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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 November 2025

Content High Seas Treaty ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Digital Arrest Scams — Supreme Court’s Concern Heavy Metal Contamination in the Cauvery River: Case Study Tropical Forests Forever Fund High Seas Treaty  Why in News ? High Seas Treaty (formally Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction – BBNJ Agreement) was ratified by over 60 countries in September 2025, triggering its enforcement in January 2026. Marks the first legally binding global agreement to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in international waters — i.e., beyond national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations): • Global environmental governance under UNCLOS and BBNJ. • Equity and common heritage principle in marine resource sharing. GS-3 (Environment & Biodiversity): • Marine biodiversity conservation and SDG-14 (Life Below Water). • Role in climate resilience and ocean sustainability. • Implications for India’s Blue Economy and Deep Ocean Mission. Background 2004: UN General Assembly (UNGA) created an ad-hoc working group to fill the gaps in UNCLOS (1982), which lacked specific mechanisms for conserving biodiversity in the high seas. 2011: States agreed on four negotiation pillars — Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) incl. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) Capacity Building & Technology Transfer 2018–2023: Four Intergovernmental Conferences negotiated the draft. March 2023: Agreement reached. June 2023: Treaty adopted by UN. September 2025: Crossed ratification threshold → comes into force January 2026. Key Features of the Treaty Scope: Applies to areas beyond national jurisdiction (covering ~60% of world’s oceans). Core Objective: Ensure conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing of marine biodiversity. Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) Defined as genetic material from marine plants, animals, microbes etc. Recognised as “Common Heritage of Humankind” — meaning benefits must be shared equitably. Prevents biopiracy by advanced nations exploiting deep-sea organisms for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) & Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Facilitate creation of global MPAs in high seas for biodiversity protection. Combine scientific data and indigenous knowledge in decision-making. Aim to enhance climate resilience and marine ecosystem stability, supporting food security. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) Mandates EIAs for activities affecting high-sea ecosystems, including cumulative and transboundary effects. Ensures transparency, prior notification, and global scrutiny of high-sea projects (mining, geoengineering, etc.). Capacity Building & Technology Transfer Developed nations to support scientific infrastructure and ocean tech access for developing countries. Promotes inclusive participation in marine research and resource utilisation. Significance Global Ocean Protection: Covers the half of Earth’s surface that currently lacks strong governance. Supports SDG-14 (Life Below Water) — protecting at least 30% of oceans by 2030 (“30×30 target”). Climate & Food Security: Preserves fish stocks, coral ecosystems, and carbon sequestration zones. Equity in Marine Resource Access: Reduces dominance of Global North in marine biotechnology. Major Issues & Challenges Legal Ambiguity Conflict between “Freedom of the High Seas” (UNCLOS principle) and “Common Heritage of Humankind” (BBNJ principle). Freedom = unrestricted navigation, fishing, and research. Common heritage = shared ownership and regulated benefit-sharing. Treaty adopts a compromise, not full resolution — causing potential disputes over MGR access. Governance of MGRs Lack of clarity on patent rights, data access, and benefit distribution. Risk of biopiracy by corporations collecting genetic samples for commercial use. Developing nations fear exclusion from profits due to technological asymmetry. Implementation Capacity Enforcement and monitoring require massive data, funding, and scientific capability. No dedicated enforcement body — relies on voluntary compliance and existing UNCLOS institutions. Financial Mechanisms Disagreements over who funds conservation and capacity building. Unclear structure for royalties or benefit-sharing from marine genetic discoveries. India’s Relevance & Stand India, a party to UNCLOS, supports equitable benefit-sharing and sustainable use of MGRs. Seeks technology access and capacity support for deep-sea biodiversity research. Aligns with India’s Deep Ocean Mission (2021–26) and Blue Economy Policy (2021) for sustainable ocean resource use. Way Forward Develop transparent frameworks for data sharing and benefit distribution. Strengthen monitoring via satellite and AI-based ocean surveillance. Encourage South–South cooperation for marine research. Establish global fund under UN auspices for BBNJ implementation. Promote regional marine biodiversity networks (e.g., IORA cooperation). ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Why in News ? Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme (2025) during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC). Objective: To fund high-risk, high-impact research projects, promote deep-tech innovation, and accelerate India’s transition from “ease of doing business” to “ease of doing research.” Relevance: GS-2 (Governance): • Institutional reform — role of Anusandhan NRF and ESTIC. • Policy design for science, technology, and innovation governance. GS-3 (Science & Technology): • Promotion of deep tech, AI, clean energy, and biotech. • Bridging R&D–industry gap; fostering innovation ecosystems. • Ethical technology and AI governance. Background Replaces the Indian Science Congress (last held in 2023) with a modern, outcome-based platform — ESTIC. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, provides the institutional backbone for this new R&D push. Part of India’s vision of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan.” Key Announcements ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme Provides capital support for “high-risk, high-impact” scientific projects with commercial and societal potential. Focus: Deep tech, clean energy, biotechnology, advanced materials, and AI. Aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready innovation. Regulatory & Financial Reforms Eased procurement and financial rules to facilitate faster R&D execution. New incentives and supply-chain support to enable quicker prototype-to-market transitions. Encouragement of private sector investment in R&D — public-private innovation model. Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs 10,000 existing labs benefiting over 1 crore school students. Target: 25,000 more labs to be set up nationwide — expanding grassroots innovation and STEM learning. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Expansion 10,000 new fellowships to be awarded in the next five years. Goal: Nurture young researchers, especially in frontier sciences and applied research. India AI Mission Over ₹10,000 crore allocated to ensure AI for public good. Focus on ethical AI applications in education, healthcare, logistics, and governance. India’s R&D Progress (Data Points) R&D expenditure: Doubled in the last decade. Registered patents: Increased 17-fold. Startups: World’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem. Deep-tech startups: 6,000+ in clean energy, semiconductors, advanced materials, etc. Bio-economy growth: $10 billion (2014) → $140 billion (2025). About ESTIC Organizer: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Replaces: Indian Science Congress (in decline due to credibility and management issues). Focus Areas: Quantum science and computing Bioengineering and biotechnology Clean energy and environment Climate technology and resilience Objective: Foster inter-ministerial synergy and promote science-policy integration for “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Context & Significance Shift from Output to Impact: From academic conferences to policy-oriented innovation conclaves. India’s Global Standing: 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally. 40th rank in Global Innovation Index (2024). Target to reach top 25 by 2030. Strategic Alignment: National Deep Tech Startup Policy 2024 National Quantum Mission Green Hydrogen Mission National Research Foundation (NRF) Act, 2023 Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF): Funds university-based research and innovation. Encourages academia–industry collaboration. Integrates R&D priorities with national missions (AI, semiconductors, bioeconomy). Ethical and Inclusive Innovation Emphasis on “Ethical Tech” — ensuring technology aligns with human values and public good. Ensures inclusion of rural innovators, women scientists, and regional universities in the innovation network. Strategic Objectives Transition from food security to nutrition security through biofortified crops. Develop low-cost, sustainable fertilizers. Map India’s genomic biodiversity for personalised medicine. Accelerate clean battery storage innovations for energy security. Significance Economic: Strengthens India’s position in the global innovation economy; boosts exports of high-tech goods. Social: Democratizes access to scientific opportunities; builds STEM capacity among youth. Geopolitical: Positions India as a R&D hub of the Global South and an innovation partner for emerging economies. Strategic: Reduces technological dependence on imports; builds indigenous capacities in AI, semiconductors, and biotech. Challenges Ahead Bridging R&D–industry linkages and commercialisation gaps. Ensuring ethical AI and data governance. Balancing basic research funding with applied/market-oriented research. Strengthening institutional coordination across ministries and research councils. Way Forward Create National Deep-Tech Mission linking RDI, NRF, and AI initiatives. Foster industry–academia clusters in Tier-II cities. Build AI ethics and cybersecurity frameworks. Introduce outcome-based funding models tied to innovation impact metrics. Enhance international R&D partnerships (e.g., BRICS, QUAD Science Cooperation).  Digital Arrest Scams — Supreme Court’s Concern Why in News ? The Supreme Court (SC) revealed that over ₹3,000 crore was scammed from victims — mostly elderly citizens — through “digital arrests”. SC described it as a “very big challenge” and promised stringent judicial action to aid government and investigative agencies. Relevance: GS-2 (Governance & Polity): • Role of judiciary in cybercrime regulation. • Legal response to AI-based digital frauds. GS-3 (Internal Security): • Cybercrime networks and cross-border digital extortion. • Deepfakes, AI misuse, and national security threats. What are “Digital Arrests”? Fraudsters impersonate police officers, judges, or probe agencies using AI-morphed videos, fake documents, and forged court orders. Victims are threatened with immediate arrest unless they transfer money. Common targets: senior citizens, professionals, and NRIs. Key Developments Bench: Led by Justice Surya Kant (CJI-designate). Report Findings: ₹3,000 crore defrauded in India alone. Cases now spreading globally. Solicitor-General (Tushar Mehta): Scams originate from “scam compounds” run by organized cybercrime gangs abroad. SC Action: Considering CBI probe into cross-border syndicates. To issue harsh, supportive orders strengthening agencies’ hands. Emphasized the human cost — victims manipulated, trafficked, or enslaved under fake employment promises. Pattern of Crime Technology misuse: AI, deepfakes, spoofed calls, and fake video backdrops of courtrooms/police stations. Psychological tactics: Fear, urgency, authority mimicry. International linkages: Cyber hubs in Southeast Asia targeting Indians. Financial trail: Routed through hawala networks and crypto transfers. Wider Implications National security: Cross-border cyber extortion with intelligence risks. Digital governance challenge: Rising misuse of AI and identity-morphing tools. Judicial credibility: Fake court impersonations threaten public trust in institutions. Elderly vulnerability: Lack of cyber awareness and emotional manipulation. Way Forward Centralised Cyber Fraud Response Platform under MHA. Enhanced coordination between CBI, ED, CERT-In, and Interpol. Public awareness campaigns for senior citizens and banks. Mandatory verification protocols for video/call-based government communications. Use of AI-counter tools to detect deepfakes and spoofed visuals. Heavy Metal Contamination in the Cauvery River: Case Study Why in News ? A 2025 study by Bharathidasan University (Tiruchirappalli), published in Environmental Earth Sciences (Aug 2025), found high levels of heavy metals (notably cadmium and lead) in Cauvery River sediments and fish. The study warns that regular fish consumption from the river may pose serious non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Supported by earlier studies (2024, Frontiers in Public Health), confirming bioaccumulation of toxic metals in multiple fish organs. Relevance: GS-3 (Environment & Ecology): • River pollution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risk analysis. • Implementation gaps in Water Act and environmental regulation. • Sustainable river management and public health implications. GS-2 (Governance): • Institutional coordination between CPCB, TNPCB, and local bodies. • Policy enforcement and community awareness mechanisms. Background: Cauvery River & Its Socio-Ecological Importance Lifeline of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; supports drinking water, irrigation, and fisheries. Flows through industrial hubs like Erode and Tiruchirappalli, which discharge effluents directly into the river. Increasing urbanisation, agriculture runoff, and industrialisation have aggravated pollution. Study Overview Scope: Sediment samples: 18 sites along the river. Fish samples: 10 sites, multiple species. Methods: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; multivariate statistical analysis; EPA-based health risk assessment. Indices Used: Igeo (Geoaccumulation Index) – metal buildup in sediments. Contamination Factor (CF) – element enrichment relative to background. Pollution Load Index (PLI) – overall contamination intensity. Potential Ecological Risk (PERI) – ecological toxicity measure. Key Findings Metals studied: Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn). Major contaminants: Cadmium and Lead – exceeded safety thresholds. Variation: Spatially uneven contamination — highest near industrial stretches (Erode belt). Bioaccumulation pattern (across organs): Liver & gills: Highest metal concentration (filtering organs). Muscle tissue: Detected levels unsafe in some species — critical as it is the edible part. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ): Exceeded 1 for several metals → potential health concern. Primary Sources: Industrial effluents (textile dyeing, electroplating). Agricultural runoff (fertilisers, pesticides). Untreated sewage. Minor natural input from mineralised zones (Fe, Mn). Human Health Implications Cadmium (Cd): Chronic exposure → kidney dysfunction, bone fragility, cancer risk. Lead (Pb): Neurological and developmental damage, especially in children. Chromium (Cr): Carcinogenic (Cr⁶⁺), causes liver/kidney damage. Cumulative Risk: Regular fish consumption may cause bioaccumulation and biomagnification in humans. Safe Limit: 250 g per serving, twice a week (as per Dr. Rajendran). Ecological Implications Food Chain Contamination: Metals move from sediments → plankton → fish → humans. Biodiversity Impact: Sublethal toxicity → reproductive, growth, and metabolic issues in aquatic life. Alters trophic dynamics and benthic organism survival. Sediment Pollution: Acts as a long-term pollutant reservoir, continuously leaching toxins. Distinguishing Human vs Natural Sources Using Igeo and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) with multivariate statistics, the study found: Cd, Pb, Cr: Largely anthropogenic (industrial origin). Fe, Zn: Natural/mineral sources. Confirms urban-industrial pollution dominance over natural background levels. Regional Context Similar contamination patterns found in Noyyal River (SRM Institute study, 2024) — linking Tamil Nadu’s industrial belts with systemic water pollution. Indicates state-wide challenge of managing industrial effluents and weak enforcement of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) norms. Policy and Governance Dimensions Environmental Regulation Gaps: Ineffective enforcement of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Lack of real-time effluent monitoring for small/medium industries. Needed Actions: Establish continuous river-monitoring stations. Strengthen CPCB–TNPCB coordination. Implement Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms strictly in textile hubs. Promote bio-remediation and constructed wetlands for effluent filtration. Public Health Strategy: Issue fish consumption advisories. Conduct biomonitoring of local populations (Cd & Pb exposure). Enhance community awareness in riparian districts. Scientific and Policy Significance First multi-metal, multi-organ study on fish in the Cauvery Basin. Provides quantitative baseline data for future environmental risk models. Offers scientific evidence for regulatory design and ecological restoration planning. Strengthens argument for integrated river basin management (IRBM) in India. Broader Environmental Lessons Symbol of India’s urban-industrial river crisis (like Yamuna, Sabarmati). Highlights disconnect between economic growth and ecological health. Calls for science-led, locally adapted pollution control frameworks. Cauvery River: Physical Geography Basics Origin Source: Talakaveri, Brahmagiri Hills, Western Ghats (Kodagu district, Karnataka) Elevation: ~1,341 m above mean sea level Mythological significance: Considered sacred; mentioned in Skanda Purana as Dakshina Ganga. Course Total length: ~805 km Karnataka: ~320 km Tamil Nadu: ~416 km Kerala & Puducherry (minor stretches): ~69 km combined Flow direction: Initially east-southeast → enters Tamil Nadu near Dharmapuri → forms delta near Thanjavur → drains into Bay of Bengal. Drainage Basin Total Basin Area: ~81,155 sq. km Karnataka: ~34,300 sq. km Tamil Nadu: ~43,900 sq. km Kerala: ~2,800 sq. km Puducherry: ~155 sq. km Major Tributaries Right Bank Tributaries Harangi (Kodagu district) Hemavati (origin – Ballala Hills) Shimsha (Maddur) Arkavathi (joins near Kanakapura) Suhavathi (Suvarnavathi) Noyyal (joins in Tamil Nadu near Karur) Amaravati (major tributary in Tamil Nadu) Left Bank Tributaries Kabini (origin – Wayanad plateau, Kerala) Bhavani (joins near Erode, Tamil Nadu) Lokapavani Palar (minor) Major Dams & Reservoirs Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) – Karnataka (near Mysuru) Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir) – Tamil Nadu Kabini Dam, Harangi Dam, Hemavathi Reservoir Tropical Forests Forever Fund Why in News ? COP30 (Nov 2025, Belém, Brazil) marks 10 years since the Paris Agreement (2015) — first COP hosted in the Amazon region. Brazil reports its sharpest GHG emissions drop in 16 years (–17% in 2024) due to reduced deforestation, while proposing the “Tropical Forest Forever Fund.” India to focus on equity, finance delivery, technology transfer, and adaptation — opposing new emission-cutting obligations on developing nations. Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations): • India’s climate diplomacy and role in COP30 negotiations. • North–South divide on climate finance and equity. GS-3 (Environment): • Global climate finance mechanisms and forest conservation funds. • Adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development balance. Background: Evolution of COP & Climate Politics UNFCCC (1992): Framework to stabilize GHG concentrations. Paris Agreement (2015): Shifted focus to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Post-Paris Phase (COP26–29): From pledges to implementation; gaps in finance and adaptation persist. COP30 (2025): Positioned as the “COP of Implementation” — accountability on finance, technology, and adaptation. Brazil’s Climate Dualism Emission Decline (2024): Total emissions: 2.145 billion tonnes CO₂e (–17% YoY). Land-use emissions: Down 32.5% via deforestation control in Amazon & Cerrado. Net emissions: Down 22%, aided by reforestation & law enforcement. Contradictions: Oil exports: Record 85 million tonnes in 2024 — externalized emissions not counted domestically. Forest fires: Doubled unrecorded emissions from land-use change. Civil Society Critique: “Climate policy isn’t a buffet — can’t cut forests and expand oil simultaneously.” (Claudio Angelo, Observatório do Clima) Tropical Forest Forever Fund (Brazil’s Proposal) Aim: Permanent, multilateral fund rewarding tropical forest conservation — beyond carbon-offset models. Structure: Predictable, long-term financing for forest-rich developing nations. Vision: Anchor COP30 as the “COP of Implementation” through tangible funding. India’s Support: Conditional — must uphold equity, sovereignty, and access-based financing. India’s Strategic Priorities at COP30 (a) Adaptation over Mitigation Focus on Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) indicators — must be country-specific, not globally imposed. India stresses data sovereignty and contextual flexibility in measuring adaptation progress. (b) Finance Delivery Push on New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) — successor to the unfulfilled $100 billion/year promise (post-2025 target). India’s stance: Finance must be non-debt-creating, transparent, predictable, and additional. Developed nations must shift from pledge to performance. (c) Technology & Capacity Building Emphasis on Technology Implementation Programme — beyond transfer to institutional capacity building. Calls for affordable access to low-carbon technologies and knowledge sharing. Equity & Ethics in Climate Action India–Brazil Convergence: Brazil’s “Global Ethical Stocktake” complements India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Focus on behavioral and moral transformation, not just technological compliance. Encourages ethical responsibility of developed nations in consumption patterns. 10 Years Since Paris: The Implementation Reckoning Indicator India Brazil Renewable Capacity 81 GW (2014) → 236 GW (2025) Focus on deforestation control Emission Trend On track with NDCs Still 9% above 2025 NDC ceiling Finance Access <20% of required flow realized Forest fund proposal to bridge gap Approach Equity & Adaptation Forest Finance & Ethics India’s Red Lines for COP30 No new mitigation obligations without finance and tech support. Adaptation indicators must respect national circumstances. NCQG must prioritize grant-based finance. Forest fund mechanisms must ensure non-market, non-offset financing. Implementation ≠ burden-shifting — fairness is central. Key Issues at COP30 (At a Glance) Agenda Item Lead/Focus India’s Position Tropical Forest Forever Fund Brazil Support with equity & sovereignty safeguards Adaptation Indicators (GGA) UAE-led Country-driven, finance-backed New Climate Finance Goal (NCQG) Developed nations Transparent, non-debt, predictable Technology Implementation Programme Global South Capacity + tech access Global Ethical Stocktake Brazil Aligned with Mission LiFE Broader Implications Geopolitical Axis: India–Brazil–South Africa shaping South-led climate diplomacy. Equity Lens: Reinforces “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC)”. Ethical Diplomacy: Moves debate from emission cuts → climate fairness. Implementation COP: May define climate politics for the next decade of accountability (2025–2035).

