Posts

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 09 December 2025

Content How can India benefit from neurotechnology? DHRUVA framework Crypto transactions crossed ₹51,000 cr. in 2024-25 in India Nahargarh Biological Park Gallbladder cancer How can India benefit from neurotechnology?  Why in News? May 2024: Neuralink received US FDA approval for first in-human BCI trials. Demonstrated: Thought-controlled cursor movement Prosthetic-enabled motor function in paralysed patients Renewed global debate on: Human enhancement Brain data privacy Military uses of BCIs Parallel developments: China Brain Project (2016–2030) EU & Chile enacting “Neurorights” laws In India: IIT Kanpur developed BCI-driven robotic hand for stroke patients New focus on health-tech + neuro-AI convergence Relevance GS 2 – Governance & Social Justice Health governance and regulation of emerging medical technologies Data privacy, informed consent, and human rights (brain data) International cooperation on tech ethics (neurorights, global regulations) GS 3 – Science & Technology + Internal Security Emerging technologies: Neuro-AI, BCIs, assistive technologies Dual-use technology risks (civil–military fusion, neuro-weapons) Strategic technology competition (US–China–EU) What is Neurotechnology? Neurotechnology = technologies that: Record Monitor Stimulate Modify brain activity directly. Works at the intersection of: Neuroscience Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Engineering Signal Processing Core Technology: Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) BCI = Direct communication pathway between brain and external device Three functional layers: Signal acquisition → EEG or implanted electrodes Signal decoding → AI/ML algorithms Command execution → Prosthetics, cursors, wheelchairs Types of BCIs Non-invasive EEG headsets Safer, less precise Invasive Implanted electrodes High precision, surgical risk What Can BCIs Do? (A) Therapeutic Uses (Current Reality) Paralysis → Neuroprosthetic limb control Parkinson’s → Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Depression → Targeted neural stimulation Stroke → Motor rehabilitation Epilepsy → Seizure detection & suppression (B) Diagnostic Uses Brain disorder mapping Cognitive decline tracking (Alzheimer’s, dementia) (C) Emerging Uses Gaming & immersive VR Cognitive performance tracking Human–AI interaction Global Landscape (A) United States Global leader via NIH – BRAIN Initiative (launched 2013) Focus: High-resolution brain mapping Neuro-AI interfaces Private sector: Neuralink BrainGate Synchron (B) China China Brain Project (2016–2030): Understanding human cognition Brain-inspired AI Neurological disease treatment Strong civil–military fusion angle (C) Europe & Chile First movers in “Neurorights” laws Legal protection for: Mental privacy Cognitive liberty Psychological integrity Why Does India Need Neurotechnology? (A) Public Health Imperative India has one of the world’s largest neurological disease burdens 1990–2019: Stroke became the largest contributor among neurological disorders Major disease load: Stroke Spinal cord injuries Parkinson’s Depression (B) Economic & Strategic Opportunity Neurotechnology sits at convergence of: Biotech AI Medical devices High potential for: Export-oriented med-tech Defence applications Assistive devices market Where Does India Stand Today? (A) Research Institutions National Brain Research Centre Indian Institute of Science – Brain Research Centre (B) Academic Innovation IIT Kanpur: Developed BCI-based robotic hand Target group: Stroke survivors (C) Start-up Ecosystem Dognosis: Uses canine neural signals to detect cancer scent recognition Neuro-AI applied to animal cognition for human diagnostics Strategic Advantages for India Large and genetically diverse population → better clinical datasets Strong base in: AI Electronics Biomedical engineering Expanding: Health-tech startups Make-in-India medical devices Bottom-Line Assessment Neurotechnology is: No longer speculative Clinically viable Strategically sensitive For India: Healthcare transformation tool Next frontier of strategic tech competition Without regulation: Risk of ethical disaster With regulation: Potential global leadership in affordable neuro-health solutions DHRUVA framework Why in News? May 2025: Department of Posts proposed DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). Government released: Draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023 to legally enable DHRUVA. Follows the launch of DIGIPIN (geo-coded location pin system). Policy concerns raised by: Dvara Research on privacy, consent, and urban governance limitations. Relevance GS 2 – Governance E-governance, Digital Public Infrastructure Consent-based data sharing and privacy Urban governance and service delivery Legal gaps in data regulation GS 3 – Infrastructure & Digital Economy Logistics efficiency Platform economy Last-mile service delivery Smart cities and geospatial governance What is DHRUVA? DHRUVA = a proposed Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for standardised digital addresses. It converts physical addresses into virtual “labels”, similar to: Email IDs UPI IDs Example: Instead of writing a long address → user shares something like amit@dhruva. Core Objective of DHRUVA Standardisation of addresses across platforms Consent-based sharing of address data Service discovery: Identifying what doorstep services are available at a user’s location Improve: Governance Logistics E-commerce delivery Emergency services What is DIGIPIN? Developed in-house by India Post. 10-digit alphanumeric, geo-coded digital pin Coverage: Every 12 square metre block in India Use-case: Rural areas with weak descriptive addressing Precise fallback for: Postal delivery Emergency response How Will DHRUVA Work? DHRUVA ecosystem includes: Address Service Providers (ASPs) Generate proxy address labels Address Validation Agencies (AVAs) Authenticate address authenticity Address Information Agents (AIAs) Handle user consent management Central Governance Entity On the lines of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) How Will DHRUVA Be Used? (A) Consent-Based Address Sharing Users tokenise addresses, like: UPI tokenises bank accounts User controls: Who can access For how long For what purpose (B) Seamless Address Updating When a person shifts residence: All linked platforms automatically update delivery location. (C) Logistics & Platform Integration Supported platforms: Amazon Uber India Post Gig economy & food delivery platforms Why is DHRUVA Being Framed as DPI? DHRUVA is aligned with India’s DPI model like: Aadhaar → Identity UPI → Payments DigiLocker → Documents DHRUVA → Addresses Features: Public ownership Interoperable Platform-neutral Consent-based data flows Will It Help Urban Governance? (A) Key Concern Highlighted by Dvara Research Addresses in DHRUVA are linked to people, not independently mapped physical structures. Implication: Urban planning requires structure-based data, not merely person-based data. (B) Consent Paradox Since personal data is collected: User consent becomes mandatory. If citizens refuse consent: Datasets become incomplete Result: Weak urban planning Faulty population projections Inaccurate infrastructure mapping (C) Global Best Practice Contrast In most advanced economies: Digital addresses are linked to surveyed buildings Not tied to personal identity This: Eliminates consent dependency Enables richer governance datasets Governance & Legal Challenges No standalone law yet authorising large-scale address data collection Dvara recommendation: Dedicated draft legislation required Key risks: Surveillance through address linkage Profiling via location-based service history Function creep across welfare, policing, taxation Benefits of DHRUVA (If Designed Safely) Faster emergency response Seamless service discovery Reduced address fraud Lower logistics costs Inclusion of rural habitations without formal addresses Key Risks Privacy erosion State surveillance potential Market monopolisation by large platforms Weak anonymisation of geospatial data Exclusion if digital consent infrastructure fails Strategic Bottom Line DHRUVA represents: Next frontier of India’s DPI stack Digital control layer for geography + service delivery However: Without clear legal backing, anonymised structure-mapping, and privacy-by-design: It risks becoming a surveillance-grade address infrastructure Success hinges on: Independent structure mapping Firewalls between identity and location Strong statutory oversight Crypto transactions crossed ₹51,000 cr. in 2024-25 in India’ Why in News? 2024–25: Crypto transaction value in India crossed ₹51,000 crore, registering 41% year-on-year growth. Data shared by the Ministry of Finance in the Rajya Sabha. Government collected ₹511.8 crore as 1% TDS on crypto transactions. Growth trajectory: 2022–23: ₹22,130 crore 2023–24: ₹36,270 crore 2024–25: ₹51,180 crore Relevance GS 3 – Economy Digital economy and fintech expansion Taxation of new asset classes Black money, money laundering, FEMA risks Financial stability and speculative markets GS 2 – Governance & Regulation Regulatory vacuum in crypto-assets Institutional responsibility of the state Global financial governance coordination What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency = a digital asset based on: Blockchain technology Cryptographic security Decentralised ledger system In Indian law, crypto is classified as: Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) Not legal tender Treated as a taxable asset, not currency What are Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)? Defined under the Income Tax Act as: Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ether) Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Other cryptographic tokens Excludes: Indian digital rupee (e₹) issued by RBI How is Crypto Taxed in India? Legal Basis Introduced under the Finance Act, 2022 Continued under the Income Tax Act, 1961 (retained in I-T Act 2025 framework) Tax Structure 30% flat tax on profits from VDAs No loss set-off allowed 1% TDS on every transaction Deducted at the time of transfer Applies irrespective of profit or loss How Was ₹51,180 Crore Estimated? Government collected ₹511.8 crore as 1% TDS Since: 1% TDS = Total Transaction Value × 0.01 Therefore: Total crypto transaction value = ₹511.8 crore × 100 = ₹51,180 crore What Does the Growth Indicate? Mass retail participation despite: High volatility Strict taxation Indicates: Rising financialisation among youth Shift towards alternative assets Platform-driven crypto trading boom Why Is Crypto Growing Despite Heavy Taxation? Frictions like: 30% flat tax 1% TDS per transaction Yet growth due to: Bull cycles in global crypto markets Ease of app-based crypto trading Narrative of crypto as: Inflation hedge High-risk, high-return instrument Economic Implications for India (A) Revenue Mobilisation Stable non-traditional tax base Predictable TDS inflows (B) Capital Flight Risk Unregulated cross-border transfers Potential FEMA violations (C) Financial Stability Risk High retail exposure to volatile assets No deposit insurance or investor protection Key Policy Challenges Absence of: Dedicated crypto regulator Consumer protection framework Risks: Money laundering Terror financing Tax evasion via foreign wallets Market manipulation Takeaways Crypto in India has moved from: Grey-zone experiment → High-volume taxable asset class The surge to ₹51,000+ crore shows: Effective tax collection But also deep systemic exposure to an unregulated financial instrument Nahargarh Biological Park Why in News? December 8, 2025: A safari vehicle caught fire inside Nahargarh Biological Park, leading to a narrow escape of 15 tourists. The fire started in the engine compartment and spread rapidly. All tourists were evacuated safely by the driver and forest rescue teams. The incident was reported in The Indian Express. It renewed public debate on: Eco-tourism safety Vehicle maintenance accountability Forest fire risks linked with mechanised tourism Relevance GS 2 – Governance Public safety in tourism State accountability Forest department administration Private contractor regulation GS 3 – Environment & Disaster Management Forest fire risks Sustainable eco-tourism Wildlife conservation vs commercial tourism Climate–fire linkages What is a Biological Park & Safari? Biological Park: A protected forest area focused on: Wildlife conservation Environmental education Regulated tourism Wildlife Safari: Controlled movement of tourists via: Buses Open jeeps Supervised by: State Forest Department Legal backing: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 State eco-tourism rules Nahargarh Biological Park: Located in Jaipur district, Rajasthan, along the Aravalli hill range. Established in 2016 as part of the larger Nahargarh forest landscape. Functions as a biological conservation and eco-tourism park. Developed to: Reduce pressure on city zoos Promote semi-natural habitat-based conservation Falls under the jurisdiction of the Rajasthan Forest Department. What Exactly Happened? A safari bus carrying 15 tourists: Detected smoke while moving inside the park Within minutes, it burst into flames Immediate response: Driver evacuated tourists Forest department rescue team arrived quickly Outcome: Tourists unharmed Vehicle completely destroyed Governance & Regulatory Gaps Exposed No nationally uniform safari vehicle safety code Absence of mandatory: Fire suppression systems Automatic engine cut-off Periodic third-party fitness audits Many safari vehicles: Operated through private contractors Weak maintenance accountability Legal & Judicial Context Forest tourism operates under: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 State forest rules The Supreme Court of India, in the T.N. Godavarman forest conservation case series, has repeatedly emphasised: Controlled tourism Vehicle regulation in forest zones Prevention of ecological degradation Eco-tourism vs Conservation: The Core Tension States promote safari tourism for: Revenue Employment But unchecked tourism leads to: Infrastructure stress Safety dilution Wildlife disturbance The Nahargarh incident shows: Commercial incentives overtaking precautionary principles Conclusion The Nahargarh safari fire exposes the safety and regulatory vacuum in India’s rapidly commercialising eco-tourism sector, where infrastructure growth has outpaced environmental risk governance. Gallbladder cancer Why in News? December 2025: Investigative public health report highlighted Gallbladder Cancer (GBC) as an “invisible epidemic” in India’s Gangetic belt. Key triggers for national attention: India contributes ~10% of global GBC burden ~70% of patients are women Heavy clustering in: Uttar Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Assam Strong links established with: River pollution Arsenic & heavy metal contamination Weak cancer surveillance Governance issues flagged: Poor environmental enforcement by Central Pollution Control Board Weak monitoring by Central Ground Water Board Limited rural reach of the National Cancer Registry Programme Relevance GS 2 – Governance Public health surveillance failure Environmental governance Cancer as a non-notifiable disease Policy neglect of preventable disease clusters GS 3 – Environment & Health River pollution Heavy metal contamination Environmental cancers Industrial regulation failures Groundwater contamination What is Gallbladder Cancer?  A highly aggressive cancer of the gallbladder Often asymptomatic in early stages Detected mostly at Stage III or IV Medical characteristics: Rapid local spread Early liver and lymph node metastasis Survival: 5-year survival < 10% in advanced disease Why is GBC Concentrated in the Gangetic Belt? Geographic clustering along the Ganga River basin Primary environmental drivers: Arsenic contamination in groundwater Cadmium and lead from industrial effluents Pesticide residues in agriculture Adulterated mustard oil Daily exposure routes: Drinking contaminated groundwater Consuming polluted river fish Cooking with unsafe oils Long latency: Carcinogenic exposure accumulates silently over decades Gendered Burden: Why Women are Disproportionately Affected ~70% of GBC patients are women Contributing factors: Reuse of cooking oil Storage of leftover food without refrigeration Daily exposure to contaminated water during household chores Nutritional deficiencies Delayed health seeking due to: Poverty Patriarchy Limited access to diagnostics Hospital-stage data: At Tata Memorial Hospital, >80% of women present at Stage III/IV Economic & Social Impact Treatment cost: ₹8–12 lakh per patient Consequences: Medical impoverishment Discontinuation of treatment Intergenerational poverty cycles Geographic overlap with: High multidimensional poverty Poor sanitation Gender inequality Governance Failures at the Core (A) Environmental Governance Weak enforcement of: Water pollution laws Industrial effluent norms Continued discharge into rivers Poor remediation of contaminated aquifers (B) Health Surveillance Failure Cancer registries cover <10% of India’s population NCRP relies heavily on: Hospital-based reporting Rural poor remain statistically invisible Why GBC Remains “Invisible” Cancer is not a notifiable disease in India No mandatory cluster reporting Result: Delayed detection of regional spikes No targeted prevention strategy Low political salience despite high mortality What Needs to Change? Make cancer a legally notifiable disease Integrate: Health surveillance with National Clean Ganga Mission Strengthen: Groundwater testing Industrial discharge audits Community-level interventions: Low-cost screening through district hospitals Routine water testing Women-focused awareness campaigns Develop: Gender-sensitive cancer policy Learning from Global Best Practices Bangladesh: National Residue Control Program for seafood Vietnam: Coastal heavy-metal monitoring Philippines: National Residue Monitoring Plan for aquaculture India’s gap: Marine Products Export Development Authority residue control applies only to exports, not domestic fish consumption Public Health Interpretation GBC in the Gangetic belt represents: An environmental cancer epidemic Driven by: Pollution Gender disadvantage Surveillance failure It is: Preventable Detectable early with proper systems Politically neglected Takeaway Gallbladder cancer in the Gangetic belt is: Not a medical mystery It is a governance failure in slow motion The epidemic survives because: Pollution is tolerated Women’s health is deprioritised Cancer is statistically invisible Declaring cancer notifiable is the single most powerful trigger for reform, as: What gets counted → gets governed → gets prevented Conclusion Gallbladder cancer in the Gangetic belt is an environmental, gendered and governance-driven epidemic — not of biological inevitability, but of regulatory neglect.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 08 December 2025

Content India’s Solar Momentum Export Promotion Mission India’s Solar Momentum Why in News  ? India’s solar capacity touched ~129 GW, up from 3 GW in 2014 (over 40× growth in 11 years). Non-fossil installed power capacity crossed 50% of India’s total ~500 GW electricity capacity five years ahead of the 2030 target. Massive scale-up recorded under PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, Solar Parks, and PLI for Solar PV Manufacturing. 8th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) hosted by India in Oct 2025, reinforcing India’s global solar leadership. Relevance GS II (Governance, International Relations) Climate diplomacy leadership via International Solar Alliance South–South cooperation through solar finance & capacity building Federal cooperation in renewable energy deployment Energy as a tool of strategic diplomacy (OSOWOG grid vision) GS III (Economy, Infrastructure, Energy, Environment) Energy security: Reduced fossil fuel import dependence Infrastructure: Grid integration at high RE penetration Industrial policy: PLI for Solar PV Manufacturing Agriculture: Solar pumps under PM-KUSUM Circular economy: Solar panel recycling challenge Why Solar Matters for India ? India is: 3rd largest energy consumer globally Among the top 3 CO₂ emitters, though per capita emissions remain low Solar power addresses: Energy security (reduces fossil fuel imports) Climate mitigation (zero operational emissions) Rural electrification Job creation & manufacturing growth High natural advantage: 300+ sunny days/year 4–7 kWh/m²/day solar radiation Strategic shift from coal-dominant mix → renewables-led grid Solar Capacity Growth: Structural Transformation 2014: 3 GW Oct 2025: ~129 GW Growth rate: Over 40-fold increase Now largest contributor to renewable energy, ahead of wind & biomass Share in India’s renewable mix: Solar now forms ~50%+ of total RE capacity Impact: Reduced long-term power costs Improved grid diversification Lower exposure to global fuel price shocks Non-Fossil Power Milestone Non-fossil installed capacity: ~259 GW Total national capacity: ~500 GW Result: >50% electricity capacity from non-fossil Covers: Solar Wind Hydro Nuclear Biomass India achieved its 2030 climate electricity mix target in 2025 itself Global Standing in Renewables (2025) As per IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025: 3rd in solar capacity 4th in wind power 4th in total renewable installed capacity Implication: India is now a system-shaper, not just a follower, in global clean energy markets Policy Anchor: Panchamrit at COP26 Announced at COP26, 2021 Five Pillars: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 50% power capacity from non-fossil by 2030 (already achieved) 1 billion tonne CO₂ emission reduction by 2030 45% reduction in carbon intensity vs 2005 Net Zero by 2070 Function: Aligns energy policy, industry, transport, urban planning with climate goals Key Government Programmes Powering Solar Expansion A. PM Surya Ghar (Rooftop Solar Revolution) Launch: Feb 2024 Outlay: ₹75,021 crore Target: 1 crore households Benefit: Up to 300 free electricity units/month Status (Dec 2025): 23.9 lakh homes covered 7 GW rooftop capacity installed ₹13,464.6 crore subsidy released Impact: Direct household cost savings Decentralised energy generation Urban & semi-urban grid decongestion B. National Solar Mission (2010) Technology-wise deployment: Ground-mounted: 98.72 GW Rooftop: 22.42 GW Hybrid (solar share): 3.32 GW Off-grid: 5.45 GW Strategic value: Enabled India’s utility-scale solar parks Drove tariff discovery through reverse bidding C. PLI Scheme for Solar PV Manufacturing Implemented by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Outlay: ₹24,000 crore (Tranche I & II) Manufacturing capacity awarded: ~48.3 GW Investments attracted (Sept 2025): ₹52,900 crore Jobs generated: ~44,400 Significance: Reduces import dependence on China Builds end-to-end domestic solar supply chain Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in clean tech D. PM-KUSUM (Solarisation of Agriculture) Launched: 2019 Components: A: Grid-connected solar plants on fallow land B: Standalone solar pumps C: Solarisation of grid-connected pumps Status (Oct 2025): ~9.2 lakh standalone solar pumps (B) 10,535 grid solarised pumps (C) 9.74 lakh feeder-level solarised pumps Subsidy: 30–50% CFA up to 15 HP pumps Impacts: Cuts diesel subsidy Boosts farm incomes Supports daytime irrigation E. Solar Parks & Ultra Mega Solar Projects Launched: 2014 Target enhanced: 20 GW → 40 GW Status (Oct 2025): 55 solar parks 39.97 GW sanctioned 14.92 GW already commissioned Benefits: Common infrastructure Faster land acquisition Lower project risks Extended till March 2029 India’s Global Solar Diplomacy International Solar Alliance (ISA) Co-founded by India & France HQ: Gurugram 125+ member countries Functions: Solar finance mobilisation Technology transfer Capacity building Global risk mitigation 8th ISA Assembly (Oct 2025, New Delhi) 550+ delegates, 30+ ministers Focus areas: Resilient solar value chains Inclusive solar access Job creation & women leadership OSOWOG grid integration One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) Proposed by India (2018) Vision: Global renewable power interconnection Solar trading across time zones Strategic outcome: Enhances energy security Cuts global storage costs Positions India as a transnational grid leader Strategic Significance of India’s Solar Surge Economic Lower power tariffs Reduced fossil fuel imports Manufacturing-led green growth Environmental Emission intensity reduction Coal displacement Social Rural electrification Farmer income diversification Geopolitical Leadership in climate diplomacy South–South solar cooperation via ISA Critical Challenges Ahead Intermittency & storage adequacy Grid balancing at high RE penetration Land conflicts in ultra-mega parks Recycling & end-of-life solar panels Dependence on imported critical minerals Conclusion: What This Milestone Really Means India is no longer just adding renewables—it is: Restructuring its entire power system Indigenising clean-tech manufacturing Exporting solar governance models globally Crossing 50% non-fossil power capacity in 2025 marks: A historic energy transition point A firm foundation towards 500 GW by 2030 & Net Zero by 2070 Export Promotion Mission  Why in News  ? Government approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31). Launch announced in Union Budget 2025–26 as a single, unified, digital export-support framework. Implemented through Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Backed by: ₹20,000 crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters Major regulatory relief by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) amid global trade disruptions. Special focus on MSMEs, labour-intensive sectors, tariff-hit sectors and low-export districts. Relevance GS II (Governance, Polity, Federalism) Mission-mode governance replacing fragmented schemes Digital governance through DGFT’s unified export platform Cooperative federalism via district export promotion Role of RBI in economic stabilization Centre–State coordination in trade facilitation GS III (Economy, Trade, MSME, Banking) Export-led growth strategy MSME credit access via ₹20,000 crore credit guarantee Trade finance reforms & interest subvention Logistics cost reduction for interior districts Global value chain integration Why Exports Matter for India ? Exports drive: Manufacturing growth MSME employment Foreign exchange stability Global value-chain integration Key structural issues earlier: Fragmented export schemes High cost of trade finance Logistics disadvantages in interior districts Weak branding & standards compliance among MSMEs EPM responds to the need for: Unified governance Digitally delivered incentives Outcome-based export promotion What is Export Promotion Mission (EPM)? A national, mission-mode export reform framework Outlay: ₹25,060 crore (6 years) Coverage: Merchandise exports Services exports Objective: Strengthen finance, market access, standards, branding, and district-level participation Replaces: Multiple fragmented export-support schemes with one integrated digital architecture Policy Rationale: Why a Mission Approach? Earlier ecosystem suffered from: Overlapping schemes Slow approvals Weak inter-ministerial coordination EPM focuses on: Affordable trade finance Export-quality certification & standards Market access & branding Logistics rebates for interior exporters Designed as: Adaptive to global trade shocks Digitally monitored Outcome-linked Institutional Structure & Governance Nodal Implementing Agency: DGFT Key Stakeholders: Department of Commerce Ministry of MSME Ministry of Finance Export Promotion Councils Commodity Boards Financial institutions State Governments Digital Backbone: End-to-end processing Application → Approval → Disbursal Integration with customs & trade systems Governance Model: Inter-ministerial coordination State partnership Data-driven monitoring Two Core Sub-Schemes Under EPM A. Niryat Protsahan – Financial Enablers Targets export financing constraints, especially for MSMEs. Key Instruments: Interest subvention on: Pre-shipment credit Post-shipment credit Export factoring Deep-tier financing Credit cards for e-commerce exporters Collateral support for export loans Credit enhancement for: New exporters High-risk markets Impact: Lowers cost of capital Expands credit access Encourages first-time exporters B. Niryat Disha – Non-Financial Enablers Targets market-readiness and competitiveness. Key Supports: Testing, certification & compliance International branding & packaging Trade fairs, expos & buyer-seller meets Export warehousing & logistics Inland transport reimbursement (for remote districts) Cluster-level & district export facilitation Impact: Bridges quality and branding gap Integrates Indian MSMEs into global market standards Expands exports from non-coastal and low-export districts Sectoral & Regional Focus Priority sectors: Textiles Leather Gems & Jewellery Engineering goods Marine products Target groups: MSMEs First-time exporters Labour-intensive industries Regional thrust: Interior districts Low-export-intensity regions Strategic intent: Geographic diversification of exports Reduce coastal concentration Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) Approved alongside EPM Additional credit support: ₹20,000 crore Implemented by: Department of Financial Services (DFS) National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) Features: 100% Government of India guarantee Collateral-free export credit Additional working capital up to 20% of sanctioned limits Valid till 31 March 2026 Objective: Liquidity assurance Market expansion support Risk mitigation for lenders RBI Regulatory & Liquidity Support (Nov 2025) Issued as “Trade Relief Measures Directions, 2025” (i) Moratorium on Repayments Applicable: 1 Sept – 31 Dec 2025 Simple interest, no compounding Interest convertible into Funded Interest Term Loan (FITL) (ii) Export Credit Tenure Extension Pre & post-shipment credit tenure extended to 450 days Applies to credit disbursed up to 31 March 2026 (iii) Working-Capital Flexibility Drawing power recalculation Margin reduction & reassessment permitted (iv) Regulatory Forbearance Relief period excluded from DPD Not treated as restructuring No adverse impact on credit bureau records (v) Provisioning Requirement Minimum 5% general provision on eligible standard accounts (vi) FEMA Relaxations Export realisation period extended 9 → 15 months Advance payment shipment window extended 1 → 3 years Macro Impact: Prevents NPA stress Preserves export liquidity Stabilises trade during global slowdown Digital Implementation & Monitoring DGFT operates: Unified exporter database Automated approvals Scheme-wise benefit tracking Features: Paperless processing Real-time monitoring Outcome-based fund release Policy Advantage: Reduces transaction cost Improves transparency Speeds up exporter onboarding Expected Outcomes of EPM Improved access to affordable export finance Higher compliance readiness for global standards Enhanced branding & international visibility Increased exports from: Non-traditional districts First-time exporters Employment generation in: Manufacturing Logistics Services Supports: Atmanirbhar Bharat Export-led growth model Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision Strategic Significance Converts India’s export policy from: Fragmented schemes → Mission-mode governance Strengthens: Trade finance ecosystem MSME global integration District-level export capacity Aligns with: Industrial corridor development Gati Shakti logistics reforms Digital public infrastructure Key Risks & Challenges Global demand slowdown Tariff protectionism in developed markets MSME compliance cost burden Logistics bottlenecks in remote districts Banking risk aversion despite guarantees Conclusion   The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) represents a structural reform in India’s export governance. By integrating: Digital delivery (DGFT) Credit guarantees (NCGTC) Monetary relief (RBI) Financial & non-financial enablers (Niryat Protsahan & Disha) It creates a whole-of-government export ecosystem focused on: MSME empowerment Market diversification Trade resilience EPM operationalises India’s shift towards technology-driven, inclusive and globally competitive exports.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 December 2025

Content Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability A black Friday for aviation safety in India Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability Why in News? July 2025 circular of the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) officially acknowledged large-scale misuse and manipulation of the NMMS app in MGNREGA. Despite this failure, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) made Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) mandatory for Take Home Rations (THR) under Poshan Tracker. Renewed policy debate on tech-based surveillance for accountability in welfare delivery. Linked to rising concerns on: Exclusion errors Privacy violations Worker demotivation Digital authoritarianism in welfare governance Relevance GS II (Governance & Social Justice) Digital governance and welfare delivery Role of technology in public service delivery Exclusion errors in PDS, MGNREGA, ICDS Accountability vs responsibility in administration Cooperative federalism at the grassroots Institutional trust and state–citizen relations GS IV (Ethics in Public Administration) Accountability vs moral responsibility Means–ends inversion in governance Ethics of care vs algorithmic compliance Surveillance ethics and human dignity Demoralisation of frontline workers Practice Question “Digital surveillance has increasingly replaced administrative accountability in India’s welfare delivery system.” Critically examine with examples from MGNREGA and ICDS.(250 Words) Core Concept: Accountability vs Responsibility Accountability External enforcement: making people do what authorities want. Based on surveillance, monitoring, threat of penalties. Responsibility Internal motivation to act in public interest. Emphasised by Jean Drèze and Amartya Sen (2025): True governance reform requires norms, ethics, and intrinsic motivation, not only surveillance. Evolution of Tech-Fixes for Accountability 1. Biometric Attendance (Early 2010s) Introduced to curb: Absenteeism Late arrival Early exit RCT Evidence (Rajasthan): Long-run attendance actually declined among government nurses. Jharkhand (Khunti Block): Staff focused on marking biometrics, not on actually completing work. Structural Failure: Output displaced by input monitoring. 2. Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication (ABBA) in PDS (2017) Objective: Prevent identity fraud in ration distribution. Consequences: Exclusion of elderly, disabled, immobile persons Dependence on neighbours disallowed. Dealer manipulation: Full biometric authentication but short-weight rations (4.5 kg vs 5 kg). Result: “Pain without gain” High transaction cost No real corruption control 3. NMMS App in MGNREGA (2022) Requires: Geo-tagged photographs of workers twice daily Intended Goal: Eliminate fake muster rolls. Ground Reality: Uploading: Random photographs Photographs of photographs Irrelevant jpeg files July 2025 MoRD Circular: Lists 7 types of manipulation practices Government response: 100% daily verification of all photos across Gram Panchayats → Administrative overload. 4. Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in Poshan Tracker (THR) Applied to: Pregnant women Lactating mothers Children Requires: Live blinking photo for ration authentication Field Reality (Nuh, Haryana): Connectivity issues Crowd management failures Angular Workers admit: “Those who want to cheat will continue” 5. Surveillance on ANMs & Anganwadi Workers Mandatory: Geo-tagged photos for: Breastfeeding counselling Home visits Perverse Incentives: Photo without counselling → Safe Counselling without photo → Punishable Andhra Pradesh Tribal Area Case: ANM penalised for moving 300 metres to get network to upload data. Result: Demoralisation of sincere workers Shift from service to compliance Structural Failures of Tech-Based Accountability Monitoring focuses on presence, not performance Corruption adapts faster than regulation Digital compliance replaces real service delivery Honest workers penalised; dishonest ones innovate Surveillance increases transaction time in welfare delivery Six Major Systemic Harms Created by Tech-Fixes Exclusion Errors PDS: elderly, disabled excluded due to biometric failure MGNREGA: workers excluded if NMMS photos fail to upload Inefficiency PDS & THR distribution slows due to repeated authentication New Corruption Channels Fake ABBA failures Fake NMMS uploads Brokered authentication Privacy Violations Uploading photographs of breastfeeding mothers Facial data without meaningful consent Identity Fraud Recycling old images Proxy photos Worker Demotivation Surveillance-induced stress Punishment for network failures Loss of professional dignity Political Economy Angle: Capture by Tech Vendors Massive public expenditure on: Smartphones for frontline workers e-POS machines Servers, cloud storage Data consumption Authentication infrastructure Creation of: Guaranteed captive markets for surveillance-tech firms Parallel drawn with: Tobacco industry Refined sugar industry Both: Cultivated ignorance about harms to delay regulation Conceptual Framework: Agnotology Introduced by Robert Proctor Meaning: Systematic production of ignorance Deliberate ignoring of known failures Applied here as: Government acknowledges NMMS misuse Yet expands FRT mandates Indicates institutionalised wilful blindness Governance Diagnosis India’s digital governance has shifted from: Trust-based welfare → Surveillance-based welfare The state now assumes: Citizens are default potential cheats Frontline workers are default suspects This directly undermines: Social capital Institutional trust Cooperative federalism at grassroots Ethical & Constitutional Dimensions  Article 21: Right to dignity infringed by intrusive surveillance Data Protection Principles: Violated via mass biometric capture Ethics of Care: Reduced to algorithmic compliance Means–Ends Inversion: Technology becomes the goal, welfare becomes secondary Key Scholarly Insight Drèze–Sen Thesis (2025): Accountability can enforce obedience. Responsibility alone sustains ethical public service. Tech-fixes cannot: Build integrity Build empathy Build service motivation Conclusion Tech-based surveillance in welfare has: High fiscal cost Low governance return Severe ethical violations It: Does not eliminate corruption Merely digitises corruption Without: Work culture reform Administrative leadership Social norm transformation → Accountability mechanisms remain mechanical, brittle, and counterproductive. In this sense, tech-fixes for accountability function as policy “snake oil”. A black Friday for aviation safety in India  Why in News? December 5, 2025: After large-scale flight cancellations by IndiGo, The Civil Aviation Minister placed Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules under abeyance. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) appealed to pilots to dilute compliance with FDTL. This move: Suspended a safety regulation mandated by the judiciary. Directly subordinated passenger safety to commercial continuity. Triggered a national debate on: Crew fatigue Regulatory capture Weak aviation safety oversight in India Relevance GS Paper II (Polity & Governance) Regulatory capture and policy subversion Executive interference in independent regulators Judicial inconsistency and regulatory uncertainty Conflict of interest in aviation governance Right to Life (Article 21) and state obligation GS Paper III (Infrastructure, Transport & Safety) Civil aviation safety standards Regulatory framework of DGCA & ICAO Impact of poor aviation governance on economic infrastructure Crew fatigue as a systemic safety risk Crisis management failure in transport sector Practice Question “Regulatory capture weakens public safety in critical infrastructure sectors.” Analyse this statement in the context of India’s civil aviation sector.(250 Words)  Core Issue in One Line Commercial interests of airlines overrode legally mandated aviation safety norms, creating systemic risk to pilots and passengers. What is FDTL? Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulates: Maximum flying hours Duty periods Mandatory rest hours for pilots and cabin crew Objective: Prevent fatigue-induced human error, a leading global cause of air accidents. Issued as a Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) under DGCA’s regulatory powers. Historical Background of Dilution 2007: DGCA issued a robust CAR on crew fatigue and rest. 2008: Airline owners protested. Ministry ordered DGCA to keep the CAR in abeyance. Bombay High Court (Writ Petition 1687 of 2008): Condemned the move. Observed: “Safety of flights has been overlooked for protecting financial interests of a few operators.” Pilot shortage must be addressed by reducing flights, not increasing duty hours. Irony: The same court later upheld the Ministry’s dilution. Continuity of policy failure: The same commercial-first mindset persists in 2025. Immediate Cause of the 2025 Aviation Crisis New FDTL regulations were to come into force on November 1, 2025. Both: IndiGo management, and DGCA Knew the deadline for over one year. Yet: Crew shortage was not addressed. Mass flight cancellations followed. Result: Thousands of stranded passengers Only ticket refunds offered No compensation for hotels, missed connections, or economic losses Regulatory Loophole: CAR 2022 on Crew Strength DGCA CAR Series ‘C’ Part II Section 3 (April 19, 2022): Minimum 3 sets of crew per aircraft. Actual safety requirement: Domestic: Minimum 6 pilot sets per aircraft Wide-body long-haul: 12 pilot sets per aircraft Airlines: Legally complied with the minimum CAR, But violated fatigue safety principles. Outcome: Deliberate under-employment of crew IndiGo identified as a major beneficiary of this dilution Regulatory Failure: DGCA as a Captured Regulator DGCA actions on December 5, 2025: Morning: Appeals to pilots to cooperate with airlines. Afternoon: CAR on FDTL placed under abeyance by Ministry. Indicates: Loss of regulatory autonomy Political and corporate pressure overriding safety science Classic case of: Regulatory capture Where regulator serves industry, not public safety. International Warning Ignored: ICAO Audit In 2006, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit recommended: India must establish an independent civil aviation authority. DGCA should not function as a department under Ministry control. 