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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 16 April 2025

Content : Retail inflation eases to 3.34%, lowest since 2019 IMD forecasts ‘above normal’ monsoon The approach to regulating AI in India Are births, deaths being properly registered? Bonds surge to more than 3-year high on RBI’s liquidity infusion plan Retail inflation eases to 3.34%, lowest since 2019 Context : Retail inflation (CPI) fell to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest since late 2019. The drop was driven by falling food prices, particularly vegetables, pulses, and eggs. Rural inflation fell to 3.25%, while urban inflation rose slightly to 3.43%. Consumer Food Price Inflation declined sharply to 2.7%, from 3.75% in February. Fuel and light inflation rose marginally to 1.48%, marking the first price rise since Sep 2023. State-wise variation: Highest inflation: Kerala (6.6%) Lowest inflation: Delhi (1.5%), Telangana (1.1%) Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Policy and Monetary Context The decline follows two recent RBI repo rate cuts (each by 25 bps). Indicates monetary policy easing is yielding results, without triggering inflation. Analysts expect inflation to stay below 4%, creating space for a further 50 bps repo rate cut. Implications Boosts household purchasing power, especially in rural areas. Signals macroeconomic stability and room for growth-focused policy. Could stimulate consumption and investment, given lower interest rates. Positive sentiment for bond and equity markets due to lower inflation expectations. Implication: Inflation Management Reflects effectiveness of inflation-targeting framework (RBI’s 4±2% band). Emphasizes food price volatility’s role in retail inflation—a persistent issue in India. Monetary Policy & Growth Trade-off Shows a pro-growth bias of RBI amid global disinflationary trends. Highlights the delicate balance between stimulating demand and maintaining price stability. Sectoral Impact Agriculture: Lower food inflation might hurt farmer incomes despite consumer benefit. Manufacturing & MSMEs: May benefit from rate cuts, improving credit access. State-level divergence: Calls for granular inflation management, considering regional disparities. Broader Macroeconomic Linkage May aid in current account control if rate cuts improve competitiveness. Needs alignment with fiscal policy and supply-side measures for sustainable inflation control. IMD forecasts ‘above normal’ monsoon Context : IMD forecast: India likely to receive “above normal” monsoon in 2025 — i.e., 5% more than the long-period average (LPA) of 87 cm. This would be the second consecutive year of surplus rainfall (2024 had 8% above normal). The margin of error in the forecast is ±4%. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) ,GS 3(Climate Change) Positive Implications Agriculture: Likely to benefit kharif crops (e.g., paddy, pulses, oilseeds) due to adequate soil moisture. May enhance agricultural output, supporting rural income and food security. Water Resources: Better reservoir storage improves irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation. Inflation Control: Good monsoon → stable food prices → supports low retail inflation (relevant from previous news). Rural Economy: Employment under MGNREGA, agro-based sectors, and rural consumption could get a boost. Risks and Concerns Flood Risk: Above-normal rainfall may bring episodes of intense rainfall → urban flooding, crop loss, and infrastructure damage. Climate Extremes: Recent years show a trend of spatial and temporal rainfall variability, even during surplus monsoons. Forecast Limitations: Models have only moderate predictability (~33%); high uncertainty due to complex monsoon dynamics. Scientific Basis No El Niño: Typically leads to better monsoons; this year’s forecast benefits from its absence. Eurasian Snow Cover: Below-normal snow in Jan–Mar 2025 → historically associated with better Indian monsoons (inverse correlation). Dynamical Model Forecasting: IMD uses coupled ocean-atmosphere models, fed into supercomputers with parameters like: Sea surface temperatures Snow cover Oceanic heat content Wind patterns The approach to regulating AI in India Context : India lacks a formal AI regulatory law or national strategy, unlike several other countries. Current efforts are centered around IndiaAI Mission and an advisory group, but lack enforceability, accountability, and public engagement. The article stresses the need for a comprehensive AI policy and public discourse to ensure ethical and inclusive AI development. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ), GS 3(Technology) Global Context of AI Regulation Countries with enacted laws: China, EU, Canada, Korea, Peru, USA (Trump revoked Biden’s AI EO). Countries with draft AI bills: UK, Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Pakistan. 85+ countries (including the African Union) have national AI strategies, outlining: Vision and priorities Budgetary support Roadmaps for ethical and inclusive growth India’s Approach to AI Governance No official National AI Strategy or AI-specific legislation. Relies on: NITI Aayog’s 2018 Strategy Document – yet to be formally adopted. IndiaAI Mission with seven pillars – still evolving. Expert advisory group – work-in-progress; recommendations not officially binding. Advantages of India’s Flexible Approach Adaptability to evolving tech, global trends, and domestic needs. Can respond dynamically to citizen sentiment and market shifts. Avoids premature rigid regulation that may stifle innovation. Major Concerns No binding vision or enforcement tools. Reactive governance – lacks clear milestones, accountability, or long-term planning. Overdependence on leadership – initiatives can change with political priorities. Low algorithmic transparency – no standards for public disclosure or audit. Social risks – exclusion, discrimination, deepfakes, violence from AI-generated content (e.g., social media unrest). Lessons from Global Models EU GDPR Model (Comprehensive & Centralised) India’s DPDP Act, 2023 aligns more closely with this model. Could be extended into AI governance. US Model (Sector-Specific & Decentralised) Focuses on industry-specific regulations. May not suit India’s federal structure or need for unified standards. China’s Use-Case Specific Laws Targeted laws for Generative AI, Deepfakes, etc. Offers clarity for high-risk sectors. Way Forward for India Short-Term Goal: Develop a National AI Policy Document addressing: Vision & guiding principles Priority sectors (e.g., health, agriculture, judiciary, education) Institutional roles & responsibilities Ethical standards Infrastructure & capacity building Transparency and accountability mechanisms Medium-Term Goal: Pilot test enforcement tools, public consultations, and ethical frameworks. Long-Term Goal: Enact formal AI legislation integrating learnings from pilots and international norms. Are births, deaths being properly registered? Context : The Registration of Birth and Death (RBD) Act, 1969 mandates the timely registration of births and deaths, with penalties for negligence. The government is pushing for digital registration through the Civil Registration System (CRS) to ensure accuracy and update vital national databases. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Social Issues) Legal Framework: Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969 (Amended 2023) Mandate: Registration of all births and deaths within 21 days is compulsory. Penalty: Registrar’s negligence in registering births/deaths is punishable with a fine (increased to ₹1,000 from ₹50). Digital Mandate (since Oct 1, 2023): Digital birth/death certificates are now mandatory and are the sole legal proof for various public services. March 17, 2024 Circular by Registrar General of India (RGI) Reason: Noted violations by hospitals in reporting birth/death data. Findings: ~90% registration level, but 10% still unregistered. 2011 levels: 82.4% (births), 66.4% (deaths). Reminder: Hospitals (govt. & private) must report events promptly. Roles and Responsibilities under the Civil Registration System (CRS) Government hospitals: Act as registrars. Private hospitals: Must report events to the registrar — they cannot issue certificates directly. Variability: Departments responsible differ across States (Health Dept., Panchayats, or Economics & Statistics). Centralised Database: RGI now maintains a national database (post-2023 amendment), integrated with NPR. Purpose of Centralised Digital Registration The digital birth certificate is now used for: Admission to schools, govt. jobs, marriage registration, etc. Updating NPR, ration cards, property, and electoral rolls. NPR (2010, updated 2015) — contains data of 119 crore residents; next update on hold due to census delay. Ground-Level Challenges Hospitals often delay registration till relatives initiate it. Some private hospitals ask families to report events themselves. Registrars sometimes lack citizen-friendly registration mechanisms. Certificates should ideally be issued within 7 days. Vital Statistics Report Status Purpose: Tracks infant mortality, stillbirths, death data — key for socio-economic planning & public health. Current status: Last national-level report: 2020. Some States like Mizoram (2023), Kerala (2021), Karnataka, Delhi, HP (2022) have updated data. 2020 Trends: Birth registrations fell from 2.48 cr (2019) to 2.42 cr (2020). Death registrations rose from 76.4 lakh (2019) to 81.2 lakh (2020). Beware of child traffickers, top court cautions parents Context : Supreme Court Warning to Parents: Parents must remain “extremely vigilant” against child trafficking. The Court highlighted various forms of child trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, begging, and child marriage. Trafficking rings may disguise child sales as inter-country adoptions, making it harder to detect. Relevance : GS 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) Technology’s Role in Child Trafficking: Criminal gangs use technology to share victim information, photos, and locations, making their operations more efficient. The Court emphasized the ease with which traffickers operate due to these technological advancements. Emotional Impact on Parents: The pain of losing a child to trafficking is different from the grief of death, as parents face long-term uncertainty and helplessness. The Supreme Court’s verdict calls for greater care and attention from parents, especially in poor, vulnerable sections of society. Court’s Actions Against Hospitals: Hospitals will face license suspension and legal action if newborns go missing or are trafficked under their care. Hospitals are held responsible for the protection of infants during delivery, emphasizing strict accountability. Inter-State Trafficking and Involvement of Healthcare Professionals: The case involved 13 members of a child trafficking ring, including a nurse working at a primary health center in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the role of trusted professionals in these crimes. This points to potential collusion within healthcare systems, complicating efforts to prevent trafficking. Delays in Justice: The Court criticized the slow progress of the trial and the Uttar Pradesh government for lack of action, with no appeal against the bail granted by the Allahabad High Court. It ordered the completion of the trial within six months and a two-month deadline for the police to trace the absconding accused. Call for Urgent Action by High Courts: The Supreme Court directed High Courts across India to expedite the trials of pending child trafficking cases and ensure completion within six months. The need for a stronger, more active response from the judiciary and law enforcement was emphasized. Exploitation of Juvenile Justice Protections: Traffickers exploit the protections offered to minors under the juvenile justice system, which inadvertently becomes a haven for committing crimes. The Court expressed concern over how such protections are misused by criminal networks involved in child trafficking. Socio-Political Issues Highlighted: The case points to systemic flaws in the handling of child trafficking, including insufficient governmental action and accountability at the state and institutional levels. The Court’s strong stance calls for a more proactive, coordinated response from both the government and judiciary to combat the issue. Bonds surge to more than 3-year high on RBI’s liquidity infusion plan Indian government bond prices surged to over three-year highs as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a significant liquidity infusion plan, including bond purchases and repo operations. This move is part of RBI’s accommodative stance to support economic growth and ensure effective monetary policy transmission. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy, Banking) Key Developments: Bond Price Surge: Indian government bond prices hit more than a three-year high, driven by short-end gains. RBI’s Liquidity Infusion Plan: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its plan to buy bonds worth ₹400 billion ($4.67 billion) and conduct a 43-day repo for ₹1.50 trillion on Thursday. Repo Rate Reduction: Last week, RBI reduced the repo rate for the second consecutive time and changed its monetary policy stance to “accommodative,” signaling a focus on growth. Significance of the Move: Continued Liquidity Support: Market participants expect continued liquidity injections in the future, indicating a strong commitment from RBI to ensure sufficient liquidity in the banking system. Policy Transmission: Comfortable liquidity conditions are deemed essential for effective monetary policy transmission. A surplus in liquidity allows for faster and more efficient transmission of rate cuts, facilitating economic growth. Targeted Surplus Levels: RBI is aiming for a liquidity surplus of around 1% of deposits, which amounts to approximately ₹2.20 trillion to ₹2.50 trillion, with the daily average standing at₹1.70 trillion this month. Market Reactions: Bond Yields Decline: Bond yields have fallen as a result of RBI’s actions. The 10-year benchmark bond yield decreased by 3 basis points to 6.41%. Meanwhile, the 3-year and 5-year bond yields fell by 5-6 basis points, reaching 6.12% and 6.17% respectively. Underlying Objectives and Implications: Accommodative Stance: RBI’s accommodative stance aims to support economic growth by reducing borrowing costs through lower bond yields. Liquidity Injection’s Role: By buying bonds and injecting liquidity, RBI aims to ensure that the banking system remains well-supplied with funds, which is crucial for stimulating credit growth and supporting economic recovery. Economic Growth Focus: The primary goal is to stimulate growth amid a softening economy, with the expectation that comfortable liquidity will ease credit availability for businesses and consumers. Challenges and Considerations: Sustaining Liquidity Surplus: Ensuring that the surplus liquidity remains durable in the long term is a critical challenge. Too much liquidity can lead to inflationary pressures, while too little could stifle growth. Impact on Inflation and Currency: While current policy measures are aimed at boosting growth, the long-term impact on inflation and the Indian Rupee’s strength against global currencies will need to be monitored. Conclusion: The RBI’s decision to infuse liquidity through bond purchases and repo operations aligns with its growth-supporting monetary policy, aiming to enhance policy transmission and ease borrowing costs. The market’s positive response in the form of lower bond yields indicates confidence in RBI’s actions to support economic recovery. However, sustaining liquidity without sparking inflation remains a balancing act that will require careful monitoring.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 15 April 2025

Content: Department of Justice Celebrates the 135th  Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Startup selected under NQM develops platform to empower enterprises protect their critical infrastructure Department of Justice Celebrates the 135th  Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Contextual Background Occasion: 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Date: 14th April 2025. Organizer: Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India. Relevance : GS 1(Modern History ) , GS 2(Social Justice) Significance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Born: 14th April 1891. Legacy: A pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer. Key architect of the Indian Constitution. Major Contributions: Fought caste-based discrimination; championed the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups. Worked for gender equality, labor rights, and the upliftment of the oppressed. Advocated for social, political, and economic justice, forming the backbone of modern India’s democratic values. Ambedkar Jayanti / Equality Day Celebrated across India as a symbol of social equality and constitutional justice. Also known as “Equality Day”, symbolizing: Upliftment of marginalized communities. Constitutional morality and the rule of law. April 14, 2025 declared a public holiday nationwide as a mark of respect. Objective: Pay tribute to Baba Saheb. Reinforce the Department’s commitment to justice, equality, and constitutional values. Symbolic Importance Reiterates the relevance of Ambedkar’s vision in contemporary India: Uplifting the downtrodden. Ensuring access to justice for all. Promoting constitutional literacy among citizens. Reinforces institutional memory and moral obligation to uphold the ideals of democracy and inclusivity. Relevance for Governance & Policy Highlights the role of the Law and Justice Ministry in promoting Ambedkar’s ideals. Offers an opportunity for: Public institutions to reaffirm their role in social transformation. Strengthening legal empowerment of vulnerable sections. Startup selected under NQM develops platform to empower enterprises protect their critical infrastructure Context & Occasion Occasion: Launched on World Quantum Day (14 April 2025). Startup: QNu Labs, incubated at IIT Madras Research Park (established 2016). Program: Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). Significance: Marks a major leap in India’s indigenous quantum cybersecurity capabilities. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology , Research , Cyber Security)  Key Launch: QShield Platform Claim: World’s first unique platform for seamless cryptography management across: Cloud On-premises Hybrid environments Purpose: Protect critical enterprise infrastructure through quantum-safe cybersecurity.  Core Technologies in QShield Armos – Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Uses quantum physics principles for unhackable encryption keys. Tropos – Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG): Generates truly random numbers, crucial for secure cryptographic systems. QHSM – Quantum Hardware Security Module: Hardware-based secure key storage and cryptographic operations. PQC – Post-Quantum Cryptography: Compliant with NIST standards, designed to withstand quantum computer attacks.  Integrated Quantum-Safe Services QShield includes the following enterprise-ready modules: Qosmos: Cryptographic key generation. QConnect: Secured connectivity channels. QVerse: Secure collaboration platform. QSFS: Secure file storage & sharing system. QVault: Centralized key management.  Deployment & Integration Flexible deployment: Supports hybrid, cloud, and on-prem solutions. Unified management dashboard. Seamless integration with 3rd-party services, ensuring real-world scalability for diverse enterprise needs.  Strategic Implications Strengthens India’s cybersecurity ecosystem amid growing quantum threats. Ensures data protection in transit and at rest, addressing vulnerabilities across sectors like: Banking & finance Defence & critical infrastructure Telecom & cloud-based services Makes enterprises quantum-resilient, preparing them for the post-quantum era.  National & Global Significance Demonstrates the success of India’s National Quantum Mission in supporting deep tech startups. Aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global quantum technology leader. Positions QNu Labs as a pioneering force in commercial quantum cryptography.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 15 April 2025

Content: Unnecessary change History as battlefield — the perils of reversing the past Unnecessary change  Background Context: RTI Act (2005): A landmark legislation that empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, enhancing transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act: Permits withholding of personal information unless there is an overriding public interest or if the information has a direct relationship to public activity or public interest. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Practice Question :“The recent amendment to the Right to Information Act through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 undermines the balance between transparency and privacy.” Critically examine the implications of this amendment on democratic accountability in India. (250 Words)  The DPDP Act & Section 44(3): DPDP Act, 2023: Enacted to protect personal data, arising from the K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) verdict that declared right to privacy a fundamental right under Article 21. Section 44(3) of DPDP Act: Amends RTI Act’s Section 8(1)(j) by allowing blanket denial of personal information without considering public interest. Key Concerns with the Amendment: Undermining Transparency Removes the “public interest override“ clause — weakening the very essence of accountability. RTI Act was already equipped to handle privacy concerns via reasonable restrictions in Section 8(1)(j). Vague Definition of ‘Personal Information’ The amendment lacks clarity — almost any data (e.g., educational qualifications, caste certificates, service records) could now be classified as “personal” and denied. This opens the door to arbitrary interpretation and denial of legitimate RTI queries. Potential for Abuse Public officials could suppress information under the pretext of personal data. E.g., in cases like forged caste certificates or fake degrees, public interest outweighs privacy — but the amended law may block such disclosures. Contradiction with Puttaswamy Judgment The judgment never called for amending RTI; it acknowledged the need to balance privacy and transparency — which the original RTI Act already does. Misuse Argument is Weak The government claims the amendment prevents “misuse” of RTI. However, RTI misuse is not widespread, and existing provisions (penalties for frivolous RTIs) already act as safeguards.  Legal & Ethical Implications: Legislative Overreach: Amending a transparency law through a privacy law sidesteps parliamentary debate and undermines democratic processes. Chilling Effect on Accountability: Reduces the incentive for honest disclosure by public officials. Dilution of Citizen Empowerment: Citizens lose a powerful tool to demand governance reforms or expose corruption.  Civil Society Response: Transparency activists and watchdog groups argue the amendment is regressive. Demand for removal or rollback of the Section 44(3) amendment from the DPDP Act.  Conclusion: The RTI Act already balances privacy and transparency effectively. The amendment is legally unnecessary, politically undesirable, and ethically questionable. To uphold democratic accountability, the government must repeal the amendment and ensure RTI’s core purpose remains intact. History as battlefield — the perils of reversing the past Context & Background In March 2025, textbook revisions and public campaigns emerged targeting few rulers and monuments. Historical narratives are being selectively reinterpreted to glorify certain native rulers while demonizing others. These actions coincide with rising public anger, ideological polarization, and identity politics. Relevance : GS 1(History) ,GS 2(Social Issues) Practice Question : “Rewriting history with a revisionist agenda often leads to division rather than reconciliation.” Critically examine the impact of historical revisionism on social cohesion and democratic values in India.(250 Words) Understanding History: Role and Responsibility History is not a binary of heroes and villains; it involves causes, consequences, and context. It should function as a guide for the present — not a battlefield to settle contemporary scores. The weaponization of history transforms it from a tool of reflection to a means of division. Revisionism vs. Reinterpretation Reinterpretation is: An academic process. Based on new evidence or emerging perspectives. Enhances understanding without compromising integrity. Revisionism, particularly political: Distorts facts to suit current ideologies or political agendas. Linked to nationalism, religious supremacy, and territorial disputes. Creates divisive narratives that deepen social cleavages. Global Case Studies of Dangerous Revisionism The Crusades (1096–1291): Claimed to reclaim Christian holy lands. Led to centuries of violence, not reconciliation. Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648): A product of religious revisionism post-Reformation. Caused massive death and economic ruin in Europe. Nazi Germany: Hitler’s ideology was built on mythical Aryan past and post-WWI grievances. Resulted in World War II and the Holocaust. Israel-Palestine Conflict: Ongoing struggle over divergent historical claims. Demonstrates the irreconcilability of revisionist narratives. Russia-Ukraine War (2022 onwards): Russia used historical unity as justification for invasion. Aimed at reversing post-Soviet independence of Ukraine. Key Insights Historical grievances are not always meant to be avenged, but understood. The idea of reversing history to reclaim lost glory may leads to instability. Selective remembrance distorts public memory and hinders reconciliation. History as a Guide, Not a Grudge The role of history is: To educate, not inflame. To promote empathy, not hostility. To strengthen democratic values, not erode them. Quoting George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Consequences of Historical Revisionism Marginalizes minority contributions. Leads to communal tensions and cultural erasure. Damages academic integrity and civil discourse. Way Forward Encourage inclusive and evidence-based history education. Resist politicization of curriculum and historical monuments. Promote historical reckoning with empathy and balance. Uphold constitutional values of secularism and pluralism.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 15 April 2025

Content: Telangana govt. formalises categorisation of SCs for granting separate quotas How is spaceflight safety ensured? How governmentality exacerbates the problem of farmers’ stubble burning ASI seeks to shed new light on Dwarka through explorations Miniature laser grown onto silicon chip could revolutionise computing Land-holding farmers doing non-farming activities helps efficiency’ Telangana govt. formalises categorisation of SCs for granting separate quotas Telangana has become the first state to implement sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes for targeted reservations, following the Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict upholding such classification. The move aims to ensure equitable access to opportunities for the most marginalised SC sub-groups. Relevance : GS 2(Polity & Governance)  Legal and Constitutional Context SC Categorisation Legally Validated: Follows the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment (Aug 1, 2024), which upheld the constitutionality of sub-classifying SCs/STs for targeted reservation within communities. Act Enacted: Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025 implemented through gazette notification.  Effective From: April 14, 2025 (Ambedkar Jayanti) — symbolically chosen to align with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. Key Features of Categorisation Total SC Sub-Castes: 59 Three-Group Model based on empirical data (socio-economic, educational, employment, political): Group I: Most Backward SCs 15 sub-castes 0.5% of SC population Reservation: 1% Rationale: Over-representation not needed; instead, targeted upliftment through higher per-capita allocation. Group II: Marginally Benefitted SCs 18 sub-castes Reservation: 9%  Group III: Relatively Better-Off SCs26 sub-castesReservation: 5%  Impact on Recruitment & Administration Govt. Jobs: Future recruitment will strictly follow this categorisation. Retrospective Non-Applicability: Does not apply to already notified vacancies. Youth Encouraged: Govt calls on SC youth to make use of these targeted opportunities.  Continuity & Change in Classification No Major Shakeup: 33 sub-castes retained their earlier categories. Only 26 sub-castes (3.43% of SC population) underwent reclassification.  Empirical & Policy Foundations Based on: Socio-economic and educational surveys Political representation and public employment trends  Guided by data-driven social justice principles Future Course Post-2026 Census Review: Govt plans to revisit and possibly enhance SC reservations based on fresh data. Signals dynamic policy rooted in demography and equity. National Significance  First State in India to operationalise SC categorisation post-SC verdict. May act as a template for other States considering similar steps. Reflects a shift from monolithic treatment of SCs to intersectional affirmative action. Critical Takeaways Equity over Equality: Recognises internal stratification within SCs to ensure meaningful representation. Landmark Policy Moment: Represents a progressive realignment of reservation policy to address deepest layers of deprivation. Constitutional Morality in Action: Upholds Ambedkarite vision of justice through institutional mechanisms. How is spaceflight safety ensured? ISRO is preparing for its first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, by implementing robust safety protocols across all mission phases. These draw from past global experiences like Apollo-1 and current best practices to ensure astronaut safety. Overall Safety Strategy ISRO is drawing from global best practices, past incidents, and recent research to ensure astronaut safety. Safety is addressed across three phases: launch, orbit, and reentry — each with tailored protocols and systems. Relevance : GS 3(Space ,Technology )   Launch Phase Safety a) On the Launchpad Inspired by the 1967 Apollo-1 fire tragedy, ISRO has set up: Ziplines and fireproof bubble lift at SHAR (Sriharikota) to enable rapid crew evacuation. b) During Lift-off Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) includes a Crew Escape System (CES): Tower-like structure above the crew module. In case of failure, CES detaches and pulls the crew module to safety using solid fuel motors. ISRO uses tractor-type CES (pulls the capsule); contrast: SpaceX uses pusher-type (pushes the capsule). c) Abort Modes Low-altitude Escape Motor (LEM): activates shortly after ignition. High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM): kicks in later in flight. Pad abort mode: both LEM and HEM fire to distance crew rapidly from danger. Post-abort, crew module splashes down at sea at pre-designated recovery zones. Orbit Phase Safety a) Crew & Service Module Configuration Gaganyaan’s spacecraft has: Crew Module: living space for astronauts. Service Module: engines, fuel, life-support systems. b) In-Orbit Emergency Protocols In case of malfunction, the service module’s propulsion and crew module’s thrusters can initiate controlled reentry. Though Gaganyaan won’t dock with ISS, astronauts are trained in docking protocols. c) Docking & Space Station Safety (for future missions) Capsules used for docking serve as “lifeboats” in emergencies. Safe refuge zones exist within stations, with shielding against fires, debris impacts, and solar radiation. Redundancy in escape capsules ensures no astronaut is stranded (e.g., NASA’s spare docked capsules). Reentry Phase Safety a) Controlled Reentry Capsule fires thrusters to exit orbit and initiate descent. Reentry causes frictional heating up to 1,800º C. Ablative heat shields protect astronauts during descent. b) Deceleration & Landing System Multi-phase parachute deployment ensures controlled descent: Apex cover separation parachutes deploy at 15.3 km. Drogue parachutes stabilize descent (to 70 m/s at 3 km). Three primary canopies reduce speed to 10–12 m/s. Retrograde thrusters and pyrotechnic release mechanisms assist in final touchdown and splashdown. Case Studies & Historical Lessons Used by ISRO Apollo-1 (1967): Pad fire; led to modern launchpad safety upgrades. Soyuz T-10 (1983): Rocket fire before liftoff; CES saved crew. Blue Origin NS-23 (2022): In-flight engine failure; capsule escape system worked successfully. Conclusion ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission is adopting a layered, redundancy-based safety approach. Every phase — launch, orbit, and reentry — has fail-safe mechanisms to protect astronauts. Learning from both historical tragedies and successful recoveries has been vital in shaping current protocols. How governmentality exacerbates the problem of farmers’ stubble burning A study analyzes how governmentality and market failures exacerbate the issue of farmers’ stubble burning in India. It highlights how policies like MSP push farmers toward mono-cropping and unsustainable practices, with stubble burning seen as a survival tactic. Relevance : GS 3(Economic Development,Agriculture) Governmentality and Its Role in Exacerbating Stubble Burning: Governmentality: The concept introduced by Michel Foucault emphasizes how governments exert control indirectly, influencing self-regulation in individuals rather than using direct coercive measures. Indirect Government Control: The study suggests that the Indian government’s emphasis on increasing agricultural production, particularly wheat and rice, inadvertently encourages behaviors like stubble burning. Farmers are left with few choices and little support, leading to the adoption of unsustainable practices. Neoliberal Policies and Market Failures: Minimum Support Price (MSP) Paradox: While MSP guarantees prices for crops, it discourages crop diversification and leads to over-reliance on wheat and rice. This increases dependency on practices like stubble burning to prepare soil for the next crop cycle. Mono-cropping: Farmers, incentivized by MSP, often focus on mono-cropping, which in turn creates soil health degradation and an overproduction of certain crops (wheat and rice). This system encourages stubble burning as an immediate and cheap solution for residue disposal. Market Dysfunction: The agricultural market system in India, influenced by neoliberal policies, remains skewed against farmers. The role of middlemen (arhtias) exacerbates the issue, as they dictate prices and credit terms, trapping farmers in a cycle of debt and limited financial agency. Farmers’ Perceptions and Government Policies: Contradictory Signals: Farmers report receiving conflicting signals from the state—while stubble burning is penalized, no affordable alternatives are provided. The government seems to prioritize urban-industrial interests over rural communities, aggravating the alienation of farmers. Debt Dependency: Farmers rely heavily on arhtias for credit and price determination, perpetuating a cycle of debt bondage. The stagnant MSP rates, which have not kept pace with the rising cost of inputs like labor and equipment, further contribute to financial strain. State’s Role in Marginalization: The study asserts that stubble burning should not be viewed as merely an individual act of negligence but as a result of a larger systemic failure rooted in government policies and market dynamics. Market and Policy-Based Solutions to Mitigate Stubble Burning: Developing a Market for Stubble: The authors propose creating a market for stubble and stubble-based products (e.g., fodder, bioenergy, packaging) to provide farmers with alternative, income-generating options. This market could reduce the incentive for burning. Strengthening the Value Chain: To make stubble-based products viable, technological interventions and a supportive ecosystem are essential. This will require policy and market interventions, including stakeholder involvement from both state and market actors across the agricultural value chain. Regulatory Interventions: Prohibitions and Permits: The government could consider a mix of regulatory strategies: enforcing a ban on stubble burning, managing it through selective permits, and promoting stubble utilization for value-added products. Addressing Market Inefficiencies: Ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce is a crucial intervention. Enhancing price transparency, fairness, and reducing the influence of middlemen will help alleviate the economic pressures that drive stubble burning. Socio-Cultural Factors: Aspirational Consumption Pressure: Farmers often face socio-economic pressure to consume aspirational goods despite limited income. Addressing this pressure may involve shifting cultural norms and promoting a mindset that values sustainability over material aspirations. Role of Cultural Organizations: The involvement of religious and cultural organizations in demarketing non-essential aspirational consumption can play a role in mitigating the socio-cultural pressure on farmers, thereby contributing to long-term changes in behavior. Conclusion: Governmentality and Market Failures: The study concludes that governmentality, along with neoliberal policies and market failures, exacerbates the problem of stubble burning. The existing system marginalizes farmers and incentivizes unsustainable practices. Holistic Solutions Needed: Effective solutions require an integrated approach, involving both regulatory interventions and market-based strategies that empower farmers economically, address the root causes of stubble burning, and provide viable alternatives. ASI seeks to shed new light on Dwarka through explorations Context :The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking new efforts to explore and study the submerged remains at Dwarka, Gujarat, a site of great cultural and historical significance. Relevance : GS 3 (Research and Development) A nine-member team from the Underwater Archaeology Wing is engaged in both onshore and offshore expeditions at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka. The goal is to identify, document, and analyze submerged archaeological remains, with a particular focus on establishing their age through scientific methods like sediment and marine deposit analysis. Historical and Cultural Significance of Dwarka: Dwarka is deeply linked to ancient Indian literature, and its historical and cultural importance has long attracted the attention of historians and archaeologists. The city of Dwarka is believed to be associated with Lord Krishna, with Beyt Dwarka, an island off the Gujarat coast, housing the Dwarkadhish Temple. Recent Fieldwork and Investigations: A 5-member ASI team conducted preliminary investigations in February 2025, focusing on the Gomati Creek area, southeast of Dwarka. The goal was to assess previously explored sites, monitor their current condition, and identify new potential areas for further exploration. Key archaeological features were documented through photography for future studies. Previous Archaeological Findings (2005-2007): Between 2005 and 2007, the Underwater Archaeology Wing conducted systematic investigations both onshore and offshore, revealing several significant archaeological findings. Items discovered included ancient sculptures, stone anchors, and other objects of historical value, which were indicative of the site’s past significance. The archaeological efforts involved scientific surveys of large areas and targeted underwater excavations conducted by ASI archaeologists and Navy divers. Submerged remains were cleaned and studied, with excavations revealing clusters of submerged objects, and areas with thick calcareous deposits were carefully analyzed. Specific Excavation near Dwarkadhish Temple (2007): A focused excavation was conducted near the northern gate of the Dwarkadhish Temple in 2007. The excavation uncovered a 10-meter deep deposit containing 26 layers, revealing a variety of antiquities, including iron objects, beads, copper items, rings, and pottery. The pottery and other artifacts were subjected to in-depth analysis to understand their historical context. Expansion of Current Investigations: The new study aims to expand the scope of archaeological work in Okhamandal, an ancient city near Dwarka. The ASI team is exploring additional potential sites within the area to understand the broader historical context of Dwarka and its surroundings. The exploration involves both archaeological excavations and scientific studies, including diving operations, to collect and document artifacts. Scientific and Archaeological Methods: The investigations combine traditional archaeological methods with modern scientific techniques, such as diving and sediment analysis, to enhance the understanding of the artifacts’ age and historical significance. The study will focus on collecting a wide range of archaeological remains, ensuring that these are properly documented, studied, and scientifically analyzed. Conclusion and Future Prospects: The ASI’s ongoing research at Dwarka aims to provide new insights into the city’s ancient past, contributing significantly to the understanding of India’s cultural history. The expanded investigations will help clarify the role of Dwarka in ancient civilization, exploring its connection to mythology, history, and archaeology. Miniature laser grown onto silicon chip could revolutionise computing Scientists have successfully integrated lasers directly onto silicon wafers, marking a breakthrough in silicon photonics. This innovation promises faster, more energy-efficient data transmission and could revolutionize computing, particularly in data centers and quantum computing. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Revolutionizing Computing with Silicon Photonics: Silicon photonics involves replacing electrons with photons (particles of light) for storing and manipulating information, which has the potential to enhance computing efficiency. Laser integration on silicon chips marks a significant breakthrough, allowing lasers to be grown directly onto silicon, eliminating the need for separate laser light sources. This integration can make photonic chips scalable, more efficient, and easier to produce compared to previous methods. Background on Silicon Photonics: Silicon chips, a cornerstone of modern communication technologies, have traditionally used electrons to carry information. Researchers are now exploring silicon photonics to carry information via photons, as they move faster, offer greater data capacity, and experience fewer energy losses than electrons. While photons are promising, integrating a light source (laser) directly onto the silicon chip was a major challenge. Challenges in Integrating Lasers with Silicon: Silicon’s inefficiency in emitting light: Silicon has an indirect bandgap, meaning electrons cannot emit photons efficiently without external energy sources, unlike direct bandgap materials such as gallium arsenide (GaAs). The mismatch between silicon and gallium arsenide (used for efficient light emission) led to defects, which hindered light emission and reduced efficiency. Key Innovations in the Study: Researchers successfully fabricated miniaturized lasers directly onto a silicon wafer, solving the integration problem by using a nanostructured design with gallium arsenide. Nanometer-wide ridges were carved into a 300-mm silicon wafer, with silicon dioxide serving as an insulating material. This confined defects to the trench’s bottom, allowing for defect-free gallium arsenide growth above. Indium gallium arsenide layers were deposited, replacing some gallium atoms with indium to optimize light emission, forming the laser. Efficient Laser Fabrication: The team successfully embedded 300 functional lasers on a single 300-mm silicon wafer, the industry standard for semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. The laser emitted light with a wavelength of 1,020 nm, suitable for short-range transmissions between computer chips. The laser operates with a low threshold current (5 mA), similar to that of an LED in a computer mouse, making it energy-efficient. Promising Results and Future Prospects: Energy efficiency: The laser’s output reached around 1MW, and it could run continuously for 500 hours at room temperature (25°C), although efficiency drops at higher temperatures (55°C). Challenges in temperature stability: While the laser is efficient at lower temperatures, research has demonstrated continuous operation at higher temperatures (up to 120°C) for optical silicon chips, highlighting areas for further improvement. Scalability and cost-effectiveness: The monolithic fabrication process is scalable, meaning more lasers can be integrated on larger wafers at a relatively low cost, offering a potential breakthrough in chip manufacturing. Impact on Computing: The integration of lasers directly onto silicon chips could lead to faster and more energy-efficient data transmission within data centers, where speed and energy consumption are critical factors. This new photonic silicon chip technology could significantly boost computing performance, making it viable for quantum computing and other high-demand applications. Conclusion: The demonstration of monolithic laser diodes on silicon wafers represents a major milestone in the evolution of silicon photonics, opening the door to next-generation computing technologies. With the process being cost-effective and scalable, this innovation is poised to transform industries by enhancing performance and reducing the energy footprint of future computing systems. ‘Land-holding farmers doing non-farming activities helps efficiency’ Study Focus: The study explores how land-holding farmers in rural India, who engage in non-farming activities, experience improved labour efficiency on their farms. Relevance : GS 3 (Economic Development, Agriculture, and Science & Technology) Key Findings: Impact of Non-Farm Activities: Engaging in non-farming activities allows farmers to make better decisions about allocating labor between farm and non-farm tasks, leading to more efficient use of farm labor. Migration Benefits: Farmers who migrate, either within their state or outside, gain new knowledge about farming practices, which they apply to their own farms upon returning. Financial Flexibility: Larger farmers with more financial resources can hire labor during off-seasons or when they are involved in non-farm work, improving farm operations. Study Methodology: Data from the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) was used, covering states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, and others. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a mathematical technique, was used to estimate labor use efficiency without getting into how exactly tasks were performed. Role of Non-Farm Activities: Business Ventures: Farmers diversify into non-farm activities such as carpentry, craftsmanship, or running small businesses. This provides income stability amid agricultural risks. Learning from Migration: Farmers who migrate for work often observe and adopt improved farming practices, contributing to more efficient farming when they return home. Challenges: Credit Constraints: Farmers often lack the capital required to start non-farm businesses, limiting their ability to diversify. Recommendations: Governments should facilitate non-farm employment opportunities and offer financial support to help farmers start businesses or diversify income sources. This can maximize positive spillover effects on farming. Structured non-farm employment opportunities should be promoted in rural areas to ensure long-term sustainability for farmers. Implications for Farming: Diversification: The study emphasizes the importance of farmers diversifying into non-farm activities to reduce the risks associated with farming, such as climatic shocks and price fluctuations. Policy Recommendations: The study suggests that policymakers should provide support to rural farmers, helping them balance farm and non-farm activities, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and sustainability. Conclusion: Non-farm activities, especially through migration or entrepreneurship, can enhance labor efficiency in farming. By diversifying into non-farming sectors, farmers can better manage risks and improve the overall productivity of their agricultural operations.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 14 April 2025

Content: A Dose of Atmanirbhar Bharat PM pays homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh A Dose of Atmanirbhar Bharat Context: Make in India initiative, through schemes like PLI and PMBJP, is boosting India’s pharmaceutical and medtech manufacturing, exports, and global health leadership under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Relevance : GS 29Governance,Health ) ,GS 3(Research and Development) Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Global Impact India is a global pharmaceutical leader—largest provider of generic medicines and major exporter of cost-effective, high-quality drugs. Supplies 60% of UNICEF’s vaccine requirements; meets 99% (DPT), 52% (BCG), and 45% (Measles) vaccine demand for WHO. Competitive pricing, skilled manpower, and robust supply chains are key to global dominance. Medical Devices Sector: Emerging Pillar A multi-disciplinary, capital-intensive sector with a long gestation period. Key categories: electro-medical equipment, implants, disposables, surgical tools, in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents. Dependency on imported high-end equipment remains a challenge; government aims to localize manufacturing. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Growth Trends ₹11,888 crore FDI inflow from April–December 2024 in pharma & meditech. 13 brownfield projects approved, worth ₹7,246.4 crore, showing investor confidence in domestic capacity. Government scrutinizes and approves FDI under pharma/meditech per official policy guidelines. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Game Changer PLI for Pharmaceuticals (₹15,000 crore; FY22–FY28) Focused on 3 categories: Cat 1: Biopharma, complex generics, orphan drugs, gene therapy, etc. Cat 2: APIs, KSMs, Drug Intermediates—reduces import reliance. Cat 3: Anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, autoimmune drugs, IVD devices. 55 firms selected; supports India’s aim to move up the pharmaceutical value chain. PLI for Bulk Drugs (KSMs/APIs) (₹6,940 crore; FY21–FY30) 48 projects approved; 34 commissioned by Dec 2024. Notable investments: Penicillin-G Project (AP): ₹1,910 Cr; to substitute ₹2,700 Cr imports/year. Clavulanic Acid (HP): ₹450 Cr; import savings ₹600 Cr/year. ₹4,253.92 crore invested—surpassing initial commitment of ₹3,938 Cr.PLI for Medical Devices (₹3,420 crore; FY21–FY28) Targets high-end tech: radiology, imaging, implants, cancer care equipment. Incentive: 5% of incremental sales for 5 years (FY23–FY27). Category A cap: ₹121 Cr/applicant Category B cap: ₹40 Cr/applicant Bulk Drug Parks Scheme Approved in 2020: aims to set up world-class infrastructure to reduce cost and import dependency. States Approved: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh. Financial aid: ₹1,000 crore/park (up to 70–90% of cost); total ₹3,000 crore outlay. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Aims to make generic medicines affordable and accessible to all. Key efforts: Public awareness: affordability ≠ poor quality. Push for generic prescriptions in govt facilities. Expansion of outlets: 15,479 Jan Aushadhi Kendras as of April 2025. Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) Scheme A Central Sector Scheme (CSS) with ₹500 crore outlay (FY22–FY26). Focus: upgrading pharma clusters, enhancing MSME competitiveness, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strategic Vision: Atmanirbhar Bharat + Global Healthcare Leadership Emphasis on self-reliance, reducing import dependency, and innovation-led growth. Strong alignment with Make in India, PLI schemes, and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 – Health & Well-being). Target: emerge as the global hub for affordable, high-quality pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. PM pays homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh The Prime Minister’s homage to the Jallianwala Bagh martyrs on April 13, 2025, marks the remembrance of a defining event in colonial history that galvanized India’s freedom struggle. Relevance : GS 1(Modern History) Historical Background: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, when General Dyer ordered open fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds and injuring over a thousand. The protest was against the Rowlatt Act, 1919, which authorized the colonial government to imprison people without trial—a blatant curtailment of civil liberties. Why It Was a Turning Point: Shock and Outrage: The massacre led to nationwide anger and disillusionment with British rule, breaking the myth of British “benevolence.” Shift in Strategy: Mahatma Gandhi, who was initially supportive of constitutional methods, shifted to a more confrontational and mass-based approach, launching the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. Wider Mobilization: It brought the Indian National Congress closer to the masses, transforming it from an elite organization into a mass movement. Global Condemnation: The brutality was criticized internationally, and in India, figures like Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest. Martyrdom and National Memory: The sacrifice of innocent Indians at Jallianwala Bagh became a symbol of colonial repression and martyrdom in India’s nationalistic narrative. It is remembered annually to instill patriotic consciousness and democratic values, especially among the youth. Backward Linkages to Colonial Policies: Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Introduced simultaneously, they were meant to give partial self-governance but fell short of nationalist expectations. Hunter Committee (1919): Set up to investigate the massacre but failed to hold General Dyer accountable, further aggravating public resentment. Rowlatt Act (1919): Direct cause of the gathering, it symbolized the oppressive intent of colonial laws—echoing earlier colonial high-handedness (e.g., Vernacular Press Act, 1878). Forward Linkages in the Freedom Struggle: Inspired future protests and revolutionary movements, including Bhagat Singh’s ideology and actions. Laid the emotional and moral foundation for Purna Swaraj Declaration (1929) and Quit India Movement (1942). Continues to shape India’s collective memory, education, and public commemorations of the freedom movement. Conclusion: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is not just an episode of colonial brutality but a watershed in India’s journey toward independence. The Prime Minister’s homage reaffirms its place in national memory and underscores the enduring impact of sacrifice and resistance in shaping modern India.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 14 April 2025

Content : A Governor’s conduct and a judgment of significance Saving traditional varieties of seeds A Governor’s conduct and a judgment of significance Context and Background Judgment Delivered: April 2025, by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. Core Issue: Governor’s prolonged inaction and delayed referral of Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Impugned Action: 10 re-enacted Bills, including those curtailing the Governor’s role in university appointments, were sent to the President without action on them by the Governor. Constitutional Challenge: Whether the Governor can indefinitely delay or withhold assent to duly passed State legislation. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Governance) Practice Question :”The Governor is a constitutional head, not a parallel power centre.” In light of recent judicial pronouncements, critically examine the constitutional limits on the discretionary powers of the Governor with reference to Article 200. (15 marks, 250 words) Key Constitutional Provisions and Legal Principles Article 200 – Governor’s Assent to Bills: Options: (i) Assent, (ii) Withhold and return for reconsideration, (iii) Reserve for President. No provision for indefinite withholding without communication or a pocket veto. Governor’s Discretion – Extremely Limited: Only 3 exceptions to acting on the advice of Council of Ministers: If the Bill derogates from High Court powers (2nd proviso to Art. 200). If the Bill requires Presidential assent as per Article 31C. If it fundamentally violates constitutional values. Judicial Review of Governor’s Action: Article 361: Grants personal immunity but not immunity from scrutiny of official acts. Supported by Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006): Governor’s decision can be reviewed. Major Findings of the Court Governor’s Delay = Constitutional Subversion: Prolonged inaction without reason amounts to dereliction of constitutional duty. Discretion Without Accountability = Undermines Democracy: Referring Bills without advice or justification is ultra vires the Constitution. Invoking Article 142: Court declared the 10 Bills as deemed assented on the date they were re-presented — an extraordinary but necessary use of its power to ensure complete justice. Mandamus Not Issued: Because Governors cannot be held in contempt under Article 361, mandamus would be ineffective. Federalism and Democratic Governance Backbone of Indian Federalism: Governor is a constitutional head, not an autonomous actor or agent of the Centre. As per S.R. Bommai (1994) and Nabam Rebia (2016), State autonomy is a part of the basic structure. Legislative Supremacy Within State: Seventh Schedule demarcates law-making powers; State List (List II) matters must not be subverted by central appointees. Democratic Accountability: Article 163 binds the Governor to act on aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in all but rare exceptions. Backward Linkages and Precedents State of Punjab vs Governor of Punjab (2023): Rejected Governor’s passive resistance to Bills; emphasized non-discretionary assent role. Constituent Assembly Debates: Explicit removal of “discretion” phrase from draft Article 175 (now 200) shows intent to limit Governor’s autonomy. Past Conflicts: Recurring Centre-State tensions — seen in Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu — due to Governor’s overreach. Reinforces criticism of “centrally controlled federalism”. Constitutional & Governance Implications Judgment Strengthens Cooperative Federalism: Governor’s role reaffirmed as facilitatory, not obstructionist. Boosts Legislative Efficacy: Prevents bottlenecks where State laws are delayed arbitrarily. Redefines Governor’s Accountability: Even constitutionally protected offices are not above constitutional morality and judicial scrutiny. Saving traditional varieties of seeds Introduction: India is home to over 1,00,000 traditional seed varieties developed over centuries through indigenous knowledge. However, the Green Revolution model of agriculture and modern seed systems have led to erosion of this agrobiodiversity. At a time when climate shocks, soil degradation, and malnutrition are rising, traditional seeds offer resilience — yet are rapidly disappearing. Relevance : GS 3 (Agriculture, Environment, Food Security) Practice Question : “Imagine an India where every farmer grows the same handful of crops — wheat, rice, and a few vegetables — while thousands of traditional seed varieties disappear.” Critically examine the structural challenges and potential solutions to revive India’s traditional seed varieties in the face of climate change and nutritional insecurity. (250 words) Why are traditional seed varieties disappearing? Distorted Market Demand & Consumer Preferences: Government schemes (PDS, MSP) favour rice and wheat → discouraging millets, pulses, and indigenous grains. Urban markets demand uniform, polished grains, not diverse heirloom varieties. Traditional seeds are seen as “inferior” due to lack of branding and awareness. Seed Production & Distribution Structure: Hybrid seeds are produced commercially; traditional varieties depend on community exchanges and farmer-to-farmer sharing. India lacks a robust network of community seed banks for preservation and access. Policy Bias & Agricultural Incentives: Green Revolution-era policies promoted HYVs through subsidies, irrigation, and chemical inputs. Biodiversity and nutritional quality were sidelined in favour of productivity. R&D remains skewed towards a few crops; minor millets and pulses lack institutional focus. Lack of Institutional Infrastructure: Seed certification, distribution, procurement, and price support infrastructure do not support traditional varieties. Agricultural universities focus on yield-centric breeding rather than farmer-led participatory breeding. Why should we protect traditional seeds? Climate Resilience: Many indigenous varieties are drought/flood-tolerant and adapted to local soils. Nutritional Security: Traditional millets, pulses, and grains have higher micro-nutrient content. Cultural Heritage: These seeds represent centuries of indigenous knowledge and diversity. Agroecological Sustainability: Require fewer chemical inputs and restore soil fertility. Way Forward: Strengthening Community Seed Systems: Create and fund regional conservation centres and community seed banks with farmer participation. Promote Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB): scientists + farmers co-develop improved landraces. Policy & R&D Realignment: Redirect agricultural subsidies and procurement toward diverse and climate-resilient crops. Expand MSP and inclusion of millets/pulses into ICDS, Mid-Day Meals, and ration systems. Reorient research institutions to prioritise climate resilience over yield alone. Incentivising Traditional Farming: Offer financial incentives for growing indigenous varieties — e.g., crop insurance, certification support. Support processing, branding, and value-addition for traditional grains to boost market access. Consumer Awareness & Demand Creation: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns on nutritional and environmental benefits. Leverage branding, e-commerce, and GI tagging for traditional crops. Conclusion: India’s food future cannot depend solely on modern HYVs that are input-heavy and climate-sensitive. By recognising the value of traditional seeds and reforming the food system holistically, India can ensure food security that is sustainable, resilient, and equitable. The clock is ticking — conserving our seed heritage is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 14 April 2025

Content: Buddhist monks protest against 75-year-old law that administers sacred site of Bodh Gaya Urban consumers are worried about their income levels Will Trump’s tariffs bring in a recession? India, Africa maritime engagement exercise begins off Tanzania coast DRDO tests laser weapon system that can disable missiles and drones Buddhist monks protest against 75-year-old law that administers sacred site of Bodh Gaya Historical & Religious Significance Mahabodhi Temple: Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized since 2002; attracts global Buddhist pilgrims. Religious Layers: Hindus view Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu; temple also houses Hindu elements like Shaivite mutt. Relevance : GS 1(Society , Heritage , Culture) Legal & Administrative Background Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949: Enacted to resolve Hindu-Buddhist disputes over temple control. BTMC Composition: Includes 4 Buddhists, 4 Hindus, with the Gaya District Magistrate as ex-officio chairperson (post religion-neutral since 2013). Historical Precedents: 1990s: Attempt by Lalu Yadav govt. to replace BT Act with a Buddhist-majority control bill — failed to pass. Current Protests Started: February 12, 2025. Organisers: All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), backed by Bhim Army and other Dalit-Buddhist groups. Demands: Repeal of the BT Act. Full control of temple by Buddhists alone. Removal of non-Buddhist members from temple management. Financial Concerns Accusations: Disputes allegedly driven by control over temple donations and funds. FCRA Violation: In 2023, BTMC fined ₹80 lakh for FCRA violations. Transparency Issue: Annual report link on BTMC website is non-functional. Donations in Protest: Protestors circulating multiple bank accounts for contributions—raising concerns. Political & Legal Landscape Supreme Court Case: 2012 petition to repeal the BT Act still pending. Recent Political Debate: Parliament discussed the issue during Waqf Amendment Bill (2025) debates. Identity, History & Symbolism Historical Conflict: As far back as 1895, Sri Lankan monk Anagarika Dharmapala challenged Hindu control. Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy: Protestors draw ideological inspiration from Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism. Cultural Erosion Claim: AIBF alleges Buddhist identity, culture, and rights are being diluted under the BT Act. Way Forward Legal Resolution Awaited: District Magistrate and BTMC officials advise awaiting SC verdict. Government Inaction: No significant policy shift despite decades of Buddhist demands. Need for Dialogue: Deep-rooted religious, legal, and political tensions require multi-stakeholder engagement and mutual respect. Urban consumers are worried about their income levels Context : Divergence Between Employment Optimism and Income Pessimism 35.5% of urban respondents in March 2025 reported an improvement in employment opportunities over the past year. However, only 23.8% said their income levels had increased, reflecting a gap of nearly 12 percentage points. Indicates jobs are available, but they are not translating into higher earnings. Relevance : GS 1(Urbanization), GS 3(Economy) Reversal of Income Optimism Since March 2024 Following recovery post-pandemic, optimism about income began declining from March 2024. This downward trend continued into March 2025, suggesting persistent income stagnation. Less than 1 in 4 urban respondents reported any rise in income. Rural Income Pessimism More Pronounced 29.9% of rural respondents reported an income decline, compared to 23.3% in urban areas. This underscores the economic vulnerability in rural and semi-urban areas, even as job optimism was more urban-centric. The newly introduced RBI rural survey captures this emerging divergence in sentiment. Rising Commodity Prices Pressuring Households Over 90% of urban consumers perceived a rise in commodity prices compared to a year ago. This perception aligns with broader inflationary trends, affecting basic consumption baskets. Spending Has Increased, But Not Due to Higher Incomes Over 80% of urban respondents said their spending had increased over the past year. Since incomes are stagnant, increased spending is likely due to price inflation rather than lifestyle upgrades. Implies a strain on household budgets, possibly eroding savings or increasing credit dependency. Deterioration in Overall Economic Sentiment Only 34.7% of urban consumers felt the overall economic situation improved compared to the previous year. This is the lowest percentage in over a year, showing a disconnect between employment gains and quality of life. Suggests that macroeconomic recovery is not being felt at the household level. Key Takeaways Urban employment scenario shows signs of recovery, but quality of employment (in terms of wages) is questionable. Rising cost of living amid stagnant wages is causing consumer stress and economic pessimism. Rural India is facing deeper income-related challenges, possibly due to agricultural distress or lack of diversified rural employment. The mismatch between employment optimism and economic pessimism suggests a K-shaped recovery, with uneven benefits across sectors and regions. Will Trump’s tariffs bring in a recession? Backdrop: Shift from Globalisation to Protectionism The U.S., historically the strongest proponent of free trade, has reversed roles under Trump, imposing blanket tariffs of at least 10% on all imports from April 2, 2025. This aggressive stance threatens the global trade architecture crafted post-WWII and nurtured by the U.S. itself. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Trump’s Tariff Offensive New U.S. tariff regime: Baseline: 10% tariff on all imports. Higher “reciprocal” tariffs: EU – 20% India – 27% Vietnam – 46% China – 145% Already imposed: Mexico and Canada – 25% Markets reacted negatively: Sharp stock market declines due to fears of a prolonged trade war. April 9 rollback: A 90-day pause on tariffs (except China), signalling economic distress and uncertainty. Economic Impact on the U.S. Import cost surge: Example – A product from Vietnam now costs $146 vs. $103 earlier (due to tariff rise from 3% to 46%). Domestic inflation threat: Higher consumer prices due to costlier imports. Burden on ordinary Americans, especially low-income households. Domestic manufacturers may not be ready to fill the supply gap quickly – supply shocks and shortages possible. The move may trigger a recession through: Reduced consumption due to high inflation. Retaliatory tariffs from major trading partners. Global demand contraction. Global Retaliation and Recession Risks China’s counterattack: 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. Vows to “fight till the end”. Global trade contraction risk: As the world’s two largest economies lock horns, global supply chains may disintegrate. Other countries, dependent on export-led growth, especially vulnerable. China’s Strategic Response Long-term decoupling strategy: Share of exports in GDP down: 35% (2012) ➝ 19.7% (2023). Exports to the U.S. as % of total exports down: 21% (2006) ➝ 16.2% (2022). Focused investments in: AI, EVs, R&D, and tech self-sufficiency. Production relocation strategy: Built deep East Asian supply chains (e.g., in Vietnam) to bypass U.S. tariffs. India’s Dilemma Major U.S. trade partner: India exports $91 billion worth to the U.S. (2022). A tariff hike of 27% could hurt critical export sectors like textiles, engineering goods. Muted direct impact: Exports form only ~21.8% of India’s GDP → impact manageable. No increase in tariffs on India’s pharma and services exports – a relief. Challenges remain: India’s manufacturing sector is still weak. Tariff protection + PLI scheme not enough to spur robust industrial revival. Lack of coherent industrial policy and low private investment hurt competitiveness. Broader Implications Dollar dominance and trade deficit: U.S. trade deficit: $1.31 trillion (2022), or 5% of GDP. Sustained by global demand for the dollar (especially China buying U.S. Treasury bonds). Political motivation: Tariffs as a political tool to win working-class support, especially from traditional industries like steel and autos. Trump leveraging anti-globalisation sentiments for electoral gains. Conclusion Trump’s tariffs = high-stakes gamble: Aimed at reviving domestic manufacturing but risking inflation, retaliation, and recession. Potentially triggers global economic slowdown, especially if China and U.S. decouple further. Countries like India must reassess industrial strategies, diversify export baskets, and enhance competitiveness to withstand global shocks. India, Africa maritime engagement exercise begins off Tanzania coast Strategic & Diplomatic Significance Inaugural AIKEYME Exercise: Marks a new chapter in India-Africa naval collaboration, showcasing India’s proactive maritime diplomacy in the Western Indian Ocean Region. India-Tanzania as Co-hosts: Reflects deepening bilateral defence ties, especially in maritime security. Supports India’s MAHASAGAR Vision: Aligns with PM Modi’s initiative – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, aimed at regional stability and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Relevance : GS 2(Internal Relations) Participating Nations 10 Nations in Total: India + Tanzania (Co-hosts) 8 African nations: Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa. Significance: Indicates shared concerns and willingness among Indian Ocean littoral African states to address maritime security challenges collectively. Naval Assets & Deployment INS Chennai (Destroyer) and INS Kesari (Landing Ship Tank – Large): Showcase India’s blue-water navy capabilities and amphibious operational reach. INS Sunayna (Patrol Vessel) as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR: Embodies India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy. Carries 44 naval personnel from 9 friendly foreign nations, promoting multilateral crew training and collaboration. Objectives & Activities Key Objective: Develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges—piracy, trafficking, IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, climate security, and disaster response. Enhance Interoperability: Train navies for combined maritime operations and promote interoperability via multilateral drills. Ceremonial Diplomacy: Joint guard of honour, national anthem renditions by both Tanzanian and Indian bands—strengthens military diplomacy. Broader Geostrategic Context India’s Maritime Outreach to Africa: Counters increasing Chinese presence in African ports and waters. Promotes India as a reliable and benign security partner in the Indo-African maritime domain. Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Focus: Reasserts India’s central role in IOR security architecture. Reinforces maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and cooperative security. Long-Term Implications Institutionalisation of AIKEYME: Could evolve into a regular platform for India-Africa maritime cooperation, akin to Milan or IBSAMAR. Boosts Defence Industrial Collaboration: May open avenues for naval hardware exports, maintenance, and training with African partners. Soft Power Projection: Strengthens India’s image as a security provider and development partner in Africa. DRDO tests laser weapon system that can disable missiles and drones Technological Milestone DRDO successfully tested Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. It demonstrates India’s entry into the elite club of nations possessing high-power laser weapon technology. Part of India’s push for indigenous, futuristic, and asymmetric warfare capabilities. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Technology, Defence) Capabilities of the DEW Mk-II(A) High-energy laser system designed to engage and destroy aerial targets, such as: Fixed-wing drones Incoming missiles Surveillance equipment (sensors, antennae) Exhibits full-spectrum capability, including: Multiple drone attack interception Precision destruction at long range Lethal response within seconds of target detection Key Features Lightning-speed engagement due to laser traveling at speed of light. Targets are identified via: Radar detection Electro-Optic (EO) system Laser beam causes structural failure or destroys sensitive components, including warheads. Cost Efficiency Operating cost is extremely low — equivalent to the price of a few litres of petrol. Offers a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to conventional ammunition-based defense. Strategic Significance Strengthens India’s counter-drone and air defense architecture amid rising drone threats. Helps in reducing dependence on kinetic weapons and foreign arms imports. Can be deployed in border areas, naval ships, and for critical infrastructure protection. Broader Implications Enhances India’s reputation as a technology leader in defense innovation. Promotes Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in high-end defense R&D. Could revolutionize rules of engagement in future warfare by reducing collateral damage and ammunition logistics. Location & Test Environment Test conducted at National Open Air Range, Kurnool, a dedicated testing facility for advanced defense systems. Demonstration in real-world conditions boosts combat readiness of the technology

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 12 April 2025

Content: The Magic of Indian Silk Plastic Parks in India The Magic of Indian Silk Historical Significance Silk is deeply embedded in India’s cultural heritage through iconic weaves like Kanchipuram, Banarasi, and Bhagalpur Tussar. Each silk product reflects India’s diverse artistic traditions and craftsmanship passed down generations. Symbolic importance in weddings, festivals, and rituals, strengthening its socio-cultural value. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage) , GS 3(Economy , Agriculture) Sericulture Process Overview Sericulture = Cultivation of silkworms for silk production. Silkworms are fed on mulberry, oak, castor, or arjun leaves. Lifecycle: Egg → Larva → Cocoon → Silk yarn → Woven fabric. Cocoons are harvested and boiled to extract silk threads, which are then spun and woven. Types of Indian Silk Mulberry Silk (92% of India’s silk production): Sourced from domesticated silkworms. Soft, lustrous, premium quality. Grown primarily in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir. Non-Mulberry (Vanya) Silk: Includes Tussar, Eri, and Muga. Stronger, less lustrous, and more eco-friendly. Produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Northeast India. Economic Importance India is the second-largest producer and largest consumer of silk globally. Silk industry is labour-intensive, offering employment to lakhs, especially in rural areas and among women. Key contributor to rural livelihoods, especially in backward and tribal regions. Production Growth Trends Raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT (2017-18) to 38,913 MT (2023-24). Mulberry plantation area grew from 223,926 ha to 263,352 ha during the same period. Mulberry silk production increased from 22,066 MT to 29,892 MT. Indicates effective implementation of sericulture support policies. Export and Trade Performance Silk and silk goods exports grew from₹1,649.48 crore (2017-18) to ₹2,027.56 crore (2023-24). Silk waste exports touched 3,348 MT in 2023-24, highlighting waste valorization and circular economy potential. Despite being just 0.2% of global textile production, silk is a high-value export. Government Initiatives and Schemes a. Silk Samagra & Silk Samagra-2 Flagship scheme aimed at improving all stages: seed production, R&D, rearing, reeling, weaving. Budget: Rs. 4,679.85 crore (2021-26). Central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore disbursed, benefiting over 78,000 people. Key States: Andhra Pradesh (Rs. 72.50 cr), Telangana (Rs. 40.66 cr). b. Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) Ensures subsidized yarn supply for handloom weavers. Supplied 340 lakh kg yarn in 2023-24. c. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) Infrastructure and marketing support, skill development, technology upgrades. Targets both cooperative and SHG-based weavers. d. SAMARTH (Skill Development Scheme) Budget: Rs. 495 crore (FY 2024-25 & 2025-26). Objective: Train 3 lakh people across sectors including silk. Focus on entry-level and upskilling in handloom, jute, apparel, and silk. Environmental and Sustainability Aspects Vanya silks offer sustainable alternatives due to low-input, eco-friendly processes. Silk waste recycling promotes zero-waste manufacturing models. Sericulture offers agro-based employment, reducing migration pressures. Challenges Silk production is climate-sensitive; irregular rainfall impacts mulberry yield. Need for modern reeling and dyeing technology to improve quality and reduce costs. Global competition and synthetic substitutes pose long-term market threats. Conclusion and Way Forward The Indian silk industry has demonstrated resilient growth backed by policy support. Schemes like Silk Samagra have strengthened supply chains from silkworm to fabric. To become a global silk hub, India must focus on: Skilling artisans. Enhancing productivity through R&D. Export diversification. Promoting eco-silk and innovation. Plastic Parks in India What are Plastic Parks? Definition: Plastic Parks are industrial zones dedicated to plastic-related industries including plastic processing, recycling, R&D, and manufacturing. Cluster Development Model: Designed to bring together plastic industries in a geographically demarcated area to optimize resources and encourage economies of scale. Focus: Not just on production, but also on waste management, recycling, and promoting sustainable plastic use. Relevance :GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Industries) Scheme Overview: Plastic Parks Scheme Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals). Launched Under: New Scheme of Petrochemicals. Assistance Pattern: Govt. grant: Up to 50% of the project cost (max ₹40 crore per park). Balance: To be contributed by State Governments, private investors, or SPVs. Implementation Model: State Governments create Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to implement and manage each park. Key Objectives of the Scheme  Consolidate and synergize fragmented plastic processing units.  Create state-of-the-art infrastructure to enhance competitiveness.  Promote investment, innovation, and exports in the plastic sector.  Support waste management and recycling for environmental sustainability.  Generate employment and promote Make in India in the plastic sector. Current Status: Approved Plastic Parks (10 as of 2025) Location State Tamot Madhya Pradesh Jagatsinghpur Odisha Tinsukia Assam Bilaua Madhya Pradesh Deoghar Jharkhand Tiruvallur Tamil Nadu Sitarganj Uttarakhand Raipur Chhattisgarh Ganjimutt Karnataka Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh Associated Infrastructure in Plastic Parks Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). Solid/hazardous waste management systems. In-house plastic recycling sheds. Incinerators and eco-friendly disposal facilities. Access to logistics, water, and electricity. Other Government Measures Supporting the Sector 1.  Centres of Excellence (CoEs) – 13 CoEs set up in IITs, CSIR labs, and CIPETs. Focus Areas: Sustainable polymers (e.g., IIT Guwahati – SusPol). Bio-engineered systems. Wastewater management. Green materials for transport/toys/healthcare. 2.  Skilling Programs by CIPET Offers short- and long-term courses on: Plastic processing Tooling and design Polymer technology Addresses manpower needs of the plastic industry. Environmental Sustainability Measures Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers must ensure reuse, recycling, and minimum recycled content. Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Helps reduce low-value waste generation.  Circular Economy Push: Emphasis on recycling, up-cycling, biodegradable alternatives.  International Engagement: Participates in ISO, UNEP, and WTO dialogues on plastic standards. Economic Relevance of Indian Plastic Industry India’s Rank: 12th in global plastic exports (World Bank 2022). Growth: From $8.2 bn (2014) to $27 bn (2022).  Challenge: Fragmented industry with many MSMEs.  Plastic Parks’ Role: Consolidate capacity, promote scale, reduce cost, increase exports. Challenges & Way Forward  Slow pace of fund release and industrial occupancy in some parks.  Need for greater private sector engagement.  Strengthen R&D and innovation linkages between CoEs and industry.  Focus on bio-based materials and sustainable alternatives.  Establish performance monitoring and impact evaluation metrics.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 12 April 2025

Content: Dire efforts The Beijing India Report as milestone and opportunity Dire efforts Background : Colossal Biosciences is pioneering de-extinction: reviving species long extinct, using genomic technology. The effort is led by George Church (Harvard geneticist), with projects like: Reviving the woolly mammoth to combat global warming. Attempting to resurrect the dire wolf, an extinct canid species. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) , GS 4(Ethics ) Practice Question: Discuss the ethical issues involved in reviving extinct species like the Dire Wolf. Also, shed light on the ethical principles that should be followed in the process. (250 Words) Dire Wolf (Canis dirus)  Era: Pleistocene (~250,000 – 10,000 years ago)  Range: North & South America  Size: ~60–70 kg; heavier and stockier than gray wolves  Diet: Hunted large prey — bison, horses, possibly mammoths  Fossils: Most famously from La Brea Tar Pits, California  Genetics: Not a gray wolf ancestor; distinct lineage, diverged ~5.7 million years ago  Extinction: Likely due to climate change + prey loss The Scientific Process and Achievements Woolly mammoth DNA has been extracted from fossils and compared with modern elephant DNA. Through CRISPR-like gene editing, mammoth traits (e.g., thick fur, cold resistance) are being recreated in elephants. Aim: produce a mammoth-elephant hybrid embryo, possibly incubated in an elephant’s womb. With dire wolves, scientists edited only 20 genes in gray wolves to birth three snow-white wolves — but: The result is genetically still a gray wolf. The project lacks peer-reviewed validation. The attempt does showcase technological precision in genome editing, but not successful de-extinction. Critique of Conservation Claims The conservation rationale is weak and unconvincing: Focus on resurrecting extinct species distracts from saving currently endangered species. Billions of dollars are required for such futuristic ventures, with uncertain ecological impact. Immediate biodiversity loss from habitat destruction, pollution, poaching, and climate change needs urgent attention. Conservation is about ecosystem restoration, not cosmetic revival of charismatic species. Ecological and Climate Link Pleistocene Park (Siberia) experiment: Reintroducing cold-resistant animals (e.g., bison) to restore grasslands. Idea: grazing animals maintain grasslands, which: Reflect more sunlight than shrub forests. Help in slowing permafrost thaw → lowers methane emissions. However, grasslands cannot reverse warming; their impact is marginal and long-term. Ethical and Regulatory Concerns Gene editing — especially for non-health purposes — needs global bioethical oversight. Reference to He Jiankui’s controversial gene-edited human babies signals a need for caution. Colossal’s work, though cutting-edge, must be monitored under strict ethical frameworks. Conclusion De-extinction is more spectacle than solution for conservation. It risks diverting funds, policy attention, and public perception from real-world biodiversity crises. Conservation requires protecting existing species, habitats, and restoring ecosystems, not recreating evolutionary history in labs. The Beijing India Report as milestone and opportunity Context & Background Marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), a global gender equality agenda. India has seen legal progress: Domestic Violence Act, POSH Act, and increased focus on women’s economic empowerment. But implementation gaps persist, especially in rural India, creating a divide between legal rights and lived experiences. Relevance : GS 1(Indian Society) , GS 2(Social Issues) Practice Question : Discuss the need for integrating gender perspectives into climate policies in India. How can women contribute to climate resilience, particularly in rural and indigenous communities? (150 words) Gender and Climate: The Missing Link Rural women are most vulnerable to climate change impacts due to: Low access to resources, decision-making power, healthcare, education. Concentration in the agrarian economy. Climate stressors include: Extreme heat, erratic rains, food insecurity, forced migration, leading to: Rising hysterectomies, infertility, menstrual issues. 33% income loss, especially from non-farm livelihoods. Unpaid care work (water, fuel) increases due to resource scarcity — 71% of women’s work hours are unpaid. Policy Gaps Climate finance focuses on infrastructure: green energy, transport, with minimal gender consideration. Only 6% of climate policies mention women, and 1% mention the poor (FAO). Rise in temperature → rise in gender violence: 1°C ↑ → 8% ↑ in physical violence, 7.3% ↑ in sexual violence (India-specific data). Women as Agents of Climate Action Rural women’s traditional knowledge critical for: Sustainable agriculture, seed conservation, ecosystem protection. Women-led collectives have: Shared workloads, boosted productivity, acted as first responders during climate disasters. Urban vs Rural priorities: Urban: waste, pollution. Rural/Tribal: Mahua (forest-based economy), Mao (security), Migration (distress-driven). Key Recommendations Policy Level Integrate robust gender lens in the Beijing+30 Report. Design gender-audited climate budgets to avoid greenwashing. Ensure gender-responsive NAPCC, SAPCC, and gram sabha-level implementation. Promote livelihood diversification, especially non-farm, for rural women. Build climate support hubs: disaster relief, health, migration, reproductive rights. Programmatic Level Enable community consultations with women’s voices. Promote women’s leadership in climate governance and green energy. Develop climate resilience indicators and gather gender-disaggregated data. Address human–animal conflict with a gender-sensitive lens. Private Sector & Innovation Green finance must support: Women-led enterprises, green innovation, and climate-tech accessible to women. Invest in human capital in climate-vulnerable zones for resilience-building. Encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships: Govt + NGOs + private sector + academia + community = inclusive climate action. Conclusion: A Missed Yet Transformative Opportunity The 2024 Beijing India Report lacks gender-climate integration — a major policy gap. Bridging this could empower women as key actors in resilience, sustainability, and climate justice. It’s a milestone moment to redefine gender equality by rooting it in climate resilience and inclusivity.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 12 April 2025

Context : Industrial output growth slows to 2.9% in Feb. DRDO does release trials of long-range glide bomb Indian EVMs not connected to Internet or Wi-Fi, says EC after U.S. official’s comments India ‘eyeing win-win interim deal’ with U.S. during the 90-day pause 1.6 billion people in low- & middle-income countries lack social protection Industrial output growth slows to 2.9% in Feb. What is IIP? – The Basics Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator that measures the volume of production in India’s industrial sector. It is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The IIP is base-weighted (currently 2011-12 = 100) and consists of three core sectors: Manufacturing (77.63% weight) Mining (14.37%) Electricity (7.99%) Relevance : GS 3(Economy ) What Happened in February 2025? IIP growth slowed to 2.9%, the lowest in the past six months. Well below the 4% growth projected by Reuters. Sectoral Breakdown Sector Feb 2025 Feb 2024 Mining 1.6% 8.1% Manufacturing 2.9% 4.9% Electricity 3.6% 7.6%   All three sectors decelerated, pointing to broad-based industrial slowdown. Use-Based Classification – What’s Driving or Dragging Output? Capital Goods (machinery, infrastructure equipment): Grew by 8.2% (vs. 1.7% last year) – positive signal for future investments. Consumer Durables & Non-Durables, Intermediate Goods: Slower growth than previous year – indicates sluggish demand and possibly weak rural consumption. Reasons Behind the Slowdown High Base Effect: Feb 2024 had robust industrial growth, making YoY comparisons weaker. Global Uncertainty: Geopolitical tensions, weak global demand, and trade disruptions. Domestic Constraints: Rising input costs, credit tightening, and lag in private consumption recovery. Manufacturing Weakness: Still recovering from structural disruptions (COVID, global inflation, supply chains). Slower Mining Activity: May reflect seasonal slowdown, regulatory bottlenecks, or weaker commodity prices. Wider Economic Implications Economic Growth: Industrial output is a major contributor to GDP; slowdown may drag Q4 FY25 GDP figures. Policy Signals: RBI may be cautious on interest rate cuts, despite industrial weakness, due to inflation risks. Employment Concerns: Manufacturing slowdown may impact job creation, especially in labor-intensive industries. Capex Outlook: Rise in capital goods output is a silver lining, hinting at private sector capex revival. Conclusion – Why It Matters Sustained industrial growth is vital for a $5 trillion economy goal. The slowdown reflects underlying fragilities in the real economy, despite headline GDP resilience. Calls for: Policy thrust on MSMEs, ease of doing business, PLI schemes. Sector-specific interventions to boost mining and electricity. Revival of rural demand to fuel manufacturing, especially consumer non-durables. DRDO does release trials of long-range glide bomb Basic Facts Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Weapon System: ‘Gaurav’ – Long-range glide bomb Trial Dates: April 8–10, 2025 Platform Used: Su-30 MKI fighter jet Bomb Weight: 1,000 kg Range Demonstrated: Close to 100 km Target Type: Land-based target on an island Outcome: Achieved pin-point accuracy in multiple configurations Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security) What is a Glide Bomb? A glide bomb is an aerial bomb with wings and guidance system that enables it to glide toward a target after release. Unlike traditional bombs, it does not require propulsion — it relies on high-altitude release and aerodynamic surfaces. Offers standoff capability, allowing aircraft to strike without entering enemy air defense zones. Key Technical Highlights Multiple warhead configurations tested — suggesting adaptability for different mission types (penetrative, fragmentation, etc.). Integrated to multiple stations on the Su-30 MKI — shows high modularity and compatibility. The weapon demonstrated precision strike capabilities, critical for minimizing collateral damage. Strategic Significance Enhances India’s air-to-ground standoff strike capability, vital in contested airspaces like: Line of Control (LoC) Line of Actual Control (LAC) Reduces risk to pilots and aircraft by allowing long-range attacks without breaching hostile airspace. Adds indigenous depth to India’s precision strike inventory, reducing dependency on foreign munitions. Comparative Advantage Complements existing guided munitions like: SPICE bombs (Israeli) Hammer bombs (French) BrahMos-A (air-launched) Compared to traditional gravity bombs: Higher survivability for aircraft Greater mission flexibility R&D and Indigenous Defence Boost Strengthens DRDO’s role in developing next-gen precision strike systems under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Encourages public-private partnerships for future glide bomb series (lighter or heavier versions). Likely to be part of DRDO’s Smart Bomb family (including Gaurav, Garuthmaa, etc.). Implications for Indian Air Force (IAF) Enhances IAF’s deep strike and surgical strike potential. Offers a cost-effective indigenous alternative to imported PGMs (Precision Guided Munitions). Likely to be deployed in forward airbases near sensitive borders for rapid deployment. Indian EVMs not connected to Internet or Wi-Fi, says EC after U.S. official’s comments Context & Trigger Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, recently warned about vulnerabilities in electronic voting systems in the U.S., suggesting a return to paper ballots. Elon Musk had previously raised concerns about EVMs being hackable, even by AI. The Election Commission of India (EC) responded, emphasizing the security and integrity of Indian EVMs. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Elections) Technical Aspects of Indian EVMs Indian EVMs are not connected to the Internet, Wi-Fi, or Infrared. They are stand-alone, one-way programmable devices – functioning like simple calculators. No external communication hardware/software is embedded. Tamper-Proof & Secure Design Once programmed, the EVMs are sealed, and no further input or manipulation is possible. Stored in strong rooms under multi-layer security, with access monitored and logged. VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) allows the voter to visually verify their vote. No internal clock or memory – prevents manipulation based on time or stored data. Transparency & Verification Measures VVPAT slips are generated with every vote and available for verification. Over 5 crore VVPAT slips have been matched and verified during live counting in front of party representatives. Political parties are involved at every stage – mock polls, randomization, sealing, and counting. Legal and Judicial Backing Indian EVMs have passed the test of legality – upheld by the Supreme Court of India. Regular public interest litigations (PILs) and challenges have been addressed by the judiciary. International Comparisons U.S. systems use a variety of e-voting systems, often linked to private networks or the Internet, making them susceptible to hacking. Indian EVMs are indigenous, self-contained, and have no external network dependency. Why EVMs are Still Criticized Internationally Lack of understanding of India’s specific design vs. global models. Political and civil society concerns in various democracies about digital manipulation. General skepticism toward technology in elections due to rising cyber threats globally. India’s Approach to Trust in Elections Emphasizes speed (counting 100 crore votes in a day), accuracy, and transparency. EC maintains continuous public confidence through voter education and process openness. India has resisted international pressure to move toward online or hybrid systems, citing cybersecurity risks. India ‘eyeing win-win interim deal’ with U.S. during the 90-day pause Context & Background President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariff increases (like the proposed 26% on Indian goods). However, a baseline tariff of 10% remains applicable during this window. This pause opens a diplomatic window for India-U.S. trade negotiations. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) India’s Strategic Objective India is aiming to capitalize on the 90–day window to conclude an interim trade deal on mutually beneficial (“win-win”) terms. The broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) is expected by fall of 2025. Trade Stakes & Imbalance In 2024, India exported $77.51 billion to the U.S., while importing $42.19 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of over $35 billion in India’s favor — a key concern for the U.S. Negotiation Dynamics Talks are being held through video conferences and planned visits. Everything is on the table — includes tariffs and non-tariff issues such as: Intellectual property rights (IPR) Government procurement Digital trade & e-commerce Data localisation norms India’s Core Priorities Protect domestic interests while offering calibrated concessions. Ensure any concessions do not harm small industries or digital/data sovereignty. Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India’s negotiating stance: “We never negotiate at gunpoint.” Broader Implications A successful interim deal can: Set the tone for the larger BTA. Improve strategic bilateral ties ahead of the U.S. elections. Strengthen India’s global image as a reliable trade partner. Challenges in the Path U.S. may pressure India on: Relaxing import duties on specific goods (e.g., medical devices, agriculture). Easing rules on e-commerce and cross-border data flows. India is wary of opening sensitive sectors without long-term safeguards. Strategic Calculations The 90-day window is short — prioritization of low-hanging fruits is likely. Interim agreement may exclude contentious areas and focus on tariff rationalization. Policy & Diplomatic Takeaways The approach mirrors India’s pragmatic multilateralism — focusing on outcomes over ideology. Reflects India’s trade recalibration strategy amid China+1 shifts and reshoring trends. Interim deals offer incremental progress while reducing friction in long-term strategic ties. 1.6 billion people in low- & middle-income countries lack social protection Nearly 2 billion people in low- and middle-income countries lack adequate social protection, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, shocks, and crises. The World Bank’s State of Social Protection Report 2025 highlights the urgent need for inclusive, climate-resilient, and shock-responsive systems. Relevance : GS 3(Climate Change , Environment and Ecology) Magnitude of the Crisis 2 billion people in LICs and MICs lack adequate social protection. Of these, 1.6 billion receiveno support at all. The crisis disproportionately affects LICs and Sub-Saharan Africa, where: 80% of people in LICs lack any form of social protection. 70% of Sub-Saharan Africans have no access to protection systems. Extreme Poverty & Social Protection 88% of people in extremepoverty globally have no or inadequate social protection. 98% in LICs and 97% in Sub-Saharan Africa are uncovered. This undermines the poverty reduction and equality goals globally. Progress is Slow and Uneven Between 2010 and 2022, LMICs made modest gains: Coverage rose from 41% to 51%. Driven mostly by cash transfers, school meals, food aid. LICs showed the fastest relative gain, but from a low base: Social protection among poorest increased by 17 percentage points. Future Projections (if current pace continues) 2043: Full coverage for extreme poor. 2045: Full coverage for the poorest 20% of households. 2030 SDG target to achieve “substantial coverage” will likely be missed. Structural Challenges in LICs Social insurance (pensions, health, unemployment) nearly absent: Covers only 2% in LICs and 8% in LMICs. Social assistance is minimal: LICs spend just 0.8% of GDP on it. Geographic and Demographic Focus Middle-Income Countries (MICs) host more uncovered people in absolute terms: 1.2 billion in MICs vs 500 million in LICs. Fragile and conflict-affected countries, especially in Africa and Asia, will host 60% of extreme poor by 2030. Climate and Conflict Risks Climate change could push 130 million into extreme poverty by 2030. Most existing systems are not climate-resilient or shock-responsive. Vulnerable regions need emergency relief + long-term solutions.  Finance Gap and Inequities Global average spending on social protection: 5.3% of GDP. High-income countries spend 85.8x more per capita than LICs. Spending is skewed toward social insurance (benefitting formal workers), not social assistance.  Solutions & Recommendations Tailored national strategies based on fiscal and institutional capacity. Shift focus to non-contributory assistance for the poor. Boost domestic finance via: Reallocating $7 trillion+ in regressive subsidies (fossil fuels, agriculture). Investing in digital registries, payments, and case management systems. Build shock-responsive, climate-adaptive, and digitally integrated social protection ecosystems.

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