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 03 November 2025

Content National Beekeeping & Honey Mission Towards Universal Healthcare National Beekeeping & Honey Mission Why in News? NBHM reviewed its achievements (2020–2025) and extended implementation till FY 2025–26. India has become the 2nd largest exporter of honey globally (after China), up from 9th in 2020. Launch and success of Madhukranti Portal for digital traceability and transparency in honey trade. Strengthened infrastructure with 6 world-class testing labs, 97 FPOs formed, and USD 177.55 million exports in FY 2023–24. Relevance GS-3 (Economy, Agriculture, Environment): Rural income diversification, value-chain creation, agro-based entrepreneurship. Pollination & biodiversity enhancement — ecological services. Export promotion and traceability under Atmanirbhar Bharat. GS-2 (Governance): Digital governance via Madhukranti Portal. Convergence among ministries (MoA&FW, MSME, TRIFED, APEDA). GS-1 (Society): Women empowerment, traditional livelihoods, and rural transformation. Introduction & Background Launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat (2020) as a Central Sector Scheme, implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Budget Outlay: ₹500 crore (FY 2020–21 to 2025–26). Objective: Promote scientific beekeeping, improve pollination, enhance farmers’ income, and enable a “Sweet Revolution”—akin to Green & White Revolutions. Beekeeping = Agro-based livelihood → Supports rural, landless, and small farmers; key part of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). Objectives Income & Employment Generation: Strengthen rural livelihoods via beekeeping. Infrastructure Development: Honey processing units, cold storage, branding, marketing centers. Quality Assurance: Regional & mini honey testing labs, disease diagnostic labs. Traceability & Digital Governance: Madhukranti portal; blockchain-based honey source tracking. Research & Technology: R&D, skill development, and pollination efficiency studies. Women Empowerment: Training & SHG-based beekeeping enterprises. Institutional Framework: Formation of FPOs, cooperatives, and federations. Three Mini Missions Mini Mission-I (Production & Productivity): Focus on crop pollination via scientific beekeeping. Bee-friendly flora development & colony multiplication. Mini Mission-II (Post-Harvest & Value Addition): Focus on collection, processing, packaging, cold storage, and marketing. Infrastructure support for branding and value addition. Mini Mission-III (Research & Technology): Applied research on species, diseases, region-specific technologies. Development of honey corridors and IT-enabled traceability. Progress & Achievements (As of March 2025) Production: 1.4 lakh MT natural honey (2024). Exports: 1.07 lakh MT valued at USD 177.55 million (FY 2023–24). Rank: 2nd largest global exporter of honey (up from 9th in 2020). Infrastructure Created: 6 World-class Honey Testing Labs 47 Mini Labs 6 Disease Diagnostic Labs 26 Honey Processing Units 10 Packaging & Cold Storages 12 Equipment Units 18 Branding & Marketing Units Technology Demonstrations: 424 ha demonstration area; 288 ha bee-flora plantations. Women Empowerment: 167 SHG-led activities across states. Institutional Development: 100 FPOs for beekeepers (97 formed by 2025) under NAFED, NDDB, TRIFED. Digital Integration: Madhukranti Portal: 14,859 beekeepers, 625+ institutions registered. Blockchain-based honey traceability system introduced. Policy Support: Minimum Export Price (MEP) for honey: USD 2,000/MT (₹167.1/kg) till Dec 2024. Centre of Excellence in Beekeeping: Established at IIT Roorkee. Major Honey Producing States Uttar Pradesh (17%), West Bengal (16%), Punjab (14%), Bihar (12%), Rajasthan (9%). Key honey types: Rapeseed/Mustard, Eucalyptus, Lychee, Sunflower. Major Export Destinations: USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya. Institutional & Implementation Framework Level Key Bodies Functions National Level Mission/PMU, GC/NLSC, PA&MC, EC, PAC Coordination, policy direction, project appraisal, monitoring State Level State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) Approvals, monitoring state projects District Level District Level Committee (DLC) Local implementation, coordination Implementing Agencies NAFED, NDDB, TRIFED, ICAR, KVIC, SRLM/NRLM, MSME bodies Field training, R&D, infrastructure creation Role of National Bee Board (NBB) Established: July 19, 2000; reconstituted in 2006. Objective: Promote scientific beekeeping, pollination efficiency, and market access. Functions: Implement NBHM, policy guidance, coordination with ICAR, FPOs, exporters, and ministries. Success Stories Meghalaya (Nongthymmai Village): Traditional beekeeping evolved into profitable enterprise; ₹1–2 lakh annual income; local brand development and FPO formation. Kupwara, J&K: Government-backed bee colony distribution (2,000 colonies, 40% subsidy); ₹25 lakh bottling plant; GI-tagging under process; ₹3 crore turnover by 500 farmers. Strategic Significance Economic: Boosts rural incomes, non-farm employment, and export diversification. Ecological: Enhances crop yields (pollination improves yield by 20–30%). Technological: Promotes traceability and lab-based quality assurance. Social: Empowers women and youth entrepreneurs. Diplomatic: Strengthens India’s export image for natural, traceable agri-products. Challenges Ahead Disease management in bee colonies (Varroa mite, foulbrood). Climate and pesticide-related bee mortality. Quality control and adulteration issues in export markets. Low domestic consumption compared to global standards. Coordination gaps among multiple implementing agencies. Way Forward Expand bee-flora corridors under MGNREGS & agroforestry missions. Enhance domestic honey consumption awareness (nutrition campaigns). Foster public-private partnerships in honey R&D and branding. Integrate NBHM with Mission LiFE and Millets Mission for holistic agro-sustainability. Promote organic certification and GI tagging of regional honey varieties. Conclusion: NBHM is transforming India’s apiculture landscape from a traditional livelihood to a modern, technology-driven, export-oriented ecosystem. It embodies the essence of the “Sweet Revolution” — blending economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship in the march toward Viksit Bharat @2047. Towards Universal Healthcare Why in News? Completion of 7 years of AB-PMJAY (launched 23 Sept 2018) — review of progress under Ayushman Bharat’s four pillars. Over 42 crore Ayushman Cards issued; 86.5 lakh senior citizens enrolled (as of Oct 2025). Scheme saved ₹1.52 lakh crore in out-of-pocket expenditure (Economic Survey 2024–25). Union Budget 2025–26 allocation increased to ₹9,406 crore — highest ever. Ayushman Bharat ecosystem (PMJAY, Arogya Mandirs, Digital Mission, ABHIM) progressing towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) — aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 and SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-being). Relevance   GS-2 (Governance, Welfare Schemes): Public healthcare financing and cooperative federalism. Governance innovation through digital & infrastructural convergence. GS-3 (Economy, Human Capital, S&T): Role in improving human capital & productivity. Digital health ecosystem and data-driven policy. GS-1 (Society): Impact on social equity, health justice, and inclusive development. Introduction: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Context UHC Objective: Ensure access to quality, affordable healthcare for all without financial hardship. National Health Policy 2017: Recognized dual disease burden (NCDs + communicable diseases) → called for financial risk protection & digital integration. Ayushman Bharat (2018): India’s umbrella program to operationalize UHC through 4 integrated pillars. Four Pillars of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) – Financial risk protection (secondary & tertiary care). Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) – Strengthening primary healthcare access. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – Digital health infrastructure and interoperability. PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM) – Capacity creation & health infrastructure strengthening. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Core Features Launched: 23 September 2018 under MoHFW. Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary & tertiary hospitalization. Beneficiaries: 12 crore+ poor and vulnerable families (≈ 55 crore people). Cashless, paperless treatment at both public and private empanelled hospitals. Portability: Treatment anywhere in India under the scheme. Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA). Progress (as of October 2025) Ayushman Cards issued: 42+ crore individuals. Hospitals empanelled: 33,000+ (17,685 public, 15,380 private). Senior Citizens (70+): 86.5 lakh enrolled (Ayushman Vay Vandana cards). Out-of-pocket savings: ₹1.52 lakh crore (Economic Survey 2024–25). Budgetary Trends (Centre + States Shared Funding) FY Budget (₹ crore) 2019–20 6,556 2020–21 6,429 2021–22 6,401 2022–23 7,857 2023–24 7,200 2024–25 7,500 2025–26 9,406   Funding Pattern: Shared between Centre & States (60:40; 90:10 for NE & UTs). Trend: Continuous increase → recognition of scheme’s importance in achieving UHC. Outcomes Reduction in catastrophic health expenditure. Improved healthcare access for poor and rural populations. Boosted utilization of private sector facilities under public funding. Enhanced trust in public health insurance and digital integration. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) – Primary Healthcare Revolution Upgraded Sub-Health Centres (SHCs) & Primary Health Centres (PHCs) into AAMs. Deliver comprehensive primary care beyond maternal–child health — include: NCD screening, mental health, oral–eye–ENT care, geriatrics, palliative care. Services Provided: Free essential drugs, diagnostics, emergency first-level care. Telemedicine Reach: 39.61 crore teleconsultations conducted (till Sept 2025). Role: First line of defence in healthcare continuum, esp. in rural India. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – Digital Health Backbone Launched: 2021 to digitize health ecosystem. Key Component: ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) – unique 14-digit health ID enabling digital records & interoperability. Progress (as of Aug 2025): 79.9 crore ABHA IDs created. 4.18 lakh health facilities registered (Health Facility Registry). 6.79 lakh healthcare professionals registered (Health Professional Registry). 67.19 crore health records linked digitally. Enables continuity of care, portability, and data-driven policymaking. PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM) – Systemic Strengthening Launched: 25 October 2021, post-COVID-19. Outlay: ₹64,180 crore (2021–26). ₹54,205 crore for states; ₹9,340 crore for central components. Objective: Build resilient public health infrastructure to handle pandemics & NCD burden. Components: Strengthen district hospitals & block labs. Establish integrated public health labs, disease surveillance units, critical care blocks, and research centres. Largest health infrastructure scheme since National Rural Health Mission (2005). Overall Performance of Ayushman Bharat (as of 2025) 5,000+ crore spent by states/UTs on AAMs (FY 2022–25). Integration of digital + physical + financial health access. Improved service delivery at primary, secondary, tertiary levels. Enhanced resilience post-COVID and preparedness for health emergencies. Strategic Significance Economic: Reduces poverty via financial risk protection; enhances productivity. Social: Ensures inclusion of marginalized (SC/ST/OBC, elderly, women). Institutional: Creates synergy between Centre & States in cooperative federalism. Technological: Foundation for National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE). Global Benchmark: World’s largest government-funded health insurance program. Challenges Awareness & card utilization gap among rural poor. Delay in hospital empanelment and claim settlements. Private hospitals’ reluctance due to low package rates. Data integration & privacy safeguards under ABDM. Uneven health infrastructure across states. Way Forward Expand outpatient (OPD) coverage and preventive care. Increase hospital participation and revise package rates. Integrate PMJAY with state-specific health insurance schemes. Strengthen digital literacy and data protection under ABDM. Build local-level health workforce through Skilling Missions. Ensure gender-sensitive and geriatric health inclusion. Conclusion Ayushman Bharat, through its four synergistic pillars, represents India’s transition from disease care to health care, from fragmented systems to integrated universal coverage. The AB-PMJAY offers financial protection, Arogya Mandirs ensure primary access, ABDM provides digital continuity, and PM-ABHIM builds resilient infrastructure. Together, they embody India’s march towards Universal Health Coverage and Viksit Bharat @2047—where no citizen is denied healthcare due to financial or geographic barriers.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 03 November 2025

Content The vision of Model Youth Gram Sabhas Cruising ahead The vision of Model Youth Gram Sabhas  Why in News ? The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Tribal Affairs and the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) 2025. Aim: To cultivate civic participation, local leadership, and awareness of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) among students by simulating real Gram Sabha proceedings. Relevance: GS-2 (Governance & Polity): Local governance, participatory democracy, 73rd Amendment. GS-1 (Society): Role of youth and civic engagement in nation-building. Practice Question : Discuss how the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative can strengthen the democratic fabric of India by bridging the gap between constitutional ideals and civic practice.(150 Words) Constitutional & Institutional Basis Article 243A (73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992): Empowers the Gram Sabha to function as the foundational body of the Panchayati Raj System. Definition: Comprises all registered voters of a village; deliberates on local budgets, plans, and governance priorities. Significance: Embodies direct democracy. Ensures transparency, accountability, and citizen participation at the grassroots. Gram Sabha – Cornerstone of Participatory Democracy Role in Democratic Architecture: Equivalent in importance to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, but at the village level. Represents the purest form of democracy—citizens directly deliberate on governance. Current Challenge: Low public participation; especially minimal youth engagement. Poor visibility in educational curricula compared to global institutions like the Model United Nations (MUN) or Youth Parliament. Why the Gram Sabha Isn’t Aspirational ? Educational Gap: School syllabi emphasize national and international governance structures, ignoring local self-governance. Perception Problem: Youths aspire to Parliament, not Panchayats; governance is seen as top-down. Cultural Disconnect: Civic education treats the Gram Sabha as an administrative formality, not a living democratic experience. Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS), 2025 – Key Features Objective: To make Gram Sabha participation experiential and aspirational among students. To instil democratic values and civic responsibility at an early age. Structure & Simulation: Students play roles of Sarpanch, ward members, health workers, engineers, etc. Simulate budget discussions, policy resolutions, and village development planning. Supported by teacher training and performance incentives (certificates, awards). Phase 1 Implementation (2025): Coverage: 1,000 schools across 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Institutions: 600+ Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) Selected Zilla Parishad Schools (e.g., Maharashtra) Teacher Training: 126 Master Trainers 1,238 Teachers trained (24 States/UTs). Pilot Successes: JNV Baghpat (U.P.) and EMRS Alwar (Rajasthan) conducted successful pilots. JNV Sitapur (Bundi, Rajasthan) involved 300+ students in mock deliberations. Planned Expansion (Phase 2) Nationwide scale-up to include all state-run schools. Integration into civics curricula and extracurricular clubs. Collaboration with NCERT, NIOS, and State Education Boards for curricular embedding. Pedagogical & Civic Significance Experiential Learning: Converts textbook civics into lived democratic practice. Leadership Incubation: Encourages youth leadership, teamwork, and critical debate. Local Governance Awareness: Builds appreciation for Panchayati Raj Institutions. Civic Values: Reinforces the constitutional ideals of participation, inclusion, and responsibility. Broader Democratic Implications Bridging the Governance Gap: Connects citizens to governance at the most immediate level—village decision-making. Institutional Continuity: Youth familiar with Gram Sabha functions are more likely to engage in real ones later. Towards Viksit Bharat @2047: Strengthens bottom-up governance, key for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Complementary to Other Initiatives: Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 (experiential learning, civic education). Supports Aspirational District Programme by nurturing local changemakers. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges: Need for standardized curriculum integration. Varying levels of teacher capacity across states. Sustaining student enthusiasm beyond simulation. Way Forward: Institutionalize MYGS in school civics clubs. Include evaluation metrics for civic participation. Strengthen linkages with actual Gram Sabhas for field exposure. Recognize student participation in national awards and scholarships. Comparative Insight Model United Nations (MUN) → Builds global awareness. Model Youth Parliament → Builds national political literacy. Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) → Builds grassroots democratic consciousness. Complements top-down democratic learning with bottom-up engagement. Conclusion The Gram Sabha is the soul of India’s democracy, yet under-recognized. The Model Youth Gram Sabha revives this spirit by linking youth aspiration with local governance. By nurturing civic pride, participatory values, and local leadership, it transforms democracy from a constitutional concept to a daily practice. As future leaders emerge from classrooms that simulate real governance, the Gram Sabha could once again become the beating heart of Indian democracy. Cruising ahead Why in News ? The India Maritime Week 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscored the government’s renewed focus on the strategic and economic importance of India’s shipping sector. The event marked a shift from decades of neglect under liberalisation policies to viewing shipping as critical to national security, trade sovereignty, and industrial capacity. Relevance: GS-3 (Infrastructure, Economy, Maritime Transport) – Port-led development, Sagarmala, Atmanirbhar Bharat. GS-2 (Governance) – Strategic autonomy and public sector role in critical infrastructure. Practice Question : Critically assess the impact of liberalization policies on India’s shipping sector and how recent policy interventions seek to restore strategic autonomy.(250 Words) Background: Evolution and Decline of Indian Shipping Pre-liberalisation (1950s–1980s): India built strong public sector capabilities through the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). SCI was among the top global shipping companies, owning large fleets servicing India’s oil, coal, and trade sectors. Post-liberalisation decline (1990s–2010s): Under LPG reforms, government withdrew preferential treatment to SCI (e.g., first rights on oil transport). Private sector entry did not compensate for shrinking public fleet capacity. The government’s focus shifted toward training Indian seafarers for global employment, not domestic shipping growth. Result: By 2020, India’s share in global shipping tonnage dropped below 1%, while dependence on foreign vessels surged. COVID-19: A Strategic Wake-Up Call The pandemic exposed India’s maritime vulnerability: Over 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value depends on shipping. But most vessels were foreign-owned, leaving India with little leverage to ensure supply chain continuity. The crisis highlighted shipping as not just an economic sector but a strategic asset, vital for energy security, defense logistics, and trade resilience. Government’s Renewed Maritime Focus Strategic Repositioning: Shipping is now treated as “dual-purpose infrastructure” — economic + strategic. SCI revival: Fleet expansion, fleet modernization, and new capital infusion after the aborted privatization plan. Policy Orientation Shift: From a purely market-liberal approach to strategic interventionism. Aim: Develop self-reliant merchant shipping aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030. Major Announcements at India Maritime Week Port-Centric Investments: Lakhs of crores in investment commitments — mainly in port modernization and connectivity. Government follows the Landlord Port Model: Ports retain ownership; private operators handle terminals under revenue-sharing. Enhances financial autonomy for reinvestment in capacity building. New Transshipment Hubs: Chennai Port and Kolkata Port developing a hub in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to reduce reliance on Singapore/Colombo. Sagarmala & Bharatmala Synergy: Focus on port-road-rail integration, coastal cargo corridors, and logistics parks. Human Capital Development: Expansion of Indian seafarer training capacity to maintain India’s global leadership (Indian seafarers form ~10% of global maritime workforce). Policy Initiatives for Shipping Industry Flagging Incentive Scheme: Encourages foreign companies to register ships in India via local subsidiaries. Objective: Ensure regulatory leverage during crises. Support allied services — insurance, repair, logistics, bunkering. Fleet Expansion Support: New credit lines and tonnage tax reforms to enhance Indian ship ownership. Shipbuilding Push: Slow progress despite policy intent. Government aims to promote domestic shipyards for building: LNG carriers, Green-fuel (ammonia/methanol) vessels, Defence dual-use ships. Structural Challenges Low Merchant Fleet Share: India-owned fleet constitutes <2% of cargo handled in Indian ports. Shipbuilding Weakness: India ranks behind China, Japan, South Korea in global shipbuilding output. Limited heavy industrial capacity and R&D for advanced propulsion systems. Financing Constraints: High capital costs and long project cycles deter private investment. Policy Uncertainty: Frequent regulatory changes, port user charges, and taxation issues limit competitiveness. Strategic Importance of a Strong Shipping Sector Trade Security: Control over transport of critical imports (oil, fertilizers, defense materials). Economic Multiplier: Boosts allied industries — steel, engineering, insurance, logistics. Energy Transition Leverage: Capability to build LNG and green-fuel vessels essential for future trade. Geopolitical Stability: Maritime capacity enhances India’s position in Indo-Pacific strategic supply chains. The Road Ahead: Policy Recommendations Revive and modernize SCI with a diversified fleet mix. Fiscal incentives for private shipbuilders (interest subvention, long-term contracts). Green Shipping Initiative under National Hydrogen Mission for eco-friendly propulsion systems. Maritime Cluster Development: Create integrated hubs combining shipbuilding, repair, logistics, and R&D. Expand coastal shipping and inland waterways to decongest ports and reduce logistics costs (currently ~14% of GDP). Conclusion India’s maritime strategy is shifting from port-centric to fleet-centric development. Without strong indigenous ship ownership and shipbuilding, India risks dependence in crises despite having world-class ports. True maritime power will emerge when Indian yards can build and operate advanced green vessels, and India controls a self-reliant merchant fleet serving both commercial and strategic needs.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 November 2025

