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Distribution: yearly

  • Why some PLI schemes are in the slow lane?

    Why in the News?

    Six out of the 14 Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, including textiles, solar modules, IT hardware, automobiles, advanced chemical cells (ACC), and speciality steel, are progressing at a relatively slower pace.

    What are the primary reasons for the slow implementation of PLI schemes?

    • Stringent Eligibility Norms: Many industries have reported that the eligibility criteria for participation in PLI schemes are too stringent, which limits the number of companies that can benefit from the incentives.
    • Initial Setup Challenges: Establishing a domestic manufacturing base from scratch is a monumental task. Industries such as solar modules and advanced chemistry cells (ACC) require substantial time—ranging from one-and-a-half to three years—to set up manufacturing operations, delaying employment generation.
    • Access to Resources: Companies face difficulties in accessing critical resources, including Chinese machinery and skilled technicians, which can hinder their ability to ramp up production quickly.
    • Market Dependency: Some sectors remain heavily reliant on imports and have not yet transitioned to a self-sufficient manufacturing model, impacting their growth under the PLI framework.
    • Slow Disbursement of Funds: The initial years of the scheme saw minimal disbursement of funds, with only a small percentage of the total incentive outlay being paid out in the first two years.

    Which sectors are experiencing the most significant slowdowns, and why?

    • Textiles: This sector is struggling due to high competition and stringent norms that have slowed down participation and growth.
    • Solar Modules: Despite being a strategic sector for renewable energy, delays in establishing manufacturing capabilities have led to slow progress.
      • As of June 2024, India’s solar module manufacturing capacity reached 77.2 GW, but the solar cell capacity was only 7.6 GW, leading to supply shortages that delayed projects.
    • Automobiles: While some companies are making progress, the automobile sector overall is hindered by initial setup challenges and fluctuating market conditions. 
      • Factors such as rising raw material costs and shifts in consumer preferences towards electric vehicles are creating a complex environment for traditional automakers.
    • Advanced Chemical Cells (ACC): Similar to solar modules, this sector faces long commissioning periods that delay employment outcomes. Because of the lengthy development timelines for manufacturing facilities and the need for substantial investment in technology are contributing to slower growth in this strategic area.
    • IT Hardware: Although recently upgraded with increased funding, it still lags behind in implementation compared to more successful sectors like mobile manufacturing.

    What measures can be taken to enhance the effectiveness of PLI schemes? (Way forward)

    • Revising Eligibility Criteria: Simplifying the eligibility requirements could encourage more companies, especially smaller firms, to participate in the schemes and benefit from incentives.
    • Increasing Support for Supply Chains: Establishing robust supply chains is crucial. The government could provide additional support to smaller suppliers who are essential for scaling up production across sectors.
    • Streamlining Resource Access: Facilitating easier access to necessary machinery and skilled labor can help companies ramp up production more effectively and reduce dependency on imports.
    • Regular Reviews and Adjustments: Continuous monitoring and adjustments based on sector performance can help identify bottlenecks early and allow for timely interventions.
    • Encouraging Ancillary Industries: Promoting the establishment of ancillary industries around larger beneficiaries could create additional jobs and enhance local manufacturing capabilities.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Evaluate the challenges in the implementation of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in India. Highlight the sectors experiencing significant slowdowns and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of these schemes. (250 words) 15M

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?. (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • India’s strategic focus on West Africa

    Why in the News?

    Despite China’s increasing involvement in financing and infrastructure development, India continues to hold a significant position as one of Nigeria’s key partners in West Africa.

    What are the strategic objectives of India in West Africa?

    • Strengthening Bilateral Relations: India aims to enhance its strategic partnership with Nigeria, which is pivotal as Nigeria is both the largest economy and democracy in Africa. This partnership is expected to extend beyond Nigeria, influencing broader regional dynamics in West Africa.
    • Focus on Security Cooperation: Given the challenges of terrorism, piracy, and drug trafficking in Nigeria, India seeks to bolster security cooperation. This includes defence collaboration and joint efforts in counterterrorism operations against groups like Boko Haram.
    • Development Partnerships: India positions itself as a development partner by providing concessional loans and capacity-building programs, demonstrating a commitment to supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
    • Promotion of Global South Aspirations: Both India and Nigeria share common goals as leaders of the Global South, aiming to amplify their voices in international forums like the UN Security Council.

    How does India plan to enhance its economic ties with West African countries?

    • Diversifying Trade Relations: India plans to revitalize trade with Nigeria, which has seen a decline recently. Efforts include negotiating trade agreements such as the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to facilitate investment and trade.
    • Sectoral Collaboration: The focus areas for economic collaboration include defense, energy, technology, health, and education. India’s PM discussions with the President of Nigeria emphasized leveraging India’s expertise in these sectors to foster mutual growth.
    • Infrastructure Development: India aims to support infrastructure development through concessional loans and technical assistance, building on existing projects that have benefited from Indian investment.
    • Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Enhancing cultural ties and promoting exchanges between citizens are also part of India’s strategy to strengthen bilateral relations, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.

    What challenges does India face in its engagement with West Africa?

    • Geopolitical Competition: India’s engagement is challenged by China’s significant presence in Nigeria, where Chinese companies dominate various sectors including infrastructure and telecommunications. This competition complicates India’s efforts to establish itself as a key partner.
    • Economic Fluctuations: The decline in trade between India and Nigeria from $14.95 billion in 2021-22 to $7.89 billion in 2023-24 highlights vulnerabilities due to shifting global oil markets and increasing imports from other countries like Russia.
    • Political Instability: The political landscape in Nigeria can be unpredictable, posing risks for long-term investments and cooperation initiatives that require stability for successful implementation.
    • Capacity Constraints: While India offers developmental assistance, the effectiveness of these initiatives can be hindered by local capacity constraints in Nigeria, necessitating a tailored approach that considers local needs and capabilities.

    Way forward: 

    • Deepen Strategic Collaboration: Strengthen defence and security partnerships, diversify trade, and enhance collaboration in sectors like energy, technology, and health to counter China’s growing influence and foster mutual growth.
    • Focus on Regional Capacity Building: Expand developmental assistance with tailored initiatives addressing local needs, while supporting Nigeria’s stability through diplomatic engagement and joint Global South aspirations in international forums.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the strategic objectives of India in West Africa, with a particular focus on its engagement with Nigeria. Highlight the challenges India faces in strengthening its ties in the region and suggest measures to address these challenges. (250 words) 15M

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • [pib] Breakthrough in Quantum Noise Research

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) found that quantum noise—usually seen as a problem—can sometimes help connect particles in a special way called entanglement, which is important for future quantum technologies.

    What is Quantum Noise?

    • Overview: Quantum noise refers to random disturbances that affect quantum systems, often causing loss of coherence or decoherence.
    • Traditional View: It is typically seen as harmful, especially for quantum entanglement, which is crucial for quantum computing and communication.
    • Entanglement Concept: It is a phenomenon where particles are so correlated that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, even at a distance.
    • Effect of Decoherence: Noise-induced decoherence breaks this entanglement, thereby reducing the efficiency of quantum technologies.

    Key Findings:

    • Observation: Found that quantum noise can generate or revive entanglement, contrary to its typical reputation as destructive.
    • Focus Area: Studied intraparticle entanglement, which involves internal properties (like spin and path) of a single particle.
    • Contrast with Interparticle Entanglement: Unlike interparticle entanglement (between separate particles), intraparticle entanglement showed resilience under noise.
    • Types of Noise Studied:
      • Amplitude Damping: Energy loss
      • Phase Damping: Loss of phase information
      • Depolarizing Noise: Random changes in quantum state
    • Major Observation: Under amplitude damping, intraparticle entanglement showed delayed decay, revival, and even creation from unentangled states.
    • Interparticle Comparison: In contrast, interparticle entanglement exhibited steady decay with no revival or generation.

    Scientific Implications:

    • New Perspective: Challenges the assumption that quantum noise is purely harmful, showing it can be a resource in certain contexts.
    • Technological Potential: Intraparticle entanglement is more noise-resilient, making it valuable for stable quantum devices.
    • Application Areas: Findings are relevant to quantum communication, QKD (quantum key distribution), quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
    • Predictive Advantage: The new formula allows precise prediction of entanglement behavior, aiding the design of robust systems.
    • Platform Independence: Results are platform-agnostic, applicable to photons, neutrons, trapped ions, etc.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only * (d) I, II and III

     

  • Scientists decode Locust Pheromones for Eco-Friendly Control

    Why in the News?

    Researchers in China have discovered a method to curb locust swarming by manipulating their pheromones, paving the way for eco-friendly locust control.

    What are Locust Swarms?

    • Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and travelling 150 km/day with favourable winds.
    • They are highly destructive, stripping crops and threatening food security. A single swarm can consume food equivalent to the daily needs of 35,000 people.
    • In India, Locust Control and Research (LC&R) oversees locust management.
    • The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), established in 1939, monitors and controls locust activity in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
    • The 2019-2022 desert locust outbreak was one of the worst in decades, devastating India, Pakistan, and East Africa, destroying over 200,000 hectares of crops.
    • Despite existing control measures, locust outbreaks remain difficult to manage due to their rapid breeding capabilities.

    About Locust Pheromones:

    • Locust Behavioural Phases: Locusts exhibit two behavioural phases—solitary (non-swarming) and gregarious (swarming). The shift to gregariousness leads to swarm formation.
    • Key Pheromone – 4-Vinylanisole (4VA):
      • Identified in 2020 by Chinese researchers.
      • Released from locusts’ hind legs after feeding, especially due to the digestion of phenylalanine (a plant compound).
      • Acts as an aggregation pheromone, attracting other locusts and triggering group behaviour.
    • Biochemical Pathway:
      • Enzymes 4VPMT1 (dominant) and 4VPMT2 convert a precursor molecule (4VP) into 4VA.
      • This process is crucial in converting solitary locusts into swarm-forming gregarious ones.

    Recent Breakthrough and Its Implication:

    • Discovery: Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences genetically blocked 4VPMT1, preventing locusts from producing 4VA and stopping swarm formation.
    • Limitations: 4NP is toxic and environmentally persistent, raising concerns for large-scale deployment.
    • Strategy Proposed: RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides targeting 4VPMT genes to prevent 4VA production without toxicity.
    • Wider Implications:
      • Marks the first pollution-free molecular approach to locust control.
      • Can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, protect crops, and support sustainable agriculture.
      • Offers a precision pest control model based on insect behavioural biochemistry.
    [UPSC 2001] American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field- trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton ?

    Options: (a) Bacillus subtilis (b) Bacillus thurigiensis* (c) Bacillus amyloliquifanciens (d) Bacillus globlii

     

  • ADEETIE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power has launched a new national scheme — Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE).

    About ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Power through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
    • Objective: It aims to promote energy efficiency in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to cut energy consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance competitiveness.
    • Background: It builds upon successful state-level pilots, such as decarbonisation projects in Andhra Pradesh’s MSME clusters.
    • Climate Alignment: It supports India’s climate goals, including 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.
    • Budget Allocation: The scheme has a dedicated budget of ₹1,000 crore, with a focus on MSMEs, EXCLUDING large enterprises.

    Key Features of ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Interest Subsidy Support: MSMEs adopting energy-efficient tech will receive interest subsidies on loans:
      • 5% for small enterprises
      • 3% for medium enterprises
    • Digital Portal Utility: The platform acts as a one-stop portal for financing, project development, and knowledge sharing on energy-efficient solutions.
    • Supported Technologies: It promotes adoption of cutting-edge clean technologies, including:
      • Automation and digital control systems
      • Combustion control systems for boilers
      • Methane capture technology
      • Air-dyeing in textiles
    • Collaboration: It fosters industry partnerships through MoUs with major MSME associations.
    • Legal Backing: It aligns with the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which enables carbon markets and mandates clean energy usage.
    [UPSC 2016] On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1. Ceiling fans

    2. Electric geysers

    3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • In news: Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS)

    Why in the News?

    This newscard highlights the role of Indian assistants in completing the Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS), which began in 1802 to map India’s geography.

    About the Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS):

    • Launch and Objective: The GTS was a massive scientific and cartographic initiative launched in 1802 by the British to map India with unprecedented precision using trigonometry and geodesy.
    • Initiator: It was conceptualised by William Lambton, a British army officer, and carried out under the East India Company.
    • Purpose: It aimed to measure Earth’s curvature, create accurate maps, and support colonial administration, scientific research, and military planning.
    • Survey Method: It used triangulation, involving a network of interconnected triangles built from a known baseline to calculate distances and angles over large areas.
    • First Baseline: The initial baseline was measured in 1802 at St. Thomas Mount near Madras (Chennai) and extended over 2,600 km up to the Himalayas.
    • Instruments Used: The survey used massive theodolites (weighing up to half a ton) and measuring chains, requiring large teams for operation and transport.
    • Scientific Outcome: It led to the formulation of the Everest Spheroid, a geodetic reference model still used for mapping in South Asia.
    • Duration and Leadership: Although planned to take 5 years, the project lasted nearly 70 years (until 1871) and was led by successors such as George Everest (after whom Mt. Everest was named), Andrew Scott Waugh, and James Walker.

    How did the GTS led to the Mapping of India?

    • First Accurate Maps: It provided scientific maps that corrected earlier errors, enabling modern geodetic frameworks for administration and infrastructure.
    • Survey Range: It mapped from southern India to the Himalayas, supporting large-scale development and scientific measurement.
    • Great Arc Measurement: It measured the Great Arc (Chennai to Dehradun), a significant geodetic arc that helped calculate Earth’s curvature.
    • Himalayan Heights: Using triangulation data, the survey measured 79 Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga.
    • Mount Everest Identification: In 1852, Peak XV was identified as the world’s highest mountain, later named Mount Everest in honour of George Everest.
    • Latitude-Longitude System: It produced precise longitude and latitude coordinates, crucial for navigation, military logistics, and administration.
    • Infrastructure Impact: Survey benchmarks supported railways, roads, canals, and earthquake studies, many of which remain relevant today.

    Contribution of Indians to the GTS:

    • Syed Mir Mohsin Husain: A jeweller from Arcot who repaired critical instruments and was later appointed as an instrument maker in the Surveyor General’s office.
    • Radhanath Sikdar: An Indian mathematician who calculated the height of Mount Everest in 1852, confirming it as the tallest peak globally.
    • Indian Field Workers: Thousands of Indian flagmen, khalasis, and labourers undertook challenging tasks like carrying heavy equipment, setting markers, and working in hazardous environments.
    • Logistical Support: Indian artisans and technicians repaired, calibrated, and adapted instruments, making the project feasible under Indian conditions.
    • Role of Pundits: Trained Indian “pundits” conducted secret surveys in Tibet and politically sensitive regions, where British officers were restricted.
    [UPSC 2018] Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?

    Options: (a) Bengaluru* (b) Hyderabad (c) Nagpur (d) Pune

     

  • Assessing India’s Carbon Credit trading scheme targets 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government recently set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity targets for key industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). These targets apply to eight major industries, including steel, cement, aluminium, and textiles, and aim to reduce emissions per unit of production.

    What is CCTS?

    The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) allows entities—such as factories, refineries, or power plants—that emit less than their permitted carbon limits to earn carbon credits. These credits can then be traded with other entities that have exceeded their emission limits.

    What is the importance of assessing carbon targets at the economy-wide level?

    • Reflects true environmental impact: Evaluating targets at the economy-wide level ensures we understand the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is the ultimate goal of climate action.
    • Enables flexible compliance: It allows efficient entities to overachieve and trade credits with less efficient ones, reducing total emissions cost-effectively. Eg: In India’s PAT scheme, cement plants exceeding targets sold energy-saving certificates to aluminium units lagging behind.
    • Aligns with national commitments: It supports the evaluation of whether India is on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero targets, beyond fragmented sectoral views. Eg: India aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 – a goal only visible through economy-wide analysis.

    What is the PAT Scheme?

    The PAT Scheme sets energy efficiency targets for large, energy-intensive industries. Companies that exceed their targets earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which they can trade with other companies that fail to meet their targets.

    How has the PAT scheme proven effective in reducing energy intensity?

    • Encouraged market-based efficiency: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme allowed industries to meet energy targets using tradable efficiency certificates, creating a cost-effective compliance mechanism.
    • Achieved aggregate reduction: Despite mixed results at the entity or sector level, overall energy intensity in India declined across PAT cycles, proving its system-wide impact. Eg: Between 2012–14, even as chlor-alkali sector’s intensity rose, combined data showed less energy used per unit of output.
    • Enabled flexible transition: PAT helped industries adopt incremental improvements or buy credits instead of making costly in-house upgrades, ensuring participation without economic strain. Eg: Aluminium units improved production processes, while others chose certificate trading to meet targets.

    Why are entity-level targets insufficient to assess emission reduction?

    • Limited Scope of Impact: Targets at the entity level show progress in isolation and may miss the broader picture. For instance, even if some paper or chlor-alkali plants increase their energy use per unit of output, overall national emissions may still fall due to reductions in other sectors.
    • Focus on Transactions, Not Outcomes: These targets often guide financial trades between companies rather than ensuring actual emissions reduction. A steel plant may meet its target not by cutting emissions but by buying efficiency certificates from another unit.
    • Inconsistency Across Sectors: Emission reductions may vary widely across sectors. While cement and aluminium sectors may improve efficiency, others may lag. Solely relying on entity targets could misrepresent the real national decarbonisation progress.

    What limits the comparison of CCTS targets with past and future benchmarks?

    • Mismatch in Scope: The CCTS targets apply only to a part of India’s industrial base, making it difficult to compare them with economy-wide goals like the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Eg. CCTS covers only 8 industrial sectors, while NDCs span all sectors including agriculture and transport.
    • Changing Baselines and Ambition Levels: Past schemes like PAT Cycle I had relatively modest targets. Comparing them with current CCTS goals may underestimate the urgency for stronger action aligned with net-zero by 2070. Eg. A sector that achieved 1% reduction earlier may now require over 2.5% annual reduction to stay on track.
    • Different Indicators Used: Past targets often focused on energy intensity, while future goals (like NDCs) emphasise emissions intensity per GDP or value added, making direct comparison methodologically inconsistent. Eg. Comparing energy saved per unit of production vs emissions per unit of GDP distorts true climate ambition.

    How do CCTS targets align with India’s NDC and net-zero goals?

    • Partial Alignment with Emission Intensity Reduction: The CCTS targets aim to reduce emissions intensity in key industrial sectors, contributing to India’s NDC goal of reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). However, the annual reduction rateof ~1.68% in CCTS sectors is lower than the required pace for full alignment.
    • Lag Behind Power Sector Decarbonisation: Compared to the power sector, which has low-cost mitigation options and a projected 3.44% annual decline in emissions intensity, the industrial sector’s slower pace (~2.53%) under CCTS may hinder the broader net-zero pathway.
    • Need for Greater Sectoral Ambition: The current CCTS trajectory appears less aggressive than necessary for the 2070 net-zero target. Without scaling upambition across more sectors and tightening targets, CCTS alone cannot ensure full alignment with India’s long-term climate goals.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Sectoral Ambition with Dynamic Targeting: Revise CCTS targets periodically based on economy-wide modelling aligned with India’s NDC and net-zero goals, ensuring progressively stringent emission intensity reductions across all major industrial sectors.
    • Integrate Technology and Incentives: Promote adoption of clean technologies through financial incentives, carbon pricing, and capacity-building support to enable industries to decarbonize efficiently without compromising growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.

    Linkage: The article talks about the concept of “carbon credit,” which is a fundamental component of carbon trading schemes, including India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) which is related to the demand of the question.

  • Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project  

    Why in the News?

    India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.

    About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:

    • Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
    • Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
    • Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
    • Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
    • Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
    • Corridor Coverage:
      1. Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
      2. Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
    • Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
    • Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.

    Key Features of the DFC:

    • Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
    • Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
    • Cargo Type by Corridor:
      1. Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
      2. Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
    • Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
    • Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
    • Future Expansion Plans:
      1. East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
      2. East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
      3. North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
    • Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
    [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?

    Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam

     

  • Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the 16th Census of India, experts have stated that counting the six main indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is feasible.

    Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    About Jarawa Tribe:

    • Location: They live in the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.
    • Official Status: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the GoI.
    • Population Growth: Their population has risen from 260 (1998) to around 647 (2025) due to better healthcare and low external interference.
    • First Contact: Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade.
    • Key Features:
      • Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk, moving in nomadic groups of 40–50 individuals.
      • Ancestry: Believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the earliest human migrants from Africa.
      • Health Profile: They maintain strong physical health with low incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
      • Lifespan: Natural childbirth is common, and the average lifespan now exceeds 50 years.

    Note:

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 PVTGs, which are among the most isolated and distinct indigenous communities in India. They are- Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.

     

    Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

    • Overview:  They are a subgroup within Scheduled Tribes considered most backward and vulnerable.
    • Habitat: They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
    • Distribution: There are 75 such groups identified and categorized PVTGs.
    • Origin of the concept:
      • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
      • During the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
      • This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
      • In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.
    • Features of PVTGs: Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria are considered PVTGs:
      1. Pre-agricultural system of existence
      2. The practice of hunting and gathering
      3. Zero or negative population growth
      4. Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.

    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.

    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.

    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • Exercise Talisman Sabre, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India is taking part in Talisman Sabre 2025, the 11th and largest edition of the Australia-U.S.-led multinational military exercise, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.

    About Exercise Talisman Sabre:

    • Overview: It is a biennial multinational joint military exercise, co-led by Australia and the United States.
    • Inception: It began in 2005 and has been conducted every 2 years, typically during odd-numbered years.
    • Objective: The primary aim is to enhance combat readiness, improve interoperability, and strengthen the joint operations capability of participating armed forces.
    • Scope of Operations: It focuses on high-end warfighting, including:
      • Crisis-action planning
      • Contingency response
      • Multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space
    • Strategic Importance: It plays a key role in promoting regional security cooperation and supports the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    Key Features of the 2025 Edition:

    • Scale: The 2025 edition involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 participating countries, making it the largest and most complex iteration of the exercise so far.
    • Participating Nations:
      • Full participants: Australia, the United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
      • Observer nations: Malaysia and Vietnam.
    • Geographical Expansion: For the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted outside Australia, with training also planned in Papua New Guinea.
    • New Defence Capabilities: The 2025 edition will showcase:
      • UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
      • Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system introduced by the Australian Defence Force
    • Multi-Domain Focus: Operations will span across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of warfare.
    • Strategic Outcome: It aims to improve regional response capabilities, strengthen defence partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
    [UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?

    Options: (a) China *(b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA