PVTG funds dropped to zero in 2023–24; PMAAGY halted after 2022–23). Scholarships & EMRS grants consistent but modest. Article 275(1) funds steady with small decline in 2024–25. Overall Takeaways Tribal policy has moved from welfare-based → rights-based → saturation & mission-mode convergence. Emphasis on education, livelihood, infrastructure, and PVTG inclusion. Persistent challenge: irregular fund flow & inter-year fluctuations (esp. in WB). Strong role of constitutional provisions (275(1), 5th & 6th Schedule) + DAPST convergence strategy. Key trend: Integration of tribal development with mainstream growth via MSP, EMRS, skill, and infrastructure.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 21 August 2025

Content Punishing process India’s democracy is failing the migrant citizen Punishing process Constitutional & Legal Framework Articles 14, 19, 21: Guarantee equality, freedom of expression, and right to life with dignity — extend to transgender persons. NALSA v. Union of India (2014): Recognised the right to self-identify gender (male, female, or third gender). Directed governments to treat transgender persons as socially and educationally backward classes for affirmative action. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: Codifies right to self-perceived gender identity. Mandates issuance of official documents (ID, certificates) reflecting affirmed identity. Prohibits discrimination in education, healthcare, employment, etc. Relevance : GS 2(, Social Justice , Polity , Constitution) Practice Question : Examine how Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution have been interpreted by the judiciary to secure dignity and equality for transgender persons. Why does implementation continue to falter? (15M / 250 words) The Case of Beoncy Laishram (Manipur HC) Issue: Refusal by university to update academic certificates after gender transition. Bureaucratic stance: Corrections must begin from earliest certificates → cascading procedural hurdles. Court ruling: Directed issuance of fresh certificates — recognising self-identification over paperwork inertia. Significance: Sets precedent, reinforces constitutional guarantees over administrative rigidity. Problematic Bureaucratic Practices Rigid adherence to “assigned at birth” binary markers in records. Sequential approval chains: One certificate depends on correction of another, creating endless delays. Restrictive interpretation of procedure > spirit of law. Inaction unless compelled by court — showing institutional reluctance. Lived Reality of Transgender Persons Despite legal clarity, implementation gap persists. Transpersons expend disproportionate time, money, and emotional energy to access routine entitlements. Continuous litigation burdens them with stigma and financial hardship. Bureaucracy enforces paperwork-based identity rather than recognising gender as lived reality. Larger Implications Access to rights: Without seamless recognition in documents (education, jobs, healthcare), transpersons face systemic exclusion. Social justice: Bureaucratic rigidity compounds stigma already faced in society. Institutional message: By resisting change, institutions indirectly delegitimise transgender identities. Positive Outcomes of the HC Judgment Reinforces judicial affirmation of self-identification. Signals to bureaucrats that procedural hurdles cannot override constitutional rights. Provides precedent for other transpersons facing similar struggles. Way Forward Institutional reforms: Streamlined, single-window processes for certificate/document correction. Clear administrative guidelines implementing the 2019 Act. Cultural change in bureaucracy: Training, sensitisation programs for officials. Recognising gender identity as inherent and self-determined, not dependent on sequential documents. Digital systems: Ensure quick updates across linked databases (Aadhaar, academic boards, employment records). Monitoring & accountability: Independent grievance redressal mechanisms for transpersons. India’s democracy is failing the migrant citizen Basics: Why Voting Rights Matter Democracy’s foundation: Universal adult suffrage ensures representation for every citizen. Migrants & democracy: In a country with 1.4 billion people, migration is a survival strategy, but rigid electoral systems leave millions excluded. Present crisis in Bihar: Nearly 3.5 million voters (4.4% of Bihar’s electorate) deleted in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) for being “absent” during verification → permanent disenfranchisement. Relevance : GS 2(Polity, Governance, Electoral Reforms ) Practice Question : Analyse the democratic implications of mass voter deletions under Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in light of circular and seasonal migration patterns. (15M / 250 words) Nature of Migration in Bihar Structural reality: Bihar is one of India’s largest out-migration States; migration sustains household incomes. Circular & split-family migration: Families often migrate seasonally for work (construction, agriculture, urban informal sector). Migrants leave homes locked or shift dependents to marital homes. Data insights: Annual outflow: 7 million circular migrants. Seasonal migration (June–Sept): 4.8 million. Return migration (festivals Oct–Nov): 2.7 million. These returnees often find their names struck off rolls just when elections occur. Why Migrants are Disenfranchised Sedentary citizen bias: Electoral rolls assume fixed residence → proof of residence + in-person verification required. Administrative presumption: Absence during verification = “permanent migration” → deletion. Dual belonging: Economic participation in host States. Political identity in home States. Misread as “abandonment” of electoral duty. Barrier at destinations: Migrants hesitate to register in host States due to: Lack of secure housing/rent agreements. Fear of losing ration and welfare entitlements at home. Bureaucratic hurdles and social exclusion. Evidence of Migrant Marginalisation 2015 TISS Study (funded by ECI): Identified triple burden → administrative barriers, digital illiteracy, social exclusion. Found lower voter turnout directly correlated with higher migration rates. Bihar turnout comparison: Bihar’s average turnout (last 4 Assemblies): 53.2%. Gujarat: 66.4%, Karnataka: 70.7% → both have lower out-migration. Cross-border factor: At the India–Nepal open border (1,751 km), traditional marital ties (“roti-beti ka rishta”) face new risks → gendered & xenophobic disenfranchisement of women migrants. Consequences of the Current Approach Silent voter purge: Millions deleted without due process or cross-verification. Democratic rupture: Electoral exclusion of poor, circular migrants → weakens democratic legitimacy. Gendered exclusion: Nepali-origin women married into Bihar face loss of both citizenship and voting rights. Rise of sub-nationalism: Migrants seen as “outsiders” or political threats in host States → curtails political inclusion further. Larger Structural Problem Electoral infrastructure designed for sedentary citizens, not mobile workers. Mismatch: India’s economy relies heavily on labour mobility, but its political system penalises that mobility. Regionalism & politics: Domicile-based reservations and anti-migrant rhetoric reinforce exclusion. Way Forward Portable, mobile voter identity: Like “One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)”, extend portability to voter IDs. A national “migrant voter card” linked to Aadhaar or digital ID. Cross-verification system: Instead of blanket deletions, coordinate with destination State rolls. Kerala model: Migration surveys & databases → replicate in high-migration States (Bihar, UP). Civil society role: Panchayats and NGOs to assist migrant outreach and re-registration. ECI reforms: Halt mass deletions, simplify re-enrolment, create flexible verification for migrant workers. Core Democratic Question India risks creating the largest silent disenfranchisement in its democratic history. This is not an exclusion of enemies but of the working poor who sustain India’s economy. Balancing mobility in economy with inclusivity in democracy is the central challenge.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 21 August 2025

Content Removing a Minister Nuclear laws and the role of Opposition Why India needs a national space law What are ‘machine readable’ electoral rolls? India successfully tests Agni-5 missile Removing a Minister Constitutional Context Articles Involved: Article 75 – Council of Ministers at Union level. Article 164 – Council of Ministers in states. Article 239AA – Special provisions for Delhi (Union Territory with Assembly). Current framework: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President/Governor, on advice of PM/CM. No explicit disqualification if a Minister faces criminal cases, unless convicted. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Constitution) Proposed Amendment (Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-Third) Amendment Bill, 2025) Inserts a new clause: A Minister detained in custody for ≥30 consecutive days for offences punishable with imprisonment of ≥5 years will be removed from office. Removal is automatic, based on detention – not conviction. Minister may return once released from custody. Applies uniformly to Union, State, and UT Ministers. Aims to prevent governance being run by Ministers in prolonged custody on serious charges. Rationale for the Amendment Governance Concerns: Ministers in custody cannot discharge duties effectively. Presence of tainted Ministers undermines public trust and constitutional morality. Judicial Delay Factor: Trials often take years, and Ministers continue in office while under serious criminal allegations. Reform Need: Current system allows even those with serious charges to be appointed Ministers until conviction. Amendment seeks to close this gap. Legal & Institutional Precedents Law Commission Reports: 170th Report (1999) – Suggested disqualification if charges involve ≥5 years imprisonment. 244th Report (2014) – Reiterated same recommendation, with judicial scrutiny of charges. Election Commission: Supported barring individuals facing serious charges. Supreme Court Rulings: Manoj Narula v. Union of India (2014): Court held there is no bar on appointing persons with criminal charges as Ministers, though PM should act as “repository of constitutional trust.” Emphasised moral responsibility over legal compulsion. More recent SC observations (2024–25) – Raised concerns on Ministers like Senthil Balaji (Tamil Nadu) and Manish Sisodia (Delhi) continuing in office despite custody in corruption/money laundering cases. Issues Raised Constitutional Questions: Does detention = disqualification, even before conviction? Does it dilute the presumption of innocence? Judicial Review: Courts may need to clarify if removal is automatic or subject to review. Distinction between custody vs. conviction remains critical. Governance vs. Rights: Balancing need for clean governance with rights of Ministers against premature punishment. Practical Implications For Chief Ministers/Prime Minister: Amendment reduces discretion in retaining tainted Ministers. Provides clear legal basis for removal. For Legislatures: Reinforces integrity in executive councils. For Politics: Likely to impact states/UTs where several Ministers are in custody due to corruption or money-laundering probes. Example: Senthil Balaji (TN), Manish Sisodia (Delhi), Kejriwal (Delhi). Criticisms & Challenges Presumption of Innocence: Critics argue removal upon detention (not conviction) undermines “innocent until proven guilty.” Political Misuse: Risk that investigative agencies may misuse detention to politically dislodge Ministers. Judicial Burden: Likely to increase petitions challenging detention and automatic removal. Ambiguity: What if a Minister is repeatedly bailed and re-arrested? Does temporary bail reset the 30-day period? Way Forward Clear guidelines to prevent misuse of investigative powers. Judicial safeguards (e.g., only charges framed by higher courts in serious offences to count). Codifying disqualification in a manner that balances clean politics with fair trial rights. Possible future debate on extending disqualification criteria to MPs/MLAs at the legislative entry stage. Broader Significance Strengthens constitutional morality and the principle of responsible government. Reinforces the separation of powers by ensuring executive integrity. Reflects India’s democratic maturity in addressing the criminalisation of politics. Nuclear laws and the role of Opposition Background & Context Nuclear energy in India: Currently contributes just 3% of India’s power generation. Installed capacity (2024): 24 nuclear plants with 8.8 GW. Targets: 22.48 GW by 2031-32, 100 GW by 2047 (aligned with clean energy & energy security goals). Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act, 2010 (CLNDA): Enacted after India’s Civil Nuclear Agreement (2005–08) with the U.S. Introduced liability framework for compensation in case of nuclear accidents. Unique in holding suppliers of nuclear equipment liable, in addition to the operator (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited – NPCIL). This provision discouraged foreign suppliers (U.S., France, etc.) from entering Indian market. Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (AEA): Governs India’s nuclear sector. Restricts participation to government-owned entities. Private sector not allowed in nuclear energy production. Relevance : GS 2(Governance), GS 3(Nuclear Energy) Proposed Amendments CLNDA amendment: Aim: Limit or remove supplier liability for nuclear accidents. Would bring India’s framework closer to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) standards (operator-only liability). AEA amendment: Aim: Permit private sector participation in nuclear power. Long-debated issue since Raja Ramanna Committee report (1997). Would open opportunities for private investment, especially in small modular reactors (SMRs). Historical Context 2007–2010 debates: UPA govt. faced stiff opposition (BJP & Left parties) during CLNDA drafting. Background: 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy → heightened demand for corporate accountability. 2010 Fukushima disaster → reinforced global concerns about nuclear safety. Opposition insisted on strong supplier liability to safeguard citizens. Result: Suppliers clause inserted, but foreign suppliers withdrew → nuclear deals stalled. Earlier Opposition stances: Patents Act amendment (1999–2005): Opposition initially blocked, later supported. Insurance FDI & Land Boundary Agreement: Initially stalled, later supported. Pattern: Opposition sometimes shifts stance when in power or national interest demands. Current Political Dynamics Government’s Position (NDA): Keen to amend CLNDA & AEA to: Attract foreign suppliers (U.S., France, Russia). Encourage private domestic players. Accelerate nuclear capacity expansion to meet clean energy goals. Opposition’s Concerns (Congress & others): Dilution of supplier accountability → increased domestic risk in case of accidents. Favors international corporations over citizens. Seen as appeasing U.S. & France (major reactor suppliers). Citing Bhopal legacy, questions government’s ability to enforce accountability. Key Issues for Debate Accountability vs. Investment: Strong supplier liability = safety but deters investment. Operator-only liability = global norm, but raises questions of justice for victims. Energy Security & Climate Goals: Nuclear is crucial for India’s net-zero by 2070 roadmap. Can provide stable, non-fossil baseload energy. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) emerging as game-changers – cheaper, safer, scalable. Waste Disposal & Safety: Long-term nuclear waste management remains unresolved globally. India must ensure transparent policy before major expansion. Judicial & Compensation Mechanisms: Adequacy of compensation frameworks in case of accidents. Avoiding repeats of Bhopal Gas Tragedy inadequacies. International Angle U.S. & France: Major nuclear technology suppliers, have pressed India for liability relaxation. Without change, India’s nuclear deals (e.g., Jaitapur project with France’s EDF) remain stalled. Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC): India acceded in 2016. Requires liability on operators, not suppliers – current CLNDA seen as inconsistent. Strategic Significance Nuclear energy expansion ties into: Energy independence (reduce import dependence on coal & oil). Geopolitics (India-U.S. nuclear partnership is cornerstone of strategic ties). Climate commitments (non-fossil energy mix to rise to 50% by 2030). Way Forward Need for balanced framework: Protect citizens’ rights in case of nuclear accidents. Ensure suppliers have some responsibility (e.g., defective equipment). Align with international norms to attract investment. Role of Opposition: Must engage in constructive debate, not blanket opposition. Should push for safeguards (insurance pools, higher operator liability, safety regulators). Parliamentary Debate: Should cover nuclear waste disposal, safety protocols, transparency in agreements, and citizens’ compensation. Conclusion The issue is not just legal or political—it is about India’s energy future, climate obligations, and strategic autonomy. Opposition faces a choice: either repeat past obstruction or help shape a responsible, investor-friendly yet citizen-safe nuclear policy. Why India needs a national space law Global Legal Framework for Outer Space Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967: Forms the cornerstone of international space law. Ratified by 114+ countries, including India. Key stipulations: Outer space is the “province of all mankind” → no national appropriation (no sovereignty, no ownership claims). Peaceful uses only → bans placement of nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in orbit. States bear international responsibility for all space activities, whether by government or private entities. States are liable for damage caused by space objects (to other states or international property). Encourages international cooperation and sharing of benefits from space exploration. Other companion treaties: Rescue Agreement (1968). Liability Convention (1972). Registration Convention (1976). Moon Agreement (1979 – not widely adopted). Relevance : GS 2(Governance , International Relations) Are These Treaties Self-Executing? Not self-executing: International treaties only provide principles. They need domestic legislation to become enforceable within countries. Example: OST says states are responsible for private space activities → but how private firms are licensed, regulated, and insured must be defined by national law. UNOOSA’s stance: National legislations “give effect” to OST principles, ensuring space activities remain safe, sustainable, and responsible. Importance of National Space Legislation Legal certainty: Provides clear rules for licensing, approvals, liability, insurance, and dispute resolution. Encourages investment: Foreign investors and domestic startups require predictable regulatory environments. Dual-use dilemma: Space technologies often have military as well as civilian uses → needs robust oversight. FDI attraction: Clear rules on foreign investment in space manufacturing (e.g., 100% FDI in satellite components) crucial for growth. Liability & insurance: Internationally, states are liable → but domestically, operators/startups must carry insurance to cover accidents. Innovation protection: Secure Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) prevents brain drain and builds investor confidence. Debris management & sustainability: National laws can enforce debris mitigation, accident investigations, and data-sharing frameworks. Independent regulator: Avoids conflicts of interest, builds credibility. India’s Approach to Space Legislation Status: India has signed/ratified OST and related treaties but lacks a comprehensive national space law. Current framework: Space activities governed mainly through policy guidelines (e.g., Space Policy 2023). IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) set up as nodal body to regulate private sector participation, but lacks statutory backing. Licensing, approvals, and FDI rules remain fragmented across ministries. Incremental strategy: India has gradually opened space to private participation (satellite launches, component manufacturing). Still in the process of drafting national space legislation to provide full legal clarity. Priorities identified (Gp. Capt. T.H. Anand Rao, Indian Space Association): Grant statutory authority to IN-SPACe. Create a single-window licensing system (clear timelines, fees, reasons for approval/rejection). Define liability & accident investigation mechanisms. Strengthen FDI and IPR rules to support startups. Establish an independent appellate body for disputes. Why Affordable Insurance Frameworks for Space Startups Are Crucial International liability: Under OST & Liability Convention, India as a state is liable for damages caused by its space objects. Domestic burden-sharing: Without insurance, taxpayers may have to bear damages from private sector accidents. High-value assets: Satellites and payloads worth hundreds of millions → startups cannot sustain losses without affordable insurance. Third-party coverage: Mandatory insurance ensures compensation for damage caused to foreign entities or global commons. Encourages private sector participation: Affordable insurance lowers entry barriers for startups and SMEs in the space ecosystem. Prevents flight of talent/companies: If India lacks protection frameworks, startups may migrate to jurisdictions with better IPR and insurance regimes. Way Forward for India Enact a comprehensive National Space Law aligned with OST principles. Grant statutory authority to IN-SPACe as a regulator. Develop affordable insurance pools (possibly public-private) to support startups. Ensure IPR protection and transparent FDI rules. Enforce space debris mitigation & sustainability laws. Create an independent appellate body for space-related disputes. Broader Significance India is transitioning from a state-driven space programme (ISRO monopoly) to a mixed ecosystem with private players. Without robust space legislation: International commitments cannot be effectively enforced. Investor confidence will remain low. Space startups may shift abroad, slowing India’s ambitions. A strong law would secure India’s position as a global space power and support its ambitions for 100+ startups, lunar missions, Gaganyaan, and a space station by 2047. What are ‘machine readable’ electoral rolls? Basics – What are Electoral Rolls? Definition: Electoral rolls = authoritative list of all eligible voters in India. Purpose: Ensures only eligible citizens can vote; prevents disenfranchisement or duplication. Dynamic nature: Continuously updated → additions (new voters), deletions (deaths, relocations), corrections (errors, address changes). Scale: As of Jan 2024 → ~99 crore entries (world’s largest democratic database). Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Reforms) How are Electoral Rolls Currently Shared? Prepared by: District-level officials under EC’s authority. Data backbone: ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System). Public access: Provided as image-PDF files on websites or as physical printouts. Voter photos included in internal versions, but not in PDFs available online. Limitations: Image-PDFs are not machine-readable → cannot be searched or indexed directly by computers. Why Political Parties/Activists Want Machine-Readable Rolls Machine-readable = text-PDF / searchable format. Advantages: Enables computer-based indexing/search. Makes spotting duplicate entries, ghost voters, irregularities much easier. Reduces human resource dependency and speeds up audit. Evidence: In Mahadevapura, Bengaluru → Congress manually found ~11,965 duplicate entries. Activists (e.g., P.G. Bhat) used machine-readable rolls pre-2018 to highlight irregularities. Why the EC Stopped Providing Machine-Readable Rolls (2018–2019) Policy shift: One year before 2019 elections, EC ordered States to stop uploading machine-readable rolls. Official rationale (O.P. Rawat, then CEC): Prevent foreign entities from accessing detailed voter data (full names + addresses). Data security concerns in a digital age (risk of profiling, surveillance, manipulation). Supreme Court stance (Kamal Nath vs EC, 2018): Refused to compel EC to provide text-searchable electoral rolls. Court held: Petitioners can convert PDFs themselves into searchable format if they wish. Despite EC’s own manual recommending “draft roll shall be put on websites in text mode”. Technical & Practical Barriers to Analysis OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Can convert image-PDFs into searchable text. Decades-old tech, but not perfect → prone to errors, esp. with Indian languages/scripts. Challenges: Voter rolls for each Assembly Constituency split into hundreds of PDFs. Estimated 6+ crore pages nationwide. Resource intensive → Cost of OCR for all rolls ≈ $40,000 per revision cycle (Google AI pricing estimate). Logistical hurdles for parties with limited tech capacity. The Transparency vs. Privacy Dilemma Transparency benefits: Easier detection of fraud (duplicate, bogus entries). Builds trust in electoral process. Empowers citizens, researchers, and watchdogs. Risks if made fully public: Exposure of sensitive personal data (name, gender, address, age). Possibility of misuse by foreign actors, data brokers, or political micro-targeting. Potential voter harassment or profiling. Expert opinion: Srinivas Kodali (activist): Since political parties already have OCR capability, better to make rolls public in machine-readable format to level the playing field and ensure transparency. The Core Reasons EC Avoids Machine-Readable Rolls Data protection: Preventing misuse of sensitive personal info. Cybersecurity risks: Fear of foreign/state-sponsored actors exploiting voter databases. Legal backing: Supreme Court allowed EC discretion in the matter. Operational caution: Large-scale digitisation could trigger political/activist pushback if privacy breaches occur. Implications of Current Practice For political parties: Must invest in manual scrutiny or costly OCR processes. Larger/national parties can afford it → smaller ones disadvantaged. For voters: Errors/duplicates harder to spot and correct. Risk of disenfranchisement if issues go unnoticed. For democracy: Reduced transparency → possible erosion of trust in electoral rolls. Opens space for allegations of “vote theft” and irregularities. Way Forward Balanced solution: Provide machine-readable rolls with data redaction (partial masking of sensitive info like house number). Tiered access: full rolls to recognized political parties under data-protection obligations, limited access to public. Strengthen data protection laws for electoral databases. Technology use: Deploy secure EC-backed OCR and deduplication systems internally. Allow public verification via safe, anonymised platforms. Legal clarity: Amend rules to explicitly define what format voter rolls must be published in, balancing privacy with transparency. Bottom Line EC’s refusal stems from privacy and national security concerns, backed by SC’s cautious stance. But lack of machine-readable rolls hampers transparency and makes fraud detection harder. The challenge is to balance transparency and data privacy, possibly via controlled digital access rather than blanket public release. India successfully tests Agni-5 missile Basics – What is Agni-5? Type: Long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile. Classification: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Range: ~5,000–5,500 km (can reach almost entire Asia, parts of Europe, Africa). Developer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation). User: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which handles India’s nuclear arsenal. Role: Key pillar of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy under the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence) Key Features of Agni-5 Propulsion: 3-stage, solid-fuel missile → higher mobility, faster launch readiness. Accuracy: Equipped with advanced navigation & guidance systems, including ring-laser gyroscope & micro-navigation system. Mobility: Road- and rail-mobile launch capability → increases survivability. Warhead capacity: Can carry nuclear warheads (~1.5 tonnes). MIRV Technology: Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads. Each warhead can hit different targets, overwhelming enemy defenses. First validated in March 2024 trial. The August 20, 2025 Test (Chandipur, Odisha) Nature of test: User trial by Strategic Forces Command (SFC), not just developmental. Purpose: Validate operational readiness of Agni-5 system. Confirm reliability of all technical parameters in real-world conditions. Strengthen India’s long-term strategic deterrence posture. Outcome: Declared “successful” → all mission objectives met. Historical Development Agni series: India’s indigenous missile programme → ranges from short-range (Agni-1) to ICBM (Agni-5). Timeline: 2012: First test of Agni-5. Multiple developmental & user trials since. 2024: First test of Agni-5 MIRV variant. 2025 (current): Operational validation test by SFC. Strategic Importance Deterrence against China: 5,000 km range covers Beijing, Shanghai, and other Chinese strategic assets. Strengthens India’s second-strike capability under No First Use (NFU) doctrine. Credible minimum deterrence: Enhances survivability of India’s nuclear arsenal. MIRV capability: Counters anti-ballistic missile (ABM) shields by ensuring multiple warheads hit targets simultaneously. Geopolitical message: Demonstrates India’s growing technological maturity in strategic weapons → boosts global stature. Operational Context Strategic Forces Command (SFC): Conducted the test → indicates induction into active arsenal. Comparison with others: China: DF-41 ICBM (range 12,000–15,000 km, MIRV capable). Pakistan: No ICBM capability; longest-range = Shaheen-III (~2,750 km). India: With Agni-5 MIRV, joins small club (US, Russia, China, France) with MIRV-capable ICBMs. Implications for India’s Security & Foreign Policy Strategic Stability: Enhances deterrence, reduces adversaries’ temptation for pre-emptive strike. China focus: Directly balances China’s long-range missile arsenal. Pakistan: Already within Agni-2/Agni-3 range; Agni-5 aimed primarily at China. Global diplomacy: Positions India as a responsible nuclear power with credible deterrence. Enhances leverage in global arms control discussions (e.g., MTCR, NSG). Challenges Ahead MIRV integration: Needs extensive testing under different conditions. Counter-systems: China deploying advanced ABM systems → India needs penetration aids, decoys, maneuverable warheads. Arms race concern: Agni-5 MIRV could trigger regional acceleration of nuclear and missile development. Command & control: Must ensure highest standards of safety, security, and political oversight. Bottom Line Agni-5’s August 2025 test marks operational consolidation of India’s ICBM programme. Demonstrates MIRV maturity and strategic readiness. Reinforces India’s China-centric deterrence posture and secures India’s place among the world’s advanced nuclear powers.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 20 August 2025

Content The Solar Surge: India’s Bold Leap Toward a Net Zero Future Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all crops The Solar Surge: India’s Bold Leap Toward a Net Zero Future Basic Context & Global Position Current Global Rankings (2025): 3rd largest solar power producer globally (overtook Japan) 4th in renewable energy installed capacity worldwide 4th in wind power capacity 3rd in solar power capacity Key Production Milestone: India: 108,494 GWh solar energy generated Japan: 96,459 GWh (now behind India) Solar Capacity Breakdown (July 2025) Total Solar Capacity: 119.02 GW Ground-mounted solar: 90.99 GW (76%) Grid-connected rooftop: 19.88 GW (17%) Hybrid projects: 3.06 GW (3%) Off-grid installations: 5.09 GW (4%) Growth Rate: 4,000% increase in solar capacity over recent years Total Solar Potential: 748 GW across India Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security , Environment and Ecology) Geographic Distribution & High-Potential States Northern & Western Region: Rajasthan, Gujarat (highest potential) Southern & Central Region: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh Eastern & Other Regions: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha Notable Achievement: Palli village (J&K) became India’s first carbon-neutral panchayat Manufacturing Capacity Revolution Solar Module Manufacturing: March 2024: 38 GW capacity March 2025: 74 GW capacity (95% increase in one year) Solar PV Cell Manufacturing: March 2024: 9 GW capacity March 2025: 25 GW capacity (178% increase) New Milestone: First ingot-wafer manufacturing facility (2 GW) operational Historical Growth (2014-2025): PV cells: 1.2 GW → 25 GW (21x increase) PV modules: 2.3 GW → 78 GW (34x increase) Government Policy Support Import Protection: Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imported solar cells/modules (April 2022) Mandatory use of Indian-made products in government schemes Key Schemes Requiring Domestic Components: Rooftop Solar Programme PM-KUSUM CPSU Scheme Phase II Major Government Initiatives PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Budget: ₹75,021 crores Target: 1 crore households Benefit: Up to 300 units free electricity monthly Subsidies: 1 kW: ₹30,000 2 kW: ₹60,000 3 kW+: ₹78,000 Savings: ₹15,000 annually even after loan EMI PM-KUSUM Scheme Focus: Farmer solar adoption Subsidies: 30-50% for solar pumps Capacity: Up to 2 MW solar plants per farmer Revenue: Farmers can sell electricity to DISCOMs Solar Parks Scheme Target: 40 GW by March 2026 Approved: 53 parks (39,323 MW capacity) across 13 states Operational: 13,896 MW across 26 parks Status: 18 parks fully developed (10,856 MW) PM JANMAN Initiative Budget: ₹515 crores Target: 1 lakh un-electrified tribal households Coverage: 18 states, focusing on PVTGs Innovative Solar Technologies Floating Solar: Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park (Madhya Pradesh) Capacity: 600 MW planned Cost: ₹330 crores Benefits: Land conservation, higher efficiency Agrivoltaics: Dual land use: solar + farming Examples: Sun master Plant (Delhi), 105 KW ICAR system (Jodhpur) Benefits: Increased farmer income, efficient land use Global Leadership Initiatives International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founded: 2015 by India and France at COP21 Members: 100+ countries Investment Target: $1 trillion by 2030 Focus: LDCs and Small Island Developing States One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) Launched: 2018 at ISA Assembly Vision: Global solar grid connectivity Coverage: South Asia to Africa and Europe Concept: “The sun never sets” – continuous solar supply Overall Renewable Energy Context Total Power Capacity: 484.82 GW Renewable Share: 50.07% (achieved COP26 target 5 years early) Non-fossil Fuel Capacity: 242.8 GW (June 2025) Breakdown: Renewable energy: 233.99 GW Nuclear: 8.8 GW Energy Mix: Thermal: 242 GW Solar: 116 GW Wind: 51.6 GW Growth Trajectory & Achievements 2024-25 Record: 29.52 GW renewable capacity added 11-Year Growth: RE capacity grew 3x (76.37 GW in 2014 → 233.99 GW in 2025) 2030 Target: 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity Supporting Renewable Technologies Wind Energy Capacity: 51.6 GW (4.15 GW added in FY 2024-25) Global Rank: 4th in onshore wind Potential: 1,164 GW Contribution: 4.56% of total electricity generation Bioenergy Capacity: 11.60 GW (including waste-to-energy) Budget: ₹1,715 crores (National Bioenergy Programme 2021-2026) Components: Waste-to-energy, biomass, biogas, biofuel blending Ethanol Blending Current Status: 17.98% blending (February 2025) Target: 20% by 2025-26 (ahead of 2030 original target) Global Position: 3rd largest ethanol producer and consumer Green Hydrogen Mission Target: 5 million tonnes annually by 2030 Investment: ₹8 lakh crore expected Job Creation: 6 lakh jobs Import Savings: ₹1 lakh crore in fossil fuel imports Hub Ports: Kandla, Paradip, Tuticorin Recent Policy Developments (2025) July 2025: ₹7,000 crore exemption for NLC India Ltd NLC Expansion Plan: Current: 2 GW 2030 target: 10 GW 2047 target: 32 GW Five Key Strategic Priorities for 2030 Better Contracts: Long-term power purchase agreements Stronger Grids: Modern infrastructure with battery storage Make in India: Boost local manufacturing Smart Land Use: Floating solar, agrivoltaics Easy Financing: Accessible funding mechanisms International Commitments & Progress Paris Agreement NDCs Carbon Intensity: 45% reduction by 2030 (vs 2005 levels) Non-fossil Capacity: 50% by 2030 (achieved 5 years early) Net Zero Target: 2070 COP26 Commitments (Panchamrit) 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 Currently on track with accelerated progress Strategic Impact & Benefits Energy Security: Reduced dependence on coal imports Economic Benefits: Job creation across renewable value chain Rural Development: Farmer income enhancement through solar initiatives Manufacturing: Domestic production reducing import dependency Innovation: Leadership in floating solar, agrivoltaics, green hydrogen Challenges & Future Outlook Infrastructure Requirements Grid modernization for renewable integration Energy storage solutions for intermittency Transmission infrastructure development Policy Success Factors Import duties protecting domestic manufacturing Subsidy schemes driving adoption Mandatory domestic content requirements Long-term policy consistency Conclusion: Key Success Indicators Speed of Achievement: Major targets met ahead of schedule Comprehensive Approach: Technology + policy + manufacturing + international cooperation Social Impact: Rural electrification, farmer empowerment, tribal community inclusion Economic Transformation: From energy importer to potential exporter Global Leadership: ISA, OSOWOG initiatives positioning India as renewable energy leader MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES (MSPS)FOR ALL CROPS What is MSP? Definition: Government-guaranteed minimum price for agricultural crops to protect farmers from price volatility Coverage: 22 mandated agricultural crops across India Authority: Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) recommends MSP rates Frequency: Fixed annually by the Government of India Implementation: Digital payment system for MSP procurement Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Agriculture) Decision-Making Process Primary Recommender: Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) Consultation Process: Views from State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments Final Authority: Central Government fixes final MSP rates Scope: Applied uniformly across the country MSP Performance Data (2024-25: July to June) Quantitative Achievements Total Procurement: 1,175 lakh metric tonnes (117.5 million metric tonnes) MSP Amount Paid: ₹3.33 lakh crores (₹33,300 billion) Farmers Benefitted: 1.84 crores (18.4 million farmers) Key Metrics Analysis Average MSP per farmer: ₹18,098 per farmer (₹3.33 lakh crores ÷ 1.84 crore farmers) Average procurement per farmer: 6.38 metric tonnes per farmer Average price per metric tonne: ₹28,340 across all crops Current Policy Status Loan Waiver Status No active loan waiver scheme currently operational in Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Alternative approach: Structured financial support through multiple targeted schemes Digital Infrastructure Payment System: Digital payment implementation for MSP procurement Transparency: Enhanced through digital systems Efficiency: Reduced transaction costs and time Supporting Agricultural Schemes Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Basic Structure Launch Date: February 2019 Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme Annual Benefit: ₹6,000 per eligible farmer Payment Structure: Three equal installments of ₹2,000 each Target Group: Land-holding farmers Financial Performance Total Disbursement: Over ₹3.69 lakh crores since inception Installments Completed: 19 installments (as of August 2025) Payment Method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts Transparency Features: Complete digital verification and registration process Impact Analysis Average annual disbursement: ≈₹56,000 crores per year (₹3.69 lakh crores ÷ 6.5 years) Estimated beneficiaries: ≈9.3 crore farmers (based on ₹6,000 per farmer annually) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Scheme Overview Launch: Kharif 2016 season Purpose: Crop insurance against natural calamities and adverse weather Objective: Income stabilization for farmers Financial Performance (2016-2025) Farmers’ Premium Paid: ₹35,753 crores Claims Paid to Farmers: ₹1.83 lakh crores (as of June 30, 2025) Benefit Ratio: 5:1 (claims received vs. premium paid) Net Benefit to Farmers: ₹1.47 lakh crores (₹1.83 lakh – ₹0.36 lakh crores) Coverage and Impact Risk Coverage: Natural calamities, adverse weather, pest attacks Financial Protection: Comprehensive crop loss compensation Affordability: Low premium burden for farmers due to government subsidies Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) Scheme Structure Funding: 100% centrally funded Coverage: All States and Union Territories Target: Short-term agricultural loans through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Benefit: Concessional interest rates for working capital requirements Five-Year Financial Performance (2020-25) Year Disbursement (₹ Crores) Year-on-Year Change 2020-21 17,789.72 – 2021-22 21,476.93 20.7% 2022-23 17,997.88 -16.2% 2023-24 14,251.92 -20.8% 2024-25 17,811.72 25.0% Analysis of Trends Total Disbursement (5 years): ₹89,328.17 crores Average Annual Disbursement: ₹17,866 crores Peak Year: 2021-22 (₹21,477 crores) Recent Recovery: 25% increase in 2024-25 after two years of decline Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme Background Launch Year: 2020 Initiative: Part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme Primary Focus: Post-harvest management and community farming assets Financial Framework Total Fund Size: ₹1 lakh crore loan facility Interest Rate Cap: Maximum 9% on loans Loan Type: Medium to long-term debt financing Lending Mechanism: Through established financial institutions Performance as of June 30, 2025 Sanctioned Amount: ₹66,310 crores (66% of target achieved) Projects Sanctioned: 1,13,419 projects Total Investment Mobilized: ₹1,07,502 crores Leverage Ratio: 1.6:1 (total investment vs. sanctioned amount) Project Category Breakdown Custom Hiring Centres: 30,202 projects (26.6%) Processing Units: 22,827 projects (20.1%) Warehouses: 15,982 projects (14.1%) Sorting & Grading Units: 3,703 projects (3.3%) Cold Storage Projects: 2,454 projects (2.2%) Other Post-harvest Projects: 38,251 projects (33.7%) State-wise Allocation Allocation Basis: Ratio of total value of output of Agriculture and Allied sectors Coverage: All States and Union Territories Decentralized Implementation: State-specific project approval and monitoring Integrated Analysis of Agricultural Support System Financial Scale and Impact Combined Annual Support: Approximately ₹60,000+ crores across all schemes Direct Beneficiaries: 10+ crore farmers across different schemes Infrastructure Development: 1+ lakh projects under AIF alone Risk Mitigation: Comprehensive crop insurance with 5:1 benefit ratio Policy Approach: No Loan Waiver Strategy Why No Loan Waiver? Structured Support Preferred: Multiple targeted schemes instead of blanket waivers Sustainability Concerns: Loan waivers can create moral hazard and fiscal burden Comprehensive Coverage: MSP, income support, insurance, infrastructure development Alternative Support Mechanisms Income Support: PM-KISAN provides direct cash transfers Price Protection: MSP ensures minimum guaranteed prices Risk Coverage: PMFBY provides comprehensive crop insurance Credit Support: MISS reduces borrowing costs Infrastructure: AIF develops post-harvest facilities Technology Integration Digital Payments: MSP procurement through digital systems Aadhaar Integration: PM-KISAN uses Aadhaar-seeded accounts DBT Implementation: Direct Benefit Transfer reduces leakages Transparency: Digital systems ensure accountability MSP System Challenges Limited Crop Coverage: Only 22 crops out of hundreds grown Geographic Concentration: MSP procurement mainly in certain states Storage and Logistics: Infrastructure constraints in procurement Price Discovery: Market prices often below MSP for many crops Scheme-specific Challenges PM-KISAN Landholding Requirement: Only land-owning farmers eligible Small Amount: ₹6,000 annually may be insufficient for meaningful impact Documentation: Requires proper land records PMFBY Claim Settlement: Delays in claim processing Coverage Gaps: Some risks not covered Premium Burden: Even subsidized premium can be high for marginal farmers MISS KCC Penetration: Not all farmers have Kisan Credit Cards Documentation Requirements: Formal credit procedures State Variations: Implementation quality varies across states AIF Loan-based: Requires repayment capacity Technical Expertise: Need for project preparation and management Collateral Requirements: May limit access for small farmer Future Outlook and Recommendations Strengthening MSP System Expand Crop Coverage: Include more crops in MSP framework Improve Procurement Infrastructure: Better storage and logistics Market Integration: Link MSP with market development Price Rationalization: Regular review of MSP calculation methodology Enhancing Support Schemes Universal Coverage: Extend benefits to tenant farmers and agricultural laborers Amount Rationalization: Increase PM-KISAN amount based on inflation Technology Upgrade: Further digitalization of all processes Convergence: Better coordination between different schemes Infrastructure Development Accelerate AIF Implementation: Achieve full ₹1 lakh crore target Value Chain Development: Focus on processing and marketing infrastructure Technology Adoption: Promote modern agricultural technologies Climate Resilience: Develop climate-smart infrastructure

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 20 August 2025

Content A tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, ‘the man who fed India’ Making India’s climate taxonomy framework work A tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, ‘the man who fed India’   Basic Context Historical Achievement: M.S. Swaminathan led India’s most successful atmanirbhar experiment – achieving food self-sufficiency in 1960s Current Relevance: Green Revolution lessons applicable to Viksit Bharat’s digital economy and scientific development goals New Biography: “M.S. Swaminathan: the Man who Fed India” by Priyambada Jayakumar provides insights for future policy Relevance : GS 1(History- Post Independent India), GS 3(Agriculture) , GS 4(Personalities) Practice Question : “The Green Revolution under M.S. Swaminathan’s leadership represents India’s most successful atmanirbhar experiment in the post-independence era. However, its lessons remain largely unimplemented in contemporary scientific policy-making.”Analyze the key factors that led to the success of the Green Revolution and evaluate how these lessons can be applied to achieve India’s Viksit Bharat goals, particularly in addressing current agricultural research deficits.(250 Words) The Scientific Breakthrough Process International Collaboration Chain (1958-1963) Problem: Higher grain yield caused wheat plants to bend due to weak stalks Japanese Input: Scientist shared dwarf wheat variety information with stronger stalks Mexican Connection: Norman Borlaug developing suitable variety through prior personal contact Success Factor: Personal scientific networks enabled knowledge transfer Bureaucratic Bottlenecks Approval Delay: IARI Director approved Borlaug’s invitation in 1960, bureaucracy took 2+ years Cost of Delay: Borlaug arrived only March 1963, potentially delaying benefits by years Nehru’s Paradox: Despite saying “everything can wait but not agriculture,” bureaucracy was unaware Critical Success Factors Political Leadership Quality Lal Bahadur Shastri: Prioritized agriculture, appointed technically qualified minister C. Subramaniam (Agriculture Minister): Physics graduate with scientific knowledge Called 20 scientists for direct consultation Immediately provided funding when Swaminathan explained constraints Bypassed bureaucratic channels Decision-Making Under Uncertainty National Rollout Challenges: Finance Ministry objected to ₹5 crore foreign exchange for 18,000 tonnes seed import Planning Commission doubted new seeds would outperform existing varieties Left opposed due to U.S. Rockefeller Foundation connection Shastri’s Resolution: Faced conflicting expert opinions Visited IARI personally to see evidence Made decision based on firsthand observation Indira Gandhi continued support after Shastri’s death Results and Environmental Lessons Immediate Success (1968) Achievement: Bounteous wheat harvest, began phasing out PL 480 food imports Self-Sufficiency: Achieved food security for India Long-term Environmental Issues Problems: Excessive water and fertilizer use led to environmental damage Swaminathan’s Warning: Later advocated for