PYQ Relevance:
Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)
Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on grave challenge to national security (2017), and ‘pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council ’ (2015)
Wars are raging, global institutions are failing, and terrorism is evolving in new, digital, and decentralized forms. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza crisis dominate headlines, subterranean threats such as radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism are quietly reshaping global security risks.
Today’s editorial highlights why the world is in a volatile state, how extremist groups are adapting, and why counterterrorism efforts must evolve to meet these new challenges. This content will help in GS paper 2 (Security issues).
Why in the News?
The world is going through an unpredictable phase, with wars, conflicts, and terrorism on the rise. The post-1945 global order has collapsed, and international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are failing to prevent violence. At the same time, terrorism is evolving, using digital tools and decentralized networks to survive and grow.
Why is the Present Period Unpredictable?
- Wars in Europe and West Asia:
- The Ukraine war continues with no clear end in sight.
- The Gaza conflict and tensions in Lebanon have led to large-scale civilian casualties.
- Failure of Global Institutions:
- The UNSC and ICJ have become powerless observers, unable to stop wars.
- The principles of international law are now ignored by major powers.
- Moral and Political Decline:
- Nations are acting in self-interest, with no common moral framework.
- Peace efforts are temporary and do not address the root causes of conflicts.
What are the Recent Subterranean Activities?
- False Sense of Stability in West Asia:
- Some believe that Israeli military actions have weakened Iran’s regional influence.
- However, underground resistance movements are growing, keeping tensions high.
- Resurgence of Islamist Extremism:
- Jihadist groups are reorganizing, using online radicalization.
- “Lone wolf” attacks are increasing, making them harder to predict.
- Digital Radicalization:
- Terrorist groups are recruiting and training people online.
- Social media and encrypted messaging apps are used to spread extremist ideologies.
How Terrorism is Witnessing a Revival?
- Terrorism is Adapting:
- Since 1979, terrorist networks have evolved.
- Al-Qaeda and ISIS have used both military and digital strategies to stay active.
- Now, terrorism is shifting towards smaller, more frequent attacks.
- Al-Qaeda and ISIS Regrouping:
- Al-Qaeda is training militants in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
- ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Attacks have been reported in Moscow, Türkiye, and Iran.
- More Small-Scale Attacks:
- Instead of large bombings, modern terrorism relies on:
- Lone-wolf attacks (one person acting alone).
- Vehicle attacks, knives, or simple explosives.
- AI-driven propaganda to recruit supporters.
- Recent Terror Attacks in the U.S.:
- Las Vegas Cyber Truck Explosion: A Tesla exploded outside a hotel where President-elect Donald Trump was staying.
- New Orleans Vehicle Attack: A former soldier drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people while displaying an ISIS flag.
- Virginia Terror Plot: Authorities foiled a planned attack in early 2025.
- Warnings for the Future:
- Experts warn of a new wave of terror attacks using digital tools.
- Security agencies worldwide are on high alert to prevent further incidents.
Conclusion
A technology-driven and cooperative global approach is essential to counter rising conflicts and terrorism. Nations must strengthen international institutions, use AI for surveillance, and enforce stricter digital regulations to prevent online radicalization. Community engagement and de-radicalization programs can help address extremism at its roots. Stronger border security, cyber-tracking, and intelligence-sharing will be key to preventing future attacks. As threats become more decentralized and digital, proactive measures and global collaboration are the only paths to lasting peace.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Illegal Immigration;
Why in the News?
A U.S. Air Force C-17 plane landed at Amritsar’s Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on February 5, 2025, carrying around 100 Indian nationals. These individuals were suspected of trying to enter the U.S. illegally.
What are the Hotspots states of Illegal Immigration in India?
- Gujarat: North Gujarat, including the districts of Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Patan, and Banaskantha, is a major hotspot. Specific illegal immigration hotspots within these districts include Dingucha, Khalva, Nardipur, and Limdivas in Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar district; Vijapur, Andudar, Tundali, Bhadol, and Dhanali in Mehsana district; and Sola Science City Road and Bhadaj in Ahmedabad city.
- Punjab: Punjab is also a significant hotspot for illegal immigration.
- Haryana: Haryana is another state identified as a hotspot.
Andhra Pradesh tops the list of agents engaged in illegal manpower migration overseas. As of Oct 30, 2023, a total of 2925 such agents have been identified.
What are the most common methods used?
- Forged Documents: Agents create fake passports, visas, and other documents to facilitate illegal migration. This includes fake departure/arrival stamps, work permits, and educational or corporate papers.
- “Donkey Routes”: Agents organize travel through multiple countries to exploit visa loopholes and enable illegal border crossings into the desired destination. This often involves routing individuals through countries with visa-on-arrival options for Indian nationals.
- Exploiting Loopholes: Agents exploit student visas and family immigration categories, as well as sham marriages and adoptions, to facilitate illegal immigration.
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What are the Reasons for Illegal Migration?
- Economic Factors: Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and the desire for a better standard of living push individuals to seek opportunities in other countries. The promise of opportunities, like the “American Dream,” attracts migrants.
- Political and Religious Persecution: Individuals flee their home countries due to political and religious persecution, seeking refuge in other nations.
- Overpopulation and Natural Disasters: Overpopulation leading to a crisis of living space and natural disasters can force people to migrate for survival and better living conditions.
- Existing Social Networks: Established social networks attract more migrants from similar communities, often resulting in migration through illegal routes when other options are unavailable.
- Violence and Instability: Violence, exacerbated by gangs and the drug trade, and gender-based violence, such as honour crimes or forced marriage, drive individuals to seek safety elsewhere.
What are the consequences of such Migration?
- Clashes and Political Instability: Illegal migration can lead to clashes between locals and migrants due to competition over scarce resources, economic opportunities, and cultural dominance, resulting in political instability.
- Economic Exploitation: Undocumented migrants are vulnerable to economic exploitation, often facing informal, temporary, or unprotected jobs and even forced labour due to a lack of legal safeguards. Illegal immigration can also increase the labour supply, impacting the wages and employment of some domestic workers.
- Strain on Resources and Infrastructure: The influx of undocumented settlers can strain public services like healthcare, education, and transportation, while unregulated settlements may emerge with hazardous living conditions. A massive influx of immigrants can lead to increased consumption, creating crises as authorities struggle to maintain living conditions and provide housing and services.
- Increased Crime and Security Concerns: Illegal migrants may engage in illegal and anti-national activities, such as fraudulently acquiring identity cards, participating in trans-border smuggling, and other crimes, undermining the rule of law. Organized criminal groups may also be involved in smuggling migrants across borders.
- Violation of Human Rights: Illegal migrants are vulnerable to inhumane conditions and criminal offences like assault, rape, or extortion during their journeys or in destination regions2. They also face the risk of detention and deportation and may be mistreated during detention, such as having poor living conditions.
- Social Tensions: Large-scale illegal migration can distort existing demographics and pose a threat to existing socio-cultural identity, potentially leading to xenophobic, ultranationalist, and racial manifestations.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Border and Immigration Controls – Enhance surveillance, biometric tracking, and cooperation with international agencies to curb illegal entry and human smuggling networks.
- Regulating Migration Pathways – Streamline legal migration channels, enforce stricter penalties on fraudulent agents, and promote awareness campaigns to educate potential migrants on legal and safe alternatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Infrastructure; Railways;
Why in the News?
The Railway Budget was once a major event before the Union Budget. Since merging with the general Budget in 2017, Indian Railways has lost prominence, with no mention in the July 2024 or February 2025 Budgets.
What specific safety measures are planned for the Railways?
- Enhanced Safety Budget – ₹1,16,514 crore allocated for safety-related initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades and accident prevention.
- Kavach Train Protection System – No new expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km; implementation delays remain a concern.
- Grade Separation & Track Upgrades – Elimination of level crossings, doubling of railway lines, and gauge conversion to reduce congestion and accidents.
- Modern Signaling & Electrification – Upgrading signaling systems and achieving 95% electrification to improve train control and safety.
- Station & Train Modernization – Redevelopment of key stations and introduction of new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains with better safety features.
Which states will benefit the most from the railway budget allocations?
- Uttar Pradesh – Major railway station redevelopments (e.g., Ayodhya, Varanasi), new Vande Bharat trains, and increased connectivity through high-speed rail projects.
- Maharashtra – Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train), Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and urban railway modernization projects.
- Gujarat – High investment in freight corridors, bullet train project, and Amrit Bharat station redevelopment.
- West Bengal – Expansion of railway network, doubling of tracks, electrification, and modernization of key stations like Howrah and Sealdah.
- Tamil Nadu – Focus on gauge conversion, station redevelopment (e.g., Chennai), and enhanced connectivity with new semi-high-speed trains.
- Bihar & Jharkhand – Increased railway line expansion and connectivity improvements, particularly for freight movement and passenger services.
- Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh – Dedicated freight corridor benefits, track doubling, and station upgrades for better passenger services.
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How will the new Amrit Bharat trains improve connectivity?
- Infrastructure Development & New Tracks: Expansion of railway lines to extend connectivity to new areas to ensure broader access to transportation. Example: Increased track laying to enhance regional rail access.
- Modernization of Stations: Upgrading stations to improve passenger experience and integrate different modes of transport. Example: Redevelopment projects enhancing station facilities and efficiency.
- Expansion of Rail Network to Underserved Areas: The introduction of Amrit Bharat trains will improve connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, bridging gaps in regional transportation. Example: Faster and more frequent services to cities like Hubli, Gorakhpur, and Siliguri.
- Faster Travel Between Major Economic Hubs: These trains will operate at semi-high speeds, reducing travel time between key business and industrial centers. Example: Quicker connectivity between Mumbai–Surat and Bengaluru–Hyderabad, supporting trade and commerce.
- Boost to Religious & Tourism Circuits: The new trains will enhance access to religious and tourist destinations, promoting cultural and economic growth. Example: Improved rail access to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Puri, and Rameswaram for pilgrimage travelers.
- Better Regional Connectivity in the Northeast & Border Areas: Amrit Bharat trains will strengthen rail links in remote and border regions, enhancing security and development. Example: Enhanced rail connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram to integrate them with the national rail network.
What are the challenges?
- Underwhelming Returns on Investment: Despite a ₹13 lakh crore investment in modernization and freight traffic is growing at just over 2%, failing to match India’s economic growth.
- Passenger revenue is increasing, but ridership remains below pre-COVID levels, limiting overall gains.
- Slow Implementation & Execution: Major projects like the New Delhi station redevelopment have been delayed for nearly a decade due to repeated re-tendering.
- Safety initiatives like Kavach have seen no expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km rollout near Secunderabad.
- Financial and Sustainability Concerns: Expenses are exceeding earnings, raising doubts about maintaining new infrastructure under the EPC model.
- The aggressive electrification push has left 5,000 diesel locomotives worth ₹30,000 crore idle or underutilized, questioning cost-effectiveness.
Way forward:
- Prioritize Efficient Implementation & Safety Expansion – Expedite key infrastructure projects, expand Kavach beyond the initial 1,465 km, and streamline bureaucratic approvals to prevent further delays.
- Enhance Financial Sustainability & Asset Utilization – Optimize freight revenue growth, repurpose idle diesel locomotives strategically, and adopt a phased electrification approach to balance costs and efficiency.
Mains PYQ:
Q Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Infrastructure related to urban;
Why in the News?
The 2025 Budget has set up a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to help cities grow and develop.
What was the allocation for urban India?
- Increased Allocation but Underutilization: The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry received ₹96,777 crore for FY 2025-26, a 17% increase from the previous year. However, the Revised Estimate for 2024-25 stood at ₹63,669.93 crore, indicating significant underutilization of funds.
- Urban Challenge Fund and PMAY Focus: A ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund has been proposed for city redevelopment and water & sanitation projects, with ₹10,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26. Additionally, ₹78,126 crore has been allocated to both rural and urban PMAY for housing development.
- Support for Urban Workers and Street Vendors: The government aims to uplift urban workers through PM SVANidhi, which has benefited 68 lakh street vendors. The scheme will be revamped with enhanced bank loans, UPI-linked credit cards (₹30,000 limit), and capacity-building support to reduce reliance on informal sector loans.
How has the reduction happened?
- Decline in Direct Transfers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): With the abolition of octroi and the implementation of GST, ULBs lost a key revenue source, expecting compensation through central devolution. However, the central share for ULBs declined from ₹26,653 crore (last year) to ₹26,158 crore in 2025-26, increasing financial pressure on local bodies.
- Cuts in Key Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS):
- PMAY (Urban) faced a drastic cut, with its allocation reduced from ₹30,170.61 crore to ₹13,670 crore in the Revised Estimate (RE) for 2024-25.
- AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission allocations fell below ₹10,400 crore, with almost no new funds for the Smart Cities Mission.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) retained ₹5,000 crore, but RE shows only ₹2,159 crore was spent—a 56% underutilization.
- Shift in Priorities Toward Capital-Intensive Metro Projects: While many urban development schemes saw cuts, metro rail projects received increased funding.
- Metro projects’ allocation rose from ₹21,335.98 crore to ₹24,691.47 crore in RE (2024-25) and is further proposed to increase by 46% to ₹31,239.28 crore in 2025-26.
- This shift prioritizes large infrastructure over comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and local governance funding.
Does the Union Budget focus on capital-intensive projects?
- Priority to Large Infrastructure Projects: The budget significantly increases funding for metro rail projects (₹31,239.28 crore, up 46%), while allocations for urban schemes like PMAY (Urban), AMRUT, and Smart Cities Mission have been reduced or underutilized.
- Reliance on Private Investment for Urban Development: The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund requires 50% private sector participation, which may slow implementation, shifting focus from government-driven urban welfare programs to capital-intensive projects.
What next?
- Urban Challenge Fund Implementation Risks: The government has introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, but 50% of the funding is expected from private investments.
- Given the limited private sector participation in past urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, relying on private funding could slow implementation.
- Balancing Infrastructure with Livability and Sustainability: The budget favors metro expansion but lacks a broader focus on comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and sustainable urban planning.
- Future policies must integrate green jobs, affordable housing, and local governance empowerment to create more inclusive cities.
- Strengthening Financial Autonomy for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): The decline in direct transfers and devolution post-GST has weakened ULB finances, forcing cities to raise taxes or cut essential services.
- Strengthening municipal revenue sources, revising property tax frameworks, and ensuring timely fund disbursal can help cities plan better for growth.
Conclusion: Need to Strengthen municipal revenue sources through property tax reforms, land monetization, and timely fund transfers, reducing dependency on central allocations. The government should ensure equitable investment in metro expansion, affordable housing, sanitation, and employment generation, fostering livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Algo Trading
Why in the News?
Initially exclusive to institutional investors, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) now has proposed to allow retail participation in Algorithmic trading (algo trading) to ensure market stability and allow retail participation.
What is Algo Trading?
- Algo Trading, or Algorithmic Trading, is the process of using computer programs and pre-defined rules to execute financial market trades at high speed and efficiency.
- It eliminates human intervention and emotions, allowing trades based on mathematical models, historical data, and market conditions.
- How Does Algo Trading Work?
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- It follows pre-coded algorithms to identify trading opportunities and execute orders.
- It uses technical indicators, price movements, volume, and other data to determine trade entry and exit points.
- The system can scan multiple markets simultaneously and execute trades in milliseconds.
- High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a subset of algo trading that involves executing thousands of trades per second.
- It reduces market impact, transaction costs, and slippage compared to manual trading.
Key Highlights of Regulatory Framework:
- Broker Responsibility: Only registered brokers can offer algo trading services to retail investors. Direct retail algo trading without broker approval is not permitted.
- Market Surveillance: Exchanges must monitor algorithmic trades to prevent market manipulation and excessive order placement.
- Latency and Co-location Rules: SEBI has set rules to ensure fair access to low-latency trading infrastructure and avoid unfair advantages.
- Risk Management: Traders must maintain adequate margins, and there are circuit breakers to prevent excessive market volatility.
- Pre-Approval for Strategies: Algo trading strategies must be tested and approved before deployment to minimize market disruption.
- Algo vs. Non-Algo Identification: SEBI mandates separate tagging of algo trades for better transparency and oversight.
- Ban on Self-Trading: Algorithms must not execute self-trades to manipulate market prices.
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?
(a) Certificate of Deposit
(b) Commercial Paper
(c) Promissory Note
(d) Participatory Note |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 200
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor for creating an “impasse” by withholding assent to state bills and later referring them to the President, questioning his handling of state bills under Article 200 of the Constitution. The Governor has withheld 12 Bills, primarily concerning higher education and the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in State universities.
Judicial Precursor: Rameshwar Prasad Case (2005)
- Article 361 provides immunity to Governors from court proceedings for actions taken in their official capacity.
- However, in Rameshwar Prasad & Ors. vs Union of India & Anr., the Supreme Court ruled that:
- Immunity under Article 361 does not prevent judicial review of the Governor’s actions.
- If a Governor withholds assent with malicious intent, the decision can be deemed unconstitutional.
- Governors must provide valid reasons for withholding assent, as they cannot act arbitrarily.
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What is Article 200?
- Article 200 governs the Governor’s options when a Bill passed by the State Legislature is presented for approval.
- It outlines the Governor’s discretionary powers regarding assenting, withholding, returning, or reserving Bills.
Provisions and Features:
- The Governor has four options when presented with a State Legislature Bill:
- Assent to the Bill: The Bill becomes law.
- Withhold Assent: The Governor can refuse approval.
- Return the Bill: If it is NOT a Money Bill, the Governor can send it back to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
- Reserve the Bill for the President’s Consideration: If the Bill-
- Violates the Constitution or a Central law.
- Affects national interests or is ultra vires.
- Opposes the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
- Concerns compulsory property acquisition under Article 31A.
- Endangers the position of the State High Court (mandatory reservation).
- Article 201 deals with Bills reserved for the President’s approval, granting the President the power to:
- Assent to the Bill or withhold assent.
- Return the Bill for reconsideration by the State Legislature.
- Key Constitutional Debates:
- No time limit exists for the Governor to act, leading to delays and constitutional challenges.
- Judicial scrutiny has questioned prolonged withholding of assent, as seen in recent Supreme Court cases.
PYQ:
[2014] Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
- Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
- Appointing the Ministers
- Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
- Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Genotype D1.1
Why in the News?
The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new spillover of H5N1 avian flu genotype D1.1 into dairy cattle in the United States.
What is Genotype D1.1?
- Genotype D1.1 is a strain of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, primarily found in poultry and wild birds.
- It is part of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been responsible for multiple outbreaks worldwide.
- It was recently confirmed in dairy herds in Churchill County, Nevada, USA.
- Symptoms in Cattle: Includes fever, reduced milk production, coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
- Differences from B3.13: Genotype B3.13, the previous dominant H5N1 strain in cattle, caused milder infections in humans, whereas D1.1 has led to more severe cases.
Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Spillover of H5N1 Virus
- A spillover event occurs when a virus jumps from its natural host species (wild birds) to other animals or humans.
- It spreads through wild bird migration routes, carrying the virus across continents.
- The virus has been detected in unpasteurized milk from infected cows, raising concerns about worker exposure.
Impacts on India
- Although genotype D1.1 has not been detected in India, the growing spread of H5N1 in cattle and humans abroad raises concerns for public health and livestock industries in India.
- India is part of major bird migration routes (Central Asian Flyway & East Asian-Australasian Flyway), making it vulnerable to H5N1 spread from infected wild birds.
- With India being the world’s largest milk producer, a spillover of H5N1 into dairy cattle could severely impact milk production and exports.
- While human cases remain rare, a mutation allowing human-to-human transmission could lead to a pandemic-like scenario.
- India poultry products exports to Middle Eastern and Asian markets; an H5N1 outbreak could lead to bans and economic losses.
PYQ:
[2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Swavalambini Initiative
Why in the News?
The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:
- It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
- Aims and Objectives:
- Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
- Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
- Provisions and Features:
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
- Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
- Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
- Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Market Economy; Demand and Supply; Gold Market;
Why in the News?
According to the World Gold Council, Gold investments in India increased by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore), compared to the previous year.
What are the Key highlights of the Report?
- The World Gold Council (WGC) was founded in 1987 by leading gold mining companies. Its purpose is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold.
- It aims to promote gold as a strategic asset and to advance a responsible, transparent, and accessible gold supply chain.
- The WGC has 32 members with mining operations in over 45 countries and is headquartered in London, UK.
- Best Price Performance Since 2010: Gold recorded its strongest annual price rise since 2010, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and interest rate expectations.
- Global demand: It grew by 25% whereas investment demand increased by 29% (2023).
- Global Supply: It increased by 1% mainly on account of mine production and recycling.
- India accounted for 20% of the global gold investment demand, which stood at 1,180 tonnes in 2024.
- Outlook for 2025: Central banks and Gold Exchange Traded Funds are likely to drive demand.
- India: RBI added 73 tonnes of gold to its forex reserves, raising gold’s share to a record 11%.
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What are the reasons for the Increase in Gold Demand in India?
- Cultural Significance: Gold is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and its purchase is considered auspicious during festivals and weddings. For example, bridal jewelry alone accounts for at least half of the gold jewelry market share in India.
- Investment and Hedge Against Uncertainty: Gold is seen as a safe haven investment, especially during times of economic and geopolitical instability. For instance, geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, have increased demand for gold as investors seek a safe-haven asset.
- Inflation Hedge: Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, preserving wealth when the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines. For every 1% increase in inflation, gold demand increases by 2.6%.
- Central Bank Buying: Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), increase their gold holdings to diversify forex reserves and hedge against external uncertainties. The RBI bought 19 tonnes of gold in the first quarter of 2024, already surpassing the 16 tonnes purchased in all of 2023.
- Weakening Dollar: When the US dollar weakens, it becomes cheaper for investors holding other currencies to buy gold, increasing demand and driving prices up. A weaker dollar boosts demand, as seen with the US dollar easing by 0.2% and leading to an increase in gold prices.
What is the present Status of Gold Resources?
- In November 2024, central banks globally added 53 tonnes to their gold reserves. This indicates a continued recognition of gold as a stable and secure asset, particularly in emerging markets.
- As of November 2024, the United States holds the largest gold reserves in the world, with 8,133.5 tonnes. India is among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest gold reserves.
- As of April 1, 2015, India had an estimated 501.83 million tonnes of gold ore reserves. Approximately 17.22 million tonnes were categorized as reserves, with the remainder classified as remaining resources.
- The largest reserves of gold ore are located in Bihar (44%), followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3%), and Jharkhand (2%).
- The remaining 2% of reserves are distributed among Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively involved in geological mapping and mineral exploration to identify potential mineral-rich zones.
- To encourage private sector participation, the Indian government has amended the Minerals Evidence of Mineral Contents Rules for the exploration and mining of deep-seated minerals, including gold.
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What are the negatives of buying physical gold for the country?
- Increases Trade Deficit & Current Account Deficit (CAD): Countries with high gold imports, like India, see a widening trade deficit, as more foreign exchange is spent on gold rather than productive assets. Example: In 2023, India’s gold imports surged to over $43 billion, contributing to a rising CAD (Current Account Deficit) and putting pressure on the rupee.
- Encourages Smuggling & Black Market Activities: High demand and import duties often lead to illegal gold smuggling, fueling the underground economy. Example: In 2022, 1,000+ kg of gold was smuggled into India, bypassing import duties and causing tax revenue losses for the government.
- Non-Productive Asset & Storage Risks: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not generate income and remains idle in lockers, reducing capital available for economic growth. Example: In Turkey, during economic crises, citizens hoarded gold instead of investing in businesses, slowing economic recovery.
Way forward:
- Promote Gold-Backed Financial Instruments: Encourage investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), Gold ETFs, and Digital Gold to reduce reliance on physical gold while ensuring capital appreciation and interest earnings.
- Implement Smarter Import Policies & Monetization Schemes: Rationalize import duties to curb smuggling and expand gold monetization schemes to bring idle gold into the formal financial system, boosting liquidity and economic growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.(UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Sector;
Why in the News?
India has around 3,00,000 diagnostic labs, and the number is increasing. However, the sector is largely unregulated, scattered, and concentrated in urban areas.
What is the significance of India’s Diagnostics Sector?
- Market Size and Growth: The Indian diagnostics market was valued at approximately US$13 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$25 billion by FY28. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 14%. Some projections estimate the market could reach US$40 billion by 2034.
- Essential Component of Healthcare: Diagnostics play a crucial role in disease prevention, early detection, and effective management, making them an essential part of modern healthcare. Doctor recommendations drive a major part of the diagnostic business, with tests being conducted for most patients before prescribing medication.
- Key Market Segments: The sector is primarily divided into pathology (60%) and radiology (40%). Pathology is further broken down into illness (acute and chronic) and wellness segments.
- Drivers of Growth: Several factors contribute to the sector’s growth, including increasing life expectancy, a growing middle class, higher penetration of government insurance schemes, rising income levels, and increasing awareness of preventive testing. An aging population and the rise in chronic diseases also fuel the demand for diagnostic services.
What are the challenges faced by the Diagnostics Sector?
- Urban-Rural Divide: A significant portion of diagnostics revenue (76%) comes from urban areas, even though 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas.
- Disparities in Infrastructure: Rural areas have fewer healthcare facilities, with only about 36.5% of the total hospital beds, leading to delayed treatments and poorer health outcomes
- Regulatory Issues: The Kerala State Clinical Establishments Act faces resistance due to stringent space (300 sq. ft. in rural areas, 500-700 sq. ft. in urban areas) and educational requirements, making compliance unviable for many small labs.
- Standardization Needs: Lack of uniform testing protocols leads to errors. Example: A government lab in Karnataka reported a platelet count of 0.47 lakh/cmm, but a private lab retest showed 2.2 lakh/cmm, highlighting the need for mandatory NABL accreditation and standard SOPs to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
- Infrastructure Gaps in Public Sector: Lack of essential upgrades in government labs (e.g., Osmania and Gandhi Hospitals in Hyderabad). Limited operational hours and unavailability of specialists in government hospitals force patients to private facilities.
What are the present Regulations implemented by the govt for this Sector?
- Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: This act aims to regulate diagnostic centers but has been adopted by only 12 states and Union Territories, leading to inconsistent regulations across the country.
- Medical Devices Rules, 2017: These rules govern medical devices, an integral part of the diagnostics framework, focusing on manufacturing, import, sale, distribution, and quality and safety control. They provide risk-based categorization, establish product standards, and set timelines for obtaining licenses.
- State-Specific Regulations: Some states like Karnataka and Kerala have separate regulatory frameworks, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Tamil Nadu’s Clinical Establishments (Regulations) Rules, 2018, mandate minimum space requirements for labs.
- Pricing Regulations for Government-Led Diagnostic Schemes: Limits test costs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Example: Telangana’s T-Diagnostics Programme has conducted 18.10 crore tests at subsidized rates, saving ₹1,100 crore for patients.
- Mandatory Quality Control & External Audits: Enforces periodic inspections to maintain test accuracy. Example: Karnataka’s KPME Act mandates SOPs for sample collection, testing, and reporting, with penalties for non-compliance.
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Way forward:
- Expand Rural Diagnostic Infrastructure: Strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance diagnostic services in rural areas, improve affordability, and ensure equitable access through mobile labs and telemedicine integration.
- Enforce Uniform Regulatory Standards: Implement a nationwide mandatory NABL accreditation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all diagnostic centers to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance across states.
Mains PYQ:
Q What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Regionalism v/s nationalism;
Why in the News?
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that some groups take advantage of the legal system for their own gain and weaken the country’s unity.
Why is the discussion of regionalism v/s nationalism considered problematic in the context of India?
- Threat to National Unity: Excessive emphasis on regionalism can fuel separatist tendencies, as seen in the Khalistan movement in Punjab and insurgencies in the Northeast, undermining India’s unity and sovereignty.
- Federalism vs. Centralization Conflict: India’s governance relies on cooperative federalism, where both the Union and states share powers. However, debates like Tamil Nadu’s opposition to central exams like NEET highlight tensions between regional autonomy and national policies.
- Political Exploitation & Vote Bank Politics: Political parties sometimes exploit regional sentiments for electoral gains, leading to polarization. For example, Maharashtra’s “sons of the soil” policy has led to conflicts over job reservations for locals, creating friction between states.
- Economic Disparities & Development Hurdles: Overemphasis on regional identity can obstruct national projects. Protests against infrastructure projects like hydroelectric dams in Arunachal Pradesh due to local concerns show how regional interests can sometimes slow down national development.
- Cultural & Linguistic Divides: Attempts to impose a singular national identity, such as making Hindi the sole link language, have faced resistance from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, highlighting the delicate balance between regional pride and national integration.
What are the specific divisive forces that undermine national unity?
- Caste and Religious Polarization: Social divisions based on caste and religion are exploited for political and electoral gains, leading to communal tensions (e.g., Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013 fueled by religious divisions).
- Regionalism and Sub-Nationalism: Excessive regional pride sometimes leads to demands for secession or special status, disrupting national integration (e.g., Gorkhaland agitation in West Bengal, calls for an independent Nagalim in the Northeast).
- External Influence and Misinformation: Foreign-backed propaganda and misinformation campaigns on social media create unrest by deepening societal divisions (e.g., Pakistan-backed online campaigns related to Article 370 abrogation in Jammu & Kashmir).
How are attempts being made to influence the electoral process?
- Foreign Interference & Propaganda: External forces use misinformation campaigns on social media to shape voter perceptions (e.g., Allegations of foreign-backed digital campaigns influencing Indian elections, as seen in narratives around Article 370).
- Money Power & Undisclosed Funding: Illicit election financing and opaque political donations influence outcomes (e.g., Concerns over electoral bonds and their impact on political funding transparency).
- Judicial Route & PIL Misuse: Frequent litigation is filed to delay elections, challenge candidates, or question EVMs without solid evidence (e.g., Multiple PILs questioning EVM credibility, despite SC and EC assurances).
- Targeted Voter Suppression: Manipulative voter deletion campaigns and fake voter registration attempts (e.g., Complaints of large-scale voter deletions in Karnataka elections, raising concerns over fairness).
- Big Tech & Algorithmic Manipulation: Social media platforms and AI-driven algorithms are used to spread divisive narratives and influence voter sentiment (e.g., Allegations of biased content promotion on platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) during elections).
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Way forward:
- Strengthening Electoral and Judicial Integrity: Implement stricter regulations on election funding, curb misuse of judicial processes, and enhance transparency in political donations to safeguard democratic institutions.
- Promoting National Cohesion Through Inclusive Policies: Foster cooperative federalism, ensure balanced regional development, and encourage cultural inclusivity to prevent divisive narratives and reinforce national unity.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (UPSC CSE 2019) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on National Education Policy (2020), and Significance of Primary Education (2016 and 2022).
Did you know that, the Budget Allocation for the FY 2024-25 of ₹ 73,498 cr is the highest ever for the Department of School Education & Literacy. On the other hand, while science and technology have integrated countries, education can generate the need for profit and can widespread use of innovations.
Today’s editorial discusses the major observations from the ASER 2024 Report. This content can be used in Mains answer to present the Digital divide in Rural and Urban Area. Further this content also tells you the Potential of Digital infrastructure and Implementation that India needs to build.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
According to the recent ACER Survey 2024, India lacks a road map in the field of education that allows the promise of technology to be harnessed for those who need it the most.
What are the Key Highlights given by ASER 2024?
| The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a citizen-led survey that provides estimates of schooling and learning levels in rural India. Published by the NGO Pratham, ASER has been conducted since 2005. After 2016, the survey transitioned to an alternate-year model, with the “basic” ASER conducted in all rural districts every other year. In the intervening years, a smaller survey focuses on specific age groups and domains. The “basic” ASER tracks enrollment for children aged 3-16 and assesses the reading and arithmetic skills of children aged 5-16 through household surveys. |
- Academic Observations and Reporting: Since 2006, private school enrollment in rural India has been increasing, plateauing at 30.8% in 2014 and remaining there in 2018.
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- Basic arithmetic abilities in Class 3 have risen to 33.7% in 2024, exceeding both 2022 and 2018 rates. Class 5 reading levels are also up, nearly matching 2018 figures, although private schools have not yet reached their pre-pandemic reading levels.
- Attendance for both teachers and students in government elementary schools has improved. Several states have pre-primary enrollment rates above 90%.
- Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: The big push for foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) under NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission has helped to improve foundational learning through better resources, learning materials, and teacher training which appears to be a major contributor to the improvements noted in the ASER 2024 report.
- Emphasis on Early Childhood Education: NEP 2020’s emphasis on early childhood education is expected to further improve access, as ASER 2024 reported increased enrollment in early childhood education, with almost 80% of children aged 3 to 6 years enrolled in some form of pre-primary education.
- Improved Accessibility and Potential: In 2018, approximately 90% of rural households possessed basic mobile phones, while 36% owned smartphones. By 2022, smartphone ownership in these households increased to over 74%, and further to 84% in 2024, but educational use is limited to 57%.
- Among children aged 14-16, smartphone ownership rose from 19% to about 31% within a year.
- Smartphones were mainly used to send texts, worksheets, and videos during the pandemic as a substitute for textbooks. Digital skills from the pandemic remained relevant, and artificial intelligence (AI) generated new interest.
- Reversing Pandemic Losses: The ASER 2024 report suggests a rebound from the learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in government schools, where reading and arithmetic skills have reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
- The improvement in standard III implies that some of its credit can go to the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
What are the present challenges of digital divide in India according to ASER Report 2024?
- Gender Disparity: Boys outpace girls in access, ownership, and smartphone usage, which puts girls at a disadvantage and exacerbates existing inequalities. Even when smartphones are available, girls face systemic barriers that limit their access, such as social norms, parental control, and prioritization of boys’ education.
- Access vs. Usage: While nearly all children between 14 and 16 have access to cell phones, only 57% use smart devices for education-related activities, while about 76% use them for social media.
- Variations Across States: ASER 2024 indicates wide variations in digital literacy across states.
- Digital Literacy Skills: While smartphone access is widespread, structured digital education programs can enhance meaningful use of technology for learning.
- There is a gender gap in digital skills, with 85.5% of boys and 79.4% of girls reporting that they know how to use a smartphone.
- Smartphone Ownership: There is a gender gap in smartphone ownership, with only 36.2% of boys and 26.9% of girls reporting owning a smartphone.
- This lack of personal ownership limits access and curtails opportunities for girls to explore and learn independently.
How can technology be leveraged to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to educational resources?
- Targeted distribution of school-owned devices: Schools can monitor device-to-student ratios to decide how each device can best support specific learning activities within the curriculum.
- Distribution can be based on the individual needs of the student, ensuring that each device is allocated where it can have the most significant impact on learning.
- Embrace pedagogically-led technology integration: Prioritizing integrating technology in a way that enhances the learning experience as a whole can ensure that every student benefits from the transformative potential of digital tools.
- This includes how educators are trained in technology as a means to achieve equitable learning outcomes.
- Assess Needs and Resources: Survey families to understand current technology access at home and take inventory of existing school technology equipment and infrastructure. Identify areas that need upgrades to support 1:1 device programs.
- Provide Multiple Access Options: Offer devices that students can use at school and take home and create a community technology center with free WiFi, computers, and printers. Partner with community organizations to provide access outside of school
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BioE3 Policy
Why in the News?
After the BioE3 Policy approval in August 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) held consultations with State governments on setting up biomanufacturing facilities across India.
What is the BioE3 Policy?
- It is a national initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to promote biomanufacturing and a circular bioeconomy in India.
- Biomanufacturing involves the industrial production of bio-products such as biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural products.
- It focuses on scaling up biotechnology-based industries, enhancing research and innovation, and creating employment opportunities in sustainable bio-based sectors.
- It aligns with India’s Net Zero carbon commitment and aims to make biomanufacturing a key driver of economic growth.
Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy
- Promoting Biomanufacturing: Establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries to produce bio-based chemicals, polymers, and enzymes.
- Strengthening R&D and Innovation: Encouraging state-driven biotechnology policies, bio-AI hubs, and technology-driven bioindustries.
- State-Centric Implementation: States will adopt at least two thematic areas under BioE3, focusing on local bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture.
- Workforce Development: Expanding biotechnology training programs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to build a skilled workforce.
- Biosafety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to global biosafety standards and responsible biotechnology innovation.
- Carbon Capture and Sustainability: Supporting carbon sequestration technologies and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Creating a business-friendly environment for biotech startups, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations.
Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:
- State-Centric BioE3 Cells: Dedicated cells will be established in State departments to coordinate investments, research, and policy execution.
- Precision Biotherapeutics and Functional Foods Initiative: Research into next-generation bio-based medicines, smart proteins, and functional foods.
- Carbon Capture and Bioeconomy Models: Development of technologies for carbon sequestration and sustainable bio-based industrial processes.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to drive biomanufacturing investments and commercialization.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM)
Why in the News?
The Agriculture Ministry has allowed trading of 10 additional commodities on the electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM), taking the total number of tradable items on the platform to 231.
About the 10 new commodities:
The newly added commodities include dried Tulsi leaves, Besant (Chickpea flour), wheat flour, chana sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), water Chestnut flour, asafoetida, dried fenugreek leaves, baby corn, dragon fruit and water Chestnut, the ministry said in a statement.
Current Status of E-NAM (As of December 2024):
- 1,410 mandis connected across 22 states and Union Territories.
- Inter-state trade worth ₹5,022 crore has been recorded.
- ₹6,831 crore e-payments made across 948 mandis.
- Trade in 1.44 lakh metric tonnes of grains and 3.4 crore units of perishable commodities such as bamboo, betel leaves, coconuts, and lemons.
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What is E-NAM?
- E-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform launched by the Government of India on April 14, 2016.
- It integrates existing Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
- The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is the implementing agency for e-NAM.
- The platform enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade agricultural commodities online, across states, ensuring better price discovery and transparency.
Objectives of e-NAM
- Improve market efficiency by integrating APMC mandis into a unified online platform.
- Enhance price discovery through a competitive bidding process, ensuring fair market prices for farmers.
- Promote inter-state trade by removing barriers and unifying agricultural markets across India.
- Reduce dependency on middlemen, ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
- Facilitate e-payments to ensure quick and transparent financial transactions for farmers.
What is E-NAM 2.0?
- E-NAM 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), launched to improve inter-state agricultural trade, logistics, and digital accessibility for farmers.
- It integrates logistics service providers, allowing farmers to sell produce directly from their farms using a farm-gate module.
- Key features include real-time price discovery, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, warehouse-based trading, and direct online payments.
- The platform enhances transparency, efficiency, and access to a nationwide market, reducing dependence on middlemen.
- It aims to boost farmer incomes, minimize wastage, and create a unified digital agricultural ecosystem across India.
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PYQ:
[2017] What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?
- It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
- It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Darien Gap
Why in the News?
The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama.
What is the Darien Gap?
- The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina.
- Due to its extreme terrain, harsh climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable.
- However, in recent years, it has become a major migration route, as thousands of people attempt to cross it in hopes of reaching North America.
- Geographical Features:
- Location: Forms the border between Panama and Colombia.
- Terrain: Consists of steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests, making travel extremely difficult.
- Climate: Has a hot, humid, and rainy environment with limited access to food and water.
Geo-Political Significance:
- Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, with over 300,000 crossings in early 2024.
- ‘Donkey Route’: Many migrants, including Indians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Pakistanis, travel through Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico.
- Criminal Activity: The region is controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups, who demand money, rob migrants, or subject them to violence.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are increasing, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.
PYQ:
[2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brucellosis
Why in the News?
An 8-year-old girl in Kerala, recently succumbed to brucellosis, a bacterial infection primarily caused by the consumption of unpasteurised milk.
About Brucellosis
- Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, primarily affecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs.
- Humans contract it through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common cause is the ingestion of unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected livestock.
- Symptoms and Risk Factors:
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- Symptoms: Fever, weakness, weight loss, and general discomfort. The incubation period is 1-2 months, but most cases develop within 2-4 weeks.
- At-Risk Groups: Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, hunters, and laboratory personnel handling infected animal tissues.
- Treatment and Prevention:
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- Treatment: Doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily for 45 days) and Streptomycin (1 g daily for 15 days) as per medical advice.
- Prevention: Vaccination of livestock, pasteurisation of milk, and public awareness campaigns to discourage the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Environmental Impact Assessment studies (2015), and conventional energy generation (2020).
On December 30, 2024, the MoEFCC extended the deadline for thermal plants to meet SO₂ emission norms by three years without explanation. Originally set for December 31, 2024, this delay affects 20 GW of plants near densely populated areas. These norms were set in 2015 to tighten particulate matter limits and introduced SO₂ norms for the first time, aligning them with standards in countries like Australia, China, and the U.S., despite the short timeline for compliance.
Today’s editorial talks about the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants and impact of these norms. This content will help in GS Paper 3.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) changed the Environment Protection Rules, extending the deadline for thermal power plants to meet sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards by three years without providing any explanation.
What are the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants?
- New Deadlines: On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) extended the deadlines for thermal power plants to comply with sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission norms by three years. The revised deadlines are:
- Category A (By Dec 31, 2027) – Thermal plants within 10 km of NCR or cities with over 1 million population (e.g., Dadri NTPC, Koradi) must comply first due to high pollution and population density.
- Category B (By Dec 31, 2028) – Plants in critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities (e.g., Singrauli, Korba, Chandrapur) get extended timelines due to severe environmental concerns.
- Category C (By Dec 31, 2029) – All other plants (e.g., Talcher, Mundra, Simhadri) must comply last as they are in lower-risk areas with relatively better air quality.
- Historical Context: The original norms were established in December 2015, with an initial compliance deadline set for December 2017. This was later extended multiple times due to various challenges.
Note: The categories for compliance with SO₂ emission norms for Indian thermal power plants are based on location and environmental impact. |
What are the challenges around implementing the flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology?
- Technical and Financial Hurdles: The implementation of FGD technology has faced delays primarily due to high costs, inadequate supply chains, and operational complexities. Many plants tendered contracts for FGDs but did not progress at a pace necessary to meet earlier deadlines.
- Debate on Necessity: Recent studies commissioned by NITI Aayog and conducted by CSIR-NEERI have questioned the urgency and necessity of FGD installations for improving air quality, suggesting that focus should instead be on particulate emissions. This has led to confusion and varied interpretations of compliance requirements among stakeholders.
How successful has India been in implementing emission norms for thermal power plants?
- Limited Progress: As of late 2024, only about 22 GW of thermal capacity had installed FGDs, which is less than 8% of the total coal-fired power generation capacity in India. The overall progress has been slower than anticipated since the introduction of the norms.
- Compliance Monitoring Issues: There is a lack of transparency regarding adherence to existing norms, as pollution control boards have not consistently verified compliance. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
What are the economic and environmental consequences of noncompliance and what measures are in place to address this?
- Health Impacts: The extension of compliance deadlines poses risks to public health, especially in densely populated areas like Delhi-NCR, where air pollution is already a critical issue. SO₂ is known to contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Financial Burden on Consumers: Electricity regulators have allowed thermal plants to pass on the costs of installing FGDs to consumers, regardless of whether emission norms are met. This means consumers may end up paying for pollution control equipment that remains unused due to extended compliance timelines.
- Environmental Compensation: For non-compliance beyond specified timelines, MoEFCC has introduced an environmental compensation scheme that penalizes plants based on their duration of non-compliance. This includes fees that escalate over time but may not be sufficient to incentivize timely compliance.
Way forward:
- Strict Enforcement & Incentives – Strengthen regulatory oversight with real-time emissions monitoring, enforce penalties for non-compliance, and provide financial incentives or subsidies to accelerate FGD adoption.
- Balanced Policy Approach – Address technical and financial barriers by improving supply chains, supporting domestic FGD manufacturing, and ensuring a phased yet firm transition while prioritising high-risk areas.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to welfare;
Why in the News?
Recently, the Bhopal district collector banned begging in the district and imposed strict rules, including filing police cases against both those who beg and those who give alms.
What legal basis is Bhopal using to criminalize begging?
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: The orders by the collectors of Indore and Bhopal are under this section, which empowers officials like the District Magistrate or any Executive Magistrate to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. This order can direct any person to abstain from a certain act and may apply to residents or the public frequenting a particular area.
- Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Action will be taken under this section, which punishes those disobeying an order announced by a public servant lawfully empowered to do so.
What are the penalties for violating the order?
- Disobedience of the order can result in simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2500, or both.
- If the disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health, or safety, imprisonment can extend to one year, and the fine to Rs 5000.
How have different regions in India approached the issue?
- Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959: The first law against begging, with colonial roots, aimed to clear streets of destitute persons, leprosy patients, or those with mental illnesses by sending them to institutions. Mumbai still has detention centres under this Act, allowing police to detain those without visible means of subsistence, with punishment extending to detention for 10 years.
- Delhi High Court (2018) Struck down some sections of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The court stated that people beg out of need, as a last resort for survival, and the government has a mandate to provide social security3.
- Other States Many states, including Maharashtra, continue to criminalise begging under the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act. There is no central act on begging, but many states have enacted their own laws based on the 1959 Act.
- Rehabilitation Efforts In 2020: the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposed focusing on rehabilitation rather than criminalising begging in ten cities, including Mumbai
How have different regions in India approached the issue?
- State-Level Criminalization: Around 22 states and union territories have anti-begging laws, many modeled after the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which criminalizes begging, vagrancy, and soliciting alms, allowing arrest without a warrant.
- States like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and others have enacted similar laws.
- Decriminalization Efforts & Judicial Interventions: The Delhi High Court (2018) struck down parts of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The Supreme Court (2021) also refused to ban begging nationwide, recognizing that criminalizing it unfairly targets the poor. Rajasthan has taken a more rehabilitative approach.
What are the arguments for and against criminalizing begging?
Arguments in favour:
- Curbing Organized Begging Rackets – Criminalization helps tackle forced begging, where vulnerable individuals, including children and disabled people, are exploited by criminal networks.
- Public Safety and Order – Authorities argue that begging creates nuisance, disrupts traffic, and can lead to petty crimes, making public spaces unsafe.
- Encouraging Rehabilitation – Some laws claim to detain beggars for rehabilitation, ensuring they receive food, shelter, and vocational training instead of relying on alms.
Argument against:
- Violation of Fundamental Rights – Criminalizing begging punishes poverty, not crime, violating the right to life (Article 21) by penalizing individuals who have no means of survival.
- State’s Failure in Social Security – The presence of beggars reflects gaps in government welfare, and punishing them shifts the burden away from state accountability.
- Arbitrary and Unjust Implementation – Many laws allow arrests without warrants, disproportionately targeting the homeless, disabled, and elderly, rather than addressing systemic issues.
Way forward:
- Rehabilitation-Centered Approach – Shift focus from criminalization to social welfare programs, including skill development, housing, mental health support, and reintegration into society.
- Legislative Reforms & Judicial Oversight – Enact a uniform national policy that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, while ensuring judicial oversight to prevent misuse of anti-begging laws.
Mains question for practice:
Q Critically examine the rationale behind criminalizing begging in India. Discuss the legal and constitutional challenges associated with such measures. (250 words) 15M
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Unlawful conversion; Fundamental Rights;
Why in the News?
Recently, the bill was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to prevent “unlawful” religious conversions.
What are the Draft Provisions under the Bill?
- Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion – The Bill bans religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, coercion, allurement, fraud, or marriage.
- Declaration & Inquiry for Voluntary Conversion – Individuals must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance, with authorities conducting an inquiry to verify the intent.
- Burden of Proof & FIR Filing – The person facilitating the conversion must prove it was voluntary, and an FIR can be filed by the affected individual or close relatives.
- Punishments & Penalties – General unlawful conversion leads to 1-5 years of imprisonment, increasing to 2-10 years for minors, women, or SC/ST individuals; mass conversions attract 3-10 years in jail.
- Legal Consequences & Compensation – Marriages done solely for unlawful conversion are invalid, the offense is non-bailable, and courts may award compensation up to ₹5 lakh to victims.
What about those wanting to convert voluntarily?
- Those wanting to convert voluntarily would undergo a detailed process. A prescribed declaration form must be filled out and submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) or the relevant authority 60 days in advance and violations invite up to three years’ punishment and a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.
- The person performing the conversion ceremony would give a month’s advance notice to the DM via a prescribed form, and violating this would invite up to five years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000. An officer not below the rank of Additional DM will conduct a police inquiry regarding the real intention, purpose, and cause of the proposed religious conversion.
- The converted person must send a declaration in a prescribed form within 60 days of conversion to the DM, including details such as date of birth, address, and religion before and after conversion. The convert has to appear before the DM within 21 days from the date of filing the declaration to establish their identity and confirm the contents of the declaration.
Were attempts made to pass such a Bill earlier?
- 2006: BJP-led government under Vasundhara Raje introduced the Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Bill, 2006, to curb “forced” conversions.
- 2008: Amended version required prior approval from the District Collector but was stuck with the Centre.
- 2013-2018: Raje’s second tenure saw efforts to revive the 2008 Bill, but the Centre rejected it in 2017, citing deviation from national policy.
- 2017: Rajasthan High Court issued guidelines to prevent forced conversions in the absence of a law.
- 2025: The current Bill is seen as a successor to these previous attempts and is expected to pass in the budget session.
What would be the impact on Fundamental Rights?
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25) – Every individual has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, the Bill imposes state scrutiny on religious conversions, which may be seen as a restriction on this right.
- Right to Privacy (Article 21) – The requirement of mandatory declaration to the District Magistrate and police inquiry into personal religious choices could infringe upon the right to privacy, recognized as a fundamental right in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
- Burden of Proof Issue – Placing the burden of proof on the person facilitating the conversion contradicts the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, potentially violating Article 14 (Right to Equality).
- Criminalization and Fear – The stringent punishments and criminalization of conversion through marriage might discourage individuals from exercising their right to choose their faith or marry interfaith partners, potentially violating their personal liberty (Article 21).
Way forward:
- Ensure Constitutional Safeguards – Amend the Bill to align with Article 25 by distinguishing forced conversions from voluntary ones, reducing state overreach in personal religious choices, and upholding the right to privacy (Article 21).
- Fair Implementation & Oversight – Establish independent judicial review for conversion inquiries to prevent misuse, ensure burden of proof remains balanced, and introduce strict safeguards against harassment of individuals exercising their religious freedom.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.(UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-USA relation;
Why in the News?
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order that might lead to sanctions on India for investing in Iran’s Chabahar port, the Indian government did not comment on the order or its impact.
How will the potential modification by the US impact India’s Chabahar Port project?
- Increased Uncertainty: The potential withdrawal or modification of the U.S. waiver could put India’s long-term investment and operations at Chabahar at risk.
- Disruptions in Operations: If U.S. sanctions extend to businesses involved in shipping, insurance, and logistics, Indian firms operating at Chabahar may face compliance challenges.
- Delays in Expansion Plans: India’s plans to integrate Chabahar into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and use it for trade with Russia and Central Asia may be significantly slowed.
- Strategic Setback: Chabahar serves as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s Gwadar port (developed by China). Any disruption could weaken India’s strategic positioning in the region.
What are the significance of the Chabahar Port project?
- Strategic and Geopolitical Importance: Provides India a trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and counters China’s influence at Gwadar Port under CPEC.
- Economic and Trade Connectivity: Acts as a key link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), enhancing India’s trade with Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.
- Humanitarian and Security Role: Facilitates aid delivery to Afghanistan, strengthens India-Iran ties, and enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region for maritime security.
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What will be the implications for India’s connectivity to Eurasia and Afghanistan?
- Disruption in Trade Routes: Chabahar is India’s key route for accessing Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. U.S. sanctions could make trade difficult, impacting economic ties with these regions.
- Humanitarian Concerns: The port has been critical in facilitating food and medical aid to Afghanistan. New restrictions could hamper India’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance.
- Geopolitical Recalibration: If access to Chabahar becomes restricted, India may need to explore alternative routes, potentially shifting focus towards Russia and Central Asia via Iran’s Bandar Abbas port or strengthening ties with the Taliban for land-based transit through Afghanistan.
How will India and the US address this issue in their bilateral conversations? (Way forward)
- Diplomatic Negotiations: India is expected to lobby the U.S. for a continued waiver by emphasizing Chabahar’s role in humanitarian aid and regional stability.
- Strategic Arguments: New Delhi could argue that Chabahar helps counterbalance China’s influence (via Gwadar and the Belt and Road Initiative) and aids the U.S. interest in regional connectivity.
- Possible Compromise: India might propose limiting Chabahar’s use for trade with Afghanistan while finding alternative routes for trade with Russia and Central Asia to align with U.S. geopolitical concerns.
- Bilateral Trade-Offs: India may leverage its growing defense and economic partnerships with the U.S. to seek exemptions, similar to the earlier waiver granted under the Trump administration.
Mains PYQ:
Q In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?(UPSC IAS/2018)
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