UPDATED CLASSROOM STUDY MATERIAL 4.5. National Security Strategy ___________ 90 5.7.5.1.

4.5. National Security Strategy ___________ 90 5.7.5.1. Floods in North East India _________ 127
4.6. National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) 5.7.6. Cyclones Management in India at a Glance
Table of Contents ____________________________________ 91 ____________________________________ 128
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE ___________ 5 3.1.1. Nobel Prize in Economics: Women in Labour 5.8. Update __________________________ 129
4.7. Urban Naxalism ___________________ 92
1.1. Emergency at a Glance _______________ 5 Force _________________________________ 47 5.8.1. Progress on India’s Sustainable Development
3.1.2. Bridging Global Workforce Gaps ______ 48 4.8. UN Treaty on Cybercrime ____________ 93
1.1.1. Internal Emergency __________________ 6 Goals (SDGs) __________________________ 129
3.1.3. Gig Economy ______________________ 49 4.9. Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations93
1.2. Coalition Government _______________ 7 5.9. Errata ___________________________ 130
3.2. Growth and Development ___________ 51 4.10. Online Misinformation _____________ 94
1.2.1. NOTA (None of the Above) ____________ 8
4.11. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ___ 95 6. SOCIAL ISSUES ____________________ 131
1.3. Sub-classification in SC, ST for Quota ___ 9 3.2.1. India’s Structural Transformation______ 51
4.12. India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Program97 6.1. Emerging Technologies and Contemporary
3.2.2. Inclusive Growth ___________________ 53
1.4. Local Reservation in Private Sector ____ 10 Society _____________________________ 131
3.2.3. Measuring Poverty _________________ 54 4.13. Aircraft Carrier ___________________ 98
1.5. Comparison of Constitutional Features 10 6.1.1. Technology and Education at a Glance 132
3.3. Banking, Payment Systems & Financial 5. ENVIRONMENT ___________________ 99
1.5.1. India and France____________________ 10 6.1.2. Technology and Socialization at a Glance133
1.5.2. India and UK _______________________ 11
Markets _____________________________ 55 5.1. Climate Change ____________________ 99 6.1.3. Technology and Family at a Glance ___ 134
1.5.3. India and Nepal ____________________ 12 3.3.1. Revised Priority Sector Lending Norms _ 55 5.1.1. Climate Change Impact ______________ 99 6.1.4. Technology and Sexuality at a Glance _ 135
3.3.2. Microfinance in India _______________ 56 5.1.1.1. Impact on Small Island Developing States
1.6. Special Packages ___________________ 12 6.2. Nari Shakti: From Women’s Development to
3.3.3. Fintech Sector _____________________ 57 (SIDS) at a Glance _______________________ 99
1.7. Demand for New States _____________ 14 3.3.4. Finfluencers ______________________ 58 Women-led Development ______________ 135
5.1.1.2. Impact on Marginal Farmers at a Glance
1.8. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) __ 15 3.4. External Sector ____________________ 60 6.3. Market Society ___________________ 137
____________________________________ 100
1.9. Mission Karmayogi _________________ 17 3.4.1. India’s Trade Deficit ________________ 60 5.1.1.3. Impact on Education at a Glance ___ 101 7. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ___________ 139
1.9.1. Lateral entry in Bureaucracy __________ 18 3.5. Agriculture And Allied Activities ______ 61 5.1.1.4. Sea Level Rise __________________ 102 7.1. IT, Computer, Robotics _____________ 139
1.10. Gram Nyayalayas _________________ 19 3.5.1. Horticulture Clusters________________ 61 5.1.2. Economic Survey 2023-24 Observations on 7.1.1. Facial Recognition Technology _______ 139
1.11. Post Office Act 2023 _______________ 20 3.5.2. PDS and Household Expenditure ______ 61 Climate Change Mitigation _______________ 102 7.1.2. Supercomputers __________________ 140
1.12. Failing Public Examination Systems __ 20 3.6. Industry and Industrial Policy ________ 63 5.2. Air Pollution _____________________ 103 7.1.3. Li-Fi Technology __________________ 141
1.12.1. Restoring Education to State List ______ 22 3.6.1. Textile Sector _____________________ 63 5.2.1. Ground-level Ozone (Tropospheric Ozone) 7.1.4. Data Centres _____________________ 142
1.13. India's Sports Ecosystem ___________ 23 3.6.1.1. Technical Textiles _________________ 64 _____________________________________ 103 7.2. Awareness in the Field of Space _____ 143
1.14. Safety of Healthcare Professional ____ 24 3.6.2. Special Economic Zones _____________ 65 5.3. Water and Land Degradation ________ 104 7.2.1. Navigation by Indian Constellation (NavIC)143
1.15. Auditing of Local Bodies ____________ 25 3.6.3. Standardization Framework __________ 67 5.3.1. High Seas Treaty ___________________ 104 7.2.2. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
3.7. Digital Economy ___________________ 68 5.3.2. Soil Health _______________________ 106 Satellite ______________________________ 144
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS _________ 28
3.7.1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ______ 68 5.4. Sustainable Development __________ 107 7.2.3. Global Planetary Defense ___________ 144
2.1. India: Global Peacemaker ___________ 28
3.7.2. Digital Monopoly __________________ 70 5.4.1. Great Nicobar Island _______________ 107 7.3. Health __________________________ 145
2.2. Sovereign Debt Vulnerability _________ 29
3.7.2.1. Dark Patterns ____________________ 71 5.4.2. Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) _______ 109 7.3.1. Trans-Fat Elimination ______________ 145
2.3. Instability in India’s Neighbourhood ___ 30 7.3.2. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) ___ 147
2.3.1. India-Bangladesh Relations at a Glance__ 32
3.8. Logistics and Infrastructure __________ 72 5.4.3. Solid Waste Management ___________ 111
3.8.1. Railway Safety _____________________ 72 5.5. Renewable and other Alternative Sources of 7.4. Miscellaneous ____________________ 149
2.4. Act East Policy _____________________ 33 7.4.1. Geo-spatial Technology ____________ 149
3.8.2. Transshipment Port ________________ 73 Energy ______________________________ 112
2.5. Rise of Minilaterals _________________ 33 3.8.3. E-mobility ________________________ 75 7.4.1.1. LiDAR _________________________ 150
5.5.1. Geothermal Energy at a Glance _______ 112
2.6. Group of 7 (G7) at a Glance __________ 36 3.9. Mining and Energy _________________ 77 7.4.2. Research & Development Ecosystem in India
5.5.2. Offshore Wind Energy at a Glance_____ 113
2.7. India-Pacific Islands Nations Relations at a 3.9.1. Offshore Minerals in India ___________ 77 5.5.3. Green Ammonia at a Glance _________ 114 ____________________________________ 151
Glance _______________________________ 38 3.9.2. Gas-Based Economy ________________ 78 5.5.4. Green Hydrogen at a Glance _________ 115 7.4.3. Forensic Science __________________ 153
2.8. Western Indian Ocean ______________ 39 3.9.3. City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network ___ 79 5.5.5. Bio-economy _____________________ 116 7.4.4. Bridge Recombinase Mechanism _____ 154
2.9. India-Japan Relations at a Glance _____ 41 3.9.4. Coal Sector in India _________________ 80 5.5.6. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at a 7.4.5. Thorium Molten Salt Nuclear Power Station
2.10. India-Eurasia Relations at a Glance ___ 42 3.10. Innovation and Entrepreneurship ____ 81 Glance________________________________ 117 ____________________________________ 154
3.10.1. Creative Economy _________________ 81 5.6. Conservation Efforts _______________ 118 7.4.6. Nuclear Technologies for Food Safety _ 155
2.11. International Humanitarian Law at a Glance
____________________________________ 43 3.10.2. Angel Tax________________________ 82 5.6.1. Forest Conservation for achieving NDCs 118 8. ETHICS __________________________ 157
2.12. Energy Diplomacy _________________ 44 3.10.3. Women Entrepreneurship __________ 83 5.6.2. Eco Sensitive Zones ________________ 119 8.1. Frauds in Civil Services Examination __ 157
2.13. Space Diplomacy _________________ 46 4. SECURITY _________________________ 85 5.7. Disaster Management _____________ 120 8.2. Conflict of Interests of Public Officials 158
2.14. Updates _________________________ 46 4.1. Disturbance in Neighboring Nations and 5.7.1. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 8.3. Public Infrastructure and Public Service
2.14.1. India-Russia Relations ______________ 46 India’s Internal Security _________________ 85 2024 _________________________________ 120 Delivery ____________________________ 160
4.2. Role of Community in Border Management 5.7.2. Disaster Resilient Cities _____________ 121 8.4. Ethics of Whistleblowing ___________ 162
3. ECONOMY _______________________ 47 5.7.3. Drought Management in India at a Glance123
3.1. Labour, Employment and Skill Development ____________________________________ 85 8.5. Good Life: The Art of Balancing Work and
5.7.3.1. Declaration of Droughts __________ 124 Leisure _____________________________ 163
____________________________________ 47 4.3. 25 years of Kargil War ______________ 87
5.7.4. Cloudbursts at a Glance _____________ 125
4.4. Terrorism in J&K ___________________ 88 8.6. Ethics of Clinical Trials _____________ 164
5.7.5. Urban Flooding in India at a Glance____ 126
 1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
8.7. Western Moral Thinkers and Philosophers 8.8. Test Your Learning ________________ 167
___________________________________ 165 1.1. EMERGENCY AT A GLANCE

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1.1.1. INTERNAL EMERGENCY Conclusion
The suppression of dissent and curtailment of civil liberties during Emergency underscore citizens’ role in
Why in the news?
safeguarding democracy. Further, there is need to strengthen checks and balances within democratic
The year 2024 framework to prevent concentration of power and uphold democratic principles.
marks the
beginning of 50th 1.2. COALITION GOVERNMENT
year since the
imposition of Why in the News?
internal Recently concluded 2024 General Elections of Lok Sabha resulted in formation of a coalition government at the
Emergency on centre.
June 25, 1975.
About Coalition Government
Implications/ Criticism of imposing Internal Emergency (1975-77)
• Refers to a political arrangement where multiple parties collaborate to form a government when no
• Political Impact single party secures a clear majority in the legislature.
o Suspension of Civil Liberties: Government gets power to curtail or restrict all or any of Fundamental • Factors contributing for Coalition Government in India: Multi-party system, regional diversity and rise of
Rights during emergency. state parties, anti-incumbency factors, etc.
✓ Newspapers were subjected to pre-censorship. Press Council was abolished, and many • It can form through two main routes: Pre-election alliances and Post-election coalitions.
journalists, activists were imprisoned.
o Centralization of power: Practically suspended federal distribution of powers and all the powers are
concentrated in hands of union government (Prime Minister Office). Thus, altering legislative power of
states.
✓ 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA), 1976 extended duration of Lok Sabha from five to six
years.
o Crackdown on Dissent: Opposition leaders were arrested without trial under laws like Maintenance of
Internal Security Act, 1971 (MISA).
• Social Impact:
o Misuse of Power: There was widespread torture, custodial deaths, authoritative slum clearance
drives without adequate resettlement plans, displacing thousands of people.
o Impact on organisations: Religious and cultural organizations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,
Jamaat-E-Islami, etc. were banned on apprehension of disturbance to social and communal
harmony.
o Forced Sterilizations: Push for population control and family planning intersected with citizens’
rights to personal autonomy and reproductive freedom.
• Institutional Impact:
o Judicial Independence: It was compromised, with judges who were perceived as unsupportive of
government being transferred or side-lined.
✓ Government introduced 42nd CAA, 1976 aimed at limiting scope of judicial review.
• Erosion of trust: Arbitrary use of powers during Emergency eroded citizens' trust in governmental
institutions.
Changes brought after Internal Emergency through 44th Amendment Act, 1978
• Written approval: Emergency can be proclaimed only on basis of written advice by Cabinet to President.
• Fundamental Rights (FRs): Restricted scope of Article 359 i.e. Right to protection in respect of conviction
for offences (Article 20) and right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) remain enforceable during
Challenges due to Coalition Government
emergency.
o It omitted right to property as a FR and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A. • Political instability: Divergent interests of coalition partners lead to frequent disagreements, e.g., Fall of
• Term of Lok Sabha: Back to 5 years from 6 years by amending Articles 83 and 172. the first NDA government in 1998.
• Removal of Article 275A: It dealt with power Government of India to deploy any armed force of Union or any • Policy paralysis: E.g., Left parties withdrawing support from UPA-I over the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008.
other force to deal with any grave situation of law and order in any State. • Myopic decision-making: Frequent changes in HRD Ministry (2004-2014) caused inconsistent education
• Judicial review: All doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with election of a President or Vice- policies.
President shall be inquired into and decided by Supreme Court. • Compromise on ideologies: Parties may dilute core ideologies to maintain coalitions.
• Regionalism: Regional parties push for state-specific benefits and resource allocation. Conclusion
• Influence on foreign policy: E.g., Stalled Teesta Water Agreement in 2011. NOTA enhances democratic participation, but a responsible system should minimize its need by offering
Way Forward competitive choices. The Election Commission should mandate fresh elections if NOTA wins a majority.
• Political stability: Amend legislative rules to adopt a constructive vote of no confidence (NCRWC). 1.3. SUB-CLASSIFICATION IN SC, ST FOR QUOTA
• Election of Prime Minister: Provide for a mechanism for election of Leader of Lok Sabha, along with election
of Speaker, under Rules of Procedure who may be appointed as Prime Minister. (NCRWC) Why in the news?
• Transparency in functioning of coalition: Mandate public reporting on Common Minimum Program and
Supreme Court in State of Punjab and Ors Vs Davinder Singh and Ors, 2024 ruled that States can sub-classify
introduce "coalition impact assessments."
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to provide additional quotas for more disadvantaged groups
• Long-term policies: Use of constitutional bodies like Inter-State Council and non-partisan bodies like
within these categories.
NITI Aayog in national policy formulation that transcends coalition politics.
Background
1.2.1. NOTA (NONE OF THE ABOVE)
• Earlier in E.V. Chinnaiah versus State of Andhra Pradesh (2005), SC held that all castes in Presidential
Why in the news? Order under Article 341(1) formed one class of homogeneous group and the same could not be further
subdivided.
Recently, in Indore, NOTA has emerged as runner-up with more than 200,000 votes.
o Under Article 341(1), President of India can officially designate certain groups as SCs in any State or
About NOTA Union territory.
• NOTA was introduced in 2013 after a Supreme Court (SC) direction in a public Interest litigation filed by Other Key Highlights of Supreme Court Judgment
Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
• State cannot earmark 100% reservation for a sub-class while allowing sub-classification.
• It provides voters an option to reject all running candidates, signaling their disapproval of the available
• Governments must conduct an empirical study before sub-classification.
choices.
• State's power to sub-classify is subject to judicial review.
• Even if NOTA get majority of votes, the candidate with second-highest number of votes is declared the
• Sub-classification does not violate principle of equality enshrined under Article 14 and President’s
winner.
exclusive authority under Article 341 to identify SCs.
o SC held that NOTA option is meant only for universal adult suffrage and direct elections.
• SC expressed the need to exclude 'creamy layer' among SCs from reservation benefits meant for SC
• Globally, it is also practiced in countries such as France, Belgium, Brazil, Finland and Sweden.
categories.
Important Judicial Pronouncement related to NOTA o Currently, concept of 'creamy layer' is applicable only to reservation for Other Backward Classes.
• People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, 2013: Supreme Court held that voters should be Arguments in favour of Sub-classification of SCs & Arguments against Sub-classification of SCs &
given NOTA option so that they can exercise their right to vote while protecting their right to secrecy. STs STs
• Shailesh Manubhai Parmar v. Election Commission of India through Chief Election Commissioner & • Allowed states to provide targeted benefits to most • Weaken reservations for other SC
Ors Case, 2018: SC held that NOTA option is applicable only for direct elections and not indirect disadvantaged subgroups, thereby promoting subclasses, disrupting unified
elections such as Rajya Sabha polls. more equitable distribution of affirmative action. implementation of benefits and undermining
• Ensure adequate representation of most core purpose of reservations.
disadvantaged groups within SC category. • Undermine uniform status of SCs and STs,
• Article 16(4) of Constitution allows State to which have been recognized as single,
provide reservations for backward classes who homogenous group under Constitution.
are not “adequately represented” in State • Further dividing already limited
services. opportunities available to these
o Also, Article 342A empowers States and UTs to communities.
maintain their list of Socially and Economically • Create divisions/inequalities within SC and
Backward Classes. ST communities, leading to resentment and
competition among groups.
Way ahead
• Empirical data: Any exercise involving sub-classification by the State must be supported by empirical data
that ought to underscore the more ‘disadvantaged’ status of sub-group.
• Emphasis on Affirmative Action Programmes: Beyond reservations, Affirmative action should focus on
improving education and facilities to ensure upward mobility for most backward persons within SCs.
 • Both countries have a written constitution which is based on Ideals liberty, equality and fraternity
1.4. LOCAL RESERVATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR
outlined in French Revolution.
Why in the news? • Both countries have popular sovereignty with universal adult franchise and a bicameral parliament.
o In France, the National Assembly members are elected for five years by direct suffrage, while Senate
Recently, Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020. members are elected indirectly, renewable every three years.
Arguments regarding Local reservation in Private Sector • Provision of emergency is also enshrined in Constitution of both countries.

Arguments for local reservation in private sector Arguments against local reservation in private sector Contrasting Features of Constitution of India and France
• Protect livelihood and health of state residents. • Contravenes Articles 14, 16, and 19(1)(g) by
• Dealing with shrinking employment favoring local candidates. Specification India France
opportunities. • Fuels sons-of-the-soil syndrome.
• Curb discriminatory corporate practices • Such reservation may push business to migrate, as President is Head President is indirectly elected for five President is elected for five years by direct
against local workers who believe local their skilled workforce is not sufficiently ‘local’. of State years with no term limits suffrage with a two-consecutive term limit
workers lack work discipline, unwilling to learn • Reservations in private sector would result in
new trades. revival of license-raj. System of Parliamentary system Semi-Presidential system, with significant
• Discourage reliance on migrant labor, • No solution to core issues such as Skewed Government powers held by the President
reducing infrastructure strain. geographical development, Low quality of
• Less crime rate due to meaningful engagement education and skills Prime Minister (PM) • Constitution provides for Council • President appoints PM and members of
toyouth. • Limits hiring pool, potentially reducing is Head of of Ministers (CoM) Headed by government (on recommendation of
• Address agrarian distress by facilitating local competitiveness and deterring investment. Government PM to aid and advise President. PM).
job creation.
• Strength, roles and • Purview, competences,
Responsibilities of CoM is responsibilities and tasks of each
provided in Constitution. minister are not fixed. They are freely
determined by PM and President.

Justice system • Integrated judicial system Divides judicial authority between legal and
administrative jurisdictions

Involvement of No provision Involves civil society in governance through

Civil Society a consultative assembly

Way forward 1.5.2. INDIA AND UK

• Bridging regional inequalities by setting up of educational and skills institutions in backward areas. Why in the news?
• Promotion of labor-intensive industries to create more jobs.
Recently, new Prime Minister of United Kingdom was elected.
• Providing incentives to industries for more investments and create an enabling environment for
employing local people. Similarities between UK and India Constitution
• Both counties follow a Parliamentary system of democracy.
1.5. COMPARISON OF CONSTITUTIONAL FEATURES • Prime Minister is leader of majority party/coalition in Lok Sabha. Similarly, in UK, PM is leader of party
with a majority in House of Commons.
1.5.1. INDIA AND FRANCE
• First-Past-The-Post System is used for general elections in both countries.
Why in the News? • Both countries have Supreme Court as the highest court.
• Both countries have Rule of Law, which is based on principles of freedom, equality, and accountability.
French President formally accepted the resignation of Prime Minister and asked him to continue running the
caretaker government until the appointment of the next government.
Similarities between Constitution of India and France
• France became a republic from a monarchy following French Revolution.
o India was inspired by French revolution.
Comparison of dimensions of democracy in India and UK More about News
• Special Packages for both states Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were announced in Union Budget 2024-25.
Specification India UK
• Announcements made:
Eligible Voters • 18 years of age or older Indian • 18 years of age or older UK citizens, a o Irrigation and Flood Mitigation: Financial support of Rs. 11,500 crore to projects like Kosi-Mechi intra-
for election in citizens. qualifying citizen of Commonwealth or a state link in Bihar.
Lower House • Members of Upper House are also citizen of Republic of Ireland. o Purvodaya: Vikas bhi Virasat bhi: Plan for endowment rich states in Eastern parts covering Bihar,
eligible for casting votes. Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for generation of economic opportunities to
• Members of upper House cannot vote in attain Viksit Bharat.
UK parliament election. o Update on Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014:
✓ Financial support of Rs. 15,000 crores will be arranged in FY 24- 25.
Voting process • Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) • Postal ballots ✓ Completion of Polavaram Irrigation Project ensuring food security of nation.
About Special Packages to States
Office of Prime • Established in the Constitution. • Bases on Convention (UK does not have a
Minister (PM) • PM can be from either House of written constitution). • Special Packages provide additional financial assistance to states facing geographical and socio-economic
parliament, i.e. Lok Sabha (lower • PM can only be from Lower House challenges.
House) or Rajya Sabha. • A PM must be, or be about to become an • The Constitution includes provisions for specific state issues, particularly through Articles 371A to 371H,
• A non-elected Member of MP. which grant special status and privileges to certain states.
Parliament (MP) can be appointed • Monarch appoints PM. • On contrary, special packages are purely discretionary.
as PM for 6 months. • PM is also ‘First Lord of the Treasury’. o It is an additional grant under Article 282, which falls under ‘Miscellaneous Financial Provisions’.
• President appoints PM.

Oath by • Members of both Houses take an • Members of both Houses take an oath of
elected oath of allegiance to Constitution. allegiance to Crown.
Members • Forms of Oaths or Affirmations are • Oath is based on Promissory Oaths Act
provided in 3rd Schedule of 1868 and Oaths Act 1978.
Constitution.

1.5.3. INDIA AND NEPAL

Why in the News?
Recently, Nepal’s Prime Minister was sworn in for the fourth time to lead a new coalition government.
More about the News
• Since monarchy's abolition in 2008, Nepal has experienced 14 governments, highlighting its instability.
• Unlike Quasi-Federal republic of India, Nepal's 2015 constitution established it as a federal democratic
republic. However, Constitution of both countries has many similar features.
Constitutional Similarities Between India and Nepal
• Secular State: Both protect religious freedom. Implications of giving Special Packages to States
• Fundamental Rights (FRs): Comprehensive FRs, including socio-economic rights to Citizens.
• Fiscal prudence: Providing special packages would potentially increase fiscal burden on Centre and also
• Bicameral Parliament: Executive branch is accountable to legislature.
on other States.
• Head of Government: President is ceremonial head, while Prime Minister is real head of government.
• Governance issues: Poor state governance can lead to mismanagement and fund leakage.
• Affirmative Action: Includes provisions for marginalized groups to promote inclusivity.
• Dependency risks: Short-term benefits might discourage structural reforms, fostering reliance on central
• Other Features: Every adult citizen has right to vote, multi-party-political system, constitutional supremacy
aid.
and an independent judiciary, with Supreme Court as ultimate interpreter of Constitution.
• Federal issues: Unequal distribution can strain Centre-state relations and fuel conflicts.
1.6. SPECIAL PACKAGES • Social Unrest: Perception of unfair distribution of benefits might lead to social unrest and dissatisfaction
among different communities in state.
Why in the news? Way ahead
Recently, the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh had demanded special financial packages for their • Clear Framework: Develop a clear framework for special package allocation based on measurable criteria
respective States. like poverty, infrastructure deficits etc.
• Customized development plans: Create customized initiatives to meet each state's specific needs,
focusing on areas like infrastructure and employment.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging private sector to mobilise additional funding, expertise and to
reduce fiscal burden on centre.
• Monitoring: Enhance monitoring, plug leakages, and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Decentralization: By providing greater fiscal autonomy, decision-making authority, and prioritizing
spending as per local needs, it can reduce demand for special packages.
o E.g. 14th Finance Commission recommended that Centre should intervene in schemes where there are
large externalities or national priorities involved.
Argument in favour for creation of new states Argument in against for creation of new states
1.7. DEMAND FOR NEW STATES • Effective administrative efficiency: Efficient • Economic Strain: Establishing a new state's
administration ensures resource utilization, as seen infrastructure demands substantial financial
Why in the news? in Telangana, where paddy production rose from resources. For example, building
Bhil tribe demanded an independent tribal state i.e., Bhil Pradesh, comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya 4.57 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2015 to over 20 infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh’s capital,
Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra mmt in 2023. Amravati, is estimated to cost ₹40,000 crore.
• Innovation: Smaller states foster governance • Resource Allocation: Dividing resources like
Procedure for Formation of New States
innovations, like Kerala's Organic Farming Mission water and power can cause disputes, as seen
• Article 3: Provisions for formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing inspired by Sikkim's success. in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over Krishna
States. As per this, • Trade: Small States like Uttarakhand, Himachal River water.
o Power: Parliament may by law form a new State by separating territory from any State, uniting two or Pradesh and Goa tend to trade more than larger • Boundary Disputes: New state boundaries
more States, uniting parts of States and uniting any territory to a part of any State. state like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh etc can ignite territorial conflicts, like the Belgavi
o Presidential Recommendation: Such Bill shall be introduced in either House of Parliament only on (Economic Survey 2016-17). dispute between Karnataka and
President’s recommendation. • Better Development: Regional disparities have Maharashtra.
o Consultation with State Legislatures: Before recommending Bill, which affects area, boundaries or narrowed, with Uttarakhand reducing • Pandora box: It can further lead to demand for
name of any of States, President shall refer this Bill to Legislature of that State to express its view multidimensional poverty from 17.67% in 2015-16 to and creation of other new states.
within specified time. 9.67% in 2021 (Multidimensional Poverty Index
• Parliament can create a new state through ordinary legislation (i.e. with simple majority). 2023, NITI Aayog).
Way ahead
• Development: Steps should be taken for equitable development within existing states, addressing
economic disparities and grievances fueling statehood demands.
• Create Expert committee: By engaging all stakeholders to investigate the demand/ impact of creation of
new states.
• Economic viability: A new state should only be created if it can fund at least 60% of its expenses from
inception.
• Develop Clear Guidelines: Focussing on economic and social viability rather than political
considerations for creation of new states.

1.8. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI)

Why in the news?
Recently, Supreme Court in State of West Bengal v. Union of India case (2024) upheld the maintainability of
West Bengal government’s suit against the Union over registration and investigation of cases by CBI despite
revocation of its general consent in 2018.
 Way ahead
• Recommendations of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law And
Justice
o Director of CBI should monitor the progress made in filling up of vacancies on quarterly basis.
o Maintain a case management system which would be a centralised database (accessible to general
public) containing details of cases registered with it and progress made in their disposal.
o Need to enact a new law and define status, functions and powers of CBI and lay down safeguards to
ensure objectivity and impartiality in its functioning.
o Percentage of officers inducted through deputation at level of Inspector of Police be restricted to
10% and 40% officers may be recruited through Direct Recruitment/Limited Departmental
Competitive Examination.
o Publish case statistics and annual reports on its website.
o State's consent clause' should be removed only in such cases that are considered to be a threat to
nation's security and integrity.

1.9. MISSION KARMAYOGI

Why in the news?
Recently, Capacity Building Commission (CBC), launched in 2021, as part of National Programme for Civil
Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) - Mission Karmayogi has completed three years.
About NPCSCB - Mission Karmayogi
• NPCSCB aims to create a professional, well-trained and future-looking civil service that is imbued with
a shared understanding of India's developmental aspirations, national programs and priorities.
• NPCSCB cover all civil servants (including contractual employees) across different ministries, department
organisations and agencies of Union Government.
o Willing state governments will also be enabled to align their capacity building plans on similar lines.
• Guiding Principles of Mission Karmayogi
o Shift from rule to role based training and demand-driven capacity building.
o 70-20-10 Mandate: 70% of learning comes from on job experiences and reflections, 20% is derived from
working with others; and 10% comes from planned training.
o Establishment of unbiased systems of evaluation: Under Mission Karmayogi, there will be objective,
fair and independent assessments to determine performance.
o Democratising and enabling continuous, lifelong learning opportunities.
o Move beyond silos in Government.
Concerns associated with CBI • Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi Platform: Act as a launchpad for Mission
Karmayogi.
• Vacant posts: 1,709 out of 7,295 sanctioned positions are vacant as of March 2023. (Parliamentary Standing o Performance of all users of iGOT-Karmayogi platform is monitored and evaluated on key performance
Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice report) indicators including individual learner, supervisor, content provider and creator etc.
• Lack of transparency: Case details and progress are not publicly accessible.
Significance of NPCSCB - Mission Karmayogi
• Withdrawal of Consent: Nine states’ withdrawal of consent hampers investigations.
• Loss of credibility: Criticized for mishandling high-profile cases like Bofors scandal, Hawala scandal, etc. • Professional Growth: Evolving roles of civil servants offer opportunities for officers to strengthen their
• Administrative hurdles: Investigations of Central Government employees at Joint Secretary level and above behavioural, functional and domain competencies enhancing professional growth.
require prior approval, limiting the CBI's anti-corruption efforts. • Uniform Training Approach: It harmonises training standard nationwide, promoting uniform approach in
• Funding issues: Inadequate investment in training, equipment, and under-utilisation of funds, adversely regulating capacity-building through shared resources.
hampers CBI effectiveness. • Reducing Training Cost: Encourage Central Ministries to prioritize online courses, invest resources in
• Lack of autonomy: CBI operates under administrative control of DoPT and government's significant role co-creating learning processes, and reduce spending on foreign training.
in appointing senior officials, raises concerns about agency's independence. • ⁠Inspiring to-be Civil Servants: Mission Karamyogi's values and ideals would inspire ethical conduct in
aspiring civil servants, reducing dishonesty in Civil Services examination.
• Ease of Doing Business: Creating policies and delivering services conducive to economic growth.
• Citizen-centric: Shift from traditional rule-based governance to role-based approach will foster teamwork
and enhance service delivery.
 • Augmenting availability of manpower (only 442 • Potential conflicts of interest between public
IAS officers are working with Centre, against service and private sector backgrounds could
required strength of 1,469 officers). influence decision-making.
• Widen the talent pool for appointment, similar
practice is also followed in RBI successfully.
Other reforms required to strengthen bureaucracy
• Deputation to Private Sector to bring in domain expertise and competition.
• Institutionalize goal setting and tracking for each department.
• Appraisal mechanisms such as the government's new “360 degree” performance appraisal mechanism.
• Setting up public administration universities for aspiring and serving civil servants.
• Selection process by UPSC must be transparent, and contractual clauses should address conflicts of
interest, enforce non-disclosure agreements, and ensure accountability.

Concerns associated with NPCSCB - Mission Karmayogi 1.10. GRAM NYAYALAYAS

• Scalability: Scaling training and capacity-building initiatives could be challenging due to 1.5 crore Why in the news?
government officials at various levels.
• Over-centralization: Centralized training framework may face resistance from states, impacting Recently, Supreme Court directed States/UTs and their High Courts to file status report on Gram Nyayalayas.
implementation and desired outcomes. About Gram Nyayalayas
• Resistance: Indian bureaucracy is alleged to be status-quoist, reluctant to change, thus hindering large-
scale reforms. • Law Commission of India, in its 114th Report, had suggested establishment of Gram Nyayalayas for
• Relevance to Job Functions: Designing training modules for civil servants, tailored to address specific providing affordable and quick access to justice to the citizens at their doorsteps and de-clog local
issues, needs, and demands of citizens poses a challenge. courts.
o E.g., issues faced by civil servants in Himalayan states differ significantly from those in desert areas. • Key Features of Gram Nyayalayas
o These have statuary backing under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008. Act exempts States of Nagaland,
Conclusion Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and tribal areas specified in Act.
Mission Karmayogi is a bold initiative of Government of India to democratize the training process and address o Seat of gram nyayalayas is located at headquarters of intermediate Panchayat.
issues in existing system like complexity and red-tapism, silo culture etc. Further, constant evolving training o Status: Gram Nyayalayas are deemed to be a Court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class.
programs to match needs to civil servants, cooperation with states etc. can reform civil services and empower ✓ State government appoints 'Nyayadhikari' for each Gram Nyayalaya in consultation with high
them to deliver services effectively and efficiently. court.
o Jurisdiction: Shall be a mobile court and both civil and criminal jurisdiction to settle petty disputes at
1.9.1. LATERAL ENTRY IN BUREAUCRACY the village level.
o Dispute Process: Disputes are to be settled with the help of conciliation between the parties.
Why in the news? ✓ These are not bound by rules of evidence provided in Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (now replaced by
Recently, Union Minister writes to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to cancel lateral entry Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) but by Principles of Natural Justice.
advertisement o Appeals: Appeal in criminal cases lie to Court of Session and in civil cases lie to district court, shall be
disposed within 6 months from date of filing an appeal.
About Lateral entries • Initiative to Support Gram Nyayalayas: Under Gram Nyayalayas scheme (Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• It refers to the recruitment of individuals from outside the traditional government service cadres, to fill (CSS)), Union Government provides financial assistance to States to set up Gram Nyayalayas.
mid and senior-level positions in government departments.
• It was formally introduced in 2018, on recommendation of NITI Aayog three-year Action Agenda.
• It was also endorsed by Second Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 2005.
• Till now, 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry out of which 35 appointments have been
from the private sector.
Arguments in favour of Lateral Entry Arguments against Lateral Entry
• Bring in domain expertise to address complex • Difficult to ensure accountability as tenure is
challenges in governance and policy short
implementation. • Lack of field experience
• Deter existing talent
• Lack of clarity about reservation
Conclusion
The establishment of gram nyayalayas represents a significant advancement in strengthening structural reforms
in the Indian judiciary, enhancing accessibility for those who have been deprived of adequate recourse and
protection due to the system's complexity and technicalities.

1.11. POST OFFICE ACT 2023

Why in the news?
Recently, Post Office Act 2023 comes into effect which repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.
Post Office Act 2023
• The Act aims to create a simple legislative framework for delivery of citizen centric services, banking
services and benefits of Government schemes at the last mile.
Provisions of the Post Office Act, 2023
• Director General of Postal Services (DGPS) will be appointed to head India Post.
o DGPS will have powers to make regulations on matters such as charges for services, supply and sale
of postage stamps.
• Powers to intercept postal articles:
o The Central Government may, by notification, empower any officer to cause any item in course of
transmission by the Post Office to be intercepted, opened or detained. Potential Implications of failure of Public Examinations
o Grounds include security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order,
emergency, or public safety. Social • Erosion of public trust and widespread skepticism about exam’s fairness.
• Exemptions from liability: Post office will not incur any liability with regard to its services, except such • Widening social inequalities as disadvantaged students suffer more.
liability as may be prescribed with regard to a service provided by the Post Office. • Mental health issues among students and parents as uncertainty cause significant
• There are no penal provisions prescribed in Act. anxiety.
• Shift in social values as repeated scandals may normalize cheating, affecting
Concerns associated with Post Office Act 2023 societal ethics.
• Lack of procedural safeguards: Act lacks adequate procedural safeguards for intercepting articles Economic • Financial losses from re-examinations
transmitted through India Post, potentially violating individuals' freedom of speech, expression, and right to • Potential b$rain drain leading to economic losses from students studying abroad.
privacy of individuals. Political • Lead to hasty policy changes driven by political pressures rather than
• Exempts India Post from liability for lapses in postal services: Liability may be prescribed through Rules educational needs.
by central government, which also administers India Post. This may lead to conflict of interest. • Exacerbate federal tensions. E.g., Disagreements between Centre and States over
• Lack of clarity on consequences: Act is unclear on the consequences if authorities misuse their NEET.
interception powers or if officers act fraudulently, causing service delays. • Affect public’s perception of government efficiency.
• Undefined Emergency Powers: Not defined emergency and gives uncontrolled powers to authorities. Institutional • Deterioration of professional standards as Under-qualified professionals enter
fields due to flawed exams.
Conclusion
• Employers bear extra training costs as they may need to bridge competency gap.
Government needs to frame rules containing the procedure for interception that will be fair and transparent. • Perpetuation of cycle of mediocrity as underqualified individuals become future
educators, perpetuating poor education and assessment standards.
1.12. FAILING PUBLIC EXAMINATION SYSTEMS
Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
Why in the News?
• Objective: To bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility to public examination systems.
Recent controversy surrounding NEET UG and UGC NET examinations conducted by National Testing Agency • Key Provisions
(NTA) raised serious concerns surrounding failure of public examinations among students and academic o Coverage: Examinations held by UPSC, SSC, Railways, National Testing Agency, etc.
circles. o Defines Unfair means: Unauthorized access/leakage of question paper, answer key, assisting a
candidate during public examination, tampering with computer network or resources, etc.
o Punishments
✓ For person(s) resorting to unfair means: Imprisonment for a term not less than three years but
which may extend to five years and with fine up to ten lakh rupees.
 ✓ For service provider or any person/ group committing organized crime: Imposition of a fine up
International Practices
to ₹1 crore, imprisonment upto 10 years.
✓ All offenses shall be cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. • U.S: State and local governments set overall educational standards and supervise colleges and
• In pursuance of Act, Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has notified Public universities. Federal education department’s functions primarily focus on policies for financial aid.
Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules, 2024. Key provisions of rules include: • Canada: Education is managed by provinces.
o Venue-in-charge to take appropriate action, including FIR filing, if prima-facie case of unfair means • Germany: Legislative powers for education reside with states.
or offense in conduct of public examination is reported. • South Africa: National departments for school and higher education, with provinces implementing
o Committee should be constituted by public examination authority if there is involvement of national policies and addressing local educational needs.
Management or Board of Directors of service provider conducting exam.
o Periodic reporting of all incidents of unfair means in conduct of public examination to public Conclusion
examination authority by Regional officer along with details of action taken.
The way forward should integrate national standards with state-specific adaptations. Central guidelines can set
Way Forward broad benchmarks, while states customize curricula and policies. This balance can address diverse regional
needs effectively.
• Improving exam design: E.g., Incorporating project-based assessments in admission to higher
educational institutions.
1.13. INDIA'S SPORTS ECOSYSTEM
• Security measures: Formulation and implementation of measures like real-time monitoring of exam-
centres, use of encrypted digital lockers to storing question papers, etc. Why in the News?
• Institutional reforms: Establish an independent statutory body to oversee public exams and reduce India's Olympic ranking fell from 48th in Tokyo (2020) to 71st in Paris.
political interference in examination boards and testing agencies.
• Decentralization and customization: Incorporate state input and adaptive testing in national exams to India’s Sporting Ecosystem
address regional disparities and better assess individuals. • Sports is a state subject. However, Central government, through its various schemes, supplements the
efforts for state government
1.12.1. RESTORING EDUCATION TO STATE LIST
• Sports generate revenue and raises country’s soft power while also having significant contribution to
Why in the news? general health and well-being of players.
o Despite these benefits, only around 6% of India’s population participates in sports, which is much
Recently, controversies surrounding the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams have intensified calls for transferring
lower than around 20% in countries like US, Australia and as high as 60% in Japan.
education to the State list.
Challenges that persist in India’s sporting ecosystem
Background about listing of Education:
• Lack of early-stage talent identification: Despite being most populous country, India sent only 117
• Under Government of India Act, of 1935, Education was kept under Provincial Legislative List.
athletes to Paris Olympics, compared to 594 (U.S), 572 (France), and 460 (Australia).
• After independence, education was on State list of seventh schedule.
• Resource constraint: India’s sports budget is low as compared to countries like US, Germany, and
• 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) moved it to Concurrent list of Schedule 7, following Swaran
China. Fund underutilization is also an issue.
Singh Committee's recommendation.
o For instance, Khelo India scheme spent only Rs 318 crore out of Rs 500 crore allocated in 2019-20
• Benefits of education under concurrent list
(Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development).
o To evolve all-India policies on education as a subject.
• Limited Infrastructure Gaps: Most facilities that meet international standards are concentrated in a few
o Lack of professionalism and corruption in state run universities.
states like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka.
o Improvement in standards and synergy between Centre and States.
• Corruption and unethical conduct: For example, In January 2023, many Olympic medallists accused the
Reasons for demand to shift education in State List then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and coaches of Federation of sexual harassment.
• One size fit all: Approach is neither feasible nor desirable for a diverse country like India. • Mismanagement of athletes: For example, Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Paris Olympic for being
• Revenue expenditure on Education: As per 'Analysis of Budgeted expenditure on Education' 2022, 24 % is 100 grams overweight cost India confirmed silver and a potential gold medal.
spent by Centre while 76% is spent by States.
• Syllabus can be tailored according to requirements of each state.
 Challenges associated with Safety of Healthcare Professional
• Lack of security personnel in medical care units
• Lack of properly functioning CCTV cameras to monitor entry and exit to hospital and to control access
to sensitive areas
• Inadequate resting spaces for medical professionals who are posted for night-duties
• Either inadequate or no transportation facilities for safe commute to hostels or places of stay for
medical professionals
• Unrestricted access to patients and their attenders to all places within hospital, including ICU and
doctors resting rooms
• Failure to implement NCAHP Act 2021 by all states

Initiative taken to ensure Safety of Healthcare Professional

• India:
o National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021: To provide for
regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by allied and healthcare
professionals, and maintenance of a Central Register and State Register.
o Many of its provisions have not been implemented. Out of 28 states and union territories, only 14 have
set up state councils to set standards for previously unregulated categories.
o Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020: It provides that acts of violence against healthcare
personnel during an Epidemic situation are considered cognisable and non-bailable offences.
Way ahead for strengthening India’s Sports Ecosystem o National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH): Constituent board of
Quality Council of India, set up to establish and operate accreditation programme for healthcare
• Driving mindset change: Parents should be informed about the benefits of state or national sports
organisations.
accreditation, including reservations in higher education and job preferences.
o Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013
• Increase talent pool
o Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence
o Nourish younger talent pool: ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ initiative by Kerala Government can
and Damage to Property) Amendment Act, 2023.
be advocated across States to promote sporting culture at grassroots.
• Global:
o One State-One Sport policy: Region-specific traditional sports needs to be promoted to ensure mass
o UK: Zero-tolerance policy on violence in healthcare, supported by security teams and reporting
participation and cultivate an interest among people.
systems.
o Rural Olympics: Localised sports mega events like ‘Rural Olympics’, on lines of what Rajasthan
o ILO and WHO: Framework guidelines for addressing workplace violence, involving governments,
government has done, should be promoted countrywide.
employers, workers, unions, and the public.
• Supporting multiple disciplines: IPL for games like Badminton, Football, Tennis, and Volleyball by
sponsoring leagues that facilitates owning teams and building sports facilities should be encouraged. Way ahead
• Ensuring Accountability: Implement performance metrics for nutritionists and support staff of athletes and • State Responsibility: State governments must establish mechanisms to prevent violence against doctors,
fix the accountability for last-moment mismanagement. including imposing penalties and setting up helplines for immediate assistance, as Health and Law & Order
• Improving governance structure of sports federation are State subjects.
• Corporate funding for sports sector • NCAHP Act 2021: States should implement provisions like establishing professional and allied healthcare
councils to inspect institutions.
1.14. SAFETY OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL • Infrastructural Development: Install CCTV cameras, use biometric and facial recognition, and provide
Why in the news? transport from 10 pm to 6 am.
• Employees Safety Committees: Form committees at every medical establishment for quarterly safety
Following the Supreme Court’s order, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has announced the audits.
formation of 14-member National Task Force to formulate protocols governing the safety of doctors. • Work Hours Regulation: Governments should enforce laws ensuring maximum limits on working time of
About National Task Force (NTF) health professionals.

• NTF mandated to formulate effective recommendations to remedy the issues of concern pertaining to 1.15. AUDITING OF LOCAL BODIES
safety, working conditions and well-being of medical professionals and other related matters.
o The Cabinet Secretary will be the chairperson of the task force.. Why in the news?
Recently, International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) was inaugurated in Rajkot, Gujarat.
About iCAL Issues associated with Auditing of Local Bodies
• It is the first in • Poor Record Keeping: Local bodies’ financial records are incomplete, inconsistent, and further lack
country and aims uniform auditing standards across different states and local bodies.
to set global • Lack of qualified auditors: This can lead to inadequate or superficial audits, missing critical issues.
standards for • Overlapping Jurisdictions: Division of auditing responsibilities between different agencies, like state audit
auditing local departments, local government auditors, and CAG can create confusion and inefficiencies.
governance • Out-dated procedures: In many states, local bodies continue using outdated formats/procedures for
bodies, , offering account maintenance, despite significant increases in their powers and responsibilities. (Eleventh Finance
a collaborative Commission)
platform for • Low Awareness of audit processes and their significance
policymakers
and auditors. Way ahead (2nd ARC Recommendations)
• It builds auditors' • Simplified Standards: Audit and accounting standards for Panchayats should be prepared in a simple,
capacity, comprehensible manner for PRIs' elected representatives.
enhancing their independence and improving financial performance and service delivery. • Institutional Independence: DLFA or any auditing agency should be independent of State administration.
• Current Auditing • Legislative Scrutiny: Audit reports on local bodies should be presented and discussed by a separate State
Mechanism of Legislature committee, similar to the Public Accounts Committee.
Local Bodies • Information Access: DLFA or the designated authority should have access to necessary records by
o In 2020, incorporating suitable provisions in State Laws governing local bodies.
Ministry of • Capacity Building: Each State should ensure local bodies have the capacity to meet accounting and
Panchayati auditing standards.
Raj developed
Audit Online
application to
conduct online
audit of panchayat accounts, ensure accountability in utilisation of funds at ground level.
o CAG’s mandate for audit of Local Bodies flows from CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service)
Act, 1971.
✓ CAG exercises control and supervision over proper maintenance of accounts and auditing for all
three levels of PRIs/ULBs.
o It is done through Examiner of Local Fund Accounts (ELFA) or Director of Local Fund Accounts (DLFA)
in most states. It audits utilization of funds granted by state government to local bodies.
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. INDIA: GLOBAL PEACEMAKER
Why in the news?
Recently, the Summit on Peace in Ukraine titled “Path to Peace Summit” was held in Switzerland.
About Peace summit

• Objective: To develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
• India's Representation: To facilitate peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
o India abstained from signing the joint communique released at the summit.
Why is Global Peacemaking in India’s interest?

• Contemporary shocks across the globe: E.g., wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the threat of conflict around
Taiwan have global impacts, such as trade disruptions, inflation, energy crises, food insecurity, etc.
• Ineffective UN System: E.g., UNSC credibility has diminished.
• Potential Global player: India's peace mediation can boost global influence and Net security provider
status.
Way forward
• External security: E.g., India seeks Korean peace due to Pakistan-North Korea nuclear missile connections.
• India can adopt a more proactive role as Vishwabandhu (the world’s friend)
India’s Contributions/Potential to promoting International Peace
• Partnerships: India can collaborate with diverse nations for enhanced global peacemaking efforts. E.g.,
• Voice of the Global South: E.g., efforts to include African Union (AU) into G20, amplifying southern voices. Brazil. Switzerland.
• Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): India as a neutral mediator during the Cold War. E.g., India helped • Capacity building: Form peace teams within the Ministry of External Affairs and think tanks to study global
conflicts and develop resolution strategies. E.g., Norway's peace unit in Oslo.
Austria to become free from the Soviet occupation in 1953.
• Conflict Resolution Experience: E.g., Role in stabilizing Afghanistan and helping Sri Lanka during Civil 2.2. SOVEREIGN DEBT VULNERABILITY
crisis.
• Growing influence in emerging global order: E.g., Iran asked India to play peacemaker role to de-escalate Why in the News?
tension with US. India hosted 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS).
• Peacebuilding through Development Partnership: E.g., in Africa and Afghanistan through ITEC More on the News
Programmes, building infrastructure (such as Salma dam), etc.
• VOGSS aims to bring together countries of Global South to share their perspectives on whole range of
• Cultural Diplomacy: India’s civilisational ethos is widely respected and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva issues aligned with the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
Kutumbakam’ resonate globally. E.g., PM’s dictum: “This is not an era of War”. • In the Summit India had proposed a comprehensive "Global Development Compact” (GDC)
• Active participant in UN peacekeeping: E.g., India has supplied one of the largest contingents of forces. o GDC has been proposed amid concerns over countries, (particularly, countries of the ‘Global South’)
Sovereign Debt Vulnerability due to so called ‘development finance’.
o GDC will facilitate trade, sharing of technologies and concessional financing based on India's
growth journey, at a time when many countries falling into the Chinese 'debt trap'.
About Global Development Compact (GDC)
• Focus: Development priorities set by the countries of the Global South themselves.
• Nature: It will be human-centric, multi-dimensional and promote a multi-sectoral approach to
development.
• Aim: Contribute in balanced and sustainable development of the partner countries.
• Funds proposed under GDC
o India will launch a special fund of $2.5 million to boost trade promotion activities
o Trade policy training fund of $1 million for capacity building.
Sovereign Debt Vulnerability refers to 'the risk that a country will violate the solvency and liquidity conditions • Economic and investment threats: Since 2016, India has provided $8 billion in credit.
and enter a crisis'. o Threat to key projects that include the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line.
Reasons for the growing debt of developing Issue of debt sustainability
countries
• Higher costs of funds: When developing • The burden of debt pushes them to borrow
countries borrow money, they have to pay much from more expensive sources, increasing their
higher interest rates. vulnerabilities. E.g., Sri Lanka's public debt crisis
• More resources to pay interest: Currently, half of 2022.
of developing countries devote more than 1.5% of • Erosion of sovereignty: Chinese company
their GDP and 6.9% of their government revenues acquired the Lankan port of Hambantota on a
to interest payments. lease for 99 years.
• Issue in debt restructuring: Outsider creditors • Decreased Developmental spending: 3.3
avoid debt restructuring of a country in crisis. billion people live in countries that spend more on
interest than health or education.
Initiatives to Address Sovereign Debt Vulnerability
• IMF approved $272 billion to 94 countries since start of pandemic, of which 57 were low-income countries.
• G7 Announced Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) to meet the infrastructure
needs of low-and middle-income countries.
• G20 Established Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)and laid Common Framework for Debt
Treatments beyond DSSI with Paris Club countries.
• India: Contributing to the SDG Stimulus Leaders group for financial stress and development funding in
countries of the Global South.
Way forward
• Creating a strong and effective Global Financial Safety Net.
• Boost Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) lending resources, knowledge support etc. based on their
involvement in development financing.
• Ensure a transparent and stable global financial system to minimize the risks of crisis.
• Strengthen IMF surveillance system for an early detection of financial risks and proactive management Instability in India’s Neighborhood
of distressed loans.
• Myanmar: Military coup in 2021 has destabilized democracy, sparking widespread protest and violence.
Conclusion • Afghanistan: Taliban takeover in 2021 led to collapse of democratic government.
To mitigate sovereign debt vulnerability, countries must strengthen fiscal policies, diversify economies, • Sri Lanka: In 2022, Economic crisis triggered political instability and public unrest.
improve debt management, and engage in international cooperation. Sustainable borrowing and proactive • Maldives: Political turbulence in the Maldives-which began in 2012, when radicals forced the country’s
risk assessment are crucial for long-term economic stability. president to resign at gunpoint.
• Nepal: Political instability persists due to frequent government changes.
2.3. INSTABILITY IN INDIA’S NEIGHBOURHOOD Neighborhood instability’s impact on India
Why in the News? • Myanmar: Its instability is particularly concerning due to its shared border and the potential for increased
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has resigned amid mass protests. insurgency and refugee flows. E.g., more than 32,000 ethnic Chin have sought refuge in Mizoram and
Manipur.
More on the News • Afghanistan: India’s concerns range from the safety of its investments to the security implications of a
• An interim government has been sworn and it’s led by Bangladesh’s only Nobel Laureate and economist. Taliban-ruled state. E.g., The situation poses a direct threat to India’s national security.
• South Asia's recent political upheavals, including unrest in Bangladesh and instability in neighboring • Sri Lanka: Close geographical and cultural ties between the two nations. India confronts potential refugee
countries, have significant implications for India's strategic interests and regional stability. influx, economic spillover effects, and strategic concerns over Chinese influence.
• Maldives: India’s challenges include countering radicalization, maintaining influence against Chinese
Possible implications of recent development in Bangladesh inroads, protecting Indian Ocean security, etc.
• Disruption in India-Bangladesh partnership. • Nepal: Frequent leadership turnover and growing Chinese influence complicates India's regional interests
• Increase in illegal migration and forced displacement: Due to rise of extremism in Bangladesh. and relationships. E.g., Nepal recently swore in its 14th government in 16 years.
• Incursion of foreign power in Bangladesh’s internal politics which may create a security threat to India.
Way forward
• India, being a voice of reason and a votary of international law, has always advocated dialogue,
consultation and fairness in her approach to global issues in general and regional issues in particular.
• In this regard India has adopted the 5S principled approach-Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Shanti and
Samriddhi.

2.3.1. INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS AT A GLANCE

2.4. ACT EAST POLICY

Why in the News?
2024 marks 10 years of Act East Policy.
About Act East Policy (AEP)
• AEP is the policy graduation from Look East Policy enacted in 1992.
• It was articulated during India’s PM's visit to Myanmar for the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN + India
Summit in 2014.
• It focuses on the extended neighborhood (defined for the first time) in the Indo-Pacific region (IPR), with
ASEAN as its core.
• Objective: Promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationships in the IPR
by providing enhanced connectivity.
Achievements under AEP
• Positioned India’s launching pad to the Indo Pacific Region: E.g. India’s support of Philippines' on South
China Sea dispute.
• Forged stronger strategic partnerships with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan etc.
• Greater integration of Northeastern states with ASEAN to end economic isolation. E.g., India-Japan Act
East Forum to promote development and connectivity.
Roadblocks to AEP
• Deeper Chinese integration in the ASEAN economy.
• India’s economic under-performance: E.g. India’s trade deficit $ 43.57 billion.
Way forward: Review of ASEAN FTA, promote tourism, partner with Singapore and Malaysia to boost Indian
Semiconductor Mission

Initiatives under Act East Policy

• Regional connectivity: E.g., India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway; Kaladan multi modal transport
project.
• Played the role of ‘pharmacy of the world’: E.g., Supplied Covid-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri
initiative
• Defense exports: E.g., India’s supply of the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines.
• Restoring cultural ties by restoring Monuments: E.g., My Son temples (Vietnam), Buddhist Pagodas in
Bagan (Myanmar), Wat Phou Temple Complex (Laos), Preah Vihear temple (Cambodia)

2.5. RISE OF MINILATERALS

Why in the News?
Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific has prompted the emergence of ‘Squad’, a minilateral grouping between
the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines.
More on the News

• Squad is seen as an addition to the series of security minilateral groupings in the Indo-Pacific such as the
QUAD, AUKUS, US-Philippines-Japan trilateral and the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral etc.
• Its formation has highlighted the growing preference for minilateralism as the means of cooperation in the
global world order.
What are Minilaterals?
Minilaterals are informal and targeted grouping with fewer states (usually 3 or 4) which intends to address
specific threat, contingency or security issue sharing the same interest for resolving it within a finite period of
time.

Failure of the Multilateral Institutions Advantages of Minilateralism

• Failure to address emerging global • Pragmatic alternative to cumbersome multilateralism as it
challenges such as climate allows increased flexibility and agility.
change, cyber security etc. E.g. • Issue based cooperation allows like-minded countries to
ASEAN members failed to come together E.g. Supply-Chain Resilience initiative
condemn Chinese action in South between Australia, India, and Japan etc.
China Sea. • De-globalization and rise in protectionist tendencies
• Heightening Great-Power Rivalry makes it difficult to cooperate on multilateral platforms: E.g.
impeding consensus E.g. US-China Trade War.
Dysfunctional WTO. • Preventive Diplomacy: Aimed at preventing existing disputes Conclusion
• Emergence of more aggressive from escalating into conflicts E.g., Conflict Prevention
As India should embrace the concept of Minilateralism along with Multilateralism in line with philosophy
China is leading to emergence of Centre of Organization for Security and Co-operation in
of Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhaya (Everyone's benefit, everyone's happiness). Moreover, India should
groupings. E.g., QUAD, AUKUS, etc. Europe (OSCE)
keep pushing for reforms at the multilateral level to safeguard a universal rules-based framework while
• Developed nations see developing • Mediation and Negotiation: ASEAN mediated conflicts
utilising the minilateral route in the short term.
countries' collective influence as successfully between member states. E.g., Thai-Cambodian
unfair majority dominance. E.g. border dispute in 2011.
USA disagree with demand of CBDR • Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Assist in rebuilding post-
principle. conflict societies. E.g. EU’s role in the Western Balkans.
• Addressing Existential Threats: E.g., EU has enacted Net-
Zero Industry Act and EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
Benefits of Minilaterals for India

• Maintaining strategic autonomy, enhance its policy of multi-alignment. E.g., QUAD partnership.
• Emerge as a voice of global south by reconciling Western interests with the developmental agenda of the
Global South. E.g., India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trilateral.
• Co-opting partners with similar interests in the Indo-Pacific framework. E.g., Australia, France, and India
trilateral focuses on regional security; India-Iran-Armenia Trilateral- to boost INSTC, etc.
• Solve transnational challenges like water, energy, food security etc. E.g. India-France-UAE trilateral
• Allows India to be part of diverse Networks. E.g., part of U.S. alliances (QUAD) and the Middle East (I2U2).
• Restructuring the China-centered Asian integration by encouraging the shift of industrial supply chains
out of China and building new coalitions. E.g., “Chip 4” semiconductor alliance (Japan, South Korea,
Taiwan, and US).
2.6. GROUP OF 7 (G7) AT A GLANCE
2.7. INDIA-PACIFIC ISLANDS NATIONS RELATIONS AT A GLANCE

2.8. WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN

Why in the news?
Western Indian Ocean is emerging as a key region for US-India Indo-pacific cooperation.
About Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR)
• It stretches from the east coast of Africa to the western shores of India.
• It comprises Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania (Eastern African coastal states),
Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles (island states) and French territories (Mayotte and
Reunion).
Significance of Western Indian Ocean
Region
• Trade and Transportation: comprises
of major trade routes and choke points.
E.g. Cape of Good Hope,
Mozambique Channel (carries ~30%
of global oil trade) etc.
• Cornerstone of Indo-Pacific
Cooperation: Real-time exchange of
information through Information
Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region
(IFC-IOR)
• Ocean assets: offshore oil and gas
reservoirs, fisheries.
E.g. Gross Marine Product is at
~US$20.8 billion annually.
• Significance of WIOR for India
o Strategic Location: bridge the gap
between the Indo-Pacific and the
Middle East. E.g. India-Middle
East-Europe Economic Corridor
(IMEEC).
 o Countering Chinese influence: by neutralizing Chinese advances in the region E.g. India’s military
2.9. INDIA-JAPAN RELATIONS AT A GLANCE
base in Madagascar
o Blue Economy: Immense natural resources can contribute to India’s Deep Ocean Mission and Blue
Economy 2.0.
o Energy Security: WIO provides connectivity to routes such as Suez Canal essential for India's energy
security.
✓ 90 % of the energy trade happens through Indian Ocean mainly through Suez Canal.
o Net security provider: can help enhance India's image and influence as a regional power.
Challenges in WIOR

• Emerging Maritime Threats: piracy, smuggling of exotic flora and fauna, drug & human trafficking,
unauthorized fishing. E.g. Recent rise in pirate attacks off Somalia's coast.
• Climate Change Impacts: Vulnerability of WIOR to rising sea levels, ocean acidification, & extreme
weather events.
• Chinese Debt Trap: Increased risk of default due to high debts to fragile economies in East Africa. E.g Kenya
• Militarization: Presence of external powers may undermine collective efforts to provide security at sea
leading to regional instability. E.g., US, and China both have military base at Diego Garcia, and Djibouti
respectively.

India-WIO Region Engagement

• Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR): Under Mission SAGAR, India has delivered Covid-
19-related assistance such as food aid, medicines
• Capacity Building: India offers training and equipment to coastal guards and navies of WIO countries.
E.g., Indian Air Force Training Team deployed in Mauritius provides training assistance to police.
• Joint military Exercises: E.g., Africa India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-19)
• Operation Sankalp: Indian Navy conducted maritime security operations in areas like Gulf of Aden,
Arabian Sea and off the East Coast of Somalia.
• Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): acts as a principal hub for information
exchange.
• Memberships in common multilateral forums: E.g. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean
Naval Symposium (IONS).

Conclusion
The Western Indian Ocean region is rapidly emerging as a critical nexus of geopolitical and economic activity
and there is a need to enhance maritime security through joint naval exercises, information sharing, capacity
building etc. Joint research can be also be conducted on the impacts of climate change on the WIO region for
better development of adaptation strategies.
2.10. INDIA-EURASIA RELATIONS AT A GLANCE 2.11. INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW AT A GLANCE
 Status of India’s Energy Diplomacy
• Regional Power Grid Integration with neighbours: E.g. Cross-border electricity trade with Nepal, Bhutan,
and Bangladesh.
• Oil and Gas Diplomacy: India has strategic oil reserves agreements with countries such as UAE, Saudi
Arabia.
o India’s PSUs such as ONGC Videsh Ltd, IOCL, GAIL etc., have 48 assets in 22 countries with total
investment of US$ ~38 billion (March 2023).
• Championing Climate change diplomacy through Renewable energy Cooperation: E.g. India launched
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) under International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiative for global solar
grid.
o Countries such as USA, Germany, France, Australia, Japan and UK are collaborating with India under
National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Nuclear Energy Partnerships: India imports uranium fuel from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France,
and Canada and have also signed agreements such as Indo-US nuclear deal, Indo Japan civil nuclear
deal.
2.12. ENERGY DIPLOMACY • Engagements with International Organisations and Multilateral Groupings like International Energy
Agency (IEA),
Why in the News?
Concerns related to India’s Energy Diplomacy
The destruction of Nord Stream's pipelines and attacks on oil tankers and vessels in the Red Sea underscore the
need for enhanced energy diplomacy and India's energy security. IEA identifies key concerns in energy diplomacy as ensuring the robustness, sovereignty, and resilience of
energy systems to maintain price stability and protection from external threats. Some of the concerns which
What is Energy Diplomacy? India faces in energy diplomacy includes:
• It is an act of diplomacy aimed at sustaining and promoting energy engagements with hydrocarbon rich • High Dependency on imports: India’s reliance on imported crude has increased to a record 87.3% (2022-
countries and international organizations dealing with energy matters to secure energy security of a country. 23) up from 85.5% (2021-22) and 84.4% (2020-21) making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
o Presently, it is also used as a tool to boost renewable energy transition in international • Complex Geopolitics: It involves balancing and managing relationship with major energy suppliers and
settings among sovereign states. strategic partners who may have conflicting interests. E.g. India had to cut oil imports from Iran due to US
• Energy Security is defined as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.(IEA) sanctions.
• Infrastructure constraints: India's energy supply management is hindered by insufficient domestic
Nord Stream infrastructure for energy storage, transportation, and distribution. E.g. High transmission and distribution
• Nord Stream is a network of offshore pipelines (Nord (T&D) losses.
Stream 1 and 2) supplying natural gas from Russia to • Energy Transition and Climate Change Commitments: India faces challenges in balancing energy
northern Germany via Baltic Sea. demands with environmental commitments due to high financing costs, lack of renewable market, etc.
• It passes through the territorial waters and/or o Moreover, India’s renewable sectors such as solar industry are heavily dependent on Chinese imports.
Exclusive Economic Zones of Russia, Finland, Sweden, • Competition with China: India's competition with China for energy resources, especially in Africa and
Denmark and Germany. Central Asia, may restrict its access to vital energy assets.
Destruction of Nord Stream and its Implications Way Forward
On European Union
• Diversification of Energy Sources of Imports: India should diversify its energy mix by investing in
• Reduced dependency on Russian gas. renewable energy, nuclear power, and exploring new natural gas and oil sources to reduce dependence on
• EU’s active engagement and energy dialogue with its any single source.
partners. (E.g. North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean • Integration of energy diplomacy into foreign policy: Strengthening of strategic partnerships with key
• Significant financial costs for Europe. nations, regional organizations, and international forums will help India secure reliable and long-term
• USA, UK have criticised Nord Stream 2 as “a Russian energy supplies.
geopolitical project intended to weaken European • Strengthening of Energy Infrastructure: By investment in power grids, pipelines, ports, LNG terminals to
energy security”. ensure efficient energy distribution, resilience against supply disruptions and volatility in prices.
On Russia • Increased Outreach and coordination with reliable producers and large consumers to promote relevant
infrastructure and action to reduce methane emissions, without undermining long-term climate neutrality
• Decline in revenue due to loss of European market goals.
• Exit of major European energy companies from Russian joint ventures (e.g. BP, Shell, Equinor) • Strengthen Technological Collaboration: to strengthen foresight capability to anticipate new security and
• Exploration of new markets as a promising alternative. ( E.g. Asia-Pacific ) geopolitical challenges.
2.13. SPACE DIPLOMACY 3. ECONOMY
Why in the News?
3.1. LABOUR, EMPLOYMENT AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
India and Nepal signed MOU to provide grant assistance for the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite.
More on the News 3.1.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS: WOMEN IN LABOUR FORCE
• The collaboration highlights the growing role of space technology in diplomacy. Why in the news?
• Munal Satellite is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal that aims to build a vegetation density The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023 has been awarded to Claudia
database of the Earth’s surface. Goldin for advancing understanding of women’s labour market outcomes.
• The satellite will use NewSpace India Limited’s (NSIL) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
More on the news
About Space Diplomacy
• Over the past century, the proportion of women in paid work has tripled in many high-income countries. This
• It involves leveraging space science and technology to achieve foreign policy goals and strengthen national is one of the biggest societal and economic changes in the labour market in modern times, but significant
space capabilities. gender differences remain.
• Significance for space diplomacy for India • Claudia Goldin’s research has given us new and
o Global south cooperation: India is investing in building resources and building consensus on common often surprising insights into women’s historical
space tech for space exploration. E.g., South Asia Satellite Project. and contemporary roles in the labour market.
o National Security: E.g., The India-US space situational awareness agreement can provide access to the Status of Gender Differences
U.S. radar and sensor network to mitigate risk to India's space assets.
o International cooperation and Capacity building: to utilise space resources for the expanding • Global Status: Globally, around 50% women are in
population. paid employment, while the equivalent figure for
✓ E.g., UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO’ (UNNATI) makes an effort to educate men is 80%.
Foreign Engineers/Scientists in space sciences. • Status in India: In India, the labour force
o Conflict free space: India is committed to using outer space for peaceful purposes and keeping it participation rate among females is 24% and
conflict-free. among males is 73.6% for 2022.
• Challenges: lack of private participation, few missions for deep space exploration, lack of multilateral • U-shaped relationship: There is a posited U-
space partnerships, etc. shaped relationship between development (proxied
by GDP per capita) and female labour force
Conclusion participation.
In the changing world where technology is directing the relations with other countries, space diplomacy can o Women’s labour force participation is high for the poorest countries (higher share of agriculture),
provide another avenue to further strengthen relations and autonomy. lower for middle income countries, and then rises again among high income countries.
• Earnings Gap: When women work, they usually earn less. In India, the gender earnings gap is most skewed
2.14. UPDATES amongst self-employed workers.
• Opportunities: Women are less likely to work in formal employment and have fewer opportunities for
2.14.1. INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS business expansion or career progression.
Factors influencing female labour force participation
Why in the news?
• U-shaped curve: Previously, it was concluded that there was a clear positive association between
Prime Minister of India officially visited Russia in July 2024 for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. economic growth and the number of women in paid employment.
Key Outcomes of the Visit o Goldin’s U-curve demonstrated that there is no historically consistent association between
women’s participation in the labour market and economic growth.
• Trade and Economic partnership: ‘Enduring and Expanding Partnership’ focusing on economics. • Social norms: Legislation or customs known as “marriage bars” often prevented married women from
o Set the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. continuing their employment despite increased demand for labour.
o Promote bilateral settlement system using national currencies. o Also, women often leave the workforce for an extended period after marriage.
o Signed Program of India-Russia cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres in the
• Technological innovations: Innovation of the contraceptive pill resulted in women delaying marriage and
Russian Far East for the period from 2024 -2029, and cooperation principles in the Arctic zone of the
childbirth, thus increasing their education and career prospects.
Russian Federation.
o However, this did not mean that the earnings gap between women and men completely
• Military cooperation: Boost joint manufacturing in India of spare parts of Russian origin arms and disappeared, though it has become significantly smaller since the 1970s.
equipments under Make-in-India program.
• Parenthood effect: Women taking greater responsibility than men for childcare (care economy) makes
• On Ukraine: Peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy their career progression and earnings increases more difficult.
• New consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg by India.
Way forward - Reducing gender differences in the workforce Initiatives taken for utilization of India’s demographic advantage
• Assessment: Policymakers who want to affect these differences must first understand why they exist. • Skill Development: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has undertaken several
• Investment: Investments in providing women equal access to information, education and healthcare reaps programs for skill training such as Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana etc.
large dividend in terms of gender parity. • National Education Policy 2020 provides for inclusion of vocational education in the school curriculum
o E.g., Brazil introduced the Emergency Aid cash transfer program early in the pandemic, which provided and imparting skill training at an early age.
double the benefits to women-led households, decreasing poverty rate. • Migration Agreements: with various countries such as Italy, France, Germany etc.
• Congenial environment: Reforms to taxation, public spending, financial infrastructure and regulations, as
well as labour markets that removes institutional barriers.
o For instance, In Norway, the expansion of universal childcare increased the likelihood of mothers’
employment by 32 percentage points.
• Tackling biases and social norms: Such costs can be reduced through social and legal actions such as
curbing underage marriage, criminalizing domestic violence, and increasing the number of elected female
officials.
• Access to microfinance: An International Growth Centre (IGC) project in India found that greater access to
microfinance loans led to a significant increase in female labour force participation.

3.1.2. BRIDGING GLOBAL WORKFORCE GAPS

Why in the news?
The India Employment Outlook 2030 by ORF has highlighted that about 24.3% of the incremental global
workforce over the next decade will come from India.
Global labour market scenario India’s demographic advantage
• Shrinking working age population • Working population: India’s population exceeds
Way Forward
Demographic shifts are rapidly changing 1.4 billion, nearly 65% of whom are of working age
high-income countries. Birth rates are falling, (15–64 years), and more than 27% between the • Understanding global labour demand: India can strategically align its labour supply with the demands of
leading to a projected decline of over 92 million ages of 15 and 24. advanced economies, ensuring mutual economic growth and integration.
working-age people by 2050. • Bridging Skill Gap: The ‘Global Skill Gap Study’ by • Skill Development: India must invest in skilling initiatives to equip its workforce.
• Ageing population: Elderly populations (65 and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) • International agreements: To facilitate labour mobility, simplifying immigration processes, providing clear
older) will grow by over 100 million in many showed a growing demand for Indian talent information about migration opportunities etc.
high-income countries. across diverse sectors worldwide. • Reducing costs: Reducing labour mobility transaction costs and ensuring the smooth reintegration of
• Globalized Job Market: Increasing • Dual advantage: India's young population returning workers into the Indian labour market.
accessibility to digital systems, alongside (median age 28.4) offers a competitive workforce • Women empowerment: Getting more women to enter the workforce will be pivotal, as only 24% were
increasing acceptance of teamwork with advantage and a potential for significant consumer participating in 2022, according to ILO estimates.
colleagues who are not co-located, has spending growth.
enabled more globalized talent value chains. • Previous Successes: India’s success in exporting 3.1.3. GIG ECONOMY
• Shifting international trade: due to IT and BPO services is a good example of how India
Why in the news?
geopolitical situations, trade restrictions and has leveraged its demographic advantage.
friendshoring. Recently Karnataka government published draft Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and
Welfare) Bill.
Impacts of labour mobility
Gig Workers
• Global Productivity enhancement: Labour mobility can connect potential migrants with employers in
need, enhancing global equity and productivity. • As per Code on Social Security, 2020, it means a person who performs work or participates in a work
• Poverty alleviation: Workers moving to richer countries can expect to increase their incomes by 6 to 15 arrangement and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship.
times, significantly alleviating poverty. • Broadly classified into 2 categories:
• Social welfare: Remittances (India received over US$ 111 billion in 2022) sent back home by migrant o Platform based: Whose work is based on online software apps or digital platforms. E.g., delivery
workers can play a crucial role in improved healthcare, education and welfare. workers of Zomato.
o India introduced Liberalised Remittances Scheme in 2004 under which all resident individuals, o Non-platform based: Casual wage workers in conventional sectors, working part-time or full-time.
including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year E.g., domestic workers.
• Brain Drain: Mass migration of workers may result in potential brain drain, adversely affecting the sectors • Drivers of Growth: Technological advancements, urbanization, rising middle-class consumption
like healthcare and construction. demands, shifts in consumer preferences towards on-demand services, and desire for greater work-life
balance among workers.
 3.2. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
3.2.1. INDIA’S STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION
Why in the news?
IMF released a Working Paper titled ‘Advancing India’s Structural Transformation and Catch-up to the
Technology Frontier’.
India’s Structural Transformation
• Structural change in output:
o Share of agriculture and allied activities in output declined from 42% in 1972-73 to 15% in 2019-20.
o Share of industry (consisting of mining, construction, manufacturing and utilities) rose from 24% in
1972-73 to 25.9% in 2020-21.
o Share of services in output rose significantly from 34.5 in 1970 to 55.3% in FY 2020.
• Structural change in Employment:
o Share of agriculture in employment declined from 73.9% in 1972-73 to 42 % in 2018-19.
o Share of industry in employment rose from 11.3% (1972-73) to 24% (2019-20) in five decades.
o Share of services in employment increased significantly from 14.8% in 1972-73 to 30.7% in 2019-20
• Presence of informal sector: Between 1983 and 2019, the share of the non-farm sector in employment rose
20%, but the majority of such jobs were of the informal variety.
• Urbanization: India is urbanizing rapidly. By 2036, its towns and cities will be home to 600 million people,
Challenges for Gig Workers or 40 percent of the population, up from 31 percent in 2011 & 20 % in 1971.

• Digital Divide: Access to internet services and digital technology can be a restrictive factor for workers.
• Data protection: Opaque decisions made by platform companies on how to collect; store and share
personal data of workers impact Right to privacy of workers.
• Lacking ‘employee’ status: Has resulted in several consequences e.g. inability to form unions to represent
their interests, exploitative contacts, etc.
• Uncertain Nature of Job: Lack of job security, irregularity of wages, and uncertain employment etc.
• Lack of social Protection: such as Health Insurance, Employees Provident Fund etc.
• Algorithmic management: Workers face stress due to pressures resulting from algorithmic
management practices and performance evaluation on the basis of ratings.
Steps taken for Gig Economy in India
• Code on Social Security, 2020: Provides for extension of social security benefits to gig workers as well.
• Code on Wages, 2019: provides for universal minimum wage and floor wage across organized and
unorganized sector which include gig workers.
• e-SHRAM Portal: which is a National Database of Unorganised Workers including gig workers.
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): All eligible registered unorganised workers including gig
workers are entitled to get benefit of an accidental insurance cover of Rs. 2.0 Lakh for a year.

Way Forward
Proper Introducing Accelerate Enhancing Social Skill Universal
Estimation of Platform India Financial Inclusion in Digital Development Social Security Key Issues Highlighted by paper in India’s structural Transformation:
Gig Workers initiative (like Inclusion Economy for Platform Coverage
Startup India) Jobs • Sectorial Imbalance: Aggregate output of agriculture has declined to 15% in 2019 however it still accounts
for 42% of employment.
• Uneven tech-adoption: Services outperformed manufacturing in catch-up to technological frontier.
• Rise of low skill jobs: Construction has become an important employer, with about 12 % of workers in 2019.
• Low Productivity: Labour in 2019-20 in manufacturing and services was over 4.5 times more productive 3.2.2. INCLUSIVE GROWTH
than in agriculture.
• Job creation: India needs at least 143-324 million jobs for its growing population by 2050.
Key Policy Recommendations:
• Strengthening Education and Skilling: It can help workers transition to higher productivity sectors.
o India’s labor force still has fewer years of formal education than peers and quality of its education
remains low (ASER, 2023).
• Advancing Labor Market Reforms: To further enhance labor market flexibility.
• Fostering Trade Integration: E.g. Signing bilateral trade agreements, removing tariff and non-tariff
restrictions to integrate with global markets.
• Removing Red Tape: Simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles can spur private sector
growth, leading to more job creation.
• Continued Public investment Push: Stronger physical public infrastructure, including DPI, will help
increase productivity of private sector.
• Others: Strengthening Social Safety Net, Facilitating Access to Credit for MSMEs etc.
3.2.3. MEASURING POVERTY 3.3. BANKING, PAYMENT SYSTEMS & FINANCIAL MARKETS
Why in the news?
3.3.1. REVISED PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING NORMS
The government in ‘National Indicator Framework (NIF) 2024’, revealed that it is developing a national
indicator to measure "extreme poverty". Why in the news?

More on the news RBI revises priority sector lending (PSL) guidelines to promote small loan in economically disadvantaged
districts with low average loan sizes.
• NIF tracks India's progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ which aims to eradicate extreme
poverty by 2030. Revised Priority Sector Lending Norms

Need for a National Indicator • Incentive framework: It establishes an incentive framework for districts with lower credit flow starting
Calculation of Poverty by Suresh Tendulkar
from FY25.
• Lack of updated official poverty line: India’s official Committee
o More weight (125%) will be given to fresh priority sector loans in districts where loan availability is
poverty line is based on the Suresh Tendulkar • A person living on a monthly expenditure
low (less than Rs 9,000 per person).
Committee's report in 2009. of Rs 1,000 per month or Rs 33 or less per
• Disincentive framework: In districts with high loan availability (more than Rs 42,000 per person), the
o Committees led by D T Lakdawala (1993), and C day in cities, and Rs 816 per month or Rs
loans will have a weight of 90%.
Rangarajan (2014) also suggested criteria for 27 or less per day in villages is
• Other districts: With exception of outlier districts with low credit availability and those with high loan
“poverty line”. considered poor.
sizes, all other districts will continue to have the current importance level of 100%.
✓ However, C. Rangarajan committee’s report was o Rangarajan Committee raised this
• MSME loans: All bank loans to MSMEs shall qualify for classification under PSL.
not adopted by the Centre. limit and set an income of Rs. 32 for
• Varying global indicators: According to IMF less than rural India, and Rs. 47 for urban
1% of Indians lived in extreme poverty in 2021, whereas India as the Poverty line limit.
according to the World Bank, it was 12.92% in 2021.
• Policymaking and tracking progress: A reliable poverty estimate is critical for designing, implementing and
monitoring anti-poverty programmes.
Measurement of Poverty in India
• The Official Poverty line is based on consumption expenditure (stated in rupees).
o Consumption Expenditure Surveys (CES) are conducted every five years by the National Sample
Survey Office. Positive Impact of priority sector lending on Indian economy:
• NITI Aayog has launched National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI).
• Financial Inclusion: PSL norms ensure that credit reaches under banked segments of population e.g. SMFs,
Key findings: ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’ – A discussion paper by NITI Aayog women, and weaker sections.
• Support to Agriculture: Agricultural credit increased from 2000 to 2020 at a compound annual growth rate
• Decline in MPI: Headcount Ratio decreased from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23.
(CAGR) of 19.81% due to mandatory 18% lending by commercial banks & other policies.
o 24.82 crore Indians escaped multidimensional poverty in last 9 years.
o Intensity of Poverty is also declining which shows that extent of deprivation among the deprived • Promotion of MSMEs: By facilitating credit flow to MSMEs, PSL helps in creating jobs and boosting local
population is falling. economies.
o The pace of decline in poverty headcount ratio was much faster between 2015-16 to 2019-21 • Income Augmentation: A case study of Andhra Pradesh showed that Beneficiaries reported enhanced
compared to 2005-06 to 2015-16. income.
• Poverty declining across indicators: All 12 indicators of MPI have recorded significant improvement. Issues with PSL
o Cooking Fuel and Housing have the highest deprivation level of deprivation.
o Child & Adolescent Mortality, Electricity, and Bank Account have the lowest deprivation levels. • Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): Outstanding loan in priority sector has significant negative impact on
banks.
• Regional decline in MPI: Poorer states record faster decline in poverty indicating reduction in disparities.
o According to some studies, PSL was found responsible for more NPA generation and writing-off of
o Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan saw fastest reduction in the
NPA as well.
proportion of multidimensional poor.
• Increased costs: PSL increased administrative and transactional cost of banks.
• Attainment of SDG: India on track to achieve SDG Target 1.2 (reducing multi-dimensional poverty by
at least half) much ahead of 2030. • Other issues with PSL: Low banks Profitability, increased Government Interference etc.
• Factors responsible for decline in MPI: Various government programs including PM Ujjwala Yojana, Way-forward
Saubhagya, and transformative campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have
• Strengthen Microfinance Institutions and Encourage Opening of “Small” Finance Banks: MFIs could
collectively elevated living conditions and overall well-being of people.
significantly increase the credit supplied to unbanked rural and semi-urban areas through their vast
distribution network and business model of “last mile connectivity.”
• Use of Technology: E.g. Mobile banking app for loan approval to farmers to Reduce Cost of Credit Delivery 3.3.3. FINTECH SECTOR
and increase the reach and efficiency of PSL, especially in rural and remote areas.
• Create a robust credit infrastructure and Risk Assessment Tools: To better evaluate the creditworthiness
of borrowers and reduce the incidence of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

3.3.2. MICROFINANCE IN INDIA

Why in the news?
Recently a report titled “Micro Matters: Macro View” was released by Microfinance Industry Network
(MFIN)’.
More on the news

• MFIN is an Association of Non-Bank Finance Company Micro Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs)

established in 2009.
• It is an umbrella body of Micro Finance
Institutions (MFIs) of the country.
• Microfinance refers to the financial services
provided to low-income individuals or groups who
are typically excluded from traditional banking.
The key findings of the report

• NBFC-MFIs followed by banks are the largest

provider of micro-credit amongst other regulated
entities.
• MFIs' gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA)
decreased from 5.6% (FY22) to 2.7% (FY23).
• The share of East and Northeast states fell to
34.9% from 37.7% from last year.
Significance of Microfinance in India

• Financial Inclusion: Helps in bringing the

unbanked and underbanked population into the formal financial system.
• Women Empowerment: A significant proportion of microfinance borrowers are women.
• Poverty Alleviation: Provide the poor with access to credit for income-generating activities, breaking the
cycle of poverty and enabling economic mobility.
• Community Development: Through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and community-based approaches,
microfinance has facilitated social cohesion and community development.
Issues with MFIs: Low outreach, high-interest rate, Negligence of urban poor, instances of ever-greening of
overdue loans, etc.
 Issues arising due to rise of Finfluencers
• Lack of regulation: Difficult to gauge the expertise and qualification of the finfluencer, fix any liability on the
finfluencer or protect an individual from the potential risks.
• Market manipulation: Finfluencers are also being paid by the companies to manipulate the stocks for
personal gains.
o E.g. Salasar Technologies stock prices manipulated by influencers, resulting in huge losses.
• High-risk investments: Finfluencers may promote high-risk investment opportunities that promise high
returns without providing appropriate risk disclosures.
• Views over reliability: The financial advice shared by finfluencers is typically geared towards generating
views and likes, rather than providing reliable, well-researched financial information.
o This content-first approach compromises the quality and reliability of the advice provided.
• Potential for unethical practices: Finfluencers may promote certain stocks in lieu of personal gains
through market manipulation, insider trading etc.

3.3.4. FINFLUENCERS
Why in the News?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set the ground rules for unregistered financial
influencers, or ‘finfluencers,’ prohibiting regulated entities from dealing with them.
About Financial influencer or ‘FinFluencer’
• It is a person Regulatory action taken for Finfluencers
who gives
• The SEBI (Investment Advisors) Regulations 2013 is a framework for people who give financial advice
information
for a fee.
and advice to
investors on • SEBI Consultation Paper to restrict the association of SEBI registered intermediaries/regulated
financial topics entities with unregistered ‘finfluencers’.
– usually on • Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) revised its guidelines, mandating SEBI registration for
stock market influencers.
trading, • ASCI and YouTube in-house Rules mandate declaration of the content being paid or promotional to
personal make viewers better informed.
investments
like mutual Way Forward
funds and • Clear definitions: Of terms like Finfluencers, investment advice etc. so that they stand test of judicial –
insurance, primarily on various social media platforms. regulatory scrutiny.
• Sources of income: o Including coverage of all mediums that have consumer access for financial – investment
o Advertisements- passive income based on number of views. communication. E.g. TV, Print and digital media.
o Collaborations to promote a financial product • Improve registration of financial advisors, make mandatory certain disclosure requirements to avoid
o Affiliate partnerships: include links in the video description for viewers to buy a product or sign up for conflict of interest.
a service.
• Transparency and data-led communication: Like Real-time digital supervisory mechanism, having a Code • Changing consumption patterns, including increased demand for consumer durables, luxury goods etc.
of Conduct ensuring the financial information provided is “truthful, balanced, and data-led”. • Structural factors such as sub-optimal growth of manufacturing sector, higher logistics cost, infrastructure
• Investor education: Equip investors with knowledge and skills needed to critically appraise digital bottlenecks etc.
financial guidance. • Domestic policies such as inverted duty structure, frequent bans on exports of commodities etc.
o Broking firms, mutual funds as well as SEBI have been conducting investor awareness programmes in • Others – Sub-optimal utilization of FTAs, imposition of non-tariff barriers by developed countries etc.
Tier-II and Tier-III locations.
• Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs): Industry bodies need to initiate self-regulation protocols to uphold 3.5. AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED ACTIVITIES
their credibility.
• Performance Validation Agency (PVA): Establishment of a PVA as a third-party entity to enhance trust and 3.5.1. HORTICULTURE CLUSTERS
reliability within the financial ecosystem by verifying performance reports.
Why in the news?
Global examples of regulation Union Agriculture minister announced Rs 18,000 crore for 100 export-oriented horticulture clusters which will
• Australia: Upto 5 years jail for finfluencers providing financial advice without a license. be set up in the next five years.
• European Securities and Markets Authority: Defined what constitutes investment recommendations, About Horticulture Cluster (HC)
how to post those advice on social media, and has spelt out penalties for any breach.
• New Zealand: Defined code of behavior for finfluencers, tiered mechanism of licensing according to • It is defined as a regional/ geographical concentration of targeted horticulture crops.
the complexity of advice provided, imposes liability to have content disclaimers require to prominently • Benefits of HC
display risk warnings o Reduce harvest and post-harvest losses, facilitates innovative technologies
• Singaporean and Chinese regulators also have Guidelines for Finfluencers. o Facilitate stakeholders in the global value chains.
o Offers specialization in production, post-harvest management, marketing and exports.
3.4. EXTERNAL SECTOR Status of horticulture of India
• It contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA).
3.4.1. INDIA’S TRADE DEFICIT • India ranks 2nd in fruits and vegetable production in the world after China.
Why in the news? • Production in the country in 2022-23 is about 355.48 Million Tonnes while India's share in the global
market is nearly 1% only.
According to official data from Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in the FY 2023-24, India recorded
trade deficit with 9 out of its top 10 trading partners. Challenges: Lack of high-quality seedlings and rootstock, persistent pests, climate change affecting crop
productivity and overall financial viability.
Current Status of India’s External trade (FY 2023-24)
Steps Taken by the government
• Trade deficit (also known as negative trade balance) occurs when country’s value of imports are more
than that of exports. • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under
• China, USA, UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are India’s largest trading partners. (in descending order) Ministry of Agriculture for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector.
• India’s trade deficit with China, Russia, South Korea, and Hong Kong increased as compared to 2022-23, o Clean Plant Programme under MIDH provide farmers access to virus-free, high-quality planting
while it narrowed with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Iraq. material, leading to increased crop yields.
• USA, Netherlands, UK, Belgium, and Italy are top 5 trading partners with which India has trade surplus. • Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geoinformatics
(CHAMAN) to develop and firm up scientific methodology for horticulture crops production.
Impact of higher trade deficit on Economy • Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for construction/ expansion/ modernization of Cold Storages/
• Negative Storages of Horticulture Products.
o Depletion of Forex reserves due to the need to pay for excess imports, raising concerns of
3.5.2. PDS AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE
depreciation of domestic currency.
o Widening current account deficit which may adversely affect credit rating of the country and raise Why in the News?
borrowing costs.
o Strategic implications due to sustained trade deficit, particularly for essential products or critical Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) Data offers the scope to analyse the impact of social
sectors. security programmes including Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Positive About Public Distribution System (PDS)
o Access to wider range of goods, increased domestic investment if deficit is driven by imports of
• Food security program: PDS is an important social security programme in India for ensuring food security.
capital goods, etc.
o Today, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are eligible for subsidised
Reasons behind India’s higher trade deficit foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Reliance on imported inputs, including crude oil and pharmaceutical ingredients. • Joint Responsibility: PDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State/UT
Governments.
 o Central Government, through Food Corporation of India (FCI), has assumed the responsibility for
procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of food grains to the State Governments.
3.6. INDUSTRY AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY
o State Governments are entrusted with the operational responsibility including allocation within State,
identification of eligible families, issue of Ration Cards and supervision of the functioning of Fair Price 3.6.1. TEXTILE SECTOR
Shops (FPSs) etc.
• Commodities: Under the PDS, presently wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene are being allocated to the
States/UTs for distribution.
o Some States/UTs also distribute additional items such as pulses, edible oils, iodized salt, spices, etc.
Impact of PDS on Household Expenditure
• Share in Food Items: Share of expenditure on food has gradually declined while the share of non-food
items has increased for both urban and rural households, since the 1999-2000 survey.
• Shift in Expenditure: Expenditure has shifted to high-value and nutritious animal and
horticulture products from cereals and pulses.
• Diversifying Food Basket: Among the food items, consumption is highest in beverages, refreshments and
processed food in both rural and urban areas.
• Prevalence of Rice and Wheat: At All-India level, percentage share of rice and wheat in total per capital
cereal consumption stands at around 96%.
 Challenges of Technical Textiles growth in India
• Import dependence: Majority of machinery used to manufacture technical textiles products is not available
in India.
• Lack of standardization and related regulations: Several technical textile products do not have Standard
Benchmarks, resulting in availability of sub-standard cheaper products and institutional buyers such as
defence turning to import route.
• Entrepreneurial Gap: Limited entrepreneurial culture and skill training hinder investment attraction and
expansion of production capacities.
3.6.1.1. TECHNICAL TEXTILES
• Inadequate R&D facilities: It stifles innovation in a field that is characterized by fast changes in products
Why in the news? and processes.
The National Technical Textiles Mission’s Empowered Programme Committee has approved seven startup Way forward
proposals under the GREAT scheme initiative.
• Skilling and education ecosystem: The government needs to work with various entrepreneurship
development institutes for initiating courses on entrepreneurship in technical textiles.
About GREAT Initiative
• Developing India Brands: Positioning Indian Brands as Global Champions to create customer specific
• Objectives: Encourages young innovators, scientists / technologists, and startup ventures in the field of products.
Technical Textiles to translate their ideas into commercial technologies/products and make India self- • Facilitation of PPP modelled ‘Centre of Excellence’: Focus on designing, market linkages, capacity
reliant. building, testing centres, research on sustainable materials and technology upgradation support in
• Grant in Aid: Normally upto Rs.50 Lakhs for a period of 18 months. technical textiles.
• Joint ventures: Joint ventures would help in technology transfer, minimizing development cost of high-
About Technical Textiles quality products, and provide access to new markets.
• Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical • Promote Start-ups: Creation of incubation centres and encouragement of start-ups for entrepreneur
performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics. development in technical textiles.

Significance of Technical Textiles for India 3.6.2. SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

• Productivity Enhancement: Use of Agro-Textiles in horticulture leads to increase in farm productivity by Why in the news?
2-5 times.
• Convergence with government initiatives: Like target of phasing out single use plastic items provide Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified Special Economic Zones (SEZ) (Fifth
opportunity for Pack-tech to supplement the efforts by enhancing production. Amendment) Rules, 2023 in the exercise of powers conferred by section 55 of the SEZ Act, 2005.
o India is dominating the Packtech segment with a global market share of 40-45%. More on the news
• High Growth rate: Indian technical textiles market is fifth largest in the world and stood at USD21.95
• SEZs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2023 amend SEZ Rules 2006.
billion in 2021-22.
• The Centre has amended the SEZ Rules to allow the demarcation of a portion of the built-up area in an
• Export Potential: India’s exports of technical textile products grew from USD2.21 billion in 2020-21 to
Information Technology (IT) or Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) SEZ as a non-
USD2.85 billion in 2021-22, registering a growth rate of 28.4%.
processing area.
• Others: Ability to scale up in a short period; High wage workforce generating capacity, etc.
o The processing area in an SEZ is for the manufacture of goods or rendering of services. The non-
processing area is for supporting infrastructure.
• Significance of amendments: Increases flexibility in carrying Way ahead
out business in SEZs, protecting the interests of both
• Recommendations of Baba Kalyani committee
developers as well as occupiers of SEZ, and better utilization for
o Enhance competitiveness by enabling ecosystem development through funding of high-speed multi-
a diversified set of occupiers.
modal connectivity, business services, and utility infrastructure.
About Special Economic Zones (SEZs) o Migration from export focus in SEZs to focus on broad-based Employment and Economic Growth.
o Formulation of separate rules and procedures for manufacturing and service SEZs.
• SEZ is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave, deemed to
o Granting infrastructure status to SEZs to improve access to finance and to enable long-term
be foreign territory for trade operations, duties and tariffs.
borrowing.
• Eligible entities: Any private/public/joint sector or State
o Dispute resolution through arbitration and commercial courts.
Government or its agencies can set up SEZ.
o Procedural relaxations for developers and tenants to improve operational and exit issues.
o SEZs have been established in several other countries,
• Providing incentives such as removal of export obligation for units to operate in SEZs, allowing sales to
including China, Jordan, Poland, Kazakhstan, Philippines
Domestic Tariff Areas (DTAs).
and Russia.
o Any area that lies outside of SEZ or any other custom bonded zone in India is known as the DTA.
• Regulation: In India, SEZ Act 2005 has been enacted followed by
• Optimal utilisation of vacant land in SEZ by allowing flexible land use and removing sector-specific
SEZ Rules which came into effect in 2006. These provide the
constraints to develop industrial enclaves.
basic framework for the establishment and management of SEZs
• Integration of production-linked incentive schemes with the SEZ policy can accelerate the
in India.
industrialisation process of the Indian economy.
• SEZ Area: The area under 'SEZ' covers a broad range of zone types, including Export Processing Zones (EPZ),
Free Zones (FZ), Industrial Estates (IE), Free Trade Zones (FTZ), Free Ports, Urban Enterprise Zones and 3.6.3. STANDARDIZATION FRAMEWORK
others.
• Operational SEZs: Presently, 280 SEZs are operational in India and total exports from SEZs stood at Why in the News?
$163.69 billion in 2023-24. India should be a Pioneer of Standards, says Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Significance of standardization:
• Supports economic growth and enhances competitiveness.
• Fosters technological development and supports innovation.
• Addresses health, safety and environmental concerns.
Process in India
• Standards Development process in India is largely government led with BIS acting as National Standard
Body.
o Established under BIS Act 2016, BIS is administered by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Public Distribution.
o Certifications of BIS include ISI (industrial products), BIS Hallmark (precious metal), and ECO Mark
(environment friendly products).
• Other initiatives for standards development:
o Standards National Action Plan (SNAP)
o Indian National Strategy for Standardization (INSS)
Challenges associated with SEZs in India o Quality Council of India (QCI) and its Scheme for Accreditation of Standards Developing Organizations
• Policy Reversals: The withdrawal of incentives such as exemption from minimum alternate tax, and (SDOs)
dividend distribution tax in 2011-12 has led to a weakening of the SEZ concept in India. o Quality Council of India (QCI) introduced QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework.
o One Nation One Standard Scheme of BIS
• Unutilised lands: Public Accounts committee in 2021-22 found that 52% of the land allotted for SEZs was
lying idle.
About Quality Council of India (QCI)
• Absence of Single Window Clearances: Many exporters have reported issues in documentation and
procedures. • It was established as the national body of accreditation in 1996 and is an autonomous non-profit
• Inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms: WTO’s dispute settlement panel in 2019 had organization under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
ruled that India's export-related schemes (including SEZ scheme) are inconsistent with WTO norms. • It was jointly set up by the Government of India and the Indian Industry (ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII).
o India has appealed to the WTO's appellate body against this ruling. • Role of QCI
o National Accreditation Body (NAB): To promote quality through the National Quality Campaign in
• Other issues: Resistance to land acquisition, migration of business units to other ASEAN nations, and
concentration of SEZs in developed states. line with global standards.
o Create a mechanism for third-party assessment of products, services and processes.
 o Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the citizens of India. • Effective Public Service Delivery: E.g., DPI enabled effective direct benefit transfer across several Central
Achievements of QCI: Government Schemes leading to $ 41 billion savings in India.
• Empowers Individuals: By protecting individuals with economic mobility and key digital rights such as
• Healthcare: Worked with ICMR to expand COVID-19 related testing labs, ABPMJAY quality
control over their money and data.
certification programme with NHA, Kayakalp Certification for cleanliness of healthcare facilities.
• Sanitation: Certification of ULBs as ODF, ODF+, ODF++. About India’s DPI
• Education: Launched eQuest: E-Quality Platform for Employability through Skill and Training.
• India Stack: It is India's own foundational DPI, consists of 3 interconnected layers:
• Agriculture: Development of Standards and Scheme for Good Agriculture Practice (GAP)
o Identity Layer – (e.g, Aadhar, e-KYC etc),
Implementation and Certification in countries of SAARC (project with FAO).
o Payment layer (e.g., UPI, Aadhar Payment Bridge etc.) and
o Data governance layer (e.g, DigiLocker, Account Aggregator etc.).
3.7. DIGITAL ECONOMY
3.7.1. DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE (DPI)
Why in the News?
The ‘Report of India’s G20 Task Force on DPI’ was released by ‘India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public
Infrastructure for Economic Transformation, Financial Inclusion and Development’.
What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
• It is a set of shared digital systems that-
o Should be secure and interoperable,
o can be built on open standards and specifications to deliver and provide equitable access to public
and / or private services at societal scale ,
o are governed by applicable legal frameworks and enabling rules to drive development, inclusion,
innovation, trust, and competition and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Global efforts for DPI

• Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG): First consensus on DPI approach was formally accepted by
countries on any international forum.
• One Future Alliance: It’s a voluntary initiative proposed by G20 India Presidency, aimed to build capacity,
and provide technical assistance and adequate funding support for implementing DPI in Low and Middle-
Income Countries.
• Global DPI Repository (GDPIR): Announced the launch at the G20 virtual leaders' summit in 2023 to
establish a focused
institution working on
DPI.
Significance of DPI
o Social Impact
• Accelerate Development: It has a high multiplier on economic growth. Fund (SIF) was also
• Spurs Innovation: By reducing transaction costs, maintaining competition through interoperability, and announced for
attracting private capital. accelerating DPI
• Inclusive development: DPI inclusively enables vulnerable groups (such as physically remote populations, implementation
women, SMEs etc.) to access services, helping close inter- group disparities. across global south
o E.g., Number of Bank accounts opened in India tripled from 147.2 million in 2015 to 508.7 million in nations.
2023 where women own 55 % of these accounts. • EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC): India and the European Union agreed to take steps to accelerate
the development and deployment of DPI in other countries.
India’s role in promoting DPI at global level Key characteristics of a Digital Monopoly
Dominance such High Barriers to Network Effects where a Control over Lack of
• Identity system: International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Bengaluru launched the Modular
as overwhelming Entry like high platform becomes essential data and Competition
Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) to help other countries set up Aadhaar-like systems.
market share costs, access to and indispensable information
o More than 10 countries, from Sri Lanka to Sierra Leone, have initiated MOSIP projects so far.
data etc.
• Payment linkages: India has signed agreements with various nations to extend the reach of its UPI
payment system, like Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, France etc. India’s Initiatives to Prevent Digital Monopolies
• G20 Consensus: Under India’s presidency, G20 leaders arrived at a consensus regarding promotion and • Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: Introduced to govern the operations of e-commerce
adoption of DPI framework. platforms and digital marketplaces. These rules aim to prevent anti-competitive practices, ensure
• Alternative Model: India's DPIs offer an alternative model to the traditional "big tech" approach, transparency, and protect consumer interests.
emphasizing public ownership and control of critical infrastructure. • Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023: Introduced new merger notification thresholds and deal value
• One Future Alliance (OFA): India proposed OFA for building capacity and providing technical assistance thresholds to capture acquisitions of high-value, data-rich firms that can potentially lead to digital
and funding support for implementing DPI in LMICs. monopolies.
• Open Source Infrastructure: India's commitment to open source technology has prevented the o Competition Commission of India (CCI) also investigates and takes action against anti-competitive
privatization of critical infrastructure and fostered innovation which enables their flexible adoption at practices by digital platforms.
global scale. • Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023: It emphasizes the importance of data to prevent the
Way Forward concentration of data in the hands of a few dominant players.
• Proposed Digital India Act (DIA): The DIA proposes to regulate a vast array of digital enterprises including
• Adopting 3 pillared DPI Approach suggested by the report (see image). social media websites, artificial intelligence-based platforms, and e-commerce enterprises.
• Comprehensive and Phased Approach informed by in-depth research and analysis of the global digital • Draft National Data Governance Framework Policy: It aims to create standardized data management and
infrastructure landscape. security for non-personal and anonymised data across all government bodies.
• Supporting open & reusable technology frameworks, allowing countries to deploy plug and play models • Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024: It aims at predictive regulation based on potential anti-trust issues
of certain DPI. and identifying Systematically Significant Digital Enterprise (SSDE).
• Creating Dialogue and Alignment through an annual DPI forum to share their experiences with deploying
DPI. Way Forward (Recommendations of the Committee on Digital Competition Law, 2024)
o Countries of the Global South may come together to establish Global South Forum to discuss and • Introduction of a Digital Competition Act with ex-ante measures (using a form of financial analysis that
deliberate matters on DPI particularly to their needs and requirements. uses forecasting for future events as against the prevailing practice of ex-post framework in most cases).
• Focused Institution to work on policy dimensions, formulation and implementation of strategies with • Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries' (SIDIs): Identification and designation of certain large
appropriate technical and academic expertise. digital platforms as SIDIs. They would be subject to ex-ante regulations and obligations.
• Merger Control Reforms: Introduction of a deal value threshold and the consideration of non-price factors
3.7.2. DIGITAL MONOPOLY like data and innovation in merger assessments.
Why in the News? • Strengthening the Competition Commission of India (CCI): Enhancing the institutional capacity and
expertise of the CCI to effectively deal with competition issues in the digital domain.
A US District Court ruled that Google has violated Sherman Act (US’ anti-trust law) by maintaining its
• Better coordination among various regulatory authorities, such as the CCI, the Telecom Regulatory
monopoly in two product markets – General Search Services (GSS) and General Text Advertising.
Authority of India (TRAI) etc.
• Anti-trust laws prohibit Anti-Competitive Practices and monopolizing conduct to protect consumers • Increased international cooperation and alignment with global best practices in digital competition
from predatory business practices. regulation.
Google’s Monopoly (as highlighted by Judgement) 3.7.2.1. DARK PATTERNS
• Google enjoys an 89.2% market share for GSS, which increases to 94.9% on mobile devices. Why in the News?
o Google also controlled 88% of text advertising market in 2020.
• Google maintained its monopoly and stifled competition through: Report by Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), titled "Conscious Patterns," reveals that almost all
o Near-complete control of key distribution channels, posing a major entry barrier for other search Indian apps use deceptive or dark patterns in their business.
companies. About Dark Patterns
o Striking deals with Apple, Samsung and Verizon to be default search engine on their respective devices.
• Definition: Business practices employing elements of digital choice architecture, that impair consumer
What is Digital Monopoly? autonomy, decision-making or choice.
• Digital Monopoly: Refers to a situation where a single company or platform holds significant control over • Impact: Users often suffer financial losses, data breaches, and compromised privacy.
their respective digital ecosystems and markets. • Initiative: ASCI and Department of Consumer Affairs issued guidelines for the prevention and regulation of
o Examples: Big tech companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft. Deceptive Patterns in 2023.
Key Dark Patterns Identified by ASCI Study Steps taken for Railway Safety
• Privacy Deception: Manipulating users into unknowingly sharing more personal data than intended (e.g., • KAVACH System: KAVACH an Indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system which has Cab
permission for location tracking). Signalling features-useful for high speeds as well as foggy weather.
• Interface Interference: Hiding certain parts of the platform to misdirect users into taking actions (e.g., o In technical terms, it is known as Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) or Automatic Train
unlock cashback). Protection System (ATP) system.
• Drip Pricing: Revealing additional fees gradually and making the final price higher than that originally • Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK): Launched in 2017-18, RRSK is a Rs. 1 lakh crore five-year fund
quoted (e.g., packaging charges). dedicated to upgrading critical railway safety infrastructure.
• False Urgency: Creating a sense of artificial pressure (e.g., only a few seats available). • Use of New Technology: Such as GPS-based Fog Safety Devices alert locomotive pilots to upcoming
• Confirm-Shaming: Using guilt or social pressure to manipulate users into confirming an action (e.g., choice signals and crossings in fog-prone areas, improving safety during low visibility.
between upgrade now vs. I don’t want a smarter software). • Eliminated Unmanned level crossing: All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route
have been eliminated by January 2019.
Conscious Pattern Website
• Safety Information Management System (SIMS): Developed to put in place a faster and efficient system
• Based on the study a ‘’Conscious Pattern Website’ has been created. for accident reporting, analysis and sharing of information between Zonal Railways (ZRs) and Railway Board
• It enables makers to build Digitally Conscious Products. (RB).
• Its vision is to enable informed consumer choices online. • Use of fire retardant materials: The Indian Railways have adopted fire retardant interior furnishing
including, wall panelling, flooring, roof panelling etc. to minimize the risk of fire accidents.
3.8. LOGISTICS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Way Forward

3.8.1. RAILWAY SAFETY • Railway Safety Authority: As recommended by Kakodkar Committee, need to create a statutory Railway
Safety Authority with enough powers to have a safety oversight on the operational mode of Railways.
Why in the news? o Currently, three vital functions (rule-making, operations and the regulation) are all vested in the Railway
Recently, several incidents of train derailment/collision in last six months raised concern over railways safety. Board.
• Detailed Outcome Framework: CAG’s 2021 report on ‘Derailment in Indian Railways’ recommends
creating a ‘Detailed Outcome Framework’ for safety works funded by RRSK.
• Developing AI-enabled applications: AI can analyze extensive digital data from stations and trains, flagging
critical irregularities and promptly alerting top railway management for enhanced safety monitoring.
• Track Safety Tolerances: As recommended by Khanna Committee, efforts should be made by Research
Design & Standards Organisation ( RDSO) to draw out safety tolerances for different speeds and categories
of track.
• Implementing best practices: Mumbai suburban’s long-standing Automatic Train Protection Systems
serve as successful model, which can be replicated nationwide for train safety.

Global Best Practices

• Europe: European Train Control System (ETCS) is a signalling and train control system that is being
implemented across Europe to improve the safety and efficiency of railway transport.
• United Kingdom: Train Protection and Warning System aims to enhance safety by preventing trains
from passing danger signals and controlling speed in critical areas.
Causes of Railway Accidents • Japan: The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system is used to automatically control train speeds in
accordance with those speed signals.
• Derailment: Factors could be inadequate maintenance of locomotives, rolling stock, track, signals etc.; and
other operational irregularities.
• Human Error: The error caused due to human failure, comprising both Railway Staff (responsible for around 3.8.2. TRANSSHIPMENT PORT
75% derailments) as well as road users, passengers, miscreants etc. Why in the News?
• Signal Failure: Defective or damaged track circuits and axle counters are leading causes of signal failures.
o For example- Faulty signal circuit modifications resulted in incorrect signaling, leading to the Balasore India welcomed its first cargo ship at its newly built semi-automated transshipment port in Vizhinjam
train collision in 2023. International Transshipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, Kerala.
• Fire accidents in coaches: Factors like inflammable material carried by passengers, Short circuit, More on the news
Negligence by pantry car staff, lease contractor, etc.
• The port is owned by Government of Kerala.
• Human Resources: Vacancy of around 20,000 in safety-critical categories workforce of Indian railways.
• Port has been developed in landlord Port model with a Public Private Partnership component on a Design,
Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (“DBFOT”) basis.
 o Under landlord model, port • Labor issues: Major Indian ports are bogged with frequent labor strikes, congestions, inefficiency, lower
authority acts as regulatory productivity and a disparity in required skill levels for advanced port operations.
body, while port operations are • Other Issues: Securing Funding, Land Acquisition Delays, Logistics and Connectivity Inefficiencies,
carried out by private Competition from foreign ports (E.g. Colombo, Dubai, Singapore, Jabel Ali, Port Kelang, etc.)
companies.
Steps Taken
Transshipment Port
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Outlines a comprehensive plan to transform India's maritime sector.
• It is a transit hub where cargo from • New international Container Transshipment Terminal development at Galathea bay in Great Nicobar
one ship is transferred to another (Island of Andaman & Nicobar) and Vallarpadam in Cochin.
on the way to its final destination. • Tariff Guidelines, 2021 provide flexibility of fixing market determined tariff to PPP Operators thereby
(includes rails, roads, etc.) creating a healthy competition leading to rationalization of logistics costs.
o Smaller parcels of cargo are
loaded on a bigger ship which Way-Forward
is able to travel to distant ports • Infrastructure Investment: By implementing modern cargo handling techniques for increased capacity
in other countries. at existing ports (especially for dry cargo).
• Public Private Partnership (PPP) Projects: Taxes should be rationalized to attract foreign shipping
companies and a single window system should be set up for approving PPP projects.
• Skill Development Initiatives: Establishing Centers for Coastal and Inland Maritime Technology in
collaboration with IITs/ NITs/ IIMs to provide opportunities in applied research and development.
• Competing with International Ports: Identify key areas for differentiation, such as cost efficiency,
turnaround time, and customer service, to position Indian ports favorably.
• Prepare Coastal Zone management Plan (CZMP): Ports may be permitted to prepare CZMP taking into
consideration future construction requirements based on earlier environment clearances issued.

3.8.3. E-MOBILITY
Why in the News?
The “e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India” report has been released by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the
Government of India to achieve net-zero targets.
Proposed R&D Roadmap
Sphere Measures Required
Significance of India as a Transshipment Hub Energy Storage • Accelerate the process of finding more Lithium reserves, implement globally
Cell available, established extraction technologies for lithium, utilize existing supply-
• Revenue Generation: Transshipment hub has potential to curb revenue losses for Major ports ($200-220 chain strategies in Li-battery/ cell production etc.
Million) in transshipment handling. EV Aggregates • Emphasis on Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS), combining different energy
o Currently, nearly 75% of India’s Transshipment cargo is handled at ports outside India.
storage technologies such as batteries and supercapacitors etc.
• Reduced Logistic Costs: It will help in lowering logistic and shipping costs by increasing efficiency.
Material and • Economic analysis of recycling value-chain, implement methods for monitoring and
o Average turnaround time for Indian ports declined from 4.3 days (2012-13) to 2.1 days (2022-23) which
Recycling reporting the environmental impact etc.
still need improvement (Global median ship turnaround time was 1.04 days in 2022).
Charging and • Proper road infrastructure for installation of a transmitting pad underneath the road,
• Stimulating Economic Growth: Port will significantly result in savings of foreign exchange reserves,
Refueling design scalable systems for dynamic wireless charging technology, design and
attracting foreign direct investment etc.
development of adaptive charging techniques etc.
• Self-Reliance: With increasing Chinese influence in port infrastructure in Indian Ocean as part of Belt and
Road Initiative, dependence on foreign ports is a potential national security challenge. Need/Requirement of E-mobility in India
• Integration with Global Value Chain: Poor shipping connectivity has hindered India’s integration in global
• Environment Sustainability: Transport sector contributes estimated 142 million tonnes of CO2 emissions
value chain. (India’s share in world trade is about 2%)
annually, out of which 123 million tonnes is contributed by the road transport segment alone.
Issues in development of Transshipment Port o Also, there will be reduction in emission of particulate matter and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emission, a
major cause of respiratory ailments.
• Insufficient Natural Depth: Major Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Mangalore and Tuticorin have natural
o Alignment with global commitments such as SDGs and Panchamrit climate action plan, presented
depths of only 10-14 meters while a good transshipment hub requires 20-meter depth.
at COP26 (Glasgow) to the UNFCCC.
• Distance from international shipping lines: E.g. Our major ports in eastern and western coast are at a
• Reducing Import Dependence: Transport sector accounts for 18% of energy consumption in India, which
distance from major international shipping lines.
is being met mostly through imported crude oil.
 o Transition to EVs will reduce the vulnerability to the volatile
international crude oil prices.
3.9. MINING AND ENERGY
• Export Potential: India is the world's third-largest Automobile
market. This strength and capability can be channelized in the
3.9.1. OFFSHORE MINERALS IN INDIA
direction of Export of EVs. Why in the news?
• Other: Job creation (create 10 million direct jobs and 50 million
indirect jobs), lower maintenance cost etc. In exercise of powers under Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 2002, the Central
Government framed Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024.
About Offshore Minerals in India
• Offshore Mining: It is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, at a depth of
more than 200 metres.
Challenges to the sector • Extent: India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over two million square kilometers holds significant
Higher Charging E-Waste Complex Supply Lack of recoverable offshore mineral resources.
Cost: E.g., Infrastructure: Management: About Chain: Lithium Standardisation: • Mineral Deposits: India’s offshore mineral reserves include gold, diamond, copper, nickel, cobalt,
Expensive There are around 90% of used batteries resources are Different manufacturers copper, manganese, and rare earth elements essential for development.
batteries 2000 charging are either processed mainly adopt varying battery • Reserves: Geological Survey of India has delineated the resources of the following minerals in the offshore
stations in India. by unorganized concentrated in chemistries, charging areas:
(NITI Aayog Report, industry or end up in the Lithium connectors, and o Lime mud within the EEZ off Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts.
2021). landfills. Triangle. powertrain o Construction grade sand off Kerala coast.
configurations. o Heavy mineral placers in the inner-shelf and mid-shelf off Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Maharashtra.
Government initiatives for promotion of EV Manufacturing Ecosystem
o Phosphorite in the Eastern and Western continental margins.
• Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024): Launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries o Polymetallic Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) nodules and crusts in Andaman Sea and Lakshadweep Sea.
(MHI).
Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024
• PLI Schemes: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry in
India to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology products. • Applicability: These rules apply to all minerals except mineral oils, hydrocarbons and minerals specified
o PLI Scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) to bring down prices of battery in the in Part B of First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957.
country. • Definitions: Rules use the modified version of United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India: Under FAME India Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) Template for following:
Scheme Phase-II, Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) has been introduced. o Exploration Stages: Exploration for any mineral deposit involves four stages:
• Rationalization of Goods and Services Tax (GST): On electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, and on ✓ Reconnaissance survey (G4)
chargers/charging stations for electric vehicles from 18% to 5%. ✓ Preliminary exploration (G3)
• Promoting Charging Infrastructure: Ministry of Power has issued “Charging Infrastructure for Electric ✓ General exploration (G2)
Vehicles – Guidelines and Standards”. BEE has been designated as Central Nodal Agency for National-level ✓ Detailed exploration (G1)
rollout of charging infrastructure. o Feasibility Studies: Stages of feasibility study include: Geological study (F3), Pre-feasibility study (F2)
and Feasibility study (F1).
Way Forward
• Exploration Standards: Rules mandate rigorous exploration standards to ensure accurate assessment
• Formulating Battery Technology swapping Policy: Battery swapping involves switching out a depleted and sustainable development of offshore mineral resources.
battery for a fully charged one at a swapping station within the battery swapping operator’s (BSO) network. o A minimum of General Exploration (G2) to establish indicated mineral resource is required to grant
• Standardization: All stakeholders shall come together to adopt common standard in the sphere of charging mining leases.
port, etc. to ensure interoperability. o Completion of at least Reconnaissance Survey (G4) to estimate Reconnaissance Mineral Resource or
• Focus on Infrastructure: Incentivise setting up of charging stations and setting up dedicated mineral potentiality of mineral block is necessary for obtaining composite licenses.
manufacturing hubs and industrial parks for manufacturing batteries, cells, and EV auto components. • Geological Study: On completion of exploration operations, geological study report shall be prepared by
• Finance Availability: EVs should be bought under the priority sector lending. the licensee to establish probable mineral reserve.
• Vibrant Supply Chain Mechanism: Government should take initiatives to accelerate the extraction of • Specific Exploration Norms: Rules set specific exploration norms for a variety of deposits and minerals,
lithium. including construction-grade silica sand, calcareous mud, phosphatic sediments, deep sea minerals, rare
earth element (REE) minerals, hydrothermal minerals, and nodules.
3.9.2. GAS-BASED ECONOMY 3.9.3. CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION (CGD) NETWORK
Why in the News?
Recently, FICCI in collaboration with PWC released a report titled ‘Charting the path forward in city gas
distribution: Emerging trends and insights’.
About CGD
• Pipeline Network: CGD network is an interconnected system of underground natural gas pipelines for
supplying Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
o Natural gas is a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel which mainly comprises Methane (CH4) with a
small percentage of other higher hydrocarbons
• Regulation: Under the PNGRB Act 2006, PNGRB grants authorization to the entities for developing a CGD
network in specified geographical areas (GAs).
• Coverage: Over 33,753
Kms of natural gas trunk
pipelines are authorized
in the country out of
which around 24,623
Kms of pipeline are
currently operational
• Growth: The
Government of India
plans to raise the share
of natural gas in the
energy basket from
around 7% at present to 15% by 2030.
Relevance of CGD Network
• Clean Energy Transition: Transitioning to a gas-based economy is expected to support India’s climate
action commitments.
• Natural Gas as Transition Fuel: Natural gas serves as a bridge between traditional and renewable energy
sources in India.
o It acts as a critical energy source during the transition period, complements renewables and helps
meet
growing
energy
demands.
• Equitable
Energy Access:
It will ensure
adequate
availability and
equitable
distribution of
natural gas
across the
country.
• Economical and
Safe: The natural gas pipeline infrastructure provides an economical and safe method for transporting
natural gas from production sources to consumption markets.
 o Benefits of CNG: Very low levels of emissions, unlikely to ignite due to high ignition temperature, lowest Persistent Issues/Challenges in Coal Sector
injury and death rate per vehicle mile etc.
• High Import Dependence: It is mainly because there is less availability of high gross calorific value (GCV)
o Benefits of PNG: Safe and assured supply, convenient to use, no wastage, no hassle for cylinder
coal in India. This type of coal has low ash and sulphur content.
replacement etc.
o Major source countries for India’s coal imports include – Australia, Russia, South Africa, the US, etc.
Initiatives Taken to Promote CGD Network • Dominance of Coal India Limited (CIL): CIL contributes over 80% of the country's indigenous coal
production and supply.
• Market Exclusivity to CGD companies: Market exclusivity for a period of 8 years, extendable up to 10 years
o Earlier, the Competition Commission of India in 2017 had contended that Coal India and its
is given to companies selected in bidding for developing CGD network.
subsidiaries operated independently of market forces and enjoyed market dominance.
• Infrastructure Status to Gas pipelines: The status accorded by RBI facilitate financing from commercial
• Lack of Upgradation: Technological obsolescence in mining techniques resulting in lower productivity,
banks and other financial institutions.
higher costs, and safety hazards.
• Priority for Gas Sourcing: The government prioritizes domestic gas supply for households (PNG) and
• Logistics Issue: Higher coal logistics costs owing to limited multi-modal transport approach.
transport (CNG).
• Environment Issues: The damage from open-cast mining is irreparable, rendering the land useless.
• Unified Tariff Reform: It will help achieve the objective of “One Nation, One Grid and One Tariff”.
• Other: Non-payment of outstanding dues by power sector consumers, frequent labour-industrial
• Financing: Government has set an objective to invest $67 Billion in the natural gas sector in the next six
relations issues and un-seasonal and extended rainfall in coal bearing areas.
years.
Way Forward
Way Forward for Promoting CGD Networks
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Miyawaki plantation method can be used on large scale promote green
• Government and Regulators: Developing a unified regulatory strategy is crucial to streamline the CGD
cover near mines.
sector, addressing issues like skilled personnel shortages, slow approvals, and volatile gas prices.
• Encouraging Private players: It will reduce burden on Coal India Limited (CIL). Also, they will promote
• CGD Companies: Companies need to shift towards customer-led strategies to meet market demands
technological upgradation in mining.
(including rise of EVs and alternative energy sources) and build loyalty.
• For Import Substitution, the Inter-Ministerial Committee in its report has suggested-
• Technology Companies: Tech firms should focus on developing advanced solutions like smart meters
o Promotion of Rationalization of coal linkage policy to reduce the distance in transportation of coal.
and GIS mapping.
o Early operationalization of Captive/Commercial coal blocks.
• Financial Institutions and Investors: Investors must identify promising CGD projects and develop
o Ministry of Power may need to mandate the Domestic based coal power plants for using domestic coal
strategies to mitigate risks from volatile market dynamics.
instead of imported coal. For this, Coal Ministry needs to adequate supply and no logistic constraint of
3.9.4. COAL SECTOR IN INDIA domestic coal.
o Enhance coal gasification in country to produce synthetic gas for steel sector which is mainly depended
Why in the News? on imported coal.
Ministry of Coal has informed that Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of imported coal
3.10. INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
share fell from 13.94% (2004-05 to 2013-14) to -
2.29% (2014-15 to 2023-24). 3.10.1. CREATIVE ECONOMY
Key Reforms/Initiatives in Coal Sector which Why in the news?
helped decrease imports Indian Chamber of Commerce launches All-India Initiative on Creative Economy (AIICE) for India's creative
• Enactment of Coal Mines (Special industries.
Provisions) CMSP Act- 2015: The Act What is creative economy?
permitted auction of coal mines for
commercial mining by private entities. UNCTAD defines creative economy as an interplay between human creativity, ideas, intellectual property,
o In 2020, first commercial coal mining auctions were launched. knowledge and technology. Essentially, it is the knowledge-based economic activities upon which the
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021: It emphasized on enhancing ‘creative industries’ are based.
transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining licenses. Allowed Composite Prospecting Licence- Status of Creative Economy in India
cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) specifically for coal. Number of people Creative Creative workforce was found Creative workforce Creative
• National Coal Index (NCI): NCI is a price index combining the prices of coal from all the sales channels, working in various economy to be highly concentrated in is found to be more occupations also
which serves as a reliable indicator of market dynamics, providing valuable insights of price fluctuation. creative contribute the industries of Media, urban-centric, pay reasonably
• FDI: Allowing 100% FDI in coal mining has attracted global expertise and advanced technologies. occupations is s about Entertainment, and younger, and less well—88% higher
• Integrated Coal Logistic Policy and Plan, 2024: Formulated by the Ministry of Coal with the objective of estimated to 20% to Recreation; Computer gender biased as than the non-
developing resilient and cost -effective coal evacuation logistic system. contribute nearly nation’s Programming and Software compared to the creative ones
• Investment in Coal Gasification: Cabinet approved a comprehensive scheme with a Rs.8,500 crore outlay, 8% of the overall Publishing; Architecture, non-creative
promoting Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects. GVA Design, and Engineering; workforce
 country’s Fashion; and Education and • Legal Provision: It was levied under Section 56 (II) (viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
employment R&D industries • Coverage: Earlier, it applied only to local investors but the Budget 2023-24 widened its ambit to include
foreign investments (with some exceptions).
Significance of Creative Economy
Key Sources of Funding for Start-ups
• Economic Growth: Creation of demand for products and services, fuels innovation, economic
diversification and export earnings. • Venture Capital/ Private Equity/ Angel Funds invest in young and fledging startups.
• Social Development: Promotes social inclusion, empowerment, encourage social mobility, cultural o Venture capital Fund (including Angel Fund) is considered as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which
preservation and skill development. pool private funds for investment in startups and other companies.
• Promotes mutual understanding through cultural exchanges with other countries and opens up avenues • Venture Capitalists: They manage pooled funds from institutional investors and invest in large sums in
for diplomatic engagement. startups that have already demonstrated market traction, have a validated business model, and are ready
• Promotes sustainable development and environment friendly practices. to scale.
o They seek larger ownership stakes which would in turn give them more influence over strategic
Hurdles hindering growth of creative economy
decisions.
• Digitalization challenges including digital divide, cybersecurity concerns, gaps in digital literacy and • Angel investors: They typically invest their personal funds in smaller amounts at an earlier stage when the
inadequate protection of intellectual property. founder is trying to get his/her venture off the ground.
• Systemic issues including lack of supportive policy frameworks, lack of reliable and comprehensive data o There may be more uncertainty and higher risk in investments done by Angel Investors.
and uneven funding. Why Angel Tax has been abolished?
• Inherent issues of the sector such as fragmentation of creative industries, ineffective market access and
distribution, and lack of transparency in selection process etc. • Improves Ease of Doing Business: Angel tax imposed an additional financial and compliance burden on
• Inadequate recognition and lack of awareness or misperception about local culture and arts in India. Start-ups thus affecting their growth potential as well as Ease of doing business.
o It will promote Reverse Flipping of start-ups.
Initiatives to support creative economy • Streamlining Investment: Indian start-ups witnessed over 60 % decline in funding in terms of value in 2023.
• National Policy on IPR (2016) to tackle administrative issues. o Also, imposition of Angel tax on foreign investors reduced opportunity for Funding. Foreign investor
• Zonal Cultural Centers to protect and preserve various forms of folk art & culture. played key role in increasing the valuation of start-ups.
• Global Engagement Scheme to promote Indian culture internationally. Concerns related with abolishing Angel tax
• UNESCO Creative Cities Network to foster cooperation in various cultural domains like design, film,
crafts, media arts, literature, music etc. Abolition will primarily affect the revenue of the government. Additionally, there is an issue that start-ups can be
used to launder money or shell start-ups can be created.
• Startup India Scheme to catalyze startup culture and build a strong ecosystem for innovation and
entrepreneurship. What more can be done to improve the financial ecosystem of startups?

Way Forward • Scaling up unicorns: Expanding the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Fund-of-Funds
to help disburse more funds to startups.
• Defining and mapping creative industries in India. o SIDBI Fund-of-Funds is a fund that invests in other funds such as AIFs.
• Credit guarantee schemes and crowdfunding for financing entrepreneurs and MSMEs in creative sector. • Listing of AIFs: AIFs should be allowed to list on capital markets to access a permanent source of capital.
• Addressing issues of copyrights, intellectual property protection and safeguard the interests of creators • Expansion of sectors for FVCI: Foreign venture capital investors (FVCI) shall be allowed to invest in all the
and innovators. sectors where foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed.
• Establishing Creative Districts/Hubs on the lines of creative district models in Thailand. • Mobilisation of domestic institutional funds: Major banks should be allowed to float fund-of-funds and
• Forming a Specialized institution for Creative Industries on the lines of UK (Creative Industries Council). be allowed to invest in Category-III AIFs.
• Adopt global best practices such as “Crowdfunding4Culture” portal of European Commission.
3.10.3. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3.10.2. ANGEL TAX
Why in the news?
Why in the News?
Women Entrepreneurship Program launched by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
In Budget 2024-25, government has announced to abolish the angel tax for all classes of investors to boost
About the Program
the entrepreneurial spirit and support innovation.
• It aims to empower 25 lakh women entrepreneurs with skill, knowledge, resources, and financial grants,
What is Angel Tax?
etc.
• Definition: Refers to the income tax that the government imposes on funding raised by unlisted • NSDC, with National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), will
companies, or startups, if their valuation exceeds the company's fair market value. offer free online self-learning entrepreneurship courses through Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
o For instance, if the fair market value of a start-up share is Rs 10 a piece, and in a subsequent funding o The NIESBUD and SIDH under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) are
round they offer it to an investor for Rs 20, then the difference of Rs 10 would be taxed as income. engaged in providing training and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Objective: It was introduced in 2012 to curb money laundering and tax evasion. o NSDC is a not-for-profit public limited company.
Significance of Women Entrepreneurship
4. SECURITY
• Economic:
o Job creation (women led enterprises could create around 170 million jobs, NITI Aayog), 4.1. DISTURBANCE IN NEIGHBORING NATIONS AND INDIA’S INTERNAL
o Increase in GDP (50% of women in workforce could increase GDP by 1.5%, World Bank) ,
o Foster innovative business practices. SECURITY
• Social:
Why in the news?
o Empowerment (breaking gender norms and stereotypes);
o Enhanced education, awareness, and networking opportunities;, etc. Recently, after a gunfight between
• Political: Policy advocacy, fostering strong women agency. Myanmar Army and pro-democracy
• Cultural: Participation in traditional crafts and arts can advance India’s cultural heritage militias, about 1,500 people sought
refuge in Mizoram's Champhai
Challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs in India
district.
• Gender gap in access to finance, male dominated family structure etc.
Impact of disturbances in the
• Social cultural barriers dual burden of balancing work and traditional gender roles.
neighborhood on India's internal
• Others: lack of literacy; safety at workplace, access to advanced technology, etc. security
Some Initiatives for fostering Women Entrepreneurship • Illegal and influx of refugees: As
happened due to Rohingyas crisis
• Mudra Loans: with no collateral required by women for up to 10 lakh loans.
in Myanmar; Bangladesh
• Stand-Up India: financing Women Entrepreneurs.
Liberation War of 1971.
• Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD): financing women through
NGOs. • Escalation of internal conflicts:
• Women Entrepreneurship Program by NITI Ayog. E.g., Refugees in Manipur may
intensify Kuki-Meitei ethnic tensions.
• Organised crimes: Example, drug and human trafficking, smuggling of arms and counterfeit currency etc.
• Cross-border terrorism: Porous borders provide safe havens for groups like United Liberation Front of
Assam (ULFA).
• Economic risks: For example, properties of many Indian companies were burned in Bangladesh.

India’s engagement with its neighbors to bring peace

• Support to people: Example, shelter to Tibetan refugees and Central Tibetan Administration based in
Dharamshala, Citizenship Amendment Act (2019).
• Joint military exercise: E.g., Sampriti exercise with Bangladesh.
• Humanitarian aid: Rapid disaster response. E.g., tsunami in Sri Lanka, water crisis in Maldives
(Operation NEER), and Nepal earthquake.

Way forward to address threats due to disturbance in neighboring countries

• Political risk management: Indian journalists should be leveraged for anticipating the political turmoil, by
filling the information gap and thus making informed decisions.
• Border security: Combining technology, human intelligence, and international cooperation to create a
robust defence against cross-border terrorism, prevent infiltration.
o Stability in border abutting villages through Vibrant Village Programme.
• Utilize Diplomatic engagements: Along with bilateral dialogue, leverage forums like UN, Commonwealth
and SAARC for peaceful conflict resolution.

4.2. ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN BORDER MANAGEMENT

Why in the news?
A recent report by the Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission of Uttarakhand reported that
11 villages in the state along the India-Tibet border have been abandoned.
More on the News
4.3. 25 YEARS OF KARGIL WAR
• This has raised concerns about India's security, particularly in context of China's establishment of
Xiaokang villages near the Indian border. Why in the News?
o These new villages, similar to China's South China Sea tactics, are seen as part of China’s Salami India is celebrating 25 years of Kargil War
Slicing strategy (incremental territorial encroachments near border areas). victory (celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas) or
o They support military and strategic road networks, and serve as tools for China to strengthen its success of Operation Vijay.
control and legal claims over the region.
• India's and Bhutan's interests have been adversely impacted by these developments. More on News

Significance of Community Participation in the Border Management • Operation Vijay was launched by
Indian Army in response to the
• Security and safety: Familiarity with the local terrain, crossing points, and regular patterns of movement infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and
enables them to act as additional eyes and ears for border guarding forces. militants into the Kargil a district of
• Improved Situational Awareness: They aid in intelligence gathering along the border and provide the Union Territory of Ladakh.
information about suspicious activities, smuggling attempts, or potential security threats. o Indian Airforce launched
• Soldiers without Uniforms: E.g. Residents of Chushul village (Ladakh) in 2020 helped Army to secure ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ and
supplies for harsh winter season. Indian Navy launched ‘Operation
• Response to China’s Salami Slicing. Talwar’.
Challenges in Engaging Local Communities in the border management About Kargil War
• Inadequate State Capacity: Poor border infrastructure, inadequate basic equipment, and poorly trained • War theatre: It occurred between
law enforcement personnel. India and Pakistan in Kargil district along Line of Control (LOC) in 1999 when Pakistan forces occupied
• Feeling of alienation: Restrictive nature of tasks performed by forces, Communication Gap due to several points on Indian side of LoC in Mashkoh valley, Dras, Kaksar, Tiger Hill areas.
language barriers may create feeling of distrust and alienation among local people. • Commencement of war: Shortly after the signing of the Lahore declaration in 1999 (to reduce nuclear
• Agitation Approach: Criminals exploit local discontent to create conflicts between border authorities and risks and resolve their border disputes peacefully), the Pakistan Army surreptitiously occupied the winter-
the public. vacated posts.
• ad hoc and informal cooperation: Existing cooperation between border communities and authorities
Reasons for Pakistan’s intrusion of India
already is often ad hoc and informal making them unreliable and slow.
• Politico-strategic: To internationalize Kashmir, alter the Line of Control (LOC), and achieve a better
Initiatives for improving life of People living along International Borders bargaining position for a possible trade- off against the positions held by India in Siachen.
• Vibrant Villages Programme (2023): Ensure comprehensive development of selected villages along • Military/Proxy War Related Motives:
the northern border in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and o To interdict the Srinagar-Leh road by disrupting vital supplies to Leh.
Ladakh. o To outflank India’s defences from the South and rendering its defences untenable in Turtuk and
• Border Area Development Programme (BADP): To meet special development needs of people living Siachen.
within 50 kilometers of the International Border. o To boost militancy in J&K by diverting troops from the Valley to Kargil.
• Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme: To strengthen the border infrastructure for Shortcomings in India’s defense architecture that contributed to the Kargil War
improving border management, policing and guarding the borders
The Kargil Review Committee (KRC) Chaired by K. Subrahmanyam and its follow-up by the Group of Ministers
Way Forward highlighted following issues:
• Cooperative Federalism: Shift from 'border guarding' to 'border management,' with shared • Intelligence failure: Government of India did not anticipate the possibility of a war so soon after the Lahore
responsibilities between Central and State Governments. Declaration.
• Ensuring development: Accelerated infrastructure development as recommended by the Report of task • Low technology: Intrusion by Pakistan could have been detected earlier if India had half-meter
force on border management (2001). resolution satellite imagery capability, appropriate UAV in addition to better Human Intelligence
• Community Centric Approach: Improve security, amenities, and employment opportunities, and ensure (HUMINT).
adherence to code of conduct and ethical standards by border authorities. • Decline in defence expenditure: Compromise with the defence modernisation and replacement of
o Enhance grievance redressal, learn local languages, respect local customs, and engage in civic obsolete equipment and weapons systems.
activities to improve relations. • Lack of comprehensive security policy despite the changing threat scenario because of the proxy war,
o Community involvement also ensures that security measures respect human rights and do not nuclearisation in the sub-continent and RMA.
unduly restrict the movement of goods and people.
Suggestions made by KRC to strengthen India’s defense architecture
• Strengthen National Security Council (NSC) and have a full time National security adviser (NSA).
• Enhance satellite imagery capability and induct UAVs.
• Create an organization focused on electronic and communication intelligence (like the National Security Reasons for persistence of terrorism in J&K
Agency in US).
• External
• Create an integrated defence intelligence agency (DIA)
o State-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan
• More powers and prominence to the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) o Porous borders facilitating infiltration to create religious and ethnic tensions
• Reduce the age profile in the army and find ways to decrease the pension bill. o Ideological influence from global extremist groups
• Establish a committee to study all the issues related in order to have an effective border management • Internal
policy o Political instability: Periods of President's Rule, and absence of democratically-elected popular
• Publish war histories and declassify official documents to establish the facts governments created a political vacuum that terrorist groups exploit.
• Create synergy between military and the media. o Governance issues: AFSPA, internet shutdowns, arbitrary detentions, etc., resulted in alienation of
• Create civil-military liaison mechanisms at various levels, from Command HQ to operational formations local population.
on ground to smoothen relationships. o Over Ground Workers (OGWs): OGWs sustain militancy through logistical support and propaganda.
Major initiatives taken for strengthening India’s defence architecture ✓ Without directly participating in armed activities.
✓ OGWs are difficult to counter due to blurring of lines between civilians and combatants, their
Specification Reforms taken community ties, technological adaptation such as use of encrypted communications, etc.
Intelligence • Task force on Intelligence apparatus formed,
• National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) was formed in 2004 for the
protection of national critical infrastructure and handling cyber-related issues.
• A ‘Multi Agency Centre’ (MAC) has been established. Information sharing is done at
the MAC on daily basis by all intelligence agencies
o Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) which is a tri-Service Intelligence Agency of
MoD, is placed at MAC
• RISAT-2: A Radar Imaging Satellite with all-weather capability to take images of the
earth.
National • NSC was reformed to adopt whole of government approach and NSA holds the rank
security equivalent to Cabinet Minister.
management • Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), established in 2003, is the sole body which can
and apex recognize the use of nuclear weapons.
decision- • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) created in 2019 is the Permanent Chairman of the
making Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Conclusion
Since Kargil War, the character and conduct of warfare have changed with the growing use of terror and other
irregular methods of fighting by non-state actors and advancements in the cyber and space domains. Therefore,
Indian armed forces must be prepared for future conflicts

4.4. TERRORISM IN J&K

Why in the News?
Jammu division of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has been witnessing a rise in terrorist incidents
Way Forward
and Resurgence of Militancy in Jammu: After two decades of relative peace.
Reasons for recent rise in terrorism in Jammu • Security and Intelligence: Reinforcing HUMINT (Human Intelligence) to complement TECHINT
(Technological Intelligence), implement the recommendations of Madhukar Gupta Committee on Border
• Reactivation of proxy-war: Pakistan wants to re-establish its relevance, which was severely diminished Protection.
after abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. • Political: Assembly election in J&K is set to be held in September and October 2024. This will be helpful in
• Thinning of Security Grid in Jammu: As security forces were moved to from Jammu to the China border enhancing confidence people faith in democratic process.
(post 2020 Galwan clashes). • Economic: Implementation of Jammu & Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30 for economic development and
• Tightened security in Kashmir: Tightened security in Kashmir pushes militants to attack Jammu where ensuring sustainable livelihood to people.
security is relatively low. • Diplomatic: Proactive engagement with the international community including FATF to isolate terrorist
groups and their sponsor states
• Confidence Building Measures (CBMs): Involvement of Village Defence Guards and local religious
leader to counter extremist narratives, rehabilitation of former militants.
 Conclusion
4.5. NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
As India enters Amrit Kaal, a term signifying a prosperous and self-reliant future, it is crucial to discard
Why in the news? hesitation and ambiguity in national security planning.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) contested the
need of a written National Security Strategy (NSS), 4.6. NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARIAT (NSCS)
sparking debate about importance of a NSS
Why in the news?
document.
Recently, the government has appointed the Additional National Security Advisor (NSA) to the National
What is National Security Strategy (NSS)?
Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) for the first time.
• An NSS is a concise summary of a country’s
About National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
strategic vision and objectives and
encompasses domestic and external • Genesis: NSCS created in the late 1990s acts as the secretariat for the National Security Council or NSC
challenges and addresses traditional, non- (refer the box in the end).
traditional threats and opportunities and updated periodically. • Role: It is the apex advisory body on all internal and external security-related matters and headed by the
o Major powers like the US, UK, and Russia have published and regularly updated their NSS. National Security Advisor (NSA) the Secretary of the NSC.
o Since 2019, NSA holds the rank of Cabinet Minister and NSA and NSCS can generate Cabinet notes,
Why does India need a written National Security Strategy?
access relevant Cabinet papers, and participate in any Inter-Ministerial consultation.
• Framework for effective Long-term Planning: Ensures coherent, non-adhoc decisions. • Aim: To provide the strategy, direction and long-term vision so that every ministry concerned with
• Strategic Signaling: It will clarify India’s strategic intent to friends and foes, highlight its role as a security national security may be adequately prepared to address all possible threats.
provider in the Indian Ocean, and establish clear cooperation with partners. • Compositions: Three deputy NSAs, a Military Adviser and a National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC).
• Meet changing security dynamics: Regular reviews of threats and global trends, addressing challenges
like hybrid warfare and China's naval growth.
• Operational clarity: It can help guide decision-making in areas like delegation, operationalision of theatre
commands etc.
• Adopt Whole of nation approach: It can help build synergy for harnessing comprehensive national power
and coordinate operations effectively.
Challenges in codifying NSS in India
• Lack of Political Will: Limited political consensus, fear of accountability, and inadequate expertise hinder
NSS formulation.
• Loss of strategic flexibility: Codifying NSS may limit political flexibility, unlike ad hoc policymaking (e.g.,
Israel operates without formalized NSS).
• Resource Allocation: Effective NSS implementation necessitates adequate financial and human resources
and capability-building to meet set objectives.
• Weak Institutional support and policy feedback: Only few defense and security think-tanks currently exist
in India.
o The Kargil Review Committee Report and the Naresh Chandra committee on Security (2011) failed
to catalyse immediate formulation of NSS development.

Previous steps taken to draft NSS Significance of Appointing ANSA

• The Defence Planning Committee (2018), chaired by National Security Advisor: It is a permanent body • Niche Role for NSA: The ANSA will act as a key link between the NSA and other members of NSCS.
tasked with preparing a draft national security strategy among others. o The NSA can now concentrate more effectively on overseeing key advisory bodies of NSC including the
• Hooda Committee: It was set up in 2018 to suggest comprehensive NSS. It suggested the following National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and Strategic Policy Group (SPG).
tenets to a draft NSS: • Ensuring continuity: The possibility of elevating the ANSA to the role of NSA would ensure continuity in the
o Assuming our Rightful Place in Global Affairs: Playing a significant Global role. organisation.
o Achieving a Secure Neighbourhood: Cooperation and stability in the neighbourhood.
• Adapting to Emerging Needs: Continuous institutional reforms are necessary to respond to evolving
o Peaceful Resolution of Internal Conflicts: Integrating North East, combating terrorism, etc.
geopolitical realities.
o Protecting our People: Economic security, Cyber threats, Climate change, etc.
o Strengthening our Capabilities: Maritime borders, space, strategic communications, etc.
 o Currently, an organization can also be declared as unlawful under the Unlawful Activities Prevention
Act (UAPA), 1967.
o However, prosecution under UAPA requires approval from Central or State Governments.
Urban Naxalism
• Naxalism [Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)] refers to an extremist ideology which doesn't believe in
democracy and democratic processes and seeks to overthrow the State through violent means.
o In India, it originated from the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari (West Bengal).
• Although there is no standard definition of Urban Naxalism, it generally refers to the presence of, and
activities carried out by, Naxalites, or the CPI (Maoist), in urban areas.
o Naxalite activities in urban areas include maintaining safe houses for leaders and cadres, providing
logistics support to under-ground squads; mobilising and recruiting youth, students and workers
from industry and other bodies, etc.
• Although Union Ministry of Home Affairs does not use the phrase ‘Urban Naxal’, Government of India’s
National Policy and Action Plan addresses LWE in all its manifestations, including the urban activities.
Way Ahead
• Strengthening the role of NSA: Establish objective selection criteria with clear qualifications, define 4.8. UN TREATY ON CYBERCRIME
specific duties, and ensure a transparent chain of command.
Why in the News?
• Structural Changes in NSCS: Recruiting specialists with expertise in emerging security challenges and
enhancing interdepartmental coordination to facilitate better anticipation of security issues. UN Member States have finalised treaty targeting cybercrime.
• Implementing a ‘Whole-of-Nation’ approach: Develop partnerships between citizens, government About UN Treaty on Cybercrime
agencies, the private sector, and civil society for information sharing and joint national security initiatives.
• It is the UN’s first treaty that aims to "prevent and combat cybercrime more efficiently and effectively,"
National Security Council (NSC) notably regarding child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering.
• Genesis: Constituted 25 years ago based on the recommendations of a task force headed by K.C. Pant • The treaty would enter into force once 40 member nations will ratify it.
(in 1999). • Presently, the Budapest Convention of 2001 (negotiated by the Council of Europe) serves as the guideline
• Role: It is an apex advisory body headed by the Prime Minister and comprising of the Ministers of or reference for cybercrime legislation worldwide.
Finance, Defense, Home and External Affairs. o It was signed on to mostly by member States within Europe, Turkey, the US, Sri Lanka and Brazil.
• Aim: To promote integrated thinking and coordinated application of the resources of the State to Key Provisions
protect and promote national security goals and objectives.
• Composition: It is a 3-tiered organization • Gives states permission to “collect or record” relevant data for a conviction and “compel” service
o Strategic Policy Group (SPG): It is the principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination. It providers to hand over incriminating information or documents.
is headed by NSA. • States are mandated to:
✓ The Cabinet Secretary coordinates the implementation of SPG decisions by the Union o bring legislation that will make it illegal to breach an information and communications system
Ministries and departments and State governments. people don’t have access to.
o National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Its principal function is to undertake long term analysis o make it illegal to produce, offer, sell, distribute, etc. child sexual content online.
and to provide perspectives on the national security issues. It is headed by the NSA. o ensure that implementation of their obligations under this treaty is consistent with their obligations
o Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC): Its task is to assess intelligence gathered by various under international human rights law.
intelligence agencies including Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). It Significance of Treaty
functions under the NSCS.
• Establishes for the first time a global-level cybercrime and data access-enabling legal framework.
• Establishes “a global criminal justice policy,” to protect society against cybercrime.
4.7. URBAN NAXALISM
Why in the news? 4.9. JOINT DOCTRINE FOR CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS
Recently, State Government of Maharashtra introduced Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 aimed at Why in the news?
curbing the increasing of Naxalism in urban areas.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) released India’s first Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations that lays emphasis
Key Provisions of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 on understanding military aspects of cyberspace operations.
• Targets a wide range of actions by suspects including encouraging or preaching disobedience of the law.
• Allows declaring organizations unlawful and gives power to District Magistrates or police commissioners
to grant permission for prosecution.
About Cyber Space What could be negative impacts of online misinformation?
• Cyberspace refers to the global volume of entities (such as ICT systems) processing, storing and • Information Bubbles: Algorithms create information bubbles that reinforce prejudices like racism,
transmitting digital information and code, regardless of whether they are connected or not. misogyny, and various forms of discrimination.
• Military Advantages of operating in cyberspace: Real time intelligence gathering, offensive and defensive • Threats to Democracy: By misleading voters about candidates, undermines trust in public institutions and
operations, Improved Communication, Signal Intelligence etc. media.
• Vulnerabilities of operating in cyberspace: Cyberspace warfare or Cyber-attacks can disable official • Difficulty in Achieving SDG: For example, misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns
websites and networks, disrupt or disable essential services, steal or alter classified data, cripple financial undermine climate action, with activities like green washing, etc.
systems etc. • Adverse Impact on Economy: Create panic causing unnecessary volatility and potential economic losses.
Significance of the doctrine Challenges in tackling online misinformation
• Provides conceptual guidance to commanders of armed forces, staff and practitioners in planning and • Rapid Digital Platforms: The unprecedented speed of digital platforms, including artificial intelligence,
conducting Cyberspace Operations. poses significant threats to information integrity.
• Promotes Jointness and Integration of three services (Army, Navy and Air Force). • Remoteness of Readers: Fact-checkers are often disconnected from readers, who may be unaware of any
• Preventing hostile actions in cyberspace, which can impact nation’s economy, cohesion, political corrections or invalidations provided.
decision-making, and ability to defend itself. • Data Encryption Technologies: Encrypted platforms like WhatsApp make it difficult to monitor and
• Competing globally, as counties like China have developed cyberweapons to degrade or destroy counteract misinformation.
adversaries’ military assets and strategic networks. • Media Illiteracy and Vulnerability: Older adults are more susceptible to misinformation online.
o For instance, those over 65 are three to four times more likely to share false news compared to younger
Other Measures taken for Strengthening cyberspace capabilities in India individuals.
• Defence Cyber Agency (DCA): Established in 2019, the DCA is a tri-service agency responsible for • Engaging Content: Simple and humorous memes, tweets, and multimedia messages (videos or audio) are
handling cybersecurity threats and coordinating cyber defense efforts across the three services. easily digestible for all audiences.
• Others: Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), Way ahead
Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024, etc.
UN’s “Global Principles for Information Integrity” provides following 5 principles for curbing online
Conclusion misinformation and upholding human rights such as freedom of expression:
The doctrine is poised to shape future military strategies and operations, reinforcing the integral role of • Societal Trust and Resilience: Enforce innovative digital trust and safety practices with focus on
cyberspace in national defence. protecting vulnerable groups (women, children, etc.)
• Healthy Incentives: Adopt business models guided by human rights that do not depend on algorithm-
4.10. ONLINE MISINFORMATION driven advertising based on behavioural tracking and personal data.
• Public Empowerment: Technology companies should empower users to provide input on trust, safety,
Why in the News? privacy policy, and data while ensuring interoperability and enhancing digital literacy training.
United Nations unveiled the “Global Principles for Information Integrity: Recommendations for Multi- • Independent, Free and Pluralistic Media: States and tech companies should ensure press freedom and
stakeholder Action” for curbing the spread of online misinformation, disinformation, hate speech. journalist safety.
• Transparency and Research: Tech companies should enhance transparency regarding data use and risk
About Online Misinformation
management, ensuring diverse researchers access quality data while protecting privacy.
• Misinformation refers to false or misleading content shared without harmful intent, though it can still be
harmful. 4.11. FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF)
o False or misleading content spread with the intent to deceive or gain economically or politically,
causing public harm are termed as disinformation. Why in the News?
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary held in Singapore adopted ‘Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) of
India’.
More on News
• The first Mutual Evaluation of India was adopted in 2010.
• The current MER places India in the regular follow-up category and recognizes initiatives like JAM (Jan
Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) Trinity and stringent regulations on cash transactions which have significantly
increased financial inclusion and digital transactions, making transactions more traceable.
o This category demonstrates the financial stability and integrity alongwith supporting UPI’s global
expansion and greater access to global financial markets.
What is MER of FATF? • Tailored response to need of poor countries: Provide special assistance to strengthen legal and financial
frameworks in resource-limited countries.
• MER is an assessment of a country’s measures to combat money laundering and the financing of
• Global cooperation: Strengthen coordination with IMF, World Bank, UN, and FATF style regional bodies to
terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
enhance effectiveness.
o The reports are peer reviews, where members from different countries assess another country.
• MER has two main components: Effectiveness rating; Technical Compliance assessment
4.12. INDIA’S BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE PROGRAM
• Categorization of countries in MER
o Regular follow-up: The top most category. Only 24 including India, UK, Italy, France, and Russia
(members of G20) are in this category.
o Enhanced follow-up: Countries with significant deficiencies. Includes even developed countries like
the US, Australia, and several European nations.
o ICRG review: For High-risk and other monitored jurisdictions. These have a one-year Observation
Period to address deficiencies failing which they may be placed in the Black or Grey list.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• Genesis: It was established in 1989, by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit held in Paris.
• Membership: 38 member countries including India.
• FATF Style Regional Bodies: These are 9 regional bodies established for the purpose of disseminating the
international standards on combating money laundering, financing of terrorism, & proliferation.
• Key Role:
o Integrity of the international financial system: It is international watchdog to combat money
laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to international financial system
o Financial inclusion: Bringing more people into the formal financial system where transactions can be
more easily monitored.
✓ FATF has also launched ‘project on unintended consequences’ which includes a focus on
financial exclusion.
• Grey and Black List of FATF: These are countries identified as jurisdictions with weak measures to
combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
o Grey List (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring): These are countries that have committed to
resolve the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes.
o Black List (High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action): Countries or jurisdictions with serious
strategic deficiencies.
• FATF makes decisions by consensus.
What makes functioning of FATF less effective?
• Perceived lack of objectivity: No formal rules exist as to how many members must object to scuttle a
proposal or spare a country from inclusion in grey list.
• Weakness in Listing Regime: No differentiation between countries lacking capacity and those unwilling to
comply, leading to inflexible responses.
• Lack of graduated response: Placing non-compliant countries either in black list or the grey list doesn’t
allow for a flexible and graduated response against terror financing countries.
• Lack of effectiveness: Relies on technical compliance without considering actual performance, as seen
with Pakistan’s removal from the grey list despite ongoing state sponsored terrorism.
• Other issues: Marginalisation of Global South voices, emerging source of terror financing due to
cryptocurrencies, deepwebs, etc.
Way forward for making FATF more effective
• Enhance transparency in functioning: Formalize appointments and ensure job security and independence
within the secretariat.
• Categorisation within grey list: Differentiating countries based on willingness to comply for more targeted
actions.
4.13. AIRCRAFT CARRIER 5. ENVIRONMENT
Why in news?
5.1. CLIMATE CHANGE
India’s Defence Minister recently announced plans for India to commence building its 2nd indigenous aircraft
carrier, with intentions to construct “five or six more” in the future. 5.1.1. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT
About Aircraft Carrier
• An aircraft carrier offers a wide range of strategic services including surveillance, air defence, airborne
5.1.1.1. IMPACT ON SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS) AT A GLANCE
early warning, protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC), and anti-submarine warfare. They are of 3
types:
o CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery)
o STOBAR (Short Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery)
o STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing)
• Navy Perspective Plan (1985-2000) and Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (2012-27) envisaged a
requirement of three aircraft carriers, with two to be operational (East and West coast) and one in refit at
any time.
• At present, the Indian Navy operates two 45,000-tonne aircraft carriers, the INS Vikramaditya and the INS
Vikrant.
• Both are conventionally-powered carriers (not nuclear powered) that use ski-jump ramps to assist
aircraft takeoffs.
• The INS Vikrant India’s first indigenous carrier while the INS Vikramditya was bought from Russia and
operationally deployed in 2014.
o INS Vikrant marked India’s entry into a select group—China, France, the US, and the UK—of nations
capable of constructing their own aircraft carriers.
• Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is poised to begin construction on India’s third aircraft carrier (its 2nd
indigenous aircraft), marking a significant step towards expanding India’s naval fleet.
Why India needs a third aircraft carrier?
• Enhancing Blue Water Navy Capabilities: reinforce this capability of Indian Navy as Blue Water Force and
India’s goal of a net security provider in the Indian Ocean amid China’s presence.
• Continuous Operational readiness: Three carriers ensure that at least two are always operational,
providing coverage for both India’s eastern and western seaboards.
• Incorporation of advance technologies: The third carrier (IAC-2) may feature advanced systems like the
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and CATOBAR for launching heavier aircraft and
enhanced capabilities.
• Facilitating projection of India’s soft power: In peacetime, they aircraft carrier act as providers of
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief (HADR), complementing the roles of amphibious and other air
and sealift mechanisms.
Conclusion
India must navigate financial and operational challenges while advancing technology to maintain carrier
capabilities amid regional competition.

Aircraft carrier verses Submarines

• Cost and Vulnerability: The first Chief of Defence Staff deemed carriers expensive and vulnerable to
shore based missiles. Submarines, with their stealth capabilities and defensive armament, are less
reliant on a protective screen of battleships compared to aircraft carriers that operate prominently on
the surface.
• However, both aircraft carriers and submarines are essential components of a balanced naval
strategy.
o Both have complementary roles: submarines focusing on stealth and offensive capabilities, while
aircraft carriers offer versatility and comprehensive mission support.
5.1.1.2. IMPACT ON MARGINAL FARMERS AT A GLANCE 5.1.1.3. IMPACT ON EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
5.1.1.4. SEA LEVEL RISE Flaws in Current Global Approach
• Inadequate Funding: Only USD 100 billion pledged by developing countries (short of ~USD 6 trillion needed
for meeting half of climate targets by 2030).
• Ignores Per capita Emissions: E.g., India, world’s third-largest emitter, is urged to take greater
responsibility, despite its low per capita emissions & cumulative historical contribution (1850-2019) i.e., 4
% of global emission.
• Overestimate Probabilities: Public fear of rare accidents due to Nuclear Energy hinders its adoption. E.g.
Chernobyl and Fukushima disaster.
• Focus on energy intensive technologies: E.g., a single Chat-GPT search consumes 10 times more energy
than a similar query on Google
• Overconsumption: Current Climate Change strategy focus on replacing conventional fuel with renewables
and clean energy with increasing energy need.
• Lack of research on end-to-end lifecycle costs of renewable energy: For e.g. Solar can need 300 times
as much space as nuclear, and biomass more than 8,000 times.

Economic survey also highlighted Negative Environmental Implication of adopting Western Practices
• Limitations of Market economy in achieving emissions mitigation: Market economy is more focussed
on financial outcomes.
• Destruction of the food-feed balance: Feed industry for meat account for 33% of the total arable land
on the planet that is now utilised for feed crop production, leading to issues like food-feed competition,
land squeeze, environmental impacts etc.
• Changes in housing:
o Adoption of Western model of living: Nearly 50% of all households in India are nuclear (1-4
members), up from 38% in 2008.
o Tendency of urban sprawl: Have higher emission.
o Mimicking a universalised model of living.

Suggestions
• Developing countries like India need to balance developmental goals with meaningful climate action.
• Global movement on climate change must be accommodative of sovereign choices and economic
needs, but centered on individual behavior as envisioned in India’s Mission LiFE.

5.2. AIR POLLUTION

5.2.1. GROUND-LEVEL OZONE (TROPOSPHERIC OZONE)
Why in the News?
As per a report, Ground Level ozone Pollution (GLO) is on the rise across India’s major cities.
Key findings
• India’s 10 metropolitan areas have exceeded the national ozone standard, Delhi being most affected.
• GLO hotspots: Located in areas with low levels of NO2 and PM2.5 (unavailability of NO2 hampers its
dissipation)
5.1.2. ECONOMIC SURVEY 2023-24 OBSERVATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE • Night-time GLO continues to persist in all metropolitan areas.
MITIGATION Ground-level Ozone (GLO)
Why in News? • Secondary, short-lived pollutant formed in the atmosphere by reaction between oxides of nitrogen and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
The Survey highlighted that current global approach ignores interconnected nature of existence and is flawed.
o Peak O3 levels occur in summers.
• Source: Cars, power plants, industries; electronic equipment, e.g., photocopiers.
• Impact of Ground-level • High Seas Constitute 64%, roughly two-thirds, of the total ocean area and are considered global
Ozone (GLO) commons.
o Health: Bronchitis, o Belongs to no one, and everyone enjoys equal rights for navigation, overflight, economic activities,
trigger asthma, and scientific research, etc.
permanently damage
About BBNJ Agreement
lung tissue.
o Climate: Absorbs • Agreement under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on conservation
radiation, acts as a and sustainable use of marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
strong greenhouse gas. • Formally adopted by Intergovernmental Conference on Marine BBNJ in 2023 and will become
o Agriculture and international law only when it is signed and ratified by at least 60 countries.
Ecosystem o As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.
Impacts: Interferes • Objective: To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond
with photosynthesis national jurisdiction, for the present and in the long term.
and stunts overall
growth of some plant
species.
• Strategies to prevent
Ozone pollution: Methane
reductions and cutting the
levels of atmospheric
pollution arising from cars,
power plants and other
sources.
• India’s initiatives: GLO is
being monitored at selected
locations under India’s
National Air Quality
Key Provisions of BBNJ Agreement
Monitoring Programme, System for Air quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) etc.
• Applies to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), which include the high seas.
5.3. WATER AND LAND DEGRADATION o It does not apply to any warship, military aircraft or naval auxiliary.
o Only Part-II, dealing with Marine Genetic Resources, applies to any government vessel in non-
5.3.1. HIGH SEAS TREATY commercial service.
• Institutional Arrangement:
Why in the News? o Conference of Parties (COP): Main decision-making body (except for certain matters on
Union Cabinet approved India to environmental impact assessments).
sign the Biodiversity Beyond o Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM): An open-access and centralized platform for Parties to access,
National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) provide and disseminate information on the 4 substantive elements of the BBNJ Treaty.
Agreement or High Seas Treaty with o Others: Scientific and Technical Body (STB); Subject-Matter Committees like access and benefit-
the Ministry of Earth Sciences to sharing committee, capacity-building and transfer of marine technology committee, etc.
spearhead its implementation. • Financial Mechanism: Voluntary trust fund by COP, Special fund, Global Environment Facility trust fund.
• Other key provisions:
About High Seas o No country must claim or exercise sovereignty or sovereign rights over Marine Genetic Resources
• Definition: High seas are areas (MGRs) of ABNJ.
outside the national o EIA framework (i.e., global standard) for identifying and evaluating the potential impacts of an activity
jurisdiction of any country. in ABNJ.
o Typically, national o Mechanism for a fair and equitable sharing of benefits associated with MGRs of ABNJ and associated
jurisdictions extend up to Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
200 nautical miles (370 km) ✓ There is yet no consensus on definition of DSI.
from the coastline, an
area called Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ).
 Status of Soil Degradation
• 75% of soils are already degraded, impacting 3.2 billion people, and with current trends will rise to 90% by
2050 (World Atlas of Desertification).
• 96.4 million hectares (29.32% of total geographical area) is total degraded land (ISRO’s Desertification
and Land Degradation Atlas of India).
Reasons for Soil Degradation
• Deforestation: Around 30 Mha Desertification/Land Degradation in India (during 2018-19) happened
through Vegetation degradation (ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (June 2021)).
• Salinization / Alkalization: E.g., ~50 % of the arable land in Punjab damaged due to salinity.
• Intensive cereal-based crop rotations (rice and wheat) due to Population growth, land shortage, etc.
• Overgrazing: E.g., Degradation of Banni grasslands of Gujarat.
Significance of BBNJ Agreement
Way Forward
• Checking overexploitation of resources, biodiversity loss, pollution etc: ~17 million tonnes of plastics
were dumped in the oceans in 2021 (UN estimates). • Sustainable Agricultural Practices like diverse crop rotations.
• Achieving targets of “30x30” initiative: To protect 30% of marine ecosystems by 2030. • Maximize Soil Cover through protective vegetative cover, decreasing wind velocity and its eroding capacity.
• Mitigating impacts of Climate Change: On marine ecosystems, such as warming, ocean deoxygenation, • Minimize Disturbance by limiting tillage, optimising chemical input, etc.
ocean acidification, etc. • Integrated land use planning and allocate resources considering varied uses and demands across various
• Equitable economic order: Taking into account the interests and needs of developing States, whether sectors.
coastal or landlocked. • Precision Farming for Utilizing sensors, data analytics to optimize the amount of water, nutrients, and
• Significance for India: pesticides applied.
o Enhance strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). • Community-Based Soil Conservation and participatory soil health assessment.
o Shared monetary benefits and strengthening India’s marine conservation efforts and
collaborations, open newer avenues for scientific research, capacity building and technology transfer, Steps taken for Promoting Soil Health in India
etc. • Promotion of Organic Farming: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated
o Promotion of traditional knowledge through an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP) etc.
based on the precautionary principle. • For Soil Health: Soil Health cards, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana etc.
• Increasing Forest Cover: National Afforestation Programme (NAP), the National Mission for a Green
5.3.2. SOIL HEALTH India (GIM) etc.
Why in the News? o In 2 years total forest and tree cover increased by 2261 square kilometre in India (ISFR, 2021)
• National guidelines to prevent burning of crop residues
UNESCO pledged to support its • Bonn Challenge: India joined the voluntary Bonn Challenge pledge to bring into restoration 26 million
member states by establishing hectares (mha) of degraded and deforested land by the year 2030
‘world soil health index’ at
International Conference on
Soils, Morocco. 5.4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
More on the News 5.4.1. GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND
In addition, UNESCO would
Why in the News?
launch a pilot programme for
long-term soil and landscape NITI Ayog prepared a Draft Report on Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Study for Greenfield International Airport
management in ten natural – Great Nicobar.
sites supported by its Biosphere
More on the News
Reserves Programme.
• Part of proposed “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island (GNI) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands”
About Soil Degradation
project.
• Physical, chemical and • Key-findings of the report
biological decline in soil o Positive Impact: Increase in economic, employment, and business opportunities; Increase in land
quality, manifested as loss value post development.
of organic matter, declining fertility, structural conditions, acidity or alkalinity, etc. o Negative Impact: Loss of productive land for agriculture and dwelling units; Influx of outside
population and loss of privacy.
About the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Way forward (Suggested in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report)
Island (GNI) in Andaman and Nicobar(A&N)
• Planning to recognize major landscape changes according to landscape planning concepts.
Islands” Project
• Halting offshore construction activities during breeding season (Nov-Feb) of leather back turtles.
• Proposed by A & N Administration under the • Using Sodium vapor lights for lightings, as sea turtles are less affected by it.
guidance of GoI and NITI Aayog. • Implement Integrated Solid waste management system.
• Granted in-principal forest clearance and • Strict measures to ensure that none of the worker ever trespasses the Shompen area.
environmental clearance in 2022. • Implement Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
• Implementation Agency: Andaman and Resettlement Act, 2013 for displaced people.
Nicobar Islands Integrated Development
Corporation (ANIIDCO) (incorporated under the 5.4.2. INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION (IHR)
Companies Act 1956).
Why in the News?
• Projects Proposed: Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT), Green Field International Airport, In view of recent judgments of the Supreme Court (SC), the new fundamental right to be free from climate change
Township and Area Development, Power Plant. impact necessitates a sustainable development model for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Important judgments of Supreme court
• MK Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India case (2024): Recognized the right to be free from the adverse effects of
climate change under Articles 14 and 21.
• Ashok Kumar Raghav vs Union of India case (2023): Asked central government to suggest a way forward
to enable the Court to pass directions on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan States.
• State of Telangana vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim case: Need to adopt an ecocentric view of the environment
(where nature is at the core).
o Aligning Growth and development in the IHR with science and rights of people and nature.

About Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

• Young fold
mountains that are
tectonically active
formed due to
massive collision
between Eurasia and
the northward-
drifting Indian plate
about 50 million years
ago.
• Spread across 13
Concerns related to the project Indian States/Union
Territories.
• Environmental concerns: Loss of top soil, sewage waste generation, impact on mangroves, artificial
• Occupies 18% of the
illumination on the beach might affect sea turtle nesting and hatching.
India’s total
• Threat to fauna: Galathea Bay, one of the world’s largest nesting sites for the leatherback turtle, a species
geographical area
listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
and 50% of its forest
o GNI was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves as part of the Man and Biosphere
cover and biodiversity.
Programme of UNESCO in 2013.
• Social: In 2022, the Tribal Council of Great Nicobar and Little Nicobar withdrew its NOC for the project due Challenges associated with IHR
to the administration’s lack of transparency and the hasty consent.
• Unsustainable development: Leading to Sinking of Joshimath (UK), floods and landslides in Himachal
o A portion of the land identified as “uninhabited” in the NITI Aayog plan is ancestral territory for the Great
Pradesh, a glacial lake outburst in Sikkim, Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi etc.
Nicobarese people.
• Rising Tourism: Witnesses 100 million tourists every year; expected to increase to 240 million by 2025.
• Health: The Shompen (habiting the proposed site), are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases.
• Water Crisis: Of 4 million springs at least 33% are drying up and >50% have witnessed decline in water
• Natural Disaster Vulnerability: A&N are situated in a high-risk seismic zone.
discharge. For e.g., Water problems in Shimla.
• Others: Flaw in Environment Clearance; impact of climate change like melting of glaciers, etc.
Initiatives for IHR 5.4.3. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
• National Mission for
Sustaining the
Himalayan
Ecosystem (NMSHE)
• Indian Himalayan
Climate Adaptation
Programme (IHCAP)
• SECURE Himalaya
Project
• Himalayan State Regional Council
Way Forward
• Integrated development: Establishing a “Himalayan Authority” for monitoring and guidance.
• Sustainable Tourism: Developing business plans for “Smart Mountain Tourism Destinations”.
• Improve Water Security: Best practices, (e.g., Dhara Vikas in Sikkim) for revival of springs.
• Capacity building: Blending traditional knowledge with modern approaches and focus on R&D.
• Improve Clearance System: IHR to have its own Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
To know more about the Unregulated Tourism in the Himalayan Region, refer to Article 4.2.1. Unregulated
Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) in the Mains365 Environment 2024.
5.5. RENEWABLE AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY 5.5.2. OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AT A GLANCE

5.5.1. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AT A GLANCE

5.5.3. GREEN AMMONIA AT A GLANCE 5.5.4. GREEN HYDROGEN AT A GLANCE
 5.5.6. UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION (UCG) AT A GLANCE

5.5.5. BIO-ECONOMY
Why in News?
Recently, BioE3 Policy was approved with the aim to foster high-performance bio manufacturing and broadly
focuses on the six strategic/thematic sectors.
Key Features of the Scheme Six Thematic Sectors of BioE3 Policy
1. Bio-based chemicals and enzymes
• Innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship.
2. Functional foods and smart proteins
• Establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Bio-
3. Precision bio therapeutics
foundry.
4. Climate resilient agriculture
• Prioritizing regenerative bio-economy models of green
5. Carbon capture and its utilisation
growth.
6. Futuristic marine, and space research
• Facilitating the expansion of India's skilled workforce.
About Bio-economy
• It is the Knowledge-based production and use of biological resources to provide goods and services in
a sustainable manner in all economic sectors.
o Important sectors are: Bioindustrial, Biopharma, Bioagriculture etc.
• Status of India's bio economy:
o Grown from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
o India ranks 12th globally in terms of bio-manufacturing.
Significance of Bioeconomy
• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, enhance agricultural productivity, food security, etc.
• Promote circular economy, E.g. Conversion of agricultural waste into biogas
• Role in India’s economy, contributing 4% to GDP and employing over 2 million people.
• Role in propelling Industrial Revolution.
Challenges
• Uncertain regulatory structure and lack of uniform industry standards.
• Scarce state-of-the-art research centres and insufficient R&D fund allocation.
• Ethical challenges on Responsible Research and Innovation. E.g. Genetic modification
Initiatives and Policies to boost Bio-Economy
• BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) has established various industry focused
schemes like Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme, BioNEST, etc.
• Policy measures: National Biofuel policy, 2018; National Biopharma Mission, National Mission on
Bioeconomy etc.
• Biological Research Regulatory Approval Portal (BioRRAP), single gateway for regulatory approval.
5.6. CONSERVATION EFFORTS 5.6.2. ECO SENSITIVE ZONES
Why in the News?
5.6.1. FOREST CONSERVATION FOR ACHIEVING NDCS
National Green Tribunal asks Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to finalize
Why in the News? deadline for declaring Western Ghats an eco-sensitive zone.
Report titled “Raising Ambition, Accelerating Action: Towards Enhanced Nationally Determined More on the News
Contributions for Forests" launched by United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD). • MoEFCC issued a draft notification on the Western Ghats as an ESZ in 2022, with provisions like-
o Regulation of Human activities
Key-findings of report ✓ Activities Restricted: Mining, quarrying and sand mining, ‘Red’ category industries, New thermal
• Only 8 of the top 20 countries with highest rate of tropical deforestation have quantified targets on forests power projects etc.
in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) plan. ✓ Regulated: Hydropower project etc.
• 11 of the NDCs contain quantified targets relating to afforestation and, reforestation, mitigating climate ✓ Unrestricted: Existing healthcare establishments, agriculture & plantation activity etc.
change requires reducing deforestation first. o Decision Support & Monitoring Centre for Western Ghats: To assess and report on status of ecology
of Western Ghats.
Challenges in Forest Conservation to achieve NDCs
About ESZ
Global India
• Global demand for commodities: such as • Increased Fuelwood consumption: 503.45 million • Ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas designated under Environment
soy, palm oil, etc. fuels deforestation. tonne of CO2 equivalent in 2020- estimated CO2 Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
Prioritizing short-term profits over long-term emissions from fuelwood consumption. • As per National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of boundaries of national parks and
sustainability, e.g. Overgrazing, etc. • Fodder extraction: 1.05 billion tonnes is total wildlife sanctuaries are to be notified as ESZ.
• Insufficient finance: Domestic and fodder annually extracted from forests. • Regulation of Activities: Activities in the ESZ are generally regulated and not prohibitory in nature barring
international finance for forest-based climate • Role of Natural Factor: like invasion of foreign a few such as-
mitigation solutions averages US$2.3 billion species, forest fires (for e.g. Uttarakhand in 2024), o commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units, major hydroelectric project, handling of
per year, (less than 1% of the total). climate extremities, soil degradation deteriorated hazardous substances, discharge of untreated effluents, setting up of brick kilns and setting up of
• Different targets: E.g., Brazil’s updated NDC the forests. polluting industries.
do not contain any forest-related targets, • Financial concern: Underutilisation of fund under Significance of ESZ
despite mentioning commitment to end Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management
• Protection of natural heritage and biological diversity.
deforestation by 2030. and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
• Act as a transition zone and create a kind of shock-absorber around protected areas.
• Non-inclusivity: Only 1.4 % of total public • India’s afforestation programme focusing on
climate finance in 2019 and 2020 was • Minimize impact of urbanization and other developmental activities.
large-scale monoculture plantations of non-
allocated for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and native, commercial species like eucalyptus, having • Help in in-situ conservation.
local communities (LCs). minimal carbon sequestration capacity. • Minimize man-animal conflict.

Way forward Constraints

• Increase Finance: To 30-50 USD/tonne through innovative mechanism like Global tax regime for funding • Opposition from States due to their impact on developmental activities and state revenue.
climate action, debt for nature swaps, etc. • Lack of participatory planning exercises while implementing the ESZ.
• Inclusivity: E.g., improved enforcement of existing laws through intensified raids on illegal activities led to • Enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach in all protected areas.
reduction in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon in 2023. • Lack of ground investigation for proposals with areas being randomly marked on topographic sheets.
• Clearly define targets: Specify separate targets for primary and secondary forests, outlining the net or gross • Restricts land-use change and affects livelihood prospects of people living in human settlements
forest loss. located close to the forest boundary.
• Increase Cooperation between REDD+, developed countries and the private sector. • Practical difficulties in ESZ implementation due to high density of human population around the forest
• India specific measures lands.
o NDC targets to be distributed among the states/UTs based on Culturable Non-forestry Area (CNFA) and Way Forward
forest and tree cover.
o Carbon Neutrality Policy to be promoted at the national and state levels. • Undertaking participatory planning of ESZs which addresses the needs and aspirations of the local and
o Blue Carbon Initiative of IUCN to include blue carbon (CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere and indigenous people.
stored in the ocean). • Conducting on-ground investigations to verify environmentally fragile zones.
o Implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) for strengthening agroforestry. • Building capacity among locals for eco-friendly livelihood practices such as natural farming, agroforestry
etc. in areas lying in notified ESZs.
• Building consensus among States though negotiations.
• Extensively studying the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife before giving 5.7.2. DISASTER RESILIENT CITIES
permission.
Why in News?
Supreme court judgment regarding ESZ
Rising frequency of various disasters, especially in Monsoon season, have brought to fore the unpreparedness
• In 2022, Supreme court had mandated a minimum 1-km ESZ around national parks or wildlife of Indian cities to deal with disasters and seasonal extremities.
sanctuaries but modified the order in 2023 stating that ESZ cannot be uniform across the country and
has to be “protected area-specific”. Vulnerability of Indian Cities

Key highlights of modified order • Population Centres: Over 40% of people in India to reside in cities by 2030.
• Unplanned urbanization: Megacities like Chennai, and Mumbai reached their maximum threshold for
• 2022 order will not be applicable:
environmental degradation before 2014 (National Institute of Urban Affairs).
o To ESZs for which draft and final notifications have been issued by Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and in respect of proposals which have been received by • Increase in frequency and intensity of climate related disasters: E.g., Torrential rains in Shimla and
Ministry. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, triggered landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts, in 2023.
o Where national parks and sanctuaries are located on inter-state borders or share common • Existing Vulnerabilities: such as urban poverty, informality in urban employment, social inequality etc.
boundaries. About Disaster Resilient City
• No mining would be allowed, either within national parks and sanctuaries or in a 1-km radius.
As per National Institute of Disaster Management, a disaster resilient city:
• Any developmental activities undertaken within ESZs should follow the MoEF&CC 2011 guidelines
and also provisions of the 2022 Office Memorandum by MoEF&CC. • Follows sensible building codes, avoids informal settlements in vulnerable areas such as flood plains
or steep slopes.
5.7. DISASTER MANAGEMENT • Has an inclusive, competent and accountable local government.
• Maintains shared, local information base on disaster losses, hazards, risks and vulnerability.
5.7.1. THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 • Empowers people to participate and plan with local authorities, values local and indigenous knowledge.
• Takes steps to anticipate and mitigate the impact of disasters and is able to respond quickly to restore
Why in the News? basic services.
It was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and align it with 15th Finance Challenges in building disaster resilience in Indian cities
Commission Recommendations.
• Lack of planning: 65% of Indian cities currently do not have a master plan (NITI Ayog).
Key Features of Bill • Concretization: Urban spaces covered with concrete and asphalt leading to Urban Heat Island.
• Provides for creation of Disaster database at national and state levels. • Departmentalization in functioning: Departments operating in silos focusing on resources such as water,
o Includes disaster assessments, fund allocation details, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation transport, energy, etc. independently.
plans, risk register etc. • Lack of private funding: Remained stagnant while the infrastructure funding gap has reached multi-trillion-
• Empowers National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority dollar in recent years (Global Infrastructure Hub).
(SDMA) to prepare the disaster plan at national and state level. • Other Challenges: Governance issues leading to uncontrolled construction in disaster-prone zones;
o National plan to be reviewed every 3 years and updated at least once in every 5 years. inadequate sewerage and drainage systems; poor health infrastructure; etc.
• Proposes “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for State capitals and large cities having Municipal
Corporations. Initiatives for urban disaster resilience
• Statutory recognition to existing bodies – National Crisis Management Committee (nodal body to deal • Governance: Disaster Management Act, 2005; National Policy on Disaster Management 2009 ; National
with major disasters) and High-Level Committee (for approval of financial assistance). Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2016
• Enables state government to constitute State Disaster Response Force. • Urban Local Government (ULG): Responsible for setting and enforcing building codes, land use
regulations, urban planning and zoning, basic infrastructure, etc.
Key Provisions of DM Act, 2005 • Schemes: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT); National Mission on
• Establishes 3 tier Institutional Structure Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) 2021-2030 etc.
o National Level: NDMA, headed by Prime Minister • Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework; ‘Ease of Living Index’ (launched in 2018)
o State Level: SDMAs, headed by respective CMS
o District Level: District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), headed by District Way Forward
Collector/Magistrate/Commissioner. • Governance: DM should be devolved to municipalities, with empowered functionaries’.
• Establishes National Disaster Response Force (for Specialist reponse) • Finance: Creation of land banks (owned by the municipalities); Corporate Social Responsibility funding;
• National Disaster Response Fund (for meeting threatening disaster situation). Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) etc.
• Participatory Planning: E.g., DM agencies work with communities to generate awareness in Japan.
• Knowledge Management Networks: Use of location-specific knowledge.
• Other solutions: Nature Based Developments; Greening of public and private spaces; shift to green 5.7.3. DROUGHT MANAGEMENT IN INDIA AT A GLANCE
mobility in public transport etc.
5.7.3.1. DECLARATION OF DROUGHTS 5.7.4. CLOUDBURSTS AT A GLANCE
Why in the News?
Karnataka urges Centre to re-evaluate drought declaration norms.
More on the News
• Amid a prolonged dry spell of monsoon rainfall, Karnataka urged the Centre to
o Shift from one size fits all approach to region specific criteria for drought declaration.
o Redefine and reduce time duration to declare dry spells.
How Drought are declared in India?
• Ministry of Agriculture’s Manual for Drought Management 2016 (updated in 2020) provides for
declaration of drought by States using a three-step approach:
o Based on mandatory indicators — rainfall deviation, Standardized Precipitation Index and dry spell,
etc.
o Assessment of impact indicators — agriculture, vegetation indices based on remote sensing, soil
moisture, and hydrology.
o States conduct sample surveys for ground truthing and for judging the intensity of drought as
‘severe’ or ‘moderate’.
• Once determined, state government needs to issue a notification specifying the geographical extent
and administrative units.
o Notification is valid for six months unless de-notified earlier.
5.7.5. URBAN FLOODING IN INDIA AT A GLANCE

5.7.5.1. FLOODS IN NORTH EAST INDIA

Why in the News?
Recent Assam flooding and its magnitude have highlighted North East India’s vulnerability to flood.
Reasons for flood vulnerability of North East India
• River instability: The Brahmaputra, Barak rivers are braided due to high sediment charges, steep slopes
and transverse gradients.
• Geology: The entire area is part of a seismic zone and periodic severe earthquakes.
• Hydrometeorology: Subjected to cyclonic storms originating in the Bay of Bengal.
• Effect of Climate change: Districts north of the Brahmaputra in Assam show an increasing trend in rainfall
in the last 30 years (CSE).
• Drainage congestion: Due to heavy rainfall of short duration coupled with high flow levels.
• Anthropogenic factors: Encroachment of river bodies, embankments obstructing natural flows, etc. also
induce drainage congestion.
5.7.6. CYCLONES MANAGEMENT IN INDIA AT A GLANCE

5.8. UPDATE
5.8.1. PROGRESS ON INDIA’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
Why in News?
SDGs- National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report, 2024 was released by Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Key highlights of SDG-NIF

SDG Goals National Indicator 2015-16 2023-24

No Poverty Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living 24.85 % 14.96 %
(SDG 1) in poverty

Number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) provided bank 18.32 44.15

credit linkage (in Lakh)

Zero hunger Gross Value Added in agriculture per worker (in ₹) 61,427 87,609
(SDG 2)

Gender Equality Exclusive women SHGs in bank-linked SHGs 88.92% 97.53%

(SDG 5)

Clean water and Percentage of population using an improved drinking 94.57% 99.29%
sanitation water source in rural areas
(SDG 6)

Reduced Percentage of budget allocated for welfare of SCs and 2.86% 6.19%
inequalities STs
(SDG 10)

Sustainable cities Percentage of wards with 100% door to door waste 43% 97%
and communities collection
(SDG 11)

Progress in other Goals

• Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
o Maternal Mortality Rati: Declined from 130 per 1,00,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 per 1,00,000 live
births in 2018-20.
o Under-five mortality rate: Declined from 43 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 32 per 1000 live births in
2020.
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
o Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher secondary education: Increased from 48.32 in 2015-16 to 57.60 in 6. SOCIAL ISSUES
2021-22.
6.1. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Concerns
• SDG 5: Average wage gap between male and female casual labourers widened to Rs 178 (2022-23), Why in the News?
compared with Rs 96 (2017-18) Emerging technologies such as ICT, Artificial Intelligence, etc., are playing significant role in shaping and
• SDG 12: Amount of hazardous waste generated per capita increased to 9.28 metric tonnes (2022-23) transforming various aspects of the contemporary society.
from 7.19 metric tonnes (2017-18).
Positive impact of technology on society
5.9. ERRATA • Communication and Connectivity: Social Media platforms such as Facebook have changed the way
people communicate, share information, and build relationships.
Mains365 Environment 2024 • Information Access: Internet has democratized access to information.
• In Article 7.6. Landslide Management an India at a Glance, due to a typographical error India’s Landscape • Work and Employment: Remote work, transformed traditional office dynamics, rise of Gig economy, etc.
Susceptibility to Landslides has been mentioned as 3.17% of India's geographical area. The correct • Social Relationships: Interest-based forums facilitate connections with like-minded individuals, support
information is that India’s Landscape Susceptibility to Landslides, as per Indian Landslide Susceptibility for long-distance relationships, online spaces for marginalized groups to find support and connection, etc.
Map (ILSM), is 13.17% of India's geographical area. • Sexuality: Contraceptive and assisted reproductive technologies have freed sexuality from the needs of
reproduction and played an important role for individuals to explore their sexuality.
o Internet has also provided a platform for individuals to explore and express their sexual identity,
including those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Entertainment: Rise of streaming platforms has changed how people consume entertainment, moving
away from traditional TV and movie-watching methods.
o Online gaming has created vast virtual communities, allowing gamers to connect and collaborate
globally.
Negative impact of technology on society
• Digital Divide: Disparities in access to information, technology, and opportunities have exacerbated
existing social inequalities.
• Social Isolation: Prevalence of online communication and social media contributes to reduced face-to-
face interaction, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
o New parenting challenges, such as managing screen time and navigating online safety for children.
• Job Displacement: AI and Automation may lead to job displacement in certain sectors, creating socio-
economic challenges for affected individuals and communities.
• Addiction and Mental Health issues: Excessive use of digital devices, social media, and online
entertainment can contribute to addiction adversely affecting mental health.
o Online environment facilitate cyber-bullying, leading to mental health issues among victims.
• Loss of traditional skills: Reliance on technology leads to a decline in certain skills, potentially affecting
employment prospects and self-sufficiency.
• Social comparison and image concerns: Promotion of unrealistic standards, contributing to feelings of
inadequacy, body image issues, and social comparison.
• Polarization and intolerance: Algorithmic biases over social media reinforce users' existing beliefs by
showing content that aligns with their perspectives, through ‘Filter Bubbles’ and ‘Digital Echo-chambers’.
o Deepfakes and manipulated media can be used to spread false and misleading information,
contributing to intolerance and discrimination.
• Sexuality and relationships: Virtual relationships, secretive communications, digital intimacy, etc.,
encourage adultery to sabotage existing monogamous relationships.
Conclusion
Embracing the positives, understanding the pitfalls, and steering with ethical mindfulness pave the path to a
future where technology uplifts humanity with compassion and inclusivity.
6.1.1. TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION AT A GLANCE 6.1.2. TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIALIZATION AT A GLANCE
6.1.3. TECHNOLOGY AND FAMILY AT A GLANCE 6.1.4. TECHNOLOGY AND SEXUALITY AT A GLANCE

6.2. NARI SHAKTI: FROM WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT TO WOMEN -LED

DEVELOPMENT
Why in the News?
Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights India’s transition from women’s development to women-led
development with the vision of a new India where women are equal partners in the story of growth and
national progress.
Women’s Development vs. Women-led Development
Women’s Development Women-led Development
• Involves programmes designed to help • Marks a paradigm shift where women are seen not
women, without necessarily involving them just as beneficiaries, but as leaders, decision-
in their planning, implementation, and makers, and innovators in the process of
evaluation. development.
 • e.g., maternal health programs, girls' • e.g., enhanced women's representation in local • Safety and Security: Mission Shakti – Sambal, Sakhi Centres, etc.
education projects, quotas for women in governance, corporate leadership, etc. • Education and skilling: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and RTE (2009), Women in
educational institutions, etc. • Recognizes that women often have unique insights Science and Engineering KIRAN (WISE KIRAN), Vigyan Jyoti Programme, etc.
• Under this women are seen as passive into community needs and can offer innovative Political Empowerment • Nari Shakti Vandan Abhiniyam (2023), 73rd and 74th Amendments
recipients of development programs. solutions based on their lived experiences. providing 1/3rd reservation for women in local bodies, etc.
• Top-down approach to decision-making • Bottoms-up approach to encourage women’s Others • Permanent commission granted to Women Officers in 12 Armed Forces,
about women development lacking participation in decision-making. E.g., SHG Women-led development was an identified priority areas during India’s
women’s adequate participation. movement. G20 Presidency in 2023, etc.
Significance of Women-led Development Conclusion
• Relevant and effective solutions: Women’s leadership can result in more contextually appropriate and From addressing gender discrimination to promoting education, health, housing, entrepreneurship, and safety,
effective development initiatives. these initiatives have brought about tangible improvements in the lives of women. Ultimately, women-led
• Gender equity: Women in leadership positions can serve as role models and help shift societal norms about development in India is not just about women's empowerment—it's about unlocking the nation's full potential
gender roles and capabilities. and creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
• Economic: Advancing women's equality could lead to a $28 trillion increase in global GDP, with India
potentially seeing a $770 billion boost by 2025. (McKinsey) Phases of Women’s Rights Movement in India
• Sustainability: Greater community buy-in and long-term commitment to sustainable initiatives. • Phase - I (Social Reform Movements during freedom movement): During the 19th and 20th centuries
on specific issues such as sati, child marriage, improving access to education etc.
o Leadership: Largely middle-class educated men E.g., Raja Rammohan Roy.
• Phase – II (Freedom Struggle): Women accepted as political comrades in India’s freedom struggle and
given equal opportunities for participation.
• Phase - III (Post-Independence): Focus on women’s liberation movement, legal and social equality of
women.
o Peasant movements, tribal movements, student’s movements, etc., witnessed participation of
women.
o Leadership: A new wave of autonomous women’s movement with female leadership. E.g. Eco-
feminist Chipko movement (1973), Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
• Phase - IV (During and after the International Decade for Women (Post 1970s)): It deconstructed the
idea of “universal womanhood” with the focus moving from communal objectives to individual rights.
o Proliferation of Women-led NGOs and organizations E.g., Stree Mukti Sanghatana in Maharashtra.
o Intersectionality: refers to the overlap of multiple forms of marginalization E.g. Dalit women are
marginalized due to both gender and caste.
• Contemporary Women’s Movement: Widening its domain and getting involved with issues related to
environment, population, child rights, globalization, marketization, etc.
o Focus on issues like sexual harassment, body shaming, and rape through newer means like the
internet. E.g., #MeToo Movement, Nirbhaya case, etc.

6.3. MARKET SOCIETY

Why in the News?
Government initiatives towards Women-led Development Economic Survey 2023-24 posited that the principal reason for India’s inherent ability to be resilient to
Dimensions Initiatives taken economic, social, and historical challenges is that India wants to become an efficient Market Economy, but
Social Empowerment • Healthcare: Improved Sex Ratio at Birth from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023- not a Market Society.
24), increased Institutional delivery (incentivised by Janani Shishu About Market Society
Suraksha Karyakram), etc.
• Market society is a broader concept, where market values and mechanisms are applied to non-
• Nutritional Security: Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0 programme, etc.
economic areas of life.
• Basic Necessities: Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, PM
o e.g., Commercialization of healthcare services where access to healthcare is largely determined by
Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, etc.
one's ability to pay leading to inequalities in healthcare outcomes.
Financial Empowerment • Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship: Stand-Up India, PM MUDRA
• Important features of Market Society
Yojana, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, etc.
o Commodification of goods, services, ideas, and even relationships.
 Consumerism marked by linking acquisition of goods and services to identity and status.
o
o Individualism marked by emphasis on individual well-being over collective well-being. 7. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
o Infiltration of market logic into morality such as value judgments shaped by cost-benefits analysis.
7.1. IT, COMPUTER, ROBOTICS
Market Economy vs. Market Society
Market Economy Market Society 7.1.1. FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY
Focus Economic transactions, efficiency Market principles applied to all
and effectiveness aspects of life Why in the news?
Role of Government Minimal (to correct market failures) Markets shape policy, social NITI Aayog released ‘White Paper: Responsible AI for All (RAI) on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT)’.
norms, and governance
More about the News
What’s for sale? Goods and Services Virtually everything (healthcare,
personal data, etc.) • The paper examines FRT as the first use case under NITI Aayog’s RAI principles and aims to establish a
Impact on society Can promote innovation, efficiency, Can erode social values and widen framework for responsible and safe development and deployment of FRT within India.
accountability, etc. inequality. • Report ‘Responsible AI for All’ was released by NITI Aayog in 2021. It identified broad principles for
responsible management of AI.
Features defying India as a Market Society
o It includes principles such as Safety and Reliability, Equality, Inclusivity and Non-discrimination,
• Joint Family system: It prioritizes shared responsibilities over individual economic pursuits and also acts Privacy and security etc.
as a social safety net, reducing reliance on market-driven services.
About FRT
• Limited commodification of intangible assets: e.g., Marriages are typically guided by cultural and familial
factors rather than purely economic considerations. • An AI system which allows identification or verification of a person based on certain images or video
• Traditional occupations: Some communities in India still practice traditional occupations passed down data using complex algorithms.
through generations, driven by cultural and social obligations.
• Social Taboos around Materialism: Overt materialism is often frowned upon, and there is a cultural
emphasis on modesty, charity, and spiritual wealth.
• Role of Government: Major role in providing essential services and public goods such as Right to Education,
Right to Employment under MGNREGA, Right to Food under NFSA, etc.
Instances indicating shift towards Market Society in India
• Commodification of Education and Healthcare: Growth of private schools, colleges, healthcare facilities,
etc.
• Consumerism: Increasing association of social status and success with wealth and consumption of goods
and services.
• Market in social relationships: e.g., marriages in some sections of society are increasingly becoming
transactional, where dowries, family wealth, and social status influence match-making.
o Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have commodified personal relationships, where attention,
likes, and followers have become forms of social capital.
• Commercialization of environment: Emergence of carbon trading markets, promotion of eco-tourism, etc.
• Marketization of governance: Corporate lobbying for favorable public policies, allegations of crony-
capitalism, commodification of public services through PPP, etc.
• Technological determinism: e-Commerce platforms driving consumerism, algorithmic control on job Applications and use-cases of FRT
assignments, pay rates, and working hours in gig economy, etc. • Security related Uses
Conclusion o Law and order enforcement:
✓ Identification of Missing Persons and Persons of Interest, including suspected criminals.
While market mechanisms can drive economic growth and innovation, unchecked market dominance can lead ▪ E.g., Telangana’s ‘Darpan’ for matching photos and identifying missing children.
to inequality, exploitation, the erosion of public goods, and the weakening of democratic and ethical values. ✓ Monitoring and surveillance. E.g., China’s Skynet Project.
Balancing market forces with social responsibility, government intervention, and ethical considerations is ✓ Immigration and border management. E.g., Canada’s ‘Faces on the Move’
crucial to mitigating these risks. o Crowd Control: E.g., Pan Tilt and Zoom Surveillance Cameras used in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Non-Security related Uses
o Verification and authentication of individual identity E.g., Using Aadhar Card for Authentication
based on Facial Recognition.
o Ease of access to services. E.g., contactless onboarding at airports through Digi Yatra.
 o Ease in usability such as unique IDs in educational institutions, etc. E.g., Central Board for National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), 2015
Secondary Education’s ‘Face Matching Technology Educational’
• Objectives: To make India one of the world leaders in Supercomputing
What are the risks associated with FRT systems? • Implemented by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC); Indian Institute of Science
• Inaccuracies: FRT systems may lead to misidentification due to inaccuracies resulting from Automation (IISc), Bangalore.
bias and underrepresentation in databases etc. • National Knowledge Network (NKN): These supercomputers will be networked on the National
• Concerns regarding Accountability, legal liability and grievance redressal: Due to complexity in Supercomputing grid over the NKN.
computational algorithms.
Applications of Supercomputers
• Rights-based issues: May violate these rights due to Purpose creep (Use of personal data in contrary to or
in addition to its stated purpose), etc. • Cutting edge research: Data-intensive and computation-heavy scientific and engineering purposes
Way Forward: Recommendations of NITI Aayog such as quantum mechanics, weather forecasting, etc.
• Aerospace and Engineering: Used for detailed simulations in real time, processing complex algorithms and
• Establish data protection regime fulfilling a three-pronged test of legality, reasonability and Big Data from sensors.
proportionality set by the SC in the Puttaswamy judgement. • Weather forecasting: For example, 'Pratyush' Supercomputer housed at Indian Institute of Tropical
o E.g., Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 Meteorology (IITM), Pune helps in weather and climate forecasts.
• Holistic governance framework to set out extent of liability arising from any harms/damages caused by • Energy Exploration: Detects and accelerate deeper geological insights; hence improve the exploration and
the use of an FRT system. production processes.
• Adopting Privacy by design (PBD) principles such as collection of user’s explicit consent. • Health and medicine: Employed to look through databases of existing drug compounds.
• Constitute ethical committee to assess ethical implications and oversee mitigation measures. • Defence and military: Used in nuclear weapons design and cryptograph. It helps to simulate complex
weapons systems.
7.1.2. SUPERCOMPUTERS
Why in the News?
Researchers from the IIT Bombay and C-MET, Pune have developed ceramic based cold plates that could
replace copper cold plates used to cool supercomputers.
More about News
• High-Performance Computing systems (HPCs) or supercomputers resort to cooling using liquid coolants
and cold plates that dissipate heat.
o Cold plates are used like a heat sink transferring heat from circuit components into the coolant liquid
and copper is presently the preferred material.
• Use of LTCC for cold plates
o LTCC is a technology used to manufacture ceramic substrates for circuits.
o LTCC can effectively cool microprocessor chips in supercomputers.
What is a supercomputer?
• A high-performance computing system that delivers exceptional processing power and computational
capacity compared to a general-purpose computer.
• Performance is measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS).
• Perform billions and trillions of calculations or computations per second. Conclusion
o Since information moves quickly between processors in a supercomputer (compared to distributed Countries around the world, including India, have been ramping up supercomputing capabilities over the past
computing systems) they are ideal for real-time applications. few years. For India to become a knowledge-driven, multi-trillion-dollar economy, which is able to support
• India and Super computers cutting-edge science to benefit its economy, its society and the businesses, investment in supercomputing is a
o Indigenous development of supercomputers began in 1980, with the involvement of organisations necessity.
such as BARC, C-DAC etc.
o There are four supercomputers in the Top 500 list, namely, AIRAWAT (India's largest and fastest AI 7.1.3. LI-FI TECHNOLOGY
supercomputing system), PARAM Siddhi-AI, Pratyush and Mihir.
Why in the News?
Ministry of Defence (MoD) funded a start-up under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) to secure Li-
Fi technology for the Indian Defence sector, particularly focusing on the Navy.
About Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) Technology Key Recommendations
• A bidirectional wireless system that uses visible • Regulatory Compliance: It can be done through Practices like audit trails, data governance, etc.
light (400-800 Terahertz) for communication, • Increased investment in R&D: Developing efficient technologies to reduce power consumption.
unlike Wi-Fi which uses radio waves. • Other: Create a data centre ecosystem in Tier 2 cities, etc.
o Transmits data with the help of Light Emitting
Diode (LED). Initiatives taken to promote Data Centre Ecosystem
• Working: • Digital India (2015): Provides for enhanced online infrastructure and internet connectivity.
o On/off activity of the LED transmitter enables • Draft Data Centre Policy (2020): Seeks to promote domestic manufacturing of data centre-related
data transmission in accordance with the products.
incoming binary codes (switching ON is a • Other:
logical '1', switching it OFF is a logical '0'). o National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up state-of-the-art National Data Centres
• Applications: o Government has accorded infrastructure status to data centres (with more than 5 MW capacity of IT
o Medical Applications: In Operation theater, load)
facilitating robotic surgery, etc. o State’s policies like Maharashtra’s IT and ITES Policy 2023 offers benefits to the data centre industry.
o Aircrafts: The passengers travelling in o India’s first hyperscale data centre ‘Yotta D1’ has been set up in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
aircrafts get access to low speed Internet that too at a very high price.
o Underwater applications: For the operation of underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles)
o Other: Disaster management, Traffic management, etc.
7.2. AWARENESS IN THE FIELD OF SPACE
Advantage of Li-Fi over Wi-Fi 7.2.1. NAVIGATION BY INDIAN CONSTELLATION (NAVIC)
• Faster: Combination of low interference, high bandwidths provide high data rate. Why in the News?
• Cheaper and sustainable: It is up to 10 times cheaper than Wi-Fi, requires fewer components and uses
less energy. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commissioned a Bengaluru-based firm to
• Secure: Since light does not pass through walls like radio waves do, it prevents interception. indigenously develop a receiver chip for NavIC.

Disadvantages About NavIC

• Much shorter range than Wi-Fi • NavIC, earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is designed with
• Can’t be accessed beyond the illumination range of light, etc. constellation of seven satellites.
o Three satellites are placed in geostationary orbit and four satellites are placed in inclined
7.1.4. DATA CENTRES geosynchronous orbit.
• NavIC offers two services - Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS)
Why in the News? for strategic users.
The report “The strategic role of data centres in empowering India’s digital revolution” released by ASSOCHAM Need of Indigenous Navigation Satellite System
and PwC, highlights role of Data Centres in advancing India’s digital landscape.
• National Security: GPS and GLONASS are operated by defence agencies of the respective nations. It is
About Data Centre & their Significance
possible that the civilian service can be degraded or denied.
• Data Centre is a dedicated secure space where computing and networking equipment is concentrated for • Self-reliant: NavIC does not depend on other systems for providing position service within the service
the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, distributing or allowing access to large amounts of data. region.
• Significance • Accuracy: NavIC signals will be accurate up to 5 metres and restricted signals will be even more accurate.
o Key enablers to the digital revolution in India, transforming Government services, enabling remote o GPS signals by contrast are accurate up to around 20 metres.
work and education and Fostering start-up innovation. • Wider Applications: Includes sphere like Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation; Disaster Management;
▪ Indians will consume the most data in the world by 2028, ahead of developed markets such as the Precise Timing; Scientific research; etc.
US. • Other: Helping neighbouring countries, etc.
o Integration of emerging technologies such AI, IoT etc. into different services.
Navigation System Around World
o Facilitating data localisation by enhancing storage facility.
• There are four global satellite-based navigation systems — US’s Global Positioning System (GPS);
Key Challenges
Russian GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), European Galileo, and
• Data centre are mainly concentrated in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, etc. Chinese Beidou.
• Complex regulatory frameworks including land acquisition, environmental clearances etc. • Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System is a regional navigation system.
• High operational expenses due to high power consumption, infrastructure maintenance etc.
7.2.2. NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) SATELLITE About Asteroid Apophis
• A near-Earth object (NEO) and was identified as one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact
ISRO chief said that NISAR satellite will
Earth.
be able to monitor tectonic movements
o There are billions of comets and asteroids in our solar system. The vast majority never approach Earth.
accurately.
When a comet or asteroid’s orbit brings it close to Earth, it is classified NEO.
About NISAR • However, a radar observation campaign in March 2021, combined with precise orbit analysis, allowed
• It is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) astronomers to conclude that there is no risk of Apophis impacting our planet for at least a century.
observatory being jointly developed Planetary Defense
by NASA and ISRO.
o It is one of the Space • Refers to efforts and strategies aimed at protecting Earth from potential impacts by NEOs such as
Collaboration of ISRO with asteroids and comets.
other space agencies. o It involves multiple strategies including detection, tracking, impact assessment, deflection, etc.
✓ Other important space • Need of Planetary Defense
collaboration includes o If NEOs path intersects with that of Earth’s orbit, then depending on their size, speed, angle and
MEGHA-TROPIQUES (Indo- impact region, could threaten billions of lives on impact and in the ensuing tsunamis, earthquakes and
French joint satellite fires.
mission), etc.
• NISAR will map the entire globe in
12 days and provide consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, etc.
• It 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
o L band radars operate on a wavelength of 15-30 cm, used for clear air turbulence studies.
o S-band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm useful for weather observation.
• It has a 39-foot gold mesh antenna reflector that focuses radar signals from the upward-facing instrument.
• Significance of NISAR
o Large imaging area (>240km) allows full earth imaging in 12 days.
o High precision and resolution (<1cm) due to dual-band radars.
o Monitors Indian coasts, Antarctica, and deltaic region bathymetry changes.
o Observe ecosystem disturbances, ice sheet collapses, and natural hazards.

7.3. HEALTH
7.3.1. TRANS-FAT ELIMINATION
Why in the News?
World Health Organisation (WHO) has published the fifth milestone report on progress towards global
trans-fat elimination, covering the period from 2018–2023.
Key Finding of the report
• A total of 53 countries had best practices and policies in place for tackling industrial trans-fat in food (As
of 2023).
• These policies have vastly improved the food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46% (it was only 6% in
7.2.3. GLOBAL PLANETARY DEFENSE 2018) of the world’s population.
Why in the News? • Report also highlighted that WHO’s ambitious target to fully eliminate trans-fat from the global food supply
by the end of 2023 has not been fully met.
During the occasion of Asteroid Day 2024, ISRO Chairperson said that ISRO is looking to study asteroid Apophis
when it is 32,000 km away from Earth in 2029 to prepare for planetary defense efforts.
 Global
• REPLACE action framework by WHO (2018)
o WHO also calls for best-practice policies in countries that together account for at least 90% of the total
global TFA burden and at least 70% of the total TFA burden within each region by the end of 2025.
• WHO Validation Programme for Trans Fat Elimination to further drive policy progress.

About Trans-fat (or Trans-fatty acids (TFA)) Challenges in Eliminating Trans fat
• Types: • High demand in Food Industry: Extensively used in the food industry due to their long shelf life and
o Natural: Also called ruminant trans fats, as they are present in small quantities in meat and dairy desirable texture they impart to food products.
products. These are not generally considered harmful. o Also, are cheaper in comparison to other alternatives.
o Artificial: Also called industrial produced trans fat as they are formed in an industrial process that • Poor enforcement of policies: Many countries have not yet adopted a best-practices elimination policy.
adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, converting the liquid into a solid and resulting in partially hydrogenated • Consumer preferences: Growing inclination towards processed food is a looming challenge towards
oil (PHO). governments as well as health regulators.
✓ On average, trans fat concentrations in PHO is 25–45%.
Conclusion
• Health Impacts:
o Raises the level of the bad cholesterol and lowers the good cholesterol. All countries shall enact best practice policies, especially those with the highest estimated remaining burden
✓ Bad cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries, making them hard and narrow, it increases of disease attributable to trans fat intake. Sub-regional bodies must pass mandatory trans fat elimination
the risk of heart attack or stroke. policies.
o Also, it is linked to inflammation, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and some
types of cancers. 7.3.2. NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (NTDS)
Steps taken to regulate Trans fat Why in the News?
India World Health Organization has recently published report titled Global report on Neglected Tropical Diseases
2024.
• Initiative taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
o Trans fat free logo – Voluntary labeling to promote TFA-free products More about the Report
o Heart Attack Rewind – Mass media campaign to eliminate industrially produced trans fats • Report offers an update on the advancements achieved in 2023 towards the implementation of the Road
o Eat Right India Movement map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.
o In 2021, the amount of TFA in oils and fats was capped at 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022
• Revised Dietary guidelines by the Indian Council of Medical Research (National Institute of Nutrition) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
• A diverse group of conditions mainly prevalent in tropical areas.
• Caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.
• Referred as Neglected because they are almost absent from the global health agenda. Conclusion
• India has high burden of NTDs such as hookworm, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, etc. NTD’s can be tackled by Repositioning them within the global health agenda by building links with other global
o About 40% of people require interventions in India, which is highest in the world. programmes (e.g. health emergencies), crosscutting approaches (e.g. One Health), and emerging global
o WHO certified India as free of Guinea Worm disease (2000) and Yaws (2016). priorities (e.g. climate change).
Why eliminating NTDs is important?
• Affecting large Population: Impact over 1 billion people globally, with 1.6 billion needing preventive or
7.4. MISCELLANEOUS
curative interventions. (WHO)
o 80% of the NTD’s burden concentrated in low- and middle-income countries.
7.4.1. GEO-SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY
• Socio-economic Impact: Eliminating NTDs by 2030 would save affected individuals over $342 billion in Why in the News?
healthcare costs and productivity losses. (WHO)
Union Minister of State for Agriculture launched Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS).
• Affecting Gender Equality: E.g. Female genital schistosomiasis affects an estimated 56 million women,
increasing HIV risk and causing organ damage. About Krishi-DSS
• Krishi-DSS is a geo-spatial technology based platform to provide real-time information on crop
conditions, weather patterns, water resources, and soil health.
• It has been developed by Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Department of Space
using RISAT-1A and Visualization of Earth observation Data and Archival System (VEDAS) of the space
department.
About Geo-spatial Technology
• Geospatial technology helps in collecting geographically referenced data and uses it for analysis,
modelling, simulation, and visualisation.
• Some of the most common geospatial technologies include:
o Remote Sensing (E.g. Aerial Photographs)
o Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
o Navigation systems (E.g. Global Positioning System (GPS))
Key Applications
Sector Applications
Agriculture • Enabling precision farming techniques.
• E.g. Used in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for various activities like qualitative
crop loss and health assessment.
Natural Resource • E.g. India-WRIS Web GIS provides all water resources & related data and
Management information
Infrastructure • Predict possible service disruptions and optimize maintenance.
• E.g. Gati shakti-National Master Plan
Planning • E.g. Smart Cities Mission utilizes GIS datasets to build smart infrastructure.
Steps Taken Energy • Utilities providers can analyse and optimize performance of power lines.
• Global • E.g. NITI Aayog in collaboration with the ISRO has developed GIS enabled Energy
o Global NTD Annual Reporting Form (GNARF): Introduced by WHO in 2023. Map of India
o Global vector control response 2017–2030 (GVCR): Provides a new strategy to strengthen vector Health • Building Disease surveillance systems for monitoring disease outbreaks,
control worldwide through increased capacity, improved surveillance, etc. facilitating contract tracing, and evaluating the efficacy of interventions.
o Others: Kigali declaration on NTDs (2022); etc. National security • Enhances the precision and reliability of intelligence, surveillance, and
• India reconnaissance activities.
o National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP): For prevention and control of vector
borne diseases namely Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, etc. Measures taken to promote geospatial capabilities in India
o Others: Vector-control measures such as Indoor Residual Spraying rounds; Wage compensation
• National Geospatial Policy, 2022: Released by Department of Science And Technology
schemes by State and central governments to Kala-Azar patients, etc.
• Developing Indigenous Navigation System: E.g. NavIC
• Development of Policy Framework to regulate Geographic Information: E.g. National map policy (2005) o RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) uses microwaves; SONAR (Sonic Navigation and Ranging) uses
Convergence with Government Schems: E.g. Gram Manchitra and SVAMITVA scheme by Ministry of sound waves whereas LiDAR uses Light waves.
Panchayati Raj
• Other:
o Bharatmaps by National Informatics Centre (NIC)
o Earth Observation Satellites (E.g. EOS-08' launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3)
Challenges in adopting Geo-spatial Technologies
• Limited Expertise: Lack of technical expertise and capacity
• Data Reliability: Accurate & up-to-date geospatial data, including land records, etc. are not available.
• Cost Barrier: Acquiring geospatial technologies, software, internet, etc. creates an additional financial
burden.
• Other: Lack of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network, etc.
Conclusion
Geo-spatial technologies will play role in development of the nation. Implementation of National Geospatial
Policy 2022 in letter and spirit will promote Geo-spatial Technologies ecosystem in country.

Related News
National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
• NPSS will provide regular correct pest management advisories and will promote Integrated Pest
Management. 7.4.2. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA
o It is under Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers'
Why in News?
Welfare (MoA&FW)).
• It will automate and speed up process of regular and systematic wide-area pest surveillance with use Recently, Union Cabinet approved continuation of the three umbrella schemes, merged into a unified central
of AI ad other technologies. sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’ of Department of Science and Technology (DST).
o Pest attacks causes losses up to 20% in food production. About Vigyan Dhara Scheme:

7.4.1.1. LIDAR • Objective: To promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology development
• 3-broad components: Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building; Research
Why in the News? and Development; and Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment.
China’s dominance in LiDAR raises national security • Research and development component of scheme will be aligned with the Anusandhan National
concerns around the world. Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Significance of Scheme
About LiDAR
o Merger of schemes would enhance efficiency in fund utilization and establish synchronization
• LiDAR is a dual-use optical remote sensing among the sub-schemes/ programs.
technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed o Contribute to building critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology
laser to measure distances and maps the surrounding landscape and expand R&D base of the country towards improving the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
environment. researcher count.
• Types of LiDAR Need for Expanding R&D base in India:
o Topographic: Typically uses a near-infrared laser
to map the land • Limited Private sector participation: Government emerges as the primary contributor (56% contribution)
o Bathymetric: Water-penetrating green light to also to R&D activities in India.
measure seafloor and riverbed elevations. • Insufficient Funding and Resources: Only 0.7% of GDP in India (NITI Aayog), while in other countries
funding GDP ratio is way more e.g. South Korea (4.3%), Israel (4.1%), USA (2.7%) etc.
Working of LiDAR Systems
• Teaching-Research Imbalance in Universities: Overshadowing of research pursuits by the predominant
• Consist of three main components: Laser emitter, focus on teaching responsibilities.
scanning mechanism, and Specialized GPS receiver. • Limited interdisciplinary collaboration: within State Universities and Institutes significantly curtails the
• Works on same principles as RADAR and SONAR, potential for holistic research outcomes.
i.e., emit waves of energy to detect and track
objects.
 Other Steps Taken 7.4.3. FORENSIC SCIENCE
• Setting up of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF): ANRF has been established ANRF Act,
2023 to seed, grow and promote R&D throughout India’s universities, colleges& research institutions.
• Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) Scheme to support individual
innovators
• SERB-Ramanujan Fellowship, SERB-Ramalingaswami re-entry Fellowship and SERB-Visiting
Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA), etc., have been devised to promote brain gain
• Research Parks at IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur etc. to augment the research ecosystem in
the country.

Further way-forward for expanding R& D base in India:

• Addressing University/ Institute-level Challenges: Establishment of R&D Committee/ Cell, Improved
Infrastructure and Instrumentation Facilities & Incentivizing student participation.
• Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Establishing a streamlined mechanism for technology transfer.
• Support Intellectual Property Creation and Technology Transfer: Streamline and expedite patent filing
processes
• Create a Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Institutions should prioritize the establishment of
incubators and accelerators on campus.
• Accelerating NEP 2020 Implementation: Alignment of Curricula with Research Goals, Infrastructure
Augmentation, etc.
• Leveraging CSR funds for R&D to augment private sector investment.
 • Its reactor does not need water for cooling because it utilizes liquid salt or carbon dioxide to transfer heat
and make electricity.
• Unlike the water-cooling model, this design significantly reduces the chances of meltdowns.
Thorium as a Fuel
• Thorium, a naturally occurring element with radioactivity, is found at trace levels in soil, rocks, water,
plants and animals.
• Due to its physical characteristics, thorium cannot be used directly to produce nuclear energy. It has to
be first converted to U-233 in a nuclear reactor.
Significance of Thorium based reactors
• Abundant Supply unlike Uranium. In India, Kerala and Odisha have rich reserves of monazite, which
contains about 8 – 10% thorium.
o Monazite is also prominent in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
• Chemically safe, due to higher melting point, better thermal conductivity, better fuel performance
characteristics, chemical inertness and stability.
• Environmentally safe, generates lesser toxic and short-lived radioactive wastes.

Role of Thorium in India’s Nuclear Programme

• Third stage of India’s nuclear power program envisages large scale power production from thorium.
7.4.4. BRIDGE RECOMBINASE MECHANISM o First stage involves use of natural Uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PWHRs), while
second stage involves use of Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactors.
Why in the News? • India has well established the processes for producing thorium from monazite.
Scientists discovered naturally existing DNA editing tool - Bridge Recombinase Mechanism. o Advanced Heavy Water Reactor, currently under development with BARC, would serve as a
technology demonstrator for thorium fuel cycle.
More about the News
• Bridge Recombinase Mechanism (BRM) utilizes mobile genetic elements or “jumping genes”, which cut 7.4.6. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES FOR FOOD SAFETY
and paste themselves into genomes, performing on-the-go DNA manipulation and are present in all
Why on the News?
forms of life.
o Jumping Genes are small DNA segments with a recombinase enzyme along with extra DNA segments Role of Nuclear technologies has been highlighted at the International Symposium on Food Safety and
at the ends of the genes that binds and manipulates DNA. Control, held in Vienna, Austria.
About BRM More about the News
• Extra DNA at the ends of jumping genes gets joined together and converts the DNA double helix structure • Event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy
into a single-stranded RNA molecule. Agency (IAEA).
• This bridge RNA molecule can bind to two DNA segments (donor and target), allowing for flexible DNA
Nuclear technologies
modifications.
• Donor and target loop can be programmed independently, offering great flexibility in inserting or • Nuclear technologies offer solutions to combat hunger, reduce malnutrition, enhance environmental
recombining sequences to DNA. sustainability etc.
• Also, technologies are complimentary to the One Health approach.
Significance of BRM
o One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health
• It will allow researchers to rearrange, recombine, invert, duplicate, move, and perform other editing of people, animals and ecosystems.
operations on very long DNA sequences.
Role of Nuclear Technologies in Food system
• It can lead to development of more advanced gene editing therapeutics and treatments for diseases.
• Animal health: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, a molecular nuclear technique, will rapidly detect
7.4.5. THORIUM MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR POWER STATION diseases.
• Soil and water management: Radioactive nuclides left behind after nuclear events can help scientists
Why in the News?
determine the health of soil and rate of erosion.
World’s first thorium molten salt nuclear power station will be launched in Gobi Desert by China in 2025. • Insect pest management: Nuclear based Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to manage pest.
More about the News o Technique involves mass-rearing the insects then sterilizing them through ionizing radiation before
releasing them.
• Instead of Uranium, this nuclear power station uses thorium as fuel.
• Food safety and control: Food irradiation (the application of ionizing radiation to food) improves the safety
and extends the shelf life of foods by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects. 8. ETHICS
• Plant Breeding and Genetics: Desired Genetic changes can be done by irradiation.
8.1. FRAUDS IN CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
Introduction
Recently, some civil servants have been alleged of faking certificates to enter into prestigious civil services. Also,
cases have surfaced where aspiring Civil Servants have used ChatGPT to cheat in the examination. Such issues
point to the increasing instances of fraud and dishonesty in Civil Services Examination.
Stakeholders and their Role/Interests
Stakeholders Role/Interests
Recruiting • Fair and open competition, loss of trust reposed by public, Constitutional
agencies (such as obligations.
UPSC)
Public at large • Credibility and transparency of selection process, Faith on Meritocracy etc.
Government • Trust reposed by Public, increasing instances of dishonesty in public services,
detrimental to growth of nation & society at large.
Aspiring Civil • Aspiring Civil Servants are expected to uphold the standards of Civil Services when
Servants engaging in the examination process.
o These values have been codified by All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968
and PC Hota Committee among others.
Ethical Issues Involved
• Detrimental to Social Justice: Use of fake certificates can lead to questioning the validity and fairness of
affirmative actions.
• Administrative implications: Entry of unethical candidates in civil services can lead to Corruption and
dishonesty, Inefficient Bureaucracy, etc.
• Against Kant’s Categorical Imperative & Deontology: As per Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative one
should only act in accordance with rules that s/he could hold for everyone.
• Violates Utilitarianism: Morality of an action is determined solely through assessment of its
consequences. Since cheating/abuse of power is detrimental to society at large, it is unethical to do so.

Steps taken to nudge aspiring Civil Servants towards ethical conduct

• Introduction of ethics paper: Ethics was introduced in 2013 as a recruitment filter in civil services.
• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024: Aims to prevent the use of unfair means
in public examinations and bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility.
• Use of digital technologies by UPSC to deter cheating:
o UPSC plans to use Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition.
o CCTV surveillance using AI to check impersonation

Way Forward
• Values like honesty, integrity, truthfulness & self-dignity should be inculcated among students from the
very beginning of education.
• Exam Reforms:
o Stringent verification processes after selection of candidates
o Aptitude and leadership tests may be introduced for selection to curb abuse of power during civil
servant deputation (Hota Committee).
o Technologically based solutions: New strategies need to be considered and employed to better
manage the advancement of technology use for illegitimate purposes.
• Regular review and updates of the rules can help address emerging challenges and ensure their relevance.
• Following International Best Practices (Australian Public Service Act prescribes a set of Public Service Legal Framework to prevent Conflict of Interest in India
Values).
For Public Servants
• Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964:
o Civil Servants must declare any private interests relating to their public duties.
o Civil Servant should not misuse his/her position as civil servant and not take decisions in order to
derive financial or material benefits for himself, his family or his friends.
• Central Vigilance Commission guidelines for various procurements, bidding, etc.
• SEBI’s Code on Conflict of Interests for Boards Members
For Businesses
• Section 166 of the Companies Act, 2013: A director of a company shall not involve in a situation in which
he may have a direct or indirect interest that conflicts with the interest of the company.
• SEBI Guidelines for dealing with conflict of interests of various entities such as stock exchanges,
intermediaries, etc.
8.2. CONFLICT OF INTERESTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Way Forward to ensure effective resolution of Conflict of Interests
Introduction
• Identification of
Recently, a US-based firm accused the Chairperson of SEBI of violating SEBI’s Code of Conduct, leading to a
Conflict of
potential conflict of interest. The situation presents a new potential for conflict of interests between civil
Interest:
servants or individuals in high-ranking positions, involving their private interests in public duties.
Establish
What is Conflict of Interest? effective,
complete, and
It involves a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official, wherein, public official’s
prompt
private interests can improperly influence the performance of his/her official duties and responsibilities (OECD).
disclosure
Stakeholders Involved and their Interests process.
Stakeholders Interests • Demonstrate
Leadership
Public Officials • Maintain professional integrity, impartiality and neutrality, follow Code of
Commitment:
Ethics and Code of Conduct, Career advancements, etc.
All public
Government • Enforcement of ethical standards, efficient and effective public service officials should
delivery, maintain public trust and confidence in governance, Good keep their
Governance, etc.
private interests
Citizens • Unbiased access to public services, effective utilization of public funds, in a manner that
transparent and accountable administration and governance, etc. preserves public
Businesses • Fair opportunities in government contracts, favorable business environment, confidence of
nimble yet effective regulation etc. the organization
Regulatory Bodies • Maintain the integrity of regulatory processes, ensure fair competition and rather than mere
protect public interest, etc. compliance in letter.
Ethical Issues Involved in Conflict of Interests • Ensure wide publication and understanding of the Conflict of Interest policy: E.g. by publishing the
Conflict of Interest Policy, giving regular reminders etc.
• Undermining of Public trust: Any perception or reality of biased decision-making erodes the trust by making • Periodic review of 'at-risk' areas for potential conflict of interest situations: E.g., Inside information, gifts
it difficult for the public to believe in the fairness and impartiality of government actions. E.g., Insider Trading. and other forms of benefit, etc.
o This loss of public trust can also result in loss of legitimacy of government decisions and institutions. • Introduction of Cooling off period for public servants to prevent from revolving door: Revolving door
• Corruption and abuse of power: May lead to corrupt practices, such as bribery, favoritism and refers to the movement of individuals from government to the private sector and from the private sector to
nepotism which go against the ethical and legal standards. E.g., Adarsh Housing Society Scam. government.
• Neutrality and impartiality: Conflict of Interest can result in biased and skewed decision-making by public • Creation of independent of oversight bodies: E.g., Several States in the US have Ethics Commission as
functionaries, effectively compromising neutrality and impartiality. guardians of the standards of conduct for public officials.
• Violation of the Constitution and democratic principles: It can lead to decisions that favor a few at the
expense of the many, undermining the principles of equality and fairness.
• Adverse impact on brand recognition: May impact businesses’ brand image and reputation negatively due
to potential scandals, negative media coverage, etc.
8.3. PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY
Why are issues persistent in public service delivery?
Introduction
• Lack of effective implementation of various service improvement systems, including rules and regulations
Recently, more than 15 bridges have collapsed in Bihar, around 15 engineers were suspended for negligence for civil servants.
and ineffective monitoring. Previous incidences of failure of public infrastructure like the Morbi bridge
• Resistance of administration to reforms and change.
collapse in Gujrat (2022), airport roof collapse at Delhi, etc. have resulted in loss of lives and property. These
• Political interests prioritized above public interest hinder equitable public service delivery.
incidences highlight the compromised quality of public infrastructure and failure of government in ensuring
• Neglect of reforms for ethical grassroot bureaucracy: Most reforms and changes cater to administrative
quality public service delivery.
reforms at higher levels of bureaucracy.
About Public Service delivery
ARC Seven Step Model for Citizen Centricity (2nd Administrative Reforms Committee)
• In line with the social contract
theory, the government is 1. Define all services which you provide and identify your clients.
charged with the 2. Set standards and norms for each service.
responsibility of provision of 3. Develop capability to meet the set standards.
various public services to the 4. Perform to achieve the standards.
citizens. 5. Monitor performance against the set standards.
• Public Service Delivery is the 6. Evaluate the impact through an independent mechanism.
mechanism through which 7. Continuous improvement based on monitoring and evaluation of results.
public services are delivered to Case Studies
the public by local, municipal,
• Commission for Right to Services constituted by states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab etc.
or federal governments. E.g.
• Right to Public Services Legislations passed by more than 20 states. E.g. The Haryana Right to Service
Sewage and trash disposal,
Act, 2014.
public education, and health
services. Measures to ensure Good Governance
• Significance:
o Economic Growth: Helps • Administrative reforms: Measures like Citizen’s Charter, a responsive grievance redressal mechanism
in poverty alleviation, and fixing accountability of every public servant.
human capital formation • New Public Management (NPM): Involves the adoption of efficient practices from the private sector to
and eliminating corruption. apply in the public sector.
o Ensure equitable distribution of resources: E.g. Targeted service delivery with TPDS to ensure food • Human capital development: Recruitment and training of capable public servants and inculcating ethical
security. values of public service. E.g. Mission Karmayogi
• E-governance: E.g. SMART (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent) governance, ‘Aaple
Ethical Issues in the governance of infrastructure development
Sarkar’ App of Maharashtra.
• Inefficient administrative machinery: E.g. negligence of responsibility. • Monitoring project implementation: E.g. ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and
• Policy issues: Focus is on doing the bare minimum to complete the duty assigned. Timely Implementation (PRAGATI).
o L1 contract method (lowest bidder wins) prioritizes cost over quality and safety.
• Lack of probity: Mechanism for fixing accountability and ensuring transparency are either absent or not
effectively implemented.
o E.g. Delhi floods caused by jammed gates of Yamuna barrage- lack of maintenance due to multiple
authorities involved and lack of fixed accountability.
• Attitudinal issues like indifference, lack of motivation for striving for excellence.
 • Strengthen laws protecting journalists who work with whistleblowers.
8.4. ETHICS OF WHISTLEBLOWING
Need to ensure freedom, liberty, and access to information to public at the same time maintain secrecy
Introduction about national security.
Recently, Julian Assange was freed by the US Court in WikiLeaks espionage case. From Edward Snowden to
Satyendra Dubey, many whistleblowers have acted on their conscience, but have their acts always been
ethical?
What is Whistleblowing?
● It is the disclosure of information to the public or some higher authority about any wrongdoing, which could
be in the form of a fraud, corruption, etc. in a company or government.
o Whistleblower is the person who reports/discloses the wrongdoing or the unethical act. E.g., Late
Shanmugam Manjunath among others.
Stakeholders and Their Interests
Stakeholder Interests
Whistleblower • Exposing wrongdoing or misconduct and protecting themselves from
8.5. GOOD LIFE: THE ART OF BALANCING WORK AND LEISURE
retaliation.
Citizens/Society • Access to information about government activities. Introduction
Government • Balancing national security concerns with transparency.
Recognising the importance of play for children’s development, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,
Organization • Protecting their reputation, addressing the reported issues internally, if which has set out “the right of the child to rest and leisure,” declared June 11 an International Day of Play.
possible, etc. Also, recent research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that leisure activities like painting, knitting, or
Regulatory Bodies • Enforcing compliance with laws and regulations. pottery can enhance well-being more than work.
Media Interests • Reporting on newsworthy allegations and protecting sources.
Advocacy groups/NGOs • Promoting transparency and accountability and supporting whistleblowers.
Interests
Ethical dilemmas involved in Whistleblowing
• Protection of whistleblowers vs. National security: Balance between safeguarding individuals who
expose wrongdoing and ensuring government responsibility while considering threats to national security.
• Media responsibility vs. Ethical Information handling: The media has a moral duty to tell the people about
government action while handling dangerous or sensitive information in a responsible manner.
• Public Right to information vs. Government need for confidentiality: Balance between citizens’ right to
know about government’s actions and the government’s necessity to uphold confidentiality in certain
matters.
• Duty of loyalty vs. Moral obligation: Conflict between an employee’s duty to their employer and their moral
obligation to report wrongdoing.
• Protection vs. Accountability: Ethical considerations in protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and
Ensuring accountability for false or malicious reporting. Relationship between work and leisure
Complimentary Relationship Contrasting Relationship
Laws to protect Whistleblowers in India
• Freedom of choice and intrinsic motivation: • Freedom vs. Responsibilities: Leisure
• Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014: Aimed at protecting whistleblowers in India. For example, writing novels or columns for characterised by freedom and enjoyment,
• The Companies Act, 2013 (Section 177): Stipulates listed companies to establish a vigil mechanism for newspapers might feel like leisure to persons improves creativity, performance, and job
directors and employees to report genuine concerns. who enjoy reading and writing. satisfaction.
• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Regulations, 2015: Mandates listed companies to frame • Ensuring well-being: For example, • Self-Expression vs Personal growth: For example,
whistleblower policies. employment allows people to form school education ceases to be a joyful learning
• Protected Disclosures Scheme for Private Sector and Foreign Banks: Scheme of RBI wherein the banks relationships and improve emotional control, activity when students are forced to cram
are required to formulate a whistleblower policy/vigil mechanism. which helps overcome trauma and improves information without understanding its meaning,
problem-solving skills. solely for the sake of excelling in academics and
Way Forward
future careers.
• Implementing the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014 effectively. The complimentary and contrasting relationship of work and leisure underscores the necessity of striking a
• Develop comprehensive legislation covering both public and private sectors. balance between the two in order to have fulfilling good life.
Factors that make it difficult to maintain a balance between work and leisure Concern related with Clinical Trials Various Ethical principles involved in Clinical Trials as per
• A capitalist workplace culture pushes employees toward job creeps, expectation of perfectionism and • Medical research often entails minor stakeholders
encourages extra hours to get noticed or promoted. pain, discomfort, etc. from drug side Shareholder Ethical Principles
o Job creep happens when a person performs tasks that are outside the agreed scope of their job. effects. Clinical Trial • Informed Consent (Patients have the right
• Technology like email and cell phones has blurred the line between work and home. • Some researchers and sponsors may Patients to receive comprehensive information
• Desire for overearning. bypass the regulatory framework to about the research)
• Society often glorifies being busy as a sign of success, encouraging people to constantly push themselves. expedite trials. • Beneficence
Way ahead for ensuring work and leisure coexist harmoniously • Targeting Vulnerable Populations • Compensation for Research-Related Harm
(those in desperate financial • Privacy and Confidentiality
• Promote positive work culture by adopting participative democratic leadership styles, fostering open situations) Sponsors • Avoiding Conflict of Interest
communication, etc. • Lack of Informed Consent (Complex • Post-Research Access and Benefit Sharing
o Giving workers an extra day off a week actually increases productivity, boosts physical and mental language in consent forms can make • Distributive Justice
health (WEF). them difficult to understand) Researchers • Principle of Essentiality
• Bounded rationality: Instead of pursuing perfectionism, bounded rationality should be accepted and • Participants sometimes fail to receive • Privacy and Confidentiality
people should be allowed to fail sometimes in some works. compensation when clinical trials do
o The term ‘bounded rationality’ refers to rational decision-making that considers the cognitive
• Environmental Protection
not succeed. Regulatory
limitations of the decision-maker. • Benefit-Risk Assessment
• Stem Cell Research (E.g. harvesting Agencies
• Embrace flexibility: While technology has blurred boundaries, it also offers flexibility (E.g. hybrid working). • Transparency and Accountability
human embryos)
• Set boundaries: Clearly define work hours and stick to them. Avoid checking work emails or taking calls Society • Post-Research Access and Benefit Sharing
• Drug Trials in Neonates (their higher
outside these hours to maintain a separation between work and home life. • Transparency and Accountability
risk of mortality and morbidity, and the
difficulties in obtaining informed parental consent)
8.6. ETHICS OF CLINICAL TRIALS
Way Forward
Introduction
• Institutional ethics committees (ECs) should make effort to understanding ethical issues.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) waives local clinical trials for new drugs approved in • Development of National Clinical Trial Infrastructure
developed countries. This reform will ensure availability of latest medicines to treat diseases like cancer, rare • Clear and unambiguous regulatory provisions applicable to diverse situations would enhance the
and autoimmune disease, etc. However, there are many concern such uninformed consent, etc. associated efficiency of trial approval.
with clinical trials in country have been not resolved completely. • Adequate compensation for trial-related death or injury.
About Clinical Trials
International Rules and Regulations regarding Clinical Trails
• Clinical trial can be defined as a set of practice that helps certify a new drug molecule as safe and
• Belmont Report: Promotes principles of respect of persons, beneficence and justice.
efficacious before reaching the market.
• Declaration of Helsinki: by the World Medical Association
• Four phases of Clinical Trials
• Nuremberg Code: Adopted following World War II, in response to the abusive and exploitative clinical
o Phase I: Small group of volunteers to evaluate drug’s safe dosage range and identify side effects.
trials undertaken by Nazi scientists.
o Phase II: Drug given to larger group (100 to 300), including patients with particular disease to see its
• International Ethical Guidelines for Health-related Research Involving Humans, 2016: Prepared by
effectiveness.
the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) in collaboration with the
o Phase III: Drug given to large groups (1,000 to 3,000), including patients to compare it to other commonly
World Health Organization (WHO).
used treatments, etc.
o Phase IV: Drug/Treatment has been approved by DCGI and marketed for public use.
8.7. WESTERN MORAL THINKERS AND PHILOSOPHERS
Regulatory Mechanism
Western Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA), 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
Philosopher Ethical Ideas/Vision/Values Quotes
• DCGI (head of CDSCO) is final regulatory authority for approval of clinical trials in country.
Socrates • Virtue: Relation between virtue and • The unexamined life is not worth
• The CT Rules 2019 is issued under the DCA.
knowledge is inseparable. living.
• All forms of medical research including clinical trials are required to be overlooked by an independent
• Wisdom: Believed that wealth, • Falling down is not a failure.
ethics committee.
beauty, courage, etc., which are Failure comes when you stay
o All ethics committees for the purpose of medical research must be registered with the Clinical Trial
considered to be various forms of where you have fallen.
Registry of India (CTRI) maintained by the ICMR.
good, are good only if they are guided • Be the kind of person that you want
by wisdom. people to think you are.
Plato • Propounded Four Cardinal Values: • The price good men pay for Jean-Jacques • Social Contract: Serving as a system • Man is born free, and everywhere
wisdom, courage, moderation, and indifference to public affairs is to Rousseau for development and existence of a he is in chains.
justice be ruled by evil men. society. • What wisdom can you find greater
• Justice is both a 'public' and 'private' • I am the wisest man alive, for I • General Will: Depends on the than kindness.
virtue. It aims at highest good of the know one thing, and that is that I interests of all in contrast to the
individual (private), and of the whole know nothing. Particular Will that takes into
society (public). account only selfish and vested
Aristotle • Golden mean: Every ethical virtue is • To be a good leader you must be a interests of individuals.
a condition intermediate between two good follower Thomas Hobbes • Psychological Egoism: Human • Words are the counters of wise
other states, one involving excess, • The value of life lies in the power of beings are driven by self-interest, men, and the money of fools.
and the other deficiency. contemplation and not mere primarily the desire for self- • A man's conscience and his
• Parts of Soul: Consist of three parts survival preservation. judgment are the same thing, and,
i.e. rational, spirited and appetitive o He believed that it is necessary as the judgment, so also the
parts. and rational for individuals to seek conscience may be erroneous
o The rational part corresponds to peace to satisfy their desires.
the guardians in that it performs Bertrand Russell • Logical Atomism: He proposed that • Fear is the main source of
the executive function in a soul the world is composed of facts that superstition, and one of the main
Jeremy Bentham • Principle of Utility: Action that does • Stretching his hand up to reach the are utterly simple and sources of cruelty. To conquer fear
not maximize the greatest happiness stars, too often man forgets the comprehensible. is the beginning of wisdom.
morally wrong. flowers at his feet. o He sought to show that • No one gossips about other
• Hedonic Calculus: A method of • The greatest happiness of the philosophical arguments could be people’s secret virtues.
working out the sum total of pleasure greatest number is the foundation solved in much the same way
and pain produced by an act, and thus of morals and legislation. mathematical problems are
the total value of its consequences solved.
John Stuart Mill • Utilitarianism: Greatest happiness of • It is not because men's desires are 8.8. TEST YOUR LEARNING
the greatest number. strong that they act ill; it is because
• Happiness: Regarded individual’s their consciences are weak.
1. An honest and dedicated civil servant working in the public work department comes across the gross
self-development and diversity as the • A person may cause evil to others
irregularities in the construction of road in border areas. On the further investigation, he found that there
ultimate ends, as important not only by his actions but by his
is a nexus between other officials with local contractors who use sub-standard material for the
components of human happiness. inaction, and in either case he is
construction. On the completion of construction, road is supposed to serve the military. It would facilitate
justly accountable to them for the
the smoother movement of troops in the time of emergency and contribute to the national security.
injury.
However, complaining about the irregulars to higher authorities or exposing in the media would delay the
Immanuel Kant • Means and End: human beings • One who makes himself a worm project and he may face threat of retaliation from associated stakeholders.
should be treated as an end in cannot complain afterwards if
themselves and not as a means to people step on him. On the basis of the above case study, answer the following questions:
something else. • Rules for happiness: something to • Identify various stakeholders and their interests involved.
• Categorical imperatives: do, someone to love, something to • Discuss ethical issues involved in the case and discuss the options available to the civil servant with their
Commands or moral laws all persons hope for. merits and demerits. For reference- Ethics of Whistleblowing
must follow, regardless of their
desires or extenuating 2. The Education Secretary of a state comes across gross irregularities in the recent State Public Service
circumstances.
Examination. Further investigation reveals a nexus between examination officials and some candidates
John Rawls • Two Principles of Justice as Fairness • The principles of justice are who used unfair means to pass the examination. This examination is crucial as it recruits candidates for
o First Principle: Each person has chosen behind a veil of ignorance. various civil services in the state. Ensuring the integrity of this examination is essential for maintaining the
the same indefeasible claim to a • The fairest rules are those to which quality and credibility of the state’s administration. However, exposing this scandal to the public or higher
fully adequate scheme of equal everyone would agree if they did authorities could delay the recruitment process and tarnish the image of the public service commission.
basic liberties not know how much power they
o Second Principle: Social and On the basis of the above case study, answer the following questions:
would have.
economic inequalities are only • Identify various stakeholders and their interests involved.
justified if they benefit the least • Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case and the course of action Education Secretary should take.
advantaged members of society. For reference- Frauds in Civil Services Examination
3. You are currently employed in a well-paid MNC that requires you to travel to different cities based on the
location of the client. The monthly bonus and long term promotion to the higher post is solely based on
the number of clients served within a month. Recently, your mother has been diagnosed with stage 2
cancer that not only requires care but also a stable and good source of income. However, continuous
travel, work targets, and frequent hospital visits leave little time to practice for an upcoming city play. You
have been a great admirer of theatrics and have pursued it since your childhood. Practicing it regularly
gives you great joy and makes you feel detached from the nuances of the fast moving world. Work burden
and family responsibilities have not only reduced your chances of bagging a role there but have also
overburdened you with anxiety and mental exhaustion reducing your performance at work.
On the basis of the above case study, answer the following questions:
• Discuss the causative factors responsible for the occupational stress among the people in the present
times.
• Citing examples, suggest measures that MNCs must take to ensure effective work-life balance for their
employees.
• What steps should you take to ensure an optimum performance towards your work, passion, and family?
For reference- Good Life: The Art of Balancing Work and Leisure

4. You are a SDM of a district with high rate of poverty. You are in charge of overseeing the implementation
of the food distribution program. On analysis of the program implementation through site visits, it was
seen in X village that the Sarpanch of the village appropriated the free grains allotted for the program.
Households from the lower caste community were provided only half of the allotted grains. The Sarpanch
is in good books with the DM and the MP of the district.
Based on the above case, answer the following questions:
• What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
• Critically examine the options available to you in the above situation.
• Which of the above options would you choose and why?
For reference- Public Infrastructure and Public Service Delivery

5. You are a senior official in a government regulatory body. Recently, one of your close friends, who run a
successful private company, has approached you with a business proposal. He wants to start a new
venture in a sector that your department regulates and seeks your guidance on navigating the regulatory
landscape. He assures you that this is just friendly advice and offers you a small stake in the company as
a token of appreciation for your expertise.
Meanwhile, your department is in the process of formulating new policies that could significantly impact
businesses in this sector. You possess insider knowledge about these upcoming changes.
On the basis of the above case study, answer the following questions:
• Identify the ethical issues and potential conflicts of interest in this situation.
• What course of action would you take in this scenario? Justify your response based on ethical principles
and guidelines for public servants.
• Suggest three systemic measures that can be implemented to prevent such conflicts of interest in public
administration.
For reference- Conflict of Interests of Public Officials