Why in the News?
India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.
About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:
- Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
- Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
- Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
- Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
- Corridor Coverage:
-
- Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
- Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
- Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
- Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.
Key Features of the DFC:
- Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
- Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
- Cargo Type by Corridor:
-
- Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
- Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
- Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
- Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
- Future Expansion Plans:
-
- East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
- East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
- North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
- Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
| [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?
Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam |
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Why in the News?
Ahead of the 16th Census of India, experts have stated that counting the six main indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is feasible.
About Jarawa Tribe:
- Location: They live in the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.
- Official Status: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the GoI.
- Population Growth: Their population has risen from 260 (1998) to around 647 (2025) due to better healthcare and low external interference.
- First Contact: Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade.
- Key Features:
- Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk, moving in nomadic groups of 40–50 individuals.
- Ancestry: Believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the earliest human migrants from Africa.
- Health Profile: They maintain strong physical health with low incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Lifespan: Natural childbirth is common, and the average lifespan now exceeds 50 years.
Note:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 PVTGs, which are among the most isolated and distinct indigenous communities in India. They are- Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens. |
Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- Overview: They are a subgroup within Scheduled Tribes considered most backward and vulnerable.
- Habitat: They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
- Distribution: There are 75 such groups identified and categorized PVTGs.
- Origin of the concept:
-
- The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
- During the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
- This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
- In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.
- Features of PVTGs: Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria are considered PVTGs:
-
- Pre-agricultural system of existence
- The practice of hunting and gathering
- Zero or negative population growth
- Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups.
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| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4* (d) 1, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
India is taking part in Talisman Sabre 2025, the 11th and largest edition of the Australia-U.S.-led multinational military exercise, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.
About Exercise Talisman Sabre:
- Overview: It is a biennial multinational joint military exercise, co-led by Australia and the United States.
- Inception: It began in 2005 and has been conducted every 2 years, typically during odd-numbered years.
- Objective: The primary aim is to enhance combat readiness, improve interoperability, and strengthen the joint operations capability of participating armed forces.
- Scope of Operations: It focuses on high-end warfighting, including:
- Crisis-action planning
- Contingency response
- Multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space
- Strategic Importance: It plays a key role in promoting regional security cooperation and supports the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Key Features of the 2025 Edition:
- Scale: The 2025 edition involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 participating countries, making it the largest and most complex iteration of the exercise so far.
- Participating Nations:
- Full participants: Australia, the United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
- Observer nations: Malaysia and Vietnam.
- Geographical Expansion: For the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted outside Australia, with training also planned in Papua New Guinea.
- New Defence Capabilities: The 2025 edition will showcase:
- UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
- Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system introduced by the Australian Defence Force
- Multi-Domain Focus: Operations will span across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of warfare.
- Strategic Outcome: It aims to improve regional response capabilities, strengthen defence partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| [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 |
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Why in the News?
Tamil Nadu CM stressed the need to declare the Thirukkural as a national book and to set up a major organisation in Delhi to promote Thiruvalluvar’s ideas.
About Thirukkural:
- Overview: Thirukkural is a classical Tamil literary work consisting of 1,330 couplets (kurals), each containing seven words.
- Form and Message: Composed in the Kural Venba poetic form, it is renowned for its universal values, secular ethics, and moral guidance that transcend time, religion, and culture.
- Authored by: The text is traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar, also known simply as Valluvar.
- How old is it: Scholars date the text between 300 BCE and 500 CE, though its exact period remains debated.
- Components: The Thirukkural is divided into 3 major sections:
-
- Aram (Virtue / Dharma): Deals with personal morality, non-violence, and ethical conduct—emphasizing values such as truth, charity, self-control, and compassion.
- Porul (Wealth / Artha): Focuses on social, political, and economic life, including governance, justice, taxation, warfare, diplomacy, and administration.
- Inbam (Love / Kama): Explores human emotions, love, and personal relationships, especially themes of romance, domestic life, and emotional well-being.
Key Features of Thirukkural:
- Ethical Emphasis: Promotes timeless values like non-violence (ahimsa), truth, self-restraint, gratitude, and hospitality.
- Societal Themes: Highlights issues such as education, friendship, agriculture, social justice, and temperance.
- Cultural Reverence: Referred to by honorifics such as “Tamil Veda” and “Divine Book”, symbolizing its moral and spiritual stature.
- Literary Qualities: Celebrated for its brevity, clarity, and philosophical depth, making it accessible and universally admired.
Back2Basics: Sangam Literature
- Overview: It refers to the ancient body of Tamil texts composed during the Sangam period, traditionally dated from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
- Meaning: The word Sangam means “assembly” or “academy”, referring to gatherings of Tamil poets under the patronage of Pandya kings.
- Historical Context: According to Tamil tradition, there were three Sangams:
-
- First Sangam (Madurai): No known literary works have survived.
- Second Sangam (Kapadapuram): Only Tolkappiyam (grammar and poetics) survives.
- Third Sangam (Madurai): Source of most surviving Sangam literature.
- Nature and Content:
- Literary Form: Written in classical Tamil poetry, the texts reflect secular themes like love, war, charity, governance, agriculture, and trade.
- Societal Insight: Offers a detailed glimpse into the social, political, and economic life of ancient Tamil society.
- Key Texts:
-
- Tolkappiyam: The earliest Tamil grammar and work on poetic theory.
- Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies): Collections of short poems.
- Pattupattu (Ten Idylls): Longer narrative poems.
- Padinenkilkanakku (Eighteen Minor Works): Didactic works focused on ethics and morality.
- Three Epics: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Sivaga Sindamani/. These were compiled later but are deeply influenced by Sangam themes.
|
| [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?
Options: (a) Kings employing women bodyguards
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death* |
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Why in the News?
The President of India has nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, and Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha.
About Nominated Members to the Rajya Sabha:
- Number and Tenure: The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term.
- Purpose of Nomination: This provision is meant to honor individuals with exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, literature, science, and social service.
- Constitutional Basis: This right is granted to the President under the Fourth Schedule, in accordance with Articles 4(1) and 80(2) of the Constitution of India.
- Constitutional Provisions for Nominated Members:
- Article 80(1)(a): Provides for nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President.
- Article 80(3): Specifies that the nominees must have special knowledge or practical experience in one or more of the following fields: Literature; Science; Art; Social service.
Composition of the Rajya Sabha:
- Total Strength: The current strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 members, comprising:
- 233 elected members representing States and Union Territories
- 12 nominated members by the President
- Permanent Nature: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
- Biennial Retirement: One-third members retire every two years, and elections are held to fill the vacant seats.
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Powers and Privileges of Nominated Members:
- Equal Rights in House Proceedings: Nominated members enjoy all powers, privileges, and immunities of an elected Member of Parliament.
- Participation in Proceedings: They can take part in all debates, discussions, and committees in the House.
- Voting Rights Exceptions:
- They cannot vote in the election of the President of India.
- They can vote in the election of the Vice President.
- Political Affiliation Provision: According to Article 99, a nominated member is given six months to join a political party after being nominated.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
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?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
About Lion-Tailed Macaque:
- Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
- Habitat and Behaviour
- Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
- Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
- Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
- Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
- Behaviour:
- Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
- Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
- Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
- Conservation Status:
-
- IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Population and Conservation Efforts:
-
- Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
- Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
- Ecological Importance:
- Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
- Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has decided to review and revise the 2011 guidelines on the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?
- Overview: ESZs, also called Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas (PAs) like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Purpose:
- Act as “shock absorbers” to protect areas by regulating potentially harmful activities.
- Serve as transition zones from highly protected to less protected ecosystems.
- Help conserve biodiversity, maintain landscape connectivity, and prevent fragmentation of habitats.
- Legal Basis:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, particularly Section 3(2)(v).
- Rule 5(1) of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
- Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002: Recommended declaring 10 km radius around PAs as default ESZ.
- Demarcation Process:
- ESZ boundaries vary in width based on ecological sensitivity and ground realities.
- Factors considered: species presence, migration routes, landscape linkage, human settlements, etc.
- Activity Zonation:
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydro projects, wood logging.
- Regulated: Tree felling, large-scale agriculture change, road widening, tourism infrastructure.
- Permitted: Rainwater harvesting, organic farming, green energy use.
- Present Status:
- 347 final notifications issued.
- Where no ESZ is notified, a default 10-km ESZ is applicable (SC 2022 ruling).
2011 Guidelines on ESZs:
- Issued by MoEFCC to standardize and guide the process of ESZ declaration.
- Key Features:
-
- Emphasized flexibility and site-specific demarcation.
- Classified activities into permitted, regulated, prohibited.
- Directed preparation of a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) within 2 years of ESZ notification.
- Called for community involvement, scientific input, and buffer management.
|
Recent Context:
- Reasons Behind: Revision One-size-fits-all (10-km blanket rule) is not effective:
- Urban examples: Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai), Asola Bhatti Sanctuary (Delhi).
- In Himachal Pradesh, ~65% area already under forest cover.
- Kerala: Fear of new sanctuary leading to more restrictions.
- Over-generalized: Existing guidelines unsuitable for marine sanctuaries, need ecosystem-specific norms.
| [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
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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| PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2023] Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
Linkage: The report says that India’s low scores in areas like women’s jobs and health show a deep problem that is slowing down the country’s progress. Even though the economy is growing, women are still left behind in key areas. That’s why the report’s low ranking is a strong warning. |
Mentor’s Comment: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has brought renewed attention to India’s poor performance in gender equality, ranking it 131 out of 148 countries. Despite being a global economic and digital power, the report highlights serious structural deficits in India, especially in women’s health, economic participation, and decision-making roles.
Today’s editorial analyses the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 for India. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, India was ranked very low in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, showing that there are serious and long-standing inequalities between men and women, especially in jobs and economic roles.
Why is India’s low gender gap ranking seen as a structural failure?
- Low Global Ranking in Gender Gap: According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, reflecting persistent inequality in key areas such as economic participation and health. This ranking indicates a structural issue beyond isolated policy failures.
- Poor Female Labour Force Participation: India ranks 143rd in economic participation and opportunity, with women earning less than one-third of what men do. Female labour force participation remains below 25%, revealing systemic barriers to employment despite rising educational levels.
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What health barriers limit women’s economic participation in India?
- High Anaemia Prevalence: Nearly 57% of women aged 15–49 suffer from anaemia (NFHS-5), which weakens physical capacity, affects cognitive ability, and reduces safe maternal outcomes, ultimately restricting their ability to work or study.
- Gendered Gaps in Healthcare Access: Women, especially in rural and low-income groups, face inadequate access to reproductive health, preventive care, and nutrition, leading to poor health outcomes and lower life expectancy than men.
- Neglect of Women’s Health in Policy: Public health systems often fail to prioritise women’s specific needs, with underfunded primary care, weak maternal services, and poor sanitation, resulting in chronic health issues that hinder long-term workforce participation.
How does unpaid care work hinder gender equality and growth?
- Limits Women’s Workforce Participation: Indian women perform nearly seven times more unpaid domestic work than men (Time Use Survey), leaving little time for formal employment or skill development.
For instance, many women drop out of jobs after childbirth due to lack of childcare support.
- Undervalued in National Economy: Despite its economic value, unpaid care work is invisible in GDP calculations and often excluded from policy priorities. Countries like Uruguay have tried to measure and integrate care work into development plans to promote inclusive growth.
- Worsens Gender Inequality in Decision-Making: The burden of care responsibilities keeps women out of leadership roles and policy spaces, reinforcing their marginalisation in public and private institutions. Low representation of women in budget committees leads to underfunding of women-centric welfare schemes.
| Note: The Time Use Survey, conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in India (latest available: 2019), provides valuable data on how individuals allocate time to various activities over a 24-hour period. |
Which global models can India adopt for care economy reforms?
- Uruguay’s Approach: The National Integrated Care System ensures universal access to services like childcare, eldercare, and disability assistance, aiming to reduce the unpaid care burden and promote professionalisation of care work.
- South Korea’s Model: Through expansive public investment in care services, including care vouchers and subsidised facilities, South Korea has enhanced female workforce participation and addressed the care gap in ageing and young populations.
- Nordic Countries’ Example: Nations like Sweden and Norway offer state-supported childcare, generous parental leave, and policies that promote shared caregiving roles, fostering strong welfare systems and improving gender equity.
What are the demographic risks of excluding women from the workforce?
- Rising Dependency Ratio: When women are excluded, fewer people contribute economically while more depend on them, especially as India’s population ages. Eg: By 2050, nearly 20% of Indians will be senior citizens, increasing the burden on a shrinking working population.
- Shrinking Labour Force: Low female participation limits the potential of India’s large youth base, reducing the nation’s demographic dividend. Eg: India’s female labour force participation was just 24% in 2023, compared to over 60% in many developing nations.
- Stagnant Economic Growth: Without women’s inclusion, GDP growth slows, and the country may miss massive income gains. Eg: McKinsey Global Institute estimated India could add $770 billion to its GDP by 2025 by closing gender gaps.
What are the demographic risks of excluding women from the workforce?
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to improve the child sex ratio, ensure education for girls, and raise awareness against gender discrimination.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): This maternity benefit scheme provides financial support to pregnant and lactating women for their first childbirth, promoting nutrition and health.
- Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): MSKs offer support services at the grassroots level, including skill training, employment guidance, legal aid, and digital literacy to empower rural women.
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Way forward:
- Invest in Women-Centric Infrastructure: Enhance public spending on healthcare, childcare, and eldercare services, especially at the primary level, to support women’s well-being and free up time for economic participation.
- Institutionalize Gender-Responsive Policies: Implement gender budgeting, time-use surveys, and inclusive labour reforms to recognize unpaid care work and promote women’s entry into the formal workforce.
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Why in the News?
The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ of India have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the cultural category during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris.
About Maratha Military Landscapes:
- Overview: A network of 12 forts showcasing the Maratha Empire’s military architecture and strategic fortification from the 17th to 19th centuries.
- Time Period: Developed between 1670 CE (Shivaji’s era) and 1818 CE (end of Peshwa rule).
- Geographical Spread: 11 forts in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu (Gingee Fort), covering hill, coastal, forest, plateau, and island terrains.
- Key Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg (Maharashtra); Gingee (Tamil Nadu).
- Types:
- Hill forts: Rajgad, Raigad
- Hill-forest: Shivneri
- Coastal: Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg
- Island: Khanderi, Sindhudurg
- Protection:
- 8 forts by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- 4 forts by Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology & Museums
- Ideology: Reflects Shivaji’s military decentralization, terrain-based defense, and self-sustaining fort systems.
- Tagged under cultural criteria:
- (iii) Exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
- (iv) Outstanding example of military architecture
- (vi) Association with historic events and traditions
What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
- A WHS is a landmark or area recognized for its cultural, historical, natural, or scientific value to humanity.
- It is governed by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972).
- India formally signed the Convention on November 14, 1977.
- Sites are selected by the World Heritage Committee, comprising 21 elected state parties.
- Categories include:
- Cultural (e.g., forts, temples, cities)
- Natural (e.g., forests, parks, biodiversity sites)
- Mixed (having both cultural and natural value)
- Selection is based on 10 criteria (6 cultural + 4 natural); at least one must be met.
- Once inscribed, sites are eligible for global recognition, protection, and funding.
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| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement.
What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme?
- Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
- Primary Aim: To engage student volunteers as “Sanchar Mitras” or digital ambassadors to spread awareness about telecom-related issues.
- Purpose:
- Bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
- Promote safe and informed use of telecom services.
- Encourage public participation in India’s digital transformation.
- Implementation Status:
- Piloted in select institutions.
- Now being scaled up for nationwide rollout.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Target Audience: It primarily targets students from engineering and technical backgrounds such as telecommunications, computer science, electronics, and cybersecurity.
- Selection of Volunteers: Students will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras in consultation with DoT field units and educational institutions.
- Training Modules: Volunteers will be trained to conduct grassroots campaigns on cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible digital behavior.
- Training Institutions: Training will be delivered by the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT.
- Core Pillars: The scheme is structured around three key pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
- Tech Awareness Promotion: Sanchar Mitras will promote awareness on emerging telecom technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Community Outreach: Students will engage with communities, NGOs, and schools to foster a culture of informed digital citizenship.
- Strategic Alignment: It aligns with India’s strength in the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.
| [UPSC 2010] Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
Options: (a) EDGE (b) LTE (c) DSL* (d) Both EDGE and LTE |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched E-Truck Incentive Scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.
What is E-Truck Incentive Scheme?
- Overview: It is a dedicated scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks under the broader PM E-DRIVE initiative.
- First-of-its-Kind Support: This is the first direct government support specifically for electric trucks to promote clean, efficient, and sustainable freight mobility.
- Target Vehicle Categories: It targets N2 and N3 category trucks, as per Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR):
- N2: GVW above 3.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes
- N3: GVW above 12 tonnes up to 55 tonnes
- Incentive for Articulated Vehicles: For articulated vehicles, the incentive applies only to the puller tractor of the N3 category, not the trailer.
- Warranty Requirements:
- Battery: 5 years or 5 lakh km, whichever comes first
- Motor & Vehicle: 5 years or 2.5 lakh km
- Incentive Details:
- Based on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Maximum support capped at ₹9.6 lakh per e-truck
- Incentives are given as upfront discounts, reimbursed to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through the PM E-DRIVE portal
- Deployment Goal: It aims to support the deployment of 5,600 electric trucks across India.
- 1,100 trucks reserved for Delhi, with ₹100 crore allocated due to high pollution levels
- Mandatory Scrappage Clause: To qualify, applicants must scrap an old diesel truck via scrappage centres approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Sectoral Impact: It is expected to benefit sectors like steel, ports, cement, and logistics by reducing fuel costs and improving air quality.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
- Overview: It stands for Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement, launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in September 2024.
- Long-Term Goal: To to foster an EV ecosystem, reduce carbon emissions, and help India achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- Budget Allocation: It has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore for two years, aimed at accelerating India’s electric mobility transition.
- Scope and Coverage: It supports multiple vehicle categories: Two-wheelers; Three-wheelers; Electric trucks; Electric buses and Electric ambulances.
- Demand Incentive: It provides direct demand incentives to buyers through OEMs, lowering the upfront cost of EVs.
- Category-wise Allocation:
- ₹3,679 crore: For two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, and trucks
- ₹500 crore: Specifically for electric ambulance procurement
- ₹4,391 crore: To procure 14,028 electric buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
- Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore allocated to build 72,300 public charging stations nationwide, including:
- Fast chargers for four-wheelers, buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers
- Digital E-Voucher System:
- Incentives claimed through Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers
- Signed digitally by both buyer and dealer for transparency
- Vehicle Scrappage Mandate: Scrapping of old vehicles is mandatory to claim certain incentives, especially for electric trucks, promoting fleet modernization.
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| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:
I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles
How many of the above are considered as alternative (powertrain) vehicles?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
Mizoram Governor has imposed Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) due to prolonged political instability and repeated leadership changes.
About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
- Basis: They are local self-governing institutions established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Coverage: ADCs are constituted in tribal areas of the northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (ATM2).
- Purpose: These councils aim to provide autonomy to tribal communities to preserve their culture, customs, and govern their local affairs.
- Notification: Each tribal area notified under the Sixth Schedule is declared an autonomous district, governed by its respective ADC.
- Objective: The primary objectives of ADCs are to promote tribal self-governance, ensure local development, and protect tribal identity and rights.
Key Features of ADCs
- Legal Status: ADCs are formed through constitutional provisions under the Sixth Schedule and are not governed by state laws.
- Council Composition: Each ADC comprises up to 30 members, of which 26 are elected by adult suffrage and 4 are nominated by the Governor.
- Tenure: The tenure of an ADC is 5 years from the date of its constitution.
- Scope of Authority: ADCs have legislative, executive, and limited judicial powers specific to the needs of tribal communities.
- Applicability of Laws: State and Central laws do not automatically apply in ADC areas unless explicitly extended by the Governor.
Powers and Functions of ADCs:
- Law-Making Powers: ADCs can enact laws on land management, agriculture, and forest use (excluding reserved forests).
- Customary Regulations: They can regulate inheritance, marriage, divorce, and social customs, and appoint traditional chiefs and headmen.
- Local Administration: It oversee services such as primary education, dispensaries, roads, markets, and fisheries.
- Judicial Functions: Councils can establish village courts to try civil and criminal cases involving tribal members, with sentencing powers up to five years.
- Regulation of Trade: They may regulate money lending and trade by non-tribals, subject to Governor’s approval.
- Revenue Sources: It can levy taxes on professions, trades, animals, vehicles, markets, ferries, and public infrastructure like roads and schools.
Autonomy and Limitations:
- Degree of Autonomy: ADCs enjoy substantial legislative and administrative autonomy within their territorial jurisdiction.
- Non-Applicability of General Laws: Parliamentary and State laws apply only when directed by the Governor, ensuring self-rule.
- Governor’s Oversight: Despite autonomy, the Governor retains discretionary powers and can approve, modify, or annul council decisions.
- Financial Constraints: ADCs often face limited revenue generation, which restricts their developmental effectiveness.
- Administrative Challenges: Operational issues include leadership instability, shortage of trained personnel, and state-level interference in council functions.
| [UPSC 2015] The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to:
Options: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes * (b) determine the boundaries between States (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats (d) protect the interests of all border States |
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Why in the News?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan over the persecution of women, a crime against humanity.
About the International Criminal Court (ICC):
- Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
- Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals for grave crimes.
- Jurisdiction over 4 core crimes:
- Genocide
- Crimes against humanity
- War crimes
- Crime of aggression
- Members: 124 States Parties
- NON-members: India, China, USA, Russia, Israel, Ukraine
- Structure:
- Office of the Prosecutor – investigates and prosecutes cases.
- 18 Judges – elected for 9 years.
- Assembly of States Parties – governs ICC administration.
- Trust Fund for Victims, Detention Centre
- Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish
- Funding: Annual budget (2025) ~ €195 million (mostly from member states)
Reach of an ICC Warrant:
- Applicability:
- Crimes by nationals of member states
- Crimes committed on member state territory
- UNSC referrals can extend jurisdiction to non-member states (e.g., Libya, Darfur)
- Obligations on States:
- Member states must execute arrest warrants and cooperate fully.
- Non-compliance can be reported to Assembly of States Parties or UN Security Council (for UNSC referrals)
- Challenges:
- ICC lacks an independent enforcement mechanism
- Non-members (e.g., US, Russia) are not bound to cooperate
- Political and diplomatic constraints hinder the execution of warrants
- Special Mechanisms: ICC established an Arrest Working Group (2016) to enhance warrant enforcement through better intelligence-sharing.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1.The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction to prosecute nationals of even those States that have not ratified the Rome Statute.
2. The International Criminal Court is a ‘court of last resort’ intended to complement national judicial systems.
3. The United Nations Security Council can refer a situation to the Prosecutor of the ICC even if the State concerned is not a party to the Statute.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
Recent U.S. domestic policies on universities, companies, and immigration are causing short-term economic pain for India. However, they also offer long-term strategic opportunities. These changes may indicate the end of Pax Americana.
Why do U.S. policy shifts offer both risks and opportunities for India?
Opportunities for India:
- Manufacturing Opportunity: As U.S.–China tensions disrupt global supply chains, India can attract companies looking to diversify production. Eg: Apple shifting iPhone assembly to India reflects the country’s growing role as a China+1 manufacturing hub.
- Chance to Implement Bold Domestic Reforms: With reduced global dependence, India can focus on strengthening its internal systems through deregulation, decentralisation, and investment in human capital. Eg: A proposed 180-day plan calls for cutting compliance burdens, empowering state governments, and granting autonomy to top institutions like IITs and IIMs.
- Higher Education and Innovation Ecosystem: As American universities face political and financial pressure, India can position its institutions as global research and innovation leaders. Eg: Granting “poorna swaraj” (full autonomy) to institutions like IISc, Ashoka, and IITs can help them climb global university rankings and drive home-grown R&D.
Risks for India:
- Decline in Remittances and Student Enrolment: Stricter U.S. immigration and visa policies can reduce the flow of Indian students and workers, affecting remittances and global exposure. Eg: H-1B visa tightening under Trump led to fewer Indian tech workers entering the U.S., impacting remittancesand brain circulation.
- Disruption to Exports and Supply Chains: Protectionist trade measures and tariffs can disrupt India’s export-dependent sectors like software, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
What impact has U.S. research and immigration had on India’s growth?
- Skilled Immigration: Indian immigrants in the U.S. contribute significantly to tech and scientific advancement, creating reverse knowledge flow to India. Over 70% of H-1B visas (2022) were granted to Indians, many of whom later founded companies or returned with expertise. Eg: Infosys, Wipro, and TCS have benefited from U.S.-trained professionals in leadership and innovation roles.
- High Remittances Fueling Economic Stability: Indian diaspora in the U.S. contributes a major share of remittance inflows, supporting India’s foreign exchange reservesand rural economy. According to the World Bank (2023), the U.S. contributed over $23 billion in remittances to India, nearly 25% of India’s total remittance receipts.
- Advancing Indian R&D and Education: U.S. federal funding has indirectly boosted India’s scientific growth through collaborations and return migration. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research contributed to 99% of new drugs approved between 2010–2019. Eg: Indian researchers trained in U.S. labs or funded via U.S.-India Science and Technology Forum (USISTEF)have driven innovation in biotech, vaccines, and AI in India.
What does a weakening Pax Americana mean for India’s strategy?
Pax Americana refers to the period of relative global peace and stability under the dominance of the United States, particularly after World War II.
- Push for Strategic Autonomy and Multipolar Engagement: As U.S. dominance declines, India must strengthen ties with multiple global powers while maintaining independence in foreign policy. India’s active role in BRICS, QUAD, and IMEC reflects efforts to diversify strategic partnerships and avoid overdependence on any one nation.
- Accelerated Domestic Reforms for Economic Resilience: With global uncertainty, India needs internal strength through deregulation, decentralisation, and investment in infrastructure and skills. PLI schemes, Digital Public Infrastructure, Make in India, and self-reliance efforts show a move toward economic resilience.
- Enhanced Role in Global Governance and Norm Setting: A weakening U.S. opens space for India to shape the global agenda in climate change, digital governance, and international trade. India’s G20 presidency and promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure as a global good underline its leadership in global norm-setting.
What are the key reforms that can boost India’s global economic standing? (Way forward)
- Simplification: Simplifying regulations for employers by reducing compliance burdens, redundant filings, and removing criminal penalties in business laws can foster a more business-friendly environment. A focused 180-day plan to cut red tape would significantly improve ease of doing business and attract global investors.
- Decentralisation: Decentralising power to States and cities by transferring funds, functions, and personnel empowers local governments to drive regional economic development. This enhances capacity for targeted innovation and creates globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems.
- Autonomy: Empowering higher education and research institutions like IITs, IISc, and IIMs through full autonomy allows them to innovate, form global collaborations, and improve their position in international rankings.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect the macroeconomic stability of India?
Linkage: The rise of protectionism, which can be associated with policies like “Make America Great Again” mentioned in the article, signifies a shift in global trade dynamics. This question asks about the impact of such phenomena on India’s macroeconomic stability, underscoring the need for India to adapt and strengthen its economy in response to these global changes.
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Why in the News?
The Indian government recently claimed that India is among the world’s most equal societies, citing a Gini Index of 25.5 from the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief, which would place India as the fourth most equal country globally. However, this claim has sparked debate and criticism from economists and inequality researchers.
What is the Gini Index?
The Gini Index (or Gini coefficient) is a statistical measure of inequality within a population. It is commonly used to measure income or wealth inequality, but can also be applied to consumption inequality. |
What are the flaws in using consumption-based Gini to measure inequality?
- Underestimates Real Inequality: Consumption is usually smoother than income because high earners tend to save more rather than spend proportionately. This leads to an underestimation of inequality. Eg: A billionaire may consume modestly while saving most income, appearing similar to a middle-class consumer in surveys, but with vastly different wealth.
- Poor Cross-Country Comparability: India uses consumption-based data while most other countries use income-based Gini, making international comparisons misleading. Eg: India’s Gini of 25.5 (consumption-based) appears more equal than OECD countries, but income-based Gini (62) shows much higher inequality.
- Low survey participation: Surveys often miss the richest due to non-response or sampling issues, failing to reflect the real inequality they contribute to. Eg: The richest 1% earn disproportionately more, but their low survey participation leads to underreported inequality.
Why is the World Inequality Database seen as more reliable?
- Uses Income and Wealth Tax Data: Unlike consumption surveys, WID incorporates income tax and wealth tax data, which captures the top 1% of earners often missed in surveys. Eg: WID shows India’s income Gini Index rose from 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023, revealing growing inequality missed by consumption-based metrics.
- Captures Extreme Disparities: WID focuses on distributional national accounts, helping identify disparities between the top 10% and bottom 50%, which Gini often misses. Eg: In 2023-24, the top 10% in India earned 13 times more than the bottom 10%, a gap accurately captured by WID.
- Global Comparability and Peer Review: WID data is transparent, methodologically standardised, and peer-reviewed by global economists, making it a trusted source for cross-country comparison. Eg: Countries like France and the US use WID for policy framing on progressive taxation and redistribution.
What are the alternatives to the Gini Index that better reflect extreme disparities?
- Palma Ratio: The Palma Ratio compares the income share of the top 10% to that of the bottom 40%, focusing directly on income inequality between the rich and poor. Eg: In countries like South Africa, the Palma Ratio highlights stark disparities that are often missed by the Gini Index.
- Theil Index (Generalized Entropy Measures): The Theil Index allows for decomposition of inequality within and between population groups like rural vs urban. Eg: In Brazil, it has been used to analyze racial and regional disparities more precisely than the Gini Index.
What are the policy risks of underestimating inequality?
- Misguided Policy Design: When inequality is underestimated, governments may prioritize growth-focused policies without ensuring inclusive development. This can lead to insufficient investment in social protection, health, and education for marginalized groups.
- Widening Socioeconomic Gaps: Underestimating inequality allows elite capture of resources and opportunities, worsening wealth concentration. This can deepen inter-generational poverty, especially for rural, low-caste, and female-led households.
- Social and Political Instability: Failure to address real inequality can fuel public discontent, protests, and even extremism. It undermines trust in institutions and weakens democratic legitimacy over time.
What are the policy risks of underestimating inequality?
- Misguided Policy Priorities: Underestimating inequality leads to policies focused only on aggregate growth, neglecting equity. Eg: India’s high GDP growth often overshadowed poor social investment in rural health and education, worsening human development gaps.
- Weak Targeting of Welfare Schemes: If inequality is not accurately measured, social protection may miss the truly needy. Eg: Exclusion errors in schemes like PDS or PM-KISAN arise because top income groups are not properly excluded due to lack of granular data.
- Rising Social Unrest and Distrust: Ignoring inequality can result in resentment, protests, and political instability. Eg: Farmer protests in India reflected deeper rural-urban income divides and perceived neglect of smallholder concerns.
Way forward:
- Improve Data Collection Methods: Strengthen surveys by combining consumption data with income tax records, and ensure better representation of top income groups to capture true inequality.
- Adopt Comprehensive Inequality Metrics: Use alternative indicators like the Palma Ratio or income shares of top 10% vs bottom 50%, alongside the Gini Index, for a more accurate assessment.
- Design Inclusive Policy Frameworks: Align fiscal policies, welfare schemes, and tax reforms with accurate inequality data to target marginalized groups effectively and reduce social and regional disparities.
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: This question critically examines the effectiveness of current policies intended to reduce inequality and promote social justice. It suggests that, despite official claims or stated objectives, the intended benefits are not effectively reaching the marginalised groups, thereby raising doubts about the actual progress in reducing inequality. It reflects the broader issue of implementation challenges in governance.
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2019] Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss
Linkage: The PYQ’s focus on “Empowering women” directly reflects this crucial aspect of granting individuals, particularly young women, the choice and control over their bodies and lives. The article further elaborates that true empowerment means equipping adolescents, especially girls, with the skills, education, and opportunities. |
Mentor’s Comment: The World Population Day 2025 has reignited global and national discussions on youth empowerment, reproductive rights, and falling fertility rates. With the theme “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world”, the UN highlights the need for informed reproductive choices and access to health, education, and economic opportunities, especially for India’s large youth population. The day also coincides with the release of the UNFPA’s State of World Population Report 2025, which warns that the real fertility crisis lies not in declining birth rates, but in the unmet reproductive goals due to financial, social, and infrastructural constraints.
Today’s editorial analyses the youth empowerment, reproductive rights, and falling fertility rates. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, World Population Day 2025 has brought renewed attention to global and national debates on empowering youth, ensuring reproductive rights, and addressing the challenges of declining fertility rates.
Why is youth empowerment essential for harnessing India’s demographic dividend?
- India’s youth population is a major economic asset: With over 371 million people aged 15–29, India has the world’s largest youth population. If equipped with quality education, skills, health, and family planning services, this segment can become a powerful engine of economic growth and innovation.
- Youth empowerment boosts national productivity and employment: Empowered youth can significantly reduce unemployment and enhance social outcomes. According to the World Bank and NITI Aayog, unlocking youth potential could increase India’s GDP by up to $1 trillion by 2030.
- Empowerment ensures participation in nation-building: By promoting reproductive autonomy, gender equality, and economic independence, youth, especially young women, can participate in decision-making and shape their futures, contributing meaningfully to sustainable development.
What barriers hinder reproductive autonomy and fertility choices in India?
- Limited access to family planning services and information: A significant share of the population lacks access to modern contraceptives, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, and counselling. Eg: According to the UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025, 36% of Indian adults faced unintended pregnancies, while 30% had unmet reproductive goals, reflecting systemic gaps in reproductive healthcare access.
- Socio-cultural norms and gender inequality: Patriarchal attitudes, early marriages, and taboos around women’s reproductive rights often prevent young women from making independent fertility decisions. Eg: Though child marriage rates have declined, they remain high at 23.3% (NFHS-5, 2019–21), indicating how cultural practices continue to limit women’s reproductive autonomy.
- Economic insecurity and structural barriers: Financial constraints, lack of housing, quality childcare, and secure employment inhibit couples from achieving their desired family size. Eg: A UNFPA survey found that 38% of Indian respondents cited financial limitations and 22% housing constraintsas major reasons for not fulfilling fertility aspirations.
How have schemes tackled child marriage and women’s empowerment?
- Promoting girls’ education to delay early marriages: Schemes like Project Udaan in Rajasthan focused on keeping girls in secondary school using government scholarships, reducing the incidence of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
- Enhancing reproductive health awareness and services: Programmes such as Udaan and Advika improved access to modern contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health education, thereby strengthening reproductive agency among young women.
- Empowering adolescents through life skills and leadership training: The Advika programme in Odisha helped prevent child marriage by providing life-skills training, leadership development, and child protection awareness across thousands of villages.
- Fostering economic independence and employment: Project Manzil, implemented in Rajasthan, aligned skill training with young women’s aspirations and connected them to gender-sensitive workplaces, empowering over 16,000 women with employment and negotiation power.
- Engaging communities to shift social norms: Behaviour change strategies under projects like Manzil worked to challenge harmful gender norms and involved families and communities, leading to reduced resistance against girls’ education and work.
Why should population discourse focus on rights and gender equity over fertility panic?
- Respecting reproductive autonomy prevents coercion: Framing falling fertility as a “crisis” can lead to target-driven pronatalist policies that pressure women to reproduce, threatening their right to bodily autonomy. Eg: In countries like Hungary and Iran, such policies have led to restrictions on abortion and contraception, undermining women’s freedom.
- Empowering women yields long-term social gains: Promoting gender equality, economic participation, and education for women improves both fertility decisions and broader development outcomes. Eg: Nordic countries like Sweden focus on workplace equality and parental leave, ensuring women can choose when and whether to have children.
- Inclusive policy design avoids harmful stereotyping: Fertility panic often ignores the needs of those who want children but face barriers, while blaming those who are voluntarily childfree. Eg: The UNFPA’s 2025 report shows that 40% of respondents globally had to forgo childbearing due to financial and structural obstacles, not personal choice.
What can India learn from global responses to fertility decline?
- Focus on enabling choices, not coercion: Countries like South Korea have spent billions on pronatalist incentives, but results remained limited until recent societal support systems (e.g., childcare, housing, and financial aid) improved. India must prioritize voluntary reproductive agency over target-driven incentives.
- Promote gender equity in workforce and caregiving: Fertility policies that reinforce traditional gender roles have backfired. Instead of pressuring women to bear more children, countries like Sweden have boosted fertility by promoting gender-equal parenting, paternal leave, and women’s employment, which India can emulate.
Way forward:
- Invest in rights-based reproductive health systems: Ensure universal access to quality contraceptives, safe abortion, maternal care, and infertility services, while safeguarding individuals’ reproductive autonomy through accurate health education and gender-sensitive policies.
- Shift from fertility targets to gender equity: Focus on empowering women through education, economic independence, and childcare support, instead of promoting pronatalist incentives that risk reinforcing patriarchal norms and limiting personal choices.
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Why in the News?
Recently, a span of a 40-year-old bridge collapsed in Vadodara, Gujarat, on July 9, sending multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar river and resulting in the death of 18 people.
What causes recurring public infrastructure failures in India?
- Ageing and outdated infrastructure: Many structures like the Morbi suspension bridge (2022) in Gujarat had exceeded their intended lifespan, yet continued to be in use without adequate upgrades.
- Overuse and overload beyond design capacity: Bridges and roads originally designed for lower traffic volumes now face high urban and industrial load, as seen in the Indrayani pedestrian bridge collapse in Pune (2024) due to overloading.
- Neglect and poor maintenance: Lack of routine inspections and maintenance led to incidents like the Vadodara bridge collapse (2024), where locals had raised concerns that were ignored by authorities.
- Institutional inefficiency and under-resourcing: Municipal and local bodies often remain understaffed and underfunded, unable to monitor and maintain growing infrastructure needs, especially in peri-urban areas.
- Lack of accountability and transparency: Even after fatal accidents like the Mizoram railway bridge girder collapse (2023), failure analysis reports are rarely made public, limiting systemic learning and corrective action.
What is Peri-urban infrastructure?
Peri-urban infrastructure refers to the basic facilities and services (like roads, bridges, water supply, drainage, electricity, etc.) found in the transitional zones between urban and rural areas. |
Why is peri-urban infrastructure more prone to collapse?
- Unregulated and informal urban expansion: Peri-urban areas often develop without proper zoning laws, building codes, or infrastructure planning. This results in substandard construction, making infrastructure vulnerable to collapse. In many Indian outskirts, flyovers and water systems are built around unplanned colonies, lacking load assessment.
- Jurisdictional ambiguity and poor coordination: Peri-urban regions often fall between urban and rural governance structures, leading to confusion in responsibility for maintenance and oversight. In Delhi NCR’s fringes, conflicts between municipal bodies and panchayats delay repair and auditing of key infrastructure.
- Low visibility and weak political prioritization: These areas lack media attention and political pressure seen in core urban centres, resulting in deferred maintenance. In Hyderabad’s outer zones, repeated complaints about weakening culverts were ignored until seasonal floodingcaused failure.
How can AMRUT and UIDF improve asset upkeep?
- Focused maintenance and retrofitting: AMRUT 2.0 prioritizes the retrofitting of old urban infrastructure such as pipelines, water supply, and sewerage systems. Eg: In cities like Agra and Pune, AMRUT funding has helped upgrade outdated drainage systems to prevent floodingand infrastructure degradation.
- Targeted financial support for smaller cities: UIDF provides low-cost loans to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities that often lack budgetary resources for upkeep. Eg: In peri-urban areas of Madhya Pradesh, UIDF enabled the repair of worn-out roads and bridges strained by rapid population growth.
- Promotion of digital monitoring and audits: Both schemes encourage the use of geo-tagging and digital tracking tools to monitor asset health and schedule timely repairs. Eg: Cities like Bhubaneswar and Surat use AMRUT-linked dashboards to track infrastructure health and flag issues before failures occur.
What gaps delay audits and accountability post-collapse?
- Jurisdictional overlap between agencies: Multiple departments—urban development, public works, and local bodies—often share responsibility for infrastructure. This leads to confusion over which authority must initiate audits after a collapse. Eg: After a flyover collapse in Hyderabad, delays occurred as both the GHMC and state PWD passed the responsibility to each other.
- Political interference and blame-shifting: In high-profile accidents, inquiries are sometimes delayed or diluted due to political pressures or attempts to shield influential contractors. Eg: In the Kolkata Vivekananda flyover collapse (2016), early accusations were politicized, stalling a clear and prompt audit process.
Way forward:
- Establish a unified statutory audit authority: Create a dedicated, independent body responsible for conducting post-collapse audits across all public infrastructure, ensuring timely investigations, clear jurisdiction, and mandatory public disclosure of findings.
- Implement real-time digital monitoring systems: Use GIS mapping, IoT sensors, and AI-based predictive maintenance tools to track structural health and alert authorities proactively, minimizing risks and improving accountability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Explain how Private Public Partnership arrangements, in long gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations’capacities are not compromised?
Linkage: The article highlights several incidents of catastrophic public infrastructure failures in India, such as a 40-year-old bridge collapse in Vadodara, a pedestrian bridge collapse in Pune, and a metro pillar collapse in Bengaluru. This PYQ is highly relevant as it directly addresses the critical themes of long-term infrastructure management, potential liabilities, and ensuring future capacity.
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Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court of India has intervened in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, urging the Election Commission (EC) to consider documents like Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration cards as valid identity proof.
Why did the SC question Aadhaar’s exclusion from voter ID documents?
- Widespread Use for Identity Verification: The Court noted that Aadhaar is one of the most widely used and accepted documents for establishing identity in India. It questioned why Aadhaar, considered essential for obtaining various official documents, was excluded while documents like caste certificates were included.
- Relevance to Identity, Not Citizenship: The Court emphasized that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is about verifying identity, not citizenship. Since Aadhaar serves that purpose effectively, its exclusion lacked justification.
- Non-Exclusivity of Document List: The Court highlighted that the Election Commission’s list of 11 acceptable documents was not exhaustive, and in the interest of justice, Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration cards should also be considered valid for voter registration.
What issues surround the timing and conduct of the SIR in Bihar?
- Short and Rigid Timelines: The Supreme Court noted that the 30-day deadlines for citizens to verify and submit documents were too short, raising concerns about procedural fairness.
- Unclear Classification of SIR: The Court observed that the Bihar SIR was neither “summary” nor “special” as defined under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, making the exercise appear legally ambiguous.
Why is Aadhaar controversial in proving voter citizenship?
- Not a Proof of Citizenship: The Aadhaar Act clearly states that Aadhaar is meant for identity verification, not citizenship confirmation. It can be issued to non-citizens who are residents, which makes it unreliable as evidence for voting eligibility.
- Risk of Inclusion Errors: Using Aadhaar may result in non-citizens being wrongly enrolled as voters due to data inaccuracies or misuse, thereby compromising the integrity of the electoral rolls.
- High Dependence Among Marginalised Groups: In regions like Bihar, 87% of people have Aadhaar, but few possess documents like passports or matriculation certificates. If Aadhaar is excluded, vulnerable citizens risk disenfranchisement, raising concerns about equity and access.
What are the issues related to the Adhaar Card and NPR in India?
- Overlap of Purpose and Confusion on Citizenship: While Aadhaar is officially a tool for identity verification and welfare delivery, and NPR is for creating a register of residents, their perceived linkage with citizenship screening (especially post-CAA debate) has led to widespread fear and confusion. Eg: During the 2020 NPR update, several states (e.g., West Bengal, Kerala) halted implementation, citing concerns over its potential use for citizenship determination.
- Privacy and Data Security Concerns: Both Aadhaar and NPR involve massive collection of personal data, but the legal and technological safeguards for privacy and misuse remain inadequate. Aadhaar has faced leaks, while NPR has been criticised for seeking sensitive demographic data without clear purpose. Eg: In 2018, UIDAI acknowledged multiple cases where Aadhaar data was accessible through public domains or appswithout authorisation.
- Exclusion due to Documentation Gaps: Aadhaar and NPR can inadvertently exclude individuals lacking proper documentation—especially the poor, migrants, or marginalised groups—from public services or the voter list. Eg: Reports from Jharkhand revealed cases where lack of Aadhaar linkage led to denial of PDS rations, contributing to hunger-related deaths.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Legal Safeguards and Clarity: Enact clear legislative guidelines to distinguish the roles of Aadhaar, NPR, and citizenship documentation, ensuring they are not misused for exclusionary practices. A robust data protection law must accompany these measures.
- Promote Inclusion and Transparency: Ensure all government identity and registration drives are conducted with public awareness, grievance redressal mechanisms, and opt-out provisions for vulnerable groups, to prevent exclusion and build trust in institutions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
Linkage: This PYQ directly relates to the essence of the statement “Consider Aadhaar, EPIC, ration card as proof” by focusing on the Aadhaar Card and the debates and implications surrounding its use as a governmental tool.
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Why in the News?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its latest Frontiers 2025 report titled The Weight of Time, has warned that increased river and coastal flooding caused by climate change could unearth dangerous legacy pollutants from water bodies.
About Legacy Pollutants:
- Definition: Legacy pollutants refer to toxic substances like heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that continue to remain in the environment even decades after their use has been banned or restricted.
- Examples:
- Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic.
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):
- Pesticides: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), Aldrin, Endrin, Chlordane.
- Industrial Chemicals: PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), Dioxins, Furans.
- By-products: Produced from incineration, metal smelting, and waste burning.
- Persistence: These substances are highly resistant to environmental degradation and accumulate in riverbeds, lakes, estuaries, and other sediment-rich ecosystems.
- Health Hazards: Even at low exposure levels, legacy pollutants can cause: Neurotoxicity (nervous system damage), Immunotoxicity (immune disruption), Hepatotoxicity (liver damage), Reproductive toxicity (infertility, birth defects), Carcinogenicity (various cancers), Endocrine disruption etc.
- Sources:
- Past industrial practices, use of banned agricultural chemicals, and obsolete pesticide stockpiles.
- Improperly managed chemical landfills, which still hold an estimated 4.8–7 million tonnes of POP waste globally.
Key Highlights of Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time (UNEP):
- Retreat of Toxins: Climate change-induced flooding can unearth and redistribute toxic legacy pollutants from contaminated sediments into the environment and food chain.
- How? Floodwaters re-suspend heavy metals and POPs trapped in sediment.
- Case Studies Cited:
- Hurricane Harvey (Texas, 2017): Released mercury and carcinogenic chemicals from flood-induced sediment dispersal into Galveston Bay.
- Niger Delta Floods (Nigeria, 2012): Mobilised Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oil-contaminated sediments.
- Pakistan Floods (2010 & 2022): Washed away obsolete pesticide stockpiles, spreading DDT and other POPs into floodwaters and soils.
- India-Specific Findings:
- Sediments of Ganga, Hindon, and Vaigai Rivers show dangerously high levels of Cadmium.
- Cadmium is a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor, with potential to cause kidney, bone, and reproductive harm.
- Ayad and Vaigai Rivers also showed up deadly levels of Lead concentration.
| [UPSC 2016] Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol 3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde 5. Uranium
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only* (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and UNICEF India launched TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub), a first-of-its-kind national initiative for holistic development of tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
About the TALASH Initiative:
- Overview: TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) is a national programme launched by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in partnership with UNICEF India.
- Target Group: It is aimed at the holistic development of tribal students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.
- Objectives: The initiative fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, life skills, and career clarity among tribal youth.
- Focus: It is the first national initiative in India designed specifically for tribal students.
- Broader Policy: TALASH aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, promoting inclusive, equitable, and competency-based education.
- Coverage Goal: Over 1,38,336 students across 28 States and 8 Union Territories are expected to benefit.
- Implementation: By the end of 2025, TALASH aims to be implemented in all EMRSs nationwide.
Key Features of TALASH:
- Psychometric Assessments:
- Inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’, TALASH offers aptitude tests to help students discover their interests, abilities, and potential.
- Based on the results, students receive Career Cards suggesting suitable career options.
- Career Counselling: The platform offers structured career guidance to help students make informed decisions aligned with their strengths and aspirations.
- Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules: TALASH teaches communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and self-confidence through interactive modules.
- E-Learning for Teachers:
- A dedicated online portal provides training and resources to teachers to help them mentor students effectively.
- So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained to lead school-level sessions.
| [UPSC 2017] With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.
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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