PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.
Linkage: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. |
Mentor’s Comment: On 30 April, 2025, the Supreme Court’s directive to revise digital KYC norms to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs), recognizing digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21. It highlights legal safeguards like the RPwD Act 2016, challenges faced by PwDs in current KYC processes, and the Court’s emphasis on inclusive, accessible digital infrastructure for marginalized groups.
Today’s editorial discusses the Supreme Court’s order to update digital KYC rules to make them accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This topic is useful for GS Paper II (covering governance, the Supreme Court’s role, and issues related to vulnerable groups like PwDs).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court of India directed the revision of digital Know Your Customer (KYC) norms to ensure they are accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially the visually impaired.
What KYC changes did the Supreme Court direct for PwDs?
- Mandated Accessible Digital KYC Processes: KYC procedures must include accessible design features like screen-reader compatibility, audio cues, and simplified verification steps.
- Alternative Identity Verification Methods: KYC systems must allow thumb impressions, signatures in accessible formats, and alternative ways to verify identity without facial recognition or selfies. Eg: An acid attack survivor unable to use facial recognition can verify their identity using thumb impression linked with Aadhaar and OTP verification.
- Uniform Accessibility Standards Across Institutions: All regulated entities (banks, telecom, SEBI, etc.) must follow a standardized, inclusive KYC frameworkrather than creating their own tests Eg: Every bank and mobile provider must adopt unified, accessible KYC apps that meet 2021 and 2022 ICT Accessibility Standards, ensuring consistency and inclusion.
Which laws protect the rights of PwDs in India?
- Constitution provision: Guarantees equality, dignity, and non-discrimination through the Preamble, Fundamental Rights(Articles 14, 15, 21), and Directive Principles (Article 38). Eg: Under Article 21, the Supreme Court reinterpreted the right to life to include digital access for PwDs.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: Adopts a social-barrier model of disability and mandates measures for accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Eg: Section 42 requires the government to ensure accessible electronic media, including sign-language, audio descriptions, and captions.
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): India is a signatory and is obligated to promote, protect, and ensure full human rights and freedoms of PwDs. Eg: The RPwD Act, 2016 was enacted to give domestic effect to the UNCRPD’s principles like accessibility, dignity, and non-discrimination.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Standards (2021, 2022): Prescribe technical standards for websites, apps, and digital services to be screen-reader friendly, with audio/video guidance. Eg: Despite these standards, most KYC platforms lack audio prompts or camera alignment assistance, which the SC directed to be rectified.
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Why do banks and other financial and government institutions mandate collecting KYC details?
- Ensures Security: KYC helps identify and verify customers, reducing risks of money laundering, fraud, and terrorism financing. Eg: Under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, banks are required to verify identities and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
- Availing Financial and Telecom Services: KYC is a regulatory requirement to access services like bank accounts, SIM cards, demat accounts, insurance, and pension schemes. Eg: A person must complete KYC to open a bank account or activate a mobile number.
- Enables Access to welfare schemes: Digital KYC links individuals to Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs), ensuring targeted delivery of welfare schemes. Eg: Students must complete e-KYC to receive national scholarshcips or access Aadhaar-linked subsidieslike LPG or pensions.
How do current KYC methods exclude PwDs?
- Visual Verification Disadvantage: Steps like reading flashing codes, aligning for selfies, or signing on paper are inaccessible to those with visual impairments or disfigurements. Eg: A blind user cannot complete video-KYC if the app lacks screen-reader prompts or audio guidance for camera positioning.
- Lack of Alternative Biometric Methods: Common alternatives like thumb impressions are not accepted as valid signatures, and PAN cards aren’t issued with them. Eg: A visually impaired person using thumbprint verification may be denied KYC approval due to lack of signature or photo verification.
- Non-Compliant Digital Infrastructure: Most KYC apps and portals violate ICT Accessibility Standards by lacking features like text-to-speech, audio cues, or accessible form inputs. Eg: A KYC website without voice feedback or keyboard navigation makes it impossible for a person using assistive tech to complete the process independently.
Why did the SC link digital access to Article 21?
- Digital Access is Integral to the Right to Life and Dignity: The Court held that in today’s digital era, access to essential services through digital means is part of living with dignity and autonomy. Eg: Denying blind users the ability to complete KYC digitally affects their right to life under Article 21 by limiting access to banking or welfare services.
- Ensures Substantive Equality: The Court emphasized substantive equality, noting that equality is not just about treating everyone the same, but removing barriers for the disadvantaged. Eg: People with visual impairments face unique hurdles with video-KYC, which violates their equal access to services guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21.
- Bridges the Digital Divide: The judgment recognized that digital exclusion impacts not just PwDs, but also rural citizens, elderly people, and linguistic minorities, deepening socio-economic inequality. Eg: During COVID-19, the Court earlier ruled that digital vaccine portals must be accessible, reinforcing the idea that public digital infrastructure must be inclusive.
Way forward:
- Adopt Inclusive Digital Design Standards: Ensure all KYC platforms follow universal design principles with features like screen-readers, voice prompts, and alternative authentication methods.
- Mandate Regulatory Oversight and ComplianceRBI, SEBI, and DoT must monitor and enforce accessibility standards across all regulated entities to guarantee equal digital access for PwDs.
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Why in the News?
The Tamil Nadu CM has criticised the Presidential Reference under Article 143 as a “desperate attempt” to weaken State powers, following a Supreme Court ruling that set timelines for Governors and the President to act on State Bills.
Recent Invocation:
- The Presidential Reference asked whether the Supreme Court could impose timelines on:
- Governors under Article 200 (assent to State Bills)
- The President under Article 201 (Bills reserved for Presidential assent)
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What is Article 143 of the Indian Constitution?
- Article 143 empowers the President of India to seek the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact that is-
- of public importance
- Likely to arise or has already arisen
- This provision defines the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction, exclusive to the President.
- Sub-clauses and Legal Operation:
- Article 143(1): The President may refer any matter to the Supreme Court for its opinion. In the first case, the Supreme Court may tender or may refuse to tender its opinion to the president.
- Article 143(2): Allows the President to refer disputes arising from pre-Constitution agreements, including state-related matters, for the Supreme Court’s opinion. The Supreme Court must tender its opinion to the President.
- Nature of the Reference: The Supreme Court’s opinion is advisory and NOT legally binding since it is NOT a judicial pronouncement.
- President’s Response: It is NOT binding on the President; he/she may follow or may not follow the opinion. However, it facilitates the government to have an authoritative legal opinion.
- Types of Questions Referred: Article 143(1) allows the President to refer questions of law or fact.
- Legal questions: Constitutional interpretation, rights, and executive powers.
- Factual questions: The 1993 Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid reference asked whether a temple existed at the disputed site.
- Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court has clarified that Article 143 is broad in scope and not limited to questions that have arisen; potential or likely questions can also be referred.
Executive’s Control of Presidential Reference:
- Although Article 143 vests the power in the President, the real decision to refer is taken by the Union Council of Ministers under Article 74(1).
- Article 74(2) bars the Court from inquiring whether such advice was given.
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| [UPSC 2010] Consider the following statements:
The Supreme Court of India tenders’ advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact
1. on its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
2. if he seeks such an advice.
3. only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only * (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only |
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Why in the News?
Specialists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have successfully assembled the first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens).
About the Indian Yak (Bos grunniens):
- The Indian yak, often referred to as the ‘ship of the Himalayas’, plays a crucial role in the high-altitude economies of India.
- Features: It is known for its resilience and adaptability to extreme environments. It provides meat, milk, and manure and is a vital mode of transportation.
- Habitat: It inhabits the regions above 7,000 feet in Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Conservation Status: It is assessed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List and included in CITES Appendix I and Schedule I in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Significance of the Research:
- Mapping Method: The study used long-read sequencing and advanced bioinformatics to map yak genes with high precision.
- Feature Identification: The genome will help identify genes for cold tolerance, disease resistance, and milk production.
- Comparative Applications: It will allow comparative studies with other bovine species to discover valuable genetic traits (alleles).
- Breeding and Conservation: The data will support better breeding strategies and the creation of conservation plans for yaks.
- Livelihood Impact: This research supports sustainable development and could improve the livelihoods of Himalayan yak herders through targeted livestock improvements.
| [UPSC 2017] According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
1. Gharial 2. Indian wild ass 3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
A team of researchers from top Chinese scientific institutions has reported a major breakthrough in the creation of atomically thin 2D metal sheets using a novel high-pressure sandwich method.
About the 2D Metal Created:
- Definition: 2D metals are only one or two atoms thick, so electrons can move in just two dimensions.
- Quantum Confinement: Electrons in 2D metals are restricted to specific energy levels, similar to how they behave in atoms.
- Scientific Interest: Metals like bismuth, tin, and lead in 2D form are being studied for their electrical, magnetic, and quantum properties.
- Applications: Their special properties make them useful for quantum computing, sensors, and advanced electronics.
Technologies Involved:
- Quantum Dots: These are tiny semiconductors where electrons are tightly confined, creating quantised energy states.
- Quantum Confinement: In quantum dots, electrons can’t move freely in any direction, leading to discrete energy levels.
- Link to 2D Metals: In 2D metals, electrons are confined in two dimensions, changing conductivity, magnetism, and optical behaviour.
- Process: Chinese scientists created 2D metals by sandwiching metal powder between two MoS₂-coated sapphire layers.
- Steps involved: The structure is heated, twisted, and pressed to form ultra-thin sheets, then cooled and peeled off.
- Material Choice: MoS₂ and sapphire were chosen for their strength, smoothness, and low chemical reaction with metal.
Note:
Quantum confinement occurs when a particle like an electron is trapped in an extremely small space, such as a nanoscale material. This restriction changes its energy levels, making them discrete instead of continuous. As a result, the material’s properties—like color and conductivity—can change with size. |
| [UPSC 2012] Graphene is frequently in the news recently. What is its importance?
1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.
2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.
3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.
4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration).
Back2Basics: Legacy of Chandrayaan Missions
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First mission, focused on mineral and chemical mapping.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter mission with 98% success.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon’s south pole.
- Chandrayaan-4 (Upcoming, 2027):
- It is a planned lunar sample return mission by ISRO, expected to launch around 2027, with the landing site near Statio Shiv Shakti at the lunar south pole.
- The mission involves five modules launched on two LVM-3 rockets, later docked in Earth orbit to form an integrated spacecraft.
- A robotic arm and drill will collect 2–3 kg of surface and sub-surface lunar samples for return to Earth.
- The Re-entry Module (RM) will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere with the samples using ballistic re-entry, marking India’s first attempt at sample return.
- Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX: Aimed at deeper exploration with global participation.
- Manned Lunar Mission: Prospected lunar landing by 2040.
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About Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Mission:
- It is a collaborative mission between ISRO and JAXA.
- Approval: Cabinet approval for the mission was granted on March 10, 2025.
- Launch: It will carry a 6.5-tonne payload and launch aboard Japan’s H3 rocket in 2027–28.
- Collaboration: The lander is being developed by ISRO and the 350-kg rover by JAXA.
- Duration: The mission is expected to last 100 days, with a possible extension of one year.
- Mission Goals and Objectives:
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- Explore water and regolith in the lunar south pole’s Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs).
- Drill into the Moon’s surface, analyse soil samples, and perform in-situ experiments.
- Assess water content, quality, and analyse surface volatiles using advanced instrumentation.
- Exploration of the far side of the Moon.
Scientific Collaboration and Instruments:
- A total of 7 scientific instruments will be onboard the mission.
- ISRO’s Contribution: Development of the lander; creation of one sensor in a major four-sensor instrument.
- JAXA’s Contribution: Development of the rover and three sensors in the same instrument; Rover is designed to climb 25° inclines and operate on a complex battery charging protocol.
- ESA (European Space Agency): Developing a mass spectrometer.
- NASA: Contributing neutron spectrometers.
| [UPSC 2009] 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 |
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Why in the News?
Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced new plans to change its immigration rules to reduce the number of people moving to the country.
What are the key immigration reforms proposed to control net migration?
- Raising Skilled Worker Visa Threshold: The requirement for the ‘skilled worker’ visa will be raised from the senior secondary level (A-level) back to the degree level. (The previous Conservative government lowered it to A-level in 2020.)
- Ending Social Care Visas: The UK will no longer issue social care visas to foreign workers, reversing the post-COVID-19 expansion that allowed easier entry for care workers.
- Reducing Graduate Visa Duration: The graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work after completing their studies, will be shortened from 2 years to 18 months (3 years for PhD holders).
- English Language Requirement for Dependents: Dependents of visa holders will now have to meet English language proficiency requirements to promote social integration.
- Increasing Settlement Period: The minimum qualifying period for ‘settlement’ (permanent residency) will be increased from 5 years to 10 years.
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Why has the UK decided to discontinue social care visas for foreign workers?
- Increased Migration and Pressure on Services: The rise in social care visas after COVID-19 led to a large influx of foreign care workers, which added strain to public services and housing. Eg: Over 114,000 additional health and care worker visas were issued between 2021 and 2023, mainly to South Asian and African nationals.
- Reducing Low-Skilled Migration: The government plans to reduce low-skilled migration by raising visa requirements, such as increasing the skill level from A-level to a degree. Eg: Social care sector.
- Promoting Domestic Workforce Development: There is a push to invest in training and apprenticeships for UK residents instead of relying on imported cheap labour. Eg: PM Starmer highlighted the need to focus on local skills development rather than importing workers in sectors like social care.
Who are the major beneficiaries of the UK’s visa ?
- South Asian Nationals: A large number of work visas were issued to workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Eg: Many Indian care workers received health and care visas between 2021 and 2023.
- Sub-Saharan African Nationals: Significant numbers of care workers came from countries like Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Nigeria. Eg: The visa route helped fill care sector jobs with workers from these African nations.
How have Indian students and workers been affected by recent changes in UK visa policies?
- Shorter Post-Study Work Visa: Graduate visa reduced from 2 years to 18 months, limiting job opportunities for Indian students. Eg, many now have less time to build careers in the UK.
- Higher Skill Requirements: Skilled worker visas now require a degree-level qualification, excluding some mid-skilled jobs. Eg, Indian engineers and healthcare workers face stricter eligibility.
- English Language Rules for Dependents: Dependents must meet English proficiency requirements to promote integration. Eg, Indian families may find it harder to join relatives.
- Longer Residency for Settlement: Permanent residency eligibility increased from 5 to 10 years. Eg, Indians must wait longer to settle permanently.
- Increased Tuition Costs: Proposed 6% fee levy on international students raises study costs. Eg, this could discourage Indian students from studying in the UK.
Way forward:
- Enhance Domestic Skill Development: Invest significantly in vocational training and apprenticeships to reduce dependency on low-skilled foreign labour and create local employment opportunities.
- Balance Migration Policies: Implement targeted immigration reforms that maintain the UK’s competitiveness in attracting global talent while ensuring sustainable public service capacity and social integration.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Linkage: The tightening of immigration rules in Western countries like the UK directly impacts the size, composition, and potential “scaling of new heights” of the diaspora, and thus implicitly affects the economic and political benefits for India.
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Why in the News?
Retail inflation dropped to 3.16% in April, marking its lowest level in nearly six years. This shows that prices are rising more slowly, bringing relief to consumers and policymakers.
What caused the recent fall in retail and wholesale inflation in April?
- Sharp Drop in Vegetable Prices: Retail inflation was driven down by a nearly 11% drop in vegetable prices. Eg: Wholesale potato prices fell by 24.3% compared to April last year.
- Falling Crude Oil and Fuel Prices: Crude oil and natural gas inflation hit a 22-month low of -15.55%. Eg: Petrol prices contracted by 7.7%, and diesel by 5.04% at the wholesale level.
- Government Measures to Control Prices: Actions like open market foodgrain releases, buffer stock management, and eased imports helped stabilize supply. Eg: These steps helped prevent food shortages and kept overall food inflation at 2.55%, a 22-month low.
Why is the contraction in vegetable prices considered partly due to the base effect?
- High Inflation Last Year (Base Effect): In April last year, vegetable inflation was very high, in the range of 27%-30%. Eg: A sharp rise last year creates a high base, making even stable or slightly falling prices this year appear like a large drop.
- Statistical Comparison Distortion: Inflation is measured year-on-year, so a high base can exaggerate the percentage fall in the current period.Eg: If tomato prices were ₹100 last year and are ₹90 now, it shows a 10% fall—but last year’s ₹100 was unusually high.
- Not Solely Due to Supply Improvement: The large fall in prices this year is not only because of better supply or government action but also due to last year’s spike. Eg: Last year’s shortages due to unseasonal rains had led to higher prices, inflating the base.
How have government actions helped in easing inflation?
- Strengthening Buffer Stocks: The government has maintained adequate buffer stocks of food items like rice, wheat, and pulses to manage supply shocks. Eg: Releasing pulses from buffer stocks during price spikes helped stabilise market supply and reduce inflationary pressure.
- Open Market Sales to Regulate Prices: Through open market operations, the government released surplus food items into the market to control prices. Eg: Open sale of onions and tomatoes by agencies like NAFED helped bring down retail prices during seasonal spikes.
- Relaxation of Import Restrictions: The government eased import norms and reduced import duties on key commodities during shortages. Eg: Reduction in import duties on edible oils and pulses led to higher supply and reduced food inflation.
What policy actions are expected from the RBI and the government based on the latest inflation data? (Way forward)
- Likely Cut in Interest Rates by RBI: With inflation easing, especially retail inflation falling for six consecutive months, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may cut policy rates to support growth. Eg: The RBI might reduce the repo rate in the upcoming June review to boost borrowing and investment.
- Reduction in Fuel Prices by Oil Marketing Companies: With crude oil inflation hitting a 22-month low, the government is expected to direct public sector oil companies to cut petrol, diesel, and LPG prices. Eg: Despite a 42% fall in global crude prices over three years, retail fuel prices remained almost unchanged; a correction is now anticipated.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Linkage: “India’s Easing Inflation and Policy Implications” discusses the latest inflation data, noting the easing of both retail and wholesale inflation, largely driven by a contraction in vegetable and pulse prices.
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