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GS Paper: GS2

  • 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)

     

  • India-Australia defence ties beyond American shadows

    Why in the News?

    Donald Trump’s push to return as U.S. President and his deal-based approach to security have led to doubts being raised about America’s strong support for global alliances like NATO and Indo-Pacific ties. As a result, a key chance is being presented to countries like India and Australia to take on a bigger role in regional security.

    What opportunity does Trump’s return present for India-Australia defence ties?

    • Strategic Autonomy Amid U.S. Uncertainty: Trump’s transactional approach and doubts over U.S. security guarantees create a power vacuum, pushing India and Australia to enhance self-reliant regional security frameworks. Eg: Trump’s past remarks questioning NATO and alliances signal that countries like India and Australia must prepare to collaborate independently in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Convergence on Regional Threat Perception: Both nations share concerns about China’s assertiveness and have a common interest in upholding a rules-based Indo-Pacific order. Eg: Their cooperation in military exercises like Malabar and AUSINDEX reflects growing trust and joint readiness to ensure maritime security.
    • Enhanced Role for Middle Powers: With the U.S. potentially pulling back, middle powers like India and Australia can take on more active roles in shaping the regional security architecture. Eg: The establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020 and air-to-air refuelling arrangements show how both are stepping up bilateral defence engagement.

    How have India and Australia enhanced their defence partnership?

    • Strategic Frameworks and Dialogues: India and Australia have institutionalised their defence ties through frameworks like the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2020 and the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (launched in 2021), enabling high-level strategic coordination. Eg: These platforms have strengthened regular engagement on defence, security, and regional stability.
    • Operational Cooperation and Logistics Support: Practical collaboration has grown through agreements like the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), enabling joint exercises, logistics sharing, and humanitarian missions. Eg: In November 2024, an Air-to-Air Refuelling Agreement allowed the Royal Australian Air Force to extend the range of Indian fighter aircraft.
    • Joint Military Exercises and Multilateral Engagement:The two countries regularly conduct tri-services and multilateral military exercises to build interoperability and trust. Eg: Exercises like AUSINDEX (Navy), AUSTRAHIND (Army), and participation in Malabar and Pitch Blackreflect deepening defence cooperation.

    Why should India upgrade its Defence Adviser role in Canberra?

    • Reflect Strategic Importance of the Partnership: Upgrading the DA role to a one-star rank signals that India values its growing defence relationship with Australia.
    • Eg: Australia views India as a “top-tier security partner”; a higher-ranked DA would align with this perception and facilitate deeper military coordination.
    • Ensure Balanced Tri-Service Representation: Currently held by a Navy officer, the DA position lacks dedicated Army and Air Force support, limiting joint-service engagement. Eg: Adding Army and Air Force assistants would enhance collaboration across all services, especially for tri-service exercises like AUSTRAHIND and AUSINDEX.
    • Strengthen Pacific Island Outreach: The same DA currently manages India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations, which need focused strategic attention. Eg: Appointing dedicated personnel for Pacific outreach would align with India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision and regional diplomacy.

    Which defence cooperation areas need urgent focus?

    • Cross-Service Military Integration: Move beyond Navy-centric cooperation to promote joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Eg: Plan a large-scale joint military exercise involving all three services to test real-world interoperability and enhance preparedness.
    • Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) & Joint Manufacturing: Expand cooperation in naval MRO facilities and co-production of patrol boats for island nations. Eg: India’s MRO contracts with the U.S. and U.K. navies can be replicated with Australia to support regional maritime forces in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
    • Ground-Level Operational Exchanges and War-Gaming: Encourage working-level military exchanges, war-gaming, and fellowships to build trust and generate fresh strategic ideas. Eg: Regular staff college fellowships and classified tabletop exercises can deepen understanding and foster tactical collaboration.

    How can MSMEs boost India-Australia defence collaboration?

    • Promote Joint Innovation in Defence Tech: MSMEs and startups in both countries are at the forefront of dual-use and cutting-edge technologies. Collaborating can lead to co-development of defence innovations. Eg: Indian and Australian MSMEs can jointly develop components for drones, surveillance systems, or cyber-security tools.
    • Align Indigenous Defence Programs: Both nations are running indigenisation drives in defence manufacturing. Aligning these efforts can reduce dependency on third-party suppliers. Eg: India and Australia can create a joint MSME supply chain for ship components or lightweight materials for aircraft.
    • Create Bilateral Platforms for MSME Engagement: Establish frameworks similar to the U.S.-India INDUS X model to connect MSMEs, investors, and defence officials from both countries. Eg: A dedicated India-Australia Defence MSME Forum can organise hackathons, product expos, and joint funding opportunities.

    Way forward: 

    • Deepen Tri-Service and Industrial Collaboration: Expand joint military exercises across all services and foster MSME-led co-development in defence tech, MRO, and manufacturing to build resilient, self-reliant capabilities.
    • Strengthen Strategic Architecture and Representation: Upgrade India’s Defence Adviser role in Canberra and establish dedicated bilateral MSME engagement platforms to reflect the growing strategic importance and operational depth of the partnership.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

    Linkage: Australia is undergoing a substantial overhaul of its armed forces and acquiring new technologies under AUKUS, which includes the U.S. and the U.K. This strategic shift for Australia, alongside concerns about “American security guarantees appear increasingly conditional,” creates a context where Australia’s defense ties with India, as a fellow middle power, are deepening. AUKUS, while involving the US, signifies a new alignment in the Indo-Pacific that impacts the broader strategic environment in which India and Australia forge their independent and collaborative defense relationship.

  • Appointment and Removal of High Court Judges

    Why in the News?

    The Centre will bring a motion of removal against a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and has initiated the process of building an all-party consensus for this action.

    Qualifications of Judges of High Court:

    • Article 217(2) of the Constitution states that a person is qualified if:
      • They have held judicial office in India for at least 10 years, or
      • Have been an advocate in a High Court (or more than one in succession) for at least 10 years.
    • Tenure: As per Article 217(1), a High Court judge holds office till the age of 62 years.
    • Disputes over Age: Under Article 217(3), if a question arises regarding a judge’s age, the President, in consultation with the CJI, makes the final decision.

    Appointment Process of High Court Judges:

    • Constitutional Basis: The Article 217 of the Constitution provides that High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the state, and, in the case of judges (not Chief Justices), the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.
    • Role of the Collegium System: The Collegium, comprising the CJI and 2 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, plays a key role in recommending names for appointments. It ensures collaborative decision-making and maintains the independence of the judiciary.
    • Procedure:
      1. The Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the recommendation.
      2. The proposal is forwarded to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor.
      3. The Governor sends it to the Union Law Minister, who places it before the Prime Minister, and then the President for final approval.
    • Policy for Chief Justices: To prevent local bias, Chief Justices of High Courts are generally appointed from outside the state.
    • Appointments and Transfers: The CJI and senior judges of the Supreme Court also decide on transfers of High Court judges, ensuring judicial autonomy and minimizing executive influence.

    Removal:

    • Process: Judges of the High Court (and Supreme Court) can only be removed through removal, not by executive action.
      • Requires a motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
      • The motion is examined by a three-member committee.
      • If the committee finds grounds, the motion is debated and must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
    • Legal Framework: The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 outlines the detailed procedure for investigating and acting upon misconduct by judges.
    • In-House Inquiry Mechanism: For internal disciplinary matters:
      • The CJI may order a preliminary inquiry based on credible complaints.
      • A three-judge panel is constituted if allegations are serious.
      • If the committee confirms misconduct, the CJI may ask the judge to resign.
      • If the judge refuses, the judicial work is withdrawn, and removal may be considered.

    Historical Removal Efforts:

    • No judge has been impeached in India, though attempts have been made, including the failed motions against Justice V Ramaswami (1993) and Justice Soumitra Sen (2011).
    • Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Faced removal for financial misconduct, but the motion failed in the Lok Sabha.
    • Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after removal proceedings for misappropriating funds.
    • Justice K Veeraswamy: Chief Justice of Madras HC, investigated for corruption but challenged the investigation. The case remained unresolved until his death in 2010.
    • Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), and Justice SN Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries found substantial evidence against them.

     

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court. 2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.

    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

     

  • Making a Law cannot amount to Contempt of Court: Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The Hon’ble Supreme Court has ruled that any law passed by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be considered an act of contempt of court.

    Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Issue:

    • Context: The Court heard a 2012 contempt plea, alleging that the Chhattisgarh government violated its 2011 ruling against supporting Salwa Judum and arming tribals as SPOs.
    • Disputed Law: Petitioners argued the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 violated the earlier ruling.
    • Court’s Clarification: Passing a new law is within the plenary powers of legislatures and cannot be treated as contempt unless declared unconstitutional.
    • Proper Remedy: The correct approach is to challenge the law’s validity, not to file for contempt.
    • Separation of Powers: The Court upheld that legislature can modify or override judgments through new laws, if they respect constitutional boundaries.

    About Contempt of Court:

    • Purpose: Contempt of court refers to actions or behaviors that are disrespectful to, or that obstruct or interfere with, the administration of justice by a court. It protects the authority and dignity of the judiciary from acts that obstruct or interfere with justice.
    • Constitutional Basis:
      • Article 129 allows the Supreme Court to punish for its own contempt.
      • Article 215 grants the same power to High Courts.
      • Article 19(2) permits reasonable speech restrictions for contempt cases.
    • Legal Definition: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines contempt; the 2006 amendment allows truth and good faith as defences.
    • Types:
      • Civil Contempt is the wilful disobedience of court orders.
      • Criminal Contempt involves actions that scandalise the court, interfere with proceedings, or obstruct justice.
    • Punishment: Offenders may face up to 6 months imprisonment, or a ₹2,000 fine, or both.
    • What Is Not Contempt: Fair reporting and genuine criticism of judgments after disposal are not considered contempt.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

    1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.

    2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.

    3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.

    4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

    About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

    • Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
    • Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
    • Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
    • Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
    • Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
    • Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
    • Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
    • Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

    Polio and Its Eradication in India:

    • About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
    • Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
    • Types of Polioviruses:
      • WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
      • WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
    • Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
    • Prevention through Vaccination:
      • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
      • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
    • Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
    • Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
    • Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.
    [UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

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

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

  • [3rd June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda 

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage: The strategic imperative of countering China’s influence and building alternative supply chains and alliances, which is a primary reason why strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda is crucial.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The strategic and commercial engagement between India and the United States is being deepened, with subsea cables emerging as a frontline asset in this collaboration. Subsea cables, which carry over 95% of international data and form the backbone of global internet infrastructure, are being recognized for their critical geostrategic value. Efforts are being made by India to diversify its digital infrastructure under the proposed TRUST framework (Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust).

     Today’s editorial will discuss the problems related to subsea cable systems and the actions taken by the Indian Government. This information will be useful for GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The urgency to secure and expand subsea cable systems is rising, particularly in light of disruptions like the Red Sea cable sabotage by Houthi rebels in 2024.

    Why are Subsea Cables crucial in India-U.S. strategic cooperation?

    • Foundation of Global Digital Connectivity: Subsea cables carry over 95% of international data traffic, forming the physical backbone of the internet and digital economy. Securing these is vital for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication between nations. Eg: The U.S. and India are focusing on trusted subsea cable systems under the TRUST framework to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled infrastructure.
    • Strategic Response to China’s Digital Expansion: China’s Digital Silk Road is rapidly laying subsea cables across the Indo-Pacific, posing geopolitical and cybersecurity concerns. India-U.S. cooperation on secure cable networks counters this influence and promotes trusted alternatives. Eg: The upcoming India-U.S. trade agreement includes provisions for enhancing digital infrastructure as a counter to China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Enabling Regional Digital Resilience and Trade: Joint efforts in building resilient cable systems support broader technology cooperation and secure trade flows, particularly as India emerges as a digital hub in Asia. Eg: Meta’s investment in a 50,000-km undersea cable project connecting five continents is backed by U.S.-India cooperation, reinforcing digital ties and strategic alignment.

    What is the role of the TRUST framework in securing digital supply chains?

    • Promotes Resilient and Secure Digital Infrastructure: The TRUST (Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust) framework aims to build trusted digital ecosystems by reducing dependence on untrusted vendors and creating secure, interoperable technology supply chains. Eg: TRUST supports investments in secure subsea cables that avoid reliance on Chinese-controlled infrastructure.
    • Strengthens India’s Role as a Regional Security Provider: The framework acknowledges India’s potential as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with U.S. efforts to de-risk strategic technologies and build redundancy in digital connectivity. Eg: TRUST initiatives encourage India to lead regional subsea cable projects using trusted suppliers.
    • Facilitates U.S. Investment and Technical Cooperation: TRUST enables concessional finance, cybersecurity assistance, and encourages American companies to anchor digital infrastructure projects in India and the region. Eg: Under TRUST, Meta’s multi-year undersea cable investment project aligns with U.S.-India strategic digital cooperation.

    How can India become a regional hub for subsea connectivity?

    • Leverage Strategic Geographic Location: India is centrally positioned between Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, near key maritime choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, and Bab-el-Mandeb, making it ideal for global cable routes. Eg: India can serve as a transit junction for Africa-Asia and Europe-Asia subsea cables.
    • Expand and Diversify Cable Landing Infrastructure: India must increase the number of landing stations beyond existing clusters to reduce regional risk and build redundancy in the network. Eg: Most of India’s 17 cables land in Mumbai; expanding to ports along the east and west coasts can distribute traffic load.
    • Streamline Regulatory and Clearance Processes: Simplifying India’s licensing regime and enabling faster cable repair operations will attract more international projects and reduce downtime risks. Eg: Reducing the current requirement of over 50 clearances can boost investor confidence and facilitate timely repairs.

    What challenges hinder India’s subsea cable infrastructure?

    • Complex and Burdensome Licensing Regime: Deploying subsea cables in India requires navigating a maze of over 50 clearances across multiple ministries, discouraging investment and delaying projects.
      Eg: Lengthy approvals from customs, naval authorities, and telecom departments hinder timely cable deployments.
    • Overconcentration of Landing Stations: Most cables land in a narrow stretch in Mumbai, making the network vulnerable to disruption from natural disasters or sabotage. Eg: 15 of 17 subsea cables land in Mumbai, despite India’s 11,098 km coastline, limiting redundancy and resilience.
    • Lack of Domestic Repair Capabilities: India depends on foreign-flagged ships for cable repairs, which take 3–5 months to respond due to long travel times and clearance delays. Eg: Repair vessels from Singapore or Dubai face delays due to India’s slow customs and naval permissions process.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Policy push for TRUST framework: India is partnering with the U.S. to implement the Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust (TRUST) framework, focusing on trusted digital infrastructure and secure supply chains. Eg: TRUST includes collaboration on regional subsea cable investments and cybersecurity standards.
    • Expansion of Subsea Cable Projects: The government has supported large-scale undersea cable initiatives to expand India’s role in global connectivity. Eg: The India-U.S. backed Meta project, spanning 50,000 km, aims to connect five continents, enhancing India’s digital footprint.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Regulatory Reforms: Simplify and streamline the complex licensing and clearance processes to attract greater investments and enable faster deployment and repair of subsea cables.
    • Build Domestic Repair and Infrastructure Ecosystem: Develop Indian-flagged cable repair vessels and expand cable landing stations along the coast to enhance network resilience, reduce downtime, and establish India as a reliable regional connectivity hub.

  • Places in News: Zangezur Corridor

    Why in the News?

    The aftermath of Operation Sindoor highlights India’s strategic concerns over the proposed Zangezur Corridor in Armenia backed by Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

    Zangezur Corridor

    About the Zangezur Corridor:

    • What it is: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route through Armenia’s Syunik Province that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, cutting across Armenian land.
    • Who supports it: Azerbaijan and Turkiye back the project. They want a direct link without Armenian border checks or customs interference.
    • Route Details: The corridor would be about 43–44 km long and pass near the Iran-Armenia border, giving it high geopolitical value.
    • Why it’s controversial:
      • Azerbaijan sees it as a post-war right after its win in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
      • Armenia insists it must have full control and sovereignty over any transport through its territory.
    • Turkiye’s Interest: It wants to use this corridor as part of its Middle Corridor project to connect with Central Asia and Europe via land routes.
    • Opposition: Iran and Armenia oppose the corridor, fearing it could:
      • Isolate Armenia,
      • Weaken Iranian access, and
      • Threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity.

    How it concerns India?

    • Strategic Ties: India is a key defence partner for Armenia and supports regional stability in the South Caucasus.
    • Trade Ambitions: India is:
      • Developing Chabahar Port in Iran,
      • Working on a transport route via Iran–Armenia–Georgia to Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.
    • Concerns: If the Zangezur Corridor bypasses Armenian control, it could:
      • Disrupt India’s land trade route to Europe,
      • Reduce Iran’s regional access,
      • Weaken India’s strategic reach.
    • Larger Geo-Politics: Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the region is worrying for India, especially since Turkiye opposes India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
    • India’s Stand: India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and opposes unilateral moves, aiming to:
      • Protect its trade routes,
      • Preserve strategic balance, and
      • Counter regional encirclement.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions often mentioned in news : Reason for being in news

    1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia an Azerbaijan

    2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique

    3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None *

     

  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Why in the news?

    As of May 17, Iran holds 408.6 kg of enriched uranium (near to the weapons-grade level) up to 60%, up sharply from 274.8 kg in February 2024, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

    • What it is: The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensures it is not used for making nuclear weapons.
    • Establishment: It was created in 1957 following U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech. It is autonomous but reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
    • Where it is based: Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, at the UN Office.
    • Members: The IAEA has 178 member countries, including India, which was a founding member.
    • Key Roles:
      • Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
      • Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
      • Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
    • Global Responsibilities:
      • It monitors the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to make sure countries don’t misuse nuclear materials.
      • It performs inspections, gives training, and supports countries in nuclear emergencies.
    • Recognition: In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.

    IAEA and India:

    • India is a founding member: It supports the IAEA’s mission for peaceful nuclear development.
    • Nuclear Reactors Monitoring: Out of 22 nuclear reactors, 14 are monitored by the IAEA. These reactors use imported uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
    • Obligations imposed: In 2014, under the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, India accepted IAEA safeguards to show transparency.
    [UPSC 2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

    Options: (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium, and others use domestic supplies* (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned