Content

1. Delhi govt. to microchip 10 lakh stray dogs for rabies control
2. Why does peace seem so elusive to eastern DRC?
3. ISRO inks agreement with HAL for transfer of SSLV technology
4. India resists full crypto framework, fears systemic risks
5. ‘India set to be among top five shipbuilding nations by 2047’
6. Himachal declared ‘fully literate’
7. Rampant development, not climate, pushing Himalayas to the edge
8. Census and Building Geotagging

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Delhi govt. to microchip 10 lakh stray dogs for rabies control

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Why in News?

• Delhi govt (Development Minister Kapil Mishra) announced plan to implant microchips in ~10 lakh stray dogs (2025–26) with UNDP collaboration.
• Comes after Delhi reported 26,334 dog-bite cases and 49 rabies cases (till July 2025).
• Part of comprehensive rabies control & stray dog management strategy; decision taken ahead of World Rabies Day (Sept 28).

Relevance:

• GS II – Governance: Implementation of public health and municipal policies; role of local government, SC directives (animal welfare).
• GS III – Science & Technology: Use of microchip technology in public health and urban animal management; data-driven planning.
• GS III – Health: Rabies control, zoonotic diseases, vaccination strategies; public health infrastructure.

Basics

• Microchip technology:
  • Tiny electronic chip implanted under animal’s skin.
  • Stores unique ID + vaccination & sterilisation history.
  • Data can be read via handheld scanner (~₹4,000 each).
• Dog census: First step for accurate planning.
• Pet shop regulation: Mandatory registration to track breeding & sale.
• SC order (Aug 2025): Directed humane management of strays — capture, sterilise, vaccinate, and release back locally.

Overview

• Governance & Monitoring:
  • Advisory Board for Animal Welfare → key policy body.
  • Local monitoring committees to ensure implementation.
  • Social media to boost awareness & citizen participation.
• Public Health:
  • Rabies is 100% fatal but preventable → India contributes ~35% of global deaths.
  • Vaccination + sterilisation + microchipping = integrated control.
• Cost & Feasibility:
  • ~₹200 per chip; civic body tendering worth ₹3.23 crore.
  • Bengaluru model: ₹60 crore plan by BBMP for stray management.
• Legal & Ethical Dimension:
  • Aligns with Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules & SC directives.
  • Balances public safety vs animal rights (ban on mass culling).
• Challenges:
  • Execution across 10 lakh dogs in 2 years = logistical hurdle.
  • Maintenance of database & scanners’ availability.
  • Resistance from local communities & animal welfare groups.

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Why does peace seem so elusive to eastern DRC?

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Why in News

• June 27, 2025: Rwanda & DRC signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington.
• July 19, 2025: DRC government & M23 rebels signed a ceasefire deal in Doha, mediated by Qatar.
• Despite these agreements, M23 resumed offensives, undermining peace efforts.

Relevance:

• GS II – International Relations: DRC-Rwanda relations, role of U.S. and Qatar in conflict mediation, geopolitical stakes.
• GS II – Security: Regional security, insurgency (M23), ethnic conflicts, peace processes.
• GS III – Economy: Resource curse, minerals (cobalt, coltan) and global supply chains.

Basics

• Conflict background: Rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, subsequent Congo wars, and ethnic rivalries (100+ armed groups).
• M23 rebel group: Tutsi-led militia, accused of atrocities; reportedly backed by Rwanda.
• Significance: DRC has $24 trillion in mineral reserves (70% global cobalt, plus coltan, copper, diamonds, tin, gold).
• Actors:
  • U.S. → brokered peace for minerals access, countering China’s dominance.
  • Qatar → direct mediation with M23 rebels.
  • Rwanda → pressured to sign, accused of backing rebels.

Overview

• U.S. Involvement
  • Economic: Access to cobalt & critical minerals; reduce Chinese monopoly.
  • Political: Project image as global peace mediator; influence African geopolitics.
  • Security: Promote stability to secure mineral trade.
• Qatar’s Mediation
  • Neutral bridge with non-state actors (M23).
  • Enhanced diplomatic profile as conflict mediator (pattern seen in Afghanistan, Gaza, now DRC).
• Peace Agreement Provisions
  • Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM).
  • Economic Integration Framework (licit mineral trade).
  • Ceasefire, disengagement, disarmament, conditional integration of rebels.
• Challenges & Limitations
  • Repeated Ceasefire Failures: M23 resumed violence, 140+ killed in July 2025.
  • Distrust among parties: DRC accuses Rwanda of continued M23 support.
  • Unaddressed root causes: ethnic rivalries, governance gaps, historical grievances.
  • Resource curse: illicit mining funds militias; competition over minerals perpetuates conflict.
• Implications for Conflict
  • Agreement created illusion of peace; fragile trust easily broken.
  • Shows need for comprehensive peace process addressing governance, justice, and inclusion.
  • Without sustained commitment, external mediation risks becoming symbolic.
  • U.S.–China rivalry over minerals may internationalize the conflict further.

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ISRO inks agreement with HAL for transfer of SSLV technology

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Why in News

• ISRO signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for transfer of technology (ToT) for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).
• Agreement signed in Bengaluru with participation of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
• Marks the 100th ToT facilitated by IN-SPACe.
• HAL outbid Adani-backed Alpha Design consortium.

Relevance:

• GS III – Science & Technology: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) tech, private sector participation, space tech commercialization.
• GS III – Economy: Boost to indigenous manufacturing, export potential, Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech sectors.

Basics

• SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle):
  • Designed for launching satellites up to 500 kg to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 300 kg to Sun-synchronous Orbit.
  • Quick turnaround time, minimal infrastructure, and cost-effective for frequent launches.
• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): Nodal body promoting private participation in India’s space sector.
• NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd.): ISRO’s commercial arm handling technology transfer and satellite launch services.
• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.): India’s premier aerospace PSU, now expanding into space sector manufacturing.

Overview

• Strategic Significance
  • Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling HAL to independently build SSLVs.
  • First step in large-scale industry participation in India’s launch vehicle ecosystem.
  • Positions India to capture the growing global small-satellite launch market.
• Economic & Commercial Dimension
  • Growing demand from startups, universities, and global players for small satellite launches.
  • SSLV production by HAL ensures cost-competitive, high-frequency launches.
  • Enhances India’s export potential in space technology.
• Institutional Dimension
  • Reflects effective coordination between ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
  • Demonstrates maturity of public-private partnership in India’s space sector.
  • 100th ToT milestone shows scaling up of technology diffusion beyond ISRO.
• Technological Dimension
  • ToT includes design, training, and know-how transfer within 24 months.
  • HAL to gain capability to independently produce SSLVs after ISRO’s training support.
  • Ensures faster turnaround and reduced reliance on ISRO for smaller payloads.
• Geopolitical Angle
  • Boosts India’s competitiveness in the $10+ billion small satellite launch market.
  • Strengthens India’s image as a reliable launch provider for Global South and beyond.
• Challenges
  • Need for HAL to scale up quickly to match private sector agility.
  • Ensuring global competitiveness amid rivals like SpaceX (rideshare), Rocket Lab (Electron), and China’s state-backed launchers.
  • Balancing commercialisation with national security priorities.

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India resists full crypto framework, fears systemic risks

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Why in News

• A recent government document (Sept 2025) shows India is leaning towards not creating legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies.
• Instead, it prefers partial oversight, citing concerns that mainstreaming crypto could create systemic financial risks.

Relevance:

• GS III – Economy: Financial regulation, cryptocurrencies, fintech innovation, systemic risk management, RBI’s Digital Rupee.
• GS III – Security: AML/CTF concerns, anonymous digital transactions, investor protection.

Basics

• Cryptocurrency: A digital currency using blockchain for decentralized transactions (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
• Stablecoins: Cryptos pegged to fiat currencies (e.g., USD, INR) → less volatile than Bitcoin.
• RBI stance: Sees crypto as speculative, risky, and difficult to regulate effectively.
• Global scenario:
  • US: Legal framework for stablecoins, growing institutional acceptance.
  • China: Complete ban on crypto, exploring Yuan-backed digital currency.
  • Japan & Australia: Building regulatory frameworks, but cautious.

India’s Policy Dilemma

• Regulation risks: Would legitimize cryptos → possible systemic adoption → financial instability.
• Ban limitations: Cannot control peer-to-peer or decentralized exchange (DEX) trades.
• Middle path: Oversight without legislation; avoiding both blanket acceptance and enforceability problems of a total ban.

Concerns with Crypto in India

• Financial Stability: Volatility threatens household savings & banking system.
• AML/CTF risks: Anonymous transfers aid money laundering & terror financing.
• Investor Protection: Sudden crashes (FTX, Terra-Luna) highlight risks.
• Tax & Regulation Gaps: Difficult to monitor decentralized global transactions.

Opportunities if Managed

• Blockchain innovation: Can improve logistics, land records, governance.
• Fintech growth: Stablecoins & CBDCs may foster faster cross-border payments.
• Youth adoption: Rising interest among Indian investors despite risks.

Global Comparisons

• US model: Regulatory acceptance → promotes innovation, but risk exposure.
• China model: Ban + push for state-controlled Digital Yuan.
• India: Hybrid approach → encouraging CBDC (Digital Rupee) while restricting private crypto.

Way Forward

• Strengthen RBI’s CBDC as safe alternative.
• Create international coordination (via G20, FATF) for regulating cross-border flows.
• Develop investor awareness & protection mechanisms.
• Maintain oversight without legitimization until risks are globally addressed.

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‘India set to be among top five shipbuilding nations by 2047’

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Why in News

• At INMEX SMM India 2025, the Government announced plans to position India among the Top 10 maritime nations by 2030 and Top 5 by 2047.
• India aims to make shipbuilding & repair central to its blue economy strategy under Maritime India Vision 2047.

Relevance:

• GS III – Economy: Maritime economy, shipbuilding industry, employment generation, blue economy.
• GS III – Infrastructure & Security: Indigenous tonnage, naval capacity, strategic maritime logistics.
• GS II/III – Governance: Maritime India Vision 2047, public-private partnerships, cluster development, policy incentives.

Basics

• Shipbuilding = design, construction, and repair of ships.
• Global context: Currently dominated by China, South Korea, Japan.
• India’s status:
  • Contributes 4% to India’s GDP.
  • Holds ~1% of global tonnage.
  • Ranked 16th globally in shipbuilding.

Overview

Government Initiatives

• Shipbuilding Finance Assistance Scheme – long-term financial support.
• Maritime Development Fund ($3 billion) – 45% for shipbuilding/repair, 20% for Indian tonnage.
• National Shipbuilding Mission – capacity expansion & modernization.
• Shipbreaking Credit Note scheme – boost recycling & green practices.
• Upfront subsidies (up to 30%) – for non-conventional (eco-friendly) builds.
• Clusters – shipbuilding and repair hubs to integrate ecosystem.

Strategic Importance

• Economic: Raise contribution from 4% → 12% of GDP by 2047.
• Employment: Expand maritime workforce share from 12% → 25% of global workforce.
• Security: Indigenous tonnage supports naval & commercial needs, reducing import dependence.
• Geopolitical: Enhances India’s status as a maritime power in Indo-Pacific.
• Sustainability: Push for green shipping, ship recycling, energy-efficient vessels.

Challenges

• Competition: China, South Korea, Japan dominate with economies of scale.
• High capital & technology intensity.
• Low domestic demand compared to global players.
• Skill gaps in advanced marine engineering.
• Regulatory hurdles in financing and ease of doing business.

Way Forward

• Public–private partnerships to reduce investment burden.
• Integration with Sagarmala & Gati Shakti projects.
• Skill training under Maritime Skill Development programs.
• Promote green hydrogen, LNG-based, autonomous ships.
• International collaborations for technology transfer.

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Himachal declared ‘fully literate’

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Why in News?

• Himachal Pradesh declared a ‘fully literate state’ (5th such after Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Tripura).
• Literacy drive under ULAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative of Ministry of Education.
• Achievement: Literacy rate above 95% + functional literacy coverage.

Relevance:

• GS II – Governance: Implementation of adult literacy schemes, ULAS initiative, functional literacy.
• GS I – Society: Literacy as a social indicator, gender equity, lifelong learning.

Basics

• Definition of Literacy (MoE): Ability to read, write, understand, and perform basic calculations; includes digital/financial literacy.
• Census 2011: Literacy = ability to read & write with understanding in any language (for 7+ population).
  • India’s literacy rate (2011): 74% (male 82%, female 65%).
• Adult Literacy Schemes in India:
  • 1960s–70s: Targeted adult literacy drives.
  • National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Functional literacy.
  • National Adult Education Programme (1978): Literacy for 15–35 years.
  • Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–18): Literacy + numeracy, esp. for women.
  • ULAS (2022): Linked with SDG 2030 & NEP 2020; targets 100% functional literacy.

Overview

Significance of Himachal’s Achievement

• Educational success: Literacy rate ~99% (higher than national avg. of 74%).
• Equity factor: Narrow gender gap compared to other states.
• Policy alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) & NEP 2020.

Methodology of Declaring ‘Fully Literate’

• Functional Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted.
• Training via mobile apps, volunteers, or NIOS certification.
• Target: Adults (15+) who missed schooling.

Challenges Highlighted

• Quality vs Quantity: Literacy measured as basic ability to read/write, not comprehension depth.
• Digital divide: Functional literacy now includes digital/financial skills; gaps remain.
• Dropouts & NEP goals: High GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) needed to sustain future literacy.
• Migration & demographic shifts: May distort literacy statistics at local levels.

Comparative Data

• Himachal 95%+ literacy vs national average 74%.
• Kerala still top performer (~96%).
• States with lowest literacy: Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand (Census 2011).
• PLFS 2023-24: Adult illiteracy still at 7.75% (15+) nationally.

Policy Implications

• ULAS = shift from basic literacy → lifelong learning & skill literacy.
• Localised strategies needed (hill states vs BIMARU states).
• Integration with digital India, financial inclusion, and employment-linked literacy.

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Rampant development, not climate, pushing Himalayas to the edge

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Why in News?

• Punjab floods (Aug 2025): Worst since 1988, caused by Sutlej, Beas, Ravi overflowing.
• J&K floods (Aug 2025): 34 dead after intense rainfall.
• Uttarakhand (Aug 2025): Dharali village wiped out by landslide-triggered deluge.
• Adds to earlier disasters: Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021).

Relevance:

• GS III – Environment & Ecology: Himalayan fragility, landslides, GLOFs, disaster management, climate change vs developmental stress.
• GS II – Governance: Role of judiciary (SC warnings), environmental regulation, EIAs, disaster preparedness.

Basics

• Himalayas: World’s youngest fold mountains, geologically fragile.
• Disaster types: Landslides, flash floods, GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), cloudbursts.
• Climate risks: Himalayan temperatures rising faster than global average → glacier melt + reduced snowfall.
• Vulnerability: Population, hydropower projects, roads, tourism, deforestation add to fragility.

Overview

Climate Change Factor

• Rising Himalayan temperatures → more snowmelt, unstable glacial lakes (25,000+ lakes in 2018).
• Increase in extreme rainfall events → floods, landslides.
• GLOFs threaten downstream settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Developmental Stress

• Hydropower boom: Himachal (1,144 projects), Uttarakhand (40 operational, 87 planned).
• Roads & tunnels: NHAI projects increasing landslide/flood risk.
• Tourism: Expanding hotels, homestays → deforestation, slope instability.
• Schools/hospitals often built on unsafe land → heightened disaster risk.

Governance & Judicial Warnings

• Supreme Court (2025): Warned that Himachal could “vanish” if unchecked exploitation continues.
• Criticized revenue-driven development ignoring ecological sustainability.
• Called out tree felling, unsafe infrastructure, unplanned highways.

Ecological & Social Dimensions

• Deforestation: Removal of deodar trees destabilizes soil → erosion, landslides.
• Local communities: Often excluded from planning; their traditional knowledge underutilized.
• Parallel risks: Khap panchayats/caste councils elsewhere mirror how informal norms without safeguards worsen justice/dignity—parallels drawn for disaster governance.

Way Forward

• Carrying capacity assessment before new projects.
• Independent Environmental & Disaster Impact Assessments (EIA + DIA).
• Nature-based solutions: Afforestation, soil stabilization, river-basin management.
• Climate literacy & community participation in planning.
• Avoid critical infrastructure in unsafe zones.
• Shift from revenue-driven “development” to resilient, sustainable growth.

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Himachal declared ‘fully literate’

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Why in News?

• Himachal Pradesh declared a ‘fully literate state’ (5th such after Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Tripura).
• Literacy drive under ULAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative of Ministry of Education.
• Achievement: Literacy rate above 95% + functional literacy coverage.

Relevance:

• GS II – Governance: Implementation of adult literacy schemes, ULAS initiative, functional literacy.
• GS I – Society: Literacy as a social indicator, gender equity, lifelong learning.
• GS III – Education & Human Resource Development: NEP 2020 alignment, digital literacy, skill-based learning.

