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GS Paper: GS3

  • CERT-In makes Annual Cybersecurity Audit Mandatory for Companies

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has mandated annual third-party cybersecurity audits for both private and public-sector organisations operating digital infrastructure.

    Cybersecurity Directive: Key Highlights:

    • Annual third-party cyber audits are mandatory for all digital infrastructure.
    • Sectoral regulators may require more frequent checks based on risk.
    • Audits must be risk-based, domain-specific, and aligned with business context.

    About the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In):

    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Established: January 2004
    • Constituency: All entities operating in Indian cyberspace
    • Core Responsibilities:
      • Collect, analyse, and disseminate cybersecurity incident data
      • Forecast and alert about emerging cyber threats
      • Provide emergency response support to affected entities
      • Issue security guidelines, advisories, and best practices
    • International Role: Signs MoUs with other countries to:
      • Share real-time cyber threat intelligence
      • Collaborate on incident response and recovery
      • Exchange knowledge on global cybersecurity practices

    India’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem:

    • Institutional Framework:
      • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Protects key sectors like telecom, banking, and power
      • National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Monitors real-time cyber threats across public and private domains
      • National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC): Ensures coordination across ministries and departments
      • Sector-Specific Response Teams (CSIRTs): For domains like finance (CSIRT-Fin), power (CSIRT-Power)
    • Legal and Policy Measures:
      • Information Technology Act, 2000: Core law for cybercrime and electronic governance
      • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: Strategic vision for securing cyberspace
      • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Ensures privacy, mandates breach reporting
      • Cyber Crisis Management Plan: Framework for cyber incident response in government agencies
    • Capacity Building Programs:
      • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Promotes digital literacy in rural areas
      • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Trains Chief Information Security Officers of public sector organisations
      • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Multi-agency platform to handle cybercrimes
    [UPSC 2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data Centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Interrupted growth Industrial growth is still tied to government spends on infrastructure 

    Why in the News?

    India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 10-month low growth of 1.5% in June, primarily due to a sharp decline in mining (–8.7%) and electricity output (–2.6%).

    What caused the IIP slowdown in June?

    • Sharp contraction in mining and electricity output: Mining activity declined by –8.7%, and electricity generation fell by –2.6%, significantly dragging overall growth. These two sectors jointly account for 22.3% of the IIP weightage.
    • Erratic monsoon and waterlogging in key mining belts: Early and uneven southwest monsoon caused flooding in mining areas of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, disrupting production and logistics.
    • Damage to infrastructure and supply chain disruptions: Waterlogging led to damage in power distribution infrastructure and interrupted supply chains, resulting in subdued industrial activity and power demand.

    How did climate events contribute?

    • Disruption of mining activities: Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in mineral-rich regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal hindered extraction and transportation of key minerals. Eg: Jharkhand received 504.8 mm rainfall (against a normal of 307 mm), affecting coal and iron ore production.
    • Damage to power infrastructure: Flooding led to breakdowns in electricity distribution systems, especially in rural and semi-industrial belts. Eg: Widespread inundation disrupted power supply, lowering electricity output by –2.6% in June.
    • Supply chain interruptions: Climate irregularities caused logistical delays and increased input costs, hampering industrial flow.

    Why is India reluctant to link climate events with economic data like IIP or GDP?

    • Institutional hesitation and narrative control: Key agencies like the Ministry of Statistics and RBI prefer attributing economic fluctuations to factors like high base effects, global demand shifts, or input cost variations, avoiding politically sensitive climate linkages.
    • Complexity of climate attribution: Linking specific events (like heavy rain or drought) to climate change requires scientific modelling and probabilistic data, which are resource-intensive and not yet integrated into mainstream reporting.
    • Fear of politicisation and accountability: Acknowledging climate-linked economic slowdowns could invite policy criticism and demand for corrective action, making policymakers cautious.

    How do climate disruptions in mining and power affect industrial output?

    • Halted Mining Operations: Extreme rainfall leads to waterlogging and flooding in mining belts, making extraction unsafe and unviable. Eg: In June, mining activity contracted by –8.7% due to excessive rainfall in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
    • Damage to Power Infrastructure: Climate events like floods and storms disrupt power transmission lines and generation facilities, leading to reduced electricity output. Eg: Electricity production shrank by –2.6% in June, which lowered industrial productivity across sectors.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in the supply of raw materials (like coal) due to climate-induced transport and logistical breakdowns affect the manufacturing cycle. Eg: Sluggish industrial output growth of 3.9% in June, despite some sectoral growth, was partly due to such disruptions.

    What can India learn from global practices in integrating climate risk into economic reporting?

    • Mainstream Climate Risk in Macroeconomic Analysis: Institutions like the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England incorporate climate risk assessments into their economic forecasts and financial stability reports. Eg: The ECB uses climate stress tests to estimate the impact of extreme weather on GDP and inflation projections, helping shape responsive monetary and fiscal policies.
    • Develop Probabilistic Climate Attribution Models: Global agencies invest in scientific and data-driven models to link specific climate events to broader economic outcomes. Eg: The UK Met Office partners with economic bodies to assess how floods or heatwaves influence sectoral output and employment, ensuring better policy alignment and risk preparedness.

    Why is climate attribution important for informed economic policymaking?

    • Enables Targeted Risk Mitigation and Resource Allocation: Understanding the economic impact of specific climate events helps policymakers design sector-specific interventions, such as improved infrastructure in flood-prone mining regions or energy grid resilience plans.
    • Strengthens Long-term Economic Planning and Resilience: Integrating climate attribution allows for accurate forecasting and budgeting, ensuring that climate-linked disruptions (e.g., to power or mining) are factored into growth strategies, insurance frameworks, and industrial policies.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Climate Risk Frameworks into Economic Reporting: Agencies like the Ministry of Statistics and RBI should formally include climate-related variables in metrics like IIP and GDP, using probabilistic models and event attribution tools to capture the economic impact of extreme weather events.
    • Build Institutional Capacity for Climate-Economic Analysis: Establish a dedicated national climate-economic observatory or task force to monitor, assess, and publish regular reports on how climate disruptions affect different sectors, drawing inspiration from institutions like the European Central Bank.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

    Linkage: This question is highly relevant as it directly addresses the crucial role of “investment in infrastructure” for “economic growth.” The article explicitly states that “the robust growth in capital (3.5%), intermediate (5.5%) and infrastructure (7.2%) goods output, indicates that much of industrial growth continues to hinge on the government’s infrastructure spends”.

  • Adopt formalisation to power productivity growth 

    Why in the News?

    India’s manufacturing sector is facing renewed scrutiny due to the rising contractualisation of labour, which has grown from 20% in 1999-2000 to 40.7% in 2022-23, according to the Annual Survey of Industries. 

    What drives the rise of contract labour in formal manufacturing?

    • Cost Minimization: Employers hire contract workers to reduce wage bills and avoid social security contributions. Eg: In large firms, contract workers often earn up to 31% less than regular employees.
    • Bypassing Labour Laws: Contracting allows firms to circumvent regulations under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, such as rules on retrenchment and notice period.  
    • Operational Flexibility: Firms use contract labour to scale up or down quickly with demand without long-term obligations. Eg: Seasonal industries like textiles use short-term contract workers during peak export periods.
    • Third-Party Shielding: Outsourcing through contractors protects the principal employer from legal accountability for employment terms. Eg: Automobile assembly lines often outsource non-core work to manpower agencies.
    • Sector-Wide Trend Across Sizes: The rise in contract labour is not limited to small firms; it extends to large and capital-intensive industries. Eg: Between 2000 and 2022, contract labour share doubled from 20% to 40.7% across all industries.

    Why does contract labour hurt long-term productivity?

    • Low Skill Development: Contract workers are rarely given training or upskilling opportunities, limiting their efficiency and innovation. Eg: In India’s electronics manufacturing sector, companies like Dixon Technologies rely heavily on contract labour, leading to a shortage of skilled technicians for precision assembly.
    • High Attrition and Turnover: Contract workers frequently change jobs due to lack of job security, resulting in loss of institutional knowledge. Eg: In food processing units in Punjab, annual turnover among contract workers exceeds 70%, disrupting workflow continuity.
    • Reduced Worker Motivation: Absence of benefits like promotion, pension, or medical cover leads to low morale and reduced effort. Eg: In government-run power plants, studies have shown that contract workers contribute less to maintenance efficiency than permanent staff, affecting overall plant performance.
    • Weak Industrial Relations: Contract workers are often excluded from grievance redressal mechanisms or unions, increasing workplace tensions and risking disruptions. Eg: Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant witnessed violent unrest in 2012, partly attributed to discontent between permanent and contract workers.
    • Quality Compromise and Rework: Contract workers may lack the ownership mindset, resulting in errors and product rework, which lowers productivity. Eg: In garment export hubs like Tiruppur, repeated quality rejections from overseas buyers have been traced to inconsistent output from untrained contract labour.
    • Wage and cost gaps act as a disincentive
      • Unequal pay for equal work: Contract workers often earn much less than permanent workers for doing the same job, violating fairness.
         Eg: In PSUs like ONGC, contract workers earn up to 50% less than permanent employees for the same technical work.
      • Avoidance of social security: Employers save costs by not contributing to Provident Fund, gratuity, or health benefits, increasing worker insecurity.
         Eg: A CAG audit of private thermal power plants found 30–40% labour cost savings due to evasion of statutory benefits.

    What are the existing policy?

    • Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970: This law aims to regulate the employment of contract labour in certain establishments and abolish it in specific cases where work is perennial in nature. However, enforcement is weak, and many employers bypass provisions through sub-contracting.
    • Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH Code), 2020: Consolidates 13 labour laws, including those related to health, safety, and working conditions of workers (including contract labour). It mandates registration of establishments and welfare facilities, but monitoring and implementation remain inconsistent.
    • Fixed Term Employment (FTE) provision under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Legalises short-term employment contracts with a provision for equal pay for equal work. But in practice, social security benefits and job security are often denied to such workers.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Universal Social Protection: Extend mandatory social security coverage (e.g., ESIC, EPF) to all contract and gig workers, with portable benefits and employer accountability, regardless of tenure or contract type.
    • Improve Legal Enforcement and Transparency: Strengthen labour law enforcement through digital compliance portals, randomised inspections, and public disclosure of contract employment data to prevent misuse and promote accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?

    Linkage: The article talks about the “labour code on industrial relations” introduced in 2020 which is related to the demand of the question. This code, awaiting implementation, aims to provide greater flexibility in hiring and firing by allowing firms to directly hire non-regular workers on fixed-term contracts without third-party contractors. However, it also seeks to curb exploitation by mandating basic statutory employment benefits.

  • In news: Kyoto Protocol

    Why in the News?

    Vijai Sharma, a 1974-batch IAS officer and architect of India’s climate diplomacy, who helped shape the Kyoto Protocol for safeguarding the interests of developing countries like India, has passed away.

    About Kyoto Protocol:

    • Adopted: 11 December 1997 (UNFCCC COP-3, Kyoto, Japan); Came into Force: 16 February 2005
    • Legal Status: Legally binding on developed (Annex I) countries
    • Parent Treaty: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)
    • Objective: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change
    • Principle: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)
    • Parties: 192 ratified; key non-parties include United States and Canada

    Key Features:

    • Emission Targets:
      • Annex B nations to cut emissions by 5% below 1990 levels (2008–2012)
      • Doha Amendment (2012): 18% cut for 2013–2020
    • Greenhouse Gases Covered:
      • Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, Sulfur hexafluoride
    • Market Mechanisms:
      • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Carbon credits via projects in developing nations
      • Joint Implementation (JI): Emission reduction between Annex I countries
      • International Emissions Trading: Trade surplus emission units
    • Monitoring and Enforcement:
      • Mandatory reporting and independent verification
      • Compliance Committee oversight
      • Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) included; aviation/shipping excluded
    • Equity Element:
      • No binding targets for developing nations like India and China
      • Developed nations held accountable for historical emissions

    Vijai Sharma’s Contributions:

    • Climate Negotiations Leader: India’s chief negotiator (1995–2001), led G77+China, defended equity and exemptions for developing nations
    • Policy Architect: Helped shape CDM governance, promoted India’s clean-tech access
    • Environmental Reformer: As Environment Secretary (2008–2010), improved clearance processes
    • Legacy: Called “Sir Humphrey Sharma” for his sharp wit and bureaucratic skill; key figure in India’s Kyoto-era climate diplomacy
    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following pairs:

    Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin

    1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol

    2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol

    3. Clean Development Mechanisms : Kyoto Protocol

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

     

  • NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

    Why in the News?

    The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) has been successfully launched from Sriharikota using GSLV Mk-II.

    NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

    About NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar):

    • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk-II | Launch Site: Sriharikota, India
    • Mission Life: 3 years (planned); 5+ years (design)
    • Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar orbit at 747 km with 98.4° inclination
    • Objective: High-precision monitoring of Earth’s surface changes—tectonics, agriculture, ecosystems, ice, floods, and landslides
    • Data Access: Free and near real-time; disaster maps delivered in under 5 hours
    • Hardware Contributions:
      • NASA: L-band SAR, 12m antenna, avionics
      • ISRO: S-band SAR, satellite bus, launch services
    • Development and Collaboration:
      • Initial Concept: 2007 (NASA); ISRO joined in 2012
      • Formal Agreement: 2014
      • Investment: NASA – ~$1.16 billion; ISRO – ~$90 million

    Key Features of NISAR:

    • What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)?
      • Operates day/night, all-weather
      • Simulates large radar antenna via motion
      • Penetrates clouds, vegetation, and soil
    • Dual-Band SAR:
      • L-band SAR (1.257 GHz):
        • Deeper penetration; ideal for forests, tectonic shifts, permafrost
      • S-band SAR (3.2 GHz):
        • Surface details; supports agriculture, flood mapping, biomass tracking
    • Radar Antenna:
      • 12-meter deployable mesh reflector
      • Resolution: 3–10 m spatial; cm-level vertical
      • Swath Width: 240 km
    • Imaging Frequency:
      • Global land/ice coverage every 12 days
      • Less frequent in polar zones
    • Data Output: Generates 80 TB/day (3x current Earth observatories):
      • Biomass and cropland maps
      • High-resolution flood and infrastructure data

    Applications and Impact:

    • Disaster Relief: Before-and-after imagery for planning
    • Climate Monitoring: Glacier melt, forest degradation
    • Agriculture: Crop health, rotation, food security
    • Infrastructure: Detects land subsidence (dams, cities)
    • Strategic Value:
      • Most powerful Earth-observing radar satellite
      • First with dual SAR payload
      • Strengthens India–US space partnership (Artemis, human spaceflight)
    [UPSC 2010] Question: In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news ?

    Options: (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India* (d) A space telescope developed by  India

     

  • Pralay Missile 

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive test flights of the Pralay missile from the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast.

    Pralay Missile 

    About Pralay Missile:

    • Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), led by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) with Indian industry support.
    • Purpose: Tactical surface-to-surface missile for precision strikes along sensitive borders like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
    • Role: Enhances India’s conventional deterrence in short-range battlefield operations.
    • Targets: Designed to destroy high-value assets—radars, command centers, airstrips, and military infrastructure.

    Key Features:

    • Type: Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile
    • Range: 150–500 km
    • Payload: 500–1,000 kg (conventional warheads)
    • Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor
    • Launcher: Mobile platform for rapid deployment
    • Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation with <10 m Circular Error Probable (CEP)
    • Terminal Speed: Up to Mach 6.1
    • Maneuverability: Capable of mid-air trajectory changes to evade interception
    [UPSC 2023]  Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    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*

     

  • Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    Why in the News?

    The proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by 1,100 sq km has received clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and awaits approval from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

    Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR):

    • Location: Situated in South and North 24-Parganas districts, West Bengal; lies at the southern tip of the Gangetic Delta.
    • Area: Presently 2,585.89 sq km; expansion to 3,629.57 sq km under proposal.
    • Status: Notified as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, Biosphere Reserve; part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Unique Feature: World’s only mangrove forest with a viable tiger population.
    • Tiger Count: Over 100 tigers – 80 in core area, 21 in adjoining forests.
    • Landscape: Interconnected estuaries, tidal creeks, and 105 mangrove-covered islands.
    • Flora: Dominated by mangrove species like Avicennia, Rhizophora, Heritiera.
    • Fauna: Includes Royal Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cats, Estuarine Crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobras, and endangered reptiles and birds.
    • Boundaries:
      • East: Bangladesh border (Raimangal, Harinbhanga rivers)
      • South: Bay of Bengal
      • North/West: Matla, Bidya, Gomdi Rivers

    Back2Basics: Tiger Reserves in India

    • Overview: A Tiger Reserve is a legally notified area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for the conservation of tigers and biodiversity.
    • Governing Authority: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • Origin: Initiated under Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
    • Structure:
      • Core Zone: Highly protected; no human activity allowed; declared as National Park or Sanctuary.
      • Buffer Zone: Surrounds core; allows regulated human use and supports conservation-compatible livelihoods.

    Tiger Reserve Landscape in India (as of 2025):

    • Total Reserves: 58 (up from 46 in 2014)
    • Largest Reserve: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 3,727.82 sq km
    • Oldest Reserve: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand – established in 1973
    • Newest Reserves: Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh), Ranipur (Uttar Pradesh), Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan)
    • Top State: Madhya Pradesh – 7 Tiger Reserves
    • Tiger Density: Bandipur TR > Corbett TR > Kaziranga TR (148, 18.6 tigers/sq. km.)
    • Global Tiger Day: Celebrated on 29th July every year

     

    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?”

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

    Why in the News?

    PM recently stated that 77 stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), positioning the state as a hub for railway transformation.

    About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

    • Launch: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
    • Goal: Modernise and develop railway stations through phased, long-term upgrades.
    • Master Plans: Each station gets a tailored roadmap for future improvements.
    • Focus Areas: Multimodal integration, seamless passenger movement, and upgraded amenities.
    • National Significance: Integral to India’s infrastructure push under the Viksit Bharat vision.

    Key Features of ABSS:

    • Passenger Comfort: Larger waiting halls, clean toilets, executive lounges, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, and business-meeting zones.
    • Accessibility & Connectivity: Expanded circulating areas, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, and smooth links to other transport modes.
    • Aesthetic Upgrades: Modern façades, clear signage, landscaping, and consistently clean premises.
    • Technology & Information: Digital displays, real-time train info, and self-service e-ticketing kiosks.
    • Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, green-building elements, and water-conservation measures.
    • Customised Development: Station facilities scaled to local footfall and needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

    Which of the statements given above are not correct?

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

     

  • Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The 14th edition of the India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise — Exercise Bold Kurukshetra — commenced in Jodhpur.

    About Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’

    • Launch Year: 2005, after the 2003 India–Singapore Defence Cooperation Agreement.
    • Purpose: Strengthen bilateral defence ties, boost operational coordination, and enhance regional security.
    • Frequency: Held annually or biannually, alternating between Indian training zones like Babina and Jodhpur.
    • Participants: Focuses on armoured and mechanised infantry units from India and Singapore.
    • Framework: Conducted under United Nations Peacekeeping mandates, simulating mechanised warfare and joint operations.

    Key Features:

    • Format:
      • Tabletop wargaming and computer-based simulations.
      • Validates doctrines and standard operating procedures in mechanised warfare.
    • Operational Objectives:
      • Improve interoperability and tactical planning.
      • Execute joint manoeuvres and enhance command-level coordination.
      • Build mutual understanding of combat and operational doctrines.
    • Evolution Over Time:
      • Progressed from basic drills to complex command post exercises and live-fire missions.
      • Includes scenario-based planning and real-time decision-making via digital simulations.
    [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

     

  • [28th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How is India preparing against GLOF events?

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that the NDMA has “markedly accelerated its efforts to manage these increasing risks” and initiated a “proactive shift from mere post-disaster response to risk reduction through its Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR)”. This directly links to the concept of “disaster resilience” and “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR),” which are central to India’s preparedness strategy for GLOF events.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  On July 8, 2025, Nepal experienced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which triggered a flash flood along the Lende River, destroying a China-built friendship bridge and disabling four hydropower plants, cutting off 8% of Nepal’s power supply. This catastrophe highlights the growing threat of GLOFs due to glacial melt from rising temperatures in the Himalayas. The incident has raised concerns over the lack of trans-boundary early warning systems, particularly between China and Nepal. It also drew attention to India’s vulnerability, as the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) contains 7,500 glacial lakes, many at high risk of GLOF due to climate change, poor monitoring infrastructure, and lack of early warning systems. India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has responded by launching a national programme targeting 195 at-risk glacial lakes, focusing on hazard assessment, early warning systems, risk mitigation, and community engagement.

    Today’s editorial analyses the major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Himalaya region. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Nepal faced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which led to a sudden flash flood along the Lende River.  

    What are GLOFs?

    • GLOFs are sudden floods caused by the breach of natural or man-made dams holding glacial lakes, releasing large volumes of water.
    • Himalayan Spread: The Himalayas across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet host thousands of glacial lakes, many near international borders. India has 7,500+ glacial lakes, with 200+ deemed potentially dangerous.

     

    What are their transboundary risks in the Himalayas?

    • Trans-boundary Risk: GLOFs from upstream countries (e.g. China) can impact downstream nations (India, Nepal, Bhutan) without early warning. Eg: The July 2024 Tibetan GLOF damaged Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi hydropower project with no prior alert.
    • Lack of Data Sharing: Minimal real-time data exchange between neighbours hampers early warning and risk management. Eg: Nepal got no warning from China during the 2024 GLOF.

    How has climate change increased GLOF frequency in the IHR?

    • Accelerated Glacier Melting: Rising temperatures cause glacier retreat and formation of unstable glacial lakes. Eg: Milam Glacier, Uttarakhand shows rapid retreat, increasing GLOF risk.
    • Extreme Precipitation: Intense rainfall from climate change can overfill lakes, causing breaches. Eg: Gya GLOF (2014) in Ladakh followed heavy rainfall, damaging infrastructure.
    • Increased Landslides: Thawing permafrost and unstable slopes trigger landslides into lakes, displacing water and causing GLOFs. Eg: 2013 Chorabari Glacier landslide near Kedarnath worsened the flood impact.

    What measures has India taken for GLOF mitigation?

    • Early Warning Systems (EWS): Installed to detect rising water levels and trigger alerts. Eg: EWS at South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim before 2023 GLOF.
    • Satellite Monitoring: ISRO-NRSC use remote sensing to track glacial lakes. Eg: Monitored via Bhuvan portal in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
    • Risk Mapping: NMSHE identifies high-risk areas for targeted intervention. Eg: Studies in Kinnaur and Chamoli flagged vulnerable lakes.
    • Engineering Measures: Lake drainage and structural control to prevent overflow. Eg: Work at Tsho Rolpa Lake (Nepal) as a replicable model.
    • Community Preparedness: NDMA and states run drills and awareness programs. Eg: Mock drills in Uttarkashi and Kullu.

    What are the gaps? 

    • Weak Early Warning Systems (EWS): India lacks real-time sensors, automated sirens, and alert mechanisms. Eg: No early alerts during Chamoli disaster (2021).
    • Low Community Preparedness: Most villages in Sikkim and Uttarakhand lack evacuation protocols and disaster training.
    • Poor Transboundary Coordination: Minimal data sharing with China hinders early action in regions like Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Infrastructure Vulnerability: Bridges and dams not designed for GLOFs.
      Eg: Chungthang dam breach (2023) exposed weak infrastructure.
    • Limited Scientific Capacity: Shortage of glaciologists, risk modelers, and ground validation limits NDMA’s effectiveness.

    Way forward: 

    •  Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Deploy real-time sensors, sirens, and automated alerts in high-risk zones.
    • Enhance Transboundary Cooperation: Establish formal data-sharing agreements with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
    • Build Local Preparedness: Conduct regular community drills, awareness drives, and evacuation planning.
    • Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Design dams, bridges, and power projects to withstand GLOF surges.
    • Invest in Research & Capacity: Train glaciologists, improve satellite-ground integration, and support Himalayan climate studies.