20 years later (2025): India still lacks: Independent aviation regulator Functional safety firewall between government and airlines Result: Airlines operate with impunity DGCA acts as a puppet regulator Safety Consequences & Accident Record Major crashes since 2010: Mangaluru Kozhikode Ahmedabad (AI-171) Ahmedabad AI-171 crash investigation: Findings allegedly delayed by the Ministry Despite repeated disasters: No systemic reform of fatigue regulation No accountability of airline owners No institutional strengthening of DGCA Key Ethical & Governance Failures 1. Violation of Right to Life (Article 21) Passenger and pilot safety compromised by: Forced fatigue Commercial scheduling pressure 2. Conflict of Interest Ministry acts as: Promoter of aviation growth And supposed safety guardian This dual role leads to systemic bias in favour of airlines. 3. Judicial Inconsistency Initial High Court protection of safety Later reversal enabling dilution Creates regulatory uncertainty and moral hazard Political Economy of the Crisis Airlines maximise: Aircraft utilisation Revenue per crew Government prioritises: Aviation sector optics Stock market confidence Public safety becomes: Externality transferred to passengers and pilots Why This is a Structural, Not Episodic Failure ? Repeated pattern since 2007: Safety CAR issued → Airlines protest → Ministry intervenes → DGCA dilutes Institutional lesson: India’s aviation governance operates on commercial dominance, not safety primacy International Norm vs Indian Practice Parameter Global Best Practice India (2025) Regulator Independent aviation authority Ministry-controlled DGCA Fatigue norms Non-negotiable Routinely diluted Crew strength Conservative safety buffer Minimum legal threshold Crisis handling Capacity reduction Rule suspension Final Governance Diagnosis Indian aviation currently operates in a state of: Rule suspension in emergencies Corporate-first policymaking Weak institutional checks The December 5, 2025 actions: Prove that aviation safety remains subordinate to airline profitability Convert safety regulation into adjustable commercial tools Conclusion The suspension of FDTL norms to rescue airline operations represents a dangerous shift from “safety as a constitutional obligation” to “safety as a negotiable cost”, validating long-standing ICAO warnings and exposing the structural fragility of India’s aviation governance.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 08 December 2025

Contents Pension Reforms in India Swap app mandates for digital literacy Draft ISI Bill, 2025 Brain-Stem Death (BSD) National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information Filaments Pension Reforms in India WHY IN NEWS ? India’s elderly population (60+) is 153 million today, projected to reach 347 million by 2050. Over 88% of senior citizens work in the informal sector with no assured pension or social security. Renewed focus due to: Expansion and redesign of Atal Pension Yojana and National Pension System, Launch of e-SHRAM portal, Labour Codes reform redefining “wages” for pension calculations. LASI Survey (2017–18) and Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (2022–23) reveal: 42% of people above 55 unaware of NPS. 63% of elderly lack basic internet usage skills. Relevance : GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice Welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections (elderly, informal workers) Social security architecture: IGNOAPS, NPS, APY, e-SHRAM Role of Labour Codes in redefining wage-linked social protection Digital exclusion and governance delivery gaps Institutional mechanisms for old-age welfare GS Paper I – Indian Society Demographic transition and population ageing Informalisation of labour and its social consequences Gendered vulnerability in old-age employment GS Paper III – Indian Economy Household savings and capital market deepening Pension funds as long-term infrastructure financing source Fiscal sustainability of OPS vs contributory pensions BASICS: WHAT IS A PENSION SYSTEM? Pension = Regular post-retirement income for old-age security. Two broad types: Social Assistance (Non-contributory) → Government-funded. Contributory Pension → Individual + employer/government contribution. INDIA’S DEMOGRAPHIC & STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE Rapid ageing + Informalisation: Informal sector share among 55+: Women: 75.6% Men: 68% Consequence: No employer pensions. No assured retirement income. Continued old-age labour → poverty risk + dignity deficit. FIRST PHASE: WELFARE-BASED SOCIAL ASSISTANCE Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (1995) Target: BPL elderly (65+) Nature: Non-contributory Role: First national effort to assure minimum old-age income security. Expanded coverage and benefit levels over time. Limitation: Very low pension amount. No linkage to savings or investment behaviour. Old Pension Scheme (Pre-2004) For government employees. Defined benefit; fully state-funded. Problem: Heavy fiscal burden. Unsustainable with rising life expectancy. SECOND PHASE: SHIFT TO CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS National Pension System (2004) Replaced OPS for new recruits. Features: Defined contribution. Market-linked returns. Applies to: Government employees. Corporate sector workers. Recent reform: NPS 2.0 100% equity option. Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF). Targets young, high-risk investors. Atal Pension Yojana (2015–16) For informal sector workers (18–40 years). Features: Monthly/quarterly/half-yearly contribution. Government guarantees minimum pension. Behavioural impact: Encourages formal savings culture. Improves retirement planning in low-income groups. THIRD PHASE: BRIDGING FORMAL–INFORMAL DIVIDE e-SHRAM portal National database of informal workers. Functions: Registration for welfare schemes. Eligibility discovery. Attempted integration into formal social security. Challenges: Aadhaar–bank–mobile linkage errors. Digital exclusion: 63% elderly cannot use the internet. Risk of exclusion errors > inclusion gains. ROLE OF LABOUR CODES IN PENSION SECURITISATION Uniform definition of wages: Basic pay ≥ 50% of total earnings. Direct impact: Higher: PF contribution, Gratuity, Pension base. Closes employer strategy of inflating allowances to reduce social security burden. POLICY EVOLUTION: SEQUENTIAL LOGIC Stage 1 – Welfare Protection: IGNOAPS, OPS. Stage 2 – Financial Behaviour Change: NPS, NPS 2.0. Stage 3 – Informal Inclusion: APY, e-SHRAM. Current Direction: Data-driven targeting + contributory security. CRITICAL GAPS Awareness deficit: 42% above 55 unaware of NPS. Coverage vs Access mismatch: Availability ≠ Effective utilisation. Digital divide: Elderly excluded from portal-based access. Pension adequacy: APY pension slabs insufficient for inflation-adjusted living. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL SYSTEM Promotes: Long-term household savings. Capital market deepening. Reduced old-age dependency ratio pressure over time. Shifts India: From welfare-centric pension state To participatory, market-linked social security state. Swap app mandates for digital literacy WHY IN NEWS ? The Union government withdrew its directive to mandatorily preload the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app on every new smartphone after: Civil society backlash Political opposition Objections from digital rights groups The controversy sits at the intersection of: Exploding cyber fraud Expanding state surveillance capacity Right to privacy jurisprudence Relevance GS Paper II – Polity & Governance Right to Privacy under Article 21 and Puttaswamy doctrine Limits of executive power without statutory backing Surveillance vs civil liberties Citizen–State trust in digital governance GS Paper III – Internal Security & Cybersecurity Cyber fraud ecosystem and telecom security Digital arrest scams, OTP frauds, financial cybercrime Platform regulation and behavioural cybersecurity GS Paper IV – Ethics in Public Administration Informed consent and digital coercion Surveillance ethics vs public safety Technological paternalism vs citizen autonomy WHAT IS SANCHAR SAATHI? A telecom safety platform for: Reporting spam and fraud Blocking lost/stolen devices Checking mobile number misuse Operates through: Web portals SMS USSD codes Linked with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. WHAT DID THE WITHDRAWN DIRECTIVE REQUIRE? Mandatory pre-installation on all new smartphones App: Could not be uninstalled Was visible on first boot Would receive over-the-air updates Reportedly sought access to: Phone SMS Location Effect: Transformed a voluntary safety tool into a system-level state surveillance interface CONSTITUTIONAL TEST: K.S. PUTTASWAMY (2017) Under K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, any restriction on privacy must pass: Legality – Backed by law Necessity – No less intrusive alternative Proportionality – Least restrictive method Why the directive failed: Necessity failed: Same objectives already achieved via: Sanchar Saathi portals USSD codes SMS reporting 1909 spam helpline Proportionality failed: Permanent background access ≫ limited, on-demand verification Legality weak: No detailed parliamentary statute authorising forced installation CYBER FRAUD CONTEXT: SCALE OF THE PROBLEM Interpol estimate (2023): $1 trillion global loss due to online financial fraud India witnessing growth in: “Digital arrest” scams Investment frauds OTP-based account takeovers Key constitutional principle: “Serious problem” ≠ automatic justification for mass surveillance EXISTING INDIAN ANTI-FRAUD ECOSYSTEM (ALREADY IN PLACE) Sanchar Saathi + CEIR portals Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ‘DND’ app National 1909 short code for spam/fraud Privacy Warning from DND Experience: Earlier versions required access to: Call logs SMS data Apple blocked it for violating privacy safeguards. Only after system-level redesign was limited access allowed. Sanchar Saathi mandate repeated this mistake at a much larger scale. CYBERSECURITY RISK OF “PRIVILEGED APPS” A privileged, non-removable app: Becomes a high-value target for hackers If compromised: Enables lateral movement across millions of devices Cybersecurity research consensus: Widely deployed system components = single-point failure risks SURVEILLANCE STATE VS BEHAVIOURAL CYBERSECURITY Digital scams succeed through: Fear False authority Psychological manipulation Pure technological surveillance: Does not eliminate human vulnerability Risks normalising permanent monitoring Kenya Study (2023): Generic scam warnings: Did not improve scam detection ability Behaviour change must be: Continuous Culturally adapted Behaviour-specific INDIA’S EXISTING BEHAVIOURAL CYBER AWARENESS MODELS Reserve Bank of India e-BAAT outreach ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ mass media safety campaign Chhattisgarh cybersecurity awareness vans Telangana ‘Fraud Ka Full Stop’ campaign Reported 8% decline in cybercrime Police-bank mobile kiosks in: Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu Other urban centres CORE GOVERNANCE ISSUE Shift from: “What’s there to hide?” to “What’s there to see — and how is it being used?” Citizens treated as: Passive surveillance subjects Instead of: Active cybersecurity participants POLICY WAY FORWARD: THREE-PILLAR MODEL 1. Platform & Network Regulation Mandatory obligations on: Telecom firms Banks FinTech platforms For: Pattern detection Real-time fraud blocking Large-value transaction traceability 2. Robust Citizen Reporting & Redress Seamless: 1930 helpline App-based reporting Time-bound grievance disposal 3. Sustained Digital Public Education Not slogan-based Must be: Continuous Local-language Behaviour-specific Community-led Draft ISI Bill, 2025  WHY IN NEWS ? On September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025. The Bill seeks to: Convert ISI from a “registered society” into a “statutory body corporate”. The move triggered: Protests by students and faculty Opposition by political parties (TMC, CPI-M) A letter by D. Ravikumar demanding withdrawal. Relevance GS Paper II – Polity, Governance & Federalism Autonomy of Institutions of National Importance Statutory bodies vs registered societies Centre–State relations and cooperative federalism Accountability vs independence dilemma WHAT IS THE INDIAN STATISTICAL INSTITUTE (ISI)? Founded in December 1931, Kolkata by P.C. Mahalanobis. Registered originally under: Societies Registration Act, 1860 Later under West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. Declared an Institution of National Importance (INI) under: Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 Academic spread: ~1,200 students 6 centres across India Disciplines: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Cryptology, Quality Management. ISI’S STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE TO INDIA Backbone of India’s statistical governance architecture. Birthplace of: National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) → foundation of India’s official data ecosystem. Key contribution: Mahalanobis Model → Heavy-industry based planning. Global academic legacy: C.R. Rao S.R.S. Varadhan (Fields Medalist) Often linked with the Bengal Renaissance and scientific institution-building. WHAT DOES THE 2025 BILL PROPOSE? (A) Change in Legal Status From: Registered Society To: Statutory Body Corporate (B) New Governance Architecture Power concentrated in: Board of Governors (BoG) under Section 15. Earlier structure: 33-member Council 10 from ISI community (8 elected faculty, 1 worker, 1 scientific worker) Under 2025 Bill: Zero elected ISI representatives Dominated by Union Government nominees (C) Funding Model Shift Section 29: “Power to generate revenue” Student fees Consultancy Sponsored research Signals a shift towards corporate-style funding model WHY ARE ACADEMICIANS PROTESTING? 1. Loss of Institutional Autonomy Society model allowed: Independent Memorandum & Bye-laws Faculty-driven governance Statutory corporate model: Direct state control via BoG 2. Political Interference in Appointments All appointments routed through: Union Government-controlled BoG Fear of: Ideological capture Loyalty-based hiring over academic merit 3. Threat to Basic Research ISI’s strength: Long-gestation, non-commercial basic research Corporate funding logic: Favours short-term, revenue-generating projects Risks marginalising pure mathematics & statistics 4. Federalism Concerns Bypasses: West Bengal Societies Registration Act Seen as violating: Spirit of cooperative federalism 5. Democratic Deficit Over 1,500 academicians wrote to Rao Inderjit Singh (MoS, MoSPI). Students formed: Human chain protest in North Kolkata (B.T. Road campus). GOVERNMENT’S POSITION Objective: Make ISI a “world-leading institute” by its centenary in 2031. Justification: Four review committees examined ISI. Most recent chaired by R.A. Mashelkar (2020). Recommendations: Governance reforms Academic expansion Global competitiveness CORE POLICY DILEMMA Issue Government View Academicians’ View Legal Status Strong statutory backing Society model protects autonomy Governance Centralised professional management Democratic academic self-rule Funding Diversification via market Commercialisation of research Appointments Uniform national control Political interference risk CONSTITUTIONAL & GOVERNANCE DIMENSIONS Article 19(1)(g): Academic freedom & professional autonomy Federalism: Central law overriding state-registered societies Institutional independence: Similar debates seen in: Universities Regulatory bodies Research councils Deeper risk: Shift from knowledge institutions as public goods To knowledge institutions as corporate entities LIKELY POLITICAL TRAJECTORY Opposition parties: TMC CPI(M) Have vowed to: Oppose Bill if tabled in Parliament. Indicates: Possible Standing Committee scrutiny Legislative confrontation ahead BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Affects: Credibility of India’s statistical system Independence of official economic data Global trust in Indian research institutions Comes at a time when: Data transparency and methodological credibility are already under scrutiny. Brain-Stem Death (BSD) WHY IN NEWS ? Renewed debate on legal ambiguities in Brain-Stem Death (BSD) certification under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. India’s deceased organ donation rate remains critically low: India (2023): 0.77 donors per million Spain (2023): 49.38 donors per million ~5 lakh Indians die annually while waiting for organ transplants. Demand rising to: Expand the donor pool Remove legal-bureaucratic bottlenecks Clarify death certification & consent protocols Relevance : GS Paper III – Health Sector & Human Resource Development Public health system capacity: ICU infrastructure & trained transplant coordinators Organ donation as a resource optimisation strategy in healthcare Demand–supply gap in transplants and mortality burden Health system efficiency and end-of-life care management Medical technology, ventilator dependence and ICU rationing WHAT IS ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION LAW IN INDIA? Governed by: Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 Covers two types of transplants: (A) Deceased Donor Transplant Organs retrieved from a person with certified Brain-Stem Death (BSD). Heart may still beat with ventilator support. Law legally recognises BSD as death. (B) Living Donor Transplant Organ removed from a healthy living person. Needs legal sanction because: Doctors are otherwise prohibited from removing healthy organs. WHAT IS BRAIN-STEM DEATH (BSD)? Defined under the 1994 Act as: “Permanent and irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain-stem.” Brain-stem controls: Breathing Consciousness Vital reflexes BSD = irreversible biological death, even if heart is artificially supported. WHY INDIA’S ORGAN TRANSPLANT PERFORMANCE IS POOR Extreme shortage of: ICU infrastructure BSD-certified hospitals Trained transplant coordinators Major bottlenecks: Legal confusion Bureaucratic controls Family consent delays Low public awareness Result: Massive organ-demand vs supply gap KEY LEGAL CONFUSIONS AROUND BSD Q1. Is BSD legally equivalent to cardiac death? Yes, under the 1994 Act: “Deceased person” includes: Death by brain-stem death Death by cardio-pulmonary failure Core legal phrase: “Permanent disappearance of all evidence of life” Therefore: BSD has full legal recognition as death Q2. Should life support continue if family refuses organ donation? Law: Only defines death Does not dictate post-death hospital actions Ethical-legal position: If no consent: Life support may be continued on family request But death certificate time is final If consent exists: Life support must continue temporarily to preserve organs Q3. Are two death certificates required? Current practice: BSD certificate issued first Fresh death certificate issued after organ harvest Legal position: Unnecessary duplication BSD certificate alone is sufficient for legal death registration LINK WITH DEATH REGISTRATION LAW Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 Definition of death: “Permanent disappearance of all evidence of life.” Same core definition as 1994 Act. Form 4 (Death Registration Form): Separates: Cause of death Mode of death (heart failure, respiratory failure, etc.) BSD is interpreted as: Respiratory failure due to brain-stem damage Conclusion: No new amendment needed to register BSD legally. MAJOR LEGAL CONTRADICTION NEEDING AMENDMENT Section 14(1) of 1994 Act: BSD certification & organ retrieval allowed only in registered hospitals. Rule 5(1) & 5(2): BSD certification mandatory in every hospital with ICU, including: Non-transplant hospitals Provision What it Allows Section 14 Only registered hospitals Rule 5 All ICU hospitals Resulting Contradiction: This legally blocks universal BSD identification. CRITICAL NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT Reform Required: Allow BSD certification and organ retrieval in all ICU-equipped hospitals. Restrict actual transplant surgery to: Registered transplant centres only. Why Essential: BSD commonly occurs in: Trauma Stroke Brain haemorrhage cases Most such deaths occur in: District hospitals Medical colleges Current law artificially shrinks the donor