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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

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

    Why in the News?

    Delegates recently represented India at the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) virtually hosted by Thailand.

    Key highlights of 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting

    • The discussions focused on priority areas including sustainable development, regional connectivity, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
    • Several documents, such as Plans of Action for cooperation, new cooperation mechanisms, and collaboration with external partners, were finalized.
    • The meeting also discussed issues related to the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

    About BIMSTEC 

    • The BIMSTEC is a regional organization with 7 member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
    • Established in 1997, its primary aim is to foster multifaceted technical and economic cooperation among the countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
    • The region encompasses a population of around 1.5 billion and has a combined GDP of over USD 3.8 trillion.
    • Origin:
      • Founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration, the organization initially included four member nations under the name BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
      • Later in 1997, Myanmar joined, prompting a renaming to BIMST-EC.
      • Nepal and Bhutan were admitted in 2004, leading to the current name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
    • Key Features  
      • Establishes BIMSTEC as a legal entity, enabling it to engage more formally with other international organizations.
      • Outlines objectives focused on building trust and friendly relations among member states and promoting economic development and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region.
      • Defines a clear framework for regular meetings at various levels: the Summit, Ministerial, and Senior Officials’ levels.
      • Allows for the possibility of new members and observer states, ensuring future growth and broader cooperation.
      • Streamlines cooperation into 7 sectors, each led by one member state:
        • Bangladesh: Trade, investment, and development
        • Bhutan: Environment and climate change
        • India: Security (including energy)
        • Myanmar: Agriculture and food security
        • Nepal: People-to-people contacts
        • Sri Lanka: Science, technology, and innovation
        • Thailand: Connectivity

    Significance of BIMSTEC for Indo-Pacific Goals  

    • Maritime Connectivity: BIMSTEC unites Bay of Bengal states, strengthening maritime ties that are crucial for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
    • Regional Bridge: It links South Asia and Southeast Asia, aligning closely with India’s “Act East” policy and fostering broader Indo-Pacific integration.
    • Security Cooperation: Focus on collaborative efforts in maritime security (e.g., counter-piracy, disaster management) supports a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
    • Economic Integration: By promoting trade, investment, and infrastructure development, BIMSTEC bolsters economic growth and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Synergy with Other Frameworks: Its emphasis on connectivity, security, and economic cooperation complements initiatives such as ASEAN and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, collectively advancing Indo-Pacific objectives.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

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  • Skilling India – Skill India Mission,PMKVY, NSDC, etc.

    Envisioning India as a global skill supplier

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    In an address, the Prime Minister expressed hope that India’s skilled workforce would make a significant impact in the global job market.

    What factors contribute to India’s potential as a leading global supplier of skilled workers?

    • Demographic Advantage: India has a large and youthful population, with approximately 554 million individuals aged between 15 and 64 years, providing a substantial workforce to meet global demands for skilled labour.
    • Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched various programs aimed at enhancing skill development, such as the Skill India Programme, which allocates significant budgetary resources for training youth and creating internship opportunities in collaboration with major companies.
    • Growing Global Demand: There is an increasing demand for skilled workers in sectors like IT, healthcare, construction, and logistics across regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, and North America due to demographic shifts and technological advancements.
    • International Agreements: India has entered into multiple bilateral agreements with countries like Japan and France to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers, which enhances its position in the global labour market.

    How is India preparing its workforce to meet global skill demands?

    • Skill Training Programs: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is committed to providing future-ready skills training that aligns with global standards.
      • This includes initiatives for vocational training through a network of over 15,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country.
    • Curriculum Development: There is a focus on integrating globally relevant skills into educational curricula. This involves reorienting skill programs at International Skill Centres to address the specific needs of destination countries.
      • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes a holistic approach to education that includes critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy.
    • Real-Time Skill Forecasting: India is encouraged to utilise data analytics to assess job vacancies and skill needs in real-time, allowing for a more responsive approach to skill development that aligns with international labour market demands.
    • Customised Training Initiatives: The development of short-term skill training programs tailored for specific countries helps prepare Indian workers for international job markets effectively.

    What are the initiatives taken by the Government for skill development in India?

    • Skill India International Centers (SIIC): Establishes training aligned with international standards, promotes global partnerships and enhances employability abroad.
    • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Offers industry-relevant training with 119 new-age skill courses, focusing on global standards and certifying over 1.42 crore individuals.
    • National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): Provides a unified framework for quality skill development across sectors, aligning with global requirements for international job opportunities.
    • National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): Facilitates practical on-the-job training aligned with global industry practices to prepare workers for international markets.
    • Skill India Digital Hub: A digital platform launched in 2023, offering online resources for vocational training, fostering global skill recognition and accessibility.
    • Skill Loan Scheme: Provides financial support for skill training, enabling wider access to globally aligned, high-quality training programs.

    What challenges does India face in becoming a global skill hub?

    • Fragmented Policy Structure: India’s current policy framework for international labour mobility is fragmented and lacks comprehensive strategies based on robust data. The existing data primarily covers low-skilled workers, limiting effective policy formulation.
    • Inadequate Data on Migration Trends: The reliance on limited data sources for tracking migrant labour outflows hampers the ability to create evidence-based policies that can effectively address the needs of both Indian workers and foreign employers.
    • Underutilisation of Return Migrants’ Skills: There is a significant gap in effectively reintegrating return migrants into the Indian labour market. The skills acquired abroad are often not recognized or accredited, leading to lost opportunities for both the individuals and the economy.
    • Quality of Skill Development: While there are numerous initiatives underway, there remains a need to elevate the quality of skill development programs to meet international standards, ensuring that Indian workers are competitive in the global market.

    Way forward: 

    • Unified Skill Mobility Policy: Implement a comprehensive, data-driven national framework for international labour migration, emphasizing skill forecasting, certification, and seamless reintegration of return migrants.
    • Global Standards Alignment: Upgrade skill development programs to meet international benchmarks, incorporating customised training for destination-specific needs and emerging global industries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (UPSC IAS/2016)

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Looking at 2025, The Economy: Some positives, some concerns

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Minister describes the slowdown in Q2 growth as a “temporary blip,” while the RBI has revised its GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 downward, from 7.2% to 6.6%.

    Why RBI has revised its GDP growth forecast for 2024-2025 downward, from 7.2% to 6.6%?

    • Economic Slowdown: The RBI’s downgrade reflects concerns over a cyclical downturn, with GDP growth in Q2 FY25 at 5.4%, indicating fundamental challenges hindering growth prospects.
      • Fundamental challenges: Declining corporate investments, sliding consumption growth, and “softness” in urban demand have weakened the investment climate, prompting a downward revision in growth expectations.
    • Inflationary Pressures: Persistent inflation near double digits complicates monetary policy, forcing the RBI to consider prolonged high interest rates, which could further suppress growth and investments.

    What are the expected growth rates for major economies in 2025?

    • India: Projected to achieve a growth rate of 6.5% over the next five years, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy globally, despite a recent dip in economic output in 2024.
    • China: Growth is expected to stabilize around 4-5%, lower than its historical rates due to structural challenges like demographic shifts and a cooling property sector.
    • United States: Growth is projected at 1.5-2%, as the Federal Reserve maintains a tight monetary policy to counter inflation.
    • Eurozone: Growth is forecasted at around 1%, reflecting a sluggish recovery from the energy crisis and geopolitical uncertainties.
    • Japan: Expected growth rate of 1-1.5%, supported by fiscal stimulus but constrained by aging demographics.
    • Emerging Markets (excluding China and India): Growth is expected to range from 3-4%, depending on commodity prices and fiscal discipline.

    How will inflation and monetary policy evolve?

    • Inflation Persistence: Inflation in India remains at the upper end of the permissible range, with food prices nearing double digits. This persistent inflation strengthens the argument for maintaining high interest rates, complicating the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decisions as they balance growth with inflation control.
    • Monetary Policy Adjustments: The RBI may need to reconsider its previous projections of GDP growth, which could lead to adjustments in interest rates. If inflation continues to be a concern, the RBI might maintain or even increase rates longer than necessary which impacts investment and economic activity.
    • Investment and Economic Recovery: A slowdown in corporate investments and a decline in household financial savings have been observed, which could hinder economic recovery.
      • The RBI’s ability to stimulate growth through monetary policy will depend on addressing these investment challenges and ensuring that fiscal measures effectively support economic activity without exacerbating inflation.

    What are the key risks and uncertainties facing the global economy?

    • Investment Slowdown: A significant challenge is the sluggish performance of corporate investments, exacerbated by high food inflation and muted urban demand. This trend poses risks for growth and job creation.
    • Savings-Investment Gap: A decline in household financial savings down to 5.3% of GDP from 7.3% coupled with rising household debt (5.8% of GDP) presents a risk to economic stability1.
    • Credit Growth Decline: Falling credit growth, particularly in household borrowing for home purchases and limited industrial appetite for new projects, indicates a tightening economic environment.
    • Fiscal Challenges: Increased state expenditures on subsidies may strain fiscal resources, potentially affecting overall economic sustainability and growth prospects.

    What should be done by the government? (Way forward)

    • Balanced Fiscal and Monetary Coordination: Governments should prioritize targeted fiscal measures to stimulate investment and demand while ensuring fiscal discipline, complemented by a flexible monetary policy that carefully balances inflation control with growth stimulation.
    • Boosting Household Savings and Investments: Implement policies to encourage higher household financial savings and incentivize corporate investments through tax reforms, reduced regulatory barriers, and support for credit access in productive sectors.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Indic ideas can contribute to good governance

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

    Why in the News?

    India’s ancient scriptures, history, and culture serve as key inspirations for meaningful governance. As highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of “adhishthan” forms the foundation, with PM Modi already promoting its integration.

    How can ancient Indic principles enhance modern governance?

    • Ethical Leadership and Accountability (Raj Dharma): Ancient Indic principles emphasize leaders as servants of the people, prioritizing fairness, justice, and public welfare. This aligns with modern demands for transparent and accountable governance.
    • Inclusive Development (Antyodaya): The concept of Antyodaya advocates for uplifting the marginalized and ensuring that governance benefits all sections of society, especially the most disadvantaged, which is essential for achieving equitable development.
    • Sustainability and Environmental Harmony (LiFE & Karmayogi): Indic principles stress balance with nature and responsible living, guiding modern governance towards sustainable development practices. Additionally, the Karmayogi concept promotes continuous skill-building for public servants to enhance governance effectiveness.

    What are the contemporary challenges to good governance in India?

    • Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Corruption remains a significant barrier to good governance in India, undermining public trust and the effectiveness of government programs.
    • Political Polarization: Increasing polarization between political parties has created a toxic environment that hampers constructive dialogue and collaboration.
    • Inequality and Access to Services: Economic disparities continue to widen, limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure for marginalized communities.
    • Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The inefficiency of bureaucratic processes often leads to delays in service delivery and implementation of policies.

    In what ways can citizen engagement be improved through Indic ideas?

    • Participative Governance (Sab Ka Prayas): The concept of Sab Ka Prayas emphasizes collective effort, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making and implementation processes.
    • Empathy and Responsibility (P2G2 – Pro-People Good Governance): By incorporating P2G2, which stresses sensitivity, commitment, and a sense of responsibility towards the people.
      • Citizens can be more engaged through empathetic governance that prioritizes their well-being and fosters trust in public institutions.
    • Empowerment through Education and Awareness (Antyodaya and Raj Dharma): Indic ideas like Antyodaya and Raj Dharma promote the empowerment of all individuals, particularly the marginalized, through education and awareness.

    Conclusion: To enhance governance, India should integrate ancient Indic principles like ethical leadership, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability into policy-making. This requires strengthening transparency, encouraging citizen participation, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering continuous capacity building in public administration for effective governance.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.   (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    UN Internal Justice Council (IJC)

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    Justice Madan B Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC).

    Justice Lokur’s Legacy:

    • Justice Lokur served on the Supreme Court of India from June 2012 to December 2018, delivering landmark judgments across diverse areas of law.
    • In August 2019, he was appointed to the non-resident panel of the Supreme Court of Fiji and reappointed for another three-year term in January 2022.
    • His notable judgments include:
      • Electoral Disqualification on Religious Grounds (January 2017): Authored a concurring opinion in a seven-judge bench ruling disqualifying electoral candidates for seeking votes based on religion, race, caste, or other identity markers.
      • Raising the Age of Consent in Marriages (October 2017): Alongside Justice Deepak Gupta, ruled to raise the age of consent within marriages to 18 years, bolstering child protection laws.

    About UN Internal Justice Council (IJC):

    Establishment
      • Established in 2009 to reform and strengthen the UN’s internal justice system.
    • Ensures the system operates effectively, impartially, and transparently, addressing workplace disputes within the UN.
    Overview and Structural Mandate Mandate:

    • Safeguards the independence and integrity of the internal justice system.
    • The IJC is responsible for overseeing the administration of the UN’s internal justice system.
    • It supervises:
    1. Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA)
    2. UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT)
    3. UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT)
    • Recommends measures to ensure judicial independence and efficiency in dispute resolution.

    Composition:

    • 5 members: 2 tribunal judges (from UNDT and UNAT), two staff representatives, and one external legal expert.
    • Chairperson is selected by consensus and appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
    • Members serve a four-year term, renewable once.
    Powers, Functions, and Jurisdiction Judicial Appointments:

    • Recommends candidates for UNDT and UNAT judge positions based on merit and judicial competence.
    • Proposes a shortlist for final selection by the Secretary-General.

    Oversight and Accountability:

    • Monitors tribunal functioning to ensure fairness and transparency.
    • Identifies and addresses systemic issues, proposing improvements.

    Judicial Independence:

    • Protects the impartiality of tribunal judges and safeguards judicial integrity.
    • Advocates for institutional protections against external influence.

    Advisory Role:

    • Provides expert advice on internal justice reform.
    • Evaluates tribunal processes to enhance efficiency and accessibility for UN staff.

    Scope of Jurisdiction:

    • Covers grievances related to administrative decisions, employment conditions, and workplace disputes brought forward by UN staff worldwide.

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Mumps Vaccine

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre to consider including the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) due to surge in the Mumps cases across the State.

    Tamil Nadu’s UIP currently offers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including:

    • Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, rota virus, pneumococcal, and Japanese encephalitis (in 14 endemic districts).
    • The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was added to the UIP in April 2017, but mumps is yet to be included.

    About Mumps Disease

    • Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, primarily affecting the salivary glands, leading to swelling near the ears (parotitis), fever, headache, and muscle aches.
    • It spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva.
    • While often mild, complications can include orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation), encephalitis, or hearing loss.
    • There is no specific treatment, but supportive care like rest, hydration, and pain management helps.
    • Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the best prevention, offering 78–88% protection.

    Which free immunised diseases are provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)?

    • The UIP was launched in 1985 and became part of the National Health Mission in 2005 to provide free vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases for children and pregnant women.
    • The programme now covers 12 diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, pneumonia, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and Japanese encephalitis.
    • Key vaccines added over the years include Hepatitis B (2007), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2017), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and Measles-Rubella Vaccine.
    • The entire cost of vaccines is covered by the Government of India, funded through taxes, with an annual budget of ₹7,234 crore (US$870 million) as of 2022.
    • The programme covers all residents of India, including foreign residents, ensuring nationwide access to life-saving vaccines.
    • 4 new vaccines have been introduced, including the Adult Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, to address emerging health challenges.

    Note:

    Mission Indradhanush is a health initiative launched by the Government of India on 25 December 2014 by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda. The mission aims to achieve 90% full immunization coverage in India by 2022, targeting vaccination against eight major vaccine-preventable diseases:

    • Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type B.
      Additionally, it covers Rotavirus Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in specific states and districts.

    The mission targets 201 districts in its first phase, focusing on areas with the highest number of unvaccinated children, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The approach follows similar planning and administration as the Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) program.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women.

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country.

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space.

    (d) New Educational Policy.

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway Inaugurated

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch was inaugurated on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

    About Bio-Bitumen

    • Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable, sustainable sources such as: Vegetable oils, Crop stubble, Algae, Lignin (a component of wood), Animal manure.
    • It serves as an alternative to traditional bitumen, which is primarily derived from the distillation of crude oil.
    • The production of bio-bitumen reduces dependence on petroleum and is a step toward sustainable road construction and infrastructure development.

    Significance and Features of Bio-Bitumen:

    • Bio-bitumen reduces the carbon footprint associated with the traditional bitumen production process.
    • By using renewable sources such as lignin (a byproduct of wood), it helps mitigate environmental concerns like stubble burning and contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, potentially by as much as 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
    • India, which heavily imports traditional bitumen, can reduce its import dependency by switching to bio-bitumen made from locally available materials.
    • The use of bio-bitumen stimulates bio-refineries, creating opportunities for revenue generation and providing economic benefits to farmers and the bio-refining industry.

    India’s Bitumen Scenario:

    • India imports around 50% of its total annual bitumen requirements, which amounted to 3.21 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
    • The country produced 5.24 million tonnes of bitumen in the same period.
    • India’s bitumen consumption has been steadily increasing, averaging 7.7 million tonnes annually over the past five years.
    • In 2023-24, India constructed around 12,300 km of national highways, averaging nearly 34 km per day.

     

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Google’s GenCast AI

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Google DeepMind has unveiled its revolutionary GenCast AI model, designed to predict the weather more accurately and farther in advance than current forecasting tools.

    About GenCast:

    What is it?
    • GenCast is an AI-based weather forecasting model developed by Google DeepMind.
    • It uses machine learning techniques for more accurate and long-term predictions compared to traditional models.
    • Unlike traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, GenCast uses an ensemble of AI-generated forecasts, trained on 40 years of reanalysis data.
    • Outperforms traditional tools in predicting extreme weather, tropical cyclones, and wind power production.
    How GenCast Works
    • Trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (1979–2019), blending historical data and modern forecasts.
    • It is powered by a neural network with 41,162 nodes and 240,000 edges, where nodes process data and edges connect them.
    • A diffusion model that refines noisy data in 30 steps to improve forecast accuracy.
    • It generates about 50 forecasts at once, providing probabilistic predictions (e.g., likelihood of rain, not exact amounts).
    • Generates forecasts in 8 minutes using a single TPU v5 unit, much faster than traditional NWP models, which take hours.
    Significance of GenCast
    • Outperforms ECMWF ensemble forecasts on 97.2% of targets, especially for extreme weather predictions.
    • Provides longer-term forecasts for up to 15 days, with spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° and 12-hour intervals.
    • Offers probabilistic forecasts to help better prepare for extreme weather.
    • Faster processing than traditional models, reducing forecast time from hours to minutes.
    • Sustainability and scalability allow the model to be expanded to other areas of weather prediction.
    • Google collaborates with weather agencies to enhance AI forecasting methods while recognizing the importance of traditional models.

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    What are India’s plans for a quantum satellite?

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The GoI Department of Science and Technology has initiated the National Quantum Mission, with plans to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to facilitate quantum communications.

    What is the National Quantum Mission?

    • The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India, specifically under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at fostering research and development in quantum technologies.
    • Approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023, the mission has a budget of approximately ₹6,000 crore (about $730 million) and is set to be implemented from 2023 to 2031.

    The primary objectives of NQM include:

    • Development of Quantum Technologies: The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits within eight years, enhancing India’s capabilities in quantum computing.
    • Quantum Communication: Establishing a secure quantum communication network that spans 2,000 kilometers, facilitating both domestic and international secure communications.
    • Quantum Sensing and Metrology: Advancing technologies for high-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks, which are critical for precision timing and navigation.
    • Quantum Materials: Focusing on the design and synthesis of quantum materials necessary for the fabrication of advanced quantum devices.

    What is a quantum satellite?

    • A quantum satellite refers to a communications satellite that employs quantum mechanics principles to secure its signals.
    • This technology is pivotal for enhancing cybersecurity in communications, particularly as traditional encryption methods face vulnerabilities from advances in quantum computing.

    Key features of quantum satellites include:

    • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): This technique allows two parties to securely share encryption keys using quantum properties. If an eavesdropper attempts to intercept the key, any measurement made will alter the state of the photons carrying the information, alerting the communicating parties to the breach.
    • Distance Capability: Unlike optical fibers, which have distance limitations (typically 100-250 km), quantum satellites can facilitate secure communications over much greater distances, making them suitable for national and international networks.

    What are the significance and drawbacks of QKD?

    • Unconditional Security: QKD provides a level of security that is theoretically unbreakable due to the laws of quantum physics. It ensures that any attempt at eavesdropping will be detectable.
    • Resistance to Quantum Threats: As quantum computers evolve, they pose a threat to current encryption methods. QKD offers a new layer of security that is resilient against these emerging threats.

    Drawbacks of QKD: 

    • Authentication Issues: QKD does not inherently authenticate the source of transmissions, which can be problematic.
    • Cost and Infrastructure: Implementing QKD networks can be expensive and complex due to hardware dependencies.
    • Limited Practical Security: The actual security provided by QKD systems may not always match theoretical expectations due to practical engineering challenges.
    • Denial-of-Service Vulnerabilities: Eavesdroppers can disrupt transmissions, potentially denying service to legitimate users.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Complement QKD with PQC to address authentication and denial-of-service vulnerabilities, leveraging advanced classical encryption alongside quantum security.
    • Invest in Scalable Infrastructure: Develop cost-effective, upgradeable quantum hardware and standardized protocols to ensure widespread and sustainable adoption of QKD systems.

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Union Minister Releases India State of Forest Report, 2023

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

    Why in the News?

    The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

    What is the Forest Survey of India (FSI)?

    • Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the country. ​
    • It started as an organization called Pre- Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) in 1965 as FAO/UNDP/GOI Project.

    What is India’s State of Forest Report?

    • This report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, provides a detailed assessment of the country’s forest and tree resources using satellite data and field surveys.
    • The 2023 edition marks the 18th report in this series.

    What are the major highlights of the Report?

    • Total Forest and Tree Cover: India’s total forest and tree cover is 827,357 sq km, representing 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, with 715,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 112,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
    • Increase in Forest and Tree Cover: Since 2021, there has been an increase of 1,445 sq km in total forest and tree cover, including a 156 sq km rise in forest cover and a 1,289 sq km increase in tree cover.
    • Top States for Increase: The states with the largest increases in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (+684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (+559 sq km), Odisha (+559 sq km), and Rajasthan (+394 sq km).
    • States with Largest Forest Areas: The states with the most forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km), and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
    • Mangrove Cover: India’s total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km, reflecting ongoing efforts in mangrove conservation.
    • Growing Stock and Bamboo Resources: The total growing stock has increased by 262 million cubic meters, and the bamboo-bearing area has expanded by 5,227 sq km, totaling 154,670 sq km.
    • Carbon Stock and Sequestration: India’s forest carbon stock is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, with an increase of 81.5 million tonnes. The country has exceeded its carbon sequestration targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), reaching a carbon stock of 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
    • Technological Advancements: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has implemented advanced technology for real-time fire alerts and forest fire services, improving forest management and conservation practices.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Conservation Efforts and Management: Enhance forest management practices, focusing on sustainable forest use, biodiversity conservation, and tackling deforestation, while increasing the involvement of local communities in conservation initiatives.
    • Expand Technological Innovations and Monitoring: Continue leveraging advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of forest health, including fire alerts, and expand data-driven approaches to improve forest protection, carbon sequestration, and restoration efforts.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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