Content GSAT-7R: India’s Heaviest Military Communication Satellite – Strengthening Naval Network-Centric Warfare Assam’s Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex – A New Ramsar Hope in the Brahmaputra Floodplain Tri-Services Exercise ‘Trishul 2025’ – Advancing India’s Joint Combat and Network-Centric Capabilities Looming Urea Scarcity in India – Rising Demand, Fiscal Strain, and Agricultural Imbalance 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) – Terms of Reference, Fiscal Impact, and OPS–NPS Debate GSAT-7R: India’s Heaviest Military Communication Satellite Why in News ? ISRO successfully launched GSAT-7R (CMS-03), the Indian Navy’s advanced communication satellite, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aboard LVM3-M5. At 4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest communication satellite to date, marking a milestone in naval communications and space-based defense capabilities. Relevance: GS-3 (Science & Technology | Defence Technology): • Space-based defence communication systems and indigenous satellite development. • Network-centric warfare and defence applications of space assets. • ISRO’s role in strategic autonomy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence tech. GS-2 (International Relations): • Maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific under SAGAR vision. • Role of space assets in India’s regional security architecture. GS-3 (Internal Security): • Integration of satellite communication in national security and cyber resilience. Basic Details Full Name: GSAT-7R (also referred to as CMS-03). Launch Vehicle: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), India’s most powerful launcher. Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO); will shift to Geostationary Orbit using onboard propulsion. Mass: ~4,400 kg. User Agency: Indian Navy. Manufacturer: ISRO (entirely indigenously designed and developed). Key Features Transponder Bands: Multi-band (UHF, S, C, Ku) – enables voice, video, and data links across the Indian Ocean Region. Coverage: Entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR) — ensures connectivity between ships, submarines, aircraft, and maritime command centers. Secure Communications: End-to-end encrypted, jam-resistant links for naval command and control. Advanced Payload: Supports real-time surveillance data relay, maritime domain awareness, and network-centric warfare. Power: Solar arrays providing >6 kW power. Operational Life: Estimated 12–15 years. Significance Strategic & Security Dimensions Enhances maritime domain awareness (MDA) — crucial amid increasing Indo-Pacific naval activity. Reduces dependence on foreign satellite communication systems. Forms part of India’s “G-SAT-7 constellation” for the armed forces: GSAT-7 (Rukmini): Navy (2013) GSAT-7A: IAF (2018) GSAT-7R: Navy (2025) Enables Network-Centric Warfare — integration of sensors, weapons, and platforms into one communication grid. Reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense space technology. Technological Dimensions Demonstrates ISRO’s capability to deploy heavy-class communication satellites from Indian soil. Advances LVM3’s track record as a reliable heavy-lift vehicle (used earlier for Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb missions). Incorporates indigenous high-performance components and onboard propulsion systems. Broader Context Aligns with India’s Defence Space Strategy (2022) to enhance space-based ISR, navigation, and communication. Complements Defence Space Agency (DSA) and Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO) efforts. Strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific security architecture, especially under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Enhances operational synergy with GAGAN and NavIC navigation systems. Challenges & Future Outlook Space Security: Growing militarization of space and anti-satellite threats (ASATs). Spectrum Management: Need for secure, interference-free bandwidth allocation. Next Step: Development of GSAT-7C for cyber communication and low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations for real-time tracking. Assam’s Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex Why in News ? A joint initiative by conservationists, wildlife officials, academics, and students seeks to secure the Ramsar Site tag for the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex located inside Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam’s Nagaon district. The site has shown higher avian diversity than existing Ramsar sites in the Northeast — Deepor Beel (Assam) and Loktak Lake (Manipur). Relevance: GS-3 (Environment | Biodiversity & Conservation): • Ramsar Convention and India’s wetland management policies. • Conservation of floodplain–marsh ecosystems in the Brahmaputra basin. • Role of community participation and scientific monitoring in wetland protection. GS-1 (Geography): • Riverine landscapes and ecological linkages between protected areas. • Human–environment interaction in floodplain ecosystems. Basic Facts Wetland Complex: Rowmari Beel and Donduwa Beel (≈3 sq. km). Location: Within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (70.13 sq. km), connected to Burhachapori WLS and forming part of the Kaziranga–Orang landscape corridor. Governing Authority: Assam Forest Department; proposal submitted for Ramsar designation. Recent Census: Rowmari Beel: 20,653 birds of 75 species. Donduwa Beel: 26,480 birds of 88 species (Kaziranga Waterbird Census 2025). Ecological Significance Habitat Type: Floodplain–marsh ecosystem of the Brahmaputra River basin. Avifaunal Richness: ~120 resident and migratory species recorded annually. Notable Species: Globally threatened: Knob-billed Duck, Black-necked Stork, Ferruginous Pochard. Migratory species: Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Common Teal. Ecological Services: Groundwater recharge and flood control. Carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling. Biodiversity hotspot for fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants. Conservation Context Corridor Function: Acts as an ecological linkage between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks, crucial for movement of tigers, rhinos, and elephants. Threats: Siltation and seasonal floods from Brahmaputra. Encroachment and conversion to paddy fields. Poaching and unsustainable fishing. Climate-driven wetland shrinkage. Community Role: Civil society groups and students involved in citizen science initiatives—bird counts, habitat mapping, and awareness drives. Ramsar Convention Overview Adopted: 1971, Ramsar (Iran). Came into Force (India): 1982. Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands of international importance. Total Ramsar Sites (India, 2025): 93(covering >1.3 million ha). Existing in Northeast: Deepor Beel (Assam) – 2002 Loktak Lake (Manipur) – 1990 Criteria: Sites must meet one or more ecological criteria (biodiversity, rare species, migratory bird habitat, hydrological importance, etc.). Significance of Ramsar Designation International Recognition: Enhances global visibility and funding for conservation. Policy Support: Enables integration into State Wetland Authority and Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Eco-tourism Potential: Promotes sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Monitoring: Encourages data-based wetland management and regular ecological assessments. Broader Linkages Aligns with National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and National Mission for a Clean Ganga (NMCG). Supports India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and SDG 15 – Life on Land. Reinforces India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Paris Agreement (ecosystem-based adaptation). Tri-Services Exercise ‘Trishul 2025’ Why in News ? The Tri-services Exercise “Trishul 2025” commenced under the leadership of the Indian Navy, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the northern Arabian Sea. Aimed at testing joint operational capabilities, interoperability, and network-centric warfare, it marks one of India’s largest integrated defence drills. Relevance: GS-3 (Security | Defence Preparedness): • Tri-service jointness and theatre command reforms. • Network-centric and multi-domain warfare capabilities. • Indigenisation in defence (Arjun, Pinaka, Akash, ALH, INS Vikrant). Basic Facts Exercise Name: Trishul 2025 Nature: Tri-services joint combat exercise (Army–Navy–Air Force + Coast Guard & Central agencies). Duration: 12 days. Lead Agency: Western Naval Command (Mumbai). Participating Commands: Army: Southern Command Navy: Western Naval Command Air Force: South Western Air Command Location: Creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan & Gujarat, extending to northern Arabian Sea. Participants: ~20,000 personnel + multiple platforms (tanks, aircraft, ships). Assets Involved Army: Armoured assets: T-90S, Arjun Mk-1A tanks. Artillery & Missile systems: Pinaka, Akash, and BrahMos units. Navy: Frigates, destroyers, amphibious platforms (INS Jalashwa, Landing Craft Utility vessels). Carrier-borne operations and coastal defence systems. Air Force: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Jaguars, and transport aircraft (C-17, C-130J). Attack & reconnaissance helicopters (Apache, ALH). Support Agencies: Coast Guard, BSF, DRDO teams, and electronic warfare specialists. Key Objectives Enhance Jointness & Interoperability: Seamless coordination between land, sea, and air assets. Practice multi-domain operations (MDO) integrating intelligence, cyber, and electronic warfare. Test Network-Centric Warfare Capabilities: Validate real-time data sharing using Integrated Command and Control Systems (ICCS) and Defence Communication Network (DCN). Operational Readiness in Multi-Theatre Scenario: Simulate coordinated response to cross-border incursions, maritime blockades, and cyber disruptions. Strengthen Amphibious Warfare Skills: Conduct beach landings using INS Jalashwa and LCU vessels for rapid force projection. Indigenisation & Technology Validation: Use of indigenous platforms (Arjun tank, ALH Dhruv, Pinaka, Akash, and INS Vikrant systems). Testing of AI-enabled command systems, UAVs, and surveillance grids. Integrated ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance): Joint use of drones, AWACS, maritime patrol aircraft (P-8I), and satellite imagery. Strategic Significance Operational Integration: Strengthens India’s capacity for joint command structures, aligning with theaterisation reforms under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Regional Security: Enhances preparedness for multi-front contingencies — particularly in the Western and maritime theatres. Cyber and EW Preparedness: Focuses on electronic warfare resilience, cyber defence, and protection of communication networks. Aatmanirbhar Defence: Reinforces India’s indigenisation drive under Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence. Relevance in Defence Policy Context Supports Theatre Command Transition: Practical validation of joint theatre command concept announced under CDS-led reform agenda. Aligns with National Defence Strategy: Integrates tri-service operations as per Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP). Multi-Domain Synergy: Anticipates future warfare domains — space, cyber, electronic, and information warfare. Comparative Context Exercise Type Focus Area Trishul 2025 Tri-services (Domestic) Integrated joint operations Dakshin Shakti Tri-services Southern theatre, amphibious ops Gagan Shakti Air Force-centric Air domination & readiness Milan Multinational Naval Maritime cooperation TROPEX Navy-led Blue-water operations Broader Implications Strengthens India’s Western Command readiness against evolving threats across the Indo-Pak border and Arabian Sea. Enhances joint operational doctrines and decision-making interoperability under real combat simulations. Serves as a platform for testing new C4ISR systems, drones, and AI-based surveillance tools. Looming Scarcity of Urea in India Why in News ? India’s urea consumption is projected to reach 40 million tonnes in 2024–25, while domestic production has stagnated around 28–29 million tonnes, leading to growing dependence on imports. This widening demand-supply gap threatens fertiliser availability and fiscal stability due to high subsidies and price control distortions. Relevance: GS-3 (Economy | Agriculture | Energy): • Fertiliser pricing, subsidies, and fiscal burden. • Agricultural productivity, soil health, and balanced fertilisation. • Dependence on imports and its impact on energy security. GS-3 (Environment): • Nitrogen cycle disruption and greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O). • Sustainable agriculture and nutrient management. Basic Facts Commodity: Urea – nitrogen-based chemical fertiliser. Control: Price-controlled under Essential Commodities Act, sold at a fixed MRP (₹5,360/tonne), unchanged since May 2015. Producers: Primarily IFFCO, NFL, Chambal Fertilisers, RCF, KRIBHCO, HURL units. Regulator: Department of Fertilisers (Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers). Current Situation Consumption (2024–25): ~39.9 MT Domestic Production: ~28.1 MT Imports: ~11.7 MT (≈30% of total requirement) Urea Sales Growth: 3.8% YoY (2024–25), highest since 2021–22. Table Trend (1990–2025): 1990–91: 12.8 MT 2010–11: 26.5 MT 2024–25: 39.9 MT → Tripled in 3 decades Production Growth: Stagnant; increased only marginally despite new plants. Key Reasons for Rising Demand Price Distortion: Urea is cheaper than other fertilisers (like DAP, MOP, NPK). Current MRP (₹5,360/tonne) vs cost of production/import (~₹24,000/tonne). Farmers overuse urea due to affordability, ignoring balanced nutrient use. Agronomic Expansion: Expansion in wheat, mustard, potato, and rabi acreage post-monsoon. Government’s push for higher foodgrain output and irrigation coverage. Low Price Elasticity: Even minor increases in crop area or yield goals sharply raise urea demand. Domestic Production Constraints Despite commissioning five new plants (Ramagundam, Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, Talcher) between 2021–23, total output stagnated due to: Operational delays and technical issues. Limited gas availability. Ageing capacity at older units. Total capacity: ~28.3 MT vs production: ~30.6 MT (2024–25, including overruns). Dependence on Imports India remains world’s 2nd largest urea importer (after Brazil). Major import sources: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia. Imports costly due to global price volatility, freight, and rupee depreciation. FY25 import bill for urea likely >₹70,000 crore, adding to fertiliser subsidy burden. Subsidy Burden Total fertiliser subsidy (2024–25): ~₹1.9–2 lakh crore. Urea alone accounts for ~₹1.3 lakh crore (≈70%). Since MRP is fixed, the Centre bears the full differential between cost and selling price. Rising imports + high energy costs = severe fiscal strain. Economic Implications Fiscal Stress: High subsidy outlay reduces fiscal space for infrastructure or social spending. Nutrient Imbalance: Ideal N:P:K ratio = 4:2:1 Current usage ~8:3:1, leading to soil degradation and declining productivity. Import Vulnerability: Dependence on external markets threatens food security if supply chains are disrupted. Subsidy Inefficiency: Benefits disproportionately flow to large farmers; not directly targeted. Policy and Reform Options Rationalise Urea MRP: Gradual increase to reflect part of actual cost. Reduce overuse and encourage balanced fertilisation. Promote Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): Currently applied only to non-urea fertilisers. Inclusion of urea under NBS to promote parity and efficiency. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Link subsidies directly to farmers rather than fertiliser companies. Enhance Domestic Production: Fast-track gas allocation and operational stabilisation of HURL and Talcher units. Incentivise private sector investment. Encourage Alternatives: Use of nano urea, organic and biofertilisers. Soil Health Card–based nutrient planning. Broader Context Agricultural Sustainability: Overuse of urea depletes micronutrients, acidifies soils, and lowers yields. Climate Concerns: Nitrous oxide emissions from excess nitrogen fertilisation contribute to greenhouse gases. Energy Dependence: Urea plants are gas-intensive; India imports ~50% of its natural gas. 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Why in News? The Government of India has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Eighth Central Pay Commission (8th CPC), marking the formal start of its work. The commission will review and recommend revisions in pay, allowances, and pension structures for central government employees and pensioners. Recommendations are expected by April 2027, with implementation likely from January 1, 2026. Relevance: GS-2 (Governance | Polity): • Administrative reforms and public service pay rationalisation. • Centre–State fiscal dynamics and impact on cooperative federalism. • Debates on Old Pension Scheme (OPS) vs National Pension System (NPS). GS-3 (Economy): • Fiscal policy implications — impact on revenue expenditure, fiscal deficit. • Linkages between pay revision and aggregate demand, inflation. Background Constitutional basis: No constitutional provision mandates a Pay Commission; it is a convention-based body constituted by the Union Government roughly every 10 years. Historical lineage: 1st CPC – 1947 (post-Independence pay rationalization) 6th CPC – 2006 (introduced grade pay system) 7th CPC – 2014 (implemented in 2016; introduced Pay Matrix) 8th CPC – 2024 (to be implemented from 2026) Mandate of the 8th CPC Review and recommend changes in: Pay, allowances, and pension structure of central government employees (including defence forces). Service conditions of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and autonomous bodies, where applicable. Examine the fiscal sustainability of pay hikes in the context of: Fiscal deficit targets. Economic growth trajectory. Inflation and cost of living indices. Evaluate non-contributory pension systems and rationalize them. New Addition to Terms of Reference A new ToR has been added: Examine demands for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) or its variants. Specifically, evaluate the “unfunded cost” of non-contributory pensions (OPS) versus the National Pension System (NPS), introduced in 2004. This inclusion reflects political and social debates over NPS vs. OPS, especially for employees hired post-2004. Significance The ToR expansion is crucial amid growing demands to reintroduce OPS for post-2004 employees. It may lead to a data-driven cost-benefit analysis of both pension models for long-term sustainability. Timeline Commission formation: 2024 Recommendations due: April 2027 Implementation expected: From January 1, 2026 Past patterns: 6th CPC recommendations: Implemented after ~18 months. 7th CPC recommendations: Implemented within 6 months of submission. Fiscal Implications Pay and pension expenditure: Around 18% of the Centre’s total revenue expenditure. Estimated outgo: Pay, pension, and allowances together exceed ₹7 lakh crore annually. Impact of 7th CPC: Pay and allowance hike: ~23.5%. Annual additional burden: ~₹1.02 lakh crore. Likely 8th CPC impact: Expected rise of 18–20% in expenditure. Institutional Composition Chairperson: Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (former Supreme Court Judge) Members: Pulak Ghosh (IIM-Bangalore), Pankaj Jain (Petroleum Secretary) Nodal Ministry: Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance Implementation Issues Implementation delays cause arrears and back-loaded fiscal pressure. States usually mirror CPC recommendations with modifications, affecting fiscal federalism. Challenges include: Balancing employee welfare vs. fiscal discipline. Aligning public sector salaries with private benchmarks. ManCurrent Affairs 01 November 2025aging inter-generational pension liabilities. Macro-economic Angle Advantages: Boosts consumption demand through higher disposable income. Aids aggregate demand recovery in slowdown phases. Risks: May inflate fiscal deficit beyond FRBM limits. May crowd out capital expenditure if revenue spending surges.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 01 November 2025

Content Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India First fully digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 launched Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India Why in News ? Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India on October 30, 2025, at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Marks the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Aim: To celebrate India’s royal heritage and inspire future generations with the values of unity, sacrifice, and integration. Relevance GS 1: Indian Heritage and Culture – Art forms, architecture, integration of princely states. GS 2: Role of leadership (Sardar Patel) in national integration. GS 3: Tourism as an economic and cultural sector. Basic Facts Project Cost: ₹367 crore Land Area: 5 acres near Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar No. of Galleries: 4 thematic galleries Lead Agency: Ministry of Culture, Government of India Theme: “Where Royal Legacies Come Alive” Core Objectives To document, preserve, and display the heritage of India’s princely and royal states. To educate the public about India’s political integration post-1947. To honour the role of rulers who contributed to India’s unity. To serve as a centre of research, conservation, and public learning on India’s regal and democratic traditions. Historical Context Pre-1947: Over 550 princely states and kingdoms existed alongside British India. Integration (1947–1949): Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon, achieved peaceful accession through diplomacy and persuasion using the Instrument of Accession. Outcome: Political unification laid the foundation for a sovereign, democratic Republic of India. The museum symbolically continues Patel’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Architectural and Design Features Landscape Integration: Architecture harmonised with natural surroundings – includes water bodies, fountains, gardens, and courtyards. Entry Experience: Modeled after royal gardens, reflecting grandeur and serenity. Learning Approach: Inspired by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – emphasizes experiential and interactive learning. Museum Café: Offers royal cuisines symbolizing India’s culinary diversity. Thematic Gallery Overview Gallery Theme / Focus Purpose Gallery 1: Orientation Gallery Introduction to the idea of royalty through films, multimedia, and narratives Provides historical context and sets the tone Gallery 2: The Throne and the State Displays royal families, governance systems, welfare measures, and relationship with subjects Highlights the states’ contributions to culture and administration Viewing Deck Offers panoramic views of the Statue of Unity and Narmada River Symbolic link between royal legacy and modern unity Gallery 3: The Story of India’s Integration Documents, photographs, and audio-visuals of the political integration process Emphasizes the diplomacy-led unification post-Independence Gallery 4: Hall of Unity Symbols, insignias, and emblems of all princely states Tribute to their sacrifices for national unity Educational and Cultural Role Acts as an institutional bridge between India’s monarchical past and democratic present. Promotes historical literacy among youth using immersive technology (AR/VR, digital archives). Encourages academic research on princely states’ governance, culture, and integration. Enhances heritage tourism in the Statue of Unity region. Governance & Policy Alignment Linked Initiatives: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – celebrates national unity and Patel’s legacy. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – aligns with 75+ years of India’s independence. NEP 2020 – integrates cultural learning with modern pedagogy. Institutional Synergy: Complements National Museum, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and Bharat Mandapam as national heritage hubs. Broader Significance Cultural Diplomacy: Portrays India’s royal diversity as an element of soft power. Tourism Impact: Expected to significantly boost visitorship at the Statue of Unity, already India’s top domestic tourist site. National Integration Symbol: Reinforces unity in diversity by connecting different royal lineages under one narrative. Digital Preservation: Ensures archival protection of manuscripts, textiles, artefacts, and regalia. Conclusion The Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India embodies the fusion of heritage and modernity. Serves as a living tribute to India’s journey from fragmented princely states to a united democracy. Strengthens Ekta Nagar’s position as a national hub for unity, culture, and legacy tourism. Reflects India’s evolving approach to inclusive nation-building through cultural remembrance. First fully digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 launched Why in News ? Launched: October 31, 2025, at ICAR–CMFRI, Kochi, Kerala. Launched by: Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Significance: Marks the first fully digitised edition of India’s Marine Fisheries Census — a landmark shift towards data-driven fisheries governance. Tagline: “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries.” Coverage: Over 1.2 million fisher households in 4,000 marine fishing villages across 9 coastal states and 4 UTs during a 45-day enumeration (Nov 3–Dec 18, 2025). Relevance GS 3: Economy (Blue Economy, Fisheries Sector, Digital Governance). GS 2: Governance (e-Governance, Data-driven policymaking). GS 1: Geography (Coastal livelihoods, socio-economic census). Background & Evolution Initiated: First conducted in 1973 by ICAR-CMFRI. Periodic Exercise: Conducted every 5 years to collect data on the socio-economic and livelihood profile of marine fishers. Past Editions: 2005, 2010, 2016 (manual/semi-digital). 2025 Edition: First fully digitised census. First to use mobile-based, geo-tagged, real-time data collection tools. Integrated with NFDP (National Fisheries Digital Platform) for seamless registration and governance. Implementing Agencies Agency Role Department of Fisheries (DoF), MoFAHD Lead coordinating body under PMMSY. ICAR – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Nodal scientific agency; developed digital tools and oversees data collection. Fishery Survey of India (FSI) Operational partner; assists with marine field logistics and technical support. State Fisheries Departments & Local Bodies Facilitate enumeration and fisher registration. Technological Innovation First Fully Digital Marine Census: Enables real-time data capture, validation, and monitoring. Two Mobile Applications: VyAS Bharat: Field-level data collection and geo-referencing. VyAS Sutra: Real-time central monitoring, verification, and analytics. Benefits: Eliminates manual delays and errors. Enhances transparency, speed, and accuracy. Enables data-driven policy formulation. Live Monitoring: Real-time display of data from Kerala and Maharashtra during launch demonstrated centralised dashboard supervision. Scope & Coverage Duration: 45 days (Nov 3–Dec 18, 2025). Geographical Reach: 9 coastal states + 4 UTs (including Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar, Daman & Diu). Target Coverage: 1.2 million fisher households 4,000 marine fishing villages Thousands of trained enumerators deployed nationwide.  Integration with NFDP & PM-MKSSY NFDP (National Fisheries Digital Platform): A unified national database of fishers, fish farmers, and fish workers. Mandatory registration for availing government benefits. PM–Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM–MKSSY): Scheme providing financial and livelihood support to registered beneficiaries. NFDP registration is a precondition for benefits. Census Role: Ensures automatic digital linkage between enumeration data and NFDP profiles for policy targeting.  Institutional Alignment Parent Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – launched in 2020 to modernize fisheries and enhance income. Alignment with Digital India Mission: Promotes e-governance and real-time decision-making in fisheries sector. Supports: Blue Economy Vision 2047 Marine Spatial Planning Coastal Community Resilience Initiatives Policy Relevance & Significance Data Backbone for Fisheries Management: Provides reliable socio-economic and demographic data of fishing communities. Enables evidence-based allocation of subsidies, insurance, welfare, and infrastructure support. Improves Safety & Sustainability: Helps identify active fishermen for transponder installation and turtle excluder device (TED) distribution. Supports Climate and Livelihood Planning: Assists in vulnerability mapping of coastal populations to climate change. Supports marine ecosystem management and policy reforms. Facilitates Financial Inclusion: Digital profiles linked with government benefit platforms and financial services. Stakeholders Involved Union Government: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Research Institutions: ICAR-CMFRI, CIFT, FSI. Government’s Broader Initiatives for Marine Fisheries Transponder Installation: For real-time vessel tracking and safety. Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Distributed free to promote sustainable fishing and biodiversity protection. Capacity Building: Training of enumerators and local officers for digital data collection. Fisher Welfare: Inclusion under PMMSY and PM-MKSSY for financial, insurance, and livelihood support. Key Expected Outcomes Creation of nationwide digital fisheries database integrating marine socio-economic, vessel, and ecological data. Strengthened governance transparency and policy responsiveness. Improved planning for fisheries infrastructure, insurance, subsidies, and sustainability. Real-time analytics enabling faster decision-making at central and state levels. Contribution to India’s goal of achieving “Sustainable Blue Economy by 2047.” Challenges Ahead Ensuring 100% NFDP registration across fragmented fishing communities. Addressing digital literacy gaps among fishers and field staff. Maintaining data privacy, cybersecurity, and quality assurance. Integrating marine census data with inland fisheries datasets for holistic policy framing. Conclusion MFC 2025 marks a paradigm shift in India’s fisheries governance — from manual enumeration to digitised, real-time, and transparent data systems. Strengthens India’s commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable fisheries sector. Serves as a vital instrument for marine livelihood planning, coastal development, and blue economy growth. Reinforces India’s transformation toward “Smart Fisheries, Smart Governance.”

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 01 November 2025

Content The case for a board of peace and sustainable security Imagine an Alternative The case for a board of peace and sustainable security Why in News ? The UN marks the 80th anniversary of its founding (1945–2025) amid growing disillusionment about its capacity to maintain peace. The UN Security Council (UNSC), once designed to prevent catastrophic wars, now appears reactive and ineffective in sustaining peace. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao proposes an institutional innovation — a “Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS)” — to address the UN’s chronic weakness: the absence of political continuity after conflict subsides. Relevance : GS-2 (International Relations): Highlights UN’s structural inefficiency in sustaining peace beyond conflict resolution. Advocates functional reform within existing Charter powers (Article 22) to create a Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS). Supports India’s call for inclusive, multipolar, and representative multilateralism. GS-3 (Internal Security & Global Peace): BPSS aims to ensure continuity between peacekeeping and peacebuilding — addressing gaps in conflict transitions. Promotes sustainable security by linking stability to governance, inclusion, and responsible leadership. Practice Question: The UN’s current peace architecture suffers from episodic engagement and institutional amnesia. Critically analyse how the proposed “Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS)” could bridge the gap between peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the modern multilateral system. (250 words) Context and Current Crisis Across regions (Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe), conflicts are prolonged and unresolved. The UN system engages in short-term crisis management but fails in long-term political accompaniment. Peace agreements collapse because diplomatic engagement fades once ceasefires or transitions begin. Result: UN’s credibility as a peacekeeper and mediator has weakened; peacekeeping missions often become indefinite holding operations. The Structural Flaw UN Security Council (UNSC): Authorises actions episodically and responds to crises, not continuity. Hamstrung by veto powers, geopolitical rivalries, and limited follow-up mechanisms. Peacekeeping Operations: Focused on stabilising ground conditions, not political resolution. Often lack coherent exit or transition strategies. Peacebuilding Commission (PBC): Established in 2005 to sustain peace post-conflict. Lacks mandate and authority to operate during active political transitions. No enforcement or continuity mechanism; works largely in advisory capacity. Net Effect: Loss of institutional memory, momentum, and context between conflict and recovery phases. Core Argument The UN’s crisis is not only political but institutional — a design problem. Structural reform of the UNSC (permanent membership, veto) is necessary but slow. Functional reform — leveraging existing powers under the UN Charter for innovation — can be done immediately. Legal Basis for Reform Article 22 of the UN Charter empowers the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to create subsidiary bodies to perform its functions. This provision allows establishment of new functional institutions without amending the Charter. The proposed BPSS can thus be created under UNGA authority, not requiring UNSC approval. Proposal: Board of Peace and Sustainable Security (BPSS) Purpose: Fill the institutional void between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Ensure structured political engagement during and after conflicts when attention wanes. Align peace efforts with governance, development, and regional cooperation. Nature: Non-coercive and political, not military or interventionist. Focus on supporting nationally led dialogue, peace agreement implementation, and regional diplomacy coordination. Functions of BPSS Accompany fragile transitions after conflict cessation. Ensure continuity of political engagement and implementation tracking of peace accords. Coordinate regional and international diplomatic initiatives. Prevent “peace fatigue” and institutional amnesia between UNSC renewals. Integrate peacekeeping operations with achievable political objectives. Work alongside the UN Secretary-General and the UNSC, not in competition with them. Possibly subsume or merge with the existing Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to streamline peace architecture. Composition & Representation Approx. 24 rotating member-states, elected by the UN General Assembly for fixed terms. Balanced regional representation: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, and West Asia. Regional Organisations (AU, ASEAN, EU, OAS, etc.): Included as participants, not mere observers. Recognises that peace is shaped regionally, not only in New York. No permanent members or vetoes: Decisions based on participation, not privilege. Agenda Setting: Only by UN member-states, regional organisations, or the UN Secretary-General. Civil Society: Consultative role only, no voting power. Concept of “Sustainable Security” Goes beyond military peacekeeping; combines conflict management with long-term political consolidation. Emphasises: Governance reform Inclusive political dialogue Responsible leadership and institution-building Not preventive intervention: respects sovereignty; supports negotiated settlements and national ownership. Stability becomes durable when political legitimacy and inclusive governance reinforce peace. Style of Functioning A working institution, not a debate platform. Tracks commitments and maintains engagement post-crisis. Prevents policy drift and loss of focus after mission withdrawal. Builds continuity without expansionism and coordination without confrontation. Ensures sovereignty is respected while peace is not prematurely abandoned. Broader Significance Bridges the gap between peacekeeping, mediation, and peacebuilding. Restores discipline to diplomacy — from episodic crisis theatre to sustained engagement. Improves institutional memory, continuity, and accountability. Demonstrates that innovation within the Charter is possible without grand constitutional overhaul. Reinforces multilateral legitimacy by broad participation and regional involvement. India’s Perspective and Relevance India has consistently advocated UN reform to reflect current global realities. India’s emphasis on inclusive multilateralism, sovereign equality, and South-South cooperation aligns with BPSS principles. As a leading peacekeeping contributor, India supports reforms ensuring political solutions, not just military stabilisation. BPSS could serve as a platform where India’s diplomatic, developmental, and peacebuilding roles converge. Challenges Political Resistance: Major powers may see it as dilution of UNSC influence. Mandate Clarity: Avoiding overlap with UNSC, Secretary-General, and PBC. Operational Complexity: Balancing representation with efficiency. Funding & Secretariat Structure: Requires sustainable resource support. Consensus Building: Needs broad UNGA endorsement and buy-in from regional organisations. Way Forward UNGA can initiate consultations for BPSS formation under Article 22. Gradual integration with existing peacebuilding structures to avoid duplication. Ensure regional ownership and national consent in all operations. Pilot BPSS engagement in selected post-conflict regions to demonstrate value. Conclusion The UN’s current peace machinery suffers from episodic engagement and institutional amnesia. BPSS offers a functional, non-confrontational, Charter-compatible solution to restore continuity in peace processes. Represents a shift from reactive diplomacy to sustained accompaniment. True reform does not require rewriting the UN Charter; it requires remembering first principles — Peace must be sustained, diplomacy must endure, and institutions must evolve responsibly. Imagine an Alternative Context and Background The article coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). It critiques the structural inefficiencies and political hypocrisy of the UN, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author argues that while the UN was envisioned as the bulwark of peace after WWII, it is now dysfunctional, outdated, and biased. Relevance : GS-2 (International Relations): Examines UN’s declining moral legitimacy and structural imbalance under the UNSC’s veto system. Critiques the power asymmetry of P5 nations and calls for a new multilateral order beyond the UN framework. Advocates for India-led global alternatives based on equality, cooperation, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. GS-3 (Global Governance & Security): Highlights failures in addressing modern crises (Ukraine, Gaza, Rwanda) due to political paralysis. Proposes regional and plurilateral alliances (BRICS+, G20, SCO) as emerging peace frameworks. Practice Question: The United Nations has become a stage for political theatre rather than a guardian of peace. In light of this, critically examine the argument that the world needs a new moral and institutional alternative to the UN-led order. (250 words) Historical Foundation of the UN Established in 1945 after WWII, replacing the failed League of Nations (1919–46). Founded to prevent wars, promote collective security, and ensure international cooperation. The UNSC, with five permanent members (P5) — US, UK, France, Russia (then USSR), and China — was given veto powers to ensure great-power consensus. The Cold War (1947–1991) severely constrained the UN’s effectiveness, as US–USSR rivalry led to repeated vetoes and policy paralysis. UN Performance Record The UN’s peacekeeping record has been mixed: Successes: Korea (1950s), Suez (1956), Namibia, Mozambique, Cambodia. Failures: Rwanda (1994 genocide), Bosnia (Srebrenica 1995), Somalia, Iraq, and Gaza. Ineffectiveness in preventing long-running wars or humanitarian crises despite its extensive machinery. Over decades, it has often acted at the behest of major powers, compromising neutrality. Structural Problems UNSC veto system: Core cause of dysfunction. One member’s veto can block collective action, even against war crimes or aggression. Example: Russia’s vetoes over Ukraine-related resolutions; US vetoes on Israel–Palestine matters. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) — though representative — lacks enforcement powers. The inequality between P5 and others violates the UN’s own charter principle of sovereign equality. Reform Debates Reform necessity acknowledged globally, but progress is stalled: Expansion of UNSC membership (G4: India, Japan, Germany, Brazil) debated for decades. Resistance from P5, who won’t dilute veto privileges. Proposals discussed: Rotating membership and regional balance. Limiting or abolishing the veto. Empowering the UNGA in peace and security matters. However, no consensus due to conflicting national interests. Contemporary Failures Inability to respond effectively to: Ukraine–Russia war (2022–). Israel–Palestine crisis. Human rights violations in authoritarian regimes. The UN has become a stage for political theatre rather than conflict resolution. Global South’s voices (India, Africa, Latin America) remain underrepresented in decision-making. Hypocrisy and Double Standards Western powers’ selective morality: Condemn aggression by adversaries but justify their own interventions (Iraq, Libya, etc.). Advocate human rights yet turn blind eyes to violations by allies. China’s growing assertiveness and US decline in global leadership have deepened UN paralysis. Russia’s permanent membership makes accountability impossible for its own actions. The Author’s Perspective Author urges the world to “imagine an alternative” rather than endlessly reforming a broken system. New multilateral frameworks (like BRICS+, SCO, G20) could complement or eventually replace the UN. Calls for a “New Global Compact” rooted in: Equal representation. Shared responsibilities. Freedom from veto-based hegemony. Advocates an India-led moral alternative, based on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” Key Takeaways The UN’s moral legitimacy is eroding due to power imbalance and failure to act. Structural reform is unlikely, as it would threaten P5 privilege. Functional reform or creation of parallel global mechanisms is necessary. The world may be entering a “post-UN era” where regional coalitions and issue-based alliances play greater roles.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 01 November 2025