pool. BUREAUCRATIC BOTTLENECKS IN BSD CERTIFICATION Problem 1: Doctor Approval by Appropriate Authority (AA) Form 10 requires: 2 of the 4 certifying doctors to be AA-approved Issues: No special qualification criteria Cumbersome approval process Doctors reluctant to apply Effect: BSD certification gets delayed or avoided Reform Needed: Allow any registered specialist medical practitioner to certify BSD. Problem 2: No “Time of Death” in Form 10 A death certificate without time = legally incomplete Kerala Government (2020) solved this by: Defining time of death as: “Time when arterial pCO₂ reaches target value in second apnoea test” Other States still lack this clarity. Result: Legal uncertainty in death registration. CONSENT PROCESS: LEGAL SEQUENCING When should consent be sought? As per law: First → BSD must be diagnosed & certified Then only → Family approached for consent Legal tools: Form 8 (Declaration & Consent Form): Starts with: “Has been declared brain-stem dead/dead…” Confirms: Authorisation for organ removal after BSD certification Consent before BSD certification is legally incorrect. POLICY IMPORTANCE OF CLEAR BSD LAW Addresses three national priorities: Public health → Organ availability Medical ethics → End-of-life clarity Resource efficiency → ICU & ventilator optimisation Prevents: Indefinite ventilator occupation Medico-legal hesitation Family-doctor conflict National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information WHY IN NEWS ? National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is now handling ~45,000 data access requests per month. At the 2024 DGPs’ Conference in Raipur, chaired by Narendra Modi, States were asked to scale up NATGRID usage in all investigations. Union Home Ministry directed States to liberally use NATGRID. Access expanded: From 10 Central agencies To Superintendent of Police (SP)-rank officers in States. Comes amid: 20.41 lakh cybersecurity incidents in 2024 (highest since 2020). Relevance : GS Paper III – Internal Security Counter-terrorism intelligence architecture Cybersecurity incidents and digital infrastructure protection Financial crime, narcotics, terror financing investigations Technology-driven policing GS Paper II – Polity & Governance Federalism in policing (State subject, Central platform) Executive powers, absence of statutory backing Oversight and accountability mechanisms WHAT IS NATGRID? A real-time, secured data access platform for: Police Intelligence agencies Investigative bodies Purpose: To integrate multiple government & private databases Enable fast, intelligence-led investigations Conceptualised in 2009 after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Became fully operational in 2023–24. WHAT KIND OF DATA DOES NATGRID ACCESS? NATGRID enables real-time access to: Aadhaar data Driving licence & vehicle registration Airline passenger data Banking & financial transactions Telecom records Social media account metadata This allows multi-dimensional profiling for: Terror cases Financial crimes Narcotics Cybercrime Organised crime WHO CAN ACCESS NATGRID? Earlier Access (Only Central Agencies): Intelligence Bureau Research and Analysis Wing National Investigation Agency Enforcement Directorate Financial Intelligence Unit Narcotics Control Bureau Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Current Expansion: SP-rank State Police officers now included Marks a shift from Central-only intelligence to federal policing integration. WHY WAS NATGRID CREATED? Problem earlier: Agencies had to: Write letters Seek case-specific approvals Wait weeks for data Post-26/11 reform logic: Terror attacks exploited information silos NATGRID solves this by: Providing single-window, integrated access Eliminating: Inter-agency delays Jurisdictional bottlenecks OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGES No FIR required to access data. Enables: “Join-the-dots” investigations Preventive intelligence Financial trail mapping Reduces: Inter-agency dependency Tactical delays Critical for: Terror financing Cryptocurrency fraud Cross-border crime Cyber extortion CURRENT OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES Despite being designed as a real-time system, State police report: Slow login processes Delayed data retrieval Procedural friction Officers still dependent on manual follow-ups Indicates a gap between platform design and field usability. CYBERSECURITY CONTEXT India recorded: 20.41 lakh cyber incidents in 2024 Government concern: Repeated attempts to breach: Power grids Telecom networks Financial infrastructure NATGRID is now positioned as: A core digital internal security backbone GOVERNANCE & POLITICAL CONTEXT Originally conceptualised under P. Chidambaram (2009). Gained full momentum after 2019 under Amit Shah as Home Minister. Key governance change: Central–State trust deficit was resolved Enabled State police onboarding CONSTITUTIONAL & PRIVACY IMPLICATIONS NATGRID directly engages: Article 21 – Right to Privacy Doctrine from: Puttaswamy judgment (Legality, Necessity, Proportionality) Key Risks: Mass surveillance potential Profiling without judicial warrant No FIR requirement dilutes judicial oversight Data misuse risk in political or civil cases Lack of independent audit mechanism Security efficiency ↑ but privacy safeguards remain institutionally weak. FEDERALISM DIMENSION Policing is a State subject. NATGRID: Operates under Union Home Ministry control. Expansion to State police: Strengthens cooperative federalism But: Central platform still controls architecture, access logs, and audit COMPARISON WITH GLOBAL MODELS Country Platform Oversight USA Fusion Centers Strong Congressional + Judicial oversight UK GCHQ–NPCC systems Parliamentary Intelligence Committee India NATGRID Executive-controlled, weak statutory oversight CORE POLICY DILEMMA Security Objective Liberty Risk Faster crime detection Mass data aggregation Preventive intelligence Surveillance without suspicion Unified access Weak data minimisation WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE (REFORM AGENDA) ? Enact a dedicated NATGRID statutory law: Defines: Purpose limitation Data retention period Audit standards Mandatory: Independent oversight authority Judicial access logs Technical reforms: Faster access interfaces Tiered access control Parliamentary reporting on: Annual request volumes Misuse cases Breach audits Filaments WHY IN NEWS ? On December 3, researchers from the University of Oxford reported: Discovery of a ~50 million light-year-long galaxy filament. The filament shows aligned galaxy spins, suggesting that the entire filament itself is rotating. The team claims it may be: “One of the largest spinning structures ever observed in the universe.” This provides direct observational support to predictions made by cosmological simulations. Relevance : GS Paper III – Science & Technology Astrophysics and cosmology Dark matter and large-scale structure of the universe Observational astronomy and simulation-based science GS Paper I – Physical Geography (World Geography Interface) Large-scale structure of the universe Formation of galaxies and cosmic web WHAT ARE COSMIC / GALAXY FILAMENTS? Cosmic filaments are: The largest known structures in the universe. Thread-like formations forming the Cosmic Web. They are composed of: Dark matter Intergalactic gas Galaxies Typical scale: Tens to hundreds of millions of light-years They: Connect massive galaxy clusters Surround vast empty regions called voids STRUCTURE OF THE COSMIC WEB The large-scale universe is arranged into: Filaments → long, thread-like galaxy highways Walls/Sheets → flat, dense galaxy regions Nodes (Clusters) → intersections of filaments Voids → enormous empty regions  Together, these form the Cosmic Web, the universe’s fundamental large-scale architecture. HOW DO COSMIC FILAMENTS FORM? Originates from: Tiny density fluctuations just after the Big Bang Under the influence of gravity: Matter collapses into sheets Sheets intersect → filaments Filaments intersect → clusters Dominant driver: Dark Matter, which provides gravitational scaffolding Ordinary matter (gas + galaxies) follows dark matter distribution. WHY ARE FILAMENTS CALLED “COSMIC HIGHWAYS”? Gas and small galaxies: Flow along filaments toward massive galaxy clusters. This inflow: Feeds galaxy growth Triggers star formation Shapes galactic evolution over billions of years Hence, filaments decide: Where galaxies form How fast they grow How much fresh gas they receive HOW DO ASTRONOMERS DETECT FILAMENTS? By: Mapping positions and distances of thousands of galaxies Using redshift surveys Then: Tracing spatial clustering patterns Supported by: Large-scale computer simulations based on: Lambda-CDM Model of cosmology These simulations reproduce: Filaments, walls, voids, and clusters almost exactly as observed. WHAT EXACTLY DID THE OXFORD TEAM DISCOVER? A ~50 million light-year galaxy filament Traced by: At least 14 galaxies Unique feature: The galaxies’ axes of rotation are aligned with the filament’s direction Interpretation: The entire filament is slowly rotating as a coherent structure WHY IS ROTATION OF A FILAMENT IMPORTANT? Earlier belief: Filaments are static gravitational channels New result shows: Filaments can have large-scale angular momentum This supports: The theory that gravitational infall and tidal forces can spin up even gigantic cosmic structures It links: Galaxy-scale rotation → filament-scale rotation → cosmic-scale dynamics SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Confirms that: Angular momentum exists at the largest observable scales Strengthens: Theoretical predictions from cosmological simulations Helps explain: Why galaxies in the same filament often show spin alignment Improves understanding of: Structure formation Galaxy evolution Dark matter dynamics IMPLICATIONS FOR COSMOLOGY Validates: The gravitational instability model of structure formation Improves: Precision in large-scale universe mapping Supports: The idea that: The universe evolved from tiny early ripples into a connected cosmic network

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 06 December 2025

Content PRADHAN MANTRI FORMALISATION OF MICRO FOOD PROCESSING ENTERPRISES (PMFME) SCHEME THE HEALTH SECURITY SE NATIONAL SECURITY CESS BILL, 2025 PRADHAN MANTRI FORMALISATION OF MICRO FOOD PROCESSING ENTERPRISES (PMFME) SCHEME WHAT IS PMFME? Centrally Sponsored Scheme under MoFPI. Launch year: 2020 (part of Atmanirbhar Bharat). Objective: Formalisation + Competitiveness + Modernisation of India’s unorganised micro food processing sector (~25 lakh units, 74% unregistered). Implementation model: One District One Product (ODOP) approach. Target beneficiaries: Individual micro-enterprises, FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives. Relevance GS-III | Economy – MSMEs & Food Processing: Formalises unorganised micro units, strengthens value addition, ODOP clusters, supply chains, and rural non-farm growth. GS-III | Inclusive Growth: Empowers women-led SHGs, expands credit access, reduces rural vulnerability, supports micro-entrepreneurship. GS-II | Governance & Implementation: Demonstrates convergence (PMKSY, PLISFPI, NRLM), highlights gaps in capacity building, digital literacy, market linkages.   WHY IS THIS IN NEWS?   MoFPI reported the latest progress up to 31 October 2025 on PMFME scheme performance. Multiple PIB releases (food processing, renewable technologies, MSME support, PLISFPI linkages) highlight policy push for micro-enterprise formalisation + green technologies + rural employment. Parliamentary replies confirm high uptake, massive SHG participation, and integration with PMKSY + PLISFPI.   KEY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS A. Loans & Subsidies 1,62,744 loans sanctioned under credit-linked subsidy. Total loan amount sanctioned: ₹13,234.90 crore. B. SHG Empowerment 3,65,935 SHG members approved for seed capital. C. Infrastructure Creation 101 Common Infrastructure Facilities (CIFs) sanctioned. 76 Incubation centres approved. D. Market Access 27 Branding & Marketing proposals approved. E. Central Share Released to States/UTs Steady fund release over last 5 years (exact annual figures not disclosed in PIB). SCHEME COMPONENTS Support to Individual / Group Micro Enterprises 35% credit-linked capital subsidy, max ₹10 lakh. Covers new units + upgradation. Support to SHGs ₹40,000 per SHG member as seed capital for tools and working capital. Max ₹4 lakh per SHG federation. Common Infrastructure Support 35% subsidy, cap ₹3 crore. For FPOs/SHGs/Cooperatives/Govt agencies. Facilities open for public use on hiring basis → reduces cost barriers. Branding & Marketing Support Up to 50% grant to FPOs/SHGs/Cooperatives/SPVs. Essential for ODOP value chain integration. Capacity Building Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP+) Product-specific skilling Training of trainers, DRPs, incubation support. PROGRESS & PERFORMANCE NATIONWIDE Formalisation Momentum SHG seed capital uptake (3.66 lakh members) shows deep penetration in rural areas. High loan sanction numbers reflect strong credit linkage via banks/NBFCs. ODOP Integration improving clusters Establishment of CIFs + incubation centres strengthens local value chains. Reduces entry barriers for first-time entrepreneurs. Employment & Income Growth Micro food processing units generate off-farm rural employment → stabilises incomes, reduces distress migration. Women-led Enterprise Growth SHG-driven participation is a major success → aligns with Lakhpati Didi, NRLM, Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals. Convergence with PMKSY & PLISFPI PMFME upgrading micro-units, while PLISFPI scales large/medium units → integrated value chain development. CAPACITY BUILDING & ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT MoFPI Interventions National & State campaigns: newspapers, radio, expos, fairs, buyer-seller meets. Awareness drives targeting women collectives & SHGs. NIFTEM-K & NIFTEM-T Support Handholding, mentoring. Pilot plants, incubation services, NABL labs. Access to R&D, market linkages, packaging technology. Green Technology Push (related PIB note) Incentives for solar, biomass, wind energy → up to ₹35 lakh per project (PMKSY). Mandatory CTO (Water & Air) for grant release. Promotion of Non-ODS, low-GWP refrigerants for cold chain. Sustainable Packaging Innovation Biopolymers: PLA, starch, nanofibers. Low-waste packaging systems → crucial for export competitiveness. FINANCIAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE Component Support Target Group Capital Subsidy 35% (max ₹10 lakh) Individual/Group MFPEs SHG Seed Capital ₹40,000 per member (max 4 lakh per federation) SHGs Common Infrastructure 35% (max ₹3 crore) FPOs/SHGs/Coops/Govt agencies Branding & Marketing Up to 50% FPOs/SHGs/Coops/SPVs Capacity Building EDP+, Skilling, ToT, DRPs Entrepreneurs, SHGs, FPOs STRENGTHS OF PMFME Modernises the unorganised food processing sector (~74% unregistered units). Reduces credit constraints through capital subsidies. Empowers women SHGs → major socio-economic impact. ODOP creates specialisation, branding and export potential. Facilitates common facilities, reducing costs for small entrepreneurs. Strong convergence with NRLM, PMKSY, PLISFPI. CHALLENGES & GAPS Slow pace of on-ground utilisation of CIFs relative to sanction numbers. Need for stronger market linkages beyond local markets. Limited digital literacy among micro-entrepreneurs → affects compliance & formalisation. Fragmented value chains in certain ODOP regions. Credit access still depends heavily on bank willingness. THE HEALTH SECURITY SE NATIONAL SECURITY CESS BILL, 2025 WHAT IS THIS BILL? A new capacity-based excise cess introduced via a dedicated legislation. Purpose: Create a predictable, rule-based revenue stream for National Security, and Public Health expenditure. The cess is levied on machinery or processes used for manufacturing specified goods. Initially applies to pan masala, but Government may extend it to other notified goods. Relevance GS-III | Economy – Taxation & Fiscal Policy: Introduces rule-based, capacity-based excise system to ensure predictable revenue for national priorities. GS-II & GS-III | Public Health: Uses corrective taxation on harmful products; channels revenue to strengthen health security systems. GS-II | Governance: Establishes structured compliance, audit, enforcement, and multi-tier appeals—enhances transparency and accountability. WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? Government introduced a new statutory framework for a special excise cess to strengthen funding for two critical national priorities—health security and national security. Bill formalises a capacity-based taxation system for high-risk/ high-revenue products. Seeks to improve compliance, monitoring, enforcement and stable revenue mobilisation. OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL A. Fiscal Stability Create predictable and reliable revenues for national security & public health. B. Administrative Clarity Provide a structured, transparent, rule-based framework for levy, assessment, monitoring, enforcement, and appeal. C. Corrective Taxation Ensure certain products (starting with pan masala) contribute fairly to socio-economic needs. D. Plug Revenue Leakages Prevent evasion common in high-margin goods produced on semi-automatic/hybrid machines. WHAT GOODS ARE COVERED? Pan Masala (initial coverage). Government empowered to add any other goods to Schedule I. WHO IS LIABLE TO PAY THE CESS? Any person who owns / operates / controls machines or processes used for manufacturing the notified goods. Liability independent of income tax/GST status. NATURE OF LEVY Capacity-based monthly excise cess. Levied in addition to existing taxes/duties. Applied on: Machines installed, or Manual processes undertaken. BASIS OF CALCULATION A. Machine-Based Production Computed using: Maximum rated speed (pouches/tins/containers per minute). Weight per pack. Example rate: ₹101 lakh per month for machines up to 500 packs/min (up to 2.5 g pack weight). B. Manual Process ₹11 lakh per month flat cess. ABATEMENT RULE If operations remain shut for 15+ continuous days, prorated abatement applies. Ensures fairness and prevents liability during genuine downtime. FLOW OF FUNDS Cess proceeds credited to Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). To be used specifically for: National Security, Public Health Systems. REGISTRATION, RETURNS & COMPLIANCE ROADMAP Step 1: Registration Mandatory for any person possessing machines/processes for notified goods. Step 2: Self-Declaration of Machinery Maximum speed, weight per pouch, number of machines, type of process. Step 3: Verification Officers may verify/calibrate parameters. Opportunity of being heard before final determination. Step 4: Cess Computation Based on declared/verified capacity. Step 5: Monthly Payment Pay cess by 7th of each month (pre-payment model). Step 6: Monthly Return Filing Mandatory return with details of machines, operations, cess paid. Step 7: Audit & Scrutiny Audit of returns, records, declarations. ENFORCEMENT ARCHITECTURE A. Monitoring Tools Scrutiny of returns Inspection Search Seizure Real-time monitoring of machinery/process B. Offences Non-declaration of machines Undeclared operations Falsification of records Evasion or short payment Obstruction of officers Fraudulent refund claims C. Penalties Monetary fines Confiscation of goods/machinery Graded imprisonment depending on severity Arrest for serious contraventions D. Inter-Agency Coordination Collaboration with police, customs, railways, revenue departments. APPEALS MECHANISM Multi-tier appeal structure: Appellate Authority Appellate Tribunal High Court Supreme Court Ensures due process, fairness, and judicial review. GOVERNMENT POWERS UNDER THE BILL Increase cess up to 2× in public interest. Exempt specific persons/units under prescribed conditions. Notify additional goods for inclusion under the cess system. Set rules and procedures for all aspects of levy & administration. POLICY SIGNIFICANCE A. Strengthening Health Security & National Security Financing Dedicated revenue channel ensures non-disruptive funding for critical sectors. B. Capacity-Based Taxation = Anti-Evasion Tool Pan masala, gutkha, tobacco products often evade tax via under-reporting. Machine-capacity levy bypasses quantity reporting manipulation. C. Rule-Based, Transparent Framework Reduces discretionary power and increases administrative predictability. D. Aligns with Public Health Priorities Sin-goods/product categories that impose public health costs help fund health systems. E. Fiscal Federalism Neutrality Cess → goes to CFI, not divisible pool → strengthens Union fiscal space. CHALLENGES & RISKS Industry may shift to undeclared/illegal production to avoid cess. Monitoring capacity at ground level (especially for semi-automatic units) is crucial. Risk of litigation due to capacity assessment disputes. Potential for regressive impact if extended to essential goods (unlikely but permitted by law).

