PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2015] Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
Linkage: This question directly linked with the central issue of “mutual distrust” and “terrorist activities” between India and Pakistan, which are explicit drivers of the complex “triangular relationship”. The article mentions India’s diplomatic campaign to isolate Pakistan globally and impose accountability on the state apparatus enabling terrorist groups. |
Mentor’s Comment: The renewed ties between the Trump-led U.S. government and Pakistan’s military, seen in events like the high-profile lunch with Field Marshal Asim Munir and the return of military aid, show a clear shift in America’s approach to South Asia. This change, similar to the Cold War era, could weaken the strong U.S.-India partnership built on shared concerns over terrorism and China. At the same time, India has moved away from its earlier cautious approach, as shown by Operation Sindoor, raising the risk of conflict on two fronts against both Pakistan and China. As the U.S. balances between long-term strategy and short-term deals, the power dynamics in South Asia are being reshaped.
Today’s editorial analyse the renewed ties between the Trump-led U.S. government and Pakistan’s military. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
In the complicated power politics of South Asia, the relationship between the United States, India, and Pakistan tells an important story.
What drives the recent shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations?
- Transactional Diplomacy Over Strategic Values: The U.S., particularly under the Trump administration, has adopted a deal-based approach rather than value-based alliances. Eg: Authorisation of $397 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet for “counter-terrorism” signals a shift towards immediate tactical gains rather than long-term strategic alignment with India.
- Pakistan’s Geostrategic Leverage: Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Afghanistan, Iran, and China enhances its strategic utility for U.S. regional interests, especially amid tensions in West Asia. Eg: Trump’s praise of Pakistan’s role in understanding Iran and his meeting with “Field Marshal” Asim Munir show a willingness to engage Pakistan despite its terror-linked image.
How is it affecting U.S.-India strategic relations?
- Erosion of Strategic Trust: India-U.S. partnership, built over counterterrorism cooperation and convergence on China, is being undermined by the U.S.’s renewed engagement with Pakistan. Eg: Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan contradicted India’s “no third-party” policy, leading to diplomatic discomfort.
- Increased Strategic Caution in India: India’s concern over U.S.-Pakistan proximity may lead it to recalibrate its own foreign policy posture, especially in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. It may reduce India’s reliance on U.S. support in regional disputes, focusing instead on self-reliant deterrence and regional alliances.
- Undermining of U.S.-India Indo-Pacific Vision: The Quad framework and Indo-Pacific cooperation, key pillars of U.S.-India ties, risk losing momentum due to America’s distracted diplomacy in South Asia.
What is the significance of India’s “new normal” doctrine in South Asia?
- Departure from Strategic Restraint: India’s “new normal” reflects a proactive military and diplomatic posture against cross-border terrorism, moving away from its earlier defensive doctrine. Eg: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, signaling its intent to punish provocations decisively.
- Global Isolation of State-Sponsored Terrorism: The doctrine aims to internationally isolate Pakistan by linking terror acts to state support, thereby shifting global opinion and increasing diplomatic pressure.
Eg: India’s efforts in UN forums to designate Pakistan-based terror groups under sanctions align with this approach.
- Regional Deterrence and Strategic Signaling: It serves as a deterrent by altering Pakistan’s cost-benefit calculation of supporting non-state actors, while also sending a message to China amid a two-front threat perception. Eg: Statements by PM of India calling the ceasefire a “pause, not peace” indicate sustained pressure on both Pakistan and its backer, China.
Who gains or loses from the U.S.’s ambivalent role in India-Pakistan dynamics?
- Pakistan Gains Strategic Leverage: The U.S.’s ambiguity allows Pakistan to portray itself as a valuable security partner, especially in the context of Afghanistan, Iran, and regional logistics.
- India Faces Diplomatic Setbacks: U.S. engagement with Pakistan undermines India’s strategic trust in the U.S., weakening its position on issues like cross-border terrorism and Kashmir.
- The U.S. Risks Losing Credibility: By oscillating between idealism and transactionalism, the U.S. dilutes its reliability as a consistent global partner, particularly in the Indo-Pacific strategy. Eg: India’s growing ties with Russia and Iran, and its push for strategic autonomy, partly stem from concerns over U.S. inconsistency.
Way forward:
- Strengthen India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue: India should deepen institutional-level engagement with the U.S. to reaffirm mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific, counterterrorism, and technology partnerships, reducing the influence of personality-driven shifts.
- Pursue Regional Strategic Autonomy: India must continue to build bilateral and multilateral ties with like-minded countries (e.g., France, Japan, UAE) to diversify strategic options and reduce overdependence on U.S. foreign policy swings.
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Why in the News?
The low number of faculty members from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in central universities and top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS goes against India’s constitutional promise of ensuring social justice.
How significant is the problem of unfilled reserved posts in academia?
- Large number of vacancies: As of 2021, over 2,389 SC, 1,199 ST, and 4,251 OBC faculty posts were vacant in 45 central universities.
- High vacancy rates: A 2023 UGC report shows 30% of reserved posts are still unfilled, particularly at senior academic levels like associate professor and professor.
- Public sector contrast: Group C and D jobs in railways and banks are more representative compared to A and B, indicating disparity at leadership levels in academia.
What is the constitutional and policy framework for reservations in higher education?
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 15(4) allows the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes(SEBCs), SCs, and STs. Article 15(5) extends this to admissions in educational institutions, including private unaided ones (except minority institutions). Article 16(4) allows reservation in public employment for backward classes. Eg: The 93rd Constitutional Amendment enabled the government to reserve seats for OBCs in centrally funded higher education institutions like IITs and IIMs.
- Statutory Framework and UGC Regulations: The University Grants Commission (UGC) enforces reservation policies for faculty recruitment and student admissions in central universities. Mandated quotas: SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, OBC – 27%, EWS – 10%.
- Judicial and Policy Milestones: In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), the Supreme Court upheld reservations for OBCs and imposed a 50% cap. Later adjusted with the 10% EWS quota under 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019) allowed reservation for EWS without touching existing SC/ST/OBC quotas.
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What are the main barriers to filling reserved faculty posts in central universities?
- Institutional Autonomy and Weak Oversight: Central universities operate with high autonomy, often leading to non-compliance with UGC reservation norms due to lack of accountability.
- Discriminatory Recruitment Practices: Selection committees, often lacking social diversity, may reject qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates citing subjective reasons like “not found suitable.” Eg: A 2022 study by Ambedkar University Faculty Association found 60% of reserved post vacancies resulted from discretionary rejections.
- Flawed 13-point Roster System: The shift to a 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment, drastically reducing reserved seats, especially for STs. Eg: In departments with fewer than 14 posts, no seat is allotted to STs, leading to underrepresentation.
- Underrepresentation at Senior Faculty Levels: Reserved category candidates are mainly recruited for junior roles, while senior positions (Professors, Directors, VCs) are dominated by unreserved groups. Eg: UGC data (2023) showed 30% of reserved teaching posts remain vacant, mostly at senior levels.
- Political and Ideological Biases: Appointments are sometimes influenced by political affiliations or ideological alignment, marginalising qualified candidates from deprived backgrounds.
What is the 13-point roster system?
The 13-point roster system is a method introduced in 2018 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for implementing reservation in faculty recruitment in higher educational institutions. |
Why is the 13-point roster system seen as a setback to social justice?
- Fragmentation of Reservation Quotas: The 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment rather than the whole institution, limiting the total number of posts available for reservation. Eg: In a department with only 6 posts, there may be only one OBC post, and none for SCs or STs, delaying fair representation for years.
- Exclusion of Marginalised Groups in Small Departments: Due to small faculty sizes, SC/ST reservations are often skipped altogether under this system, severely impacting their inclusion in higher education. Eg: ST candidates often get no opportunity unless 14 or more posts are available in the department, which is rare in most disciplines.
- Violation of the Spirit of Social Justice Mandate: This system undermines constitutional goals of equitable representation by focusing on arithmetic rather than affirmative action principles. Eg: The 13-point roster was challenged in courts and led to protests by academic and Dalit organisations, citing erosion of diversity in faculty appointments.
How does faculty underrepresentation impact inclusive education?
- Lack of Representation and Role Models: Underrepresentation of faculty from SC/ST/OBC/EWS backgrounds deprives students of relatable mentors and role models, affecting confidence and belonging. Eg: A first-generation Dalit student may feel alienated in a classroom where no faculty share similar social experiences, discouraging them from pursuing higher studies or research.
- Exclusion of Diverse Knowledge Systems: Faculty diversity enriches curricula by introducing marginalised perspectives, histories, and lived realities. Its absence leads to a narrow academic discourse.
- Weakening of Constitutional Mandates and NEP Goals: Faculty imbalance undermines the Constitutional vision of social justice and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on inclusive, multidisciplinary education.
What steps should be taken by the Indian Government? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Enforcement and Accountability Mechanisms: Ensure strict implementation of reservation policies through regular audits, public compliance reports, and penalties for non-compliance by central institutions. Eg: The Ministry of Education can mandate annual reporting of filled vs. vacant reserved posts and link funding to adherence.
- Revise the 13-Point Roster System: Replace or reform the 13-point roster to treat the entire institution as the unit of reservation (like the older 200-point roster), ensuring better representation across departments. Eg: This would allow Scheduled Tribes or SCs to get opportunities in smaller departments that currently evade reservation quotas.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Linkage: The article explicitly states that India’s constitutional commitment to social justice mandates equitable representation, including specific quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, central universities and premier institutions consistently fail to fill these reserved faculty positions, with significant vacancies reported.
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Why in the News?
In a recent study, researchers from WELL Labs in Chennai studied Aralumallige and Doddathumakuru gram panchayats in the Upper Arkavathy watershed near Bengaluru, and found a sharp drop in groundwater levels caused by intensive farming practices.
What drives groundwater depletion in the Deccan Plateau?
- Hard Rock Aquifers with Low Storage Capacity: The Deccan Plateau is underlain by basalt and granite (hard rock aquifers) that have limited porosity. These rely on fractures and weathered zones to store water, making them less efficient in holding groundwater. Eg: In Karnataka, 99% of the area depends on such aquifers, making sustainable storage difficult.
- Deep Borewell Drilling Alters Natural Recharge: Borewells drilled into granite cause microfractures, allowing rainwater to bypass shallow aquifers and flow deep underground. This disrupts the natural recharge cycle and reduces groundwater retention.
- Water-Intensive Agriculture: Cultivation of vegetables, flowers, and exotic crops for urban markets like Bengaluru demands large volumes of groundwater. These crops are not suited to the dry, hard-rock geology of the region.
- Encroachment of Traditional Recharge Systems: Lakes and tanks, once used for groundwater recharge, are being encroached upon or neglected. Their discharge channels are blocked, eliminating natural recharge opportunities. Eg: The lake in Aralumallige (Karnataka), once a major recharge source, remained dry in 2022 despite heavy rainfall.
Why is reliance on borewells unsustainable in rural Karnataka?
- Rapid Groundwater Depletion and Borewell Failures: Continuous extraction through deep borewells causes the water table to drop, making it harder to access groundwater over time. Eg: In the Upper Arkavathy watershed, the average borewell depth increased from 183m to 321m in just two decades. Over 70% of drinking water wells failed within 10 years of construction.
- High Financial Burden on Farmers and Panchayats: Drilling deeper borewells costs ₹4–5 lakh, often unaffordable for small farmers, with no guarantee of success. Free electricity for pumping increases electricity consumption and debt for gram panchayats. Eg: Panchayats face mounting electricity bills, diverting funds away from development works to cover power costs.
- Disruption of Natural Recharge and Local Hydrology: Borewells alter subsurface geology, causing rainwater to bypass shallow aquifers, reducing natural recharge. Eg: In Aralumallige and Doddathumakuru, borewell drilling weakened long-term water retention, contributing to chronic scarcity despite seasonal rains.
What is the socio-economic impact on local communities and governance?
- Rising electricity debt: Free power for farmers fuels overuse, pushing gram panchayats into unsustainable debts as they divert development funds to pay power bills.
- Borewell burden on small farmers: Drilling costs ₹4-5 lakh with no assurance of success, leading many farmers to lease land and migrate to cities.
What are the issues related to groundwater in Indian?
- Overexploitation and Depletion: Unregulated extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban use has led to rapid depletion of water tables. Eg: In parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Karnataka (like Aralumallige), water tables have fallen by over 100 meters in two decades due to borewell dependence.
- Poor Groundwater Quality: Contamination by nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic poses serious health risks, especially in rural areas. Eg: In Bihar and West Bengal, arsenic contamination affects drinking water; in Karnataka, nitrate levels often exceed safe limits (50 mg/l).
- Inadequate Data and Poor Management: Lack of real-time monitoring, insufficient local-level data, and fragmented water governance hinder sustainable planning. Eg: Despite groundwater overuse, local panchayats often lack predictive tools to estimate borewell failure or manage recharge zones effectively.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A nationwide water conservation campaign launched in 2019 to promote rainwater harvesting, recharge structures, and sustainable water use. Eg: In water-stressed blocks of states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the JSA promoted check dams and contour trenches to boost groundwater recharge.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): A World Bank-assisted scheme launched in 2019 for sustainable groundwater management in 7 states. It focuses on community participation, water budgeting, and crop water use efficiency. Eg: In Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, water user associations have helped monitor and reduce groundwater extraction.
- Groundwater Regulation by Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA): The CGWA regulates groundwater usage in over-exploited areas by mandating No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for industries and commercial users.
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Way forward:
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Shift from water-intensive crops (like paddy, sugarcane) to less water-demanding crops suited to agro-climatic conditions.
- Strengthen Local Water Governance: Empower Gram Panchayats to manage groundwater through community water budgeting, real-time monitoring, and local recharge efforts.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
Linkage: The article talks about the GST replaced many older taxes like VAT and excise duty, helping create a single national market. Although GST collections have steadily grown—reaching ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25—the revenue from tobacco (about ₹551 billion a year) is much less than the huge cost of tobacco-related health problems, which is ₹2,340 billion every year.
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Why in the News?
India has advanced its indigenous naval capabilities with the induction of INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate built under Project 17A.
About INS Udaygiri:
- Overview: It is the second stealth frigate delivered under Project 17A, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous naval capabilities.
- Legacy Name: Named after the decommissioned INS Udaygiri (F35), a Leander-class frigate that served from 1976 to 2007.
- Construction: Delivered on July 1, 2025, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) just 37 months after its launch, making it one of the fastest deliveries in the project.
- Indigenous Technology: Contains homegrown sensors and combat systems, showcasing domestic defence manufacturing.
- MSME Contribution: Over 200 Indian MSMEs participated in construction, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
- Combat Features:
- Blue-Water Capable: Designed for long-range operations, it can counter conventional and asymmetric threats, projecting Indian power in distant seas.
- Stealth Features: Incorporates radar-absorbent materials and a low-infrared signature, making it hard to detect.
- Arsenal: Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range SAMs, a 76 mm main gun, and CIWS (30 mm and 12.7 mm).
- Efficient Propulsion: Uses a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system for both speed and efficiency.
What is Project 17A?
- Overview: It is the Indian Navy’s initiative to build seven stealth guided-missile frigates, launched in 2019 as a successor to Project 17 (Shivalik-class).
- Shipbuilders Involved: Construction is shared between MDL (Mumbai) and GRSE (Kolkata) under Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
- Modern Design Features: Ships feature stealth hulls, reduced infrared signatures, and modular weapon systems.
- Timeline and Launches: The first frigate, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019, with all ships targeted for delivery by 2026.
- Technology Upgrades: Includes advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and higher automation and survivability.
- Indigenous Content: Project 17A emphasizes domestic components, supporting the Make in India defence policy.
- Multi-Role Capabilities: Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, suitable for high-threat scenarios.
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| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Why in the News?
The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have initiated the first-ever ‘QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission’.
About “At Sea Ship Observer Mission”:
- Overview: The ‘At Sea Ship Observer Mission’ is the first cross-embarkation initiative by the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the U.S., and Australia.