Content Indian Railways to Patronise ‘Aabhar’ Online Store Decoding India’s Projected GDP: Ambition vs. Arithmetic India Pushes FTA Talks with Chile and Peru — Securing Rare Earths and Critical Minerals Anti-GM Activists Question ‘Advantages’ of ICAR’s Two Gene-Edited Rice Varieties Mohanlal Case and Cracks in India’s Wildlife Law Invisible Deaths: Climate Crisis and the Abandonment of India’s Sanitation Workers Indian Railways to Patronise ‘Aabhar’ Online Store Why in News? The Indian Railways has announced its patronage for ‘Aabhar’, an online store launched on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to promote local artisans, weavers, and handicraft producers under One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) frameworks. The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and complements the ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme. Relevance : GS-2 (Governance): Government initiatives for inclusive, transparent procurement (GeM, ODOP, OSOP). Institutional convergence between MoT, KVIC, CCIE, and Indian Railways for MSME empowerment. GS-3 (Economy): Promotion of local industries and rural artisans under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local. Integration of traditional crafts into digital marketplaces and sustainable consumption models. GS-1 (Culture): Preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage through handicrafts, GI-tagged products, and handlooms. Basic Concept ‘Aabhar’ Online Store: An e-commerce platform on GeM that curates gift and souvenir items crafted by Indian artisans, handloom weavers, tribal producers, and women-led enterprises. Implementing Partners: Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE) Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) State Handloom and Handicraft Emporiums Purpose: To integrate local handicrafts and heritage products into official gifting and events by government departments, PSUs, and institutions. Key Objectives Promote Local Heritage: Showcase India’s cultural richness through handlooms, handicrafts, and tribal art. Empower Artisans: Provide market access and stable demand for marginalized rural producers and women entrepreneurs. Support Sustainable Development: Encourage eco-friendly, handmade products over mass-produced imports. Institutional Patronage: Use Indian Railways’ nationwide presence to drive large-scale adoption in government procurement. Institutional Linkages Platform: Hosted on GeM (Government e-Marketplace) for transparent, direct sourcing. Alignment with Policies: Vocal for Local Make in India Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan ODOP and GI Promotion Initiatives Railways’ Precedent: Builds upon the success of ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) — stalls across railway stations promoting local crafts, such as Banarasi silk (Varanasi), chikankari (Lucknow), and bamboo crafts (Assam). Significance Economic: Expands domestic market opportunities for micro and small enterprises (MSMEs). Social: Promotes inclusive growth by uplifting tribal, rural, and women artisans. Cultural: Reinforces India’s intangible heritage and craftsmanship traditions. Administrative: Encourages ethical procurement practices within government departments. Challenges Logistics and Delivery: Ensuring efficient supply chain and quality control from rural producers to buyers. Digital Literacy: Need for capacity-building among artisans for GeM onboarding. Sustained Demand: Maintaining consistent government and institutional orders beyond ceremonial occasions. Other Initiatives ODOP (One District One Product): Promotes district-specific handicrafts or produce. GI Tagging: Protects intellectual property and authenticity of traditional crafts. OSOP (One Station One Product): Provides physical retail space to artisans at railway stations. PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Supports traditional artisans and craftspeople through financial and skill-based aid. Decoding India’s projected GDP Why in News? Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently stated that India will become a $30 trillion economy in 20–25 years. The claim drew scrutiny as economists questioned whether India’s current growth trajectory supports this projection. The discussion reflects India’s long-term economic ambition, trade negotiation posture, and structural growth challenges. Relevance : GS-3 (Economy): Growth projections, macroeconomic trends, and structural reforms needed for Viksit Bharat@2047. Role of productivity, investment, and rupee stability in sustaining high nominal GDP growth. Fiscal and monetary challenges in long-term growth trajectory. GS-2 (Polity & Governance): Economic policymaking, coordination among ministries (Finance, Commerce, NITI Aayog). Policy coherence in achieving sustainable development goals. Basic Concepts 1. What is GDP? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a year. Indicates economic size, productivity, and global influence. Example (2024): India’s GDP: $3.9 trillion (FY 2023–24) US GDP: $29.2 trillion California (US State): $4.1 trillion — larger than India’s entire economy. 2. How GDP is Calculated in USD Terms: GDP (in ₹) ÷ Average Dollar–Rupee Exchange Rate = GDP (in $). Nominal GDP is used in such projections (not adjusted for inflation). India’s Growth Record (Historical Perspective) Period Nominal GDP CAGR Rupee Depreciation CAGR Implied Growth Outcome Past 25 years (2000–2024) 11.9% 2.7% India could reach $55.9 trillion by 2048 Past 11 years (2013–2024) 10.3% 3.08% India could reach $25.8 trillion by 2048 and $30 trillion by ~2053   CAGR = Compound Annual Growth Rate The Divergence Based on 25-year trend: India = $55.9 trillion (2048) Based on 11-year trend: India = $25.8 trillion (2048) Difference: ~75% in projected size; time lag of ~7 years to reach $30 trillion. This highlights the sensitivity of long-term projections to small shifts in growth rates and exchange depreciation. Key Factors Affecting GDP Projections 1. Growth Momentum: India’s growth has slowed since 2014—partly due to global headwinds, investment slowdown, and uneven domestic reforms. 2. Rupee Depreciation: A faster depreciation (over 3% CAGR recently) reduces GDP in dollar terms, even if domestic output rises. 3. Inflation vs. Real Growth: Nominal GDP includes inflation; real GDP growth matters more for welfare and purchasing power. 4. Demographic Dividend: India’s working-age population remains a strength till the 2040s but needs quality education and jobs to translate into productivity. 5. Productivity and Capital Formation: Sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation, and manufacturing needed to push growth above 8–9% consistently. 6. External Sector: Trade competitiveness, exchange rate stability, and energy security will affect dollar-denominated GDP. Overview 1. Exponential Effect: Even a 1% drop in annual GDP growth over decades leads to trillions in lost output. Example: 11.9% → 10.3% CAGR = ~$30 trillion difference over 25 years. 2. Base Effect: India’s small base allows rapid scaling, but as the economy grows, marginal growth rates naturally decelerate. 3. Credibility of Projection: To reach $30 trillion by 2048, India needs a nominal GDP growth of ~11–12% annually (real growth ~7–8% + inflation ~4%). At the current pace (~6.5% real growth, 3.5% inflation), India would hit $30 trillion closer to 2053–2055. Policy Imperatives for Sustaining High Growth 1. Structural Reforms: Simplify land and labour laws, deepen financial markets, and ensure ease of doing business. 2. Industrial Policy & Manufacturing Push: Build on PLI schemes and digital manufacturing ecosystems to reduce import dependence. 3. Human Capital: Strengthen education, health, skilling, and women’s workforce participation to maximise demographic potential. 4. Fiscal and Monetary Stability: Manage inflation, public debt, and exchange rate volatility to sustain investor confidence. 5. Innovation and Digitalization: Leverage AI, clean energy, and digital infrastructure to enhance productivity and exports. Global Context The US and China dominate the global GDP chart at $29 trillion and $18 trillion respectively. For India to be comparable, it must sustain decades of high, inclusive growth without external shocks. A $30 trillion India by mid-century would place it alongside the US and China as a global economic pole. Significance Reflects India’s long-term economic ambition under Viksit Bharat@2047. Shapes India’s confidence in trade negotiations, FDI strategy, and geopolitical standing. Highlights the importance of consistency in growth, not just potential. Challenges Ahead Growth slowdown due to cyclical and structural issues. Global economic fragmentation and trade protectionism. Climate transition costs and dependence on energy imports. Inequality and uneven regional development. The Bottom Line Piyush Goyal’s $30 trillion vision is aspirational, not impossible. Achieving it demands faster growth, rupee stability, and structural transformation. The next two decades will determine whether India remains a fast-growing developing nation or becomes a developed global economic powerhouse. India pushes FTA talks with Chile, Peru with focus on rare earths Why in News? India’s trade negotiation teams are currently in Chile and Peru to fast-track Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. The core objective is to secure long-term, assured access to critical minerals and rare earth elements vital for India’s EVs, electronics, renewable energy, and defence manufacturing. This comes amid China’s export restrictions on rare earths and India’s diversification push under its Critical Minerals Strategy 2023 and trade diversification policy. Relevance : GS-2 (International Relations): India’s strategic engagement with Latin America under South–South Cooperation. Role of trade diplomacy in resource security and geopolitical diversification. GS-3 (Economy & Science-Tech): Critical minerals policy, FTA frameworks, and India’s mineral supply chain resilience. Role of KABIL and MSP (Minerals Security Partnership) in energy transition and EV ecosystem. GS-3 (Environment): Sustainable mining practices and global environmental compliance in resource partnerships. Context Background of India–Chile & India–Peru Engagements India–Chile: Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in 2006, expanded in 2017. India offered tariff concessions on 1,031 products; Chile reciprocated on 1,798 products. Current bilateral trade (FY25): $3.75 billion (India’s exports: $1.5 billion). Negotiating upgrade to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering critical minerals, digital trade, MSMEs, and investments. India–Peru: FTA talks started in 2017, paused during COVID-19, now resumed. Bilateral trade includes India’s exports of motor vehicles, cotton yarn, pharma, and Peru’s exports of gold, copper ore, concentrates. Progress is slower due to Peru’s cautious negotiation pace. Strategic and Economic Rationale 1. Securing Critical Minerals: Latin America holds abundant reserves of lithium, copper, cobalt, and rare earths, essential for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing. India seeks exploration and mining rights in these countries to reduce import dependence and diversify away from China. 2. Countering China’s Dominance: China controls ~90% of the global rare earth supply chain and recently restricted exports of rare earths and magnet technologies. These curbs impacted India’s automotive and electronics sectors, prompting an urgent strategic sourcing response. 3. Trade Diversification Strategy: Aims to reduce overdependence on traditional partners (US, EU, China) amid tariff tensions and supply disruptions. Latin America provides resource complementarity with India’s manufacturing ambitions. Critical Minerals in Focus Mineral Strategic Use Key Supplier (LatAm) Lithium EV batteries, energy storage Chile, Argentina Copper Power grids, electronics Peru, Chile Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Magnets, wind turbines, defence tech Chile Cobalt Battery cathodes Peru India’s Broader Critical Minerals Strategy Critical Minerals Mission (2023) under Ministry of Mines identifies 30 priority minerals. KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.), a JV of NALCO–HCL–MECL, tasked to acquire overseas mineral assets. Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): India exploring deeper engagement with the US, Japan, and Australia for critical mineral supply chains. Domestic Exploration: GSI and AMD expanding exploration of lithium (J&K, Rajasthan) and REEs (Andhra Pradesh, Kerala). India–Chile CEPA: Next-Gen Agreement Will upgrade the 2017 PTA to cover: Critical minerals and exploration cooperation Trade in goods and services Digital trade and e-commerce Investment and MSME linkages Technology sharing in green energy and mining Chile’s enthusiastic approach contrasts with Peru’s cautious pace, but both countries are key to India’s resource security in the Southern Hemisphere. Challenges & Concerns Rules of Origin: Preventing Chinese transshipment of goods via Chile or Peru to exploit tariff concessions. Geopolitical Risk: Latin America’s internal political volatility may delay deals. Environmental Compliance: India’s exploration rights must align with local sustainability norms. Negotiation Timeframe: Peru’s slow FTA pace could delay resource access. Significance 1. Economic: Strengthens supply chain resilience and secures inputs for Make in India and energy transition sectors. Enhances bilateral trade volumes and opens Latin American markets for Indian pharma and automobiles. 2. Strategic: Counters China’s mineral diplomacy and secures India’s role in global value chains for green tech. Deepens South–South cooperation and strengthens India’s footprint in Latin America. 3. Diplomatic: Reinforces India’s Act East + Act Latin trade diversification strategy. Builds on India’s image as a reliable, sustainable partner in critical mineral value chains. Projected Outcomes India–Chile CEPA likely to conclude soon (2025), unlocking exploration and investment partnerships. India–Peru FTA expected by late 2026–27, once outstanding tariff and mineral clauses are resolved. Together, both FTAs could cut India’s dependence on China for 15–20% of key mineral inputs. Anti-GM activists question ‘advantages’ of ICAR’s two gene-edited rice varieties Why in News? The Coalition for a GM-Free India accused ICAR of “scientific fraud” and data manipulation in field trials of two genome-edited rice varieties — Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala). These varieties were hailed as a global first in gene-edited rice by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (May 2024), but activists claim ICAR’s own AICRP (All India Coordinated Research Project) reports for 2023–24 contradict the claims. Relevance : GS-3 (Science & Technology): Genome editing (CRISPR, SDN-1/2/3), agricultural biotechnology, and biosafety regulation. Ethical and scientific concerns over transparency, data integrity, and research governance. GS-2 (Governance): Institutional accountability of ICAR and oversight mechanisms under India’s biosafety laws. Policy–activism interface in regulatory decision-making (GM mustard, Bt brinjal precedents). GS-3 (Environment & Agriculture): Implications for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and food security. Basic Concepts 1. Genetic Modification (GM) vs Genome Editing (GE): GM Crops: Introduce foreign DNA (transgenes) from other species → regulatory approval under GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) required. Genome-Edited Crops: Modify existing genes (via tools like CRISPR-Cas9) without foreign DNA; regulatory relaxations possible if no transgenes remain. India allows SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome editing (small edits without foreign DNA) under a simplified regulatory pathway (2022 guidelines). 2. ICAR’s Role: ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) oversees agricultural R&D. AICRP on Rice conducts multi-location field trials across India to evaluate varietal performance under various agro-climatic zones. About the Two Varieties 1. Pusa DST-1 (IET 32043): Developed by IARI (Pusa Institute). Claimed traits: drought, salinity, and alkalinity tolerance; higher yield than parent MTU-1010. Announced as a global first gene-edited rice (May 2024). 2. DRR Dhan 100 “Kamala” (IET 32072): Developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad. Derived from BPT 5204 (Sona Masuri). Claimed: 17% higher yield, early maturity (20 days), improved nitrogen-use efficiency. Allegations by the Coalition for a GM-Free India 1. Data Contradictions: Pusa DST-1: 2023 AICRP report: No data on drought/salinity due to “limited seed quantity.” Showed same or 4.8% lower yield vs parent MTU-1010; underperformed in 12 of 20 sites. 2024 trials: No yield advantage in coastal/inland salinity; only 1.6% gain in alkaline soils. Yet summary table selectively highlighted “30% higher yield” from 8 sites in one zone. DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): 2023: Underperformed in 8 of 19 sites; yield advantage (4.3%) limited to southern zone. 2024: Excluded several sites without reason; used 6 sites to claim 17.21% higher yield. 2. Accusation of “Scientific Fraud”: ICAR allegedly cherry-picked data to present exaggerated performance. Activists claim repetition of biotech lobby tactics seen in earlier controversies (e.g., Bt Brinjal, GM Mustard). 3. Lack of Transparency: No independent peer-reviewed validation of field results. Absence of publicly available biosafety and ecological risk assessments. Policy and Governance Context 1. Regulation in India: Genome Editing Guidelines (2022): SDN-1 & SDN-2 exempt from GEAC oversight; handled by ICAR & Institutional Biosafety Committees. Critics argue this reduces regulatory scrutiny and increases conflict of interest. 2. Past Controversies: Bt Brinjal (2010): Moratorium after public opposition. GM Mustard (2022): Accused of insufficient biosafety review; Supreme Court cases ongoing. 3. Global Perspective: Genome editing accepted in US, Japan, Argentina with relaxed norms. EU (2023) considering differentiated rules for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). India’s position: cautious optimism with “innovation–biosecurity balance.” Scientific and Ethical Concerns Data Integrity: Potential manipulation undermines credibility of public research institutions. Environmental Risks: Gene-edited crops may still pose unforeseen ecosystem effects. Farmer Autonomy: Risk of corporate seed monopolies through IP protection on edited varieties. Public Trust: Erosion of confidence in scientific institutions if allegations proven true. Way Forward Independent Re-evaluation: Multi-location, transparent field trials under third-party supervision. Public Data Disclosure: All AICRP raw data should be made open-access. Stronger Oversight: Strengthen Biosafety Authority to cover genome-edited crops. Stakeholder Dialogue: Farmers, scientists, and civil society engagement to build informed consensus. Science Communication: Clear differentiation between GM and GE crops for public understanding. Mohanlal Case and Cracks in India’s Wildlife Law Why in News? On 25 October 2025, the Kerala High Court declared that the ownership certificates and government orders legalising actor Mohanlal’s ivory possession were “illegal, void, and unenforceable.” The verdict reopened a 14-year-old wildlife case that began with the 2011 Income Tax raid at Mohanlal’s residence, where officials discovered four elephant tusks and 13 ivory artefacts. The judgment exposed systemic weaknesses in India’s wildlife governance, highlighting procedural violations, selective enforcement, and the influence of celebrity privilege. Relevance : GS-2 (Governance): Rule of law, administrative discretion, and procedural justice in environmental governance. Accountability of state agencies and misuse of executive power. GS-3 (Environment): Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — enforcement challenges, ivory trade bans, and conservation ethics. Weak deterrence and institutional gaps in wildlife crime prosecution. GS-4 (Ethics): Moral dimensions of privilege, celebrity influence, and equality before law. Integrity and fairness in environmental justice. Basic Legal Framework 1. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Core legislation to protect India’s fauna and flora. Prohibits possession, sale, or display of wildlife trophies and animal articles (including ivory) without valid certification. Section 40 & 42: Section 40: Requires prior declaration of possession of any wildlife article. Section 42: Allows ownership certificates only after verification and gazette notification. 2. Ivory Ban: 1986: Complete ban on trade in Indian ivory. 1991 Amendment: Extended ban to African ivory imports and possession without certification. Ivory = Symbol of illegal wildlife trade, associated with elephant poaching and population decline. Chronology of Events 2011: Income Tax officials raid Mohanlal’s house → seize 4 tusks & 13 ivory artefacts. Forest Department files case under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2015: Kerala govt issues a notification under Section 40(4) inviting declarations from those possessing ivory — aimed at regularising past possession. → Mohanlal declares ownership; Chief Wildlife Warden grants certificate under Section 42. → Case withdrawn; ivory declared “lawfully owned.” 2018–2023: Conservationists and ex-forest officers challenge the validity of certificates before the High Court, citing lack of gazette publication of notification. 25 Oct 2025: Kerala HC declares notification & certificates void ab initio — violating statutory procedure. Rebukes State for “legal mala fides” and misuse of administrative discretion. Key Legal and Procedural Issues 1. Gazette Publication Requirement: Mandatory for validity under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. Kerala govt’s 2015 notification never published in the official gazette, making it legally non-existent. 2. Retrospective Regularisation: The 2015 notification allowed individuals to retroactively legalise illegal possession — undermining the spirit of the Act. The process effectively converted a criminal offence into paperwork compliance. 3. Violation of Equality Before Law (Article 14): Regularisation allegedly tailored to benefit a single high-profile individual. No similar leniency shown to other violators → selective enforcement. 4. Administrative Mala Fide: HC noted “convenience over legality”, indicating misuse of discretion by the State to protect the influential. High Court’s Verdict (2025) Bench: Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar & Jobin Sebastian. Key Observations: “A power not exercised in the manner prescribed under the statute cannot be said to have been exercised at all.” Declared all ownership certificates void from inception. Criticised govt’s procedural shortcuts and lack of transparency. Stopped short of ordering confiscation or prosecution; left option for fresh, lawful notification if the govt wishes to reopen the process. Significance: Reaffirmed that procedure is justice in environmental law. Reinforced rule of law over administrative convenience. Ethical and Societal Dimensions 1. Symbolism of Ivory: Ivory represents centuries of elephant slaughter and ecological loss. Even if legally obtained, displaying ivory legitimises and normalises the trophy culture tied to poaching. 2. Kerala’s Cultural Paradox: Elephants = revered in temples and cinema. Yet, Kerala has high rates of human-elephant conflict and captive elephant abuse. Reflects a deep moral contradiction — worship and exploitation coexist. 3. Celebrity Privilege: Case reveals how influence distorts law enforcement. Bureaucratic bias toward the famous undermines public trust. “If this were an ordinary citizen,” remarked a forest officer, “the ivory would have been seized permanently.” Broader Policy and Governance Implications 1. Weak Enforcement Architecture: State wildlife departments lack autonomy, legal clarity, and political backing. Enforcement often diluted by ministerial or celebrity pressure. 2. Transparency Gaps: Lack of public access to ownership records or notification details. Violates principles of accountable governance in environmental law. 3. Erosion of Deterrence: Administrative regularisation creates moral hazard — others may expect similar amnesty. Undermines deterrence embedded in Sections 49–51 (penalties) of the Act. 4. Judicial Intervention as Corrective: Courts remain the last line of defence in wildlife protection. Reinforces importance of procedural compliance as a safeguard against arbitrariness. Invisible Deaths: Climate Crisis and the Abandonment of India’s Sanitation Workers  Why in News ? The Down To Earth (Nov 2025) investigation titled “Invisible Deaths: How India’s Climate Crisis Abandons Its Sanitation Workers” exposed how rising temperatures, caste hierarchies, and institutional neglect combine to turn sanitation work into a slow, climate-driven genocide. Despite 733 recorded heatstroke deaths (Mar–Jun 2024), the deaths of sanitation workers — predominantly Dalits — remain unrecorded, unacknowledged, and unprotected in India’s climate adaptation and labour policies. It highlights how climate change amplifies caste-based occupational vulnerability and exposes policy blind spots in NAMASTE scheme, heat action plans, and labour codes. Relevance : GS-2 (Governance & Social Justice): Policy failure in implementing NAMASTE scheme and manual scavenging rehabilitation. Exclusion of sanitation workers from climate adaptation and social protection frameworks. GS-3 (Environment): Intersection of climate change, heatwaves, and occupational vulnerability. Need for climate justice and inclusive adaptation planning. GS-1 (Society): Caste-based occupational hierarchy and structural violence under climate stress. Ethical and human rights implications of invisible labour deaths. GS-4 (Ethics): Moral responsibility of the state toward dignity of labour and distributive justice. Basic Legal and Institutional Framework 1. Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 Prohibits manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment. Mandates rehabilitation, alternate livelihood, and compensation to affected families. 2. Supreme Court Directives (2014 & 2025) 2014: Directed States to end manual scavenging and compensate sewer-death families with ₹10 lakh. Jan 2025: Absolute ban on manual scavenging in 6 metro cities, including Delhi. 3. NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem, 2023) Objective: Eradicate hazardous manual cleaning through mechanisation, training, PPE distribution, and social security. Coverage: 84,902 identified workers, but only 45,871 PPE kits distributed (54% coverage). 4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 Contains no heat-protection provisions for sanitation or outdoor workers (only for dock workers). 5. Heat Action Plans (HAPs) Prepared by 23 States, but most ignore caste and occupation-based vulnerability, treating risk as a uniform environmental issue rather than a social injustice. Key Data (2020–2025) Period Reported Sewer/Septic Tank Deaths Key Findings 2020–24 294 official deaths ≈ 1 preventable death every 6 days 2024 116 deaths Govt insists “manual scavenging eradicated” Jan–Jun 2025 42 deaths Delhi worst affected (6 deaths) 2019–23 377 total deaths 90% lacked safety gear (Govt social audit) → Reality: Deaths continue under contractual, caste-based, invisible labour systems despite legal bans. The Climate–Caste Nexus 1. Caste as Structural Heat Exposure: Marginalised castes (mainly Dalits) occupy most heat-exposed occupations — sanitation, waste collection, construction. 150% higher heat exposure recorded among Dalit workers for UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) thresholds between 26°C–35°C. 2. Amplified Risks in Sewers: Sewer interiors amplify temperatures, trap toxic gases (H₂S, methane), and reduce oxygen. No modified working hours or cooling breaks during heatwaves. 3. Legal Blind Spots: Labour laws and HAPs fail to link climate vulnerability with caste or occupation, perpetuating policy invisibility. Invisible Deaths and Data Denial 1. Statistical Erasure: Govt claims manual scavenging eradicated; thus, worker deaths are not recorded as occupational or climate casualties. 40% of sanitation workers lack ID documents, excluding them from welfare, insurance, or climate compensation schemes. 2. Reporting Gap: Deaths among contractual workers (under private agencies) often unreported or misclassified. State agencies’ refusal to maintain caste-disaggregated climate data leads to policy blindness. Privatisation and Precarity 1. Contractualisation of Risk: Example: Chennai protests (Aug 2025) — 2,000 workers resist privatisation cutting wages from ₹22,590 to ₹15,000. Private contractors → reduced accountability, no insurance, no pensions. 2. Mechanisation Gap: NAMASTE’s goal of “no human in sewer” unrealised — most cities still depend on manual cleaning due to lack of machines, budget cuts, and local contractor networks. Climate Justice and Caste: A Broader Lens 1. Unequal Climate Impacts: Tamil Nadu floods (2015): 90% of injured, 95% of houses damaged belonged to Dalits (IDSN study). Dalit settlements in low-lying flood-prone areas face systemic exclusion from relief and safe water. 2. Regional Parallels: Amnesty International (2025): Similar discrimination among Dalit sanitation workers in Bangladesh’s coastal districts — climate disasters intensifying caste and gender vulnerability. → India mirrors this structural violence under climate stress. Government and Institutional Response 1. NAMASTE Implementation Gaps (Parliamentary Committee, Aug 2025): Warned PPE distribution delays may “deprive many workers of crucial protection.” Urged strict enforcement so no worker handles faecal matter directly. 2. Policy Silences: No national database of sanitation deaths post-2022. Heat Action Plans rarely mention “sanitation” or “Dalit.” No compensation framework linking heat deaths to occupational cause. Ethical, Governance, and Human Rights Dimensions 1. Structural Violence: Climate change magnifies pre-existing caste oppression, not just environmental exposure. “Invisible deaths” = outcome of policy denial + social hierarchy. 2. Governance Failure: Contradiction between ‘Viksit Bharat’ narrative and denial of basic dignity to sanitation workers. Reflects state apathy, fragmented accountability, and moral vacuum. 3. Moral Paradox: Nation bans manual scavenging but continues to exploit Dalits through informal, dangerous labour chains. Climate crisis turns occupational stigma into existential threat. What Justice Demands (Policy Imperatives) 1. Formalisation: All sanitation work under permanent government employment with social security and medical cover. 2. Criminal Accountability: Strict prosecution of employers sending workers without safety gear or mechanised tools. 3. Mechanisation: Full mechanisation of sewer cleaning in every ULB (Urban Local Body) within 2 years. 4. Data Justice: Caste- and occupation-disaggregated climate data in all adaptation and resilience frameworks. 5. Integration with Climate Planning: Link sanitation labour conditions to National Adaptation Communication (NAC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC).

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 31 October 2025

Content Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Mera Yuva Bharat Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Why in News? The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) initiative (October 2025) under the theme “Loktantra Ki Pathshala”, in partnership with the Department of School Education & Literacy and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It aims to promote hands-on civic education and youth participation in grassroots democracy, especially among students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). National-level competitions are scheduled for December 2025, marking the culmination of the first MYGS cycle. Relevance GS-2 (Governance): Digital participatory governance; inter-ministerial convergence (MoYAS–MeitY–MoE–MoTA); aligns with National Youth Policy 2021 & Digital India Mission. GS-3 (Economy & Technology): AI-driven skilling, Smart CV Builder, entrepreneurship, and human capital formation for Atmanirbhar & Viksit Bharat 2047. GS-1 (Society): Harnessing 65% youth population for civic engagement, national integration, and community service. Concept and Rationale Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) is a simulated Gram Sabha designed to give students experiential exposure to Panchayati Raj governance. It mirrors real Gram Sabha meetings, fostering participation, deliberation, and decision-making among students. Rooted in Article 243 (Gram Sabha provision) and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, MYGS embodies direct democracy at the grassroots level. Constitutional and Institutional Context Gram Sabha: The cornerstone of India’s Panchayati Raj System under Article 243(b) — a body of village electors that deliberates on local development and accountability. 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992): Institutionalized three-tier Panchayati Raj — village, block, district levels — empowering rural self-governance. MYGS strengthens constitutional values by simulating this system within the educational framework. Alignment with NEP 2020 NEP 2020 emphasizes: Inculcating constitutional values and fundamental duties. Promoting active citizenship, critical thinking, and civic sense. Integrating experiential learning and community engagement. MYGS operationalizes these goals through structured civic simulation, aligning pedagogy with democracy. Institutional Partners Ministry/Department Role Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Lead implementing body and policy guidance Department of School Education & Literacy (MoE) School-level integration and curricular alignment Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) Inclusion of EMRSs and tribal youth JNVs & EMRSs Implementation sites for student engagement and practice Target Institutions Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs): Established under NPE 1986; nurture rural talent with quality education. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): Provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas. These institutions serve as laboratories for democratic learning. Objectives of MYGS Civic Education: Familiarize students with Panchayati Raj structure & functioning. Leadership Development: Cultivate responsibility, teamwork, and participatory skills. Governance Exposure: Enable youth to discuss real-life local issues. Values and Ethics: Promote transparency, inclusivity, accountability in decision-making. Active Citizenship: Encourage continued youth participation in Gram Sabhas. Vision “To nurture empowered, responsible, and empathetic young citizens who actively participate in democratic processes and contribute to sustainable and inclusive national development.” Key themes: Empathy & inclusivity Democratic participation Leadership & civic responsibility Localized SDG awareness Implementation Design Phased Rollout (2025) Pilot (Mar–Apr 2025) – Conducted in select JNVs/EMRSs; feedback-based SOP developed. Training Phase (Jul–Aug 2025) – Orientation of 200 master trainers and teachers. Mock Gram Sabhas (Aug–Sep 2025) – Conducted in schools (e.g., Baghpat, Alwar). Regional Competitions (Oct–Nov 2025) – Across 5 regions; 10 finalist teams (5 JNV + 5 EMRS). National Competition (Dec 2025) – 3 best teams awarded for excellence in democratic simulation. Model Youth Gram Sabha Process Pre-Meeting Preparation Circulation of agenda and notices 10 days prior. Student allocation of roles: Sarpanch, Ward Members, Secretaries, ASHA/AWW workers, Rojgar Sahayak, etc. During the Meeting Presentation of past decisions and budgetary discussions. Debate and voting on developmental proposals. Identification of funding sources and local innovations for finance. Post-Meeting Resolution drafting, minutes recording, and feedback sessions. Reflection on lessons learned regarding participatory governance. Structural Framework: MLJP Model Component Description Meaning Relevance of governance and democracy to youth life Learning Experiential and reflective education Joy Engagement through simulation and participation Pride Civic pride and sense of national belonging Training and Evaluation Modules Three Components NLMT Guide – Comprehensive facilitator manual for trainers. Teacher Facilitation Module – Pictorial, user-friendly resource for student preparation. Evaluation Framework – Pre/during/post assessment indicators for impact measurement and recognition. Funding and Incentives ₹20,000 per participating school (one-time assistance). Certificates of Appreciation for all participants. Regional & National Level Awards with cash prizes (school development use). Logistical support for finalists by the Ministry. Expected Outcomes Dimension Expected Impact Civic Engagement Active student participation in local democracy Youth Leadership Empowerment of future local leaders Governance Literacy Better understanding of PRIs and local institutions Inclusivity & Representation Awareness of marginalized voices (SC/ST, women) Sustainability Linkages Integration with Localized SDGs Long-Term Impact Cultivating lifelong democratic consciousness Broader Significance Democratic Deepening: Bridges the gap between formal education and participatory governance. Rural Empowerment: Encourages educated youth involvement in village-level planning. Institutional Continuity: Strengthens Panchayati Raj through next-generation engagement. Alignment with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and SDG 4.7 (Education for Sustainable Development). Challenges and Way Forward Challenges Limited outreach beyond residential schools (JNVs/EMRSs). Need for continuous mentorship and institutionalization. Variation in facilitation quality across regions. Way Forward Integrate MYGS modules into regular school civics curriculum. Expand to Kendriya Vidyalayas and rural government schools. Establish Youth Governance Clubs for year-round civic activities. Encourage participation in real Gram Sabhas post-school simulation. Conclusion The Model Youth Gram Sabha exemplifies the shift from theoretical civics to experiential democracy. By empowering students to simulate, debate, and decide on governance issues, it fosters a generation of informed, ethical, and participatory citizens, essential for realizing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. It transforms the Gram Sabha from a constitutional entity into a classroom of democracy — “Loktantra Ki Pathshala.” Mera Yuva Bharat Why in News? As of October 2025, MY Bharat has onboarded 2 crore+ youth and 1.2 lakh organisations, emerging as India’s largest youth engagement platform. Launch of the MY Bharat Mobile App (Oct 1, 2025) expanded reach via multilingual, AI-driven, mobile-first access. MY Bharat 2.0 introduced with AI tools, Smart CV Builder, mentorship networks, and experiential learning modules, powered by MoUs with Digital India Corporation (MeitY) and School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL). Marks two years since launch on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (31 Oct 2023) — symbolising youth-led nation-building in Amrit Kaal. Relevance GS-2 (Governance): Operationalises Article 243(b) & 73rd Amendment; strengthens grassroots democracy and participatory governance. GS-3 (Rural Development): Builds youth capacity for local planning & SDG 16 implementation. GS-1 (Society & Education): Integrates civic learning in JNVs & EMRSs; promotes inclusive participation. Background: Youth as Demographic Dividend 65% of Indians under 35 years; youth critical for achieving Viksit Bharat @2047. Traditional youth schemes (e.g., NYKS, NSS) were fragmented — MY Bharat integrates them digitally. Anchored under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports as an autonomous body for cross-sectoral convergence. Launch & Vision Launch Date: 31 October 2023 (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). Objective: Transform “Yuva Shakti” into a force for national transformation through digital, participatory governance. Vision Statement: “To make youth active partners in India’s developmental journey by connecting their aspirations with structured opportunities for learning, leadership, and service.” Institutional Mechanism Autonomous Body: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat). Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. Alignment: National Youth Policy (NYP) 2021 & Digital India Mission. Target Group: Primary: Youth aged 15–29 years. Secondary: Adolescents aged 10–19 years (early civic engagement). Approach: Phygital (Physical + Digital) engagement model ensuring inclusivity. Digital Ecosystem – The Core Engine (a) MY Bharat Portal (mybharat.gov.in) 2 crore+ youth and 1.2 lakh organisations onboarded. Functions: Digital registration & verified IDs. Opportunity-matching with volunteering, skilling, and leadership projects. Real-time dashboards for impact measurement. Outputs: 14.5 lakh+ volunteering opportunities; network of 60,000+ institutional partners (Govt, NGOs, corporates). (b) MY Bharat Mobile App (Oct 2025) Features: AI-driven chatbots & voice-assist. Smart CV Builder & multilingual UI. Digital certificates, badges, and real-time tracking. Goal: Make youth participation mobile-first and data-driven. MY Bharat 2.0 Modules Module Function / Benefit National Career Service (NCS) Integration Job, internship, and career linkages. Mentorship Hub Connects youth with industry experts and innovators. Experiential Learning Programmes (ELPs) District & state-level assignments to build civic responsibility. Fit India Integration Promotes health, fitness, and well-being. AI + Voice Interface Enhances accessibility for rural & regional users. Digital Inclusion: Last-Mile Access Partnership with Common Service Centres (CSC), MeitY — 5 lakh+ Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) facilitate rural access. Ensures universal inclusion, reaching youth in aspirational, tribal, and remote districts. Represents phygital democracy in youth empowerment — digital platform with human support network. Key Collaborations & MoUs Partner Date Purpose Digital India Corporation (MeitY) 30 June 2025 Develop AI-enabled MY Bharat 2.0 with Smart CV Builder, voice assist, mentorship & analytics. School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) 13 Aug 2025 Train 1 lakh youth leaders over 3 years in leadership & governance. Corporate Partners (e.g., Reliance) 2024–25 Bootcamps & youth innovation programmes. Flagship Campaigns & Youth Movements Viksit Bharat Run 2025: Held in 150 cities across 91 countries; symbol of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Unified diaspora & domestic youth for Viksit Bharat pledge. National Flag Quiz (Quiz Se Siachen Tak): Patriotism & civic learning through gamified quizzes. Winners visited Siachen Glacier — symbol of national pride. Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat (2025): Launch: Varanasi, July 2025; Kashi Declaration adopted. Involved 1.5 lakh youth & 2,000+ programmes nationwide. Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD): 10 thematic tracks (innovation, sustainability, startups, governance). PM hailed it as proof of “India’s Yuva Shakti” driving Amrit Kaal. Achievements (as of Oct 2025) 2+ crore youth engaged; 1.2 lakh+ organisations onboarded. 14.5 lakh volunteering opportunities created. Regional inclusivity: youth from all states & UTs connected. Real-time dashboards tracking outcomes & community projects. Strong gender and rural representation through CSC and EMRS/JNV networks. Expected Outcomes Youth Empowerment: Structured pathways for learning, leadership, service. Skill Development: AI-based career mapping, mentorship, entrepreneurship training. Civic Engagement: Institutionalising volunteerism & national pride. Digital Governance: Integrates youth in Digital India’s inclusive growth framework. Economic Dividend: Channelising demographic advantage for innovation-led growth. Road Ahead MY Bharat 2.0 Expansion: AI-based skill mapping, career counselling, entrepreneurship incubators. Integration with: National Career Service (NCS) – employment linkages. DigiLocker & UMANG – seamless certification & access. Digital India Stack – data interoperability for governance. Goal: Become Global South’s largest digital youth network, embedding youth in India’s socio-economic transformation by 2047. Critical Analysis Strengths: Tech-driven, inclusive, measurable outcomes. Cross-sectoral coordination & verified credentials for employability. Challenges: Ensuring digital literacy in rural/tribal regions. Sustaining engagement beyond registration numbers. Balancing tech automation with civic human touch. Policy Synergy: Aligned with NEP 2020, National Youth Policy, Digital India, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Conclusion MY Bharat represents India’s most ambitious youth engagement architecture — a digital institution for participatory nation-building. It operationalises the vision of “Yuva Shakti se Jan Bhagidari”, turning every young citizen into a stakeholder of Viksit Bharat 2047. By combining technology, leadership, and civic spirit, MY Bharat stands as the engine of demographic dividend and digital democracy in action.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 31 October 2025

Content Sardar Patel should be Amrit Kaal’s guiding spirit Should AI be introduced as part of school curricula? Sardar Patel should be Amrit Kaal’s guiding spirit Context & Background Occasion: Article written on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary (31st October), observed as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). Author: M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India. Purpose: To recall Patel’s role in nation-building and advocate his philosophy as a guiding spirit for Amrit Kaal (2022–2047). Relevance : GS-1 (Modern Indian History): Role in national integration — merger of 562 princely states (1947–49). Leadership in freedom struggle — Kheda (1918), Bardoli (1928). GS-2 (Governance & Polity): Architect of India’s administrative unity — establishment of All India Services. Model of pragmatic federalism and strong Centre for unity. Inspiration for cooperative federalism and civil service ethics. GS-4 (Ethics & Integrity): Lived principle of “Duty before Right (Kartavya before Adhikar)”. Embodied honesty, service, simplicity, and integrity — model of ethical public life. Practice Question Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s model of pragmatic nationalism and administrative discipline offers enduring lessons for governance and national integration in Amrit Kaal (2022–2047). Discuss.(250 Words) Sardar Patel: Historical Context Born: 31 October 1875, Nadiad (Gujarat). Title: “Iron Man of India” — symbol of unity, integrity, and administrative strength. Freedom Struggle: Key leader in the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928); earned the title “Sardar.” Role Post-Independence: As Deputy PM & Home Minister (1947–50), Patel integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union. Oversaw Operation Polo (1948) — Hyderabad’s accession. Laid administrative foundations of the All India Services and Civil Services cadre. Patel’s Vision of National Integration Challenge: Post-1947 India was a mosaic of princely states and British provinces. Action: Through negotiation, diplomacy, and firmness, Patel unified states except J&K, Junagadh, and Hyderabad — later integrated through decisive measures. Outcome: Created a politically cohesive India — cornerstone for economic and social integration. Data Fact: 562 princely states comprised 40% of India’s territory and 25% of its population (1947). Patel and V.P. Menon achieved integration in less than two years (1947–49). Administrative and Political Philosophy Core Principle: “Unity in Diversity through Discipline and Duty.” Governance Model: Pragmatic federalism — strong Centre for unity, yet cooperative relations with states. Merit-based administration — established the All India Services to ensure neutrality and efficiency. Ethics of service — believed public office was a duty, not privilege. Contrast with Nehru: While Nehru focused on idealism and global vision, Patel prioritised consolidation, realism, and administrative stability. Economic and Institutional Contributions Advocated cooperative movements (especially dairy cooperatives in Gujarat). Laid groundwork for modern bureaucracy and steel-frame governance. Promoted industrial self-reliance and agriculture-led local development — early vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Relevance in Amrit Kaal (2022–2047) Amrit Kaal Vision: Building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 — prosperous, inclusive, and secure. Patel’s philosophy remains crucial: National Unity: Countering divisive forces (regionalism, communalism). Good Governance: Strengthening cooperative federalism and administrative integrity. Discipline & Duty: Reviving ethics in politics and public life. Internal Security: Ensuring territorial integrity and social harmony. Civic Responsibility: Encouraging citizens’ participation in nation-building. Statue of Unity: Symbolic Legacy Inaugurated: 31 October 2018 at Kevadia, Gujarat. Height: 182 metres — world’s tallest statue. Symbolism: Unity, strength, and resilience of India. Impact: Boosted tourism — over 1 crore visitors by 2025. Enhanced regional development around Narmada valley. Comparative Leadership Lens Aspect Patel Nehru Political Vision Consolidation & unity Ideological nation-building Governance Approach Administrative realism Institutional idealism Core Strength Pragmatism & decisiveness Intellectual foresight Public Image “Man of Action” “Man of Vision” Ethical Dimensions Embodied Gandhian virtues — simplicity, honesty, service. Advocated that power must serve public good, not personal ambition. His life reflected Kartavya (Duty) before Adhikar (Right) — essence of modern ethical governance. Key Quote “My only desire is that India should be a strong, united, and independent nation.” — Sardar Patel Conclusion Patel’s blend of pragmatism, integrity, and nation-first approach remains India’s moral compass in the 21st century. In Amrit Kaal, his ideals of unity, discipline, and national service must guide the transformation toward a “Shresth Bharat” — both in governance and citizen conduct. Should AI be introduced as part of school curricula? Context & Background Policy Update: Ministry of Education announced AI curriculum from Class 3 onwards (from 2026–27 academic year). Earlier Initiative: Skilling for AI Readiness (July 2025) — AI as a skill subject in thousands of CBSE schools from Class 6. Objective: Build AI awareness, literacy, and employability as part of India’s AI Vision 2047. Debate: Should AI be taught early? What are the risks, readiness, and pedagogical limits? Relevance GS-2 (Governance & Education Policy): Linked with NEP 2020, NCF 2023, and IndiaAI Mission (2024). Reflects inter-ministerial convergence — MoE, MeitY, and CBSE. Raises issues of digital divide, teacher capacity, and data protection (DPDP Act 2023). GS-3 (Science & Technology): Builds AI literacy and AI skills for the future workforce. Supports India’s goal of creating 10 million AI-ready youth by 2030. Challenges of infrastructure, obsolescence, and ethical use of AI. GS-1 (Society): Impact on children’s cognition, emotional health, and learning behavior. Issues of equity and inclusion in AI-based learning environments. Practice Question   Introducing Artificial Intelligence in school curricula must balance technological readiness with ethical responsibility and educational equity. Critically examine in light of India’s AI Vision 2047.(250 Words) Conceptual Basics AI Literacy: Understanding AI’s logic, ethics, and decision-making. Developing critical thinking to interpret and question AI outputs. Relevant from Classes 3–8 (foundational learning). AI Skills: Coding, data analytics, natural language processing, model training. Suitable from Classes 9–12 (career-oriented learning). Distinction: AI literacy builds awareness; AI skills build capability. Current Landscape Global Practices: U.K.: AI literacy introduced in primary schools under “Computing Curriculum.” U.S.: AI4K12 Initiative defines 5 big ideas of AI for K–12. China: AI textbooks in high schools since 2018, linked with national AI strategy. Indian Context: CBSE AI Curriculum (2020) introduced as a skill elective in 409 schools initially, now scaling nationwide. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: “AI-based learning outcomes, coding from early stages, digital pedagogy.” 2025 Survey by Youth Ki Awaaz & Young India Foundation: 88% of school students already use AI study companions. 57% use AI for non-academic chats. 42% share personal content with AI bots. Arguments in Favour Inevitable Exposure: Children encounter AI daily (e.g., Meta AI in WhatsApp, YouTube recommendations). Hence, literacy > prohibition. Critical Thinking: Early literacy helps children question AI-generated information, reducing misinformation and manipulation. STEM Career Pathways: AI skills in higher grades foster employability in emerging tech sectors. Global Competitiveness: Aligns with G20 Digital Education agenda and IndiaAI Mission’s goal of creating 10 million AI-ready youth by 2030. Guardrails Needed: Ethical and safety design for child–AI interaction (to prevent over-dependence, privacy risks, and bias exposure). Concerns Infrastructure Deficit: Only 9% schools have one teacher. 35% schools have <50 students with two teachers. Many lack electricity or Internet. → AI integration without digital infrastructure widens the digital divide. Unprepared Teachers: 50% lack formal teaching qualifications. Need for continuous coaching and context-based pedagogy. Curriculum Obsolescence: AI tech (e.g., prompt engineering) evolves every few months — static curricula risk irrelevance. Bias & Safety: Generative AI tools are untested for child use and often trained on biased datasets. Teachers creating AI bots without ethical guardrails can amplify harm. “Dis-education” Risk: Over-reliance on AI reduces motivation for independent learning. As per Prof. Stuart Russell (UC Berkeley) — how humanity handles AI in education is a “litmus test of its ability to regulate technology.” Pedagogical Recommendations Age-wise Phasing: Class 1–5: Foundational learning — literacy, numeracy, critical thinking. Class 6–8: AI literacy — safe use, bias awareness, problem-solving. Class 9–12: AI skills — coding, ethics, and responsible innovation. Teacher Empowerment: Digital pedagogy training; AI-in-education certification modules. Unplugged AI learning (offline simulations, logic-based games) for low-resource schools. Ethical Framework: Child data protection (IT Rules 2021, DPDP Act 2023). AI audit systems for educational tools. Socio-Psychological Dimension Children’s Vulnerability: Emotional attachment to chatbots replacing human interaction. Privacy breaches via conversational data. Intergenerational Impact: Risk of “de-learning” or “dis-education.” AI systems trained on past human learning; next generation may lose drive for original thought. Mental Health: Studies show overexposure to AI tools can affect attention span and emotional regulation. Policy-Level Implications Alignment with NEP 2020 & NCF 2023: Outcome-based AI pedagogy integrated with skill-based learning. Integration with IndiaAI Mission (2024): 5 pillars — compute infrastructure, datasets, research, application development, and AI skilling. Public–Private Partnerships: For curriculum design (e.g., CBSE–Intel–NASSCOM collaboration). Regulatory Balance: Innovation-friendly but child-safe AI ecosystem. Ethical & Governance Angle (GS-4 Relevance) Promotes responsible tech use, digital integrity, and empathy. Challenges notions of human agency, moral accountability, and authenticity in learning. Highlights need for ethical pedagogy — balancing curiosity with caution. Way Forward Build Foundational Readiness First: Focus on literacy, numeracy, and teacher training before advanced AI modules. Develop Local-Language AI Tools: To ensure inclusivity and regional accessibility. Embed Ethics & Safety Modules: Every AI course must include data ethics and misinformation awareness. Monitor Outcomes: Regular NCERT–AICTE evaluations to assess impact on learning quality and equity. Invest in Infrastructure: Prioritize electricity, Internet, and device access in rural schools (Digital India 2.0). Data Points Indicator Data AI users among students 88% (Youth Pulse Survey 2025) Students using AI for chats 57% Students sharing personal data with AI 42% Schools with 1 teacher 9% Schools with <50 students & 2 teachers 35% Target: AI-ready youth by 2030 10 million (IndiaAI Mission) Conclusion Premature AI curricula without infrastructure = Digital inequality. Balanced integration — literacy first, skills later — is the sustainable path. As Stuart Russell warns, the question is not “Can we teach AI?” but “Can we preserve human learning while doing so?”

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 31 October 2025

Content What Will Power AI Data Centres? Sardar Patel’s Vision and Meaning of National Unity Today Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future with Indian PSUs In U-turn, US Gives 6-Month Sanction Relief to Chabahar After ASEAN Summit: Group’s Importance for India amid US–China Tussle Land beneath India’s five largest cities is sinking due to over-extraction of groundwater: Study What will power AI data centres?  Why in News ? India’s electricity demand, stagnant at around 5% annual growth for two decades, is now rising rapidly due to new high-energy sectors. Key demand drivers: AI & Data Centres, Electric Vehicles (EVs), 5G/IoT, green hydrogen, and digital economy expansion. The US, China, and Big Tech firms are already witnessing 25%+ annual power demand surges from AI data centres. India is planning GW-scale AI data centres (Google at Visakhapatnam, Reliance at Jamnagar) and exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as clean, reliable energy sources for them. The Union Budget 2025 launched a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to add 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, including SMRs. Relevance: GS 3 – Energy, Infrastructure, and Technology: AI-driven electricity demand, sustainable energy mix, nuclear innovation through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and linkage with the IndiaAI Mission. GS 2 – Governance and Policy: Inter-ministerial coordination between MeitY, MoP, and DAE for energy–technology convergence; clean energy policies under Budget 2025; regulatory reforms for private participation in nuclear energy. GS 3 – Environment: Low-carbon power strategy, Net Zero 2070 alignment, and sustainable infrastructure for digital economy expansion. Background: India’s Power Demand Trends Past 20 years: Electricity demand grew at ~5% annually — relatively stable due to efficient grids, low industrial expansion, and moderated population growth. Shift (post-2023): Rise in data traffic, EV charging, AI computation, and green hydrogen manufacturing expected to double electricity demand by 2030. India’s per capita electricity consumption (2025): ~1,350 kWh — 1/3rd of global average (~4,000 kWh), but projected to rise steeply. Planning challenge: Aligning digital economy growth with sustainable, low-carbon electricity expansion. Why India Needs Data Centres Digital India Mission, data localisation laws, and explosive data usage demand domestic storage and processing capacity. Current capacity: 1.4 GW vs. Europe: 10 GW India has 2× more internet users than Europe, yet 1/7th capacity. Expected growth: By 2027: 2–3× increase (to ~4 GW). By 2030: >5× increase (to ~7–8 GW) with AI and LLM infrastructure. Drivers: Data privacy & localisation mandates. 5G and IoT ecosystem. Cloud computing, fintech, and generative AI expansion. Power Demand from AI Data Centres Traditional server racks: 15–20 kW. AI/LLM GPU racks: 80–150 kW (≈6× higher load). Global data centre electricity usage: 2024: ~460 TWh 2030 (projection): ~1,000 TWh 2035: ~1,300 TWh (~6% of global generation). Case studies: China: Data centre electricity use to reach 400+ billion kWh by 2025 (~4% of total power). CAGR ~18% (2023–2030). US (Dominion, Virginia): Electricity and peak demand projected to rise >25% in 5 years due to data centres. Data Centre Hubs: Global and Indian Global US: 51% of global capacity — hubs in Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Phoenix, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania. Other nations: China, Norway, UK, Germany, Japan, Malaysia investing in AI-grade infrastructure. India Emerging AI data centre clusters: Visakhapatnam (Google) – GW-scale, AI-optimised. Jamnagar (Reliance Industries) – part of IndiaAI Mission. Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad – existing hyperscale hubs (Yotta, AdaniConneX, Sify, CtrlS). IndiaAI Mission (2024): Focus on indigenous AI models, large-scale compute infrastructure, and clean energy linkages. Powering the AI Era: Energy Mix Options Renewables Solar, wind, and hydro as clean options but intermittent and storage-dependent. Storage (battery, pumped hydro) still developing — costly for 24/7 AI operations. Natural Gas & Green Hydrogen Used as backup for renewables ensuring grid reliability. Hydrogen blending and onsite generation emerging in industrial clusters. Emerging Alternatives Geothermal energy (pilot projects in Ladakh & Gujarat). Nuclear fusion research under ITER collaboration (long-term). Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – The Key Innovation SMRs emerging as reliable, low-carbon baseload solution for AI data centres. Range: 1–300+ MW capacity. Advantages: Modular, factory-built → faster deployment. Passive safety systems → no human/manual intervention needed. Can be located near consumption hubs → no transmission losses. Flexible for remote/industrial sites. Global Investment & Regulation in SMRs Investment Landscape Total global SMR investment: $15.4 billion $10 billion – public funding $5.4 billion – private capital (tech & energy companies) Big Tech (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) exploring SMR power purchase deals for AI facilities. Regulatory Reforms (Global Trends) Six key areas of SMR regulation evolving internationally: Technology-neutral frameworks (beyond large LWR models). Streamlined licensing – combined construction-operating licences. Fleet-wide approvals – enabling standardised mass deployment. Factory certification – for modular manufacturing. Risk-informed requirements – proportional safety zones. International harmonisation – via IAEA standards & mutual recognition. Leading Regulatory Models U.S. ADVANCE Act (2024) – accelerates SMR licensing. Canada – Vendor Design Review (pre-licensing pathway). UK – Regulatory sandbox approach. IAEA – Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI). India’s SMR Push Budget 2025 Initiatives ₹20,000 crore outlay under Nuclear Energy Mission. Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. IndiaAI–Nuclear synergy: Aligns AI infrastructure growth with clean baseload energy. Key Developments BARC’s BSMR-200 – 200 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) variant. 55 MW SMR for remote areas in isolated grid mode. Holtec–India partnership for technology transfer. Private participation reforms: Planned amendments to Atomic Energy Act (1962) & Civil Liability Act (2010). Aims to attract $26 billion private investment. State-level Role Pre-approval of coal plant sites for SMR conversion. Land facilitation, safety training, and workforce reskilling. Demonstration projects integrated with green hydrogen hubs. SMR Safety and Environmental Aspects Passive safety features: Natural convection cooling. Automated shutdown systems. Accident-tolerant fuels withstand higher temperatures. Waste & transport regulation: Need for new frameworks addressing factory fabrication, transport risks, and spent fuel disposal. HALEU fuel (high-assay low-enriched uranium) requires specific waste management protocols. IAEA support: SMR Regulators’ Forum. Safeguards by Design Programme – balancing safety, economics, and security. Opportunities for India Energy Security – 24/7 baseload for AI infrastructure. Climate Goals – Low-carbon transition aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 target. Export Potential – India can become SMR exporter to Global South via cost-effective indigenous tech. Industrial Repurposing – Utilize decommissioned coal plant sites. Employment & Skill Creation – Reskill coal workforce for nuclear operations. Challenges Ahead Regulatory delays – outdated laws not suited for SMRs. Public perception & safety concerns. Financing barriers – high upfront capital cost despite modularity. Waste disposal & liability – still unresolved. Grid integration – ensuring SMR–renewable hybrid stability. Core Takeaway India’s next energy transition will be driven not just by renewables, but by AI-driven demand. Data centres and SMRs together define the digital–nuclear nexus of the future — where clean, constant power meets the data economy, enabling India’s journey from Digital India to Energy-Secure India by 2047. Sardar Patel’s vision and the meaning of national unity today  Why in News ? October 31 marks Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) — commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary (born in 1875). 2025 marks his 150th birth anniversary, celebrated through national events at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat — home to the 182-metre Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue. The theme underscores Patel’s nation-building legacy and the renewal of unity in India’s 21st-century diversity. Relevance: GS 1 – Modern Indian History: Role of Sardar Patel in integrating princely states, building the Indian Union, and shaping post-Independence federal consolidation. GS 2 – Governance and Polity: Federalism, administrative unity through All India Services, and civic nationalism within constitutional democracy. Background: Sardar Patel’s Historical Role Post-Independence Integration (1947–49): Unified 562+ princely states into the Indian Union through diplomacy, persuasion, and firmness. Handled key accessions — Junagarh, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir — preventing potential fragmentation post-Partition. As Deputy PM & Home Minister, implemented a federal integration model balancing central authority with regional diversity. Vision of Unity: Not “uniformity” but a federation of minds and hearts, bound by shared civilizational ethos. Saw administrative unity as a foundation for political stability and national security. Evolution of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Institutionalized in 2014 by the Government of India. Objective: Reinforce that national unity is an ongoing project, not a historical achievement. Celebrated annually through: Run for Unity (public participation campaign). Integrity Pledge by citizens, civil servants, and students. Cultural and patriotic events nationwide promoting solidarity. Patel’s Vision of Unity: Key Dimensions Political Unity Integration of princely states ensured India’s territorial and constitutional integrity. Prevented Balkanization, enabling democratic consolidation. Administrative Unity Advocated All India Services (IAS, IPS) for continuity and national cohesion. Believed a strong Centre was essential for India’s survival amid diversity. Cultural Unity Emphasized India’s shared civilizational identity — plural yet unified. Saw culture as the emotional and moral fabric sustaining political unity. Spiritual Unity Rooted in India’s ethos of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (equal respect for all faiths). Nationalism grounded in dharma and collective duty, not religious homogeneity. Contemporary Meaning of National Unity (2025 Context) Cultural Integration Programmes under Ministry of Culture: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) – State/UT pairing for exchange of language, cuisine, festivals, and arts. Zonal Cultural Centres & National Museums – Promote regional art forms across India. Example: Maharashtra–Assam exchange (Lavani–Bihu) fosters mutual understanding. Tourism as an Integrator ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Campaign & ‘Incredible India’ Digital Revamp promote domestic cultural tourism. 2024 Data: Over 294 crore domestic visits, indicating rising citizen engagement with national heritage. Schemes: Swadesh Darshan – Theme-based tourism circuits linking heritage & livelihood. PRASHAD – Pilgrimage rejuvenation linking faith, tourism, and unity. Local livelihood impact: Homestays, handicrafts, and intercultural exchanges (e.g., Nagaland–Gujarat crafts). Institutional and Policy Unity Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal (2022–2047) reinforce unity as national purpose: Goal of developed India by 2047. Eradication of colonial mindset. Pride in heritage. Strengthening unity and solidarity. Duty of citizens towards nation-building. Unity through Culture and Connectivity Cultural diplomacy strengthens internal cohesion by celebrating regional contributions. Digital platforms (National Mission on Cultural Mapping, Indian Heritage App) integrate citizens with shared narratives. Inter-state festivals, student exchanges, and tourism circuits convert diversity into experiential unity. Challenges to Unity Today Regionalism and linguistic chauvinism challenging federal balance. Socio-economic inequalities creating internal divides. Misinformation and polarization fragmenting social cohesion. Neglect of cultural literacy leading to loss of shared heritage consciousness. Way Forward Strengthen Cultural Federalism – Recognize diversity as an instrument of national cohesion. Inclusive Development – Balance between regional aspirations and national priorities. Civic Nationalism – Move beyond identity politics toward constitutional patriotism. Cultural Education – Embed civilizational understanding in school curricula. Digital Integration – Use technology to connect youth across states through shared platforms. Core Takeaway Sardar Patel’s unity was not just geographical consolidation — it was emotional, cultural, and civic integration. In 2025, his legacy endures as India’s moral compass — reminding that national unity is a continuous collective effort, renewed through participation, inclusivity, and pride in diversity. Building Sustainable and Inclusive Future with Indian PSUs Why in News ? FY 2023–24 CSR data shows Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have emerged as the largest contributors to India’s CSR spending. Total CSR expenditure rose to ₹29,987 crore (up from ₹26,209 crore in FY 2022–23). PSU contribution: ₹5,000 crore, a 19% increase year-on-year — reflecting the integration of sustainability and inclusion into corporate strategy. Relevance: GS Paper 2 – Governance: CSR as a tool for inclusive governance, policy–corporate convergence, and role of PSUs in social transformation. GS Paper 3 – Economy and Sustainable Development: ESG integration, CSR-linked financing, and green industrial transition under Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. GS Paper 2 – Social Justice: CSR-driven empowerment in health, education, and livelihoods, especially in NE and tribal regions. Basics: What is CSR ? Definition: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the ethical obligation of companies to contribute to societal and environmental well-being. Legal Mandate: Introduced under Companies Act, 2013 (Section 135). Mandates companies with net worth ≥ ₹500 crore, or turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore, or net profit ≥ ₹5 crore to spend 2% of average net profits (past 3 years) on CSR. CSR Areas: Health, education, environment, rural development, gender empowerment, skill development, and poverty alleviation. India’s CSR Ecosystem Global Leadership: India is the first country to legally mandate CSR expenditure. CSR as Strategy (Not Charity): Earlier: Philanthropy-driven goodwill. Now: Strategic integration into business models aligned with SDGs and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) norms. Regulatory Oversight: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) monitors through National CSR Data Portal. CSR Spending Trends (FY 2023–24) Total CSR spending: ₹29,987 crore (↑15% YoY). PSUs’ share: ₹5,000 crore (↑19%). Sectoral Priorities: Healthcare: 25% Environment & Sustainability: 20% Education & Rural Development: 15% Skill Development & Livelihoods: 10–15% Shift in Focus: From short-term charity to long-term sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive livelihoods. PSUs as CSR Catalysts PSUs combine economic reach, technical expertise, and public accountability — creating scale and credibility for CSR implementation. Their CSR activities directly contribute to national missions like: Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) Skill India Swachh Bharat Jal Jeevan Mission Beti Bachao Beti Padhao National Hydrogen Mission Major PSU-led CSR Initiatives (FY 2023–24) a) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) CSR Expenditure (11 years): ₹3,912.33 crore. Focus areas: Rural electrification, renewable energy, women’s empowerment, and health outreach. b) Oil India Limited (OIL) Flagship Projects: Project Vasundhara: Biodiversity conservation; reforestation & afforestation in Dibrugarh, Assam (Lakhipathar Range). Project KAVACH: Safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. Mobile Medical Units: Last-mile healthcare delivery in Assam & NE. c) GAIL (India) Limited CSR Spend: ₹175.71 crore. Programmes: ELITE: Empowerment through Education, Livelihood, and Technology — builds water systems, sanitation, and micro-enterprises. Sashakt: Women’s economic empowerment through skill-based training & entrepreneurship ecosystems. Focus: Climate action, renewable energy, and education support. d) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) Skill Development Project: ₹300 crore for local youth near project sites — aligned with “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Digital Literacy Drives & environmental awareness campaigns in collaboration with state governments. Thematic Focus of PSU CSR Theme Examples Developmental Link Health & Nutrition Mobile clinics, sanitation, maternal health SDG 3 (Good Health) Education & Skilling Oil Swabalamban, RVNL Training SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work) Environment & Climate Project Vasundhara, GAIL green projects SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land) Gender Inclusion Sashakt, women-led microenterprises SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Infrastructure & Connectivity Electrification, water systems SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) Regional Impact Backward & Border Regions: CSR focus on North-East, Central India, and tribal belts. Urban Development: Support for smart city components, green mobility, and waste management systems. Bridging Urban–Rural Divide: Integrated CSR for education, healthcare, and livelihoods across geography. Policy–Corporate Synergy Government’s National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC, 2019) align PSUs’ CSR with SDG frameworks. Sustainable Finance & ESG Reporting: CSR data increasingly linked to BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting). PSUs support flagship missions: Net Zero by 2070 Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 Make in India + Green Growth Challenges Inequitable CSR Distribution: Concentration in developed states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, TN) vs. low-spending in NE and hill states. Outcome Measurement Issues: Lack of standardized impact evaluation metrics. Duplication of Efforts: Limited coordination among PSUs, ministries, and NGOs. Short-term Visibility Bias: Some projects remain event-driven, not outcome-oriented. Way Forward Shift to Outcome-Based CSR: Measure long-term social impact, not mere financial outlays. Cluster Approach: Collaborative CSR among PSUs in the same geography. Integrate CSR with ESG: Build sustainability-linked reporting frameworks. Technology Integration: Use AI, GIS, and digital dashboards for real-time monitoring. Public–Private–Community Partnerships: Co-design projects with local institutions. Focus on Resilient Livelihoods: Green skilling, renewable energy, circular economy. Conclusion PSUs are transforming CSR from compliance to commitment, blending economic strength with social consciousness. Their initiatives align with SDGs, Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and Viksit Bharat goals. A sustainable and inclusive future hinges on strengthening CSR–governance convergence, ensuring that growth is both green and equitable. In u-turn, US gives 6-month sanction relief to Chabahar  In News The U.S. reinstated a 6-month sanctions waiver (effective October 29, 2025) for India’s participation in the Chabahar Port Project in Iran. This marks a policy reversal from the September 18, 2025 decision to withdraw the waiver, which had briefly subjected Indian operations to American sanctions. Relevance: GS Paper 2 – International Relations: India–Iran–US triangular diplomacy, regional connectivity, and Chabahar Port’s strategic relevance for Afghanistan and Central Asia. GS Paper 3 – Economy: Trade logistics, maritime connectivity, and integration with INSTC for Eurasian access. Background Chabahar Port: Located in Sistan–Baluchestan Province, Iran, it is the closest Iranian port to India and outside the Persian Gulf, offering direct access to the Indian Ocean. Strategic Location: ~170 km west of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port (developed by China under CPEC). Historical Engagement: 2003–05: Initial Indo-Iran talks for port development. 2015: MoU between India and Iran to jointly develop Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar. 2016: India–Iran–Afghanistan Trilateral Agreement on the Chabahar International Transport and Transit Corridor during PM Modi’s Iran visit. 2018: U.S. (under Trump) granted sanctions waiver recognizing Chabahar’s importance for Afghanistan’s connectivity and humanitarian supplies. Dec 24, 2018: Indian firm India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) took over port operations. Recent Timeline Date Development Sep 18, 2025 U.S. revoked waiver citing Iran-related sanctions (IFCPA Act). Sep 29, 2025 Sanctions regime took effect, impacting Indian participation. Oct 29, 2025 U.S. reinstated 6-month waiver, citing humanitarian and regional connectivity grounds. India’s Role and Achievements at Chabahar Investment: ~$25 million (equipment & cranes). Handled: > 90,000 TEUs and 8.4 million metric tons of cargo since 2018. Humanitarian Role: 2.5 million tons of wheat and 2,000 tons of pulses sent to Afghanistan. 40,000 litres of bio-pesticide supplied to Iran (2021). Key supply route during COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic & Economic Significance Regional Connectivity Forms a key link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connecting India–Iran–Afghanistan–Central Asia–Russia. Bypasses Pakistan, countering its blockade of Indian access to Afghanistan. Provides India with direct sea-land connectivity to Eurasia. Strategic Balancing Counters China’s Gwadar Port under CPEC — maintains India’s strategic presence in the region. Strengthens India–Iran cooperation amidst Sino–Pakistani maritime expansion. Economic Opportunities Facilitates Indian exports to Central Asia and Russia through reduced transit costs and time. Potential future link with INSTC multimodal network via Bandar Abbas and Caspian Sea. Geopolitical Leverage Demonstrates India’s strategic autonomy — balancing ties with U.S. and Iran simultaneously. Acts as a stabilizing channel for humanitarian trade to Afghanistan, aligning with U.S. humanitarian interests despite sanctions. U.S. Concerns and Policy Dynamics Sanctions Legal Basis: Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCPA), 2012. Waivers are conditional — allowed for non-military, humanitarian, and regional development purposes. September withdrawal reflected Washington’s pressure on Tehran amid renewed tensions (nuclear and regional issues). October reinstatement indicates: Recognition of India’s stabilizing role in Afghanistan. Need for regional connectivity to curb Chinese influence. Tactical move before the U.S. election cycle to avoid alienating India. Challenges Ahead Short-term waiver (6 months) creates policy uncertainty for long-term planning. Sanctions compliance risks for Indian companies and banks. Iran’s internal instability and shifting U.S.–Iran relations may disrupt continuity. Competition from Gwadar and China’s Belt and Road Initiative remains strong. Way Forward for India Diplomatic Engagement: Continue strategic dialogue with U.S. to secure longer-term exemptions. Multilateral Coordination: Integrate Chabahar more deeply into INSTC and SCO connectivity frameworks. Operational Expansion: Upgrade infrastructure and enhance throughput capacity beyond the current 8.4 MMT. Financial Shielding: Explore rupee–rial trade and sovereign-backed financial mechanisms to bypass sanction exposure. After ASEAN Summit: Group’s importance for India, amid US-China tussle  Why in News ? 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits concluded in Kuala Lumpur (2025) under Malaysia’s chairmanship. The summit occurred amid rising US–China rivalry and ongoing review of the ASEAN–India FTA (AITIGA). India’s engagement with ASEAN gains renewed significance under Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. Relevance: GS Paper 2 – International Relations: India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy, ASEAN centrality, and balancing amid US–China rivalry. GS Paper 3 – Economy: Trade integration, AITIGA review, and supply chain resilience in ASEAN-led frameworks. Basics: What is ASEAN ? Full Form: Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Founded: 8 August 1967 (Bangkok Declaration). Members (10): Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. Objectives: Promote regional peace, stability, economic growth, and cultural development. Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia. ASEAN’s Evolution 1967–1976: Political bloc to contain communism. 1976–1990s: Regional stability and dialogue mechanisms (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation 1976). 2000s onward: Economic integration – ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC 2015). Present: Second most integrated trade bloc after the EU with 25–30% intra-ASEAN trade. ASEAN’s Global Role Economic Hub: Combined GDP ≈ $3.9 trillion (2024); 5th largest economy globally. Demographics: 650+ million population; major manufacturing base and logistics corridor. Geostrategic Pivot: Lies at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, central to South China Sea (SCS) security and global supply chains. US–China Rivalry and ASEAN’s Balancing Act Security–Economy Dichotomy: US: Traditional security provider (military presence, alliances, AUKUS, Quad). China: Largest trading partner for most ASEAN nations. Pressure Points: South China Sea disputes – esp. with Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia. China’s assertiveness vs. ASEAN’s neutrality principle (“ASEAN centrality”). ASEAN’s Strategy: Avoid choosing sides; promote “ASEAN-led” platforms (EAS, ARF, ADMM+). India–ASEAN Relations: Evolution Pre-1990s: Limited engagement due to Cold War alignments. 1992: Look East Policy initiated – political & economic outreach. 2014: Upgraded to Act East Policy – focus on connectivity, commerce, culture, and capacity-building. 2022: 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations celebrated as ASEAN–India Friendship Year. Key Pillars of ASEAN–India Cooperation a) Connectivity India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT): Connects Manipur to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar. Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project: Links Kolkata–Sittwe Port–Mizoram. ASEAN–India Connectivity Master Plan 2025: Integrates digital, physical, and people-to-people links. b) Trade and Investment ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) – signed 2009, review began 2022 (to conclude 2025). Trade Volume (2024): ~$131 billion; ASEAN = India’s 4th largest trading partner. Challenge: India’s trade deficit >$40 billion with ASEAN (notably with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand). Reason: Low tariff advantage, Rules of Origin misuse, non-tariff barriers. c) Strategic & Security Cooperation Defence dialogues: ADMM-Plus, East Asia Summit, Indian Navy exercises with Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines. Maritime Security: Cooperation on freedom of navigation, anti-piracy, and SCS norms. Counterterrorism & Cybersecurity: ASEAN-India Centre, ASEAN Regional Forum collaboration. d) Cultural & Civilizational Links Shared Buddhist heritage, linguistic ties, and diaspora networks. Initiatives like ASEAN–India Network of Think Tanks and Scholarship Programs deepen soft power ties. India’s Strategic Stakes in ASEAN Economic Diversification: Reduces overdependence on China. Indo-Pacific Strategy: Ensures open, inclusive maritime commons. North-East Integration: Enhances regional development and connectivity. Geoeconomic Leverage: Platforms like BIMSTEC, BBIN, IORA complement ASEAN linkages. Supply Chain Resilience: Alternative to China-led networks (aligns with Indo-Pacific Economic Framework – IPEF). Comparison: ASEAN vs Other Regional Blocs Group Members Nature India’s Engagement ASEAN 10 SE Asian states Economic & security integration Sectoral & strategic partner SAARC 8 South Asian states Political, stagnant due to India–Pakistan issues Non-functional BIMSTEC 7 Bay of Bengal states Compact, functional Key focus post-SAARC BBIN 4 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Connectivity & trade Sub-regional cooperation CPTPP 11 Pacific economies High-standard FTA Potential future option for India Lessons from ASEAN for India Consensus-based gradualism works – incremental trust-building over decades. Economic integration precedes political unity – unlike SAARC’s security-first failure. Institutional continuity and centrality sustain credibility. Compact regional frameworks (BIMSTEC/BBIN) may yield faster results than large blocs. Balance of power diplomacy – ASEAN’s neutrality offers model amid US–China competition. Way Forward for India Complete AITIGA Review to correct trade asymmetry. Deepen Supply Chain Integration via digital trade, logistics, and fintech cooperation. Strengthen Defence Ties through joint maritime patrols and technology transfers. Accelerate Connectivity Projects in NE region with timelines. Pursue Multi-Alignment: Engage ASEAN-led forums while maintaining strategic autonomy. Explore CPTPP Accession after domestic readiness. Champion ASEAN Centrality within the Indo-Pacific architecture. Conclusion ASEAN remains pivotal for India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific vision. Amid US–China contestation, ASEAN is both arena and actor shaping Asian geopolitics. For India, sustained engagement with ASEAN through economic pragmatism, strategic partnerships, and connectivity will be crucial to emerge as a regional leader in a multipolar Asia. Land beneath India’s five largest cities is sinking due to over-extraction of groundwater: Study Why in News ? A new Nature Sustainability (2025) study revealed that India’s five megacities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai — are sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction. The study used satellite radar data (2015–2023) to map urban land subsidence, impacting over 13 million buildings and 80 million residents. Relevance GS 1: Urbanisation, geomorphological processes (subsidence). GS 3: Environmental degradation, water resource management, disaster risk reduction. GS 2: Governance — institutional response through CGWA, Jal Shakti Mission, and Smart Cities. Key Findings Total subsiding area: 878 sq. km of urban land. Population exposed: 1.9 million people at >4 mm/year subsidence rate. Max subsidence rates: Delhi – 51.0 mm/yr Chennai – 31.7 mm/yr Mumbai – 26.1 mm/yr Kolkata – 16.4 mm/yr Bengaluru – 6.7 mm/yr City-wise Analysis Delhi (NCT) Hotspots: Bijwasan, Faridabad, Ghaziabad. Cause: Compaction of alluvial deposits due to unregulated groundwater withdrawal. Local uplift: Detected near Dwarka (+15.1 mm/yr) due to rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge policies post-2011. Chennai Hotspots: Adyar floodplains (K K Nagar, Tondiarpet, Valasaravakkam, Kodambakkam). Cause: Compaction of Holocene alluvium (sandy clay, silt, sand) and intensive groundwater extraction. Impact: Highest projected structural risk among cities by 2075. Mumbai Subsidence low overall, except in high-density informal settlements (e.g., Dharavi). Cause: Uneven land compaction due to localized extraction and structural load. Kolkata Cause: Compaction of Pleistocene–Holocene sediments; subsidence along riverine and deltaic areas. Risk: Increasing vulnerability due to soft sediment structure. Bengaluru Lowest subsidence due to igneous and metamorphic rock base (gneiss, granite). Warning: Recent surge in groundwater extraction (2022–2023) may increase risk. Structural Risk Projections Year Delhi Chennai Mumbai Bengaluru Kolkata Total (very high risk buildings) 2025 2,264 32 110 — — — 2055 3,169 958 255 — — — 2075 11,457 8,284 3,477 112 199 23,529 Underlying Causes Over-extraction of groundwater via millions of unregulated borewells. Urban load stress from vertical construction increasing soil compaction. Lack of recharge infrastructure and inefficient stormwater management. Climate variability: Declining rainfall recharge and increasing urban heat. Broader Implications Infrastructure risk: Cracking foundations, damaged pipelines, and transport networks. Hydrological risk: Land sinking worsens flooding, especially during monsoons. Seismic risk: Uneven compaction increases earthquake vulnerability. Economic cost: Rising insurance risk and maintenance expenditure in megacities. Positive Example Dwarka (Delhi): Local uplift due to aquifer recharge and rainwater harvesting between 2012–2015. Demonstrates success of policy-driven groundwater restoration. Way Forward – Mitigation & Adaptation Regulatory measures: Enforce groundwater extraction caps under CGWA guidelines. Mandate recharge pits and rainwater harvesting for large buildings. Urban hydrology reform: Integrate surface water management with stormwater networks. Develop artificial recharge zones near floodplains. Nature-based solutions: Promote re-vegetation and soil conservation to stabilise land. Monitoring & Technology: Expand InSAR satellite surveillance for urban subsidence tracking. Public awareness: Integrate groundwater literacy in urban planning and civic education.

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