💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS2

  • Mizoram and Goa declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    In a major achievement for adult education in India, Mizoram and Goa have declared themselves “fully literate” under the ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society).

    What does “Fully Literate” mean under ULLAS?

    • As per the Ministry of Education (August 2024):
      • A person is literate if they can read, write, and compute with comprehension, including essential life skills.
      • A state is considered fully literate if it achieves 95% literacy or more.
    • This aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of achieving universal youth and adult literacy by 2030.

    About the ULLAS Scheme:

    • Launch: It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2022.
    • Vision: It is based on the spirit of ‘Kartvya Bodh’ (DUTY) and is being implemented through volunteerism.
    • Official Name: It is formally known as the New India Literacy Programme and is being implemented over a five-year period (2022–2027).
    • Core Objective: The scheme aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy to 5 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 years and above.
    • Key Learning Components:
      • Beyond Basics: In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, learners are taught critical life skills, such as financial literacy and digital literacy.
      • Beneficiary Identification: Individuals are identified through door-to-door surveys conducted by schools and local officials across states and UTs.
      • Volunteer Teaching Model: Teaching is provided by volunteers, including school and college students, teacher trainees, and community members.
    • Learning Support and Certification:
      • Learning Materials: The NCERT develops the core content, which is translated and adapted into 22 languages of India by state authorities.
      • Digital and Offline Modes: A mobile app supports the learning process, though offline teaching is also included for inclusive access.
      • Assessment Process: Learners appear for the Functional Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) — a 150-mark exam in multiple languages.
      • Certification: Those who pass the FLNAT are certified by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for achieving basic literacy and numeracy.

    Key Achievements on Full Literacy under ULLAS:

    • State Declarations:
      • Ladakh: First region to be declared fully literate (June 2024)
      • Goa: Declared fully literate with 99.72% literacy
      • Mizoram: Declared fully literate with 98.2% literacy
    • Performance Insights:
      • 100% pass rate in Goa and Tamil Nadu
      • Over 95% in Punjab, Assam, UP
      • Women-majority participation in several states (over 70% in Mizoram, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
    • Historical Context: ULLAS Scheme builds on earlier adult literacy programs such as:
      • Saakshar Bharat (2009–2018)
      • National Literacy Mission (1988–2009)
      • National Adult Education Programme (1970s–1980s)
    [UPSC 2004] Consider the following statements: As per 2001 Census:

    1. the two States with the lowest sex ratio are Haryana and Punjab. 2. the two States with the lowest population per sq. km of area are Meghalaya and Mizoram. 3. Kerala has both the highest literacy rate and sex ratio.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

    Why in the News?

    According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line.

    Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines:

    • The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per day, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to account for inflation and cost of living.
      • PPP compares currencies by showing how much money is needed in different countries to buy the same goods. It helps measure real cost of living and economic strength.
    • Previous thresholds:
      • $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
      • $2.15 per day (2017 PPP)
    • Revised in June 2025:
      • Low-income countries: $3 per day
      • Lower middle-income countries (LMIC): $4.20 per day (up from $3.65)
      • Upper middle-income countries: $8.40 per day (up from $6.85)
    • Why it matters: These new thresholds help track progress in poverty reduction and align better with today’s economic conditions.

    India’s Progress and Challenges:

    • Reduction in Poverty:
      • At the $3/day level, poverty dropped from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
      • At the $2.15/day level, poverty fell from 16.2% to 2.3%, lifting 171 million people.
      • At the $4.20/day level, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%, benefiting 378 million people.
    • Rural-Urban Trends:
      • Rural poverty dropped from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%.
      • The rural-urban gap narrowed from 25 to 15 percentage points.
    • Inequality Measures:
      • Consumption inequality improved (Gini fell from 28.8 to 25.5).
      • Income inequality, however, worsened (Gini rose from 52 to 62).
    • Employment Trends:
      • Since 2021–22, employment growth has outpaced the working-age population.
      • Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017–18, but youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, and 29% among graduates.
    • State-Level Dynamics:
      • UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and MP contributed to 65% of the extreme poor (2011–12) and now represent 54% of the remaining poor.
    • Multidimensional Poverty:
      • Declined significantly from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 15.5% in 2022–23, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards.
    [UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:

    Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State* (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

     

  • Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN)

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has launched DIGIPIN, a geo-coded digital address system that aims to bring precision and efficiency to address identification across the country.

    Tap to read more about PIN Codes in India.

    What is DIGIPIN?

    • About: DIGIPIN is a digital address system introduced by the Government of India to improve location identification across the country.
    • Development Team: The system was developed by the Department of Posts, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO.
    • Technology Base: It uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to geo-code each physical location with high accuracy.
    • Key Features:
      • Accessibility: Users can access their DIGIPIN through the India Post’s online portal, and it works seamlessly on any GPS-enabled device.
      • Nature of the System: It is open source, interoperable, and privacy-focused, meaning it is publicly accessible, works across platforms, and does not store personal data.
      • Code Format: Each location is assigned a unique 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 39J-53M-TJF9) that corresponds to an area of approximately 4×4 square meters.
      • Coverage Area: DIGIPIN works across urban, rural, forest, and oceanic regions throughout India, even where no formal addresses exist.

    digipin

    Significance of DIGIPIN:

    • Precision Mapping: DIGIPIN enables highly accurate geolocation, even in places without traditional street addresses or house numbers.
    • E-Commerce Enhancement: The system boosts last-mile delivery efficiency for platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and other logistics providers.
    • Emergency Response: DIGIPIN supports police, ambulance, and fire services in reaching destinations quickly, especially in dense or unmapped areas.
    • Public Service Delivery: It improves government outreach by making it easier to deliver welfare schemes, notices, and essential services in remote areas.
    • Inclusion of Remote Regions: The system brings digital address visibility to forests, tribal regions, and maritime zones, aiding national mapping efforts.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following:

    1. Aarogya Setu

    2. CoWIN

    3. DigiLocker

    4. DIKSHA

    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

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

     

  • Maintaining India’s progress in food safety standards

    Why in the News?

    World Food Safety Day 2025 is observed with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” It highlights India’s progress in food safety, though there are still some gaps to address.

    What is the theme of World Food Safety Day 2025?

    Theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action”. It emphasizes the importance of applying science to ensure food safety.

    How does it reflect India’s evolving approach to food safety?

    • Shift from Adulteration to Risk-Based Framework: Earlier, the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 focused on whether food was adulterated or not. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 introduced a scientific, risk-based approach through the creation of FSSAI.
    • Adoption of International Scientific Standards: India aligned its food regulations with global norms like those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Eg: Standards for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values are now scientifically defined.
    • Efforts to Strengthen Scientific Capacity: India is focusing on generating its own toxicological data and conducting Total Diet Studies (TDS) to suit local needs. Eg: Indian-specific dietary patterns and environmental factors are being considered to improve food safety regulations.

    What are Toxicology Studies?

    These are scientific assessments that evaluate the harmful effects of chemicals or substances (like pesticides, additives, contaminants) on living organisms, especially humans.

    Why are India-specific toxicology studies important for food safety?

    • Reflect Local Dietary Habits: International toxicology data may not match Indian dietary patterns and consumption levels. Eg: An average Indian may consume more rice or spices than Western populations, affecting exposure to contaminants.
    • Consider Unique Agricultural Practices: India’s crop varieties, pesticide usage, and farming methods differ from global practices. Eg: Pesticide residues on Indian-grown vegetables may vary significantly compared to Europe, requiring tailored safety limits.
    • Account for Environmental and Genetic Differences: Climate, water quality, and genetic factors influence how toxins impact health in India. Eg: Heavy metal contamination in groundwater in Indian regions could cause higher cumulative exposure, not captured by foreign studies.

    What is monosodium glutamate (MSG)? 

    MSG is a flavour enhancer commonly added to food to intensify the umami taste (a savoury flavour). It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods.

    How has the regulation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in India differed from global practices?

    • Continued Use of Outdated Warning Labels: While global authorities like JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) have declared MSG safe since 1971, India still mandates a warning label stating it is unsafe for infants. Eg: Most countries have removed such warnings, but India continues them despite scientific consensus.
    • Misleading Public Perception: The mandatory label in India has led to consumer fear and confusion, with many believing MSG is inherently harmful. Eg: This is misleading, as natural glutamates (chemically identical to MSG) are found in tomato, mushroom, garlic, and even breast milk.
    • Lag in Regulatory Modernisation: India has been slow to align its food safety regulations with global scientific evidence. Eg: Despite MSG receiving an “ADI not specified” status globally (indicating high safety), India still treats it with caution due to legacy regulations.

    What can improve food safety risk communication in India?

    • Simplify Scientific Language: Communicate complex terms like MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) and ADIs (Acceptable Daily Intake) in easy-to-understand formats for the public. Eg: Instead of stating “0.1 mg/kg,” explain it as a level safe for lifelong consumption in common quantities of food.
    • Replace Misleading Labels with Evidence-Based Information: Outdated or alarming labels should be updated to reflect current scientific understanding. Eg: The MSG warning label in India should be replaced with factual information about its safety, as done in other countries.
    • Enhance Public Engagement and Transparency: Build public trust through open communication with consumers, industry, and media to explain regulatory changes and safety updates. Eg: When MRL limits for pesticides were revised, clearer messaging could have prevented public fear and misunderstanding.

    Way forward: 

    • Invest in India-Specific Scientific Research: Conduct localized toxicological studies and Total Diet Studies (TDS) to ensure food safety standards reflect Indian dietary habits, agricultural practices, and environmental conditions.
    • Strengthen Risk Communication and Public Awareness: Simplify scientific terms for the public, revise outdated labels, and build transparent engagement with stakeholders to promote informed consumer choices and trust in regulatory decisions.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Briefly discuss the status and significance of the food processing industry in India.

    Linkage: The “status and significance of the food processing industry” in India is directly and fundamentally linked to the country’s food safety standards. For this industry to achieve and maintain a significant status, it must adhere to and uphold rigorous food safety standards. The perception and reality of food safety directly influence consumer trust, market access (both domestic and international), and overall economic contribution of the sector.

  • Assam CM on Pakistan ‘scare narrative’: Could Chinese dams affect Brahmaputra flow in India?

    Why in the News?

    India has rejected the “scare stories” spread by Pakistan and others about China building dams upstream on the Brahmaputra River, especially the big 60,000 MW Medog Hydropower Project in Tibet.

    What is the significance of the Brahmaputra’s flow originating mostly in India?

    • Major Contribution to River Flow: Although India has only about 34.2% of the Brahmaputra basin area, it contributes over 80% of the river’s total water flow due to higher rainfall and tributary inflows. Eg: The Indian basin receives an average annual rainfall of 2,371 mm, much higher than Tibet’s 300 mm.
    • Flood Management Potential: Control over a major share of the river’s flow gives India better scope to design flood control infrastructure and storage systems to reduce monsoon-related disasters. Eg: Assam CM stated that reduced flow from China could help mitigate annual floods in Assam.
    • Strengthened Riparian Rights and Development Planning: India’s dominant share in flow enhances its claim as a principal riparian state, empowering it to undertake hydropower and irrigation projects without heavy external dependency. Eg: India is developing hydropower projects like Dibang and Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh based on its flow share.
    Note: A “riparian state” refers to a state or country that shares a river or stream border with another state or country.

     

    What about the Medog Hydropower Project?

    The Medog Hydropower Project is an ambitious and controversial initiative by China to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. With a planned capacity of 60,000 megawatts (MW) and an estimated cost of $137 billion, the project has significant environmental, geopolitical, and social implications for the region

    Why is China’s proposed Medog hydropower project raising concerns for India?

    • Strategic Control Over Water Flow: China’s 60,000 MW Medog dam could allow manipulation of the Brahmaputra’s flow, risking reduced water in dry seasons or artificial floods during monsoons. Eg: Sudden releases from Chinese dams have previously caused flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
    • Environmental and Seismic Hazards: The dam’s location in a seismic zone threatens biodiversity, increases landslide risks, and may disrupt sediment flow critical for downstream agriculture. Eg: Trapped sediments can reduce soil fertility, impacting farming in India and Bangladesh.
    • Absence of Water-Sharing Agreements: China’s unilateral actions without consultation violate equitable sharing norms, worsening trust deficits. Eg: Unlike the Indus Treaty with Pakistan, no formal pact exists between India and China on the Brahmaputra.

    What steps has India taken or proposed to utilise the Brahmaputra’s water potential?

    • Development of Hydropower Projects: India is actively constructing and planning large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to harness the Brahmaputra’s energy potential and establish water-use rights. Eg: Projects like the Dibang Multipurpose Project (2880 MW) and Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2000 MW) are designed to generate clean energy and regulate river flow.
    • Construction of Multipurpose Storage Reservoirs: India is focusing on creating dams and storage facilities to control floods, store monsoon water, and ensure water availability in dry seasons. Eg: The proposed Upper Siang project aims to store floodwaters and generate electricity while supporting irrigation and drinking water needs in the region.
    • Promotion of Inland Waterways and River Navigation: The Brahmaputra is being developed as a key navigable waterway under India’s Act East Policy to boost trade and regional connectivity. Eg: The National Waterway-2 (NW-2) on the Brahmaputra facilitates cargo movement between Assam and Bangladesh, promoting economic use of the river.

    Way forward: 

    • Bilateral Water-Sharing Framework: India and China should initiate dialogue to establish a formal transboundary water-sharing agreement, ensuring data transparency, flow regulation, and emergency notification mechanisms—similar to the Indus Waters Treaty.
    • Regional Environmental Assessment Mechanism: Promote a joint environmental impact assessment (EIA) involving India, China, and Bangladesh under a multilateral platform like the UN or SAARC, to ensure sustainable and equitable river basin management.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013} What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

    Linkage: The articles talks about the Chinese infrastructure interventions on the Brahmaputra are “hydropower projects with minimal storage”. It also mentions the massive planned Medog project as the world’s largest hydropower facility, and India’s own Upper Siang Project which will generate power and serve as a buffer against flow variations. This question directly relates to a type of hydropower project pertinent to river development and control.

  • India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)  

    Why in the News?

    India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2026–2028.

    About the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

    • Establishment: It is one of the 6 principal UN organs, created in 1945 under the UN Charter.
    • Mandate: It coordinates the UN’s economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural work.
    • Role: ECOSOC serves as the central platform for global policy dialogue, review, and development recommendations.
    • Composition: ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
    • Decision-Making: Decisions are made by simple majority; no permanent members; presidency rotates annually.
    • Functions and Powers:
      • Coordination: Oversees 15 specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO), 8 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions.
      • Promotion Areas: Focuses on living standards, employment, human rights, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
      • Engagement with NGOs: Grants consultative status to over 1,600 NGOs and organizes global conferences.
      • UN Oversight: Supervises agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR.
    • Sessions and Meetings:
      • Main Sessions: Held each July, along with an organizational session.
      • Finance Dialogues: Hosts April meetings with finance ministers from the IMF and World Bank.
      • SDG Monitoring: Organizes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Legal and Institutional Details:
      • UN Charter Basis: Defined under Chapter X (Articles 61–72) of the Charter.
      • Headquarters: Located in New York.
      • Scope: ECOSOC is the largest and most complex UN body, shaping global development policy.

    India and ECOSOC:

    • Membership: India is serving its 18th term as a member, elected for the 2026–28 period.
    • Subsidiary Roles: India has held positions in bodies like the UN Statistical Commission, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and UNAIDS Board.
    • Recent Milestone: India recently joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), highlighting its data expertise.
    • Policy Priorities: India supports inclusive growth, SDG progress, and south-south cooperation through evidence-based multilateral leadership.
    [UPSC 2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:

    1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.

    2. It is elected by a 2/3 majority of The General Assembly for a 3-year term.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister for Minority Affairs has launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal—a centralised digital platform to manage Waqf properties across India.

    Tap to read more about the Waqf and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

    About the UMEED Portal

    • Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs on June 6, 2025.
    • Core Purpose: It ensures real-time registration, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India.
    • Legal Alignment: The portal is aligned with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in April 2025.
    • Governance Shift: UMEED aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation by making Waqf data digitally traceable.

    Key Features:

    • Centralized Registration: All Waqf properties must be registered on a single digital platform.
    • Documentation: Each property receives a 17-digit ID and must include ownership papers, exact measurements, and geotagged location data.
    • User-Friendly Design: Features include dropdown-based input, GIS mapping, and a grievance redressal system.
    • 3-Tier Verification:
      • Maker: Mutawalli enters the property data.
      • Checker: District official verifies the entry.
      • Approver: CEO or authorised Waqf Board officer grants approval.
    • Transparency and Privacy: Public access to basic property details is allowed, while data privacy is ensured.
    • Eligibility Rule: Properties registered in women’s names are not eligible as Waqf properties, though women and vulnerable groups remain priority beneficiaries.
    • Support System: A toll-free helpline is available for technical assistance.

    Registration Process:

    • Responsible Authority: State Waqf Boards are in charge of registering properties.
    • Deadline: All registrations must be completed within 6 months of the portal’s launch.
    • Required Data: Includes property size, ownership documents, geotagging, and whether the land is government-owned.
    • Extension Policy: A 1–2 month extension may be granted upon valid request.
    • Non-Compliance: Unregistered properties will be marked as “disputed” and referred to the Waqf Tribunal.
    • Missing Documents: In such cases, the mutawalli must approach the Tribunal for validation.

  • A Eurocentric reset, a gateway for India

    Why in the News?

    Recently, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s move to renew relations with the European Union is an important change in post-Brexit policy that has big effects around the world, especially for India.

    What is the significance of the new U.K.-EU agreement for India?

    • Simplifies Trade and Regulatory Compliance: The agreement harmonizes food standards, fishing rights, and customs coordination between the U.K. and EU, making it easier for Indian exporters to comply with a single set of rules instead of two separate regimes. Eg: Indian pharmaceutical companies supplying over 25% of the U.K.’s generic medicines could benefit from faster unified approvals, reducing costs and delays.
    • Strengthens Strategic Diplomatic Relations: Renewed U.K.-EU cooperation offers India a chance to enhance multilateral ties and align foreign policies with key Western partners on issues like defence and Indo-Pacific security. Eg: India’s existing partnerships with France, Germany, and the U.K. on defence modernization could deepen with a coordinated U.K.-EU approach.
    • Boosts Talent Mobility and Diaspora Engagement: The agreement’s border and migration cooperation may ease movement for Indian students and professionals across the U.K. and EU, expanding educational and employment opportunities. Eg: In 2024, the U.K. issued over 110,000 student visas to Indian nationals, a number likely to grow with improved mobility frameworks.

    How could the U.K.-EU reset impact Indian exports?

    • Simplified Compliance and Reduced Costs: A harmonised U.K.-EU regulatory framework will help Indian exporters by simplifying compliance, reducing redundant paperwork, and lowering operational costs across key sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, seafood, and agro-products. Eg: Indian seafood exports worth around ₹60,523 crore ($7.38 billion) in FY2024 could face fewer trade barriers due to aligned food standards and fishing policies.
    • Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): While unified standards ease trade, tighter common regulations might pose challenges for Indian SMEs that lack capital and technical expertise, requiring enhanced support from government schemes. Eg: To stay competitive, SMEs must leverage initiatives like the RoDTEP and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)schemes to upgrade their export capabilities.

    Why does the renewed U.K.-EU cooperation matter for India’s global diplomacy?

    • Enhanced Multilateral Coordination: A more aligned U.K.-EU foreign policy enables India to strengthen multilateral ties and gain cohesive support on global platforms like the United Nations, G-20, and WTO. Eg: India can push its agenda more effectively in climate finance and digital infrastructure reforms with a united Western bloc.
    • Boost to Defence and Security Partnerships: Coordinated defence policies between the U.K. and EU deepen India’s strategic collaborations in defence modernization, technology transfer, and Indo-Pacific security. Eg: Landmark defence deals with Germany and the U.K. on joint development and technology transfer gain momentum through U.K.-EU alignment.
    • Stronger Collective Response to Shared Geopolitical Challenges: The reset facilitates trilateral or multilateral engagements addressing shared concerns like China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Eg: India’s partnerships with the U.K., France, and Germany could lead to coordinated strategies to ensure regional stability.

    What opportunities does the U.K.-EU alignment offer for Indian migration and talent mobility?

    • Improved Mobility for Students and Professionals: The renewed U.K.-EU cooperation on border checks and migration policies could partially restore the movement of Indian students and professionals across both regions. Eg: In 2024, the U.K. issued over 110,000 student visas to Indian nationals, indicating strong educational ties likely to expand.
    • Creation of Semi-Integrated Talent Corridors: The alignment may enable semi-integrated talent corridors that facilitate easier access to job markets in the U.K. and EU for skilled Indian workers. Eg: Indian professionals may benefit from more streamlined work permits and mobility agreements within the new U.K.-EU framework.
    • Strengthening Migration Pacts with Key EU Countries: India’s existing migration agreements with countries like Germany, France, and Portugal could be embedded within the broader U.K.-EU framework, enhancing their effectiveness. Eg: This could lead to expanded opportunities for Indian workers under more coordinated and stable migration policies.

    How should India respond to maximise gains from this U.K.-EU reset?

    • Accelerate Reforms and Modernize Export InfrastructureIndia needs to upgrade its export ecosystem by adopting unified standards, improving logistics, and strengthening support schemes like RoDTEP and PLI to enhance competitiveness and meet new regulatory demands. Eg: Indian exporters in sectors like pharmaceuticals and seafood can reduce costs and clearances by aligning with the harmonized U.K.-EU framework.
    • Assert Strategic Engagement in Global Governance and Diplomacy: India should deepen its diplomatic ties with the U.K., EU, and key European partners to leverage coordinated foreign policy and defence collaborations, boosting its influence in forums like the UN, G20, and WTO. Eg: India’s strengthened partnerships on climate finance and Indo-Pacific security will enhance its global leadership role.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Export Competitiveness: Invest in upgrading export infrastructure, enhance quality standards, and expand government incentive schemes like RoDTEP and PLI to help Indian exporters meet unified U.K.-EU regulations and remain competitive globally.
    • Deepen Strategic and Diplomatic Engagement: Proactively engage with the U.K., EU, and key European nations to build stronger defence, trade, and migrationpartnerships, leveraging the reset to boost India’s global influence and economic opportunities.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

    Linkage: In this article talks about the renewed ties between the UK and the EU — called a “Eurocentric reset” — could open new doors for India. A more united UK-EU foreign policy, especially in areas like defence and the Indo-Pacific, gives India a chance to work more closely with the EU on global matters. This also fits well with the growing strategic partnership between the US and Europe, which benefits India’s position in international affairs.

  • [pib] NAMASTE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Social Justice launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme to support and formalize India’s informal sanitation workforce.

    About NAMASTE Scheme:

    • Launch: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2022.
    • Implementing Agencies: It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), with the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) as the executing body.
    • Initial Focus and Expansion: Initially aimed at sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs), the scheme was expanded in June 2024 to include waste pickers.
    • Core Objective: To promote safety, dignity, skill development, and social inclusion for sanitation workers.

    Key Features of the Scheme:

    • Identification: The scheme aims to enumerate SSWs and waste pickers to formally integrate them into government support systems.
    • Skill Training: It provides occupational training to ensure sanitation work is safe and professional.
    • Protective Gear: PPE kits are distributed to reduce workers’ health risks.
    • Health Coverage: Workers and their families receive Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) health insurance.
    • Safety Equipment: Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) are supported with modern safety tools.
    • Livelihood Support:
      • Encourages mechanized sanitation work.
      • Offers capital and interest subsidies for buying equipment.
    • Collective Formation: Supports sanitation workers in forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and sanitation enterprises.
    • Awareness Campaigns: ULBs and NSKFDC conduct campaigns promoting dignified and safe sanitation practices.

    Key Achievements (as of May 29, 2025):

    • Enumerated Workers: Over 80,000 sewer and septic tank workers have been identified and validated.
    • Health Coverage: 26,447 health cards issued under PM-JAY.
    • PPE Distribution: 45,781 PPE kits delivered to frontline workers.
    • Safety Kits: 354 Emergency Response Safety Kits provided to sanitation teams.
    • Waste Picker Integration: NAMASTE now aims to profile 2.5 lakh waste pickers, offering them ID cards, insurance, skilling, and livelihood assistance.
    [UPSC 2016] Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:

    Options: (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers* (d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

     

  • India opposed to ADB’s funding to Pakistan

    Why in the News?

    India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.

    About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

    • Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
    • Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
    • Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
    • Objectives:
      • To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
      • To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
    • Functions:
      • Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
      • Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
      • Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
    • Funding Sources:
      • Issues bonds on global capital markets.
      • Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
    • Membership and Shareholding:
      • 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
      • Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
    • Climate Goals:
      • Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
      • Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.

    India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

    • India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
    • This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
    • India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
    • India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.
    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

    (a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)