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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 December 2025

Content Govt. withdraws order to install Sanchar Saathi app Why is volcanic ash a safety concern for flights? SC flags issues in payouts, free care for acid attack survivors Haircuts, asset valuation Why a landmark US lawsuit is accusing big brands of engineering addictive, unhealthy foods Govt. withdraws order to install Sanchar Saathi app Why is this in News? The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its earlier order directing smartphone manufacturers to mandatorily pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices from 2025. The withdrawal follows: Public and civil society backlash Concerns over privacy, surveillance, and regulatory overreach Opposition objections in Parliament Leaks showing the order was never publicly released Government now argues the app’s rising voluntary downloads mean a mandatory preload is unnecessary. Relevance GS-II: Governance Executive power, regulatory overreach Transparency in rule-making Digital governance frameworks Centre vs private sector regulation under TIUE GS-II: Polity Fundamental Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy judgment) Proportionality in restrictions State surveillance concerns GS-III: Internal Security Cyber fraud detection (CEIR, TAFCOP) Telecom-based security infrastructure Digital identity misuse prevention What is the Sanchar Saathi App? A DoT-developed platform aimed at consumer security in telecom. Includes: CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) — block stolen phones TAFCOP — identify SIMs issued in one’s name Fraud reporting tools SIM misuse detection Core purpose: prevent cyber fraud, identity misuse, and phone theft. What Triggered the Controversy? A. Mandatory Preinstallation Directive (Not Publicly Released) DoT issued a confidential direction to smartphone makers: “Preload Sanchar Saathi on all devices from 2025.” B. Why It Alarmed Citizens? Appeared to be: Forced installation of a government app Without user consent On all smartphones sold in India Raised fears under: Privacy rights (K.S. Puttaswamy judgment) Overbroad surveillance capabilities No explicit parliamentary oversight Legal Backdrop: TIUE Rules (Telecommunication Identifier User Entities) DoT recently granted itself new powers to regulate TIUEs, meaning ANY entity that uses mobile numbers— including: Banks E-commerce platforms Payment apps Smartphone manufacturers These rules allow DoT to directly issue binding directives to private businesses beyond telecom operators. The Sanchar Saathi preload order was one of the first major exercises of these expanded powers. The Opposition & Civil Society Concerns 1. Surveillance & Privacy Mandatory government app on all devices could enable: Data harvesting Behavioural tracking Expanded profiling through telecom identifiers Lacked a legal necessity test under Puttaswamy proportionality. 2. Regulatory Overreach TIUE rules allow DoT to intervene in non-telecom sectors using mobile numbers. Critics argue this creates a “backdoor” regulatory expansion. 3. Lack of Transparency The order was not public, but leaked. No consultation with: Industry Citizens Cybersecurity experts 4. Precedent for Mandatory Digital Tools Similar concerns were raised earlier with: Aarogya Setu mandatory requirements Mandatory KYC updates Aadhaar-related device integrations 6. Government’s Defence Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated: 1.5 crore fraudulent mobile connections disconnected 26 lakh lost phones recovered “We only aimed to make the app accessible to every citizen.” However, admitted: “This app’s success is premised on public support; if feedback demands changes, we are ready.”   The eventual withdrawal demonstrates a conciliatory shift. Why the Withdrawal Happened? Massive surge in voluntary downloads in recent months. DoT claims mandatory preload became “unnecessary”. Attempt to defuse political and public backlash. Avoid conversations around: Overreach of TIUE rules Digital surveillance fears Discretionary executive power Broader Implications A. Digital Governance Shows tension between security-driven digital policy and privacy rights. B. Regulatory Process Highlights need for: Transparency Public consultation Clear legal authority C. Precedent for Future Digital Mandates Government may revisit similar mandates for: Security KYC Device-level integrations depending on political climate. D. Scope of TIUE Rules These rules may significantly expand DoT’s influence over non-telecom sectors—likely to be debated in courts or by data protection bodies. Why is volcanic ash a safety concern for flights?  Why is this in News? The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. It released massive ash plumes up to 14 km altitude, which travelled across the Red Sea, Middle East, and drifted into India’s western airspace on November 24–25. The DGCA (India’s aviation regulator) issued an advisory to airlines and airports due to the risk volcanic ash poses to aircraft engines and flight safety. Several Indian carriers (Air India, Akasa) cancelled flights to West Asian destinations. Relevance GS-I: Geography Volcanism Atmospheric circulation Transboundary ash transport GS-III: Science & Tech Jet engine functioning Impact of foreign particles on aviation systems Safety protocols What Is Volcanic Ash? Why Is It Dangerous? Volcanic ash is NOT like soft household ash. It is a mixture of: Silicate glass particles Pulverised rock and minerals Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) Abrasive, microscopic, sharp-edged materials These particles are hard, abrasive, and heat-resistant. Ash clouds spread due to: High-altitude winds (jet streams) Updrafts that carry particles tens of thousands of feet up Long-range atmospheric transport (sometimes global) Ash Movement from Ethiopia to India — What Happened? The eruption shot ash 14 km upwards. Winds carried the plume across the Red Sea → Yemen → Oman → Iran → India. Plume altitude: 15,000–25,000 feet Speed: 100–120 km/hour Entered Indian airspace: Nov 24, 5.50 pm (Rajasthan border) Passed over Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, UP Exited India: Nov 25, 10.30 pm, towards China. This rapid transboundary movement triggered aviation safety concerns. How Volcanic Ash Damages Aircraft Engines (The Science) A jet engine: Sucks air in Compresses it Mixes with fuel Burns it at ~1,600°C Produces thrust Why ash is dangerous: Silicate ash melts at high temperature, forming glass-like deposits. These stick on hot engine parts, blocking: cooling air passages turbine blades fuel nozzles sensors Result: Engine overheating Compressor stall Power loss Complete engine shutdown Even small amounts of ash can cause millions of dollars in engine damage. Ash also: Sandblasts the cockpit windshield, making it opaque Damages sensors (like pitot tubes) Contaminates cabin air Scratches fuselage and fan blades Historical Incidents Proving the Risk 1. British Airways Flight 9 (1982) – Mount Galunggung, Indonesia Boeing 747 flew through ash at 37,000 ft. All 4 engines failed. Cabin lost pressure → oxygen masks deployed. Aircraft descended 25,000 ft before pilots restarted engines. Cockpit windscreens became opaque from ash. 2. KLM Flight 867 (1989) – Mount Redoubt, Alaska Boeing 747-400 hit ash at 24,000 ft. All 4 engines shut down. Restarted after multiple attempts. Aircraft saved, but US$ 80 million engines were scrapped. These events are central case studies in global aviation safety. What Did DGCA Order in India? The DGCA issued a safety advisory to: 1. Airlines Avoid ash-affected regions and altitudes. Modify flight routes/levels. Report: engine performance anomalies cabin smoke/odour suspected ash ingestion 2. Airports Inspect runways for ash deposits. Suspend or restrict operations if contamination detected. Be ready with emergency protocols. 3. Flight Operations Adjust air traffic flow to prevent aircraft from entering ash zones. Maintain updated volcano advisories (VAAC alerts). 4. Carriers’ Response Air India cancelled nine flights (Dubai, Doha, Dammam etc.). Akasa cancelled flights to/from Jeddah, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi. How Has the Eruption Affected Global Flights? Airlines across West Asia and East Africa altered flight paths. Some flights experienced delays due to routing changes. VAACs (Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres) issued continuous warnings. Indian carriers took precautionary cancellations to avoid risk. Broader Implications Aviation Safety Reinforces global standards: “Avoid all visible ash” (ICAO) Highlights vulnerability of long-haul and Middle East-bound flights. Climate & Atmospheric Concerns Ash clouds can cool regions temporarily. SO₂ emissions can cause acid rain. Regional Cooperation Need for coordinated: meteorological services VAAC advisories air navigation planning across nations SC flags issues in payouts, free care for acid attack survivors Why is this in News? The Supreme Court has decided to re-examine why acid attack survivors—mostly young women— are not receiving the minimum ₹3 lakh compensation, and are still being denied free emergency treatment by private hospitals, despite clear Supreme Court directions for more than a decade. The case was heard by a Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna. The Court has sought detailed data from NALSA on compensation disbursed across States. Relevance GS-II: Polity & Governance Failure of State machinery to enforce SC orders Role of NALSA, SLSAs, DLSAs Victim compensation schemes Criminal justice system reforms Rights of vulnerable groups GS-II: Social Justice Gender-based violence Intersection of poverty, disability, and violence Rehabilitation of victims Access to healthcare Background: How Did SC Start Intervening? A. Landmark 2006 Beginning → Laxmi Case In 2006, SC took suo motu cognisance after hearing Laxmi, an acid attack survivor. Recognised: the lifelong physical, mental, and social trauma survivors face State’s obligation to rehabilitate victims B. Key SC Orders (2013 & 2015) The Supreme Court issued binding directions: Minimum ₹3 lakh compensation for every acid attack survivor ₹1 lakh within 15 days Remaining ₹2 lakh within 2 months Ban on over-the-counter sale of acid Acid to be sold only with ID proof and justification. Mandatory free treatment for survivors Private hospitals criminally liable for refusal Immediate stabilisation + referral to specialised facilities District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) To function as Criminal Injuries Compensation Boards To process claims and disburse compensation quickly C. March 20, 2024 Order Survivors can approach: State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) when compensation is delayed or denied. What Is the Issue Now? What Did Petitioners Say? The NGO Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation submitted: States (especially Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh) are giving only the initial ₹1 lakh. The remaining ₹2 lakh is not being paid at all. Private hospitals are refusing treatment until full payment is made. Survivors face: catastrophic medical costs repeated surgeries disability & loss of livelihood long rehabilitation periods The NGO said this is a humanitarian failure and a violation of multiple SC orders. Why Compensation & Free Treatment Matter (Basics) Acid attacks cause: Severe burns, disfigurement, blindness Loss of facial function, mobility 20–30 corrective surgeries Long-term psychological trauma Inability to work for months or years Thus, immediate compensation and free emergency care are vital for survival. What Did the Supreme Court Observe Now? A. SC Will Examine Why Years of Orders Are Not Followed The Court noted: Compensation remains unpaid Private hospitals continue to deny treatment Monitoring by States is weak B. SC Issued Notice to NALSA NALSA to gather: State-wise data on compensation paid Cases where payment is pending C. NALSA Statement in Court Between March 2024 – April 2025, approx. ₹484 crore has been disbursed. SC seeks detailed breakup to assess compliance. D. Direction to Chief Secretaries Bring all judicial orders to their attention. Ensure funds are released promptly to: State Legal Services Authorities District Legal Services Authorities E. Next hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026 Why the Problem Persists (Structural Issues) 1. Delays in State funding Budgets for victim compensation often inadequate. 2. Weak District Legal Services Authorities Slow verification Lack of coordination with police and hospitals 3. Poor enforcement against private hospitals No criminal cases filed Survivors forced to pay out-of-pocket 4. Acid sale continues informally Black-market sales persist Poor implementation of SC ban 5. No nationwide rehabilitation framework Limited shelters, counselling services, skill training Survivors abandoned after initial treatment Broader Social Implications Acid attacks are gendered crimes—targeting women rejecting advances or asserting autonomy. Survivors face: lifelong stigma social isolation difficulty finding employment Delays in compensation deepen inequality and exploitation. Haircuts, asset valuation Why is this in News? A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has expressed serious concern about: Excessive haircuts in many Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) cases Opaque valuation practices Low recovery rates Delays in resolution The observations were made while examining the IBC Amendment Bill 2025. Committee said these issues may be undermining creditor confidence and IBC’s long-term credibility as a resolution framework. Relevance GS-III: Indian Economy Bankruptcy reforms Bad loans & NPAs Role of IBC in improving credit flows Haircuts, recovery rates, asset valuation Banking sector stability Insolvency infrastructure & NCLT reforms GS-II: Governance Parliamentary oversight Accountability in regulatory institutions (IBBI, IPs) What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)? Enacted in 2016 to: Consolidate insolvency laws Prioritise creditor control (CoC) Enable time-bound resolution of distressed firms Improve credit discipline Key timelines: 180 days + 90-day extension = maximum 330 days But many cases exceed these timelines. What is a “Haircut”? Definition A haircut refers to the difference between: Total amount owed by the debtor, and Actual amount recovered by creditors through an IBC resolution. Formula Example: If a company owes ₹1,000 crore and creditors recover ₹200 crore → Haircut = 80% Why Do Haircuts Happen? Borrower distress leading to low enterprise value Deterioration of assets during long insolvency timelines Poor management or diversion of funds Low interest of bidders Inefficient information memorandum Litigation & delays reducing asset value Liquidation value being low for many stressed assets Why Haircuts Are Controversial? Creditors (especially banks) incur massive losses Taxpayer money indirectly suffers (public sector banks) Questions about: valuation integrity conflict of interest among valuers collusion between bidders and promoters misuse of Section 29A loopholes High haircuts reduce trust in the insolvency ecosystem. What the Parliamentary Committee Flagged? 1. Excessive Haircuts Several cases show 95–99% haircuts. Example trends noted: Average recovery rate under IBC is only 32.8% of admitted claims. This is far below original expectations. 2. Concerns about Asset Valuation Allegations of: Inconsistent valuation methodologies “Forced sale value” ambiguities Lack of transparency in the valuers’ work In some cases, resolution value < liquidation value, indicating inefficiency. 3. Delay in Resolution Delays erode enterprise value and increase haircuts. 4. Inefficiency among Insolvency Professionals (IPs) Questions about skill levels, oversight, and accountability. 5. Low bidder participation Due to: litigation risks lack of clarity in asset value uncertain timelines Why Are Haircuts Rising? Economic Factors Many companies reach IBC at terminal stage, assets eroded. Bad loans often unresolved for years before IBC. Institutional Weakness IPs overloaded CoC not always equipped to evaluate business viability Poor documentation by debtors Legal Issues Endless litigation in NCLT/NCLAT/Supreme Court Promoters resisting takeover Challenges to eligibility of bidders Valuation Problems Discrepancies between two mandatory valuers Assets often overvalued pre-IBC, undervalued during IBC Information asymmetry hurting bidder interest What the Committee Recommended ? 1. Reduce Haircuts through Better Monitoring Strengthen oversight on resolution professionals and valuation firms. 2. Improve Transparency in Valuation Standardised procedures Independent audits of valuation in major cases Use of tech-based tools + AI for forensic valuation 3. Ensure Time-Bound Resolution Strict enforcement of 330-day limit Fast-track disposal of litigation 4. Strengthen Information Flow Digitised data rooms Standardised info memorandum 5. Improve Cross-Border Insolvency Mechanisms Critical for foreign creditor confidence. Current IBC Performance Snapshot (As of March 2023 / 2024 Updates) 1,940 cases resolved under IBC. Average recovery: 32.8% of admitted claims, up to 68% of enterprise value. Banks have realised ₹3.89 lakh crore, but haircuts remain large. High-profile cases (Essar Steel, Bhushan Steel) performed better; others have not. Why This Matters for the Indian Economy? A. Bank Balance Sheets High haircuts → high losses → poor credit growth. B. Investor Confidence Lower foreign investment because of uncertain recoveries. C. Credit Culture Borrowers may exploit delays. D. Industrial Revival Faster resolution = revival of productive assets. Why a landmark US lawsuit is accusing big brands of engineering addictive, unhealthy foods  Why is this in News? San Francisco has filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against 10 major global food companies—including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Mondelez, Kellogg—accusing them of: Deliberately engineering ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be addictive Hiding scientific evidence on health impacts Deceptive and predatory marketing, especially targeting children Creating a public health crisis similar to the tobacco and opioid epidemics The legal action is globally significant as UPF-related obesity and diabetes are rising in India too. Relevance GS-II: Governance Consumer protection Public health regulation Corporate accountability Comparative regulatory models (tobacco, opioids) Judicial interventions in health crises GS-III: Public Health & Economy NCD burden in India Ultra-processed foods and metabolic diseases Food safety standards (FSSAI) Behavioural addiction science Market failures in food systems What Are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)? Defined under the NOVA classification system as industrially manufactured edible products made from food-derived substances, not whole foods. Characteristics High content of: Added sugars (fructose, HFCS, maltodextrin) Modified fats Refined starches Salt Artificial flavours, colours, emulsifiers Low in: Fibre Protein quality Essential micronutrients Purpose Maximise palatability, shelf life, sales volumes, and brand loyalty. Designed to replace real food in diets. Examples Chips, biscuits, namkeen Soft drinks, energy drinks Breakfast cereals Sweetened yoghurts, processed meats Ice creams, ready-to-eat snacks Why Are UPFs Considered “Engineered Addictive”? UPFs use precise combinations of salt + sugar + fat + additives to trigger brain reward pathways. Mechanisms Stimulate dopamine release similar to addictive substances. Increase cravings and reduce satiety, promoting overeating. Artificial flavours trick the brain into expecting nutrition that the food does not deliver → nutritional mismatch. Highly soft textures reduce chewing → faster calorie intake. Marketing reinforces habit-loop behaviours. Evidence Global meta-analyses: UPF addiction prevalence 14–20% (similar to alcohol-use disorder rates). Linked to: Obesity, diabetes Cardiovascular disease Dementia Depression Cancer What Does the Lawsuit Claim? Filed under California’s Unfair Competition Law and Public Nuisance Law. Core Allegations Deliberate Engineering of Addictive Food Products Companies knowingly created UPFs designed to trigger compulsive overeating. Deceptive Marketing Targeting children, minorities, low-income families with ads emphasising fun, sports, and happiness. Withholding Evidence Comparing companies to: Tobacco firms — hiding dangers of cigarettes Opioid manufacturers — downplaying addiction risks Public Health Damage UPFs linked to: soaring rates of obesity diabetes & metabolic syndrome mental health disorders Government Cost Burden The city seeks: restitution for public health expenses civil penalties injunctions restricting marketing tactics Why Is This Considered a Landmark Case? First lawsuit directly accusing the global food industry of creating addictive edible products. Could shape global regulations similar to: tobacco warning labels trans-fat bans sugar taxes May compel food companies to disclose: formulation data internal research papers addiction-related documentation Global Context & Public Health Crisis A. Obesity Epidemic US adult obesity: nearly 42% India: obesity and diabetes rising sharply (urban + rural) B. UPF Dominance UPFs now constitute: 58% of US calories 25–30% of India’s urban calorie intake (and rising) C. Low-income households disproportionately affected UPFs are cheaper, heavily marketed, require no cooking. Why the India Link Matters ? India faces: Rising NCDs (non-communicable diseases) High soft-drink, biscuit, chips consumption among youth Weak front-of-pack labelling norms No regulation on additives linked to overeating Aggressive marketing by multinational and domestic brands School food environments dominated by UPFs UPFs are now a public health challenge for India too. Possible Implications for India Regulatory Could push India to adopt: warning labels front-of-pack nutrition grading restrictions on advertising to children Judicial Indian courts may soon face PILs challenging: aggressive UPF marketing misleading health claims school availability Economic Reformulation costs may increase for FMCG companies. Health Systems Escalating NCD expenditure if consumption trends continue.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 03 December 2025

Content Food Irradiation India’s Commitment to Disability Rights Food Irradiation Why is it in News? Government announced major push for multi-product food irradiation units under ICCVAI, PMKSY. ₹1,000 crore outlay (July 2025) exclusively earmarked for 50 new irradiation units. As of Aug 2025: 16 proposals approved, 9 operational. As of June 2025: 395 cold chain projects approved, 291 operational, 25.52 LMT preservation capacity created. Objective: reduce post-harvest losses, improve food safety, boost export competitiveness. Relevance:   GS-III: Indian Economy — Agriculture, Food Processing Modernisation of food value chains under PMKSY and ICCVAI. Reducing post-harvest losses (20–40%) → direct link to farmers’ income and agri-efficiency. Expansion of cold chain + irradiation → critical for doubling agri-exports. Enhances competitiveness via compliance with global SPS standards (Codex, FAO/WHO). GS-III: Science & Technology — Applications of Radiation Use of gamma, X-ray, and e-beam technologies in food safety. Demonstrates peaceful applications of atomic energy (BRIT, DAE role). Supports safe, non-chemical alternatives to fumigation (methyl bromide phase-out). What are Processed Foods? Any food altered from natural state using techniques like heating, canning, drying, freezing, irradiation. Objectives: safety, extended shelf life, nutritional enhancement, marketability, waste reduction. Why Food Processing Matters? Reduces spoilage & microbial hazards (Pasteurisation, sterilisation, irradiation). Extends shelf life → stabilises markets for perishables. Leads to value addition, higher farmer income, stronger agri-food chains. Supports nutritional interventions (fortification, germination, fermentation). What is Food Irradiation? Application of controlled ionising radiation to food to: Kill bacteria, viruses, moulds Destroy insects & pests Delay ripening & sprouting Extend shelf life Does not make food radioactive. Radiation Sources Used Gamma Rays (Cobalt-60) Supplied by BRIT (DAE); MoU with BRIT mandatory. X-rays High-energy photons generated via electron beam–metal target. Electron Beam (e-beam) Fast electrons, rapid processing, shallow penetration. Applications in India Potatoes, onions Spices Mangoes Cereals, pulses, oilseeds Export quarantine treatment (especially mangoes) International Scientific Endorsement Approved by Codex Alimentarius, FAO/WHO, IAEA. Supported by American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association, Institute of Food Technologists. Studies show no toxicological or nutritional risks. Benefits of Food Irradiation Prevents sprouting of tubers. Extends shelf life of fruits & vegetables. Eliminates insect infestation → boosts export quality. Reduces microbial load → prevents food-borne diseases. Complements cold chain infrastructure. Reduces post-harvest losses (India loses 30–40% fruits & veggies annually). Supports agri-exports (e.g., mangoes to US/EU). Consumer Information & Labelling FSSAI licence number. Logos: Organic, Fortification (F+), HACCP, ISO22000, FSSC, BIS, AGMARK, Vegan. Irradiation symbol (Radura). Examine nutrition labels: calories, sodium, added sugar, saturated fats. Avoid misleading claims: “natural”, “low fat”, “home-made” etc. Government Support – ICCVAI under PMKSY ICCVAI (Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure) Component of PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana). Objective: end-to-end cold chain from farm gate → retail. Addresses post-harvest losses, farmer distress sales, supply chain inefficiencies. Key Functions Scientific storage Value addition (processing, packaging) Refrigerated transport Irradiation units for perishables Funding Pattern General areas: 35% of eligible project cost (max ₹10 cr). Difficult Areas / SC–ST / FPOs / SHGs: 50% (max ₹10 cr). Difficult Areas include NE states, J&K, Ladakh, Islands, ITDP regions. Eligibility Individuals, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, NGOs, Firms, Companies, PSUs. Land requirement: Minimum 1 acre for standalone/integrated irradiation units. Proposals online: sampada-mofpi.gov.in. Strategic Objectives of ICCVAI Reduce post-harvest losses (currently 20–25% fruits/vegetables). Increase farmer income via storage & value addition. Improve quality & safety of perishables. Stabilise market prices. Ensure year-round availability. Boost export competitiveness via global-standard safety. Major Components of ICCVAI Farm Level Infrastructure (FLI). Distribution Hub (DH). Pack Houses, Ripening Chambers. CA/Cold Stores. Refrigerated/Insulated Transport. Radiological processing units. Funding requires FLI + linkage to DH/transport. Progress & Achievements Cold Chain Infrastructure (as of June 2025) 395 approved, 291 operational since 2008. Preservation capacity: 25.52 LMT/year. Processing capacity: 114.66 LMT/year. Jobs created: 1.74 lakh. Financial Milestones 2016–17 onwards: Grants approved: ₹2,066.33 crore Released: ₹1,535.63 crore Projects operationalised: 169 Food Irradiation Units (as of Aug 2025) 16 proposals approved 9 operational, 7 under implementation Total Grants-in-aid approved: ₹112.99 crore Released: ₹68.38 crore Expanded Outlay (July 2025) Additional PMKSY allocation: ₹1,920 crore Total PMKSY allocation: ₹6,520 crore (till March 2026) Includes: 50 irradiation units (20–30 LMT additional capacity) 100 NABL-accredited FTLs Significance for India Economic Reduces wastage → raises farm incomes. Enhances competitiveness of Indian exports. Boosts food processing sector (contributes ~12% of manufacturing GVA). Food Security Stabilises supply of perishables. Enhances safety & reduces food-borne illness burden. Environmental Reduces food waste → lower climate footprint (FAO: food waste emits 4.4 Gt CO₂-eq globally). Efficient utilisation of harvest surpluses. Strategic Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in agri-value chain. Strengthens India’s compliance with global SPS norms. Reduces dependence on chemical fumigation (e.g. methyl bromide). Challenges High initial CAPEX for irradiation units. Limited awareness among farmers & consumers. Misconceptions about “radiation” & food safety. Need for trained radiation safety personnel. Logistics integration with wider cold chain still uneven. Rural connectivity gaps affect collection & distribution efficiency. Way Forward Strengthen farmer awareness through Krishi Vigyan Kendras & FPO networks. Incentivise private investment through expanded subsidies. Integrate irradiation with digital traceability (blockchain, QR-based tracking). Promote irradiation for export-oriented clusters (mango, spices, onions). Facilitate BRIT capacity enhancement for Cobalt-60 production & supply. Strengthen last-mile refrigerated transport networks. Conclusion Food irradiation is emerging as a scientifically robust, economically efficient, and export-enabling technology within India’s modernising food ecosystem. With strong government push under ICCVAI/PMKSY, India is creating a resilient, integrated cold chain that minimises losses, enhances safety, increases farm incomes, and ensures reliable availability of high-quality food. The scaling of irradiation units, alongside testing labs and cold chain expansion, marks a critical transition towards a future-ready, low-waste, high-value food system. India’s Commitment to Disability Rights Why Is This in News? Government highlighted major achievements in disability inclusion ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December). Launch of revamped Sugamya Bharat App, expanded ISL Digital Repository (3,189 e-content videos), and updates on national schemes (ADIP, SIPDA, UDID, PM-DAKSH). Recent large-scale events (Divya Kala Mela, Purple Fest 2025) showcased government efforts on accessibility, skilling, and digital inclusion. Relevance:   GS-II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections Disability inclusion aligned with RPwD Act, SIPDA, UDID, ADIP, NDFDC. Government interventions for assistive devices, livelihood, education, rehabilitation. National institutes, CRCs, PM-DAKSH enabling skilling and job linkage. GS-II: Social Justice, Equality, Rights Enforcement of Articles 14, 15, 16, 41, 46 for equitable access. Rights-based approach replacing charity model → core constitutional values. Reservation in jobs and education; anti-discrimination mandates. GS-II: Governance & Administration Digital public infrastructure: UDID, Sugamya Bharat App, ISL e-library. Standardisation of disability certification and service delivery. Regulation of rehabilitation professionals (RCI Act). Disability Rights — Constitutional & International Context Constitutional grounding: Equality before law (Article 14), non-discrimination (Articles 15–16). Social justice and empowerment under Directive Principles (Articles 41, 46). UNCRPD: India is a signatory (2007), driving accessibility-centric laws and programmes. Census 2011: PwDs: 2.68 crore (2.21% of population). Male: 1.50 crore, Female: 1.18 crore. Legal and Policy Framework 1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 Replaced 1995 Act; effective from 19 April 2017. Expanded disability categories from 7 to 21. Mandates: 4% reservation in government jobs, 5% in higher education. Barrier-free access in public buildings, transport, ICT. Inclusive education and community-based living. Centralised disability certification (UDID integration). 2. National Trust Act (1999) Welfare for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability & Multiple Disabilities. Runs group homes, respite care, and guardian systems. 3. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992 Regulates training and certification of rehabilitation professionals; maintains national register. 4. SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of RPwD Act) Umbrella programme supporting Ministries/States in accessibility, awareness, skill development, and inclusion. Key Government Schemes & Initiatives 1. Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), 2015 Aims for universal accessibility in: Built environment Transport systems ICT services Revamped Sugamya Bharat App (2025): Accessibility mapping/rating of public spaces. Digital directory of schemes, jobs, scholarships. Grievance redressal for accessibility complaints. Supports assistive tech, voice navigation, multi-language UI. 2. ADIP Scheme (1981) Provides assistive aids/devices + corrective surgeries. Covers hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics, cochlear implants. Case Highlight: Cochlear implant success story of Kritika (Nagpur). 3. Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) Financial assistance to NGOs for special education, training, and rehabilitation services. 4. National Divyangjan Finance & Development Corporation (NDFDC) Concessional loans for entrepreneurship. DSY: Loans for self-employment. VMY: Microfinance via SHGs/JLGs. 5. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) Only Indian PSU manufacturing a full range of assistive devices. Setting up Pradhanmantri Divyasha Kendras (PMDKs) across national institutes. 6. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Centralised national database. Single ID ensures uniformity, transparency, and targeted delivery. Includes online applications, renewals, MIS tracking, future scalability. 7. PM-DAKSH-DEPwD Portal One-stop platform for skill development and employment: Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas: 250+ skill courses, UDID-based enrolment. Rozgar Setu: 3,000+ geo-tagged job listings; MoUs with private companies. 8. National Institutes & CRCs 9 National Institutes + 30 CRCs providing rehabilitation, training, R&D, and outreach. Purple Fest 2025 (Goa) India’s largest inclusion festival. Key launches: Revamped Sugamya Bharat App. IELTS Handbook for PwDs. RPL Certification for ISL interpreters/SODA/CODA. Training programmes in ASL/BSL for ISL professionals. Promotion of Indian Sign Language (ISL) ISLRTC (Nodal Body) Established 2015 under DEPwD. Key achievements: World’s largest ISL Digital Repository (3,189 videos; 2,200+ glossary videos). ISL Dictionary > 10,000 terms. Channel 31 under PM e-Vidya dedicated to ISL training. ISL translation of NCERT textbooks (Classes 1–12) to be completed by 2026. PRASHAST App: screened 92 lakh+ students for early disability detection. Strengths Strong rights-based legislative framework aligned with UNCRPD. Digital-first inclusion strategy (UDID, Sugamya Bharat App, PM-DAKSH). Rapid expansion of ISL ecosystem — repository, dictionary, training channels. Economic empowerment through NDFDC, skill programmes, Divya Kala Melas. Challenges Physical accessibility in public spaces remains uneven across States. Delayed disability certification; rural areas lack trained assessors. Assistive devices market still dependent on imports despite ALIMCO. Learning materials in ISL need faster translation cycles. Employment for PwDs remains below 1% in many sectors. Way Forward Seamless integration of disability inclusion in Smart Cities and urban design. Strengthening local-level rehabilitation services via Panchayati Raj institutions. Incentivising private sector hiring via tax benefits and accessibility ratings. Expanding ISL interpreter workforce and formalising ISL as a recognised language. Conclusion India’s disability rights movement has shifted from a welfare approach to a rights-based, accessibility-driven model. The combination of strong legislation, digital inclusion tools, targeted financial schemes, assistive technology expansion, and large-scale awareness festivals reflects a maturing, institutionalised framework. These initiatives collectively aim to build a society where persons with disabilities participate fully and independently, with dignity and equal opportunity.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 03 December 2025

Content A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Zero stars A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Why is it in News? India hosted the 7th NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Summit on 20 Nov 2025. Chaired by NSA Ajit Doval; attended by Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh; Seychelles joined as a full member; Malaysia participated as a guest. Summit signals deepening cooperation in Indian Ocean maritime security, non-traditional threats, and India’s growing role amid China’s expanding footprint in the region. Relevance GS 2 – International Relations India’s neighbourhood-first policy Sub-regional groupings (CSC vs IORA vs BIMSTEC) India’s maritime diplomacy Impact of China’s presence in Indian Ocean Regional security cooperation and institutional mechanisms GS 3 – Internal Security Maritime security Non-traditional threats (trafficking, cyber, HADR) Coastal security architecture Undersea cable protection Blue economy–security linkages GS 3 – Disaster Management HADR coordination Climate-driven maritime vulnerabilities Practice Question “The Colombo Security Conclave has emerged as India’s most effective sub-regional maritime security platform, but its long-term relevance depends on institutionalisation and consensus-building.” Analyse.(250 Words) What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)? Origin: Started in 2011 as a trilateral (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives). Dormancy: Lost momentum due to political transitions in Sri Lanka & Maldives; lack of convergence. Revival: Reborn in 2020 with a renewed mandate and expanded scope. Full Members (2025): India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius (joined 2022), Bangladesh (2024), Seychelles (2025). Observers/Guests: Seychelles (earlier), Mauritius (earlier), Malaysia (guest 2025). Objective: A sub-regional security grouping aimed at strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on Maritime Security Counter-terrorism Trafficking & Transnational Crime Cybersecurity HADR (increasingly linked) Significance of CSC in the IOR IOR = high-stakes region World’s busiest sea lanes 80% of global seaborne trade, 65% of oil shipments Hub for great-power rivalry Security architecture fragmented: No single comprehensive IOR security framework → CSC fills a sub-regional vacuum. Focus on Non-Traditional Security (NTS): Illegal fishing Maritime accidents Climate-driven disasters Drug trafficking Terror routes Cyber threats to ports & shipping Why CSC Matters Now (2025 Context) ? Geopolitical churn: Indo-Pacific realignments; Chinese naval expansion (bases, surveillance network, dual-use ports). Regional instabilities: Sri Lanka’s debt crisis legacy Maldives’ foreign-policy swings Bangladesh’s domestic uncertainties Development-security nexus: Small island states depend on oceans for GDP, trade, tourism, fisheries → require secure seas. New opportunities: Blue Economy, undersea cable protection, marine minerals, maritime connectivity. Key Outcomes/Highlights of the 2025 Summit Seychelles inducted as full member → major strengthening of western Indian Ocean representation. Malaysia participates as guest → signals possible future expansion into a wider Indo-Pacific security cluster. Reinforces India’s leadership in shaping sub-regional security architecture. Shows momentum toward institutionalisation and deeper multi-level cooperation. Strategic Drivers China Factor India’s Priority: Growing Chinese naval deployments, survey ships, PLA support bases (Djibouti; potential in Maldives/Sri Lanka). Dual-use ports (Hambantota) Undersea mapping → military relevance Member-State Divergence: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mauritius → rely on China for infrastructure and investments. Do not publicly label China as a security threat. Implication: India must calibrate CSC agenda without framing it as an “anti-China bloc”. Need consensus on NTS issues to avoid politicisation. Institutional Weakness Structure limited to NSA-level consultations. No permanent secretariat, working groups inconsistent across members. Requires: Permanent institutional mechanism Regular technical exercises Data-sharing agreements Maritime domain awareness (MDA) integration Legal harmonisation on transnational crimes Domestic Political Volatility Bangladesh’s internal political transition → uncertain continuity in foreign policy. Maldives’ cycles of pro-India/pro-China shifts affect CSC stability. Sri Lanka’s slow economic recovery risks inconsistent engagement. Development–Security Interlinkages (Core to CSC) Coastal livelihoods (fisheries, ports): directly dependent on safe seas. Tourism economies threatened by maritime crime and climate events. Blue Economy requires stable waters. Undersea cables (carry 95% of global data) → high vulnerability; CSC crucial for coordinated protection. Strengths of CSC India provides: Surveillance aircraft, coastal radars, joint patrols Training & capacity-building Disaster relief logistics Cybersecurity assistance Expanding membership → rising legitimacy NTS focus → less geopolitical friction among members. Challenges to CSC Divergent threat perceptions on China Resource asymmetry among small islands Coordination overlaps with other IOR groups (IORA, IOC, QUAD maritime initiatives) Ensuring continuity amidst domestic political flux Limited institutional depth Way Forward Institutionalisation: Secretariat, annual calendar, joint working groups Permanent MDA fusion cell integrating coastal radars and naval inputs Capacity-Building: Indian assistance in maritime law enforcement, cyber, digital forensics Legal Harmonisation: Anti-trafficking conventions, drug laws, maritime rules Expand Agenda: Climate-security Blue economy regulation Undersea cable protection Joint disaster response Balanced Diplomacy: Address China-related concerns subtly without alienating members. Conclusion CSC has emerged as India’s most effective sub-regional maritime security platform. 2025 summit marks greater cohesion, expanded membership, and strategic relevance amid evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics. Future success depends on institutional resilience, consensus-building, and addressing member-state asymmetries while navigating China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean. Zero stars  Why is it in News? On Nov 28 and Dec 1, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued two directives: SIM Binding: Messaging accounts must be disabled if the physical SIM is removed. Mandatory Pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi App on all new smartphones by March 2026, visible during device setup and not allowed to be disabled. Aim: Combat cybercrime, spoofed IMEIs, digital impersonation, and fake devices. Trigger: Rise in “digital arrests”, spoofed IMEIs, cross-border fraud, government impersonation scams. Controversy: Concerns over privacy, surveillance, proportionality, and OS-level privileges. Relevance GS Paper 2 – Governance Privacy vs security Digital regulation Policy proportionality (Puttaswamy Judgment) Executive directives vs legislative oversight GS Paper 3 – Internal Security Cybercrime rise IMEI spoofing, digital arrests, cross-border fraud Cyber forensics and device traceability Surveillance concerns & cybersecurity risks GS Paper 3 – Science & Tech Mobile security architecture Device authentication mechanisms OS-level permissions and backdoor vulnerabilities Practice Question   Critically examine whether mandating compulsory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app satisfies the constitutional standards of necessity and proportionality in addressing rising cybercrime in India.(250 Words) What is Sanchar Saathi? Government’s digital platform by DoT to help citizens: Verify IMEI authenticity, report lost/stolen phones, block/unblock devices. Identify SIMs issued under one’s name. Existing verification channels already available: Web portals, SMS verification, USSD codes. What is SIM Binding? Enforces that messaging apps deactivate an account if the physical SIM is removed. Goal: Prevent criminals from using apps anonymously after discarding SIMs. Effect: Reduces fake identities used in “digital arrest” and impersonation scams. RISING CYBERCRIME: Why the Government Acted ? Surge in: Digital arrest scams (fake police/CBI calls). Cross-border fraud networks using encrypted apps. Spoofed IMEI devices → untraceable. SIM discard anonymity loopholes in messaging apps. Law enforcement struggles due to: No device-user linkage, Easily cloned IMEI numbers, App accounts functioning without SIM presence. Benefits the Government Intends Stronger device traceability through verified IMEI. Crackdown on fake devices (15–20% of low-cost market estimated counterfeit). Better crime attribution to a specific handset. Reduces anonymity of cyber-fraudsters. Why Critics Call It “Overkill” ? Excessive Access inside Operating System Directive demands the app be visible at setup and cannot be disabled. This implies higher OS privileges, likely including: Camera access Phone/SMS logs Device identifiers Background activity Creates surveillance infrastructure even if not used abusively. Fails the Constitutional Test of Proportionality (K.S. Puttaswamy Judgment, 2017) Legality: Exists under executive directive, but not legislated. Necessity: There are less intrusive verification mechanisms. Proportionality: Mandating a high-privilege app for an entire population is disproportionate to the goal. Alternatives Already Exist Website IMEI check SMS-based verification USSD codes These require no intrusive OS-level application. Precedent of Surveillance Misuse Past Pegasus controversy → creates fear of state monitoring. Larger implications: Democratic chilling effect Self-censorship Undermining trust in government digital systems. High Cybersecurity Risk If app has elevated permissions, a compromise/hack can impact millions of devices simultaneously. Creates a single point of failure in national cybersecurity. Pushback from Industry Reports indicate privacy-sensitive manufacturers like Apple resisting compliance. Major concerns: OS integrity User experience disruption Global data protection compliance. SIM Binding: A Mixed Measure Pros Closes an important anonymity loophole. Directly addresses many fraud techniques. Cons May disrupt messaging app usability (e.g., WhatsApp while switching devices/SIMs). Raises interoperability issues for eSIM users. Implications for Citizens Constant device-level monitoring possibility. Compulsory presence of a government app, non-removable. Erosion of “informed consent”, a cornerstone of digital rights. Broader Governance and Security Implications India is moving toward hard security approaches to cybercrimes. Risk of turning smartphones into surveillance endpoints under the pretext of security. Absence of a comprehensive Data Protection Law exacerbates concerns. Way Forward 1. Use Less Intrusive Tools Strengthen USSD/SMS/portal-based verification. Encrypt IMEI linking at telecom-provider level. 2. Avoid Mandatory Pre-Installation Instead, offer it as opt-in, with clear permissions. 3. Legislative Backing Enact a law regulating device verification and privacy safeguards. 4. Independent Audits Conduct regular cybersecurity audits of the app. 5. Public Transparency Publish: Data flow Access logs Permission rationale Third-party evaluations. Conclusion Mandating Sanchar Saathi pre-installation with non-removable functionality is a disproportionate response to legitimate cybercrime challenges. The approach increases risk of surveillance, OS-level vulnerabilities, and fails the privacy proportionality test. Strengthening existing low-intrusion verification tools and enhancing telecom-level security offers a more balanced, constitutionally sound path forward.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 December 2025

Content DoT Order to Pre-Install Sanchar Saathi App Why There Is No Peace in Ukraine Why the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Needs Complete Digitisation Only 20% of Candidates Accepted PM Internship Scheme Offers WHO Issues First Global Guidelines on GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs How the River Kosi’s Shifting Course Exposes the Perils of Embankments DoT Order to Pre-Install Sanchar Saathi App  Why Is It in the News? DoT issued a mandatory order directing all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every device sold in India. Triggered political backlash (Opposition leaders calling it unilateral, undemocratic). Digital rights activists raised concerns over privacy, informed consent, and surveillance. Experts warned that pre-installed, non-removable apps can access OS-level permissions, creating potential pathways for malware/spying. Relevance GS-II: Governance Executive overreach vs citizen rights; informed consent; digital governance ethics. Accountability gaps: absence of statutory backing for mandatory apps. Public consultation deficits in tech regulation. GS-II: Polity (Fundamental Rights) Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy test: legality–necessity–proportionality). Surveillance concerns, metadata collection, state intrusion. GS-III: Cybersecurity Risk of system apps with OS-level permissions. Threat surface expansion; malware vector risks; IMEI–identity linking. What is Sanchar Saathi? Launched by DoT in 2023 as a web portal, later upgraded to a mobile app. Objective: Counter telecom fraud, enable blocking of stolen devices, verify IMEI authenticity. Key functions: Report fraudulent calls/number misuse. Check IMEI genuineness via CEIR. Request blocking/unblocking of stolen/ lost phones. Monitor numbers linked to a single identity (TAFCOP component). What Does the New DoT Mandate Require? Pre-installation on all new smartphones sold in India. Likely non-removable, as most pre-loaded system apps are integrated into OEM firmware. No public consultation before mandating. Not backed by a specific Act of Parliament. Why Did Government Push It? (Official Rationale) Sharp rise in online fraud, “digital arrest” scams, impersonation and cross-border cybercrime. Increase in IMEI spoofing, sale of fake devices. App-based services like WhatsApp/Telegram can function even when SIM credentials change → traceability gap. Aim: strengthen device-SIM-identity link and support real-time cybercrime response. Concerns Raised (Governance, Legal, Technical) A. Governance Concerns Absence of consultation with industry/citizens. Mandatory installation contradicts the principle of informed consent. Risks of normalising state-pushed software on personal devices. B. Legal and Constitutional Concerns Must pass Puttaswamy (2017) tests: Legality: no explicit law authorising such surveillance-enabling installations. Necessity: alternatives available (portal/SMS verification). Proportionality: intrusive, continuous access to device metadata possible. Could blur lines between regulation and surveillance. C. Technical & Cybersecurity Concerns Pre-installed apps often gain OS-level privileges (system apps). Users often cannot uninstall them → persistent capability. As cybersecurity expert Anand Venkatanarayanan noted: Once an app has system-level access, an over-the-air update can give it deeper permissions. Creates a potential single point of failure if app is compromised. Government becomes a potential malware vector—a major red flag. D. Risks of Abuse Potential for continuous digital supervision (CPI-M MP John Brittas). Could enable mass metadata collection across millions of devices. History of spyware allegations (Pegasus) intensifies distrust. Manufacturer pushback: compromises secure OS architecture (Apple’s protest expected). Broader Implications Expands executive authority without legislative scrutiny. Sets precedent: government apps may be forced on all devices in future. Could impact India’s reputation on digital rights and data protection. Could weaken India’s cybersecurity posture if exploited by threat actors. International Practices Democratic countries rarely mandate pre-installed government apps. Exceptions: South Korea’s disaster alert apps (voluntary install, not system apps). Covid apps globally were voluntary (UK, EU, Japan). India’s approach resembles state-led firmware intervention, not standard global regulation. Critical Overview Strengths (Limited but Relevant) Helps combat rising telecom fraud. Facilitates faster IMEI tracking. Streamlines reporting of stolen devices. Major Weaknesses Disproportionate → security benefits achievable without deep device intrusion. Undermines autonomy and informed consent. High systemic cybersecurity risk. Weak accountability → no statutory oversight. Diminishes trust in government technology. Way Forward Shift from mandatory to opt-in installation. Run Sanchar Saathi as a service layer, not firmware layer. Enact a statutory framework defining digital surveillance limits. Conduct third-party security audits, open-source app code. Keep IMEI–SIM linkage at the telecom backend, not user device. Launch transparent public consultation with industry, civil society. Conclusion The DoT’s move stems from a genuine rise in cybercrime but adopts a legally weak, technologically intrusive, and governance-deficient route. Mandatory pre-installation transforms a user’s smartphone into a potential instrument of persistent digital oversight. The policy must be redesigned along principles of proportionality, transparency, and privacy-by-design. Why is there no peace in Ukraine? Why Is It in the News? New U.S. (Trump administration)–led peace plan for the Russia–Ukraine war has been circulated to stakeholders. The plan is far less favourable to Ukraine than the 2022 Istanbul framework. Comes amid Ukrainian battlefield setbacks (Pokrovsk, Kupiansk), Western fatigue, domestic corruption scandals, and Trump’s shift in U.S. policy. Marks a major turning point: Ukraine is weaker, Russia stronger, and Western alignment fractured. Relevance GS-II: International Relations Power shifts in Russia–Ukraine conflict; failure of 2022 Istanbul process. Changing US foreign policy under Trump; “Reverse Kissinger” realignment attempt. Europe’s strategic autonomy gaps & NATO credibility questions. GS-I/World History Territorial annexation, violation of post-1945 norms; coercive peace frameworks. GS-II: Global Governance Erosion of international law due to legitimising territorial conquest. UN diplomacy limitations; great-power politics shaping peace frameworks. Timeline of Peace Attempts (2022–2025) A. Early 2022: Belarus → Turkey Talks Days after Russia invaded (Feb 2022), both sides opened negotiations in Belarus. Russian troops pushed towards Kharkiv and Kherson, aiming for a quick victory. B. March 2022 Istanbul Talks Mediated by Turkey; first serious diplomatic breakthrough. Ukraine indicated willingness to: Renounce NATO membership, Recognise Russian as an official language, Accept neutrality under multilateral security guarantees. Russia signalled readiness to: Withdraw to pre-Feb 24, 2022 lines, keeping Crimea and parts of Donetsk/Luhansk. Fiona Hill & Angela Stent (Foreign Affairs, 2022): Both sides reached a tentative interim settlement outline. C. Collapse of the Istanbul Process Western powers hesitant to offer hard security guarantees to Ukraine. Boris Johnson reportedly urged Kyiv to continue fighting. Zelenskyy grew confident after Russia withdrew from Kyiv–Chernihiv. Result: Ukraine resumed war → later expelled Russian forces from Kharkiv and Kherson (late 2022). Russia retaliated by: Annexing four more regions (Sept 2022), Launching partial mobilisation, Settling into a long-war strategy. Shift in Strategic Landscape (2023–2025) A. Military 2023 Ukrainian counter-offensive failed decisively → military option closed. Russia adapted to sanctions, stabilised economy, and improved defence lines. By 2024–25: Russia regained initiative → capture of Pokrovsk marks major advance. B. Political Zelenskyy extended term under martial law; recent corruption scandals eroded legitimacy. U.S. under Biden: “support as long as it takes”. U.S. under Trump: Views war as lost, Shifts burden to Europe, Seeks potential reset with Russia, including a “Reverse Kissinger” (tilting Russia away from China). Trump’s 28-Point Peace Plan: Key Features A. Territorial Settlement (Favors Russia) Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk recognised as “de facto Russian”. Ukraine must withdraw from Donetsk (Russia currently controls ~80%). Contact lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia frozen → Russia keeps captured areas. Other seized territories outside annexed oblasts returned by Russia. B. Military Terms Ukraine must cap military strength at 600,000 personnel. Demilitarised buffer areas likely around the frontline. C. NATO Issue (Core Russian Demand) Ukraine must constitutionally renounce NATO membership. NATO must legally commit that Ukraine will never be admitted. Ukraine can join the EU. D. Security Guarantees Separate 3-point draft proposes NATO-style assurances for 10 years, renewable. Significant Russian attack treated as threat to transatlantic security. E. Sanctions & Russia’s Reintegration Russia to be reintegrated into global economy. Sanctions can be lifted; Russia could rejoin G8. Long-term U.S.–Russia economic cooperation (conditional). Russia to enact legal non-aggression commitments. Why Is the Plan Considered Pro-Russia? Ukraine loses ~20% of its pre-2014 territory permanently. NATO door shut irreversibly. Russia’s gains legitimised; its losses not fully reversed. Security guarantees for Ukraine remain vague. Russia receives economic reintegration even without full withdrawal. U.S. role shifts from active military supporter to mediator with Russia. Zelenskyy’s Dilemma If he accepts: Effectively admits Russian victory. Major political blow at home → backlash from military, nationalist groups. Legitimacy crisis given expired term + corruption scandals. Loss of territory becomes permanent. If he rejects: U.S. may withdraw support, further isolating Ukraine. Risk of losing more territory in prolonged war. Europe alone cannot sustain Ukraine financially/militarily. Europe’s Position Germany, France, U.K. vow continued support but lack U.S.-scale capability. European unity under strain due to energy, defence readiness, budget fatigue. Europe fears Trump’s plan may entrench Russian strategic advantages. Ground Reality (Dec 2025) A. Russia Controls: All of Crimea, All of Luhansk, ~80% of Donetsk, Significant parts of Kherson & Zaporizhzhia, Slowly advancing in Kharkiv region. War economy stabilised; military industrial production revived. B. Ukraine Facing power outages due to strikes on grid. Economic collapse prevented only through Western aid. Morale eroding; no feasible path to offensive victory. Why Istanbul Moment Cannot Return ? 2022: Russia was on back foot → willing for concessions. 2025: Russia has battlefield momentum + geopolitical leverage. Ukraine now negotiating from weakness, not parity. Trump plan reflects changed power balance, not diplomatic creativity. Implications for Global Politics A. U.S.–Russia–China Triangle Trump may pursue Reverse Kissinger: Draw Russia away from China to weaken Beijing. Success uncertain due to deep Russia-China alignment. B. NATO Credibility Forcing Ukraine to give up NATO path may weaken NATO’s moral authority. Sets precedent that military pressure can force Western concessions. C. International Law Legitimising territorial conquest undermines post-1945 rules. Conclusion Peace efforts collapsed in 2022 due to Western hesitation and Ukrainian optimism. Strategic balance shifted sharply in Russia’s favour over 2023–25. Trump plan formalises Ukraine’s territorial losses and neutrality. Ukraine in 2025 faces its toughest moment: military setbacks + political crisis + U.S. pressure. The new plan is a coercive peace, not a negotiated settlement. Why the SIR needs to be completely digitised  What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)? Periodic exercise by the Election Commission to update, correct, and verify electoral rolls. Traditionally meant to remove dead/shifted voters, include new voters, and correct errors. Requires accurate foundational records for reliability. Relevance GS-II: Governance Electoral roll integrity; administrative capacity; citizen–state interaction. Digital governance failures due to legacy datasets. GS-II: Polity – Elections Role of Election Commission; BLO functioning; voter rights protection. Challenges to free, fair, and inclusive elections due to faulty rolls. GS-III: Technology in Governance Need for structured, searchable databases; Aadhaar/PAN integration with safeguards. Digital workflow vs paper-based systems; reducing human error. Why This Issue Is in News? SIR 2.0 depends on legacy voter rolls (2002–04) created manually on paper. India’s advanced digital systems (ECINet, Aadhaar-based verification, online EF system) are not fully used. Result: widespread errors, non-searchable data, mass deletions, voter panic, and operational delays. Core Problem: Weak Foundation “Garbage in, garbage out” rule: flawed base data = flawed electoral rolls, no matter the procedure. 2002–04 rolls have: Manual entries, handwritten, high spelling variation. No standardised metadata or searchable fields. Missing EPICs, house numbers, surnames, gender/age inconsistencies. Zero digitisation quality control. Evidence of Failure in Legacy Rolls Random audits reveal anomalies: Entries implying polygamy (two wives with same husband name). Incomplete names like “Rakesh”, “Vir”, “Sahgal/Sangal” mismatched spellings. Missing EPIC numbers, addresses, and house numbers. Author (IIT/DRDO/IITK professor) scanned thousands of entries and couldn’t find his own record despite voting for decades. Non-searchable PDFs make identification practically impossible. Systemic Regression: Why SIR 2.0 Fails Falls back to paper-era workflow: BLOs collect paper forms → later digitised manually → verified again → digitally uploaded. Massive delays: Over 50% of Uttar Pradesh’s EFs undigitised (EC statement, Nov 27). Low digital skills among BLOs: errors, delays, inconsistent formats. Voters forced to: Bring paper photos. Submit duplicate proofs. Make multiple visits. ECINet vs Legacy SIR: Stark Underutilisation ECINet Capabilities (Modern System) One-billion–record searchable database. Searchable by name, mobile, EPIC, DOB, address, relatives. Duplicate detection, Aadhaar linking, auto-verification. Online EF filing, constituency locator, grievance tracking. Legacy SIR Reality Non-searchable PDFs. Manual forms, manual corrections. Broken search interface → “error” or “no details found”. EC disclaims ownership: “rolls published exactly as received from CEOs”. Key Administrative Issues EC expects voters to remember where they voted in 2002–04, unrealistic after 20 years. EPIC cards from those years not archived; voters relied on scrap slips. BLOs often demand unnecessary documents (birth certificate, extra address proof) contrary to EC guidelines. For voters deleted from rolls: Online Form 6 forces them to declare as first-time voters, introducing further distortions. Approval requirements for minor corrections via Form 8 are restrictive and slow. Consequences Millions cannot locate or verify their names. Errors propagate through the system because the foundational dataset is unverified. Panic among citizens, overload on BLOs, political tensions during elections. Months-long disruption instead of a clean-up. What Should Have Been Done ? Digital-only workflow, eliminating paper forms entirely. Deploy mobile kiosks with trained personnel for citizens lacking digital skills. Build searchable databases for legacy rolls before initiating SIR. Integrate Aadhaar (with safeguards), PAN, local body records via API checks. Uniform standards for names, addresses, metadata. Transformation Blueprint: Fully Digital SIR 2026 a) Complete Digitisation Convert all State/UT rolls (2002–04 included) into English-searchable structured datasets. Regional scripts kept as display only, not for search logic. b) Data Integration Merge legacy data with reliable datasets: Aadhaar Income Tax/PAN Driving licence Local body property records Automated consistency checks. c) Voter Classification Stable-address voters. Frequent movers. Citizenship/immigration ambiguity cases. d) Online EF Submission 100% online workflows (mobile + web). Kiosks for rural/elderly users. Dedicated trained digital staff. e) Digitise All Post-Submission Steps Document verification, approval, objections, final roll publication – all within ECINet. Real-time tracking of corrections/deletions. Benefits of a Fully Digital System Eliminates legacy errors permanently. Single national database → consistent, verifiable, auditable. Faster approvals, real-time grievance handling. Massive reduction in human errors and BLO overload. Ensures transparency, trust, and electoral integrity. The Way Ahead Digital SIR is not optional — essential for a credible democratic process. Most reforms are immediately implementable; only deep integration may extend beyond SIR 2.0. Once digitised, future revisions become simple annual updates, not massive crisis-driven exercises. SIR 2026 must become a technology-led trust revolution, not a paper-driven crisis. Only 20% of candidates accepted PM Internship Scheme offers: data What is the PM Internship Scheme? A national-scale internship programme announced in Union Budget 2024. Objective: Provide 1 crore internships in five years in top Indian companies. Designed to bridge: industry–academia gap, employability skills, and early career exposure for youth. Implemented via Ministry of Corporate Affairs; companies post internships on a central portal. Relevance GS-II: Governance Scheme design flaws; weak policy feedback loops; centre–industry coordination gaps. Budget utilisation issues; outcome vs output mismatch. GS-III: Economy Labour market dynamics; employability and skilling ecosystem. Youth job-preparedness and industry-academia mismatch. GS-II: Social Sector Development Youth aspirations; access barriers; regional disparities. Internship quality norms; role clarity; stipend adequacy. Why is it in News? Data presented in Parliament shows low acceptance and high dropout rates. Despite exceeding target of 1.25 lakh internship offers for the pilot, only 20% of candidates accepted across two rounds. Nearly 20% of those who accepted quit mid-way, raising concerns about scheme design, workplace quality, and alignment with youth expectations. Pilot Scale & Targets Pilot launched in October 2024, target: 1.25 lakh internships in one year. Total internships posted (Round 1 + Round 2): 2.45 lakh+ opportunities. Key Numbers (Two Rounds Combined) 1.65 lakh offers made by companies. 33,300 offers accepted → Acceptance rate: 20.2%. 6,618 candidates left prematurely → Dropout rate: 19.9% among accepted candidates. Round-wise Performance Round 1 Opportunities posted: 1.27 lakh. Applications: 6.21 lakh. Offers made: 82,000. Accepted: 8,700 (10.6% acceptance). Dropouts: 4,565 → More than 50% of interns quit mid-way. Round 2 (January onwards) Opportunities posted: 1.18 lakh. Applications: 4.55 lakh. Offers made: 83,000+. Accepted: 24,600 (30% acceptance). Dropouts: 2,053 → 8.3% quit rate. Youth Response: Why Only 20% Acceptance? Data indicates candidates declined offers due to: Location mismatch (internships far from home; low stipends insufficient to support relocation). Unsuitable roles (low-skilled tasks, perceived lack of value). Long durations incompatible with academic calendars/exams. Many internships may not align with career aspirations or sector preferences. High Dropout Rates: Key Reasons Poor role clarity and limited learning outcomes. Inadequate mentorship, long work hours, or project irrelevance. Stipend-quality mismatch: opportunity cost remains high for many students. Mismatch between expectations (skill-building) and reality (routine administrative tasks). Better opportunities elsewhere (private platforms/placements). Utilisation of Funds Original pilot budget: ₹840 crore. Revised allocation (FY 2024–25): ₹380 crore. Actual utilisation so far: ₹73.72 crore. Low utilisation reflects low participation and operational delays. Structural Challenges in PMIS Geographical concentration of opportunities in large metros; rural/remote candidates unable to relocate. Sector skew: many roles posted in sales, operations, basic admin; fewer in high-skill domains. Insufficient company participation from top-tier firms. Lack of flexibility in internship timings and duration. Portal-based recruitment lacks personalised matching, career guidance, or screening support. Implications Indicates a misalignment between scheme design and youth aspirations. Calls into question feasibility of reaching the target of 1 crore internships. Poor internship experience could undermine employability goals. High dropout → signals issues in internship quality, company readiness, or monitoring. Low acceptance → reflects need for stronger incentives for both companies and interns. Required Reforms Stipend rationalisation based on city tiers and living cost. Remote/hybrid internship options to expand reach. Sector diversification: tech, digital, green economy, EV, logistics, AI, MSMEs. Academic integration: credit-linked internships through universities. Quality assurance framework: standardised projects, mentorship norms, feedback loop. Improved matching algorithm on the portal to align skills–roles–location. Performance-based incentives for companies ensuring high-quality mentorship. Conclusion The pilot achieved numbers in terms of offers, not uptake. The bottleneck is not supply but acceptance and retention. For the scheme to succeed at national scale: Roles must be meaningful. Stipends must be realistic. Duration must be flexible. Companies must be accountable. Without addressing these structural issues, scaling to 1 crore internships in 5 years is unlikely. GLP-1 drugs Why is it in News? On 1 December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first global guidelines on the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) weight-loss drugs for treating adult obesity. WHO formally recognised GLP-1 therapies as effective, but issued conditional recommendations due to limited long-term data, high costs, and global inequity in access. The decision has major implications for public health, global obesity economics, and equitable access to new metabolic drugs. Relevance GS-II: Health WHO’s first global obesity-drug guidelines; global obesity governance. Integration of pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions. GS-III: Science & Tech GLP-1 mechanism; metabolic diseases; long-term safety questions. Supply-demand imbalance; counterfeit risks. GS-II: Equity & Public Policy High cost; insurance gaps; unequal access in LMICs. Role of generics, price caps, regulated distribution. What Are GLP-1 Drugs? GLP-1 = Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone produced in the gut. Functions: Stimulates insulin secretion. Slows gastric emptying. Reduces appetite and cravings. Improves metabolic markers (glucose, lipids). Designed originally for type-2 diabetes → later found to cause significant weight loss. Examples of GLP-1 Drugs Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) Liraglutide (Saxenda) Tirzepatide (Mounjaro; dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, highly effective) Why GLP-1 Matters Globally Obesity ≠ lifestyle problem; it is a chronic metabolic disease. GLP-1 drugs represent the first major breakthrough since bariatric surgery. Impact Weight loss: ~15–22% depending on drug. Reduced risk of: Type-2 diabetes Cardiovascular events Certain cancers Severe infectious disease outcomes Economic angle: Obesity may cost $3 trillion annually by 2030. GLP-1 drugs could reduce this burden if made accessible. Key Elements of WHO’s New Guidelines Conditional Recommendation Use GLP-1 drugs for adults with obesity, except pregnant women. Conditional because: Limited long-term safety data. Unknown effects after drug discontinuation. Extremely high cost and equity barriers. Must Accompany Behavioural Interventions Drugs cannot be used alone. Diet modification + physical activity + counselling remain essential. GLP-1 → only when lifestyle interventions fail or when obesity is severe. Equity as Central Principle WHO stresses: Tax-funded or insurance-backed programmes. Avoiding two-tier systems where only the rich can access treatments. Need for affordable generics in developing countries. Why WHO Issued Guidelines Now ? Rapid worldwide adoption of drugs like Ozempic/Wegovy. Sharp rise of off-label use and medical tourism. Multiple countries witnessing shortages due to demand. Need for global standards on: Who should use the drugs. How to integrate them into national obesity programmes. Ensuring safe and monitored usage. Concerns Acknowledged by WHO High Cost GLP-1 drugs cost ₹20,000–₹30,000/month in India (imported brands). Remains unaffordable for most low-middle-income populations. Insurance coverage extremely limited. Limited Long-Term Data Weight regain after stopping is common. Safety beyond 5–10 years still unclear. Issues of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, inflammation). Supply-Demand Problems High demand has led to shortages even in countries like US & UK. Could divert supply away from diabetics who need them clinically. India-Specific Issues Cost Barrier Experts say affordability is the biggest obstacle. Need for: Generic manufacturing Government price caps Wider insurance coverage Misuse Risks Rising trend of: Off-label use for cosmetic weight loss Unmonitored consumption Counterfeit injectables Guidance by Indian Experts Anoop Mishra: Need insurance coverage + generics for real impact. V. Mohan: GLP-1 is not a magic injection; diet + exercise remain primary. Why GLP-1 Is a Global Public Health Turning Point ? Obesity now affects 1 in 8 people worldwide. Conventional lifestyle treatment works only for 10–15% long-term. GLP-1 therapies offer: Clinically significant weight reduction Improvements in metabolic syndrome Reduced long-term healthcare expenditure GLP-1 + Equity: Core Challenge Without systemic action: Rich countries and wealthy individuals dominate access. LMICs (like India) face supply and affordability barriers. WHO stresses that GLP-1 must not become a luxury therapy. Policies Needed Globally Public insurance coverage Regulation of prices Support for local manufacturing Integration into national obesity guidelines Continued investment in prevention and lifestyle interventions Conclusion WHO’s recognition is a major milestone in global obesity management. GLP-1 drugs are effective and transformative but: Not a standalone solution Not universally accessible Not yet proven long-term The guidelines emphasise: Safety Equity Integrated care For India and other LMICs, affordability and insurance coverage will determine real-world impact. How the river Kosi’s shifting course exposes the perils of embankments Why is it in News? Recent analysis highlights repeated breaches of Kosi embankments (latest in 2024), reviving debate on whether embankments worsen floods instead of preventing them. New studies and expert committees point to 120 km westward shift of the Kosi in 250 years due to sedimentation and engineering interventions. NDA’s “Flood to Fortune” promise and the Kosi-Mechi river-linking project have brought embankment policy back into political and ecological focus. Relevance GS-I: Geography River morphology; meandering rivers; sediment load; avulsion dynamics. Himalayan rivers’ hydrology and shifting channels. GS-III: Disaster Management Embankment breaches increasing flood intensity; risk amplification. Structural vs non-structural flood mitigation approaches. GS-III: Environment Human interventions altering natural river behaviour. Siltation, upstream catchment changes, climate variability impacts. Understanding the Kosi River Origin: Tibet & Nepal; joins Ganga in Bihar. Called Sapta Kosi due to seven tributaries. Highly dynamic, one of world’s most sediment-loaded rivers. Known as “River of Sorrow” due to catastrophic floods and course shifts. Has shifted course ~120 km west over the last 250 years (People’s Commission on Kosi Basin). Why Kosi Causes Extreme Flood Vulnerability ? High sediment load → riverbed aggradation. Dynamic course → frequent channel shifts. Low-gradient plains → sluggish flow, high inundation. Monsoon-fed system → sudden surge in discharge. Flood peaks: ~6 lakh cusecs (2024 flood). Embankments: Intended Role Artificial levees to contain floodwaters. Aim: protect settlements, stabilize agriculture, allow development. Built extensively since 1950s in Bihar and Assam. Issues with Embankments Increased Siltation Embankments trap silt inside the confined channel → riverbed rises continually. Over time, river flows at a higher elevation than surrounding land, making breaches catastrophic. G.R. Garg Committee (1951) warned embankments are risky for silt-heavy rivers. Frequent Breaches Kosi breached embankments in 1963, 1968, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1987, 1991, 2008, 2024. Breaches create sudden, unpredictable inundation over vast areas. Water Logging Outside Embankments Poor drainage → stagnant water in villages trapped between embankments. Creates chronic flooding even without major river spillage. Loss of Ecological Function Rivers lose: natural drainage roles floodplain recharge sediment redistribution wetland replenishment Leads to biodiversity loss and groundwater decline. Short-term protection, long-term vulnerability Embankments need continuous raising as silt accumulates. High maintenance costs; frequent failures. “False sense of security” leads to unsafe development in floodplains. Impact on Agriculture Deposition of coarse silt/sand during breaches (seen in Assam & Kosi belt). Loss of fertile topsoil → agrarian distress. Himalayan Context: Why East is More Vulnerable Eastern Himalayan rivers (Kosi, Brahmaputra): affluent rivers precipitation increases downstream high sediment → higher breach probability geologically weak terrain → landslides, river shifts Western Himalayan rivers: influent rivers rainfall decreases downstream more stable → embankments relatively safer Key Expert Views E. Somanathan: Embankments initially help but later turn dangerous due to rising riverbed; recommends floodplain-based resilience and removal where feasible. Rahul Yaduka: Embankments serve development aims but cause waterlogging; suggests improving palaeochannels for natural water distribution. Bindhy W. Pandey: Embankments unsuitable for eastern Himalayan rivers; require strict monitoring & rehabilitation if used. Mahendra Yadav (Kosi Nav Nirman Manch): Advocates “living with floods” + rehabilitating people outside embankments. Case Study: 2008 Kosi Catastrophe Breach at Kusaha (Nepal). Deaths: 400+ People affected: 33 lakh Caused by silt accumulation, embankment ageing, and altered flow due to barrage. Kosi–Mechi River-Linking Debate Government’s Argument Provide irrigation to Mahananda basin. Promote fisheries and agriculture. NDA’s “Flood to Fortune” political pitch. Expert Counterpoints Kosi peak flow: ~6 lakh cusecs Diversion through project: 5,247 cusecs → negligible impact on flood moderation. Linking won’t reduce flood peaks; may worsen siltation and cross-basin flooding. Economic Concerns Embankments require rising annual expenditure. Bihar’s embankment-related spending has increased multiple times since 1950s. High budget consumption with low resilience gain. Global Lessons United States Actively removing embankments in many basins. Allowing controlled flooding to restore: floodplains wetlands ecosystem integrity Result: milder floods, better ecological recovery. Alternatives & Way Forward 1. Living with Floods Restore natural floodplains. Zoned habitation. Seasonal cropping patterns aligned with flood cycles. 2. Reviving Palaeochannels Use abandoned channels to redistribute floodwaters. Reduce pressure on main embankment. 3. River Basin Governance Basin-wide planning Cross-border coordination with Nepal Sediment management strategy 4. Early Warning & Evacuation Training communities inside embankment belts. Improving forecasting systems. 5. Scientific Desiltation Targeted removal at critical nodes. Must be ecology-sensitive; avoid indiscriminate sand mining.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 December 2025

Content Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 Atal Pension Yojna crosses 8.34 crore enrolments; Women account for 48% Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 Why is it in News? Fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam begins on 2 December 2025. Theme: “Tamil Karkalam – Let Us Learn Tamil”, shifting focus to linguistic learning. Major initiatives: Teaching Tamil in 50 Varanasi schools, Tamil learning tours for 300 UP students, Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition, and grand valedictory in Rameswaram. Marks a civilisational-cultural linkage between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, aligned with Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB). Relevance GS 1 – Indian Culture Cultural continuity between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Pilgrimage traditions, classical literature, temple architecture. Sage Agastya’s role in Indian civilisational history. GS 2 – Governance & Education NEP 2020 focus on Indian languages & IKS. Cultural diplomacy within India. Centre–State coordination in education & culture. What is Kashi Tamil Sangamam? A cultural initiative launched in 2022 during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Celebrates historical, spiritual and knowledge links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi/Varanasi. Implemented by Ministry of Education with IIT Madras & BHU as academic partners. Participants include: Students, teachers, artisans, farmers, scholars, spiritual leaders, professionals. Core Idea: Revive centuries-old people-to-people exchange across two major civilisation nodes of India. Historical & Civilisational Context Pilgrimage routes between Tamil Nadu and Kashi documented in Bhakti literature (Appar, Sambandar, Manikkavasagar). Tamil mutts and communities settled in Kashi for centuries (e.g., Hanuman Ghat Tamil community). Scholars circulated ideas of Shaivism, Advaita, linguistics, Siddha medicine, temple architecture. Sage Agastya tradition symbolises north–south movement of knowledge. Civilisational Continuity Themes: Sanskrit–Tamil literary dialogue Temple architecture diffusion Kashi’s influence on Tamil saints and vice versa Shared devotional traditions (Shaiva, Vaishnava) Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 – Key Features A. Tamil Karkalam (Let Us Learn Tamil) 50 Hindi-speaking Tamil teachers deployed in 50 Varanasi schools. 1,500 UP students learning introductory Tamil. Supported by CICT, CIIL Mysuru, BHU, IRCTC, UP administration. Builds linguistic inclusivity beyond Tamil Nadu. B. Tamil Karpom (Study Tour for UP Students) 300 college students from UP visit Tamil Nadu in 10 batches. Hosted by institutions such as IIT Madras, Pondicherry University, GRI Dindugal, Kanchipuram colleges, Shastra University. Modules include: Tamil language basics Tamil cultural immersion Visits to Tamil–Kashi heritage-linked sites C. Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE) Route: Tenkasi → Kashi (2–10 December 2025). Traces legendary Agastya’s north–south knowledge journey. Highlights: Classical Tamil literature Siddha medicine Medieval dynasties: Chola, Pandya, Chera, Pallava, Vijayanagara Reinforces civilisational linkages. D. Grand Valedictory at Rameswaram Symbolically completes Kashi–Rameswaram cultural corridor. Evolution of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (1.0 to 4.0) KTS 1.0 (2022) 2,500+ participants; large-scale immersion. Daily cultural events at BHU. Visits to Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath, Ayodhya. Exhibitions: Handlooms, ODOP, books. KTS 2.0 (2023) 1,435 delegates. Real-time Tamil translation of PM’s address. Academic sessions, Agastya Jayanti program. ₹22 lakh exhibition sales, 2 lakh visitors. Digital reach: 8.5 crore (Brand24). KTS 3.0 (2025 Feb) Strong knowledge-centric focus. Thematic celebration of Sage Agastya. Link to Mahakumbh 2025 and Ram Mandir. Workshops integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with NEP 2020. KTS 4.0 (2025 Dec) Linguistic focus: Tamil learning in UP schools + Tamil study tours for UP youth. Civilisational reiteration through Sage Agastya expedition. Trend: From cultural exchange → heritage education → civilisational scholarship → linguistic immersion. Overview Cultural Significance Strengthens north–south cultural unity. Revives ancient pilgrimage–scholarship circuits. Reintroduces classical Tamil knowledge systems (literature, Siddha, philosophy). Linguistic Significance Positioning Tamil learning in North India is unprecedented. Strengthens Bharatiya Bhasha vision of NEP 2020. Encourages multilingualism and language appreciation beyond regional boundaries. Educational Significance Integrates Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into contemporary learning. Academic partnerships between IIT Madras, BHU, CICT, CIIL. Encourages experiential learning through curated tours. Economic Significance Boosts cultural tourism (Kashi–Rameswaram circuit). Exhibitions expand markets for artisans, ODOP sectors. Promotes handlooms, handicrafts, and culinary heritage. Soft Power & National Integration Reinforces India’s internal cultural diplomacy. Builds emotional, linguistic and civilisational unity across regions. Supports Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Viksit Bharat Vision 2047. Continuity with Government Initiatives Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) under NEP 2020. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav ecosystem. Revitalizing cultural–spiritual tourism (PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan). Conclusion Kashi Tamil Sangamam has evolved into a sustained cultural-educational bridge linking Tamil Nadu and Kashi. KTS 4.0’s linguistic focus marks a major shift towards deeper, structured, youth-centric knowledge exchange. Strengthens civilisational unity, cultural tourism, linguistic diversity, and Indian Knowledge Systems in line with NEP 2020 and EBSB. Atal Pension Yojna crosses 8.34 crore enrolments; Women account for 48% Why is it in News? APY enrolments have crossed 8.34 crore (as of 31 Oct 2025). Women account for 48% of all subscribers → strong gender inclusion indicator. GoI & PFRDA report major expansion due to vernacular outreach, digital onboarding, BC/Self-Help-Group mobilisation, and saturation campaigns. Relevance   GS 2 – Governance & Welfare Social security schemes for vulnerable sections. Financial inclusion under JAM / DBT. Role of institutions: PFRDA, NABARD, NRLM, SHGs. GS 3 – Economy Unorganised sector labour dynamics. Social infrastructure (old-age security). Digital financial services, FinTech-led onboarding. What is Atal Pension Yojana? Launched: 9 May 2015. Purpose: Create a universal social security net for low-income & unorganised sector workers. Coverage: All Indian citizens aged 18–40 with a savings bank/post office account. Pension: Guaranteed monthly pension on turning 60 years (₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on contribution). Pension payouts will largely start from 2035 onwards (when earliest cohorts turn 60). Latest Data (2025) Total enrolments: 8,34,13,738 (8.34 crore). Women subscribers: 4.04 crore → 48% share. Pan-India implementation through: Banks (PSBs/Private/RRBs/SFBs), Cooperative banks, Payments banks, Department of Posts. Why APY Matters for India’s Social Security Architecture ? India has over 90% workforce in unorganised sector (ILO, PLFS). Lack of formal pension coverage → vulnerability in old age. APY ensures: Long-term savings discipline, State-backed guaranteed pension, Financial inclusion (FI) deepening post-JAM trinity. Key Drivers Behind the Rise in APY Enrolment Awareness & Behavioural Nudges Continuous advertising across print, electronic, social media. Vernacular outreach: Brochures in 13 languages. FI saturation drives across states. Institutional Support Engagement of: NABARD, NCFE, NRLM/SRLM, Ministries & SHG networks (bank sakhis). Virtual capacity-building for BCs → grassroots mobilisation. Digital Onboarding e-APY, net banking, mobile apps → frictionless enrolment. PoP-APY ecosystem strengthened inside banking networks. Gender Dimension: Why Women Form 48% Subscribers Strong SHG & NRLM mobilisation (7.2 crore women in SHGs nationwide). Women’s rising participation in financial inclusion: 56% of PMJDY accounts belong to women. Pension products provide security for widows, elderly women, SHG households. Challenges Low pension adequacy (₹1,000–₹5,000) may be insufficient for inflation-adjusted needs. Contribution burden on low-income households. High dropout risk when incomes fluctuate. Lack of financial awareness about long-term benefits. Opportunities Ahead Integration with gig economy workers. Linking with Nudges (auto-debit reminders, default enrolment). Enhancing pension amount through inflation-indexing (future reform potential). Multi-lingual digital campaigns for deeper state-level penetration. Conclusion APY represents India’s first scalable, contributory micro-pension system for informal workers. High women participation underlines the success of community-based mobilisation via SHGs. Strengthening APY is central to India’s future challenge of ageing and informal sector vulnerability.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 December 2025

