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  • Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme 

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to promote job creation, enhance employability, and expand social security—especially in the manufacturing sector.

    About Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme:

    • Objective: It aims to promote employment generation, enhance employability, and expand social security across all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.
    • Inception: The scheme was first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 as part of the Prime Minister’s ₹2 lakh crore Employment and Skilling Package, which targets 4.1 crore youth.
    • Goal: It seeks to create more than 3.5 crore jobs between 1st August 2025 and 31st July 2027.

    Key Features of the ELI Scheme:

    • It offers direct financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers to promote formalisation and sustained employment. It has 2 major components:
    • Part A – Incentives to First-Time Employees:
      • One-month EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) in two instalments.
      • First instalment after 6 months of continuous service.
      • Second instalment after 12 months and completion of a financial literacy programme.
      • Eligibility for employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
      • Portion of incentive saved in a deposit instrument.
      • Benefits to approximately 1.92 crore new employees.
    • Part B – Support to Employers:
      • Incentives for employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh/month.
      • Amount ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per employee per month, based on wage slabs.
      • Employment must be sustained for at least 6 months.
      • Manufacturing sector gets incentives for 4 years instead of 2.
      • Employers must hire:
        • At least 2 additional employees (if workforce < 50).
        • At least 5 additional employees (if workforce ≥ 50).
    • Payment Mechanism:
      • Employees: via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
      • Employers: via PAN-linked accounts.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years

    2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary

    3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years

    4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters

    Options: (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 2 only (d) 1,2 and 4

     

  • Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) in Modern Communication

    Why in the News?

    In most modern office environments, internal and external communication is managed through a technology known as EPABX — Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

    About EPABX:

    • What is it: It is a system used by offices to manage internal and external phone calls efficiently.
    • Internal and External Communication: It enables intercom communication within the organisation and provides access to external telephone lines through a unified network.
    • Call Handling Features: EPABX can route, transfer, forward, or hold calls, reducing the need for multiple phone lines and improving overall communication.
    • Modern Features: Advanced EPABX systems offer voicemail, call recording, automated attendants, and digital tool integration for business productivity.

    How EPABX Works?

    • Starting a Call: When the phone is picked up, an off-hook signal goes to the EPABX, which responds with a dial tone.
    • Making Internal Calls: Users dial an extension number (like 104), and the EPABX connects them through its internal switching system.
    • Making External Calls: To reach outside numbers, users dial an access code (usually 0) followed by the number; EPABX connects via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
    • Handling Incoming Calls: Calls from outside are routed to the right extension using either a receptionist or an automated system (IVR) in newer setups.
    • Switching Logic: The EPABX system works like a railway yard, directing signals along the correct path between the caller and the recipient.

    Advancements in EPABX Technology:

    • Early Systems: Older EPABX systems used electromechanical switches like crossbars for call routing.
    • Digital Transition: Since the 1980s, systems adopted Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to digitise and share voice signals over fewer lines.
    • VoIP Technology: Modern EPABX uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to transmit calls over the internet, similar to email routing using IP addresses.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • [1st July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How do unsafe cancer drugs reach patients?

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2014] While doctor’s prescription is a must to get drugs, many people buy them over the counter without prescription. Discuss the contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    Linkage: The wider discussion about checking drug quality and the difficulties in doing so is very important to stop unsafe drugs, like cancer medicines, from reaching patients. This question is relevant because it looks into how drugs are monitored and the problems faced in keeping them safe.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  A major global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, reported by The Hindu, has revealed that poor-quality and unsafe cancer drugs, many of them from India, have been sent to over 100 countries. These faulty medicines have caused serious health problems, including the deaths of children in Yemen, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia. The report highlights serious regulatory weaknesses in low- and middle-income countries, and shows that the WHO’s warning system only acts after harm is done. This is especially worrying because it affects cancer patients, one of the most vulnerable groups.

    Today’s editorial talks about the poor-quality and unsafe cancer drugs. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Health & Governance) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, a major global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, reported by The Hindu, found that low-quality and unsafe cancer drugs.

    The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) is an independent, non-profit news organization based in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 2010 with the aim of producing in-depth, public interest journalism that holds power to account.

    What are the major quality risks in cancer drug manufacturing and distribution?

    • Contamination during manufacturing: Risk of bacterial contamination from improper disinfection, untrained staff, or poor cleanroom discipline. Even small errors like air movement or touching non-sterile items can spread bacteria.
    • Poor quality control: Failure to test raw ingredients, clean equipment, or filter water properly can make life-saving drugs toxic or lethal.
    • Distribution chain vulnerabilities: Changes in temperature, humidity, or poor handling during transport can degrade drug quality. The complex journey from raw materials to patient requires strict monitoring at each stage.

    Why are poorer countries more exposed to unsafe cancer drugs?

    • Weak Regulatory Frameworks: Many low-income countries lack strong drug regulatory authorities and legal frameworks to ensure medicine quality. Eg: In Nepal, there is no effective testing or monitoring of imported drugs due to limited institutional capacity.
    • Lack of Testing Infrastructure and Experts: These countries often do not have certified laboratories or trained personnel to check for contamination, dosage accuracy, or manufacturing faults. Eg: Nepal and similar nations lack verified experts or facilities to evaluate drug safety before market entry.
    • Inability to Track Drugs Through Supply Chains: Poor digital and logistical infrastructure leads to ineffective drug tracking, making it easier for substandard or counterfeit drugs to infiltrate the system. Eg: In countries with porous borders and no tracking systems, drugs can be repackaged or sold without oversight.
    • Corruption and Weak Enforcement: Corruption in customs, licensing, and procurement processes allows unverified drugs to enter public hospitals and pharmacies unchecked. Eg: In some regions, low-cost cancer drugs without proper quality assurance enter due to bribery and lack of regulatory follow-up.
    • Dependence on Low-Cost Imports Without Verification: Due to budget constraints, poorer nations rely heavily on cheap generic imports without adequate checks for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or source validation. Eg: In Yemen (2022), at least 10 children died after receiving contaminated methotrexate, highlighting the consequences of poor import verification.

    How does WHO ensure drug safety?

    • Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Drugs: WHO operates a global Rapid Alert System to identify and inform member countries about harmful or substandard medicines. Eg: If contaminated cancer drugs are reported in one country, WHO sends out a global alert so others can take preventive action.
    • Global Benchmarking and Certification Tools: WHO uses tools like the Global Benchmarking Tool to assess national regulatory systems and ranks them from Level 1 (weakest) to Level 4 (strongest). Eg: In 2023, 70% of member countries were rated at Level 1 or 2, showing limited capacity to regulate drug safety.
    • Prequalification, GMP, and CoPP Systems: WHO runs prequalification programs to approve safe drugs, ingredients, and labs; enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); and issues the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) to confirm quality of exported drugs. Eg: A CoPP acts like a passport for medicines, verifying they are approved and safely made in the exporting country.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Strengthening Drug Regulatory Framework: The government has empowered the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to regulate drug approval, quality checks, and enforcement across India. CDSCO conducts inspections and sampling under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to detect substandard medicines.
    • Track and Trace Mechanism: India has introduced a barcode-based Track and Trace system for export of pharmaceutical products to improve transparency and traceability. Eg: The system helps monitor supply chain integrity and detect counterfeit drugs, especially in exports.
    • The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for pharmaceuticals promotes domestic manufacturing of quality drugs and APIs while reducing import dependence. Eg: Incentives are given to firms that meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and global export standards.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a National Drug Quality Monitoring Authority: Create a centralised, independent regulatory body to oversee real-time quality audits, enforce uniform GMP standards, and ensure accountability across manufacturing units.
    • Invest in Testing Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce: Strengthen drug testing laboratories, equip them with modern technology, and train qualified professionals to carry out rigorous inspections and batch verifications at every stage.

  • In a perilous world, India must read the tea leaves well 

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the world’s growing preference for military force over peaceful talks have made India’s old policy of staying neutral and keeping strategic independence no longer enough.

    Why is India’s neutrality no longer viable in the current global conflicts?

    • Erosion of Strategic Leverage in Multilateral Crises: Neutrality has diminished India’s influence during major global conflicts where clear moral or strategic stands are expected. Eg: During the Israel-Iran conflict, India’s equidistant stance failed to garner goodwill from Iran, while Israel saw no added strategic value either.
    • Increased Global Polarisation and Military Alignments:  The world is now split into rival power groups, and staying neutral is often seen as being unsure or unwilling to take a stand. Eg: The U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites with bunker buster bombs, along with the growing China-Russia-Iran partnership, shows that being neutral in such a situation can actually be a liability and hurt a country’s interests.
    • Loss of Support from Traditional Partners: India’s neutral approach during its own security crises has failed to rally international support. Eg: During the recent India-Pakistan conflict, most West Asian countries and even the U.S. remained non-committal, despite India’s outreach in the Global South.
    • Reduced Credibility of Non-Alignment in a Hard Power World: Global forums are increasingly emphasising military strength over moral positioning. Neutrality is no longer seen as leadership. Eg: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the U.S. stressed hard power and Indo-Pacific dominance, sidelining softer, non-aligned narratives like India’s.

    What are the threats posed by the China-Pakistan military alliance?

    • Two-Front War Scenario: India faces the real risk of a coordinated military confrontation on both eastern and western borders. Eg: During the India-Pakistan conflict in May, intelligence revealed Pakistan’s preparedness using Chinese-supplied J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets, suggesting synchronised planning with China.
    • Enhanced Pakistani Military Capabilities: China’s transfer of advanced weaponry has significantly boosted Pakistan’s defence systems, improving its precision strike and surveillance capacity. Eg: Chinese radar, missile systems, and drone technology are now integrated into Pakistan’s command and control network, enhancing its offensive potential against India.
    • Asymmetric Nuclear Threat: The alliance magnifies the nuclear imbalance in the region, putting India at a strategic disadvantage. Eg: China and Pakistan together possess nearly a 5:1 advantage in nuclear warheads over India, escalating the deterrence challenge and increasing the risk of nuclear brinkmanship.

    How has India’s Israel-Iran policy impacted its West Asia standing?

    • Loss of Credibility as a Neutral Mediator: India’s attempt to balance ties between Israel and Iran has diluted its influence in the region, as it failed to take a principled stand when it was needed most. Eg: During the Israel-Iran conflict, India’s mere call for “restraint on all sides” disappointed Iran, which expected vocal support against targeted attacks by Israel and the U.S.
    • Strained Relations with Key Regional Powers: India’s visible tilt towards Israel in recent years has alienated several West Asian countries, undermining its strategic and energy interests. Eg: India’s growing defence and technology cooperation with Israel has made its Iran policy less credible, especially after Iran was diplomatically isolated in the recent conflict.

    What are the reforms needed to prepare India for a two-front war? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen Long-Duration War Capabilities: India must boost its ammunition reserves, logistics systems, and supply chain resilience to sustain prolonged conflicts on both fronts. Eg: The UK’s defence audit revealed critical gaps in its own war readiness—India too must conduct similar assessments to plug vulnerabilities.
    • Develop Advanced Technologies and AI Warfare: Investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone warfare, loitering munitions, and electromagnetic systems is crucial to match modern battlefield requirements. Eg: Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war show the growing role of AI-guided drones and precision weapons in shaping war outcomes.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?

    Linkage: India’s role in emerging strategic alliances, emphasizing the need to understand how new groupings can re-shape India’s influence and standing in global politics. The article underscores that India’s foreign policy is currently facing an “existential crisis” due to events like the India-Pakistan conflict, the China-Pakistan nexus, and the Israel-Iran conflict, where “neutrality is no longer an option.

  • ZSI records 683 faunal discoveries in its 110th year

    Why in the News?

    The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting 105,244 species and subspecies.

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India, based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

    Key Findings About ZSI’s Work and Discoveries (2024–25):

    • Significant Animal Discoveries:
      • New Genus: Dravidoseps gouensis – a new genus of skink (lizard) from Western Ghats
      • New Species of Snakes: Anguiculus dicaprioi – named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, belongs to the Colubridae family
      • Other Reptiles: 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles discovered
      • Amphibians: 5 new amphibian species, including frogs from northeastern and southern India
      • Other Invertebrates: Multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees
    • Highest representation among newly discovered species were insects, especially:
      • Coleoptera (beetles)
      • Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
      • Diptera (flies)
      • Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
    [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians

     

  • New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

    Why in the News?

    A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

    New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

    About Begonia nyishiorum:

    • Overview: Begonia nyishiorum is a recently identified flowering plant found in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and is endemic to this region.
    • Scientific Recognition: It was officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
    • Feature: The species is notable for its crimson, fringed scales (indumentum) on light green petioles, a distinct trait among Asian begonias.
    • Habitat and Range: It thrives on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres in altitude.
    • Ecological Sensitivity: Known from only two forest locations, the plant is potentially vulnerable and warrants conservation attention.
    • Name Origin: The species name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, known for their traditional ecological stewardship of local forests.

    About the Nyishi Tribe:

    • Overview: The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
    • Name Meaning: The word “Nyishi” combines “Nyi” (man) and “Shi” (being), signifying a civilised human in their language.
    • Linguistic Identity: Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, although its origins remain debated among scholars.
    • Geographic Spread: They live in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh (like East Kameng, Papum Pare, and Kurung Kumey) and parts of Assam.
    • Livelihood Practices: Their economy includes slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and weaving.
    • Key Festivals: They celebrate Boori-Boot (Feb) for unity, Nyokum (Feb) for prosperity, and Longte (Apr) for protection from evil.
    • Social Structure: Nyishi society is patrilineal and clan-based, with no caste system or rigid social hierarchy.
    • Role of Women: Women are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity, and marriages involve reciprocal family exchanges that build community ties.
    [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.

    In which part of India has it been discovered?

    Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

     

  • [pib] NAKSHA Programme 

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development is set to launch the second phase of capacity building for the NAKSHA programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).

    About NAKSHA Program:

    • Overview: It was launched on 18th February 2025. It is a geospatial land survey initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
    • Objective: The programme aims to modernise urban land records, make property ownership more transparent, and streamline urban governance.
    • Funding: It is 100% centrally funded, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
    • Significance: The programme was launched in response to India’s rapidly growing urban population, which is expected to exceed 600 million by 2031.

    Key Features:

    • Pilot Coverage: Implemented in 157 ULBs covering an area of 4,142.63 sq km, focusing on towns with an area of <35 sq km and a population of <2 lakh.
    • Drone-Based Survey: Uses drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras to conduct aerial surveys.
    • Three-Stage Survey Process:
      • Drone Survey & Data Collection
      • Field Verification & Draft Mapping
      • Public Review & Finalisation
    • Integration with Legal Records: Field surveys validate and update property tax, ownership, and registration data.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.

    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.

    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • Prada-Kolhapuri Cultural Misappropriation Debate

    Why in the News?

    The Prada incident, involving footwear resembling India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, has reignited debates on cultural respect, equitable benefit sharing, and the need for stronger global enforcement of GI rights.

    prada

    About the Kolhapuri Chappal Controversy:

    • Cultural Origin: They originated in Kolhapur and nearby districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, dating back to the 12th–13th century, once worn by royals.
    • Craftsmanship and Features: These chappals are handmade from vegetable-tanned leather, use no nails or synthetic parts, and feature a T-strap design in natural tones.
    • GI Tag Recognition: They received a GI tag in 2019, covering eight districts across the two states.
    • Allegations Against Prada: Italian luxury brand Prada was accused of unauthorised cultural appropriation for selling similar sandals without acknowledging the traditional origin.
    • Global Enforcement Gap: The controversy highlights the limited international protection for GI-tagged goods and the need for stronger legal safeguards abroad.

    Earlier Cultural Misappropriation Cases:

    • Basmati Rice (1997): The US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to Ricetec Inc., claiming new “lines and grains” of basmati rice. After diplomatic and legal pressure, Ricetec was barred from using the term “Basmati.”
    • Turmeric (1995): A U.S. patent was granted for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a use long documented in Ayurveda. CSIR successfully challenged and had the patent revoked.
    • Neem (2000): The European Patent Office revoked a patent granted to the USDA and W.R. Grace for neem-based antifungal formulations, citing that such usage existed in Indian traditional knowledge.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI) Tags

    • Purpose: A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that certifies a product’s origin from a specific place where its quality or reputation is uniquely linked to that location.
    • Significance: GI tags help preserve cultural heritage, promote rural livelihoods, and enable market access for indigenous communities.
    • Legal Framework in India: In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in force since 2003, and managed by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.
    • Ownership and Validity: A GI tag is collectively owned by local producers, valid for 10 years, and renewable indefinitely, unlike private trademarks.
    • Examples of GI Goods: India has 658 GI goods, including Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Pashmina shawls, Chanderi sarees, and Kancheepuram silk.
    • Jurisdiction of Protection: GI protection is territorial, meaning legal misuse can only be challenged within the registered country, unless separately protected abroad.
    • Global Legal Backing: GI rights are supported by international treaties like the Paris Convention (1883) and the TRIPS Agreement (1995).

  • Language of unity Uniformity should not be confused with national unity in language policy

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the three-language rule in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has caused a new dispute in Maharashtra, showing people’s worries about language and political disagreements.

    What are the key features of the three-language policy under NEP 2020?

    • Mandatory Learning of Three Languages: All students must learn three languages during their school education.
    • Flexible Language Choice: States and schools have the autonomy to choose any two Indian languages and one foreign language, removing the compulsion of Hindi.
    • Promotion of Multilingualism: Emphasis on learning regional, national, and global languages, thereby fostering cultural and linguistic diversity.
    • Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction: Preference is given to teaching in the mother tongue or regional language at least up to Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8.
    • No Imposition of Any Language: The policy avoids mandatory imposition of Hindi or any other language across the country.
    • Implementation Based on Demand: A minimum of 20 students must demand a specific third language in a school for it to be introduced.

    Why has the implementation of the three-language policy sparked resistance in States like Maharashtra?

    • Fear of Hindi Imposition: Despite the NEP 2020’s flexibility, there is a strong perception that Hindi is being prioritised as the default second language, especially after Maharashtra’s decision to make Hindi mandatory till Class 5.
    • Threat to Regional Identity: The policy is seen as undermining Marathi linguistic and cultural identity, which has historically been a sensitive issue in the State.
    • Distrust in Government Intentions: The formation of a committee rather than outright scrapping of the decision raised suspicion about hidden agendas, including the promotion of the Right-wing ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’ ideology.

    How does the perceived imposition of Hindi affect regional linguistic identity and federal harmony?

    • Resentment in Non-Hindi Speaking States: Imposing Hindi is perceived as marginalising regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Malayalam, causing strong backlash. Eg: Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the three-language formula, invoking the “anti-Hindi imposition” movementdating back to the 1960s.
    • Weakening of Linguistic Pluralism and Diversity: Promoting one language risks diluting India’s multilingual fabric, which is essential for preserving cultural identity and inclusiveness. Eg: In North-East India, states like Manipur and Nagaland have expressed concerns over losing native tongues due to Hindi-centric policies.
    • Strain on Federal Relations: Perceived language imposition creates friction between the Centre and States, weakening cooperative federalism and leading to policy resistance. Eg: Several southern states have demanded greater autonomy in education policy, arguing that central language decisions ignore regional aspirations.

    What is the relevance of the three-language policy for academic purposes?

    • Promotes Inclusivity and Communication in Diverse Settings: Multilingual proficiency helps students communicate across regions, fostering national integration and better participation in higher education and jobs. Eg: A student from Kerala who knows Hindi and English can study or work in northern India or abroad more comfortably.
    • Enhances Cognitive and Learning Abilities: Learning multiple languages improves memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, aiding overall academic performance. Eg: Studies show that multilingual students often perform better in tasks requiring attention and multitasking.
    • Improves Access to Knowledge and Resources: Knowing more than one language enables students to access a broader range of textbooks, research, and cultural literature, enriching their academic experience. Eg: A student fluent in English and a regional language can read both international academic content and local history or literature.

    What are the challenges do schools face in offering diverse language options under the policy?

    • Limited Availability of Qualified Language Teachers: Most schools lack trained teachers for non-regional or less commonly spoken languages, making it hard to implement true linguistic diversity. Eg: A school in Bihar may struggle to find teachers for Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam, even if students want to learn them.
    • Low Student Demand for Minority Languages: The policy requires a minimum of 20 students to demand a language for it to be introduced, which excludes smaller linguistic communities. Eg: In many Hindi-speaking regions, languages like Telugu or Bengali are not offered due to insufficient student numbers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Teacher Training and Language Infrastructure: Invest in recruiting and training teachers for a wider range of Indian languages, and develop teaching materials in collaboration with state language boards.
    • Ensure Flexibility and Regional Autonomy: Allow States and schools to adapt the three-language policy based on local linguistic demographics, ensuring inclusivity without enforcing a one-size-fits-all model.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

    Linkage: This question is related to “Diversity and pluralism,” which directly talk about the language as a cultural element. The article highlights how language can become a point of contention, with some seeing a uniform language policy as essential for national identity, while others view it as an “imposition” that undermines the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India.

  • India’s first Genomic Atlas reveals deep Ancestry and Health Risks

    Why in the News?

    A landmark study published in the ‘Cell’ journal has sequenced the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 states and union territories, creating the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date.

    About the Genomic Atlas:

    • Overview: The Genomic Atlas is the most comprehensive genetic mapping of Indian populations, covering caste, tribe, language, geography, and urban-rural distinctions.
    • Collaboration: It was conducted by Indian and international institutions, aiming to understand how ancient migrations and social structures shaped Indian genomes.
    • Use of Molecular Clocks: Researchers used genetic mutations as molecular clocks to trace human ancestry and map the evolutionary history of diverse groups in India.
    • Focus on Disease and Ancestry: The study explores recessive disorders, disease-linked mutations, and interbreeding with archaic humans like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Scope: Plans include expanding coverage to more isolated communities and building tools to track disease origins within genetically distinct Indian groups.
    • Impact on Precision Medicine: It aims to improve personalised healthcare by incorporating Indian genetic diversity into global medical research.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • Discovery of New Gene Variants: Over 2.6 crore previously undocumented genetic variants were discovered, many of which are absent from international gene databases.
    • Single-origin migration: Indians descend primarily from a single out-of-Africa migration ~50,000 years ago, not earlier human groups.
    • Three major ancestral components:
      • Ancient Ancestral South Indians (AASI) – early hunter-gatherers.
      • Iranian-related Neolithic farmers – from Sarazm (~4th millennium BCE).
      • Eurasian Steppe pastoralists – arrived around 2000 BCE, tied to Indo-European languages.
    • Additional East Asian ancestry: Found in East, Northeast, and some Central Indian populations (e.g., 5% in West Bengal), likely post-Gupta or rice cultivation-related (~520 CE).
    • Caste endogamy impacts: Long-term inbreeding within castes has led to high homozygosity, raising the risk of recessive genetic diseases.
    • Archaic DNA: Indian genomes show rich Neanderthal and Denisovan segments, especially in immune-related genes like MHC, TRIM, and BTNL2.
    • Unique health risks: A BCHE variant linked to anaesthetic reaction is enriched in Telangana; 7% of discovered protein-altering variants relate to serious genetic disorders.
    • Every individual had at least one genetic relative in the sample—revealing extreme interrelatedness and strong founder effects, particularly in South India.
    • Unmatched Neanderthal diversity: India harbours the widest variety of Neanderthal-derived genetic fragments among global populations.
    [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.

    Options: 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