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Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

[26th November 2025] Hindu OpED Trump-MbS summit- $1 trillion among friends

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2021] The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.

Linkage: The Trump-MbS summit reflects the U.S. strategy of rebuilding alliances to counter China’s growing influence in West Asia, where Beijing has expanded economically and diplomatically. The revived U.S.-Saudi partnership strengthens America’s geopolitical position in a region where China had begun to outpace it.

Mentor’s Comment

The Trump-Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) summit marks a major inflection in West Asia’s geopolitical landscape. The article examines the renewed U.S.-Saudi alignment, its military-economic scale, its contrast with earlier strains, and its strategic implications for India. This simplified yet UPSC-rich analysis helps aspirants understand the evolving balance of power in West Asia and its global consequences.

WHY IN THE NEWS 

The article is significant because the U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship has revived after years of drift, culminating in Trump’s first West Asia visit where both sides advanced $242 billion defence deals and $270 billion investment commitments, a scale unseen since the 1945 FDR-Saudi pact. The summit signals the return of transactional, high-value U.S.-Saudi cooperation, a sharp contrast to the Biden years of friction, Khashoggi tensions, and Saudi diversification toward China and Russia. This reset represents one of the largest bilateral economic-military consolidations globally, reshaping energy, security, and global power equations.

INTRODUCTION

The U.S.-Saudi partnership has historically shaped post-Second World War geopolitics, especially in energy and security. The Trump-MbS summit renews this legacy by combining massive defence sales, investment promises, and realignment on regional issues such as Iran, sanctions, and energy security. The revived partnership represents both strategic opportunity and geopolitical recalibration.

What drives the renewed U.S.-Saudi strategic alignment?

  1. Historic continuity: Reconnects with the 1945 FDR-Ibn Saud “oil-for-security” pact revived in 2005 and 2025.
  2. Exceptional summit chemistry: Trump and MbS elevated bilateral commitments during Trump’s first regional visit.
  3. High-value agreements: $242 billion military commitments and $270 billion investment forum deals signal unprecedented scale.
  4. Shared interests: Addresses U.S. need for Gulf stability and Saudi need for defence, investment, and autonomy.

How has the bilateral relationship evolved from past highs and lows?

  1. Historical tensions: 1973 oil embargo, 1980s missile purchases from China, Yemen war tensions, and the Khashoggi killing strained ties.
  2. Biden-era rifts: Public criticism of Saudi human rights issues pushed Riyadh closer to China and Russia.
  3. Saudi diversification: Riyadh’s engagement with Xi Jinping and Middle Eastern summits signal multipolar diplomacy.
  4. Return to U.S. orbit: Trump’s visit and renewed defence-economic convergence restore traditional alignment.

What are the key outcomes of the Trump-MbS summit?

  1. Massive defence deals: Commitment to supply $242 billion in U.S. military equipment.
  2. Investment surge: MbS aims to raise Saudi investments in the U.S. economy from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
  3. Energy cooperation: Coordination on oil production to maintain a moderate, sustainable price.
  4. AI & tech collaboration: U.S. and Saudi firms advance “future-ready AI projects,” including AI chips.
  5. Regional stabilisation agenda: Coordination on Iran, Yemen ceasefire, and navigation security.

What are the emerging regional geopolitical implications?

  1. U.S.-Saudi-Russia triangle: Saudi alignment tempers Russian oil revenue by stabilising global oil prices.
  2. Sanctions dynamics: U.S.-Saudi cooperation supports enforcement of sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.
  3. Security architecture: Signals continuity of U.S. commitment to Gulf security despite regional volatility.
  4. NATO+ narrative: U.S. sees Saudi as a “major non-NATO ally,” pushing deeper defence integration.

What does this recalibration mean for India?

  1. Energy stability: Coordinated U.S.-Saudi oil policy keeps prices moderate, critical for India’s energy security.
  2. Defence + tech prospects: Saudi Vision 2030 and U.S. tech investments open new opportunities for Indian firms.
  3. Strategic partnership: India needs to accelerate the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Saudi Arabia.
  4. Geopolitical balancing: India must navigate U.S.-Saudi rapprochement while maintaining ties with Iran and Russia.

CONCLUSION

The Trump-MbS summit revives a historic partnership at a scale unmatched in recent years. By combining large defence contracts, investment flows, and re-alignment on energy security, the U.S.-Saudi partnership is again central to West Asian geopolitics. For India, this moment offers both opportunity and the need for strategic agility.

 

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Banking Sector Reforms

Rupee is Asia’s worst performing currency

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Introduction

The Indian Rupee has depreciated 4.3% against the US Dollar in 2025, making it Asia’s worst-performing currency. Analysts warn that the INR may slide to ₹90 per USD if the India-US trade deal does not materialise soon. The rupee’s movement is now driven more by global dollar strength than by domestic fundamentals. Persistent capital outflows, a rising trade deficit, U.S. tariffs, and a surge in gold imports have intensified pressure on the domestic currency.

Why This Matters: Rupee Hits Asia’s Lowest Position

The rupee’s sharp 4.3% calendar-year depreciation marks one of the steepest declines among Asian currencies. This contrasts sharply with the appreciation seen in much of the Asian currency complex, led by the Chinese Yuan through strong intervention by China’s central bank. The situation is aggravated by India’s record $41.7 billion trade deficit, U.S. tariff shocks, and a gold price spike that spurred a 200% rise in ETF investments. The worsening outlook raises concerns of the rupee breaching ₹90 per USD, a level not previously approached in recent years.

Drivers Behind the Rupee’s Depreciation

  1. Global Dollar Strength: Dollar appreciation of 3.6% over two months increased pressure on most Asian currencies, including the INR.
  2. External Shocks:
    1. U.S. tariffs on Indian goods directly added stress.
    2. High precious metal prices increased import bills.
  3. Capital Outflows: The current account remains “benign”, but the depreciation is driven by capital flight, not trade fundamentals.
  4. Comparative Weakness: INR weakened more than IDR (2.9%) and PHP (1.3%), marking a distinct underperformance.

Rupee’s Position Relative to Asian Peers

  1. Underperformance vs. China and Indonesia: Specialists note that while Indonesian Rupiah and Chinese Yuan have depreciated, INR weakened further.
  2. Better Than Structurally Weak Majors: INR still fares better than the Japanese Yen and Korean Won, which face domestic policy constraints.
  3. Asian Currency Complex Trend: Most Asian currencies appreciated, driven by Chinese intervention through PBOC/SAFE signalling.

Market Movements and Recent Lows

  1. New Lows Recorded: Rupee touched 88.8 per USD on 21 November 2025, breaking earlier RBI-supported levels.
  2. Intraday Weakness: Fell further to 89.66, signalling intense currency-market stress.
  3. Partial Recovery: Rupee recovered to 89.22 by Tuesday, though still significantly weaker on a monthly basis.

Trade Deficit and Macro Pressures Intensifying Rupee Weakness

  1. Record Trade Deficit: October witnessed a $41.7 billion merchandise trade deficit triggered by tariff hikes.
  2. Gold Import Surge:
    1. Gold imports spiked to $14.72 billion in October.
    2. Gold ETF demand rose by 200% due to soaring global prices.
  3. Twin External Shocks: Tariffs + gold price rise combine with geopolitical uncertainty to pressure the currency.

Impact of the U.S. Tariffs and Policy Changes

  1. 50% Tariff Imposed by U.S.: Direct impact on India’s export competitiveness, worsening the trade deficit.
  2. Cumulative Effect on Rupee: Tariffs + gold imports + dollar strength + capital outflows create a compounding depreciation effect.
  3. Forward Outlook: Without a trade deal with the U.S., the rupee may breach â‚ą90 per USD.

Conclusion

The rupee’s position as Asia’s worst-performing currency signals deeper stresses in India’s external sector. The depreciation stems from global dollar dominance, tariff shocks, capital outflows, and rising import bills. While partial recoveries occur, the broader trajectory depends heavily on the India-US trade negotiations and management of external vulnerabilities. Ensuring macroeconomic stability will require coordinated steps in trade policy, forex management, and domestic economic resilience.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

Linkage: It is directly linked to GS-3: External Sector, as it examines how tariffs and currency moves affect India’s macroeconomic stability. It is relevant for understanding exchange-rate volatility, CAD pressures, and global protectionist trends.

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Right To Privacy

Decoding personality rights in the age of AI

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary,Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Introduction

Personality rights, traditionally rooted in privacy, dignity, and control over one’s identity—are facing unprecedented stress due to generative AI. Deepfake technologies, synthetic media, and AI-generated impersonation are creating new risks of deception, reputational harm, financial loss, and large-scale identity exploitation. Recent legal disputes involving celebrities highlight widening vulnerabilities and the absence of a robust legal framework in India.

Why in the News? 

Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai recently approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against AI-generated videos that imitated their identity, voice, and catchphrases. This marks a major turning point because AI deepfakes are now powerful enough to replicate personalities at scale and for commercial misuse, something never seen before. The case exposes how India lacks a unified personality-rights legislation even as misuse grows rapidly, contrasting sharply with the stricter frameworks in the US, EU, and China.

Erosion of Personality Rights in the AI Era

  1. AI Deepfakes: Enable face swaps, voice clones, and synthetic content that manipulate identity and support misinformation, malice, extortion, and erosion of trust.
  2. Unchecked AI Use: Generates mass commodification of human identity, intensifying reputational and financial vulnerabilities.
  3. Technological Trigger: The rise of generative AI tools has amplified impersonation risks and blurred lines between authenticity and deception.

How Does Indian Law Currently Address Personality Rights?

  1. Fragmented Framework: India relies on privacy principles, constitutional protection, and selective case law but lacks a dedicated statute.
  2. Judicial Protection:
    1. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case (2017) upheld privacy as a fundamental right.
    2. Amitabh Bachchan v. Rajat Nagi (2022) recognised personality rights.
    3. Anil Kapoor v. Simply Life India (2023) banned misuse of his catchphrase “jhakaas” and likeness for diluted brand value.
    4. Arijit Singh v. Golden Ventures LLP (2024) protected his voice from AI replication.
  3. Regulatory Limits: IT Act 2000 and Intermediary Guidelines 2021 address impersonation and deepfakes but lack enforcement clarity, especially for cross-border misuse.

How Do Global Jurisdictions Handle Personality Rights?

  1. United States
    1. Right of Publicity: Treated as transferable property.
    2. Tennessee’s ELVIS Act (2024) bans unauthorized AI voice cloning and deepfake performances.
    3. Character.AI Cases: Highlight how AI models create digital personas that blur reality.
    4. First Amendment Constraints: Free speech limits over-regulation.
  2. European Union
    1. GDPR: Provides dignity-based protection over personal and biometric data.
    2. EU AI Act (2024): Classifies deepfakes as high risk, mandates transparency and labelling.
  3. China
    1. Internet Court Rulings (2024): AI-generated synthetic voices must not deceive consumers.
    2. AI-related cases treat voice actors and media workers as harmed individuals needing redress.

Why Does India Need a Comprehensive Personality-Rights Law?

  1. Legal Vacuum: No dedicated statute addressing AI impersonation, deepfakes, monetisation of likeness, and cross-border exploitation.
  2. AI Platforms’ Liability: Lack of clear obligations for watermarking, transparency, and algorithmic accountability.
  3. Global Pressure: AI’s transnational nature demands compliance with international standards.
  4. Growing Harm: Cases of identity theft, synthetic celebrity endorsements, and psychological impact from digital cloning are rising.

What Should India’s Legal Framework Include?

  1. Explicit Definition: Clear categorisation of personality rights, covering image, voice, likeness, name, gestures, and distinctive traits.
  2. Platform Accountability: Mandatory watermarking, AI content labelling, and traceability.
  3. Consent Architecture: Requirement of explicit consent for any AI-generated replication.
  4. Civil and Criminal Remedies: Compensation mechanisms and penalties for willful impersonation.
  5. Cross-Border Enforcement: Harmonisation with EU, US, and global regulatory practices.
  6. Ethical AI Standards: Transparency norms, audit trails, and safeguards against dataset misuse.

Conclusion

AI has radically transformed the nature of identity and personhood, challenging traditional legal doctrines surrounding privacy and personality rights. India must move from fragmented protections to a comprehensive, future-ready framework that secures individual autonomy while supporting responsible AI innovation. Without such reform, the risks of impersonation, exploitation, and identity erosion will only multiply.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain.

Linkage: This question directly links to personality rights and AI deepfakes, as both derive from the privacy-autonomy framework under Article 21. It is relevant because the erosion of digital identity through AI impersonation tests the very constitutional protection the Puttaswamy judgment established.

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River Interlinking

Pazhayar River Pollution in Nagercoil

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

  • Rampant sewage discharge into the Pazhayar River in Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu), especially near Ozhuginesary, has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.
  • A 2024 situational report highlighted severe domestic, agricultural, and industrial (rubber processing) pollution in the river.
  • Nagercoil Corporation has initiated steps to seal sewage inlets, but pollution remains widespread.

About the Pazhayar River

  • A perennial river in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Part of the Kodhayar River Basin, covering 1,646.964 sq km.
  • Basin lies entirely within Tamil Nadu, with a small stretch in Radhapuram (Tirunelveli district).

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (2017)

(a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood 

(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems 

(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems 

(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia and Impact on India

Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location,Important Geophysical Phenomena

Why in the news?

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy, producing a massive ash plume rising to ~14 km (45,000 ft). High-level winds transported volcanic ash across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula towards western and northern India, causing temporary disruption in aviation operations.

Key Facts: Location & Geological Background 

Hayli Gubbi Volcano

  • Type: Shield volcano
  • Location: Afar Region, Ethiopia (part of the East African Rift System)
  • Dormancy: Last known activity ~10,000–12,000 years ago (Holocene threshold)
  • Geological Setting: Lies on the triple junction where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging → high tectonic activity.

East African Rift System (EARS)

  • A major continental rift zone.
  • Known for active volcanism (Erta Ale, Dabbahu, Nabro, etc.).
  • Possible future site of a new ocean basin due to plate divergence.

Impact on India

1. Flight Disruptions

  • Several international flights cancelled or delayed (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi).
  • Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air initiated precautionary measures.
  • Aircraft inspections ordered for those that flew through potentially affected air corridors.

2. Airspace Management

  • Civil Aviation Ministry, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued continuous advisories.\
  • No major safety threat, but routing adjustments and cancellations made as precaution.

3. No Impact on Local Weather or Air Quality

  • IMD clarified:
    • Ash remained in upper troposphere.
    • No impact on ground-level AQI.
    • Delhi’s poor air quality is unrelated, caused by local pollution.

4. Clearance Timeline

  • Ash plume expected to move completely towards China by 7:30 pm, Nov 25.

Why Aviation Avoids Volcanic Ash? 

  • Ash melts inside jet engines → forms glassy deposits → engine flameout.
  • Damages navigation systems & windshields.
  • Reduces visibility.
  • Can cause stalls, loss of thrust, and total engine failure.

Relevant Organisation:
 ▶ Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) issue global alerts—here, Toulouse VAAC monitored the plume.

Consider the following: (2024)

1. Pyroclastic debris 

2. Ash and dust 

3. Nitrogen compounds 

4. Sulphur compounds 

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) Only four

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Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth,Government Budgeting,Indian Economy

Why in the news? 

The Ministry of Finance has notified the Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025, introducing major changes to the existing Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS), 1988. The amendments aim to modernise processes, expand banking access, and increase clarity for taxpayers seeking capital gains exemptions.

About Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS), 1988

  • Launched by the Central Government in 1988.
  • Objective: To help taxpayers claim exemptions on long-term capital gains when reinvestment cannot be completed before the ITR filing due date.
  • Linked mainly to Section 54, 54F, and related provisions of the Income Tax Act.

Why CGAS is Needed?

  • Exemption requires reinvestment of capital gains within:
    • 2 years (purchase of property)
    • 3 years (construction of property)
  • If this period extends beyond the ITR filing deadline, the taxpayer can temporarily deposit unutilised gains in CGAS to keep the exemption claim valid.

Important Conditions

  • Deposit must be made before filing Income Tax Return.
  • Money deposited is treated as reinvested for exemption.
  • If the amount is not utilised within the stipulated period, it becomes taxable long-term capital gains in that year.
  • Only long-term capital gains qualify — short-term gains are NOT eligible.

Who Can Deposit in CGAS?

  • Any person with long-term capital gains, including: Individuals, HUFs, Companies, Firms, Trusts, and Any eligible taxpayer seeking exemption
  • Mainly used by property sellers who need more time to reinvest.

Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025 — Key Changes

  • Expansion of Authorized Banks: Previously limited mostly to Public Sector Banks + IDBI Bank.
    • Now extended to 19 private and small finance banks at all non-rural branches.
  • Non-rural branch condition: Branch must be located in an area with population ≥ 10,000 (2011 Census).
    • Rural branches cannot open CGAS accounts.
  • Wider Definition of Electronic Payments: Electronic deposits can now be made through: Credit cards, Debit cards, Net banking, IMPS, UPI, RTGS, NEFT and BHIM Aadhaar Pay.This modernises the earlier narrow definition of “electronic mode”.
  • Online Closure of CGAS Accounts (From April 1, 2027): Closure requests can be submitted electronically using:
    • Digital Signature (DSC)
    • Electronic Verification Code (EVC)
    • Earlier: Closure only through physical branches.
  • Clarification on Effective Date of Deposit: For cheque/DD/electronic transfers, the date of receipt of the payment instrument along with account application at the Deposit Office is treated as the effective date.Removes ambiguity around last-day deposits for tax exemption.
  • Electronic Statements Permitted: Banks can now issue electronic statements instead of physical passbooks.
    • Aligns CGAS with general digital banking norms.
  •  Extension of CGAS to Section 54GA: CGAS can now be used for exemptions under Section 54GA:

    • Relates to capital gains arising from shifting an industrial undertaking from an urban area to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
    • Broadens applicability beyond property-related reinvestments.
Consider the following statements: (2025)

I. Capital receipts create a liability or cause a reduction in the assets of the Government. 

II. Borrowings and disinvestment are capital receipts. 

III. Interest received on loans creates a liability of the Government. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) I and II only 

(b) II and III only 

(c) I and III only 

(d) I, II and III

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

African Grey Parrot Trade in India

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

  • A series of RTI applications filed by The Hindu across 19 States/UTs revealed that most State Forest Departments have no records of breeders, pet shops, or ownership registrations for the African Grey Parrot, despite the species being widely available in pet markets.
  • Only Kerala reported receiving 17 breeder licence applications through the PARIVESH portal, exposing major gaps in India’s monitoring of exotic species trade.

About Species Profile

  • African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • CITES Status: Appendix I (Highest level of protection; commercial international trade highly restricted)
  • WPA 1972: Listed under Schedule IV (post-2022 amendments)

Legal & Regulatory Framework (India)

Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024

  • Mandatory registration of all exotic live species on PARIVESH 2.0.
  • Applies to: Pet owners, Pet shops and Breeders.

Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023

To breed any CITES Appendix I species, an applicant must possess:

  • Breeding Licence from State Chief Wildlife Warden
  • CITES Import Permit
  • DGFT Import Licence Number
  • NOC from State Chief Wildlife Warden prior to import

Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972

  • African Grey Parrot → Schedule IV
  • Illegal possession/trade punishable under WPA
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

(1) IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments. 

(2) IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments. 

(3) CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Food Safety Standards – FSSAI, food fortification, etc.

Auramine O Adulteration in Food: A Persistent Food-Safety Challenge in India

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields,Food Processing & Related Industries In India

Why in the News?

  • Recent inspections by state food-safety departments and laboratory analyses by academic institutions have once again detected the presence of Auramine O — a banned industrial dye — in sweets, savoury items, and brightly coloured chickpeas sold in public.

What is Auramine O?

  • A synthetic bright yellow industrial dye.
  • Uses: textiles, leather, printing inks, paper, microbiological staining.
  • Not permitted as food colour in India, USA, EU, or most countries.
  • IARC Classification: Possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

Why is Auramine O Harmful?

  • Toxicological risks:
    • Liver & kidney damage
    • Spleen enlargement
    • Mutagenic effects
    • Potential carcinogenicity
    • Organ lesions even at low doses

How Does Auramine Enter the Food Chain?

  • Cheap industrial dyes are sold informally in markets.
  • Used by small vendors to mimic:
    • Saffron
    • Turmeric
    • Approved synthetic colours
  • Usage spikes during festivals when brightly coloured sweets/snacks are in demand.
  • Lack of awareness and cost pressure lead to misuse.

Commonly Adulterated Food Items

  • Bright yellow chickpeas
  • Laddus, peda, halwa
  • Namkeen, mixtures
  • Pickles and condiments

Regulatory Framework – India

Food Safety and Standards Act (2006)

  • Defines adulteration.
  • Penalties: fines + imprisonment (for injury/death).

FSSAI Initiatives

  • Sampling & crackdown during festive seasons.
  • Seizures of illegal dyes and prosecution.
  • New order: bold, larger nutritional information on labels.
  • Awareness programs for:
    • Micro and small enterprises
    • Street vendors

 

Consider the following statements: (2018)

  1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 
  2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

  1. 1 only 
  2. 2 only 
  3. Both 1 and 2 
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

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Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

[25th November 2025] Hindu OpED Bridging India’s numeracy gap

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
Linkage: NEP 2020 aligns with SDG-4 by focusing on equitable, high-quality education and foundational learning. However, implementation gaps and weak learning outcomes, especially in numeracy, limit its SDG-4 impact so far.
Mentor’s Comment
India’s learning crisis has silently shifted from illiteracy to numeracy failure. While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and NIPUN Bharat Mission strengthened foundational literacy, recent evidence shows that numeracy continues to stagnate sharply, closing the doors of higher education for millions. This article decodes why numeracy outcomes matter for economic, cognitive, and social mobility, and what a multi-pronged policy roadmap must look like.
INTRODUCTION
NEP 2020 identifies Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) as the cornerstone of future learning, and NIPUN Bharat translated this into classroom action. While literacy outcomes have shown improvement, numeracy remains stubbornly low, particularly in conceptual understanding and real-life application. India is now at a point where foundational literacy success must be expanded to higher-order mathematical learning.
WHY IN THE NEWS 
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 shows that while 48.7% of Class 5 students read fluently, only 30.7% can solve a basic division problem, marking an 18% performance gap between literacy and numeracy. No State reports higher numeracy than literacy, highlighting a national trend of mathematics stagnation. Also, nearly 70% of Class 8 students and more than 50% of Class 5 students remain unable to perform basic division, despite classroom-based math instruction. The gap between school learning and real-life mathematical use is widening, closing higher-education opportunities as teens fail to cross the Class 10 board exam numeracy threshold.
Where does India’s numeracy gap originate?
  1. Hierarchical nature of mathematics: partial understanding in lower grades (e.g., place value) blocks higher concepts such as addition and decimals.
  2. Cumulative error effect: once gaps form, students rarely recover, unlike in language.
  3. Traditional syllabus-driven pedagogy: focuses on advancement, not mastery; students progress without clearing conceptual blocks.
Why does classroom learning not translate into real-world mathematical ability?
  1. High classroom performance, low life applicability: Evidence from the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab: students who excel in assessments fail to apply math in real-life situations.
  2. Real-world tasks do not transfer to classroom problems: Children able to handle money or shop-related calculations cannot solve textbook problems.
  3. Mismatch in learning environment: Schooling moves faster than the pace of conceptual consolidation.
What are the consequences of India’s numeracy stagnation?
  1. Academic roadblocks: students struggle in science and mathematics subjects that dominate board exams.
  2. Early exit from education: adolescents leave school before Class 10 due to fear of mathematics.
  3. Reduced human capital formation: failure to master numeracy blocks access to high-skill employment and technical careers.
Why does Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) need expansion beyond early grades?
  1. Persistent learning gaps after Grade 3: 70% of Class 5 and more than 50% of Class 8 students cannot divide.
  2. COVID-19 widened numeracy deficits: most Class 3 students reached upper-primary without core math skills.
  3. Transferable higher-grade pedagogy required: FLN-style teaching must be extended to older students.
What does an effective multi-pronged response look like?
  1. Strengthening middle-grade support: extend FLN interventions to Class 8 to prevent permanent numeracy loss.
  2. Teaching math through everyday life: bills, ratios, fractions, percentages, and measurements.
  3. Child-friendly activity-based pedagogy: aligned with real literacy levels rather than grade-based syllabus.
  4. Embedding numeracy across subjects: problem-solving in science, geography, social sciences.
CONCLUSION
India has cracked foundational literacy but not foundational numeracy. The nation stands at a turning point where classroom success must evolve into real-life mathematical competence, ensuring that students not only pass but thrive academically and economically. Extending FLN-style pedagogy to middle-grade stages remains the most urgent policy priority.

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Governor vs. State

What will mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary
Introduction
Chandigarh is a Union Territory that also serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. The Governor of Punjab currently holds additional charge as the Administrator of Chandigarh. The proposal to place Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution may allow the Centre to appoint an independent Administrator and frame regulations for Chandigarh without relying on state mechanisms. The move carries political, administrative, and federal ramifications, especially for Punjab and Haryana.
Why in the news? 
Bringing Chandigarh under Article 240 could give the Centre sweeping legislative and administrative powers over the Union Territory, including the ability to repeal or amend laws applicable to Chandigarh through Parliament or Presidential regulations. This marks a sharp departure from the existing model, where Punjab’s Governor also administers Chandigarh. The move could influence bureaucratic control, fiscal provisions, and power distribution among Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre, making the stakes exceptionally high.
What is Article 240?
  • Empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of certain Union Territories.
  • Regulations issued under Article 240 have the force of Parliamentary law, making them equivalent to an Act of Parliament.
  • Allows amendment or repeal of existing laws in a UT, giving the Union direct legislative authority.
  • Applies to UTs without a legislative assembly: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
  • Applies to Puducherry only when its Assembly is dissolved or suspended, enabling temporary Central control.
  • Enables the Centre to bypass State governments in UT governance, creating a more unitary administrative model.
Chandigarh’s current administrative arrangement
  1. Shared capital system: Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
  2. Additional charge: The Governor of Punjab functions as the Administrator of Chandigarh.
  3. UT governance limitations: Chandigarh lacks its own Legislative Assembly.
What Article 240 enables
  1. Sweeping Central authority: The President can make regulations for peace, progress, and good government for UTs.
  2. Regulatory override: Any law applicable to Chandigarh can be repealed or amended via Parliamentary legislation.
  3. Direct central rule template: Similar model followed in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Puducherry (when its Assembly is dissolved/suspended).
Implications if Chandigarh is brought under Article 240
  1. Independent Administrator: No additional charge by Punjab Governor; Centre appoints directly.
  2. Bureaucratic restructuring: Large administrative staff of Punjab and Haryana currently posted in Chandigarh may face institutional and coordination changes.
  3. Legislative possibilities: May enable eventual Legislative Assembly for Chandigarh in the future.
  4. Greater Central oversight: Budgetary and policy matters would fall more firmly under Union control.
  5. Concerns raised: Critics fear this would give excessive control to the Centre.
Arguments that the move benefits Chandigarh
  1. Clear autonomy: Reduced administrative overlap from two states.
  2. Institutional accountability: A dedicated Administrator creates faster decision-making.
  3. Long-term governance clarity: Removes ambiguity caused by shared capital model.
Previous administrative attempts
  1. 1984 attempt: Proposal to appoint an independent Administrator linked to counter-terror coordination; Punjab was under President’s Rule.
  2. 2016 attempt: Opposition arose due to the practice of Punjab Governor holding Administrator’s charge.
Conclusion
Placing Chandigarh under Article 240 reflects a significant recalibration of Centre-State dynamics. While the move promises administrative clarity and efficiency, it raises questions of federal balance and the political stakes of Punjab and Haryana. The issue remains a critical case-study in Indian federalism, constitutional design, and UT governance.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2024] What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
Linkage: The question reflects the recent shift in Centre-State power balance through greater Union control in administrative, fiscal and institutional domains. It links directly with debates like Chandigarh under Article 240, Governor-State tensions, GST Council dynamics and UT re-organisation, core themes of Indian federalism in GS-II.

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Judicial Appointments Conundrum Post-NJAC Verdict

What does the SC’s advisory opinion imply?

| Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies,Executive & Judiciary,Federalism

INTRODUCTION

The advisory opinion of the Supreme Court was sought to address concerns raised by delays in assent to Bills passed by State Assemblies and the earlier judicial attempt to impose fixed timelines on Governors. The reference involved 14 constitutional questions focused on the interpretation of Articles 200 and 201 and the Court’s jurisdiction to intervene. The new opinion aims to clarify the contours of discretionary powers while protecting legislative authority under the Constitution.

WHY IN THE NEWS

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark advisory opinion on a Presidential reference under Article 143, reversing the April 2025 ruling that introduced the concept of “deemed assent” and mandated a three-month timeline for Governors and the President to act on Bills. The Court has clarified that while Governors ordinarily act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, their powers under Articles 200 and 201 are discretionary, without any judicially enforceable time limits. This ruling has reshaped the dynamics between constitutional heads and elected State governments, impacting legislative functioning and federal balance.

What triggered the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion

  1. Presidential reference origin: Resulted from the two-judge bench judgment in State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu (April 2025).
  2. Three-month timeline mandate: The earlier ruling specified that Governors and the President must act on Bills within three months.
  3. Deemed assent invocation: The bench used Article 142 to grant deemed assent for Tamil Nadu Bills pending with the Governor.
  4. Government concern: The Union Government sought clarity on whether Bills become justiciable before enactment and whether courts can prescribe time limits.
  5. Magnitude of reference: A total of 14 constitutional questions were raised relating to Articles 200 and 201 and the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.

What were the key takeaways from the Supreme Court’s opinion?

  1. Three constitutional choices under Article 200: The Governor may assent, return the Bill for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President’s consideration.
  2. Discretion of Governor: The Governor exercises discretion in choosing among the three options and is not necessarily bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers.
  3. Non-justiciability before enactment: Courts cannot compel Governors to act before a Bill becomes law due to absence of constitutionally prescribed timelines.
  4. Autonomy of President under Article 201: The President’s powers operate independently and cannot be substituted by judicial directives.
  5. Absence of deemed assent: The Constitution does not provide for deemed assent; judicial power under Article 142 cannot be used to invent such a mechanism.

Does this opinion contradict earlier judicial interpretations?

  1. Earlier judicial logic: Decisions in Shamsher Singh (1974) and Nabam Rebia (2016) held that Governors act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
  2. Present reinterpretation: The Court has held that Article 200 functions fall within discretionary power despite the general rule of acting on ministerial advice.
  3. Shift in constitutional balance: The new interpretation expands discretionary authority when dealing with State legislation.
What about time limits for Governors and the President?
  1. Punchhi Commission recommendation (2010): Suggested that the Governor should decide on assent within six months.
  2. Precedent in K.M. Singh case (2020): The Court had earlier prescribed a three-month limit for the Speaker to decide disqualification petitions; however, no such limit exists for Governors.
  3. Current ruling: The Supreme Court held that no enforceable time limit applies because the Constitution does not prescribe one.
  4. Implication: The possibility of prolonged delays in assent continues to exist, which may contribute to legislative gridlock.
What concerns emerge from the current interpretation
  1. Democratic risk: Legislative functioning may be hindered when Bills remain pending without a time frame for disposal.
  2. Centre-State tension: Expanded discretion may tilt the institutional balance toward appointed constitutional heads over elected State governments.
  3. Potential politicisation: Use of gubernatorial office could intensify where State and Union Governments are politically opposed.
Way Forward
  1. Introduce timelines: Fix a statutory/constitutional time limit for assent to Bills.
  2. Record reasons: Make reservation of Bills and delays explainable in writing.
  3. Structured coordination: Establish periodic Raj Bhavan-State Government consultation mechanism.
  4. Federal ethics: Encourage Governors to follow constitutional neutrality over political alignment.
  5. Legislative reporting: Present pendency reports of Bills before the State Legislature annually.
  6. Capacity building: Train Raj Bhavan staff on constitutional conventions and cooperative federalism.
CONCLUSION
The Supreme Court’s advisory opinion carefully aligns with constitutional text by overturning “deemed assent” and reaffirming discretion under Articles 200 and 201. However, it leaves unresolved the core challenge of prolonged delays in gubernatorial action on Bills passed by elected Assemblies. While the opinion respects constitutional separation of powers and prevents judicial overreach, it simultaneously highlights the need for clearer institutional safeguards to protect democratic accountability and cooperative federalism.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2022] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.
Linkage: This PYQ connects directly to current debates on Governors’ discretionary powers, assent to Bills, and constitutional limits on ordinance-making. It is highly relevant after the Supreme Court’s recent advisory opinion on Articles 200 and 201, which redefines executive-legislature balance and safeguards federalism.

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Judicial Appointments Conundrum Post-NJAC Verdict

Justice Surya Kant Sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Why in the News?

Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 24, 2025, administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About Justice Surya Kant

  • Born: 10 February 1962, Hisar, Haryana.
  • Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (appointed 2000).
  • Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court (2004).
  • Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018).
  • Appointed to Supreme Court: 24 May 2019 (along with Justice B.R. Gavai).

Tenure

  • Will serve until 2 February 2027 — a little over one year.

Major Priorities as the 53rd CJI

  • Reduce pendency of 90,000+ cases in the Supreme Court to a “manageable number.”
  • Address growing trend:
    • Litigants bypassing High Courts and approaching SC directly.
    • Repeated “miscellaneous applications” causing prolonged litigation

Major Cases Involving Justice Surya Kant

  • Abrogation of Article 370 (J&K’s special status removed).
  • Electoral Bonds Case – Bench struck down the scheme as unconstitutional.
  • Pegasus spyware case.
  • Suspension of sedition law deliberations.
  • Granted conditional interim bail to Ashish Mishra (Lakhimpur Kheri incident).

Procedure for Selection of the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Constitutional Basis

  • Article 124(2) of the Constitution deals with the appointment of Supreme Court judges (including the CJI). The CJI is appointed by the President of India.

Seniority Convention

  • By long-standing constitutional convention, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the next CJI.
  • Seniority = date of appointment to the Supreme Court Bench.

Role of the Collegium

When the CJI’s post is falling vacant:

  • The outgoing CJI recommends the name of the senior-most SC judge to the Government of India.
  • This recommendation is part of the Collegium system, but only the CJI’s advice is required, not the full Collegium.

Role of the Law Ministry

  • The Ministry of Law & Justice processes the recommendation.
  • Sends it to the Prime Minister, who advises the President.

Appointment by the President

  • The President formally appoints the recommended judge as the Chief Justice of India.
  • Appointment is notified in the Gazette.

Oath of Office

  • The President administers the oath of office to the new CJI at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Oath is under Article 124(6).

Tenure

  • The CJI holds office until the age of 65.

Q. With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements:

1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.

2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

[A] 1 only 

[B] 2 only 

[C] Both 1 and 2 

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

INS Sahyadri–HMAS Ballarat in AUSINDEX 2025

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

 Why in the News?

INS Sahyadri of the Indian Navy and HMAS Ballarat of the Royal Australian Navy participated in the AUSINDEX 2025 bilateral maritime exercise in the Northern Pacific, strengthening India–Australia defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability.

What is AUSINDEX?  

  • Bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia
  • First held in 2015
  • Aims at maritime cooperation, interoperability, and security
  • Conducted alternately in India and Australia / designated oceanic regions

AUSINDEX 2025 

  • Location: Northern Pacific
  • Participants:
  • INS Sahyadri – Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate
  • HMAS Ballarat – Anzac-class frigate
  • Focus areas:
      • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
      • Gunnery drills
      • Advanced flying operations
      • Joint maritime manoeuvres
  • Objective: Boost interoperability and reaffirm commitment to a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific
With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs: (2025)

I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft 

II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globemaster 

III : Military transport aircraft 

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All the three 

(d) None

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Internal Security Trends and Incidents

DRI Seizes 32 kg Methamphetamine in North East

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Border Area Security Challenges,Organized Crime & Terrorism

Why in the News?

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 32 kg methamphetamine tablets worth ₹32 crore in two separate operations in Assam and Tripura, exposing the continued use of the Indo–Myanmar route for drug trafficking. Three persons have been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

About Methamphetamine  

  • A synthetic psychostimulant
  • Known as Ya Ba / Speed pills in Southeast Asia
  • Highly addictive
  • Controlled under Schedule of NDPS Act, 1985

What is Hydroponic Weed?

  • Marijuana grown in nutrient-rich water systems, not soil
  • Higher potency due to controlled conditions
  • New smuggling trend: carried by air passengers into NE India

NDPS Act, 1985  

  • Regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
  • Provides for seizure, arrests, forfeiture
  • Commercial quantity offences: 10–20 years imprisonment
  • Empowered agencies: DRI, NCB, Customs, State Police, BSF, Assam Rifles
Q: India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (UPSC 2018) 

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Dams and Hydroprojects

HMDA to use bioremediation to clean up Hussainsagar lake

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has announced a new advanced bioremediation initiative using enzyme solutions and biochar-based Bokashi balls to clean and restore Hussainsagar Lake, which has long suffered from algal blooms, foul odour, sewage inflow, and industrial pollution.

About Hussainsagar Lake

  • A 16th-century artificial lake in Hyderabad.
  • Faces severe pollution due to:
    • Sewage inflow
    • Nutrient overload (nitrates, phosphates)
    • Industrial waste
  • Problems: algal blooms, foul odour, low Dissolved Oxygen (DO), high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

What Is Bioremediation?

  • Definition: Use of microorganisms, enzymes, or biological materials to break down pollutants and restore ecosystems.

  • Types relevant here:
    • In-situ bioremediation – treating the lake onsite without removing water.
    • Bio-augmentation – adding microbial cultures to enhance degradation.
    • Aerobic/oxygenation systems – boost DO to improve water quality.

New Intervention Planned by HMDA

  • Enzyme Solutions

      • Enhance microbial breakdown of organic pollutants.
      • Help reduce nutrient load responsible for algal blooms.

  • Bokashi Balls (with Biochar)

    • Bokashi = fermented organic matter rich in beneficial microbes.
    • Biochar:
      • Carbon-rich material produced from biomass.
      • Increases microbial activity, absorbs toxins, improves water clarity.
    • Purpose:
      • Reduce algae, odour, pathogenic bacteria.
      • Increase water transparency and DO levels.
In the context of solving pollution problems what is/are the advantage/disadvantages of bioremediation technique? (2017)

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 

2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 

3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Moss Spores Survive Months in Space

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the news?

A recent study published in iScience revealed that moss spores (Physcomitrium patens) survived nine months outside the International Space Station (ISS), enduring vacuum, cosmic radiation, microgravity, and temperature extremes. Over 80% of the spores survived and successfully germinated on return to Earth. Scientists estimate moss could survive up to 15 years in space.

Key Findings of the Study

  • 20,000 moss spores were placed outside the ISS in March 2022.
  • Exposed to: Vacuum, Cosmic radiation, Microgravity and Extreme temperatures
  • After 283 days, the spores were retrieved.
  • Results: 80% survived
    • Among survivors, 89% germinated successfully
    • Chlorophyll levels normal except a 20% drop in chlorophyll a, but not harmful
  • Survival attributed to multiple spore wall layers offering passive protection.

About the Species

  • Species: Physcomitrium patens
  • Model organism for plant evolutionary studies
  • Mosses are one of the earliest land plants
  • Already known for surviving:
    • Antarctica
    • Volcanic fields
    • Deserts

Why Moss Survived – Scientific Insight

  • Multiple thick-walled layers → physical shielding
  • Ability to remain in dormant state
  • Natural mechanisms to handle:
    • Radiation
    • Desiccation
    • Freezing and thawing cycles

Why Is This Significant?

  • Implications for Space Exploration: 
      • Ability to survive harsh space environments → potential role in: Oxygen generation, Humidity control, Soil formation on Moon/Mars.
      • Supports concepts of bioregenerative life-support systems
      • It could be used in terraforming experiments on other celestial bodies

  • Astrobiology

      • Supports the idea that primitive plant life could survive interplanetary transport.
      • Relevant to panspermia hypothesis (life spreading across planets via spores).

  • Long-term Human Habitats

    • Moss can grow with minimal resources
    • Can contribute to:
      • Closed-loop ecosystems
      • Sustainable habitats
      • Psychological well-being in isolated environments (greenery)
Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 

2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 

3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. 

How many of the above statements are correct? 

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

[24th November 2025] The Hindu OpED: The future of health lies in harmony

op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

Linkage: Traditional medicine is gaining global traction, so protecting it from patenting and biopiracy is now a core policy priority rather than a cultural concern. As India leads the global traditional medicine agenda, this linkage makes the topic very likely to appear in future UPSC exams under health governance, IPR and soft-power.

Mentor’s Comment

The global health landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. Traditional medicine, once seen as alternative, is now being recognised as a scientific and social asset. With India emerging as a hub of innovation and evidence-based traditional research, and hosting the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, the world is witnessing a renewed focus on health systems rooted in balance, sustainability and technology-enabled well-being.

INTRODUCTION

Health, in its original meaning, has always signified harmony, within the human body, and between humans and nature. With modern lifestyles driving chronic diseases, mental strain and ecological imbalance, traditional systems of medicine offer a rediscovered pathway to well-being that integrates mind, body, community, and environment. India, with its rich heritage of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, is repositioning traditional medicine as an engine of science-driven global healthcare transformation.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine hosted by India marks a watershed moment, for the first time, traditional medicine is being institutionalised globally as a scientific, evidence-backed and sustainable component of public health systems. With around 90% of WHO member-states reporting usage of traditional medicine, and India’s AYUSH market reaching USD 34.3 billion, global health priorities are shifting from reactive sick-care to proactive well-being. The Summit signals the beginning of a new chapter where traditional medicine integrates with modern technologies, data analytics and global governance.

Why is traditional medicine gaining global significance?

  1. Escalating lifestyle diseases: rising non-communicable diseases demand preventive, holistic models of care.
  2. Fragmented systems failing: reactive, curative-centric models cannot ensure long-term public well-being.
  3. Biodiversity-nutrition-livelihood interlinkages: traditional medicine influences food security, sustainability and livelihoods.
  4. Affordability for LMICs: for billions across low- and middle-income regions, traditional medicine remains first access to healthcare.

How is traditional medicine evolving from belief to science?

  1. Evidence-based research: WHO emphasises integration supported by data, learning and scientific validation.
  2. Shift from consumer preference to collective responsibility: well-being linked to shared ecosystems and sustainability.
  3. Recognition as a scientific and social asset: elevated at the 2023 WHO Summit in Gandhinagar.
  4. Institutional reforms in India: dedicated AYUSH department at BIS, and global standards under ISO/TC 249/SC 2.

What is India’s leadership role in global traditional medicine?

  1. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar: a knowledge hub for innovation, analytics and sustainability.
  2. Memorandum of Understanding with WHO: India co-hosts global Summit and participates in shaping global priorities.
  3. Political and scientific commitment: Prime Minister’s focus leads to increasing investments and ecosystem building.
  4. Vision of collective global stewardship: India positions traditional knowledge as shared global heritage.

How does technology change future pathways of traditional medicine?

  1. Digital health and analytics: enable real-time monitoring, transparency and measurable clinical outcomes.
  2. Sustainability and biodiversity research: bridges traditional practice with ecological protection.
  3. Innovation-led scaling: makes traditional systems compatible with global regulatory and safety frameworks.
  4. Data-driven inclusion: ensures equitable access to health knowledge and solutions.

How does the Summit reshape global health governance?

  1. Benefit sharing and fair access: ensures equitable utilisation of biological and cultural assets.
  2. Value of local heritage in globalisation: respects indigenous knowledge in global supply chains.
  3. Integration with modern health priorities: aligns traditional medicine with contemporary clinical and public health goals.
  4. Ethical anchoring of future innovation: technology with community-rooted ethics and sustainability.

CONCLUSION

The world is moving toward a health model where prevention, sustainability, community participation and science converge. Traditional medicine, empowered by research, technology and equitable access, offers a pathway to resilience against lifestyle diseases and global health inequalities. India’s leadership in steering this transformation reinforces health not as the absence of disease, but as a state of balance between humans and nature.

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Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

Labour codes: what changes for workers and employers

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Issues relating growth and development, employment

Introduction

The four labour codes, Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, Industrial Relations Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, aim to simplify compliance for industries, expand social security to workers, and improve ease of doing business. However, labour being a concurrent subject, implementation depends on states, and concerns have emerged about job security, worker rights, and the impact on collective bargaining.

Why in the News

The government has notified the implementation of four labour codes after over five years of deliberation and the consolidation of 29 central labour laws. This marks the first time India will operate under a uniform nationwide wage system and a consolidated social security architecture. While the reforms promise simplified compliance and a push for manufacturing efficiency, trade unions warn of reduced strike power, easier employee termination, and increased precarity for informal workers, making it one of the most debated labour reforms in recent times.

Labour Codes and the Changing Labour Landscape

  1. Consolidation of 29 laws into four codes to create uniformity and remove overlapping provisions.
  2. Target shift from penal to compliance-based enforcement, especially for small firms and first-time offences.
  3. Push for economies of scale in manufacturing, signalling alignment with global production norms.

Code on Wages: What changes for employees and employers?

  1. Uniform definition of wages: It ensures consistency in minimum wage calculation across states and sectors.
  2. Mandated national floor wage: It enables states to set minimum wages only above the national baseline.
  3. Time-bound wage payment: within 2 days of resignation/termination and 7 days of completion of the wage period.
  4. Broader coverage for all employees irrespective of industry or wage threshold.
  5. Overtime provisions strengthened: capped at 48 hours weekly, 12 hours daily shift duration permitted with breaks.

Code on Social Security: Is the social net expanding?

  1. Unified ecosystem of social security: It covers unorganised, informal, gig, and platform workers for the first time.
  2. National Social Security Board: For recommendations, registration, schemes, and funding decisions.
  3. Corporate Co-contribution: Corporates may co-contribute to gig/platform worker benefits but funding split still unclear.
  4. ESIC expansion: Applies to sectors previously exempt; plantation workers included voluntarily.
  5. Formalisation incentive through maternity benefits, gratuity reforms, and inclusion of fixed-term employees.

Industrial Relations Code: Does it limit collective bargaining?

  1. Stricter strike rules: 60-day notice before strike and prohibition of strike in the next 14 days of conciliation.
  2. Increase in threshold: Threshold for prior permission for layoffs raised from 100 to 300 workers, enabling easier hiring-firing.
  3. Negotiating Union provision: Only unions with 51% membership can negotiate; multi-union negotiation councils for fragmented memberships.
  4. Push for stable industrial climate: It is criticised for shrinking bargaining space for workers.

OSH Code: Will workplace safety improve?

  1. Standardised norms: Across industries norms for working hours, workplace safety, and facility obligations.
  2. Mandatory free annual health check-ups: For workers in notified industries.
  3. Women allowed in all sectors and night shifts: subject to safety conditions.
  4. Increased accountability for establishments: In case of handling hazardous activities and migrant labour.

Conclusion

The labour codes aim to simplify compliance and strengthen India’s labour market to support manufacturing-led growth. However, concerns persist regarding job security, collective bargaining, and implementation across states. Successful outcomes depend on balancing economic flexibility with worker protection and ensuring that reforms lead to formalisation without vulnerability.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2024] Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?

Linkage: Growth driven mainly by labour productivity has led to GDP rising without proportional job creation. This links to the four Labour Codes, which seek higher productivity and flexibility, but face concerns on whether they will create jobs while protecting workers.

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How can State PSCs be reformed

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Introduction

Public Service Commissions are constitutional institutions meant to ensure merit-based appointments insulated from political pressures. A century after the Montagu–Chelmsford report envisaged them, State PSCs face credibility challenges due to recruitment irregularities and systemic inefficiencies that affect millions of aspirants.

Why in the news?

At the 2025 National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions hosted by Telangana PSC, members acknowledged recruitment controversies and demanded urgent reforms. Aspirant protests in Hyderabad highlighted how even minor delays disrupt youth livelihood prospects. Persistent exam cancellations and unclear syllabi have deepened mistrust despite PSCs’ constitutional mandate of meritocracy.

Historical evolution of State PSCs :

  1. Montagu-Chelmsford Report :
    1. Recommended statutory recruitment bodies for welfare-oriented administration.
    2. Laid conceptual foundation for PSCs in India.
  2. First Public Service Commission (1926) :
    1. Set up for the Government of India before Independence.
    2. Marked beginning of institutionalised merit-based recruitment.
  3. Constitutionalisation through Article 315:
    1. Provided for separate Public Service Commissions for Union and States.
    2. Ensured autonomy and continuity post-Independence.

Constitutional structure and organisation :

  1. Appointment and tenure of members: Governor appoints chairperson and members with fixed tenure and protected service conditions.
  2. Constitutional independence: PSCs function autonomously and discharge duties without executive interference.
  3. Role of UPSC in relation to State PSCs: UPSC may advise State PSCs on service matters when requested.
  4. Role of Ministry of Personnel: Helps maintain coherence in administrative policies across States.

Present functioning and examination framework :

  1. Syllabus review mechanism: Periodic syllabus updates mandated to align with evolving administrative requirements.
  2. Question paper setting and evaluation: PSC sets papers, evaluates answer scripts and prepares selection lists.
  3. Cut-offs and result publication: Merit lists released after evaluation; criteria finalised by the PSC.

Current challenges and bottlenecks

  1. Irregular recruitment cycles: Long gaps between notification and appointments disrupt careers and spark protests.
  2. Lack of transparency: Limited disclosure on answer keys and evaluation has lowered institutional credibility.
  3. Paper leaks and cancellations: Allegations of malpractice lead to cancellation, delays and erosion of public trust.
  4. Outdated syllabus issues: Poor syllabus revisions fail to reflect new governance themes and legal developments.
  5. Inconsistent standards across States: Divergent evaluation standards hinder mobility and generate inequality.

Proposed reforms and restructuring measures:

  1. Revised manpower planning: Systematic vacancy forecasting to prevent examination delays.
  2. Fixed examination calendar: Annual, predictable and uniform recruitment schedule across States.
  3. Transparent evaluation policy: Mandatory disclosure of answer keys, normalisation criteria and cut-off logic.
  4. Academic and administrative alignment: Regular syllabus revision to match governance and administrative reality.
  5. Professional expertise induction: Inclusion of subject experts to improve paper quality and evaluation fairness.

Conclusion

State PSCs were created to provide equal opportunity in public employment. However, recruitment delays, unclear syllabi and opacity have damaged public trust. Ensuring predictability, transparency and institutional professionalism is essential to protect youth aspirations and restore confidence in constitutional recruitment bodies.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2024] What are the aims and objects of the recently passed and enforced Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations too are covered under the Act?

Linkage: The Act directly links to the PSC crisis by targeting leaks, exam fraud and loss of trust in public recruitment. It sets a future-ready template for PSC reforms through transparency, deterrence and integrity in examinations.

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Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Martyrdom Day

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History,Salient features of Indian Society

Why in the news?

On the eve of the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru, highlighting his supreme sacrifice for the protection of righteousness, humanity and freedom of faith.

Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur?  

  • Ninth Guru of Sikhism (1621–1675).

  • Youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru.

  • Known as “Hind di Chadar” (Shield of India) for defending religious freedom.

  • Key teachings recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, including hymns on detachment, courage, and equality.

Why is His Martyrdom Significant?

  • Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed forced conversions under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
  • He defended the rights of Kashmiri Pandits, who sought his protection.
  • Arrested and executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 24 November 1675.
  • His martyrdom represents:

    • Protection of freedom of conscience
    • Defence of pluralism and interfaith harmony
    • Upholding justice and truth

President of India’s 2025 Message: Key Highlights

  • Tribute to his valour, sacrifice, and principles.
  • Emphasised his role in preserving: Righteousness, Humanity, Truth.
  • Called upon citizens to imbibe his values to strengthen harmony and unity in India.

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Contributions  

  • Spiritual Teachings: Advocated nirbhau (fearlessness) and nirvair (compassion). Stressed spiritual liberation through humility and service.
  • Establishment of Sikh Centres: Founded the city of Anandpur Sahib (1665). Travelled widely across the Indian subcontinent, spreading Sikh philosophy.
  • Guru Granth Sahib Contribution: Composed 116 hymns, including shaloks on detachment and moral courage.
(2009) With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 

2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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