environmental sustainability corrections Unfinished Business: Environmental corrections still not implemented Four Key Lessons for Viksit Bharat Lesson 1: International Scientific Collaboration Global Connectivity: Scientists must build international networks and attend conferences abroad Bureaucratic Reform: Drastically reduce control over scientific travel and collaboration Knowledge Exchange: Stay current with cutting-edge global research Lesson 2: Direct Political-Scientific Interface Bypass Bureaucracy: Politicians must hear scientists directly, not through generalist bureaucrats Minister Quality: Need technically qualified ministers like China’s engineer-leaders Nehru’s Gap: Despite commitment to science, had “few takers in government and bureaucracy” Lesson 3: Managing Conflicting Expert Opinions Process: Air all viewpoints appropriately when dealing with new ideas Leadership Decision: When no consensus, highest level must decide Full Backing: Provide complete support once decision made Independent Monitoring: Subject to monitoring with course corrections Lesson 4: Institutional Quality and Autonomy Research Governance: Need proper autonomy and merit-based recruitment Political Access: Top scientists require access to decision-makers Sustained Support: Long-term commitment beyond individual leaders Current Agricultural Research Crisis India vs. China Gap Global Rankings: China: 8 agricultural institutions in world’s top 10 India: None in top 200 Historical reversal: India was ahead in late 1960s Investment Gap India: 0.43% of agricultural GDP on R&D China: Double India’s percentage Systemic Issues: Inadequate funding, governance, and political access Climate Change Application New Challenge Threat: Climate change will severely impact agricultural productivity Solution Dependency: Scientific advances critical for adaptation Institutional Performance: Success depends on research capability improvement Required Actions Funding Boost: Substantial R&D investment increase needed Institutional Reform: Improve governance and autonomy Political Interface: Ensure scientific access to decision-making Implementation Strategy Immediate Reforms Bureaucratic Streamlining: Remove procedural delays for scientific initiatives Minister Selection: Prefer technically qualified leaders Funding Increase: Boost R&D spending across sectors Direct Access Channels: Create formal scientist-politician interaction mechanisms Systemic Changes Institutional Autonomy: Modern governance for research institutions Performance Metrics: Global benchmarking of scientific achievement International Integration: Balance collaboration with indigenous capability Environmental Integration: Incorporate sustainability from beginning Broader Applications Universal Lessons Cross-Sector Relevance: Applicable to all scientific development areas Digital Economy: Particularly relevant for new technology atmanirbharta Innovation Ecosystem: Need systemic changes in science support Success Metrics Research Rankings: Improve global institutional standings Innovation Output: Increase breakthrough discoveries Policy Integration: Better science-policy interface Conclusion The Green Revolution provides a proven template for achieving transformational change through: International collaboration combined with indigenous adaptation Direct political-scientific interface bypassing bureaucratic bottlenecks Decisive leadership with technical understanding Full implementation support with independent monitoring Making India’s climate taxonomy framework work Basic Context and Purpose What is Climate Finance Taxonomy? Released: May 2025 by Ministry of Finance for public consultation Core Purpose: Foundational tool to mobilize climate-aligned investments Key Functions: Prevent greenwashing in financial markets Clarify which sectors/technologies contribute to climate goals Guide investors on mitigation, adaptation, and transition activities Framework Nature: “Living document” – adaptable to evolving priorities and international obligations Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology – Climate Change) Practice Question : “India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy aims to prevent greenwashing and mobilize genuine climate investments. However, its effectiveness as a ‘living document’ depends entirely on the robustness of its review mechanism.”Critically examine the proposed review architecture for India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy and suggest measures to ensure its successful implementation in the context of India’s evolving climate finance ecosystem.(250 Words) Strategic Importance Investment Mobilization: Channel capital toward genuine climate solutions Market Integrity: Prevent false climate claims in financial products Policy Alignment: Ensure domestic and international climate goal coordination Investor Confidence: Provide clear guidelines for climate-related investments Two-Tier Review System Tier 1: Annual Reviews Frequency: Every year for timely course correction Triggers for Review: Implementation gaps identified Evolving international climate obligations Stakeholder feedback and concerns Domestic policy changes affecting climate finance Process Requirements: Structured and predictable methodology Fixed timelines for completion Clear documentation protocols Mandatory public consultation phases Tier 2: Comprehensive Five-Year Reviews Frequency: Every five years for deep reassessment Scope: More comprehensive evaluation covering: Emerging trends in global carbon markets Shifts in international climate finance definitions Lessons learned from sectoral transitions Alignment with updated climate commitments Timeline Alignment: Corresponds with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) updates Aligns with UN Framework Convention on Climate Change global stocktake process Ensures domestic-international synchronization Reference Model: Paris Agreement Article 6.4 Inspiration Source: Article 6.4 Supervisory Body’s legal and editorial review system Key Principles Adopted: Investor confidence building Legal clarity and precision Domestic-international alignment Structured review processes Substantive Review Components Legal Coherence Assessment Domestic Law Alignment: Energy Conservation Act compliance SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board) norms integration Carbon Credit Trading Scheme coordination Other relevant financial regulations Legal Quality Checks: Enforceability of taxonomy provisions Removal of regulatory redundancies Clarification of jurisdictional overlaps Harmonization of technical terms across frameworks Interdependency Analysis: Integration with green bonds frameworks Coordination with blended finance schemes Alignment with environmental risk disclosure requirements Consistency with other economic/fiscal measures Substantive Editorial Review Readability and Accessibility: Maintain coherence for expert and non-expert users Ensure technical precision without complexity barriers Update definitions to reflect evolving market standards Quantitative Threshold Updates: Greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets Energy efficiency benchmarks Performance metrics based on empirical data Incorporation of stakeholder input on practical thresholds Inclusive Implementation Focus Target Sectors for Special Attention: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Informal sector participants Vulnerable communities Agriculture and small manufacturing Accessibility Measures: Simplified entry points for smaller participants Staggered compliance timelines Proportionate expectations based on capacity Barrier reduction for marginalized sectors Institutional Framework for Implementation Governance Structure Options Option 1: Standing unit within Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance) Option 2: Expert committee with multi-stakeholder representation Expert Committee Composition Financial Regulators: SEBI, RBI, and other market regulators Climate Science Institutions: Research and technical expertise providers Legal Experts: Regulatory and compliance specialists Civil Society: NGOs and community representatives Industry Representatives: Private sector and implementation experience Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms Public Dashboards: Online platforms for stakeholder input collection Documentation of implementation experiences Publication of review reports and findings Real-time tracking of taxonomy evolution Public Reporting Requirements: Annual review summaries in accessible formats Five-year revision proposals with public consultation Consolidated documentation for investor reference Regular implementation progress updates Critical Timing and Context Convergent Developments in Climate Finance Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Expected full operationalization Green Bonds Market: Entering mainstream investment portfolios and stock market listing Public Investment Alignment: Growing pressure to align government spending with climate goals Regulatory Coordination: Need for seamless integration across multiple climate finance instruments Risk of Inadequate Implementation Weak Taxonomy Impact: Could undermine broader climate finance ecosystem development Opacity Risks: Lack of clear processes would reduce investor confidence Market Fragmentation: Inconsistent standards across different instruments International Misalignment: Could affect India’s global climate finance reputation Success Factors for “Living Document” Approach Active Review Requirements Continuous Monitoring: Regular assessment of implementation effectiveness Responsive Updates: Quick adaptation to changing circumstances Stakeholder Engagement: Ongoing consultation with users and beneficiaries Evidence-Based Revisions: Updates based on empirical data and practical experience Transparent Revision Process Clear Methodology: Predictable process for making changes Public Participation: Meaningful consultation opportunities Documentation Standards: Comprehensive record-keeping of revisions Impact Assessment: Evaluation of proposed changes before implementation Structured Engagement Framework Multi-Stakeholder Platforms: Regular forums for input and feedback Sectoral Consultations: Specialized discussions for different industries Regional Workshops: Local-level engagement for implementation insights International Coordination: Alignment with global best practices Integration with Broader Climate Finance Architecture Coordination Requirements Carbon Market Mechanisms: Seamless integration with trading schemes Disclosure Obligations: Consistency with environmental reporting requirements Green Bond Frameworks: Harmonized standards and definitions International Standards: Alignment with global taxonomy developments Policy Coherence Needs Fiscal Incentives: Coordination with tax policies and subsidies Regulatory Frameworks: Integration with financial sector regulations Development Programs: Alignment with climate adaptation and mitigation schemes International Commitments: Consistency with NDCs and global agreements Implementation Recommendations Immediate Actions Establish Governance Structure: Set up review mechanism before final taxonomy release Develop Public Platform: Create transparent consultation and feedback systems Define Review Protocols: Establish clear procedures for annual and five-year reviews Stakeholder Mapping: Identify key participants across sectors and regions Medium-term Priorities Capacity Building: Train relevant officials and stakeholders on taxonomy use Integration Planning: Coordinate with other climate finance instrument development Monitoring System: Establish data collection and analysis capabilities International Engagement: Participate in global taxonomy harmonization efforts Conclusion: Critical Success Factors Process Excellence Predictable Reviews: Structured annual and five-year assessment cycles Transparent Operations: Public dashboards and accessible reporting Inclusive Participation: Meaningful engagement across all stakeholder groups Evidence-Based Updates: Data-driven revisions based on implementation experience Strategic Alignment Domestic Integration: Seamless coordination with existing financial regulations International Consistency: Alignment with global climate finance standards Market Confidence: Clear, enforceable guidelines that build investor trust Adaptive Capacity: Genuine “living document” capability through active review processes

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 20 August 2025

Content Saltwater Crocodile Population Recovery in Sundarbans Karnataka’s gig workers’ welfare bill White-collar as well as blue-collar workers embrace AI to future-proof careers: report Breaking down the Chinese wall The complex web of factors behind India’s persistent stunting crisis India’s Youth as a Response to U.S. Tariffs The Derozio effect: a brief, disruptive moment in 19th century colonial Calcutta Govt. set to introduce Bill to ban real money gaming firms Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 Africa’s objection to the Mercator world map projection Saltwater Crocodile Population Recovery in Sundarbans Basic Context Species: Crocodylus porosus – largest reptile in crocodilian order Study Authority: West Bengal Forest Department Location: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR) Ecological Role: Hypercarnivorous apex predators, ecosystem cleaners feeding on carcasses Distribution: Odisha and West Bengal mangroves, Andaman & Nicobar coastal areas Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Population Assessment Results (2025) Direct Sighting Data Total Recorded: 213 direct observations Demographic Breakdown: Adults: 125 individuals (58.7%) Juveniles: 88 individuals (41.3%) Hatchlings: 23 individuals (10.8%) Population Estimate Range: 220-242 individuals Encounter Rate: 0.18 per kilometer (1 crocodile per 5.5 km of surveyed area) Dramatic Year-over-Year Growth (2024 vs 2025) Category 2024 2025 Increase Adults 71 125 76% Juveniles 41 88 115% Hatchlings 2 23 1,050% Total 114 236 107% Key Significance Hatchling Boom: Most critical indicator – “sighting of hatchlings is very rare and difficult in Sundarbans terrain” Healthy Age Structure: Growth across all demographic classes indicates sustainable population recovery Breeding Success: Dramatic hatchling increase suggests effective protection of nesting sites Survey Methodology Technical Approach: Systematic surveys, GPS mapping, habitat characterization Classification Method: Length-based demographic categorization Data Quality: Conservative approach using only confirmed direct sightings Challenges: Dense mangrove terrain, cryptic species behavior, tidal variations Conservation History and Success Factors Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976-Present) Location: South 24 Parganas district Duration: 49 years of sustained conservation effort Government Commitment: “Successive governments made significant efforts” Approach: Breeding facility combined with habitat protection Long-term Impact Multi-decade Success: Nearly 50 years proving conservation persistence Research-based Management: Annual monitoring enabling adaptive strategies Habitat Security: Sundarbans reserve providing comprehensive protection Ecological and Conservation Significance Ecosystem Health Indicator Apex Predator Recovery: Reflects overall ecosystem stability Food Web Balance: Controls prey populations, maintains biodiversity Water Quality: Scavenging role prevents disease spread Mangrove Protection: Success demonstrates habitat preservation effectiveness Conservation Model Success Population Viability: Strong recruitment across age classes Habitat Quality: Ecosystem supporting increased carrying capacity Scientific Validation: Research-based approach proving effective strategies Current Challenges and Future Priorities Ongoing Threats Climate Change: Sea level rise, changing salinity affecting habitat Human Pressure: Fishing activities, coastal development Habitat Degradation: Pollution, mangrove destruction Human-Wildlife Conflict: Potential conflicts with fishing communities Conservation Priorities Continued Monitoring: Annual surveys for population trend tracking Nesting Site Protection: Ensure safe breeding areas from disturbance Habitat Enhancement: Maintain prey base and water quality Community Engagement: Local awareness and conflict resolution programs Broader Implications Regional Conservation Leadership Model Project: Demonstrates effective long-term conservation planning Policy Effectiveness: Multi-generational government commitment showing results Scientific Approach: Combining field research with conservation action Replication Potential: Methodology applicable to other endangered species Global Significance Apex Predator Conservation: Rare success story for large predator recovery Mangrove Ecosystem: Conservation in world’s largest mangrove system Climate Resilience: Population growth despite environmental pressures Conservation Science: Research-based approach providing global model Key Success Factors Long-term Commitment: 49-year sustained effort across multiple governments Scientific Foundation: Research-based monitoring and adaptive management Habitat Protection: Large-scale reserve providing comprehensive security Breeding Support: Captive breeding supplementing wild population recovery Systematic Monitoring: Annual assessments enabling evidence-based decisions Karnataka’s gig workers’ welfare bill The gig economy in India is expanding rapidly, driven by digital platforms like ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-commerce logistics. Karnataka, with around 4 lakh gig workers, has become the first state to pass a comprehensive law for gig worker social security. Bill Name: Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025 Objective: Protect gig worker rights, establish welfare mechanisms, and regulate platform aggregators Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Labour Laws) Key Financial Provisions Welfare Fee Structure: 1-5% levy on worker payouts per transaction, varying by aggregator category Funding Sources: Worker contributions, state government grants, central government aid Current Worker Economics: Many earn only ₹1,800 working 16-hour days, highlighting income vulnerability Institutional Structure Welfare Board: New entity to oversee worker registration and welfare scheme implementation Registration System: Mandatory enrollment for both workers and platform aggregators Dispute Resolution: Formal mechanisms to address worker-platform conflicts Fund Management: Dedicated Gig Worker’s Social Security and Welfare Fund Market Context & Scale National Projection: NITI Aayog estimates 23.5 million gig workers by 2029-30 State Numbers: Currently 400,000 gig workers in Karnataka Registration Gap: Only 10,500 workers registered so far, indicating massive underenrollment Growth Trend: Rising gig economy participation in urban and semi-urban areas Worker Welfare Focus Areas Health Concerns: Addresses pollution exposure and physical strain from two-wheeler usage Income Security: Aims to provide financial stability for irregular earnings Working Conditions: Establishes standards for reasonable work environments Social Security: Creates safety net for workers lacking traditional employment benefits Platform Obligations Mandatory Registration: All aggregator platforms must register with authorities Fee Compliance: Must collect and remit welfare fees on worker transactions Worker Support: Share responsibility for ensuring welfare scheme participation Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to new labor standards and reporting requirements Implementation Challenges Enforcement Mechanisms: Need robust systems to ensure platform compliance Worker Awareness: Massive outreach required given low current registration rates Fee Collection: Monitoring transaction-based contributions across multiple platforms Interstate Coordination: Managing workers operating across state boundaries Broader Implications Policy Precedent: Karnataka becomes early adopter of comprehensive gig worker legislation Economic Impact: May influence platform business models and pricing structures Worker Rights: Significant step toward formalizing India’s growing informal economy Regulatory Model: Could serve as template for other states facing similar challenges White-collar as well as blue-collar workers embrace AI to future-proof careers: report AI Adoption Among Indian Workers Paradigm Shift: Indian workforce moving from AI-as-threat to AI-as-opportunity mindset, with 43% expressing confidence in future technology use Cross-Sector Penetration: AI integration transcending traditional white-collar boundaries, with 20% of blue-collar workers already using generative AI tools Proactive Adaptation: Workers driving technology adoption independently rather than waiting for organizational mandates, indicating bottom-up transformation Skills-Employment Nexus: One-third expressing job security concerns without technological adaptation, making AI literacy survival imperative rather than competitive advantage Demographic Leadership: Mid-career professionals (35-54 years) showing highest confidence at 49%, challenging assumptions about digital native advantages Policy-Reality Gap: High worker enthusiasm contrasting with limited institutional training infrastructure, exposing governance adaptation challenges Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Employment) Governance & Policy Implications Skill Development Crisis: 56% mid-career professionals demanding more training exposes gaps in current government skilling programs Digital Divide Risk: AI adoption creating new inequality between trained and untrained workforce segments Labor Law Evolution: Traditional employment categories becoming obsolete as blue-collar workers use sophisticated AI tools Public-Private Coordination: Indeed’s private sector leadership in skill assessment highlights government’s reactive rather than proactive approach Administrative Challenges Implementation Gaps: 70% blue-collar workers finding technology helpful, but only 20% using AI indicates poor institutional support Training Infrastructure: 29% preferring self-paced learning suggests inadequate formal training mechanisms Rural Penetration: Urban-focused AI skill development potentially excluding agricultural and rural workforce Inter-ministerial Coordination: AI skilling requires cooperation between IT, Labor, Education, and Rural Development ministries Economic Transformation Patterns Productivity Paradox: Technology enhancing rather than replacing human capabilities challenges automation fears Wage Premium Evolution: AI-skilled workers commanding higher pay creates merit-based economic stratification Sectoral Disruption: Traditional industry boundaries blurring as manual workers adopt cognitive tools Demographic Dividend: Mid-career confidence (49%) suggests India’s working-age population adapting effectively Social & Ethical Considerations Generational Equity: Older workers (35-54) showing higher confidence contradicts typical digital native assumptions Access Justice: Self-funded skill development (29% preferring self-paced programs) may disadvantage economically weaker sections Work Dignity: AI tools enabling blue-collar workers to perform complex tasks enhances job satisfaction and social status Career Mobility: Technology becoming bridge between traditional skill categories Strategic National Implications Global Competitiveness: Indian workforce proactively embracing AI provides competitive advantage over resistant economies Innovation Ecosystem: Worker-driven technology adoption bottom-up rather than top-down policy implementation Human Capital Quality: 43% confidence level indicates strong foundation for advanced technological integration Self-Reliance: Domestic workforce capability reducing dependence on foreign technical expertise Contemporary Relevance Post-Pandemic Recovery: AI skills becoming crucial for economic resilience and adaptability Manufacturing Renaissance: Blue-collar AI adoption supporting industrial growth objectives Service Sector Evolution: Customer service improvements through AI tools enhancing India’s service economy Startup Ecosystem: Skilled workforce supporting entrepreneurial ventures and innovation culture Future Governance Requirements Regulatory Framework: Need for AI ethics guidelines protecting worker interests while enabling innovation Infrastructure Investment: Digital connectivity and training facilities requiring substantial public investment Continuous Adaptation: Governance systems must evolve rapidly to match technological change pace Inclusive Growth: Ensuring AI benefits reach all economic strata and geographical regions Critical Analysis Points Survey Limitations: Indeed’s platform bias toward formally employed workers may miss informal sector reality Implementation Challenges: Gap between worker enthusiasm (43% confidence) and actual skill development infrastructure Sustainability Concerns: Whether current optimism translates into long-term career security remains uncertain Policy Lag: Government response speed insufficient for rapid technological change pace Breaking down the Chinese wall Contemporary Diplomatic Developments Thaw Indicators: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun at SCO summit signals military-level engagement resumption Religious Diplomacy: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra resumption demonstrates confidence-building through cultural-religious connections High-Level Engagement: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two-day India visit indicates Beijing’s commitment to bilateral dialogue 75-Year Milestone: Diamond jubilee of diplomatic relations providing symbolic opportunity for relationship reset Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Historical Foundation & Nalanda Legacy Civilizational Connections: Pre-modern India-China ties built on knowledge exchange rather than territorial considerations Buddhist Bridge: Chinese monks Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing’s journeys to India established enduring intellectual traditions Nalanda Philosophy: Ancient university embodied “Aa no bhadra kratavo yantu viśvata” (noble thoughts from all directions) – inclusive knowledge paradigm Shared Heritage: Nalanda’s significance for both civilizations creates common ground transcending modern political boundaries Current Engagement Constraints Academic Restrictions: Hundreds of scholarly exchanges awaiting bureaucratic clearance, limiting intellectual cooperation Trade Disruptions: Economic ties stalled due to political tensions and security concerns Military Confrontations: Recurring border incidents creating atmosphere of suspicion and strategic mistrust Bureaucratic Barriers: Scholars requiring official permission for dialogue, students hesitating before academic exchanges Mutual Learning Opportunities India’s Strengths: Democratic decentralization, open civil society engagement, digital public goods framework offer valuable lessons China’s Expertise: Food security initiatives, local infrastructure development, grassroots entrepreneurship models worth studying Collaborative Potential: Non-competitive learning areas including environment, health, culture, and social innovation Knowledge Diplomacy: Academic cooperation could rebuild trust while addressing practical development challenges Strategic Limitations & Questions Gatekeeper States: Both governments limiting engagement possibilities through excessive control mechanisms Strategic Ambiguity: Unclear frameworks preventing confident, forward-looking diplomatic approaches Reactive Diplomacy: Relationship driven by crisis management rather than proactive partnership building Paranoia Persistence: Fear-based policies sustaining “Chinese wall” mentality hindering genuine engagement The Nalanda Approach Framework Principled Flexibility: Holding firm on core interests while remaining open to dialogue in beneficial areas Disagree Without Disengagement: Maintaining communication channels despite fundamental differences on borders and regional vision Curiosity Over Suspicion: Approaching bilateral ties with intellectual openness rather than defensive paranoia Long-term Perspective: Building sustained people-to-people connections beyond immediate political considerations Practical Implementation Steps Academic Infrastructure: Strengthening China studies programs and policy research capabilities in Indian institutions Exchange Facilitation: Streamlining bureaucratic processes for scholarly and cultural interactions Track-II Diplomacy: Encouraging non-governmental dialogue forums and civil society engagement Sectoral Cooperation: Identifying specific areas like climate change, public health where collaboration benefits both nations Values-Based Engagement Śīlabhadra Model: Learning as diplomatic tool, following ancient teacher-student traditions transcending political boundaries Transformative Knowledge: Education and research as confidence-building measures rather than security threats Compassionate Diplomacy: Balancing national interests with humanitarian considerations and regional stability Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Global family concept enabling cooperative rather than zero-sum approaches Contemporary Relevance Post-COVID Cooperation: Pandemic response requiring international collaboration, particularly between major Asian powers Global Challenges: Climate change, economic recovery, technological governance demanding coordinated responses Regional Stability: South Asian and East Asian security interconnected, requiring mature bilateral management Civilizational Responsibility: Both nations’ global leadership roles requiring demonstration of peaceful coexistence capabilities The complex web of factors behind India’s persistent stunting crisis Policy Performance Gap Target vs Reality: POSHAN Abhiyaan aimed for 25% stunting by 2022, but 2025 data shows 37% – only 1.4% improvement from 38.4% in 2016 Implementation Failure: Seven years of flagship nutrition program yielding negligible progress despite substantial resource allocation Systemic Issues: Minimal progress indicates deeper structural problems beyond program design or funding inadequacy Mission 25 Collapse: Ambitious government target becoming policy embarrassment highlighting execution challenges Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Root Cause Analysis Maternal Health Crisis: Nearly half of stunted children already small at birth, linking stunting directly to prenatal conditions Teenage Pregnancy Impact: 7% of women aged 15-19 began childbearing, with adolescent mothers physiologically unprepared for pregnancy Educational Correlation: 46% children of uneducated mothers stunted vs 26% for mothers with 12+ years schooling Intergenerational Cycle: Poor maternal education perpetuating child malnutrition through inadequate care practices Nutritional Deficiencies Dietary Inadequacy: Only 11% children under two meet minimum acceptable diet standards, indicating massive nutritional gaps Carbohydrate Dominance: Rice-heavy diets in poor households, particularly Adivasi communities, lacking protein and micronutrients Protein Scarcity: Dal consumption once weekly or monthly in impoverished areas, creating amino acid deficiencies Micronutrient Crisis: Limited access to eggs, despite some Anganwadi inclusion, perpetuating vitamin and mineral deficits Maternal Anemia Epidemic Widespread Prevalence: 57% women aged 15-49 anemic, directly impacting fetal development and birth outcomes Child Impact: 67% children under five anemic, creating compounding malnutrition effects Iron Deficiency: Maternal anemia during pregnancy compromising infant growth potential from conception Healthcare Gap: Insufficient antenatal care and nutrition supplementation programs for pregnant women Breastfeeding Challenges C-Section Disruption: Surgical deliveries increasing from 9% (2005-06) to 22% (2021), interfering with immediate breastfeeding Colostrum Loss: Babies missing first milk containing essential nutrients due to medical separation post-delivery Class Disparities: Government teachers getting six months maternity leave vs domestic workers returning within two weeks Exclusive Breastfeeding: Only 64% babies under six months exclusively breastfed, well below optimal standards Sanitation & Hygiene Crisis Open Defecation: 19% households still practicing open defecation, contaminating groundwater and spreading infections Gut Health Damage: Unsafe water disrupting bacterial balance needed for nutrient absorption Infection-Malnutrition Cycle: Malnourished children falling sick more frequently, eating less, absorbing less nutrition Environmental Contamination: Poor sanitation creating disease burden preventing proper growth Socioeconomic Determinants Poverty Trap: Stunting correlating with reduced cognitive abilities, educational attainment, and employment prospects Intergenerational Poverty: Malnourished children becoming disadvantaged adults, perpetuating family deprivation cycles Urban-Rural Divide: Different challenges across geographic and economic contexts requiring targeted interventions Caste and Community: Adivasi and marginalized communities facing disproportionate malnutrition burdens Healthcare System Failures Antenatal Care Gap: Inadequate prenatal monitoring and nutrition counseling during critical fetal development period NICU Separation: Medical protocols inadvertently disrupting mother-child bonding and breastfeeding initiation Skill Deficits: Healthcare workers lacking comprehensive nutrition counseling capabilities Follow-up Weakness: Poor tracking of high-risk mothers and children through critical growth windows Policy Recommendations Holistic Approach: Addressing maternal education, healthcare access, sanitation, and economic empowerment simultaneously Targeted Interventions: Special focus on teenage pregnancy prevention and adolescent girl nutrition programs Dietary Diversification: Expanding protein and micronutrient access through local food production and distribution systems Breastfeeding Support: Workplace policies enabling extended maternity leave across all employment categories Long-term Implications Human Capital Loss: Stunted generation creating permanent economic disadvantage and reduced national productivity Healthcare Burden: Malnourished children requiring higher medical interventions throughout life Development Goals: Stunting crisis undermining broader sustainable development objectives and demographic dividend potential Global Standing: India’s malnutrition rates affecting international perception and development partnership opportunities India’s Youth as a Response to U.S. Tariffs Understanding the Context Tariff basics: Taxes levied on imports; raise the landed price of foreign goods. Shift in U.S. policy: Average U.S. tariffs stayed at 2–3% for two decades; in 2024, tariffs spiked under Trump administration. Impact on India: U.S. tariffs on Indian exports fixed at 50% (with 25% penalty linked to Russian oil purchases). Indian goods (e.g., textiles) become costlier ($15 vs $12 for Vietnam/Bangladesh products), hurting competitiveness. Unlike China, which negotiated tariff rollbacks (145% → 30%), India and Brazil remain with some of the highest tariffs. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Challenges for India Trade deficit stress: U.S. is India’s largest export destination; loss of market share deepens current account deficit. Employment concerns: Export-driven sectors like textiles, IT, and pharma face job losses. Agricultural bargaining pressure: U.S. demands greater dairy/agri market access in India, hurting Indian farmers. Structural weakness: India’s global export shares remain low (4.4% in textiles, 0.9% in machinery vs. China’s 36% and 25%). Why Youth is India’s Strategic Strength Demographic advantage: India has the world’s largest youth cohort — one in five young people globally is Indian. 120 million Indians (15–29 yrs) are currently enrolled in higher education — comparable to Japan’s population. Brain circulation precedent: Migration of Indian professionals since the 1970s boosted U.S. innovation (IIT graduates, doctors, engineers). Indian diaspora (3.2 million in 2023) is highly represented in U.S. tech, academia, and entrepreneurship. Global comparison: Youth share is declining in developed countries and China (ageing populations). India’s demographic dividend window extends till ~2047. Policy Options for India External/Trade Policy Measures WTO route: Challenge unilateral U.S. tariffs as discriminatory and violative of multilateral trade rules. Diversify exports: Expand markets in Africa, ASEAN, EU, and Middle East to reduce U.S. dependency. Strategic reciprocity: Use India’s large consumer market as bargaining leverage. South-South coalitions: Deepen cooperation with Brazil, ASEAN, and African countries for fairer trade rules. Domestic Economic Strengthening Demand-led growth: Expand domestic consumption by raising wages, incomes, and social protection. Innovation focus: Incentivize R&D in pharma, electronics, green tech to move up the value chain. Skill revolution: Vocational and technical training aligned with global industries. Infrastructure: Improve logistics, ports, and SEZs to cut export costs. Youth-Centric Strategy Education & skilling: Massive investment in higher education, vocational skills, and digital literacy. Entrepreneurship ecosystem: Encourage startups in AI, biotech, and clean energy. Diaspora leverage: Use U.S.-based Indian professionals as lobbying and knowledge-transfer networks. Employment guarantee: Targeted policies for job creation in manufacturing, services, and green economy. Future Outlook Short-term pain: Tariffs may cause export and job losses. Medium-term shield: India’s youth-driven domestic demand can offset reduced access to U.S. markets. Long-term opportunity: With correct investments in education, health, and innovation, India can transform from low-wage exporter → high-value producer + consumer economy. This dual role makes India indispensable to global growth, countering tariff-driven isolation. Key Takeaways U.S. tariffs are a serious but temporary challenge. India’s youth bulge is the strongest bargaining chip in trade diplomacy. Policy focus: Skilling, innovation, and domestic demand expansion are essential to convert demographic advantage into economic power. The U.S. risks strategic miscalculation if it undervalues India by focusing narrowly on goods trade. The Derozio effect: a brief, disruptive moment in 19th century colonial Calcutta Context Period: 1820s–1840s, colonial Bengal (Calcutta). Institutional backdrop: Hindu College (est. 1817) to impart “liberal English education” to Indian elites. Catalyst: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809–1831), Anglo-Portuguese poet and teacher, appointed at Hindu College (1826). Relevance : GS 1(Modern History) Derozio’s role Published poetry collections (Poems, The Fakeer of Jungheera) invoking freedom, patriotism, dignity of the enslaved. Used literature to stimulate rationalism, critique of tradition, and yearning for national regeneration. Advocated freedom of thought, women’s emancipation, and human equality. The Derozians / Young Bengal Movement Formed: Academic Association (1828), debating social, political, religious issues. Values: Rationalism, liberty, equality. Opposition to caste, orthodoxy, idol worship, social conservatism. Emphasis on critical enquiry, eclectic borrowing of global ideas. Social Acts: Encouraged widow remarriage, female education, inter-caste dining. Dismissal of Derozio (1831): Accused of propagating atheism; died at 22, but ideas persisted. Political dimension Bengal British India Society (1843) – first political party in India, aimed at securing welfare and rights of all subjects. Advocacy for press freedom, legal reforms, and accountability of colonial authorities. Exemplary figures Radhanath Sikdar: Brilliant mathematician; calculated Peak XV (later Everest) as world’s tallest. Defied colonial authority by resisting mistreatment of Indian labourers; filed legal case against a British magistrate. Embodied egalitarian spirit: “A man, and so are you.” Impact & limitations Impact Radical critique of social orthodoxy, caste, and colonial injustices. Planted seeds of political consciousness, rationalism, and human equality. Foreshadowed later nationalist ideas of Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore: inclusive, tolerant, eclectic. Inspired reformist successors: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Akshay Kumar Dutt. Limitations Movement largely confined to elite, English-educated youth in Calcutta. Alienated orthodox Hindu society; lacked mass base. Short-lived: after Derozio’s death, cohesion weakened. Legacy / Significance First radical intellectual movement in modern India. Represented India’s “first radicals” – bridging Western liberal thought with Indian reform. Their “idea of India”: inclusive, secular, egalitarian — a forerunner to constitutional values enshrined in 20th-century nation-building. Early example of civil society activism and political organisation under colonial rule. Govt. set to introduce Bill to ban real money gaming firms Context Sector: Online real money gaming (RMG), including fantasy sports (Dream11), card games (PokerBaazi), rummy, poker, etc. Size: Multi-billion-dollar industry with rapid growth in India. Recent move: Union Cabinet (19 Aug 2025) approved Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 → to be tabled in Parliament. Significance: Sudden, no draft Bill was made public beforehand (contrast with Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023). Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Social Issues) Key Provisions of the Bill Definition of online money gaming: Any game where players deposit money or stakes in expectation of winning. Returns may be monetary or involve “other enrichment.” Prohibition: Broad ban on all online money gaming (RMGs) across categories. Covers fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and similar stake-based platforms. Scope: National-level framework (important, since states had varied regulations earlier). Background Issues Industry pushback: RMG platforms and industry associations have strong lobbying networks with government. Opposed higher GST on RMG deposits (recent Council decision). Legal battles: Firms obtained stays on bans at the state level (e.g., Karnataka). Industry has argued for distinction between games of skill vs. games of chance. Government concern: Addiction, financial losses, youth exploitation, and money laundering risk. Consumer protection and responsible gaming. Implications Positive Protects vulnerable users from financial exploitation. Curtails gambling disguised as “games of skill.” Uniformity across India, reducing state-level inconsistencies. Potentially reduces litigation over regulatory gaps. Negative / Challenges Huge economic impact: RMG industry valued at several billion dollars; ban may hit jobs, revenues, start-up ecosystem. Fantasy sports industry (with IPL tie-ins) likely to be severely impacted. Loss of foreign and domestic investment. Possibility of grey markets or underground illegal betting networks. Legal challenges inevitable (fundamental right to trade, Article 19(1)(g)). Comparative / Global Context China: Harsh restrictions on online gaming for minors. US: State-wise regulation; some allow online poker, fantasy leagues. EU: Regulatory frameworks emphasizing responsible gaming, licensing, taxation. India’s move closer to prohibition model rather than regulation. Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 Context Proposed by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha (Aug 2025). Objective: To disqualify/remove Central or State Ministers (including PM/CM/Council of Ministers) if detained for 30+ consecutive days on serious charges (e.g., corruption, grave offences). Constitutional Amendment: Seeks to amend Article 75, which governs appointment, tenure, and responsibilities of the Council of Ministers. Relevance : GS 2(Constitution , Polity) Key Provisions of the Bill Automatic removal after 30 days: Any minister detained/incarcerated for 30 consecutive days in connection with corruption or serious offences shall cease to hold office. Definition of “serious offence”: Offences attracting imprisonment of 5 years or more. Process of removal: Removal to be formally executed by the President (for Union Ministers) on advice of the Prime Minister, effective from the 31st day of custody. Applicability: Central & State Ministers (includes PM, CM, Cabinet Ministers, MoS). Constitutional Angle Current position (Article 75/164): Ministers hold office at the “pleasure of the President/Governor” (effectively the PM/CM’s advice). No automatic disqualification upon arrest/detention, unless convicted under Representation of People’s Act, 1951 (disqualification after conviction ≥ 2 years). Amendment impact: Creates a new ground of removal independent of conviction. Background & Trigger Case of V. Senthil Balaji (Tamil Nadu, 2023): DMK Minister arrested in money-laundering case; Governor dismissed him, but Supreme Court reinstated after bail. Exposed legal grey area: Can an arrested/detained minister continue in Council of Ministers? Controversy: Political misuse of arrests vs. public morality in governance. Significance Positive Outcomes Strengthens political accountability & probity in governance. Prevents ministers under serious allegations from continuing in high office. Addresses “ethics deficit” in Indian politics; aligns with SC observations in 2014 Lily Thomas & Manoj Narula cases (on convicted MPs/ministers). Symbolic step toward zero tolerance for corruption. Concerns/Challenges Presumption of innocence: Removal after mere detention (not conviction) may undermine fundamental rights (Article 21, Article 14). Scope for misuse: Political arrests/detentions could be engineered to oust ministers. Federal friction: Could deepen Centre–State conflicts (esp. in opposition-ruled states). Judicial test: Likely to face challenges in Supreme Court on grounds of basic structure doctrine (independence of executive, presumption of innocence). Political & Legal Repercussions Political: May be seen as Centre’s tool to weaken opposition governments. Legal: Will trigger debate on “ethical governance vs. due process rights.” Comparative practices: UK/US: Ministers usually resign voluntarily upon indictment or even serious allegations. India: No codified rule till now → hence need for legal clarity. Africa’s objection to the Mercator world map projection Basics of Map Projections Problem: Earth is a sphere; projecting it on a flat surface distorts shape, size, or distance. Types of projections: Cylindrical: e.g., Mercator (1569). Equal-area: e.g., Peters, Equal Earth. Conic, Azimuthal: used for specific purposes. Trade-off: No projection can preserve all properties (area, shape, direction, distance) simultaneously. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) The Mercator Projection (1569) Inventor: Gerardus Mercator (Flemish cartographer, mathematician). Purpose: Aid navigation → preserved angles and directions, crucial for sailors using straight-line (rhumb line) courses. Method: Projected Earth’s surface onto a cylinder → expanded distances away from equator. Adoption: Became standard in navigation and later in classroom atlases, textbooks, and wall maps. The Distortion Problem Effect on Continents: Areas near poles (e.g., Greenland, Europe, North America) appear much larger than reality. Equatorial/tropical regions (e.g., Africa, South America) appear smaller than actual size. Example: Greenland ≈ same size as Congo on Mercator, but in reality, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland. Africa appears ~2/3 its true size. Result: Creates a Eurocentric worldview, exaggerating the size and importance of the Global North. Alternative Projections Peters Projection (1970s): Equal-area; accurately represents size but distorts shapes. Equal Earth Projection (2018): Supported by AU; balances area and shape, showing Africa in correct proportion. Gall-Peters Projection: Promoted in schools for educational equity. African Union’s Stand Reason: Mercator projection symbolises colonial bias → enlarged Europe, diminished Africa. AU demand: Replace Mercator with Equal Earth or Peters projection for maps in UN, schools, international organisations. Political symbolism: Reclaim Africa’s “rightful place on the global stage.” Broader Implications Historical: Mercator maps used during European colonial expansion. Supported “Scramble for Africa” by making the continent look smaller, less significant, and easier to partition. Cultural: Shapes global perception → reinforces Northern dominance and Southern inferiority. Educational: Textbooks with Mercator maps embed subconscious bias in young minds. Geopolitical: Correcting the map is part of decolonising knowledge systems and reshaping global narratives. Why This Matters Today Perception shapes power: Maps influence how societies value regions. Equity in representation: Giving Africa accurate size highlights its importance (2nd largest continent, vast resources, demographic dividend). Decolonisation movement: Fits within wider global push to challenge Eurocentric narratives in history, education, and international institutions.

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