Basics

• Definition of Literacy (MoE): Ability to read, write, understand, and perform basic calculations; includes digital/financial literacy.
• Census 2011: Literacy = ability to read & write with understanding in any language (for 7+ population).
  • India’s literacy rate (2011): 74% (male 82%, female 65%).
• Adult Literacy Schemes in India:
  • 1960s–70s: Targeted adult literacy drives.
  • National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Functional literacy.
  • National Adult Education Programme (1978): Literacy for 15–35 years.
  • Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–18): Literacy + numeracy, esp. for women.
  • ULAS (2022): Linked with SDG 2030 & NEP 2020; targets 100% functional literacy.

Overview

Significance of Himachal’s Achievement

• Educational success: Literacy rate ~99% (higher than national avg. of 74%).
• Equity factor: Narrow gender gap compared to other states.
• Policy alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) & NEP 2020.

Methodology of Declaring ‘Fully Literate’

• Functional Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted.
• Training via mobile apps, volunteers, or NIOS certification.
• Target: Adults (15+) who missed schooling.

Challenges Highlighted

• Quality vs Quantity: Literacy measured as basic ability to read/write, not comprehension depth.
• Digital divide: Functional literacy now includes digital/financial skills; gaps remain.
• Dropouts & NEP goals: High GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) needed to sustain future literacy.
• Migration & demographic shifts: May distort literacy statistics at local levels.

Comparative Data

• Himachal 95%+ literacy vs national average 74%.
• Kerala still top performer (~96%).
• States with lowest literacy: Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand (Census 2011).
• PLFS 2023-24: Adult illiteracy still at 7.75% (15+) nationally.

Policy Implications

• ULAS = shift from basic literacy → lifelong learning & skill literacy.
• Localised strategies needed (hill states vs BIMARU states).
• Integration with digital India, financial inclusion, and employment-linked literacy.

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Census and Building Geotagging

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Why in News

• India’s next Census (2027) will be digital for the first time.
• For the first time, all buildings across India will be geotagged to aid data accuracy.
• Geotagging will help in self-enumeration, planning, and workload management for enumerators.
• This follows an evolving trend of using technology for Census operations, building on digital efforts in Census 2011.

Relevance:

• GS II – Governance: Use of technology in Census operations, data collection, workload management, policy planning.
• GS III – Science & Technology: GIS, geotagging, digital mapping, digital governance.
• GS II – Society: Population enumeration, urban planning, housing schemes (PMAY-Gramin/Urban).

Basics of Census

• Population Census: Conducted since 1872; 2027 will be the 16th exercise and 8th since Independence.
• Data Collected: Housing conditions, amenities/assets, demography, religion, language, literacy & education, economic activity, migration, fertility, etc., at village, town, and ward levels.
• Enumerators: In 2011, 34 lakh enumerators and field functionaries were involved; they used smartphones and tablets.
• Population Figures: India’s population was 1.21 billion (2011); expected to become most populous nation by 2027.

What is Geotagging

• Definition: Marking the latitude-longitude coordinates of buildings on a GIS (Geographic Information System) map.
• Purpose: Pinpoints the precise location of structures, improving accuracy in Census data collection.
• How it works:
  • GIS maps capture, check, and display building positions on the Earth’s surface.
  • Enables identification of any location by coordinates.

Scope in India

• Census 2011 defined a Census House as:
  • A building or part of it used as a separate unit, with a separate main entrance from road/courtyard/staircase.
  • Can be occupied or vacant, used for residential or non-residential purposes, or both.
• Statistics: Last Census (2011) recorded:
  • 33.04 crore houses, 30.61 crore occupied, 2.47 crore vacant.
  • 22.07 crore houses in rural areas, 11.04 crore in urban areas.

How Geotagging Will Be Done

• Phase 1 (HLO – Houselisting Operations): April–September 2026.
• Enumerators will visit buildings in Housing Blocks (HLBs).
• Use Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) and smartphones to mark building locations.
• HLB: Well-defined area in a village/town, clearly demarcated, often with a notional map.
• Categorization: Buildings classified as:
  • Residential, non-residential, partly residential, landmark.

Benefits of Geotagging

• Improves accuracy in enumerating houses and households.
• Reduces enumerator workload, as precise locations are pre-mapped.
• Supports planning and policy, especially in urban development and housing programs.
• Scalability: Useful in smaller-scale surveys for schemes like PMAY-Gramin and PMAY-Urban.