BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 1

Small Habits, Big Results

UPSC Prep can feel like
a never-ending grind.
The syllabus is massive, the news cycle never stops, and some days, it feels like you’re getting nowhere. But here’s
a game-changer—you don’t need huge, dramatic efforts to succeed. Small, smart habits done consistently will
get you there.

That’s exactly what Burning Issues is about—it helps you stack small wins every day, so by the time you face the
exam, you’re already miles ahead.

Here’s how we’re making sure this magazine works with you:
1. Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals
Everyone wants to "cover current affairs." But instead of stressing over what to study, build a system—read one
Burning Issue daily, take notes, and relate it to PYQs. Over time, this habit compounds into rock-solid preparation.

2. The 1% Rule- Small Gains Add Up

You don’t have to memorize 50 facts a day. Just take away one key insight from each issue, and by the end of the
year, you’ll have 365 solid takeaways ready for the exam.

3. Habit Stacking - Make It Effortless

Already read The Hindu? Follow it up with a quick scan of Burning Issues to get in-depth analysis. Linking these
habits ensures that you absorb and apply current affairs, rather than just passively reading.

4. M
 ake It Easy – No More FOMO
We know you don’t have time to scroll through endless sources. That’s why we filter the noise and give you what
truly matters—structured, exam-relevant content in one place.

5. I dentity-Based Habits – Think Like a Topper

Instead of saying, "I need to read current affairs," start saying, "I am someone who masters current affairs daily."
This small shift makes consistency your default setting.

We’re not just throwing information at you—we’re making sure this magazine fits into your daily study system
effortlessly. Here’s how each section helps you build small habits that compound into big UPSC success:

How This Magazine Helps You Build Winning UPSC Habits

Feature How It Helps You Build Habits
Note4Students Acts as a mentor helping you course correct.
Burning Issues Read one issue daily = 1% smarter every day. Deep analysis
without overload.
PYQ Anchoring & Habit stack with past UPSC questions = Smart, exam-orient-
Microthemes ed prep.
Prelims Tidbits Tiny daily facts = Big recall boost for Prelims. No last-minute
cramming.
Back2Basics Strengthens fundamentals = No more feeling lost in current
affairs.

At the end of the day, UPSC isn’t cracked in one big moment—it’s won in the tiny
choices you make daily.

So, let’s build that habit together—one article, one insight, one step at a time.

—Team Civils Daily

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 2
BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 3
BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 4
CONTENTS
UPSC MAINS
BURNING ISSUES
01 Unlocking New Frontiers
Are India’s Sunrise Sectors Truly Rising? 10

02 Wealth Tax
Should It Be Brought Back To Fight Inequality ? 13

03 Safeguarding Free Speech

Should Section 152 of BNS Become a Proxy for
Sedition? 15

04 Patriotism or Compulsion
Is the National Anthem Controversy Justified ? 19

05  lobal Indians, Single

G
Nationality
What’s Stopping India from Allowing Dual
Citizenship? 22

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 5
06  electing Judges,
S 09 Justice for All
Ensuring Justice Is the Right to Access Justice Truly Accessible in
India? 33
How Can the Collegium System Be Improved? 25

10 Hydro Politics
How Will the Neutral Expert’s Decision Impact
India-Pakistan Water Disputes? 36

11  utonomy or
A
Overregulation
Are the New UGC Guidelines a Step Forward? 39

12 Trade and Geopolitics

How Will the Internationalization of the Rupee
Impact India? 42

13 India-EU Relations
How does India-EU cooperation shape policies and
relations? 45

07 Resolving Global Defaults

Is India Ready for a Cross-Border Insolvency
Framework? 28

08  alancing Security
B
& Privacy
Do the Draft Digital Protection Rules Get It Right? 30

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 6
14 A Global Force
How the Indian Diaspora Contributes to Politics, Business,
and Culture? 49

15 Sailing Towards Self-Reliance

Is India Ready for Atmanirbharta in the Maritime Sector?
 54

16 Flames & Fallout

What Can Be Done to Prevent California Wildfires? 58

17  onservation vs.
C
Development
Is the Great Nicobar Island Project Sustainable? 61 19 Celebrating Innovation
How Far Has Startup India Come in 9 Years? 67
18 Harnessing the Flow
What Does the Yarlung Tsangpo Project Mean for Regional 20 Profits or Perils
Power Dynamics? 64 Should Rathole Mining Be Allowed to Continue? 70

UPSC PRELIMS
PRELIMS TIDBITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Economics ▶ Production Linked ▶ 10 years of UJALA Polity

Incentive (PLI) (Unnat Jyoti by
▶ Mutual Credit Scheme 1.1 Affordable LEDs ▶ Doctrine of Merger
Guarantee Scheme for All) Scheme
for MSME ▶ National Programme ▶ Fast Track
for Organic ▶ Logistics Ease Across Immigration Trusted
▶ eCoO 2.0 System Production (NPOP) Different States Traveller Program
(LEADS), 2024 (FTI- TTP)
▶ Sachetization of ▶ National Livestock
Mutual Funds Mission ▶ Banana Cultivation ▶ Right to Access to
in India Justice Not Absolute SC
▶ Inland Waterways ▶ Atomic Energy
Authority of Commission (AEC) ▶ Restructured Weather ▶ State Public Service
India (IWAI) Based Crop Insurance Commission (SPSC)
▶ Bharat Cleantech Scheme (RWBCIS)
▶ Fiscal Health Manufacturing ▶ Panchayat Se
Index, 2025 Platform ▶ Tobacco Board of India Parliament 2.0
Initiative
▶ Commerce Ministry ▶ National River Traffic
sets a target of 10000 and Navigation Governance
GI tags by 2030 System (NRT&NS)
International Relations
▶ 10 Years of Sukanya
▶ Diamond Imprest Samriddhi ▶ Kurdistan Region
▶ Future of Jobs
Authorization Report, 2025 Yojana (SSY)
(DIA) Scheme ▶ Sudan’s Darfur Region
▶ NITI Aayog ▶ Internet Governance ▶ Golden Triangle
▶ Jawaharlal Nehru Port completes 10 years Internship and Special Economic
▶ National Turmeric Capacity Building Zone (GTSEZ)
▶ FAO Statistical (IGICB) Scheme
Board Yearbook, 2024 ▶ Kampala Declaration
▶ QS World Future ▶ Lokpal and Lokayukta
Skills Index ▶ Kerch Strait

▶ 9 Years of Startup India

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 7
▶ UN Committee of ▶ Nahargarh Wildlife ▶ Discovery of Hmga1’s ▶ Human Metapneumo-
Experts on Big Data Sanctuary Role in Zebrafish Virus (HMPV)
and Data Science for Heart Regeneration
Official Statistics ▶ Global Plastic Action ▶ Genetic Engineering
(UN-CEBD) Partnership (GPAP) ▶ Green GDP Appraisal Committee
(GEAC)
▶ INTERPOL publishes ▶ Vaigai River ▶ Biennial Update
first Silver Notice Report (BUR) ▶ Cubic Kilometre
▶ Pangsau Pass Neutrino Telescope
Trinidad and Tobago ▶ Annual Ground Water (KM3NeT) Project
▶
▶ Keeling Curve Quality Report, 2024
▶ Urengoy-Pomary- ▶ Chincholi Wildlife ▶ Google Quantum
Uzhgorod Pipeline ▶ Similipal Tiger Reserve AI’s Chip ‘Willow’
Sanctuary

▶ Indian Bison (Gaur) ▶ Centralized Public

Security Issues Science Tech Grievance Redress
▶ National Disaster ▶ Asteroid Bennu and Monitoring
▶ Central Suspect Response Force (NDRF) System (CPGRAMS)
Registry (CSR) Samples hold Secrets
▶ 24 new added to of Life’s Origins
▶ Bhargavastra Counter- Munnar’s faunal stock History and Art
Drone Micro Missiles ▶ Labrys
Portucalensis F11 & Culture
▶ Yala Glacier
▶ Commissioning of Andhra Pradesh’s
INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, ▶ Hydroclimate ▶ Guillain-Barre ▶

Syndrome (GBS) Etikoppaka Toys

and INS Vaghsheer Whiplash
New Definition ▶ Rakhigarhi and Indus-
▶ MHA launches ▶ IMD’s Vision ▶
Saraswati Civilisation
BharatPo Document 2047 of Obesity

Mission SCOT ▶ Makaravilakku Festival

▶ Coastal Security ▶ Pink Fire Retardant ▶

Scheme (CSS) used in LA Wildfire ▶ Sovereign AI ▶ Pravasi Bharatiya

Divas (PBD)
▶ The Dam Safety ▶ Selective Gene
Enviro & Biodiversity Act of 2021 Silencing Technique ▶ Historical significance
of Marathi
▶ Earth’s magnetic ▶ Miyawaki Technique ▶ Rudra High-
North Pole is shifting Performance Green
▶ Polar Vortex
toward Siberia Propulsion System
▶ Net-Zero Banking
▶ Wetland City Nanopore Technology
Alliance (NZBA) ▶
Accreditation (WCA)

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 8
Get the maximum out
of every Burning Issue

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 9
 BURNING ISSUE #1

Unlocking New Frontiers

Are India’s Sunrise Sectors Truly Rising?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

India aims to lead in sunrise sectors to achieve a $32 trillion economy. UPSC [UPSC 2019, GS-1] Discuss the factors for
often asks questions on economic growth, industrial policy, and technological localization of agro-based food processing
advancements, linking them to government initiatives and global trends. Many industries of North-West India.
aspirants struggle with integrating current affairs into economic frameworks,
making their answers generic. This article simplifies the role of sunrise [UPSC 2013, GS-1] Do you agree that there
sectors—emerging industries like electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills
energy, and AI—in shaping India’s future. It highlights key drivers, challenges, in the Southern states of India? Discuss with
and policy measures, offering a structured approach to understanding this justification.
crucial topic. A standout feature of this piece is its historical perspective—
tracing the evolution of sunrise industries from the 1990s to today—helping Microthemes: Secondary sector
aspirants build a strong analytical foundation for Mains answers.

Climate Forum
w h i l e a d d r e s s i n g b h a r at Evolution of Sunrise Sectors In India
2025, Niti Ayog CEO highlighted the need for 1. 1990s: The first wave of sunrise industries emerged with IT,
banking, telecom, aviation, and FMCG, driven by economic reforms.
India becoming a global champion in sunrise 2. 2000s: The second phase saw the rise of retail, pharmaceuticals,
sectors to achieve the target of becoming a petrochemicals, life sciences, and financial services.
developed nation by 2047 and become a USD 3. 2020s & Beyond: The third wave includes renewable energy,
electric vehicles, AI, green hydrogen, space, startups, e-commerce,
32 trillion economy. semiconductors, biotechnology, mining, and healthcare.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 10
High Potential Sunrise Sectors Of India
Industry Current State Key Growth Drivers
Electronics India’s electronics industry is projected to reach Government Incentives: PLI scheme, Semicon India Program (INR
& Semicon- $300 Bn by FY26, with semiconductor demand 76,000 Cr outlay), and schemes for semiconductor & display fabs (50%
ductors surging to $64 Bn by 2026, nearly 3x its 2019 cost covered). Tech Expansion: Growth in 5G, AI, IoT, and consumer
size ($22.7 Bn). Currently, 65% of the $155 Bn electronics. Make in India Initiative: Encouraging local manufacturing &
electronics market is domestically produced. exports.
Electric India aims for 30% EV adoption by 2030. Over FDI & Investment: 100% FDI allowed in EV sector. Government
Vehicles 7.3 lakh electric two-wheelers registered in FY24. Support: FAME II scheme (subsidies for public charging infra), PLI
(EV) 12,146+ public EV charging stations installed scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), and battery swapping
nationwide. initiatives for two- & three-wheelers. Adoption Push: Two-wheelers and
three-wheelers prioritized (target: 70-75% electrification by 2030).
Renewable India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based Government Support: National Green Hydrogen Mission (INR 19,744
Energy energy by 2030, marking the world’s largest Cr), Offshore Wind Energy Targets, Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. Growing
renewable energy expansion plan. Investment: India’s solar and wind energy sectors are attracting global
investors due to favorable policies and high energy demand.
Agro & Food India’s agriculture sector is growing due to higher Supply Chain Strengthening: Logistics schemes like Kisan Rath and
Processing demand, exports, and better farming tech. The Krishi Udaan. Digital Trading: e-NAM platform for online agri trade. PLI
food processing industry is expanding rapidly. Scheme for Food Processing to boost exports. Sustainable Farming
Initiatives: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhanmantri Gram
Sinchai Yojana.
Healthcare India’s Medtech industry projected to reach $50 FDI & Pharma Growth: 100% FDI allowed in greenfield & brownfield
& Pharma- Bn by 2025. The country remains a global leader projects. Healthcare Expansion: Ayushman Bharat scheme (world’s
ceuticals in vaccine production and generic medicines. largest health protection scheme), medical tourism, and hospital
infrastructure expansion. PLI for Pharma & MedTech: Incentives for
drug manufacturing & medical device production.

Potential Impacts of Investing In Sunrise Industry

• Economic Growth: Investing in sunrise sectors fosters innovation, for advanced technology and innovation.
job creation, and industrial expansion, accelerating India’s journey • Industrial Transformation: Emerging industries modernize
toward becoming a global economic powerhouse. traditional sectors, improving productivity, efficiency, and
• Sustainability: These industries support global sustainability goals sustainability in areas like agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.
by reducing fossil fuel dependency, promoting renewable energy, • Investment and Economic Resilience: A strong sunrise industry
and aiding in climate change mitigation. ecosystem attracts foreign investments, diversifies the economy,
• Global Competitiveness: Leading in sunrise sectors like electric and reduces reliance on traditional industries, ensuring long-term
vehicles and solar manufacturing can position India as a global hub economic stability.

Challenges Faced By The Sunrise Sectors In India

Category Challenges Examples
Technological Indian industries are lagging in areas like solar panel India’s EV market is still in its nascent stage, while
Gap manufacturing and electric vehicles, often 5-7 years behind China dominates the global market with advanced
global leaders. This gap affects competitiveness and battery technology and large-scale production.
innovation.
Infrastructure India’s infrastructure does not support the rapid expansion of Limited investments in clean tech R&D and
and Investment emerging sectors. Additionally, private credit to GDP is lower manufacturing infrastructure hinder India’s ability to
Deficits compared to countries like the US and China, limiting industry compete with global leaders.
scale-up.
Policy and Lack of clear policies, slow regulatory approvals, and India’s green energy policies still require deeper
Regulatory insufficient incentives for new industries. This slows down financial incentives and streamlined approvals to
Bottlenecks innovation, expansion, and global competitiveness. compete with global leaders.
Financial & High capital costs, shortage of skilled professionals, and tax Semiconductor manufacturing in India faces high
Manpower constraints make scaling up sunrise industries difficult. investment requirements and limited local expertise.
Constraints
Climate Impact Small-scale farmers face climate risks, requiring resilient Erratic weather patterns affect agricultural output,
on Agritech farming techniques and technology-driven solutions. impacting the success of agritech innovations.
Geopolitical and Wars, trade restrictions, and Centre-State policy variations Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts affect global
Economic Risks can create uncertainty for investors and businesses. supply chains, impacting raw material availability.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 11
WAY FORWARD
• Increased Investment in Research and Development: India • Policy Support and Incentives: India should provide stronger
must invest heavily in R&D for sunrise sectors, particularly in clean policy frameworks, such as tax incentives, subsidies for clean tech
technologies and electric vehicle manufacturing. Government- investments, and faster clearances for new ventures in sunrise
backed initiatives and partnerships with global players can help sectors. More investment in infrastructure, particularly for electric
bridge technological gaps. vehicle charging stations and renewable energy grids, is crucial.

Back2Basics
SUNRISE SECTORS
What are the Sunrise sectors?
Sunrise sectors refer to rapidly growing industries that are
in their early stages but have high potential for expansion.
These sectors attract significant venture capital and are
appealing for long-term growth prospects. Niti Aayog CEO
believes that excelling in these sectors is crucial for India
to meet its ambitious economic targets by 2047.

Key Sunrise Sectors:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): With initiatives like
FAME II, India aims to boost EV manufacturing
and infrastructure. The sector is expected to grow
significantly, contributing to sustainability and reducing
dependence on fossil fuels.
• Electronics and Semiconductors: The semiconductor
market in India is projected to triple by 2026, driven
by government incentives and initiatives like the PLI
Scheme. This sector is vital for establishing India as a
global manufacturing hub.
• Renewable Energy: India is focusing on renewable
energy sources, particularly solar power, where
it currently lags behind globally by 5-7 years in
manufacturing capabilities.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced tech: It
will drive innovation, economic growth, and global
competitiveness.

SUNSET INDUSTRY V/S SUNRISE INDUSTRY

BASIS SUNSET INDUSTRY SUNRISE INDUSTRY
ALTERNATE NAME DECLINING/INCUMBENT NEW ENTRANT/EMERGING

LARGE MULTINATIONALS/STATE ACTORS

TYPE
WELL-ESTABLISHED NEW START-UPS

LARGE FLOWS OF ASSETS POTENTIAL OF RAPID GROWTH

SIZE
(TECH, PEOPLE, FINANCE, KNOWLEDGE)
INTEREST SHOWN BY VENTURE
ATTRACTED LARGE PRIVATE AND CAPITALISTS
POSITION
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT

HIGHLY CONSOLIDATED/ORGANISED LIMITED INFLUENCE BECAUSE OF

POLITICAL NETWORKS
LOBBYING NEW ENTRY IN MARKET

ASSOCIATED RISKS SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESTABILISATION FINANCIAL BUBBLES

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 12
 BURNING ISSUE #2

Wealth Tax
Should It Be Brought Back
To Fight Inequality ? ₹

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

India’s top 1% own 40.1% of the nation’s wealth, fueling inequality debates. [UPSC 2014, GS-3] .Capitalism has guided the
UPSC often asks about wealth inequality through essay topics, GS paper world economy to unprecedented prosperity.
questions on taxation policies, or the impact of economic disparities. Sometimes, How ever, it often encourages shortsightedness
it links wealth concentration to governance, social justice, or economic reforms. and contributes to wide disparities between the
Many struggle with these topics because they focus only on memorizing facts. rich and the poor. In this light, would it be correct
But UPSC wants clear analysis—why a policy was introduced, why it failed, and to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive
what alternatives exist. A surface-level understanding isn’t enough. This article growth in India? Discuss.
simplifies the complex debate on wealth tax. It explains why India removed
it, how other countries handle it, and what could work better. The best part? It Microthemes: Inclusive Growth X Capitalism
connects policy with real data, making arguments stronger.

become a pressing issue globally

w e a lt h i n e q ua l i t y h a s
and in India, with the top 1% owning 40.1% of the nation’s wealth.
To Boost Social Sector Investment
This concentration of wealth, juxtaposed against widespread
TAX PROPOSALS
poverty and dependence on state welfare programs, has reignited
the debate on imposing wealth taxes to address inequality and
Baseline Moderate Ambitious
generate public revenue.
2% on net 2% on net wealth 3% on net
About Wealth Tax wealth over over wealth above
Wealth Tax is levied on the net market value of various assets Wealth Tax ₹10cr ₹10cr ₹10cr
owned by an individual, such as cash, bank deposits, shares, fixed
assets, personal cars, and real property. Globally, several countries 5% on net
like France, Portugal, and Spain impose wealth tax. The primary 4% on net wealth
wealth above
objective of the tax is to target unproductive and non-essential over ₹100cr
₹100cr
assets of individuals.
33% on es- 33% on estates 45% on es-
Wealth Tax in India tates over over tates above
The Wealth Tax Act was introduced in 1957 based on the recom- ₹10cr ₹10cr ₹10cr
mendations of the Kaldor Committee (1955) as a part of tax ratio- Inheritance
nalization measures. It imposed a 1% tax on earnings exceeding ₹30 Tax
55% on
lakh per annum for individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), 45% on estates
estates above
and companies. above ₹100cr
₹100cr
• Abolition: Abolished in 2015 due to issues such as Extensive
litigation, Increased compliance burden, and High administrative
costs. Replaced by an increase in the surcharge on the super-rich. Adults af-
Top 0.04% Top 0.04% Top 0.04%
• Replacement measures: The surcharge for individuals with fected
income exceeding ₹1 crore and companies with income over ₹10
crore was increased from 2% to 12%.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 13
Reasons for Abolition of Wealth Tax
Reason Description Examples/Supporting Data
Loopholes in the Wealth tax rules had exploitable loopholes, enabling Frequent litigation due to loopholes; taxpayers manipulated
Tax System taxpayers to avoid liabilities. asset values to avoid tax.
Simplification of Abolishing wealth tax reduced complexity and Replacing wealth tax with a 2% income surcharge improved
Tax Procedures multiple tax laws. efficiency and transparency (Post-FY 2015 Budget).
High Adminis- Cost of collecting wealth tax was higher than the In FY 2013-14, wealth tax collection was only ₹1,008 crore,
trative Costs revenue it generated. despite an increase in super-rich individuals.
Revenue Replacing wealth tax with a surcharge significantly An additional ₹9,000 crore was collected annually through
Optimization increased government revenue. income surcharge post-abolition (FY 2015-16).
Administra- Valuation requirements for assets like jewelry created Taxpayers needed valuation certificates for assets, leading
tive Burden complexities for taxpayers and regulators. to compliance issues and disputes.
Wider Income tax had broader coverage than wealth tax, In FY 2011-12, only 1.15 lakh wealth tax assessees existed,
Taxpayer Coverage ensuring better taxpayer inclusion. compared to millions filing income tax returns.
Improved Income tax surcharge continued asset reporting, Post-abolition, taxpayers had to declare assets under
Asset Reporting aiding better monitoring and preventing tax evasion. income tax returns, reducing wealth leakage.
Low Awareness Many individuals were unaware of wealth tax Frequent tax notices to non-compliant taxpayers; poor awareness
of Wealth Tax obligations, leading to frequent non-compliance notices. led to confusion and low participation in wealth taxation.

Benefits And Challenges Of Introducing Wealth Tax In India

Arguments in Favour of Wealth Tax Arguments Against Wealth Tax
Addressing Inequality: Helps redistribute wealth in an economy Administrative Challenges: Complex valuation of non-liquid assets
where the top 1% control a disproportionate share of resources. (e.g., real estate, gold) leads to high costs of collection.
Revenue Generation for Welfare: Funds raised can support public Low Revenue Generation: In 2013-14, India’s wealth tax contributed
healthcare, education, and social schemes like MGNREGA. only ₹1,008 crore, less than 0.1% of total tax revenues.
Progressive Tax System: Targets the ultra-rich, ensuring the tax Tax Evasion: The wealthy often find ways to hide or underreport
burden is equitable. their wealth.
Moral and Social Responsibility: Promotes fairness by requiring the Capital Flight: High net worth individuals may relocate to tax-friendly
wealthiest to contribute more to societal development. countries, as seen in Norway, harming domestic investments.
Impact on Wealth Creation: Discourages entrepreneurship and
investment, critical for India’s growing economy.

Way Forward: Making Taxation Fair and Effective

1.Better Alternatives to Wealth Tax: Instead of reintroducing burden more fairly.
wealth tax, India can improve capital gains tax, property tax, and 5.Transparent Use of Taxes: Clearly linking tax collection to
inheritance tax to ensure the rich pay their fair share. improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure will build
2.Higher Taxes for the Ultra-Rich: Raising income tax rates for public trust.
the wealthiest can make the tax system more progressive without 6.Global Coordination: Working with other countries to prevent
adding new complexities. capital flight and tax evasion will ensure the wealthy can’t easily
3.Stronger Tax Compliance: Using technology and data analytics avoid taxes.
can help track high-value transactions and reduce tax evasion. 7.Encouraging Philanthropy: Offering incentives for voluntary
4.Expanding the Tax Base: Encouraging more individuals and contributions and charitable donations can motivate the rich to give
businesses to enter the formal tax system will distribute the tax back to society.

Back2Basics: Components of Economic Inequality in India

Component Description Example
Income Wide disparity in income distribution between different The top 10% of India’s population earns 57% of the national
Inequality groups and regions. income, while the bottom 50% earns only 13% (2021).
Wealth Disproportionate concentration of assets and wealth among According to Oxfam’s 2023 report, the richest 1% own more than
Inequality the elite, with minimal ownership by lower-income groups. 40% of India’s wealth.
Educational Unequal access to quality education, which directly Rural girls, especially from marginalized communities, have
Disparity affects employment opportunities and income levels. significantly lower school enrollment rates.
Health Uneven access to healthcare services, resulting in poorer Urban areas have 1.5 times more hospital beds per capita than
Inequality health outcomes for economically disadvantaged groups. rural areas, exacerbating rural health crises.
Regional Stark differences in development levels, infrastructure, and Kerala has a high HDI of 0.782, while Bihar lags behind with an HDI
Inequality living standards across states and regions. of 0.574 (2022).
Employment Differences in access to secure and well-paying jobs, Women’s participation in the workforce was only 25% in 2022, and
Inequality often divided along caste, gender, and regional lines. Dalits face higher unemployment rates.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 14
 BURNING ISSUE #3

Safeguarding Free Speech

Should Section 152 of BNS Become a Proxy for Sedition?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

This article breaks down Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and [UPSC 2013, GS-2] Discuss Section 66A of
its impact on free speech, comparing it with sedition laws. It explains how vague IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of
legal provisions can be misused to suppress dissent, using real-life cases and Article 19 of the Constitution.
court rulings. For UPSC aspirants, topics like governance, fundamental rights,
and internal security (GS-II & GS-III) are crucial, but many struggle because [UPSC 2014, GS-2] What do you understand by
they memorize laws without fully understanding their implications. They also the concept “freedom of speech and expression”?
miss how legal provisions connect with the Constitution, historical precedents, Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films
and broader governance principles. This article fills that gap by offering clear in India stand on a slightly different plane from
explanations, case studies, and a structured comparison with sedition laws. The other forms of expression? Discuss.
“Back2Basics” section simplifies legal jargon, linking it to core constitutional
ideas, making it easier to write well-structured and balanced answers in exams. Microthemes: Fundamental Rights

i n t h e 2024 c a s eof Tejender Pal Singh v. Problems with Section 152 of the BNS
State of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan High Court 1.Unclear and Overly Broad Language: The law criminalizes actions
that “endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India” but
warned that Section 152 of the Bharatiya doesn’t clearly define what that means. This vagueness allows
Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) should not be misused to authorities to interpret it broadly, which could be used to silence
dissent. For instance, criticizing political or historical figures might
suppress valid criticism or peaceful dissent. be seen as a threat to national unity.
2.Low Bar for Prosecution: The section punishes people who
About Sec 152 “knowingly” share content, even if they didn’t intend harm. A simple
Section 152 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes acts social media post, if widely shared and misinterpreted, could lead to
that undermine India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. This includes prosecution without requiring solid proof that it actually caused harm.
activities that incite secession, armed rebellion, or separatism. 3.Threat to Free Speech: Since this law allows immediate arrest
(cognizable) and denies bail (non-bailable), it could be misused just
What does it do? like the old sedition law (Section 124A IPC). Between 2015 and 2020,
• Punishes acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, & integrity 548 people were arrested under sedition laws, but only 12 were
• Punishes acts that incite secession, armed rebellion, or separatism convicted—showing a pattern of misuse. Section 152 is even broader,
• Punishes acts that encourage feelings of separatism making it more prone to abuse.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 15
Sec 124 A vs Sec 152
Parameter Section 124A (IPC) Section 152 (BNS)

Terminology Specifically criminalizes acts that bring hatred or contempt Criminalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and
and Scope towards the government, termed as sedition. It focuses on integrity of India, including inciting rebellion or promoting
inciting disaffection against the government. separatism. Broader language without explicitly using the
term “sedition.”

Penalties Prescribes a punishment of life imprisonment or a minimum Increases the potential penalty to life imprisonment or
of three years in prison, along with a possible fine. up to seven years, along with a mandatory fine, making it
potentially more stringent.

Intent Re- Requires proof of intent to incite disaffection. Lowers the threshold by allowing prosecution if a person
quirement “knowingly” shares information that could incite rebellion or
separatism, regardless of malicious intent.

IMPACT OF SEDITION LAWS

Impact Key Issues Examples/Supreme Court Judgements
1. Historical and Sedition was used by colonial administrators to suppress Queen-Empress v. Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1897): Tilak was
Colonial Legacy critics of British policies. convicted for “seditious” speeches against British rule.
Freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi described Section 124A as “the prince among the
and Bhagat Singh were convicted under sedition laws. political sections of the IPC designed to suppress liberty.”
Sedition law’s modern usage recalls colonial-era
repression of dissent.

2. Constitution- The Constituent Assembly rejected sedition in the The Constituent Assembly debates highlighted concerns
al and Judicial Constitution, citing risks to freedom of speech. over misuse to suppress legitimate protests.
Concerns The Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) judgment Kedar Nath ruling remains the cornerstone of defining
restricted sedition to acts inciting violence or disorder. sedition’s scope in India.
Judicial precedents require a direct link between speech Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): Struck down
and its potential harm to justify sedition charges. Section 66A of IT Act for similar issues of vagueness,
reinforcing free speech.

3. Democratic Increasing sedition cases create a “chilling effect” on free Vinod Dua v. Union of India (2021): Supreme Court
Values and speech, causing individuals to self-censor. dismissed sedition charges against journalist Vinod Dua for
Freedoms criticizing policies.
India’s global perception as an “elected autocracy” is Reports like the V-Dem Institute’s “Democracy Report” have
linked to misuse of sedition laws. highlighted such concerns.
Vague laws like Section 152 amplify the suppression of
legitimate dissent under the guise of national security.

4. Legal and Violates Articles 14 and 19 by enabling arbitrary The Rajasthan High Court emphasized judicial oversight to
Constitutional enforcement and stifling free expression. prevent misuse of Section 152 in dissent-related cases.
Implications of Broad definitions allow expansive interpretation by Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Reinforced that
Section 152 authorities, increasing risk of abuse. laws affecting rights must be “just, fair, and reasonable.”
Urgent need for the Supreme Court to define clear Similar guidelines were provided in Kedar Nath Singh v.
guidelines for its application. State of Bihar for interpreting sedition laws.

WAY FORWARD
1.Clear Judicial Guidelines: The Supreme 2.Active Judicial Oversight: Courts should 3.Protecting Free Speech: The law should
Court should set clear rules on what counts closely watch cases under this section support freedom of speech, including
as an offense under Section 152. These rules to make sure the law isn’t being misused. the right to criticize the government or
should ensure that personal freedoms are Authorities should also be required to show express political views. It should not punish
protected and prevent unnecessary arrests. a clear connection between a person’s individuals for making legitimate criticisms
Additionally, the guidelines should specify speech and any harm or impact it may have or expressing opinions, especially in
what evidence is needed to prove that an caused, rather than assuming it’s harmful political or artistic contexts.
action is truly harmful or subversive. by default.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 16
Back2Basics
SEDITION LAW
Sedition means saying or doing something
that encourages people to hate or fight
against the government. It includes actions
like making speeches, writing articles,
or sharing messages that might lead to
violence, disturb peace, or harm the unity of
the country.
In simple terms, it’s like spreading ideas that
could make people angry at the government
and cause trouble, such as riots or rebellion.
However, just criticizing the government is
not sedition—it only becomes sedition if it
incites violence or disorder.

NCRB Report
• Out of 475 sedition cases registered in the
country between 2014 and 2021, Assam
accounted for 69 cases (14.52%).
• After Assam, the most number of such
cases were reported from Haryana (42
cases), followed by Jharkhand (40),
Karnataka (38), Andhra Pradesh (32)
and Jammu and Kashmir (29). These six
states accounted for 250 cases - more
than half the number of total sedition cases
recorded in the country - in the eight-year
period.
• 76 sedition cases were registered across
the country in 2021, a marginal increase
from the 73 registered in 2020.
• States and UTs that did not register
even one sedition case in that period
were Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and
Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and
Puducherry.

Timeline: Judicial and Constitutional Evolution of Sedition Law in India

Year Event Significance
1870 Introduction of Section 124A in IPC. Sedition was added by the British to suppress dissent during the colonial period.
1897 Queen-Empress v. Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Tilak was convicted for his writings, marking the first high-profile use of the sedition law.
1922 Mahatma Gandhi’s trial for sedition. Gandhi called Section 124A the “prince among the political sections” designed to
suppress liberty.
1948 Constituent Assembly debates on sedition. The Assembly rejected sedition as a constitutional provision, citing threats to free speech.
1950 Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras. SC ruled that restrictions on free speech must be “reasonable,” limiting vague
applications of laws.
1962 Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar. SC upheld Section 124A but restricted its application to acts inciting violence or
public disorder.
1978 Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India. Reinforced that laws affecting rights must be “just, fair, and reasonable.”
2015 Shreya Singhal v. Union of India. Struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for vagueness, reinforcing the need for clarity
in speech laws.
2021 Vinod Dua v. Union of India. SC quashed sedition charges against journalist Vinod Dua, reaffirming protection for
dissent.
2022 Supreme Court stays operation of Section The SC paused sedition law enforcement, urging the government to re-examine its
124A. relevance.
Future Legislative reforms under the Bharatiya Section 152 (BNS) aims to broaden the scope of acts endangering sovereignty,
Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing IPC. replacing sedition law.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 17
Key Points from the Law Commission Grounds for Retaining Section 124A
Report (Report No. 279) 1.Reasonable Restriction under Article 19(2):
1.Retention of Section 124A: •The Supreme Court in Kedar Nath Singh (1962) upheld Section
The Law Commission suggests keeping Section 124A in the IPC but 124A, stating it imposes reasonable limits on freedom of speech to
with amendments based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Kedar protect public order.
Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962). •The Court in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2023) reiterated
•The section is constitutionally valid as it imposes reasonable that where two interpretations of a law are possible, one making it
restrictions on free speech in the interest of public order. constitutional should be preferred.
•It should apply only to acts intended to cause disorder, incite 2.Need Despite Counter-Terror Laws:
violence, or disrupt law and order. •Without Section 124A, violent anti-government expressions would
2.Recent Challenges: fall under stricter counter-terror laws, which could be harsher on
•In S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India (2022), the constitutionality of accused individuals.
Section 124A was questioned. 3.Colonial Legacy Not a Valid Argument:
•The Supreme Court directed a pause on all sedition-related cases •The fact that sedition law originates from colonial times is not
and investigations while the government re-examines the law. sufficient reason for its repeal, as its current purpose serves
•It also ordered that no FIRs or coercive measures should be initiated national security.
under Section 124A during this review.
3.Recommendations for Reform:
•Punishment Alignment: Bring Section 124A’s penalties in line with Conclusion
other offences in Chapter VI of the IPC. The Law Commission emphasizes the necessity of retaining
•Curbing Misuse: Create guidelines to prevent misuse of the law. Section 124A for maintaining public order and national security
•Procedural Safeguards: Suggest a provision similar to Section but acknowledges the need for safeguards to prevent misuse. The
196(3) of the CrPC, requiring government approval before filing an balance between civil liberties and state security is essential, and
FIR for sedition cases. reforms should reflect this delicate equilibrium.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 18
 BURNING ISSUE #4

Patriotism or Compulsion
Is the National Anthem Controversy Justified ?

Note4Students PYQs &

Microthemes
This article offers a deep dive into the laws and practices regarding the National Anthem in
India, presenting a balance between respecting national symbols and protecting individual
freedoms. UPSC often frames questions focusing on constitutional provisions, fundamental [UPSC 2023, GS-2] “The Constitution
duties, or landmark judgments. It might ask about the significance of Article 51A(a) or of India is a living instrument with
analyze cases like Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala. Students often falter in understanding capabilities of enormous dynamism.
how constitutional provisions, judgments, and laws interact. There’s confusion about what It is a constitution made for a
is legally mandated versus customary. They also struggle to present balanced arguments progressive society”. Illustrate with
when tackling issues of patriotism, rights, and state mandates. This article simplifies these special reference to the expanding
complex intersections by presenting: Key takeaways from Supreme Court judgments, horizons of the right to life and
Specific examples of state practices and insights into challenges of enforcing national personal liberty.
identity. What stands out in this article is its clear breakdown of the balance between
patriotism and individual rights, using real-life examples and landmark judgments. Microthemes: Fundamental rights

a s p e r t h e G o v e r n o r office, the Tamil Nadu assembly disrespected Laws and Practices Regarding
the Constitution by not playing the National Anthem at the beginning of The National Anthem In India
the governor’s address. As per the convention of the Tamil Nadu assembly, India’s laws and conventions related to the National
the State Anthem (‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’) is played at the beginning of the Anthem reflect a balance between promoting respect for
Governor’s address. The National Anthem is played at the end of the address. national symbols and protecting individual rights. Below is
an overview of constitutional provisions, legal directives,
This practice was started in 1991, prior to that there was no Supreme Court judgments, and notable practices
practice of playing either of the anthems. concerning the National Anthem.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 19
1.Constitutional Provisions 4. Supreme Court Judgments and Case Law
and Fundamental Duties Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986):
Article 51A(a) (Fundamental Duties): Citizens are duty-bound to •Three children from the Jehovah’s Witness sect were expelled from
“abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, school for not singing the National Anthem. The Supreme Court ruled
the National Flag, and the National Anthem.”This provision that forcing them to sing violated their fundamental right to freedom
emphasizes the moral obligation to respect national symbols, but of religion (Article 25).
it does not enforce mandatory practices. •The court emphasized that standing respectfully suffices as respect
for the Anthem.
2.Guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018)x:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued detailed instructions on •The Supreme Court initially ordered that the National Anthem be
when the National Anthem should be played or sung. Key occasions played before movies in cinemas and the audience must stand.
include: •This directive was later modified to make playing the Anthem in
•Civil and military ceremonies, such as investitures and parades. cinemas optional, balancing respect for the Anthem with individual
•Formal state functions attended by the President, Governors, or choice.
Lieutenant Governors. While laws and directives promote respect for the National Anthem,
•Cultural or ceremonial events during flag hoisting or mass the judiciary has consistently upheld the importance of protecting
singing. individual rights:
•When regimental or naval colors are presented during parades. •Forcing participation in singing the Anthem violates fundamental
For mass singing, the Anthem is required during events such as rights.
cultural functions and on occasions involving the President. •Courts have emphasized that playing the National Anthem is often a
matter of custom rather than a legal mandate.
3.The Prevention of Insults to
National Honour Act, 1971 5.State-Specific Practices:
• Section 3: Prohibits preventing the singing of the National National Anthem practices vary across states, reflecting a lack of
Anthem and prescribes penalties of up to three years uniform mandate:
imprisonment, a fine, or both. • Nagaland: The National Anthem was played for the first time in its
• General Conduct: The audience is expected to stand in Assembly in 2021.
attention whenever the Anthem is played, except when it is part • Tripura: It was introduced in the Assembly for the first time in 2018.
of a newsreel or documentary. • Tamil Nadu: The Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking
punishment for not playing the National Anthem during a foundation-
laying ceremony in 2019, stating that it is a convention, not a
mandate.

Challenges: Balancing The Enforcement Of National Symbols With Individual Rights

Challenges Explanation Examples & Supreme Court Judgments

Freedom of Tension between individual freedoms and state-imposed Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018): SC
Expression vs. mandates, such as the requirement to stand for the national ruled that playing the national anthem in cinemas was
State Mandates anthem, raises concerns about personal liberties. optional, not mandatory.

Fundamental Citizens are expected to respect the national anthem under Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986): SC
Duties vs. Civil Article 51A, but controversies arise when enforcing such protected the right of children not to sing the anthem
Liberties duties infringes on personal freedoms. due to religious beliefs.

Cultural Na- The push to enforce national symbols intersects with India’s Madras High Court (2019): Court dismissed a petition
tionalism vs. secular identity, raising debates about inclusivity and respect demanding the anthem at a foundation ceremony,
Secularism for religious and cultural differences. citing no mandate for it.

Modifying Legal The role of courts in interpreting laws that balance respect Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018):
Interpretations for national symbols and individual rights, often evolving over SC modified its earlier order on anthem in cinemas,
time. emphasizing it was optional.

Balancing The need to uphold patriotism and national symbols is Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat v. State of J&K (2021): HC
Patriotism with weighed against ensuring individual rights, particularly for ruled that failure to stand during the anthem is not an
Individual Rights minority groups or those with differing beliefs. offense unless it causes disturbance.

Enforcement of The controversies highlight efforts to enforce a unified Karnataka Government’s 2024 Order: Controversy
National Identity national identity through symbols like the national anthem, over exemptions for private schools from singing the
raising questions about inclusivity and the effectiveness of state anthem, later amended.
such mandates.

Conclusion
India’s approach to the National Anthem blends respect for national symbols with
democratic freedoms. Legal safeguards ensure that the Anthem is treated with dignity,
but participation remains largely voluntary, reflecting the country’s pluralistic ethos.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 20
Back2Basics
CONSTITUTIONAL PATRIOTISM
Constitutional patriotism means devotion, love, and loyalty towards the
Constitution. Although, we can say that the Constitution best caters
to the needs of the people and is a great choice to adopt the concept
of constitutional patriotism but that is only in theoretical terms. It is
quite difficult to execute. Everyone respects each other but still there
lies religious and cultural differences between people. Everyone thinks
highly of their culture and treats the other one below themselves.
Therefore, shifting this respect and love from their respective values
and norms to a fixed set of rules can be a bit challenging

Elements and Examples of Constitutional Patriotism in India

Element Example in Indian Context

Adherence to Constitutional Campaigns like the “Right to Education Act (RTE)” ensure every child gets access to education, upholding
Principles equality and justice as constitutional principles.

Respect for Pluralism Celebrating diverse festivals like Eid, Diwali, and Christmas across the nation while ensuring public offices
remain secular, reflecting respect for pluralism.

Upholding Rule of Law Landmark judgments such as the decriminalization of Section 377 of the IPC (2018) showcase the
enforcement of constitutional rights over societal prejudices.

Fostering Equal Citizenship Reservation policies under Article 15 and Article 16 of the Constitution ensure affirmative action to provide
equal opportunities for marginalized communities.

Educational Awareness Initiatives like the Constitution Day celebrations (November 26) and inclusion of constitutional values in
of the Constitution school curriculums raise awareness among citizens.

Major Judgements In The Past

Year Incident Supreme Court Judgment

2016 Mandatory Playing in Cinema Halls: The Supreme Court issued Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India: The Court later
an interim order mandating that all cinema halls play the national modified its order in 2017, making the playing of the national
anthem before the screening of films, requiring audiences to stand anthem in cinema halls optional rather than mandatory.
as a sign of respect.

2017 Vande Mataram Status: A petition was filed seeking to equate The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre on
‘Vande Mataram’ with the national anthem and make its singing why ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be treated on par with the
compulsory in schools. national anthem but did not issue a directive making its
singing mandatory.

2016 National Anthem in Courts: A plea was made to mandate the The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea, stating
playing of the national anthem in all courts before proceedings. that its previous order on the national anthem should not be
overstretched.

2021 Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat vs. State of J&K & Anr: Dr. Bhat was The court emphasized that while citizens have a
charged under Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National fundamental duty to respect the national anthem under
Honour Act, 1971, for not standing during the national anthem at a Article 51A(a) of the Constitution, failure to do so is
university event. The Jammu & Kashmir High Court ruled that mere not punishable unless it involves preventing or causing
disrespect to the national anthem is not an offense under Section 3; disturbance during its singing.
it penalizes only intentional prevention or causing disturbance during
its singing.

2024 Karnataka Government’s Order on State Anthem: The Kannada This incident did not involve a Supreme Court judgment
and Culture Department issued an order exempting private but highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the singing of
schools from singing the state anthem during assemblies, sparking national and state anthems in educational institutions.
controversy. The order was later termed a “printing mistake” and
rectified to include all schools.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 21
 BURNING ISSUE #5

Global Indians,
Single Nationality
What’s Stopping India from
Allowing Dual Citizenship?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

This article dives into India’s approach to dual citizenship, especially its [UPSC 2023, GS-2] Indian diaspora has scaled
constitutional stance and comparison with other democracies. UPSC may new heights in the West. Describe its economic
explore questions around constitutional provisions (like Article 9) and how India and political benefits for India.
balances national sovereignty with diaspora aspirations. Students tend to falter
when they miss connecting such legal nuances with broader debates on identity, Microthemes: Indian Diaspora
rights, and governance. This article simplifies these complexities and enriches
your understanding with a crisp comparison of global practices. A unique feature
here is the Back2Basics section, which highlights the foundational concepts of
citizenship and their relevance today.

recently, external affairs India’s Stance On Dual Citizenship Vs. Other Democracies
Minister S. Jaishankar • India’s Position on Dual Citizenship: According to Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, any Indian
citizen who voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country ceases to be an Indian citizen. This is
said that there are many
reinforced by the Citizenship Act of 1955, which outlines that Indian citizenship is singular and does
challenges in giving dual not accommodate dual nationality.
citizenship to Indians living • Comparison with Other Democracies
• United States: The U.S. has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Citizens can hold multiple
abroad. He mentioned that
nationalities without losing their U.S. citizenship. This reflects a more permissive approach
the Overseas Citizenship towards allegiance and nationality.
of India program is a step • Canada: Canada also allows dual citizenship and recognizes the right of its citizens to hold
towards addressing this multiple nationalities. This policy facilitates a diverse and multicultural society.
• Australia: Similar to Canada, Australia permits dual nationality and extends full consular
need and added that the assistance to its citizens regardless of their other nationalities.
discussion about dual • Germany: Germany has specific regulations regarding dual citizenship, generally requiring
citizenship is still ongoing. individuals to choose one nationality unless they are EU citizens or meet certain conditions. This
reflects a more nuanced approach than India’s outright prohibition.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 22
BENEFITS OF MULTIPLE CITIZENSHIPS
Benefit Explanation Examples

Increased Multiple citizenship allows Indians to travel freely between Indian-origin citizens holding U.S. or EU citizenship
Global Mobility countries, facilitating business, education, and tourism without can travel to these countries without visas.
the need for frequent visa applications.

Economic Indian citizens with multiple citizenships can access more An Indian-origin person with U.S. citizenship can
Opportunities global job markets, investment opportunities, and business work in the U.S. and invest in Indian businesses.
partnerships, boosting their economic prospects.

Improved Edu- Citizens of multiple countries may enjoy enhanced access to Indian-origin individuals with U.K. citizenship can
cational Access educational institutions and scholarships that are otherwise access both U.K. and Indian universities.
unavailable to foreign nationals.

Cultural and Multiple citizenship enables people to maintain ties to their An individual with Canadian and Indian citizenship
Family Ties country of origin, supporting family and cultural connections can easily visit family in India while living in Canada.
while accessing opportunities abroad.

Increased With citizenship in multiple countries, individuals can act as Indian-origin individuals in foreign governments can
International bridges between nations, fostering stronger international enhance bilateral relations between India and their
Influence relations, trade, and cooperation. second country.

Security and Dual citizenship provides citizens with the ability to seek An individual with dual citizenship (e.g., U.S. and
Safety consular protection from multiple nations, ensuring greater Indian) can seek assistance from both consulates if
safety and security in times of international crises. needed during emergencies.

CHALLENGES IN ALLOWING DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN INDIA

Challenge Explanation in Simple Terms
Constitutional Challenges
Article 9 of the The Constitution says if you take another country’s citizenship, you lose your Indian citizenship. Changing this
Constitution requires amending the Constitution.
Political Rights Citizenship in India means you can vote and run for office. Allowing dual citizenship may lead to conflicting
loyalties and harm national interests.
Domicile vs. Citizenship India distinguishes between where you live (domicile) and your citizenship. Mixing these up can cause legal
confusion and demands for extra rights.
Legal Challenges
Citizenship Act, 1955 This law doesn’t allow dual citizenship, requiring you to give up Indian citizenship if you become a citizen
elsewhere. Big changes to the law would be needed.
Overseas Citizen- OCI status gives many rights but not political ones. Introducing dual citizenship might create legal confusion
ship of India (OCI) about what each status provides.
Security Concerns Dual citizenship could make it harder to ensure loyalty and could be exploited by individuals working against
India’s interests.
Political Challenges
Divided Loyalties People with two citizenships may support foreign countries in Indian elections or politics, potentially affecting
India’s sovereignty.
Populism vs. Pragmatism While granting dual citizenship could attract investments or bond with the diaspora, it might just cater to
certain groups without benefiting India much.
Recolonization Concerns Critics worry foreign powers could indirectly control Indian politics and leadership through dual citizens,
risking India’s independence.

Conclusion
The debate on dual citizenship involves balancing the aspirations of
the Indian diaspora with the constitutional sanctity and sovereignty of
the nation. A cautious, well-considered approach is essential to avoid
compromising India’s national interests.

India could expand the rights of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) holders,
granting them more privileges such as the right to vote or hold certain
offices, without granting full dual citizenship.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 23
Back2Basics
CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship is full membership of a state and its importance can be appreciated if we DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN INDIA
think of thousands of people in the world who have been forced to live as refugees or The Indian Constitution prohibits dual citizenship
illegal migrants because no state is willing to grant them membership. for nationals. India offers the Overseas Citizenship
of India (OCI) program to Persons of Indian Origin
For them, full membership in a state of their choice is a goal for which they are willing (PIO), excluding those who migrated to Pakistan
to struggle, as we see today with Palestinian refugees in the Middle East., or the and Bangladesh.
Rohingyas in Myanmar. Traditionally, citizenship has been given on multiple bases
which will be discussed below. Eligibility for OCI
1.Was eligible to become a citizen of India on
Citizenship: The various bases of determination 26.01.1950.
From the evolutionary perspective, the following are the four major criteria based on 2.Was a citizen of India at any time after 26.01.1950.
which citizenship has been granted: 3.A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of the
1.Citizenship by family (jus sanguinis): If one or both of a person’s parents are above citizens.
citizens of a given state, then the person may have the right to be a citizen of that
state as well. India also provides this type of citizenship. Where jus sanguinis holds,
a person born outside a country, one or both of whose parents are citizens of the
country, is also a citizen.
2.Citizenship by birth (jus soli): Some people are automatically citizens of the
state in which they are born. This form of citizenship originated in England. Most
countries in the Americas grant unconditional jus soli citizenship, while it has been
limited or abolished in almost all other countries.
3.Citizenship by marriage (jus matrimonii): Many countries fast-track
naturalization based on the marriage of a person to a citizen. Many countries
(United Kingdom, Germany, United States, Canada) allow citizenship by marriage
only if the foreign spouse is a permanent resident of the country; others
(Switzerland, Luxembourg) allow foreign spouses of expatriate citizens to obtain
citizenship after a certain period of marriage.
4.Citizenship by Naturalization: States normally grant citizenship to people
who have entered the country legally and been granted a permit to stay, or been
granted political asylum. Some states allow dual citizenship and do not require
naturalized citizens to formally renounce anyone’s citizenship.

In India and the world around, these criteria have formed the basis of laws related
to Citizenship. The next section will discuss provisions related to Citizenship in the
Indian constitution.

Benefits to OCI Cardholders

1.Entry in India: OCI cardholders can enter India multiple times, get a multipurpose
lifelong visa to visit India, and are exempt from registering with the Foreigners
Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
2.Application for Citizenship: If an individual is registered as an OCI for a period of
five years, he/she is eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.
3.Special immigration Counter: At all Indian international airports, OCI cardholders
are provided with special immigration counters.
4.Special bank accounts: OCI cardholders can open special bank accounts in India,
buy non-farm property and exercise ownership rights and can also apply for a
Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.
5.Cases of Parity with the NRI: OCI cardholders will enjoy parity with NRIs in the
adoption of children, appearing in competitive exams, purchase or sale of
immovable property barring agricultural land and farmhouses, and pursuing
professions such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and chartered accountants.
6.Cases of Parity with the Indian National: They have parity with Indian nationals in
the matter of domestic airfares, and entry fees to monuments and public places.
7.Admission in Education Institutions: OCIs can appear for all-India entrance tests
such as National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Joint Entrance Examination
(Mains), Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) or such other tests to make them
eligible for admission only against any NRI seat or any supernumerary seat.
8.Regarding Restrictions: There will be no restrictions on visiting religious
places and attending normal religious activities like attending religious discourses.

Limitations to OCI cardholders

1.No Voting Rights: OCI cardholders do not get voting rights, cannot hold a
government job, and purchase agricultural or farmland.
2.Travel restrictions: They cannot travel to restricted areas without government
permission.
3.Admission restrictions: The OCI cardholder shall not be eligible for admission
against any seat reserved exclusively for Indian citizens.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 24
 BURNING ISSUE #6

Selecting Judges,
Ensuring Justice
How Can the Collegium System Be Improved?

PYQs &
Note4Students Microthemes
The judicial appointment process in India has long been a subject of debate, particularly
regarding the balance between judicial independence and accountability. Recent reports [UPSC 2017, GS-2] Critically examine
of proposed changes by the Supreme Court’s Collegium bring the matter back into the the Supreme Court’s judgement on
limelight. UPSC aspirants often encounter questions around constitutional provisions, ‘National Judicial Appoint ments
institutional dynamics, and reforms in governance. This article unpacks the evolution, Commission Act, 2014’ with reference
current criticisms, and global comparisons of the Collegium system. Special attention is to appointment of judges of higher
given to expected reforms that aim to address longstanding criticisms such as nepotism judiciary in India.
and transparency deficits. The Back2Basics section offers a deeper understanding of the
need for judicial independence, helping students connect the historical and contemporary Microthemes: Executive X
contexts of judicial appointments. Key terms like “Separation of Powers” and the “Fourth Judiciary
Judges Case” are simplified for better retention.

recent reports suggest that the Supreme Court of India’s Background

Collegium is considering notable changes in its judicial appointment Expected Change 1: According to unnamed sources, the Collegium
process. will now conduct interviews of candidates who are recommended for
elevation to the High Courts.
The Collegium of the Supreme Court is a 5-Judge body, headed by Expected Change 2: The Collegium intends to exclude from
the Chief Justice of India. It includes 4 senior-most Judges of the consideration those whose close relatives have served, or are
Supreme Court. The Collegium recommends the name of Judges to serving, as judges in the High Courts or the Supreme Court.
be appointed to the Court.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 25
Historical Evolution of Collegium
Stage/Phase Description Significant Developments
Colonial Rule Judicial appointments were dominated by the executive The executive had substantial control over judicial
branch during colonial rule. appointments.
Constitution- The framers of the Indian Constitution aimed to balance Articles 124(2) and 217 were included to safeguard judicial
al Debates judicial independence and prevent executive overreach. appointments, ensuring a balance of power between the
executive and judiciary.
Judicial A series of rulings by the Supreme Court led to the The judiciary took a significant role in appointments,
Interventions establishment of the collegium system for judicial reducing the executive’s influence through landmark
appointments. rulings such as the First, Second, and Third Judges cases.
First Judges The Supreme Court ruled that “consultation” under Art 124 This judgment gave the executive more discretion in
Case (1981) did not mean “concurrence,” and the President was not judicial appointments, as the CJI’s advice was not binding.
bound by CJI’s advice.
Second Judges The Court overruled the First Judges case and ruled that The CJI’s advice, based on a collegium of two senior-most
Case (1993) “consultation” meant “concurrence.” judges, was made binding, giving the judiciary a more
dominant role in judicial appointments.
Third Judges The Court expanded the collegium system to include the The decision entrenched judicial control further over
Case (1998) CJI and the four senior-most judges. judicial appointments, consolidating the collegium system.
99th Constitu- NJAC was proposed as an independent body to replace The NJAC Act consisted of a six-member body, including
tional Amend- the collegium system for appointing higher judiciary the CJI, two senior-most SC judges, Union Law Minister,
ment and NJAC judges. and two eminent persons from civil society. It also allowed
Act (2014) for veto power by two members.
Fourth Judges The Supreme Court declared the NJAC Act and the 99th The Court reaffirmed the collegium system, striking down
Case (2015) Amendment as unconstitutional. the NJAC, stating it compromised judicial independence
and violated the basic structure of the Constitution.

Present System
Through the judgments in the four judges case, the SC has firm control over the
Judicial appointments in India.
1.Collegium-led Appointment: The Judicial
Appointments and transfers (Higher Judiciary, Supreme Court and the High
Courts) are undertaken through the ‘Collegium System’.
2.Executive Background Checks: The Government also undertakes
background checks of the candidates through its agencies like Intelligence
Bureau (IB). The Government may raise objections to the choice and ask
for clarification. The Government can return the recommendations of the
Collegium for reconsideration.
However, if the recommendations are reiterated, the Government must accept
them (SC Judgment).

Criticism of the system

Concern Description Example/Illustration
Lack of The Collegium system is not mentioned in the The Constituent Assembly had debated making appointments
Constitution- Constitution. Article 124 only mentions consultation, “in concurrence” with the CJI but eventually rejected the
al Status which was interpreted as “concurrence” in the Second proposal, leading to the current system.
Judges Case (1993).
Transparen- There is no official procedure or manual governing The process lacks clear public guidelines on how judges are
cy Issues the functioning of the Collegium, and the criteria for selected, leading to opacity in judicial appointments.
selections (or rejections) are not made public.
Accountabil- The selection of judges by judges without accountability Critics argue that the process lacks oversight from the
ity Issues to the people or other organs of the state (Legislature or Legislature or Executive, leading to potential arbitrariness in
Executive) can lead to undemocratic functioning. judicial appointments.
Allegations There are concerns that the Collegium system has led to The term “Uncle Judges” has been used to describe situations
of Nepotism nepotism, with judges appointing their relatives or close where relatives of sitting judges are appointed to the judiciary,
associates to the higher judiciary. raising concerns about fairness and bias.
Subjectivity The absence of transparency and external checks creates The selection process has sometimes ignored the principle
and Bias in room for subjectivity and bias in appointments, such as of seniority, with certain appointments being questioned for
Appointments ignoring seniority in some cases. subjective reasons.
Lack of Global India’s system is unique in that judges appoint other Unlike many countries where a broader selection body,
Equivalent judges without any involvement of other state organs. including the Executive or Legislature, is involved, India’s
Collegium system operates independently from these organs.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 26
Global Best Practices
Constitutional Reform Act, 2005, introduced by the U.K., established two Commissions for the purpose of choosing judicial
UK
service candidates. These commissions have representation both from the judiciary as well as the executive.
South Africa has a Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that advises the President to appoint judges. This service commission
South Africa
has representation from diverse branches of the government.
Judges are chosen through a process involving the High Council of the Judiciary (Conseil Supérieur de la Magistrature) or, in
France
the case of lower courts, by the Minister of Justice who may consult or receive advice from the High Council.

In most of the countries, the judicial appointments are made by a committee

established by the administrative and legislative branches of government.

WAY FORWARD
1.Revamping the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP): The process for appointing judges
should involve representatives from both the judiciary and the government. This will create
a balance of power and ensure better accountability.
2.Widening Eligibility Criteria: Beyond the qualifications outlined in the Constitution,
additional criteria should be introduced to evaluate candidates’ merit and suitability.
3.Open Application Process: Vacancies in the judiciary should be announced publicly,
allowing all eligible candidates to apply in a standard format. This would ensure a fair and
transparent process.
4.Improving Diversity: Women should be given better representation in judicial
appointments to ensure the judiciary reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
5.Recommendations from the Law Commission:
•The judiciary and the government should have an equal role in the appointment of judges
to ensure balanced and fair decision-making.
•The retirement age for High Court judges should be raised to 65 years, and for Supreme
Court judges to 68 years, so their experience can benefit the judiciary longer.
•Judges for the Supreme Court should be chosen from a broader pool of qualified
individuals, including distinguished legal scholars and advocates. The Constitution allows
for this, but such appointments have been rare and need to be actively pursued.

Back2Basics
NEED OF JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
Aspect Explanation Examples/Implications
Principle of The Constitution of India is based on the principle of If judiciary is influenced by the executive or parliament,
Separation of separation of powers, supported by checks and balances the principle of separation of power would fail,
Power and Checks where institutions monitor each other. Judiciary must be compromising democracy and accountability.
and Balances independent to objectively check the legislature and executive.
Government as In higher courts, almost 50% of pending cases involve the Without independence, judgments could unfairly favor
a Major Litigant government as a litigant. An independent judiciary ensures the government, undermining justice.
unbiased judgments against government actions.
Upholding the Judiciary safeguards the Constitution from legislative Independent judiciary struck down unconstitutional
Constitution or executive overreach and ensures laws align with amendments in cases like Kesavananda Bharati v.
constitutional principles. State of Kerala.
Preservation of Judiciary ensures that no one, including members of the An independent judiciary ensures that violations of
Rule of Law legislature and executive, is above the law. It applies the rule law by high-ranking officials are checked, maintaining
of law impartially to all. equality before the law.
Protection of Most writ petitions challenge government actions that Without independence, the judiciary may fail to uphold
People’s Rights violate fundamental rights. Judiciary independence ensures citizens’ fundamental rights, as in cases like Maneka
protection of these rights. Gandhi v. Union of India.
Counter-Major- The judiciary prevents the tyranny of the majority in a Decisions like Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India
itarian Role democracy, ensuring minority rights and constitutional upheld LGBTQ+ rights, countering majority opinion.
values are protected.
Preservation of In India’s federal system, the judiciary resolves disputes Independent decisions in disputes like State of West
Federal Polity between the center and states, ensuring that neither Bengal v. Union of India have upheld federal principles.
oversteps its jurisdiction.
Executive’s Judiciary checks executive misconduct categorized as: Examples include abuse of power during emergency
Misconduct 1. Malfeasance: Abuse of power with intent to harm public periods (Malfeasance), improper implementation of
interest. welfare schemes (Misfeasance), and failure to address
2. Misfeasance: Legal acts done improperly. environmental degradation (Nonfeasance).
3. Nonfeasance: Failure to perform a required duty.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 27
 BURNING ISSUE #7

Resolving
Global Defaults
Is India Ready for a Cross-Border
Insolvency Framework?

PYQs &
Note4Students Microthemes
Cross-border insolvency laws in India need urgent reforms for fairness, efficiency, and
global alignment. UPSC often asks about legal gaps and proposed reforms in areas like [UPSC 2016, GS-3] Justify the need for
insolvency, focusing on practical challenges and solutions. Questions could also reference FDI for the development of the Indian
cases like Jet Airways (2019), where Indian and Dutch courts struggled to cooperate, or economy. Why there is gap between
Videocon Industries (2019), which highlighted the absence of a framework for group MOUs signed and actual FDIs?
insolvency. Students commonly falter by skipping important cases or failing to connect Suggest remedial steps to be taken for
issues to India’s global economic ambitions. Similarly, many struggle to relate India’s increasing actual FDIs in India.
domestic legal gaps to broader global challenges, such as aligning with frameworks like
the UNCITRAL Model Law or coordinating with foreign jurisdictions. This article bridges Microthemes: FDI
these gaps by explaining the need for reforms, like strengthening India’s Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and implementing globally accepted practices. It simplifies
challenges such as ad hoc solutions, overburdened legal systems, and unresolved
jurisdictional issues, while offering actionable recommendations. What makes this article
stand out is its practical examples making it easier to understand and apply.

t h e c u r r e n t s tat e of cross-border insolvency Need of Cross-Border Insolvency Laws

laws in India is poor, with existing rules that cannot 1.Increasing Global Connections: With India growing its trade
and signing agreements with over 54 countries, a strong
be enforced effectively and slow progress in making
framework is vital for handling multinational insolvency cases.
necessary changes. This situation requires urgent 2.Protecting Creditors: Ensures fair treatment of both Indian and
reform to ensure a more effective legal framework. foreign creditors, boosting investor trust.
3.Efficient Asset Recovery: Helps recover assets spread across
different countries, reducing delays and financial losses.
About Cross-Border Insolvency 4.Resolving Disputes Easily: Clarifies which country has the
Insolvency means a person or company cannot repay their debts on main authority in a case, preventing conflicts and duplication of
time. Cross-border insolvency happens when the debtor’s assets or proceedings.
creditors are spread across different countries. Regulating cross-border 5.Matching Global Standards: Adopting global models like the
insolvency is crucial in today’s globalized world to help companies UNCITRAL Model Law will align India with countries like the USA
restructure, attract foreign investments, and ensure economic stability. and UK, attracting more foreign investment.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 28
Challenges in India’s Cross-Border Insolvency Recommendations for Cross-Border Insolven-
1.No Comprehensive Law: India lacks clear laws for such cases; cy in India
existing sections (234 and 235 of IBC) are not enforceable. 1.Adopt Global Standards: Implement the UNCITRAL Model
Example: In the Jet Airways (2019) case, Indian and Dutch courts Law to streamline cooperation, recognize foreign proceedings, &
couldn’t cooperate effectively. protect creditors.
2.Complex Jurisdictions: Determining the main authority (Centre 2.Strengthen the IBC: Include a new section (Part Z) for handling
of Main Interest or COMI) is tough due to no clear provisions in international cases, defining COMI & simplifying legal processes.
Indian law. 3.Enhance NCLT Capabilities: Assign the Principal Bench to
3.Temporary Solutions: Cases are resolved through costly ad hoc manage foreign cases & train judges & professionals in handling
arrangements instead of structured mechanisms. complex cases.
4.Overburdened Legal System: With over 22,000 cases pending 4.Promote Global Coordination: Use Judicial Insolvency Network
(2024), NCLT struggles to focus on cross-border issues that (JIN) Guidelines for smooth communication between Indian &
require specialized knowledge. foreign courts.
5.Group Insolvency Issues: No framework exists for dealing 5.Reciprocal Agreements & Group Insolvency: Finalize
with companies with global subsidiaries. Example: Videocon agreements with other countries to facilitate cooperation
Industries Ltd. (2019) required the NCLT to extend jurisdiction & create a framework for managing cases involving global
without proper legal support. companies.

Back2Basics
Historical Background of Cross-Border Insolvency in India
Era Key Developments Limitations
Pre-Indepen- Indian Insolvency Act, 1848: Focused on domestic insolvencies. Focus only on domestic insolvency,
dence Era ignoring cross-border complexities.
Presidency-Towns Insolvency Act, 1909: Applied to major cities (Calcutta,
Bombay, Madras).
Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920: Governed insolvencies in rural regions.
Post-Indepen- Continuation of British-era insolvency laws with no major amendments. Third Law Commission’s
dence Era recommendations (1964) to modernize
laws were not acted upon.
1990s Eco- Globalization increased the need for comprehensive cross-border insolvency Recommendations to adopt the
nomic Lib- laws. UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border
eralization Insolvency remained unimplemented.
Committees like Eradi (2000), Mitra (2001), and Irani (2005) pushed for reforms
Insolvency Aimed to consolidate and modernize domestic insolvency laws. Sections 234 (reciprocal agreements)
and Bank- and 235 (foreign court requests) are
ruptcy Code unenforceable due to policy delays.
(IBC), 2016 Introduced provisions for cross-border insolvency under Sections 234 and 235.

KEY CASE STUDIES FROM INDIA

Case Key Issues Outcome
Jet Airways (India) Simultaneous insolvency proceedings in India NCLAT directed joint resolution proceedings under a Cross-
Limited (2019) and the Netherlands. Border Insolvency Protocol.
Lack of reciprocal agreements under Sections Recognized India as the Centre of Main Interest (COMI) and
234 and 235 of IBC. Netherlands proceedings as secondary.
Jurisdictional conflict between Indian and Dutch
courts.
Videocon In- Inclusion of foreign subsidiaries’ assets in Indian NCLT included foreign subsidiaries’ assets under the resolution
dustries Lim- insolvency proceedings. plan.
ited (2019) No clarity on group insolvency or cross-border Highlighted the need for legal provisions addressing group
frameworks. insolvency and cross-border disputes.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 29
 BURNING ISSUE #8

Balancing
Security &
Privacy
Do the Draft Digital Protection
Rules Get It Right?

PYQs & Microthemes

Note4Students
[UPSC 2017, GS-2] Examine the scope of
This article covers the release of the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (DPDP) Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest
and how India is moving forward with its personal data protection framework. It delves judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to
into key aspects like consent, data localisation, and rights of data principals, alongside Privacy.
potential advantages and challenges. UPSC often asks questions from such topics in
the context of governance, technology, and rights issues. The focus is usually on how [UPSC 2024, GS-2] Right to privacy is intrinsic
laws like these balance individual rights with state or corporate needs. Questions may to life and personal liberty and is inherently
appear in GS-II or GS-III, particularly around the evolving digital landscape and data protect ed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
protection policies. While preparing for such topics, many get bogged down by technical Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating
jargon or the intricate legal language. They miss the bigger picture: understanding the to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to
implications of these rules on privacy, governance, and businesses. This article helps establish its paternity.
by simplifying these complex ideas and breaking them down into digestible points. The
“Back2Basics” section is especially valuable, connecting theoretical concepts with real- Microthemes: Fundamental Rights
life examples to highlight the importance of balancing privacy and national security.

o n j a n ua ry 3, 2 0 2 5 , the MeitY released the much-anticipated Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP)
Rules — a key moment in India’s journey to regulate digital personal data. This step follows the passage of
the DPDP Act, 2023, bringing India closer to operationalising its framework for safeguarding personal data.

Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023
Category Details
Regu- The DPDP Act regulates the processing of digital personal data and includes provisions to protect individuals’ privacy in the
lation digital age.
Applica- Applies to processing digital personal data within India, collected online or digitized after offline collection. Also applies to
bility processing data outside India if it involves providing goods or services to data principals within India.
Evolution Based on the report by the Expert Committee chaired by Justice B.N. Srikrishna.
Led to the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
After multiple iterations and consultations, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 was passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Key Data Principal (DP): The individual or entity whose data is being protected.
Stake- Must provide written consent for data processing, specifying the purpose.
holders Has the right to withdraw or restrict consent at any time.
Data Fiduciary: The entity responsible for collecting, storing, and sharing data.
Acts as a Consent Manager, enabling DP to give, review, and withdraw consent transparently.
The Central Government can classify certain data fiduciaries as Significant Data Fiduciaries
Features 1.Fairness: Organizations must use personal data in a way that is fair and transparent to the individuals involved.
2.Consent: Personal data can only be processed for a lawful purpose after the individual’s consent is obtained.
3.Data protection: Individuals have the right to obtain information about how their data is processed, and request corrections or erasure.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 30
1.Right to Data Protection: It empowers individuals with the right to 4.Regulatory Authority: The Act establishes a Data Protection
know and control their personal data. This includes rights to access, Board of India (DPBI) to oversee compliance and handle grievances.
correction, and erasure of their data, giving citizens greater control The Board is responsible for adjudicating disputes and imposing
over their personal information. penalties for violations.
2.Data Processing and Consent: The Act mandates that personal 5.Data Breach Notification: Organisations are required to notify
data can only be processed with the explicit consent of the individuals and the Data Protection Board of any data breaches
individual. Organisations must provide clear and specific consent that may compromise personal information. This provision aims to
forms and ensure that consent is obtained before data collection. ensure transparency and prompt action in the event of data leaks.
3.Data Localisation: Certain types of sensitive personal data are 6.Fines and Penalties: It outlines stringent penalties for non-
required to be stored and processed within India. This provision compliance, including significant fines for violations. This is
aims to enhance data security and facilitate easier enforcement of intended to incentivize organisations to adhere to data protection
data protection laws. standards.

THE RULES, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

1.Notice to be given by Data Fiduciary to Data follow international data protection standards.
Principal Challenges:
Rule: •Transparency and accountability issues may arise if data fiduciaries
•Data Fiduciaries must provide Data Principals with clear and do not fully disclose how their algorithms process data.
understandable notices for informed consent. These notices must •Cross-border compliance complexities create difficulties in
include: following both Indian and foreign data laws.
•A description of personal data being processed.
•The purpose and services associated with the processing. 4.Rights of Data Principals
•Details for withdrawing consent, exercising rights, or filing Rule:
complaints. • Access and Erasure: Individuals can request access to
Advantages: their personal data or demand its erasure through published
•Provides legal certainty by offering clear guidelines on notice mechanisms.
requirements, reducing ambiguity for businesses and individuals. • Grievance Redressal: Data Fiduciaries must address grievances
•Enhances user empowerment by ensuring individuals receive within specified timeframes.
transparent information about their data, enabling informed • Nomination: Data Principals can nominate someone to exercise
decisions. their rights in case of incapacity or death.
Challenges: • Transparency: Data Fiduciaries must provide clear information
•There is a lack of transparency in data processing practices, which about data collection, processing, and sharing practices.
may make it difficult for individuals to fully understand how their Advantages:
data is being used. •Enhances user empowerment by giving individuals more control over
•Risk of overly complex notices, leading to user fatigue or confusion. their data.
•Promotes trustworthy data ecosystems, ensuring responsible and
2.Consent Management ethical data usage.
Rule: Challenges:
•Data processing requires prior, clear, and informed consent from •The digital divide may prevent marginalized groups from fully
Data Principals, which may be withdrawn at any time. benefiting from these rights.
•Consent Managers will facilitate granting, tracking, and withdrawal •Operational challenges may arise in ensuring businesses respond to
of consent. grievances promptly.
Advantages:
•Strengthens trust and consumer confidence by ensuring data 5.Processing of Personal Data Outside India
processing occurs only with informed consent. Rule:
•Encourages technological innovation in privacy-preserving •Transfers to foreign entities must meet government-specified
technologies like automated consent management systems. requirements.
Challenges: •Data deemed critical for national interests cannot be transferred
•Emerging technologies like AI and IoT introduce new challenges in outside India.
ensuring that consent mechanisms remain transparent and ethical. Advantages:
•Operational challenges arise as businesses may struggle with •Supports global interoperability, allowing seamless international
consent tracking, especially across multiple platforms. data transfers while ensuring adequate protections.
Challenges:
3.Obligations of Data Fiduciaries •International cooperation challenges may arise due to different data
Rule: protection policies in various countries.
•Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs) have additional obligations,
including: 6.Processing by State for Subsidies and Bene-
•Conducting annual data protection impact assessments and audits. fits
•Ensuring that algorithms do not harm Data Principals’ rights. Rule:
•Imposing restrictions on specific personal data transfers outside •The government may process personal data under specific
India. conditions for issuing subsidies, benefits, or services, but such
General Obligations: processing must be legally backed.
•Maintain transparency in processing activities. Advantages:
•Publish terms of service and grievance redressal mechanisms. •Supports the growth of the digital economy by streamlining digital
Advantages: governance.
•Improves business security by encouraging data fiduciaries to adopt Challenges:
stricter compliance mechanisms. •Raises human rights concerns due to potential risks of mass
•Aligns with global competitiveness by ensuring Indian businesses surveillance.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 31
7.Reasonable Security Safeguards opportunity to retain their data.
Rule: Advantages:
•Data Fiduciaries must implement strong security measures, •Provides legal certainty by clarifying data retention rules.
including: •Strengthens user empowerment by giving individuals control over
•Encryption, obfuscation, and access controls. their data.
•Logging and monitoring unauthorized access. Challenges:
•Retaining logs and data for at least one year unless otherwise •Transparency issues may arise if companies fail to inform users
specified by law. properly.
•Contractual safeguards when engaging Data Processors.
Advantages: 10.Consent for Data of Children or Persons with
•Enhances business security by minimizing data breach risks. Disabilities
•Encourages technological advancement in privacy-enhancing Rule:
technologies. •Fiduciaries must obtain verifiable consent from parents or guardians
Challenges: before processing a child’s data.
•Technology limitations make it difficult to secure data in •Verification may involve identity checks through secure digital
decentralized systems like blockchain. methods.
Advantages:
8.Personal Data Breach Intimation •Ensures a harmonized approach to protecting vulnerable individuals’
Rule: data.
Data Fiduciaries must promptly inform affected Data Principals and Challenges:
the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) within 72 hours. •New technology challenges may arise in effectively verifying
• The notice must include: parental consent in online platforms.
•The nature and extent of the breach.
•Steps taken to mitigate risks. 11.Government Powers
•Contact details for further inquiries. Rule:
Advantages: •Information Requests: The government may request data from
•Strengthens trust and consumer confidence by ensuring Fiduciaries for purposes listed in the Seventh Schedule.
transparency in handling breaches. •Restrictions on Disclosure: Fiduciaries must seek prior written
Challenges: approval before disclosing sensitive data related to sovereignty,
•Operational challenges arise as companies may struggle to detect security, or public order.
and report breaches within the 72-hour window. Advantages:
•Strengthens India’s position in international data policy discussions.
9.Erasure of Personal Data Challenges:
Rule: •Raises human rights concerns due to potential risks of excessive
•Data must be erased if the specified purpose is no longer valid. government access to personal data.
•Principals must be notified 48 hours before erasure and given an

Conclusion
The DPDP Rules, 2025 attempt to strike a balance between privacy rights and the needs of
businesses and the government. However, operational, technological, and human rights
challenges must be addressed to ensure effective implementation.

Back2Basics
WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO BALANCE PRIVACY RIGHTS AND NEEDS OF THE GOVERNMENT ?
Principle Why is it Important? Example
Beneficial Governments require access to data for governance, Aadhaar System (India): Provides efficient social benefits,
Governance public safety, and welfare schemes, but excessive but concerns over biometric data security have led to legal
access can lead to mass surveillance and loss of privacy. challenges on privacy.
Accountability Ensures governments and corporations disclose data GDPR (EU): Mandates companies and governments to
& Transparency usage, preventing misuse and building public trust. disclose how personal data is used, ensuring accountability.
Lawful Data Data collection should be legally justified, preventing Cambridge Analytica Scandal: Unauthorized use of Facebook data
Processing unauthorized surveillance or misuse. for political manipulation, raising concerns over privacy breaches.
Adaptability Laws should evolve with AI, IoT, and surveillance tech to China’s Facial Recognition System: Raises mass surveillance
to New Tech- protect privacy while allowing innovation. concerns, showing the dangers of unchecked tech expansion.
nologies
National Secu- Governments cite national security for data collection, U.S. Patriot Act (Post-9/11): Allowed mass data collection,
rity vs. Individ- but excessive surveillance can infringe on civil liberties. sparking debates over privacy violations.
ual Rights
Consent & Individuals must have the right to control their personal Apple’s App Tracking Transparency: Enables users to decide if
Control data, ensuring that consent is central to data collection. they want apps to track their data, reinforcing control.
Ethical Imple- Governments must ensure ethical, fair, and inclusive India’s Right to Privacy Judgment (2017): Supreme Court declared
mentation use of technology to uphold rights. privacy a fundamental right, influencing data protection laws.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 32
 BURNING ISSUE #9

Justice for All

Is the Right to Access Justice Truly Accessible in India?

PYQs & Microthemes

Note4Students
This article discusses the fundamental right to access justice and the barriers [UPSC 2024, GS-2] Right to privacy is intrinsic to
many face in exercising it. It highlights various challenges such as social, life and personal liberty and is inherently protect ed
economic, and legal obstacles, while also addressing the steps taken by the under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this
government to ensure this right is upheld. UPSC often explores such topics in reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing
GS-II or GS-I, focusing on legal rights, reforms, and the government’s role in of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.
ensuring equitable justice. A common mistake during preparation is focusing
only on legal terms without considering real-world implications. Many overlook [UPSC 2015, GS-2] Does the right to clean
the social, economic, and cultural barriers that hinder people’s access to justice. environment entail legal regulations on burning
This article bridges that gap by highlighting these barriers and the efforts crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light
to address them. It provides a clear understanding of how laws and policies of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and
function to ensure justice for all citizens, particularly the underprivileged. A Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.
standout feature of this article is the comprehensive “Back2Basics” section,
which ties fundamental rights with real-life examples. It simplifies complex Microthemes: Fundamental Rights
legal concepts and offers clarity on how justice can be accessed in practice.

the supreme court fined ‘Right to Access to Justice’

Rs. 1 Lakh on a dishonest person who •The Right to Access to Justice refers to the fundamental principle that individuals should
have the ability to seek and obtain remedies through formal or informal institutions of
kept filing unnecessary and baseless
justice for grievances.
cases. The Court said that while •This right is rooted in the rule of law and ensures that all citizens, regardless of their
everyone has the right to go to court, background, can effectively resolve their legal issues and hold decision-makers
accountable.
it should be used responsibly.
•Without access to justice, individuals may be unable to exercise their rights, challenge
discrimination, or seek redress for wrongs they have suffered.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 33
BARRIERS TO ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Barrier Type Point Example
Social Caste Discrimination Dalits historically barred from drawing water from common wells in rural India.
Barriers Lack of Awareness Villagers unaware of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, which provides free legal aid.
Lack of Education Illiterate farmers failing to understand the rights under land acquisition laws.
Gender Discrimination Rural women being discouraged from filing domestic violence cases due to stigma.
Economic Cost of Legal Representation Undertrials unable to hire competent lawyers and depending on overburdened legal aid
Barriers lawyers.
Court Expenses Workers unable to afford transportation to distant courts to resolve wage disputes.
Corruption Paying police officials for FIR registration in cases of theft.
Undertrial Delays Over 75% of undertrials belong to economically weaker sections, as per NCRB reports.
Legal Procedural Delays Delayed issuance of summons in civil disputes under Order V of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Barriers Inefficiency of the Police Forensic delays where samples are sent to distant state laboratories for basic testing.
Corruption within Legal Bribes sought for simple tasks such as retrieving certified copies of judgments.
Institutions
Lack of Skilled Legal Aid Poor representation of bonded laborers leading to the denial of justice in the Bandhua Mukti
Morcha case.

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE RIGHT

Category Initiative Description
Legislative Legal Services Authorities Act, Establishes Legal Services Authorities to provide free legal aid to the poor and
Measures 1987 marginalized.
Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 Sets up village-level courts to ensure accessible, affordable, and quick justice for rural
populations.
Prohibition of Untouchability Act, Criminalizes untouchability and discrimination, enabling equitable justice for
1955 marginalized groups.
SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Provides protection and expedited legal remedies for Scheduled Castes and Tribes
1989 against discrimination.
Judicial Lok Adalats Facilitates informal dispute resolution for pending and pre-litigation cases, saving time
Measures and costs.
Mobile Courts Enables justice delivery in remote and underserved areas through traveling judicial
services.
Free Legal Aid in Courts Provides state-appointed lawyers to indigents who cannot afford legal representation.
Technolog- e-Courts Mission Mode Project Digitizes court processes, allowing online case status tracking, e-filing, and virtual
ical Efforts hearings.
Electronic FIR Registration Simplifies filing of First Information Reports to reduce delays and improve
transparency.
Awareness Street Plays and Public Education Raises awareness on rights, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and access to
Campaigns Programs legal aid.
Digital and Media Outreach Uses TV, radio, and digital platforms to inform citizens of legal rights and available
government schemes.

WAY FORWARD 2.Digitization of Justice Systems citizens about their constitutional rights and
 he right to access to justice is an integral
T •Implement comprehensive e-Court initiatives access to justice avenues, especially for rural
component of the rule of law and a key aspect for faster case processing and accessibility to and underprivileged communities.
of ensuring social equity and accountability. case updates. •Utilize schools, community centers, and social
Enhancing these elements through targeted •Ensure widespread availability of online media to inform individuals about legal aid, Lok
policies and judicial reforms can significantly filing, virtual hearings, and digital grievance Adalats, and grievance redressal forums.
improve justice delivery systems, especially for redressal mechanisms. 5.Reducing Procedural Delays
vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. 3.Capacity Building for Legal Professionals •Introduce stricter timelines for case resolution,
1.Strengthening Legal Aid Mechanisms •Provide regular training and skill enhancement with provisions for penalty in cases of undue
•Expand the outreach and efficiency of programs for judges, lawyers, and legal aid delay.
existing legal aid services, including the counsels to ensure efficient delivery of justice. •Increase judicial infrastructure by appointing
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). •Introduce mandatory courses on social justice more judges, improving case management
•Introduce village-level paralegal volunteers to and case management for legal practitioners. systems, and deploying AI tools for data-
bridge the gap between marginalized groups 4.Awareness and Education Campaigns driven decisions.
and formal judicial systems. •Conduct widespread campaigns to educate

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 34
Back2Basics
ELEMENTS OF THE RIGHT TO ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Element Definition Substantiation (Data/Examples)
Availability of Individuals must have access to Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): Guidelines for workplace sexual
Legal Remedies effective legal mechanisms to address harassment.
grievances and seek redress. Habeas Corpus: Ensures individuals can contest wrongful detentions.
Affordability Legal services should be economically Article 39A of the Constitution mandates free legal aid to ensure justice for all.
accessible, with free legal aid for Data: Over 21 lakh beneficiaries received free legal assistance via NALSA in
marginalized groups. 2021-2022.
Awareness and Citizens must be informed about their Know Your Rights campaigns by NALSA educate citizens on legal remedies.
Information rights and available legal processes. Example: Awareness campaigns by the National Commission for Women
educate women on domestic violence and harassment laws.
Fair Procedures Judicial processes should be Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India (1978): Emphasized the right to a fair hearing
transparent and equitable, ensuring as part of Article 21.
equal opportunities for all. Implementation of live-streaming proceedings ensures transparency.
Physical and Includes physical ability to Gram Nyayalayas provide access to justice for rural populations; over 400
Legal Access approach courts and adequate legal operational Gram Nyayalayas have settled 25,000+ cases (2023 data).
representation. Legal aid clinics in law colleges offer representation to those in need.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
Category Article Key Features
Fundamental Rights Article 14 – Right to Equality Guarantees equality before the law and prevents discrimination in access to
justice.
Article 21 – Right to Life and Declares access to justice a fundamental right, including fair trials, legal aid, and
Personal Liberty speedy justice.
Article 22 – Protection Ensures legal safeguards for detained individuals, like the right to legal
in Cases of Arrest and representation.
Detention
Directive Prin- Article 39A – Equal Justice Mandates the state to provide free legal aid and equal opportunities to access
ciples of State and Free Legal Aid justice.
Policy (DPSP) Article 41 – Right to Public Directs the state to support marginalized individuals in accessing legal remedies.
Assistance in Certain Cases
Article 39 – Justice in Socio- Promotes equal opportunity in the operation of the legal system.
Economic Matters
Other Constitu- Article 32 – Right to Allows individuals to approach the Supreme Court directly to enforce
tional Provisions Constitutional Remedies fundamental rights.
Article 226 – Writ Jurisdiction Empowers High Courts to issue writs for the protection of rights and access to
of High Courts justice.
Article 136 – Special Leave Enables the Supreme Court to hear appeals in cases of justice denial.
Petition (SLP)
Article 300A – Right to Protects against deprivation of property without legal process.
Property

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 35
 BURNING ISSUE #10

Hydro Politics
How Will the Neutral Expert’s
Decision Impact India-Pakistan
Water Disputes?

Note4Students PYQs &

India-Pakistan’s Indus Water Treaty dispute saw a key development as the Neutral Microthemes
Expert upheld India’s stance. For UPSC aspirants, this topic is crucial for international
relations and governance. It highlights how international treaties function, the role [UPSC 2015, GS-2] Project `Mausam’
of legal mechanisms in dispute resolution, and the broader impact of climate change is considered a unique foreign policy
on shared water resources. Understanding past challenges under the IWT, including initiative of the Indian Government to
Pakistan’s opposition to Indian projects, will provide strong examples for exam answers. improve relationship with its neighbors.
The key takeaway is the importance of cooperation, transparency, and dialogue in Does the project have a strategic
resolving such disputes. For UPSC preparation, focus on the treaty’s practical aspects, dimension? Discuss.
its resolution mechanisms, and environmental challenges to tackle questions on
international treaties, conflict resolution, and water governance effectively. Microthemes: Neighbourhood

michel lino, the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert (NE), declared he is “competent” to decide
differences on hydroelectric projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960. India welcomed the decision,
emphasizing that all seven technical disputes fall within the NE’s jurisdiction.

THE CURRENT DISPUTE Parallel Mechanisms and Legal Challenges

The disagreement between India and Pakistan revolves around two • In 2022, the World Bank facilitated the simultaneous functioning of
key hydroelectric projects: both a Neutral Expert and a CoA, creating parallel mechanisms.
• Kishenganga Project: Located on the Kishenganga River, a • India rejected the CoA as “illegally constituted” and inconsistent
tributary of the Jhelum. with the treaty’s provisions.
• Ratle Project: Situated on the Chenab River.
The core issue lies in the differing interpretations of the dispute Engagement on Treaty Review
resolution mechanism under the Indus Water Treaty. • India and Pakistan are also engaging under Article XII (3) for a
• India advocates using a Neutral Expert to resolve the dispute, as review and potential modification of the treaty:
stipulated in the IWT of 1960. • January 2023: India formally issued a notice to Pakistan for
• Pakistan insists on seeking adjudication from the Permanent Court reviewing and modifying the treaty.
of Arbitration (CoA) in The Hague. • August 30, 2024: Another formal notice was sent, but Pakistan has
not responded, despite receiving four reminders from India.
Timeline of Dispute Development:
1. 2015: Pakistan raised objections to the projects, initially requesting Neutral Expert’s Decision
the appointment of a Neutral Expert. • The World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert, Michel Lino, upheld
• 2. 2016: Pakistan withdrew its Neutral Expert request unilaterally India’s stance.
and directly sought adjudication by the CoA, bypassing the • Affirmed his jurisdiction under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of the
treaty’s prescribed sequence in Article IX. IWT to address differences.
3. India subsequently requested that the dispute be referred back to a • Recognized the Neutral Expert as the competent authority to
Neutral Expert, adhering to the treaty’s process. resolve the seven disputed issues.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 36
India’s Response Next Steps
India welcomed the Neutral Expert’s ruling and criticized the CoA’s The Neutral Expert is now set to:
legitimacy. • 1. Evaluate the merits of each of the seven disputes between India
• Reiterated that the treaty does not allow parallel proceedings on the and Pakistan.
same matter. • 2. Deliver a final decision based on the technical and legal
• The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that the Neutral Expert was considerations.
the appropriate body to address the technical disputes, including This phased resolution process will determine the future trajectory of
seven key differences raised concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle the Indus Water Treaty and its governance.
projects.

ISSUES WITH THE TREATY & ITS IMPACTS

Issue Details Examples Impact

Pakistan’s Fre- Frequent objections over Indian Opposition to Kishanganga Hydroelectric Delayed project
quent Opposition projects, questioning adherence Project (KHEP) on Jhelum River. timelines and increased
to treaty specifications. Opposition to Ratle Hydroelectric Project on costs, undermining
Chenab River. developmental efforts.

Limitations of India seeks resolution via Neutral July 2023 PCA Verdict: Legally binding decision Lack of consensus
Judicial Recourse Expert (spirit of treaty), while favoring Pakistan, rejected by India. undermines trust in the
Pakistan uses Permanent Court Treaty’s dispute resolution
of Arbitration (PCA) (literal mechanism.
interpretation).

Strained Bilat- Treaty’s functioning influenced by Suspension of biannual talks due to Pakistan’s Reduced cooperation,
eral Relations geopolitical tensions. support for state-sponsored terrorism. increasing risk of Treaty
breakdown and potential
water conflicts.

Impact of Cli- Altered precipitation, runoff Increased glacial melt in the Himalayas affects Treaty fails to account for
mate Change patterns, and glacial melt affect Indus Basin flows. climate-induced variability,
water availability. Unpredictable monsoons disrupt allocations. threatening equitable
water sharing.

Third-Party Con- World Bank, as guarantor, lacks Disputes during low-flow periods often lead to Misinterpretation of
flict Resolution tools to determine whether allegations of intentional blockages by India. flow changes increases
changes in flow are illegal mistrust and unnecessary
interventions or natural variations. escalations.

Inadequate Lack of regular data sharing limits Inconsistent hydrological data sharing on Reduces ability to make
Data Sharing understanding of river basin Jhelum and Chenab Rivers prevents effective informed decisions and
dynamics. management. fuels disagreements.

Technical Na- Complex provisions enable diverse Ambiguities in compliance with Annexure D Delays developmental
ture of Treaty interpretations, leading to frequent design standards for hydropower projects. projects and creates
disagreements. recurring disputes between
the two nations.

WAY FORWARD
1. Work Within the Treaty’s Framework: Both countries
should make the best use of the treaty’s existing mechanisms
to resolve technical issues fairly and effectively.
2. Be Open and Share Information: By sharing data about water flow
and usage, both nations can build trust and solve shared problems.
3. Team Up to Manage the Basin: With climate change and
growing populations putting pressure on the Indus basin, it’s
essential for both sides to work together on saving water,
controlling floods, and using resources responsibly.
4. Keep Talking and Stay Committed: Lasting solutions need
both governments to stay focused on peaceful dialogue and
cooperation rather than getting caught up in conflicts.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 37
Back2Basics
INDUS WATER TREATY
Indus Water Treaty: Overview and Key Provisions
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, governs the water-
sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan over the Indus River
system. The Treaty emerged as a solution to water disputes following
the partition of India in 1947, which divided the river system between the
two nations.

Key Provisions of the Indus Water Treaty 3.Storage Provisions: India is permitted minimal storage on the
1.Water Sharing Arrangement: western rivers for conservation and flood control purposes.
• The six rivers in the Indus Basin were divided as follows: 4.Permanent Indus Commission
• Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to • A Permanent Indus Commission was established under the Treaty,
Pakistan for unrestricted use, except for specified uses by India comprising representatives from both nations.
(e.g., non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic uses). • Functions: Act as the first step in resolving water-related conflicts
• Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej were allocated to India for and Mandate at least one annual meeting.
unrestricted use. 5.Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The IWT outlines a three-step
• Approximately 80% of the water flow was allocated to Pakistan and graded dispute resolution mechanism:
20% to India. • Permanent Indus Commission/Inter-government Talks: Initial
2.Specific Rights for India on Western Rivers: disputes should be resolved through the Commission or inter-
• Annexure C: Grants India rights for limited agricultural usage of government dialogues.
waters from the western rivers. • Neutral Expert (NE): Unresolved disputes may be referred to the
• Annexure D: Allows India to build ‘run-of-the-river’ hydropower World Bank, which can appoint a Neutral Expert to resolve specific
projects (HEPs), which do not involve live water storage. issues.
•India must adhere to detailed design specifications. • Court of Arbitration (CoA): If disputes involve treaty interpretation
•Pakistan must be informed about project designs and can raise or dissatisfaction with the NE’s decision, they may be referred to a
objections within three months. Court of Arbitration.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 38
 BURNING ISSUE #11

Autonomy or
Overregulation
Are the New UGC Guidelines a Step Forward?

Note4Students PYQs &

Microthemes
The article explains the key updates in the UGC Draft Regulations, 2025. It covers
changes in Vice-Chancellor (VC) appointments, teacher recruitment, and the
[UPSC 2015, GS-2] The quality of
larger debate on federalism in higher education. UPSC often explores education
higher education in India requires major
policies under governance, federalism, and social issues. Many struggle to connect
improvements to make it internationally
current affairs to syllabus topics like governance and federalism, provide balanced
competitive. Do you think that the
arguments instead of one-sided views or use relevant case laws and past UPSC
entry of foreign educational institutions
questions for anchoring. This article provides structured points to avoid these pitfalls.
would help improve the quality of
The Uniformity vs. Autonomy in Education section is a game-changer. It connects
higher and technical education in the
UGC rules to constitutional provisions and Supreme Court cases. This helps in writing
country? Discuss.
strong, well-supported answers. For exam success, always link policy changes to
constitutional, legal, and governance aspects. That makes answers stand out.
Microthemes: Education

recently, the unionMinister for Education released the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for
Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for
the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025.

THE GUIDELINES
The new guidelines streamline the VC and teacher appointment criteria and procedure in higher education institutions.

a. Specifies the Search-cum-Selection Committee composition- Clearly defines composition- Nominees of the Chancellor/
Visitor, UGC Chairman, and University’s apex body (Ex-Senate).
VC b. Expansion of eligibility of VC by adding a third category- Professionals with 10+ years of experience in industry, public
Appoint- administration, public policy, or public sector undertakings, with proven academic contributions, will also be eligible for VC
ment appointment.
c. Alignment with NEP 2020 goals- The guidelines emphasize leadership, governance, and collaboration skills of appointed
VC. This is in alignment with the NEP 2020 goals.
a. New approach of Selection- It discontinues API-based shortlisting from 2018 regulations, which relied on quantitative
metrics (Ex- Publication counts). The new guidelines introduces a qualitative, holistic approach, focusing on- Innovation in
teaching, Societal contributions, Promoting Indian knowledge systems, and Multidisciplinary expertise.
Teacher b. Flexibility in UGC-NET- It allows candidates to qualify in a subject of choice, regardless of degree disciplines. This
Recruit- encourages multidisciplinary expertise.
ment c. Removal of cap on contract-based Faculty- Removes the 10% cap on contract-based appointments but mandates
rigorous selection and periodic reviews to ensure quality.
d. Promoting Indian Languages & Cultural Heritage- The guidelines encourage academic work in regional languages and
contributions to Indian knowledge systems.
NEP 2020 The guidelines aim to break down disciplinary silos and encourage interdisciplinary teaching and research. It also focuses on
Alignment enhancing the quality, inclusivity, and innovation in higher education.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 39
Merits of UGC Draft Regulations, 2025 Challenges of UGC Draft Regulations, 2025
1.Fair and Transparent Recruitment 1.Issues with Federalism
• Publicly announced and structured processes for appointing Vice- • Giving Governors more power in appointing Vice-Chancellors
Chancellors and faculty ensure accountability. undermines state governments, raising federalism concerns.
• Involving external experts in selection panels reduces biases. • Tamil Nadu and Kerala strongly oppose this move, calling it a
2.Modern and Inclusive Education Framework threat to constitutional principles.
• Encourages interdisciplinary learning, promoting Indian Knowledge 2.Equity and Resource Gaps
Systems and cultural heritage in line with NEP 2020. • Rural and underfunded institutions lack resources to meet
• Supports teaching and research in Indian languages, ensuring criteria like lab development and digital education.
inclusivity for underrepresented regions. • Online learning and digital tools disadvantage areas with limited
3.Diverse Leadership internet access.
• Opens Vice-Chancellor roles to professionals from industries and 3.Financial Constraints
public sectors, bringing fresh perspectives. • Budget cuts in higher education make it hard to implement
• Successful non-academic leaders in the past, like K.R. Narayanan, infrastructure-heavy reforms like interdisciplinary systems.
highlight the value of cross-sector contributions. • Emphasis on startups could push institutions toward private
4.Recognition of Holistic Contributions funding, affecting the focus on public welfare.
• Replaces rigid Academic Performance Indicators with assessments 4.Quality and Staffing Concerns
of innovative teaching, community work, and research. • Allowing more contractual faculty could lead to job insecurity and
• Simplifies faculty career progression, motivating impactful a drop in teaching quality.
teaching and research. • High expectations for faculty contributions may reduce time for
5.Enhanced Student Learning effective teaching and mentoring.
• Allows institutions to hire industry experts as Professors of 5.Regional and Technological Disparities
Practice, giving students practical knowledge and mentorship. • Urban institutions are better positioned to adapt to reforms,
• Increases institutional flexibility to address teaching needs and widening the gap with rural institutions.
align with global education standards. • Lack of tools and trained personnel hinders the adoption of
advanced technologies like AI and MOOCs.

WAY FORWARD
1.Collaborative Policymaking • Set clear standards for leadership, focusing on academic
• Include state governments in university decision-making to respect achievements and governance skills.
the federal structure. 4.Improving Faculty Stability
• Ensure state nominees are part of Vice-Chancellor selection panels • Reintroduce limits or clear guidelines on contractual hiring to
to balance central and state roles. maintain teaching quality and job security.
2.Equitable Resource Support • Offer career pathways for contractual faculty to transition to
• Provide special funding and grants for rural and underfunded permanent roles based on performance.
institutions to meet reform requirements. 5.Promoting Inclusivity and Equity
• Launch capacity-building initiatives to help smaller institutions • Provide scholarships and grants for students and institutions in
improve infrastructure and academic standards. underprivileged areas to bridge regional disparities.
3.Strengthening Academic Leadership • Fund research initiatives specifically for resource-limited universities
• Limit Vice-Chancellor roles to individuals with both academic to encourage academic development.
expertise and administrative experience to ensure integrity.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 40
Back2Basics
UNIFORMITY VS AUTONOMY IN EDUCATION-A FEDERAL ISSUE
The issue surrounding the UGC Draft Regulations, 2025, is fundamentally a uniformity vs.
autonomy debate in higher education because it juxtaposes the centralization of governance
and standardization of policies against the need for institutional and state-level independence.

Key Features of Indian Federalism Leading to the Uniformity vs Autonomy Debate:

1.Concurrent List and Overlapping Jurisdictions: Concurrent Lists fall under the Union’s purview, favoring
The Seventh Schedule divides powers between the Union and centralization and triggering debates on States’ autonomy.
State governments, but the Concurrent List creates overlaps, often 4.Strong Emergency Provisions:
leading to conflicts when both legislate on the same subjects (e.g., The Union can assume legislative and executive powers of States
education, health). during emergencies under Articles 352, 356, and 360, further
2.Predominance of Union Laws: centralizing authority and limiting State autonomy.
Article 254(1) gives precedence to Union laws over State laws in 5.Economic and Institutional Centralization:
case of conflicts on Concurrent List subjects, creating tensions Central institutions like the Planning Commission (replaced by NITI
when States view this as encroachment on their autonomy. Aayog), Finance Commission, and GST Council regulate resources
3.Residual Powers with the Union: and taxation, often imposing uniformity at the expense of fiscal
Under Article 248, powers not enumerated in the State or federalism.

Uniformity vs. Autonomy in Higher Education

PARAMETER Uniformity (UGC’s Argument) Autonomy (State Governments’ Argument)
Legal Basis UGC Regulations, 2018 (Regulation 7.3) mandates the State University Acts are legislated by State governments
inclusion of a UGC nominee in VC search committees. to reflect local educational needs and priorities.
Constitutional Advocates the supremacy of Central laws (Article 254(1)) to Emphasizes that UGC regulations are delegated legislation,
Provision maintain consistent academic standards nationwide. which cannot override plenary State laws.
Judicial Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi v. State of Gujarat (2022): Upheld University of Delhi v. Raj Singh (1994): UGC guidelines are
Precedents UGC authority for uniform standards. advisory for State universities unless adopted.
Annamalai University v. Secretary, Tourism (2009): Supported Kalyani Mathivanan v. K.V. Jeyaraj (2015): Highlighted that
UGC’s mandate to regulate educational standards. UGC norms are binding only if explicitly adopted by States.
Administra- Uniform norms ensure nationwide quality benchmarks for Prolonged leadership gaps disrupt university functioning,
tive Impact higher education institutions. delaying crucial administrative decisions.
Federal Argues for standardized criteria to ensure fairness and Imposing UGC norms erodes States’ authority over higher
Structure equity in the appointment process. education, undermining the federal structure.
Academic Uniform rules ensure consistency in governance, fostering Governance disruptions impact institutional performance,
Implications academic quality across institutions. hindering academic and research excellence.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 41
 BURNING ISSUE #12

Trade and Geopolitics

How Will the Internationalization of the Rupee Impact India?

Note4Students PYQs &

RBI has revised FEMA regulations to simplify cross-border rupee transactions and Microthemes
encourage investments. This article explains these changes and their impact on India’s
financial landscape.UPSC often asks questions on economic reforms, foreign exchange [UPSC 2020, GS-3] Explain the
policies, and currency internationalization. These questions can be analytical, such meaning of investment in an economy
as discussing the impact of rupee internationalization on India’s economy, or factual, in terms of capital formation. Discuss
like explaining FEMA’s role in regulating cross-border transactions. Many candidates the factors to be considered while
struggle with such topics because they focus too much on memorizing RBI guidelines designing a concession agreement
without linking them to broader financial trends. Others miss discussing the challenges, between a public entity and a private
such as exchange rate volatility and policy constraints, which are crucial for writing a entity.
balanced answer. This article helps by breaking down FEMA changes in simple terms,
explaining the economic logic behind rupee internationalization, and providing real- Microthemes: Capital formation in
world examples. It highlights both benefits and challenges, ensuring that readers develop Economy
a well-rounded understanding. One special feature of this article is its ability to connect
policy updates to global financial trends, making it easier to grasp why India is pushing
for rupee internationalization beyond just regulatory changes.

t h e r e s e rv e b a n k o f Recent changes made in FEMA regulations by RBI

india (RBI), along with the 1.Opening Rupee Accounts for Non-Residents: Overseas branches of authorized dealer (AD) banks
Central government, has can now open rupee accounts for non-residents, enabling them to conduct current and capital
account transactions with Indian residents.
reviewed the rules under 2.Settlement of Transactions: Non-residents can use their balances in repatriable rupee accounts,
the Foreign Exchange including Special Non-Resident Rupee Accounts (SNRAs) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts
Management Act 1999 (SRVAs), to settle transactions with other non-residents abroad.
3.Investment Opportunities: Balances in these accounts can be utilized for foreign investments,
(FEMA) to make it easier including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt instruments, thereby promoting rupee-based
to carry out cross-border investments.
transactions in Indian 4.Flexibility for Exporters: Indian exporters are now permitted to open foreign currency accounts
overseas to receive export proceeds and use these funds for import payments, enhancing
rupees (INR) according to a operational flexibility.
statement by the RBI. 5.Support for Local Currency Transactions: The new guidelines support cross-border transactions
in local currencies, reducing reliance on dominant foreign currencies like the US Dollar

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 42
Need for Internationalisation of Rupee
India is focusing on the internationalisation of its currency for country’s economic stability and supports the idea of using the
several strategic reasons: Indian Rupee internationally.
1.Increased Global Trade and Capital Flows: As India becomes 4.Declining Use of USD: There is a noticeable reduction in the share
more integrated with the global economy, there’s a growing need to of the US dollar in the foreign exchange reserves of many countries.
have its currency play a significant role in international trade and Alongside this, there’s an increasing trend of other currencies,
capital movements. including emerging market currencies like the Indian Rupee, being
2.Fast-Growing Economy: India is one of the world’s fastest-growing used more for trade invoicing and settlement.
economies, which creates more demand for its currency globally. As 5.Regional and Bilateral Economic Agreements: The growing
the country continues to expand, it is natural for it to aim for greater network of regional and bilateral economic cooperation agreements
currency relevance in global markets. encourages countries to move away from using the USD and start
3.Resilience Against Global Shocks: The Indian economy has adopting alternative currencies for cross-border transactions.
shown remarkable resilience during adverse global events, such India’s engagement in such agreements strengthens its case for
as the COVID-19 pandemic. This strengthens confidence in the currency internationalisation.

BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Benefit Description Examples

Enables firms to settle transactions in their

Indian exporters invoicing in Rupee instead
Limit Exchange Rate Risk domestic currency, transferring exchange
of USD to reduce FX risk.
rate risk to foreign counterparts.

Allows domestic firms and financial

institutions to access global financial Companies in China raising capital in global
Increased Access to Financial Markets
markets without exposure to exchange rate markets in Yuan.
risk.

Growth of the financial sector encourages

India’s efforts to make the Rupee more
Boost Capital Formation capital formation and reduces the cost of
attractive for global investments.
capital.

Governments can issue debt in domestic

Japan issues government debt in Yen in
Government Debt Financing currency in international markets to finance
global markets.
part of the budget deficit.

Mitigates impacts of sudden stops in capital

Brazil issuing bonds in local currency to
Regulating Capital Flows flows and improves the ability to repay
reduce dependence on USD.
sovereign debt.

Challenge Description Examples

The process can initially lead to greater Emerging market currencies such as the
Exchange Rate Volatility
volatility in the country’s exchange rate. Turkish Lira showing volatility.

Balancing global demand for currency with

Monetary Policy Dilem- The US facing challenges in balancing global
domestic monetary policy objectives can
ma (Triffin Dilemma) dollar demand with internal inflation controls.
lead to inflation or financial instability.

Increased capital flow in and out of the The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis where
May Amplify External Shocks country can make the financial system more currency values and capital flows fluctuated
volatile during external shocks. sharply.

Integration into global markets could Argentina’s economic crises in the 2000s
Macroeconomic and Political Stability undermine long-term stability if economic or show how instability impacts financial
political conditions are unstable. credibility.

The need for credible policymaking

Countries like Switzerland maintaining
Policymaking and Credibility institutions to maintain currency confidence
stability through effective monetary policy.
amidst global demands.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 43
Progress In Internationalization Of The Rupee Way Forward for Internationalization of the Rupee
1.Rupee Trade with Asian Currency Union (ACU) Countries: 1.Expand Beyond Trade Settlements
India now allows trade settlements in rupees for all ACU • Allow liberalized rupee settlements for a broader range of financial
countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and instruments in domestic and international markets.
Maldives, as per RBI regulations. Earlier, such transactions were • Enable greater flexibility for Indian and overseas entities to transact
only permitted for non-ACU countries. in rupees across various financial products.
2.Rupee Vostro Accounts: The RBI has permitted 20 Indian 2.Strengthen Market Infrastructure
banks to open 92 Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) with • Develop a robust foreign exchange market to handle increased
partner banks in 22 countries. This step enables direct trade in rupee-based transactions.
rupees, reducing dependence on foreign currencies like the US • Create an efficient rupee swap market to enhance liquidity and
Dollar. support currency stability.
3.Bilateral Trade in Local Currency 3.Improve Economic Fundamentals
• With the UAE: India made its first-ever rupee payment for crude • Focus on improving GDP growth, fiscal balance, and trade dynamics
oil imports, replacing the dollar. India also pays for gold in rupees, to build global trust in the rupee.
while the UAE uses rupees to purchase gems and jewelry. • Strengthen the financial sector to provide a stable backbone for
• Global Expansion: Banks from 18 countries, including Sri Lanka, international rupee transactions.
Israel, Russia, Germany, and the UK, can now settle payments in 4.Raise Sovereign Credit Ratings
rupees. • Implement economic reforms and demonstrate fiscal discipline to
4.Rising Global Interest: Sixty-four other countries have shown improve India’s sovereign ratings.
interest in trading with India in rupees, reflecting growing • Higher ratings will boost global confidence in the rupee, increasing
acceptance of the currency in international trade. its adoption for international trade and investments.

Back2Basics
INTERNATIONALISATION OF CURRENCY
An international currency can be referred to as the currency which is used and held beyond
the borders of the issuing country for economic transactions. Just like a domestic currency, an
international currency performs the three functions of money – as a medium of exchange, a unit
of account, and a store of value.

Function Private Sector Official Sector

Unit of Account Currency is used to invoice foreign trade and denominate Currency is used in expressing exchange rate
international financial instruments. relationships.

Medium of Currency is used to settle international trade and discharge Intervention currency in foreign exchange markets
Exchange international financial obligations. and used for balance of payments financing.

Store of Value Currency is used to denominate deposits, loans, and bonds. Reserve assets held by monetary authorities.

The US dollar, the Euro, the Japanese Yen Prerequisites for Internationalisation
1.Wide Use in Global Transactions: A currency that’s used
and the Pound Sterling are the leading extensively across global trade, finance, & as a part of
international GDP gains more users & becomes a standard for
reserve currencies in the world. According international business.
to an IMF discussion note, the Indian Rupee, 2.Currency Convertibility: This is important for ensuring that
foreign investors & countries can easily exchange the currency,
the Brazilian Real, the Chinese Renminbi, lowering costs & enhancing its global reach. A country’s open
the Russian Ruble and the South African capital account also encourages investment & the availability of
financial products.
Rand were identified as the key emerging 3.Stable Financial & Exchange Markets: A country must have
robust & stable financial systems that can handle international
market currencies with the potential for demands, manage risks, & support asset transactions in its
internationalisation. currency.
4.Removal of all restrictions on any entity, domestic or foreign, to
buy or sell the country’s currency.
5.Foreign firms, financial institutions, official institutions
& individuals can hold the country’s currency & financial
instruments/ assets denominated in it.
6.International financial institutions, such as the World Bank &
regional development banks, can issue debt instruments in a
country’s market & use its currency in their financial operations.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 44
 BURNING ISSUE #13

India-EU
Relations
How does India-EU cooperation
shape policies and relations?

Note4Students PYQs &

India and the European Union (EU) are strengthening ties as Poland assumes the EU
Microthemes
Presidency in 2025. UPSC often asks questions from such topics in two ways: direct factual
questions in Prelims and analytical ones in Mains. For Prelims, questions may focus on [UPSC 2023, GS-2] ‘The expansion
agreements, historical milestones, and policy initiatives. Mains questions usually demand and strengthening of NATO and
an understanding of India’s foreign policy approach, economic diplomacy, and strategic a stronger US-Europe strategic
interests. Many students struggle to connect current affairs with broader themes, leading to partnership works well in India.’ What
superficial answers. They often memorize facts without grasping their relevance, making is your opinion about this statement?
it difficult to structure well-rounded answers. This article addresses these gaps by breaking Give reasons and examples to support
down complex negotiations, historical phases, and critical challenges in India-EU relations. your answer.
It links trade, technology, and strategic autonomy with India’s global positioning, helping
readers develop a deeper analytical perspective. The section on “Pain Points in India-EU Microthemes: Geopolitics affecting
FTA” is particularly useful, as it simplifies the contentious issues in trade negotiations, India’s Interest
making it easier to recall and use in answers. A standout feature of this article is its
structured approach. The timeline of India-EU relations, key challenges, and proposed
solutions provide a ready-made framework for exam answers. By understanding these
insights, students can enhance their ability to write balanced, well-supported answers in
UPSC Mains and tackle tricky Prelims questions with confidence.

poland, assuming eu Presidency in 2025, The Six Broad Principles

prioritizes enhancing European security and deepening •Focus on common values of democracy, rule of law and
independent judiciary.
ties with India, a key partner in global stability. EU-
•Build a commercially meaningful, fair and equitable trade
India relations will strengthen through a new strategic agenda, addressing trade barriers.
agenda, culminating in a summit. The ongoing “FTA •Exchange best practices and harmonizing standards to
achieve zero defect and zero effect production capability.
2.0” negotiations aim for a mutually beneficial,
•Develop cutting edge technologies, secure critical raw
balanced trade agreement. Further, India has unveiled material supply chains and build resilient supply chain.
a 6-point plan aimed at fostering a stronger economic •Cooperation in trade and sustainable development
partnership with the European Union (EU). conforming to Common But Differentiated Responsibility.
•Partnership in mutual growth and development.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 45
FTA 2.O
FTA 2.0” refers to a new phase of negotiations
between India and the European Union for a Free
Trade Agreement. This term indicates a revised
and more ambitious approach compared to past
talks, which failed after prolonged discussions.
The “2.0” version aims to be more balanced,
equitable, and mutually beneficial, addressing
both global and regional trade challenges with
a focus on creating a commercially significant
agreement that benefits both parties.

PHASES OF INDIA-EU RELATIONS

Stage Description
1. Early Diplomatic Post-Independence India engaged in diplomacy with European countries, including the UK, France, and Belgium.
Engagement India focused on multilateralism, and its trade and economic relations with Europe were initially limited.
(1947-1970s)
2. 1980s-1990s: India began pursuing economic openness with liberalization starting in the 1980s, boosting trade with European
Evolution of Trade countries.
and Engagement The EEC (European Economic Community) formed the basis for increased cooperation.
1994: India-EEC Cooperation Agreement formalized engagement in political, economic, and cultural fields.
3. The Turn of the 21st The 1991 economic reforms in India led to rapid economic growth, including increased trade with the EU.
Century: Strategic In 2004, the India-EU Strategic Partnership was formalized, fostering diplomatic, economic, and social
Partnership & Eco- cooperation.
nomic Cooperation
4. 2000s: Trade Growth India and the EU saw rapid economic integration in trade, with the EU becoming one of India’s largest trading
and FTA Negotiations partners and investors.
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations began in the early 2000s with the objective of improving
economic ties.
5. 2010s: Joint Efforts India and the EU cooperated on global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and UN peacekeeping
on Global Issues efforts.
India received EU support in securing a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Both focused on sustainability, renewable energy, and clean technologies, notably under the Paris Climate
Agreement in 2015.
6. Recent Trends Growing cooperation on green energy, digital transformation, and vaccine production post-COVID-19.
(2020-Present): The EU’s Green Deal and its focus on technology align with India’s goals.
Strengthening Ties Collaboration strengthened on strategic security issues, notably in the Indo-Pacific region, amid increasing
Amid Global Challenges global challenges.

PAINPOINTS: INDIA-EU FTA ??

Issue EU’s Demand India’s Concern
1. Tariff Barriers & Lower tariffs on automobiles, wines, spirits, dairy. Greater access for textiles, leather, agriculture facing
Market Access EU’s tariffs & non-tariff barriers.
2. Investment Protection Strong Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Prefers state-to-state dispute resolution to avoid
& Dispute Resolution mechanism. lawsuits from corporations.
3. Intellectual Stricter patent protection, especially in Protecting generic drug industry; avoiding
Property Rights (IPR) pharmaceuticals. evergreening of patents.
4. Labor & Binding commitments to ILO labor laws & Fears these could become trade barriers affecting
Environmental Standards environmental norms. domestic industries.
5. Services & No major concessions on visa & work permits for Wants easier movement for skilled workers in IT,
Mobility of Professionals Indian IT professionals. healthcare, financial services.
6. Agriculture & Dairy Easier access for EU dairy & farm products to Protection of Indian farmers from EU’s highly
India. subsidized agriculture.
7. Geographical Recognition of more EU GIs (e.g., Champagne, Recognition of Indian GIs (e.g., Basmati rice, Darjeeling
Indications (GI) & Standards Feta cheese). tea).
8. Data Protection Compliance with GDPR and EU’s data localization Concerns about impact on IT & e-commerce sectors.
& Digital Trade rules.
9. Brexit Impact New trade dynamics post-Brexit. Adjusting strategy for separate FTAs with UK & EU.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 46
CHALLENGES IN INDIA-EU RELATIONS
Challenges Explanation Examples
Geopolitical The EU envisions a comprehensive partnership, while India’s neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,
Differences India prioritizes strategic autonomy and avoids deep contrasting with the EU’s sanctions against Russia.
alliances. Different approaches to China.
Economic and FTA negotiations between India and the EU have Stricter EU intellectual property norms conflict with India’s
Trade Barriers faced delays due to disagreements on various issues, focus on generic pharmaceuticals.
such as intellectual property and labor/environmental Disagreements on the Carbon Border Adjustment.
standards.
Defence and Stra- India’s dependence on Russian defense systems Projects like submarine collaborations with France and
tegic Divergences limits deeper collaboration with Europe in military C-295 Aircraft with Spain are exceptions.
technology. EU-India defense ties lag behind those Russia supports joint defense manufacturing.
with the US or Russia.
Technology and India focuses on affordable technology, while Competition with China’s dominance in emerging
Innovation Gaps Europe emphasizes sustainability and advanced technologies like AI and Quantum computing.
manufacturing. Lack of coordinated response Lack of coordination between India and the EU.
hampers joint technological progress.
Structural Barriers Divergences among EU member states complicate a Differing foreign policy priorities and interests across EU
unified foreign policy approach toward India, leading member states affect the consistency and strength of their
to fragmented and ineffective collaboration. engagement with India.

NEED FOR STRONG INDIA-EU RELATIONS WAY FORWARD

1.Countering Authoritarianism: India and the EU, both democracies, face 1.Unity Against Authoritarianism: India, Europe, and the
pressure from authoritarian regimes like China (for India) and Russia (for US can unite to combat rising authoritarianism, using
the EU). Strengthening ties would help create a united front defending platforms like Democracy Summits to address global
democratic values and countering autocratic expansionism. challenges.
2.Economic Growth: An FTA between India and the EU would boost trade 2.Leveraging the TTC: The EU-India Trade and Technology
and investment. With the EU as the largest economic bloc and India Council (TTC) offers an opportunity to align technology
projected to be the third-largest economy by 2030, they offer mutual goals and foster innovation in key sectors, similar to the
benefits such as market access, tech exchange, and alternative supply US-India initiative on emerging technologies.
chains to reduce dependency on China. 3.Strategic Economic Partnership: Beyond an FTA, India
3.Technological Collaboration: India’s tech innovation and the EU’s R&D and the EU can explore joint ventures in sectors like
capabilities can drive initiatives in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and pharmaceuticals, technology, renewable energy, and
space, countering China’s dominance. The EU-India Trade and Technology critical raw materials.
Council (TTC) can align strategies on emerging technologies, boosting 4.Trade Agreements: The EU could sign an agreement
cybersecurity, green tech, and clean energy. India’s sunrise sectors can also with India similar to the India-EFTA Trade and Economic
revive manufacturing in Europe, benefiting both. Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to promote free trade and
4.Environmental Action: India and the EU can lead global climate action with economic integration.
initiatives on clean energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable development, 5.Defense Cooperation: India’s defense partnerships with
utilizing India’s renewable potential and the EU’s environmental leadership. the US, Russia, and the Quad can be complemented by
Joint investments in green technologies like solar power, electric vehicles, EU investment in India’s defense sector and advanced
and sustainable agriculture can contribute to global sustainability. technologies for regional security.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 47
Back2Basics
INDIA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
ELEMENTS
Element Description Examples & Initiatives
Attracting Investments Enhancing global competitiveness through Make in India, PLI schemes, Atmanirbhar Bharat,
& Promoting Exports FDI liberalization, ease of doing business, and USD 81.97 billion FDI (2020-21).
manufacturing incentives.
Mobilizing Finances Extending financial aid and credit lines to developing India-UN Development Fund ($150 million), International
for Partner Countries nations to strengthen economic ties. Solar Alliance (ISA), Lines of Credit (LoCs).
Building Support for Influencing global economic rules by engaging in TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, Peace
International Rule-Making multilateral institutions like WTO, UN, WHO. Clause at WTO, Leadership in G77 & South-South
Cooperation.
Economic Sanctions & Selective use of economic sanctions while maintaining Revoked Pakistan’s MFN status (2019), Avoided
Strategic Autonomy independent foreign policy. sanctions on Russia despite G7 pressure.
Financing Through Engaging with global financial institutions to fund ADB, BRICS NDB, World Bank, Infrastructure
Multilateral Platforms development projects in partner countries. financing in Africa & Indo-Pacific.
Bilateral Development Aid Strengthening economic ties through grants, India-Africa Forum Summit, Capacity-building
& South-South Cooperation concessional loans, and technical cooperation. programs, Agricultural & IT support to African nations.
Trade Negotiations Expanding trade partnerships through FTAs while India-EU & India-UK FTA talks, RCEP withdrawal
& Market Access protecting domestic industries. due to concerns over China’s dominance.
Leveraging Soft Power Using India’s cultural and technological strengths to Vaccine diplomacy (Covaxin exports), WHO Global
for Economic Gains boost diplomatic influence. Centre for Traditional Medicine, Yoga Diplomacy.

CHALLENGES IN INDIAN ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Challenge Details Specific Example Explaining the Challenge
Declining share in Glob- India’s merchandise exports have been declining in Despite being in proximity to ‘Factory Asia,’ India
al Value Chains (GVCs) labor-intensive sectors like textiles, gems & jewelry, is less integrated into GVCs than Bangladesh and
and leather due to high logistics costs, stagnant Vietnam. India’s logistics costs are triple that of China
manufacturing growth, and lower FDI inflow. and double that of Bangladesh.
Poor implementation of India’s Lines of Credit (LoCs) and development aid India has committed $2 billion for development
development projects & suffer from slow disbursal, delays in project completion, projects in Africa, but delays in execution and
regional discrimination and are focused mainly on neighboring countries, funding have affected India’s credibility as a reliable
neglecting regions like Africa. development partner.
Inability to gather India faces difficulty in pushing trade reforms at WTO, India’s demand to review the WTO moratorium on
majority support at UN, and WHO due to opposition from developed nations custom duties for digital goods (which causes a
multilateral platforms and lack of support from other developing countries. $10 billion annual loss, mostly borne by developing
nations) was extended further despite India’s
objections.
Engaging with China India struggles to balance economic and geopolitical Despite border tensions, India imports nearly 70% of
interests with China, especially in South Asia and the its pharmaceutical raw materials (APIs) from China,
Indo-Pacific, while also relying on China for critical making it difficult to fully decouple from Chinese
imports. supply chains.
Lack of a clear de- India lacks a well-defined approach to specific global Unlike China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India
velopment coop- development goals like food security, health security, does not have a coherent global economic strategy,
eration strategy and clean energy, leading to uncoordinated aid efforts. making its aid distribution less visible and less
influential.
Compartmentalized Poor coordination between ministries and businesses There is no single centralized agency handling India’s
bureaucratic structure creates inefficiencies in integrating economic and economic diplomacy, leading to fragmented efforts in
strategic goals. trade negotiations and foreign aid programs.
Emerging issues Rising protectionism, weakening of WTO, preference The Appellate Body of WTO is non-functional due to
in global trade for bilateral over multilateral agreements, and anti- the US blocking new appointments, making dispute
globalization sentiments are affecting India’s trade resolution difficult for developing countries like India.
ambitions.
Emerging technolo- India must adapt its economic diplomacy to integrate India lacks a dominant role in shaping global AI
gies & Fourth Indus- AI, 5G, digital trade, and green technologies into global and data regulations, unlike the US, EU, and China,
trial Revolution governance. which are setting the standards for digital trade and
cybersecurity.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 48
 BURNING ISSUE #14

A Global Force
How the Indian Diaspora Contributes
to Politics, Business, and Culture?

Note4Students PYQs &

Microthemes
At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the Prime Minister acknowledged
this contribution by calling the diaspora “ambassadors to the world.” This [UPSC 2017, GS-2] Indian Diaspora has
article explores the history, significance, challenges, and evolving role of the an important role to play in South-East
Indian diaspora in global affairs. For UPSC aspirants, diaspora-related topics Asian countries’ economy and society.
are essential for Mains. Mains questions require analytical insights on diaspora Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in
contributions, remittances, soft power, and challenges like brain drain. Students South- East Asia in this context.
often struggle to connect these aspects with India’s economic, political, and
cultural landscape, leading to generic or shallow answers. This article addresses [UPSC 2014, GS-2] ‘Indian diaspora
these challenges by categorizing diaspora evolution into four major waves, has a decisive role to play in the politics
explaining its socio-cultural, economic, and political impact, and highlighting and economy of Ameri ca and European
region-specific concerns. The section on “Challenges of the Indian Diaspora” is Countries’. Comment with examples.
particularly useful in understanding the complexities of migration, identity issues,
and geopolitical concerns. Microthemes: Indian Diaspora

Bharatiya
at t h e 18 t h p r ava s i About Diaspora
Divas (PBD), the Prime Minister called The term “diaspora” is derived from the Greek word diaspeirein, which means “dispersion”. Over
the Indian diaspora “ambassadors time, the term evolved, and now loosely refers to any person/s belonging to a particular country
with a common origin or culture, but residing outside their homeland for various reasons.
to the world.” He praised them for
The Government of India does not follow a specific definition for Diaspora. Indian Diaspora
blending into local societies, helping encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian
communities, and contributing to citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently. » It is commonly understood to include
India’s progress. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India
(OCI), of which PIO and OCI card holders were merged under one category — OCI — in 2015.

WAVES OF DISPERSION
Wave Time Period Nature of Migration Destinations & Key Characteristics
First Pre-Colonial Migration of traders and coastal communities East Asia, Southeast Asia, East Africa, Central Asia: Trading and
Wave Times developing ties through trade, long before colonial rule. cultural exchanges, formation of coastal merchant communities.
Second 19th - Early Migration of indentured laborers due to British colonial Mauritius, Malaya, Trinidad, Jamaica, Natal, Surinam, Fiji,
Wave 20th rule, primarily as cheap labor in plantation economies Burma, East Africa, Canada, Thailand: Forced migration for
Century after the abolition of slavery. labor in plantations and agriculture.
Third Post-World Migration driven by conflict and displacement, United Kingdom (Post-colonial ties), Gulf Countries (oil
Wave War II (1947 including the partition of India, Bangladesh’s boom: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait):
- 1970s) War of Independence, Sri Lankan civil war, Migration due to war, postcolonial connections, oil industry
and migration driven by post-colonial ties and jobs, and skilled migration.
economic opportunities.
Fourth Post-1970s Migration pattern of ‘twice migrants,’ or individuals who United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands: Examples include
Wave to Present migrate a second or third time, often following conflict people who migrated from India, then to places like the UK or
or seeking new economic opportunities globally. Canada, or from East Africa to Western nations.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 49
SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIAN DIASPORA
Significance Description Examples

Socio-cultural

Preserving Indian diaspora maintains cultural heritage like languages, Language schools teaching Hindi and Tamil.
and Enriching folk dances, classical music, and regional cuisines through Festivals like Diwali and Navratri celebrated globally.
Traditions cultural events, schools, and religious practices. Indian classical music and dance performances abroad.

Cross-cultural Diaspora fosters cross-cultural understanding by introducing Diwali celebrations in the US and the UK.
Exchange host communities to Indian culture through events like Diwali, Fusion cuisines like Indo-Caribbean food in the
promoting cultural pluralism and cosmopolitanism. Caribbean.

Economic Significance

Remittances India is a top recipient of global remittances, significantly India received $125 billion in remittances in 2023.
contributing to poverty reduction, economic stability, and Remittances from the US, UK, Singapore (36% of total
development. remittances).

Trade and Diaspora helps bridge trade and business ties between Indian communities driving demand for Bollywood films
Commerce India and host countries by opening markets and consuming worldwide.
Indian products. The spread of Indian spices and textiles globally.

Investment Skilled diaspora individuals invest back into India, Indian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley investing in India’s
& Entrepre- supporting innovation and technological advancements. tech ecosystem.
neurship Indian professionals collaborating with Indian startups.

Political Significance

Bridging the Gap Indian diaspora acts as informal ambassadors, building trust Indian community leaders involved in resolving trade
and resolving issues between India and host countries. disputes between India and the UK.
Cultural diplomacy through embassies and consulates.

Advocacy and The diaspora lobbies their governments and international Protests and advocacy in the US regarding the
Influence organizations, advocating for Indian interests like trade protection of Indian farmers’ rights.
agreements and human rights concerns. Lobbying for FDI agreements between India and Western
countries.

Socio-politi- The diaspora contributes to advocating for marginalized The Ghadar movement led by the Indian diaspora in
cal Change communities in India and raises awareness about issues North America during colonial times.
like human rights violations and supports social justice Advocacy for policy changes supporting Dalit rights.
movements.

Role of Diaspora in Culture

Spread of Native Languages like Hindi have spread globally, with countries Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language in the world
Languages recognizing them officially. (Ethnologue, 2019).
Hindi is an official language in Fiji.

Traditions and The diaspora organizes traditional Indian festivals and Ramlila performances in countries like Indonesia.
Festivals cultural events around the world. Yoga and Ayurveda taught in the US and Europe.

Cultural Indian diaspora fosters the spread of yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine, International Yoga Day celebrated globally.
Exchange and arts through cultural events and educational initiatives. The global growth of Ayurvedic treatment centers.

Literary and Indian writers from the diaspora voice socio-cultural Writers like Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Kamala
Creative Works experiences, portraying struggles to maintain identity while Markandaya writing about diaspora identity.
preserving culture in foreign lands. Female authors like Anita Desai exploring preservation
of culture.

Influence and Blogging, social media, and storytelling have become Blogging platforms and YouTube channels raising
Awareness prominent ways for the diaspora to influence and spread awareness of Indian culture.
awareness of Indian culture, people, and society. Influential social media accounts of Indian food and culture.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 50
CHALLENGES OF INDIAN DIASPORA
Challenges Description Examples

At the Individual and Family Level

Family Disruption Migration of primary breadwinners or caregivers disrupts A child growing up without one or both parents due to
family dynamics, leading to separation and increased migration.
vulnerability for those left behind. Single mothers struggling after husbands migrate.

Psychosocial Separation from family members and cultural unfamiliarity Children of immigrants identifying as part of their host
Challenges can lead to identity and belonging issues, especially for country’s culture rather than their parent’s culture.
children who feel more connected to the host country.

Loss of Identity Individuals might feel a sense of displacement, losing Immigrants in a host country feeling alienated or losing
and Belonging connection with their cultural and familial roots. traditional cultural ties.
Generational differences leading to differing identities
within the same family.

At Societal and National Level

Brain Drain The migration of skilled professionals can limit the talent Migration of doctors, engineers, and IT professionals to
pool in the country of origin, hampering economic growth. developed countries, leading to talent shortages in India.

Remittance Overreliance on remittances from the diaspora may create Countries like India heavily relying on remittances,
Dependence economic instability if these financial flows fluctuate or making them vulnerable to economic downturns or
reduce. migration patterns.

Erosion of Those living abroad may lose touch with their heritage, Younger generations of diaspora communities struggling
Cultural Heritage leading to a decline in preserving traditions, languages, to speak their ancestral language.
and customs. Declining participation in traditional festivals like Diwali
or Holi.

Political Influence Diasporas can influence their home country’s politics, Diaspora lobbying for political or territorial issues related
and Interference potentially fostering internal political tensions or external to their country of origin.
conflicts. Financial contributions to political campaigns creating
divisions.

Loss of Tax Significant portions of the population residing abroad can Governments facing financial strain due to a large
Revenue result in a lack of tax contributors, affecting government migrant population and fewer residents contributing to
resources and public services. tax revenues.

Costs of Remit- Complex transfer processes and high transaction fees Sending remittances from UAE to India may incur high
tance Transfers may drive migrants to unregulated financial channels, transfer costs, discouraging migrants from using formal
evading government oversight. financial institutions.

For the Destination Country

Social Integration Large immigrant populations can strain local services and Cities with rapid immigrant influxes facing challenges in
and Cohesion create social tensions. providing housing, healthcare, and education.

Cultural Clashes Cultural differences can lead to misunderstanding, Migrants experiencing racism or xenophobia due to
and Prejudice prejudice, and discrimination between diaspora unfamiliar customs and traditions.
communities and native populations. Indian diaspora facing prejudice in Western countries.

Security Concerns Integration challenges may lead to alienation, fostering Instances where marginalized diaspora communities
conditions conducive to extremism or radicalization. feel oppressed and join extremist movements.

Economic Skilled and unskilled workers from the diaspora might Native workers in Western countries believing migrants
Competition be perceived as competition in the job market, creating are “stealing” jobs, leading to workplace discrimination.
economic friction with the native population.

Political Pressure Diaspora lobbying in the host countries may push for Advocacy for policies favoring India, such as trade
and Activism policies benefiting their home countries, potentially agreements, potentially conflicting with local policies in
conflicting with local interests. the host country.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 51
INITIATIVES
Category Measure Details
Institutional Merger of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Created synergy to better engage the Indian diaspora.
Measures with Ministry of External Affairs (2016)
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) Hub for economic, social, and cultural engagement; inaugurated in 2016
in New Delhi.
India Development Foundation of Overseas Established in 2008 to channel diaspora philanthropy for India’s social
Indians (IDF-OS) and developmental projects.
Engagement Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme Introduced through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005; allows
Initiatives specified PIOs to register as Overseas Citizens.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Flagship event celebrating contributions of the diaspora; held every two
years on January 9.
Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) Regional events for diaspora members who cannot attend the national
PBD.
Educational Global Initiative of Academic Networks Fosters academic and research ties between Indian diaspora and India.
Initiatives (GIAN), Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik
(VAIBHAV) Summit
Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Helps connect the Indian diaspora with academic and scientific
Sampark (PRABHASS) initiatives.
Diaspora National Pension Scheme for NRIs, Welfare schemes designed for the social security and educational
Welfare Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children support of diaspora families.
Indian Community Welfare Fund Provides support in emergencies and welfare activities.
Socio-Cultural Know India Programme, Pravasi Teerth Programs for cultural engagement and knowledge of India’s heritage.
Engagement Darshan Yojana
Rewards & Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Conferred by the President of India to distinguished NRIs and PIOs for
Recognition their contributions to India.
Digital e-Migrate System Regulates emigration of blue-collar workers for overseas employment.
Outreach Students Registration Portal Database for emergency contact and communication with students
abroad.
Online Services for Overseas Voters Allows online enrolment for NRIs to engage in electoral processes.
Pravasi Rishta Portal Facilitates communication among the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian
Missions, and the diaspora.

WAY FORWARD
1.Enhanced Consular Support: Improve
services at Indian embassies, particularly for
workers in Gulf countries, to address issues
like exploitation and emergencies.
2.Promote Diaspora Investments: Offer
incentives and simplify procedures to
encourage investments from the diaspora,
especially in infrastructure and startups in
India.
3.Cultural and Educational Outreach:
Expand programs like the Know India
Program (KIP) and Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz
to engage younger generations with Indian
culture and heritage.
4.Policy Alignment: Create a comprehensive
diaspora policy to address their needs,
simplify issues around Overseas Citizen of
India (OCI), and ensure effective execution.
5.Leveraging Soft Power: Highlight diaspora
achievements in sectors like IT, healthcare,
and politics to boost India’s global influence.
6.Skill Development Collaboration: Partner
with host countries for skill-building
initiatives to ensure the diaspora stays
competitive in global markets.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 52
Back2Basics
Region Specific Challenges
Region Challenges Examples

West Asia

Vulnerability The volatile political situation in West Asia, including wars Yemeni Civil War causing threat to Indian nationals.
to Regional and hostilities, exposes Indian expatriates to the risk of Ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict posing risks to
Conflicts violence. expatriates in these areas.

Labor Market Policies like “Saudisation” may result in job losses, forcing Indian workers being laid off in Saudi Arabia due to the
Uncertainties unexpected returns to India, especially impacting low- implementation of Saudisation policies.
skilled or semi-skilled workers.

Exploitation and Migrant workers may face abuse from employers due Wage theft and poor working conditions in countries like
Unfair Labor to their limited legal knowledge, language barriers, and the UAE, with little recourse for migrant workers.
Practices unfamiliarity with the host country’s laws.

Discrimination Indians in West Asia experience ethnic, religious, and Discrimination faced by Indian laborers in Gulf countries
and Prejudice socioeconomic discrimination, resulting in social exclusion based on their lower-class socio-economic status.
and psychological stress.

Source of Presence of radical organizations like ISIS may create Risk of recruitment of Indian youth by terrorist
Extremism and security risks for the diaspora. Radicalization of youth organizations operating in West Asia.
Terrorism could also impact national security.

Europe, North America, and Australia

Boost to Support for secessionist movements like the Khalistan Pro-Khalistan protests in Canada and the UK threatening
Secessionist movement in the diaspora poses challenges to India’s geo-political relations.
Movements territorial integrity.

Discrimination Members of the Indian diaspora may experience racism Racial attacks on Indian students or professionals in
and Racism and ethnic discrimination, potentially leading to violence countries like the US, UK, or Australia.
and alienation.

Educational and Educational qualifications and professional experiences Indian degrees not being accepted or recognized
Professional from India may not be recognized or valued equally, in Western countries, leading to barriers in career
Recognition affecting career opportunities. progression.

Workplace Indian professionals may encounter obstacles such as Indian professionals in the US facing limited career
Challenges glass ceilings, biases, and stereotyping, impacting career advancement opportunities due to ethnic biases.
growth and equal opportunities.

Legal and Immi- Uncertainties surrounding immigration policies and Uncertainties around H1B Visa policies under the Trump
gration Issues residency status may add stress, leading to long legal administration, which affected the Indian tech workforce.
battles for job security and immigration stability.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 53
 BURNING ISSUE #15

Sailing Towards Self-Reliance

Is India Ready for Atmanirbharta in the Maritime Sector?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

This article covers India’s journey toward maritime self-reliance, focusing [UPSC 2023, GS-2] Sea is an important
on indigenous naval production and strategic initiatives. UPSC tends to ask Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the
questions that connect current affairs with static knowledge. Many struggle light of the above statement the role of the
with connecting current events to static concepts. It’s not just about knowing IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in
the facts but understanding their broader implications in the context of protecting environment and enhancing maritime
India’s defense strategy. Another common mistake is not giving enough safety and security.
attention to details of indigenous systems or the technical aspects involved
in defense production, which are key to understanding India’s maritime [UPSC 2022, GS-3] What are the maritime
self-reliance. This article breaks down complex topics into simple, digestible security challenges in India ? Discuss the
pieces. It covers both current news and static knowledge, making it easy to organisational, technical and procedural
understand how one ties into the other. It also connects real-world events initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.
(like the commissioning of warships) with defense policy and technological
advancements, helping to bridge gaps in understanding. Microthemes: Maritime Security chal lenges

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 54
o n j a n ua ry 1 5, 2 0 24 , Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over The Indian Navy’s Swavlamban initiative reflects
the commissioning of three naval platforms—INS Surat (destroyer), a commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-
INS Nilgiri (frigate), and INS Vagsheer (submarine)—built at Mazagon reliance), emphasizing innovation and indigenization
Docks, marking a historic milestone in India’s quest for maritime self- in defense manufacturing. This aligns with India’s
reliance (Atmanirbharta). broader aspirations of reducing dependency on
imports while leveraging domestic capabilities to add
value and boost exports.

PRESENT STATUS OF MARINE ATMANIRBHARTA

Aspect Details

Present Force Level Approximately 150 ships and submarines, with 60 large Navy ships valued at Rs 1.5 trillion currently under
construction.

Indigenous Warship and Warships: 60 warships/vessels under construction at MDL, GRSE, and GSL, including:
Submarine Production
- INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned 2022)

- Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, advanced stealth destroyers)

- Project 17A (Nilgiri-class frigates, guided missile frigates)

Submarines:

- Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, including Arihant-class nuclear submarines.

- INS Arihant and Arighat (indigenous nuclear-powered submarines).

- Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene, six inducted/planned under Project 75 at MDL).

Indigenous - BrahMos Missiles (jointly with Russia, domestically produced)

Weapons Systems
- Varunastra Torpedo (indigenous heavyweight torpedo for anti-submarine warfare).

- DRDO Missiles & Systems (Barak-8, underwater surveillance systems).

Indigenous Sensors - Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS), radar systems (Rohini and Revathi), and Sonars
and Electronics (HUMSA-NG for ships and submarines).

Aircraft and UAVs - Naval Tejas (Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft for carrier-based operations under development).

- Dornier 228 Aircraft (locally produced multi-role aircraft for maritime patrol).

- Rustom UAV (Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle for surveillance).

The Indian Navy’s present force level comprises about 150 ships and submarines with
60 large Navy ships, valued around Rs 1.5 trillion, are under construction. India’s naval
force has made significant strides in domestic production, showcasing a growing
reliance on indigenous capabilities.

KEY STEPS TOWARDS MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA

1.Strategic Vision and Initiatives: 4.Focus on Technology & MSMEs:
•SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework •The Navy’s 15-year Science and Technology Roadmap emphasizes
emphasizes an open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with India cutting-edge areas like AI, robotics, hypersonic missiles, and bio-
as a first responder in the Indian Ocean. technical weapons. E.g. DPSUs and MSMEs Collaboration.
2.Evolution of Self-Reliance: •MSMEs and start-ups play a crucial role in creating disruptive
•Make-in-India (2014) aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers to technologies and supporting special operations. E.g. Green
set up operations in India for job creation, skill development, and Channel Policy.
technology transfer. 5.Collaborations & Innovation Structures:
•Atmanirbhar Bharat expands this vision to foster domestic •The Navy has established the Naval Indigenisation and Innovation
manufacturing (indigenization) and ensure India’s capacity to add Organisation (NIIO), the Naval Technology Acceleration Council
value to necessary imports. (N-TAC), and vendor-development programs to facilitate
3.Navy’s Success in Indigenization: partnerships with academia, industry, and global players.
•Since the 1960s, the Navy has indigenously designed 19 warship •Initiatives like IN STEP engage students to work on naval problem
models and built 121 ships and submarines. statements.
•It has developed advanced systems like propulsion mechanisms,
sonar, electronic warfare suites, fire control systems, and more,
many of which are exported as “world-class” products.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 55
NEEDS OF MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA
Area Benefit Example

National Security and Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, ensuring Development of the INS Arihant.
Strategic Autonomy independence during conflicts.

Economic Growth and Reduces reliance on imports, strengthens local Construction of INS Kamorta (anti-submarine
Cost-Effectiveness industries, creates jobs, fosters innovation. warfare corvette) in Kolkata.

Maritime Domain Enhances ability to monitor coastlines, EEZ, and IOR PierSight’s Varuna.
Awareness with tailored surveillance systems.

Global Influence Builds credibility and strengthens international Export of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
and Soft Power partnerships via defense exports.

Aligning with Atman- Supports India’s goal of self-reliance, reduces import Construction of the INS Vikrant under Make in India
irbhar Bharat Vision dependency in defense. and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

Preparedness for Facilitates quick, tailored responses to maritime threats Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region
Non-Traditional Threats like piracy and terrorism. (IFC-IOR).

Technology and Inno- Promotes local technological development benefiting Varunastra torpedo.
vation Advancement both defense and civilian sectors.

CHALLENGES WITH INDIA’S MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA WAY FORWARD

1.Global and Regional Context: 1.Defense R&D: Prioritize local development of
•The Indian Navy is well-regarded, but still behind major powers like the US and naval technologies like the INS Vikrant, India’s first
China. indigenous aircraft carrier.
•True Value Rating (TrV): India ranks 7th globally with 103 major naval units and a 2.Empowerment: Support local industries like
TrV of 100.5, while the US and China have much larger fleets with TrVs of 323.9 Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in
and 319.8, respectively. manufacturing naval assets through public-private
•Defense Spending: India’s defense budget for 2023 was $84 billion, while the partnerships.
US spent $916 billion and China spent $330 billion. 3.Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen ties with
2.Challenges in Indigenisation: countries like France for the Scorpene submarine
•Shipbuilding Delays: India’s shipbuilding is slow. For example, the INS Surat took project, which was a joint venture for building
31 months to build, while China built a similar ship in just 4.5 months. nuclear-capable submarines.
•Dependence on Imports: A lot of the equipment needed for warships is still 4.Infrastructure Development: Modernize Goa
bought from other countries. There are few local successes, like the BrahMos Shipyard to ramp up the construction speed of
missile. ships, reducing delays in building vital naval vessels.
•R&D Challenges: Progress in developing military technology has been slow, 5.Naval Doctrine: Develop strategies for countering
affecting India’s ability to become truly self-reliant in defense. hybrid warfare, like India’s policy on anti-submarine
3.Technological and Innovation Gaps: India still relies on foreign technology warfare and cyber defense strategies to prevent
for important systems, like advanced turbines, nuclear propulsion, and anti- naval vulnerabilities.
submarine weapons. The slow adaptation to new technology makes it harder to 6.Acquisition Reforms: Streamline naval
keep up with global competition. procurement processes as seen with the quick
4.Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce Deficits: Shipyards in India, like MDL and induction of the INS Kalvari, a Scorpene-class
GRSE, are overloaded, causing delays in production. There is also a shortage of submarine.
skilled professionals in areas like submarine design and weapon development. 7.Visionary Leadership: Provide political direction
5.Bureaucratic and Budgetary Challenges: The process of buying new defense like in the Make in India campaign, driving India’s
technology is slow and complicated, often leading to delays and cost overruns. commitment to indigenous defense production, such
This is seen in projects like the Arihant-class nuclear submarines. as the BrahMos missile program.
6.Security Vulnerabilities: The increasing use of digital systems, such as those on 8.Youth Engagement: Encourage youth in STEM
INS Vikramaditya, exposes the navy to cyber threats. Stronger security measures through programs like the Indian Navy’s National
are needed to protect sensitive technology. level internship scheme, where students work
7.Global Competition and Limited Export: Indian defense products face directly on naval technologies.
tough competition from countries like the US and China in the global market.
Challenges in scaling up production and selling technology like the INS Kalvari
limit India’s export opportunities.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 56
Back2Basics
DOMESTIC PRODUCTION FOR INDIA’S NAVY

1.Indigenous Warship and Submarine 2.Indigenous Weapons Systems:

Production: • BrahMos Missiles: Jointly developed with Russia and domestically
a).Warships: 60 warships and vessels are currently under construc- produced; equipped on many Indian Navy ships.
tion in Indian shipyards, including the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders • Varunastra Torpedo: Indigenously developed heavyweight torpe-
Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), do used in anti-submarine warfare.
and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Notable projects are: • DRDO-developed missiles and systems: Advanced missile sys-
• INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned tems like Barak-8 and underwater surveillance systems.
in 2022. 3.Indigenous Sensors and Electronics:
• Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers): Advanced • Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS) and radar
stealth destroyers being built domestically. systems such as the Rohini radar and Revathi radar, enhancing the
• Project 17A (Nilgiri-class frigates): Guided missile frigates Navy’s self-reliance.
equipped with state-of-the-art systems. • Sonars: Indigenous sonars like HUMSA-NG are deployed on Indian
b).Submarines: Navy ships and submarines.
• Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project: Launched in the 4.Aircraft and UAVs:
1980s and marked India’s place in designing and building nucle- • Naval Tejas: Efforts are ongoing to operationalize an indigenous
ar-powered submarines, leading to the creation of the Arihant-class Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for carrier-based operations.
submarines. • Dornier 228 Aircraft: Locally produced multi-role aircraft for
• INS Arihant and Arighat: India’s indigenous nuclear-powered maritime patrol.
submarine. • Rustom UAV: Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles are under
• Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene): Built under Project 75 at development for surveillance purposes.
MDL in collaboration with France, with six submarines inducted/
planned.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 57
 BURNING ISSUE #16

Flames &
Fallout
What Can Be Done to Prevent
California Wildfires?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

In the UPSC exam, questions on natural disasters like forest fires are [UPSC 2019, GS-3] Vulnerability is an essential element for
often framed around causes, impacts, and management strategies. defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and
They test your ability to understand the various factors—natural in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized?
and human—that contribute to such events. Students often miss Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to
key details like the seasonal patterns of forest fires in India or the disasters.
specific government schemes that are being implemented. A major
gap is often found in linking theory to real-world applications, such [UPSC 2022, GS-3] The frequency of urban floods due to
as understanding the Fire and Climate Feedback Loop or the local high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing
factors contributing to fires in different regions. This article has got the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for
it all covered. Further, The Back2Basics section is especially helpful. preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
It explains different types of forest fires—like surface, crown, and
underground fires—and ties this information to the real-world Microthemes: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Types of
dynamics of fire behavior. disasters

d e va s tat i n g w i l d f i r e s Urban development

in California have ravaged 1.Natural Causes:
Los Angeles, driven by strong • Lightning Strikes: Lightning during dry seasons ignites dry vegetation, creating uncontrollable
fires, especially with strong winds.
winds and extreme dryness. • Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns, like wet winters (2022–2023) encouraging
The fires have burned vegetation growth, followed by unusually dry conditions (2024–2025), have turned vegetation
62 square miles, leaving into wildfire fuel. Global warming has worsened droughts and prolonged dry seasons.
• Santa Ana Winds: Powerful winds (October–January) in 2025 have intensified, blowing hot,
thousands homeless and over dry air from the mountains toward the coast, spreading fires rapidly across dry vegetation and
24 dead. While the exact cause infrastructure.
remains unclear, multiple 2.Human Activities:
• Campfires: Unattended or poorly extinguished fires are a frequent trigger.
factors may have triggered
• Roadside Sparks: Dragging chains or faulty vehicle parts ignite fires along highways.
the disaster. These wildfires • Power Lines: Damaged or wind-disturbed power lines often cause wildfires.
highlight the growing problem • Other Factors: Equipment failures, arson, discarded cigarettes, or deliberate acts by traffickers
can spark wildfires.
of forest fires worldwide.
Increased human intervention and changing climate conditions have significantly
contributed to the frequency and intensity of wildfires in California.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 58
FOREST FIRES IN INDIA
• Forest Fires in India: According Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, & considered to be forest fire
to the biennial India State of Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand are the most season in India especially
Forest Report (ISFR) 2019 Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, vulnerable to fires during from February onward as summer
published by the Forest Survey Odisha, Telengana Uttar Pradesh the November to June period. approaches. April-May are usually
of India (FSI), more than 36% & Uttarakhand. • Triggering Factors: the worst fire months across the
of India’s forest cover was prone • Forest Fire Vulnerability Across •Human activities trigger 95% country.
to frequent fires. About 4% of Ecosystems: According to the of forest fires in India, such • Forest Fire Situation in
the forest cover was ‘extremely FSI, severe fires break out in as burning agricultural practices, 2024: During March 2024, the
prone’ to fire, & another 6% was dry deciduous forests, while deforestation, firewood burning etc. highest number of forest fires
‘very highly’ fire prone. evergreen, semi-evergreen, & •Drought & higher temperatures were reported from Mizoram
• Vulnerable States: The eleven montane temperate forests are further aggravate the risk of (3,738), Manipur (1,702), Assam
main states with frequent comparatively less prone to forest fire. (1,652), Meghalaya (1,252), &
occurrence of forest fires fires. The forests of Northeast • Forest Fire Season in Maharashtra (1,215), as per FSI
in recent times are: Andhra India, Odisha, Maharashtra, India: November to June is data.

REASONS BEHIND FOREST FIRES IN INDIA IMPACT OF FOREST FIRES IN INDIA

There are both natural and anthropogenic causes of forest fires in a). Loss of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Forest fires destroy the
India. These are mentioned below: habitats and the intricate relationships of diverse flora and fauna,
leading to loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. For ex- Extinction
Natural Causes of wildlife in India.
a). Lightning: A lightning strikes power cables, trees, or rocks can b). F orest Degradation: Forest fires reduce the quality of certain
produce a spark trigerring forest fires. forest features like soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
b). Volcanic eruption: Hot magma in the earth’s crust is usually c). I mpact on livelihood: According to the 2011 census, 1.70 lakh
expelled out as lava during a volcanic eruption. The hot lava then villages in India have proximity to forests. The livelihood of several
flows into nearby fields or lands to start wildfires. crores of people is dependent on fuelwood, bamboo, fodder, and
c). Heat patterns: Increased temperatures due to global small timber. Forest fires directly impact their livelihood.
warming make the forests more vulnerable to forest fires. Rising d). Air Pollution: Forest fires reduce carbon sequestration,
atmospheric temperatures and dryness (low humidity) make and instigate huge clouds of smoke leading to massive air
favourable circumstances for a fire to start. pollution.
d). Lack of soil moisture: The dryness in the soil triggers fire in e). S oil Degradation: Forest fires kill beneficial soil
forests. For ex- The recent Uttarakhand wildfires have been microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the soil
caused due to this. and promoting soil microbial activities. Further, the wildfires also
e). Natural availability of materials trigerring forest fire: In India, make soils vulnerable to soil erosion.
availability of large quantities of dry wood, logs, stumps, dead f). D
 estruction of Watersheds: Forest fires lead to the destruction of
leaves, dry grass and weeds in forest lands are also reasons of wetlands of forest, which are protected by the forest.
forest fires.
INITIATIVES TO PREVENT FOREST FIRES
Anthropogenic Factors 1. National Disaster Management Plan (2019): Forest fires are
a). Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of forest fires included as hazards with specific action plans for central and state
globally. Throwing away the cigarette butts without completely agencies.
extinguishing them can lead to wildfires. 2. Forest Fire Alert System:
b). Campfires: During camping or outdoor activities, people normally •Tracks fires in real time using satellite data from NASA and ISRO.
leave lit fires or combusting materials unattended. This ignites •Advanced version launched in 2019.
wildfires. 3. Fire Weather Index (FFDRS):oIdentifies high-risk areas for
c). Burning Debris: Wastes and trash on several occasions are prevention and response.
burned to ashes as a way of reducing the accumulation of rubbish. 4. Van Agni Geo-Portal: Centralized platform for forest fire
This also leads to forest fires in India. For ex- The recent Simlipal information.
Forest fire. 5. National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF, 2018): Focuses on
d). Slash and Burn Cultivation: This is one of the major reason for community involvement and forest department collaboration.
the fire in India’s Northeastern region. 6. Institutional Support: Managed by Forest Protection Division,
NDMA, and Forest Research Institutes in coordination with
international bodies.

Why peak forest fires occur during the spring? WAY FORWARD
Spring in India occurs between March and April. In India, 1. Build Skills and Training: Train forest department officials at all levels
the occurrence of wildfires will be at peak during spring (national, regional, local) to effectively reduce the risk of forest fires.
season. The reasons are as follows: 2. Forest Fire Manuals: Develop user-friendly manuals to help field staff
a). Less rainfall during the winter months: Less rainfall quickly detect, report, and control fires.
during winter months reduce the soil moisture in forests. 3. C  omprehensive Policy: Create a unified forest fire management policy that
The forest soil loses the capacity to control the fire on includes strategies for managing climate change impacts.
its own. 4. Learn from Locals: Incorporate the traditional knowledge and techniques of
 or ex: The recent Uttarakhand forest fires.
F local and tribal communities to better manage wildfires.
b). Large availability of combustible materials: The 5. I mprove Infrastructure: Strengthen firefighting capacity by:
large availability of combustible materials like dry •Building watchtowers and crew stations.
wood, logs, stumps, dead leaves, dry grass and weeds, •Hiring seasonal fire watchers to monitor and spot potential fires early.
increase the intensity of forest fires. Further, strong
winds enhance the intensity of forest fires.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 59
Back2Basics
CLASSIFICATION OF FOREST FIRES
 urface Fire: A forest fire may burn primarily as a surface fire
S
advancing across the forest floor as the flames spread through the
surface litter and vegetation.

Underground Fire: The fires of low intensity, consuming the organic

matter beneath and the surface litter of forest floor are sub-grouped
as underground fire.
•These fires usually spread entirely underground and burn for some
meters below the surface. FIRE AND CLIMATE FEEDBACK LOOP
This diagram illustrates the Fire and Climate Feedback Loop, which
Ground Fire: These fires are fires in the subsurface organic fuels, shows how wildfires and climate change reinforce each other in a
such as duff layers under forest stands, Arctic tundra or taiga, and cycle. Here’s how the loop works:
organic soils of swamps or bogs. 1. Increasing Carbon Emissions: Wildfires release large amounts of
•This fire burns root and other material on or beneath the carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate
surface i.e. burns the herbaceous growth on forest floor together change. This increase in greenhouse gases leads to hotter and drier
with the layer of organic matter in various stages of decay. conditions.
•They are more damaging than surface fires, as they can destroy 2. H  otter, Drier Conditions: Climate change creates weather
vegetation completely. patterns with higher temperatures and reduced rainfall. These
conditions dry out forests and vegetation, making them more
Crown Fire: A crown fire is one in which the crown of trees and prone to fires.
shrubs burn, often sustained by a surface fire. 3. Larger Fires: With drier forests, fires spread more easily, burn for
•On hill slopes, if the fire starts downhill, it spreads up fast longer durations, and become more frequent and intense.
as heated air adjacent to a slope tends to flow up the slope 4. Higher Carbon Emissions: The larger and more frequent fires
spreading flames along with it. If the fire starts uphill, there is less release even more carbon emissions into the atmosphere, further
likelihood of it spreading downwards. fueling climate change.

Fires and the Climate

Feedback Loop

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 60
 BURNING ISSUE #17

Conservation vs. Development

Is the Great Nicobar Island Project Sustainable?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

This article discusses the ambitious ₹72,000-crore infrastructure project [UPSC 2021, GS-3] What are the environmental
planned for Great Nicobar Island, detailing its benefits, concerns, and the implications of the reclamation of water bodies
environmental and social impacts. UPSC often links topics like infrastructure into urban land use? Explain with examples.
development, environmental concerns, and government policies. A common
pitfall is focusing too much on the technicalities of the projects and ignoring the [UPSC 2018, GS-3] Mention core strategies
environmental and social implications. Students may also miss the complexity for the transformation of aspirational districts
of balancing development with sustainability and indigenous rights. By offering in India and explain the nature of convergence,
a detailed look at both the positive impacts, such as economic growth and job collaboration and competition for its success
creation, and the associated risks, like biodiversity loss and security concerns,
this article equips students to answer UPSC questions in a more balanced and Microthemes: Environmental Problems,
comprehensive manner. A special feature of this article is the Back2Basics Government Programmes
section, which provides essential geographic and environmental context for
Great Nicobar Island.

t h e u n i o n s h i p p i n g m i n i s t ry has proposed GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT

adding new features to the ₹72,000-crore mega- PROJECT
 he Great Nicobar Project: The project involves a
T
infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island. These
comprehensive Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade on Great
include:an international cruise terminal, luxury tourism Nicobar Island. It is being implemented by the Andaman and
facilities and shipbreaking yard. Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
For these plans, the Ministry has requested 100 acres
 he project covers 16,610 hectares and aims to leverage the
T
of land along the seafront. island’s strategic location near the Malacca Strait. The Great
Nicobar Island Development project includes developing an
This project is significant for defence, logistics, trade, 1. An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)
2. A greenfield international airport
industries, and eco-tourism. However, its benefits and 3. Two greenfield cities
potential risks must be thoroughly assessed before 4. A coastal mass rapid transport system
moving forward. 5. A free trade zone
6. International cruise terminal (New addition)
7. A ship breaking yard (New addition)

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 61
SIGNIFICANCE OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Benefit/Concern Details

1. Geo-strate- Great Nicobar Island is near the Malacca Strait, a key waterway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. The project
gic Benefit utilizes this strategic position to enhance India’s regional and global maritime economy role.

2. Geo-Securi- The Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean regions are vital for India’s strategic and security interests, particularly with
ty Concerns Chinese naval expansion. The project aims to boost India’s maritime security and deterrence capabilities.

3. Military The project focuses on upgrading military infrastructure, including airfields, jetties, and surveillance facilities.
Infrastructure

4. Econom- Plans include an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), positioning Great Nicobar as a significant
ic Boost player in cargo transshipment and boosting regional economic activities.

5. Job Infrastructure projects like ports and airports under the Nicobar plan aim to create employment opportunities for the
Opportunities local population.

6. Tourism Tourism prospects will grow, aiding income generation. The per capita income in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (₹1,24,361
Development in 2015-16) is much lower than that of other Union Territories like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry, and the project
seeks to address this.

7. Social Includes affordable, state-of-the-art healthcare, quality education, air, sea, and web infrastructure. Digital India services,
Benefits such as telemedicine and tele-education, will also be facilitated.

ASSOCIATED CONCERNS 4. Lack of Adequate Consultation: The project has moved forward
1. Threat to Biodiversity: The project could lead to the felling of without sufficient consultations with key stakeholders, including
nearly a million trees, severely affecting the island’s ecosystem. the Tribal Council. The National Green Tribunal’s report on the
Key species like coral reefs, the Nicobar Megapode bird, and environmental clearances has also not been made public.
leatherback turtles could be devastated. Compensatory 5. U ndermining International Obligations: The Galathea Bay
afforestation is being considered in Haryana, but the risks remain Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
high. must be preserved. This is an international obligation for India.
2. Threat to Indigenous Tribes’ Rights: The project threatens the 6. Lack of Social Impact Assessment: The Campbell Bay panchayat
rights of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes living on the island. has raised concerns about the inadequate social impact
It also violates the Forest Rights Act of 2006, which grants the assessment before land acquisition. Increased interaction with
Shompen authority to manage the tribal reserve. outsiders poses a health risk to the Shompen tribe, who lack
3. Seismic Vulnerability: The proposed port is situated in a immunity to diseases from external sources.
seismically active zone, having experienced a 15-foot subsidence 7. E
 conomic Unviability: Attempting to create a duty-free port in
during the 2004 tsunami. This raises concerns over the safety of a remote island like Great Nicobar, far from major transshipment
constructing such a large infrastructure project in a disaster-prone hubs, is economically unfeasible, especially without the necessary
area. resources and industrial infrastructure.

Way Forward:
We must find a balance between infrastructure development,
protecting biodiversity, and respecting the rights of indigenous
people. The following actions are crucial:
1. Respect for Tribal Rights: All development work should respect
tribal rights, as emphasized in the Shompen Policy of 2015. This
policy prioritizes the rights of indigenous communities over large-
scale development proposals.
2. Separation of Security and Development: The security
requirements of Andaman and Nicobar Islands should be dealt with
separately from the development plans for Great Nicobar Island.
3. Reassessing the Project’s Economic Feasibility: Given the
proximity to established shipping hubs like Singapore, Port Klang,
and Hambantota, the economic viability of a transshipment
terminal at Great Nicobar should be reconsidered, especially since
India has inaugurated its own transshipment terminal in Vizhinjam,
Kerala.
4. Comprehensive Social and Environmental Impact Assessment:
The project must undergo a thorough Environmental Impact
Assessment as per the Environmental Protection Act of 1986 to
ensure its social and environmental feasibility.
5. E  co-friendly Construction: Any infrastructure development must
follow eco-friendly building practices, such as complying with the
GRIHA code for sustainable construction.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 62
Back2Basics
Geography of The Great
Nicobar Island
The island of Great Nicobar is the southernmost
tip of India and a part of the Andaman and Nicobar
archipelago that comprises 600-odd islands. It
is hilly and covered with lush rainforests. It receives
around 3,500 mm of annvual rainfall.

The rainforests and beaches host numerous

endangered and endemic species including the giant
leatherback turtle, the Nicobar megapode, the Great
Nicobar crake, the Nicobar crab-eating macaque,
and the Nicobar tree shrew. It has an area of 910 sq
km with mangroves and Pandan forests along its
coast.

SWOC ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPING ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

Strengths Weaknesses
• Pristine, white sandy sea beaches • Inadequate air and sea connectivity
• Attractive marine life • Inadequate digital connectivity
• Rich biodiversity • Unavailability of construction material -
High cost of transportation
• Forest and tree cover - 6,777 sq km • Scarcity of drinking water
(82.16 per cent of the geographical area)26 • Insufficient power supply
• High Literacy - 86.27 % • Shortage of skilled manpower in the islands
• High Rainfall - 2,890 mm (2017)

• Wetlands - 1,52,809 ha
• Long Coastline - 1,962 km
• Exclusive Economic Zone - 6,00,000 sq km
• Lighthouses
• Unexplored destinations
• Heritage Sites - Cellular Jail,
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Viper Island etc.
• Strategic location - The Great Nicobar Island is only about 90
km away from the western tip of the Malacca Strait, an import-
ant shipping route between the Indian Ocean and the South
China Sea
• Peaceful environment

Opportunities Challenges
• Increasing interest in Cruise Holidays Tourism Sector
• Medical tourism • Tourism Marketing through electronic, social and print media
• Water-based adventure tourism -Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Kay- • Introduction of new products to attract tourists like Busi-
aking, Canoeing, deep sea fishing and windsurfing ness-cum-Leisure Tourism, Ayurveda, Nature trails etc
• Nature Tourism - To relax with nature • Man-animal conflict

Fishery Sector
• Export of seafood

Climate Change, Environment-related

• Low-lying islands at greater risk of submergence from sea-level
rise
• Threat of Tsunami

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 63
 BURNING ISSUE #18

Harnessing the Flow

What Does the Yarlung Tsangpo Project Mean for Regional Power Dynamics?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

China’s Tsangpo Dam threatens India’s water security, [UPSC 2014, GS-2] With respect to the South China sea,
environment, and geopolitical stability. The UPSC often maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the
frames questions on such topics by linking them to geopolitics, need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of
environmental concerns, and India’s national security. A common navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context,
mistake students make is focusing only on surface-level news. They discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.
memorize facts but miss the bigger picture—how it connects to past
trends, and what solutions India can explore. This article bridges [UPSC 2018, GS-3] Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic
that gap by breaking down the dam’s impact in a structured way, importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade
making it easier to develop a well-rounded answer. One standout and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relation ship
feature of this article is its Back2Basics section, which simplifies affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst
complex water-sharing issues between India and China. It ensures international competition?
you not only understand current affairs but also master the static
concepts that UPSC loves to test. Microthemes: Bilateral Relations

o n d e c e m b e r 2 5 , c h i n a approved the construction of the ABOUT YARLUNG-TSANGPO PROJECT

Tsangpo Dam, set to become the world’s largest hydropower • Location: The dam will be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet,
project. It will be built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (which near the border with India. This river is known as the Brahmaputra once it
becomes the Brahmaputra in India) in Tibet and is expected to flows into India and later into Bangladesh.
generate a massive 60,000 MW of electricity—three times more • Scale: The dam is set to become the world’s largest hydropower project,
than the current record-holder, the Three Gorges Dam on the with an estimated capacity of 60,000 megawatts (MW). This is three
Yangtze River. times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam in China, which currently
holds the record for the largest hydropower project.
While China promotes the dam as a clean energy project, it has • Purpose: China describes the project as a clean energy initiative aimed
raised serious concerns, particularly for downstream countries at reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and meeting its climate goals.
like India. The sheer scale of the project brings up major issues Hydropower is a renewable energy source, and the dam is expected to
around water sharing, environmental impact, and regional significantly contribute to China’s energy needs.
stability, making it a highly sensitive geopolitical matter.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 64
Why Does China Want The Yarlung WAY FORWARD
Tsangpo Mega Project? 1. Diplomatic Pressure:
1. Energy Security & Sustainability: • Push for transparency and cooperation through diplomatic
• The river’s steep drop and strong flow make it ideal for generating channels.
hydroelectric power. • Publicly challenge China’s claims that the project won’t
• Helps China reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move toward its goal harm downstream countries.
of net-zero emissions by 2060. 2. India’s Own Hydropower Projects:
2 .Solving Northern China’s Water Crisis: • Fast-track India’s 10 GW Dibang Valley hydropower project
• Northern China faces severe water shortages due to overuse, in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China’s dam.
industrialization, and climate change. 3. Global Advocacy:
• Controlling the river’s flow could help redirect water northward under • Work with international forums to push for stricter global
China’s South-North Water Diversion Project, easing water stress in dry rules on transboundary water governance.
regions like Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin. 4. Better Water Data Sharing:
3. Geopolitical Strategy: • Strengthen and extend hydrological data-sharing
• The project gives China control over the river, impacting India and agreements with China for better flood forecasting and
Bangladesh, which rely on it for agriculture and daily life. disaster management.
• It could be used as a bargaining tool in India-China relations since 5. Alliances with Other Affected Countries:
changes in water flow would directly affect Northeast India. • Collaborate with Bangladesh and other lower riparian
4. Boosting Tibet’s Economy: nations to oppose China’s unilateral water control.
• Aims to develop Tibet by bringing in investment and infrastructure. 6. Disaster Preparedness:
• Expected to generate ¥20 billion ($3 billion) annually, creating jobs and • Invest in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems
economic growth in the underdeveloped region. to reduce risks from upstream activities.

Possible Impacts On India Conclusion

1. Threat to Agriculture: The Brahmaputra enriches soil with silt in
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, making the land fertile. A dam could China’s Yarlung Tsangpo dam is a
block silt flow, reducing soil quality and harming farming. double-edged sword—it highlights the
2. Water Disruptions: China says it’s a run-of-the-river project (which
doesn’t store water), but experts warn it could still alter river flow. urgency of managing shared water
This could cause water shortages in dry seasons and floods during resources but also challenges India’s
monsoons, putting Assam and nearby regions at risk.
3. China’s Control Over Water as a Weapon: Being upstream, China has security and ecology. A balanced
significant control over the Brahmaputra. It has withheld crucial water
approach, focusing on diplomacy,
data before, such as during the 2017 Doklam standoff, raising fears of
water being used as a geopolitical tool. strategic projects, and environmental
4. Earthquake Risks: The Himalayas are a highly active earthquake zone.
safeguards, is crucial for India to
A massive dam here increases the risk of catastrophic flooding if an
earthquake damages the structure. navigate this complex issue.
5. Environmental Impact: The dam threatens the fragile Himalayan
ecosystem, home to endangered species.When combined with
deforestation, climate change, and soil erosion, it could permanently
harm biodiversity.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 65
Back2Basics
INDIA-CHINA WATER RELATIONS
The Trans-border rivers flowing from China to India fall into two main groups i.e.
The Brahmaputra river system on the Eastern side, which consist of river Siang
(main stream of river Brahmaputra) and its tributaries, namely Subansiri and
Lohit and the Indus river system on the Western side consists of river Indus and
the river Sutlej.

India-China Coordination On Transboundary Rivers

1. Existing Agreements:
• A 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers cooperation but lacks
real engagement.
• Separate MoUs exist for the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, but their
effectiveness is inconsistent.
2. Brahmaputra MoU:
• Focuses on hydrological data sharing during monsoons.
• Last renewed in 2018, but it lapsed in 2023, and discussions are ongoing.
3. Sutlej MoU:
• Created after the 2004 Parechu Lake incident, it monitors glacial lake
outbursts.
• However, it doesn’t ensure year-round data sharing.
4. Expert-Level Mechanism (ELM):
• Established during President Hu Jintao’s visit to India in 2006.
• Meets yearly to discuss flood data, emergencies, and river issues.
5. International Water Law:
• Neither India nor China has signed the 1997 UN Convention on Watercourses,
but both follow key principles like fair use of shared water.

Issues in Water cooperation in India China Relations

Issue Description
Suboptimal China shares hydrological data on the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and Sutlej only during the monsoon
Cooperation season, limiting year-round cooperation.
Differential Approach China has stronger water cooperation with Bangladesh, collaborating on flood forecasting, water technologies,
and water management, while engagement with India remains limited.
Border Dispute The India-China border dispute often dominates discussions, preventing progress on key water-sharing issues like
Overshadowing water rights, dam impacts, and river diversions.
Water Talks
Multilateral vs. China prefers multilateral water-sharing frameworks, while India favors bilateral agreements (as seen with
Bilateral Approach Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh).
In 2015, China signed the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) with five other countries, bypassing the ADB-led
Mekong River Commission, which it never joined.
The LMC aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and focuses on land, water connectivity, and river
management.
Lack of Transparency China undertakes dam and water diversion projects in Tibet without sharing information or impact assessments,
in Chinese Projects raising concerns for downstream countries like India.

Need for greater cooperation

Issue Description
Environmental China’s infrastructure projects in Tibet ignore environmental concerns, causing severe ecological damage and
Degradation transboundary impacts. Example: The Siang River (Brahmaputra’s main artery) turned blackish-grey as it entered India,
likely due to Chinese activities upstream.
Weakening of Climate systems are globally interconnected, and geoengineering experiments in Tibet could alter moisture patterns,
Indian Monsoon potentially weakening the Indian monsoon and affecting rainfall across Asia.
Threat to Both Tibet (China) and the Indian Himalayan ecosystem are among the world’s most biodiverse regions. Unregulated
Biodiversity mineral and water resource exploitation threatens fragile ecosystems.
Warming of the Known as the “Third Pole”, Tibet has the largest ice mass outside the Arctic and Antarctica. However, it is now warming
Tibetan Plateau nearly three times the global average, impacting its role as Asia’s freshwater source, main water supplier, and key rainmaker.
Loss of Wa- Climate models predict that Himalayan rivers will first see increased flows due to glacial melting, followed by a 10-20%
ter Flow reduction by 2050. This will impact hydropower generation and intensify regional water conflicts.
Humanitar- Environmental instability increases the risk of flash floods, landslides, and dam bursts, leading to widespread loss of
ian Risks lives, wildlife, livelihoods, and infrastructure in India’s Northeast and Bangladesh.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 66
 BURNING ISSUE #19

Celebrating Innovation
How Far Has Startup India Come in 9 Years?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

This article takes a deep dive into India’s startup ecosystem, looking at [UPSC 2022, GS-3] The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs
what drives its growth, the challenges it faces, and the government’s efforts meticulous coordination between the government and
to support it. UPSC often asks questions that explore how government the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity.
policies and economic reforms affect sectors like startups. However, Discuss.
many miss the point by focusing only on the theoretical aspects of these
policies, without understanding the practical challenges like funding [UPSC 2019, GS-2] The need for cooperation among
issues or the fact that investments are often concentrated in a few cities. various service sector has been an inherent component
They also struggle to grasp the bigger picture of how startups contribute to of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the
innovation, job creation, and tech progress. This article bridges that gap by gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of
bringing theory to life with real-world examples, showing how initiatives ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements
like Startup India and the Fund of Funds for Startups actually impact above examine India’s Development process.
India’s startup scene. It strikes a balance between showcasing the success
of startups and acknowledging the difficulties they face, like funding Microthemes: Government Schemes and
shortages and regional disparities. This approach makes it easier to tackle Policies,Structural reforms and Actions
UPSC questions with a well-rounded, insightful answer.

India’s s ta r t u p e c o s y s t e m has experienced phenomenal Drivers of the startup ecosystem in India

growth, becoming the world’s third-largest hub for innovation with India’s thriving startup ecosystem is driven by a combination of
over 1,30,000 startups today compared to 400 in 2015-16. As policy support, technological advancements, market dynamics, and
per India Startup Ecosystem Report 2024, India is the 3rd largest entrepreneurial culture. These drivers enable startups to innovate,
startup ecosystem in the world with 117 Indian unicorns, only behind scale, and address challenges across various sectors.
the United States & China.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 67
 Factor Explanation Example
Economic Liberaliza- Liberalized policies like Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India Action Plan offers tax exemptions,
tion and Policy Support PLI, along with Startup India, create a favorable startup seed funding, and easier compliance norms, fostering
environment. EODB.
Rising FDI India’s stable business climate, favorable policies, and In the last financial year, India received more FDI than
growing consumer market attract foreign investors. China.
Advancements Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and CRED uses AI for credit card payment management
in Technology cloud computing enable innovative solutions. and customer loyalty.
Power Law in Con- A small percentage of users (Power Shoppers) drive a Power shoppers, 2% of India’s internet users, place
sumer Internet significant portion of e-commerce transactions. 50+ orders per year.
Digital Revolution and Affordable internet and smartphone penetration Jio Effect enabled startups like Meesho to tap into
Internet Accessibility expand digital service markets. rural markets.
Demograph- A young, tech-savvy population drives demand for Unacademy leverages youth aspirations for
ic Advantage innovative startups. competitive exams.
Market Potential and A large, growing middle class fuels sectoral innovation OYO Rooms capitalized on rising demand for
Consumer Demand and business expansion. affordable travel stays.
Corporate and Aca- Industry-academia partnerships accelerate R&D and Google’s Startup Accelerator India supports AI and
demic Collaboration technological advancements. sustainability-focused startups.

Significance of Startups are vital to India’s economic and social transformation, driving innovation,
startups in India employment, and technological progress across multiple sectors.
Factor Explanation Example
Economic Growth Startups contribute to GDP through innovation and Investment of USD 140 billion (~4% of GDP in FY23); DPIIT-
and Job Creation support ancillary industries, creating employment. registered startups created 12.4 lakh direct jobs.
Technology and Dig- Startups drive emerging tech adoption, enhancing Zoho Corporation, an Indian SaaS company, empowers
ital Transformation global business solutions. global businesses with innovative software.
Financial Inclu- Startups improve financial accessibility and digital Paytm revolutionized digital payments, while Razorpay
sion and FinTech payments, especially in rural areas. simplified transactions for small businesses.
Revolution
Healthcare Innovation Startups enhance healthcare accessibility and Practo offers online doctor consultations; Cure.fit focuses
efficiency via telemedicine and AI-driven tools. on preventive healthcare and fitness.
Agriculture and Agritech startups improve productivity and DeHaat connects farmers to markets; Ninjacart optimizes
Rural Development sustainability with AI, IoT, and data analytics. the agri-supply chain.
Education and Skilling EdTech startups provide accessible and quality Byju’s delivers online learning content; Unacademy
learning solutions for various needs. democratizes exam preparation.

CHALLENGES FOR STARTUPS IN INDIA

1.Bootstrapping Challenges and Seed 2.Regional Concentration professionals in niche tech fields like AI,
Capital Scarcity Startup funding remains heavily concentrated blockchain, and data science.
• Limited Early-Stage Funding: Startups, in a few urban hubs. • Example: Bengaluru faces a shortage of
especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, • Example: Bengaluru alone accounts advanced AI professionals despite being a
struggle to secure seed funding. for ~50% of total Indian startup funding tech hub.
• Example: Local Banya, despite its since 2014, while Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, • Attrition Rates: Intense competition leads
innovative approach, shut down due to lack and Mumbai collectively receive ~89% of to frequent job-hopping, affecting team
of funds. investments. stability.
• Angel Drought: Heavy reliance on VC and 3.Regulatory and Compliance Burdens 5.Innovation & Technology Barriers
PE often leads to loss of autonomy, while • Complex Tax Structures: Frequent Innovation Inertia: Resistance to adopting new
angel investors remain scarce. changes in GST regulations create technologies.
• Example: KisanHub struggles to secure compliance challenges. • Tech Talent Tussle: High demand and
seed funding despite addressing critical • Example: Unclear GST implications competition for skilled developers.
rural issues. on delivery charges impact business • Data Desert: Limited access to quality
• Startup Winter: In 2023, the Indian startup operations. market data hampers informed decision-
ecosystem witnessed a 67% drop in funding • Regulatory Misalignment: Despite making.
compared to the previous year. improvements, startups still face • Scale Scarcity: Difficulty in scaling
• Disproportionality: A large portion of bureaucratic red tape, policy bottlenecks, technological infrastructure efficiently.
funding is concentrated in a few sectors. and uncertainty. 6.Market Competition and Saturation
• Example: Since 2014, e-commerce alone • Example: Fintech startups like PayU face • Overcrowding: Highly competitive sectors
accounted for 25% of the funding raised hurdles related to data localization and KYC lead to price wars and unsustainable growth.
by Indian startups, with fintech and compliance. • Example: Zeppery and Dunzo struggled
enterprise tech contributing to 52% of total 4.Talent Acquisition and Retention against dominant players Swiggy and
investments. • Brain Drain: A shortage of highly skilled Zomato.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 68
 • Competitive Impropriety: International • Tech Adoption Resistance: Small varied consumer behaviors across regions
giants with deep pockets create an unfair businesses and rural consumers remain is complex.
competitive edge. hesitant to adopt new technologies. • Copycat Competition: Rapid imitation
• Corporate Governance Issues: Poor 8.Customer Acquisition and Retention of successful business models dilutes
management and lack of transparency in High CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost): innovation.
startups. Heavy spending on marketing leads to 10.Cultural and Societal Barriers
• Example: Byju’s and Dunzo have faced unsustainable growth. • Risk Aversion: Traditional job security
corporate governance challenges. • Example: Indian consumers frequently preferences deter entrepreneurial ventures.
7.Infrastructure and Technological Barriers switch platforms, causing high churn rates. • Diverse Consumer Base: Customizing
• Deep Tech Innovation Crunch: India lags • Consumer Trust Issues: Startups struggle offerings to India’s varied cultures,
in cutting-edge tech R&D. to gain credibility in new markets. languages, and income groups is
• Example: India’s R&D spending was just 9.Scaling and Sustainability challenging.
0.7% of GDP in 2023, compared to 3.5% in • Profitability Paradox & Unsustainable • Distribution Desert: Reaching Tier-2 and
the US. Growth Models: Startups prioritize rapid Tier-3 cities requires overcoming logistical
• Rural Digital Divide: Poor internet expansion over financial stability. hurdles.
penetration affects rural startups. • Example: Housing.com faced financial
• Example: Agri-tech startups struggle to instability due to unsustainable growth.
scale due to low rural digital adoption. • Operational Inefficiencies: Adapting to

WAY FORWARD
1.Simplify Regulations & Compliance • Set up sector-specific research hubs focused on deep-tech areas
•M ake tax and labor rules easier for startups to follow, reducing like AI, biotech, and clean energy.
bureaucratic headaches. 4.Improve Digital & Physical Infrastructure
•E xpand regulatory sandboxes beyond fintech to include edtech, • Close the urban-rural digital gap so agritech and rural startups can
healthtech, and cleantech, allowing startups to test innovations safely. thrive.
2 Boost Access to Funding • Develop startup-friendly hubs in emerging cities with incubators,
• Strengthen domestic VC funds and offer better incentives for coworking spaces, and mentorship programs.
private investors to support startups. 5.Skill Development & Entrepreneurial Training
• Provide special funding for startups in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities and • Make entrepreneurship a core part of higher education under the
promote investment in women-led ventures. National Education Policy (NEP).
3.Stronger Industry-Academia Partnerships • Launch specialized training programs in AI, IoT, blockchain, and
• Encourage collaborative R&D projects between startups and green tech to build future-ready skills.
universities to drive innovation.

Back2Basics
GOVT. INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE STARUPS Here’s your information structured in a table format:
Government Initiative Key Details Impact & Scope
Startup India Programme Launched by DPIIT on 16th January 2016 to build Transformed India into a startup hub with multiple
a strong startup ecosystem and encourage job support programs.
creation.
Startup India Seed Fund Provides financial assistance to early-stage Boosts innovation and product development in
Scheme (SISFS) (2021) startups. initial phases.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Provides collateral-free funding through credit Enables startups to access easier funding without
Startups (CGSS) (2022) guarantees for loans by banks, NBFCs, and AIFs. the need for collateral.
Fund of Funds for Start- ₹10,000 crore corpus for funding support ₹7,980 crore committed to 99 AIFs as of 2024,
ups (FFS) (2016) through venture capital. fostering startup growth.
BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowl- Centralized platform for startup ecosystem Encourages innovation, collaboration, and easier
edge Access Registry) (2024) interaction and growth. access to resources.
Prime Minister’s Employment Launched by the MSME Ministry to promote Assisted 9.69 lakh micro-enterprises, generating
Generation Programme (PMEGP) micro-enterprises. ~79 lakh jobs. Second loan scheme: ₹1 crore
(manufacturing), ₹25 lakh (services).
Startup Village Entrepre- Part of DAY-NRLM (MoRD) to support rural 3,02,825 enterprises supported, creating
neurship Program (SVEP) entrepreneurs. 6,26,848 jobs.
TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incu- Focuses on AI, IoT, Blockchain, and emerging 51 incubators established, 1,235 startups
bation and Development of tech incubation. supported.
Entrepreneurs) (MeitY)
GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for ₹490 crore budget over 5 years to support Aims to assist 1,500+ startups in smaller cities.
Innovative Startups) (MeitY) startups in Tier-II & Tier-III cities.
Atal Innovation Mission Establishes Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) for Strengthens innovation culture and startup
(AIM) (NITI Aayog) physical infrastructure and startup support. incubation across India.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 69
 BURNING ISSUE #20

Profits or Perils
Should Rathole Mining Be Allowed to Continue?

Note4Students PYQs & Microthemes

Rat-hole mining in India, particularly in the northeastern states [UPSC 2013, GS-3] What are the consequences of illegal
of Meghalaya and Assam, represents a significant environmental mining? Discuss the ministry of environ ment and forests’
and social challenge. For UPSC aspirants, this issue links directly to concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
questions on illegal mining, its environmental consequences, and
regulatory mechanisms. The core of the debate lies in the contrast [UPSC 2019, GS-3] Coastal sand mining, whether legal or
between immediate financial gains from mining and the long-term illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment.
environmental and human costs. Understanding the legislative Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts,
framework, such as the NGT ban and Supreme Court rulings, citing specific examples
alongside regional challenges in enforcing national laws, is critical
for both environmental governance and law enforcement. For the Microthemes: Mining & Erosion
exam, focus on the broader implications of illegal mining in terms
of environmental governance, social issues, and human rights.
Emphasizing case studies like the Meghalaya and Nagaland
mining incidents will help substantiate arguments.

n i n e w o r k e r s w e r e t r a p p e d in a flooded
rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao
district, Assam that borders Meghalaya

RAT-HOLE MINING
Rat-hole mining is a primitive, labor-intensive, and highly hazardous
method of coal extraction. It involves digging extremely narrow
tunnels, typically 2-3 feet wide and 3-4 feet deep, where miners—often
children—crawl inside to extract coal. This practice is predominantly
found in northeastern India, especially in Meghalaya and Assam.

METHODS OF EXTRACTION IN RAT-HOLE MINING

1.Side-Cutting Procedure:
• Small tunnels are carved into hill slopes to access thin coal seams
(less than 2 meters in height).
• This method is common in hilly terrains.
2.Box-Cutting:
• A rectangular pit is first dug, followed by a vertical shaft.
• Miners then carve horizontal tunnels resembling rat holes to extract
coal.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 70
WHY DOES RAT-HOLE MINING PERSIST?
1. Economic Hardship: Limited job 2. Land Ownership Issues: Unclear land 3. H
 igh Demand for Coal: Continuous
opportunities push tribal communities titles and weak regulations allow illegal demand for both legal and illegal coal
into rat-hole mining as a means of survival. mining operations to exploit governance sustains the practice. Middlemen and
Immediate financial benefits, despite loopholes. Lack of enforcement makes it illegal traders fuel the underground coal
extreme risks, make it an attractive option difficult to curb such activities. market, making the industry difficult to
for impoverished workers. dismantle.

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH RAT-HOLE MINING

1. Safety Hazards: 2. Environmental Damage: 3. Social Issues:
•Frequent collapses in narrow tunnels trap •Deforestation, soil erosion, and water •Exploitation of child labor: Small-sized
miners, leading to fatalities. contamination are rampant due to tunnels require children for extraction.
•Poor ventilation causes suffocation and unregulated mining. •Displacement of local communities: Mining
increases the risk of lung diseases. •Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), caused by disrupts traditional livelihoods.
•Lack of safety measures results in frequent improper waste disposal, turns water bodies Reports:
accidents and deaths. acidic, harming biodiversity. • NGO Impulse found that 70,000 child
Examples: Examples: laborers—mostly from Bangladesh and
• 2024 Wokha mine explosion (Nagaland) – • Meghalaya: AMD turned the Lukha River Nepal—were employed in Meghalaya’s
Claimed 6 lives. acidic. rat-hole mines.
• 2018 Ksan mine flooding (Meghalaya) – • Nagaland: Mining polluted Wokha and
Led to the death of 17 miners. Mon district water sources and degraded
fertile lands.

REGULATING RATHOLE MINING

1. Legal Status in India: 3. Regulation in Meghalaya and Other Northeastern States
Rat-hole mining is illegal and falls under the jurisdiction of state/ Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:
district administrations. • Provides autonomy to tribal areas in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura,
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Ban (2014): NGT banned rat-hole and Assam.
mining due to frequent fatal accidents, especially during monsoons. • Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) control land and resources,
Supreme Court Ruling (2019): Upheld the NGT ban and declared rat- limiting central government oversight.
hole mining illegal under the Mines and Minerals (Development and • Conflicts arise between ADCs and national laws like the MMDR
Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). Act, 1957.

2. Regulation in Nagaland: 4. International Perspective:

Nagaland Coal Policy, 2006: Allows Small Pocket Deposit Licences • N o specific international law bans rat-hole mining.
(SPDLs) for landowners under strict conditions. • Global regulations promote sustainable mining and worker safety,
Article 371A: Grants Nagaland autonomy over land and resources, indirectly influencing nations to adopt safer practices.
making external regulation difficult.

WAY FORWARD:
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR SAFER AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES

1.Creating Alternative Livelihoods:

• Offer skill development programs in tourism, handicrafts, and other 5.Empowering Local Communities:
sustainable industries to help communities transition away from • Raise awareness about the dangers of rat-hole mining and its long-
mining. term consequences.
• Provide microfinance support to encourage small businesses and • Introduce training programs to help workers transition to safer jobs
alternative ventures. and sustainable livelihoods.

2.Adopting Safer Mining Practices:

• Implement safer techniques like bord-and-pillar mining or small-
scale mechanized mining to minimize risks while maintaining
economic viability.

3.Stronger Law Enforcement:

• Impose strict penalties and improve monitoring systems to crack
down on illegal mining.
• Equip regulatory bodies with better resources for effective oversight
and enforcement.

4.Investing in Renewable Energy:

• Promote solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to reduce
dependence on coal mining and create alternative employment
opportunities.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 71
Back2Basics
Rathole Mining Endangers Rat-hole mining poses significant risks to both human life and the ecology of the regions
Human Life And Ecology where it occurs, particularly in Meghalaya, India.

Human Life Ecology

1. Risk of Accidents and Deaths: Rat-hole mines are inherently 1. Environmental Degradation: The ecological impact of rat-hole
dangerous due to their unscientific and unsafe design. Miners often mining is profound. The method involves the clear-cutting of
have to navigate narrow, unprotected tunnels, which makes rescue vegetation and digging pits to extract coal, leaving behind scars on
operations extremely difficult in case of flooding or accidents. In the landscape. Satellite imagery reveals the extent of environmental
December 2018, a disaster in the East Jaintia Hills resulted in the damage, with large areas marked by unsightly pits. Furthermore, the
trapping of 15 miners, with many feared dead due to flooding. Such practice results in soil erosion and the destruction of local habitats,
incidents are not rare, as over 200 workers lost their lives between endangering wildlife.
2015 and 2017 in mining accidents. The mines are poorly ventilated, 2. W  ater Pollution: The extraction process releases untreated
and flooding from water bodies during the rainy season leads to waste and chemicals into nearby rivers, resulting in acidification.
deaths due to drowning or suffocation. The Kopili River, for example, has been polluted due to the mining
2. Child Labor and Exploitation: Children, often from impoverished activities, turning the water acidic and disrupting the local
communities or neighboring countries like Bangladesh, are ecosystem. The uncontrolled discharge of mining waste into water
exploited in these mines due to their smaller size, making it bodies contributes to the deterioration of water quality and aquatic
easier to maneuver through the tiny tunnels. This contributes to life.
severe human rights violations and loss of life among vulnerable 3. Air Pollution: The transportation and storage of coal, especially
populations. near rivers or roadsides, lead to significant air pollution. This, in
3. Poor Working Conditions: Workers face a high risk of injury due to turn, affects the health of local communities and wildlife.
falling rocks and accidents caused by the unstable structure of the 4. Deforestation: The clear-cutting of forests and vegetation to make
mines. The dangerous working conditions, coupled with the lack of way for mining operations has led to deforestation, which in turn
safety measures, make it an exploitative and deadly occupation. contributes to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

In conclusion, rat-hole mining, despite its economic allure to local

populations, results in catastrophic consequences for both human health and
the environment. The National Green Tribunal’s ban on this practice remains
unimplemented, allowing the continuation of a destructive cycle that costs
lives and damages the ecosystem.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 72
PRELIMS
TIDBIDS
JANUARY 2025

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 73
Economics
• E xcluded Schemes: Debt, sectoral, thematic, small-cap, and mid-
Mutual Credit Guarantee cap equity funds due to volatility.
• Encouraged to commit to 5 years (60 installments); premature
Scheme for MSME: withdrawal allowed.
• Investments via UPI auto pay or NACH to minimize costs.
• Provides 60% guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee
Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for loans up to Rs 100 crore
to eligible MSMEs for purchasing equipment/machinery.
• MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number are eligible. Inland Waterways
• Loan Guarantee up to Rs 100 crore, covering at least 75% of the
project cost for equipment or machinery. Authority of India (IWAI):
• For loans up to 50 crore: Repayment period of up to 8 years with a
moratorium of up to 2 years on principal installments. • I WAI upgraded its Varanasi office to a Regional Office, enhancing
• For loans above 50 crore: Extended repayment schedules and Inland Water Transport (IWT).
moratorium periods considered. • In National Waterway-1 (NW-1) across the Ganga River and other
• Upfront Contribution: 5% of the loan amount required at the time Uttar Pradesh waterways.
of guarantee cover application. • Varanasi joins Guwahati, Patna, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata
• Annual Guarantee Fee: ZERO in the year of sanction. as IWAI’s 6th regional office.
• 5% per annum of the outstanding loan as of March 31 of the previ- • Capacity enhancements for NW-2 (Brahmaputra), NW-3 (West
ous year for the next 3 years. Coast Canal), NW-16 (Barak River).
• 1% per annum • Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): World Bank-supported for NW-1
• Applies to all loans sanctioned under MCGS-MSME for 4 years capacity increase.
from the operational guidelines issue. • Activities: River conservancy (bandalling, dredging), terminal con-
• Or until a cumulative guarantee of Rs. 7 lakh crore is issued, struction (Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia, Kalughat, Farakka).
whichever is earlier. • 60 community jetties across UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal to
aid local economies.
• IWAI established in 1986 under IWAI Act, 1985.
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
eCoO 2.0 System: • Objective: Boost use of India’s 14,500 km of waterways, currently
only 2% of transport mix.
• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) launched the en-
• Responsibilities: Regulate and develop waterways for shipping and
hanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system.
navigation.
• Aim: To streamline export certification and improve trade efficiency.
• Develops IWT infrastructure with Ministry of Shipping funds.
• A digital platform for issuing Non-Preferential Certificates of
• Ensures safe, efficient navigation, integrating waterways into
Origin (CoO), effective January 1, 2025.
national transport.
• Aims to align with India’s Ease of Doing Business initiative by
• Manages and maintains navigation and shipping infrastructure.
improving trade facilitation, digital authentication, and document
• Oversees 111 national waterways under the National Waterways
processing.
Act, 2016.
• Mandatory online submission of CoO applications.
• Focuses on dredging, terminal construction, maintaining naviga-
• Allows exporters to authorize multiple users under a single Import-
bility.
er Exporter Code (IEC).
• Aadhaar-based e-Signing as an alternative to Digital Signature
Tokens, enhancing security and usability.
• Provides real-time access to eCoO services, FTA details, trade Fiscal Health Index, 2025:
events, and notifications.
• Enables exporters to request In-lieu CoO for rectifications on previ- • N ITI Aayog launched Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 to evaluate
ously issued CoOs. fiscal performance of 18 major states.
• Daily handling of 7,000+ eCoOs, integrating 125 issuing agencies, • Assesses Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilization, Fiscal
110 chambers of commerce, and 650+ issuing officers. Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
• Based on CAG data for FY 2022-23, analyzing trends from 2014-
15 to 2021-22.
• Focuses on states critical to GDP, demographics, public spend-
Sachetization of ing, and revenue.
• Top performers: Odisha (67.8) – Strong debt management and sus-
Mutual Funds: tainability; Chhattisgarh (55.2) – High fiscal prudence; Goa (53.6)
– Balanced fiscal practices.
• SEBI launching a Sachetization plan for small-ticket SIPs starting
• Underperformers: Kerala (29.7) – Weak debt sustainability and
at ₹250 per month.
expenditure quality; Punjab (28.4) – Low revenue mobilization, high
• Inspired by FMCG strategy of offering small, affordable units to
deficits; West Bengal (27.8) – Struggles with debt index and fiscal
access price-sensitive markets.
management. Andhra Pradesh (26.9) – High fiscal deficits.
• Allows low-income investors to start mutual funds with smaller
• Regional trends: Telangana (47.5) leads in South, while Tamil Nadu
investments.
(30.2), Kerala (29.7), Andhra Pradesh (26.9)
• Minimum SIP Amount: ₹250/month, targeting new mutual fund
• Top states allocate up to 73% for developmental expenditure
investors.
focused on growth.
• For new investors only; up to three ₹250 SIPs per investor across
AMCs.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 74
Commerce Ministry • C
terminals (BMCT, NSICT, GTIPL).
 ustoms facilities include 30 container freight stations and

sets a target of 10000 connectivity to 52 inland depots.

• Handles 9,000 TEU vessels, upgrading to 12,200 TEUs soon;

GI tags by 2030: processes 200 international ships monthly.

• Fourth Container Terminal operational by April 2025, adding 8
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry set a target of 10,000 GI million TEUs capacity.
tags by 2030. • Developing a satellite port at Vadhvan and dry ports at Jalna and
• GI identifies products with unique qualities linked to their geo- Wardha.
graphic origin. • JNPA handled 7.05 million TEUs in 2024, achieving its highest-ev-
• Governed by GI Act, 1999, effective from September 2003. er volume at 90% capacity utilization.
• Defined under WTO’s TRIPS Agreement (Article 22(1)). • 11% year-on-year growth, with Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal
• Managed by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. adding 2.4 million TEUs in Phase 2.
• Valid for 10 years, renewable upon expiry. • Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal upgrade in 2025 to boost capac-
• Darjeeling Tea was the first GI-tagged product (2004-05). ity further.
• Protects product identity, boosts economic growth, cultural • Total container handling capacity to rise from 7.6 million TEUs to
preservation, and exports. 10.4 million TEUs by 2027.Top of FormBottom of Form
• Registrar of GIs: Controller-General of Patents, Designs & Trade
Marks.
• GI register has 2 parts: Part A: Registration of GIs; Part B: Registra-
tion of authorized users.
National Turmeric Board:
• Application open to individuals, producer groups, or organiza- • I naugurated in New Delhi, with Palle Ganga Reddy as first Chair-
tions. person.
• Must include: Product quality, reputation, geographical factors, • Operates under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, HQ in Nizam-
manufacturing details, and location map. abad, Telangana.
• Review & approval: Scrutiny, objection process, and registration • Aims to enhance production, support farmers, and boost global
within 12 months. exports.
• Unopposed applications are published in the GI Journal before • Board Structure: Chaired by Central Government appointee,
registration. includes AYUSH, Pharma, Agriculture, Commerce Ministries, and
• Failure to complete registration in 12 months may lead to appli- rotating state reps.
cation abandonment. • Functions: Promotes turmeric’s medicinal properties, supports
farmers in 20 states, and facilitates research, value addition, and
trade.

Diamond Imprest • India leads in turmeric production (30+ varieties, 05 lakh ha,
10.74 lakh tonnes in 2023-24).

Authorization (DIA) Scheme: • Over 70% of global production, 62% of world exports; key mar-
kets: Bangladesh, UAE, US, Malaysia.
• Department of Commerce launched Diamond Imprest Authori- • GI-tagged varieties: Lakadong (Meghalaya), Kandhamal (Odisha),
zation (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s global diamond competitive- Erode (Tamil Nadu).
ness. • Turmeric NOT covered under MSP by the Centre.
• Allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds
under an export obligation of 10% value addition.
• Aims to retain India’s leadership in the diamond value chain and
enhance ease of doing business.
QS World Future Skills Index:
• Implementation from April 1, 2025. • P M lauds India’s 2nd rank in Digital Skills in the QS World Future
• Duty-free imports limited to diamonds under ¼ Carat (25 Cents). Skills Index, ahead of Canada & Germany.
• Eligibility: Two Star Export Houses and above; exporters with at • Launched by QS (UK-based firm), the index evaluates 190+ coun-
least USD 15 million annual exports. tries on job market readiness.
• Supports MSMEs, providing a level playing field against larger • Analyzes: 280M job postings, 5M employer skill demands, 17.5M
exporters. research papers.
• Inspired by global beneficiation policies in Botswana, Namibia, • 4 Indicators: (1) Skills Fit (workforce-employer alignment); (2)
Angola, requiring local cutting and polishing. Academic Readiness (higher education preparedness); (3) Future
• India processes 90% of the world’s diamonds, employing 5 mil- of Work (digital, AI, green skills readiness); (4) Economic Transfor-
lion people and contributing 19% of global exports. mation (innovation & sustainability capacity).
• Challenges: Exports fell from $23B (2022) to $16B (2023); rough • 4 Country Categories: Pioneers, Practitioners, Contenders
diamond imports dropped 5%, cut and polished diamond exports (India), Aspirants.
declined 34.6%. • India ranks 2nd globally in digital, AI, and green skills, leading in
• Inventory gap widened, with unsold diamonds returned to India tech & sustainability.
rising from 35% to 45.6% (FY 2022-24). • Perfect score in economic capacity, showing strong growth
potential.
• Weak in Skills Fit (59.1) & Sustainability Innovation (15.6), reveal-

Jawaharlal Nehru Port: ing education & innovation gaps.

• USA, UK, Germany lead as ‘Future Skills Pioneers’, excelling in
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai aims to be workforce readiness.
India’s first port handling 10 million TEUs annually by 2027.
• Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, covering 200 sq km, stra-
tegically linked to international shipping routes.
• India’s first 100% Landlord Major Port, operating five container

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 75
9 Years of Startup India: • N POP Portal streamlines operations for organic stakeholders.
• Organic Promotion Portal connects farmers, FPOs, and export-
• India marks 9 years of Startup India on January 16, 2025 (Na- ers with global buyers.
tional Startup Day), transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem. • TraceNet 2.0 ensures farm-to-market transparency and compli-
• Launched on January 16, 2016, to nurture startups, drive economic ance with global standards.
growth, & create jobs. • AgriXchange Portal connects international buyers and sellers,
• First announced on August 15, 2015, in PM’s Independence Day strengthening India’s position in the organic market.
speech. • Sets standards for organic production and accreditation, recog-
• Aims for 75+ startup hubs, boosting Tier-2 & Tier-3 city entrepre- nized by European Commission and Switzerland.
neurship. • India ranks 2nd globally in organic agricultural land.
• Stand-Up India (April 5, 2016) supports SC/ST & women entre- • Sikkim is the world’s first fully organic state; North East India
preneurs with loans ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore. has a strong tradition of organic farming.
• Focus on 3Cs: Capital, Courage, & Connections for startup • India has the highest number of organic producers globally, with
success. 3 million farmers.
• Removes restrictive policies (License Raj, foreign investment • 5 million hectares (2.5% of total agricultural land) certified organic
barriers, land permissions). by 2023-24.
• DPIIT defines startups as entities under 10 years old, turnover • MP, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan contribute 76% of India’s
below ₹100 crore, & focused on innovation & scalability. organic farming area.
• Startup types: Unicorn ($1B+), Decacorn ($10B+), Hectocorn
($100B+), Soonicorn (potential unicorn), Mincorn (under $1B).
• India ranks 3rd globally in startups after US & China.
• DPIIT-recognized startups grew from 500 (2016) - 1,59,157
National Livestock Mission:
(2025). • M inistry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying released
• 73,151 women-led startups by October 2024; 48% startups have NLM Operational Guidelines 2.0.
at least one woman director. • To enhance entrepreneurship, cluster-based development, and
• 6 lakh jobs created (2016–2024); 50% startups in Tier-2 & Tier-3 sustainability in livestock.
cities. • Financial aid through AHIDF, capacity building, and modern tech-
nology adoption are key focus areas.
• NLM-EDP Dashboard launched for real-time monitoring and

Production Linked Incentive transparency in livestock sector initiatives.

• Priority to poultry, dairy, and marginalized groups for equitable

(PLI) Scheme 1.1: growth and sectoral expansion.

• NLM launched in 2014-15, realigned in 2021-22 under White Rev-
•P LI Scheme 1.1 for Specialty Steel launched to boost domestic pro- olution – Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana to boost production
duction, cut imports, & strengthen India’s global steel market. and entrepreneurship.
• Covers FY 2025-26 to 2029-30 under a ₹6,322 crore budget. • Three sub-missions: Breed Improvement of Livestock & Poultry,
• 5 steel categories included: Coated Steel (construction, appli- Feed & Fodder Development, and Innovation & Extension.
ances), High Strength Steel (infrastructure, mining), Specialty Rails • 50% subsidy (up to ₹50 lakh) for horse, donkey, mule, and camel
(railways, metros), Alloy Steel & Wires (industrial use), Electrical conservation, and fodder seed processing infrastructure.
Steel (CRGO for transformers). • Livestock insurance with reduced premiums (15%) and higher
• Key changes: Lowered investment thresholds (CRGO steel at Centre-State funding (60:40 or 90:10) to support farmers.
₹3,000 crore, 50,000-tonne capacity), carry-forward provision for • Livestock sector grew at 7.9% CAGR (2014-21), contributing 30.1% to
excess production, and simplified participation norms (thresholds Agri-GDP (2020-21) and 4.35% to national GDP (2022-23).
cut to 50%). • India’s livestock population is 536.76 million, growing 4.8% since
• PLI Scheme 1.0 (2020) aimed at reducing imports, expanding do- 2012, with 12.5% of global cattle and 56.7% of buffalo popula-
mestic manufacturing, and job creation, initially covering mobiles, tion.
electronics, medical devices, later extended to 14 sectors with • Key Schemes: Rashtriya Gokul Mission (breed improvement), NAD-
₹7,350 crore outlay for IT hardware. CP (disease control), and AHIDF (₹3,731.4 crore approved projects).
• PLI Scheme 2.0 (2023) focused on IT hardware (laptops, tablets,
servers, PCs) with a ₹17,000 crore budget over 6 years, offering
~5% incentives and targeting ₹2,430 crore investment, ₹3.35
lakh crore production, and $12-17 billion exports by 2025-26.
Atomic Energy
• Job creation under PLI 2.0: 75,000 direct jobs, 2 lakh indirect jobs,
with different incentive caps for global, hybrid, and domestic firms.
Commission (AEC):
• R econstituted to include new members in key positions.
• AEC governs the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) under the

National Programme for direct charge of PM.

• Established on August 3, 1948, reconstituted as Atomic Energy

Organic Production (NPOP): Commission of India on March 1, 1954 with enhanced autonomy.
• First Chairperson: Homi J. Bhabha (1948–1966); headquartered in
• 8th edition of NPOP launched by Ministry of Commerce & Indus- Mumbai, Maharashtra.
try, aiming for ₹20,000 crore organic exports in 3 years. • Supports nuclear research labs and funds autonomous institutes
• Launched in 2001, implemented by APEDA under the Ministry of in the field.
Commerce & Industry. • Undertakes exploration and extraction of atomic minerals for
• Focuses on accreditation, organic production standards, and industrial use.
promoting organic farming. • Played a key role in India’s first nuclear test at Pokhran, Rajas-
• New features in 8th edition: Simplified certification for grower than (May 18, 1974).
groups, replacing Internal Control System (ICS). • Composed of a Chairperson, scientists, and policymakers, guid-
ing nuclear strategy and decision-making.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 76
• Recommends nuclear energy policies, oversees the nuclear pro-
gram, and ensures safety compliance. Future of Jobs Report, 2025:
• Collaborates internationally for peaceful nuclear energy develop- • W EF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts 170 million new
ment and security. jobs by 2030, driven by technology, demographics, and the green
• Operates 6 major research centers: (1) BARC (Mumbai); (2) transition.
IGCAR (Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu); (3) RRCAT (Indore, Madhya • Based on insights from 1,000+ global companies, covering 14
Pradesh); (4) VECC (Kolkata, West Bengal); (5) AMD (Hyderabad, million workers across 22 industries in 55 economies.
Telangana); (6) GCNEP (Bahadurgarh, Haryana). • Identifies emerging and declining job roles, skill trends, and the
impact of global shifts on labor markets.
• 78 million net job increase expected after accounting for 92 mil-
Bharat Cleantech lion displaced roles.
• Fast-growing roles: AI specialists, big data experts, FinTech engi-
Manufacturing Platform: neers, and farmworkers.
• Clerical jobs like data entry and cashier roles are declining due to
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry launched the BCMP at automation.
the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi. • 39% of skills will change by 2030, with higher demand for AI
• The initiative aims to strengthen cleantech value chains in solar, proficiency, creative thinking, and resilience.
wind, hydrogen, and battery storage. • 85% of businesses investing in upskilling, emphasizing reskilling
• It positions India as a global cleantech leader, attracting interna- programs.
tional investors. • Collaboration among governments, academia, and industries is
• Provides a platform for manufacturing scale-up and knowledge key to bridging the skills gap.
exchange. • WEF, founded in 1971, publishes reports like the Global Com-
• Enhances India’s appeal as a cleantech investment hub. petitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, and Energy
• Supports India’s 500 GW clean energy target by 2030. Transition Index.
• Bharat Climate Forum 2025 brought together policymakers, indus-
try leaders, and stakeholders.
• Focused on aligning India’s clean energy initiatives with global
climate goals under UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. NITI Aayog completes
• Discussions emphasized India’s progress in meeting Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs). 10 years:
• Highlighted India’s early achievement of its 2022 renewable • N ITI Aayog completed a decade on 1st January 2025, replacing
energy targets, with 200 GW capacity reached 8 years ahead of the Planning Commission in 2015 for a market-driven economy.
schedule. • It is an advisory body, created by a Union Cabinet resolution, with
• Promoted the 3S principles—Speed, Scale, and Skill for swift no constitutional or statutory status.
implementation, large-scale adoption, and workforce development in • Twin mandate: Monitor SDGs implementation and promote com-
renewable energy. petitive & cooperative federalism.
• Composition: Chaired by the Prime Minister, with CMs, Lt. Gover-
nors, Vice Chairperson, and Ex-Officio Members.
National River Traffic • Regional Councils address issues affecting multiple states or
regions.
and Navigation • CEO appointed by the PM with a fixed tenure, holding Secre-
tary-level rank.
System (NRT&NS): • Key reports: SAFE Accommodation (2024), Edible Oil Strategy
(2024), ITI Transformation (2023), CCUS Policy (2022), Responsible
• IWAI under MoPSW launched the NRT&NS for safer, efficient, and AI (2022).
sustainable inland water transport. • Major indexes: Composite Water, District Hospital, Export Pre-
• The system modernizes inland navigation using real-time data paredness, Global Innovation, and Multidimensional Poverty.
and technology for eco-friendly and cost-effective transport. • Other indexes: School Education, SDG India, State Energy, and
• Key features: GPS-based real-time monitoring, centralized State Health.
traffic control, and digital platforms for cargo tracking and route • NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in policy formulation, innovation,
planning. and economic planning.
• Integrated infrastructure aims to streamline operations and re-
duce delays while boosting economic growth and sustainability.
• Deployment covers major National Waterways: (1) NW 1 (Ganga):
Haldia to Varanasi cargo routes. (2) NW 2 (Brahmaputra): Key cor- FAO Statistical
ridor in the Northeast. (3) NW 3, NW 4, NW 5: Supporting regional
trade and tourism. Yearbook, 2024:
• India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways, with 111 National • F AO released the 2024 Statistical Yearbook, analyzing global
Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016. agrifood systems.
• Operational NWs increased by 767% since 2014. • Agricultural value grew 89% from 2000 to 2022, reaching $3.8
• Cargo traffic rose from 18 million tonnes (2013-14) to 133 million trillion.
tonnes (2023-24), with a CAGR of 22%. • Workforce in agriculture declined from 40% in 2000 to 26% in
• Infrastructure investments surged by 233% post-2014, with ma- 2022, reflecting economic shifts.
jor projects like (1) Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Focused on NW • Food insecurity worsened, with 733 million undernourished
1 (Ganga); (2) Arth Ganga: Boosting local economies along NW 1. people in 2023, up by 152 million since 2019.
• River cruise tourism expanded, with 25 vessels operational in • Obesity rates rising, with over 25% of adults in the Americas,
2023-24, up from just 3 in 2013-14. Europe, and Oceania classified as obese.
• Despite progress, India’s IWT share remains low compared to • Crop production increased 56%, reaching 6 billion tonnes in
global standards.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 77
 2022, led by sugarcane, maize, wheat, and rice. • N ortheast Achievers: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Meat production rose 55%, with chicken surpassing pork as the • UT Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi.
most-produced meat in 2022. • Fast Movers: Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Me-
• Pesticide use jumped 70%, with the Americas accounting for ghalaya, Mizoram, J&K.
half of global usage. • Aspirers: Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Ladakh.
• Inorganic fertilizer consumption hit 185 million tonnes in 2022, a
37% rise since 2000.
• GHG emissions from agrifood systems increased 10% (2000–
2022), with livestock responsible for 54% of farm-gate emissions. Banana Cultivation in India:
• Water scarcity severe in the Near East & North Africa, where • I ndia’s banana exports have increased 10x in a decade, targeting
some nations withdraw 40 times their renewable freshwater $1 billion in the next five years.
resources • Production in 2022-23 was 9 million metric tons.
• FAO, founded in 1945, is a UN agency headquartered in Rome • Second most important fruit after mango, contributing 33% to
focusing on hunger eradication, nutrition, and food security. total fruit production.
• Supports agrifood development, provides statistical data, and • Largest producer globally, accounting for 5% of world production
monitors global trends. (FAO, 2021).
• Conducts research, offers policy recommendations, and pro- • Andhra Pradesh leads with 56.84 lakh tonnes (16.5% of national
motes sustainable agriculture. output), followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• Publishes annual reports tracking key food system challenges • Grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures
and trends.Bottom of Form 15°C–35°C and high humidity.
• Common varieties: Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Grand Naine, Nen-
dran, Rasthali, Poovan, Red Banana, Monthan, Basrai, and Malbhog.
10 years of UJALA (Unnat • Requires well-drained loamy soil (pH 5–7.5) and 1,800–2,000 mm
water annually, often using drip irrigation.
Jyoti by Affordable • Fusarium Wilt is the most common banana disease.
• Planting seasons vary by state: Maharashtra: Kharif (June–July),
LEDs for All) Scheme: Rabi (Oct–Nov). Tamil Nadu: Feb–April, Nov–Dec; Kerala: April–
May (rainfed), Aug–Sept (irrigated).
• The UJALA scheme, launched on January 5, 2015, has completed
a decade of success.
• Initially called Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), it
promotes energy-efficient LED appliances. Restructured Weather
• Recognized as the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting
initiative. Based Crop Insurance
• Implemented by EESL under the Ministry of Power.
• Uses competitive bidding to lower LED prices. Scheme (RWBCIS):
• LEDs distributed via DISCOMs and designated centers.  xtended PMFBY and RWBCIS until 2025-26 with ₹824.77 crore
• e
• Real-time e-procurement and transparency audits ensure ac- allocated for tech improvements.
countability. • PMFBY covers all natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest,
• Affordable pricing: LED bulbs at ₹70, tube lights at ₹220. including droughts, floods, and pests.
• 90% less energy consumption than incandescent lamps, 50% • Farmers pay 5% for rabi, 2% for kharif, and 5% for cash crops,
less than CFLs. with the rest subsidized by the government.
• Lower electricity bills and reduced annual costs for households. • It offers financial assistance to stabilize farmer income and pro-
• Over 407 crore LED bulbs sold, transforming the Indian lighting mote modern farming.
market. • Tech integration includes YES-TECH for yield estimation and
• Significant carbon reduction, supporting India’s climate goals. WINDS for weather data collection.
• RWBCIS protects against weather risks like rainfall, tempera-
ture, wind, and humidity fluctuations.
Logistics Ease Across • It provides insurance for food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/
horticultural crops, reducing losses from droughts and floods.
Different States • PMFBY covers crop failure, while RWBCIS compensates based
on weather deviations.
(LEADS), 2024: • PMFBY uses crop-cutting experiments, while RWBCIS relies on
weather data and predefined thresholds.
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry released the 6th LEADS 2024 • PMFBY has fixed premium rates (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5%
report, assessing logistics efficiency across states. for horticulture), while RWBCIS rates vary based on weather risk.
• LEADS is an annual assessment promoting inter-state competi- • PMFBY covers all notified crops in an area, while RWBCIS ap-
tiveness and logistics improvements. plies to weather-induced losses.
• Inspired by the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), • PMFBY was initially mandatory for loaned farmers but became
it was launched in 2018. voluntary from Kharif 2020, while RWBCIS is open to all farmers,
• Objective: Evaluates logistics efficiency, identifies reforms, and including sharecroppers.
attracts investments. • PMFBY ensures financial support for failed crops, while RWBCIS
• 4 key evaluation pillars: (1) Logistics Infrastructure; (2) Logistics offers faster payouts triggered by weather deviations.
Services; (3) Operating & Regulatory Environment; (4) Sustainable • PMFBY follows a loss-based compensation model, whereas
Logistics (added in 2024). RWBCIS provides automatic payouts without extensive damage
• State rankings in 2024: Coastal Achievers: Gujarat, Karnataka, assessment.
Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu.
• Landlocked Achievers: Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttara-
khand.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 78
Tobacco Board of India: • It works on market promotion, price stabilization, and quality
control.
• Established on Jan 1, 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975. • Tobacco is drought-tolerant, short-duration, and grows on less
• It operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry with HQ in profitable soils.
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. • It covers 45 million ha, accounting for 0.27% of India’s net culti-
• Its objective is to promote the orderly development of the tobacco vated area.
industry in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. • India produces ~750 million kg of tobacco annually.
• It regulates production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia • It is the 2nd largest producer (after China) and 2nd largest ex-
tobacco. porter (after Brazil).
• It issues licenses for growers, manufacturers, exporters, and deal- • 300 million kg of FCV tobacco is grown on 20 million ha, while
ers. 450 million kg of non-FCV comes from 0.25 million ha.
• It collaborates with research institutes to develop better crop • India contributes 10% of global acreage and 9% of world produc-
varieties. tion.

Governance
• F ounded on June 19, 2003, NIXI is a not-for-profit under MeitY,
10 Years of Sukanya driving internet penetration & adoption in India.
• Key Services: Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), .IN domain registry,
Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): and IRINN (IPv4 & IPv6 adoption).
• SSY completed 10 years on January 22, 2025.
• Launched on January 22, 2015, under Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
• A small deposit scheme by the Ministry of Finance for girl chil- Lokpal and Lokayukta:
dren.
• 1 crore+ accounts opened as of November 2024. • 1 2 years since enactment, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013
• Aims to support education and marriage expenses and ensure has had limited impact, with 24 investigations and 6 prosecution
financial security for girls. sanctions.
• Eligibility: Girls under 10 years; max 2 accounts per family (excep- • First ARC (1966) recommended an anti-corruption ombudsman
tions for twins/triplets). for India.
• Deposits: ₹250 minimum, ₹1.5 lakh maximum annually; deposits • Multiple Lokpal Bills (1971-2008) failed to pass.
for 15 years. • Anna Hazare’s 2011 Jan Lokpal movement led to the Lokpal and
• Withdrawals: Partial: 50% after 18 years or 10th standard com- Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
pletion for education; Full: Allowed for marriage (18+ years) with • Act provides for: Lokpal (Centre) and Lokayuktas (States) to
proof. address public servant corruption.
• Interest: Monthly calculation on the lowest balance, credited • Lokpal covers PM (with exceptions), Union Ministers, MPs, and
annually. central officials.
• Premature closure: Allowed for medical emergencies or guard- • Selection by President based on PM, LoP, CJI, and an eminent
ian’s death. jurist’s recommendation.
• Interest rate: 9.2% per annum (w.e.f. 1-4-2015), compounded yearly. • Lokayukta functions at state level, covering CMs, Ministers,
• Tax benefits: Investments and returns tax-free under Section MLAs, and state officials.
80C. • Powers: Investigates corruption, confiscates illegal assets, refers
• Managed by guardian till 18 years, matures in 21 years. cases to CBI, submits reports to President/Governor.
• Can be opened/transferred at banks or post offices. • Lokpal Structure: Chairperson + 8 members (50% SC/ST/OBC/
• Marriage closure requires proof of age and marriage documents. Minorities/Women), 5-year tenure, removal by President after SC
inquiry.
• Lokayukta Structure: Varies by state, generally follows Lokpal
model, removal by Governor.
Internet Governance
Internship and Capacity
Building (IGICB) Scheme:
• NIXI launched IGICB Scheme to enhance expertise in Internet
Governance (IG) among Indian citizens.
• Initiative under MeitY, aims to develop IG talent, increase global
participation, and promote digital inclusivity.
• Internships offered for 3 & 6 months, with mentorship from
ICANN, APNIC & academic advisors.
• Stipend of ₹20,000/month, biometric-verified applications via
NIXI Scheme Portal.
• Global exposure through collaboration with ICANN, ISOC, IEEE,
focusing on cybersecurity, IG & digital policy.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 79
Polity
• R ight to Access to Justice ensures people can seek remedies
Doctrine of Merger: through formal or informal legal institutions.
• SC in Anita Kushwaha (2016) recognized it as a Fundamental
• Supreme Court clarifies “Doctrine of Merger”, stating that only
Right under Articles 14 & 21.
one final decree/order can govern a case.
• Preamble ensures social, economic, and political justice.
• When a higher court rules, its decision overrides and replaces the
• Article 39A guarantees free legal aid under DPSP.
lower court’s order.
• Articles 32 & 226 uphold the right to constitutional remedies.
• Doctrine of Merger ensures that once a superior court disposes
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) expanded locus standi, allowing
of a case, the lower court’s decree merges with it.
public-spirited individuals to seek justice.
• Applies to appeals, revisions, and reviews, ensuring a single bind-
• Alternative Dispute Redressal (ADR) enables faster, cost-effec-
ing and enforceable decree.
tive resolution with minimal formalities.
• Prevents multiple operative orders, maintaining clarity in legal
enforcement.
• Scope: The higher court’s decision confirms, modifies, or over-
turns the lower court’s ruling, making it the final authority. State Public Service
• Effect: The lower court’s decree is no longer independently en-
forceable. Commission (SPSC):
• Kunhayammed v. State of Kerala (2000) confirmed that the high-
er court’s ruling replaces the lower court’s decision. • T he Vice President inaugurated the 25th National Conference of
• Ensures higher forum decisions take precedence in appeals and SPSC Chairpersons in Bengaluru.
revisions. • SPSCs are independent constitutional bodies under Articles
• Logic: “Only one decree or order can govern the same subject 315-323, modeled on UPSC, handling state service recruitment.
matter at a time.” • Established by the GoI Act 1935 after Lee Commission (1924)
recommendations.
• Chairman and members are appointed by Governor, with at least
50% having 10 years of govt service.
Fast Track Immigration • Tenure: 6 years or until 62 years of age; Governor controls ser-
vice conditions and temporary appointments.
Trusted Traveller • Removal requires Presidential action after a Supreme Court
inquiry.
Program (FTI- TTP): • Conducts state civil service exams, advises on promotions,
transfers, and disciplinary cases.
• FTI-TTP to expand to 7 major Indian airports from January 16,
• Annual report submitted to the Governor, presented to the State
2025, ensuring faster immigration for Indian nationals and OCI
Legislature.
cardholders.
• Expenses are charged on Consolidated Fund, ensuring indepen-
• Launched under ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ to establish world-class
dence.
immigration facilities and enhance international mobility.
• Members can be appointed to UPSC or another SPSC but not
• Bureau of Immigration (MHA) is the nodal agency for implementa-
other govt positions.
tion.
• Introduced on June 22, 2024, at Delhi’s IGI Airport.
• Phase 1: Covers Indian nationals and OCI cardholders; Phase 2:
Will include foreign travelers. Panchayat Se Parliament
• Initially free, with expansion planned to 21 airports by 2025.
• Uses e-gates for automated border clearance, reducing process- 2.0 Initiative:
ing time.
• Travelers scan boarding pass & passport, followed by biometric • L ok Sabha inaugurated “Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0”, educating
authentication. 500+ women representatives on governance and parliamentary
• Membership valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, procedures.
whichever is earlier. • Organized by National Commission for Women, Lok Sabha Secre-
• Passport must have a minimum 6-month validity at the time of tariat, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with 502 ST women from 22
registration. states/UTs
• White-listed trusted travelers get faster clearance while main- • Aims to empower women leaders, enhance governance knowledge,
taining security standards. and recognize contributions in education and rural development.
• First edition (Jan 2024) involved 500+ women sarpanches.
• NCW, a statutory body, was established on 31 Jan 1992 under the
National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
Right to Access to Justice • Key safeguards under Articles 15(3), 14, and 21 protect women’s
rights.
Not Absolute: SC • Chairperson nominated by the Centre, with 5 experts and SC/ST
representation.
• SC imposed a penalty on a petitioner for filing frivolous litigations,
• NCW issues policy consultations, investigates laws, and handles
burdening the judicial system.
women’s rights violations.
• Frivolous litigation lacks any legal or factual basis and aims to
• Campaigns against dowry, labor exploitation, police abuse, and
harass or delay justice.
workplace inequality.
• Earlier cases: Subrata Roy Sahara (2014), Dalip Singh (2010),
• Monitors women’s welfare, recommends legal reforms, and sub-
K.C. Tharakan (2023) addressed similar issues.
mits annual reports.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 80
International Relations
• D arfur Region: Conflict-prone area in western Sudan, affected by
Kurdistan Region: ethnic violence and resource conflicts since 2003.
• Known for one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with mass
killings and displacement.
• Tensions exist between Arab pastoralists and non-Arab farming
communities.
• Janjaweed militias, backed by the Sudanese government, evolved
• India sent into Rapid Support Forces (RSF), influencing ongoing instability.
humanitarian • Located in western Sudan, bordering Chad, Libya, and the Central
aid to Iraq’s African Republic.
Kurdistan • Covers an area of about 493,180 sq. km, nearly the size of France.
region. • Predominantly arid and semi-arid, with significant desertification
• Populated affecting the region.Bottom of Form
by Kurds
across Iraq,
Iran, Syria,
Turkey. Golden Triangle Special
• Governed by
the Kurdis- Economic Zone (GTSEZ):
tan Regional • I ndian Embassy rescued 67 Indian nationals trafficked and forced
Government to work in cyber scam centres in GTSEZ.
(KRG), north- • GTSEZ is in Bokeo Province, Laos, near Thailand and Myanmar.
ern Iraq. • Located in the Golden Triangle, historically linked to opium pro-
• Kurds seek independence and greater autonomy. duction and drug trafficking.
• Geographically spans Zagros Mountains, fertile plains; rich in oil, • Established for tourism, trade, and investment but criticized for
gas. human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illicit gambling.
• Controls vital border regions and trade routes, impacting stability. • Lao PDR (Laos): Gained independence from France (1953); Com-
• Kurdish autonomy tensions with Iraq, Turkey. munist Pathet Lao took control in 1975, abolishing monarchy.
• Kurdish Peshmerga combat ISIS, secure northern Iraq. • One-party communist state ruled by Lao People’s Revolutionary
• KRG maintains Western diplomacy, lacks full sovereignty. Party (LPRP).
• Economy driven by hydropower, mining, and agriculture, but
remains one of ASEAN’s least developed nations.
Sudan’s Darfur Region: • Landlocked, borders China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myan-
mar; Mekong River supports trade, agriculture, and hydropower.
• Heavily bombed in the US Secret War (1964–1973); ASEAN mem-
ber since 1997, active in regional diplomacy.
• Heavy Chinese investment under BRI, raising debt sustainability
concerns.

Kampala Declaration:
• E xtraordinary African Union Summit on CAADP in Kampala,
Uganda, concluded with the Kampala Declaration.
• Successor to Malabo Declaration (2014–2025), focusing on mod-
ern, climate-smart agriculture.
• Aligned with CAADP & African Union Agenda 2063, aiming for
sustainable agricultural transformation.
• Post-Malabo agenda (2026–2035) adopted, with strategies for
implementation & monitoring.
• Promotes climate-smart innovations, integrating agriculture,
nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
• Acknowledges global challenges like COVID-19 & geopolitical
disruptions impacting food security.
• Takes an agri-food systems approach, addressing issues across
the food value chain.
• Emphasizes environmental sustainability, ensuring access to
diverse, nutritious diets.
• Strengthens resilience to withstand climate, economic, and
geopolitical shocks.

• 70 people killed in a drone strike on the last functioning hospital in

North Darfur’s capital.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 81
Kerch Strait: • M ember countries can request INTERPOL’s help in gathering intelli-
gence on criminal assets.
• Shared globally with 196 INTERPOL members, while Diffusions
enable targeted cooperation with specific nations.
• Italy requested the first Silver Notice, tracing assets of a senior
mafia member.
• Governed under Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, preventing
political interference.
• Strengthens global efforts against organized crime by targeting
illicit financial networks.
• INTERPOL, founded in 1923, facilitates international police coop-
eration and crime control.
• India joined in 1956, with CBI as its designated National Central
Bureau (NCB).

Trinidad and Tobago:

• Russian ships spilled 3,350 tonnes of fuel into Kerch Strait,
threatening biodiversity.
• Kerch Strait links Black Sea & Sea of Azov, a key maritime route.
• Located between Crimea & Russia, spans 41 km long, 4-15 km
wide.
• Kerch-Yenikalsky Canal enables larger vessels to navigate.
• Ports of Kavkaz & Kerch serve as major cargo hubs.
• Geopolitical hotspot since Russia’s Crimea annexation (2014).
• Crimean Bridge (2018) provides direct Russia-Crimea link.

UN Committee of Experts on
Big Data and Data Science for
Official Statistics (UN-CEBD):
• India joined the UN-CEBD, enhancing its role in global data gover-
nance.
• Established in 2014, during the 45th session of the UN Statistical
Commission, with Australia as the first Chair.
• Focuses on big data and data science to improve official statis-
tics and SDG monitoring. • T rinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on December
• Develops global programs for big data use in statistics and ad- 30, 2024, due to rising violence.
dresses cross-border data sharing challenges. • Located in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela.
• Governance structure includes an Advisory Board for oversight • Comprises Trinidad (4,768 sq. km) and Tobago (300 sq. km),
and a UN Bureau for operations. totaling 5,128 sq. km.
• Implements capacity-building programs and promotes global • Tropical climate, with a dry season (Jan–May) and rainy season
collaboration. (June–Dec).
• Uses IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data for real-time • Population ~1.5 million, with African (36.3%), Indian (35.4%), and
analytics. Mixed (22.8%)
• Establishes global standards for ethical data use and cross-border • Religions: Christianity (64%), Hinduism (18%), Islam (5%), and
sharing. others.
• Strengthens India’s statistical capabilities and supports evi- • Capital: Port of Spain (Trinidad).
dence-based policymaking. • Other cities: San Fernando, Chaguanas, and Scarborough (Tobago).
• Enhances SDG tracking and showcases India’s leadership in • Parliamentary democracy, part of the Commonwealth of Na-
data-driven governance. tions.
• Independence from the UK on August 31, 1962, became a repub-
lic in 1976.

INTERPOL publishes • Major ports: Port of Spain, Point Lisas, and Scarborough.
• Airports: Piarco International (Trinidad) and A.N.R. Robinson Inter-

first Silver Notice: national (Tobago).

• Key LNG and petrochemical exporter, supplying the S., Europe,
• INTERPOL issued its first Silver Notice, expanding its color-coded and Latin America.
system to target criminal assets. • Strategically located between North and South America at a major
• Helps trace, locate, and recover properties, vehicles, financial trade crossroads.
accounts, and businesses linked to crimes. • Founding member of CARICOM, promoting regional economic
• Launched in 2023, the pilot phase involves 52 countries and runs integration and security.
until November 2025. • Active in the Commonwealth and UN, advocating for climate resil-
ience and sustainability.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 82
Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod • R
 ussian gas transit through Ukraine ends on January 1 as Naf-
togaz declines renewal of its agreement with Gazprom.

Pipeline: • The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, also called the Brother-

hood pipeline, is a key gas export route from Russia to Europe via
Ukraine.
• It starts at the Urengoy gas field in northwest Siberia and reaches
Uzhhorod, near the Slovakian border.
• The pipeline covers 4,500 km, with 1,160 km in Ukraine.
• Commissioned in 1984, it has been a vital energy link between
Russia and Europe.
• Gas flows from Siberia through Sudzha, in Russia’s Kursk region,
now under Ukrainian control.
• It continues through Ukraine into Slovakia, branching into the
Czech Republic and Austria.
• Transdniestria, bordering Ukraine, also receives Russian gas via
this route.

Security Issues
• U ses guided micro-munitions to engage and destroy drones.
Central Suspect • Can launch over 64 micro-missiles simultaneously, countering
swarm drone formations.
Registry (CSR): • Mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment in varied
terrains, including high altitudes.
• Blocked over 6 lakh fraudulent transactions, saving ₹1,800 crore
• Versatile design, adapted to operate across different terrains as per
in three months, as per MHA.
Indian military needs.
• Strengthens fraud risk management by maintaining a cybercrime
suspect registry.
• Contains data on 4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud
and cybercrimes. Commissioning of INS
• Created by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under
MHA. Nilgiri, INS Surat, and
• Accessible to states, UTs, central agencies, intelligence agen-
cies, and financial institutions. INS Vaghsheer:
• Developed with inputs from banks and financial institutions, con-
solidating cybercrime-related data. • I NS Nilgiri: First ship of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class stealth frigates),
• Integrated with NCRP, using data from the National Cybercrime built by MDL & GRSE.
Reporting Portal for identifying cybercriminals. • Designed for multi-mission deep-sea operations, equipped with
• Supports fraud detection by enabling financial institutions and law supersonic missiles, MRSAMs, and advanced weaponry.
enforcement to block fraudulent activities. • Keel laid in Dec 2017, launched in Sep 2019, delivered in Dec
• RBI directed all banks to integrate CSR for fraud prevention. 2024.
• Enhances anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• INS Surat: Last ship of Project 15B (stealth guided missile de-
stroyers), built by MDL.
Bhargavastra Counter- • Equipped with AI-enabled systems, surface-to-air missiles, tor-
pedoes, and COGAG propulsion.
Drone Micro Missiles: • Commissioned in 2024, follows Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and
Imphal.
• India Army successfully tested, its first domestically developed
• India’s first AI-enabled warship with advanced IT tools.
micro-missile system to counter swarm drone threats.
• INS Vaghsheer: Last Scorpene-class submarine under Project
• Bhargavastra is a micro-missile-based counter-drone system,
75, built in collaboration with French Naval Group.
developed to tackle increasing drone threats.
• Features diesel-electric propulsion, wire-guided torpedoes, mod-
• Detects and neutralizes small aerial vehicles beyond 6 km range.
ular AIP upgrade design.
• Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd for the Indian Army, with
• Sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, follows Kalvari, Khan-
interest from the Indian Air Force.
deri, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir.
• Cost-effective solution to counter drone threats while preserving
• Strengthens India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
advanced air defense systems.
• Detection range exceeds 6 km for identifying small aerial threats.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 83
MHA launches BharatPo: Coastal Security
• Union Home Minister launched Bharatpol, a CBI-developed portal
for law enforcement collaboration.
Scheme (CSS):
• Bharatpol connects Indian police with Interpol, linking 195 mem- • 1 3 coastal states & UTs flagged non-operational boats, fund
ber countries for global crime tracking. shortages, and manpower gaps in CSS review.
• Replaces outdated letters and faxes with real-time digital tools for • CSS strengthens security across 7,516.6 km coastline & 1,382
faster cooperation. offshore islands.
• Aims to equip law enforcement with modern technology to combat • Overseen by MHA’s Border Management Dept., with coastal
transnational crimes. states, UTs & ICG.
• Facilitates investigations into cybercrime, drug trafficking, orga- • Core goal: Enhance infrastructure, resources & coordination for
nized crime, and radicalization. better surveillance & emergency response.
• Integrates CBI’s role as Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB- • Phase I (2005–2011): ₹646 crore, 73 police stations, 97 check-
New Delhi). posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 boats, 153 jeeps, 312
• Provides faster Interpol Notice processing, data sharing, and motorcycles.
training resources. • Phase II (2011–2020): ₹1,579.91 crore, 131 police stations, 60
• 5 Modules of Bharatpol: Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, jetties, 10 marine centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, 242
Broadcast, Resources. motorcycles.
• Allows instant access to Interpol’s 19 criminal databases for • Infra Development: Police stations, jetties, barracks, marine cen-
investigations. ters.
• Enhances fugitive tracking and improves India’s role in global law • Marine Patrolling: Interceptor boats for quick response.
enforcement cooperation. • Training: Marine police trained at National Academy of Coastal
Policing, Gujarat.
• Tech Integration: Linked with Coastal Surveillance Network
(CSN) for real-time monitoring.
• Phase III Plans: Bigger boats, more manpower, new jetties, insur-
ance for marine police.

Enviro & Biodiversity

• Widely used in civilian and military applications.
Earth’s magnetic North Pole - Provides accurate data on Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic
North Pole location.
is shifting toward Siberia: • Updated every five years; the latest version, WMM2025, was
released on December 17, 2024, valid until late 2029.
• Developed jointly by the US National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency (NGA) and UK’s Defence Geographic Centre (DGC), with
support from NCEI and the British Geological Survey (BGS).
• Magnetic North Pole Movement: Driven by dynamic flow of mol-
ten iron and metals in Earth’s outer core.
• Causes shifts in magnetic field lines, leading to pole drift.
• First identified in Canada in 1831, now moved over 400 km toward
Russia.
• Movement rate: 55 km/year from 1990 to 2000, slowed to 35
km/year by 2015.
• Current trend: Moving closer to Siberia due to Earth’s core changes.
• Affects navigation systems, aviation routes, and Earth’s magnetic
shielding against solar radiation.

Wetland City
Accreditation (WCA):
• I ndore and Udaipur included among 31 WCA worldwide under the
Ramsar Convention.
• Indore: Known as India’s cleanest city and winner of the Smart
• Earth’s magnetic north pole is in constant motion due to changes
City 2023 Award.
in the Earth’s molten core.
• Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site, supports large water bird congregations
• Currently moving from the Arctic Ocean above Canada towards
and is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
Siberia.
• Over 200 wetland mitras focus on conservation, especially pro-
• World Magnetic Model (WMM): Standard model used for naviga-
tecting the Sarus Crane.
tion, attitude, and heading referencing systems.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 84
• Udaipur: Renowned for its beautiful lakes such as Pichola, Fateh • F lows through Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ra-
Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. manathapuram, covering 258 km before draining into Palk Strait.
• Wetlands crucial for maintaining the city’s microclimate and provid- • Major towns along the river include Madurai.
ing a buffer against extreme weather. • Keeladi, an important historical site, is also located on its banks.
• WCA introduced during COP 12 (2015) of the Ramsar Convention. • Major tributaries: Suruliyar, Varaha, Manjalar, Kottagudi, Kridhu-
• Accreditation valid for 6 years. maal.
• Criteria: Presence of one or more Ramsar sites or significant • Minor tributaries: Sambanadi, Kumilaar, Utharakosa Mangaiyar.
wetlands. • Srivilliputhur Megamalai TR serves as a key catchment area,
• Establishment of local committees with expertise in wetland supporting biodiversity.
management. • Vaigai Dam near Andipatti provides irrigation and drinking water.
• Vaigai River Restoration Program focuses on cleaning, improving
water quality, and boosting biodiversity.

Nahargarh Wildlife
Sanctuary: Pangsau Pass:
• Rajasthan Forest Department is revising Nahargarh WLS bound- • P angsau Pass International Festival returns to Nampong,
aries to resolve legal and administrative issues. Arunachal Pradesh (Jan 20-22, 2025) after four years, celebrat-
• Established in 1980, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. ing India-Myanmar cultural ties.
• Named after Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the sanctuary. • Pangsau Pass, a mountain pass on the India-Myanmar border,
• Part of the Ranthambore TR corridor, aiding wildlife movement. connects Changlang district (Arunachal Pradesh) to Sagaing
• Situated in the Aravalli Hills, near Jaipur, offering a natural retreat. Region (Myanmar).
• Covers ~50 sq km, featuring rugged hills, valleys, and plateaus. • Located in Patkai Hills, at 3,727 feet (1,136 meters)
• Seasonal streams and waterholes serve as key wildlife water • Known as “Hell Pass” due to challenging terrain and dense
sources. forests.
• Flora: Dry deciduous & thorny scrub forests, key include Dhok, • Strategic link between India and Myanmar, facilitating cross-bor-
Babool, Khejri, Ber. der trade and cultural exchange.
• Fauna: Leopards, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sambars, chitals, pea- • Tourism attractions include Lake of No Return, a legendary WWII
cocks, partridges, migratory birds, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles, site in Myanmar.
and pollinators. • Boosts local economies, promotes tribal cultures and tourism.
• Part of Stillwell Road (Ledo Road), built in WWII, connecting India
to China via Myanmar.

Global Plastic Action • Played a key role in the China-Burma-India Theater, aiding Allied
supply lines.

Partnership (GPAP): • Supports India’s Act East Policy, strengthening ties with South-
east Asia.
• GPAP, a WEF initiative, now includes 25 countries. • Facilitates cross-border trade and diplomacy with Myanmar.
• Launched in 2018 during the Sustainable Development Summit. • Previously allowed visa-free travel up to 16 km under the Free
• Accelerates circular economy and supports “Friends of Ocean” Movement Regime (FMR), now suspended.
• Current members: 25 countries, including Maharashtra (India). 1• Edit This
• Unites governments, companies, and civil society to tackle plas-
tic pollution.
• Promotes circular economy to reduce emissions and protect
ecosystems (soil & ocean).
Keeling Curve:
• Helps nations create national action plans against plastic pollu-
tion.

Vaigai River:

• A tmospheric CO² hit a record high in 2024 due to wildfires and

human activities.
• Keeling Curve, a 67-year record, tracks CO² levels at Mauna Loa
Observatory since 1958.
• Initiated by Charles David Keeling, it provides crucial evidence of
• Madras HC directed local bodies in Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Siv- human impact on climate change.
aganga, and Ramanathapuram to submit an action plan to reduce • CO² has steadily risen since 1958, driven by fossil fuel combus-
Vaigai River pollution. tion and deforestation.
• Vaigai River originates from Varusanadu Hills (Western Ghats, • Seasonal fluctuations occur as plants absorb CO² in spring/
Tamil Nadu). summer and release it in fall/winter.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 85
• 1958 levels: 315 ppm; January 2025 levels: 1 ppm, the highest in • P rimary Role: Rescue and relief during natural and man-made
millions of years. disasters (floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, building col-
• Major milestones: 1988: 350 ppm, raising global concern; 2023: lapses, accidents).
Exceeded 420 ppm, a critical threshold; 2024: Record 58 ppm • Strategic Deployment: Pre-positions resources during disaster
annual increase from 2023. threats to minimize damage.
• El Nino in 2024 amplified CO² emissions, worsened by wildfires in • Assisted in 2011 Fukushima disaster, 2015 Nepal Earthquake,
North & South America. and other global relief efforts.
• Anthropogenic emissions from fossil fuels and land-use changes • Highly specialized, multi-skilled force trained for complex disaster
remain key drivers. scenarios.
• Contradicts IPCC goals for limiting warming to 5°C, as emissions • 16 battalions, each with 1,149 personnel, drawn from CAPFs (CRPF,
keep rising. BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles).
• El Nino events show how natural and human activities jointly • Personnel trained in disaster response, relief, and recovery with
accelerate CO² proactive deployment during crises.

Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary: 24 new added to

• Kalaburagi Forest Division working to relocate a hamlet from
Chincholi WLS (Karnataka-Telangana border).
Munnar’s faunal stock:
• Declared a sanctuary in 2011, covering 88 sq. km. • F aunal survey in Munnar Wildlife Division recorded 24 new of
• First dryland Wildlife Sanctuary in South India, conserving dry- birds, butterflies, and odonates.
land ecosystems. • New Added: 24 total – 11 birds, 8 butterflies, 5 odonates.
• Located in Kalaburagi District, known for floristic diversity. • Notable Wildlife Observed: Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, elephants,
• Situated in Hyderabad Karnataka region, features Chandrampalli 12 of reptiles & amphibians.
Dam & four smaller dams. • New Bird : Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owl-
• Flora: Rich in medicinal plants, Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Acacia, et, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit,
Teak. Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler,
• Fauna: Blackbuck, Indian Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Hyena, Com- Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
mon Fox, Fruit Bat. • Bird Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Fal-
• Birds: 35+ , including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blos- con, Indian Grey Hornbill, Blue-eared Kingfisher.
som-headed Parakeet, Grey Partridge. • New Butterfly : Endemic Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary,
• Dry deciduous & moist deciduous forests, fringes planted with Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
Acacia & Teak. • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), South-
• Supports a dryland ecosystem, with mixed arid & semi-moist ern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
climate. • New Odonates Recorded: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax
cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.
• Surveyed sites:

Indian Bison (Gaur): • Mathikettan Shola NP – Biodiversity hotspot in Western Ghats.

• Pambadum Shola NP – Kerala’s smallest national park.
• Jharkhand Forest Department begins study to revive Bison (Gaur) • Anamudi Shola NP – Named after South India’s highest peak.
population at Palamu TR. • Kurinjimala WLS – Protects Neelakurinji, blooming every 12 years.
• Largest & tallest wild cattle , scientific name: Bos gaurus. • Eravikulam NP – Known for Nilgiri Tahr.
• Native to South & Southeast Asia, found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, • Chinnar WLS – In the rain-shadow region near Kerala-Tamil Nadu
Myanmar, Thailand. border.
• Lives in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests
with open grasslands.
• Prefers hilly terrains below 1,500–1,800 m, requires abundant
water.
Yala Glacier:
• Social animals, live in herds of 30–40. • Y ala Glacier (Nepal) may disappear by the 2040s due to rapid
• Convex forehead, short tails, inward-curved pale green/yellow- retreat & mass loss.
ish-brown horns. • Only Himalayan glacier on the Global Glacier Casualty List
• Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable, WPA 1972 – Schedule I, (2024).
CITES – Appendix I. • UN designates 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preser-
vation; March 21 to be observed as World Glacier Day.
• Located in Langtang Valley, influenced by the Indian summer

National Disaster monsoon.

• Represents Hindu Kush Himalayas in the World Glacier Monitor-

Response Force (NDRF): ing Service (WGMS) database.

• Monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, satellites
• 1st Battalion of NDRF celebrated its 20th Raising Day. for glacier studies.
• Constituted under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, • Critical to cryosphere research, supporting 240M people in the
2005 for specialized disaster response. Himalayan region.
• Functions under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by a • Retreated 680m (1974-2021), losing 36% of its area; elevation
Director General (DG), usually an IPS officer. dropped significantly.
• Established in 2006 with 8 battalions, now expanded to 16 bat- • Hindu Kush Himalayas warming twice the global average, accel-
talions. erating glacier loss.
• Operates under National Disaster Management Authority • Global Glacier Casualty List (2024) tracks endangered glaciers,
(NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister. including:
• Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela) – Vanished (2024)

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 86
• Sarenne Glacier (France) – Vanished (2023) Perimeter Solutions.
• Dagu Glacier (China) – Critically endangered, may vanish by 2030 • M ade of ammonium phosphate-based slurry, including
• Glaciers store 70% of global freshwater, crucial for billions monoammonium phosphate (80–90%), diammonium phosphate,
worldwide. additives, and pink dye.
• Applied as foam or slurry, coating vegetation ahead of wildfires.
• Slows combustion by depleting oxygen and altering cellulose

Hydroclimate Whiplash: decomposition to create non-flammable carbon.

• More effective than water, as its chemical components last for
• LA wildfires, fueled by a rare phenomenon called hydroclimate days or weeks.
whiplash. • Creates firebreaks, preventing vegetation from igniting.
• It is a rapid, extreme shifts between intensely wet and danger- • Works in all terrains and weather conditions, aiding firefighters in
ously dry conditions. wildfire control.
• Alternates between heavy rainfall and severe drought, leading to • Reduces wildfire intensity, protecting natural habitats and infra-
floods followed by wildfires. structure.
• Global trend: Increased by 31%-66% since mid-20th century,
driven by climate change.
• Projected 113% rise in such events with a 3°C temperature
increase.
The Dam Safety Act of 2021:
• Causes: Rising global temperatures intensify rainfall and drought • S upreme Court criticized the Centre for delays in implementing
cycles. the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.
• Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing heavy rainfall and • The Act ensures the safety of 5,700+ large dams in India by pre-
drought severity. venting disasters and improving monitoring.
• Shifts in ENSO cycles, ocean currents, and wind patterns disrupt • National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) formulates policies,
normal weather cycles. chaired by the CWC Chairperson and reconstituted every three
• Delayed wet or dry seasons magnify swings, affecting regions like years.
California. • National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) implements safety guide-
• LA wildfires: 2024-25 wet season failed, worsening dry condi- lines and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organiza-
tions and fire risk. tions (SDSOs) and dam owners.
• Dry air from high-pressure zones warms further, creating ideal • State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and SDSOs oversee
wildfire conditions. dam maintenance and inspections at the state level.
• Dam owners must form Dam Safety Units, prepare Emergency
Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular safety evaluations.

IMD’s Vision Document 2047: • Emergency preparedness is mandatory, ensuring rapid response
to potential dam failures.
• IMD celebrated 150 years on January 15, 2025. • Non-compliance carries penalties, including imprisonment up to
• Established in 1875, headquartered in New Delhi, under Ministry of two years or fines.
Earth Sciences. • India has the third-highest number of large dams globally, with
• Mandate includes weather observations, forecasting, warnings, over 4,407 dams, many aging beyond 50 to 150 years.
statistics, and research. • Decreasing storage capacity, structural vulnerabilities, and poor
• Observation network expanded: Doppler radars (15 to 39), auto- sedimentation management threaten dam efficiency and safety.
matic weather stations (675 to 1,208), rainfall monitoring stations
(3,995 to 6,095), and high wind speed recorders (19 to 37).
• New systems introduced, including automated weather obser-
vation and heliport monitoring, with INSAT 3DR & 3DS satellites
Miyawaki Technique:
providing round-the-clock weather tracking. • P rayagraj Municipal Corporation is using the Miyawaki tech-
• Forecast resolution improved from 25 km to 12 km, enhancing nique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests for the Mahakumbh
accuracy in severe weather predictions. Mela.
• Major accuracy gains: Heatwave (95%), thunderstorms (86%), • Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s,
heavy rainfall (78%), cyclone tracking (35-40% improvement, reduc- this method creates dense forests in limited spaces.
ing casualties to zero). • Also known as the ‘pot plantation method’, it mimics natural for-
• Vision 2047 aims for climate-smart India, upgrading IMD in est ecosystems using closely planted native .
phases over 2, 5, 10, and 22 years. • Designed for ecosystem restoration, it helps revive degraded
• Targeting near-zero error forecasting, with five-day (90%), week- lands and promote urban afforestation.
ly (80%), and 10-day (70%) forecast accuracy. • Widely used worldwide, especially for urban green spaces and
• Hyper-local weather resolution to improve from 12 km to 5-6 km, ecological balance.
ensuring village-level forecasting and zero fatalities from severe • Trees grow up to 10 times faster due to dense planting of shrubs
weather within 20 years. and trees.
• Uses native to replicate local forest ecosystems and ensure
sustainability.

Pink Fire Retardant • Enhances biodiversity, creating habitats for various flora and
fauna.

used in LA Wildfire: • Absorbs more carbon, helping to reduce urban pollution and
improve air quality.
• Air tankers dropped pink fire retardant (PFR) in Los Angeles to • Mahakumbh Mela’s Miyawaki forests will provide cleaner air and
slow wildfires. ecological balance for millions of devotees.
• PFR is a chemical mixture that reduces vegetation flammability
and suppresses fires.
• Phos-Chek is the most recognized PFR brand, manufactured by

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 87
Polar Vortex: Discovery of Hmga1’s
Role in Zebrafish Heart
Regeneration:

• US is experiencing severe winter storms as the polar vortex

expands southward, bringing temperatures as low as -50°C.
• The polar vortex is a fast-moving air band that traps cold Arctic
air within the Polar Regions.
• It typically spins counter-clockwise around the North Pole, with
wind speeds reaching 250 km/h.
• In a stable state, it stays confined within the Arctic Circle, keeping • Z ebrafish can regenerate heart muscle within 60 days, a trait
frigid air trapped. absent in humans.
• A weakened polar vortex allows Arctic air to spill southward, • The Hmga1 protein activates dormant genes, enabling heart regen-
triggered by rising warm air, climate shifts, or powerful winds. eration.
• Tropospheric PV forms in the lowest atmospheric layer (tropo- • It removes molecular roadblocks on chromatin, shifting genes to
sphere), usually leading to milder weather. regeneration mode.
• Stratospheric PV develops 16–48 km above the Earth and is • In humans and mice, Hmga1 is active in embryos but turns inactive
stronger and more stable. after birth.
• It can weaken due to atmospheric disruptions, pushing Arctic air • In zebrafish, it remains active, allowing continuous heart repair.
southward. • Zebrafish are small freshwater fish, about 2-3 cm long, with blue
• This vortex emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring, influenc- horizontal stripes.
ing winter weather patterns. • Native to Indo-Gangetic plains, found in paddy fields, stagnant
• Climate change and uneven warming contribute to increased water, and streams.
polar vortex disruptions, causing extreme cold outbreaks. • Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
• Can regenerate heart, brain, eyes, and spinal cord.
• Shares 70% of genes with humans, with 80% of human disease-re-

Net-Zero Banking lated genes having zebrafish counterparts.

• Produces hundreds of embryos in one clutch, aiding large-scale

Alliance (NZBA): research.

• Preferred over rodents for vertebrate development studies.
• Several major US banks withdrew from the NZBA, raising concerns • Widely used in regenerative biology and drug discovery due to
about climate commitments. cost-effectiveness and rapid breeding.
• NZBA, a UN-led initiative, aligns banking activities with net-zero
emissions by 2050.
• Part of the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking, with 142
members from 44 countries.
Green GDP:
• 80 European banks hold the majority of NZBA’s $64 trillion in • C hhattisgarh is the first state to integrate forest ecosystem ser-
assets, while no Indian banks are signatories. vices into Green GDP
• Member banks must set 2030 targets, align emissions with net-ze- • Carbon absorption, climate regulation, and biodiversity will now be
ro pathways, and publish annual reports. formally valued.
• Net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 aim to balance emissions with • 44% of Chhattisgarh’s land is under forest cover, essential for
natural or technological removal. livelihoods and climate mitigation.
• The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) is a global • The initiative supports the ‘Developed India 2047’ vision, ensuring
coalition of 550+ financial institutions. ecological and economic sustainability.
• Established in April 2021, it supports net-zero transitions across • Green GDP factors in environmental costs while assessing eco-
banking, insurance, and asset management. nomic growth.
• Manages $150 trillion in assets, chaired by Mark Carney, UN • It deducts resource depletion and environmental damage from
Special Envoy for Climate Action. traditional GDP.
• Backed by the UN Race to Zero campaign and other financial • Introduced in 1993 under the UN’s SEEA framework, integrating
alliances. economic and environmental accounting.
• Green GDP = Traditional GDP – Environmental Degradation – Re-
source Depletion Costs.
• Challenges: Limited environmental data, subjective assumptions,
and lack of a universal framework.
• Government Initiatives: Green National Account Framework

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 88
 includes natural resources, pollution costs, and ecosystem gal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh), linked to cancer and skin lesions.
benefits. • U ranium exceeded 100 ppb in 42% of Rajasthan and 30% of
• SEEA (2012) adopted under UN guidelines for better natural Punjab samples, with risks in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and
capital accounting. Andhra Pradesh.
• RBI estimated Green GDP for 2019 at ₹167 trillion, a 10% adjust- • 81% of samples suitable for irrigation, with 100% suitability in
ment from traditional GDP, backed by TERI and Indian Statistical Northeast states.
Institute. • High sodium levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana risk
soil degradation.
• Salinity high in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and

Biennial Update Karnataka.

• Seasonal recharge post-monsoon improved salinity and fluoride

Report (BUR): levels.

• Stable nitrate levels since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,
• India submitted its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UN- and Gujarat.
FCCC on December 30, 2024, detailing its 2020 GHG inventory • Rising nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
and climate actions. Pradesh, and Haryana.
• GHG emissions fell by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019. • Nitrate hotspots: Barmer, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Wardha, Jalgaon
• Forest and tree cover sequestered 522 million tonnes of CO2, (Maharashtra), Palnadu (Andhra Pradesh), Villupuram (Tamil Nadu),
cutting emissions by 22%. Bathinda (Punjab).
• Emission intensity of GDP dropped 36% between 2005 and • Uranium hotspots: Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab,
2020. Gujarat.
• 52% of electricity capacity in 2024 came from non-fossil sourc- • Arsenic hotspots: Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal,
es, highlighting India’s sustainability push. Assam, Bihar).
• BURs are submitted by developing countries to the UNFCCC
under the Paris Agreement.
• BURs include national climate conditions, socio-economic factors,
forestry data, and a GHG emissions inventory.
Similipal Tiger Reserve:
• They also outline mitigation plans and climate-related support • T igress Zeenat, from Tadoba, Maharashtra, was relocated to
received. Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha.
• Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is in Mayurbhanj, Northern Odisha,
surrounded by high plateaus & hills.

Annual Ground Water • Twin peaks: Khairiburu & Meghashini (1515m above sea level).
• Hilly terrain with grasslands & forests, inhabited by Kolha, San-

Quality Report, 2024: thala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia & Sahara tribes.
• Declared Tiger Reserve in 1956, under Project Tiger since 1973,
• Released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and conducted by and Biosphere Reserve since 2009.
CGWB. • Flora: 1078 plant , including 94 orchids, dominated by Sal trees.
• Data was collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend sta- • Fauna: Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Sloth Bears, Sambar, Pangolins,
tions before and after the monsoon. Pythons, Langurs, Flying Squirrels, Barking & Spotted Deer.
• Nitrate contamination exceeded 45 mg/L in 20% of samples. • Birdlife: Hosts Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks & migratory
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra had the highest levels birds.
(>40%). • Freshwater snails of the Radix genus thrive in its water bodies.
• Fluoride exceeded limits in 04% of samples, affecting Rajasthan, • 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers live here, including 13 pseudo-melanistic
Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. tigers with Taqpep gene mutation.
• Arsenic detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Ben- • Only wild habitat with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

Science Tech
• F ound minerals like calcite, halite, sylvite, and trona, indicating
Asteroid Bennu Samples hold prolonged exposure to liquid water.
• Similar conditions observed on Ceres and Enceladus, suggesting
Secrets of Life’s Origins: widespread environments suitable for organic chemistry in the
solar system.
•N ASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission returned samples from asteroid Bennu.
• Life on Earth uses left-handed amino acids; however, Bennu sam-
• Revealed amino acids, nucleobases, and signs of ancient saltwa-
ples show an equal mix, raising questions about life’s evolutionary
ter, components crucial for the origins of life.
preferences.
• 14 of 20 essential amino acids for proteins on Earth were found.
• Asteroid Bennu: A carbon-rich asteroid orbiting between Earth
• All 5 nucleobases used in DNA and RNA were detected, indicating
and Mars.
prebiotic chemistry beyond Earth.
• Considered a primitive remnant of the early solar system with clues
• Presence of ammonia & formaldehyde compounds that can form
to the origins of life.
complex organic molecules under suitable conditions.
• Up to 60% porous, affecting its potential collision impact with
• Supports the theory that asteroids delivered life’s building blocks
Earth.
to early Earth.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 89
•C lassified as an active asteroid due to periodic ejections of material. • R isks over- and under-diagnosis, especially in muscular or lean
• OSIRIS-REx was NASA’s first asteroid sample-return mission, individuals.
launched in 2016. • New Proposed Definition: Obesity as a chronic illness affecting
• Arrived at Bennu in 2018, mapped its surface for two years, and organ function, posing health risks on its own.
collected samples in 2020. • New Diagnostic Framework: Includes BMI, waist circumference,
• Successfully returned samples to Earth in 2023. waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio.
• Utilizes Dexa scans for accurate body fat measurement.
• Considers physical symptoms, comorbidities, and impact on daily

Labrys Portucalensis F11: activities for a holistic diagnosis.

• Diagnosis in India: Stage 1: BMI over 23 without organ dysfunction.
• An aerobic bacteria from the Xanthobacteraceae family, breaks • Stage 2: BMI over 23 with additional fat parameters and health
down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). limitations like diabetes or hypertension.
• Found in contaminated soil at an industrial site in Portugal.
• Removes fluorine from PFAS, reducing their toxicity and helping
clean up polluted environments.
• PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”, are resistant to natural
Mission SCOT:
degradation. • D igantara launched SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking),
• Labrys portucalensis F11 digests PFAS, aiding in soil and water the world’s first commercial SSA satellite, aboard SpaceX’s
cleanup. Transporter-12 mission.
• Mechanism: Attacks PFAS’s strong chemical bonds, removing fluo- • Tracks and characterizes Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in Low
rine atoms and using carbon from PFAS as food, facilitating growth Earth Orbit (LEO).
and pollution reduction. • Launched via rideshare program, supported by Aditya Birla Ven-
• Thrives in oxygen-rich environments, ideal for industrial waste site tures and SIDBI.
cleanup. • ISRO’s NETRA is developing an SST network with advanced radars
• Achieved 90% breakdown of PFOS (a harmful PFAS chemical) in and telescopes for space asset protection.
100 days. • Enhances space safety by preventing satellite collisions and opti-
• Can also break down PFAS leftovers, enhancing safety. mizing orbital resources.
• In 2023, PFOS designated as a hazardous substance by the S. EPA, • Strengthens sovereign surveillance for protecting India’s space
requiring cleanup. assets.
• 2020: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) adopted criteria for sam- • Fills global SSA technology gaps and promotes sustainable space
pling and testing PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, but broader regulato- operations.
ry policies are still lacking. • Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, unaffected by weather or
geography.
• Tracks RSOs as small as 5 cm with high accuracy and revisit rates.

Guillain-Barre
Syndrome (GBS): Sovereign AI:
• GBS cases in Pune rise to 110, raising health concerns. • D enmark is advancing Sovereign AI, focusing on domestic re-
• An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks pe- search and competitiveness.
ripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and possible paralysis. • India aims to develop its own Sovereign AI, leveraging Digital
• Rare condition, affecting 1–2 per 100,000 people annually, more India for national AI growth.
common in adults and males. • Sovereign AI ensures national control over AI development,
• Triggered by infections like Campylobacter jejuni (gastroenteri- deployment, and regulation.
tis), influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, or, rarely, vaccina- • It protects economic and national security, reducing reliance on
tions. foreign AI systems.
• Early symptoms: Tingling, weakness in legs, pins-and-needles, • India’s AI strategy integrates GovAI + Private AI to build a strong
back pain. AI ecosystem.
• Severe cases: Paralysis, breathing issues, speech loss, vision • GovAI uses DPI platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and
problems. CoWIN for public services.
• Complications: Irregular heartbeat, blood pressure fluctuations, • Data sovereignty ensures anonymized DPI data is used for AI
respiratory failure. training under national control.
• No cure, but treatments include: • Public-private collaboration develops Small Language Models
• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): Removes harmful antibodies. (SLMs) evolving into Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Therapy: Injects healthy anti- • Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoE) enhance AI skill development.
bodies to counteract immune attacks. • India’s Sovereign AI roadmap includes GovAI for governance, SLMs
• Ventilator support, physical therapy, and long rehabilitation in for key sectors, and LLMs for advanced insights.
severe cases. • The India Datasets Programme ensures secure AI training with
anonymized national data.

New Definition of Obesity:

• Lancet Commission proposed redefining obesity, moving away
Selective Gene Silencing
from BMI-based definitions.
• Old Definition: Obesity at BMI over 30 globally, over 25 for Indians;
Technique:
• Overweight at BMI between 25 and 29.9 globally, 23-24.9 for • C
 olumbia University researchers discovered that cells can
Indians. selectively silence one parent’s gene copy, influencing disease
• Does not account for body fat distribution or muscle mass. outcomes.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 90
• Previously considered rare, selective gene silencing is now seen yond DNA analysis.
as common, affecting genetic variability and health.
• This process varies between cell types, such as immune and
kidney cells, and can change over time.
• Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells show Human Metapneumo-
this selective inactivation.
• Explains why individuals with the same genetic mutation experi- Virus (HMPV):
ence different symptom severity. • H MPV is being widely discussed in India due to sensational media
• Enables new therapies by activating healthy genes and sup- reports, creating unnecessary panic.
pressing diseased ones, avoiding traditional gene editing. • It is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild to moderate infec-
• Enhances understanding of diseases like lupus and cancer, tions.
revealing why some remain symptom-free. • Belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, along with RSV and para-
• Advances precision medicine, allowing personalized treatment influenza.
based on gene expression patterns. • Identified in 2001, but has been circulating globally for decades.
• Aids early intervention, identifying at-risk individuals before symp- • Severe illness occurs in elderly individuals, young children (under
toms appear. five), and immunocompromised patients.
• Supports protein-based therapies, improving detection of dis- • Spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and
ease-related proteins for targeted drug development. close contact.
• Detected via PCR-based respiratory panels, though not routinely
tested unless needed.
Rudra High-Performance • Mild symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue.
• Severe symptoms in vulnerable groups: bronchitis, wheezing,
Green Propulsion System: pneumonia, breathing difficulty, hypoxia.
• No specific antiviral or vaccine for HMPV.
• Bellatrix Aerospace successfully demonstrated its Rudra High-Per- • Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and fever management
formance Green Propulsion System on PSLV C-60’s POEM-4 with over-the-counter medications.
platform. • Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy or
• Rudra 1N System is an advanced green mono-propellant propul- nebulization.
sion system developed by Bellatrix Aerospace. • One of the leading causes of respiratory infections worldwide, after
• Designed for efficient, precise, and sustainable satellite propul- influenza and RSV.
sion. • Accounts for 5-10% of respiratory infections annually in children
• Achieved 4-degree/sec disturbance on Yaw axis and 80-degree and vulnerable adults.
angular rotation, proving high precision. • ICMR reported two cases in Karnataka, involving infants with
• Uses a non-toxic, eco-friendly propellant, reducing environmental bronchopneumonia history.
impact. • First HMPV cases in India identified via PCR tools after a surge in
• Offers a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical propulsion. China.
• Entirely designed and manufactured in-house, showcasing tech-
nological independence.
• Compatible with various satellite sizes and mission profiles,
ensuring scalability. Genetic Engineering
• POEM-4 repurposes the spent 4th stage of PSLV into an orbital
lab, enabling cost-effective space research. Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
• Supports microgravity experiments on plant growth, bacterial • M oEF&CC amended GEAC rules to improve transparency and
behavior, and space phenomena. impartiality in expert selection.
• Experts must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse them-
selves unless requested by the committee.
Nanopore Technology: • Members must submit a 10-year professional record to ensure
accountability.
• UC Riverside researchers developed a nanopore-based diagnos- • Experts must declare conflicts before meetings and avoid influ-
tic tool for faster and more precise disease detection. encing decisions.
• It analyzes signals from individual molecules like DNA and • Strengthens GMO regulations for fair and transparent deci-
proteins. sion-making.
• Uses nanopores, tiny openings that detect molecules by measuring • Aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2023 directive on GM crop
electrical signals as they pass through. approvals.
• Biological samples with salts are introduced. • Ensures scientific evaluations remain unbiased and policy deci-
• Salts dissociate into ions, creating a flow through the nanopore. sions free from influence.
• As DNA or protein molecules pass through, they block ion flow, • GEAC is India’s apex GMO regulatory body, overseeing environ-
generating electrical signals. mental release of GM crops.
• The system measures ion flow reduction to identify molecules. • Established under the 1989 Rules framed under the Environment
• Advanced circuitry compensates for missed signals, ensuring Protection Act, 1986.
accuracy. • Operates under MoEF&CC; Chairperson: Special Secretary/Addi-
• Nanopores filter out background noise, preserving critical diag- tional Secretary, MoEF&CC.
nostic data. • Co-Chairperson: Representative from DBT.
• Detects infections within 24–48 hours, much faster than conven- • 24 members from ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, and other institutions.
tional methods. • Meets monthly for GMO appraisals.
• Crucial for fast-spreading diseases, allowing timely intervention. • Powers: Approves or rejects GM crop environmental release.
• Requires only single molecules, eliminating the need for large • Takes punitive action under the Environment Protection Act,
biological samples. 1986; Monitors large-scale GMO research and production.
• Advances single-molecule protein sequencing, expanding be- • Functions: Evaluates GMO environmental release and field trials;

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 91
 Ensures safety compliance to minimize risks.
• Reviews import, export, manufacture, and storage of GMOs; As- Google Quantum AI’s
sesses environmental and health impacts; Engages farmers and
environmentalists for transparency. Chip ‘Willow’:
• G oogle unveiled ‘Willow’, a 105-qubit quantum processor.
• Developed by Google Quantum AI, results published in Nature.
Cubic Kilometre Neutrino • Qubits: Some handle calculations (data qubits), others correct
errors (measurement qubits).
Telescope (KM3NeT) Project: • Operates near absolute zero (-273.15°C) for stability.
• Solved a problem in minutes that would take classical computers
• Scientists are deploying two telescopes under the Mediterra- 10 septillion years.
nean Sea for the KM3NeT project. • Qubits remain stable for 100 microseconds, a major quantum
• KM3NeT, launched in 2012, is a European research initiative computing leap.
studying high-energy neutrinos. • Smarter error handling: Measurement qubits fix errors without
• Uses water Cherenkov detectors to analyze neutrino origins and disturbing data qubits.
properties. • Improved performance: Unlike most quantum computers, Willow
• Key Components: (1) ARCA, located offshore Sicily at 3,400m gets better with more qubits.
depth, studies cosmic neutrinos. • Greater stability: 100-microsecond coherence allows more
• (2) ORCA, located offshore Toulon at 2,475m depth, focuses on complex tasks.
neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy.
• Detects Cherenkov radiation, produced when neutrinos interact
with water molecules.
• Modular design includes 12,000 optical modules on 600 vertical Centralized Public Grievance
strings, anchored to the seabed.
• Electro-optical networks connect it to shore stations for power Redress and Monitoring
and data processing.
• Neutrinos are subatomic particles similar to electrons but without System (CPGRAMS):
electric charge. •  ARPG reported 70+ lakh grievances resolved (2022-24).
D
• Second most abundant particle in the universe after photons. • CPGRAMS is a 24×7 online grievance platform.
• A billion neutrinos pass through a cubic cm of space every sec- • Launched in 2007 by DARPG, developed by NIC.
ond. • Prime Minister is its supreme head.
• First detected in 1959, theorized in 1931. • Each grievance gets a unique tracking number.
• High-energy neutrinos originate from supernovae, gamma-ray • Ministries and states have role-based access.
bursts, and colliding stars. • Citizens can appeal unsatisfactory resolutions.
• Can penetrate dense cosmic environments, revealing regions • “Poor” rating reopens the case.
invisible to light-based telescopes. • Excludes subjudice cases, personal disputes, RTI, integrity issues,
• Detection relies on Cherenkov radiation, faint light flashes in dark and govt. service matters.
underwater conditions. • Resolution time cut to 21 days from 30, with interim updates.
• Studying neutrinos helps understand particle physics, cosmic • Unified portal for all ministries, states, and departments.
rays, and dark matter. • SMS/email feedback, “Poor” rating escalates issues.
• Provides insights into neutrino oscillations, mass hierarchy, and • AI tools improve grievance handling.
challenges the Standard Model. • SEVOTTAM ensures training and performance reviews.
• Traces cosmic ray origins, unlocking mysteries of the universe.

History and Art & Culture

Andhra Pradesh’s Etikoppaka Toys:
• A P tableau in Republic Day featured Etikoppaka Bommalu.
• Originates from Etikoppaka, Andhra Pradesh, known for its
400-year-old wooden toy-making tradition.
• Eco-friendly wooden toys known for art and sustainability.
• Made from Ankudu tree wood (Wrightia tinctoria), ideal for intri-
cate carvings.
• Uses natural dyes from seeds, leaves, and bark, ensuring non-toxic
finishes.
• Lacquer-turning technique provides a lustrous, durable finish.
• Designs include motifs from Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.
• Includes spinning tops, household decorations, and Raja-Rani
figurines.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 92
• Awarded a GI tag in 2017, preserving authenticity and cultural • L arge Water Reservoir at Mound 3 shows advanced Harappan
importance. water storage.
• Other GI-Tagged Toys in India: • Artifacts such as copper tools and ornate pottery indicate robust
• Channapatna Toys (Karnataka): Known for vibrant colors and trade and daily activities.
eco-friendly lacquer finish. • Burials with skeletons and goods provide insights into Harappan
• Nirmal Toys (Telangana): Reflect artistic craftsmanship with intri- rituals and social structures.
cate carvings. • DNA analysis of a 4,600-year-old skeleton shows no Steppe ances-
• Indore Leather Toys (Madhya Pradesh): Lifelike animal figures try, challenging the Aryan invasion theory.
made from leather. • Related sites like Bhirrana and Farmana extend the timeline of the
• Kondapalli Bommallu (Andhra Pradesh): Traditional wooden dolls civilization.
painted in bright colors. • Kurukshetra University confirmed the historical flow of the Saras-
wati River in Haryana until 1402 AD.

Rakhigarhi and Indus-

Makaravilakku Festival:
Saraswati Civilisation: • B eing celebrated at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala.
• Annual Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
• Marks Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makaram Rashi), coincides
with Makara Sankranti.
• Celebrations held at Sabarimala Temple in Periyar Tiger Reserve,
Kerala.
• Millions of devotees chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”.
• Festival lasts seven days, starting on Makara Sankranti.
• Makaravilakku lamp lit at Ponnambalamedu hill on Makara
Sankranti evening.
• Makara Jyothi, a divine star, is believed to appear as a blessing
from Lord Ayyappa.
• 41-day penance (Vratham) observed before the pilgrimage.
• Symbolizes devotion, purity, and self-discipline, promoting equality
among devotees.
• Pilgrims wear black/blue attire and carry Irumudi Kettu (sacred
bundle).

Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD):
• P M inaugurated the 18th PBD with the theme “Diaspora’s Contri-
bution to a Viksit Bharat”.
• Organized by MEA to honor the contributions of Indians abroad.
• Held biennially on January 9, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s return
to India in 1915.
• Since 2015, theme-based conferences are conducted in intervening
years, with rotating host locations.
• Girmitiyas were indentured laborers sent from British India to
• Rakhigarhi, in Hisar, Haryana, is the largest Indus-Saraswati Civili- work on plantations in the 19th–20th centuries.
zation site. • The term “Girmitiyas” comes from the Indian pronunciation of
• Dating back to the mature Harappan period (2600–1900 BCE). “agreement”, referring to their work contracts.
• Located near the Saraswati River plains, about 27 km from the • They were sent to Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago,
Ghaggar River. Guyana, Suriname, Malaysia, and Kenya.
• First excavated in 1969 by archaeologist Suraj Bhan, consisting of • Bound by 3–5 year contracts, working for a single employer at a
seven mounds. fixed wage.
• Recent findings suggest the civilization began as early as 6000 • India received $129.1 billion in remittances (2024), accounting for
BCE. 3% of global inflows.
• Designated as an Iconic Site in 2020 for development and preser- • 73% of Indian-Americans work in STEMM, business, law, and
vation. academia, facilitating trade, investment, and skill transfer.
• DNA studies indicate Harappan genetic roots dating back to • The diaspora promotes Indian culture, Bollywood, Yoga, and
10,000 BCE (NCERT). festivals like Diwali.
• Features well-planned streets, brick houses, and advanced drain- • 3 million Indians live abroad, concentrated in the US, UAE, Malay-
age systems. sia, and Saudi Arabia.
• Discovery of a 5–4 feet deep reservoir at Mound 3 highlights
sophisticated water storage systems.
• Evidence of long-distance trade and local craftsmanship through
marine shells and fishhooks.
• Situated near the Drishadvati River, a major Saraswati tributary,
vital for agriculture and daily life.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 93
Historical significance
of Marathi:
• Centre formally notified Marathi as a classical language, months
after granting it the status.
• Marathi has a 2,000-year history, fulfilling the antiquity criterion
for classical status.
• Early references include Maharashtri Prakrit, Jain Maharashtri,
and Prakrit Marathi, showing its evolution.
• 100+ stone inscriptions include Naneghat Caves (20 BCE), where
Marathi appears alongside Sanskrit.
• Yadava period (12th–13th century) saw major literary works like
Leelacharitra and Dnyaneshwari.
• Pathare Committee (2013) and Sahitya Akademi strongly sup-
ported Marathi’s recognition.
• Massive postcard campaign saw 500,000 letters sent to the
Prime Minister demanding classical status.
• Mulay Committee resolved administrative hurdles, finalizing the
proposal in February 2024.
• Marathi joins six other classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kan-
nada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
• Recognition boosts research, cultural preservation, and finan-
cial grants for Marathi scholars.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 94
We were the pioneers in UPSC to introduce Mentorship.

How Civilsdaily Does

Mentorship?

Third Phase Fourth Phse

First Phase Second phase
(Pre-Prelims) (Post-Prelims)

Aspirants struggle with Aspirants may

Switching to prelims Intensive preparation for
content overload and experience burnout
mindset. the Mains exam.
basic concepts. and self-doubt.

Mentors help them make Pre-tests and post-

sense of what to read, Mentors provide per- tests to discussions to
Hands-on classes and
how to approach subjects, sonalized support and assess retention and
post-test discussions.
and how to revise motivation. identify strengths and
effectively. weaknesses.

Regular tests are giv- Focus on consolidating

Personalized strategies
en to anchor marks to notes and knowledge Value enrichment sessions
for improving accuracy
understand performance gained. Introduction and X-factor notes are
and tackling difficult
through personalized to more complex and needed to gain an edge.
questions.
feedback. challenging subjects.

Double down on GS and

Answer writing practice Guidance on revising Guidance on online re-
Optional answer writing.
begins in the first few material and reflecting sources and study mate-
Frequent practice and
weeks. it in answers. rials
continuous feedback.

Civilsdaily IAS, Ground Floor, Apsara

BURNING ISSUESArcade, ORN, HQ:
JAN 2025 NewGround
Delhi-110005 | WhatsApp
Floor, Apsara Arcade, on:
ORN,8076517832 | www.civilsdaily.com
New Delhi-05 80765 17832 Page 39 95
Key aspects of Civilsdaily’s Mentorship:

Civilsdaily IAS, Ground Floor, Apsara

BURNING ISSUESArcade, ORN, HQ:
JAN 2025 NewGround
Delhi-110005 | WhatsApp
Floor, Apsara Arcade, on:
ORN,8076517832 | www.civilsdaily.com
New Delhi-05 80765 17832 Page 40 96
We precisely know where you are in your prep journey. We are constantly trying to ensure
that you stay on top of your preparation and hit your next milestone. Be it strategy, doubts,
post test discussions. We got your back.

CD Mentorship is not loose calls between mentors and mentees. It is a SYSTEM. Designed to
help you put your best foot forward. Our propriety technology ensures there are no lapses at
the end. Such sophisticated systems don’t exist anywhere.

Here’s how Mentor Dashboard looks like.

Civilsdaily IAS, Ground Floor, Apsara

BURNING ISSUESArcade, ORN, HQ:
JAN 2025 NewGround
Delhi-110005 | WhatsApp
Floor, Apsara Arcade, on:
ORN,8076517832 | www.civilsdaily.com
New Delhi-05 80765 17832 Page 41 97
How do our stats look like?

As of 20th September, 2024. Our stats are as

82.3% 8.70% students are not-regular with Mentor

calls but are making progress.

students are REGULAR. They are

in touch with their Mentors, are 5.68% students are Ghost meaning they
have been absconding.
working on their targets.

These numbers flip for classroom-style Foundation programs

where 20% students quit by 2nd week. By nearly 2 months, 40% have quit.

Civilsdaily IAS, Ground Floor, Apsara

BURNING ISSUESArcade, ORN, HQ:
JAN 2025 NewGround
Delhi-110005 | WhatsApp
Floor, Apsara Arcade, on:
ORN,8076517832 | www.civilsdaily.com
New Delhi-05 80765 17832 Page 42 98
Mentorship is a busy department.
We have had a rather busy week before Mains with our mentors being on calls around the clock.

The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Foundation Program and Ultimate Assessment
Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth
and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends
at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to
aspirants for the value they get.

In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants;
many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved.

Civilsdaily IAS, Ground Floor, Apsara

BURNING ISSUESArcade, ORN, HQ:
JAN 2025 NewGround
Delhi-110005 | WhatsApp
Floor, Apsara Arcade, on:
ORN,8076517832 | www.civilsdaily.com
New Delhi-05 80765 17832 Page 43 99
 Here are some of the
recent rankers who
show us gratitude.

BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 100
BURNING ISSUES JAN 2025 HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 101