From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exception in fundamental Rights
Mains level: The arguments against caste Census
Why in the news?
The Census Act, 1948 ought to be revised to mandate the inclusion of caste enumeration as a regular part of the Census process, incorporating specific questions in the questionnaire to gather this data systematically, rather than leaving it subject to discretionary decisions by the Union executive.
Why a Caste Census?
Social Relevance: Caste remains a significant social determinant in India, influencing access to opportunities, resources, and representation. A caste census is essential to understand and address caste-based inequalities and social stratification accurately.
Policy Formulation: Constitutionally mandated policies such as reservations in education, employment, and legislative bodies rely on caste-based data to ensure effective implementation. Detailed enumeration helps in identifying beneficiaries, preventing misclassification, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
Administrative Precision: Detailed caste-wise data is crucial for administrative purposes, including planning and allocation of resources. It helps in targeting development programs and policies for specific caste groups based on their socio-economic status and needs.
Historical Context: India has a history of caste-based discrimination and marginalization. A caste census provides empirical evidence of existing disparities, enabling the government and civil society to design interventions aimed at promoting social justice and equality.
The arguments against caste Census
Social Divisiveness: Critics argue that emphasizing caste through a census could perpetuate social divisions and caste identities. They fear that highlighting caste differences could exacerbate tensions and hinder national unity.
Administrative Complexity: Conducting a caste census is seen as administratively challenging due to the sheer number of caste groups in India, estimated to be thousands, many of which are region-specific. Critics argue that accurately enumerating and categorizing these castes could pose logistical difficulties and lead to inaccuracies.
Political Implications: There are concerns that caste-based data could be misused for electoral gains and political manoeuvring. Critics argue that caste enumeration might lead to demands for increased reservations and create further divisions along caste lines in political representation and decision-making processes.
How an attempt at caste Census failed
Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution of India provides for reservations in education (Article 15(4)) and public employment (Article 16(4)) for OBCs. Enumerating OBCs in the Census is essential to effectively implement these constitutional provisions and ensure accurate representation.
Policy Implementation: Detailed caste-wise data is necessary for effective policy formulation and implementation related to reservations, social justice, and welfare schemes targeting OBC communities. It helps in identifying deserving beneficiaries and avoiding wrongful inclusions or exclusions.
Judicial Imperative: The Supreme Court of India, in various rulings like Indra Sawhney case (1992), has underscored the importance of accurate caste data for upholding reservation policies and ensuring social justice. The court has emphasized the need for periodically revising the OBC list based on updated census data.
Local Governance and Representation: Post the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, which introduced reservations for OBCs in local bodies (panchayats and municipalities), accurate caste data at the local level is crucial for fair representation and effective governance.
How an attempt at caste Census failed
Poor Design and Execution: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011, conducted through Union Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development, lacked the expertise and experience needed for sociological surveys
Legal and Administrative Challenges: The SECC-2011 was not conducted under the Census Act, 1948, which meant it lacked the legal framework and procedural clarity required for a comprehensive census.
Way forward:
Amendment of Census Act: Amend the Census Act, 1948, to explicitly include caste as a parameter for enumeration. This legal revision will provide a clear mandate and framework for conducting a comprehensive caste Census, ensuring adherence to standardised procedures and data collection methodologies.
Expert Involvement and Public Consultation: Engage sociological and anthropological experts to develop a detailed list of caste categories specific to each state. Publish the draft list online for public review and feedback, facilitating transparency and accuracy in caste enumeration.
Mains PYQ:
Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About MSME
Mains level: 6 pillars for the growth of the MSME Sector
Why in the news?
Union Minister for MSMEs Jitan Ram Manjhi outlined six strategic pillars identified to foster the growth of the MSME sector.
What are the 6 pillars for the growth of the MSME Sector
Formalisation and Access to Credit: Promoting formalization of MSMEs to enhance their credibility and access to formal financial institutions.Improving access to credit through schemes like Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Increased Access to Market and E-commerce Adoption: Facilitating MSMEs’ access to domestic and international markets through initiatives like market linkages and export promotion schemes.
Higher Productivity Through Modern Technology: Encouraging MSMEs to adopt modern technologies and digital tools to improve productivity and efficiency.
Enhanced Skill Levels and Digitalisation in the Service Sector: Focusing on skill development and training programs to enhance the capabilities of the MSME workforce.
Support to Khadi, Village, and Coir Industry for Globalisation: Promoting traditional industries like Khadi and Coir by providing marketing support and international exposure.
Empowerment of Women and Artisans Through Enterprise Creation: Encouraging entrepreneurship among women and artisans through skill development and financial support.
How can Employment be raised?
Promoting MSME Growth: Support MSMEs with policies for credit access, market expansion, tech modernization, and encourage startups for job creation.
Skill Development and Training: Invest in industry-aligned skill development, collaborating with educational institutions and industry partners for vocational training.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure projects for job creation; develop industrial clusters and economic zones for manufacturing jobs.
Supporting Employment-intensive Sectors: Promote high-employment sectors like tourism, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy; prioritize job creation in rural areas.
Indian Government steps taken for MSME
Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): It aims to create employment opportunities through the setting up of new micro-enterprises.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): Provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹1 crore to individual Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme: Provides up to 80% subsidy to MSMEs to inculcate Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) practices in manufacturing.
A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE): Facilitates innovative business solutions, promotes entrepreneurship, and creates new jobs at the grassroots level.
Way to Green Transition and R&D (Way forward)
Financial Incentives and Soft Funds: Offer MSMEs financial incentives, subsidies, and soft loans for green tech and support R&D with grants and tax incentives.
Policy Support and Regulatory Framework: Develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage MSMEs to integrate environmental sustainability into their operations.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Offer capacity-building programs and technical assistance to MSMEs to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in green technologies.
Promotion of Green Products and Market Access:Promote green products via marketing campaigns, certification programs, and platforms for showcasing and selling.
Mains PYQ:
Q Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Mains level: Observations made by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Why in the news?
A recent study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) found that land-use alterations and road construction in central India affect the genetic connectivity of two prominent herbivores: the gaur and the sambar.
What is Genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the variety and variability of genetic material within a species or population, essential for adaptation, resilience to environmental changes, and long-term survival of organisms.
About National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
NCBS is a premier research institute located in Bangalore, India that is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India.
The mandate of NCBS is to conduct fundamental research in the frontier areas of biology, ranging from the study of single molecules to ecology and evolution.
Observations made by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Impact of Habitat Modification: The NCBS study underscores the significant impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on wildlife populations, particularly highlighting how expanding linear infrastructure like highways and railway lines disrupts animal movement and genetic connectivity.
Genetic Connectivity of Herbivores: It is the first study in India to investigate the genetic connectivity of large herbivores, specifically the gaur and sambar, at a landscape scale. The research reveals how these species are affected differently by landscape features and human activities, influencing their genetic diversity and ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Conservation Urgency: The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures in fragmented habitats, such as Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, where small and genetically isolated populations of herbivores require targeted interventions to ensure their survival and genetic health.
Methodological Advances: Using advanced genetic techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and landscape genetics, the NCBS researchers demonstrated how these tools can provide crucial insights into population dynamics, genetic diversity, and the impacts of human-induced changes on wildlife populations.
Present Issues from Tiger reserves and Wildlife sanctuaries in MP and MH
Habitat Fragmentation and Connectivity: Both states face significant challenges related to habitat fragmentation due to expanding linear infrastructure like highways and railway lines. These developments disrupt wildlife corridors essential for the movement of animals, leading to isolated populations and reduced genetic connectivity, as observed in the NCBS study.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict pose a threat to both animals and human communities living near tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Encroachment of habitat for agriculture and settlements often results in conflicts over resources and occasionally leads to casualties among both wildlife and humans.
Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Despite conservation efforts, tiger reserves and sanctuaries in MP and MH continue to face challenges related to poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Tigers and other endangered species are targeted for their skins, bones, and other body parts, driven by demand in illegal markets.
Resource Extraction and Mining: Mining activities and resource extraction near protected areas pose significant environmental threats. These activities not only lead to habitat destruction but also contribute to pollution and disturbance, affecting the overall ecosystem health and biodiversity of these regions.
Climate Change Impacts: The effects of climate change, such as erratic weather patterns and changing rainfall regimes, also impact tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in MP and MH. These changes can alter habitat suitability for wildlife species, affecting their distribution, migration patterns, and ability to adapt to new environmental conditions.
Way forward:
Enhanced Habitat Connectivity and Protection: Implement measures to mitigate habitat fragmentation caused by linear infrastructure. This includes creating wildlife corridors over or under highways and railways to facilitate safe animal movement
Integrated Conservation and Community Engagement: Foster collaboration between local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies to address human-wildlife conflict and illegal activities like poaching.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Malthus Theory of Population
Mains level: Impact of Climate Change on Population
Why in the news?
Since 1989, July 11 has been designated as World Population Day, marking the global population surpassing the five billion mark.
About Malthus Theory of Population
Thomas Malthus’ Theory of Population, proposed in 1798, posited that population growth would outpace food production, leading to widespread famine and poverty.
He believed population grows exponentially while food production increases linearly. However, advancements in agriculture and technology have prevented the catastrophic outcomes he predicted.
Present Scenario
Population Growth and Food Production: Despite significant population growth, currently estimated at 8.1 billion globally, advancements in technology and agriculture have enabled food production to keep pace. This disproves Malthus’ prediction of widespread famine due to population outstripping food supply.
India’s Demographics: India, the most populous nation with 1.44 billion people, has seen its annual population growth rate fall below 1%, with a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2, just below the replacement level. Economic growth has surged, with per capita GDP increasing sixfold from $400 to $2,400 over the past 27 years.
Poverty Reduction and Challenges: The percentage of Indians living below the poverty line has decreased from 43% to 11%. However, significant disparities persist, with certain states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand accounting for 83% of the nation’s poverty. Climate change remains a critical challenge, disproportionately affecting poorer populations.
Changes in India
Population : Population Growth has Increased from 1 billion to 1.44 billion (44% increase). The Annual population growth rate decreased from nearly 2% to below 1%. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined from 3.4 to 2, below the replacement level of 2.1.
Economic Indicators: Per Capita GDP has rose sixfold from $400 to $2,400, signifying substantial economic growth. And percentage of people living below the multi-dimensional poverty line decreased from 43% to 11%.
Life Expectancy: Increased from 61 years to 70 years, indicating improvements in healthcare and living standards.
Impact of Climate Change on Population
Increased Vulnerability of the Poor: Climate change disproportionately affects poorer populations in developing countries like India. Inadequate housing, infrastructure, and resources make these communities more susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
Agricultural Disruption: Unpredictable weather patterns and extreme climate conditions disrupt agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity. This particularly impacts rural populations who depend on farming for their livelihoods, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition.
Migration and Displacement: Climate change-induced events, such as rising sea levels and severe weather, force people to migrate from their homes. This internal displacement puts additional strain on urban areas and exacerbates existing social and economic challenges, leading to overcrowding and increased competition for resources.
Agenda of Global South Population
Economic Growth and Poverty Eradication: Developing nations in the Global South prioritize economic growth to reduce poverty and improve living standards. The focus is on sustainable development, ensuring that economic progress is not compromised while addressing the immediate needs of their populations. India’s aim to achieve zero poverty within the next decade exemplifies this priority.
Sustainable Development and Climate Responsibility: The Global South advocates for a balanced approach to climate change, emphasizing the need for developed countries (with higher historical emissions) to take greater responsibility. The G-20 New Delhi Declaration (2023) highlights the importance of the circular economy, resource efficiency, and extended producer responsibility in achieving sustainable development without hindering economic growth.
A Pathway for the Most Populous Nation (Way Forward)
Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: India must continue prioritizing economic growth to alleviate poverty and improve living standards while integrating sustainable practices. Emphasizing circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and extended producer responsibility can help decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
Reducing Poverty and Inequality: Targeted efforts to address regional disparities and uplift impoverished populations are crucial. Programs focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, particularly in states with high poverty levels like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, are essential to ensure inclusive growth.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: India should implement strategies to mitigate climate change impacts, such as investing in renewable energy, enhancing disaster resilience, and promoting sustainable agriculture. While striving for net-zero emissions by 2070, India must ensure that climate actions do not compromise its economic growth and poverty eradication goals.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (UPSC IAS/2015)
SC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Section 125 CrPC; Alimony; Right to Equality.
PC: Hindustan Times
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has ruled that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The court asserted that any discrimination against Muslim women in matters of alimony under the secular laws of the country would be regressive and against gender justice, equality.
Story so far:
The Supreme Court bench rejected the argument that Section 125 of the CrPC does not apply to Muslims because they have their own personal law.
The court ruled that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, does not override the secular law.
Key Points of the Judgment
Legal Standing: “There cannot be the disparity in receiving maintenance on the basis of the law under which a woman is married or divorced.”
Application of Section 125: Justice Nagarathna emphasized, “Section 125 of the CrPC cannot be excluded from its application to a divorced Muslim woman irrespective of the law under which she is divorced.”
Role of the 1986 Act: The judgment underscored that rights granted under the 1986 Act to receive maintenance during ‘iddat’ are in addition to, not in derogation of, those under Section 125 of the CrPC.
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986:
Purpose:
To protect the rights of Muslim women who have been divorced by, or have obtained a divorce from, their husbands.
To provide for matters connected with or incidental to their divorce.
Key Provisions:
Maintenance:
During Iddat Period: A Muslim woman is entitled to a reasonable and fair provision and maintenance from her husband during the iddat period (a waiting period after divorce).
Post-Iddat Maintenance: If she cannot maintain herself after the iddat period, she can claim maintenance from her relatives who would inherit her property on her death. If no relatives are available, the State Wakf Board is responsible for her maintenance.
Mehr (Dower): The woman is entitled to the payment of mehr (dower) that was agreed upon at the time of marriage.
Return of Property: The woman is entitled to all the properties given to her before or at the time of marriage or after the marriage by her relatives, friends, husband, or any other person.
Rights of Children: The Act also provides for the maintenance of children born out of the marriage until they reach the age of two years.
Application to Magistrate:
A divorced woman, or someone acting on her behalf, can apply to a Magistrate for an order under the Act.
The Magistrate has the authority to make orders for payment of maintenance, mehr, and return of property.
Criticisms and Issues:
Limited Scope: Critics argue that the Act’s provisions are limited to the iddat period and do not ensure long-term maintenance.
Dependence on Relatives: Post-iddat maintenance depends on relatives, which might not always be practical or feasible.
Role of Wakf Board: The effectiveness of the Wakf Board in providing maintenance has been questioned due to administrative and financial constraints.
Violation of Right to Equality: The MWPRD Act has been criticized for creating discriminatory practices by limiting the maintenance period for Muslim women compared to women of other communities, thus violating the Right to Equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Context and Historical Perspective:
Shah Bano Case (1985): The court referenced the landmark Shah Bano case, which affirmed Muslim women’s right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC.
Danial Latifi Case (2001): It highlighted subsequent interpretations ensuring that the 1986 Act does not deprive Muslim women of rights under Section 125.
Rejection of Restrictions: The court rejected restrictive interpretations that could hinder gender justice and emphasized the importance of providing adequate maintenance, not minimal amounts, to destitute Muslim women.
Continuation of Section 144: The judgment noted that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which has replaced the CrPC, retains the older provision on alimony under Section 144.
Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
Purpose:
Maintenance Orders: Section 125 of the CrPC provides for the maintenance of wives, children, and parents who are unable to maintain themselves.
Key Provisions:
Eligible Persons:
Wife: Includes a divorced wife who has not remarried.
Legitimate and illegitimate minor children.
Adult children are unable to maintain themselves due to physical or mental abnormalities.
Parents: Includes both father and mother who are unable to maintain themselves.
Conditions:
The person liable to pay maintenance has sufficient means.
The person liable has neglected or refused to maintain the eligible person.
Order: The Magistrate can order a monthly allowance for the maintenance of the eligible person.
Maximum Amount: There is no fixed maximum amount; it is determined by the Magistrate based on the circumstances.
Significance:
Social Justice: It aims to prevent vagrancy and destitution by ensuring that dependents are provided for.
Secular Applicability: It applies to all religions and is not specific to any particular religion.
Implications and Legal Precedent
Equality under Law: The judgment reinforces the principle that Muslim women have the same legal recourse as women of other faiths under Section 125 of the CrPC.
Additional Remedies: It affirmed that provisions like the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, do not exclude rights under Section 125.
PYQ:
[2020] Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
[2019] Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Species mentioned; IUCN.
Why in the News?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued an update on the threats faced by various reptile and cactus species due to invasive species and illegal trade.
Species highlighted by the IUCN
Species
Status Change
Reason for Decline
Location
Threats
Ibiza Wall Lizard
Near Threatened → Endangered
50% population decline since 2010 due to invasive snake
>50% decline since 2014 due to the introduction of California Kingsnake
Gran Canaria, Spain
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis California)
Gran Canaria Skink
Least Concern → Endangered
>50% decline since 2014 due to the introduction of California Kingsnake
Gran Canaria, Spain
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis California)
Copiapoa Cacti
Critically Endangered
82% critically endangered, up from 55% in 2013
Atacama Desert, Chile
Illegal trade for ornamental purposes, climate change impacts
Back2Basics: IUCN Overview Table
Details
Founded
1948
Headquarters
Gland, Switzerland
Mission
To conserve nature and ensure the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources.
Focus Areas
Initially conservation ecology
Now includes sustainable development issues
Influence
Influences governments, businesses, and stakeholders
Known for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
IUCN Red List
Estimates the probability of species’ extinction for animals, fungi, and plants globally
Public and universally accessible
Provides specific data on species’ attributes, dangers, and protection efforts
Assists in conservation decisions and policy-making
Categories of Extinction Risk
Nine categories from NE (Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct)
Threatened categories: Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU)
Global Targets Indicator
Serves as a headline indicator for SDGs and Aichi Targets
IUCN Green Status of Species
Assesses the effectiveness of recovery and conservation processes for species’ populations
Categories: EW (Extinct in the Wild), CR (Critically Endangered), LR/cd (Least Concern/Conservation Dependent), MOD (Moderately Depleted), SL (Stable), FR (Fluctuating Range), ND (Not Determined), ID (Insufficient Data)
PYQ:
[2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(b) The United Nations Environment Programme
(c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
(d) The World Wide Fund for Nature
[2015] 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?
IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
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 using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Star Tortoise; TRAFFIC
Why in the News?
Malaysia has seized about 200 smuggled Indian Star Tortoises and Turtles in a major crackdown. The Indian star tortoise is the single most confiscated species of freshwater tortoise in the world, according to wildlife trade watchdog TRAFFIC.
AboutIndian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans)
Details
Habitat
Found in Central and Southern India, West Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
Typically resides in dry, open habitats such as scrub forests, grasslands, and rocky outcroppings
Threats
Habitat fragmentation due to urbanization and agricultural practices
Loss of genetic diversity due to hybridization
90% of trade occurs in the international pet market, according to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
Protection Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
CITES: Appendix I
Back2Basics: TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce)
Details
Founded
1976
Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Mission
Ensure that trade in wild plants and animals does not threaten the conservation of nature.
Founding Partners
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GAINS Scheme
Why in the News?
The Defence Ministry has launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.
About GAINS 2024
GAINS aims to address challenges in shipyards and promote technology development through startups nurtured in the country.
It aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
Objective: To seek solutions for shipyard-related problems and promote technological advancements.
Target Audience: MSMEs and Start-Ups encouraged to develop innovative solutions.
Significance of the Scheme
GAINS aims to strengthen maritime security and air defence through technological advancements.
It leverages MSMEs and Start-Ups to achieve self-reliance in ship design and construction.
Various defence production indigenisation initiatives in India:
