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Current Affairs 02 December 2025

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

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 01 December 2025

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

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 01 December 2025

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

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 01 December 2025

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

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 29 November 2025

Content Smart Finance, Smart Future: GIFT City 8.2% GDP: India’s Growth Story Strengthens Smart Finance, Smart Future: GIFT City What is GIFT City? India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under SEZ Act, 2005. Located in Gandhinagar, spread over ~1000 acres, expanding to 3300+ acres (DTA + GIFT SEZ). India’s first operational smart city + integrated financial hub. Hosts 1034+ registered entities, 38 banks, asset base $100.14 bn. Offers 10-year income tax holiday in a 15-year block. Competes with Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong. Relevance: GS 3 – Economy International Financial Services Centre (IFSC): role in financial sector reforms. Capital markets, global financial integration, offshore vs onshore financial hubs. Regulatory architecture (IFSCA Act 2019) → institutional reforms. SEZ Act, tax incentives, competitiveness in global finance. GS 3 – Infrastructure Smart city infrastructure: district cooling, utility tunnels, zero-discharge water, 99.999% power reliability. High-speed connectivity, metro linkages, airport access. Tier-IV data centre & digital backbone as critical infrastructure Origins and Vision Conceived to bring offshore financial services onshore. Aims to position India as a top global financial centre by 2047. Strategy pillars: Attract global capital Enable regulatory innovation Build fintech-led financial infrastructure Generate high-skilled jobs Government-backed integrated planning ensures walk-to-work, sustainability, ease of doing business.   Governance and Regulatory Architecture International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Statutory regulator under IFSCA Act, 2019. Unifies powers of RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA for IFSC. Regulates products, institutions, conduct, supervision. IFSC units treated as non-residents under FEMA → enhances international competitiveness. Single Window Governance Powers delegated from SEZ Development Commissioner to IFSCA. SWITS (Single Window IT System) enables integrated approvals. Key Institutions India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) Launched 2022; world-class bullion trading ecosystem. Complies with OECD due diligence standards. Enables transparent gold imports and bullion-linked financial products. Financial Ecosystem Snapshot (2025) Fund Managers (FMEs): 194 IFSC Exchanges: 2, monthly turnover $89.6 bn GIFT NIFTY monthly turnover: $102.35 bn Insurance + intermediaries: 52 Aircraft lessors: 37 (303 aircraft leased) Ship lessors: 34 (28 ships leased) Banking assets: $100.14 bn Cumulative transactions: $142.98 bn GIFT City as a Global GCC/GIC Hub Financial groups set up Global In-House Centres (GIC/GCC) under IFSCA GIC Regulations, 2020. Operate in foreign currency; serve global markets. Major players: Infineon (750 staff), Technip Energies (500), TELUS (500) Accenture, Capgemini, IBM, NASSCOM CoE FinTech Growth Engine Regulatory Framework FinTech regulations notified April 2022. Dual entry route: Direct Authorization + Sandbox. 20 FinTech/TechFin entities, 8 sandbox participants. Big players: Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, Hexaware, KFintech, Signzy. Fintech Innovation & Research Centre Joint initiative: Govt of Gujarat + Asian Development Bank. Partners: IITGN, Ahmedabad University, UC San Diego, Plug and Play. Focus: R&D, incubation, global collaboration. Business Setup Framework Entities must be from FATF-compliant jurisdictions. Allowed structures: Company, LLP, Branch. Must be linked to financial products/services. IFSC units = non-resident status → regulatory clarity. Infrastructure Excellence: GIFT as a Smart City Utility Innovations District Cooling System: 30% energy saving. Automated Waste Collection System: Pneumatic, zero manual transport. 17-km Utility Tunnel: Digging-free city. Zero-Discharge Water: 24×7 potable supply; sewage reuse. Power Reliability: 99.999% uptime (≈5.3 min outage/year). Tier IV Green Data Centre: 99.999% uptime + global certifications. Transport Connectivity Metro to Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar. 20 min from Ahmedabad airport. 15 min from high-speed rail terminal (proposed). EV bus network; NH-48 Delhi–Mumbai corridor. Social Infrastructure 21-acre Central Park, riverfront, Lilavati Hospital. City Command Centre (C4): SCADA-based utility monitoring; 70,000+ I/O sensors. Talent and Education Hub Access to top-tier institutions: IIM-A, IIT-Gn, GMU. Local professional pool: 86,000 software engineers 71,000 finance professionals 21,000 management professionals 142% growth in AI-skilled talent (Ahmedabad). Global Universities Operational: Deakin University, University of Wollongong. Upcoming: Queen’s University Belfast, Coventry University. AISPs enable foreign campuses via infrastructure support. Business Highlights (2025) 1034+ entities across finance, insurance, capital markets, fintech, leasing. Jumped to 46th in Global Financial Centres Index (2025). Ranked 5th among emerging centres; topped reputation index. Dollar loan market: $20 bn disbursed; overtook Singapore, London for India-linked dollar loans. Fiscal & Non-Fiscal Incentives Direct Tax 10-year tax holiday within 15-year block (Sec 80-LA). Reduced TDS on interest income. Indirect Tax No GST on IFSC transactions. Custom duty exemption for SEZ imports. Other Incentives No STT, CTT, stamp duty. Exemptions under Companies Act. 100% PF reimbursement. Gujarat IT/ITeS incentives: CAPEX/OPEX support, electricity duty waiver. Why GIFT City is Rising Globally ? Unified regulator + predictable policy regime. Offshore-like environment within Indian jurisdiction. High-end infrastructure + global-grade digital backbone. Increasing shift of treasury operations, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, fintech innovation to GIFT. Strategic location in one of India’s fastest-growing economic corridors. Challenges & Concerns  Needs deeper liquidity, global investor diversity. Global competition from Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai. Talent density still lower than global hubs. Fiscal incentives must align with WTO rules. Regulatory adaptation needed for emerging products (crypto-assets, carbon markets, green finance). Why It Matters ? Instrument for financial sector reforms, capital account liberalisation. Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047, Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Anchor for India’s fintech and digital public infrastructure exports. Critical for globalising Indian rupee, boosting India-linked dollar loan markets. Enhances India’s position in global financial diplomacy. Conclusion GIFT City has evolved into India’s most ambitious financial ecosystem—combining global-grade regulation, infrastructure, talent, and incentives. Its fast-growing fintech, aircraft leasing, bullion trading, and capital market segments position it as a future rival to global hubs. With sustainability and innovation at its core, GIFT City is central to India’s aspiration to become a top global financial centre by 2047. 8.2% GDP: India’s Growth Story Strengthens Why Is This in News? PIB released Q2 FY26 macroeconomic data showing 8.2% real GDP growth, reaffirming India as the fastest-growing major economy. Headline CPI dropped to 0.25% (record low in current series), raising debate on disinflation, deflation risks, and policy stance. IIP, exports, labour participation, and GST collections showed broad-based improvement, signalling strong domestic momentum despite global slowdown. Relevance:   GS 3 – Economy Macro indicators: GDP, GVA, CPI, WPI, IIP → core macroeconomic fundamentals. Sector-wise performance: primary vs secondary vs tertiary. Disinflation, deflation risk, monetary policy trade-offs (RBI 2–6% band). Labour market dynamics: LFPR, WPR, unemployment, EPFO data. Export performance: services dominance, electronics exports → value-chain upgrading. PLI scheme impact on manufacturing revival. Fiscal indicators: GST revenues, structural reforms. Global agencies’ growth projections → investor confidence.  What Is GDP and Why It Matters GDP = market value of all final goods and services produced within a country. Real GDP adjusts for inflation → reflects true output growth. GVA = GDP + taxes – subsidies; shows sectoral strength. GDP growth indicates economic momentum, investment cycles, employment generation. Headline Findings (Q2 FY26 + Apr–Sep H1) GDP Real GDP: 8.2% in Q2 vs 5.6% last year. Real GDP H1 FY26: 8% vs 6.1% in FY25. Nominal GDP Q2: 8.7%. Sectoral GVA Primary: 3.1% (weather-linked, structural stagnation). Secondary: 8.1% (manufacturing-heavy recovery). Tertiary: 9.2% (services remain the growth engine).  Inflation Trajectory (CPI + WPI) CPI (Retail Inflation) October 2025 CPI: 0.25%, lowest in current CPI series. Food inflation (CFPI): –5.02% → major driver of disinflation. Rural CPI: –0.25%; Urban CPI: 0.88%. WPI (Wholesale Inflation) October 2025 WPI: –1.21%. WPI food inflation: –5.04%. Driven by lower crude, metals, food prices. Policy Interpretation Inflation well within RBI’s 2–6% band. Supports neutral–accommodative monetary stance. Raises medium-term questions: disinflation vs demand softening.   Industry & Manufacturing: IIP Signals IIP (September 2025) Overall IIP: 4% YoY. Manufacturing: 4.8% → main driver. Top Sub-sectors Basic metals: 12.3%. Electrical equipment: 28.7%. Motor vehicles: 14.6%. Use-Based Classification Infrastructure/Construction Goods: 10.5%. Consumer Durables: 10.2%. Intermediate Goods: 5.3%. Interpretation Strong investment cycle revival. Healthy demand for consumer durables. Manufacturing expansion aligns with PLI impact.  Employment Trends: Labour Market Strength Macro Labour Indicators LFPR: 55.4%, highest in 6 months. WPR: 52.5%. Unemployment: 5.2% (stable). Female LFPR: 34.2% (improving but structurally low). EPFO Data Net additions: 21.04 lakh in July 2025. White-Collar Hiring (Naukri JobSpeak) Hiring up 10.1%. AI-ML jobs: +61%. Fresher hiring: +15%. Interpretation Labour market broadening across sectors. Services + technology driving job growth. Need for continued skilling to align workforce.  Trade & External Sector Exports (Apr–Oct 2025) Combined exports: +4.84% (USD 491.8 bn). Merchandise exports: +0.63%. Services exports: +9.75% (USD 237.5 bn) → India’s stronghold. Top Merchandise Growth Areas Electronics: +37.8%. Cashew: +28.32%. Other cereals: +25.52%. Marine products: +16.18%. Export Market Growth Spain: +40.7%. China: +24.8%. Hong Kong: +20.7%. USA: +10.1%. Interpretation India moving up value chains. Services cushion global goods-market slowdown. PLI boosting electronics export capability.  Government Policy Push: Structural Drivers Manufacturing PLI: ₹1.97 lakh crore; investment attracted: ₹1.76 lakh crore. Skill India, Make in India → ecosystem building. Labour Market PMKVY → 27 lakh trained. NAVYA → skilling adolescent girls. PMMY: ₹4.91 lakh crore sanctioned. 17th Rozgar Mela → 51,000 appointment letters. Trade Export realization window extended → 15 months. Credit Guarantee Scheme → ₹20,000 crore credit facility to exporters. Export Promotion Mission → outlay of ₹25,060 crore. GST 2.0 Two-slab structure: 5% & 18%. GST collection (Oct 2025): ₹1.96 lakh crore (+4.6%).   Growth Projections (Global Agencies) Agency Projection RBI 6.8% FY26 World Bank 6.5% (2026) Moody’s 6.4% (2026), 6.5% (2027) IMF 6.6% (2025), 6.2% (2026) OECD 6.7% (2025), 6.2% (2026) S&P 6.5% (FY26), 6.7% (FY27) High convergence across agencies → confidence in India’s fundamentals.  Big-Picture Takeaways Strengths Broad-based GDP growth. Manufacturing revival → PLI impact visible. Services remain globally competitive. Inflation sharply moderated. Export ecosystems improving. Labour participation improving. Emerging Concerns Excessively low CPI could indicate: demand softening in rural economy, agricultural stress. Primary sector growth modest (2.9%). Women’s LFPR still low compared to peers. WPI deflation may pressure MSME margins. Strategic Implications India entering investment-led growth cycle. Strong macro stability enables fiscal room before 2029. Disinflation offers policy bandwidth for growth-supporting reforms. Need to improve: rural incomes, agricultural productivity, skilling for AI-driven jobs, export diversification.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 29 November 2025

Content The ‘impartiality’ of a nominated Governor India’s disaster response: a slippery slope for federalism The ‘impartiality’ of a nominated Governor Why is in News? Supreme Court’s latest rulings (2024–25) on Governor’s delay in granting assent to Bills and the meaning of “as soon as possible,” after disputes in Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The 16th Presidential Reference sought constitutional clarification on whether Governors can withhold/ delay assent without reasons, triggering national debate. Constitution Day discussions revived the Constituent Assembly’s original intent about a non-partisan Governor, contrasting sharply with present confrontations in Opposition-ruled States. Relevance:   GS 2 – Polity & Constitution Governor’s constitutional position: Articles 153–161, 163, 200–201. Federal friction: Bill assent delays, misuse of discretionary powers. Supreme Court interventions redefining constitutional morality, executive accountability. Centre–State relations and cooperative federalism. Constitutional design vs political practice: role of Governor, tenure, neutrality. Checks & balances: Judicial review of Governor’s actions. GS 2 – Governance Institutional integrity of constitutional offices. Administrative accountability and delays in policy implementation. Good governance principles: neutrality, transparency, time-bound decision-making. Impact of Governor–State friction on legislative functioning & service delivery. Practice Question The framers envisioned the Governor as a “purely constitutional” head with limited discretion, yet contemporary political practices have often turned this office into a source of friction in the federal structure. Critically examine in light of recent Supreme Court interventions. (15 marks) Role of the Governor (Constitutional Position) Part VI (Articles 153–162): Governor is the constitutional head of the State. Nominal Executive: Performs functions on aid & advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 163, 164). Discretionary powers (very limited): Choosing a CM when no clear majority (constitutional discretion). Reserving Bills for President only in specific situations (Article 200/201). Sending report to President under Article 356. No parallel authority: Governor is not a rival power centre; acts to make parliamentary government work. Key framers’ vision: Governor is “purely constitutional, not an interfering authority” (Ambedkar). Constituent Assembly Debates On Nomination & Impartiality Concerns: Governor may become “remote–controlled”, like British-era Governors under GOI Act 1935. Ambedkar’s rebuttal: Governor must act on advice of Ministers, not the Centre. Not intended as an “agent” of Union Government. Purpose is to make parliamentary system work, not rival elected ministry. On Discretionary Powers Fear: Only a step away from 1935 Act’s overriding powers. Ambedkar clarified: Discretion is very limited and express, not implied. No “general overriding powers”. Limited to: CM appointment in hung Assembly, explicit constitutional situations. On Withholding Assent / Reserving Bills (Article 200/201) Members feared disguised discretionary power contradicting democracy. Ambedkar’s clarification: Governor cannot sit in judgment over Bills. Must follow advice, except where Constitution mandates discretion. Reservation only for Bills: Endangering Union’s powers. Violating constitutional provisions. No power to delay intentionally. On Role During Emergencies Even in constitutional crisis, Governor has no independent power; must follow State cabinet advice. Ambedkar’s sharp summary Governor’s role is “limited, nominal, ornamental”. “No one would contest elections if Governors were elected, because the role is minimal.” Original Intent vs Present Scenario Present-day issues Delaying assent to Bills for months/years. Withholding Bills without reasons. Engaging in political messaging. Interference in university appointments. Use of Article 356 reports in partisan ways. Using discretionary powers beyond text. These contradict Ambedkar’s design of a non-partisan constitutional Governor. Supreme Court’s recent Interventions (2023-24) SC judgment on Governor’s role (Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu cases) SC held: Governor cannot delay assent indefinitely. Must give reasons for withholding. “As soon as possible” cannot mean “as late as possible”. Governors cannot act as political actors. 16th Presidential Reference – Constitution Bench advisory Sought clarification on: Whether Governors/Presidents can withhold assent without reasons. Meaning of “as soon as possible”. SC indicated constitutional function must be time-bound, not manipulated. Critical Analysis Constitutional Morality vs. Political Practice The framers imagined neutral arbiters, not political appointees. Misuse occurs due to appointment mechanism (executive discretion, no tenure security). Centre–State friction escalates in bipolar politics. Judicial role Courts have often corrected extreme abuses (Nabam Rebia; Kejriwal case; TN Bill-delay case). Yet, lack of clear timelines creates ambiguity. Judicial reluctance to “read in” timelines causes executive misuse. Recommendations of Major Committees Punchhi Commission (2010): Fixed tenure. No parallel political activity. Time-bound assent decisions. Sarkaria Commission (1988): Governor should be eminent, non-partisan, apolitical, not connected with ruling party. Conclusion The framers designed the Governor as a non-interfering constitutional head, not a parallel power centre or political actor. Current patterns of delayed assent and expanded discretion reflect individual and systemic failures, not constitutional design. Clear judicial timelines, transparent reasoning, and adherence to constitutional morality are essential to restore federal balance and Ambedkar’s original vision. India’s disaster response: a slippery slope for federalism Why is in News? Wayanad landslides (July 2024) caused ~300 deaths and losses of ₹2,200 crore. The Centre released only ₹260 crore (~11%), triggering a federalism debate. Reflects a widening asymmetry between assessed State needs and Union disbursements under India’s disaster-financing architecture. Raises concerns of India drifting from cooperative federalism to conditional & centralised fiscal control in disaster response. Relevance: GS 3 – Disaster Management Disaster Management Act 2005: institutional and financial architecture. SDRF and NDRF: structure, limitations, funding ratios. Classification of “severe disaster,” outdated relief norms, procedural delays. Climate-change induced extreme events → fiscal stress on States. Best practices from FEMA, FONDEN, parametric insurance models. GS 2 – Federalism Centre–State fiscal relations in disaster response. Vertical & horizontal fiscal imbalances. Cooperative vs conditional federalism: erosion of trust, discretionary approvals. Finance Commission allocations: need for vulnerability-based formula. Practice Question “India’s current disaster financing structure reflects a shift from cooperative to conditional federalism.” Discuss with reference to recent events.(250 Words) India’s Disaster Financing Structure Constitutional & Legal Basis Disaster management under Entry 23, Concurrent List → shared responsibility. Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides statutory basis. Institutional architecture: NDMA at the national level SDMAs at State level Funding Architecture A. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) First-line funding for immediate relief: food, medicine, shelter, compensation. Financing pattern: 75:25 → General States 90:10 → Himalayan & NE States Cannot be used for reconstruction or long-term recovery. B. National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) 100% Union-funded. Used only when a disaster is classified as “severe”. The Drift:The System is becoming more centralised Outdated Relief Norms Compensation ceilings unchanged for ~10 years. ₹4 lakh for death. ₹1.2 lakh for fully damaged house. Do not reflect inflation, reconstruction costs. Ambiguity in Classification of “Severe” Act does not define a severe disaster. Allows discretion, making NDRF access inconsistent across States. Aid Releases Are Procedural, Not Automatic Multi-layered process: State memorandum → Central Team assessment → High Level Committee approval. Leads to delays, problematic during climate-driven extreme events. Finance Commission Criteria are Technically Weak Allocations based on: Population Geographical area Poverty as proxy for vulnerability Ignores: Actual hazard exposure Climate-risk indicators Satellite-based vulnerability metrics Results in underfunding of high-risk States. The Wayanad case : Kerala 2024 Loss: ₹2,200 crore Centre approved: ₹260 crore Cited: Kerala’s unspent SDRF balance of ₹780 crore ₹529 crore interest-free loan under Capital Investment Scheme But: SDRF balances reflect committed works, not idle money. SDRF norms restrict use → States must maintain liquidity. Delay in Classification Wayanad landslides not immediately declared “severe”. Limited Kerala’s NDRF access. Comparable Cases Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam received larger packages for similar disasters. Earlier mismatches: Tamil Nadu (Cyclone Gaja, 2018) Karnataka (2019 floods) Pattern Losses increasing vs. aid stagnating → widening fiscal stress. Disaster relief turning into negotiation rather than solidarity. Global Best Practices United States (FEMA) Federal aid triggered by per capita loss thresholds. Mexico (FONDEN) Automated releases when rainfall/wind thresholds exceeded. Philippines Quick-response funds triggered by rainfall + fatality indices. African/Caribbean Risk Pools (ARC/CCRIF) Parametric insurance: uses satellite data → payouts within days. Australia Federal assistance linked to State spending as proportion of revenue. Common Thread Objective, transparent, rule-based triggers → reduce delays, eliminate discretion. Federalism Implications 1. Horizontal Inequality High-risk States are underfunded relative to exposure. 2. Vertical Fiscal Imbalance Worsening States bear disproportionate burden despite climate-driven risk increasing. 3. Cooperative Federalism → Conditional Federalism Disaster relief becoming contingent on: State’s fiscal behaviour Unspent balances Central interpretations Weakens State autonomy & constitutional balance. What India needs Update Relief Norms Reflect current reconstruction costs, inflation, climate realities. Define “Severe Disaster” Use objective criteria: Rainfall Intensity Index Fatalities per million Loss-to-GSDP threshold Satellite-based hazard exposure Automatic Triggers for NDRF Shift from procedural approvals to rules-based releases. Reform Finance Commission Formula Build a scientific vulnerability index using: IMD hazard maps NDMA risk data IPCC climate vulnerability indicators Socio-economic fragility metrics Ensure Aid is Grant-Based, Not Loan-Based Avoid debt-financing of recovery. Enhance State Control Over Funds Union oversight should be post-audit, not pre-approval.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 29 November 2025

Content India posts 8.2% Q2 GDP growth, tops six quarters Kerala’s population to rise till 2041, then fall: report NISAR earth observation satellite enters final science phase WHO calls on countries to make fertility care safer and affordable CPCB reports heavy metal contamination in Delhi’s groundwater Bharat NCAP 2.0 draft released by MoRTH India posts 8.2% Q2 GDP growth, tops six quarters Why is this in News? India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 (July–September) FY26, the highest in six quarters. Growth higher than Q1 FY26 (7.8%) and Q2 FY25 (5.6%). Released by MOSPI. Comes days after the IMF graded India’s national accounts ‘C’, citing methodology and data quality concerns. Nominal GDP grew only 8.7%, much lower than the 10.1% assumed in Budget → fiscal consolidation challenge. Relevance GS 3 – Economy • Real vs nominal GDP, GDP deflator, inflation trends and interpretation. • Fiscal policy: implications of low nominal GDP on fiscal deficit. • Investment trends: GFCF, PLI incentives, public vs private capex. • External sector: exports (manufacturing & services), global demand dynamics. • Monetary policy: RBI decisions in context of low inflation and high real growth. • Data quality & methodology: IMF Article IV concerns, outdated base year, WPI-heavy deflator. GS 2 – Governance / Policy Implementation • Policy evaluation: effectiveness of manufacturing incentives (PLI) and public capex. • Implications for fiscal planning and administrative decision-making. Basics Real GDP Adjusts for inflation. Indicates actual increase in production. India’s real GDP = 8.2%. Nominal GDP Measured at current prices, includes inflation. India’s nominal GDP = 8.7%. Indicates tepid inflation + weaker pricing power. GDP Deflator Ratio of nominal to real GDP. Current deflator very low due to fall in commodity & manufacturing prices. IMF & economists argue: WPI-heavy deflator undervalues service inflation → inflates real GDP artificially. What Drove the 8.2% Growth? Manufacturing Strong rebound due to: Lower input costs. PLI-led expansions. Electronics, pharmaceuticals, auto components growth. Services IT, financial services, real estate, logistics driving expansion. Consumption linked services show steady recovery. Investment GFCF up, indicating strong capex. Public capital expenditure continues to dominate; private capex recovery modest but improving. Agriculture Weak due to erratic monsoon & El Niño legacy effects. What Are the Concerns? Low Nominal GDP (8.7%) When real GDP > nominal GDP, deflator becomes abnormally low. Scholars argue: Real growth appears overstated, actual economic activity “subdued”. Manufacturing disinflation artificially boosts real growth. Fiscal Deficit Pressure Designed around 10.1% nominal GDP increase. Lower nominal growth → higher deficit-to-GDP ratio risk. Data Quality Issues IMF’s ‘C’ grade — second-lowest category. Issues flagged: Outdated base year (2011-12). Discrepancies between production and expenditure GDP. WPI-heavy deflator inappropriate for a services-dominant economy. Uneven Recovery Consumption weak for lower-income households. Rural distress visible in FMCG, diesel demand, MGNREGA reliance. Credit growth slowing in MSMEs. Scholarly Views Upasna Bhardwaj (Kotak) High real growth → “deflator effect”. Nominal GDP suggests underlying weakness in economic momentum. Madan Sabnavis (Bank of Baroda) Low nominal growth complicates achieving 4.4% fiscal deficit target. IMF Assessment (Article IV) Data quality issues hamper surveillance. Urges new base year, service price indices. Government Position PM: Growth reflects pro-growth reforms, capex push, and resilience. Points to broad-based expansion in manufacturing + services. Structural Factors Behind Strong Real GDP Corporate profits-to-GDP at record high → productivity gains. Formal sector expansion. PLI incentives boosting manufacturing. Public capex multiplier sustaining investment cycle. Digital public infrastructure reducing transaction costs. Broader Macroeconomic Implications Monetary Policy Low inflation + high real growth complicate RBI decisions. Real vs nominal divergence challenges interpretation. External Sector Booming services exports. Manufacturing exports slowed due to global uncertain demand. Labour Market PLFS urban unemployment: improving. Rural labour stress persists. First-Half FY26 Outlook H1 FY26 growth = 8%. India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy. Kerala’s population to rise till 2041, then fall: report Why is this in News? A new national-level demographic report “Unravelling India’s Demographic Future (2021–2051)” has been released by: International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD), Thiruvananthapuram Population Foundation of India (PFI) Principal investigators: Prof. S. Irudaya Rajan, J. Retnakumar. The report highlights that Kerala will remain India’s oldest State till 2051, with rapid ageing, sub-replacement fertility, and extraordinary urbanisation. Provides low, medium, high variant projections for all major States using the Cohort Component Method. Relevance GS 1 – Society / Demographics • Ageing population, median age, old-age dependency ratio. • Fertility trends (TFR), life expectancy, demographic transition phases. • Urbanisation: rural–urban migration, urban planning challenges. GS 2 – Governance / Social Policy • Elderly care policies, healthcare infrastructure, pension systems. • Labour force planning, skill development, automation/AI adaptation. • Migration and workforce integration policies. Key Demographic Concepts Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Average number of children per woman. Replacement level in India ≈ 2.1. Kerala projected to hit TFR = 1.4 (floor level) by 2051 → irreversible ageing. Life Expectancy Expected years of life at birth. Kerala increases from 75.1 years (2026) → 82.9 years (2051). Median Age Age that divides the population into two equal halves. Kerala → rises from 37 years (2026) to 47 years (2051) → advanced ageing. Old-Age Dependency Ratio Ratio of elderly (60+) to working-age population. Kerala’s high ageing → rising dependency burden. Cohort Component Method Gold-standard projection technique using: Fertility Mortality Migration Applied to 22 States with >6 million population (based on Census 2011).  Kerala’s Population Trend (2021–2051) Growth Trajectory 2011: 3.34 crore 2026: 3.58 crore 2041: 3.62 crore (peak) 2051: 3.55 crore (decline begins) Core Insight Kerala’s population peaks by 2041 → then declines → enters Phase 3 Demographic Transition (post-mature society). Ageing Profile: India’s Oldest State 60+ Population Share 2026: 18.6% 2051: 30.6% (nearly 1 in 3 Keralites will be elderly) 80+ Oldest-Old 2021: ~2% 2051: 6.4% (highest in India) Next: Tamil Nadu at 5.2% Children (0–14 years) 2021: 19.3% (lowest in India) 2051: declines further → sustained low birth rates. Comparison with Other States Bihar Will remain India’s youngest State. Child share in 2051: 22.6% (highest) Kerala: 12.8% (lowest) Demographic Divergence Kerala → ageing, shrinking workforce, high life expectancy. Bihar → youthful population, delayed demographic transition. Urbanisation Trend Urban-Rural Ratio 2011: Urban 47.7%, Rural 52.3% 2051: Urban 91.1%, Rural 8.9% Interpretation Kerala shifts from mixed to almost fully urban State. Urbanisation driven by: Declining rural fertility Out-migration Reclassification of settlements Service-sector concentrated growth Data Sources Used Census of India (2011) Sample Registration System (SRS) National Family Health Survey (NFHS) Civil Registration System (CRS) National Sample Survey (NSS) Factors Behind Kerala’s Demographic Structure Low Fertility (TFR → 1.4) High female literacy. Women’s workforce participation in services. High cost of child upbringing. Norm of small families. High Life Expectancy Public health success (Arogya Kerala model). High health spending, low IMR, high institutional births. Out-migration Large-scale Gulf migration. Decline in young working-age cohorts. Challenges Emerging from Kerala’s Demographic Future Economic Challenges Shrinking workforce → lower economic dynamism. Rising pension burden. Healthcare cost explosion (geriatrics, NCDs). Skill shortages in labour-intensive sectors. Social Challenges Elderly care infrastructure shortages. Increase in single-person elderly households. Feminisation of ageing (women live longer). Fiscal Challenges Social security spending to rise sharply. Health insurance costs escalate. Need for migrant labour → integration issues. Opportunities Silver economy: healthcare, assistive tech, geriatric services. High human capital base → knowledge economy growth. Automation and high-skilled sectors offset workforce decline. Policy Recommendations  Short- to Medium-Term Strengthen elderly care ecosystem. Expand palliative care and home-based services. Incentivise higher female workforce participation. Promote healthy ageing programmes. Long-term Structural Immigration policy (regulated influx of migrant workers). Urban infrastructure expansion for 90%+ urban population. Productivity enhancement via automation and AI. Scholars like Irudaya Rajan, P.V. Sukhatme, and Dyson & Visaria emphasise that Kerala is moving towards European-style ageing but without European-style economic buffers, making policy innovation crucial. NISAR earth observation satellite enters final science phase Why Is This in News? ISRO announced that NISAR, launched in July 2025, has now entered the Science Phase of its mission. During this phase: The satellite begins full-scale science operations, regular orbit maintenance, and calibration–validation activities. ISRO confirmed that the S-Band SAR is already regularly imaging the Indian landmass, while the 12-metre antenna reflector is fully deployed. NISAR is also in news as TTD former chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy appeared before CID in a separate case, but the ISRO update is about mission progress. Relevance GS 3 – Science & Technology • Satellite tech: dual-frequency SAR, L-band & S-band, 12m antenna deployment. • Space applications: Earth observation, disaster management, agriculture, forestry, water resources. • Climate & environment: glacier monitoring, sea-level rise, Himalayan hydrology. GS 2 – International Relations / Science Diplomacy • India–US collaboration: strategic technology partnership, global Earth observation leadership. What is NISAR? Definition NISAR = NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission World’s first dual-frequency SAR Earth Observation satellite (L-band + S-band). Lead Agencies Jointly developed by: ISRO (India) → S-Band SAR NASA (US) → L-Band SAR Launch 30 July 2025, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Orbit Near-polar sun-synchronous orbit (~747 km). Mission Life 5 years (science phase extends till end of mission). Technical Architecture Dual-Frequency SAR L-Band (NASA): penetrates vegetation, soil, ice. S-Band (ISRO): surface deformation, crop monitoring, infrastructure. 12-metre deployable antenna reflector One of the largest radar antennas ever flown. Enables high spatial resolution and wide swath imaging. All-weather, day-night capability Microwave radar → can image through: Clouds Smoke Rain Darkness Imaging Revisit Time High-frequency monitoring, enabling global landmass coverage every 12 days. Mission Phases (ISRO Classification) 1. Launch Phase Liftoff, orbit insertion. 2. Deployment Phase Deployment of the 12-m reflector. Activation of payloads. 3. Commissioning Phase Sensor checks, calibration, orbit tuning. 4. Science Phase (Now Started) Full operational data acquisition. Regular manoeuvres to maintain science orbit. Intensive calibration/validation with global sites. Applications (High UPSC Relevance) A. Climate and Earth System Monitoring Ice-sheet movement (Greenland, Antarctica). Glacier mass balance → crucial for Himalayan hydrology. Sea-level rise predictions. B. Disaster Management Earthquakes → crustal deformation mapping. Landslides → early detection. Flood mapping → all-weather real-time imaging. Cyclone damage assessment. C. Agriculture Crop type mapping. Soil moisture. Pest/drought early warning. Crop insurance verification. D. Forests & Carbon Cycle Biomass estimation. Deforestation tracking. REDD+ compliance monitoring. E. Infrastructure Monitoring Detecting land subsidence. Monitoring roads, dams, mines. Urban expansion mapping. F. Water Resources Wetland mapping. River morphology changes (erosion/deposition). Significance for India Strategic High-quality indigenous Earth observation dataset. Reduces dependence on foreign satellites for disaster response. Scientific Enhances global models for: Climate change Plate tectonics Cryosphere studies Economic Improves crop yield forecasting. Enables precision agriculture. Helps insurance, infrastructure planning. Diplomatic / Technology Partnership One of the largest NASA–ISRO collaborations since the 1970s. Enhances India’s leadership in Earth observation. ISRO’s Progress Update (From News Context) S-Band SAR: Already imaging Indian landmass and major global calibration sites. Reflector: Fully deployed and operational. Orbit maintenance: Ongoing during science phase. Next steps: Large-scale global data distribution and joint NASA–ISRO science campaigns. WHO calls on countries to make fertility care safer and affordable  Why Is This in News? WHO released its first-ever global guideline on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. It provides 40 evidence-based recommendations aimed at making fertility care: safer equitable affordable integrated into national health systems WHO highlighted that global demand for infertility care is increasing, but access remains severely limited and expensive. Relevance GS 2 – Health Governance • Public health: infertility as a health condition, integration into national health systems. • Health policy: financial protection, universal access, low-cost infertility care. • Regulatory framework: ART Act 2021, Surrogacy Act 2021. GS 1 – Society / Social Issues • Gender equity: reducing stigma, psychosocial support for couples. • Social impact: awareness, education, equitable access to fertility care. What Is Infertility? WHO definition Failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Prevalence Global prevalence: 1 in 6 individuals (WHO 2023 estimate). Affects both men and women. Types Primary infertility: never conceived. Secondary infertility: difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy. Why WHO Released the Guideline? (Context) A. Rising burden Demand for infertility services rising due to: delayed marriage lifestyle changes declining fertility rates higher prevalence of STIs environmental exposures B. Extreme financial burden In many countries, infertility care is out-of-pocket. WHO notes: A single IVF cycle can cost twice the average annual household income in some regions. C. Lack of standardised protocols Large variation in: diagnosis treatment safety standards ethical regulation D. Mental health impact Infertility often causes: depression anxiety stigma Key Features of WHO’s Global Guideline (i) Prevention Address major risk factors: untreated STIs tobacco use obesity and sedentary lifestyle Lifestyle interventions recommended: balanced diet physical activity tobacco cessation Promote fertility education: Schools Primary healthcare Reproductive health facilities (ii) Diagnosis Encourage cost-effective diagnostic tools: basic semen analysis ovulation testing ultrasound STI screening Strengthen referral pathways and documentation. (iii) Treatment Progressive, stepwise approach: simple interventions first then intrauterine insemination (IUI) then IVF/ICSI if necessary Ensure: safety quality control evidence-based protocols (iv) Financial Protection Integrate infertility care into: national health strategies insurance schemes public health financing (v) Psychosocial Support Continuous mental health support for: individuals couples Recognise emotional, social, and marital stress. (vi) Country Adaptation Countries urged to: localise guidelines monitor implementation address resource constraints Global Barriers Highlighted by WHO A. Cost Infertility treatment = catastrophic expenditure for most households. B. Limited availability Fertility services concentrated in urban private facilities. C. Gender bias Women face disproportionate blame. D. Regulatory gaps Many countries lack: ART regulation quality standards ethical oversight Significance of the Guidelines For Public Health Recognises infertility as a health condition, not a lifestyle choice. Strengthens universal access to reproductive healthcare. For Gender Equity Reduces stigma and blame assigned mainly to women. For Economy Financial protection prevents: debt traps catastrophic health spending For LMICs Offers low-cost, scalable models for fertility care. For Sustainable Development Goals Supports: SDG 3 (Health & Well-being) SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Indian Context Burden Estimated 27.5 million infertile couples (ICMR). Obesity, PCOS, diabetes, late marriages → rising infertility. Access ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) expensive: IVF cost: 1.25–2.5 lakh per cycle Mostly urban-centric Insurance coverage minimal Regulatory Framework ART Act, 2021 Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 Gaps Absence of: affordable public-sector ART standardised counselling infertility awareness in primary care Benefit of WHO Guidelines to India Can help expand: public fertility clinics insurance-based ART packages standardised, ethical protocols CPCB reporting heavy metal contamination in Delhi’s groundwater. Why is this in News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released its 2024 groundwater assessment, revealing: Delhi has the 3rd highest uranium contamination in India. Heavy metals and salinity indicators (EC, fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, iron, lead) exceed permissible limits in a large share of samples. High-risk zones include areas dependent on borewells and handpumps. The findings indicate major drinking water safety concerns, with serious public health implications. Relevance GS 3 – Environment • Groundwater contamination: uranium, fluoride, arsenic, lead, EC, SAR, RSC. • Impact on soil and agriculture: irrigation suitability, soil salinisation, crop productivity. • Climate & hydrology: urban aquifer depletion, reduced natural recharge. GS 2 – Governance / Public Health Policy • Regulatory oversight: CPCB monitoring, drinking water safety standards. • Urban management: sewage treatment, industrial effluent control, safe borewell practices. What is Groundwater Contamination? Groundwater contamination occurs when chemicals, heavy metals, salts, or pathogens seep into aquifers. Key contamination sources: Natural geogenic leaching (e.g., uranium, arsenic from rock formations) Anthropogenic pollution: industrial effluents, fertilizers, sewage, landfills. Measured through: Electrical Conductivity (EC) – salinity indicator. SAR & RSC – irrigation water quality. Heavy metals – arsenic, uranium, lead, iron, fluoride, nitrate. Key Findings (CPCB 2024) 1. Uranium contamination Limit: 0.03 mg/L Delhi sample exceedance: 12.4% Delhi = 3rd highest in India (after Assam and Rajasthan). Uranium contamination is rising in the Yamuna floodplain and Najafgarh belt. 2. Electrical Conductivity (EC) Limit: 3000 µS/cm Delhi exceedance: 33.3% Indicates high salinity in groundwater. 3. SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) Delhi showed one of the worst values in India. 178.9 SAR reported at some locations. 48.3% of samples exceeded limits. 4. RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate) 51.1% of Delhi samples exceeded limits. Highest in the country. 5. Heavy Metals Fluoride exceedance: 17.8% Iron exceedance: 8.9% Lead exceedance: 3.7% Nitrate exceedance: 4.4% Arsenic → detected but lower exceedance. Why is Delhi’s Groundwater Contaminated? Over-extraction leading to saline intrusion. Urban sewage and industrial discharge infiltrating aquifers. Geogenic factors — natural uranium-bearing granites. Land use change & concretisation → reduced natural recharge. Use of fertilizers in peri-urban agriculture (nitrate pathways). Public Health Risks Uranium Kidney toxicity Higher cancer risk Neurological impairment Nitrate Blue Baby Syndrome (methemoglobinemia) Gastrointestinal distress Fluoride Dental and skeletal fluorosis Lead Cognitive impairment in children Hypertension Iron Promotes harmful bacteria growth Taste & odor issues High EC / Salinity Cardiovascular issues Water unfit for drinking or irrigation High SAR / RSC Soil degradation Crop productivity collapse Environmental & Agricultural Implications Irrigation unsuitability: Delhi among worst for SAR & RSC. Soil salinisation threatens peri-urban agriculture. Reduced crop yields due to sodic soils. Aquifer degradation may become irreversible. Bharat NCAP 2.0. Why is this in News? The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has released a revised draft of Bharat NCAP 2.0. It significantly expands safety assessment, introduces new mandatory tests, revises test protocols, and alters scoring weightages. It aims to improve passenger, child, and pedestrian safety in line with global crash-test standards. The update is crucial because over 20% of road accident deaths in India involve pedestrians. Relevance GS 3 – Infrastructure / Transport • Road safety: vehicle crashworthiness, pedestrian & child safety, post-crash protection. • Technology standards: ATDs, ADAS, crash-test protocols, global NCAP alignment. GS 2 – Governance / Policy Implementation • Regulatory policy: voluntary vs mandatory adoption, incentive structures for manufacturers. • Consumer awareness: informed decision-making, public safety promotion. What is Bharat NCAP? Bharat NCAP = India’s voluntary crash-test and safety rating system, launched in 2023. Objective: Provide India-specific safety ratings for cars. Encourage manufacturers to improve safety. Help consumers make informed choices. Cars receive ratings based on crashworthiness (not general roadworthiness). Conducted by Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT, Pune). Ratings displayed voluntarily by manufacturers for marketing & consumer awareness. How Are Vehicles Tested? (Old System – 2023) Cars were assessed on three key verticals: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) Child Occupant Protection (COP) Safety Assist Technologies (SAT) Crash tests included: 64 km/h frontal impact against deformable barrier 50 km/h side impact 29 km/h pole (oblique) impact What Changes in Bharat NCAP 2.0? 1. Scope significantly expanded New system proposes five assessment areas: Safe Driving – 10% weightage Accident Avoidance – 10% Crash Protection – 55% Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection – 20% Post-Crash Safety – 5% 2. Mandatory crash tests increased Earlier mandatory tests: 3 Now expanded to 5: 64 km/h frontal impact 50 km/h lateral impact 32 km/h mobile deformable barrier test 32 km/h oblique side impact (rigid pole) 50 km/h frontal impact with full-width rigid barrier 3. Introduction of new assessment areas New 2025 draft adds three safety domains that were absent earlier: More comprehensive Safety Assist Technologies Fully structured Pedestrian & VRU Protection Vertical (20% weight) A structured Post-Crash Protection vertical 4. Revised weightage 5-star: now requires at least 65 points (earlier 70) 4-star: now 60 points (earlier 60–70) AOP score must be ≥55% of Crash Protection Vertical For 1-star → 30 points, 2-star/3-star → 40/50 points 5. New dummies Tests will now use advanced “Anthropomorphic Test Devices” (ATDs) for: rear-seat passengers child occupants 6. VRU (Pedestrian) Safety Added India has one of the world’s highest pedestrian fatalities (20%+ road deaths). Bharat NCAP 2.0 brings: pedestrian headform impact tests leg, upper leg impact tests bonnet & bumper energy absorption tests Why Bharat NCAP 2.0 Matters? 1. Enhances vehicle safety Compels manufacturers to add: stronger structure more airbags ADAS features safer child restraint systems 2. Improves pedestrian safety Pedestrian impact tests push automakers to redesign: bonnet geometry bumper absorption external crumple zones 3. Market push toward safer cars Indian consumers increasingly look for crash-test ratings. Manufacturers will upgrade vehicles to display better Bharat NCAP stars. 4. Regulatory alignment with global norms Moves India closer to: Global NCAP Euro NCAP ASEAN NCAP Potential Issues / Challenges Voluntary nature → not applicable to all models. Additional costs for manufacturers. Rating visibility only when automakers opt-in. Some small car segments may face price pressure.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 28 November 2025

Content From Growth Engine to Global Edge: Supercharging India’s Logistics Tex-RAMPS From Growth Engine to Global Edge: Supercharging India’s Logistics What Is Logistics? Movement, storage, and flow of goods from producer to consumer. Includes transport, warehousing, cold chain, inventory mgmt, and information systems. Efficiency of logistics directly affects GDP, export competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and cost of doing business. Relevance GS2 – Governance Centre–State coordination under GatiShakti. Institutional reforms: DPIIT, MOSPI, GSTN data integration. Regulatory clarity through HSN mapping. Urban governance for freight mobility under SMILE. GS3 – Economy / Infrastructure Logistics cost reduction → competitiveness. Multimodal transport, freight corridors. Industrial parks & EoDB improvements. Green corridors, sustainability metrics. Impact on exports, FDI, value chains. Global benchmarks: Logistics cost for advanced economies: 7–8% of GDP. For India, old estimates: 13–14% (unscientific); new estimate: 7.97% of GDP (2023–24). Big Picture: Why Logistics Is a Strategic Sector for India Determines India’s competitiveness in global value chains. Critical for Make in India, manufacturing exports, agri-produce movement, and e-commerce. Logistics reforms can increase GDP by 5–7% (World Bank estimates). India targets being a global logistics hub under National Logistics Policy + PM GatiShakti. Key Data & Findings (PIB 2025) Logistics cost: 7.97% of GDP, 9.09% of non-services output. Total cost: ₹24.01 lakh crore. Study by DPIIT + NCAER using hybrid methodology (3,500+ firms + MOSPI + RBI + GSTN). Smaller firms incur disproportionately higher logistics costs → competitiveness gap. Cost-saving lever: Multimodal integration + last-mile improvements. Structural Transformation Underway Shift from fragmented ecosystem → integrated, multimodal, digital logistics. Removal of frictions: GST, e-Way Bill, FASTag, digital freight platforms. Dedicated freight corridors, revitalized waterways, modern warehousing clusters. Plug-and-play industrial parks → lower entry barriers, faster setup. Digital Backbone of India’s Logistics ULIP: integrates 30+ departments; single API interface for logistics data. LDB 2.0: real-time multimodal shipment visibility (road/rail/sea/high seas). HSN Code Mapping: 12,167 codes → 31 ministries → accountability, trade precision. National Master Plan dashboards → evidence-based infrastructure planning. Multimodal Logistics along the Gangetic Plain (Case Study) Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC): Turnaround time of wagons: 15–16 days → 2–3 days. Long-haul transit time: 60+ hours → 35–38 hours. Digital command centre at Prayagraj. Cargo shift to rail = lower cost + lower emissions + reduced congestion. Linked to Ganga Waterway at Varanasi → multimodal synergy. Investments: WB funding: $1.96 bn (EDFC + Rail Logistics) + $375 mn (Ganga Waterway). Impacts: Efficient movement to Haldia, Kolkata ports. New warehousing clusters → jobs + better inventory management. Lower carbon footprint; enhanced eastern India competitiveness. National Level Reform Pillars (2025) A. PM GatiShakti: Integrated Infrastructure Planning District Master Plans in 112 aspirational districts. PM GatiShakti Offshore → geospatial integration for wind farms, marine infra. PM GatiShakti Public: access to 230 datasets for industry + researchers. National Master Plan dashboard + decentralized data uploading → transparency. B. SMILE: City-Level Logistics Planning Pilot in 8 cities + 8 states, ADB-supported. State level → links hubs to corridors. City level → integrates freight with master plans and mobility policies. Targets: urban decongestion, low/no-emission freight, automated processes. Outcomes: National model for coordinated urban freight. Cleaner cities, faster movement, lower logistics cost, more jobs. C. LEADS 2025: Ranking States on Logistics Mix of perception + objective data (32.5% objective share, rising). Tracks 5–7 major corridors. APIs capture truck speeds, delays, bottlenecks. Drives competitive federalism in logistics reforms. D. LDB 2.0: Real-Time Visibility Syncs with ULIP APIs. Tracks via container number, vehicle number, rail FNR. Live heatmap → identify delay zones. Benefits MSMEs + exporters with predictable supply chains. E. IPRS 3.0: Rating Industrial Parks Grades: Leader, Challenger, Aspirer. Indicators: connectivity, digital readiness, green infra, skills, tenant satisfaction. 20 plug-and-play NICDC parks: 4 completed, 4 under construction. F. HSN Guidebook 12,167 codes mapped to 31 ministries. Improves regulatory clarity, sector-specific oversight, negotiation leverage. Why Logistics Matters More Than Ever ?(Strategic Lens) Accurate cost data → targeted policy → global credibility. Multimodal shift reduces dependence on trucking (currently ~70% freight share). Green logistics aligns with global carbon-neutral supply chain norms. Better logistics → lower inflation (supply-side efficiencies). Direct impact on export competitiveness (cost-to-export). Strengths of India’s Emerging Logistics Architecture Unified digital stack unmatched globally (ULIP + LDB + e-Waybill). Multimodal infrastructure, especially rail + waterways synergy. Competitive federalism via LEADS + IPRS. Evidence-based planning under PM GatiShakti. Urban freight mainstreamed through SMILE. Challenges That Still Need Addressing High variability of logistics efficiency across states. MSMEs disproportionately affected by high logistics costs. Skill gaps in supply-chain management, digital freight ops, cold chain. First-mile (farm/industry clusters) and last-mile (urban) still weak. Need for green truck fleets, EV freight, and clean inland container movement. Limited multimodal transport adoption by small firms. Tex-RAMPS What Is Tex-RAMPS? Full form: Textiles-Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning & Start-up Scheme. Central Sector Scheme — fully funded by Ministry of Textiles. Outlay: ₹305 crore (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31). Aligned with next Finance Commission cycle — ensures continuity of funding and planning. Designed to future-proof India’s Textiles & Apparel (T&A) sector. Relevance   GS3 – Economy / Manufacturing / Infrastructure Strengthens competitiveness of a major industrial sector contributing ~12% of manufacturing GVA. Drives industrial upgrading: smart textiles, technical textiles, circularity, digital manufacturing. Enhances export competitiveness through higher quality, sustainability, and innovation capacity. Boosts MSME productivity via data systems, diagnostics, and state-level capacity building. Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India 2.0, and integration into global value chains. Enables evidence-based economic policymaking through ITSS, supply chain mapping, employment datasets. Complementary to PLI, PM MITRA, National Technical Textiles Mission → builds a 360° ecosystem. Why Was Tex-RAMPS Needed? (Structural Gaps + Global Context) India’s textile sector contributes ~2.3% of GDP, ~12% of manufacturing GVA, and is a top forex earner. Sector suffers from: Low R&D spending (<1% of sectoral output). Fragmented data systems → weak policymaking, inaccurate employment estimates. Limited innovation in high-value segments: smart textiles, technical textiles, sustainable fibres. Weak academia–industry collaboration. Low start-up penetration in textile tech (compared to China, EU, Vietnam). Global shift toward sustainable, traceable, circular textiles → India must upgrade to remain competitive. Tex-RAMPS responds to these by building a research–data–innovation tripod. Key Components (PIB + Policy Significance) A. Research & Innovation Funds advanced research in: Smart textiles, wearable tech. Sustainability & circularity. High-performance fibres (geo-textiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles). Process efficiency (zero-discharge dyeing, digital printing). Aim: Move India up the value chain from low-cost producer → technology-intensive leader. B. Data, Analytics & Diagnostics Creates robust national datasets: Employment census, supply chain mapping, cluster diagnostics. India-Size study → industry standard body-size database (benefits apparel fit, exports). Supports evidence-based policymaking, correcting long-standing data deficits. C. Integrated Textiles Statistical System (ITSS) Real-time data + analytics platform for: Monitoring prices, production, logistics. Tracking global trends and domestic supply-demand gaps. Enables predictive modelling, risk alerts, and better export planning. D. Capacity Development & Knowledge Ecosystem Strengthens State-level planning, cluster management, and skill systems. Creates a pipeline of: Best practices, planning templates, case studies. Workshops, summits, policy dialogues. Helps align state textile missions with national goals. E. Start-up & Innovation Support Grants for: Incubators, accelerators, hackathons. Academia–industry R&D projects. High-value tech start-ups (AI in fashion, traceability tech, recycling). Builds an innovation pipeline akin to PM MITRA parks. Expected Outcomes Global competitiveness: Boost in productivity, quality, sustainability → improved export share. R&D ecosystem strengthening: More patents, prototypes, industry-academia projects. Data-driven policymaking: Reduced information asymmetry; better cluster-level interventions. Employment creation: Especially in high-value, innovation-driven segments. Stronger federal collaboration: Centre–state alignment; national standardization of metrics. How Tex-RAMPS Fits Into India’s Larger Textile Strategy ? Complements existing flagship interventions: PM MITRA Parks (infrastructure). PLI for Textiles (production & scale). National Technical Textiles Mission (high-value segments). SAMARTH (skill development). Tex-RAMPS fills the missing pillar: R&D + Data + Innovation. Together, they build a 360-degree textile modernisation ecosystem. Economy & Manufacturing Moves India toward higher-value exports (technical textiles), reducing reliance on commodity apparel. Supports India’s goals under: Sustainable fashion, circular economy, Net-zero pathways, Global supply chain integration. Strengthens India’s pitch in trade negotiations through better data, standards, traceability. Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India 2.0. Comparison with Global Best Practices EU: Circularity mandates + green tech standards China: State-funded textile R&D institutes + digital manufacturing US: Industry–university fibre innovation hubs Tex-RAMPS brings India closer to these models by: Funding R&D, Creating integrated data systems, Linking research to markets.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 28 November 2025

Content The Kamalesan case Enabling a modern and future-ready labour ecosystem The Kamalesan case Why the Case Matters ? Involves the collision of two legitimate constitutional values: religious conscience vs military cohesion and discipline. Raises questions about the scope of Article 25, the limits imposed by Article 33, and the meaning of reasonable accommodation inside uniformed services. Touches concerns of minority confidence, institutional inclusivity, and the judiciary’s deference to the armed forces. Relevance GS2 – Constitution & Rights • Article 25 (freedom of conscience) vs Article 33 (restrictions for armed forces). • Judicial doctrine of proportionality and reasonable accommodation. • Minority confidence, inclusivity in institutions, secular character of State. GS2 – Judiciary • Pattern of judicial restraint in military matters. • Constitutional balancing: individual liberty vs institutional discipline. • Comparative rights jurisprudence on conscientious objection. GS3 – Internal Security / Defence • Cohesion and discipline in fixed-class regiments. • Role of rituals in unit bonding, morale, command acceptance. • Ethical frameworks in military decision-making. Practice Question In the Kamalesan case, courts prioritised institutional cohesion over individual conscience. Critically analyse whether such prioritisation meets the proportionality standard expected in constitutional adjudication.(250 Words) Constitutional Dimensions Article 25 – Freedom of Religion Protects belief and the right to abstain from practices that conflict with personal doctrine, as long as public order or duties are not affected. Article 33 – Restrictions for Armed Forces Permits Parliament to curtail rights to maintain discipline and operational effectiveness. Curtailment must remain reasonable, purpose-linked, and proportionate, not absolute. Core Constitutional Question Could discipline have been protected without extinguishing the officer’s religious line, given that his conduct was respectful, narrow, and did not compromise duties? Court’s Approach High Court Classified refusal as disobedience of a lawful command. Accepted Army’s view that sanctum entry is integral to maintaining troop confidence in a fixed-class regiment. Treated the matter as disciplinary, not as a religious rights claim. Supreme Court Declined to interfere, reaffirming long-standing judicial restraint in military internal matters. Pattern of Judicial Reasoning Courts typically defer in discipline-related cases. They intervene only when larger equality/discrimination principles are at stake (e.g., women officers’ rulings). Military Perspective Cohesion in Fixed-Class Regiments Ritual participation is a tool of identity formation, morale, and mutual trust. A commanding officer must be “seen as one with the regiment”. Any exception may be interpreted as distance or non-alignment, even if unintended. Operational Rationale Unit bonding is considered crucial for performance in combat, counter-insurgency, and high-stress deployments. Rituals—though religious in origin—serve organisational ends. The Officer’s Position Sincerity & Narrowness Attended all parades. Removed shoes, tied turban, stood respectfully with troops. Only objection: entering the sanctum during ritual worship, which Protestant doctrine considers impermissible. Nature of Refusal No disobedience affecting operational duty. No disruption, no challenge to command. Closely aligns with the principle of respectful non-participation seen in landmark religious freedom jurisprudence. Key Analytical Tension Value A: Institutional Cohesion Discipline and unity are essential for operational readiness. Ritual uniformity sustains shared identity. Value B: Individual Conscience Religious freedom protects both action and restrained abstention. Respectful abstention is generally treated as a legitimate claim unless it undermines core organisational functions. This case falls precisely at the intersection of these two values. The Accommodation Question Was a Less Restrictive Alternative Possible? Standing outside the sanctum—visible and respectful—may have served the same purpose without violating conscience. No evidence that a small deviation would have harmed morale or command acceptance. Several global militaries accommodate narrow faith-based requests without loss of discipline. Proportionality Insight Restricting a right is justified only if: legitimate purpose exists, restriction relates to that purpose, no equally effective but less restrictive option is available. This last step was not substantively examined. Broader Implications For Institutional Trust Uniformed forces thrive when individuals from all communities feel equally respected. A perception that conscience lines are irrelevant could affect confidence among minority personnel. For Constitutional Culture Indian tradition emphasises tolerance and reasonable accommodation, not forced uniformity. A rigid approach risks moving from ritual to rigidity, and then, gradually, to exclusion. For Civil–Military Balance Decision shows judiciary’s instinct for non-interference. Yet, previous rulings demonstrate that courts can reshape norms when fundamental values demand it. Ethical Dimensions Conflict of Duties Duty to obey orders Duty to remain true to conscience and personal integrity Relevant Values Respect Empathy Inclusivity Responsibility Justice Institutional wisdom Ethical Insight Discipline is strongest when combined with fairness; institutions gain, not lose, by accommodating sincere belief where operational impact is minimal. Conclusion The Kamalesan case highlights the tension between religious conscience and military cohesion. Courts upheld the Army’s disciplinary view under Article 33, prioritising unity in fixed-class regiments over an officer’s narrow religious objection. His respectful non-participation fit established principles of tolerance, raising questions about missed proportionality and accommodation. The episode signals the need for institutions to distinguish between discipline-essential uniformity and avoidable rigidity. The larger implication concerns trust and inclusivity within the armed forces—both vital elements of national strength. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. Enabling a modern and future-ready labour ecosystem  Why This Was in the News ? 21 November 2025: Government notified the long-pending Four Labour Codes, bringing them into effect nationwide. Marks the biggest overhaul of India’s labour regulatory architecture since Independence. Expected to influence formalisation, competitiveness, ease of doing business, worker protection, and India’s trajectory towards a “Viksit Bharat”. Relevance GS3 – Economy • Formalisation of 643-million workforce. • Reduction of compliance burden: single registration, unified definitions. • Competitiveness & EoDB improvements; alignment with global value chains. • Investment, productivity gains, MSME benefits, digital compliance. GS3 – Employment & Labour • Universal minimum wages, national floor wage, working-hour clarity. • Safety, health and working conditions (OSH Code). • First framework recognising gig and platform workers. • Female labour force participation: night work, maternity protections. GS2 – Governance • Consolidation of 29 laws into four codes; major structural reform post-GST. • Cooperative federalism challenges: State rule-making, harmonisation. • Transparency in enforcement: algorithm-based inspections, decriminalisation. GS2 – Welfare / Social Security • Universal ESIC coverage, simplified EPF, National Social Security Fund. • Extending benefits to unorganised, construction, gig/platform workers. Practice Question The Four Labour Codes aim to balance worker protection with enterprise flexibility. Evaluate this claim in light of recent trends in India’s labour market, formalisation efforts, and future-of-work transitions.(250 Words) Background Basics What existed earlier 29+ labour laws enacted across different decades, covering wages, safety, industrial disputes, social security, contract labour, etc. Fragmentation caused: Multiple registrations Complex compliance Overlapping definitions Frequent litigation Weak coverage for informal workers Reform pathway Second National Commission on Labour (2002) → recommended consolidation into 4 codes. Extensive stakeholder consultations (2015–2019). Codes enacted 2019–2020; implementation delayed due to COVID-19 and State rules. The Four Labour Codes: Core Pillars 1) Code on Wages (2019) Universal minimum wages across all sectors. National Floor Wage introduced. Mandatory appointment letters. Time-bound payment of wages. 2) Industrial Relations Code (2020) Clear rules for trade unions, standing orders, and industrial disputes. Faster dispute resolution mechanisms. Balances flexibility and worker safeguards. 3) Social Security Code (2020) Universal ESIC coverage — no geographic limits. Simplified EPF processes. National Social Security Fund for unorganised, gig, platform workers. Streamlined cess for construction workers. 4) OSH (Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions) Code (2020) Unified safety, health, working conditions framework. Safety committees, periodic health check-ups, clearer norms on working hours. 48-hour work week clarified. Why the Reform Was Needed ? Structural reasons 643 million workers: one of the largest young workforces globally. High informalisation → need to extend protection. Changing nature of enterprises (MSMEs, gig economy, digital work). Complex labour compliance → deterred investment. Recent labour market data (2017–18 to 2023–24) 16.83 crore jobs created. Unemployment rate fell 6% → 3.2%. Formal sector expanded (EPFO, ESIC enrolment growth). Key Provisions & Their Impact A. Worker Protection Strengthened Universal minimum wage and floor wage reduce exploitation. Mandatory appointment letters improve transparency. 48-hour week and clearer shift/work-hour rules enhance predictability. OSH Code elevates workplace safety, especially in hazardous sectors. B. Social Security Expansion Extends ESIC and EPF to wider categories including unorganised sector. National Social Security Fund → centralised support mechanism. Benefits for construction workers simplified via digital cess payment. C. Compliance Simplification Single registration, licence, and return → lowers compliance burden. Uniform definition of “wages” → major predictability gain. Decriminalisation of minor offences → industry confidence. Algorithm-based inspections → reduces inspector-raj. D. Preparing for the Future of Work Recognises gig and platform workers for the first time ever. Workforce projected to grow from 1 crore (2024–25) → 2.35 crore (2029–30). Aligns with flexible, digital, platform-based labour ecosystems. E. Boost to Women’s Workforce Participation Current female LFPR: 32.8% (ILO 2024). Labour Codes support women through: Equal remuneration Maternity benefits Night work (with safeguards) Broader social security coverage Expected to raise participation in manufacturing, logistics, gig work. Strategic Economic Implications Formalisation Push Clearer definitions and digital compliance encourage MSMEs to formalise. Higher formalisation → better productivity and access to credit. Ease of Doing Business One of the most significant reforms after GST. Reduces litigation and administrative friction. Competitiveness in Global Value Chains Predictable labour regime is essential for: Manufacturing Electronics Textiles Global supply chain integration Simplified industrial relations reduce disruptions. Investment & Employment Generation Lower compliance burden + better predictability → attracts domestic and foreign investment. High-quality jobs expected in formal sector, logistics, manufacturing. Implementation Challenges & Considerations A. State-Level Harmonisation Labour is a Concurrent List subject. Successful roll-out requires States to align rules and thresholds. Variation across states may dilute uniformity. B. MSME Preparedness Smaller enterprises may need capacity-building for digital compliance. C. Gig Worker Social Security Funding model: employer contribution? aggregator levy? government support? Implementation needs clarity and robust digital platforms. D. Enforcement Architecture Algorithm-based inspections must avoid opacity. States require trained manpower for ESIC/EPF expansion. E. Worker Awareness Large workforce lacks knowledge about rights; outreach crucial. Analytical Assessment Strengths Long-awaited simplification of a fragmented system. Strong push toward balanced labour ecosystem: protection + flexibility. First framework in India recognising gig workforce. Supports national goals of formalisation and industrial expansion. Weaknesses / Risks State-level readiness uneven. Risk of over-centralisation → flexibility needed for local contexts. Gig/platform social security needs financial clarity. Some trade unions fear diluted worker bargaining power in IR Code. Opportunities Integrate workers into formal economy at unprecedented scale. Make India competitive for global manufacturing shifts (“China+1”). Expand female workforce participation. Threats If States lag, dual regulatory regimes will persist. Poor enforcement will weaken protections and confidence. Gig workers may remain uncovered if funding architecture fails. Conclusion The Four Labour Codes notified on 21 November 2025 constitute India’s most significant labour reform in decades, replacing 29 laws with a unified framework. They strengthen worker protections through universal minimum wages, safety norms and wider social security while simplifying compliance via single registration, unified definitions and decriminalisation. The inclusion of gig and platform workers addresses the evolving nature of work. With India’s 643-million workforce and rising formalisation, these codes aim to balance protection with competitiveness, promote investment and improve women’s participation. Effective state-level implementation remains the decisive challenge for realising full benefits.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 November 2025

Content IMF gives ‘C’ grade for India’s national accounts statistics Are the labour codes labour-friendly? Why India struggles to clear its air India’s food colouring woes and steps being taken to combat recurring issue International Astronomical Union approves seven new Indian names for Martian features Doppler Weather Radar: Enhancing India’s weather forecasting network IMF gives ‘C’ grade for India’s national accounts statistics WHY IS THIS IN NEWS? IMF’s Article IV Consultation (2025) assessed India’s national accounts and gave a Grade ‘C’ for the quality of GDP data. Grade ‘C’ = “shortcomings that hamper surveillance” → second-lowest level. IMF highlighted: Periodic sizeable discrepancies between production and expenditure GDP estimates. Use of an outdated base year (2011–12). Over-reliance on Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for deflating nominal values. Need to expand expenditure-side data and informal sector coverage. Assessment is significant because India is expected to release Q2 FY2025–26 GDP numbers, and concerns affect global investor confidence. Relevance GS3 – Economy / Growth Measurement • Quality of GDP estimation under MOSPI/NSO scrutiny. • Discrepancies between production vs expenditure GDP. • Outdated base year (2011–12) and need for rebasing. • Deflator issues (WPI–CPI divergence). • Statistical system reforms: MCA-21 data, GSTN integration. GS2 – Governance / Institutions • Role of IMF’s Article IV surveillance. • Credibility of official statistics as a governance issue. • Transparency norms and reforms in data architecture. • Centre–State coordination for data collection (industries, services, informal sector). • Strengthening statistical autonomy & capacity. HOW GDP IS MEASURED ? Three Approaches Production Approach (GVA method) Sum of value added by agriculture, industry, and services. Income Approach Sum of wages, profits, rents, and mixed income. Expenditure Approach GDP = C + I + G + (X – M). Should converge with production-side figures. Ideal Condition All three approaches should produce near-identical results. Persistent divergence = data quality problem, structural inconsistencies. WHAT EXACTLY IMF FLAGGED ? A. “Sizeable Discrepancies” Between GDP Approaches Large, recurrent differences between: Production-side GDP (GVA-based) Expenditure-side GDP (C+I+G+X−M) Economists flagged this over the past 5 years: Private consumption growth often inconsistent with household survey indicators. Investment (GFCF) estimates occasionally contradict credit data & corporate filings. IMF classifies this as a methodological weakness affecting reliability. B. Base Year Too Old (2011–12) Structural shifts in 13 years: Digitisation, GST rollout, UPI-led formalisation. E-commerce, gig economy, platform work. Deflation of manufacturing due to global price changes. Outdated base year → wrong weights → distorted GDP. C. Over-Reliance on Wholesale Price Indices WPI used to deflate: Manufacturing GVA, Nominal capital formation, Some components of GFCF and inventories. Issues: WPI excludes services (57% of GDP). Highly sensitive to commodities, making real GDP volatile and inaccurate. CPI-based deflators are more reflective of consumer reality. D. Limited Expenditure-Side Data India primarily uses Income Approach for GDP. Expenditure estimates (C, I, G, NX) rely on: Sparse household surveys, Small-sample enterprise surveys, Rough extrapolations. IMF wants expenditure-side to be strengthened and independently robust. E. Informal Sector Under-Coverage Informal sector = ~45–50% of employment (varies by survey). GDP estimation largely model-based: Uses outdated NSS data. Limited real-time surveys post-2011–12. IMF says this reduces reliability and timeliness. IMF’s GRADING SYSTEM Grade Meaning A High-quality data; internationally comparable B Broadly adequate; minor weaknesses C Shortcomings hamper surveillance (India gets this for National Accounts) D Severe deficiencies India’s Overall Score Overall: Grade B (across all data categories) National Accounts: Grade C → primary area of weakness. IMPLICATIONS OF THE ‘C’ GRADE A. Policy-Making Impact If GDP reliability is weak: Monetary policy signals (RBI) become less precise. Fiscal policy targeting becomes less credible. B. Investor Confidence Foreign investors use GDP data for: Valuation of Indian markets, Assessment of macro stability, Pre-investment risk modelling. ‘C’ grade may raise caution, particularly among sovereign funds. C. International Comparability Issues Difficulty comparing India with: OECD economies, Asian peers (Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines), China (despite opacity). D. Domestic Credibility Economists have long critiqued: Back-series revisions, Post-2017 manufacturing volatility, Divergence between GDP and ground-level indicators (PLFS, ASI, credit data). GOVERNMENT’S POSITION India argues: GVA-based method is robust and widely used. Discrepancies normal in developing economies with large informal sectors. Revised base year planned after new household surveys (2022–23, 2023–24). Transition to supply-use tables (SUTs) is ongoing. STRUCTURAL CAUSES OF GDP DISCREPANCIES A. Informal Sector Dominance Difficult to track productivity and incomes in real time. B. Data Gaps Large gaps in: Household consumption, Unincorporated enterprises, Self-employment earnings, Small manufacturing units. C. Outdated Surveys Key datasets: NSS 2011–12 consumption survey, Unincorporated enterprise surveys, ASI and IIP with limited representativeness. D. Weak Price Deflation Mechanism Correct deflation = accurate real GDP. WPI-based deflation induces errors. REFORMS IMF EXPECTS Update base year to 2017–18 or 2020–21 (debate ongoing). Increase frequency of: Household consumption surveys, Enterprise surveys, Service sector surveys. Expand use of: GST data, Corporate filings (MCA-21), Digital payments data. Strengthen expenditure-side GDP with more granular monthly/quarterly data. Are the labour codes labour-friendly? Why is this in news? 21 November: Union Labour Ministry announced the implementation of all four labour codes — Wages (2019), Industrial Relations (2020), Social Security (2020), OSHWC (2020). Trade unions across the spectrum (CTUs, sectoral federations) have opposed the notification, demanding withdrawal. The opposition centres on hire-and-fire, dilution of collective bargaining, weakening of social security, and higher thresholds that exclude workers. Relevance GS2 – Governance • Major governance reform: consolidation of 29+ labour laws into 4 unified Codes. • Centre–State friction: centralisation of powers (floor wage, licensing thresholds). • Weak tripartism: minimal consultation with trade unions; no Indian Labour Conference since 2015. • Regulatory overhaul: single registration, digital compliance, inspector-cum-facilitator model. • Collective bargaining diluted: restrictive strike provisions, unclear union recognition. GS2 – Social Justice • Impact on 93% informal workforce due to raised thresholds in OSHWC. • Limited social security expansion; current coverage only ~7%. • First statutory recognition of gig/platform workers but thin protections. • Precarity from fixed-term employment; women’s night-shift permissions with safety concerns.  What are the Four Labour Codes? Code on Wages, 2019: Merges 4 laws (Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Bonus Act, Equal Remuneration Act). Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Combines Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Industrial Employment (SO) Act. Code on Social Security, 2020: Merges 9 social security laws (EPF, ESI, Maternity Benefit Act etc.). OSHWC Code, 2020: Combines 13 safety & working condition laws. Why did the Government Propose Codification? Argument by R. Mukundan (industry perspective) Fragmentation of 40+ central laws, 100+ State laws → compliance burden, duplication. Outdated legislation dating to 1940s–50s; workforce structure transformed (gig/platform, logistics, e-commerce). Need for uniformity: definitions, thresholds, inspection systems. Objective: Job creation, ease of doing business, attracting global supply chains (comparison with Vietnam, S. Korea). Simplification + digitisation of compliance = predictability and reduction in disputes. Formalisation push: extending minimum wages + social security to new categories (gig/platform workers). Labour market flexibility (fixed-term employment, higher retrenchment threshold, women in all shifts) aligned with global trends. Why Are Trade Unions Opposed? Labour Union perspective Loss of historical rights gained through workers’ struggles (hours, wages, safety, collective bargaining). Centralisation of powers: States lose authority; Centre can fix floor wages and override minimum wage structure. Fixed-term employment → legalised hire & fire; weakens job security and unionisation. Higher thresholds in OSHWC Code: Factory license threshold increased from 10→20 workers with power, 20→40 without power → excludes many MSME workers. Social security dilution: Only ~7% of workforce currently covered (EPFO/ESIC). Codes won’t realistically cover 93% informal workforce, only selectively gig/platform. Lack of consultation: PM assured in 2015 Indian Labour Conference that no labour law would be amended without unions. Codes passed in Parliament without full debate or union participation. Collective bargaining diluted: Stricter strike notice, recognition of unions unresolved, and bargaining councils absent. Fear of industrial unrest due to unilateral reforms.  Core Contestations   A. Minimum Wages and Floor Wage Industry view : Principle agreed; issue is methodology and implementation, not the idea. Wages must reflect regional cost of living, sectoral differences, inflation adjustment, productivity link. Union view : Floor wage fixed by Centre may become ceiling for States → dilution of States’ power. Codes weaken the concept of living wage (ILO upheld). By increasing thresholds, millions fall outside minimum wage protection. B. Social Security Expansion Industry view : Codes aim to cover 40 crore workers, including informal, gig/platform, fixed-term employees. Organised sector prepared; MSMEs need handholding. Union view : Ambitious but unrealistic: Current coverage ≈ 7%; infrastructure cannot handle a dramatic jump. Gig/platform workers are only a small subset of informal workers. Existing EPF/ESI/Maternity Benefit frameworks being dumped into new structure without clarity. No universal social protection architecture; budgetary support absent. C. Industrial Relations, Strikes, and Hiring/Firing Industry view : Reforms necessary for competitiveness; industries undergoing tech disruption (AI, automation). Enhancements in: Notice period Retrenchment compensation Reskilling fund for displaced workers. Union view : Hire & fire legitimised: Retrenchment threshold raised from 100 → 300 workers (State can even increase further). Right to strike restricted: 60-day notice, 14-day pre-strike period; wider essential services interpretation. Recognition of trade unions unclear → weak collective bargaining. D. Occupational Safety and Working Conditions Industry view: Harmonised standards + modernised safety norms + women in all shifts = modern workforce policies. Union view: Higher thresholds → millions excluded from OSH, health checks, crèche facilities. Informal workers remain unprotected. E. Investment Attraction Industry view: Predictability + uniformity → positive signal to investors. Global competition demands flexible labour systems. Labour reforms only one part of larger investment ecosystem (infrastructure, taxation). Union view: Unrest + weakened worker protections diminish productivity and stability. FDI did not significantly rise even after liberalisation of insurance, defence, etc. Risk of neo-colonial dependency via investment-driven negotiations (India–US bilateral treaty concerns).  Structural Assessment: Are the Labour Codes Labour-Friendly? Strengths Simplification of 40+ laws → improved clarity. Digital compliance, fewer inspections → reduces harassment. Formalisation intent: inclusion of gig/platform workers for first time. Women’s labour force participation may benefit (night shift permissions with safeguards). Potential ease of doing business → job creation argument (contested). Weaknesses Exclusion of large workforce through raised thresholds. Weak collective bargaining → industrial harmony claim questionable. Fixed-term employment → precarious work; high turnover; unionisation decline. Floor wage may become de facto maximum. Universal social security goal remains largely aspirational without fiscal commitment. Democratic deficit in drafting: no Indian Labour Conference since 2015. Evaluation Labour-friendly elements Extends formal recognition to gig/platform workers. Aims to reduce compliance burden → possible employment growth. Harmonisation across States → clarity for firms + workers. Safety code modernises standards (though coverage limited). Not labour-friendly elements Threshold increases exclude millions from protection. Hire & fire flexibility without strong social security backup = risk of insecurity. Dilution of right to strike and collective bargaining. Limited coverage expansion, despite claims of 40 crore; administrative machinery inadequate. Minimal consultation undermines tripartism (key ILO principle).  Final Verdict The codes are employer-friendly in structure but worker-friendly in stated intention. They aim for flexibility-first, protection-second, whereas global best models (Nordic, EU) rely on protection-first, flexibility-with-security. Without: universal minimum wage enforcement budget-backed social security strong unions/collective bargaining the reforms risk creating a dual labour market — formal sector flexibility without adequate safety nets. Why India struggles to clear its air  Why Is It in News? Delhi’s annual winter pollution cycle has returned, with air quality dropping to ‘Severe’, triggering cloud seeding, smog towers, sprinkling, odd-even rules, and festival crackdowns. A pattern of repetitive, ineffective measures dominates, while deeper governance breakdowns persist. Recent public protests near India Gate (Nov 24) against air pollution led to police detentions despite peaceful demonstrations. Raises questions on air-quality governance, institutional design, regulatory authority, and political incentives. Relevance GS3 – Environment / Pollution • National air pollution control architecture: CAQM, CPCB, SPCBs. • Sectoral sources: biomass, transport, industry, construction dust. • Meteorology–inversion dynamics in Indo-Gangetic Plain. • Failure of “end-of-pipe” measures; need for structural interventions. • Health impacts → DALY burden, economic productivity losses. GS2 – Governance / Federal Issues • Inter-state coordination failures (Punjab–Haryana–Delhi). • Institutional fragmentation → weak compliance. • Judiciary’s role vs executive capacity (EPCA to CAQM shift). • Behavioural governance: household fuels, micro-enterprise emissions. • Urban governance deficits in monitoring, enforcement, and waste systems. Understanding the Pollution Crisis Winter inversion + local emissions trap pollutants: Construction dust Tailpipe emissions Industrial pollution Biomass burning Waste burning Regional agricultural burning Delhi’s geography aggravates stagnation, but policy failures drive the persistence. Core Diagnosis: India’s Structural Governance Flaw 1. Fragmented Responsibility Pollution management divided across: MoEFCC CPCB + SPCBs CAQM Delhi Pollution Control Committee Municipal bodies (MCD, NDMC) State departments (transport, agriculture, industries) Agencies like NHAI, PWD, DISCOMs No single institution has full mandate + accountability. 