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

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.

    India is projected to sustain GDP growth of 6.5% between FY28-30, positioning it as the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2026 and the third-largest economy by 2028. (UBS)

    Arguments Supporting the View (Indian economy in good shape)

    High GDP Growth – India remains the fastest-growing major economy. 7% in FY 2025.

    Moderating Inflation – Eg- Retail inflation fell to a historic low of 0.25% in October 2025, due to GST rate cuts

    Forex reserves at over $689 billion provide external stability.

    Fiscal Consolidation Path- Fiscal deficit targeted to reduce to 4.8% of GDP in 2025-26.

    Robust Financial Sector- Gross NPAs have declined from 9.11% (2021) to 2.8% (2025).

    Production-linked incentives (PLI) has raised India’s manufacturing attractiveness. Eg: Electronics exports at a record $38 billion in 2024-25. (32% increase)

    Arguments Against the View (Macro vulnerabilities persist)

    Jobless Growth –Service sector contributes 55% of GDP but employs less than 30% workforce

    High food inflation due to climate shocks, hurting the poor.

    Rural Distress due to weak agriculture real wages and uneven monsoons.

    Global slowdown, protectionism, and China’s dominance limit India’s merchandise exports.

    High Public Debt- General government debt remains around 82% of GDP (IMF, 2024), limiting fiscal room.

    The share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) was about 34.6% of GDP in 2023-24 and slipped to 29.61% of GDP in 2024, indicating weak investment.

    Way Forward

    Enhance R&D (2.5% of GDP), reduce logistics costs (PM Gati Shakti), and expand PLI schemes to boost manufacturing.

    Promote labour-intensive manufacturing (textiles, toys, food processing) and expand services exports (IT, GBS, health tourism).

    Improve ease of doing business, accelerate contract enforcement, and reduce regulatory uncertainty to crowd-in private capital.

    Strengthen FOREX buffers and expand rupee trade settlement

    Encourage domestic production of critical inputs (electronics, APIs, green tech) to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.

    As highlighted by the Economic Survey, India must prioritise blue-sky thinking and foster a virtuous cycle of investment to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047.

  • It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.

    As per OECD, inclusive growth is economic growth distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all.

    Inclusive Growth Promoting Inclusiveness

    Expands economic opportunities with focus on education, health, skilling, and access to markets. Eg- PM-JANMAN for tribal inclusion.

    Balanced regional growth with targeted interventions.

    Income security – Social protection systems like MGNREGA, NFSA, PM-KISAN reduce vulnerability and support inclusive livelihoods.

    Strengthens financial inclusion – Eg- PM Jan Dhan Yojana opened 500 million+ bank accounts

    Equality of Opportunity – Eg- the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    Ayushman Bharat: Provided free healthcare to 23 crore people.

    Inclusive Growth Ensuring Sustainability

    Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) – PM Ujjwala Yojana distributed 10 crore LPG connections

    Encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG 12). Eg- Mission LiFE

    Supports protection of natural resources-forests, soil, and biodiversity (SDG 15). Eg: Compensatory Afforestation Funds

    Sustainable Livelihoods – Promotes climate-resilient agriculture, water conservation, and diversified livelihoods.

    Institutional Sustainability (SDG 16, SDG 17) through decentralisation, cooperative federalism and data-driven governance. Eg- Aspirational Districts Programme.

    Interlinking between Inclusiveness and Sustainability

    Inequality weakens long-term economic growth

    Environmental degradation hits the poorest hardest – Eg- Disaster induced Migration

    Inclusive growth strengthens environmental stewardship

    Sustainable livelihoods reduce vulnerability

    Intergenerational equity depends on both

    Challenges to Inclusive Growth under a Market Economy

    Rising inequality– Eg- the top 1% control 40% of net personal wealth.

    Regional disparities due to unequal investment and infrastructure. Eg- BIMARU States

    Jobless growth – Service sector contributes 55% of GDP but employs less than 30% workforce

    Weak social protection for informal workers (over 85% of India’s workforce).

    Market failures in public goods. Eg- Digital Apartheid in Education

    Way Forward

    Capability Approach (Amartya Sen) – increase Education and health spending to 6% and 2.5% of GDP respectively

    Strengthen progressive taxes, wealth taxes and targeted subsidies to reduce income inequality and expand welfare spending.

    Align national policies with Paris Agreement targets

    Universalise social security, pensions, maternity benefits, and unemployment allowance

    A nexus approach towards sustainability and inclusiveness is needed for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’

  • Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace

    The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal defines Cybercrime as any unlawful act where a computer, computer network, or electronic device is used as a tool or target to commit or facilitate a crime.

    Types of cybercrimes

    Authorized Push Payment- Deceiving victims into voluntarily transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. Eg- “Digital Arrest” scams in 2024-25 – losses of over .

    Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)- Deploying malicious software that encrypts critical data, demanding payment for the key. Eg- attack on Delhi’s Sant Parmanand Hospital

    AI-Enabled Deepfakes & Phishing- Eg- rise in “Deepfake Voice Cloning” used to authorize fraudulent bank transfers.

    Digital Espionage- Unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive personal or strategic data from state or corporate servers.

    State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)- Eg- Pakistan-linked actors used “Dance of the Hillary” malware to infiltrate DRDO systems during “Operation Sindoor”

    Cryptocurrency Heists – Eg- theft of $230 million from WazirX exchange

    Cyber-Slavery – Trafficking individuals to foreign “fraud factories” to operate transnational scam centers. Eg- “Cyber Slavery” hubs in Cambodia and Myanmar

    Cyber Stalking and Harassment – Eg- Women targeted through doxxing and revenge porn.

    Online Radicalisation – Eg- ISIS recruitment through social media.

    Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks- Intercepting and potentially altering communications between two parties without their knowledge. Eg- Pune businessman losing Rs 6.49 cr

    Measures to Strengthen Cyber Security in India

    Legal Measures

    Stringent implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to hold “Data Fiduciaries” (companies) accountable for breaches.

    Replacing the IT Act, 2000, with the proposed Digital India Act to address modern threats like Deepfakes, AI-driven extortion.

    Institutional Measures

    Expanding the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to serve as a 24/7 national “War Room” for real-time threat mitigation and interstate coordination.

    Strengthening the NCIIPC to secure “Critical Information Infrastructure” (CII) such as power grids, nuclear plants, and banking systems.

    Establishing dedicated cyber-police stations in every district, integrated with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (1930).

    Policy Measures

    Implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy focusing on Sovereign Cyber Defense and building a “Cyber-Resilient” ecosystem.

    Adhering to the CERT-In Cyber Security Audit Policy, which mandates annual third-party audits for all government and critical sector entities.

    Promoting the Golden Hour Protocol to report financial frauds within the first 2 hours.

    Technological Measures

    Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA)- Transitioning from traditional perimeter security to a “Never Trust, Always Verify” model for all digital access requests.

    AI-Driven Threat Intelligence- Deploying machine learning algorithms for real-time detection of anomalies and Automated Incident Response (AIR).

    Promoting the “Atmanirbhar” development of indigenous operating systems and security software. Eg- Maya OS

    Global Measures

    Leveraging partnerships like the Quad Senior Cyber Group to share threat intelligence on state-sponsored APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) in the Indo-Pacific.

    Collaborating with Interpol (Project Gateway) and FATF to track and dismantle the financial backbones of transnational “Cyber Slavery” hubs.

    Social Measures

    Digital Literacy (Cyber Shikshaa)- awareness campaigns like #CyberDost

    Capacity building of the judicial and police workforce through the CyTrain portal

    Cyber Hygiene- Eg- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and use of the “Chakshu” portal for reporting suspicious communications.

    As cybercrimes move into the realm of “Grey Zone Warfare,” India’s cyber defense must be proactive rather than reactive.

  • For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals

    Border Management involves securing a nation’s frontiers against unauthorized movement of people and goods while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.

    Steps to Deny Local Support to Militants

    Neutralizing Overground Workers to prevent “3L” support to terrorists- Logistics, Location (shelter), and Liaison (intelligence)

    Strengthening the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) to share real-time data between central and state forces to identify local sympathizers.

    Curbing Online Radicalization- Monitoring Telegram and social media pages used for indoctrination.

    Strict Enforcement of UAPA to create a high legal cost for aiding terrorists.

    Monitoring NGOs and Hawala channels that funnel foreign funds to border areas.

    Community Policing- Eg- Project Prahari in Assam.

    Counter-Propaganda- Using local radio and influencers to highlight the personal costs of supporting violence.

    Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy to mainstream misguided youth. Eg- 2024 Revised Surrender Policy in J&K.

    Ways to manage favourable perception among locals

    Army-led goodwill initiatives – Eg- Army Goodwill Schools under Operation Sadbhavana.

    Skill development, entrepreneurship push – Eg- Mission Youth and Himayat

    Social infrastructure development under Operation Sadbhavanaibrant Village program

    Connectivity initiatives for tourism promotion. Eg- Chenab Bridge, and running Vande Bharat trains

    De-radicalisation Centres – Counselling sessions for first-time offenders.

    Targeted Security Approach – Eg- Focus on OGWs and hybrid militants without mass crackdowns.

    Grassroots Democracy- Empowering PRIs to give locals a say in development.

    “Bharat Darshan” Tours- Sponsoring trips for border youth to major Indian cities to foster a sense of national integration.

    Building cooperation and trust ensures the population becomes the “First Line of Defence”

  • Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard

    With 15,106.7 km of land borders, the sanctity of India’s frontiers is the primary shield against unconventional “hybrid” warfare and transnational organized crime.

    Myanmar Border (1,643 km)

    Safe Havens for Insurgent Groups (IIGs)- Groups like ULFA-I and NSCN-K utilize “ungoverned spaces” in Myanmar to train and retreat.

    “Golden Triangle” Narcotics- Myanmar is a global hub for Methamphetamines. Eg- ED raids in Champhai (Mizoram) uncovering a network.

    Precursor Chemical Smuggling- Sending pseudoephedrine from India to Myanmar for drug production.

    Weapon Proliferation- Smuggling of sophisticated Western and Chinese arms from Myanmar’s black markets into Manipur.

    Bangladesh Border (4,096 km)

    Illegal Migration- Movement of undocumented individuals

    Illegal Cattle Smuggling (billion-dollar) – leads to border skirmishes.

    Bangladesh acts as a transit point for high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN).

    Human Trafficking- A major route for trafficking women and children for forced labor.

    Radicalization Spillover- groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) attempting to establish sleeper cells in West Bengal and Assam.

    Pakistan Border & LoC- The “Hybrid Warfare” Zone (3,323 km)

    Drone-Based Narco-Terrorism in Punjab through Golden Crescent

    Infiltration of “Hybrid” Terrorists- Eg- The April 2025 Pahalgam attack which killed 26 tourists.

    Loitering Munition Attacks to target military infrastructure dueing ‘Op Sindoor’

    Role of OGW – generate pro-terror content, circulate videos and organise protests to delegitimise the state.

    Role Played by Various Security Forces

    India follows the “One Border, One Force” principle to ensure specialized guarding.

    Indian Army (Line of Control & Siachen)

    Mandate- High-intensity combat and maintaining the sanctity of the LoC and LAC.

    Counter-Infiltration through Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) (a multi-layered fence equipped with sensors)

    Siachen Defense- Guards the world’s highest battlefield at heights above 20,000 feet.

    Border Security Force (BSF)

    Guards the International Borders (IB) with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

    Anti-Smuggling Operations- Intercepts narcotics, cattle, and arms smuggling.

    Implements the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).

    Anti-Drone Warfare- Operates specialized jammers and “hard-kill” interceptors

    Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

    Guards the Indo-China Border (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

    Acts as the first responder for avalanches and landslides in the Himalayan region.

    Assam Rifles (AR)

    Guards the Indo-Myanmar Border and conducts counter-insurgency operations in N-E.

    Responsible for implementing the 2024-25 scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and biometric profiling of border-crossers.

    Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

    Guards the Nepal and Bhutan Borders.

    Acts as the Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) to identify “Third-Country Nationals”

    Other Steps taken

    Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for intelligence sharing

    Vibrant Villages Programme

    The integration of modern technology with civil-military cooperation is essential to create “Multi-layered Security Shield.”

  • What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

    Nanotechnology involves designing and manipulating materials, devices, and systems at the nanoscale, typically 100 nanometres or smaller-by controlling atoms and molecules.

    Key Characteristics of Nanotechnology

    High Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio: Material surface area increases drastically at the nanoscale, exponentially accelerating its chemical reactivity.

    Quantum Confinement Effects: Restricting electrons at atomic levels alters a material’s optical, electrical, and magnetic behaviors.

    Altered Physical Strength: Nanomaterials exhibit significantly enhanced structural strength, mechanical durability, and flexibility compared to bulk forms.

    Enhanced Biological Penetration: Extremely small particle sizes allow nanomaterials to easily cross dense biological cellular barriers.

    Tunable Material Properties: Changing particle sizes allows scientists to precisely alter colors, conductivity, and melting points.

    Nanotechnology in the Health Sector

    Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanocarriers, such as liposomes and nanoparticles, can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells. Eg- Abraxane– treat breast and pancreatic cancer.

    Nanosensors for Early Diagnosis: Detect biomarkers such as proteins or DNA sequences at extremely low concentrations, enabling early diagnosis of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

    Advanced Imaging: Nanoparticles like Quantum Dots and iron oxide nanoparticles provide superior contrast for MRI and CT scans.

    Regenerative medicine: Nanoscaffolds mimic the body’s natural cellular framework, promoting cell growth and tissue regeneration to repair damaged organs and tissues.

    Smart Nanobots for Surgery: Though still in evolving stages, Emerging nanobots are being developed for minimally invasive microsurgeries, such as removing arterial blockages.

    Improved Bioavailability of Drugs: Nano-formulations enhance the solubility and absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs by increasing their surface-area-to-volume ratio.

    Antibacterial and Wound Healing: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in wound dressings and surgical coatings to prevent infections, including drug-resistant bacteria.

    Gene therapy: Nanoparticles safely deliver DNA or RNA into cells for treating genetic disorders. Eg- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine use lipid nanoparticles.

    Point-of-care diagnostics: Nanotechnology enables “lab-on-a-chip” devices for rapid portable testing, improving healthcare access in rural areas.

    For a country like India, leveraging nanotechnology can be the key to achieving the goal of “Affordable and Accessible Healthcare for All” under the National Health Policy.

  • How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

    India’s foodgrains production has surged from 50.8 million tons in 1950-51 to over 357 million tons in 2025. Science has played an important role in this transformation.

    Science Interwoven Deeply With Our Lives

    Healthcare – Vaccines, antibiotics, diagnostics (RT-PCR) have improved life expectancy from 62 in 1990 to 73 in 2025.

    Communication & Connectivity – Internet, smartphones, satellites have transformed education, governance, and commerce. Eg- PM e-Vidya

    Transport – Electric vehicles, GPS, high-speed transport have increased mobility. Eg- Vande Bharat

    Energy Infrastructure – Renewables, smart grids etc shape modern living standards.

    Daily Convenience – Refrigeration, water purification, digital payments, and sensor-based devices ease everyday life.

    Disaster Management – Weather forecasting, early-warning systems save lives during cyclones and floods.

    e-Governance has improved ease of access for citizens. Eg- m-Passport Seva

    Striking Changes in Agriculture Triggered by Science-Based Technologies

    Green Revolution HYVs increased wheat yields from 12 MT (1960s) to 55 MT (1980s).

    Biotechnology & Genetics – Bt cotton reduced pesticide use by 40-60%.

    Precision Farming & Sensors – Use of drones, IoT soil sensors, GIS mapping improves fertilizer and water efficiency.

    Micro-Irrigation – Drip & sprinkler systems increase water-use efficiency by 40-70%.

    Mechanization – Harvesters, seed drills, transplanters reduce labour cost and increase timeliness of operations.

    Climate-Smart Agriculture – Drought-/flood-tolerant seeds reduce climate risk. Eg- Swarna Sub-1 rice

    Post-Harvest & Storage Technologies – Cold chains, ripening chambers, packhouses reduce losses and enable access to distant markets.

    Digital Agriculture – e-NAM, agritech platforms, Kisan drones improve market access and real-time advisory.

    Soil & Water Management Tools – Soil health cards, nano-urea, and microbial biofertilisers improve soil fertility.

    When science meets scale, when innovation becomes inclusive, when technology drives transformation, the foundation for great achievements is laid – PM Modi

  • COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

    The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged as an unprecedented global health emergency. Beyond being a mere medical crisis, it disrupted human mobility, governance, economies, and social structures on a scale not witnessed since the 1918 Influenza pandemic.

    Unprecedented Devastation Worldwide

    Estimated 22.1 million excess deaths (WHO).

    Life Expectancy Reversal: reduced global life expectancy by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021.

    Healthcare Collapse: Routine medical services were severely crippled.

    Lockdowns triggered the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression.

    Educational Disruption for over 1.6 billion learners globally and widening the digital divide.

    Role of Technology in Pandemic Management

    Digital Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Bluetooth- and GPS-based apps enabled real-time tracking and containment of infection clusters. Eg- Aarogya Setu.

    Vaccine Development and Genomic Sequencing: Eg- Moderna Vaccine developed within 11 months.

    Digital Vaccination Infrastructure: Cloud-based platforms streamlined vaccine registration, scheduling, and certification. Eg- India’s CoWIN managed over 2.2 billion vaccine doses.

    AI in Diagnostics and Triage: Machine learning tools enabled rapid COVID-19 detection through CT scans and X-rays. Eg- Baidu deployed AI thermal screening systems.

    Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare: Telehealth reduced hospital burden through remote consultations and home-based care. Eg- India’s eSanjeevani.

    Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Robots and drones minimized frontline exposure in infectious zones. Eg- ICMR’s i-DRONE project.

    3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Eg- 3D-printed face shields and ventilator valves.

    Blockchain in Supply Chains: Eg- Blockchain-monitored cold-chain logistics for mRNA vaccines.

    Remote Collaboration Platforms: Cloud communication tools sustained governance, education, and economic activity. Eg- Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex.

    Limitations of Technology in the Management of the Pandemic

    Deepening Digital Divide: Lack of smartphone and internet access excluded impoverished populations from receiving digital welfare.

    Widespread Digital Misinformation: Eg: viral forward messages promoting unverified chemical consumption as a coronavirus cure.

    Data Privacy Breaches: Rapid deployment of tracing applications raised serious concerns regarding unauthorized surveillance and data leakages.

    Supply Chain Bottlenecks: Eg: Global shortages of semiconductor chips crippling production of critical high-end hospital ventilators.

    Fragmented Trans-National Data Silos: Eg: Delays in sharing early clinical raw data hindering global strain mutation tracking.

    Way Forward

    Use of robotics & telemedicine on a broader scale to achieve last mile delivery.

    Following ONE HEALTH approach to develop preventive cure.

    Increase R&D spending in the health sector to strengthen diagnosis & research with the help of the private sector.

    The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that while biological threats can bring human civilization to a sudden halt, modern technology serves as a vital tool for resilience.

  • What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

    LWE refers to violent insurgency driven by Maoist or Naxalite ideologies, with an objective of overthrowing the government and establishing a communist society.

    Determinants of Left-Wing Extremism in Eastern India

    Maoist ideology of armed class struggle, anti-state revolution, and redistribution of resources appeals to sections alienated by inequality and exclusion. Eg- narrative of a “people’s war.”

    Land Displacement – Eg- Mining-induced displacement in Jharkhand’s coal belt (Ramgarh, Hazaribagh).

    Poor implementation of FRA, 2006, and PESA. Eg- Nearly 15% of forest and community land claims under the FRA are pending.

    Historical Socio-Economic Deprivation– Eg- LWE districts like Malkangiri, Sukma have some of the lowest HDI indicators.

    Unemployment & Lack of Livelihood Options- Eg- Jharkhand’s rural districts have among the highest youth unemployment in Eastern India.

    Governance Deficit – Eg- Large parts of Southern Bastar lacked road connectivity until recent years.

    Favourable Terrain – Eg- Dandakaranya region offers natural hideouts and logistical advantages for guerrilla warfare.

    Porous and forested borders between Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand-Odisha-Maharashtra allow safe movement and sanctuary for cadres.

    Ineffective Policing & Security Gaps – Poor training, lack of mobility, and limited intelligence in forest interiors.

    Parallel Governance – Maoists run jan adalats, levy taxes, provide quick dispute resolution-gaining perceived legitimacy in ungoverned spaces.

    Strategy to Counter LWE in Affected Regions

    Government of India

    Implement the “National Policy and Action Plan (2015)” in timely manner

    Accelerate Development – Road Requirement Plan (RRP-I), mobile towers, banking, health centres, PDS reforms in LWE belts.

    Strengthening PESA –

    real-time digital dashboards for fund utilization to Gram Sabhas

    “Bottom-Up” planning model – from “state imposition” to “participatory development”

    Economic development

    “Forest-to-Market” Value Chain development through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)

    Promotion of Tribal-Start-up Ecosystem in food processing – Eg- export of products like Mahua and wild honey

    Civil Administration strategy

    “The only way to end insurgency is to win the hearts and minds of people through inclusive governance.” – Rajnath Singh

    Transparent and Participatory Mining & Resource Management- Eg- share of mineral royalties to local communities through the DMF Funds

    Technology for Governance – Use GIS mapping, drones, and e-governance platforms for service delivery and monitoring.

    Build Trust with Communities – Dialogue-based approach through “administration-public interface programmes”. Eg- Janta Darbars for grievance redressal

    Security Forces Strategy

    Strengthen Intelligence & Tech-Enabled Policing – Use of drones, satellite mapping, GPS-based tracking, communication intercept tools.

    Capacity building – Eg- fortified police stations, all-terrain vehicles for deep forest movement.

    Inter-State Coordination – Coordination between Chhattisgarh-Odisha-Jharkhand-Maharashtra in tri-junction zones.

    Community Policing – Initiatives like Jan Maitri, sports outreach, and anti-propaganda programmes.

    Progress anchored in justice and inclusion is the best antidote to extremism.

  • What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

    Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode campaign launched in 2019 to promote water conservation, recharge, and water security in stressed districts.

    Salient Features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

    Targets blocks with critical or over-exploited groundwater across India, prioritising arid and semi-arid regions.

    Five Key Intervention Areas

    Water Conservation & Rainwater Harvesting

    Renovation of Traditional & Existing Water Bodies

    Reuse & Recharge of Borewells/Watershed Structures

    Watershed Development

    Intensive Afforestation

    Convergence of Multiple Departments – Brings together Rural Development, Water Resources, Agriculture, Forest, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj under a unified water conservation plan.

    Block-Level Water Conservation Plans and a scientific water budget for area-specific interventions.

    Central nodal officers monitor implementation through field visits and performance reviews.

    Jan Andolan – Engages panchayats, SHGs, NGOs, youth groups, schools, and citizens for mass awareness and behavioural change.

    Integration With MGNREGA & PMKSY for creation of check-dams, percolation tanks, ponds, trenches, recharge pits etc.

    Urban Water Conservation Measures (JSA – 2021 onwards)

    Ensuring mandatory Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) as per Model Building By-Law (MBBL) 2016.

    reuse of treated wastewater,

    Setting Up RWH Cells in Urban Local Bodies

    “Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls” campaign

    Its integrated approach has strengthened water conservation practices and laid the groundwork for long-term water security.