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Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 07 March 2025

Content: Tyranny of numbers Women in corporate leadership, the lived reality Beyond ‘Beijing’, unlocking a feminist future in India Tyranny of numbers Background and Context Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of constituencies based on population changes, ensuring equitable representation in legislatures. The Constitution mandates periodic delimitation, with the last nationwide exercise conducted in 2002 based on the 1971 Census. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze the total number of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats until 2001, later extended to 2026 by the 84th Amendment (2002). With 2026 approaching, the debate over delimitation has resurfaced, particularly concerning the north-south divide in parliamentary representation. Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Governance) Practice Question : Delimitation in India is a double-edged sword, balancing democratic representation with federal principles. Discuss the challenges of the upcoming delimitation exercise and suggest measures to ensure fairness in seat allocation. (250 words) The “Tyranny of Numbers” Dilemma The phrase “tyranny of numbers” captures the conflict between population-based representation and federal equity in a diverse country like India. Northern States (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan) have seen high population growth, which could increase their Lok Sabha seats post-delimitation. Southern States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) have achieved low fertility rates and population stabilization, leading to a potential loss of representation in a future delimitation exercise. Key Issues in the Delimitation Debate Conflict Between Federalism and Democratic Representation Federalism ensures equitable representationofallStates, regardless of population. Democracy suggests that representation should be proportional to population. Delimitation threatens to tilt power towards highly populated States, reducing political influence for States that controlled their population growth. Malapportionment in Representation Growing population disparity among constituencies leads to vote value distortions. Example: Bangalore North (Karnataka) has 3.2 million voters, while Udupi Chikmagalur has only 1.6 million. Such inconsistencies violate the principle of equal representation for equal votes. Risk of Penalizing Progressive States Southern States argue that lowpopulationgrowth should not lead to lower representation. Penalizing States for effective population control contradicts progressive governance efforts. Tamil Nadu, for example, has expressed concerns that a seat reduction would be “indelible injustice”. Alternative Models for Delimitation State-level Delimitation: Adjust seats within each State, but not across the country. Weighted Representation: Assign seats based on factors beyond just population (e.g., economic contribution, literacy rates). Upper House Empowerment: Strengthen Rajya Sabha to balance the political influence of States. Innovative Representation Mechanisms: Create dual representation mechanisms to ensure fairness. Way Forward: Balancing Democracy and Federalism Consensus Building: The Union government should engage in extensive discussions with States to address concerns. Transparent Terms of Reference: The next Delimitation Commission must ensure fair criteria for seat allocation. Constitutional Safeguards: Provisions must be explored to prevent penalization of States that controlled population growth. Institutional Mechanisms: Strengthening the Inter-State Council to negotiate a balanced approach. Women in corporate leadership, the lived reality Current Landscape of Women in Corporate Leadership Women’s participation in the workforce remains significantly lower than men’s across the world. While women constitute 48% of the workforce in corporate America, their representation in leadership positions remains marginal. In India, women form 35.9% of the workforce, but their leadership presence is far lower (only 12.7% in senior and middle management roles). Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice ,Corporate Governance) Practice Question : Despite legal mandates and corporate policies, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles in India’s corporate sector. Examine the reasons for this disparity and suggest measures to improve women’s leadership participation. (250 words) Challenges to Women’s Inclusion in Corporate Leadership Global Policy Reversals: The rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in the U.S. may have ripple effects worldwide. Tokenism vs. Meritocracy: Women appointed through DEI mandates often face skepticism about their competence. Limited Entry Mechanisms: While DEI provides entry points, women struggle to advance to top leadership positions. Societal Barriers: Patriarchal structures, bias in promotions, and lack of mentorship hinder progress. Unequal Pay: Women in leadership still face pay disparities compared to their male counterparts. Role of Legal Mandates in India Companies Act, 2013: Mandates at least one woman director on boards of certain public companies. SEBI Regulations (2015): Requires one independent woman director for the top 1,000 listed firms. Impact: Women’s representation on NSE 500 boards increased from 5% (2011) to 18% (2023). Benefits of Women in Leadership Better Corporate Governance: Women leaders contribute to ethical decision-making and transparency. Improved Risk Management: Their diverse perspectives reduce corporate risks. Higher Stakeholder Engagement: Women excel in relationship-building and strategy formulation. Stronger Financial Performance: Companies with diverse leadership show improved profitability. Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Organizations with women leaders rank higher in ethical and best-workplace lists. Real Change vs. Symbolic Representation Appointing women without actual power and decision-making authority is ineffective. More women are needed in C-suite positions, key managerial roles, and board committees. Equal pay and fair remuneration are critical indicators of genuine inclusion. Companies must go beyond optics and embrace gender diversity as a strategic asset rather than a compliance requirement. Beyond ‘Beijing’, unlocking a feminist future in India Introduction The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) remains a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. India has made significant progress in gender equality through policy initiatives, grassroots movements, and women’s resilience. Focus areas include health, education, economic empowerment, decision-making, and violence against women. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice) Practice Question : Despite remarkable progress, gender equality in India faces persistent challenges. Critically examine the impact of policy initiatives in advancing women’s empowerment while addressing the gaps that remain. (250 words) Health and Well-being of Women  Maternal Health Progress: Institutional deliveries increased to 95% due to schemes like: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduced from 130 (2014) to 97 (2020) per 1,00,000 births (SRS data). Contraceptive use: 56.5% of married women use modern contraceptives, improving reproductive autonomy. Access to Healthcare: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana offers free critical medical treatment to millions of women. Education and Skill Development  Girls’ Education Initiatives: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) improved the child sex ratio and increased school enrollment for girls. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes STEM participation among girls. Menstrual health initiatives by UNICEF improved school retention rates.  Economic and Digital Inclusion: Financial empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) National Rural and Urban Livelihood Missions linked 100 million women to financial networks. Digital inclusion: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan trained 35 million rural women in digital literacy. Women increasingly use UPI and digital transactions for financial independence. Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB): Gender Budget share increased from 6.8% (2024-25) to 8.8% (2025-26). $55.2 billion allocated for gender-specific programs. Persistent Challenges: Gender-Based Violence  Prevalence of Gender Violence: Despite progress, violence against women remains a challenge. 770 One Stop Centres provide medical, legal, and psychological support.  Legal and Institutional Reforms: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 strengthens legal protections. Innovative responses: Odisha’s blockchain-based system ensures swift and confidential support for survivors. UNFPA-Rajasthan Police collaboration promotes gender-responsive policing. Women’s Leadership and Representation  Political Representation Gains: Women’s Reservation Bill (2023) guarantees 33% reservation in legislatures. 1.5 million women leaders in local governance, making India the largest cohort of women political leaders globally. Young Women as Change-Makers: Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) boosts women in STEM. G20 TechEquity Platform trains young women in emerging technologies. Key Focus Areas for the Future: Strengthening collaborations between government and private sectors. Investing in young women’s leadership for long-term social transformation. Addressing systemic barriers like patriarchy, digital divide, and workplace discrimination. Enhancing safety measures to ensure unhindered participation in public life.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 07 March 2025

Content: Is Artificial Intelligence Affecting Critical Thinking Skills? The Academic Link Between Nepal and India Govt. Launches AI Kosha, Repository of Data to Build Models and Tools ₹1 Lakh Crore Fund to Stimulate Private Sector Research and Development Close to Approval Harnessing Gut Microbiome to Halt Vitiligo Is Artificial Intelligence affecting critical thinking skills? Context : Impact of AI on Critical Thinking Skills AI Usage in Education: A Growing Trend AI tools are increasingly integrated into classrooms worldwide. 61% of Indian educators already use AI tools in teaching. Concerns arise over students passively accepting AI-generated content without critical analysis. Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology) Should AI Be Allowed in Classrooms? Yes, AI should be permitted as it is now an integral part of education. Contextual usage is key – AI’s role differs across disciplines (e.g., coding vs. humanities). Institutions should set ethical and responsible usage guidelines. AI should not replace cognitive skill development but complement learning. AI as a Critical Part of Educational Infrastructure AI is becoming essential for learning, research, and administrative tasks. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights AI skills as a key requirement. Secure integration is crucial to prevent misuse and data privacy concerns. The need for safety audits and regulation in AI adoption, especially in schools.  Regulating AI: The Need for a Balanced Approach AI regulation should evolve alongside its technological advancements. While global universities have AI usage policies, Indian institutions are still in discussions. Institutions must develop ethical AI guidelines tailored to specific courses. The European Union has taken proactive steps, whereas India is still in the discussion phase. Does AI Hinder Critical Thinking? Diverging views: Some believe AI can complement critical thinking by assisting in analysis. Others fear over-dependence on AI may reduce deep engagement with topics. Education must focus on balancing AI usage with critical thinking development. Responsible AI usage education is needed to ensure students and faculty understand its limitations. The academic link between Nepal and India Historical Academic Ties Nepal’s formal education system has deep connections with India, dating back to the Rana regime. Many Nepalese elites pursued education in Indian cities like Banaras, Patna, Darjeeling, Dehradun, and Gorakhpur. The first college in Nepal, Tri-Chandra College (1918), was initially affiliated with Calcutta University and later Patna University. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ,Education) Influence of Colonial Legacy Nepal was never colonized, yet its education system was shaped by British India. Colonial influence was established through: Affiliation of Nepalese institutions with Indian universities – limiting local academic autonomy. Nepali instructors trained in Indian universities – reinforcing the colonial curriculum. Until 1959 (when Tribhuvan University was established), Nepal lacked postgraduate education. Shift Towards Independent Education National Educational Planning Commission (NEPC) – 1954: Aimed to make education more relevant to Nepal’s national needs. New Education System Plan (NESP) – 1971: Revamped the education system for greater autonomy. Despite these efforts, Indian universities remain a key academic destination for Nepalese students. Nepalese Students in Indian Institutions Nepal consistently contributes the highest number of foreign students in India. 2021-22 AISHE Data: 46,878 foreign students enrolled in India, 28% from Nepal. Preference for engineering, technology, and social sciences at IITs, IISc, and private institutes like KIIT. Presence in universities across India – from Kashmir to Kerala, NEHU to Gujarat Ayurveda University. Challenges Faced by Nepalese Students in India Instances of discrimination, harassment, and lack of institutional support. KIIT incident (2024): A Nepalese student died by suicide due to harassment, leading to protests. University initially expelled Nepalese students but later withdrew the order after backlash. Raised concerns over student safety and Indo-Nepal diplomatic ties. Indo-Nepal Peace Treaty & Bilateral Concerns Article 6: Ensures national treatment for each other’s citizens. Article 7: Grants reciprocal privileges for residence, trade, movement, etc. Incidents like KIIT contradict the treaty and risk straining bilateral relations. Higher Education as a Cultural Bridge Education fosters cross-border cultural capital and South Asian unity. Institutions must ensure equal treatment to foreign students to prevent alienation and discrimination. Differential treatment weakens the educational ethos, turning academia into a pedagogy of the oppressed. Govt. launches AI Kosha, repository of data to build models and tools AI Kosha Initiative: A government-backed platform for non-personal datasets aimed at fostering AI model and tool development. Initial Dataset Count: Launched with 316 datasets, mainly supporting Indian language translation tools. IndiaAI Mission Alignment: AI Kosha is part of the ₹10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, focusing on AI advancement. Relevance : GS 3(Science ,Technology) Compute Capacity & Infrastructure GPU Access Expansion: 14,000 GPUs commissioned for shared access, an increase from 10,000 earlier this year. More GPUs to be added quarterly to support AI model training. Government’s AI Development Strategy Homegrown AI Model: Government accelerating efforts to develop an indigenous foundational AI model. Inspired by China’s DeepSeek, which achieved success at lower costs than U.S. firms (OpenAI, Google). High interest from startups in leveraging India-specific AI solutions. Dataset Categories in AI Kosha Translation & Linguistic Tools: Majority of datasets aimed at improving Indian language AI models. Other Data Sources: Telangana Open Data Initiative (health-related data). 2011 Census Data. Satellite Imagery from Indian satellites. Meteorological and Pollution Data. Past Government Data Initiatives Open Governance Data Platform: 12,000+ datasets hosted by data.gov.in from multiple government agencies. Ministries and departments have designated Chief Data Officers to facilitate dataset contributions. 2018 Non-Personal Data Committee: Explored making private sector data (e.g., ride-sharing traffic data) accessible for startups & policy use. Faced pushback from tech industry over data-sharing concerns. Debate on non-personal data preceded the LLM (Large Language Model) boom, such as ChatGPT. Significance & Challenges Significance: Encourages AI innovation using publicly available data. Supports startups, academia, and government in developing AI tools. Strengthens AI ecosystem with better compute power and data access. Challenges: Private sector resistance to data sharing remains unresolved. Data quality and availability across diverse domains need continuous enhancement. Evaluation frameworks for foundational AI models still evolving. ₹1 lakh crore fund to stimulate private sector research and development close to approval Objective: Stimulate private sector investment in core research and development (R&D). Fund Size: ₹1 lakh crore, primarily in the form of low-interest, long-term loans. Administering Body: Likely to be handled by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Relevance : GS 3(Research and Development) Eligibility: Private sector companies (not universities or academic institutes). Focus on commercial product development, not fundamental or blue-sky research. Consortiums with academia may participate if led by private entities. Loan Structure: Nearly zero per cent interest. Tenure of 5-7 years. Evaluated by a professional body, not DST. Comparative R&D Investment Trends India’s R&D investment: <1% of GDP (0.65%) – significantly lower than scientifically advanced nations (1.5%-3%). Private sector contribution: 30%-36% of total R&D expenditure. Global benchmarks: USA: Private sector contributes 75% of R&D spending. China: Private sector contributes 77%. Strategic Focus Areas Sector agnostic, but likely to prioritize: Space technology Pharmaceuticals Automobile sector Energy Exclusion: Service industries (e.g., IT sector) will not be eligible. Government’s Role & Financial Allocation Initial allocation: ₹20,000 crore to the Department of Science and Technology (DST). ANRF’s long-term goal: ₹50,000-crore corpus with ₹36,000 crore from non-government sources. Comparison to PLI scheme: Functions similarly to Production Linked Incentive (PLI) but focused on R&D. Significance of the Initiative Encourages industry-led R&D by reducing financial risks. Boosts innovation and intellectual property creation in India. Bridges India’s R&D investment gap compared to leading economies. Strengthens India’s position in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals, space, and energy. Harnessing gut microbiome to halt vitiligo Understanding Vitiligo Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to depigmented white patches on the skin. While primarily cosmetic, it can lead to psychological distress due to social stigma. It has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders, and mental health issues. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Prevalence of Vitiligo Affects 0.5% to 2% of the global population. In India, reported between 0.25% and 4% among dermatology outpatients. Higher prevalence in Gujarat and Rajasthan (up to 8.8%). Role of Gut Microbiome in Vitiligo Research from Northwestern University suggests that a microbial compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria may slow vitiligo progression. Pre-clinical trials on vitiligo-prone mice showed that a weekly administered microbial compound: Reduced pigment loss by 74%. Suppressed harmful killer T cells that attack pigment cells. Increased regulatory T cells, which are typically deficient in vitiligo patients. Potential Implications of the Study Could be a breakthrough treatment if validated through double-blind, randomized clinical trials. The microbial compound may work alone or in combination with existing therapies. Early intervention is crucial; effects may not be as strong in advanced vitiligo cases. Challenges and Future Prospects Human clinical trials are needed to confirm safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes. Understanding the mechanism of gut-skin interaction in vitiligo treatment. Potential for developing new microbiome-based therapies for other autoimmune disorders. Conclusion The study highlights the gut-skin connection and offers hope for vitiligo treatment. If successful, microbiome-based interventions could become a non-invasive and effective therapy for millions affected by vitiligo

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 06 March 2025

Content: Second Gene Bank One Model Gram Panchayat to be developed in each District Second Gene Bank Introduction & Announcement Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank during a post-budget webinar (March 2025). The initiative aligns with India’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The decision was made in response to growing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security concerns. Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture ,Environment and Ecology) What is a Gene Bank? A gene bank is a repository of genetic material, including seeds, pollen, and tissue samples, to prevent extinction and ensure future availability. These banks play a key role in crop breeding, research, and conservation. Functions of a Gene Bank: Preserves genetic diversity of plants and crops. Supports agricultural resilience against climate change. Helps in developing high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties. Contributes to global food security and biodiversity conservation efforts. India’s Existing National Gene Bank First National Gene Bank was established in 1996 under ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi. The facility has 12 regional stations for germplasm collection and storage. As of January 2025, it holds 0.47 million (4.7 lakh) accessions of plant material, categorized as: Cereals: 0.17 million Millets: 60,600+ Legumes: 69,200+ Oilseeds: 63,500+ Vegetables: 30,000+  Need for a Second National Gene Bank Increasing genetic resource requirements: The existing gene bank is near capacity, and a larger facility is needed. Rising threats: Climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and geopolitical risks endanger genetic diversity. Ensuring food security: Preserving a diverse range of crops can enhance productivity and nutrition in future agriculture. Technological advancements: New gene preservation techniques require a modernized infrastructure. Global leadership in biodiversity conservation: Strengthens India’s position in SAARC and BRICS regions as a biodiversity hub. Key Features of the Second National Gene Bank Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 under the Ministry of Finance. Will have 1 million (10 lakh) germplasm lines, more than double the current capacity. Functions as a safety duplicate to the existing National Gene Bank, reducing risks of loss. Facilitates public and private sector collaboration in genetic resource management. Aims to support international biodiversity conservation through partnerships. Strategic Significance for India & Global Impact Enhancing agricultural resilience: Helps in breeding drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and high-yield crops. Strengthening India’s global role: Positions India as a key player in genetic conservation and food security diplomacy. Contributing to global food security: Supports UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG-15 (Life on Land). Regional support: Assists SAARC and BRICS countries lacking robust genetic conservation infrastructure.  One Model Gram Panchayat to be developed in each District Overview of the Initiative Launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as part of International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations. Objective: To establish one Model Gram Panchayat per district that is women and girl-friendly. Focus on leadership development, health, education, sanitation, and economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level. Supported by international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Relevance : GS 2(Local Government ,Polity) Key Features of the Initiative Virtual Training Programs for elected representatives in 770 Model Gram Panchayats. Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard to track progress, ensure accountability, and provide data-driven policy interventions. Specialized leadership training for women sarpanchs to facilitate effective implementation of government schemes. Focus on best practices from states like Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan. Role of Gram Panchayats in Women’s Health and Welfare Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of health programs. Health initiatives discussed: Ayushman Aarogya Mandir – Providing 12 types of medical services, including geriatric care, dental care, cancer screening, and telemedicine. Janani Suraksha Yojana & Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Focus on maternal and child health and institutional deliveries. Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) – Established in every Gram Panchayat to enhance community healthcare participation. Women pradhans encouraged to spread awareness of these schemes at the local level. Women’s Leadership in Gram Panchayats Union MoS for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, called on women sarpanchs to take charge of implementing: Financial inclusion programs (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana). Pension schemes for widows and differently-abled individuals. Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme. Awareness drives for organ donation and social welfare programs. Technological Interventions & Monitoring Real-Time Dashboard launched to measure progress of women-friendly Gram Panchayats. Aimed at ensuring transparency, tracking women’s participation in governance, and strengthening grassroots leadership. Case Studies from States Kerala: Jagratha Samithi – Community vigilance system for women and child safety. Odisha: Prevention of Social Evils – Programs addressing child marriage, gender discrimination. Rajasthan-UNFPA Collaboration – Development of women-friendly and child-friendly Gram Panchayats. Women’s Reservation and Policy Framework Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) ensures greater representation of women in policy-making. Panchayat-level interventions in sanitation, menstrual hygiene, clean cooking fuel, and education. Shift from “women-centric” development to “women-led” development. Future Roadmap Mahila Gram Sabha on 8th March 2025 – Nationwide platform for women’s issues and rural development strategies. Focus on gender-responsive governance, capacity-building of women leaders, and sustainable rural development. Significance & Impact Strengthening women’s leadership at the grassroots level. Improving access to government welfare schemes for marginalized women. Enhancing livelihood opportunities through Panchayat-led initiatives. Contributing to gender equality and rural empowerment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 06 March 2025

Content: Over-centralisation threatens federal health policy Humour, perversity, and the legal debate on free speech Warriors of hope: The role of ASHAs in public health DeepSeek’s market disruption must awaken India’s AI strategy Over-centralisation threatens federal health policy Context : Supreme Court Judgment (Dr. Tanvi Behl vs Shrey Goyal, 2025): Struck down domicile-based reservations in post-graduate medical admissions. Held that such quotas violate Article 14 (Right to Equality). Weakens a mechanism States used to ensure a stable medical workforce. Relevance : GS 2 (Polity , Governance, Judiciary) Practice Question:The recent Supreme Court judgment striking down domicile-based reservations in post-graduate medical admissions raises concerns about excessive centralisation in health policy. Critically examine the impact of this ruling on State autonomy, public health governance, and medical education policy. (250 words) Impact on State Health Planning: Domicile quotas ensured:Retention of medical graduates trained in State-funded institutions.Predictable supply of specialists in underserved areas. Court’s reasoning overlooked:Difference between undergraduate (MBBS) and post-graduate (MD/MS) education.MBBS provides foundational knowledge, whereas PG education is the main source of specialist doctors. Possible consequences:States may reduce investment in medical education.Increased reliance on external recruitment, which is unpredictable. Challenges to Competitive Federalism: Competitivefederalism should incentivize States to develop medical institutions. Without domicile reservations, States may deprioritise medical college funding. State-run medical colleges vs. Central institutions (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER): Central institutions enjoy selection autonomy. State medical colleges, which serve public health needs, lack this flexibility. Health as a Constitutional Right & State Subject: Article 21: Right to life includes access to healthcare. State List: Public health is a State subject, requiring policy autonomy. Medical colleges = Health Infrastructure: Not just academic institutions but vital to State healthcare planning. Meritocracy vs. Structural Realities: Court’s rigid meritocratic approach ignores systemic disparities. Issues with NEET-PG merit assessment: Percentile-based cutoffs: Candidates with negative scores qualify. 2023 case: Qualifying percentile reduced to zero to fill vacant seats. Contradiction: UG admissions consider regional & socio-economic factors, but PG does not. Domicile quotas align with: Public health needs (ensuring doctors serve their home States). Equitable healthcare access (reducing regional disparities). Need for Reconsideration: Court’s reasoning stems from Pradeep Jain (1984), but healthcare landscape has changed. Retaining specialists within State health systems is more crucial post-pandemic. Alternative approach: Tamil Nadu model: Links quotas to public service mandates. Ensures State investment leads to tangible public health benefits. Excessive centralisation weakens: State autonomy in medical education. Regional healthcare planning & competitive federalism. Humour, perversity Context : SC’s Observations – The Supreme Court has called for stakeholder discussions on regulating humour-related obscenity without infringing on free speech. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary ,Fundamental Rights) Practice Question: In light of recent debates on obscenity and humour in digital media, critically analyze the adequacy of existing laws in balancing free speech with societal decency. (250 words) Existing Legal Framework: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Deems electronic content obscene if it is “lascivious or appeals to prurient interest.” IT Act: Contains similar provisions for digital content. Cable TV Rules: Prohibit content that offends decency and morality. IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Establish age-based classifications and a grievance redress system. Regulation vs. Overreach: The case of India’s Got Latent suggests that existing laws might be adequate. FIRs and arrests indicate a pattern of criminalizing speech that offends public sentiment. The internet’s global reach should not justify universal jurisdiction over content complaints. The Public Morality Debate: The distinction between ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ humour is subjective but well understood. Outrage is often triggered when restricted content leaks to a broader audience. Overzealous law enforcement could lead to unnecessary criminalization of speech. Need for Balance: While explicit content warrants regulation, should verbal offences lead to imprisonment? The tendency to lodge FIRs over subjective grievances risks excessive judicial intervention. The legal system should avoid an overreaction that fuels a moral panic. Warriors of hope Background Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) were introduced under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 to bridge the gap between the community and public healthcare delivery. Over one million ASHAs serve in rural India, performing critical public health functions. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Health ,Social Justice) Practice Question :Discuss the role of ASHAs in public health and suggest measures to improve their working conditions and remuneration.(250 Words) Roles and Responsibilities Maternal & Child Health: Encouraging institutional deliveries, providing antenatal & postnatal care. Disease Control: Assisting in interventions for communicable & non-communicable diseases. Community Health: Monitoring hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and vaccination campaigns. Data Collection: Recording births and deaths in their designated areas. COVID-19 Contribution: Played a crucial role in pandemic response, awareness, and vaccination drives. Global Recognition: Received the WHO Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award (2022). Challenges Faced by ASHAs Low Wages & Unstable Income: Designated as volunteers, not permanent employees. Receive ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per month, a mix of fixed salary & incentive-based earnings. Poor Work Conditions: Long working hours, extensive travel, and lack of proper infrastructure. Irregular income due to incentive-based payment. Often skip meals, neglect their own health while serving others. Limited Social Security: 2018 ASHA benefit package provides insurance for accidents, disability, and death. No pension or job security despite years of service. Protests for Fair Compensation: Demand permanent employment status with regular salaries and benefits. Way Forward Recognizing ASHAs as permanent government employees with stable salaries and social security. Enhancing financial support through fixed monthly remuneration and incentives. Providing better working conditions, including travel allowances, health benefits, and training. Strengthening ASHA’s role in the healthcare system through structured career progression. DeepSeek’s market disruption must awaken India Context :DeepSeek’s Breakthrough – A Chinese firm, originally focused on financialtrading, has developed a low-cost AI model rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Its innovation significantly reduces computational costs, disrupting global tech and stock markets. The development has caught the attention of business leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg. Relevance : GS 3(Technology) Practice Question:Explain What is Generative AI models like DeepSeek ? Discuss how India can adapt to retain its global competitiveness .(250 Words) Threat to India’s IT Sector: India’s IT dominance has been based on cost-effective, English-speaking skilled labor. AI-driven automation, as demonstrated by DeepSeek, can eliminate the need for low-cost human labor in IT services. Generative AI threatens India’s outsourcing model, which relies on repetitive, low-value tasks. Indian IT firms risk falling behind Chinese counterparts in AI-driven service models. Lessons for Indian IT Companies: Investment in R&D is crucial: DeepSeek’s success stemmed from treating AI as a secondary initiative but still investing in it. Companies must foster innovation, risk-taking, and long-term R&D rather than just optimizing workforce efficiency. A culture of experimentation and tolerance for failure is necessary for breakthroughs. India’s R&D Deficit: India’s GERD (Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D) is below 1% of GDP, much lower than China’s 2.43% (2021, UNESCO data). Low investment in advanced research and hiring top talent hinders innovation. The manufacturing vs. services debate is misleading—both sectors need to be strengthened together. Future Priorities for India: AI Integration in Workforce: Instead of resisting automation, India must focus on upskilling to leverage AI effectively. Quantum Technology: India must prioritize investments in quantum computing, the next technological frontier. Government and private sector collaboration is essential to fund R&D and attract top researchers.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 March 2025