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 06 December 2025

Content Digital Constitutionalism Chile’s lesson for India’s coal conundrum Digital Constitutionalism WHAT WAS THE ORDER? Govt announced (2025) that all mobile manufacturers must pre-install Sanchar Saathi on phones sold from 2026 onwards. App’s functions include CEIR, stolen-phone tracking, SIM misuse detection, user safety, and police assistance. The rule required mandatory installation at manufacturing level, not optional download by users. Relevance GS-II | Polity: Fundamental Rights, privacy, state surveillance, constitutional governance. GS-II | Governance: Algorithmic decision-making, administrative fairness, accountability, opaque technologies. GS-III | Cyber Security: Rising digital crimes, digital policing, metadata risks. GS-III | Economy & Technology: Regulatory tensions between state control and global tech industry. Practice Questions The Sanchar Saathi rollback highlights the tension between citizen privacy and state surveillance. Discuss how this episode strengthens the case for Digital Constitutionalism in India. (10 marks)   WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? (The 48-hour rollback) In 48 hours, the government revoked the mandatory installation order after: Opposition from foreign smartphone companies, especially Apple, which refused compliance. Concerns raised by civil society, privacy researchers, and industry bodies. Fears of ambiguous data collection, lack of user consent, unlimited storage, and surveillance risks. Reuters broke the story → triggered global scrutiny. Government clarified that the intention was consumer safety, citing rising cybercrimes (15.9 lakh → 20.4 lakh between 2023–2024), but concerns of digital overreach took precedence. WHAT THIS CONTROVERSY SIGNALS ? Escalating tension between state surveillance authority and digital privacy rights. Increasing dependence of government on platforms, metadata, AI tools → blurred lines between governance and surveillance. Exposes weaknesses in India’s evolving data protection, algorithmic accountability, and digital rights frameworks. DEEPER ISSUE: THE EMERGENCE OF DIGITAL CONSTITUTIONALISM Meaning Application of constitutional values—liberty, privacy, dignity, equality, non-arbitrariness, natural justice—to the digital domain. Why needed Governance increasingly relies on invisible systems: biometrics predictive algorithms behavioural modelling facial recognition metadata analysis Without constitutional safeguards, these technologies expand state and private power beyond citizen control. KEY ARGUMENTS FROM THE ARTICLE A. Threats from Algorithmic Governance Automated decisions regulate: KYC welfare delivery job eligibility credit scoring moderation of speech These systems operate as “black boxes” → no explanation, no appeal, high risk of unfair exclusion. B. Rise of Invisible Surveillance Surveillance today is not Orwellian in a visible sense; it is ambient and silent: location tracing metadata facial recognition device identifiers Creates self-censorship and a chilling effect on dissent. C. Inadequacy of existing legal protections Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) recognised privacy as fundamental right. DPDP Act 2023 offers protections but has: broad government exemptions weak oversight limited remedies prioritisation of state interests over liberty D. Global examples of caution Facial recognition restrictions across U.S. cities due to discrimination & misidentification. DigiYatra storing biometric data with private entities → ownership ambiguities. E. Structural democratic dangers Concentration of digital power with: governments law enforcement tech platforms Citizens reduced to data subjects, not constitutional right-holders. WHAT DIGITAL CONSTITUTIONALISM SHOULD INCLUDE ? Independent Digital Rights Commission. Strict necessity and proportionality for surveillance. Mandatory judicial warrants for sensitive data access. Public transparency reports. Regular bias/audit tests for high-risk AI. Right to explanation in algorithmic decisions. Right to appeal automated decisions. Strong purpose limitation and harsh penalties for misuse. Digital literacy as a constitutional right-enabler. BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA A. India’s digital state is expanding rapidly Aadhaar DigiLocker FASTag DigiYatra AI-powered policing Predictive governance → All operate with limited constitutional guardrails. B. Economic considerations constrain regulatory choices Apple, global tech companies have leverage → government cannot risk “manufacturing exit”. C. India lacks a comprehensive surveillance law Surveillance currently governed by colonial-era or patchwork IT rules. No statute requiring judicial authorization for digital surveillance. CONCLUSION The Sanchar Saathi rollback underscores an emerging constitutional challenge: state-led digital expansion without adequate rights-based safeguards. As governance becomes increasingly algorithmic, surveillance-driven, and data-centric, India must embed constitutional protections—privacy, transparency, due process, proportionality—into its digital architecture. Digital constitutionalism is not merely a theoretical construct but a democratic necessity to ensure that technology serves citizens and not the other way around. Chile’s lesson for India’s coal conundrum WHAT IS THE ISSUE? India has achieved dramatic renewable energy gains, doubling clean energy capacity during 2021–25. Yet, India remains heavily dependent on coal, especially for electricity generation (≈75% in 2024). Coal provides jobs + cheap power in several States, but also results in air pollution, health loss, climate risk, and global warming. Relevance GS-III | Environment & Climate Change Coal phaseout, decarbonisation pathways, CCPI rankings, global comparisons (Chile). Air pollution, climate vulnerability, energy transition strategies. GS-III | Economy – Infrastructure & Energy Power sector reforms, energy security, renewable integration, market design, carbon pricing. GS-I & GS-II | Social Justice & Governance Just Transition for coal-dependent regions. Worker protection, reskilling, community rehabilitation. GS-II | International Relations Climate leadership, global expectations from India, COP negotiations. Practice Question India’s fall in the CCPI ranking despite renewable gains exposes contradictions in its energy transition pathway. Examine the factors behind this decline. (10 marks) WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? (COP30, Brazil, Nov 2025) India fell 13 places to 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025. Reason: Lack of progress in coal phaseout, despite strong renewable expansion. Highlights the coal conundrum: socio-economic dependence vs. ecological and public health costs. Chile’s successful coal transition is highlighted as a comparative model relevant to India. INDIA’S ENERGY STATUS (2024–25) Coal Dependence Coal accounts for over half of India’s total energy use. 75% of electricity was coal-generated in 2024. Domestic coal production is increasing, not declining. Renewables Renewables (wind, solar, hydro, nuclear) = ~50% of installed capacity, but only 20% of actual generation. Growth strong but inadequate to replace coal in dispatch. CHILE’S EXPERIENCE: WHAT DID IT DO DIFFERENTLY? Key Actions (2014–24) Carbon tax: USD 5 per tonne of CO₂ in 2014. Strict emission norms: raised coal plant compliance costs by 30%. Competitive solar/wind auctions lowered renewable tariffs. Large-scale energy storage rollout for grid stability. Commitment to phase out all coal by 2040. Outcomes Coal generation dropped from 43.6% → 17.5% (2016–24). Renewables > 60% of energy mix. Worker transition aided by: diversified economy strong renewable industry supportive political environment WHY INDIA’S TRANSITION IS MORE COMPLEX ? Coal’s share far higher than Chile → more plants to retire. Millions depend on coal economy in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal → risk of social disruption. Fewer alternative industries in coal districts. Grid integration challenges → renewables intermittent; storage insufficient. Political economy resistance due to tariffs, subsidies, and state-owned coal interests. WHY COAL PHASEOUT IS A “NO REGRETS” POLICY ? A. Economic Loss Climate change could cause 3–10% GDP loss by 2100 due to heat stress & productivity decline. B. Health Impact A 1 GW increase in coal capacity → 14% rise in infant mortality in nearby districts. Also contributes to PM2.5, respiratory diseases, and chronic illness. C. Climate Leadership Without a coal exit plan, India’s renewable achievements lack credibility in global negotiations. Three Key Thrust Areas 1. Physical Transition Remove oldest & most polluting units on priority. Cancel new coal approvals. Replace coal output with firm renewable power + storage. Scale up electrification of transport, industry, households. 2. Market & Regulatory Reform Introduce carbon pricing. Remove coal subsidies & cross-subsidies. Implement clean dispatch rules (renewables-first). Reform procurement contracts to incentivise RE+storage. 3. Social Protection & Just Transition Reskilling, alternative livelihoods, and robust worker support. Set up a dedicated transition fund – e.g., Green Energy Transition India Fund. Use District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for industry diversification in coal regions. FINANCE FOR COAL PHASEOUT Needs blended finance: Public funds → social welfare, worker protection. Private capital → renewable infrastructure, battery storage, green hydrogen. International climate finance flows crucial. DMF + CSR + sovereign green bonds can support district-level transition. CONCLUSION India’s fall in the CCPI rankings highlights a structural contradiction: rapid renewable expansion without a parallel coal exit strategy. The Chile experience demonstrates that coal-dependent economies can transition if supported by decisive policy, market reform, carbon pricing, and worker protection. For India, the challenge is larger but the imperative is unavoidable — climate losses, health impacts, and economic risks make coal phaseout a no-regrets pathway. A credible transition roadmap, with timelines, financing mechanisms, regulatory reforms, and Just Transition policies, is essential to align India’s growth trajectory with its net-zero ambitions and global climate responsibility.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 December 2025

Content Govt. to Streamline Its Public Communications Framework Judges Are Conscious, Won’t Let AI Overpower Judicial Process: Supreme Court Health Security → National Security Cess Bill, 2025 Passed Right to Disconnect Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha India–Russia Reiterate $100-Billion Trade Target by 2030 DRDO Successfully Conducts Indigenous Dynamic Ejection Test Govt. to streamline its public communications framework  Why is this in News? Centre has initiated a system-wide overhaul of India’s public communication architecture. Reforms span human resources restructuring, technology upgrades, and real-time media response mechanisms. A major proposal in advanced stages: Cadre restructuring of the Indian Information Service (IIS) to increase intake and reorganise roles. Rising number of ministries, digital platforms, and citizen-facing schemes require a unified, data-driven communication system. Last restructuring of IIS occurred in 2016; expansion of government communication needs has outpaced current cadre strength. Relevance GS-II: Governance, Polity Government communication reforms. Accountability, transparency, citizen–state interface. Rights: privacy, information, media freedom. Ethical public communication. GS-III: Internal Security Combatting misinformation/disinformation. Crisis communication readiness. What is the Indian Information Service (IIS)? A Central Group ‘A’ service under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Functions: Government communication & public information dissemination. Media management across print, TV, digital. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC), DD News, AIR News roles. Crisis communication, fact-checking, public campaigns. Recruitment: UPSC CSE. What is Cadre Restructuring? Change in sanctioned strength, hierarchy, and distribution of posts. Objectives: Modernise workforce. Improve promotion avenues. Add new roles, abolish outdated ones. Align cadre with contemporary needs (digital, analytics, multilingual outreach). What Exactly Is Being Revamped? 1. Human Resource Overhaul Increase intake of IIS officers to cover growing ministries and communication responsibilities. Reorganising functions: Creation of posts in digital media, strategic communication, data analytics, behavioural insights. Phasing out traditional press-centric roles. Improving career progression to attract and retain talent. 2. Technological Infrastructure Upgradation Real-time media monitoring systems. Rapid misinformation tracking and counter-response architecture. AI and analytics for campaign design, sentiment mapping, impact evaluation. 3. Unified Public Communication System Integration of all departmental communication wings under a single coordinated framework. Standardisation of messaging, tone, factual accuracy, and crisis protocols. Why the Revamp Now? Information ecosystem transformation: 800+ million internet users; explosive growth of social media. Decline of print-first communication model. Government expansion: New ministries, schemes, and regulatory bodies → each requires specialised communication specialists. Misinformation and national security concerns. Global trend: UK Government Communication Service (GCS), US Public Affairs Model rely heavily on data-led messaging. Key Objectives Real-time public communication. Data-driven policy messaging. Crisis communication readiness. Unified narrative building across ministries. Higher professionalisation of government communication. Expected Implications Faster misinformation response, aiding national security and public order. Improved scheme awareness and behavioural change outcomes. Professional, evidence-based policy communication. Enhanced transparency if executed with accountability. Better citizen engagement through multilingual, digital-first outreach. Challenges / Criticisms Risk of state propaganda if transparency safeguards are weak. Centralisation may reduce autonomy of departmental communication teams. Increased intake requires high-quality training in digital analytics, communication ethics, behavioural science. Need to balance proactive messaging with citizens’ Right to Information (RTI) and privacy. Constitutional & Governance Lens Article 19(1)(a): Citizens’ right to information. Supreme Court: “Right to know is essential for democracy.” Public communication reforms must balance freedom of press, privacy, and state accountability. Aligns with SMART Governance, Good Governance Indicators, and Participatory Democracy. Comparison with Global Models UK GCS: Highly centralised, analytics-heavy communication; rapid response unit. US Federal Public Affairs Officers: Decentralised but coordinated; emphasis on transparency laws. India’s model is moving closer to UK’s centralised GCS. Judges are conscious, won’t let AI overpower judicial process: SC  Why is this in News? Supreme Court observed that judges are “very conscious, even overconscious” about risks of generative AI (GenAI) in judicial work. SC emphasised that AI will not be allowed to overpower judicial administration. Comments were made while hearing a petition seeking guidelines or a policy regulating GenAI use in courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial bodies. Petitioner highlighted dangers such as: AI hallucinations (inventing fictitious case law) Bias propagation Opaque data systems Fake rulings generated by AI tools Court allowed the plea to be withdrawn but permitted the petitioner to take the matter to the administrative side of the SC. Issue arises amidst global debate over AI use in justice delivery systems. Relevance GS-II: Judiciary Judicial independence & oversight Regulation of AI in judicial administration Natural justice and due process GS-II: Polity Article 14 (equality), Article 21 (fair procedure), Article 19(1)(a) (legal clarity) Administrative vs. judicial domain governance GS-III: Science & Technology Ethical AI, algorithmic bias AI hallucinations and explainability concerns What is Generative AI in the judicial context? AI tools capable of producing text, summaries, legal research, and even draft judgments. Uses: Case summarisation Research referencing Transcription (already used via SUVAAS, Vidhik Anuvaad) Predictive analytics (risk of misuse) What is AI Hallucination? AI generating non-existent judgments, false precedents, or invented statutes—a major legal risk. 3. Judicial Administration Includes research, drafting, decision-making, case management, court records, and adjudication. Core Concerns Raised (As per petition) 1. Fake Judgments & Fictitious Case Law GenAI can create fabricated citations, leading to wrong legal conclusions. 2. Bias Amplification AI trained on biased data may perpetuate caste, gender, religious or socio-economic biases. 3. Lack of Transparency Proprietary AI systems lack explainability → violates principles of natural justice and reasoned decision-making. 4. Data Ownership & Accountability Judicial data must be: free of bias stored transparently accountable to stakeholders. 5. Risk to Fundamental Rights Arbitrary use of opaque AI tools may compromise: Article 14 (equality) Article 21 (due process, privacy) Article 19(1)(a) (access to information, legal clarity) What the Supreme Court said ? Judges are “overconscious” of risks. AI cannot replace judicial reasoning or adjudication. Judges and judicial officers must verify all AI outputs, especially research. Training camps are being conducted to familiarise judicial officers with risks and proper use of AI tools. Instances of subordinate courts citing non-existent SC judgments were flagged as cautionary lessons. Judicial Philosophy behind the Position 1. Human oversight is non-negotiable Judicial discretion, empathy, context, and reasoning cannot be automated. 2. Rule of law requires interpretative judgment, not algorithmic output AI cannot exercise conscience, proportionality analysis, or balancing of rights. 3. Protecting constitutional morality Courts must prevent technological systems from undermining constitutional values. Present State of AI in Judiciary Already deployed: SUVAS: Judicial translation system SUPACE (SC): AI-assisted research (suspended over ethical concerns earlier) National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Data analytics for pendency Not deployed: AI-driven decision-making systems (explicitly rejected by SC) Governance and Policy 1. Need for Uniform National Guidelines No statutory framework exists for AI use in: subordinate courts tribunals quasi-judicial authorities. 2. Administrative vs Judicial Domain SC suggested this issue is better handled on the administrative side than through litigation. 3. Regulatory Vacuum India lacks: Standards on AI explainability Accountability frameworks Data protection enforcement (DPDP Act partially applicable). 4. Comparative Global Context EU AI Act: classifies justice-related AI as “high-risk”. US Federal Courts: require disclosure if AI-assisted. Canada: strict transparency mandates. India has no comparable regulatory architecture yet. Risks of Unregulated AI 1. Miscarriage of Justice Fake case law may lead to wrongful convictions, incorrect civil rulings. 2. Data Bias Sentencing or bail recommendations generated from biased data harm marginalised groups. 3. Accountability Failure If a judgment uses AI reasoning, who is responsible for error? 4. Erosion of Public Trust Justice system credibility depends on human deliberation, not probabilistic output. 5. Confidentiality Breach AI tools may process sensitive case data without adequate safeguards. Why the debate matters? Article 21 – Fair Procedure Automated, opaque decision-making violates due process. Article 14 – Right to Equality Algorithmic discrimination breaches equal protection guarantees. Natural Justice Right to reasoned decision → algorithms cannot provide judicial justification. Benefits of regulated AI Faster case summarisation. Reducing pendency in procedural stages. Improved access to legal information. Assistance for judges, not replacement. Real Policy Question How to use AI as a tool without compromising judicial independence, fairness, and constitutional rights? What should be the guidelines? 1. Mandatory human oversight AI cannot draft judgments; must only assist research. 2. Verification requirement Every AI output must be independently checked. 3. Transparency norms Mandatory disclosure when AI tools are used in submissions or drafting. 4. Data governance Only vetted, bias-audited datasets allowed. 5. Ethical and legal accountability A responsibility matrix for errors arising from AI-assisted work. 6. Clear prohibition zones No AI use in: bail decisions sentencing adjudication of rights constitutional interpretation 7. Regular training for judges Handling AI tools safely, understanding limitations. Implications for the Indian Justice System Positive (with safeguards) Efficiency gains in drafting/non-adjudicatory tasks. Reduction in backlog. Better multilingual access. Negative (if unsupervised) Threat to judicial independence. Risk of fabricated precedents. Erosion of citizens’ trust in the justice delivery system. Health Security → National Security Cess Bill, 2025 Why is this in News? Lok Sabha passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 by voice vote. The Bill levies a new cess on manufacturing units of paan masala and gutkha, with revenue earmarked for: Strengthening national security, and Improving public health. Finance Minister clarified that defence modernisation is capital-intensive, and India must find additional internal resources. Debate triggered due to: Rising defence costs (precision weapons, autonomous systems, space assets, cyber warfare). Public health hazards from paan masala/gutkha. Ethical questions on funding defence via “sin goods.” Relevance GS-III: Economy Taxation structure (cess), fiscal federalism Resource mobilisation for defence expenditure Pigouvian taxes and sin goods GS-III: Security Defence modernisation & capital-intensive warfare National security financing models GS-II: Governance Public health policy (tobacco regulation) Parliament’s role in budgetary decisions BASICS 1. What is a Cess? A cess is a tax levied for a specific purpose, over and above existing taxes. Not part of divisible pool → not shared with states (goes to Consolidated Fund but is earmarked). Used earlier for: Swachh Bharat Cess, Krishi Kalyan Cess, Health & Education Cess. 2. What is “Health Security se National Security” Cess? Conceptually links public health risk mitigation with resource mobilisation for defence. Levy on “harmful, addictive products” → paan masala & gutkha manufacturing. KEY FEATURES   1. Target of the Cess Manufacturing units of paan masala & gutkha. 2. Intended Use of Funds National security preparedness, including: Modern weapons Surveillance systems Cyber defence Space assets Upgradation & modernisation of armed forces Public health improvement, addressing hazards of tobacco-based products. 3. Fiscal Rationale Defence is capital-heavy → “precision weapons are not cheap.” Defence allocation needs predictable, insulated revenue sources to avoid budget shocks. WHY GOVERNMENT SAYS THIS IS NECESSARY ? 1. Modern Warfare = High Cost Precision missiles, drones, autonomous systems, AI-driven warfare, space-based ISR are extremely capital-intensive. India’s military modernisation is lagging relative to technological shifts. 2. National Security is Public Good Cannot be compromised by cyclical budget pressures. FM cited Operation Shakti, Kargil experience and the 1990s budget crisis, when only “70–80% of authorised weapons/equipment” could be procured. 3. Defence Sovereignty Long-term self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta in Defence) requires sustained funding. 4. Public Health Justification Paan masala & gutkha are linked to oral cancers, addiction, and large public health costs. Higher taxation reduces consumption and funds treatment/prevention. PUBLIC HEALTH DIMENSION India has one of the highest global burdens of oral cancer, heavily linked to smokeless tobacco & gutkha. A targeted cess aligns with WHO-recommended strategy: tax harmful goods + invest revenue in healthcare. Addresses dual problems: Reduce harmful consumption Generate revenue for public goods (health + security) NATIONAL SECURITY DIMENSION 1. Precision Warfare Era Conflicts today require: Hypersonics Long-range precision strikes Electronic warfare Cyber resilience Space-based surveillance These drastically increase defence costs. 2. Need for Predictable Funding Capital acquisitions must be multi-year; cess creates a dedicated non-shareable revenue pool. ECONOMIC & GOVERNANCE ANALYSIS Advantages Pigouvian taxation: Taxing socially harmful goods to fund national goods. Reduces public health burden. Earmarks revenue for sectors often under fiscal strain (health + defence). Politically more acceptable than broad-based tax increases. Concerns Regressivity: Cess may disproportionately affect lower-income consumers. Narrow tax base: Revenue potential is limited; cannot substitute mainstream defence budgeting. Centre–State tension: Cess is not shareable → States may lose potential revenue streams. Moral argument: Linking defence funding to addictive substances may attract ethical criticisms. Industry impact: Paan masala/gutkha units (many in MSME sector) may face higher compliance costs. POLITICAL CONTEXT Some MPs urged withdrawal of national awards from celebrities endorsing gutkha. Widening debate on: Tobacco advertising ethics Public health priorities “Sin tax” governance Bill passed despite objections, signalling strong government push for defence-capex financing. STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA 1. Defence Modernisation Push Aligns with India’s shift from manpower-heavy forces to technology-centric forces. 2. Health–Security Linkage Recognises that national security is not only defence, but includes public health resilience (post-COVID learning). 3. Fiscal Innovation Part of a global trend: countries using targeted levies for security preparedness. POTENTIAL IMPACT ON HEALTH Higher prices → reduced consumption → lower disease burden. More resources for cancer screening, awareness, PHC strengthening. ON DEFENCE Dedicated revenue stream for: procurement research ammunition stocks modernisation pipeline ON INDUSTRY Market contraction for paan masala & gutkha; may encourage diversification. CRITICISMS & CHALLENGES Cess proliferation creates non-shareable pools, weakening federal fiscal balance. Should defence be funded via a stable tax base rather than “sin goods revenue”? Risk of creating dependency on consumption of harmful products to fund essential sectors. Implementing cess effectively requires tight monitoring to prevent tax evasion and illicit manufacturing. Right to Disconnect Bill WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule introduced a Private Member’s Bill in Lok Sabha proposing an employees’ Right to Disconnect — i.e., the legal right to ignore work-related calls, emails, and messages outside official working hours. Bill seeks to address the modern crisis of overwork, blurred boundaries between home and workplace, and mental-health deterioration in an always-connected digital economy. India currently has no statutory right to disconnect, despite rising cases of burnout, information overload, and 24×7 digital surveillance tools used by employers. The Bill aligns with global moves (France, Portugal, Ireland) recognising disconnecting as a fundamental labour right necessary for work-life balance. Relevance GS-II: Social Justice Labour rights, workplace dignity Mental health and well-being as part of Article 21 GS-II: Governance Regulation of digital-era work culture Rights of gig workers and remote workers GS-III: Economy & Technology Digital tools, algorithmic management Productivity vs. overwork dynamics BASICS 1. What is the Right to Disconnect? A labour right allowing employees to refuse work communications after official hours without penalty. Protects personal time, rest, leisure, health, and family life. Based on the principle: “Work must end when working hours end.” 2. Why is this needed today? Remote work, hybrid models, smartphones, and collaboration tools (WhatsApp, Teams, Slack) make employees perpetually reachable. Overwork → Sleep deprivation Burnout Anxiety & depression Reduced productivity Health disorders (cardiac risk, obesity, cognitive overload) Especially severe in IT, finance, e-commerce, gig work, and start-up ecosystems. 3. Why a legal right? Voluntary corporate guidelines lack enforceability; without law, employees cannot refuse after-hours work pressures. KEY FEATURES OF SULE’S RIGHT TO DISCONNECT BILL, 2025 1. Right to ignore after-hour work communications Employees cannot be penalised for not responding to: Calls Emails Messages Official digital monitoring tools Outside notified working hours. 2. Employer obligations Cannot force employee availability beyond hours unless mutually agreed. Failure → penalties up to 1% of the company’s total remuneration bill. 3. Employees’ Welfare Authority (new regulatory body) To frame rules for: Work-hour boundaries Digital communication limits Monitoring compliance To mediate disputes between employer and employee on work-after-hours issues. 4. Mandatory counselling services Large workplaces must offer mental-health support for overworked employees. 5. Data collection & audit Authority to set baseline metrics for continuous assessment of work-related stress and time-use patterns. 6. Negotiation committees When Parliament is in session, employers must discuss and finalise disconnection norms with workers’ unions or representatives. THE PROBLEM: WHY SUCH A BILL IS EMERGING NOW 1. Digital capitalism has erased boundaries Employees remain “on-call” 24×7. Increased notifications → cognitive overload (“info-obesity”). 2. Gig and remote work expansion India has ~8–10 million gig workers; they face unregulated, unpredictable hours. 3. Mental health crisis Burnout is classified as an occupational phenomenon (WHO). Work-from-home during COVID accelerated the trend. 4. Feminisation of stress Women face “double burden”: paid work + domestic labour. 5. India’s labour codes silent on digital after-hours work Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code doesn’t address digital-era work overload. GLOBAL CONTEXT   France (2017) First country to legally recognise the right to disconnect. Companies with >50 employees must negotiate digital boundaries. Portugal (2021) Employers banned from contacting workers after hours except in emergencies. Ireland, Italy, Spain, Belgium National guidelines + statutory protections for workers’ digital disengagement. Learning for India: Legal frameworks help institutionalise mental-health protections and enforce predictable working hours. GOVERNANCE & POLICY ANALYSIS 1. Labour Rights Perspective Reinforces constitutional values under Article 21 (right to live with dignity, mental well-being). Supports ILO principles on decent work. 2. Public Health Governance Sleep deprivation & burnout are public health concerns → increase NCD risks and reduce national productivity. 3. Economic Impact Balanced work regimes → higher productivity, innovation, employee retention. Helps companies reduce burnout-driven attrition, especially in IT-BPM sector. 4. Technology Governance Addresses ethical use of digital monitoring tools and employee surveillance. Encourages transparency in algorithmically scheduled work. CRITICISMS & CHALLENGES 1. Compliance cost for employers SME/MSME sector may struggle to formalise strict digital boundaries. 2. Sectoral differences Emergency services, healthcare, logistics, and 24×7 operations may require flexible norms. 3. Enforcement gap Private Member’s Bills rarely become law (only ~14 passed since Independence). Implementation may be difficult without strong trade unions. 4. Global competitiveness concerns Some argue it may reduce responsiveness in highly competitive export sectors. 5. Cultural barrier India’s corporate culture often normalises long hours → legal right alone may not fix mindset. IMPLICATIONS IF THE BILL IS ADOPTED Positive Improved mental and physical health outcomes. Clearer work-life boundaries. Reduced information overload & burnout. Better employee satisfaction and retention. Progressive labour policy signalling globally. Negative Possibility of informal pressure continuing outside legal frameworks. New compliance burden may deter startups. India–Russia Trade Target of $100 Billion by 2030 WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? India and Russia, during high-level meetings involving PM Modi and President Putin (BRICS & Annual Summit frame), reaffirmed their commitment to achieve USD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030. Russia emphasised it is a reliable supplier of fuel and will continue uninterrupted shipments to India. Comes amid US-imposed tariffs and increasing Western scrutiny of India–Russia economic ties, especially following the Ukraine conflict. India also pushed for rapid conclusion of the FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers. Trade gap has sharply widened due to surging Russian oil imports and falling Indian exports. Relevance GS-II: International Relations India–Russia strategic partnership Energy security, defence cooperation Multilateral linkages (EAEU, BRICS) Navigating sanctions environment GS-III: Economy Bilateral trade imbalance Currency settlement (rupee–rouble) Oil imports and global supply chains GS-III: Security Defence logistics and spare parts dependency Strategic autonomy BASICS 1. What is the India–Russia trade relationship? Traditionally driven by defence, energy, nuclear cooperation, fertilizers, and diamonds. Post-2022, Russia became India’s largest crude oil supplier, radically altering the trade composition. 2. What is the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)? A regional economic bloc led by Russia including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Negotiating an FTA with India since 2017. 3. Why are US tariffs mentioned? The US introduced tariffs and sanctions related to geopolitical tensions, indirectly affecting global supply chains and trade flows with Russia. India’s continued high-volume trade with Russia is closely watched by Western partners. DATA: THE WIDENING TRADE GAP (Commerce Ministry) Imports from Russia (largely crude oil): 2021–22: $6.9 bn 2022–23: $46.2 bn 2023–24: $61.15 bn 2024–25 (Apr–Aug): $63.81 bn (annualised trend) Exports to Russia: Remain under $4 billion, flat for years. Result: Massive trade imbalance, driven by discounted Russian crude flows. CURRENT DRIVERS OF INDIA–RUSSIA TRADE 1. Crude Oil as the Dominant Component India imported heavily discounted Russian oil after 2022. Russia now accounts for 35–40% of Indian crude imports at times. 2. Use of National Currencies About 96% of trade settlements in rupees and roubles, reducing dollar dependency. Helps bypass sanctions-related transaction bottlenecks. 3. Russia’s role as a stable fuel supplier Putin reassured India of continuous & uninterrupted shipments. 4. Defence & High-tech cooperation Components, spares, joint ventures, and nuclear energy (Kudankulam) remain core areas. WHY BOTH SIDES WANT THE $100-BILLION TARGET ? India’s perspective Secure long-term energy supplies. Diversify away from Gulf dependence. Gain favourable pricing in oil & gas. Expand exports: pharma, agricultural products, machinery, engineering goods. Promote India’s presence in Russia’s Far East through connectivity initiatives (INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok route). Russia’s perspective Pivot to Asian markets after Western sanctions. Stable buyer for oil, coal, fertilizers. Attract Indian investments in infrastructure, mining, and energy in the Far East. Strengthen geopolitical partnership amid global realignment. STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES 1. Huge Trade Imbalance India imports far more from Russia → unsustainable gap. Indian exporters face logistical, payment & certification hurdles. 2. Payment & Currency Issues Rupee accumulation in Russian banks is large; Russia wants to use rupees to buy Indian goods, but supply is limited. Exchange rate volatility & currency convertibility constraints. 3. Logistics Bottlenecks INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) still not fully optimised. Limited maritime connectivity. 4. Sanctions Environment Western sanctions complicate shipping insurance, banking channels, and trade finance. Indian entities must navigate compliance risks. 5. Limited Indian Market Penetration Lack of market awareness, limited brand presence in Russia, certification & regulatory hurdles. FTA WITH THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EAEU) India wants a swift conclusion because: Benefits Reduced tariffs → boost Indian exports. Address non-tariff barriers (phytosanitary, certification). Improve predictability in bilateral trade. Help in rupee-rouble settlement mechanisms. Strategic foothold in the Eurasian region. Hurdles Complex negotiation environment due to sanctions. Sensitive sectors (metals, fertilizers) require careful balancing. Logistics & standards harmonisation needed. GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA 1. Balancing Act Between West and Russia India seeks strategic autonomy: Buys Russian oil Cooperates with Russia in defence Deepens Quad partnership with US Maintaining diversified partnerships mitigates geopolitical risks. 2. Energy Security Russian crude provides price stability, reducing India’s import bill. 3. Defence Readiness Russia remains major supplier of critical defence spares & technologies. 4. Strategic Presence in Eurasia Connectivity corridors with Russia strengthen India’s Eurasian footprint vis-à-vis China. ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Positive Lower energy costs due to discounted Russian oil. Opportunity to expand export base in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, auto components. Investment openings in the Far East → minerals, hydrocarbons, infrastructure. Risks Overdependence on Russian energy. Exposure to secondary sanctions. Trade imbalance if exports don’t rise substantially. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Build strong export support mechanisms Market intelligence cells for Russia Certification/standards harmonisation Export credit, logistics subsidies 2. Accelerate INSTC operationalisation Reduce transit time and cost via Iran & Caspian Sea. 3. Diversify beyond crude Promote IT services, engineering goods, medical devices. 4. Currency mechanism innovation Expand rupee-rouble convertibility windows Explore digital currency settlement channels DRDO Successfully Conducts Indigenous Dynamic Ejection Test WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? DRDO announced the successful dynamic ejection test of a new indigenous fighter aircraft crew escape module (ejection system). The test took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. This marks a technological milestone in India’s defence aviation ecosystem, enhancing safety for pilots during emergencies such as high-speed crashes, mid-air failures, or loss of control. The development strengthens India’s move toward self-reliance in advanced aerospace safety technologies, previously dominated by foreign suppliers. Relevance GS-III: Security / Defence Defence R&D, aerospace indigenisation Pilot safety and combat readiness Support for indigenous fighter programmes (Tejas, AMCA, etc.) GS-III: Science & Technology High-speed aerodynamics Rocket sled testing, flight safety systems Indigenous engineering capabilities GS-II: Governance Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing Reducing reliance on foreign suppliers BASICS 1. What is an Ejection System? A system designed to save a pilot’s life when the aircraft experiences catastrophic failure. Includes: Ejection seat Explosive charges/rockets to propel the pilot out Parachute deployment system Survival kit 2. Dynamic Ejection Test A high-speed test that simulates real-life aircraft escape conditions, including: Aerodynamic loads High-speed airflow Changing acceleration forces Seat–pilot interaction Conducted on a “rocket sled track” to mimic aircraft speed. 3. Why dynamic tests matter? Static tests cannot reproduce real conditions like: High wind blast Instability G-forces Canopy fragmentation Pressure variations Dynamic tests help validate crew survivability under extreme operational conditions. THE TEST: KEY DETAILS Conducted by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and TBRL. Rocket sled propelled the ejection seat & dummy at simulated aircraft speeds. System was tested for ensuring: Pilot safe separation Stable trajectory Correct sequencing of explosive & rocket elements Proper parachute deployment envelope Involved: Canopy fragmentation or breaking Safe clearance from aircraft body Avoiding seat tumbling Ensuring steady descent TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES 1. Simulating High-Speed Ejection Faster aircraft (modern fighters reach >1.6 Mach) → greater aerodynamic forces. 2. Complex escape sequence Canopy must shatter/jet away → seat rockets fire → seat stabilizes → parachute deploys. Each step must occur within milliseconds. 3. Dummy behaviour Human-like crash dummies mimic: Body movements Neck/torso response Pressure effects Ensures realistic data on spinal loads and shock absorption. 4. All-weather complexity Ejections may occur: At low altitude High altitude Low speed Very high speed System must handle flight-envelope extremes. 5. Safety margins Preventing neck injuries, fractures, and uncontrolled spinning. WHY THIS MATTERS: STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE ? 1. Critical for Indigenous Fighter Programmes The ejection system is essential for: LCA Tejas variants AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) LCA Mk-2 Twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) Future trainer and combat aircraft 2. Reduces Dependence on Foreign Suppliers India historically relied on: Martin-Baker (UK) Russian K-36 systems Indigenous system → cost reduction + strategic autonomy. 3. Enhances Pilot Safety Pilot survivability affects: National morale Training costs Military readiness Losing pilots to avoidable ejection failures is unacceptable in modern Air Forces. 4. Boosts Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence High-tech R&D ecosystem strengthened. Spinoff benefits for space, missile, and aerospace sectors. 5. Supports High-Speed Future Platforms AMCA, unmanned–manned teaming, and future air combat platforms will need advanced escape systems. ADDITIONAL CONTEXT FROM THE ARTICLE 1. First-of-its-kind achievement Rare capability globally; dynamic ejection tests require sophisticated rail-track rocket facilities. 2. Avoiding 1990s setbacks Earlier generations of Indian aviation depended on foreign imports for survival equipment. This test helps India avoid bottlenecks in supply chains due to geopolitical pressures. 3. Data gathered Test generated critical data: Oscillation dynamics Parachute stability Dummy kinematic response Used to adjust seat design. 4. Actual dummy test Test used a human-like dummy fitted with sensors that tracked: Pressure Acceleration Impact loads Flight dynamics IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA’S DEFENCE CAPABILITY 1. Improves Aircraft Certification Safe escape systems are mandatory for aircraft clearance. 2. Enhances Export Potential Indigenous fighters with indigenous safety systems become more attractive for foreign buyers. 3. Strengthens R&D Infrastructure RTRS facility’s success encourages more flight-safety and airframe-testing experiments. 4. Boosts confidence of IAF & Navy pilots Reliable ejection systems improve operational confidence during risky missions.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 05 December 2025

Content PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DISCRIMINATION IN UPSC INTERVIEWS PARLIAMENT QUESTION: STATUS OF RTI  PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DISCRIMINATION IN UPSC INTERVIEWS Why is this in News? A Parliament Question (04 Dec 2025) asked whether discrimination or bias occurs in UPSC Personality Tests. Ministry of Personnel informed Parliament that UPSC interviews are structurally designed to prevent any form of bias. UPSC conveyed specific institutional safeguards to ensure anonymity, neutrality, and fairness in the Personality Test. Relevance:   GS2 – Governance & Accountability • Fairness in recruitment systems; safeguards ensuring neutrality in public institutions. • Strengthens trust in independent constitutional bodies (UPSC under Art. 315). • Addresses allegations of bias linked to region, language, socio-economic background. GS2 – Civil Services Reforms • Interview randomisation, anonymity, moderation → institutional mechanisms for objective evaluation. • Debates on subjectivity, standardisation, recorded interviews. What is the UPSC Personality Test? Final stage of the Civil Services Examination: 275 marks (no minimum qualifying marks). Objective: test overall suitability for public service—judgement, ethics, leadership, mental alertness, balance of mind, communication clarity. Conducted by multiple boards, each chaired by a UPSC Member and comprising eminent experts. Allegations Often Raised by Aspirants  Possible variation in marks across Boards. Perception of bias based on: Optional subjects Socio-economic background Region, language, or category Concerns about transparency and subjectivity in evaluation. UPSC’s Official Response (As Stated in Parliament) UPSC denied any discrimination, citing the following systemic safeguards: a. Randomized Allotment of Candidates Candidates are assigned to Boards randomly each day, preventing pre-selection or targeting. b. Category & Written Marks Not Disclosed Boards do not know: Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/GEN) Written exam marks Eliminates both positive and negative bias. c. Board Identity Not Disclosed to Candidates Candidates do not know in advance which Board they will face, preventing external influence or pressure. d. Transparency in Results After final selection, UPSC publishes: Written marks Interview marks Total marks Ensures public scrutiny, discouraging manipulation. Why These Safeguards Matter ? Randomization breaks any predictable pattern that could favour particular groups. Non-disclosure of category and marks ensures the interview panel evaluates only: Personality, Demeanor, Reasoning, Ethics, Decision-making. Board anonymity reduces potential lobbying or intimidation. Disclosure of marks provides an audit trail, promoting trust in outcomes. Structural Strengths of UPSC Interview System Standardized evaluation guidelines across Boards. Diverse Board composition ensures balanced perspectives. Checks on marking outliers (internal moderation). India’s CSE interview model is globally considered high-integrity compared to: US administrative hiring (heavily subjective) UK Civil Service Fast Stream (multiple filters but less anonymity) Challenges & Criticism  Perception of variability in marks across boards persists; data shows 25–40 mark spread is common. Some argue for: Recorded interviews Uniform questioning guidelines External observers However, UPSC holds that flexibility is essential for assessing personality, not rote responses. Implications for Governance & Public Trust Reinforces credibility of the world’s largest merit-based civil service exam. Counteracts narratives of discrimination. Supports government’s stance on transparency and neutrality in recruitment. Critical for maintaining aspirant confidence and ensuring social legitimacy of the selection process. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: STATUS OF RTI  Why is this in News? A Parliament Question (04 Dec 2025) sought data on RTI applications filed, rejected, and answered between 2019–20 and 2023–24. The Ministry of Personnel placed five-year comparative figures, highlighting trends in RTI usage and transparency. The data provides an official snapshot of the health of India’s transparency regime. Relevance: GS2 – Transparency, Accountability & Governance • RTI trends as indicators of institutional openness and citizen trust. • Rise in filings shows demand for accountability; gaps highlight weak proactive disclosure. • Low rejection rate reflects proper use of Section 8 exemptions. GS2 – Statutory Bodies • CIC/SIC workload, pendency, and need for capacity strengthening. What is the RTI Act, 2005? Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. Mandates: 30-day response timeline Mandatory disclosure of many categories of information Promotes accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, and participatory governance. RTI performance is a key indicator of institutional openness. Official Data (As Tabled in Parliament) (i) RTI Applications Filed Year Applications Filed 2023–24 17,50,863 2022–23 16,38,784 2021–22 14,21,226 2020–21 13,33,802 2019–20 13,74,315 Trend: Steady rise since 2020–21; approx 31% growth over five years. (ii) RTI Applications Rejected Year Rejected 2023–24 67,615 2022–23 52,662 2021–22 53,733 2020–21 51,390 2019–20 58,634 Trend: Rejection numbers remain around 3–4% of total applications; slight increase in 2023–24. (iii) RTI Applications Answered Year Answered 2023–24 14,30,031 2022–23 13,15,222 2021–22 11,31,757 2020–21 Not Available 2019–20 10,86,657 Trend: Response numbers improving; over 13–14 lakh answers annually in recent years. Overview a. Increasing Public Reliance on RTI Sharp rise from 13.7 lakh (2019–20) to 17.5 lakh (2023–24). Indicates growing: Awareness Demand for accountability Digital access (as many RTIs now filed online) b. Low Rejection Rate Rejections remain roughly 3–4%, suggesting: Reasonable access Lower misuse of Section 8 exemptions Improved applicant awareness But rise in 2023–24 (67k) requires monitoring. c. Gap Between Filed and Answered In 2023–24: Filed: 17.5 lakh Answered: 14.3 lakh Gap partly due to: Transfers across departments Pendency Applications not requiring full answers (withdrawn, invalid, etc.) d. Administrative Load 17.5 lakh RTIs annually reflect significant strain on PIOs, diverting resources from core functions. Increasing RTI numbers often signal weak proactive disclosure, as mandated under Section 4. Governance Significance RTI statistics serve as a transparency barometer. Higher filings = higher trust in RTI mechanisms but also point to: Information hoarding by departments Lack of suo motu disclosure High answer rates reinforce credibility of the Act. Issues & Challenges Highlighted Rising workload on PIOs. Incomplete data reporting (e.g., 2020–21). Variability in rejection practices across ministries. Backlog at Information Commissions. Digital divide affecting RTI access in rural regions. Implications for Policy Strengthening proactive disclosure to reduce filings. Standardised rejection guidelines. Capacity building for PIOs. Improving CIC/SIC staffing to reduce appeals backlog. Full digitisation of RTI records for accuracy.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 05 December 2025

Content World Soil Day (Dec 5) New Delhi’s relative isolation, India’s tryst with terror World Soil Day (Dec 5) Why is this in News? World Soil Day observed annually on 5 December, established by FAO. Theme 2025: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities” — shifts focus to soils within urban landscapes, not just farms. Rising global urbanisation (56% population in cities) has intensified issues: heat islands, flooding, pollution, food insecurity, biodiversity loss. Article highlights urban soil degradation and calls for soil-centric urban planning. Relevance GS1 (Geography): Soil formation, soil degradation, urbanisation impacts, human geography. GS2 (Governance): Urban governance, sustainable city planning, policy frameworks for climate-resilient cities, SDG-11. GS3 (Environment): Land degradation, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, urban floods, biodiversity conservation, waste-to-compost management. Practice Question “Urban soils are the most ignored yet most critical component of urban resilience.” Discuss how healthy soils contribute to sustainable cities and evaluate the policy interventions needed in India to protect and restore urban soil ecosystems.(250 Words) Basics: What is Soil & Why It Matters? Soil = living ecosystem containing microorganisms, organic matter, minerals, water and air. Provides food security, water filtration, carbon sequestration, habitat, infrastructure support. Non-renewable at human time scale: 1 cm topsoil can take hundreds of years to form. Urban Soils: Why They Matter Urban soils exist under parks, street trees, medians, vacant lands, community gardens. A teaspoon of healthy soil contains more microorganisms than human population, driving decomposition, fertility, nutrient cycling. Functions of Healthy Urban Soils Climate Regulation Reduce urban heat island effect. Increase carbon sequestration. Cooler microclimates through vegetation-rooted soils. Flood Prevention & Water Management Act as sponges, absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff. Facilitate groundwater recharge. Impermeable surfaces → flash floods; healthy soils → moderated hydrology. Urban Food Systems Support urban agriculture (rooftop farms, backyard agriculture, community gardens). Shortens food chains and improves resilience. Biodiversity Support Provide habitat for earthworms, microbes, beneficial insects, pollinators. Promote soil fertility and ecological balance. Human Well-being “Vitamin N” (nature contact) reduces stress, anxiety, depression. Soil-based spaces strengthen physical activity and community bonding. Status of Urban Soils: Alarming Trends FAO: One-third of global soils degraded; degradation more acute in cities. Key urban pressures: Contamination from industrial residues, heavy metals. Compaction from construction. Loss of organic matter. Soil sealing (concrete/asphalt) → zero infiltration, zero soil life. Impacts: Poor vegetation growth. Higher flood risk. Decline in air quality buffering. Reduced food safety in urban farming. Blueprint for Action (FAO 2025 Theme Agenda) 1. Urban Soil Restoration Soil testing, compost addition, biochar, organic amendments. Rehabilitate degraded urban patches. Restrict new soil sealing; adopt permeable pavements. 2. Promote Green Infrastructure Parks, rain gardens, bioswales, roadside tree belts. Soil-based solutions replace concrete to mitigate floods & heat. 3. Champion Urban Agriculture Community gardens, backyard plots, rooftop farms. Enhances food resilience, reduces stress, builds social capital. 4. Responsible Soil Management Reduce chemical fertilizers & pesticides. Native species planting. Mulching and topsoil protection. 5. Boost Soil Literacy & Composting School campaigns, hands-on soil tests. Household composting → closes nutrient loop → reduces city waste. Larger Significance: Why Soil = Foundation of Healthy Cities Resilient cities are not built on steel and concrete alone. They depend on functioning ecological infrastructure, with soil as the core. Soil conservation = climate resilience + public health + biodiversity + food security. Community-driven stewardship critical for long-term sustainability. New Delhi’s relative isolation, India’s tryst with terror Why Is This in News? India is facing an unusually complex national security environment: rising hostility on both flanks (Pakistan–Bangladesh), turbulence across South Asia, and strategic marginalisation in global crises (West Asia, Europe, Indo-Pacific). A new domestic terror module led by young medical professionals was uncovered across J&K, Faridabad, and Delhi — signalling a qualitative shift in urban terrorism. Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment institutionalises military supremacy through a new Chief of Defence Forces with full nuclear control — heightening the risk of miscalculation. Bangladesh’s interim government is showing anti-India posture while reviving defence links with Pakistan (first Pak Navy ship visit in 50 years). Former NSA M.K. Narayanan warns this is a moment of reckoning requiring heightened vigilance. Relevance GS2 (IR): Neighbourhood challenges, India–Pakistan, India–Bangladesh dynamics, South Asian geopolitics, strategic isolation, India’s role in global governance. GS3 (Internal Security): Urban terrorism, radicalisation pathways, intelligence coordination, terror financing networks, cyber-encrypted communication, multi-front security threats. Practice Question India today faces simultaneous external hostility and rising internal radicalisation. Critically analyse how the evolving security landscape on both flanks, combined with new forms of urban terrorism, challenges India’s national security strategy.(250 Words) India’s National Security Environment India’s security has historically depended on: Stable neighbourhood (SAARC region). Deterrence stability with Pakistan and China. Internal cohesion against terrorism and radicalisation. Diplomatic activism in global theatres. Today, all four pillars are under strain. India as an Emerging ‘Outlier’ in World Affairs Despite diplomatic credentials, India appears: Absent in global crisis management — West Asia war, Russia–Ukraine, Red Sea disruptions. Less involved in emerging Indo-Pacific dynamics shaped by US–China rivalry. India is not shaping outcomes in key theatres where it previously had influence. Implication: Reduced global agency may affect India’s strategic leverage, energy security, maritime interests. Neighbourhood in Turmoil South Asia is experiencing systemic instability: Afghanistan: extremist resurgence, humanitarian collapse. Nepal: political flux. Maldives: strategic drift toward China. Myanmar: civil war. Sri Lanka: economic distress. India lacks dependable partners across its periphery. Strategic consequence: Weak regional environment magnifies India’s security burdens. Hostility on Both Flanks Western Front: Pakistan Threat level rising due to: Surge in anti-India rhetoric. Approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Creation of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) with: Complete command over three services. Exclusive control of nuclear assets. Freedom to act against “enemies” without parliamentary restraint. Risks Military dictatorships historically take adventurist, short-sighted decisions. Concentrated power → increased probability of miscalculation, proxy escalation, and conflict generation. Chances of another India–Pakistan conflict, though speculative, cannot be ruled out. Eastern Front: Bangladesh Interim government showing unprecedented hostility. Warmer ties with Pakistan — including a Pakistan Navy ship docking in Bangladesh for the first time in ~50 years. Opens space for Pakistan to regain presence in Bay of Bengal. Security implications: Encirclement risk intensifies. Maritime vulnerabilities increase. India’s Act East maritime posture faces friction. Rise of Urban Terror: A New Chapter First major indigenous urban terror module in years. Characteristics: Operated from Srinagar → Faridabad → Delhi. Perpetrators mostly medical practitioners linked to Al-Falah University. Ideological driver: Babri Masjid demolition (1992). Accumulated ~3,000 kg explosives; breached security; executed blast near Red Fort. Why this is qualitatively different Not sponsored by Pakistan (unlike 2008). Not executed by lumpen elements (unlike 1992–93). Composed of educated elite — showing: Deep ideological radicalisation. Growing internal fault lines. Risks of networked recruitment, encrypted coordination. Grave concerns Contradicts state claim that no locals have joined terror groups in J&K recently. Funding & logistics mobilised through: Academic/professional networks. Social/charitable fronts. Encrypted channels. Possible linkages to Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye. The Civilisational Fault Line Educated urban youth engaging in ideologically motivated terror reflects: Weakening of social cohesion. Persistence of grievance-based narratives decades after triggering events. Vulnerability of multicultural fabric to polarisation. This is the most alarming dimension — a sign of deeper internal societal fractures. Strategic Takeaways for India India faces a multi-front security challenge: Hostile Pakistan + hostile Bangladesh. Turbulent neighbourhood. Internal radicalisation. Strategic marginalisation globally. Requires: Sharpened counter-terror intelligence. Neighbourhood diplomacy reset. Hardening of internal security grid. Prevention of ideological radicalisation through community engagement. Avoiding coercive measures that fuel alienation.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 05 December 2025

Content How the Mahad satyagraha(s) shaped constitutional discourse Mahad Satyagraha (1927) U.S. Deportations of Indian Nationals (2025) Digital Addressing Reform: DHRUVA and DIGIPIN Airborne Microplastics in India India’s Rising Road Fatalities (2024) Flex Fuel Vehicles After E20 Rollout How the Mahad satyagraha(s) shaped constitutional discourse  Why is this in news? New scholarship foregrounds Mahad as the birthplace of one of India’s earliest human rights movements, led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1927. Highlights how Mahad shaped: India’s constitutional ethics Discourse on water democracy, caste annihilation, and gender equality December 25 (Manusmriti Dahan) is increasingly viewed as Indian Women’s Liberation Day. Relevance GS-1 (Society & Social Movements) Caste system, untouchability, Bhakti–Dalit reform movements. Social justice movements and their historical roots. Intersection of caste and gender. GS-2 (Polity & Constitution) Evolution of constitutional morality. Foundations of Article 17, equality, dignity, and Fundamental Rights. Human rights discourse and Ambedkarian constitutional philosophy. Basic understanding Mahad Satyagraha was launched by Ambedkar in 1927 at Chavadar Tank (Mahad) to assert Dalit right to access public water. It operationalised the 1923 S. K. Bole Resolution permitting untouchables to use public tanks. It marked the shift from reformist charity to rights-based mobilisation. Social and regional background Mahad, in the Bombay Presidency, had rigid caste norms and denial of public water to Dalits. Region had a reformist legacy: Gopalbaba Walangkar, N. M. Joshi, Sambhaji Gaikwad, and later R. B. More. Local incidents at Goregaon and Dasgaon showed early resistance by untouchables. The Bole Resolution (1923) Recommended allowing untouchable communities to use all public water bodies funded or maintained by public authorities. Directly challenged Brahmanical control over public resources. Gave Ambedkar a legal and legislative foundation for Mahad. Mahad 1.0 (March 19–20, 1927) Thousands followed Ambedkar to assert water rights. Local caste groups denied access despite the 1923 resolution. Dalits had to purchase water for ₹40, illustrating extreme exclusion. Upper castes carried out purification rituals after Dalits touched the tank. Significance First mass assertion of dignity, equality, and human rights by Dalits. Ambedkar compared it to the French Revolution for its transformative ethos. The phase between Mahad 1.0 and 2.0 Court issued a stay claiming the tank was privately owned → blocked Dalit access legally. Ambedkar launched Bahishkrut Bharat, articulating democratic and human rights ideals. Violent reprisals in the region → creation of Ambedkar Seva Dal. Ambedkar engaged in the Ambabai Temple Satyagraha. Mahad 2.0 (December 25–26, 1927) Ambedkar avoided direct satyagraha due to ongoing court case. The gathering became a philosophical and political intervention. The Manusmriti was burned, symbolising a break with Brahmanical patriarchy and graded inequality. Ambedkar addressed women explicitly, foregrounding gender as central to human rights. Ambedkar’s gendered imagination of the nation Ambedkar’s 1916 paper theorised caste as a system sustained through control of women. At Mahad 2.0, women and men gathered as equal participants—an embryonic National Assembly of the oppressed. Contrasted with the French Revolution, which excluded women; Mahad corrected this gap. Rights were framed through Buddhist ethics of maitri, manuski, liberty, equality, fraternity. Intellectual significance Mahad redefined political struggle as a human rights movement, not a reformist appeal. Key ideas that emerged: Dignity as a non-negotiable right Equality independent of religious sanction Fraternity as a social ethic, not sentiment repudiation of scriptures that legitimised hierarchy Formed the ethical foundation of: Article 17 Constitutional morality Fundamental Rights framework Why Mahad marks a turning point ? First organised movement asserting human rights in modern India. Introduced the idea of water as a democratic right. Brought women into the rights discourse, preceding global constitutional feminism. Transformed anti-caste struggle into a constitutional ethic. Provided Ambedkar the philosophical base for a republic rooted in dignity, equality, and fraternity. U.S. Deportations of Indian Nationals  Why is this in news? The External Affairs Minister informed the Rajya Sabha that 3,258 Indian nationals were deported from the U.S. in 2025, the highest since 2009. The case of 73-year-old Harjit Kaur, reportedly maltreated in U.S. detention, triggered questions on deportee treatment, women’s safety, and bilateral coordination on migration issues. Deportation trends have intensified after a new U.S. policy (April 2025) causing visa cancellations and pressure on students to self-deport. Relevance GS-2 (International Relations) India–U.S. diplomatic engagements on migration and consular protection. Sovereignty vs. human rights in immigration enforcement. Diaspora issues. GS-2 (Governance) State responsibility towards citizens abroad. Data privacy and surveillance concerns (public social-media vetting). Deportation processes and legal safeguards. Key facts Total deportees since 2009: 18,822 Indians. Deportees in 2025: 3,258, highest in 16 years. Transportation mode: 2,032 (62.3%) on commercial flights 1,226 (37.6%) on ICE/US Customs–charter flights Issue of maltreatment in detention raised formally by India. U.S. visa scrutiny increasing: Applicants being asked to make social media profiles public. New April 2025 policy triggered cancellations even for minor offences. Students faced pressure to self-deport. Background: Why deportations are rising  The U.S. has tightened vetting, linking even minor infractions to immigration risk. Post-pandemic labour adjustments and domestic political pressure on immigration. Enhanced digital surveillance of migrants, including social media monitoring. Stricter student visa compliance and checks to prevent misuse of F-1 visas. Case study: Harjit Kaur (73 years old) Not handcuffed but maltreated in ICE detention before deportation. Issues reported: Slept on floor despite double knee replacements Denied appropriate food Given ice instead of proper support for medication 60–70 hours in uncomfortable detention conditions India raised the issue strongly with U.S. authorities and the U.S. Embassy. Major issues emerging 1. Treatment of deportees Instances of women and elderly migrants facing harsh detention environments. Raises concerns over compliance with international human rights standards. 2. Student visa vulnerability Minor infractions triggering visa cancellations. Pressure to self-deport undermines due process. Impact on India’s large student community in the U.S. (current estimates: 2.7 lakh+). 3. Sovereignty vs. diplomacy Visa issuance is a sovereign right, but India can raise concerns regarding: Detention conditions Discrimination Deportation processes 4. Surveillance expansion Requirement to make social media public indicates: Data-intensive vetting Lower privacy thresholds for visa applicants Potential misuse of digital footprints in immigration decisions 5. Humanitarian concerns Elderly, women, and undocumented workers most vulnerable. Charter flights suggest deportations of individuals held in longer detention cycles. Implications for India–U.S. relations Migration is becoming a sensitive bilateral issue, alongside trade and technology. India must balance: Protecting diaspora interests Respecting U.S. immigration laws Ensuring due process and humane treatment Could push for: Consular access protocols Humanitarian detention standards Better notification mechanisms before deportation Digital Addressing Reform: DHRUVA and DIGIPIN Why is this in news? The Department of Posts released a draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023 proposing a new digital addressing system called DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). The system aims to replace textual addresses with UPI-like labels (e.g., name@entity) and standardise digital addresses across services. The proposal includes a DIGIPIN, rolled out earlier in March 2025, as the foundational layer for precise geolocation-based addressing. Relevance GS-2 (Governance) Digital public infrastructure (DPI). Consent-based data architecture, privacy frameworks. Citizen service delivery modernisation. GS-3 (Economy & Technology) Logistics efficiency, e-commerce, gig-economy enablement. Standardising geolocation systems; technological innovation. GS-3 (Disaster Management) Last-mile identification for emergency services. Improving reliability of address databases for crisis response.   Basic understanding DHRUVA is a proposed interoperable, user-centric digital addressing system. Users would receive address labels (similar to UPI IDs), which act as proxies for their physical locations. Firms and platforms can access the actual address via a consent-based architecture managed by address information agents (AIAs). Intended to reduce repetitive manual entry of addresses across e-commerce, delivery, gig platforms, and government services. Key features of DHRUVA Address as a digital label Users can choose labels like name@entity, comparable to UPI handles. Labels can be shared instead of full addresses. Consent-driven sharing The user authorises an entity for a specified duration. After expiry, re-authorisation is required to access the address again. Governance structure A Section 8 not-for-profit entity will implement the system under government oversight. Modeled on institutions like the National Payments Corporation of India which oversees UPI. Role for private companies E-commerce, logistics, gig platforms, and hyperlocal delivery apps are expected to be early adopters. DIGIPIN: the underlying technology Nature of DIGIPIN A 10-character alphanumeric code derived mathematically from latitude and longitude. Encodes an area of roughly 14 sq. metres. Designed for locations where textual addresses are ambiguous or absent, especially in rural regions. Scale Potential for around 228 billion unique DIGIPINs across Indian territory. Open-source origin Developed and open-sourced by the postal department to encourage adoption and interoperability. Why this system matters ? Current limitations in India’s addressing Non-standard, inconsistent, and often missing addresses. Delays and errors in delivery services. Inefficiencies in logistics, disaster response, last-mile governance. DHRUVA’s intended benefits Standardisation of addresses across sectors. Streamlined onboarding for e-commerce and delivery firms. Reduced friction for users: no repeated address entry. Potential integration with digital public infrastructure frameworks. Consent and privacy architecture Users control who sees their address, and for how long. AIAs mediate access between the label and actual geographical coordinates. Designed to prevent centralised misuse of location data. Challenges and open questions Adoption by private firms is voluntary; success depends on network effects similar to UPI. Data security and risks of geolocation misuse need rigorous safeguards. Public trust must be built around the consent mechanism. Integration with state/local addressing databases may be complex. Airborne Microplastics in India Why is this in news? Over 80 Padma awardee doctors issued a joint national advisory warning that airborne microplastics and nanoplastics have become a major emerging health threat in India. They urged authorities to take immediate action amid rising air pollution and evidence of plastic particles infiltrating the human body, increasing risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, organ damage, and insulin resistance. Advisory highlights a shift from seasonal smog concerns to all-year health crisis, especially affecting infants, elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness. Relevance GS-3 (Environment) Emerging contaminants, air pollution science. Waste mismanagement, microplastic pathways. Intersections between environment and public health. GS-2 (Health) NCDs of environmental origin (cardiac, metabolic, endocrine disorders). Public health advisories and regulatory gaps. Vulnerable populations: elderly, infants, pregnant women. Basic understanding: What are airborne microplastics? Microplastics are plastic fragments <5 mm; airborne variants include particles <10 microns, small enough to enter lungs, bloodstream, and organs. Sources include: Vehicle tyre wear Road dust Broken plastic waste Synthetic textiles Industrial emissions Once airborne, they mix with fine particulate matter (PM2.5), enhancing toxicity. Key scientific concerns raised by Padma doctors Exposure and infiltration Airborne microplastics detected in Delhi’s traffic-heavy corridors at some of the highest global concentrations. Particles <10 microns can penetrate deep into lungs, enter bloodstream, and reach organs. Role as carriers of pathogens Research shows microplastics can carry bacteria, viruses, and toxic chemicals adsorbed on their surfaces. Direct health impacts Inflammation Oxidative stress Tissue and organ damage Hormonal disruption Gut microbiota imbalance Potential neurotoxicity Emerging medical linkages highlighted 1. Cardiovascular risk Microplastics associated with higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Example: 4.5× increased risk of stroke within 3 years in certain exposure cohorts. 2. Diabetes and metabolic disorders Doctors note a strong connection between air pollution, microplastics, and rising diabetes. India has 10 crore+ diabetics, and 3 crore prediabetics. Inflammation and endocrine disruption from microplastics may be contributing in overlooked ways. 3. Insulin resistance Microplastics & related chemicals (e.g., BPA) linked to impaired glucose metabolism. 4. Immune and hormonal disruption Chronic exposure damages cellular function, elevates chronic disease risk. Structural and environmental sources Urban concentration High levels in commercial areas, traffic corridors, markets, and construction-heavy zones. Indoor risk Indoor air often contains synthetic fiber particles from furnishings, carpets, and plastic materials. Accumulation pattern Microplastics do not degrade; they accumulate in human organs, causing long-term chronic damage. Why doctors call this an “unmanageable scale” crisis ? Microplastics are now infiltrating multiple pathways: air, food, water, indoor environments. Unlike traditional pollutants, they are persistent, invisible, chemically complex, and difficult to filter. India’s existing air pollution crisis amplifies microplastic exposure intensity. Infants, children, and elderly face disproportionate harm due to lower physiological resilience. Advisory by Padma awardee doctors: Recommended precautions At household level Use air purifiers when possible Reduce plastic use Mop and wipe surfaces to reduce dust Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers Improve kitchen ventilation At community level Aim for cleaner indoor air Enhance waste management to prevent fragmentation of plastic litter Promote alternatives to single-use plastics At policy level Recognise microplastics as an air pollutant category Strengthen monitoring systems (like AQI) to capture microplastic load Promote R&D on health impacts and mitigation technologies India’s Rising Road Fatalities   Why is this in news? The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways informed Lok Sabha that 1.77 lakh people died in road accidents in 2024, an increase of 2.31% over 2023. India missed its target to reduce road accidents, despite a global commitment (Stockholm Declaration, 2020) to halve road traffic deaths by 2030. India recorded 4.80 lakh accidents in 2024, indicating a persistent upward trend after a temporary pandemic dip. Relevance GS-2 (Governance) Public safety, policy implementation constraints. Institutional gaps in enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act. Centre-State coordination on road safety. GS-3 (Infrastructure & Economy) Transport infrastructure, logistics efficiency. Economic cost of road accidents (~3% of GDP). Technology adoption: e-DAR, intelligent transport systems. Basic understanding India has the highest number of road accident deaths globally. Road safety depends on the “4Es”: Education (awareness & behaviour) Engineering (safer roads & vehicles) Enforcement (laws & compliance) Emergency care (golden hour response) India’s road safety ecosystem consistently struggles across all four pillars. Key facts from the report Fatalities (2023 → 2024) 2023: 1,72,809 deaths 2024: 1,77,177 deaths Rise: 2.31% States with highest fatalities (2024) Uttar Pradesh – 24,118 Tamil Nadu – 16,932 Maharashtra – 17,870 Madhya Pradesh – 12,987 Karnataka – 11,727 Global comparison Highest road deaths: India, followed by China and the U.S. Other observations India’s road crash rate per lakh population: 43.4 World average: lower than India U.S.: 11.89 U.K.: 3.13 Why are fatalities increasing? 1. Rapid motorisation without corresponding road safety infrastructure Increased vehicle ownership, especially 2-wheelers. Poorly designed intersections, absence of pedestrian infrastructure. 2. Weak enforcement Overspeeding, drunk driving, helmet non-compliance, seatbelt violations remain common. Low deterrence due to inconsistent policing. 3. Engineering gaps Blackspots remain uncorrected. Inadequate signage, poor road maintenance, lack of crash barriers. 4. Behavioural challenges Risky driving culture, fatigue among truck drivers, phone usage while driving. 5. Emergency care deficits Limited golden-hour response; absence of standardised trauma-care systems. 6. Pandemic rebound effect After 2020–21 dips, traffic volumes surged sharply. Government’s position & ongoing measures Investment pattern Funds allocated for road safety constitute 2.21%–5.10% of total development expenditure for National Highways construction. Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Real-time accident data from police; operational but evolving. Toll collection modernisation Existing system to be replaced with a new electronic mechanism within a year for smoother traffic flow. Expansion of new road safety system Rolled out in 10 locations, to be scaled nationally. Promotion of cleaner vehicles Minister mentioned experimentation with biofuels, green hydrogen, and Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car. Structural policy gaps No nationwide Unified Road Safety Authority. Fragmented responsibilities between Centre, States, and local bodies. Insufficient monitoring of post-crash response. Weak implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 due to States not enforcing enhanced penalties. Data inconsistencies between police reporting and hospital/emergency-care systems. Why India is missing the 2030 Stockholm target ? Fatalities still rising instead of declining. Behavioural change is slow. States vary widely in enforcement intensity. Vehicle safety compliance remains uneven, especially among 2- and 3-wheelers. Infrastructure expansion (expressways, high-speed corridors) outpaces safety design upgrades. Flex Fuel Vehicles After E20 Rollout Why is this in news? With E20 fuel (20% ethanol–petrol blend) now mandatory across India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s country head Vikram Gulati stated that the next policy priority should be the promotion of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). He argued that global experience shows countries move to flex fuels after stabilising initial ethanol blends, and that India is now at that juncture. The discussion is significant for India’s goals of reducing oil import dependence, supporting the ethanol economy, and decarbonising transport. Relevance GS-3 (Economy) Import substitution and energy security. Ethanol economy, rural income, diversification of farmers’ revenue streams. GS-3 (Environment & Climate Change) Low-carbon transport transition. Biofuel policy, lifecycle emissions, cleaner combustion. GS-3 (Science & Tech) FFV engine technology, ethanol compatibility. Technological pathways in transport decarbonisation. What are flex fuel vehicles (FFVs)? FFVs can run on any blend of petrol and ethanol, from E20 to E85 or even E100, depending on design. The engine, fuel system, and electronic controls are adapted to handle higher ethanol concentrations. Ethanol has: higher octane number lower greenhouse gas emissions lower cost in countries with strong biofuel sectors India’s current stage: E20 rollout India mandated E20-compatible vehicles starting 2023; nationwide availability is expanding. E20 reduces emissions and cuts fuel import bills, but requires vehicle & fuel system modifications. Gulati notes that once a country successfully reaches this stage, global trends indicate transition to FFVs. Why push for flex fuels now?  1. Global evidence Countries like Brazil moved to FFVs once ethanol blends stabilised. Brazil mandates that E100 (ethanol) is cheaper than petrol by around 30%, driving consumer uptake. 2. Consumer economics Pricing parity between E20 and petrol is insufficient; FFVs allow higher ethanol use, reducing running cost. Flex fuels become viable only when ethanol is consistently cheaper than petrol at retail level. 3. Industry readiness Automotive firms (Toyota, Honda, others) are aligned that the next disruption in India will be FFVs, not merely higher ethanol blends. Small EVs face cost issues; hybrid EVs and FFVs can bridge the transition. 4. Technology maturity Legacy vehicles risk compatibility issues as ethanol percentages rise. FFVs reduce uncertainty and avoid frequent re-testing/re-homologation as blends evolve. Key challenges highlighted 1. Legacy vehicles and compatibility Increasing ethanol blends affect older vehicles’ materials, seals, pumps, and combustion characteristics. Without FFVs, retrofitting or re-homologation costs rise. 2. Taxation and GST issues India taxes vehicles primarily based on size, not fuel technology. Better taxation differentiation is needed to make FFVs competitive. 3. Pricing regulation For mass adoption, ethanol blends must be consistently cheaper than petrol at the pump. The Brazilian model succeeded because the government ensured favourable pricing. 4. Need for policy incentives Without targeted GST rationalisation, FFVs may remain niche. Stakeholders want a clear roadmap similar to the push given to EVs. Why flex fuels matter for India ? Energy security India imports ~85% of its crude oil. Scaling ethanol helps cut import bills and diversifies fuel sources. Farmer income & rural economy Ethanol is produced from sugarcane, grains, and agri-residues. Higher ethanol demand creates predictable markets for farmers. Cleaner combustion Ethanol has lower CO₂ emissions and particulate output. Supports India’s climate commitments under NDCs. Industrial diversification Encourages investment in: first-generation ethanol second-generation ethanol (agri-waste) biomass refineries Bridge technology FFVs act as a transition between ICE engines and electric mobility, suited to India’s current infrastructure realities. What the government needs to consider going forward ? 1. Differential fuel pricing Guarantee ethanol blends (E85/E100) at a significant discount to petrol. 2. Taxation framework GST rationalisation for FFVs. Reduced GST for flex fuel-compatible components and hybrids. 3. National FFV roadmap Clear timelines for: increasing blend levels phasing in FFV norms for OEMs developing high-ethanol fueling infrastructure 4. Consumer awareness Highlight lower running costs and environmental benefits. 5. Coordination between ministries Petroleum, Transport, Agriculture, and Environment must align on pricing, supply, and infrastructure.

Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TelegramGroup Website TelegramChat
Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress