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Jun 4, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 04 June 2025

Content: A strategy fuelled by vision, powered by energy India-Australia defence ties beyond American shadows A strategy fuelled by vision, powered by energy Context : India’s Economic and Energy Ascent India has become the 4th largest economy, surpassing Japan (GDP: $4.3 trillion in 2025). Growth trajectory of 6.7% in the last quarter outpaces all major economies. Energy sector central to India’s rise — from an import-dependent model to strategic energy leadership. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Economy , Energy) Practice Question : “India’s transformation from an energy-deficient nation to a strategic energy player is driven by policy reforms, technological innovation, and global partnerships.” Discuss the four-pronged strategy that underpins this transformation. (250 words) Energy Sector Transformation (2014–2025) India is now: 3rd largest energy and oil consumer. 4th largest refiner and LNG importer. Energy demand to grow 2.5x by 2047; India to account for 25% of global incremental demand. Four-Pronged Energy Strategy Diversification of energy sources and suppliers. Domestic production expansion. Transition to renewables. Ensuring affordability for citizens and industry. Upstream Sector Reforms Exploration acreage doubled: 8% (2021) → 16% (2025). Goal: 1 million sq. km by 2030, unlocking 42 billion tonnes of hydrocarbon potential. Reforms include: 99% reduction in ‘No-Go’ areas. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). Revised gas pricing (linked to Indian crude basket). Shared infrastructure via new revenue-sharing contracts. Technological Push National Seismic Programme, Mission Anveshan, AGG surveys, and continental shelf mapping enhancing exploration. Focus on frontier basins: Andamans, Mahanadi, Cauvery. Over 25 new hydrocarbon discoveries (Mumbai Offshore, Cambay, Assam, etc.). Global Partnerships ONGC-bp partnership expected to boost Mumbai High’s: Oil output by 44%. Gas output by 89%. International access to India’s data via University of Houston data centre. Downstream & Distribution Growth 24,000 km product pipelines, 96,000+ retail fuel outlets. City gas network expanded from: 55 areas (2014) → 307 areas (2025). PNG: 25 lakh → 1.5 crore connections. 7,500+ CNG stations. Unified tariffs and city gas expansion reduce regional disparities. Biofuels and Ethanol Blending Ethanol blending: 1.5% (2013) → 19.7% (2025). Output up: 38 cr litres → 484 cr litres. Benefits: Saved ₹1.26 lakh crore in forex. Cut emissions by 643 lakh MT. ₹1.79 lakh crore paid to distillers and ₹1 lakh crore to farmers. Feedstock diversified (molasses, maize). SATAT initiative aims for 5% CBG blending by 2028. Green Hydrogen Initiatives Green hydrogen production target: 8.62 lakh tonnes. Electrolyser capacity: 3,000 MW tendered. Major tenders awarded (e.g., IOCL–L&T for Panipat). PSUs like BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, NRL leading implementation. Natural Gas Infrastructure & Reforms Pipeline network: 25,000 km → 33,000 km by 2030. Strategic pricing + “No Cut” category for gas = supply stability. Production: 28.7 BCM (2020–21) → 36.4 BCM (2023–24). Regulatory & Legal Reforms Oilfields Act 2024: Enables hybrid leases (hydrocarbons + renewables). Simplified contracts for Discovered Small Fields (DSF). Digitised asset mapping via PM Gati Shakti. National Master Plan enables real-time synergy across projects. Affordability & Consumer Protection Despite 58% rise in global LPG prices, PMUY beneficiaries pay just ₹553/cylinder. Subsidies + excise cuts keep domestic fuel prices stable compared to neighbours. Key Takeaways Energy = Sovereignty, Security, Sustainability. India’s energy transition is built on: Confidence in its institutions. Self-reliance in supply and production. Strategic foresight to meet future demand sustainably. India-Australia defence ties beyond American shadows Strategic Context Donald Trump’s possible return raises uncertainty in U.S. global commitments, particularly towards NATO and Indo-Pacific allies. This creates a strategic opportunity for middle powers like India and Australia to deepen bilateral defence ties. The Indo-Pacific’s evolving security architecture demands regional resilience beyond U.S. reliance. Relevance : GS2 (International Relations) ,GS 3(Internal Security) Practice Question : “Amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, India-Australia defence ties are maturing into a critical pillar of Indo-Pacific stability.” Analyze the strategic depth and limitations of this partnership. (250 words) Alignment of Interests Geostrategic Compatibility: Australia’s location bridges the Indian and Pacific Oceans — complementary to India’s maritime interests. Operational Synergies: Australian Defence Force (ADF) has experience in coalition operations, exemplified by the recent air-to-air refuelling arrangement with India. Shared Concerns: Both face China’s assertiveness and support a free, open Indo-Pacific. Bureaucratic Depth: India-Australia ties have stronger institutional frameworks compared to India’s ties with other regional partners like Japan or South Korea. Institutional Framework Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue since 2021. Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) for smoother joint missions. Key Military Exercises: AUSTRAHIND (Army) AUSINDEX (Navy) Participation in Pitch Black and Malabar (multilateral) Strategic Limitations India: Bound by continental security challenges (China border, Pakistan-based threats). Australia: In a strategic transition, modernising forces under AUKUS, and expanding influence in Pacific Islands. Neither can replace the U.S. security umbrella, but can enhance self-reliance and resilience through mutual cooperation. Five Focus Areas for Strengthening Ties Break Service Silos: Move beyond Navy-dominated cooperation. Establish joint military exercises simulating realistic combat. Create Joint Staff Talks and work toward a large-scale combined exercise. Upgrade India’s Defence Presence in Canberra: Elevate the Defence Adviser (DA) to one-star rank. Add Army and Air Force assistants to balance tri-service cooperation. Assign dedicated officials for Pacific Island engagement. Elevate Operational Voices: Encourage working-level military exchanges. Create spaces for classified, candid strategic dialogues. Initiate fellowships, wargaming, and staff college exchanges. Naval MRO & Joint Production: Collaborate on Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) of naval vessels. Explore joint production of patrol boats for Indian Ocean & Pacific Island nations. Enhance tech and platform exposure through joint work. Boost Defence MSMEs & Startups: Bridge Indian and Australian MSMEs/startups working on dual-use and component technologies. Encourage direct B2B linkages and joint innovation. Model an initiative like INDUS X for India-Australia startup collaboration. Conclusion / Strategic Significance Australia’s designation of India as a “top-tier security partner” marks a paradigm shift in regional defence architecture. In a world where U.S. reliability is conditional, India-Australia cooperation can provide regional stability and resilience without being trapped in American shadows.

Jun 4, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 June 2025

Content : Ladakh gets new policies on quota, domicile status IISc researchers develop artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting A ban, a split verdict, and a health concern Does the civil services examination need reform? No contempt if Parliament or legislatures make laws: SC ‘Sulphur-cleaning device in coal plants not necessary’ EC introduces new tech-driven system to update voter turnout Bacteria found at Rajgir hot spring lake shows antimicrobial activity Ladakh gets new policies on quota, domicile status Context & Background Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Local civil society groups have long demanded constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s culture, demography, land, and jobs (similar to Article 371 or Sixth Schedule protections). The Centre has now introduced several key policy reforms in response. Relevance : GS 2(Federalism , Governance) Reservation Policy Changes Total Reservation Cap Raised: Earlier: Capped at 50% (as per 2004 J&K Reservation Act). Now: Raised to 85%, excluding EWS quota. With 10% for EWS, the total reservation hits 95%, among the highest in India. Scheduled Tribes Focus: 80% of jobs likely to be reserved for STs, reflecting Ladakh’s majority tribal population. Comparison: Meghalaya: 85% for SCs/STs. Arunachal Pradesh: 80% for STs. Domicile Policy To qualify as a domicile: One must have resided in Ladakh continuously for 15 years since October 31, 2019 (UT foundation day). Applies even to children of Central government officials. Implication: Tightens eligibility for government jobs and other benefits. Aimed at preserving Ladakhi identity and limiting demographic changes. Language Policy Official languages of Ladakh now include: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi. Bhoti and Purgi are local languages, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. Changes in Hill Council Composition One-third reservation for women in hill councils (LAHDC Leh and Kargil). To be implemented on a rotational basis. Boosts women’s political representation in Ladakh’s local governance. Broader Significance Responds to the socio-political concerns of Ladakhi stakeholders. Enhances affirmative action, local autonomy, and cultural preservation. Indicates Centre’s decentralized approach to governance in tribal-majority UTs. Could serve as a model for region-specific governance policies elsewhere in India. IISc researchers develop artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting Research Context & Objective Conducted by: IISc researchers, led by Prof. G. Mugesh (Dept. of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry). Objective: To prevent abnormal blood clotting (thrombosis) linked to conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19. Relevance : GS 2(Health) ,GS 3(Technology) Understanding the Problem Normal Blood Clotting (Haemostasis): Triggered by injury to blood vessels. Platelets cluster to form a clot, activated by agonists like collagen and thrombin. Abnormal Clotting (e.g., in PTE, COVID-19): Caused by oxidative stress and excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS leads to over-activation of platelets, forming harmful clots (thrombosis). Thrombosis contributes to ischemic events, strokes, and deaths. Nanozyme Development Developed: Redox-active nanomaterials mimicking natural antioxidant enzymes. Function: Scavenge ROS to regulate oxidative stress and prevent platelet over-activation. Synthesis: Achieved via controlled chemical reactions using small molecular building blocks. Key Findings Tested different sizes, shapes, and morphologies of nanozymes. Platelets were isolated and activated using physiological agonists in lab settings. Spherical-shaped Vanadium Pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes showed the highest efficacy in preventing excess aggregation. Medical Significance Potential to treat or prevent: Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) Thrombosis linked to COVID-19 Ischemic stroke (next phase of research) Offers an alternative to conventional anticoagulants with a more targeted approach via ROS modulation. Wider Implications Represents a biomimetic therapeutic approach — using synthetic materials to mimic natural enzyme functions. Opens avenues in nanomedicine for targeted, controlled therapies. Can reduce side-effects typically associated with broad-spectrum blood thinners. A ban, a split verdict, and a health concern Mustard Oil in India: Context Third-most consumed edible oil in India. Extracted from Indian mustard crop, high in erucic acid (40–54%). Health concerns exist due to high erucic acid, especially in Western countries. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Agriculture) Two Major Policy/Judicial Decisions FSSAI Ban (2021): Banned blending of mustard oil with other edible oils. Aim: To prevent adulteration and boost domestic mustard production. Blending allowed under law up to 20% but was misused (industry blends up to 50%). Supreme Court Verdict (2024): Struck down approval of GM mustard (DMH-11). Reason: Insufficient health impact assessment. Split verdict; health safety concerns cited by one of the judges. Health Concern: Erucic Acid Present in high quantity in Indian mustard oil (40–54%). International limit: Less than 5% (U.S., Canada, Europe). Animal studies: High erucic acid linked to heart issues, liver and kidney damage. Human impact: No conclusive evidence, but stigma and strict regulations abroad. Alternative abroad: Canola oil (developed in Canada) with <2% erucic acid. GM Mustard (DMH-11): Prospects and Benefits Lower erucic acid content (30–35% vs 40–54%). Higher yield potential. Reduces need for blending and dependency on imported edible oils. India’s edible oil import bill: $20.56 billion (NITI Aayog). Scientific achievement: Comparable to Western low-erucic cultivars. Needs further R&D to bring levels below 5%. Blended Mustard Oil: Pros and Cons Advantages: Dilutes erucic acid content. Rich in unsaturated fats → improves cholesterol profile (↑ HDL, ↓ LDL). Practical in absence of low-erucic domestic cultivars. Concerns: Rampant adulteration (FSSAI 2020 survey: 24.21% samples failed quality checks). Mustard oil had highest adulteration rates. Artificial flavors and toxic substances used. Policy Recommendations Allow blended mustard oil sales in packaged and branded form with clear labelling. Enforce blending limits (currently often breached). Strengthen State-level food safety mechanisms (health is a State subject). Prioritize development of low-erucic GM mustard varieties with <5% content. Take a holistic view — blend health, economic, and scientific perspectives in policymaking. Does the civil services examination need reform? Historical Background The structure of the civil services exam is rooted in the Macaulay Report of 1854 which emphasized merit-based selection. The Kothari Committee (1975) formalized the three-tier structure: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Relevance : GS 2(Education ) Evolution of Preliminary Exam Earlier format: Optional subject + General Studies with a 2:1 weightage. Results were opaque; only names of qualifiers were published—no marks or cut-offs were revealed. This ‘black box’ model limited aspirants’ ability to question results. Transparency and Reform Pressure Post-RTI Act (2005): UPSC had to disclose evaluation methods. Growing scrutiny led to formation of the S.K. Khanna Committee (2010). Major reform (2011): Optional paper removed. Prelims restructured to: Paper I: GS Paper II: CSAT (aptitude, reasoning, English) Issues with CSAT (Paper-II) Originally, CSAT marks were counted, favoring urban, English-medium, science/engineering students. This triggered protests, particularly from rural/Humanities background aspirants. Change made: CSAT became a qualifying paper (33% minimum), marks not counted for merit. Main Exam Concerns Restructured in 2013 after Nigvekar Committee recommendations. GS papers now cover wide topics: polity, governance, economy, etc. Current issues: Short-answer focus (20 questions) encourages rote memorization over analysis. No long-form questions that test deep analytical or problem-solving abilities. Optional subject choices driven by scoring trends, not academic background—misaligns intent. Prelims as a ‘Gatekeeper’ Prelims now functions more as a screening tool, cutting ~5 lakh applicants to ~10,000. Paper-I (GS) is highly unpredictable, making preparation uncertain. Paper-II still favors science/engineering students, even though it’s qualifying. Opportunity cost is high for serious aspirants investing years into uncertain outcomes. Suggested Reforms Re-evaluate the role of Prelims: Ensure it tests potential, not just elimination. Revamp GS Mains papers: Include long-form analytical questions. Replace the optional subject with two papers on governance and public policy to ensure relevance. Improve alignment between the exam structure and the qualities expected in civil servants. Conclusion The current system, though evolved, still reflects structural distortions. A comprehensive reform is needed to: Reduce unfair filtering, Promote diversity, Encourage analytical thinking over rote learning, And better align aspirants’ capabilities with administrative roles. No contempt if Parliament or legislatures make laws: SC Background of the Case Petitioners: Nandini Sundar (sociologist) and others filed a contempt petition (2012). Target: Chhattisgarh government’s alleged non-compliance with the SC’s 2011 order. The SC in 2011 had directed the State to disband vigilante groups (like Salwa Judum) and stop arming tribals as Special Police Officers (SPOs). Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Judiciary) Petitioners’ Allegations The State bypassed the SC’s directions by: Enacting Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 — legalising SPOs. Not vacating schools/ashrams occupied by security forces. Failing to compensate victims affected by Salwa Judum and SPO actions. Supreme Court’s Ruling (May 15, 2024) Law made by legislature ≠ contempt of court. Legislatures have plenary powers to make laws. Unless a law is declared unconstitutional, it remains valid and cannot be equated with defiance of court orders. Contempt plea dismissed. Key Judicial Observations Balance of powers must be maintained between judiciary and legislature. A law passed post-court order is not contempt unless: It directly disobeys the order. It is declared ultra vires the Constitution. Remedy against an unconstitutional law lies in challenging it in a constitutional court, not through contempt proceedings. Broader Concerns & Directions Recognised the prolonged unrest in Chhattisgarh due to Maoist violence. Urged specificpeace and rehabilitation measures by: State government Union government Cited Article 315: Responsibility lies with both governments to ensure law and order and welfare of residents. Legal and Constitutional Significance Reiterates legislative supremacy in its domain unless judicially struck down. Clarifies that legislative action isn’t inherently contemptuous of earlier court orders. Strengthens separation of powers and checks and balances in governance. ‘Sulphur-cleaning device in coal plants not necessary’ Context FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) units are used to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). These were made mandatory in 2015 as part of stricter environmental norms. Despite repeated extensions, 92% of India’s 600 units still haven’t installed FGDs. Relevance : GS 3(Environment an dEcology) Committee Recommendation High-powered expert committee chaired by PSA Ajay Sood recommends FGDs are unnecessary for 80% of plants. Suggests FGDs be mandatory only in Category A plants: Within 10 km of NCR and cities with 1 million+ population. Out of 66 such plants, only 14 have FGDs installed. Scientific Rationale Behind the Recommendation Ambient SO₂ levels across India are between 10–20 µg/m³, well below the national standard of 80 µg/m³. Indian coal is naturally low in sulphur content. Cities with FGDs and without FGDs show negligible difference in ambient SO₂ levels. SO₂ levels in general do not exceed permissible limits, hence do not justify nationwide FGD installation. Operational & Economic Considerations High capital costs and few vendors for FGD installation. Potential rise in electricity tariffs if cost passed to consumers. COVID-19 disruptions cited as a reason for delays in FGD compliance. Historical deadline extensions by the Ministry of Power due to implementation hurdles. Environmental Compliance Committee clarifies: TPPs must still meet standards for: Particulate Matter (PM) emissions. Freshwater consumption. SO₂ stack emission limits can be relaxed, as long as National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards are met. NAAQ standards, not stack norms, are the primary metric for protecting public health. Institutions Involved Reports considered from: CSIR-NEERI National Institute of Advanced Studies IIT Delhi All supported the view that FGDs are not essential across all plants. Policy Implications Marks a major reversal of India’s 2015 emission control policy. Likely cost savings for power producers, but raises concerns over long-term air quality safeguards. Reflects a shift towards region-specific environmental regulation rather than blanket norms. EC introduces new tech-driven system to update voter turnout Context The Election Commission (EC) has introduced a technology-based system to provide real-time updates on voter turnout. Comes amid opposition concerns over alleged discrepancies and delays in previous turnout data reporting. To be implemented before the Bihar Assembly elections later this year. Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Reforms) Key Features of the New System Presiding officers at each polling station will directly enter turnout data every two hours into the ECINET app. Data is automatically aggregated at the constituency level. Reduces dependence on manual reporting via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. Improvements Over Previous Method Earlier method involved: Manual recording by sector officers. Delays of 4–5 hours, with some updates arriving next day. New system aims for: Near real-time updates every two hours. Final turnout data entered at polling station itself before presiding officers leave. Tech Implementation Uses the ECINET app for data entry. Becomes a core part of ECINET infrastructure. The Voter Turnout App will reflect constituency-wise data updates. Offline mode available; data syncs once network is restored. Advantages Faster transparency, reducing data discrepancy allegations. Greater accountability of presiding officers at the booth level. Enhances public trust in the polling process. Reduces manual errors and communication lags. Challenges & Conditions Network connectivity in rural or remote polling booths may delay real-time data. Continued need for training of polling staff in app usage. Approximate data still subject to minor post-poll adjustments. Broader Implications Reinforces EC’s commitment to transparent, tech-driven elections. Reflects the increasing role of digital infrastructure in electoral processes. Sets precedent for future state and national elections. Bacteria found at Rajgir hot spring lake shows antimicrobial activity Scientific Background & Relevance Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures (45–70°C), intolerable for most life forms. Hot environments like hot springs, deep-sea vents, compost piles are rich in minerals but have fewer life competitors. Thermophiles often produce potent antibiotics to outcompete other organisms in these harsh niches. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Study at Rajgir Hot Spring Lake (Nalanda, Bihar) Conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu. Marked as one of India’s first microbiological investigations into the Rajgir hot spring. Temperature of water and soil samples ranged between 43–45°C. Key Findings Used 16S rRNA metagenomics to analyze microbial diversity. Found Actinobacteria dominated (40–43%) of the microbial population. Significant since most hot springs globally have <20% Actinobacteria. Known for producing important antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, tetracycline). Antibacterial Potential Isolated seven strains of Actinobacteria that showed potent antibacterial activity. Tested against pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus. Identified antibacterial activity by observing growth inhibition on culture plates. Discovery of New Antimicrobial Compound Diethyl phthalate extracted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Sourced from Actinomycetales bacterium spp. Effective against Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis. Broader Implications Urgent need for new antibiotics due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WHO projects $1 trillion global healthcare cost by 2050 due to AMR. Discovery at Rajgir highlights the untapped potential of Indian hot springs in antibiotic research. Industrial & Agricultural Applications Thermophiles also produce enzymes and compounds useful in: PCR testing (e.g., enzyme from Thermus aquaticus used in COVID testing). Agriculture: e.g., Leh hot springs’ bacteria shown to promote plant growth. Challenges & Gaps Indian hot springs are still understudied despite their potential. Field sampling in extreme temperatures is logistically difficult. Identifying active compounds from a microbial pool remains a time-intensive process.

Jun 3, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 03 June 2025

Content: Bharat Gen BharatGen Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched BharatGen, India’s first indigenously developed, government-funded multimodal AI LLM for Indian languages, aimed at ethical, inclusive, and multilingual AI innovation. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Technology) Highlights of BharatGen Launch BharatGen: India’s first government-funded, indigenously developed, AI-based multimodal LLM for Indian languages. Platform Features: Integrates text, speech, and image modalities. Supports 22 Indian languages. Built under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). Executed through TIH Foundation for IoT & IoE, IIT Bombay. Objectives & Vision National AI Mission to build: Ethical, inclusive, multilingual AI. Rooted in Indian values and ethos. Empower critical sectors: Healthcare (e.g., AI doctors in rural telemedicine), Education, Agriculture, Governance. Governance & Tech Synergy CPGRAMS (Public Grievance Portal): Now integrated with multilingual AI feedback systems. Cited as a global model for grievance redressal. NEP 2020 Synergy: Promotes interdisciplinary learning: Humanities + Technology. Boosts employability and innovation. Implementation Framework Network of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs). 4 Hubs upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs). Pillars of BharatGen Mission: Tech Development Entrepreneurship Human Resource Development International Collaboration Impact on Healthcare Example AI doctor in native language used in remote villages. Psychological benefit: builds trust & improves health outcomes. Connects patients with super-specialty hospitals. Startups & Local Innovation Over 3,000 Agri-tech Startups supported. Eg: Lavender farming in J&K – highlights rural tech diffusion. Aligned with schemes like: PM MUDRA Yojana PM SVANidhi PM Vishwakarma Yojana Institutional Collaboration DST, MEITY, DARPG, MSDE, and academic & private sector (e.g., Infosys Co-founder). MoUs signed to enhance inter-departmental cooperation.

Jun 3, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 03 June 2025

Cotent : Misinformation a bigger threat than COVID-19 uptick Monsoon woes Strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda Misinformation a bigger threat than COVID-19 uptick Current COVID-19 Situation Uptick in cases in India since mid-May 2025, rising from a few to a few hundred daily. Wastewater surveillance confirms increased viral load in some Indian cities. Similar trends in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and South Korea. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Practice Question : “Misinformation is a bigger threat than the current COVID-19 uptick.” Discuss in the context of India’s public health governance.(250 Words) Variant Context The dominant variant: JN.1 (Pirola) — an Omicron sub-variant, not new. First detected in August 2023 in Luxembourg; circulating in India since late 2023. No significant clinical difference from parent Omicron variant. Sub-lineages like LF.7 and NB.1.8 also detected — no added severity. Reasons for Case Uptick Persistence of virus: SARS-CoV-2 likely to become endemic and seasonal, similar to flu. Mutation-prone nature: RNA viruses mutate frequently, causing new sub-lineages. Increased testing and surveillance: Boost in detection due to precautionary response to regional trends. Epidemiological Trends Possible seasonal pattern emerging: Every 8–10 months in India (waves in Jan 2022, early 2023, Dec 2023-Jan 2024, July-Aug 2024, May 2025). Hybrid immunity (natural + vaccine) doesn’t prevent infection, but reduces severity. No surge in hospitalizations or severe cases observed. Numbers in Perspective Daily COVID-19 cases (200–300) = 1 case per 45–70 lakh population. Daily burden of other diseases: TB: ~8,000 new cases/day; ~900 deaths/day. Influenza virus: ~390 deaths/day. RSV disease: ~310 deaths/day. Air pollution-related diseases: much higher. COVID-19’s current impact is minor compared to other ongoing health challenges. Misleading Metrics ‘Active case’ counts are outdated and misleading — used during the initial pandemic when immunity was low. With widespread hybrid immunity, most individuals become non-infectious within a day or two. On Vaccination No need for additional COVID-19 vaccine doses for the general population. Memory cells in the immune system provide long-term protection from severe disease. Flu and age-appropriate vaccines are more beneficial, especially for high-risk individuals. Key Concerns Infodemic (misinformation) is a bigger threat than the current uptick in infections. Overreaction could strain health systems, cause panic, and lead to response fatigue. Way Forward Avoid panic; adopt a rational, epidemiological, and proportionate response. COVID-19 should now be treated like any mild respiratory illness unless new evidence suggests otherwise. Government and citizens should: Monitor trends. Avoid rumour-mongering. Maintain public trust by avoiding false alarms. Monsoon woes Onset & Its Impact The southwest monsoon has begun forcefully, entering via Kerala (Arabian Sea branch) and Andaman-Nicobar/Northeast (Bay of Bengal branch). The Bay of Bengal branch often brings early and intense rains to northeastern States, frequently triggering floods and landslides. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Disaster Management) Practice Question : “Monsoon woes in Northeast India demand region-specific disaster management and long-term mitigation strategies.” Discuss.(250 Words) Current Situation in Northeast India (As of May-End & Early June) Assam: 10 major rivers are above danger levels. Over 3 lakh people affected across 19 districts. Tripura: Experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall; more downpours expected. Sikkim: Landslides in North Sikkim trapped ~1,500 tourists. A bus fell into Teesta River; fatalities and missing passengers reported. Overall toll (as of May 31): At least 52 deaths due to floods, landslides, flash floods, lightning. Structural & Climatic Concerns Despite IMD’s projection of below-normal monsoon for the northeast, the region’s base rainfall is inherently high → makes even “normal” rains damaging. Northeast receives two monsoons: June–September (Southwest) October–December (Retreating/Northeast monsoon) This makes it a year-round vulnerable region. Chronic Issues Inadequate infrastructure due to: Challenging terrain. Neglected investment & planning. Disasters recur annually, yet no significant long-term mitigation framework is in place. Need for Long-term Planning Call for a sustainable, region-specific flood and landslide mitigation strategy. Requires: Centre–State collaboration. Comprehensive vulnerability mapping. Resilient infrastructure development. Pre-disaster planning and early warning systems. Strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda Strategic Context U.S.-India ties are expanding across trade and technology, especially under the TRUST framework (successor to iCET). Subsea cables, vital for 95%+ of global Internet traffic, are emerging as a critical digital infrastructure priority. China’s Digital Silk Road expansion in the Indo-Pacific underscores the urgency of trusted alternatives. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Technology) Practice Question : “Examine the strategic significance of subsea cables in the U.S.-India partnership and discuss how both countries can strengthen cooperation to enhance digital resilience in the Indo-Pacific.” (250 Words) Why Subsea Cables Matter Subsea cables connect continents, enable cloud services, and support critical infrastructure. They are essential for: Digital economy functioning. National security. Regional strategic influence. India’s Current Landscape India has 17 subsea cables (vs Singapore’s 26) — underutilized potential. Geographical advantages: 11,098 km coastline. Central location in Indo-Pacific. Rising data demand and digital economy. Yet, cable landing stations are overly concentrated in Mumbai (15/17 landings within a 6-km stretch). High risk of disruption due to natural disasters or sabotage. Strategic & Economic Opportunity India is well-placed to become a global subsea cable transit hub: Near major maritime chokepoints (Hormuz, Malacca, Bab-el-Mandeb). Central to Africa-Asia and Europe-Asia cable routes. Positioned to serve dynamic emerging economies (e.g., Indonesia, Africa). Domestic bandwidth demand growing at 38% CAGR (2021–2028). Challenges and Barriers Regulatory complexity: Over 50 approvals needed from multiple ministries for undersea cable projects. Dependency on foreign-flagged repair ships: Ships based in Singapore/Dubai take 3–5 months to respond to faults. Cumbersome clearance processes → long downtimes and commercial loss. Recommended Steps India Must: Simplify licensing and regulatory clearance for cable projects. Develop a domestic repair ecosystem: Indian-flagged repair ships. Dedicated depot infrastructure. Diversify cable landing sites to build network redundancy. U.S. Must: Provide concessional financing and technical assistance. Encourage U.S. firms to anchor undersea cable projects (e.g., Meta’s 50,000-km initiative). Collaborate under the TRUST framework to promote secure and diversified subsea routes. Conclusion Subsea cable collaboration will: Boost digital resilience of the Indo-Pacific. Counter China’s influence in the region. Deepen strategic and commercial ties between India and the U.S. It must be treated as a frontline strategic priority under the evolving bilateral and Quad partnerships

Jun 3, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 June 2025

Content : Centre will allow import of EVs at 15% to promote domestic manufacturing Health facilities not fully prepared for diabetes, hypertension care: study How is President’s Rule imposed? How Japan’s new AI Act fosters an innovation-first ecosystem Centre calls for proposals to set up de-addiction centres in ‘gap’ districts Team from CCMB finds clues to Darwin’s ‘abominable mystery’ Centre will allow import of EVs at 15% to promote domestic manufacturing Policy Overview Import Duty Reduced: EV manufacturers allowed to import up to 8,000 electric cars per year at 15% customs duty, down from 70-100%. Eligibility Criteria: Manufacturers must commit to investing ₹4,150 crore (~$500 million) in setting up domestic EV manufacturing units. Implementation Timeline: Approved companies must start operations within 3 years and meet local value addition norms. Duration: Concessional duty valid for 5 years from date of approval. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Energy ,Technology) Domestic Manufacturing Push Objective: Boost Make in India for EVs while attracting foreign investment. Companies can use either greenfield (new) or brownfield (existing) investments—a key change from earlier draft policy. Brownfield clause may added after lobbying from domestic players who concerned unfair competition. Global Interest & Tesla’s Position Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy noted that Tesla is not keen on manufacturing in India; more focused on setting up showrooms and sales. Policy possibly aimed at attracting other global EV players like BYD, Hyundai, or VW. Key Features of the Scheme Car Price Minimum: Imported vehicles must have minimum CIF value of $35,000 to avoid dumping of low-cost imports. Cap on Imports: Limited to 8,000 units annually, ensuring domestic manufacturers are not overwhelmed. Localization Mandate: Gradual increase in domestic value addition over the years to ensure manufacturing ecosystem develops. Implications for India Encourages technology transfer, job creation, and supply chain development. Potential to reduce import dependence in long term. Ensures controlled opening of Indian EV market while safeguarding domestic industry interests. Challenges & Criticisms Risk of policy misuse if localization norms are not strictly enforced. Possible market distortion if foreign EVs dominate high-end segment. Domestic manufacturers may still face pressure to match global tech and quality. Health facilities not fully prepared for diabetes, hypertension care: study A recent ICMR study highlights that India’s lower-tier health facilities are inadequately prepared for diabetes and hypertension care, with significant gaps in diagnostics, staffing, and medicine availability. Relevance : GS 2(Health, Governance) Key Findings Survey Scope: Cross-sectional survey across 19 districts in 7 States. Total 415 health facilities surveyed; 75.7% were public facilities. 57.6% were primary care facilities. 53.3% located in rural areas. Overall Readiness: Sub-centres: Lowest readiness at 61%. Community Health Centres (CHCs): 59% readiness. Primary Health Centres (PHCs): 73% readiness – better than other public primary-level facilities. Private primary care facilities (Level 2): Only 57% readiness. District hospitals & tertiary care centres (public/private): Above 70% – considered prepared. Preparedness Criteria Used: Based on WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA). Parameters included: Equipment, diagnostics, staff, medicines, guidelines, and data systems. Key Concerns Identified Infrastructure gaps at lower-tier facilities (sub-centres, CHCs). Inadequate diagnostic capacity at district hospitals, despite being secondary-level facilities. Weak drug supply chains and data systems at primary care level. Private primary care also lags behind public PHCs in readiness. Recommendations by Experts Human Resource Strengthening: Ensure adequate staffing at all public health levels. Supply Chain Improvements: Provide an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines for diabetes and hypertension. Diagnostic Services:Upgrade diagnostic facilities at district hospitals to manage complications. Programme Management: Deploy dedicated programme managers to ensure full utilization of services. Data & Guidelines: Improve health information systems and ensure availability of standard treatment guidelines. Implications India’s frontline rural healthcare (sub-centres, CHCs) is underprepared for managing NCDs. PHCs show relatively better readiness, indicating success of certain public health investments. Highlights the urgent need for systemic strengthening in infrastructure, diagnostics, and human resources to handle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. How is President’s Rule imposed? Context & Current Situation Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 due to a deteriorating security situation. A delegation of 10 MLAs met the Governor to press for forming a viable government, as the assembly’s term ends in March 2027. Relevance : GS 2(Federalism ,Polity ) What is President’s Rule (Article 356)? Imposed when the State government cannot function as per the Constitution. Triggered by: Governor’s report, or Failure to comply with Union’s directions (Article 365). President (i.e., Union government) takes over executive authority of the State. Procedure for Imposition Proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months (simple majority). Valid for 6 months at a time, extendable up to 3 years in total (with conditions). Assembly may be: Kept under suspended animation, or Dissolved, depending on the situation. Historical Misuse & Political Expediency B.R. Ambedkar hoped Article 356 would remain a “dead letter”. However, it was misused frequently, especially to remove Opposition-led governments. Past examples: Imposition based on loss in Lok Sabha elections, or law and order issues. Dissolution of Assemblies – No Uniform Norm No standard approach adopted by Governors after President’s Rule: Kerala (1970) and Punjab (1971): Assemblies dissolved despite doubtful majority. Punjab (1967), UP (1968), MP (1969), Odisha (1971): Assemblies retained; attempts made to form new Ministries. Governor’s discretion often politically driven. Judicial Intervention – S.R. Bommai Case (1994) Landmark case that limited misuse of Article 356. Key rulings: President’s Rule can be imposed only in case of breakdown of constitutional machinery. Subject to judicial review. Legislative Assembly should not be dissolved until Parliament approves the proclamation. Prevents dissolution for political reasons. Post-Bommai Judicial Oversight Courts struck down imposition of President’s Rule in: Bihar (2005) Uttarakhand (2016) Arunachal Pradesh (2016) Judiciary now acts as a constitutional watchdog against arbitrary use. Revocation of President’s Rule In Manipur’s case: Assembly has 18+ months left. Viable government with majority support can be formed without elections. Conclusion Article 356 remains a sensitive constitutional tool. Its use must be strictly limited to constitutional crises, not political expediency. Current situation in Manipur calls for a government with democratic and social legitimacy. How Japan’s new AI Act fosters an innovation-first ecosystem Core Features of Japan’s AI Act (2025) Name: Act on the Promotion of Research, Development and Utilisation of AI-Related Technologies. Philosophy: Promotes innovation over regulation; coordination over control. Model Type: Voluntary and facilitative, not risk-tiered or enforcement-heavy. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Technology) Key Assumptions Behind the Law Assumption 1: Innovation thrives better without rigid regulatory burdens. Assumption 2: Voluntary cooperation, under national guidance, can mitigate risks effectively. Structural and Strategic Provisions Establishes AI Strategy Headquarters under the Cabinet. Responsible for creating a Basic Plan for AI: includes R&D, deployment, international cooperation, and public education. Article 13: Government must develop non-binding guidelines reflecting international norms to prevent misuse (e.g., privacy violations, IP theft). Article 17: Mandates international cooperation and global norm alignment (e.g., via G7 Hiroshima Process, OECD, UN AI bodies). Strengths of the Innovation-First Model Avoids regulatory chilling effects: Encourages experimentation and rapid development. Government as a facilitator: Signals support instead of regulatory policing. Encourages multi-stakeholder participation: Includes businesses, universities, public bodies, and citizens. Supports long-term economic revival: Aligned with Japan’s strategy to overcome workforce shrinkage and global tech competition. Flexible for future adaptation: The law includes provisions for future review and amendment. Challenges and Risks Lack of binding standards: Could delay response to harm or malpractice. Accountability concerns: Unclear enforcement pathways for bias, misinformation, or AI failure. Risk of public trust erosion: Without enforceable rules, public may question AI reliability and fairness. Global pressure to clarify “responsible AI”: Especially in high-risk sectors like health or defense. Comparative Global Context EU: Risk-tiered model (2024 AI Act); values digital sovereignty, rights-based governance, and strict enforcement. U.S.: Moving toward sector-specific legislation (AI Disclosure Act); balancing innovation with oversight. UAE: Executive-led, innovation-friendly with sectoral pilots and AI sandboxes. Strategic Implications Japan’s model is a trust-based gamble on coordinated governance and technocratic leadership. Aims to lead globally by showing that responsibility doesn’t need rigidity. Real test lies in policy agility, cross-sector coordination, and global norm adaptation. Conclusion Japan’s AI Act is a bold alternative to both deregulation and hyper-regulation. Success would offer a replicable blueprint for innovation-led governance. Failure could expose the limits of voluntary models in the face of rapidly advancing, high-risk technologies. Centre calls for proposals to set up de-addiction centres in ‘gap’ districts Context : The Union Government has invited proposals to establish District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 “gap” districts across 30 States and UTs. These are part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE). Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues ,Governance) What Are “Gap” Districts? Districts without any centrally supported: Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Community-based Peer Led Initiatives (CPLIs), Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs). These lack basic infrastructure for treatment or rehabilitation related to substance abuse. Objectives of New DDACs Provide treatment and rehabilitation facilities for substance use disorder. Act as multi-functional centres with: Drop-in facility, Peer-led initiative area, Rehab beds for 15 to 30 patients. Conduct primary prevention through awareness campaigns. Engage in risk mitigation of substance use in vulnerable communities. Key Implementation Details Proposals invited from NGOs and start-ups with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the field. Last date to apply: June 30, 2025. Centres to have defined infrastructure norms including space for staff and multi-functional facilities. States with Highest Number of Gap Districts Chhattisgarh: 31 out of 33 districts. Bihar: 25 districts. Madhya Pradesh: 23. Gujarat: 22. Arunachal Pradesh: 21. Others: Jharkhand (16), Punjab (16), Uttar Pradesh (18), Assam (10). Future Roadmap MoSJE will conduct a fresh nationwide survey to gather district-level data on extent and pattern of substance use. Data will help target interventions more precisely in future phases. Significance Addresses regional disparity in access to de-addiction services. Aims to create a comprehensive network of support in previously underserved regions. Critical for early intervention, especially in rural and tribal belts affected by drug dependency. Team from CCMB finds clues to Darwin’s ‘abominable mystery’ Background & the “Abominable Mystery” Darwin termed the sudden and rapid diversification of flowering plants (around 130 million years ago) an “abominable mystery”. Fossil records show flowering plants (angiosperms) diversified abruptly in anatomy and habitat. This was an anomaly in the otherwise gradual process of evolution. Relevance : GS 3(Science ) Findings by CCMB Scientists Study published in Nature Plants by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad. Researchers identified a gene called SHUKR in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model flowering plant. SHUKR: Expressed in sporophyte cells. Crucial for pollen (male gametophyte) development. Regulates F-box genes, which help remove old proteins and make room for new ones in developing pollen. Shift in Plant Life Cycle Control In mosses (early land plants): Gametophyte is dominant; sporophyte is dependent. Sperm swims in water to reach egg. In flowering plants: Sporophyte is dominant. Gametophytes (pollen and ovules) are enclosed and reduced. SHUKR reveals sporophyte controls gametophyte development — overturns old assumption of independent gametophyte control. Role of SHUKR in Evolutionary Success SHUKR and F-box genes are: Present only in eudicots (which form 75% of flowering plants). Rapidly evolving, enabling adaptive pollen production. Helps pollen adjust to variable conditions — heat, drought, humidity. Suggests molecular basis for flowering plants’ rapid radiation and global success. Implications for Food Security & Climate Resilience Flowering plants are central to: Food systems (seeds = cereals, pulses, oilseeds). Biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Climate change threatens plant reproduction by damaging pollen viability. SHUKR could: Help breed climate-resilient crops. Enable precision pollination strategies based on environmental cues. Open avenues for adaptive, genetically-informed agriculture. Scientific Significance Cracks part of Darwin’s puzzle by linking molecular innovation (SHUKR) to evolutionary expansion. Shows sporophyte’s regulatory role in gametophyte formation — a paradigm shift in plant developmental biology.

Jun 2, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 June 2025

Year End Review – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti The Year-End Review 2024 by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti highlights significant progress in rural sanitation and drinking water access through Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen Phase II and Jal Jeevan Mission. The review showcases infrastructure development, health impacts, digital innovations, and capacity building to ensure sustained outcomes. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Infrastructure) Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) Phase II ODF Plus Achievements (as of 27th Dec 2024): Over 95% of villages declared ODF Plus. Over 69% of villages declared ODF Plus Model. 460% surge in ODF Plus villages (from 1 lakh in Dec 2022 to 5.61 lakh in Dec 2024). Village breakdown: 1,46,767 Aspiring, 12,064 Rising, 4,02,591 Model, 2,32,115 Verified. Infrastructure (as of 24th Dec 2024): 11.77 crore Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) constructed since 2014. 2.49 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) built. 4,75,210 villages with Solid Waste Management arrangements. 5,14,102 villages with Liquid Waste Management arrangements. Over 990 community Biogas Plants functional under GOBARdhan initiative. Program Funding: Total outlay for SBM-G Phase II: Over ₹1.40 lakh crore. Expenditure: ₹25,391.83 crore (2014-2023), ₹9,726.01 crore (2023-2024). Central-State fund sharing: 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States/UTs, 60:40 for others, 100% Central for UTs. Incentive of ₹12,000 for IHHL construction for eligible households. Campaigns and Events: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 (17th Sep–2nd Oct): Over 30 crore participants, theme “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata.” Included 11K cyclothons, 16K Swachh Food Streets, 79K cultural fests, 71 lakh trees planted. Hamara Shauchalay, Hamara Samman (19th Nov–10th Dec 2024): Mobilized 38 lakh participants, improved 1.54 lakh CSCs (70% of facilities). Republic Day 2024: Hon’ble Union Minister engaged 475 women from 27 States/UTs to celebrate women changemakers in sanitation. Bharat Parv (26th–31st Jan 2024): DDWS-SBMG showcased achievements at Red Fort, Delhi. India Water Week 2024 (17th–19th Sep): International WASH Conference focused on sustaining rural water supply. Light House Initiative (LHI): Phase 1 (launched 29th Jul 2022): 73 of 76 Gram Panchayats declared ODF Plus Model. Phase 2 (Jul 2024–Mar 2025): Expanded to 43 blocks across 14 states, focusing on community-driven SLWM. Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR): Launched with Ministry of Tourism to promote sanitation in hospitality facilities. 1,682 facilities rated, with Bison Resorts, Madhya Pradesh, receiving the first 5-leaf rating. Health Impact: Study in Nature (2024): SBM reduced infant and under-five mortality by 60,000–70,000 annually. Training and Capacity Building: 19,855 trainings conducted, covering 1,12,876 Gram Panchayats. 30,753 master trainers trained. SPM Niwas, Kolkata, conducted 40 SBM-G trainings and 35 JJM trainings for 1,600+ participants. Digital Platforms: SBM-G Dashboard (with NIC): Enables data-driven decisions for ODF Plus Model status. Swachhata Samachar: Monthly newsletter launched in Aug 2022, 12 issues published in 2024. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Achievements (as of 26th Dec 2024): 15.30 crore (78.91%) rural households with tap water connections, up from 3 crore in 2019. 101 districts, 869 blocks, 78,291 panchayats, and 1,50,190 villages certified as Har Ghar Jal. JE-AES affected districts: Tap water coverage rose from 2.70% to 81.02% in 61 districts. Aspirational Districts: 78.22% of households (2.15 crore) have tap connections. Funding: Total outlay: ₹3.6 lakh crore (2019–2024). 15th Finance Commission: ₹1.42 lakh crore for water supply and sanitation (2021–2026). 2024-25: ₹21,825.23 crore released to 25 states. Fund utilization (2019–2024): Ranges from ₹5,983.49 crore (2019-20) to ₹82,262.10 crore (2023-24). Water Quality Monitoring: 2,161 water testing labs, 1,569 NABL-accredited. 56 lakh water samples tested in 2024-25. 24.79 lakh women trained in 5.07 lakh villages to use Field Test Kits (FTKs). Nal Jal Mitra Programme (NJMP): Aims to train 2.49 lakh youths by Aug 2025 as scheme operators. 17 States/UTs nominated 23,821 candidates, 2,000 completed training, 7,221 in training. 272 training centers identified, 630 trainers nominated. Digital Initiatives: Nal Jal Seva Portal: Piloted in Assam and Ladakh for water supply management. Citizen Corner: Launched on JJM dashboard for real-time water quality and supply data. Jal Jeevan Samvad: Monthly newsletter, 50 issues published since Oct 2020. Innovation and Technology: Innovation Challenge (with Startup India): Four startups developed certified portable water quality testing devices. 32 innovative water projects recommended, 8 R&D projects approved (7 completed). Integration with PM GatiShakti: 6.4 lakh km of pipeline data uploaded. Capacity Building: 99 Key Resource Centres trained 2,292 persons in 2024. 14,000 Implementation Support Agencies (ISAs) engaged for community mobilization. 74 National WASH Experts conducted ground truthing in 2,586 villages. Functionality Assessments: 2020-21: Surveyed 87,123 households across 6,992 villages. 2022: Surveyed 3,01,389 households across 13,299 villages. 2024: Ongoing, covering 2,73,295 households in 22,812 villages. Integration with MoPR Platforms: WASH data integrated into egramswaraj portal and Meri Panchayat app for real-time monitoring. Conclusion : The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation marked significant strides in sanitation and rural water access in 2024, with transformative outcomes under SBM-G and JJM. These initiatives have not only enhanced infrastructure but also empowered communities towards sustainable hygiene and health.

Jun 2, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 June 2025

Content : Growing pains Regulating India’s virtual digital assets revolution Growing pains India’s economic growth in 2024-25 shows mixed signals, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate development to meet its ambitious goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047. Relevance : GS 3(Economy and Growth) Practice Question : Examine the mixed signals in India’s economic growth performance for 2024–25. In light of these signals, critically assess the challenges and opportunities in achieving the goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047. (250 words) Mixed Economic Signals (2024-25 Performance): Q4 growth at 7.4% exceeded expectations and was the highest in an otherwise weak financial year. Annual growth hit a four-year low, causing concern despite quarterly optimism. Sectoral Performance: Construction sector rebounded strongly, showing double-digit growth, a key employment generator. Agriculture also posted strong growth, another major employment sector. Services sector maintained steady and robust growth. Manufacturing growth slowed drastically to 4.8% in Q4 (down from 11.3% the previous year), indicating industrial challenges. Underlying Growth Drivers: A significant portion of the 7.4% GDP growth was due to a 12.7% increase in net taxes, which inflated the statistical growth figure. Real economic activity growth without tax boost is closer to 6.8%, reflecting moderate underlying momentum. Consumption and Investment Trends: Private Final Consumption Expenditure grew only 6% in Q4 — slowest in five quarters — despite expectations from the ‘Maha Kumbh effect’, indicating weak consumer demand. Capital formation improved significantly at 9.4%, helped by accelerated government investments, a positive sign for future capacity and infrastructure. Government Perspective: Officials highlight 6.5% annual growth as fastest among major economies post-pandemic, contextualizing it as acceptable amid global “growth-scarce” conditions. However, this modest pace is insufficient relative to India’s development goals and growing domestic demands. Development Aspirations vs. Reality: The government aims for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, needing consistent ~8% growth annually for at least a decade. Current growth trajectory (6.5% in 2024-25) is slower than required, suggesting the economy is lagging behind long-term targets. Stability vs. Acceleration: Chief Economic Adviser’s comment on low inflation and stable growth implies less volatility and risk of slowdown. However, stability might also mean growth won’t accelerate significantly, which could hinder India’s developmental transition. Key Takeaway: While there are positive signs of recovery and stability, India must urgently accelerate growth to meet its developmental ambitions and improve employment outcomes, rather than being complacent with “not bad” performance. Regulating India’s virtual digital assets revolution Context : India’s VDA Landscape: High Growth Amid Regulatory Ambiguity India leads in grassroots crypto adoption (Chainalysis 2024 report). Retail investors poured $6.6 billion into crypto; potential to generate 8 lakh jobs by 2030 (NASSCOM). India has one of the fastest-growing Web3 developer bases globally. Supreme Court (May 2025) questioned absence of regulation, remarking that “banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality.” Relevance : GS 3(Banking , Digital Asset) Practice Question : Despite India’s leadership in virtual digital asset (VDA) adoption, regulatory ambiguity continues to dominate policy. Critically examine the challenges and suggest a way forward for effective VDA regulation in India. (250 words) Regulatory Gaps and RBI’s Early Resistance RBI began voicing crypto concerns since 2013 due to lack of central backing. In 2018, RBI prohibited financial institutions from crypto dealings—overturned in 2020 by Supreme Court. India’s regulatory vacuum contrasts with strict capital controls and payment regulations. Stop-Gap Measures: Taxation Without Regulation 2022 tax policies: 1% TDS on transactions > ₹10,000 (Sec 194S). 30% capital gains tax (Sec 115BBH), no loss offsetting. Intended to enhance transparency and curb speculation, but: Only 9% of VDA holdings are on domestic exchanges. Indians traded₹1.03 trillion (Jul 2022–Dec 2023) on non-compliant platforms. Loss of₹2,488 crore in tax revenue; TDS loss exceeds ₹60 billion. Enforcement Challenges Efforts like URL blocking of non-compliant platforms have limited impact: Traffic rebounded post-block. Users employ VPNs, mirror sites, or shift platforms. Result: India loses tax revenue and regulatory control. Role of VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers) International bodies (IMF, FATF, FSB) advocate risk-based, harmonised regulations. VASPs act as bridges for regulatory oversight and compliance. Indian VASPs are: Compliant, maturing rapidly, and cooperating with FIU-India. Improving AML/CTF mechanisms (recognized by FATF). Post-2024 hack (loss of $230M), enhanced cybersecurity, insurance funds, and industry-wide standards. Policy Stalemate and the Way Forward Current regime imposes tax without a regulatory framework. This pushes users offshore, increasing risks and revenue loss. Need for: Balanced, pragmatic, and future-proof legislation. Empowering VASPs within clear domestic regulations. Harmonization with international best practices. Conclusion: Mind the Gap There is a serious mismatch between ground reality and policy. Regulatory clarity is essential to harness economic potential, protect consumers, and enforce compliance effectively.

Jun 2, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 June 2025

Content : Whose mountain is it, anyway? India’s rise to 4th largest economy belies per capita reality Is India the world’s fourth largest economy? India warms to foreign law firms, but concerns simmer Indian summers are getting hotter, but have we lost the ability to adapt? Whose mountain is it, anyway? The Immediate Incident: NIMAS on Mt. Khangchendzonga On May 18, 2025, a NIMAS team scaled Mt. Khangchendzonga from Nepal’s side. This sparked protests in Sikkim where the peak is held sacred and climbing it from the Indian side is officially prohibited. The act was part of the Indian Army’s ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga’ campaign to plant the Indian flag on every state’s highest peak. Relevance : GS 1 (Geography),GS 2 (Governance) Sacred Mountains and Indigenous Beliefs Mt. Khangchendzonga is deeply revered in Sikkim’s indigenous spiritual culture. The Sikkim government had issued notifications under the Places of Worship Act, 1991, disallowing climbs from the Indian side. Similar global instances of sacred mountain reverence: Mauna Kea (Hawaii) – Thirty-Meter Telescope stalled due to native protests. Haleakalā volcano (Hawaii) – U.S. military project opposed by natives. Cerro Armazones (Chile) – Atacameño communities protested telescope construction. Broader Tensions: Science, Security vs. Spirituality Mountains hold significance for: Scientific exploration (geology, climate). Strategic concerns (military, water sources). Spiritual sanctity (indigenous communities). The clash between state-centric objectives and indigenous rights is growing. Scientific and defence actors often neglect cultural sensitivities, assuming their goals supersede local beliefs. Patterns of Marginalization In multiple cases, consultation with local communities happens late or never: India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) faced protests due to denial of temple access. Heavy police presence undermined trust and spiritual autonomy of local communities. State actions often appear heavy-handed and dismissive of indigenous agency. Legal and Ethical Shifts Global instruments supporting indigenous rights: UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). ILO Convention 169 – both stress free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Article 30 of UNDRIP obliges consultation even in military-related activities. Increasingly, litigation, protests, and reputational risks are pushing states to seek consent proactively. Role of Civil Society and Changing Power Equations Youth-led civil society, technology, and climate vulnerability have empowered indigenous advocacy. Indigenous individuals are gaining political representation and legal voice. Strategic or symbolic actions (like planting flags) must be weighed against the social and spiritual costs. Recommendations and Cautions Consult before acting – cheaper and more sustainable than post-facto correction. Governments must balance national pride and local sensitivities. The NIMAS act may seem benign, but bypassing local consultation undermines trust and sets a negative precedent. Symbolism must not override sacred geography and cultural dignity. Conclusion A growing global and domestic consensus favours inclusive and respectful engagement with indigenous communities. As mountains become zones of climate fragility and cultural assertion, consultation and consent are no longer optional—they are essential for ethical governance and sustainable national interest. India’s rise to 4th largest economy belies per capita reality GDP Growth vs. Per Capita Reality India is set to become the 4th largest economy by 2025, overtaking Japan, as per IMF projections. However, absolute GDP figures do not reflect income distribution, living standards, or development. GDP per capita (a better measure of individual prosperity) is 12 times lower in India than in Japan, and 9 times lower than in Poland, despite India’s much larger GDP. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Structural Transformation of the Workforce India (2023): ~45% of the workforce still in agriculture — a sign of underdevelopment. Poland and Japan: Less than 10% in agriculture; high proportion in industry and services. Lack of structural transformation hampers productivity and income growth in India. Quality of Employment Share of wage/salaried workers: India: 23.9% Japan: 91% Poland: 80.1% Low formal employment in India points to widespread informality, job insecurity, and lack of social protection. Education Indicators Gross enrolment rate in tertiary (college) education: India: 32.7% Japan: ~65% Poland: ~75% Lower higher education participation in India limits skilled workforce development and social mobility. Health Indicators Life Expectancy (2023): India: 72 years Japan: 84 years Poland: 78.5 years Infant Mortality Rate (IMR, per 1,000 live births): India: 24.5 Japan and Poland: <5 India’s relatively poorer health outcomes reflect underinvestment in healthcare and service delivery gaps. Human Development Index (HDI) India (2023): HDI of 0.685 → Medium Human Development Poland and Japan: HDI > 0.9 → Very High Human Development HDI captures the multi-dimensional gaps India still faces despite economic size. Conclusion India’s economic rise is impressive in scale but masks deeper developmental challenges. A larger economy does not guarantee improved well-being unless growth is inclusive, employment-generating, and human-capital focused. For meaningful progress, India must address inequality, education, healthcare, and job formalisation. Is India the world’s fourth largest economy? India’s GDP Rank: What’s Being Celebrated IMF projects India’s nominal GDP to surpass Japan’s in 2025 ($4.187 trillion vs. $4.186 trillion), making it the 4th largest economy by market exchange rates. Government has attributed this rise to its leadership and aims for 3rd position by 2028 and a developed nation status by 2047. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Limits of GDP as a Measure GDP doesn’t reflect: Quality of life, health, education. Income inequality or employment conditions. Non-market activities like unpaid care work by women. Sole reliance on GDP masks socio-economic realities and development gaps. GDP Conversion Methods: Market Exchange Rate vs PPP Market Exchange Rates (MER) Commonly used in global discourse. India ranked 5th since 2021 and projected to rise. Problems: Highly volatile. Ignores domestic purchasing power. Misrepresents cost-of-living differences (e.g. beer, rent, meals). Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) Adjusts for price level differences across countries. Based on cost of a “typical basket of goods”. India became the 3rd largest economy by PPP in 2009 and has remained so. Drawback: Can inflate GDP for poor countries due to lower wages and prices. The “Big Economy Illusion” India’s GDP looks impressive in aggregate but per capita it’s low: $2,711 in 2024 (nominal terms) – below Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Vietnam. Ranks: 144th (nominal) and 127th (PPP) out of 196 countries. Large population dilutes per capita gains, showing persistent underdevelopment. Caveats and Misinterpretations Using only market exchange rates helps political narratives, not truth. PPP-based figures are often misused to imply faster progress than reality. Informal sector, low wages, underemployment, and unpaid labour inflate PPP GDP artificially. What Should Be Measured Instead Focus should shift from aggregate GDP to: Human Development Indicators. Health, education, income distribution, job quality. Social progress indexes for a truer picture of well-being. Conclusion India is the 4th largest economy by nominal GDP, but that alone means little. To claim India is “developed” or “wealthy” is misleading without addressing: Inequality, poverty, poor job quality. Low per capita income. A multi-indicator approach is needed for a more accurate assessment of India’s development status. India warms to foreign law firms, but concerns simmer Background & Historical Resistance 2000 Protest: Over 40,000 Indian lawyers protested against foreign law firms entering India, citing protection of domestic legal practice. Trigger: Law Commission’s proposal to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, to allow foreign legal consultants sparked nationwide backlash. Supreme Court 2018 Ruling: Reinforced that foreign firms cannot practice in India, even for non-litigation work. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Current Policy Shift BCI’s May 2025 Notification: Permits foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India only in: Non-litigious work Foreign and international law matters Reciprocal basis only (i.e., if Indian lawyers get similar rights abroad) 2023 Notification: First sign of softening stance; although challenged in Delhi HC, now effectively revived and formalised. Arguments in Favour Lalit Bhasin (SILF): Once opposed, now supports it as an opportunity for mutual learning and growth for young Indian lawyers. Haigreve Khaitan: Sees the move as a catalyst for: Knowledge sharing Innovation Adoption of global best practices Concerns & Criticism Legal Validity: Critics argue BCI’s move contradicts the Advocates Act, 1961 and SC’s 2018 ruling. Parliamentary Inaction: BCI acted without an amendment to the law; critics urge Parliament to amend the Act formally. “Old wine in new bottle”: Critics like Bhasin say the new rules merely repackage the 2023 notification. Reciprocity Questioned: Indian lawyers face restrictions (tests, permits) abroad. No clarity on which countries have extended true reciprocal access. Critics say reciprocity claim is “illusionary”. Key Issues at Stake Legal Integrity: Whether BCI can bypass legislative amendment and Supreme Court verdict. Reciprocity Ambiguity: Lack of mutual recognition of qualifications and rights. Professional Impact: Possible long-term effects on Indian legal profession, especially small domestic law firms. Conclusion While the policy signals India’s openness to global legal integration, lack of legal clarity, judicial approval, and genuine reciprocity could create structural conflicts and professional inequality. Indian summers are getting hotter, but have we lost the ability to adapt? Rising Heat & Scientific Reality India is genuinely getting hotter, not just due to perception. Heat waves are more frequent, intense, and prolonged – 200% rise in cumulative heatwave days (177 in 2010 → 536 in 2024). IMD defines a heat wave as ≥40°C in plains / ≥30°C in hills with ≥4.5°C above normal for 2+ days. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) , GS 3(Disaster Management) Invisible Deaths & Data Gaps Official heat death data underreports reality: 20,615 deaths (2000–2020) vs GBD estimate: 1.5 lakh+ in 2021. Many deaths occur outside hospitals — at farms, construction sites, or homes. No standardized real-time surveillance, leading to poor public health response. Excess mortality analysis is more realistic — captures both direct and indirect heat-related deaths. Economic Impacts 2022 heatwave reduced wheat yields by ~4.5%, up to 15% in some districts. Triggered record 207 GW electricity demand, straining grids and causing blackouts. Labour productivity fell, particularly in outdoor work (agriculture, construction). McKinsey: Heat-related productivity loss could cost 2.5–4.5% of GDP by 2030. Loss of Traditional Wisdom Pre-modern India adapted wisely: breathable architecture (mud, lime, sandstone), water systems (stepwells, jaalis), and sun-sensitive routines. Navtapa (May 25–June 2) aligns with modern heatwave data — involved behavioural adaptations: hydrating diets, resting, etc. These traditions waned due to post-liberalisation development: concrete/glass architecture, rigid urban jobs, and ignored local materials. Inadequate Heat Governance Ahmedabad’s 2014 Heat Action Plan (HAP) is a rare success — 1,190 lives saved annually. Other cities (e.g., Bhubaneswar, Nagpur) trying green roofs & urban greening. But most HAPs lack legal backing, dedicated funds, or clear accountability. Few cities have climate officers or climate-integrated master plans. Rural India: The Blind Spot No rural heat action plans despite rural areas housing the most vulnerable. Schemes like MGNREGA, NHM, GPDP barely address heat. Panchayats lack funds, training, and institutional guidance. Vanishing water bodies, tree cover, and stepwells worsen rural vulnerability. Poor Risk Communication Most people don’t understand “feels like” temperature, which includes humidity, wind, etc. 42°C could feel like 50°C — but public health messages don’t convey this effectively. Alerts are issued in English/Hindi, digital-only formats, excluding non-literate, regional, and migrant populations. Needs oral messaging, local languages, radio, posters, community workers. Way Forward: Heat Resilience Immediate action: Roll out district-wise Heat Action Plans under Disaster Management Act, 2005. Create shaded rest areas, ensure clean water, and targeted alerts. Medium-term: Mainstream heat adaptation in PMAY, MGNREGA, NHM. Promote reflective roofs, green spaces, traditional cooling architecture. Use District Mineral Funds and 15th Finance Commission grants for climate adaptation. Long-term: Revise building codes to mandate passive cooling. Define clear institutional roles: IMD, NDMA, SDMAs, ULBs, Panchayats. Move from emergency response to anticipatory, resilient planning. Final Insight India doesn’t lack knowledge, but integration of traditional practices + modern science is missing. Political will, institutional coordination, and inclusive planning are essential to cope with intensifying heat

May 31, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 31 May 2025

Content : India’s Common Compute Capacity Crosses 34,000 GPUs DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) India’s Common Compute Capacity Crosses 34,000 GPUs AI Ecosystem Development Compute Capacity Milestone: India’s national AI compute capacity has surpassed 34,000 GPUs (now at 34,333 GPUs). 15,916 GPUs were recently added to the earlier 18,417 under the IndiaAI Compute Infrastructure. Common Compute Platform: Aims to democratize AI access and provide training/inference capabilities to startups, academia, and researchers. Supports development of indigenous AI models suited for the Indian context. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) IndiaAI Mission – Key Pillars Strengthened Foundation Model Development: Focus on India-specific, multilingual, and sector-focused AI models. 506 proposals received under the Call for Foundation Models (as of April 30, 2025). Three New Startups Selected: Soket AI:To build a 120B parameter open-source foundation model.Target: defense, healthcare, education, and Indian linguistic diversity. Gnani AI:Developing 14B parameter multilingual Voice AI model.Real-time speech processing and advanced reasoning. Gan AI:Working on a 70B parameter TTS (text-to-speech) model.Goal: Create “superhuman” voice synthesis surpassing global leaders. Earlier Selection – Sarvam AI: Building India’s Sovereign LLM with 120B parameters. Key applications: 2047 Citizen Connect, AI4Pragati. Previously launched: Sarvam-1 (2B) and Sarvam-M (24B). AI Kosh and Data Access 367 datasets uploaded to AI Kosh – India’s centralized AI dataset repository. Designed to offer high-quality, open, and diverse datasets for training Indian AI models. AI Talent and Brain Gain IndiaAI Mission encourages reverse brain drain by creating: Opportunities for Indian researchers abroad. A comprehensive AI ecosystem including standards, compute, datasets, and capacity building. IndiaAI I4C CyberGuard Hackathon Jointly organized with Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Objective: Enhance AI models to detect cybercrime trends via NCRP. Outcomes: Models can interpret handwritten FIRs, screenshots, and audio complaints. Helps in automated classification and trend identification in cybercrimes. AI Compute Cost Structure 7 industry players provided competitive pricing for GPU access. CyFuture India Pvt. Ltd. emerged as L1 bidder for most categories including AMD, Intel, NVIDIA GPUs. Example Pricing (One-Month): AMD MI300X (8X): ₹1389.904/hour. Intel Gaudi 2 (8X): ₹374.4/hour. NVIDIA A100 80GB (8X): ₹712.8/hour. AWS Trainium (16X): ₹945/hour. Strategic Significance Supports PM Modi’s vision of “Make AI in India, Make AI work for India”. Aims at technological sovereignty, ethical AI, and inclusive digital empowerment. India is positioning itself to be among the top 5 AI nations globally. What is a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)? Definition: A GPU is a specialized processor designed to accelerate graphics rendering and parallel computing tasks. Full Form: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. Core Function: Originally built to render images and videos in computers and gaming consoles. Modern Use: Extensively used in AI/ML, scientific computing, data analytics, and deep learning due to its parallel processing capabilities. DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) Background & Context Addressing Problem in India: India lacks a standardized digital address system, leading to inefficiencies in delivery of services, logistics, governance, and emergency response. Initiative of Department of Posts: Under the Ministry of Communications, the department is leveraging its nationwide physical presence and postal data assets to lead this digital transformation. Previous Milestone – DIGIPIN: Digital Postal Index Number is a geo-coded, logical naming system that improves address discoverability. Serves as the foundational layer for Geospatial Governance. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) What is DHRUVA? Full Form: Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. Core Objective: Create a national, digital, interoperable, and geocoded addressing system. Policy Nature: Serves as a blueprint for building a Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Key Components of DHRUVA Digital Address as DPI: Treats addresses like Aadhaar or UPI IDs—as a critical public digital good. Promotes interoperability and standardization. Geo-Coded and Interoperable: Ensures addresses are tagged with precise geospatial coordinates, enabling location-specific targeting of services. Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Offers digital services around address creation, verification, updating, and consent-based sharing. Facilitates seamless interaction among citizens, government departments, and private players. Consent-Based Data Sharing: Empowers individuals to control and share their address data securely. Enhances trust, privacy, and user autonomy in address-related transactions. Key Objectives & Vision Governance Efficiency: Enables targeted public service delivery, urban planning, property taxation, and emergency response. Inclusive Development: Helps citizens in informal or unaddressed geographies (e.g., slums, rural areas) gain digital identity of location. Logistics & E-commerce Boost: Reduces last-mile delivery errors, supports hyperlocal services, and optimizes supply chain efficiencies. Financial Inclusion: Provides digital address proofs that can support KYC and banking access, especially for the unbanked. Salient Features Open & Public: The system is intended to be freely accessible in the public domain. Co-Creation Framework: Encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs) for developing address-related tools and APIs. Technological Neutrality: Built as an open architecture, allowing private sector innovation while maintaining public oversight. Strategic Importance Pillar of India’s DPI Ecosystem : Joins Aadhaar, UPI, Digilocker, and ONDC in building a Digital Bharat stack. Enabler for Smart Cities Mission : Precise digital addresses support urban mobility, resource allocation, and GIS-based planning. Bridges Digital Divide : Helps integrate marginalized communities into the formal digital economy. Boosts Ease of Living : Simplifies document submissions, delivery services, and utility registration processes. Stakeholder Involvement Government: Ministries, state govts, municipal bodies for governance integration. Private Sector: Logistics, fintech, e-commerce, mapping services (e.g., Google Maps, MapMyIndia). Citizens: End-users and data owners with control and benefit from the ecosystem. Call for Participation The government invites public feedback on the policy to ensure: Inclusivity Practical feasibility Alignment with citizen needs Link to review and respond: 🔗 DIGIPIN Policy Document Implications Going Forward Digital Address to become KYC enabler just like Aadhaar. Could reduce dependence on physical proofs like utility bills for address verification. Acts as a foundational enabler for AI/ML-based urban analytics, climate resilience planning, and dynamic address-based datasets.

May 31, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 31 May 2025

Content: Steep decline Don’t merely enrol students, but equip them with skills Steep Decline Industrial Output & Core Sector Slowdown IIP Growth: Slowed to 2.7% in April 2025, an 8-month low and nearly half of last April’s 5.2%. Core Sector Growth: Declined to 0.5% in April, sharply down from 6.9% in April 2024. Weightage Link: Core sectors comprise ~40% of IIP — their slowdown directly affects overall industrial output. Relevance : GS 2 ( Governance, Education) Practice Question : Despite policy initiatives, India’s higher education system continues to produce unemployable graduates. Examine the underlying issues and suggest structural reforms to bridge the education-employment gap.(Answer in 250 words) Sector-Specific Performance (April 2025) Mining: Contracted by 0.2%, the first decline since August 2024. Though mining exports grew from $25 bn (FY15) to $42 bn (FY25), their share in total exports dropped from 8.1% to 5.1%. Manufacturing: Slowed to 3.4% from 4.2% last April. Power Generation: Sharply fell to 1.1% from 10.2% a year earlier. Persistent Rural Consumption Weakness Consumer Non-Durables: Contracted output for third straight month, indicating poor rural demand. Despite retail inflation hitting a 6-year low (3.16%), it hasn’t boosted rural consumption. Food Price Contraction: Sixth straight month of decline to 2.14%, leading to mandi prices below MSP for staples. Structural Concerns Low rural spending despite low inflation: Indicates income stress in rural areas, not just inflation-related demand compression. Weak implementation of MSP: Prevents income stability for farmers, curbing rural purchasing power. Trade-related uncertainties: Tariffs and global price instability have likely disrupted manufacturing momentum. Positive Signals Capital Goods Output: Surged 20.3% in April, albeit from a low base — reflects investor confidence and capex revival. Indicates ongoing efforts to diversify exports and reduce dependency on the U.S. Policy Recommendations Systematic implementation of MSP to boost rural incomes and drive demand for essential goods. Encourage private sector capital expenditure to generate employment and increase domestic demand. Export sectors should diversify: Geographically: Beyond U.S. & EU. Strategically: Build domestic production resilience to absorb global shocks (tariffs, supply chains). Don’t merely enrol students, but equip them with skills Core Issue: Degree-Employability Paradox Despite rising enrolments at UG, PG, and PhD levels, job opportunities aren’t keeping pace. Higher education paradox: Unemployment increases with higher educational attainment. Most affected: Students from Tier 2 & Tier 3 non-elite institutions (BA, BCom, BSc streams). Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Education ) Practice Question : Recent trends in industrial output and core sector performance highlight a complex slowdown despite stable inflation. Analyse the causes behind this divergence and suggest policy responses to revive demand and industrial momentum.(Answer in 250 words) Structural Challenges in Non-Elite Colleges Resource-deficient institutions lack industry ties and updated curricula. Focus remains on theoretical knowledge; practical and employability skills are sidelined. Examples: English graduates unaware of professional communication. Economics graduates unfamiliar with basic tools like Excel. Cultural and Academic Disconnect Academic culture prizes abstraction and scholarship over practical utility. PGs and PhDs often pursued as a refuge from joblessness, not intellectual passion. Vicious cycle: Graduates return to teach in the same broken system. Policy Attempts & Their Shortfalls Government schemes like Skill India, NEP 2020, Start-Up India have acknowledged the gap. Implementation remains shallow and fragmented. New-age courses (AI, entrepreneurship) introduced, but often lack depth and integration. Global Comparison: China & Japan Successfully aligned vocational education with industrial/economic needs. In India, vocational training is stigmatized and seen as inferior to degree education. Wider Societal Issue Degrees are perceived as symbols of mobility, but don’t ensure it. Liberal education is still valuable for creativity, but must also translate into livelihood. Proposed Solutions Embed skill-based modules (digital literacy, data analysis, budgeting, etc.) into degree curricula. Doctoral programmes should train students for careers in policy, industry, analytics, development — not just academia. Reframe education as a social contract — promising learning linked with livelihood. Reduce over-reliance on government jobs by boosting private and entrepreneurial pathways. Conclusion India needs an education system that not only admits students but equips them. The focus must shift from degrees to deliverables — skills, jobs, and dignity of work.

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