Content : U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2: Trump Little progress in centralising administration of Eklavya schools Who will apologise to the ‘Himalayans’? A brief history of the Russia-Ukraine war CAG, Finance Commission hold consultation on public finances, fiscal challenges When debris from space crashes to the earth, who is responsible? U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2 Context and Background U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs from April 2, targeting countries imposing high tariffs on American goods. This move aligns with his long-standing economic nationalism and “America First” policy. Focus on key trading partners like India, China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Rationale Behind the Tariffs Perceived Unfair Tariff Structure: Trump highlighted that countries like India impose excessively high tariffs, citing India’s auto tariffs exceeding 100%. China and South Korea’s tariffs on U.S. products are allegedly much higher than what the U.S. imposes. Economic Protectionism: U.S. aims to reduce trade deficits and promote domestic manufacturing. Reciprocal tariffs aim to counter non-monetary trade barriers that restrict U.S. market access. Geopolitical Considerations: Trump emphasized that even U.S. allies (South Korea, Canada, Mexico) impose higher tariffs while benefiting from U.S. military and economic support. This policy could be a pressure tactic to negotiate better trade terms. Impact on India and Other Countries India: Will face retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, affecting auto, pharmaceutical, and IT sectors. Could escalate trade tensions, impacting bilateral relations and India-U.S. trade balance. China: Faces additional 10% tariffs on exports to the U.S. while imposing retaliatory 15% tariffs on American farm products. May intensify the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. Canada & Mexico: Both countries are imposing 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Potential impact on NAFTA/USMCA framework and supply chains.  Economic and Political Implications For the U.S.: Short-term gains in revenue from import tariffs but risk of inflation due to higher import costs. Potential job creation in some domestic sectors but negative impact on industries dependent on imported raw materials. Possible WTO disputes and diplomatic strain with allies. For Global Trade: Rising protectionism could lead to a trade war affecting global supply chains. Emerging economies (like India and Brazil) may diversify trade partners to reduce dependence on the U.S. market. Potential impact on WTO norms and global tariff negotiations.  Future Outlook Countries may enter negotiations to lower tariffs and avoid prolonged trade disputes. U.S. businesses relying on imports may seek exemptions or supply chain adjustments. Potential shifts in global trade alliances, with affected nations deepening economic cooperation with China, EU, or regional blocs. Little progress in centralising administration of Eklavya schools Background of EMRS Centralisation Efforts Objective: Elevate EMRS to the standards of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs). Key Announcements: Finance Minister’s 2023-24 Budget speech emphasized centralised recruitment of 38,000 staff over three years. NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students) was set up to oversee EMRS administration. Relevance : GS 2(Education ,Schemes , Social Issues) Current Status and Challenges Slow Progress on Centralisation: Second phase of recruitment (6,000 staff) stalled for over three months. Proposal for regional offices under NESTS still awaiting approval since December 2024. Proposal to raise per-child recurring cost pending with the Department of Expenditure since November 2024. Weak Administrative Authority of NESTS: Lacks mandated control over State societies running schools. Unable to enforce inspections and oversight. State societies operate autonomously, often bypassing NESTS directives. Staffing and Recruitment Issues: Severe manpower shortage: NESTS operates with only 34 sanctioned staff, while JNV administration has 491 personnel. Hindi competency requirement led to difficulties in teacher placements, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states. Recruitment for NESTS posts remains unfulfilled due to low pay and no promotion opportunities. Financial and Operational Concerns Budgetary Issues: Financial irregularities found in State societies. Schools not purchasing essential items (e.g., uniforms, books) but transferring funds to parents instead. Governance Gaps: NESTS issued circulars reinforcing its authority, but lacks enforcement mechanisms. December 2024 circular warned new recruits against challenging NESTS authority. Comparison with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) JNVs’ Stronger Administrative Structure: Managed by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti under a centralised system. 661 JNVs with structured administration through eight regional offices. Sufficient staffing (491 personnel at HQ and regional levels). EMRS Lags Behind in Infrastructure and Funding: 728 EMRS sanctioned, but only 477 functional. Funding disparity: Per-student expenditure ₹1.09 lakh (EMRS) vs ₹1.70 lakh (JNVs). Way Forward Fast-track Centralised Recruitment: Expedite the approval of the second phase of 6,000 staff hiring. Structural Empowerment of NESTS: Grant statutory powers for direct oversight and inspections. Increase Financial Allocation: Approve the proposed hike in recurring per-student expenditure. Address Recruitment Barriers: Improve pay scales and career prospects for NESTS officials. Resolve Governance Gaps: Strengthen accountability of State societies under NESTS control. Who will apologise to the ‘Himalayans’? Context : Norway’s Apology and Recognition of Historical Wrongs Norway’s Parliament issued a formal apology for past assimilation policies targeting indigenous groups like the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finns. Norwegianisation (1850s–1960s) aimed to suppress indigenous languages and cultures, leading to systemic discrimination. The Norwegian government has taken measures such as indigenous language protection and inclusion monitoring (starting 2027). Despite progress, Sami languages remain endangered, and indigenous communities still face inequities in healthcare, education, and land rights. Relevance :GS 1(Society),GS 3(Environment) Parallels Between Nordic and Himalayan Indigenous Communities The Himalayas, spanning 2,500 km from Afghanistan to Northeast India, hold the world’s largest ice reserves outside the poles. Like the Nordics, Himalayan communities face climate change, resource exploitation, and cultural erosion. Home to 52 million people from diverse ethnicities (e.g., Gaddis, Kinnauras, Lepchas, Bhutiyas, Apatanis, and Khas communities). These groups have experienced assimilation through colonialism, post-independence policies, and neoliberal economic frameworks. Colonial Policies and Their Impact on Himalayan Communities British trade laws disrupted traditional economies (e.g., coerced participation in tea, gold, silk, and opium trade). Trade blockades in the Northeast caused economic crises, halting agricultural production and even marriages due to silk shortages. Forest laws in Himachal and Uttarakhand led to massive deforestation (e.g., 80,000 km of railway track construction destroyed forests). Sal forests in Garhwal and Kumaon were devastated for timber extraction. Post-Independence Policies and the Shift Towards Exploitation Nehru’s humanistic approach (initial 15 years post-independence) promoted respect for tribal autonomy and culture. By the 5th and 6th Five-Year Plans, state-led development prioritized resource extraction over indigenous rights. The 1990s marked a shift towards economic self-sufficiency, forcing Himalayan states to rely on tourism and hydropower. Unlike other Indian states with an industrial base, Himalayan states were pressured to generate revenue via environmental exploitation. Hydropower Projects: A Case of Economic Exploitation Hydropower became a key revenue source (e.g., Arunachal Pradesh projected₹445 crore annually from three projects). Despite economic promises, projects often bypass local laws and undermine tribal land ownership. Customary land rights and traditional governance structures are frequently ignored. “Hydro-criminality” – a term used by civil society groups – describes the corrupt nexus of bureaucrats, politicians, and corporations facilitating large-scale land acquisition. The result: cultural displacement, environmental degradation, and the marginalization of traditional livelihoods. Lessons from Norway: The Need for Accountability Norway’s recognition of historical injustices sets a precedent for state accountability. The Himalayan region has yet to receive an acknowledgment or apology for centuries of systemic exploitation. Sustainable, inclusive development models are needed to protect both environmental resources and cultural heritage. A brief history of the Russia-Ukraine war Background of the Conflict Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, expecting a quick victory. Initial Russian advances met stiff Ukrainian resistance, supported by U.S. and NATO military aid. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) The Biden administration’s approach: Economic sanctions to cripple Russia’s war effort. Heavy military aid to Ukraine, ensuring prolonged resistance. Key events in the initial war phase: September 2022: Russia lost Kharkiv Oblast. November 2022: Russia retreated from Kherson. October 2022: Putin annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, signaling a long war strategy. Current War Status (2023-2025) Russia reversed its battlefield setbacks: Captured Soledar (January 2023), Bakhmut (May 2023), Avdiivka (February 2024), Vuhledar (October 2024). Ukraine’s counteroffensive (June 2023) failed due to Russian defensive fortifications. 2024 developments: Ukraine’s surprise attack (August 2024) in Kursk Region. Russia captured 4,168 sq. km of Ukrainian territory. January 2025: Russia seized Velyka Novosilka and Toretsk, pressing towards Pokrovsk. Ukraine’s battlefield challenges: Manpower shortage (as admitted by U.S. officials). Dependence on Western arms and aid. Increasing attacks inside Russia to offset battlefield losses. U.S. Policy Shift Under Trump Trump administration’s shift (2025): Direct talks with Russia, sidelining Ukraine and Europe. Ukraine will not become a NATO member (announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth). No American security guarantees to Ukraine. Rationale behind Trump’s approach: Strategic realignment: Views China as the primary threat, not Russia. Geopolitical realism: Believes Ukraine cannot win the war even with U.S. aid. Pre-World War I offshore balancing: The U.S. prefers not to entangle itself in European conflicts. European Response Europe caught off guard by Trump’s abrupt policy shift. Historical reluctance: Germany and France opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership in 2008. Minsk agreements (2014-15) failed due to lack of commitment from all sides. Economic impact on Europe: Energy crisis after the destruction of Nord Stream pipeline. Recession in Germany (third consecutive year). Rise of far-right political forces due to economic hardships. Limited strategic options: Europe lacks the military capability to support Ukraine without U.S. backing. NATO’s future uncertain as Trump questions its relevance. Ukraine’s Dilemma Severe losses: Over 20% of its territory under Russian control. Millions displaced, economic collapse, and infrastructure devastation. Weapons and manpower shortage limiting further resistance. Uncertain future: Continued war = further territorial losses. Negotiations = unfavorable peace dictated by Russia and the U.S.. Geopolitical reality: Ukraine has been a pawn in great power politics. The U.S.-Russia reset could force Ukraine into an unfavorable settlement. CAG, Finance Commission hold consultation on public finances, fiscal challenges Context and Significance The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) met with the 16th Finance Commission in Bhopal, marking a crucial phase in assessing India’s financial landscape. The consultation was aimed at addressing fiscal challenges and enhancing financial transparency across Union, State, and local government levels. Relevance : GS 2(Polity) Key Focus Areas of Deliberation Union and State Finances: Examined expenditure trends, non-debt receipts, and fiscal stress points. Local Bodies: Emphasis on harmonization of accounting practices and fund transfers. Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs): Addressed financial viability and performance challenges. Major Fiscal Challenges Identified Revenue Gaps: A significant mismatch between expenditure and non-debt receipts at both Union and State levels. State Own Tax Revenue (SOTR) Decline: Varying levels of SOTR across States and reduced revenue buoyancy impacting fiscal stability. Off-Budget Borrowings: Need for greater transparency and regular reporting to prevent fiscal mismanagement. FRBM Act Compliance: Ensuring adherence to fiscal deficit targets and addressing post-audit liabilities. Technology-Driven Revenue Optimization Enhancing Stamp Duty & Excise Collections: Regular updates to market value guidelines. Improved classification of property types. Adoption of sensor-based systems and QR codes to minimize leakages. GST Administration Reforms: Expanding the tax base by integrating unregistered goods and service providers into the formal economy. Automated data collection and real-time monitoring to enhance transparency. Strengthening taxpayer verification mechanisms to curb tax evasion. Strengthening Financial Management at the Local Level Harmonization of Local Body Accounts: Standardizing accounting practices across Central, State, and local governments. Immediate implementation in the top 100 cities to streamline financial reporting. Use of Integrated Financial Management System (IFSM): Onboarding local bodies to ensure efficient fund transfers. Enhanced accountability and financial discipline in urban and rural governance. Strategic Implications and Way Forward Improved Fiscal Prudence: Strengthening reporting mechanisms and compliance frameworks. Increased Revenue Mobilization: Leveraging technology for better tax collection and reducing leakages. Local Governance Strengthening: Enhancing financial autonomy and transparency in local body operations. Aligning with Long-Term Fiscal Goals: Ensuring that revenue growth aligns with developmental priorities without exacerbating fiscal deficits. When debris from space crashes to the earth, who is responsible? Defining Space Debris and Legal Ambiguities Lack of universal legal definition: Space debris remains undefined in binding international treaties. Common working definitions: Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and UN COPUOS define space debris as non-functional man-made objects in orbit or re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Legal classification challenge: Disputes hinge on whether debris qualifies as a “space object” under the 1972 Liability Convention. Relevance : GS 3(Science) International Legal Framework Governing Space Debris Outer Space Treaty (1967) – Article VI: States bear responsibility for all national space activities, including those conducted by private entities. 1972 Liability Convention: Absolute liability applies to damage caused by space objects on Earth (no proof of negligence required). Challenge: When debris is no longer under a state’s jurisdiction, enforcement becomes difficult. Challenges in Enforcing Liability Diplomatic settlements are slow and inadequate: Example: Canada recovered only $3 million of the $6 million spent cleaning up after the Soviet Cosmos 954 satellite crash in 1978. Attribution difficulties: Advanced tracking helps identify some debris, but older and highly fragmented objects are difficult to trace. Timeframe limitations: Can a launching state still be liable decades later if a defunct satellite fragment causes damage? Growing Risks of Uncontrolled Reentries Increased space activity → Higher frequency of falling debris. Major incidents: Dec 2024, Kenya: 500 kg separation ring crashed. July 2024, China: Long March 5B rocket stage uncontrolled reentry into the Pacific. 2022, Australia: SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule debris crash. Case of SpaceX Falcon 9 in Poland (2024): The FAA disclaimed responsibility once SpaceX lost control of the rocket. Lack of binding rules: No penalties for uncontrolled reentries unless damage occurs. Gaps in Governance and Accountability No clear international enforcement mechanism for post-launch debris. Most countries have voluntary compliance: UN’s 25-year deorbit rule sees only 30% compliance. Mega-constellations (Starlink, Kuiper, OneWeb) worsening the problem: 100,000+ satellites projected by 2030 → More debris accumulation & reentry risks. What Needs to Change? Mandatory international regulations for controlled reentries. COPUOS must push for legally binding global agreements. National-level policies: Enforce debris mitigation as a condition for launch licenses. Stronger tracking systems: Expand systems like U.S. Space Fence to improve monitoring and debris attribution. Sustainable space practices: Incentivize reusable rockets and debris-neutral technologies. Modernizing the 1972 Liability Convention: Create an independent international tribunal with binding enforcement powers.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 05 March 2025

Content: CPGRAMS-10 Step Reforms deepened with focus on quality of grievance redressal and improving citizen satisfaction Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana CPGRAMS-10 Step Reforms deepened with focus on quality of grievance redressal and improving citizen satisfaction CPGRAMS, or the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, is an online platform launched by the Government of India. It allows citizens to lodge grievances and track their resolution efficiently. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) 1. Senior Officer Level Reviews of Grievance Redressal Cabinet Secretary issued directives (30th Jan 2025) for high-level grievance reviews. A dedicated review module has been introduced in CPGRAMS for Ministries/Departments. 2. Capacity Building under SEVOTTAM Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) onboarded as a knowledge partner. National Workshop for State ATIs conducted in Bhopal (20th Feb 2025) to finalize training strategies. 3. Next-Gen CPGRAMS for Citizen-Centric Transformation Incorporates advanced technology for better accessibility and efficiency. Collaboration with NIC, NISG, IIT Kanpur, BHASHINI, and C-DAC. 4. Effective Metrics for Grievance Redressal Quality Monitoring Focus on qualitative assessment and citizen satisfaction parameters. Data-driven approach for tracking redressal performance. 5. Adoption of Best Practices from States Learning from successful state-level grievance redressal mechanisms. Standardization and replication of best practices nationwide. 6. Collaboration with Right to Services (RTS) Commissions Strengthening grievance redressal through synergy with RTS frameworks. Ensuring time-bound and legally enforceable grievance redressal mechanisms. 7. Improvement in Feedback Collection Practices Feedback Call Centre plays a central role in citizen engagement. Over 20 lakh feedbacks collected to assess redressal effectiveness. 8. Documentation and Dissemination of Success Stories Compilation of best-case grievance redressal instances. Public dissemination to showcase efficiency and accountability. 9. Enhanced Media Outreach on CPGRAMS Benefits Monthly CSC-CPGRAMS Day (20th of every month) for rural outreach. All India Radio Jingles to spread awareness about CPGRAMS. 10. State-wise CPGRAMS Rankings by Centre for Good Governance (CGG) Development of Ministry/Department-wise Grievance Redressal Assessment Index (GRAI). Collaboration with Quality Council of India & Feedback Call Centre for outreach and assessment. Impact (2019-2024) 1.12 crore grievances redressed on CPGRAMS portal. 1.03 lakh Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs) mapped across departments. 30 lakh citizens registered on CPGRAMS. Grievance redressal timelines reduced to 15 days. 20 lakh+ citizen feedbacks collected for quality monitoring. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana Introduction India’s unorganised workforce constitutes nearly 50% of GDP contribution. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) provides a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for financial security in old age. Ensures ₹3,000 per month pension after 60 years for workers earning up to ₹15,000/month. Launched in Interim Budget 2019, administered by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and LIC as the Pension Fund Manager. Over 30.51 crore unorganised workers registered under e-Shram portal (as of Dec 31, 2024). Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Key Features of PM-SYM Minimum Assured Pension: ₹3,000 per month post 60 years. Government Contribution: Matches worker’s contribution 1:1. Voluntary & Contributory: Flexible contributions based on affordability. Family Pension: 50% of pension for the spouse after the beneficiary’s death. Exit Provisions: Flexible exit and withdrawal rules. Easy Enrolment: Registration via Common Service Centres (CSCs) or Maandhan portal. Fund Management: LIC ensures financial stability. Eligibility Criteria Age: 18 to 40 years. Income: ≤ ₹15,000/month. Professions Covered: Street vendors, construction workers, daily wage labourers, domestic workers, rag pickers, artisans, weavers, fishermen, etc. Exclusion Criteria: Not covered under EPF, ESIC, or NPS. Not an income taxpayer. Not receiving benefits from any other government pension scheme. Documents Required: Aadhaar, savings bank/Jan Dhan account, mobile number. Pension starts at 60 years, with a ₹3,000 per month benefit. Enrolment Process Visit CSC centres with Aadhaar and bank details. Biometric authentication using Aadhaar. First payment in cash, then auto-debit setup. Receive PM-SYM card upon successful registration. Alternative: Enrol via Maandhan portal Implementation & Current Status Periodic review meetings with States/UTs. Regular coordination with Common Service Centres (CSCs). New features: Voluntary Exit & Revival Module. Claim Status & Account Statement. Extension of dormant account revival from 1 to 3 years. Two-way integration of PM-SYM & e-Shram. Awareness campaigns: SMS outreach, Chief Secretary interactions. Donate-a-Pension Module (employers pay staff premiums). Collaboration with financial bodies (DFS, PFRDA, NIPFP) to expand coverage. Exit & Withdrawal Provisions Exit Before 10 Years: Refund of contributions + Savings bank interest rate. Exit After 10 Years but Before 60 Years: Worker receives contributed amount + interest (higher of actual fund earnings or savings bank rate). Death Before 60 Years or Permanent Disability: Spouse can continue scheme or withdraw funds with interest. Death After 60 Years: Spouse receives 50% of pension as family pension. Corpus Handling: After the death of both subscriber and spouse, funds are credited back to the scheme. Default Situation: Subscribers can regularize payments with penalty charges

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 05 March 2025

Content: Double trouble Little has changed in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 Double Trouble Context : Concerns Over Electoral Integrity Public Confidence: The credibility of India’s electoral system is crucial for both voters and political parties. ECI Under Scrutiny: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has faced criticism from various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society groups. Voter Registration Discrepancies: The recent surge in voter numbers in some states, such as Maharashtra (48 lakh new voters in six months), has raised suspicions. Opposition Concerns: Parties like Congress and Trinamool Congress have questioned the voter registration process, highlighting inconsistencies in electoral rolls. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Elections) Practice Question :Discuss the challenges posed by duplicate EPIC numbers in India’s electoral system and evaluate the feasibility of Aadhaar-based voter deduplication as a solution. Suggest alternative reforms to ensure electoral integrity. (250 words) EPIC Number Issues and Potential for Duplicate Voting Duplicate EPIC Numbers: The ECI acknowledged that some voters share the same Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) number. Migrant Voter Challenge: A voter could potentially be registered in multiple states due to delays in de-duplication, leading to voting in multiple locations. Impact on Electoral Fairness: If elections in different states occur in quick succession, a voter might cast ballots in multiple constituencies, raising questions about election integrity.  Aadhaar as a Solution – Strengths and Limitations Aadhaar-Based Deduplication: Linking Aadhaar to voter registration can help restrict a voter to one polling location. Citizenship vs. Residency Issue: Aadhaar identifies residents, not necessarily citizens, making it insufficient as the sole proof of voting eligibility. Data Privacy Concerns: Linking Aadhaar to voter rolls could lead to misuse, such as profiling of voters, raising privacy and surveillance risks. Need for Supplementary Proofs: Biometric verification alone is not foolproof and must be backed by alternative identity verification to prevent exclusion due to technological failures. Potential Electoral Reforms Unique Voter ID System: ECI must ensure that each voter has only one EPIC number linked to a single constituency. Regular Voter Database Updates: Frequent and transparent updates to electoral rolls can minimize duplicate registrations. Alternative Identity Verification: Alongside Aadhaar-based deduplication, other proofs of citizenship should be mandated to prevent voter exclusion. Transparent Process: The ECI should maintain transparency in its de-duplication process and communicate effectively with political stakeholders. Conclusion Ensuring Electoral Integrity: While Aadhaar linking can help restrict a voter to one polling location, it should not be the sole method of verification. Balanced Approach Needed: Electoral roll de-duplication must balance security, privacy, and inclusion to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised. ECI’s Responsibility: A robust verification mechanism, supplemented by clear and fair policies, is necessary to maintain trust in India’s electoral process. Little has changed in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 Objective and Structural Changes The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, aims to replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961, to simplify taxation. The government claims it will enhance clarity, reduce litigation, and create a fairer tax system. The existing law (1961) is considered complex, unwieldy, and filled with provisos and exceptions. However, a close reading reveals that the changes are largely cosmetic, without substantial reforms. Relevance :GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Practice Question:Critically analyze whether the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, simplifies taxation or merely restructures the existing law. (250 words) Lack of Simplification in Legal Language Global best practices promote plain language drafting to make laws accessible to common citizens. While some argue that legal precision requires complexity, global examples show that clear laws improve compliance and reduce litigation. The Bill fails to simplify legal language, maintaining dense and convoluted phrasing. Example: Replacing “notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary” with “irrespective of anything to the contrary” does little to improve accessibility. The fundamental taxation approach remains unchanged, making the Bill more of a restructuring exercise than a reform. Limited Substantive Changes The Bill removes some redundant provisions and consolidates compliance rules into tables and schedules. However, this could have been achieved through amendments rather than a complete overhaul. Cross-referencing to existing laws continues, making interpretation cumbersome and litigation-prone. Example: The definition of income under Section 2(49) refers to Section 2(24) of the 1961 law, defeating the purpose of drafting a new statute. Courts have already provided interpretations for many provisions; new changes may reopen settled debates, leading to increased litigation and legal uncertainty. Persisting Litigation and Compliance Burdens The Bill fails to address core issues that lead to high litigation in taxation matters. Reopening of completed assessments: Earlier, authorities needed “reason to believe” income had escaped taxation. Post-April 2021, this was changed to “information” suggesting escaped income, relying on undefined risk management strategies. The Bill retains these ambiguities, continuing the scope for arbitrary tax reassessments. Expanded Search and Seizure Powers Most controversial aspect: Bill grants tax authorities excessive powers to conduct search and seizure operations. Fundamental concerns post-Puttaswamy judgment (2017): The Supreme Court affirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Existing search and seizure powers already face constitutional scrutiny. Instead of limiting these powers, the Bill expands them to digital spaces: Officials can inspect any electronic device, emails, social media accounts, and cloud storage. If a taxpayer denies access, authorities can override access codes to retrieve data. No judicial oversight on these expanded powers, increasing risks of government overreach and misuse. This legalizes digital intrusions, raising serious privacy and constitutional concerns. Key Takeaways and Recommendations The Bill does not fundamentally alter tax policy, instead offering a restructured version of the old law. Legal complexity and litigation risks remain, making compliance difficult for taxpayers. Expanded search powers risk violating privacy rights, necessitating urgent reconsideration. A piecemeal approach to reform through targeted amendments would be more effective than repealing and reenacting the entire law. The Select Committee should review and reconsider the need for this Bill, especially its draconian enforcement provisions.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 05 March 2025

Content: Kerala passes resolution against offshore mining Designing India’s AI Safety Institute Government talks big on gender budget, delivers little What are the issues around delimitation? How the Wallace line explains the difference in species across continents States need to protect patients from being fleeced by private hospitals, says SC India hit targeted maternal mortality rate of 100 deaths per lakh live births: Nadda IMF: overexposure by NBFCs may imperil financial system Kerala passes resolution against offshore mining Environmental Concerns: Offshore mining poses a severe threat to Kerala’s fragile marine ecosystem. Deep-sea biodiversity, including fish populations and coral reefs, could be severely impacted. Could lead to ecological imbalances, affecting marine food chains and coastal stability. Relevance : GS 2 (Governance & Federalism), GS 3 (Environment & Economy, Internal Securuty) Economic Implications: Kerala’s fishing industry—a major livelihood source—faces potential disruption due to depletion of fish resources. Loss of marine biodiversity would directly affect fishermen and allied industries. Tourism industry (especially coastal tourism) could suffer due to environmental degradation. National Security Concerns: Offshore mining allows private entities access to strategic minerals, raising security concerns. The presence of foreign companies or private players in deep-sea mining zones could compromise sovereignty over natural resources. Political and Federalism Aspects: Kerala’s opposition to the Centre’s move reflects tensions over federalism in resource management. The amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, enabling private participation, have been criticized for ignoring State concerns. Legal and Policy Issues: The 2023 amendment allows the Union Ministry of Mines to auction deep-sea mineral blocks, which Kerala claims was done without sufficient consultation with coastal States. Raises questions on environmental clearances and regulatory oversight over private participation in deep-sea mining. Designing India’s AI Safety Institute India’s AI Safety Institute (AISI): Announced under the Safe and Trusted Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Aimed at mitigating AI risks while promoting indigenous AI development. Relevance : GS 3(Technology) Global Precedents: Similar institutes established in the U.K., U.S., Singapore, and Japan. Focus areas include risk evaluation, ethical AI, deepfake detection, cybersecurity, and AI governance. India-Specific Challenges: AI bias and discrimination: Risk of unrepresentative datasets. Linguistic and technological diversity: Need for inclusive AI solutions. Hub-and-Spoke model: Collaboration between government, startups, academia, and industry. Indigenous AI Development Initiatives: Startups like Karya addressing unrepresentative data challenges. IndiaAI Mission’s Responsible AI Projects: Ethical AI, watermarking, bias mitigation. Global Collaboration & Standardization: Need for a global AI safety taxonomy to standardize risk assessments. India’s AISI should support an international AI model notification framework. Reference to the Bletchley Declaration on AI safety. India’s Role in the Global South: Many emerging economies lack resources for AI safety. India can lead AI safety governance efforts among Global South nations. Policy Recommendations for AISI: Develop indigenous AI safety tools and frameworks. Align with global AI governance frameworks while ensuring local adaptability. Strengthen collaboration with UNESCO and other international bodies. Government talks big on gender budget, delivers little Context :India’s AI Safety Institute (AISI): Announced under the Safe and Trusted Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Aimed at mitigating AI risks while promoting indigenous AI development. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Economy) Global Precedents: Similar institutes established in the U.K., U.S., Singapore, and Japan. Focus areas include risk evaluation, ethical AI, deepfake detection, cybersecurity, and AI governance. India-Specific Challenges: AI bias and discrimination: Risk of unrepresentative datasets. Linguistic and technological diversity: Need for inclusive AI solutions. Hub-and-Spoke model: Collaboration between government, startups, academia, and industry. Indigenous AI Development Initiatives: Startups like Karya addressing unrepresentative data challenges. IndiaAI Mission’s Responsible AI Projects: Ethical AI, watermarking, bias mitigation. Global Collaboration & Standardization: Need for a global AI safety taxonomy to standardize risk assessments. India’s AISI should support an international AI model notification framework. Reference to the Bletchley Declaration on AI safety. India’s Role in the Global South: Many emerging economies lack resources for AI safety. India can lead AI safety governance efforts among Global South nations. Policy Recommendations for AISI: Develop indigenous AI safety tools and frameworks. Align with global AI governance frameworks while ensuring local adaptability. Strengthen collaboration with UNESCO and other international bodies. What are the issues around delimitation? What is Delimitation? Process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of constituencies for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Conducted by the Delimitation Commission, constituted by an Act of Parliament. Based on Census data: 1951, 1961, 1971 Census-based exercises conducted. 1971 Census-based seat allocation (543 seats) was frozen to encourage population control measures. Re-adjustment due after 2026 based on the first Census thereafter. Relevance : GS 2(Polity) Issues Around Delimitation 1. Uneven Population Growth Across States States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan saw high population growth. Southern States (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) and smaller northern & northeastern States have lower growth rates. 2. Potential Scenarios for Redistribution Scenario 1: Maintain 543 seats but redistribute among States. Scenario 2: Increase the total seats to 848 based on projected population. 3. Disadvantage to Southern & Smaller States If seat distribution is based on projected population, Southern and smaller northern/northeastern States lose political representation. Southern States’ share may reduce from 24% to 19% in Lok Sabha. Could impact federalism, violating the Basic Structure Doctrine. Loss of political bargaining power for States that implemented population control effectively. 4. Lack of Clarity on ‘Pro-Rata’ Basis Home Minister Amit Shah assured no reduction in seats for any State. However, the basis of increase (current share or projected population) remains unclear. Possible Solutions 1. Capping Lok Sabha Seats at 543 Example: U.S. House of Representatives capped at 435 since 1913, despite population growth. India has managed with 543 MPs since 1976 despite population increase from 55 crore to 145 crore. Prevents disadvantaging well-performing States in terms of population control. 2. Increase State Legislative Assembly Seats Instead MPs mainly legislate on Union matters; State issues handled by State governments. Increasing MLAs in State Assemblies ensures better local representation without disturbing national political balance. 3. Ensuring Fair Representation for All Regions Safeguards for federal balance should be introduced to prevent disenfranchisement of any region. Parliamentary consensus needed to maintain equitable representation across States. How the Wallace line explains the difference in species across continents What is the Wallace Line? Proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century. Marks a sharp boundary in species distribution between Asia and Australia. Runs between Bali and Lombok, northward between Borneo and Sulawesi, then curving south of Mindanao. Wallace observed distinct species on either side—Asian species like tigers and orangutans versus Australian species like kangaroos and cockatoos. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) Key Findings on Sulawesi Sulawesi, despite being close to Borneo, hosts unique species from both Asian and Australian origins. Example: Tarsiers and anoas (Asian lineage) vs. dwarf cuscus (Australian marsupial). Wallace struggled to categorize Sulawesi, redrawing his line multiple times. Geological and Evolutionary Explanations Tectonic Movements: Malay Archipelago formed due to the breakup and drift of landmasses. Australia separated from Antarctica, drifting north toward Asia, creating Indonesia’s volcanic islands. Climatic and Environmental Factors: Oceanic cooling affected species migration. Asian species could migrate via tropical islands, while Australian species faced harsher routes. Study (2023) on 20,000 species confirmed that environmental conditions influenced species dispersal. Modern Relevance Wallace Line is more of an ecological gradient than a fixed boundary. New technologies (evolutionary modeling, computer simulations) refine our understanding of species adaptation. Conservation concerns: Indo-Malayan archipelago faces high habitat destruction rates. Understanding historical species distribution helps predict responses to climate change and habitat loss. Experts argue redrawing the line is unnecessary; focus should be on biodiversity conservation instead. States need to protect patients from being fleeced by private hospitals, says SC Context : SC’s Directive to States Supreme Court urges States to frame guidelines preventing private hospitals from overcharging patients. Patients shouldn’t be forced to buy medicines, implants, or devices at inflated prices from hospital-run pharmacies. States must ensure fair pricing without discouraging private investment in healthcare. Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Judiciary) Court’s Observations Private hospitals play a crucial role in filling gaps in public healthcare. States should balance regulation with the need for private sector participation. The issue falls under State List (health, sanitation, hospitals), requiring State policy decisions. Background of the Case Petition by Siddharth Dalmia highlighted personal experience of exploitation in a private hospital. SC refrained from ruling on specific allegations but emphasized sensitizing State governments. Court disposed of the petition, focusing on the constitutional framework rather than imposing mandatory conditions. Significance Highlights growing concerns over healthcare affordability and regulation. Reinforces the need for State-level policies to ensure fair healthcare practices. Balances consumer protection with private sector viability in healthcare. India hit targeted maternal mortality rate of 100 deaths per lakh live births: Nadda Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): India has met the National Health Policy (NHP) target of 100 deaths per 1 lakh live births. MMR Decline (1990-2020): 83% drop in India, higher than the global decline. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 69% reduction in India vs. 55% global decline. Under-5 Mortality Rate: 75% decline in India, outpacing the global 58% drop. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) Government Strategy & Policy Directions Mission Steering Group Meeting: Chaired by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda under National Health Mission (NHM). Implementation Focus: Need for effective execution of healthcare schemes at the grassroots level. Strengthening CMOs: Enhancing the capacities of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) through training and capacity-building. ASHA Workers’ Role: Emphasis on their empowerment, revised incentives, and honorariums. Technological & Infrastructure Developments New Initiatives: Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISHM) introduced. Quality Assurance: Ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of new health technologies and schemes. Significance Reflects India’s progress in maternal and child healthcare. Strengthening health infrastructure and workforce to sustain improvements. Highlights need for continued investment in training, technology, and incentives for healthcare workers. IMF: overexposure by NBFCs may imperil financial system Context : Key Findings from IMF’s Report (“India Financial System Stability Assessment”) Relevance : GS 3(Economy ) NBFC Overexposure to Power & Infrastructure: 63% of power sector loans in FY24 came from three large infrastructure financing NBFCs (up from 55% in 2019–20). 56% of their lending was financed by market instruments, with increasing reliance on bank borrowings since 2019. State-owned NBFCs like IREDA face higher risk. Systemic Risk Concerns: NBFC stress could spill over into the broader financial system. High exposure to infrastructure loans makes them vulnerable to economic shocks. PSBs’ Vulnerability in a Stagflation Scenario IMF stress test results: Public Sector Banks (PSBs) may struggle to maintain 9% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) in a recession. PSBs should retain earnings instead of paying dividends to strengthen their capital base. Geopolitical risks & monetary policy misalignment could trigger higher interest rates, slowing growth. Policy Recommendations & Outlook Strengthening PSBs’ capital reserves to withstand economic downturns. Better risk management for NBFCs, especially in the power & infrastructure sectors. Need for regulatory oversight to manage interconnections between NBFCs, banks, and financial markets. Significance Highlights systemic financial risks from concentrated lending in critical sectors. Calls for prudential regulation to safeguard economic stability. Emphasizes the need for capital buffers in case of economic shocks.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 04 March 2025

Content: India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones Every year on March 3rd, the world celebrates United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) to honour the vital role of wild animals and plants in our lives and the planet’s health. This day is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology ) National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) Focuses on landscape-level conservation, integrating climate change considerations into wildlife management. Emphasizes community involvement to ensure sustainable conservation efforts across diverse ecosystems. National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-26) Developed through a four-year consultative process under the Indo-German Project. Aims to systematically reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) while balancing wildlife conservation and human well-being. Integrates scientific, policy, and community-driven approaches. Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended 2022) Strengthened enforcement by empowering the Indian Coast Guard. Recognizes Gangetic and Indus River Dolphins as distinct Schedule I species, enhancing their legal protection. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 Prioritizes conservation of ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds. Restricts unregulated development to protect marine biodiversity. National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019) Aims to repopulate rhinos in historically inhabited areas using scientific and administrative measures. Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) Launched in 2024 to restore degraded mangroves, enhancing coastal sustainability and local livelihoods. National Mission for Green India (GIM) Initiated in 2014 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Targets protection, restoration, and enhancement of forest cover for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) A centrally sponsored scheme providing financial and technical support for wildlife conservation, including Project Tiger and Project Elephant. National Marine Turtle Action Plan Focuses on conserving marine turtles and their habitats along India’s coastline. Tiger Conservation Scheme (Announced 2025) Targets protection of tigers and co-predators outside traditional reserves. National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan (Announced 2025) Aims to upscale efforts to protect this critically endangered species. Project on Gharials (Announced 2025) Dedicated initiative to address the dwindling population of gharials. Achievements Budgetary Allocations (2025-26) Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, a 9% increase from 2024-25 revised estimates. Revenue expenditure: ₹3,276.82 crores (8% increase); Capital expenditure: ₹136 crores (46% increase). ₹450 crores allocated for IDWH, with ₹290 crores (64%) for Project Tiger and Elephant, an 18% rise from 2024-25. Protected Areas Expansion As of November 2023, India has 1,014 Protected Areas: 106 National Parks 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries 115 Conservation Reserves 220 Community Reserves Covering 5.32% of the country’s geographical area (1,75,169.42 km²). Project Dolphin Launched in 2020, with ₹241.73 lakhs (2022-23) and ₹248.18 lakhs (2023-24) allocated. First-ever Ganges River Dolphin satellite-tagging completed on December 18, 2024, in Assam—a global conservation milestone. Population estimation of riverine dolphins completed across 28 rivers in eight states, report under finalization. Chambal River Conservation Zone (200 km) recommended as a Dolphin Conservation Zone. Project Tiger (50 Years) Celebrated 50 years in 2023; India hosts over 70% of global wild tigers (3,682 avg. population, 6.1% annual growth). 54 tiger reserves span 78,000 km²; new reserves like Rani Durgavati (Madhya Pradesh) added. Tiger reintroduction successful in Rajaji, Madhav, Mukundra Hills, and Ramgarh Vishdhari reserves. 23 reserves accredited under CA|TS; Pench and Satpura won the Tx2 Award for doubling tiger numbers. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Became a treaty-based organization on January 23, 2025, with 27 countries onboard. Launched in 2023 by PM Modi, headquartered in India, focuses on seven big cat species conservation. Project Cheetah Launched in 2022; translocated 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park. Successful births (e.g., three cubs born January 3, 2024) mark cheetah reproduction after 75 years in India. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ engaged for community awareness and conflict mitigation. Project Elephant Elephant population grew from 26,786 (2018) to 29,964 (2022). 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states cover 80,777 km²; ₹236.58 crores allocated for 2021-26. Asiatic Lion Conservation Population increased from 411 (2010) to 674 (2020) in Gir National Park. Gujarat allocated ₹155.53 crores in 2023-24; IUCN status upgraded from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered” (2008). One-Horned Rhinoceros Population in Kaziranga reached 2,613 (2022), accounting for 68% of the global total. Indian Rhino Vision 2020 enhanced genetic diversity via translocation. Mangrove Restoration MISHTI restored 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves across 13 states/UTs by 2024. Digitization Efforts BSI and ZSI digitized 16,500 faunal specimens with 45,000 images; geo-tagged 6,124 springs in Himalayan states. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign Over 102 crore trees planted by December 2024, targeting 140 crore by March 2025. Wildlife Crime Control WCCB conducted 166 operations (2019-2023) in the North East, arresting 375 offenders. Global Commitments World Wildlife Day 2025 Theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet” aligns with India’s focus on funding and community involvement. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Treaty-based status enhances global collaboration for big cat conservation. Hosted capacity-building course with Kaziranga National Park for 27 countries. Project Tiger Global Leadership MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and talks with Bangladesh for Sundarbans conservation. Global Declaration for River Dolphins India participated in discussions (October 2023, Bogotá, Colombia), reinforcing dolphin conservation commitments. United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Expanded engagement announced in 2025 for enhanced international cooperation. Alignment with International Whaling Commission States urged to appoint Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners to meet global standards. Climate Change Integration IBCA and National Mission for Green India integrate climate mitigation into conservation strategies.  Additional Insights Technological Advancements Next Gen DNA Sequencing facility (WII, 2024), AI/ML for conflict mitigation, and space tech for forest fire management. Community Engagement Initiatives like ‘Cheetah Mitras’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ foster local participation. New Conservation Sites Gandhisagar Sanctuary and Banni Grasslands identified for cheetah reintroduction.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 04 March 2025

Content: Battle for growth India’s burden of rising obesity, the hefty cost to pay Australia, the partner for India’s growth trajectory Battle for Growth Context : Economic Growth Trends and Challenges Q3FY25 GDP Growth: India registered a 6.2% real GDP growth rate, improving from the revised 5.6% (5.4%) in the previous quarter. This marks the slowest growth since Q4FY23, apart from the last quarter. Full-year Growth Target: The government’s 6.5% GDP growth target appears unattainable due to global headwinds and domestic sectoral slowdowns. External risks include tariff-induced imported inflation and tepid performance in manufacturing and services. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy ) Practice Question :”While government spending and private consumption have provided a boost to economic growth, structural weaknesses in manufacturing and services sectors pose challenges to sustained growth.” Analyze in the context of India’s economic performance in FY25. (250 words) Sector-wise Performance Primary Sector (Agriculture, Mining, etc.): Strong growth at 5.2% (up from 1.8% in the same quarter last year). Played a crucial role in driving Q3FY25 growth. Secondary Sector (Manufacturing & Industry): Slowed to 4.8%, a sharp decline from 12.4% last year. Manufacturing remains vulnerable to global trade uncertainties, including U.S. import tariffs (25% on steel, pharmaceuticals). Pharma exports to the U.S. account for 31% ($8.7 billion) of total exports, making this a significant risk. Some Indian pharma firms are considering shifting production to the U.S., posing a potential trade revenue loss for India. Tertiary Sector (Services): Growth slowed to 7.4%, compared to 8.3% last year. Services sector, particularly IT and business outsourcing, remains sensitive to global demand fluctuations. Government & Private Consumption as Growth Drivers Government Spending: Increased by 8.3%, significantly up from 2.3% in the previous quarter. Fiscal spending has provided a major boost to economic activity. Private Consumption Expenditure: Grew by 6.9% (compared to 5.7% last quarter), driven by moderation in inflation. Large-scale events like Maha Kumbh could further propel short-term demand in Q4FY25. Inflation Trends and RBI’s Outlook Current Inflation Levels: The RBI projects FY25 inflation at 4.8%, expected to decline to 4.2% in FY26. This aligns with the RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, indicating a more stable price environment. Uncertainty in Inflation Data: NSO’s revised methodology has raised concerns about data accuracy and consistency. The agency claims its estimates are based on detailed sectoral revisions but has not clearly explained the nature or impact of changes. Lack of transparency could affect confidence in economic indicators and policy planning. Key Risks & Uncertainties Global Trade Tensions: The U.S.’s 25% import tariffs on key sectors like steel and pharmaceuticals could disrupt Indian exports. Possible relocation of Indian pharma manufacturing to the U.S. could lead to a domestic production slowdown. Structural Weakness in Manufacturing & Services: Slowdown in these sectors signals a need for stronger policy interventions (e.g., PLI schemes, trade diversification). Data Reliability Issues: NSO’s lack of transparency in GDP calculation methodology raises doubts about future estimates. Calls for clarity in statistical revisions to maintain credibility. India’s Burden of Rising Obesity, the Hefty Cost to Pay Current Scenario of Obesity in India Epidemiological Transition: Rising overweight and obesity levels over the last two decades. NFHS-5 (2019-21): Nearly 1 in 4 men or women in India are obese. State-Wise Variation: Overweight and obesity range from 8% to 50% across states and demographics. Childhood Obesity: One of the fastest-growing concerns globally, as per the World Obesity Federation. Rising Trend: Adult obesity has doubled in 15 years and tripled in 30 years. ICMR Study (2023, The Lancet): 35 crore adults (over 20 years) have abdominal obesity. 25 crore adults have general obesity. 21 crore adults have high blood cholesterol. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Practice Question: ”Rising obesity in India is not just a public health concern but an economic burden as well.” Discuss the underlying causes, consequences, and policy measures required to tackle this challenge. (250 words) Why the Issue Needs Urgent Attention Societal Normalization: Obesity is often seen as a personal issue rather than a public health concern. Dietary Challenges: Despite calorie sufficiency, 55% (78 crore people) cannot afford a healthy diet. Nutritional Deficiency: 40% of people lack an adequate nutrient-rich diet. Food Availability Shift: Increase in high fat, salt, sugar (HFSS) and ultra-processed food (UPF). Lifestyle Factors: Urbanization has led to sedentary habits; 50% of Indians fail to meet WHO’s recommended physical activity levels. Health Risks: “Thin Fat Indian” hypothesis – Indians with normal BMI still have high body fat. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, and liver disorders. 1 in 4 Indian adults (25 crore) is diabetic or prediabetic. Economic Impact: Global Obesity Observatory (2019): ₹1,800 per capita (1.02% of GDP). Projected Cost (2030): ₹4,700 per capita (1.57% of GDP). Costs linked to healthcare expenses and productivity loss. Policy and Programmatic Solutions Public Awareness & Screening: Recognize obesity as a disease, integrate routine BMI and waist circumference checks in healthcare, and educate on ideal weight parameters. Active Lifestyles & Infrastructure: Improve urban planning with cycle lanes, parks, and open gyms; ensure free access to fitness facilities. Food Regulation & Industry Accountability: Tax HFSS & UPF products, subsidize healthier foods, promote ethical marketing, and encourage CSR funding for healthy lifestyle initiatives. Education & Workplace Interventions: Include nutrition education in schools, regulate canteen menus, adopt Japan’s dietitian model, and implement regular body fat analysis at workplaces. Policy & Research Strengthening: Multi-ministerial coordination under Suposhan Abhiyan, capacity-building of healthcare providers, and data-driven obesity management through epidemiological studies. Australia, the Partner for India’s Growth Trajectory Strategic Complementarity: Australia sees itself as a natural partner in India’s economic growth due to complementary economies—Australia supplies critical resources, while India offers a large skilled workforce and market potential. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question :Discuss the significance of the India-Australia economic partnership in the context of global trade realignments. Highlight the key sectors of cooperation and the challenges that need to be addressed. (250 words) Trade Growth & Free Trade Agreement Impact: India’s exports to Australia have grown 66% in five years, nearly double the growth rate of its global exports. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has fueled stronger trade ties, demonstrating the benefits of economic liberalization. The New Roadmap & Key Sectors: Focuses on four “superhighways of growth”: clean energy, education & skills, agribusiness, and tourism. Identifies seven additional economic corridors: investment, technology, sports, culture, resources, defence, space, and health. Support for India’s Energy & Manufacturing Needs: Australia provides critical minerals for India’s EV revolution, holding major reserves of lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Strengthening energy partnerships to meet India’s growing power demands. Education & Skill Development: Australia recognizes India’s need to skill 2 crore people annually and has responded by setting up foreign university campuses in India. Australian universities are positioning themselves as key partners in India’s higher education landscape. Indian Diaspora as a Growth Bridge: The 10-lakh-strong Indian diaspora in Australia plays a key role in deepening ties and fostering business opportunities. Investments in programs like the Maitri grants further strengthen these links. Path Forward: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is the next step to deepen economic integration. Australia’s long-term commitment to India’s growth signals a shift towards a more robust and diversified bilateral partnership. The Australia-India partnership is evolving beyond trade into strategic collaboration across sectors, driven by shared economic interests and people-to-people ties.

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