Why in the News?
- The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has accepted the Centreâs proposal to simplify GST into a two-rate structure.
- The recommendation will now be placed before the GST Council for final approval.

About Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- Nature: Comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax on goods and services.
- Introduction: Launched July 1, 2017, via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
- Replaced Taxes: Subsumed excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), service tax, etc.
- Objectives: One NationâOne Tax, reduce cascading taxation, simplify compliance, expand tax base.
- Structure: Five slabs â 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%, with cess on luxury/sin goods (tobacco, cars, online gaming).
- Exemptions: Essential goods (food, medicines, education items) in 0% slab. Petroleum, alcohol, and electricity remain outside GST.
Proposed Two-Rate GST Structure:
- Reforms: Removal of 12% and 28% slabs; only 5% and 18% to remain.
- Reclassification: 99% of 12% items â 5% slab; 90% of 28% items â 18% slab.
- New Slab: 40% rate for demerit goods (tobacco, luxury cars, real-money gaming).
- Cess: Compensation cess on 28% items to end.
- Timeline: Implementation expected October 2025 (Diwali).
Policy Rationale & Concerns:
- Simplification: From four slabs to two, easing compliance and transparency.
- Consumption Boost: Lower rates on daily goods to benefit households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Compliance Gains: Less scope for disputes, litigation, and evasion.
- Economic Signal: Projects confidence in domestic consumption as growth driver.
- State Concerns: States, including Kerala, warn of revenue loss; call for compensation mechanism.
[UPSC 2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only *(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to achieve criticality in March 2026 and reach full power generation by December 2026.
What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?
- A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fuel than it consumes, essentially “breeding” more nuclear material to power itself and future reactors.
- It does this by using high-energy, or “fast,” neutrons to convert abundant, non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239) for fuel.
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About Indiaâs Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):
- Design began: 1980s as prototype for future 600 MWe FBRs.
- Timeline: Construction began in 2004, faced delays; cost escalated from âš3,500 crore to âš7,700 crore.
- Capacity: 500 MWe, sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor.
- Predecessors: It builds on Indiaâs earlier reactors: KAMINI and Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).
- Technology: Completely indigenous, designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
- Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX); later stages to use Thorium-232 to breed fissile U-233.
- Burnup: 100 GWd/t, reactor life ~40 years.
- Coolant: 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium; pool-type design with high thermal inertia.
- Construction agencies: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabricated by BARC Tarapur; reactor equipment by BHEL.
- Site: Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam (next to Madras Atomic Power Station).
Significance in Indiaâs Nuclear Programme:
- PFBR is the second stage of Indiaâs three-stage programme:
- Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
- Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors producing plutonium and U-233 from thorium.
- Stage 3: Thorium-based U-233 fuel cycle.
- Enables closed fuel cycle: recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile material from spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
- Enhances energy security by optimally utilising limited uranium and vast thorium reserves.
- Reduces radioactive waste through recycling.
[UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:
1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of âforestâ as per Supreme Court directions.

Haryanaâs definition of Forest:
- Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
- Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
- Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
- Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
- Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).
Issues with Haryanaâs Definition:
- High thresholds:
- 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
- 2â5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
- Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
- Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
- Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.
Godavarman Case & FCA Background:
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centreâs approval.
- T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
- 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
- Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
- SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.
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[UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53 |
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Why in the News?
The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district.
About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project:
- Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra).
- Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one unit of 60 MW).
- Project Type: Run-of-river with pondage.
- Key Features: Concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels, underground powerhouse, surge chamber, and tailrace tunnel.
- Power Generation: Estimated 4.85 TWh annually; free power worth âš318 crore/year for the state.
- Equity: Arunachal Pradesh holds 26% stake.
Strategic Importance:
- Energy Security: Expands Indiaâs renewable energy portfolio and hydropower capacity in the North-East.
- Geopolitical Context: Strengthens Indiaâs presence in the sensitive Brahmaputra basin bordering China.
- Economic Boost: Contributes to state revenues through free power and Local Area Development Fund (~âš2.2 crore/year).
- Part of Larger Push: One of 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh revived through MoAs with central PSUs, aligning with Indiaâs clean energy targets.
[UPSC 2008] On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?
Options: (a) Alaknanda (b) Bhagirathi *(c) Dhauliganga (d) Mandakini |
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Why in the News?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 âleast cost pathwaysâ identified in 2014.
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures CentreâState accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
- Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
- Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.
What are Tiger Corridors?
- Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
- Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and humanâtiger conflicts.
- Examples of Macro-Corridors:
- ShivalikâGangetic Plains: CorbettâDudhwa, DudhwaâKishanpurâKaterniaghat.
- Central India & Eastern Ghats: RanthambhoreâKunoâMadhav, KanhaâPench, BandhavgarhâAchanakmar.
- Western Ghats: SahyadriâKonkanâRadhanagariâGoaâKarnataka.
- Northeast & Brahmaputra: KazirangaâKarbi Anglong, ManasâBuxa.
- Sundarbans Landscape.
NTCAâs Policy Reversal:
- July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources â protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
- August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
- Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were âminimal requirement.â
[UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under âCritical Tiger Habitatâ?
Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans |
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PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2022] Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.â
Linkage: Just as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) evolved as a tool by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair elections in a changing political landscape, the present crisis of migrant disenfranchisement in Bihar shows the need for the ECI to evolve its mechanisms to safeguard inclusivity similarly. The deletion of 3.5 million migrant voters highlights that electoral integrity today is not only about regulating political behaviour (through MCC) but also about ensuring universal participation by adapting to realities of circular migration, dual belonging, and portable identities. Strengthening ECIâs role in creating mobile and flexible voter registration systems, like Keralaâs migration surveys or cross-State verification, would be a natural extension of its democratic mandate. |
Mentorâs Comment
The article highlights a silent but serious crisis unfolding in Bihar, where nearly 3.5 million voters, largely migrants, have been deleted from electoral rolls due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This not only exposes flaws in Indiaâs electoral infrastructure but also deepens the democratic deficit in migrant-heavy States. For UPSC aspirants, this issue links to democracy, citizenship, federalism, migration, and social justice, making it highly relevant for GS 2 (Polity & Governance) and GS 1 (Society).
Introduction
In a democracy of 1.4 billion citizens, every vote matters. Yet, millions of Indiaâs migrant workers are quietly being left out of the democratic process. In Bihar, where migration is both an economic lifeline and a survival strategy, the recent mass deletion of 3.5 million voters (4.4% of the total electoral roll) raises critical questions about representation, inclusivity, and the design of Indiaâs electoral system. The crisis is not an isolated administrative lapse but a systemic failure rooted in an outdated model of citizenship tied to permanent residence, ignoring the realities of circular and seasonal migration.
The disenfranchisement of Biharâs migrants in the news
- Mass deletion: Nearly 3.5 million voters were deleted under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- Reason given: âPermanently migratedâ, migrants absent during house-to-house verification.
- Permanent loss of rights: These voters cannot vote either in host States (where they work) or in home States (where their names are deleted).
- Democratic rupture: Biharâs voter turnout is already low, 53.2% in the last four Assembly elections, compared to 66.4% in Gujarat and 70.7% in Karnataka.
- Scale of migration: 7 million annual outflow from Bihar, of which 4.8 million migrate seasonally. Around 2.7 million return during OctoberâNovember festivals, yet many will be unable to vote this year.
Electoral system and the migrant challenge in India
- Sedentary citizen model: Voter registration tied to proof of residence and in-person verification.
- Documentation barriers: Migrants often live in rented rooms, construction sites, or slums with no accepted address proof.
- Regionalism & exclusion: Migrants in host States are seen as âoutsidersâ with fears of electoral influence discouraging registration.
- Dual belonging demonised: Migrants contribute economically in host States but are denied political identity both at origin and destination.
Studies revealing migrant exclusion in electoral participation
- TISS Study (2015): âInclusive Elections in Indiaâ (funded by ECI) confirmed marginalisation of migrants.
- Triple burden: Administrative barriers, digital illiteracy, social exclusion.
- Correlation: Higher migration = Lower voter turnout in source States.
- Mobile data estimates: 7 million circular migrants annually from Bihar, proving large-scale exclusion.
Welfare exclusions and the migrant voting crisis
- One Nation One Ration Card Scheme (2019):
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- Limited uptake: only 3.3 lakh households from Bihar availed portability by May 2025.
- Barriers: Dual residency, bureaucratic hurdles, fear of losing entitlements.
- Parallel with voter IDs: migrants keep origin-based documents for security.
- Cross-border complexities: Along the 1,751 km India-Nepal border, traditional âroti-betiâ ties now face exclusion due to restrictive documentation, disproportionately affecting women.
Reforms to safeguard migrant voting rights
- Portable voter identity: Mobile, flexible, and portable voter ID system.
- Cross-verification model: Coordination between origin and destination States to prevent disenfranchisement.
- Local bodiesâ role: Panchayats and civil society to aid migrant re-registration.
- Kerala model of migration surveys: Replicate in high-migration States like Bihar and UP.
- Immediate halt to blanket deletions: Safeguard against the âlargest silent voter purge in post-Independence India.â
Conclusion
Migrants embody Indiaâs paradox, economic backbone but political invisibility. The deletion of millions of voters from Bihar is not just an administrative failure; it is a systemic denial of democratic rights. If Indiaâs electoral infrastructure does not adapt to the realities of migration, democracy risks leaving behind its most hard-working and vulnerable citizens. Ensuring portable electoral rights is not charity, it is the essence of a living democracy.
Value Addition
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Constitutional and Legal Angle
- Article 326: Provides for universal adult suffrage â any exclusion of migrant workers undermines this fundamental principle.
- Representation of People Act, 1950 & 1951: While they govern electoral rolls and voting procedures, they are silent on portable voting rights for internal migrants.
- Supreme Court in PUCL vs Union of India (2003): Declared the right to vote as part of freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a). Denial to migrants raises constitutional concerns.
Scale of the Problem â National Context
- Census 2011: 45.6 crore internal migrants in India (37% of the population).
- Economic Survey 2017: ~9 million people migrate annually for work, education, or marriage.
- Migrants form a huge electoral constituency, yet remain politically invisible.
Policy/Election Commission (EC) Initiatives Beyond Bihar
- ECâs Remote Voting Machine (RVM) Proposal, 2023: Aimed to allow migrants to vote from remote locations, but postponed after opposition from political parties.
- E-EPIC (Electronic Voter Photo ID Card), 2021: Step toward portability but lacks full integration across States.
Comparative Global Insights
- Philippines: Overseas absentee voting law enables migrants abroad to vote in national elections.
- Mexico: Postal voting rights for citizens abroad.
- South Africa: Mobile registration and voting stations in migrant-dense areas.
- India lags in creating portable political rights for its massive migrant population.
Democratic & Governance Implications
- Political alienation â weakens democratic legitimacy in migrant-heavy States (Bihar, UP, Odisha).
- Rise of sub-nationalism â exclusion in host States deepens identity politics.
- Urban governance: Migrants in cities are tax contributors (indirectly via consumption) but lack political representation â urban policies ignore their needs.
Ethical & Social Justice Dimension
- Ambedkarâs warning: âPolitical democracy cannot last unless⌠social democracy is its foundation.â Excluding the poor migrants fractures this balance.
- Gandhian perspective: True Swaraj is when âthe last manâ (Antyodaya principle) participates in democracy â migrant exclusion violates this ethic.
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Mapping Microthemes
- GS Paper I (Society): Migration, regionalism, exclusion of vulnerable groups.
- GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Electoral reforms, federal coordination, democratic rights.
- GS Paper III (Economy): Migration as economic survival strategy.
- GS Paper IV (Ethics): Justice, fairness, and democratic inclusivity.
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Introduction
The recognition of gender identity in India rests on strong legal foundations, the NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Yet, lived realities remain different, as shown in the Manipur High Court order directing fresh academic certificates for Dr. Beoncy Laishram. What should have been a routine correction instead became a legal battle, exposing the gap between law and practice.
Why is this issue in the news?
The Manipur High Court directed the State to issue fresh academic certificates to Dr. Beoncy Laishram, a transgender doctor, after her university refused to update her records citing procedural hurdles. This is significant because it highlights how basic rights, already guaranteed by law, are still denied in practice. The case reflects a larger systemic problem where bureaucratic rigidity overrides constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21, forcing transpersons into prolonged legal battles to claim what is already legally theirs.
Bureaucratic Inertia vs. Transgender Justice
- Administrative inertia: Officials often defer to rigid procedural rules rather than the spirit of the law.
- Sequential corrections: Universities and boards insisted that records must be corrected starting from the earliest certificate, creating cascading hurdles.
- Binary mindset: Authorities still stick to birth-assigned gender over self-identity.
The NALSA Judgement Mandate on Self-Identification
- Right to self-identify: In NALSA v. Union of India (2014), the Supreme Court recognised transgender personsâ right to self-identify their gender.
- Welfare entitlements: Declared them socially and educationally backward, eligible for reservations and welfare schemes.
- Constitutional backing: Linked to Articles 14 (equality before law) and 21 (right to life and dignity), making recognition a constitutional obligation.
Statutory Guarantees under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019Â
- Statutory obligation: Authorities are legally required to recognise self-identified gender and update official records.
- Codification of self-identification: Law translated the NALSA principle into binding statutory practice.
- Gap in implementation: Despite clarity in law, officials often refuse compliance unless compelled by courts.
The Precedent of Dr. Laishramâs Case (A Landmark for Institutional Accountability)
- Individual justice: The order ensures her academic and professional records reflect her affirmed identity.
- Precedential value: Signals to other institutions that procedural rigidity cannot override constitutional rights.
- Systemic spotlight: Reveals how transpersons are forced into legal struggles for routine matters, expending time and resources disproportionately.
Reforms for Bridging Law and Reality
- Institutional reform: Simplify procedures and enforce compliance through clear administrative circulars.
- Cultural change: Bureaucracy must embrace gender as lived reality, not paperwork.
- Awareness and sensitivity training: Officials must be sensitised to constitutional principles and human dignity.
Conclusion
The Manipur High Courtâs ruling is a milestone, but it also highlights how rights guaranteed in law often falter in practice. True empowerment will come only when institutions operationalise constitutional principles with sensitivity, ensuring that gender identity is recognised as a matter of dignity, not just paperwork.
Value Addition
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Key Features of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
- Definition of Transgender Person: Includes trans-men, trans-women, persons with intersex variations, genderqueer, and persons with socio-cultural identities (like hijra, aravani, jogta).
- Right to Self-Perceived Gender Identity: Allows individuals to identify as male, female, or transgender.
- Prohibition of Discrimination: No discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, housing, access to services, or public places.
- Recognition and Certificates: Provides for a certificate of identity issued by the District Magistrate, recognising a person as âtransgender.â
- Welfare Measures: Mandates governments to frame welfare schemes for education, healthcare, vocational training, and social security.
- Offences and Penalties: Criminalises denial of services, removal from household, physical/sexual abuse; punishable with imprisonment (6 monthsâ2 years) and fine.
- National Council for Transgender Persons (NCT): Advisory body to monitor implementation, headed by Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment.
Criticisms
- Certification process: Seen as bureaucratic and violating the spirit of self-identification under NALSA (2014)
- No reservation policy: Act does not clearly guarantee reservations in jobs/education despite Supreme Court directions.
- Weak enforcement: Implementation depends heavily on state-level rules; lack of accountability mechanisms.
International Value Addition
- Argentinaâs Gender Identity Law (2012): Considered the most progressive globally; allows self-declared gender without medical/psychological proof.
- Nepal (2007): One of the first Asian countries to legally recognise a âthird genderâ category.
- Yogyakarta Principles: International guidelines on sexual orientation and gender identity as human rights.
Reports & Data
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Report, 2017 â Found that over 92% of transpersons are denied basic rights like jobs, healthcare, education.
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 â Prescribed simple process for self-identification, but implementation is patchy.
Governance & Ethics Lens
- Administrative Sensitisation: Training needed to reduce âfile-based rigidityâ and promote human dignity.
- Constitutional Morality vs. Social Morality: Governance must align with constitutional principles rather than prevailing biases.
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Mapping Microthemes
- GS Paper I: Social empowerment, issues faced by vulnerable sections.
- GS Paper II: Constitutional provisions (Articles 14, 21), governance issues, judicial interventions.
- GS Paper IV: Ethics in governance, dignity, empathy, sensitivity in administration.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2017] Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanisms for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.
Linkage: Just as UPSC asked in 2017 about whether the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensures real empowerment, a similar question can be framed on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Both laws highlight that while statutory recognition exists, bureaucratic inertia and weak implementation dilute inclusion, making judicial intervention critical for the intended beneficiaries. |
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India is entering a new era of space exploration with lunar success, Gaganyaan, and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station. Yet, one critical element is missing, a national space law. While India has ratified global treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967), it lacks a domestic legal framework to regulate private participation, ensure liability, and attract investment. As space activities expand beyond government agencies to startups and private players, the absence of clear laws poses risks to accountability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The Urgency of a National Space Law
- Major milestone vs. missing law: Indiaâs scientific achievements are unmatched, but the legal architecture remains absent, risking accountability gaps.
- Private participation: With startups entering, lack of clarity on licensing, FDI rules, liability, and insurance creates operational hurdles.
- International responsibility: Under the Outer Space Treaty, India is responsible for both governmental and private activities, yet it lacks the domestic framework to enforce compliance.
- Global contrast: Countries like the U.S., Japan, and Luxembourg already have national legislation that provides legal certainty and attracts investment.
Principles of the Outer Space Treaty
- Foundational principles: Space is the province of all mankind, prohibiting national appropriation and militarisation.
- State responsibility: Nations are responsible for activities in space, whether by state or private entities.
- Liability framework: Countries bear liability for damages caused by their space objects.
- Not self-executing: According to UNOOSA, national laws are essential to translate treaty principles into enforceable domestic regulations.
Indiaâs Incremental Approach to Space Legislation
- Methodical strategy: India is incremental and cautious, ensuring technical regulations precede overarching law.
- Catalogue of Indian Standards: A framework to ensure safety of space operations.
- Indian Space Policy (ISP), 2023: Encourages non-governmental participation in space activities.
- IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NPG): Provide procedures for authorisation of space activities.
- Pending gap: The broader Space Activities Law that incorporates treaty obligations is still not enacted.
Industry Concerns and Operational Challenges
- Statutory authority gap: IN-SPACe lacks formal legal backing, leaving decisions open to procedural challenges.
- Licensing and delays: Companies face multiple ministry clearances, creating uncertainty.
- FDI rules: Industry demands clarity, such as 100% automatic FDI in satellite components to attract capital.
- Liability and insurance: While India is internationally liable, companies need affordable third-party insurance to cover risks.
- Intellectual property protection: Current frameworks risk talent and tech migration to IP-friendly nations.
- Space debris management: Absence of mandatory accident investigations and debris laws increases operational risks.
The Importance of Affordable Insurance for Space Startups
- High-value assets: Satellites and payloads involve massive investments; startups cannot absorb losses alone.
- Global liability: India bears responsibility internationally, so private players must secure third-party insurance.
- Investor confidence: Insurance frameworks encourage investors, reducing risk aversion.
- Innovation support: Affordable insurance ensures startups can experiment and grow, without fear of crippling liability.
Conclusion
Indiaâs space programme has made historic strides, but without a comprehensive national space law, its progress risks being undermined by regulatory gaps. A forward-looking framework ensuring clarity, liability management, insurance, IP protection, and statutory backing for IN-SPACe is essential to balance innovation with responsibility. The future of Indiaâs space leadership will depend as much on strong laws as on strong rockets.
Value Addition
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- UNOOSA Insight: National laws act as the domestic enabler of international obligations. Without them, treaty principles remain unenforceable.
- Comparative Perspective:
- United States: Commercial Space Launch Act allows private launches with liability coverage.
- Luxembourg: Pioneered space mining rights to attract global investors.
- Japan: Provides licensing, insurance, and debris mitigation guidelines.
- Governance Lens: Reflects the larger theme of state capacity to regulate frontier technologies, similar to how data protection laws govern digital economies.
- Economic Angle: A robust legal framework will strengthen Indiaâs space economy, valued at nearly $9.6 billion (2020) and projected to grow to $13 billion by 2025.
- Investor Confidence: Insurance frameworks, clear FDI rules, and IP protection create a trustworthy ecosystem for global investors.
- Security Dimension: Dual-use nature of space technologies necessitates clarity in export controls and defence linkages.
- Ethical Dimension: Covers responsibility towards space debris management and sustainability of outer space as a global commons.
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Mapping Microthemes
- GS Paper II (Governance, International Relations):
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- Outer Space Treaty (1967) â Indiaâs obligations and global responsibility
- Role of UNOOSA â multilateral governance of outer space
- Need for National Legislation â predictability, legal clarity, statutory backing for IN-SPACe
- GS Paper III (Science & Technology, Economy, Security):
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- Growth of Indiaâs Space Economy â Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, startups, private players
- Insurance and Liability â affordability for startups, international responsibility for damages
- Intellectual Property Rights â preventing brain drain, encouraging innovation
- Space Debris Management â sustainability and accident investigation procedures
- Dual-Use Technology Challenge â balancing civilian and defence aspects
- GS Paper IV (Ethics & Governance):
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- Accountability in Outer Space â who bears liability for damage?
- Ethics of Space Exploration â sustainability, âprovince of mankindâ principle
- Equitable Access â preventing monopolisation of space resources by few nations
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2016] Discuss Indiaâs achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
Linkage: While Indiaâs space achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan highlight scientific progress, the absence of a national space law shows a governance gap. A legal framework is crucial to translate these achievements into sustainable socio-economic gains through private participation, investment, and accountability. |
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Why in the News?
The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps.

About the African Union (AU):
- Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963).
- Membership: 55 African countries.
- Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Vision: âAn Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.â
- Agenda 2063: Blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.
- Main Organs: Assembly, Executive Council, AU Commission, Peace and Security Council.
What is a Mercator Map?
- Creation: Designed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator.
- Projection: Cylindrical map with straight longitude and latitude lines intersecting at 90°.
- Purpose: Enabled sailors to plot straight-line courses for compass navigation.
- Adoption: Became the standard map in schools, atlases, and wall charts by the 19th century.
Issues with the Mercator Map:
- Distortion: Enlarges high-latitude regions (Europe, Russia, North America) while shrinking Africa and South America.
- Example: Greenland appears equal to Africa, though Africa is ~14 times larger.
- Colonial Bias: Reinforced Western dominance narratives and downplayed Africaâs size and importance.
- Impact: Supported marginalisation and exploitation during colonialism.
- Alternatives: Gall-Peters (1970s) and Equal Earth (2018) projections show continents in correct proportion.
- AU Stand: Advocates replacing Mercator maps to restore Africaâs rightful global image.
[UPSC 2024] The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:
Options: (a) Canada and the USA * (b) Chile and Argentina (c) China and India (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation |
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Why in the News?
China has launched the XinjiangâXizang Railway Line, a strategic, economic, and engineering milestone, connecting Xinjiang with Tibet.

About the XinjiangâXizang Railway Line:
- Overview: A major high-altitude railway project connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang).
- Total length planned: ~2,000 km, part of Chinaâs larger 5,000 km rail grid in Tibet by 2035.
- Construction is phased:
- ShigatseâPakhuktso section (by 2025)
- PakhuktsoâHotan section (by 2035).
- Terrain: Himalayas, Karakoram, Kunlun ranges, deserts, glaciers, and permafrost â average altitude above 4,500m.
- Significance: Seen as one of Chinaâs most advanced and difficult transport projects, comparable to the QinghaiâTibet Railway (2006).
Strategic Implications of the Project:
- Military Mobility: Proximity to Aksai Chin and Line of Actual Control (LAC) enhances Chinese troop deployment and logistics capabilities.
- Regional Integration: Links Xinjiang (Uyghur region) and Tibet (Buddhist region) with mainland China, supporting Sinicisation and demographic shifts.
- Economic Role: Opens remote high-altitude areas to trade, energy transport, and tourism, reducing isolation of minority regions.
- Political Control: Strengthens Beijingâs hold over restive border provinces and suppresses separatist tendencies.
- India Factor: Raises security concerns as India is also upgrading border infrastructure post-2020 Galwan clash.
- Part of âGo West Strategyâ (2000): Long-term plan to develop western provinces with infrastructure and integrate them into Chinaâs national economy.
[UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).

What are Ballistic Missiles?
- Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward.
- Three phases:
- Boost Phase â missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed.
- Midcourse Phase â missile coasts in space on momentum.
- Terminal Phase â warheads re-enter atmosphere and strike target.
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About Agni-5:
- Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
- Range: 5,000â5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
- Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
- Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
- Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
- First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
- Strategic Role: Strengthens Indiaâs nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-Ă -vis China.
Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development
- Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
- Variants:
- Agni-I: 700â1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
- Agni-II: 2,000â3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
- Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
- Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
- Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
- Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000â2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
- Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000â10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
- Significance: Backbone of Indiaâs nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical â a survival trick called epigenetic bistability.

About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
- Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments.
- Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened immunity.
- Resistance: Forms biofilms (protective layers), making it highly resistant to antibiotics.
- Genetic Flexibility: Large genome (~6,000 genes) allows adaptation to diverse environments.
Impact on Humans:
- Hospital Infections: Leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Vulnerable Groups: Burn patients, catheter users, cystic fibrosis patients.
- Diseases Caused: Keratitis (eye infection), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.
- Mortality: Strong antibiotic resistance makes treatment difficult, leading to high hospital deaths.
Recent Research Findings:
- Discovery: German researchers identified bistable expression of the glpD gene (active in some cells, inactive in others).
- Survival Advantage: This variability helps bacteria survive hostile conditions and trigger infections even from small populations.
- Experiments:
- Cells with glpD active were more lethal in moth larvae and mouse immune models.
- Cells without glpD showed reduced infection ability.
- Significance: Onâoff switching of glpD is a survival and infection strategy; targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatments for resistant infections.
[UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
Options: (a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas* |
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Why in the News?
The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials.
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 â investigates and prosecutes cases.
- 18 Judges â elected for 9 years.
- Assembly of States Parties â governs ICC administration.
- Trust Fund for Victims, Detention Centre
- Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish
- Funding: Annual budget (2025) ~ âŹ195 million (mostly from member states)
Jurisdiction and 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 2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news ?
Options:
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. *
(c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
(d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no manâs land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. |
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PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
Linkage: If such a theme on international climate governance and mechanisms can be asked, then Indiaâs Climate Finance Taxonomy also becomes a significant area. It connects global agreements like the Paris Agreement (Article 6.4) with Indiaâs domestic instruments such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and green bonds. |
Mentors Comment
In May 2025, the Ministry of Finance released the draft Climate Finance Taxonomy, Indiaâs first attempt to formally define what counts as climate-aligned investment. The framework seeks to mobilise green finance, prevent greenwashing, and give clarity to investors. Its success, however, depends on strong review systems, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.
Introduction
The draft taxonomy marks a turning point in Indiaâs climate governance. This is Indiaâs first unified framework for climate finance, introduced amid rising greenwashing risks and investor uncertainty. Arriving alongside the operationalisation of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and the rise of green bonds, it comes at a moment of growing pressure to align finance with net-zero goals. As a âliving framework,â it promises adaptability to evolving national and global priorities. But without transparency, legal coherence, and institutional accountability, the taxonomy risks undermining Indiaâs climate finance ecosystem instead of strengthening it.
The Review Architecture for a Living Framework
- Two-tier review system: Suggestion of annual reviews for short-term corrections and five-year reviews for deep reassessment.
- Annual reviews: Triggered by implementation gaps, international obligations, or stakeholder feedback, with structured timelines, documentation protocols, and public consultation.
- Five-year reviews: Linked with Indiaâs NDC cycle and global stocktake under the UNFCCC; ensures long-term resilience in a changing climate finance ecosystem.
Key aspects of the Substantive Review
- Legal coherence: Taxonomy must align with Energy Conservation Act, SEBI norms, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, and Indiaâs international commitments.
- Harmonisation: Review should remove overlaps, clarify redundancies, and integrate with green bonds, blended finance, and environmental risk disclosures.
- Content clarity: Definitions must remain readable, coherent, and technically precise. Quantitative thresholds (e.g., emissions reduction, energy efficiency benchmarks) must be regularly updated with empirical data.
- Inclusivity: Framework must remain accessible to MSMEs, informal sector, agriculture, and small manufacturing with staggered compliance timelines and proportionate expectations.
Strengthening Governance through Accountability Structures
- Standing unit in the Ministry of Finance: Dedicated body within the Department of Economic Affairs or an expert committee involving financial regulators, climate science institutions, civil society.
- Public dashboards: Mechanisms to receive inputs, document experiences, and publish reports.
- Transparency: Annual review summaries and five-year revision proposals should be made public in consolidated formats to enhance investor trust and policy coherence.
Significance of the Climate Finance Taxonomy for Indiaâs Green Transition
- Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Soon to be fully operational, requiring clear rules for market credibility.
- Green bonds: Entering mainstream portfolios and stock exchanges, need alignment with taxonomy standards.
- Public investment flows: Rising pressure to align fiscal spending with long-term climate goals.
- Risk of failure: A weak or opaque taxonomy could undermine Indiaâs net-zero transition by encouraging greenwashing and eroding investor trust.
Conclusion
Indiaâs climate taxonomy is more than a definitional exercise, it is a governance tool that can determine the credibility of Indiaâs climate finance system. A âliving documentâ is meaningful only if it is kept alive through active review, structured revision, and transparent engagement. By embedding legal coherence, inclusivity, and accountability, India can ensure the taxonomy becomes a reliable foundation for mobilising investments, reducing greenwashing, and achieving its climate goals.
Value Addition
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- Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement: Provides a framework for carbon market instruments with legal and editorial review mechanisms; offers a model for Indiaâs taxonomy to ensure transparency, credibility, and alignment with global norms.
- Carbon Market Types:
-
- Compliance Markets: Mandated by law (e.g., EU ETS, upcoming Indiaâs Carbon Credit Trading Scheme).
- Voluntary Markets: Corporate/individual offsetting of emissions beyond legal requirements.
- Green Bonds in India:
-
- First Sovereign Green Bonds issued in 2023 worth âš16,000 crore.
- Used for renewable energy, clean transport, and climate adaptation projects.
- Support Indiaâs target of net-zero by 2070 and deepen climate finance flows.
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Mapping Microthemes
- GS Paper II: Governance, public consultation, accountability mechanisms.
- GS Paper III: Climate finance, carbon markets, sustainable development, green bonds, energy efficiency.
- GS Paper IV: Ethical finance, transparency, preventing greenwashing.
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Why in the News?
On August 12, 2025, The Wireâs editors Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar were summoned by the Assam Police under Section 152 of the BNS, even as the Supreme Court had that very day issued protection while examining the constitutional validity of the new sedition law. This open defiance of judicial authority and the use of procedurally defective summons marks a serious blow to press freedom. What makes this moment significant is that the law being challenged is wider and harsher than colonial sedition provisions, despite India claiming to have moved away from such colonial baggage.
Introduction
The sedition debate in India has returned in a new form. While Section 124A IPC was suspended in 2022, the government introduced Section 152 of the BNS, which critics say is âsedition by another name.â The law widens state powers and lowers the threshold for prosecution, making legitimate criticism vulnerable to criminalisation. Recent cases against journalists show how easily this provision can be misused.
Section 152 and Its Differences from the Old Sedition Law
- Expanded scope: Goes beyond âdisaffectionâ against government, criminalising acts deemed to endanger sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
- Lower bar for prosecution: Words like âknowinglyâ dilute intent requirements; mere criticism can be dragged into criminality.
- Colonial continuity: Despite being marketed as decolonisation, Section 152 retains the same suppressive essence as 124A IPC.
The Wire Case and Procedural Violations
- Summons despite SC protection: Assam Police issued notices on the very day of SCâs order, reflecting executive defiance.
- Lack of transparency: Summons omitted FIR dates, details of offence, and copies of FIR, violating BNSS safeguards.
- Political overtones: Linked to The Wireâs report on Operation Sindoor, raising concerns of vendetta-driven policing.
Threats to Press Freedom
- Chilling effect: Journalists may self-censor for fear of harassment.
- Vague definitions: Broad terms like âunityâ and âsovereigntyâ give unchecked power to authorities.
- Targeting dissent: Questioning government policy risks being equated with undermining national integrity.
Judicial Response and Challenges
- Supreme Court scrutiny: SC is examining the constitutional validity of Section 152.
- Precedent of 2022: Earlier suspension of sedition cases showed judicial recognition of misuse.
- Executive overreach: Assam Policeâs defiance underlines the need for stronger judicial safeguards and guidelines.
Broader Democratic Implications
- Freedom of expression at stake: Democracy thrives on criticism; silencing it weakens accountability.
- Comparative perspective: UK repealed sedition in 2009; US limits it only to violent overthrow.
- Governance paradox: Instead of transparency, India risks sliding into a majoritarian security state.
Way Forward
- Clear legislative safeguards: Narrow the scope of Section 152 with precise definitions of terms like âunityâ and âsovereigntyâ to prevent misuse.
- Judicial guidelines: The Supreme Court can lay down binding principles (on the lines of Kedar Nath Singh and Shreya Singhal) that limit sedition to cases of direct incitement to violence or armed rebellion
- Independent oversight: A judicial or quasi-judicial body should vet sedition cases before FIR registration, reducing frivolous prosecutions.
- Strengthening press freedom: Institutional mechanisms like a Media Commission or independent ombudsman can address grievances without criminalisation.
- Comparative best practices: India can draw from the UK model of repeal and the US model of narrow application, balancing national security with democratic freedoms.
- Civic education: Promoting awareness among citizens, journalists, and law enforcement about constitutional morality and reasonable restrictions can ensure a culture of restraint and accountability.
Conclusion
Section 152 represents the persistence of colonial-style suppression under a new name. Unless the judiciary firmly strikes it down or introduces robust safeguards, it will continue to erode press freedom and democratic dissent, pillars without which Indiaâs constitutional promise cannot stand strong.
Value Addition
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Constitutional Angle
- Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech.
- Article 19(2): Reasonable restrictions (sovereignty, unity, public order, etc.).
- Basic Structure Doctrine: Democracy, liberty, and rule of law as inviolable.
Judicial Precedents
- Kedar Nath Singh vs State of Bihar (1962): Sedition valid only when incitement to violence/public disorder is proven.
- Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015): Vague terms in laws (like IT Act Section 66A) struck down for chilling free speech.
- SC Order 2022: Suspended all 124A cases, acknowledging misuse.
Reports & Perspectives
- Law Commission of India (2018): Recommended clearer safeguards; questioned necessity of sedition.
- Global practices: UK repealed sedition; US restricts it narrowly.
- BNSS debate: Marketed as decolonisation but seen as repackaging colonial control.
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Mapping Microthemes
- GS Paper II: Freedom of speech, judiciary, Centre-State federalism
- GS Paper III: Internal security vs. dissent.
- GS Paper IV: Misuse of power, ethics in public life, constitutional morality.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept âfreedom of speech and expressionâ? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
Linkage: The 2014 question on freedom of speech, hate speech, and films mirrors todayâs debate on Section 152. Just as films face stricter scrutiny due to mass impact, the new sedition law risks wrongly placing legitimate criticism and dissent in the same bracket as hate speech or violent incitement. This makes the boundary of free expression a central issue in both contexts. |
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Introduction
In the 1960s, India was reeling under the threat of famine, dependent on food aid like PL-480 imports from the U.S. It was during this crisis that M.S. Swaminathan, in collaboration with Norman Borlaug and with strong political support from leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and C. Subramaniam, spearheaded the Green Revolution. By introducing high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties, India moved from âship-to-mouthâ dependence to food self-sufficiency.
His story is not just about agricultural science, it is about leadership, political will, and atmanirbharta in its truest sense. Today, as India aspires for Viksit Bharat and faces the challenge of climate change, his legacy offers critical lessons.
M.S. Swaminathan in the news today:
- Centenary Year: 2025 marks 100 years since the birth of Swaminathan, celebrated with the release of a biography M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India.
- Historical Significance: His leadership in the 1960s achieved food self-sufficiency, Indiaâs most successful experiment in aatmanirbharta.
- Relevance Today: India now faces a new agricultural crisis due to climate change, water stress, and soil degradation, making Swaminathanâs lessons critical for the future.
- Striking Contrast: In the 1960s, India relied on foreign food aid; today, India is a food grain exporter, largely due to the foundation Swaminathan built.
Collaboration and scientific exchange in shaping the Green Revolution
- Cross-fertilisation of ideas: Swaminathanâs initial experiments with radiation-induced mutations failed. A Japanese scientistâs input on dwarf wheat and Norman Borlaugâs Mexican varieties changed the course.
- Networking with global scientists: Swaminathan leveraged his contacts to bring Borlaugâs seeds to India, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.
- Lesson: Science thrives on openness, collaboration, and reduced bureaucracy, not isolation.
The role of political leadership in Swaminathanâs success
- Direct dialogue with scientists: C. Subramaniam (Agriculture Minister) listened directly to Swaminathan, bypassing bureaucratic resistance.
- Evidence-based decisions: Lal Bahadur Shastri personally visited fields to see the new wheat varieties before approving large-scale imports.
- Leadership support: Indira Gandhi carried forward the momentum after Shastriâs death, ensuring continuity.
- Lesson: Strong political will + scientific advice = transformative policy outcomes.
Challenges and criticisms of the Green Revolution
- Opposition from multiple fronts: Finance Ministry resisted spending âš5 crore in forex; Planning Commission doubted the seeds; Left parties opposed U.S. connections (Rockefeller Foundation funding).
- Environmental fallout: Excessive water use, soil degradation, and fertilizer dependence became long-term challenges.
- Swaminathanâs foresight: He himself warned against unsustainable practices and advocated for âevergreen revolutionâ, productivity with sustainability.
Lessons from Swaminathanâs legacy for Viksit Bharat
- Science-Policy Linkages: Scientists must be given autonomy, direct access to policymakers and freedom from bureaucratic bottlenecks.
- R&D Investment: India spends 0.43% of agricultural GDP on R&D, half of Chinaâs share; none of Indiaâs agricultural institutes are in the worldâs top 200, while China has eight in the top 10.
- Sustainability: A climate-resilient agriculture strategy is urgent to prevent food insecurity in the era of global warming.
- Atmanirbharta parallel: Just as Swaminathan made India self-sufficient in food, similar investments are needed in the digital economy, AI and green technologies.
Conclusion
M.S. Swaminathanâs work reminds us that nation-building rests on the fusion of science and statesmanship. His Green Revolution made India food-secure, but his vision of an âevergreen revolutionâ, where productivity meets sustainability, remains unfulfilled. To truly honour him, India must invest in agricultural research, empower scientists, and align policy with long-term sustainability. The man who fed India has left us with not just a legacy but also a roadmap for the future.
Value Addition
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Key Achievements
- Food Self-Sufficiency: India moved from being a food-deficit, aid-dependent country (âship-to-mouthâ) to self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1970s.
- Wheat Production Boom: From 12 million tonnes (1965), 23 million tonnes (1971), over 100 million tonnes (2020s).
- Avoided Famines: Helped avert large-scale famine during population boom (Indiaâs population doubled between 1950â1980).
- Global Recognition: M.S. Swaminathan + Norman Borlaug collaboration hailed as a model of science-policy partnership.
Criticisms & Limitations
- Regional Imbalance: Benefits concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, Western UP; other states lagged behind.
- Mono-cropping: Focus on wheat and rice discouraged diversification â vulnerability in nutrition and soil health
- Environmental Degradation:
-
- Over-extraction of groundwater â water table crisis in Punjab & Haryana.
- Excessive fertilizer/pesticide use â soil toxicity & health hazards.
- Inequality: Large farmers gained more due to access to credit, irrigation, inputs â widening rural inequality.
- Neglect of Coarse Grains & Pulses: Led to declining production of millets, crucial for nutrition and climate resilience.
Reports & Data
- NITI Aayog (2021): 89% of Indiaâs groundwater used for irrigation â unsustainable.
- FAO Report (2019): Green Revolution improved calorie sufficiency but failed in ensuring nutrition security.
- ICAR Data: Only 0.43% of agricultural GDP is spent on R&D in India vs ~0.86% in China.
Concepts Introduced
- Evergreen Revolution (Swaminathan): Increasing productivity in perpetuity without ecological harm â focus on sustainability.
- Second Green Revolution: Emphasis on pulses, oilseeds, and eastern states under the National Food Security Mission (2007).
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Shift towards water-use efficiency, precision farming, and millets revival (2023: International Year of Millets).
Comparative Perspective
- China vs India: China diversified faster into horticulture, aquaculture, and biotech crops; India stayed wheat-rice centric.
- Mexico: Norman Borlaugâs work initially focused there, but India scaled it into a nationwide revolution.
- Africa: âGreen Revolution for Africaâ attempts underway, but limited success due to weak infrastructure.
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Mapping Microthemes for GS Papers
- GS Paper I: Post-independence consolidation, Nehruvian vision, famine & food security history.
- GS Paper II: Science-policy interface, role of political leadership, bureaucratic hurdles in governance.
- GS Paper III: Food security, Green Revolution, R&D in agriculture, climate change impact, sustainable agriculture.
- GS Paper IV: Leadership ethics, scientific integrity, foresight (Swaminathan warning about sustainability).
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2019] How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?
Linkage: Dr. M.S. Swaminathanâs pioneering role in the Green Revolution transformed India from a food-deficit nation into a self-sufficient one, ensuring food security and laying the foundation for agricultural atmanirbharta. |
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Why in the News?
The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the âcreamy layerâ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies.
About the Concept of Creamy Layer:
- Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class (OBC) groups from reservations.
- 1993 DoPT Rules: Defined creamy layer â children of Group A/Class I officers, early-promoted officials, Group B parents, senior armed forces, high constitutional functionaries, professionals, traders, and large landowners.
- Income Criteria:
- Ceiling: âš1 lakh in 1993, revised to âš8 lakh in 2017.
- Exclusions: Salary and agricultural income not counted.
2004 Clarification & Implementation Issues:
- Clarification: DoPT directed separate assessment of salary and other income (except agriculture).
- Rule: If either exceeded limit (âš2.5 lakh then) for 3 consecutive years â creamy layer.
- Problem: Poor enforcement (2004â14) due to political sensitivities; stricter checks after 2014.
- Impact: Between CSE 2015â23, over 100 OBC caste certificates rejected under new interpretations.
Equivalence Efforts:
- Consultations: Involved Social Justice, Education, Law, Labour Ministries, DoPT, NITI Aayog, NCBC.
- Goal: Standardise creamy layer rules across universities, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.
- Proposal: Retrospective relief suggested by Home Minister Amit Shah and NCBC.
Key Proposals Under Consideration:
- University Teachers: Salaries start at Group A-equivalent â children to be creamy layer.
- Autonomous Bodies: Posts aligned with central pay scales.
- Non-Teaching Staff: Categorisation based on equivalence with government jobs.
- PSU Executives: Already included since 2017; those â¤âš8 lakh excluded.
- Aided Institutions: Staff categorised based on parity with govt. employees.
Likely Beneficiaries:
- Lower Govt. Staff: Children of employees earning just above âš8 lakh gain most.
- Correction of Anomalies: Ensures parity between teachers and aided staff.
- State PSU Issues: Fixes cases like fuel pump attendants in PSUs being declared creamy layer.
- Private Sector: No change; creamy layer based only on income/wealth criteria.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Options: (a) Only one *(b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Opposition (INDI Alliance bloc) is considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Parliament.
About Election Commission of India (ECI):
- Establishment: Permanent constitutional body set up on 25 January 1950 (National Voters Day).
- Constitutional Basis: Articles 324â329, Part XV of the Constitution.
- Mandate: Conducts elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice President.
- Structure: Since 1993, functions as a three-member body with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.
- Status of CEC: Same salary, status, and perks as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Appointment to ECI:
- Law: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (replaced 1991 Act).
- Appointing Authority: President of India.
- Selection Committee: Prime Minister (Chairperson), Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Eligibility: Must have served as a Secretary-level officer in Government of India with proven integrity and election management experience.
- Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
Removal:
- CEC: Removed like a Supreme Court judge (Article 324(5)) on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Requires a motion passed by two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and Presidential order.
- Other Election Commissioners: Removed only on recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
[UPSC 2012] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers but receive unequal salaries
2. The Chief Election Commissioner is entitled to the same salary as in provided to a judge of the Supreme Court
3. The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court
4. The term of office of the Election Commissioner is five years from the date he assumes his office or till the day he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier
Which of these statements are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has provided crucial information regarding the Anna-Chakra Tool to the Parliament.
About Anna-Chakra:
- Purpose: Digital tool to optimise supply chain of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Developed by: World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (IIT-Delhi).
- Implementation: Adopted in 30 States/UTs, except Manipur.
- Coverage: Supports 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6,700 warehouses.
- Savings: Reduces logistics/fuel costs, saving about âš250 crore annually.
- Environmental Impact: Route optimisation reduces travel distance by 15â50%, cutting COâ emissions.
Back2Basics: Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:
- Objective: Provides subsidised food grains to poor households, ensuring food security.
- History: Originated in inter-war years; expanded after 1960s food shortages.
- Reforms: Revamped PDS (1992) extended coverage to rural and poverty-prone areas.
- Structure:
- Centre (FCI) â procurement, storage, transportation, bulk allocation.
- States â distribute food grains to families via Fair Price Shops.
- Coverage: Serves ~800 million people through 5 lakh+ Fair Price Shops.
- Items Distributed: Wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene; some states add pulses and oils.
- Significance: Shields poor households from food price shocks and economic distress.
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[UPSC 2008] Consider the following statements:
1. Regarding the procurement of food grains, Government of India follows a procurement target rather than an open-ended procurement policy.
2. Government of India announces minimum support prices only for cereals.
3. For distribution under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), wheat and rice are issued by the Government of India at uniform Central issue prices to the States/Union Territories.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”
Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3* (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies.
What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)?
- Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public.
- Analogy: Like a new shop ensuring enough goods are displayed for customers â otherwise trading is thin and controlled by a few.
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What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)?
- Concept: A company is like a cake. Promoters (founders/owners) usually keep most of it, but SEBI mandates at least 25% must be shared/sold with the public.
- Purpose:
- Broader ownership and participation.
- Fairer prices by reducing manipulation.
- Greater accountability of companies.
What SEBI is proposing?
- Flexibility: Large companies find it difficult to release big chunks of shares at once; rules will be eased.
- Extended Timelines:
- Companies valued at âš50,000â1,00,000 crore now get up to 10 years (instead of 5) to meet 25% MPS.
- They must reach 15% in 5 years first, then 25% in 10 years.
- Reduced Burden: For very large companies, the initial Minimum Public Offer (MPO) will be lowered.
Significance of the Move:
- Market Stability: Selling too many shares too quickly is like flooding the market â prices may fall even if the company is strong.
- Benefits:
- More big companies will list in India.
- Investors can enter gradually without sudden shocks.
- Encourages fund-raising while maintaining fair trading.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom.
II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time.
III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.
Which of the statements given above are correct?”
Options: (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III |
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