Content NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (NAP-AMR 2.0, 2025-29) HEART-RESILIENT URBAN PLANNING (World Habitat Day 2025) NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (NAP-AMR 2.0, 2025-29) Why is it in News? India has released NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–29) at a time when AMR is expanding across human health, veterinary systems, aquaculture, agriculture, food chains and waste systems. It marks a shift from a “technical guidance document” to a governance-oriented, implementation-focused plan. Comes amid rising global concern: WHO estimates AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and significantly cut global GDP. India is among the largest consumers of antibiotics, with high rates of resistant pathogens such as Klebsiella, E. coli, MRSA. Relevance GS2 – Health Governance, Federalism Centre–State coordination issues. National Health Mission linkages. Regulatory gaps, private sector role. GS3 – Biotechnology, Environment, Agriculture One Health, food chain contamination. Wastewater surveillance, effluent management. Role of diagnostics and innovation. Practice Questions Critically examine whether NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–29) represents a meaningful governance shift from the 2017–21 AMR framework. Does it address India’s Centre–State coordination deficit effectively?(250 Words) What is AMR? Definition: Resistance developed by microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) against antimicrobial drugs. Major Drivers: Irrational prescriptions, over-the-counter antibiotic sales, poultry and dairy misuse, aquaculture antibiotics, hospital-acquired infections, pharmaceutical and hospital wastewater. Why AMR is a One Health Crisis Moves across humans–animals–environment linkages. Pathways include wastewater, soil, food chains, unregulated veterinary antibiotic use, aquaculture residues. India’s agriculture and livestock dependence amplifies cross-sector exposure. Evolution of India’s Action Plan: First NAP-AMR (2017-21) Achievements Introduced AMR as a national priority. Set up multi-sectoral frameworks; strengthened ICMR-lab networks. Improved surveillance; strengthened stewardship and awareness. Gaps Weak state-level uptake: Only 7 States drafted State Action Plans (Kerala, MP, Delhi, AP, Gujarat, Sikkim, Punjab). Implementation remained fragmented; One Health structures absent in most States. Key levers—health administration, veterinary oversight, pharmacy regulation—lie with States, limiting central enforcement. NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025-29): Key Features Stronger Governance Architecture National oversight placed under NITI Aayog through a Coordination and Monitoring Committee. Mandates every State/UT to set up State AMR Cells + prepare State Action Plans. National dashboard for real-time progress reporting. Deepened One Health Approach Integrates human health, veterinary, livestock, aquaculture, agricultural, food safety, waste management and environmental sectors. Focus on food-system pathways, environmental contamination, and wastewater surveillance. Science, Innovation and Technology Greater emphasis on: Rapid diagnostics Point-of-care testing Alternatives to antibiotics (phage therapy, probiotics, immunomodulators) Environmental monitoring tools Focus on R&D to reduce dependency on last-line antibiotics. Private Sector Engagement Recognizes that private sector contributes a major share of Indian healthcare. Focus on private hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, veterinary practitioners, poultry and aquaculture industries. Integrated Surveillance Harmonised AMR surveillance across: Human pathogens (ICMR) Veterinary (DAHD) Food safety (FSSAI) Environment (CPCB, SPCBs) Addresses earlier fragmentation of databases. Where NAP-AMR 2.0 Falls Short No Binding Mechanism for State Action States “expected” to create Plans, but: No statutory obligation No joint Centre-State review platform No mandated compliance No State accountability structure No Financial Pathway No conditional grants under NHM or earmarked funding streams. Without economic incentives, State participation historically remains low. Weak Political and Administrative Anchoring No mechanism like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, which uses: Joint monitoring missions Defined responsibilities Shared accountability AMR remains a technical plan, not a political priority. Why Implementation Is Difficult in India States control most AMR drivers: Hospital administration Pharmacy regulations Veterinary antibiotic use Agriculture & aquaculture antibiotic governance Waste systems, effluent norms Without a unified governance architecture, national plans cannot translate into field-level implementation. Way Forward 1. Centre–State AMR Council Chaired by Union Health Minister, with NITI Aayog coordination. Regular review cycles, joint accountability framework. 2. Mandatory State AMR Plans Formal Union government communication through Chief Secretaries. Annual review + notification timelines. 3. Conditional Funding NHM-linked grants for: Infection prevention Stewardship programmes Surveillance labs Regulatory strengthening 4. Unified National Dashboard Real-time tracking, publicly available performance indicators. Ensures transparency + nudges States. 5. Strengthening Veterinary and Food Systems Governance Strict regulation of animal antibiotics, especially critical antibiotics. Monitoring of antibiotic residues in food supply. HEART-RESILIENT URBAN PLANNING (World Habitat Day 2025) Why is it in News? On October 8, 2025, MoHUA observed World Habitat Day with the theme Urban Solutions to Crisis, highlighting PMAY-U and Smart Cities Mission. Experts flagged an emerging, less-discussed crisis: rapid rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes in urban India, with prevalence nearly double rural India and rising cases under age 50. Points to an urgent need for heart-resilient urban planning integrating health into land use, mobility, housing, and green infrastructure. Relevance GS1 – Urbanisation, Social Issues Impact of built environment on health. Inequities in access to healthcare/green space. GS2 – Governance, Policy, Urban Missions NUHM, Smart Cities, AMRUT. Fragmented urban governance and planning reforms. GS3 – Environment, Climate Change, Infrastructure PM2.5 pollution, heat islands, climate-resilient planning. Renewable energy, mobility transitions. Practice  Questions How is the built environment in urban India contributing to the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases? Suggest reforms grounded in global evidence. (250 Words) Basics: What is Heart-Resilient Urban Planning? Urban planning that reduces cardiovascular risk through: Walkability Green spaces Clean air Shorter commutes Stress-reducing built environments Equitable access to health services Integrates WHO’s Healthy Cities principles, environmental design, and preventive cardiology into urban governance. Urban India’s Cardiovascular Crisis: The Context CVDs now a leading cause of death in cities. Prevalence almost twice rural levels. Sharp increase among <50 years age group. Key drivers: Long commutes Sedentary lifestyles Air pollution (PM2.5) Heat stress Shrinking green cover Ultra-processed diets High stress, poor access to preventive care Healthcare distribution follows market logic, not population need, leading to underserved pockets. Current Urban Planning Issues (Problem Diagnosis) Fragmented planning: Transport, housing, health, and environment dispersed across agencies. Car-centric development: Expressways → long commutes, emissions, sedentary behaviour. Unplanned food environments: Fast-food clusters → unhealthy diet patterns. Urban heat islands: Concrete-heavy zones → higher cardiovascular stress. Healthcare inequity: Hospitals cluster in profitable areas; low-income areas underserved. Environmental hazards: PM2.5 triggers strokes and heart attacks Heatwaves worsen cardiac stress Poor water/waste systems worsen metabolic disorders Integrated Urban Planning: The Needed Shift Why Integration Works ? Cities shape behaviours: travel, exercise, diet, stress, exposure to pollution. Integrated planning reduces chronic disease risk by designing environments that support healthy living. Global Evidence WHO Healthy Cities Network: Cities that embed health in governance saw reductions in chronic disease burden. Evidence from Europe, Japan, and South America shows improved cardiac outcomes with green, compact, walkable planning. Pillars of Heart-Healthy, Resilient Urban Planning 1. Walkability & Active Mobility Safe footpaths, shaded walkways, cycle lanes, pedestrian-first zones. Reduces hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stress. 2. Green Infrastructure Tree-lined streets, parks, urban forests. Reduces heat, filters pollutants, lowers cardiac and respiratory risks. 3. Mixed Land Use (Compact Urban Form) Residential + commercial + recreational areas together. Cuts commute time; encourages biking, walking; reduces emissions. 4. Public Transport Systems Clean-energy mass transit (electric buses, metros). Encourages active mobility, reduces pollution and sedentary travel. 5. Healthy Food Ecosystem Local produce markets, community gardens. Restrictions on junk-food advertising. Promotes affordable, heart-friendly diets. Tackling Invisible Urban Health Threats Key Risks PM2.5 from vehicles/industry: Triggers heart attacks and arrhythmias. Urban heat islands: Raise cardiovascular stress and mortality. Toxic water/waste systems: Increase metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Mitigation Tools Tree cover expansion Renewable energy integration Smart water and waste systems Digital tools: AI-based heat mapping Air-quality sensors Citizen reporting platforms Equity as the Foundation Low-income communities face: Worst air pollution Least greenery Longest commutes Poor healthcare access Disease burden: 2.3× higher CVD rise among marginalised groups (India State-Level Disease Burden Study). Need for: Equity audits Community participation Avoiding “green gentrification” Prioritising vulnerable areas with targeted interventions Alignment With National Missions Integrates with: National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) Smart Cities Mission AMRUT Tobacco-Free Youth 3.0 ADB 2025 Urban Investment Plan ($10 billion) Creates city-level synergy around health, climate resilience, mobility, and sustainability. An Urban Turning Point: What Can Be Done Delhi: Shaded walking corridors linked with air-quality monitoring. Chennai: Cycling networks to reduce obesity among youth. Surat: Transit-oriented development lowering stress and emissions. Tier-2 cities: Compact neighbourhoods lowering long-term CVD risks. Policy Priorities Update planning curricula to include health impacts. Mandate digital health audits for all major projects. Inter-agency collaboration among MoHUA, Health Ministry, academia, civil society. Embed measurable health indicators in master plans.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 December 2025

Content Is the End of Progress Against Extreme Poverty Approaching? Pan Masala Cess and Higher Duties on Tobacco Products Why India Needs Bioremediation Can India Become Self-Reliant in Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Sanchar Saathi App Mandate by DoT Rising GPS Spoofing Incidents Near Indian Airports Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). Why Pollution Affects North Indian Cities More Than South & West Is it the end of progress against extreme poverty?  What Is Extreme Poverty? Defined by the World Bank as living on less than $2.15/day (2017 PPP). Core indicators: lack of food security, no access to sanitation, healthcare, electricity, education. Used globally to measure SDG-1 implementation. Relevance GS 1 – Society Global poverty trends, demographic transitions. Regional disparities (Asia vs Africa). Social indicators: education, health, inequality. GS 2 – International Relations / Social Justice SDG-1, SDG-10 performance. Role of institutions (World Bank, IMF, UN). Governance gaps in fragile states. GS 3 – Economy Growth–poverty elasticity. Structural transformation, employment, productivity. Climate vulnerability and conflict economics. Global poverty projections and economic stagnation in Africa. What Has Happened Since 1990? (Global Background) 1990: 2.3 billion people in extreme poverty. 2024: Decline by 1.5 billion, one of the largest improvements in human history. Drivers: Rapid Asian growth (China, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh). Structural transformation (manufacturing, urbanisation). Trade integration. Why Rapid Decline Is Slowing Now In the 1990s, most poor people lived in fast-growing Asian economies. Today, most extremely poor live in stagnating African economies (Madagascar, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Burundi, CAR). GDP per capita in these countries has not grown for decades. Projections (World Bank + IMF) A. Up to 2030 Extreme poor decline from 831 million (2025) to 793 million (2030). Decline modest; nowhere close to earlier pace. B. After 2030 Reversal begins: number starts rising due to: Stagnant African economies High fertility Climate vulnerability Weak state capacity C. Geographic shift 1990: Most poor in Asia. 2024–2040: Majority in Sub-Saharan Africa. Why Progress Is Stalling ? Economic stagnation in core African states (per capita income same as 1950 in Madagascar). Mean incomes below poverty line → redistribution alone cannot eliminate poverty. Population growth outpacing economic growth. Climate shocks and conflicts. Weak human capital: low productivity, poor education, poor health. How Latin American Countries Fit Into This Picture (Panama, Bolivia, Mexico, Brazil) A. Mexico Middle-income country with moderate poverty reduction. Extreme poverty dropped significantly 1990–2015; stagnated thereafter. Drivers: Manufacturing-based growth (NAFTA) Social transfer programmes (Oportunidades) Challenges: Regional disparity (South vs North) Crime, informality Slow post-2015 GDP growth B. Brazil Major decline in extreme poverty 2003–2014 (Bolsa Família, commodity boom). Recent stagnation due to: Political instability Low productivity Commodity cycle downturn Still far ahead of Africa; baseline poverty much lower. C. Panama One of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies; extreme poverty declined sharply (Canal services, logistics). Challenges: High inequality Indigenous-region poverty pockets remain. D. Bolivia Poverty reduction since 2005 due to: Hydrocarbon boom Cash transfer schemes But growth slowdown post-2014 → stagnation. Still better trajectory than African stagnators but not Asian-style high growth. Overall Latin America Trend No stagnation as deep as Africa, but insufficient growth to replicate Asian-style poverty elimination. Inequality a persistent drag across region. Chart Logic Explained (Charts 1A–1D & Chart 2) Charts 1A & 1B (High-growth Asian countries) China, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh → large initial poverty shares (>60%) Rapid GDP/capita rise → large decline (<10%). Charts 1C (Latin America – e.g., Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Panama) Lower initial extreme poverty. Reduction is slower because: Growth moderate, not explosive. Inequality high. Poverty is more structural, less mass-extreme. Charts 1D (African stagnators) DR Congo, Malawi, Burundi, CAR, Mozambique GDP/capita stagnant for decades. Extreme poverty remains >50%. Chart 2 (Projections to 2040) Shows a break from past trend: Decline until 2030 Rise afterward Latin America stays low-extreme-poverty but not driving global reduction. Asia essentially exits extreme poverty. Africa drives global numbers upward. Key Insight: Redistribution vs Growth Countries like Madagascar, DR Congo: Mean income < poverty line Even perfect redistribution keeps everyone poor Only sustained GDP growth can eliminate extreme poverty. Why Future Looks Different From Past Earlier gains came from countries that were poor but grew rapidly. Now most extremely poor live in countries with: Very low state capacity Fragile institutions Climate vulnerability Conflict Weak human capital Without structural transformation, the poverty trap deepens. Implications for SDGs SDG-1 (End Poverty by 2030) will not be met. SDG-10 (Inequality) becoming more central. Africa becomes global development priority. Policy Lessons Growth-first strategy essential in low-income countries. Need strong investment in: Education Health Agricultural productivity Climate resilience Governance reforms Redistribution works only after basic growth begins. PAN MASALA CESS & HIGHER DUTIES ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS   Why Is This in News? The Union Government introduced two new Bills in Parliament: Health Security Cess Bill, 2025 Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Objective: Replace the soon-ending GST Compensation Cess on tobacco with new revenue streams and bring pan masala manufacture under tighter fiscal regulation. Context: GST compensation cess on tobacco to discontinue after repayment of COVID-era borrowings. Relevance GS 2 – Governance / Polity Fiscal federalism: Centre–State financial relations. Legislative process (Bills introduced in Parliament). Public health as a State subject; non-shareable cess debate. GS 3 – Economy / Public Health Pigouvian taxes. Sin goods taxation and behavioural economics. Revenue mobilisation post-GST cess sunset. Illicit trade, compliance, machine-based excise monitoring. Basics GST Compensation Cess (2017–present) Levied on sin goods: tobacco, aerated drinks, coal, pan masala, etc. Purpose: Compensate States for revenue loss due to GST rollout. Compensation tenure: 5 years (2017–2022), extended to repay loans taken during COVID years due to shortfall. Tobacco & pan masala: High-elasticity sin goods used for revenue + public health control. Key Features of the New Bills A. Health Security Cess Bill, 2025 Introduces a new cess on tobacco products. Purpose: Replace GST compensation cess as it sunsets. Generate earmarked funds for health and national security. Target of levy: Machines installed or processes undertaken in pan masala and similar harmful product manufacturing. B. Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Enhances excise duty on tobacco products. Reconfigures the tax framework to ensure: Continuous revenue after GST compensation cess ends. Stabilisation of the tax base for sin goods. Rationale Behind the Move Fiscal Rationale GST compensation cess on tobacco is ending, but: COVID-era borrowings still being repaid. Tobacco is a high-yield, low-compliance-elasticity sector: Ensures steady revenue. Pan masala sector has high evasion risk: Machine-based cess improves traceability and compliance. Public Health Rationale Tobacco-related deaths in India: ~1.3 million annually. Pan masala very high in carcinogens (areca nut). Higher taxes = reduced affordability, especially among youth. Governance Rationale Machine-based cess on pan masala aligns with: FMCG excise surveillance model (packaging line tracking). Anti-evasion efforts used earlier (pre-GST) under the Pan Masala Packing Machines Rules. Economic & Policy Implications For Centre–State Fiscal Dynamics Signals the final drawdown of GST compensation. States lose a predictable revenue stream; Centre creates a new central cess (non-shareable with States). For Industry Higher duties raise production costs for: Cigarettes Chewing tobacco Pan masala Likely impacts: Increased MRP Reduced consumption Pushback from industry lobbies For Public Health WHO recommends a minimum 75% tax share in retail price of tobacco. India’s effective burden still < 60% for many tobacco forms. New cess + increased excise brings India closer to global health norms. For GST Architecture Marks a shift from compensation cess to purpose-specific cesses. Raises debate on: Fragmenting GST into multiple cesses. Compliance burden on industries. Fiscal federalism concerns.  Political & Parliamentary Context Bills introduced amid Opposition sloganeering on unrelated political issues. Winter Session traditionally used for major tax reforms. Lok Sabha simultaneously passed the Manipur GST Amendment Bill, reflecting a focussed GST reform push. Challenges & Criticisms States may resent loss of compensation-related certainty. Health cess not shared with States despite health being a State subject. Risk of increasing illegal/unregulated tobacco trade. Pan masala manufacturers may shift to unregistered, small units to evade machine-based cess. Value Addition (Data + Concepts) India is second-largest tobacco consumer globally. Economic cost of tobacco use: 1% of GDP (ICMR estimate). Sin taxes follow Pigouvian taxation principles. Why does India need bioremediation? Why Is It in News? Rising concern over pollution load from human waste, untreated sewage, industrial effluents, oil spills, and heavy metals. Rivers such as Ganga and Yamuna continue to receive untreated discharges despite improvements. Government and scientific bodies pushing bioremediation as a scalable, low-cost, sustainable alternative to traditional clean-up technologies. India evaluating national standards, biosafety norms, and GM microbe regulation to support bioremediation expansion. Growing interest as part of Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, Clean Technology Programme, and global green technology trends. Relevance GS 1 – Geography / Environment Soil degradation, river pollution, land contamination. Environmental hotspots (Ganga, Yamuna, mining belts). GS 2 – Governance Regulatory gaps: biosafety norms, GM microbe rules. Centre–State urban waste management responsibilities. What Is Bioremediation? Use of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae), plants, or microbial enzymes to degrade, detoxify, or immobilise pollutants. Converts toxic substances (oil, pesticides, plastics, heavy metals) into harmless by-products like CO₂, water, organic acids. Works through microbial metabolism where pollutants become energy or nutrient sources. Types of Bioremediation In situ: Treatment at the contaminated site Oil-eating bacteria sprayed on ocean spills Bioventing, biosparging for soil Ex situ: Contaminated material removed and treated elsewhere Bioreactors, biopiles, land farming Modern versions: GM microbes designed to tackle plastics, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants Nanobioremediation combining nanomaterials with microbes Why Does India Need Bioremediation? Severe pollution burden Ganga and Yamuna receive large volumes of untreated sewage Industrial hotspots contaminated with heavy metals, hydrocarbons, solvents Traditional methods costly Physico-chemical methods generate secondary waste, require high energy Bioremediation advantages Cheaper, scalable, energy-efficient Utilises India’s microbial biodiversity Ideal for diffuse, large-area contamination Environment–health concerns Oil leaks, pesticide residues, endocrine disruptors Contaminated soil reducing agricultural productivity Rural–urban waste surge Landfills (e.g., Mittanaganahalli, Bengaluru) facing persistent organic loads Where India Stands ? Research ecosystem increasing DBT’s Clean Technology Programme NEERI’s mandate for bioremediation solutions IITs developing novel materials (cotton nanocomposite for oil spills) Indigenous bacteria identified to break down pesticides, dyes, hydrocarbons Growing industry participation BCIL, Econirmal Biotech offering microbial formulations Gaps Fragmented standards Limited site-specific microbial data Pollutants often mixed and complex Regulatory ambiguity on GM organisms Limited trained personnel International Experience Japan Integrates plant-microbe systems into municipal waste treatment Bioremediation used to restore urban brownfields European Union Cross-country collaborations for oil spill clean-up Microbial mining waste restoration under Horizon programmes China Bioremediation embedded in soil pollution control laws Genetically improved bacteria used to restore industrial wastelands Global Trend Shift towards biotechnology-driven environmental restoration Increased use of GM microbes with strict biosafety layers Opportunities for India River restoration: Yamuna, Ganga, Damodar, Musi Land reclamation: mining-affected areas, landfill remediation Industrial clean-up: petrochemical zones, tanneries, textile clusters Job creation: biotechnology, environmental engineering, monitoring Integration with national missions: Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, waste-to-wealth Key Risks GM organisms in open environments Potential for unintended ecological shifts Risk of horizontal gene transfer Inadequate testing/oversight New problems can emerge if microbes behave unpredictably Public distrust Misconceptions around GM microbes Regulatory gaps Need new biosafety guidelines Certification and monitoring systems insufficient What India Should Do Next ? Develop national standards Protocols for microbial applications Testing, certification, and monitoring frameworks Establish regional bioremediation hubs Universities–industry–local govt partnerships Region-specific microbial libraries Public engagement Awareness campaigns to build trust Community participation in river and soil clean-up Expand R&D Indigenous GM strains adapted to Indian conditions Nanobioremediation for persistent pollutants Strengthen biosafety regulation Clear rules for environmental release of GM microbes Can India become self-reliant in REE production?  Why is it in News? Union Cabinet approved a ₹7,280-crore scheme to establish integrated REPM manufacturing facilities in India. Aim: Convert rare earth oxides → metals → alloys → permanent magnets, reducing import dependence. Announcement comes as China tightens export controls on rare earth elements (REEs) and magnets, disrupting global supply chains. Relevance GS 1 – Geography Mineral distribution in India (monazite sands: TN, Kerala, Odisha). Resource geography and strategic minerals. GS 2 – International Relations Strategic minerals in geopolitics (US–China tech war). Global supply chain dependencies. Critical minerals alliances with Japan, US, EU. GS 3 – Science & Tech Metallurgy, magnet technology, refining and separation tech. REPM (NdFeB) magnet ecosystem. What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Group of 17 elements: 15 lanthanides + Scandium + Yttrium. Properties: High magnetic strength, heat resistance, conductivity. Applications: EV motors Wind turbine generators Electronics and semiconductors Defence systems (missiles, radars, avionics) Smartphones, hard drives REEs are relatively abundant, but extraction is costly, energy-intensive, and polluting. China’s Dominance: Extent and Strategy 70% of global production, 90% of global processing, but only 30% of known reserves. Controls entire value chain: mining → processing → magnet manufacturing. Tools of dominance: 2009: Export quotas → struck down by WTO in 2015. 2020: Restricted graphite exports. 2021: Export licensing to control downstream industries. 2024-25: Export restrictions on 7 rare earths and finished magnets. Impact on industries: EV makers worst affected, followed by electronics & defence. Part of broader US–China trade and tech war. Why India is Prioritising REEs? REEs are critical for: Electric mobility (EV motors = NdFeB magnets) Renewables (wind turbines) Electronics manufacturing Defence and space systems India’s situation: Imports 53,000+ MT of REE magnets (FY 2024-25). Holds ~8% of global REE reserves, mainly monazite sands (TN, Kerala, Odisha, Andhra). Produces less than 1% of global REEs. Government Moves Toward Self-Reliance New ₹7,280-crore REPM scheme Supports end-to-end magnet manufacturing. Aim: Create India’s first complete rare-earth magnet supply chain. National Critical Mineral Mission (2024–2031) Total outlay: ₹34,300 crore (₹16,300 crore approved Jan 2024). Focus areas: Exploration Processing Refining Recycling (end-of-life electronics) Mining reforms Private sector allowed entry since August 2023. Auctions of REE-rich blocks in progress. Structural Challenges for India Refining and separation infrastructure absent (core of China’s strength). Skill gaps in metallurgy, material sciences, precision magnet making. Regulatory hurdles: environmental approvals, slow exploration licensing. Long gestation period: 5–8 years for full supply chain maturation. Opportunities India Can Leverage Large monazite deposits rich in Neodymium (Nd) → essential for permanent magnets. Growing ecosystem of magnet recycling from e-waste. Global diversification push away from China → aligns with India’s manufacturing ambitions. Strategic potential: Reduce dependence in EVs, defence, electronics. Build partnerships with Japan, US, EU (who are all seeking non-China REE suppliers). Strategic Significance Economic dimension Reduces import bill for magnets & REEs. Boosts Make in India for EVs, electronics, renewables. High-value segment: REPMs (NdFeB magnets) are 10x more valuable than raw REE oxides. Geopolitical dimension Counters China’s resource weaponisation tactics. Strengthens India’s role in global critical minerals alliances (Indo-Pacific partnerships). Security dimension Defence systems—from missile guidance to electronic warfare—depend on REPMs. Reducing vulnerability enhances strategic autonomy. Environmental dimension Domestic production necessitates safe mining + environmentally sound refining. Recycling can reduce pollution and import dependence simultaneously. Conclusion REEs are indispensable for modern technology; China dominates supply chains. India has reserves but lacks extraction–processing–magnet manufacturing capacities. The ₹7,280-cr scheme + National Critical Minerals Mission aim to build self-reliance. Success depends on deregulation, infrastructure, skilled workforce, and global collaboration. Sanchar Saathi app must be pre-installed on phones: DoT Why is it in News? Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ordered all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold from March 2026. Manufacturers must ensure the app cannot be disabled or restricted. Move follows rising concerns about IMEI tampering, SIM misuse, cross-border digital frauds, and second-hand phone black markets. Relevance GS 2 – Governance Regulatory power of DoT. Device-level regulation, digital governance. Privacy vs security debate. Mandatory pre-installation and consumer rights. GS 3 – Internal Security / Cybersecurity IMEI tampering, SIM fraud, digital impersonation scams. CEIR integration for stolen device tracking. Telecom security architecture strengthening. What is Sanchar Saathi? Launched in 2023 as a portal; later developed into a mobile app. Provides services via CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register). Core functions: Check mobile connections issued in your name. Report scam calls, financial fraud attempts. Identify and report IMEI tampering. Block, track, and remotely disable stolen/lost devices. Prevent re-activation of stolen phones using new SIMs. What Has the Government Ordered Now? Mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi on all phones sold after March 2026. Manufacturers must ensure no disabling, no removal, and no restriction of functions. Objective: Verify authenticity of IMEIs. Prevent second-hand market fraud, resale of stolen/blacklisted phones. Curb scam calls, cross-border digital fraud operations. Why This Mandate? Rising Telecom Security Threats IMEI tampering Single IMEI used simultaneously on multiple devices. Makes legal action, tracing, and blacklisting difficult. Cross-border digital fraud Fraudsters use Indian numbers abroad even after the original SIM is removed. Enables government impersonation scams, “digital arrest” frauds, UPI extortion attempts. Second-hand smartphone black market India has one of the world’s biggest used-phone markets. Stolen/blacklisted phones resold → buyers unknowingly become legal abettors. Cybercrime explosion Over 2.48 lakh complaints on Sanchar Saathi. Over 2.9 crore requests to check mobile connections linked to users. In October alone, 50,000 lost/stolen devices recovered via the app. Technical Layer: IMEI Authentication Push Device IMEI must match the one registered on the telecom network. Sanchar Saathi + CEIR enables: Real-time detection of tampered/spoofed IMEI. Auto-blocking of cloned devices. Permanent blacklisting of stolen phones. What About Privacy Concerns? DoT claims: The app collects no user data (as per Google Play declaration). Only helps verify IMEI and SIM-linkage. However: Pre-installation without option to disable → risk of perceived surveillance. Unclear whether the app will auto-access IMEI or require manual input. Past concerns: Apple earlier resisted mandatory pre-installed TRAI DND app due to permissions (access to SMS/call logs). Industry Reaction & Global Context Smartphone makers typically resist government-mandated apps. Apple has protested similar mandates in India before. Internationally, tech firms resist “bloatware” and privacy-sensitive pre-loads. The 2026 mandate may cause: Industrial pushback Negotiations on permissions Possible technical challenges for foreign OEMs Governance & Regulatory Perspective DoT’s rationale SIM-binding + IMEI-verification essential to: Eliminate anonymous numbers. Reduce cross-border scam ecosystems. Improve national telecom security architecture. Target outcome Unified system connecting device (IMEI), SIM, user identity, and operator’s network. A core element of India’s cyber-fraud prevention strategy. Benefits Expected Reduced resale of stolen phones. Faster recovery of lost devices. Curbing large-scale OTP, UPI, and impersonation scams. Greater transparency in second-hand sales. Strengthened digital public infrastructure security. Challenges Ahead Manufacturer resistance (Android & iOS). Potential privacy debates. Usability issues if app requires repeated verification. Risk of government overreach perception. Ensuring app does not become a surveillance pipeline. Overall Significance  Strengthens India’s telecom cybersecurity ecosystem. Part of the trend toward device-level and SIM-level regulation. Linked to larger frameworks: CEIR Digital India National Cyber Security Strategy (pending) Shows government’s increasing focus on fraud prevention and digital trust Rising GPS Spoofing Incidents Near Indian Airports Why is is in News? Multiple instances of GPS spoofing and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference have been reported near major Indian airports. Delhi airport saw repeated spoofing incidents, with similar reports from Kolkata, Amritsar, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai. Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Parliament that the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) has been directed to identify the source of interference/spoofing. These incidents pose a serious aviation safety risk, prompting DGCA and AAI to mandate reporting of any such events. Relevance GS 1 – Geography GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou). Satellite signal vulnerabilities in dense airspace. GS 2 – Governance / IR Civil aviation regulation by DGCA, AAI. Cross-border interference and geopolitical angle. GS 3 – Internal Security / Cybersecurity Electronic warfare, jamming, spoofing. Aviation cyber risks and national security. Protection of critical infrastructure. What is GPS Spoofing? GPS spoofing = broadcasting fake GPS signals stronger than the real satellite signals. Aircraft navigation systems may lock onto counterfeit coordinates, causing incorrect: Position Altitude Speed Flight path Creates dangerous navigation deviations, especially during approach and landing. What is GNSS Interference? GNSS = GPS + other satellite systems (GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou). Interference includes: Jamming: blocking signal reception. Spoofing: altering positional data. Both severely impact aviation safety, particularly in low-visibility or conflict zones. What’s Happening in India? Delhi airport reported multiple GPS spoofing events, especially near Runway 10. Fake signals appear during approach and landing, when precision is critical. Other airports (Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Amritsar) also reported similar patterns. November saw unusually high number of events around IGI Airport. Why is This Dangerous? Direct risks Incorrect aircraft position → flight deviations. Confusion between runways/flight paths. Possible near-miss or runway excursions. Overreliance on GNSS makes aircraft vulnerable. Indirect risks Increased pilot workload. Potential exploitation by cyber actors during geopolitical tensions. Compromised ATC situational awareness. Government & Regulatory Response DGCA Made reporting of spoofing mandatory since 2023. Working with AAI to enhance detection networks. AAI Monitoring interference near Delhi and other airports. Engaging with WMO to trace source. DoT/WMO Mobilised resources to locate approximate spoofing location. Investigating signal strength, direction, timestamps. Airlines & Pilots Instructed to report incidents immediately. Asked to maintain heightened situational vigilance. Possible Sources of Spoofing (Experts’ View) Rogue personal or commercial jammers. Cross-border interference drift. Criminal networks using spoofers for evasion. Malicious cyber actors (ransomware/malware targeting aviation infrastructure). Faulty or misconfigured commercial GNSS repeaters. No official source has been identified yet. Global Context GPS spoofing has risen worldwide: Middle East conflict zones Russia–Ukraine war China and South-East Asia maritime regions Civil aviation globally is increasingly vulnerable. ICAO has warned of “GNSS-denied environments” becoming common in geopolitically sensitive areas. Why India is More Vulnerable ? High-density aviation routes. Heavily GNSS-dependent landing procedures (RNP/GLS). Growing electronic warfare capabilities in neighbourhood. Widespread availability of cheap spoofers online. Technical & Security Measures Needed Deploy GNSS interference monitoring stations around airports. Integrate RAIM, SBAS, and inertial navigation fallback systems. Combine radar + ADS-B + multilateration for redundancy. Strict DoT controls on illegal RF devices. Cybersecurity upgrades across airports and ATC. Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). Why is it in News? The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹7,280-crore scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). The scheme aims to set up integrated facilities that convert rare earth oxides → metals → alloys → finished magnets, reducing India’s overwhelming dependence on Chinese imports. This comes amid China’s continued control over global REE supply chains, periodic export restrictions, and rising global demand from EVs, wind energy, electronics, robotics, defence.  Relevance GS-3: Economy & Infrastructure Critical minerals Strategic industries Import substitution GS-3: Science & Technology Advanced materials Metallurgy Magnetic technologies GS-2: International Relations Supply-chain resilience India–China trade dependencies Quad critical mineral collaboration What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? A group of 17 elements including lanthanides + scandium + yttrium. Known for: High magnetic strength High melting point Excellent conductivity REPMs (e.g., Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB)) are critical to: EV motors Wind turbines Electronics Defence systems (missiles, radars) Robotics and drones Why Does India Need REPM Manufacturing Now? Massive Import Dependence India imports nearly all REPMs, especially from China, despite having 8% of global REE reserves. In 2024–25 India imported ~53,000 tonnes of REPMs, over 90% from China. Domestic REE output is <1% of global production. Rising Domestic Demand Demand projected to rise sharply due to: Renewable energy expansion EV ecosystem growth Defence manufacturing Electronics PLI schemes Expected consumption to double by 2030. Strategic Vulnerability China controls: 70% of REE production 90% of global processing and magnet manufacturing Has repeatedly restricted exports (2009, 2020, 2023, 2024), hurting global supply chains. What Does the New ₹7,280-crore REPM Scheme Do? Key Features Supports 6,000 MT annual REPM production capacity (MT/PA). Five beneficiaries to be chosen through competitive bidding. Will offer: Capex support up to ₹6,450 crore 75% subsidy for setting up integrated REPM facilities Focus on integrated operations, i.e., processing from oxides → metals → alloys → magnets within India. Outcome Sought Reduce Chinese import dependence. Build domestic supply chains for EVs, defence, renewable energy. Upgrade India’s metallurgical and materials-science ecosystem. India’s Current Position Strengths Strong monazite reserves (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala). Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) produces some oxides (Nd, Pr, Dy). Growing private sector interest in magnet recycling. Weaknesses No large-scale REPM manufacturing capacity. Refining, metallisation and alloying infrastructure is minimal. High entry-barriers: Cost of plant Technical know-how Skilled manpower Tight global intellectual property ecosystem China’s aggressive pricing makes competition very difficult. The China Factor How China Built Dominance State-supported mining, refining, and manufacturing. Integrated supply chains linking mining → oxides → metals → alloys → magnets. Low-cost production + subsidies. Heavy rare-earth technologies tightly controlled. China’s Leverage REEs used as a geopolitical tool—export controls imposed during trade tensions with: U.S. Japan Taiwan Europe Magnets are central to China’s grip on EVs, electronics, and defence manufacturing. How India Plans to Bridge the Gap ? Domestic Initiatives National Critical Mineral Mission (2024). Funding for exploration and mineral mapping. Mining block auctions (lithium, REEs). Magnet recycling initiatives (urban mining). Collaboration with Japan, Australia, U.S. on critical minerals. Required Steps for Self-Reliance Build refining and metallisation capacity. Incentivise private players and joint ventures. Increase IREL capacity + technology partnerships. Create a full supply chain reducing foreign dependence.  Challenges Ahead High cost vs China’s subsidised pricing. Environmental concerns in mining/refining. Technological complexity in magnet production. Long gestation periods for mines (7–10 years). Need for advanced materials-science R&D and IP development. Why Pollution Affects North Indian Cities More Than South & West Why is it in News? A new analysis by Climate Trends (2025) covering 15 major Indian cities (2015–2025) finds: No city recorded safe air quality (AQI < 50). Delhi remains the most polluted city across 10 years. Pollution shows a regional pattern: north India worst, south-west relatively better. Persistent high PM levels in north; annual best AQI in Chennai & Mumbai. Relevance GS 1: Urbanisation Urban heat island effect Population density and air quality impact GS 2: Governance Air quality governance gaps NCR states’ coordination failures GS 3: Environment AQI trends Climate–pollution interactions Geographic determinants of pollution Winter inversion, Indo-Gangetic Plain dynamics What is AQI & Why It Matters? Air Quality Index (AQI) categorises air quality from 0–500: 0–50: Good 51–100: Satisfactory 101–200: Moderate 201–300: Poor 301–400: Very Poor 401–500: Severe The study uses annual mean AQI—a more reliable long-term pollution indicator than daily spikes. Overall Air Quality Performance Delhi’s annual mean AQI: Highest in 2016 (over 250) Slight improvement after 2019 Still remains in poor–very poor category In 2025 (so far): Delhi AQI ~180–190 Lucknow, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Pune: also experienced prolonged poor AQ levels North Indian Cities Perform the Worst Six cities—Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Noida, Ghaziabad—consistently show high PM2.5 & AQI deterioration, especially winter. Annual best AQI never enters “good” or even “satisfactory” range. South & West Indian Cities Perform Better Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam show: Better mean AQI levels (120–140 range) More stable improvement post-2019 But they still fall short of clean air standards. City-Level Variations Chennai & Mumbai: best annual quality among all 15 cities Bengaluru: did not record safe annual AQI even once but still far cleaner than north Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai saw AQI improvements from 800 → 140 days of good-moderate air. Why North Is More Polluted: Geographic & Climatic Factors  1. Indo-Gangetic Plain Topography North India is landlocked, unlike coastal south/west. Bordered by the Himalayas in the north, preventing dispersion of pollutants. Creates a “pollution bowl” where PM2.5 gets trapped. 2. Winter Inversion + Cold, Dry Air Winter causes thermal (temperature) inversion: The layer of warm air sits above cold air near the surface Acts as a lid, trapping pollutants Result: Smog, stagnation, prolonged pollution episodes. 3. Dust Load + Biomass Burning Indo-Gangetic belt has heavy soil dust, crop residue burning, brick kilns, industrial clusters. 4. Weak Wind Speeds North experiences slow winds in winter; lack of sea breezes. This reduces pollutant flushing. Why South & West Perform Better ? Coastal cities (Chennai, Mumbai): Sea breeze circulation disperses pollutants Higher humidity and cleaner marine air reduce dust Less temperature inversion Fewer winter smog events Lesser biomass burning and lower dust aerosol load Structural Factors Adding to North’s Problem Dense urban structure → “surface roughness” that slows wind dispersion High vehicle density More industrial clusters High secondary aerosol formation in winter

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 01 December 2025

Content India Finishes Strong at WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025  Aradhana Event for Senior Citizens  India Finishes Strong at WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025  Why is it in News? India secured 8th rank in its first-ever participation at the WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025. Medal haul: 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, 3 Medallions of Excellence. Strong performance in both traditional and emerging tech skills. Significant contribution by women competitors, highlighting gender inclusion in India’s skilling ecosystem. Relevance GS 2 – Governance, Education, Social Justice Skilling policy, vocational training reforms (PMKVY, SANKALP, STRIVE). Globalisation of education and international mobility. Gender empowerment in non-traditional domains. GS 3 – Economy, Employment, Innovation Future of work, Industry 4.0 skill requirements. Boost to industrial productivity and innovation capacities. Human capital development as a driver of economic growth. What is WorldSkills Asia? Continental-level skills competition, part of the global WorldSkills movement. Brings together youth (typically aged 17–25) from Asia to compete in skill-based trades aligned to global industry standards. Skills span across: Construction & Building Technology IT & Digital Skills Creative Arts & Design Manufacturing & Engineering Social & Personal Services Acts as a benchmark for skill readiness, innovation, and workforce competitiveness. Key Details of WSAC 2025 Venue: 3rd edition; included 500+ competitors, 44 skill categories, 29 countries. Promotes education mobility, industry–academia linkages, and global exposure for youth. India participated with: 23 competitors 21 experts 21 skill areas India’s Performance Rank: 8th among 29 nations (first-ever entry). Medals won: Silver – Painting & Decorating (Muskan) Bronze – Industrial Design Technology (Komal Panda) Bronze – Robot System Integration (Shivam Singh & Dinesh R) Medallions of Excellence: Software Application Development – Mohamed Mafaz P R Web Technologies – Aditya Nandan Electrical Installations – Dhanush M G Strong gender representation: Women emerged as top performers, dominating medal tally. Significance of India’s Achievement Validates India’s skilling ecosystem led by MSDE, NSDC, Sector Skill Councils. Demonstrates India’s competitiveness in Industry 4.0 skills (robotics, software, design tech). Strengthens India’s claim to become a global skilled-talent hub. Enhances soft power through global talent mobility and international cooperation. Encourages adoption of global standards in vocational education and training (VET). Why This Matters for India’s Economy ? Talent supply for high-growth sectors: AI, robotics, automation, mechatronics, digital design. Boost to domestic manufacturing under Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat. Supports India’s demographic dividend by converting youth into globally employable talent. Enhances competitiveness in global services value chains. Encourages greater industry involvement in skill-building. Institutional Architecture Involved Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) – policy leadership. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) – training, coordination, global partnerships. IndiaSkills Competition – national-level selection platform. Sector Skill Councils – industry-led standards, curriculum, assessment. Academic + Technical Partners – IITs, ITIs, polytechnics, private training labs. Conclusion Women-led performance shows shifting social norms and rise of women in STEM, non-traditional trades. Builds momentum for gender-inclusive skilling under Skill India Mission. Encourages more states to promote vocational training in schools and colleges. Aradhana Event for Senior Citizens  Why is it in News? The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment organised “Aradhana”, a cultural event for senior citizens on 28 November 2025 at DIAC, New Delhi. Objective: Promote active ageing and intergenerational bonding under the ongoing celebrations of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2025. Theme: “अनुभव से ऊर्जा तक” (From Experience to Energy). Relevance GS 1 – Society Changing family structures; elderly care. Intergenerational relations. Role of art, culture in social cohesion. GS 2 – Governance, Social Justice Elderly welfare policies. Constitutional duties of the State. MWPSC Act 2007. Schemes for vulnerable sections. Senior Citizens & Policy Context A senior citizen as per MWPSC Act 2007: A person aged 60 years or above. Article 41 of the Constitution: State shall provide public assistance for citizens in old age. India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition → ageing population increasing sharply. Purpose of the Event Encourage active ageing through cultural expression. Build intergenerational connections among elders, youth, and children. Celebrate artistic contributions of older persons. India’s Ageing Profile – Data Census 2011: 10 crore senior citizens. Projection for 2036: 22 crore (Double in 25 years). Share of elderly population rising due to: Increased life expectancy Falling fertility rate Improved healthcare Significance of the Event Promotes active ageing: Engaging seniors physically, mentally, emotionally. Encourages participation in community and cultural life. Strengthens intergenerational bonding: Youth understand the wisdom of elders. Seniors feel valued and socially connected. Reinforces inclusive social policy: Aligns with global frameworks like UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). Advances India’s vision for age-friendly communities. Enhances social cohesion: Brings together government, NGOs, citizens, and youth on a common platform. Policy & Legal Framework Constitutional Basis: Article 41 – assistance in old age. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act): Ensures maintenance, welfare, and protection of elderly. Mandates children/relatives to support dependent parents. Provides for old-age homes in every district. Central Sector Schemes: IGNOAPS (under NSAP) Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) – aids & assistive devices National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC) – 14567 Senior Citizen Welfare Fund Elderline, Day Care Centres, Senior Citizen Homes Institutional Architecture: DoSJE as nodal ministry State social welfare departments NGOs & civil society partners Why Such Events Are Important for India ? India is becoming an ageing society → requires active ageing strategies, not just welfare. Helps reduce: Social isolation Elder abuse Depression & inactivity Supports healthy ageing: autonomy, dignity, and productivity. Promotes cultural integration between seniors and younger generations.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 01 December 2025

Content As Parliament Reconvenes, Let’s Ask Why Legislature Is in Retreat  Political Representation of Animals As Parliament Reconvenes, Let’s Ask Why Legislature Is in Retreat  Why is it in News? Editorials highlighting a deepening institutional crisis: the weakening of the Parliament, erosion of legislative oversight, and rising executive dominance. Comes at a time when the Parliament reconvenes amid concerns over shrinking sittings, weak scrutiny, anti-defection law distortions, and declining parliamentary debate. The piece questions whether India’s parliamentary democracy is shifting from a Westminster-style balance to an executive-centered monologue. Relevance GS 2 – Polity & Constitution Separation of powers. Parliamentary functioning & reforms. Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule). Legislative oversight mechanisms. Decline of deliberative democracy. GS 2 – Governance Executive accountability. Role of Opposition. Strengthening institutions. Practice Questions  The Indian Parliament is witnessing a long-term decline in deliberation and oversight. Critically examine the institutional and political factors responsible.(250 Words) Westminster Model & Indian Parliament Westminster model principles: Executive is accountable to the legislature. Legislature ensures oversight, scrutiny, and debate. In India: Parliament = Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha + President. Core functions: lawmaking, budget approval, executive oversight, debate. Key accountability instruments: Question Hour Zero Hour Standing Committees Privileges & motions (censure, no-confidence, adjournment) Key Issues Highlighted in the Article Decline in Parliamentary Sittings First Lok Sabha: 135 sittings/year (1952–1957). 17th Lok Sabha: ~55 sittings/year. Impact: Shrinks deliberation time. Reduces scrutiny of laws, budgets, and executive actions. Weakens democratic accountability. Executive Dominance Over Legislature Govt dismisses or bypasses Opposition motions. Bills passed with minimal discussion or in minutes. Significant laws enacted as Money Bills → avoids Rajya Sabha scrutiny. Ordinance route used frequently. Anti-defection Law Weakening Legislatures Intended to prevent horse-trading. Now suppresses legislative independence. MPs/MLAs vote as party dictates, not conscience. Parliamentarians reduced to “numbers” rather than active deliberators. Decline of Question Hour & Zero Hour First casualties in many sessions. Question Hour is the only time the executive is directly accountable. Cancellation/curtailment → weakens transparency. Weakening of Parliamentary Committees Fewer bills sent to committees. Committees, supposed to be spaces for bipartisan expert scrutiny, now bypassed frequently. Growing Political Intolerance Opposition reduced to disruption rather than debate. Govt opting for speedy passage rather than engagement. Leads to mutual distrust and a hollowed-out legislature. Misuse of Expulsion and Suspension Increasing numbers of Opposition MPs suspended in recent sessions. Expulsion used as a political tool, disrupting balance. Erosion of Constitutional Conventions British model relied heavily on unwritten conventions (e.g., ministerial responsibility). Indian practice drifting toward: Maximal control by the executive. Minimal space for opposition. Decline of conventions into partisan practices. Comparative Perspective UK Parliament PM’s Questions: weekly direct accountability. Strong committee system: ministers regularly testify. US Congress Congressional committees have real investigative powers. Separation of powers enforces robust checks. Australia & Canada Strong traditions of legislative oversight from Westminster inheritance. India Moving towards executive primacy and legislative compliance, reversing classic Westminster balance. Consequences for Indian Democracy Weak accountability allows unchecked executive power. Rapid legislation without debate harms legal quality. Erosion of federalism as Parliament acts less as a representative forum. Public trust declines when Parliament is seen as dysfunctional. Loss of deliberative democracy → threats to core constitutional ethos. Solutions Suggested by the Article Recalibrate the anti-defection law to restore legislator independence. Re-emphasize parliamentary questions, debates, and committee scrutiny. Restore Westminster traditions of: Ministerial accountability Open debate Respect for Opposition Rebuild constitutional morality and conventions. Make Parliament a space of genuine deliberation, not just political theatre. Conclusion   India is drifting from a deliberative Westminster Parliament toward an executive-centric model, eroding constitutional checks. Legislative decline weakens accountability, federalism, and the very architecture of parliamentary democracy. Revitalisation requires structural reforms in sittings, scrutiny, anti-defection law, and restoration of conventions ensuring genuine debate. Political Representation of Animals Why is it in News? Editorials calls for institutionalised political representation for animals. Argues that current democratic structures are structurally incapable of representing animal interests due to anthropocentric design. Proposes fiduciary, independent institutions with constitutional protection to represent animals in policymaking. Relevance GS 2 – Governance / Polity Institutional design and reforms Non-majoritarian bodies Representation of vulnerable groups Accountability mechanisms Constitutional morality GS 3 – Environment & Biodiversity Human-animal conflict Wildlife protection frameworks Ethical governance of ecosystems GS 4 – Ethics Justice for non-human beings Stewardship model Ethical decision-making beyond anthropocentrism Practice Question   Democracies structurally fail to represent non-human animals. Critically discuss with reference to institutional design.(250 Words) Anthropocentrism & Political Theory Modern political thought separates “human” vs “animal”, equating political agency with human-only attributes (reason, language). This foundational split creates: Animals as non-subjects Reduction of animals to property Denial of representation in democratic institutions Historically, “the animal” is treated as a single, homogeneous category, erasing diversity across non-human species. Core Argument of the Article Structural Flaw in Democracy Democracies recognise only voting populations. Animals cannot vote, lobby, litigate, or influence elections. Therefore, under majoritarian logic, animal interests are systematically excluded. The Problem is Institutional, Not Moral Not a lack of compassion but a legal-institutional vacuum. Laws treat animals as property, not as beings with protectable interests. Welfare protections are reactive, not proactive. Reframing Representation Representation ≠ Voting Rights Animals should not be forced into human standards like rationality or speech. Representation should be grounded in: Sentience Embodiment Absolute vulnerability Unchosen dependency Human role shifts from caretaker → trustee Humans act as fiduciary guardians, accountable to animals. Must justify decisions in land use, food systems, environment, security etc. through an animal-impact lens. Why Majoritarian Democracy Fails Animals No electoral power → no political weight. State is a beneficiary of animal exploitation (tax revenue, agribusiness, subsidies). Ministries cannot credibly commit to protecting animals when they simultaneously support animal-dependent industries. Hence: representation must be non-majoritarian. Institutional Architecture Proposed Fiduciary Institutions Independent bodies mandated solely to represent animal interests. Model already exists for: Children’s rights Environmental protection agencies Data protection authorities Future generations commissions Requirements for Effective Bodies Constitutional protection Operational independence Transparent, expertise-based appointments Fixed terms with rotation Rule-based procedures (not personality-dependent) Dedicated budgets Standardised welfare impact assessments Multi-level Representation Executive level Advisory councils to review rules for animal welfare impacts. Parliamentary level Specialized committees/subcommittees on animal welfare. Mandatory Animal-Impact Assessments for relevant bills. Non-voting expert delegates integrated into legislative processes (similar to fiscal councils). Regulatory level Independent statutory bodies with enforcement powers to prevent capture by industry. Accountability Mechanisms Annual audits based on objective welfare metrics (preventable harm reductions). Public reporting of: Decisions Scientific evidence Reasoning Horizontal checks to complement parliamentary oversight. Transparent consultations with diverse stakeholders to avoid elite capture. Case Study: Supreme Court Elephant Committee SC created an independent committee headed by a retired judge for elephant welfare. Example of fiduciary design. But failed due to: Procedural delays Lack of seriousness No action on verified cruelty complaints Illustrates the need for rigorous accountability and rule-based procedures. Implementation Roadmap Gradual reform with pilot projects: Animal-impact reviews in urban planning Welfare-based certification systems Funding sources: Reallocation of harmful subsidies Transparent public budgets Public education to normalize animals as part of democratic responsibility. Broader Significance Not only moral ethics but a deepening of democracy. Builds inclusiveness for vulnerable beings who cannot represent themselves. Strengthens constitutional values of justice, compassion, and dignity.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 01 December 2025

Content Routine Gridlocks & Parliament’s Institutional Health How Antibiotic Misuse Is Fuelling a Crisis in ICUs Across India Rupee’s Fall Is ‘Real’ This Time: Beyond the Headline Number Ditwah: How Tropical Cyclones Are Named Polluter Pays: Developing Nations Call for a ‘Meat Tax’ on High-Income Countries Routine Gridlocks & Parliament’s Institutional Health  Why is it in News? Winter Session begins under concerns of possible Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and persistent parliamentary disruptions. Editorials warn that routine gridlocks, declining debate quality, and shrinking sittings are eroding Parliament’s institutional health. Monsoon Session saw alarmingly low productivity: Lok Sabha 29%, Rajya Sabha 34%; Question Hour disrupted massively. Former Lok Sabha Secretary-General P. D. T. Achary warns diminishing deliberation is undermining the constitutional purpose of Parliament. Relevance GS 2 – Polity & Governance Declining productivity of Parliament; weakening deliberative democracy. Articles 107–111 (legislative procedure), Article 118 (rules of procedure). Executive accountability erosion: Question Hour dilution, minimal scrutiny. Parliamentary Committees declining → weak legislative oversight. Issues of federalism and political polarisation affecting legislative functioning. GS 2 – Parliament & Democratic Institutions Institutional decline: low sittings, disruptions, majoritarian tendencies. Anti-defection law reducing debate autonomy. Role of LoP, floor coordination failures, legislative planning deficits. Basics: Role & Purpose of Parliament Legislature’s core functions: lawmaking, executive accountability, financial oversight, deliberation. Article 107–111: legislative procedure; Article 118: rules of procedure. Question Hour, Zero Hour, Committees: designed to anchor accountability. Parliamentary norms: deliberation, consensus-building, scrutiny of government.  Declining Productivity Monsoon Session 2024: LS 29%, RS 34% functioning; Question Hour barely operated. Sharp fall from historic norms: Sessions in 1950s–70s averaged 120+ sittings, now often ~60–70 sittings/year. 17th Lok Sabha (2019–24): worst average in decades; RS fared slightly better but also downward.  Routine Disruptions Becoming Norm Disruptions no longer exception; increasingly weaponized tactics by both treasury & opposition benches. Loss of debate time: Eight Bills passed with little or no debate (some under 10 minutes). “Operation Sindoora” data: 50%+ of LS time spent on disruptions.  Breakdown in Floor Coordination Erosion flows from failure of dialogue between Leader of the House & Leader of Opposition. Pre-legislative consultation is minimal → Bills rushed. All-party meetings have become symbolic, not substantive.  Declining Scrutiny of Bills Only 13–15% of Bills sent to Parliamentary Standing Committees in recent years (down from 60%+ a decade ago). Bills increasingly passed without clause-by-clause debate. Examples: Online Gaming Bill, Merchant Shipping Bill passed with less than 10 minutes of debate.  Majoritarianism vs. Parliamentary Spirit With strong majority governments, tendency to treat Parliament as legitimising body, not deliberative body. Opposition protests → Government bypasses debate via guillotine, voice vote, short notices.  Question Hour Dilution Most crucial accountability tool; its repeated suspension directly reduces executive oversight. Data: Only 23% (LS) & 36% (RS) Question Hour utilization in Monsoon Session.  Institutional Consequences Weakening parliamentary norms → rising executive dominance. Bills passed without scrutiny risk constitutional infirmities, litigations, and policy incoherence. Public trust erodes; Parliament becomes “acclamation chamber” not deliberative institution.  Structural Reasons Behind Gridlocks Polarized politics, absence of consensus-building culture. Anti-defection law reduces inner-party debate; MPs have little autonomy. Televised sessions incentivize disruptions for media visibility. Poor legislative planning: late circulated Bills, minimal notice.  Need for Institutional Reforms Mandatory minimum sittings (UK-style: 120 days). Revive Business Advisory Committee & ensure cross-party coordination. Mandatory Committee reference for all non-emergency Bills. Reform anti-defection law to allow intra-party dissent. Time-bound debate mechanism like UK’s “Westminster Hall debates”.  Comparative Perspective  Arend Lijphart: consensus democracies require negotiation → India drifting to majoritarianism. Mansbridge: deliberative democracy thrives on transparency & debate → absent in current legislature. Garrett & Tsebelis: strong executives without veto players reduce scrutiny → India fits this pattern. Conclusion Parliamentary gridlocks reflect deep institutional decay, not episodic political friction. Declining deliberation, shrinking sittings, and minimal scrutiny threaten executive accountability and constitutional balance. Reviving Parliament requires structural reforms + political will to restore dialogue, debate, and democratic deliberation. How Antibiotic Misuse Is Fuelling a Crisis in ICUs Across India  Why is it in News? New data from ICMR and tertiary hospitals show sharp rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in ICUs across India. Nearly 2.6 lakh deaths in India in 2021 linked to AMR. Hospitals are overprescribing antibiotics; many prescriptions not based on microbiological evidence. ICUs reporting patients who no longer respond to even last-line antibiotics. Relevance GS 2 – Health Public health crisis due to AMR; hospital governance & regulation. Role of ICMR: surveillance, stewardship frameworks. Gaps in healthcare infrastructure, diagnostics, sanitation, infection control. GS 3 – Science & Technology Microbiology basics: AMR, superbugs, ICU pathogens (Klebsiella, Acinetobacter). Need for diagnostic capacity, lab ecosystem strengthening, rapid tests. GS 3 – Disaster Management / Public Health Emergency AMR as a slow-moving disaster → mortality burden (2.6 lakh deaths). ICU vulnerabilities, HAIs, systemic risk to healthcare systems.  What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) evolve to resist drugs meant to kill them. Caused by overuse/misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and environment. Leads to “superbugs” that standard drugs cannot kill → prolonged illness, mortality, higher costs. WHO lists AMR as top 10 global health threats.  Scale of the Crisis in ICUs ICUs facing multi-drug resistant and pan-drug resistant bacteria. Patients deteriorate because even carbapenems/colistin often ineffective. Hospitals report rising infections by Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas—major ICU pathogens. Clinicians frequently forced to give multiple antibiotic combinations, sometimes blindly.  Why Antibiotic Misuse Is Rising ? Empirical prescribing: Doctors prescribe antibiotics without culture tests due to time constraints. Diagnostic gaps: Poor infection control, inadequate lab support in many hospitals. Patient pressure: Many expect antibiotics even for viral illnesses. Defensive medicine: Doctors act to avoid complications or litigation. Lack of stewardship: Only 20–30% hospitals have functional antimicrobial stewardship committees.  Key Findings From ICMR Data Resistance reported to even reserve/last-line antibiotics (carbapenems, colistin). Hospitals now using the “watch group” — antibiotics with higher resistance risk — more frequently. Only 6% of antibiotics prescribed in the survey were “definitive treatment” (infection confirmed). 94% prescriptions were empirical — based on symptoms rather than lab confirmation. Indicates structural diagnostic weakness in Indian hospitals.  ICU-Specific Challenges ICU patients have: ventilators, catheters, central lines → high risk of infection. Overcrowded ICUs → easier transmission of resistant bacteria. Higher antibiotic exposure → faster mutation and survival of resistant strains. Resistant bacteria persist in hospital environment (beds, instruments, staff clothing).  Consequences of Rising AMR Higher mortality: India among the highest AMR-related deaths globally. Increased treatment costs: longer ICU stays, expensive reserve drugs. Greater risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Reduced effectiveness of life-saving procedures: transplants, cancer therapy, surgeries.  Structural Issues Fueling the Problem Inadequate infection control: Poor sanitation, overcrowding, lack of dedicated IC personnel. Antibiotics available without prescription in many parts of India. Weak regulation of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Poor hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. Underinvestment in public hospitals → limited diagnostic capacity.  What ICMR Suggests ? Strengthen infection control so doctors are not forced to prescribe antibiotics “just in case”. Mandatory hospital antibiotic stewardship programmes. Ensure protocol-based prescribing and daily review of antibiotic need. Create AMR surveillance networks across states.  Diagnosis vs. Infection Control: The Core Problem Doctors often confuse colonization (bacteria present but not causing illness) with infection → unnecessary treatment. Without culture tests, symptoms alone often misleading. Real solution lies in good infection control, not more antibiotics.  Comparative Perspective  Stuart Levy (AMR scholar): resistance rises wherever selective pressure is high → ICUs are ground zero. O’Neill Report (2016): warned AMR could cause 10 million deaths/year by 2050; India a major hotspot. Paul Farmer: inequality magnifies infectious disease crisis → seen clearly in India’s public hospitals. Conclusion   India’s ICUs are facing a public health emergency driven by antibiotic misuse and weak diagnostic systems. Over-prescription, poor infection control, and rising drug-resistant pathogens create a vicious cycle that standard antibiotics can no longer break. Strengthening diagnostics, stewardship, and infection control is essential to prevent AMR from becoming India’s next major health crisis. Beyond the Headline Number: Rupee’s Fall Is ‘Real’ This Time  Why is it in News? The rupee breached ₹89/$, closing at ₹89.46 — its lowest ever. But unlike previous episodes, the rupee has also depreciated against euro, pound, yen, yuan and not just the dollar. The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) shows “real depreciation”, driven by inflation differentials and global currency movements. IMF reclassified India’s exchange-rate regime from “floating” to “stabilised arrangement”—indicating higher RBI intervention. Relevance GS 3 – Economy Exchange rate concepts: NER, NEER, REER; competitiveness; inflation impact. External sector vulnerabilities: trade deficit, capital flows, global currency cycle. IMF classification shift → exchange-rate management issues. RBI’s role: intervention, reserve use, stabilised arrangement. GS 3 – Growth & Inflation High domestic inflation → real depreciation vs nominal depreciation. Impact on imports (fuel, electronics), corporate debt, household inflation. Key Terms 1. Nominal Exchange Rate (NER) Market exchange rate: price of rupee against another currency. 2. Effective Exchange Rates (EERs) NEER: Weighted average of rupee against a basket of 40 currencies. REER: NEER adjusted for inflation differentials → indicates “true competitiveness”. 3. Appreciation vs. Depreciation NEER ↑ → rupee strengthens nominally. REER ↑ → rupee overvalued; REER ↓ → rupee undervalued/competitive. What’s Different This Time? Rupee’s fall is broad-based: Against USD: 86.84 → 89.46 Against Euro: 105.74 → 118.27 Against Pound: 108.61 → 118.17 Against Yen: 0.56 → 0.57 Indicates global weakness of INR, not just USD strength. Rupee has depreciated across almost all major currencies. Effective Exchange Rates Reveal the Real Picture ? NEER NEER has declined since 2023, especially post-2024. Indicates nominal rupee weakening against the 40-currency basket. REER REER has fallen below 2018–19 levels, meaning: Rupee is currently undervalued in real terms. Real depreciation exceeds nominal fall because domestic inflation is high. Why REER Matters More ? REER reflects inflation-adjusted competitiveness. Even if nominal depreciation is mild, high domestic inflation → real depreciation. India’s CPI inflation (~5.4% since May 2025) versus lower inflation in US, EU, Japan etc. widens the gap. Thus, REER drop signals genuine loss of purchasing power and export competitiveness shift. Inflation: Key Driver of “Real” Depreciation India’s CPI inflation > trading partners for most of 2024–25. Higher inflation domestically → rupee must fall more to maintain competitiveness. However, this time depreciation outpaced even inflation impact → structural weakness. RBI’s Exchange Rate Management IMF’s reclassification: India now follows a “stabilised arrangement” → RBI intervenes actively to prevent sharp volatility. Heavy use of reserves to smooth market movements. Implication: Rupee’s fall is broader than RBI’s ability to defend. After long stability around ₹82–₹83 (2022–2024), structural pressures are showing. Structural Reasons Behind Rupee Weakness Widening trade deficit (oil, electronics, gold imports). Weak FPI inflows, outflows from debt and equity. Lower export growth, especially in merchandise. Strong US dollar due to high US rates until mid-2024. China’s yuan depreciation dragging Asian currencies. Geopolitical risks and capital flight to safe havens. Rupee’s Fall Since May 2025 Sharpest decline among major Asian currencies. NEER & REER both dropping together → rare event, reflects deeper weakness. Indicates simultaneous nominal and real depreciation, unlike past episodes when RBI absorbed most shocks. Key Point from Chart From June 2022 onward: NEER has fallen moderately. REER has fallen sharply, especially post-May 2025. This combination (nominal fall + high domestic inflation) → rupee now undervalued. Implications Exports: may get a short-term boost, but structural issues limit gains. Imports: costlier fuels, electronics, fertilisers → inflationary pressures. Corporate debt: higher burden for firms with dollar-denominated loans. Government finances: oil subsidies, fertiliser bill may rise. Household impact: imported goods and foreign travel more expensive. Outlook: What Next? IMF notes rupee is moving towards greater flexibility. If US Fed cuts rates slowly, USD will stay strong → pressure persists. RBI likely to intervene only to smoothen volatility, not defend specific levels. Structural reforms (exports, manufacturing, energy imports) needed to stabilise rupee long-term. Conclusion Rupee’s depreciation is broad-based and inflation-adjusted, indicating a real loss of value, not just USD strength. Both NEER and REER declining together mark a structural weakening, driven by inflation, trade deficit, and soft capital flows. Without addressing economic fundamentals, rupee’s slide will continue despite RBI’s stabilisation efforts. Ditwah: How Are Tropical Cyclones Named? Why is it in News? Cyclone Ditwah, located near Tamil Nadu’s coast, is weakening into a deep depression. Raises questions on how cyclones get their names, especially in the Indian Ocean region. Relevance GS 1 – Geography Tropical cyclones: formation, basins, regional naming protocols. North Indian Ocean cyclone system: Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal. GS 3 – Disaster Management IMD as RSMC for cyclone naming, warnings, advisories. Operational role of naming in communication, preparedness, risk reduction. WMO/ESCAP Panel functioning; country submissions; naming rules. What Are Tropical Cyclone Names? Assigned by Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). For the North Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea + Bay of Bengal), naming is done by WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC). Who Decides the Names? WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) formed in 2000. Member countries originally: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Later expanded to include more countries (e.g., UAE, Yemen, Qatar, Iran, etc.). Each country submits a list of names. How the Naming System Works ? Names are chosen on a rotational and sequential basis from contributions of all member countries. Each country submits multiple names, enough for many years. All nations must follow rules set by the panel. Criteria for Cyclone Names Must be short, simple, and easy to pronounce. Should reflect the region’s culture, history, ecology, etc. Must not be offensive to any member country. Should not relate to: Religious beliefs Political leaders or parties Controversial or sensitive contexts Example: Cyclone Ditwah “Ditwah” was submitted by Yemen. Fits the WMO guidelines: culturally relevant, short, non-offensive, easy to pronounce. Why Naming Matters (Operational Importance) ? Clear communication for: Forecasting Disaster preparedness Public warnings Prevents confusion when multiple cyclones occur simultaneously. Improves recall and community-level awareness. Naming for North Indian Ocean vs. Other Basins Unlike Atlantic or Pacific (where lists repeat every few years), Indian Ocean names are used only once. Once a name is used for a cyclone, it cannot be reused. India’s Role IMD (New Delhi) is the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the region. Responsible for: Issuing advisories Assigning names from the approved list Maintaining cyclone records Conclusion   Tropical cyclone names in the Indian Ocean are assigned by the WMO/ESCAP panel using lists submitted by regional countries. Names must be simple, culturally appropriate, and non-offensive; once used, they are not repeated. Cyclone Ditwah, named by Yemen, follows this global naming protocol. Polluter Pays: Developing Nations Call for ‘Meat Tax’ on High-Income Countries  Why is it in News? At COP30, 28 low-income countries (Africa + Pacific) issued the Belém Declaration demanding a GHG pricing mechanism (“meat tax”) on high-income countries’ industrial livestock sector. They argue overconsumption of meat in rich nations → disproportionate GHG emissions, especially methane. They demand 20% of revenues from the tax to be directed to the Loss and Damage Fund. Relevance GS 3 – Environment & Climate Change Polluter pays principle applied to food systems & livestock emissions. Methane (CH₄), N₂O emissions; agriculture’s GHG footprint (~33% globally). Loss and Damage Fund financing debates; COP negotiation issues. Sustainable diets, overconsumption, ecological footprint. GS 2 – International Relations Climate equity: developing vs developed country responsibilities. Global negotiations (COP30, Belém Declaration) and South-South coalitions. Transition pathways for high-income economies. What Is a ‘Meat Tax’ Proposal? A GHG pricing mechanism targeting industrial livestock in high-income economies. Based on polluter pays principle → those causing higher emissions must compensate climate-vulnerable nations. Intended to reduce overconsumption-driven emissions and support climate adaptation in developing nations. Why Agriculture Is Under Scrutiny Food systems contribute ~33% of global GHG emissions. Livestock = majority of agri emissions, dominated by methane (CH₄). High emission footprint: Beef: 70 kg CO₂e/kg Pork: 12 kg CO₂e/kg Chicken: 9.9 kg CO₂e/kg Legumes: 2 kg/kg Nuts: 0.4 kg/kg What the Belém Declaration Seeks High-income countries + major economies (OECD, EU, China) to: Introduce emission pricing on industrial meat. Transfer ≥20% revenue to the Loss and Damage Fund. Apply the polluter pays principle beyond fossil fuels → food systems. Push for inclusion of “animal protein overconsumption transition” in future COP agendas. Who Are the Signatories? 28 nations across Africa and the Pacific (Nigeria, Uganda, Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG, Kiribati, Liberia, etc.). Represent 14 million highly climate-vulnerable people. Supported by 80+ NGOs and international organisations. Rationale Behind the Demand a) Disproportionate Emissions High-income nations consume 4–5x the recommended meat intake (EAT-Lancet). OECD average: 71.4 kg/person/year China: 62 kg Developing countries: 26.6 kg Climate impact from Northern industrial livestock far exceeds that of smallholder livestock systems in the South. b) Inequity in Climate Burden Developing countries criticized for methane emissions (e.g., India) though: Their systems are low-input, multi-purpose, subsistence-based. Emissions per animal are generally lower than industrial Western systems. Industrial livestock systems in rich countries → high feed demand, deforestation, high energy inputs, manure CH₄, N₂O emissions. c) Rising Livestock Demand Unsustainable FAO projection: Global herd size to rise 50% by 2050 (from 2012 baseline). Breaks alignment with Net Zero 2050. Why High-Income Countries Are Targeted ? Meat consumption levels exceed sustainable thresholds by large margins. Industrial livestock expansion linked to: Large land use Forest loss High methane and nitrous oxide emissions High water/energy footprint Benefits of a meat tax: Lower production incentives Shift to plant-based diets Reduced land use Higher carbon sequestration through rewilding/restoration How the Tax Revenue Will Be Used ? At least 20% to Loss and Damage Fund: Compensation for countries facing sea-level rise, storms, floods, droughts Especially for small island developing states (SIDS) Remaining revenue (country-dependent) could be used for: Climate mitigation policies Dietary transition programs Sustainable agriculture support Key Arguments by Developing Nations Overconsumption in rich nations = major cause of food-related emissions. Food-related climate crisis is not just a developing-world problem. Meat consumption and fossil fuel use have similar entrenched inequity patterns. Industrial livestock must be treated like fossil fuels in emission accounting. Counterarguments & Challenges Industrial meat lobby denies high emission contribution. Concerns about: Inflation Food affordability Sovereignty over dietary choices Implementation requires: Strong MRV system for livestock emissions Agreement on social equity and revenue sharing Political acceptance in OECD nations Conclusion The Belém Declaration marks the first collective demand to price GHG emissions from industrial livestock in wealthy nations based on the polluter pays principle. Scientific evidence shows agriculture—particularly industrial livestock—is a major driver of global emissions, with high-income consumption patterns disproportionately responsible. A meat tax could reduce emissions, correct inequities, fund Loss & Damage support, and accelerate a global shift toward sustainable food systems.

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