2. Uneven Enforcement State-wise variation in compliance. Weak inter-state coordination within NCR. Contradictions between court orders, Union directives, and local decisions. 3. Judicial Pressure → Short-termism Courts demand immediate action, pushing governments toward high-visibility, low-impact solutions. Why Short-Term Measures Dominate Governance Incentives Quick fixes: Show rapid action Avoid confronting powerful sectors: construction, transport, agriculture Fit within annual budgets Minimise political risk Hence, return every year: Cloud seeding Smog towers Anti-smog guns Odd-even Crackdowns on festivals Political Logic Provide visibility, not results. Keep attention cycles short. Manage headlines rather than emissions. Two Strategic Pitfalls Weakening India’s Response A. Intellectual Trap Overreliance on expert/think-tank solutions assuming: High administrative capacity Reliable enforcement Strong record-keeping Continuity across institutions Policies designed in elite spaces cannot be implemented by overstretched municipal systems. B. Western Trap Importing global “best practices” without adaptation: Assumes strong public transport Assumes low informal activity Assumes coherent regulatory systems Assumes predictable coordination European/East Asian models fail when transplanted without redesign. Result Ideas that travel well but land poorly. Pilot projects fade within months. Strategies produce documents, not transformation. Indian Constraints That Must Shape Policy Uneven municipal capacity Informal construction and labour markets Diesel-heavy freight systems Fragmented land markets Economic vulnerabilities of farmers, transporters, small industries Multiple veto points: courts, Union, States, municipal bodies Local political cycles and shifting priorities Policies ignoring these constraints fail during implementation. What India Needs (Institutional Redesign) 1. Clear Leadership & Mandates Define who leads air-quality governance across national–state–city levels. A modern Clean Air Law with explicit institutional roles. 2. Coordinating, Not Dominating, Institutions A trusted body to align: Policies Data Enforcement Inter-state NCR coordination Avoid creating yet another regulator; build coherence. 3. Multi-year Funding Move away from annual-budget firefighting. Stable funds needed for: Monitoring networks Fleet modernisation Industrial compliance Waste systems 4. Enforcement + Transparency Real-time, public access to compliance data. Predictable penalties to make rules credible. 5. Professional Science Managers Experts who can: Translate science into governance Work across ministries Anticipate political limits Adapt global ideas to Indian conditions Bridge technical analysis with administrative realism. Underlying Challenge India suffers not due to lack of ideas but due to misalignment: Between ambition and actual capacity Between expert design and municipal execution Between global models and Indian realities Until institutions match the complexity of Indian cities, pollution cycles will continue unchanged. Auramine O in Indian Food Why Is It in News? Recent inspections by State food-safety departments, academic studies, and everyday market checks have once again detected auramine O, a banned industrial dye, in Indian foods. Widely found in sweets, savouries, street foods, and spice powders, especially around festivals. Highlights failures in enforcement, chemical-market regulation, and consumer/vendor awareness. Relevance GS2 – Health / Regulation • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 enforcement gaps. • FSSAI’s regulatory architecture: labs, surveillance, penalties. • Informal food sector compliance deficits. • Public health risk: hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity. • Consumer safety → right to safe food (Article 21). GS3 – Science / Technology / Economy • Need for rapid detection technologies. • Chemical supply-chain regulation and monitoring. • Economic incentives driving adulteration in low-margin sectors. • Formalisation and traceability in food processing. • Strengthening quality infrastructure (NABL labs, state capacity).   What Is Auramine O? Synthetic bright yellow dye, industrial-grade. Major uses: textiles, leather, paper, printing inks, microbiological staining. Not permitted under Indian food-safety regulations. Health effects (evidence-based): Liver + kidney toxicity Splenomegaly Mutagenic effects Possible carcinogenicity (IARC: possibly carcinogenic to humans) Banned because it can mimic permitted colours (tartrazine) or natural colour sources (saffron, turmeric). Why It Persists in the Food Chain 1. Economic Drivers Extremely cheap, more vibrant than permitted food colours. Easy availability in informal chemical markets. 2. Supply-chain Weakness Informal sale of unlabelled dye packets. Lack of source-tracking mechanisms for industrial-grade chemicals. 3. Vendor Behaviour Small-scale sweet makers, halwais, street vendors use it due to: Low knowledge of regulations Desire for bright visual appeal Minimal fear of enforcement 4. Governance Constraints Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is strong on paper, but: Enforcement varies across States Laboratory capacity is uneven Surveillance is episodic (often festive-season driven) Staffing shortages delay routine inspections Current Government Response 1. Surveillance Drives FSSAI conducts festival-season crackdowns and random sampling. States seize illegal colourants, prosecute violators, and destroy consignment stock. 2. Awareness Campaigns Target small manufacturers, sweet-makers, and street vendors. Focus on risks of synthetic dyes and permitted alternatives. 3. Strengthening Infrastructure Investment in food-testing laboratories. Push for rapid testing kits for on-field detection of industrial dyes. Deeper Structural Problems (Systemic Diagnosis) 1. Fragmented Enforcement State food-safety departments are unevenly staffed. Local-level sampling dependent on district officer discretion. Surveillance often begins only when media pressure rises. 2. Light Regulation of Chemical Markets Industrial dyes sold openly in wholesale markets. No licensing requirement for sales to food businesses. Poor record-keeping makes traceability almost impossible. 3. Informal Food Economy India’s enormous informal food sector: Sweets, snacks, street food Unregulated micro units Compliance expectations exceed their capacity. 4. Limited Consumer Power Consumers often prioritise colour appeal over safety. Awareness about synthetic dye toxicity remains very low. What India Needs (Reform Blueprint) A. Chemical-Market Regulation Mandate registration of dye sellers. Ban informal sale of unlabelled colourant powders. Create a digital record-keeping system for industrial dye transactions. B. Enforcement Reforms State-level standardisation of sampling frequency. Dedicated food-safety field units at district level. Predictable penalties for repeat offenders. C. Technology + Labs Scale rapid-detection kits for markets and street vendors. Expand accredited laboratories in Tier-2/3 cities. D. Vendor-Level Behaviour Change Community-level campaigns in sweet clusters, halwai unions, and small eateries. Incentivise use of permitted colours through subsidies or bulk procurement support. E. Consumer Education Public messaging highlighting health impacts of bright, unnaturally colourful foods. Information campaigns in schools, markets, community kitchens. Why the Problem Repeats Every Year Similar to other food-adulteration cycles (like spurious ghee, milk adulteration). A mix of regulatory weaknesses, informal markets, and demand for visibly appealing food. Seasonal spikes around Diwali, Holi, harvest festivals. Enforcement intensity collapses once festival season ends International Astronomical Union approves seven new Indian names for Martian features  WHY IN NEWS? International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved seven new Indian names for geological features on Mars. These include names inspired by Kerala’s Periyar river, Varkala beach, Bekal fort, Vallamala, Thumba, and a crater named after geologist M.S. Krishnan. Announcement made by IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (Nov 24). Reflects India’s growing scientific footprint in planetary science and ISRO-linked heritage sites getting global recognition. Relevance GS3 – Space / Science & Technology • Planetary nomenclature standards set by IAU. • India’s scientific contributions through ISRO and planetary missions. • Strengthening planetary geology databases and mission planning. • Recognition of Indian scientists and heritage sites. • Space diplomacy and global scientific integration. GS2 – Governance / International Institutions • India’s role in multilateral scientific bodies. • Soft power through scientific naming. • Institutional cooperation for planetary mapping. • Enhancing India’s credibility in global space governance. • Implications for future India–IAU collaboration. BASICS What is IAU? Global authority that approves names for celestial bodies and planetary features. Ensures standardization across scientific databases (USGS Gazetteer being the key one). Names require proposals with imagery, coordinates, scientific justification. Nomenclature Rules for Mars Large craters (≥50 km): Named after deceased scientists. Small craters: Named after towns/villages with population <1 lakh. Other features (plains, valleys, ridges): Named after relevant themes (e.g., river names for valleys). DETAILS OF NEW INDIAN NAMES ON MARS 1. Krishnan Crater Diameter: 77 km Named after M.S. Krishnan, eminent Indian geologist; headed Geological Survey of India in 1951. Crater lies SE of another crater named Kircher; part of the planet’s ancient surface (~3 billion years old). 2. Krishnan Palus (Plain) ~50 km wide plain associated with the crater. Recognizes Krishnan’s contribution to Indian geology. 3. Periyar Vallis A valley-like feature (~50 km long), named after Kerala’s Periyar river. Follows the IAU’s convention of naming valleys after terrestrial rivers. 4. Varkala Geological feature named after Varkala beach/town in Kerala. 5. Bekal Named after Bekal Fort region, Kerala. 6. Thumba Named after Thumba, the birthplace of ISRO’s space programme (TERLS inaugurated in 1963). Symbolically important for India’s space heritage. 7. Vallamala Named after Vallamala, a Kerala locality, fitting the <1 lakh population rule for small features. HOW NAMES GET APPROVED ? Scientists submit a ‘Call for Proposal’ to IAU with: Scientific maps & images Coordinate data (latitude/longitude) Description of the feature Annotated / unannotated figures Proposals undergo committee-level technical scrutiny. Final approval by IAU after deliberation. SIGNIFICANCE 1. International Recognition of Indian Science Places Indian toponyms & scientists on the global planetary map. Highlights Indian geologists’ contributions to Mars research and nomenclature efforts. 2. Cultural Representation in Space Science Names from Kerala—Periyar, Varkala, Bekal, Vallamala—reflect India’s cultural geography on another planet. 3. Strengthens ISRO’s Global Standing Thumba’s inclusion underlines India’s pioneering role in launching its space programme (TERLS, sounding rockets). 4. Knowledge of Mars’ Ancient Terrain Krishnan crater (~3 billion years old) adds to understanding of Mars’ early geologic history. Doppler Weather Radar: Enhancing India’s weather forecasting network Definition: A Doppler Weather Radar is a specialized radar system that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of precipitation (rain, snow, hail) in the atmosphere. Function: Detects rainfall intensity, storm motion, wind direction, and speed, which helps in real-time weather monitoring. Components: Transmitter and receiver Antenna Signal processor Output: Provides radar images showing precipitation patterns and movement, aiding in forecasting severe weather events. Relevance GS3 – Disaster Management / Environment • Early-warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, extreme rainfall. • IMD’s radar network expansion under modernisation drive. • Improved nowcasting accuracy through Doppler velocity data. • Reducing disaster losses under Sendai Framework. • Climate change–linked extreme weather monitoring. GS3 – Science & Technology • Working principle: Doppler shift for precipitation and wind velocity. • Integration with satellites (INSAT-3D/3DR), AWS, and mesoscale models. • Filling coverage gaps in Himalayas and coastal belts. • Data-driven forecast improvements for aviation, agriculture, and fisheries. • Upgrading computational capacity for high-resolution models. Significance of Doppler Radar in India India faces seasonal extreme weather events: cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning. Operational Network: India already has Doppler radars in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram. Karnataka and Chhattisgarh joining strengthens regional forecasting capacity. Coverage: Mangalore radar: Coastal Karnataka and nearby regions. Raipur radar: Chhattisgarh and surrounding central India. Benefits: Improved early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and thunderstorms. Enhanced precision in local forecasts for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management. Faster dissemination of real-time alerts to citizens and authorities. Why It’s in the News ? New Infrastructure: First Doppler radars in these states, filling gaps in India’s meteorological coverage. Disaster Preparedness: Early detection reduces human and economic losses during extreme weather events. Supports Ministry of Earth Sciences’ initiative to strengthen climate and weather forecasting. Regional Impact: Karnataka: Coastal regions prone to heavy rainfall and cyclones from Arabian Sea. Chhattisgarh: Central India prone to thunderstorms, hail, and lightning during monsoon. Government Focus: Aligns with India’s modernization of meteorological infrastructure to improve climate resilience. Takeaway The operationalization of Doppler radars in Mangalore and Raipur marks a strategic upgrade in India’s weather monitoring network, particularly for regions previously underserved. It strengthens real-time monitoring and early warning, reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events. It reflects India’s larger focus on science-driven disaster management and regional climate resilience

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