- Origin and Vision: It was conceptualised under the Wilmington Declaration (2024) to boost interoperability and maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific.
- Participation: Officers from all QUAD countries, including women officers.
- Joint Training Operations: The mission enables joint SOP drills, search and rescue (SAR), patrolling, and promotes gender inclusion in maritime diplomacy.
- India’s Alignment: India’s role complements initiatives like SAGAR, the MAHASAGAR Doctrine, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- QUAD Summit Linkage: It operationalises decisions from the 6th QUAD Leaders’ Summit held in Wilmington, USA.
- Future Vision: Sets groundwork for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake’, enhancing trust, resilience, and standardised operations in the Indo-Pacific.
- Regional Impact: Aims to improve emergency response, coordination, and domain awareness among QUAD Coast Guards.
What is QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)?
- Members: QUAD is a strategic dialogue between India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, focused on Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
- Nature of Alliance: Though not a formal alliance, it reflects a strong consensus on open sea lanes, supply chains, and tech partnerships.
- Objectives: It promotes a Free and Rules-Based Order, countering coercive actions in the region.
- Formation History: Originated post-2004 tsunami, formally proposed in 2007 by Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe.
- Dormancy and Revival: Went dormant after Australia’s 2008 withdrawal but was revived in 2017 amid concerns over China’s assertiveness.
- Expanded Focus Areas: Beyond security, QUAD now includes cooperation in health, infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging tech, and climate change.
- Joint Activities: The group holds military drills, high-level dialogues, and supports regional capacity-building.
- QUAD-Plus Engagements: Also engages countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand, signalling future expansion.
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| [UPSC 2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016) 1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia. 2.It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
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* |
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Why in the News?
Researchers at S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) have discovered a novel transport behaviour in chromium antimonide (CrSb), a member of the emerging class of magnetic materials called altermagnets.
What are Altermagnets?
- Definition: Altermagnets are a new class of magnetic materials that combine properties of ferromagnets (which show external magnetism) and antiferromagnets (which don’t).
- Unique Feature: They don’t attract metals like fridge magnets but still have active internal magnetic behavior, useful in advanced technology.
- Use in Spintronics: These materials are ideal for spintronics, a technology that uses electron spin (not just charge) to make faster and energy-efficient devices.
- No Magnetic Interference: Altermagnets do not create external magnetic fields, so they are stable and safe for nearby electronics.
- Energy Efficient: Their structure helps reduce heat and energy loss, which is perfect for modern low-power gadgets.
- Scientific Rarity: Very few altermagnets are known, making each discovery important for materials science.
- Potential Applications: They could help build smaller memory chips, faster processors, and even support quantum computing.
- Internal Action: Think of them as “quiet magnets” — they work inside devices without magnetic noise.
Recent Discovery- Chromium Antimonide (CrSb):
- Indian Breakthrough: Indian scientists found CrSb, a new altermagnet, showing rare direction-dependent conduction.
- Directional Behavior: CrSb acts as an n-type material when current flows along its layers, and as a p-type when current flows across them.
- First of its Kind: This is the first time an altermagnet has shown such dual conduction behavior in different directions.
- Device Simplification: Since CrSb can behave as both p-type and n-type, it can reduce circuit size and eliminate the need for doping.
- Eco-friendly Material: CrSb is made from non-toxic, common elements, making it ideal for sustainable electronics.
- Potential Applications:
- Future Potential: CrSb could be used in solar cells, batteries, and processors to make them greener and more efficient.
- Environment-Friendly Tech: CrSb enables low-cost and eco-friendly electronics without sacrificing performance.
| [UPSC 2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only* (c) 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Power announced the formation of a task force to design the India Energy Stack (IES) — a new Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the energy sector.
About India Energy Stack (IES):
- Overview: IES is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative by the Ministry of Power.
- Objective: It aims to create a unified, secure, and interoperable digital backbone for India’s entire energy ecosystem, including producers, grid operators, discoms, consumers, regulators, and markets.
- Task Force: It is led by a 17-member task force with Nandan Nilekani as Chief Mentor, and RS Sharma as Chairperson, supported by REC Ltd as the nodal agency.
- Implementation: A 12-month proof of concept (PoC) will pilot key components like the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP) in states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- Larger Impact: It is expected to support India’s transition to Net Zero, manage increasing renewable energy share, and enable consumer participation in energy trading.
Key Features of India Energy Stack:
- Scalability and Integration: It supports the integration of smart meters, real-time analytics, and battery storage systems, aligning with India’s energy digitisation goals.
- Unique IDs: Provides digital identification for consumers, assets, and energy transactions, enabling seamless tracking and verification.
- Real-Time Data Sharing: Consent-based, standardised data exchange mechanisms between stakeholders improve efficiency and transparency.
- Open APIs: Allows integration of third-party solutions, encouraging innovation and energy fintech ecosystems.
- Interoperability: Facilitates communication between currently fragmented digital platforms used by different state utilities and regulators.
- Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP): A modular analytics layer to enable grid monitoring, load forecasting, demand-response, and consumer insights.
- Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading: Empowers prosumers (producers + consumers) to buy, sell, or store energy using a digital marketplace.
- Carbon Offset Tracking: Supports environmental compliance through transparent and verifiable emission reduction accounting.
- Decentralised Energy Management: Enables small-scale producers and communities to participate in energy markets via smart contracts and virtual power plants.
| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the countries by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies* |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to promote job creation, enhance employability, and expand social security—especially in the manufacturing sector.
About Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme:
- Objective: It aims to promote employment generation, enhance employability, and expand social security across all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.
- Inception: The scheme was first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 as part of the Prime Minister’s ₹2 lakh crore Employment and Skilling Package, which targets 4.1 crore youth.
- Goal: It seeks to create more than 3.5 crore jobs between 1st August 2025 and 31st July 2027.
Key Features of the ELI Scheme:
- It offers direct financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers to promote formalisation and sustained employment. It has 2 major components:
- Part A – Incentives to First-Time Employees:
- One-month EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) in two instalments.
- First instalment after 6 months of continuous service.
- Second instalment after 12 months and completion of a financial literacy programme.
- Eligibility for employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
- Portion of incentive saved in a deposit instrument.
- Benefits to approximately 1.92 crore new employees.
- Part B – Support to Employers:
- Incentives for employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh/month.
- Amount ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per employee per month, based on wage slabs.
- Employment must be sustained for at least 6 months.
- Manufacturing sector gets incentives for 4 years instead of 2.
- Employers must hire:
- At least 2 additional employees (if workforce < 50).
- At least 5 additional employees (if workforce ≥ 50).
- Payment Mechanism:
- Employees: via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
- Employers: via PAN-linked accounts.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters
Options: (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 2 only (d) 1,2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
In most modern office environments, internal and external communication is managed through a technology known as EPABX — Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange.
About EPABX:
- What is it: It is a system used by offices to manage internal and external phone calls efficiently.
- Internal and External Communication: It enables intercom communication within the organisation and provides access to external telephone lines through a unified network.
- Call Handling Features: EPABX can route, transfer, forward, or hold calls, reducing the need for multiple phone lines and improving overall communication.
- Modern Features: Advanced EPABX systems offer voicemail, call recording, automated attendants, and digital tool integration for business productivity.
How EPABX Works?
- Starting a Call: When the phone is picked up, an off-hook signal goes to the EPABX, which responds with a dial tone.
- Making Internal Calls: Users dial an extension number (like 104), and the EPABX connects them through its internal switching system.
- Making External Calls: To reach outside numbers, users dial an access code (usually 0) followed by the number; EPABX connects via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
- Handling Incoming Calls: Calls from outside are routed to the right extension using either a receptionist or an automated system (IVR) in newer setups.
- Switching Logic: The EPABX system works like a railway yard, directing signals along the correct path between the caller and the recipient.
Advancements in EPABX Technology:
- Early Systems: Older EPABX systems used electromechanical switches like crossbars for call routing.
- Digital Transition: Since the 1980s, systems adopted Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to digitise and share voice signals over fewer lines.
- VoIP Technology: Modern EPABX uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to transmit calls over the internet, similar to email routing using IP addresses.
| [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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