Why in the News?
The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.
About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:
- Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
- Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
- Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
- Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
- Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
- Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
- Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
- Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
- Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
- The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
- Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.
Legacy of the Golaknath Case:
- Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
- Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
- Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
- Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.
Influence on Future Cases:
- Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
- Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:
1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.
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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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Linkage: The role of the state in the public healthcare system and asks for measures to enhance the reach of public healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level. The “medical oxygen access gap” is fundamentally a problem of the public healthcare system’s inability to reach everyone with this essential medicine. |
Mentor’s Comment: Recently, the oxygen shortage has been very serious in South Asia and East Asia-Pacific, where 78% and 74% of people do not have proper access to medical oxygen. Even though oxygen is essential for saving lives and became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic, many low- and middle-income countries still face problems with its high cost, low supply, and poor access. Unlike medicines, there is no replacement for oxygen, which makes this a serious issue of fairness, basic rights, and survival. The WHO and The Lancet have suggested solutions, but progress has been slow. This is not just about fixing systems—it’s about saving lives, and action is urgently needed.
Today’s editorial talks about the problem of oxygen shortage in Southeast Asia. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations and Health Sector).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently,’ The Lancet Global Health Commission has pointed out a serious and ongoing medical oxygen crisis, with 5 billion people around the world unable to get safe, good-quality, and affordable medical oxygen.
What challenges hinder global access to medical oxygen?
- Lack of Equipment: Many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack basic tools like pulse oximeters and oxygen supply systems. Eg: Only 54% of hospitals in LMICs have pulse oximeters; 58% have access to medical oxygen.
- High Financial Burden: Expanding oxygen infrastructure requires large investments, which LMICs struggle to afford. Eg: An estimated $6.8 billion is needed globally, with $2.6 billion required in South Asia alone.
- Shortage of Trained Technicians: Lack of biomedical engineers leads to poor maintenance of oxygen plants and frequent equipment failures. Eg: In rural areas, oxygen concentrators remain unused due to absence of trained personnel.
- Power Supply Issues: Unreliable electricity hinders oxygen production, especially in remote or rural regions. Eg: Nigeria and Ethiopia adopted solar-powered oxygen systems to address power disruptions.
- Weak Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Absence of strong regulations affects the quality, storage, and distribution of medical oxygen. Eg: In Bangladesh, a 2021 health system assessment by PATH and USAID found that lack of national oxygen guidelines and standardised protocols led to irregular supply chains and compromised oxygen quality in many public hospitals, especially in rural areas.
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Why is oxygen demand high in South and East Asia?
- High Population Density: These regions have some of the world’s most densely populated countries, leading to higher disease burden and medical oxygen demand. Eg: India and China together account for over one-third of the global population, increasing strain on healthcare infrastructure during health crises like COVID-19.
- Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases: High rates of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) elevate oxygen needs. Eg: According to WHO, India sees over 120,000 pneumonia-related child deaths annually, many requiring oxygen therapy.
- Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Many remote and underserved areas lack sufficient oxygen production, storage, and delivery systems. Eg: During the second COVID-19 wave in Nepal, rural hospitals reported severe oxygen shortages due to lack of concentrators and cylinders.
Where has WHO improved oxygen access through cooperation?
- Bhutan: WHO partnered with Nepal’s National Health Training Center to train biomedical engineers and technicians. Eg: This led to the installation of state-of-the-art PSA oxygen plants in Bhutan, ensuring sustainable operations and maintenance.
- Nepal: WHO supported capacity-building through regional training programs and technical support. Eg: Trained personnel strengthened Nepal’s oxygen infrastructure, especially during COVID-19.
- South-East Asia Region (broad cooperation): WHO facilitated intra-regional collaboration to boost oxygen capacity and resource sharing. Eg: Regional cooperation helped countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka improve oxygen planning and emergency response.
Who is responsible for strengthening oxygen ecosystems?
- Governments: They must integrate oxygen access into universal health coverage and emergency preparedness plans, while ensuring quality standards and regulatory frameworks. Eg: The Indian government scaled up PSA oxygen plants under the PM CARES Fund during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Private Sector: Industry must invest in local manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, and cost-effective technologies. Eg: Indian companies like Inox Air Products ramped up production and collaborated with the government to meet surging oxygen demand.
- Global Health Agencies: Agencies like WHO and UNICEF must provide technical and financial support for infrastructure and workforce training. Eg: WHO supported several LMICs (e.g., Bhutan) in installing and operating oxygen plants through cross-border cooperation.
What has been done by the Indian government in Southeast Asia?
- Oxygen Supply to Bangladesh: In July 2021, India dispatched 200 metric tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to Bangladesh via the ‘Oxygen Express’ train service. This marked the first international deployment of the Oxygen Express, showcasing India’s commitment to assisting neighboring countries in crisis.
- Medical Aid to Vietnam: In August 2021, the Indian Navy’s INS Airavat delivered 100 metric tonnes of LMO and 300 oxygen concentrators to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Local Infrastructure: Governments and partners must invest in decentralised oxygen production, solar-powered systems, and skilled workforce development to ensure reliable access, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Establish Robust Policies & Partnerships: Create strong regulatory frameworks and foster public-private-global collaborations to improve oxygen quality, supply chain efficiency, and emergency preparedness across regions.
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Why in the News?
This May has been unusually wet, with India getting 68.4% more rain than normal. Also, there have been no extreme temperatures or major heatwaves across most parts of the country.
What caused the wet and cool May in India?
- Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 68.4% more rainfall than usual for May, making it one of the wettest months in recent times. Eg: 27 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions saw over 20% surplus rain.
- Frequent Moisture-Laden Winds: Western disturbances from the Mediterranean and incursions from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea brought continuous showers. Eg: These weather systems caused intermittent thunderstorms across northern and eastern India.
- Suppression of Heatwaves: Each thunderstorm cooled temperatures, preventing the buildup of heatwaves. Eg: No major heatwave was reported across central and north India during May.
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Why is the formation of heat lows over northwest India important for the monsoon?
- Creates Suction for Moist Winds: Heat lows act like a vacuum, pulling moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Indian Ocean into the Indian subcontinent. Eg: Strong heat lows over Rajasthan help trigger early monsoon onset over central India.
- Drives Monsoon Circulation: These low-pressure areas initiate and sustain the monsoon trough, which is essential for widespread rainfall. Eg: Absence of heat lows can delay or weaken the monsoon across northwest and central India.
- Influences Rainfall Intensity and Spread: Proper heat low development ensures uniform and timely rainfall, crucial for agriculture. Eg: Weak heat lows in 2015 contributed to a patchy and deficient monsoon season.
How do El Niño and IOD affect the monsoon?
- El Niño Weakens Monsoon Winds: El Niño leads to warmer Pacific Ocean waters, which suppresses the Indian monsoon by weakening the low-pressure system over the subcontinent. Eg: The 2015 El Niño caused a 14% rainfall deficit in India.
- Positive IOD Strengthens Monsoon: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) brings warmer waters near Africa and cooler waters near Indonesia, enhancing monsoon winds and rainfall over India. Eg: In 2019, a strong positive IOD offset El Niño’s impact, resulting in above-normal rainfall.
What would be the impact of monsoon on food inflation?
- Good Monsoon Boosts Crop Yields: Adequate rainfall ensures timely sowing and healthy harvests, leading to better food availability and stable prices. Eg: A normal monsoon in 2022 helped moderate cereal price rise.
- Reduces Dependency on Imports: Sufficient domestic production of staples like wheat and pulses lowers the need for costly imports, helping control food inflation. Eg: In 2024, surplus wheat stock due to good rainfall reduced price pressure.
- Stabilises Rural Demand and Supply Chains: A healthy monsoon supports rural incomes, improving supply consistency and reducing volatility in food prices. Eg: Strong kharif output in 2021 led to a drop in vegetable prices.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Climate-Responsive Agriculture: Promote drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties and expand irrigation to reduce dependence on erratic monsoons.
- Enhance Weather Forecasting and Storage Infrastructure: Improve real-time weather alerts and expand warehousing to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Linkage: Understanding the dynamics of food inflation, as required by this question, is essential for appreciating the significant positive economic contribution that a favorable monsoon can make by potentially increasing agricultural output and stabilizing food prices.
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister said on Friday that the eight states of India’s Northeast are now leading in development and growth, and he encouraged investors to explore opportunities there.
What did the Prime Minister describe the Northeast region as, and why?
- Frontrunner of Growth: PM described the Northeast as no longer a “frontier region”, but a “frontrunner of growth”. Eg: Hosting of the Rising Northeast Summit to attract investment and highlight regional potential.
- Gateway to Southeast Asia: This aligns with the idea of Northeast as a growth leader because its strategic location makes it a natural gateway for trade with Southeast Asia. Eg: Projects connecting Northeast with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam under the Act East Policy.
- Powerhouse of Energy: It is a frontrunner because it is rich in natural resources, making it a “powerhouse of energy”. Eg: Assam’s tea industry and Arunachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric potential.
- Cultural and Economic Diversity: The region leads in development because its cultural and economic diversity fosters innovation in tourism, crafts, and trade. Eg: Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival promotes both culture and economic activity.
- Ashta Lakshmis (Eight Goddesses of Wealth): PM called the eight states “Ashta Lakshmis” because each contributes uniquely to India’s prosperity, reinforcing its status as a growth frontrunner. Eg: Government initiatives like NESIDS aim to unlock each state’s economic strengths.
Why did the Directorate General of Foreign Trade order the closure of land ports with Bangladesh?.
- To Provide a Level Playing Field for the Northeast: Goods entering via Bangladesh were bypassing local supply chains, hurting Northeast producers and manufacturers. Eg: Cheaper Bangladeshi products undercutting Assam’s handicrafts and processed food sectors.
- To Boost Internal Supply Chains and Manufacturing: Closure of land ports encourages the development of local industries and competitive manufacturing within the Northeast. Eg: Promoting local textile and bamboo industries in Tripura and Mizoram to supply regional demands.
- Strategic Economic Repositioning: Part of a broader effort to reorient the Northeast as a commercial and trade hub within India and toward Southeast Asia. Eg: Integrating Northeast into projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway for long-term trade advantage.
Which sectors are identified as key economic strengths of the Northeast region?
- Bio-economy and Natural Resources: The region is rich in bamboo, tea, and petroleum resources. Eg: Assam is a major hub for tea production; Arunachal Pradesh is emerging in bamboo-based industries.
- Tourism and Eco-tourism: Scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and biodiversity promote sustainable tourism. Eg: Meghalaya’s living root bridges and Sikkim’s eco-tourism model attract both domestic and international tourists.
- Sports and Youth Potential: High sports participation and talent make it a center for sports development and allied industries. Eg: Manipur and Mizoram produce national-level athletes in football, boxing, and weightlifting.
How is India planning to connect the Northeast with Southeast Asia?
- Infrastructure Development Projects: India is building roads and highways to enhance cross-border connectivity. Eg: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aims to link the Northeast to Southeast Asia by road.
- Multilateral and Bilateral Linkages: Strategic projects are underway to connect Northeast India with ASEAN countries. Eg: Projects to directly connect Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos to India are in progress.
- Transforming the Region into a Trade Gateway: The Northeast is being positioned as the “gateway for trade” with Southeast Asia. Eg: Investment in border trade hubs and logistics parks in states like Manipur and Mizoram supports trade facilitation.
Way forward:
- Accelerate Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects: Ensure timely completion of highways, rail links, and trade corridors to integrate the Northeast with ASEAN markets and boost regional trade.
- Promote Local Industries & Skill Development: Strengthen regional supply chains by supporting local entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and skill training aligned with emerging sectors like eco-tourism, agri-business, and clean energy.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Linkage: The “Look East Policy” was the predecessor to the current “Act East” policy. The Act East Policy, which emphasizes the Northeast as a gateway for trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia, is essentially a more action-oriented evolution of the Look East Policy.
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Why in the News?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:
- Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
- Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
- Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
- Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
- Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
- Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.
About GIAHS:
- Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
- Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
- Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
- Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
- Program Implementation:
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- Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
- National level: Policy support and capacity building.
- Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.
India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:
India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:
- Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
- Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
- Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
| [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Supreme Court of India ruled that 86,400 hectares of Zudpi Jungle lands in Eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra, should be treated as forest land. However, existing structures (built before December 12, 1996) such as schools, homes, graveyards, and government offices were allowed to remain.
About Zudpi Jungles:
- Location and Meaning: They are lands located in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The term “Zudpi” is Marathi for shrubs or bushes.
- Vegetation and Soil: These lands have low-quality vegetation, mostly shrubs and dry plants. The soil, called Murmadi soil, is arid, filled with gravel and soft stones, and unsuitable for large trees.
- Ecological Role: Despite sparse growth, Zudpi lands are ecologically important as wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move safely between forest patches.
- Geographic Spread: Found in 6 Vidarbha districts: Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.
- Conservation Status: The Maharashtra government has treated them as forests since the 1980s. In 1987, it requested the Environment Ministry to exempt Zudpi lands from the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, acknowledging their forest-like value.
- Biodiversity Importance: Environmental experts stress that small forest patches like this help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.
Definition of Forests as per the Godavarman Case (1996):
- Case Background: The T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India case began in 1995 over illegal deforestation in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, leading to a landmark 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
- Expanded Definition: The Court ruled that ‘forest’ includes all areas with forest-like features, not just those recorded as forest in official documents.
- Included Areas: This includes private lands, plantations, uncategorized jungle lands, and corporate forests with significant vegetation.
- Basis of Definition: It adopted the dictionary meaning of forest — “a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.”
- Legal Protection: All such lands, regardless of ownership, are protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Doctrine of Public Trust: The ruling applied this doctrine, stating the government must safeguard natural resources for current and future generations.
- Constitutional Links: The Court linked environmental protection to Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A, which mandates the State to protect forests and wildlife.
- Impact: It brought millions of hectares of land under forest protection laws, creating a uniform national standard for forest classification and aiding conservation efforts.
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| [UPSC 2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh* (b) Assam (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttarakhand |
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Why in the News?
The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025. The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69).
About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:
- Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide equity funding to MSMEs with growth potential.
- Total Corpus: It targets ₹50,000 crore, with ₹10,000 crore from the Government of India and ₹40,000 crore to be raised from private investors.
- Structure and Management: The fund is a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with SEBI. The fund uses a two-tier structure:
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- A Mother Fund managed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL).
- 60 empanelled Daughter Funds that make direct investments in MSMEs.
- Progress: As of March 2025, the SRI Fund has invested ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs.
- Package Alignment: It is a component of the ₹20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.
Key Features Impact:
- Funding Type: Offers equity or quasi-equity support to reduce MSMEs’ reliance on debt and strengthen long-term growth.
- Sectoral Focus: Prioritises manufacturing, services, and high-growth MSMEs, especially those engaged in innovation, R&D, and exports.
- Addressing Credit Gap: Helps bridge India’s ₹30 lakh crore MSME credit gap by complementing credit guarantee schemes with equity-based support.
- Revised Eligibility: With the turnover limit raised to ₹500 crore, more companies now qualify for SRI and related MSME support.
| [UPSC 2017] The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to:
Options: (a) Developing solar power production in our country* (b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country. (c) Exporting our food products to other countries. (d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country. |
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Why in the News?
US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.
About the Golden Dome Project:
- Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
- Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
- Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
- Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
- Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.
Key Features:
- Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
- Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
- Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
- Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
- Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.
Parallel Examples:
- Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
- “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
- DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
| [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
Options: (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system * (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea |
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Why in the News?
China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.
About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:
- Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
- First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
- Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
- Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
- Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.
Key Capabilities and Features:
- Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
- Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
- Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
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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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Linkage: India as a strategic “third option” in the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, driven by tariffs. It notes that India might benefit if companies seek alternatives to China for manufacturing due to tariff-induced supply chain disruptions. |
Mentor’s Comment: After the 2024 U.S. election, the government raised tariffs on AI hardware, increasing costs and making the U.S. expensive for building AI technology. These tariffs disrupt global supply chains and push companies to move data centers abroad. India’s growing tech sector positions it as a key alternative to the U.S. and China in this changing AI rivalry and supply chain realignment.
Today’s editorial explains how the USA raised tariffs on AI hardware and the impact of these tariffs. This information will help with GS Paper II (International Relations) and Paper III (Indian Economy).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, new high tariffs on AI hardware could significantly change the global supply chains that support artificial intelligence (AI) development.
What is the effect of 2024 U.S. tariffs on AI supply chains and costs?
- Increased Hardware Costs: Tariffs have raised import duties up to 27% on critical AI components, making AI infrastructure significantly more expensive in the U.S. Eg: Imports of data processing machines worth $200 billion from countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico are now tariff-affected.
- Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs have caused companies to rethink and relocate data center construction abroad due to higher costs in the U.S. Eg: Some firms are shifting operations to China, which was ironically a key target of the tariffs.
- Reduced Innovation and Investment: Tariffs create uncertainty, discourage investment, and slow innovation due to higher costs and fragmented supply chains. Eg: Studies show that a standard deviation increase in tariffs could reduce output growth by 0.4% over five years.
Why is India seen as a potential third option in the U.S.-China tech rivalry?
- Strategic Geopolitical Position: India is being positioned as a neutral and reliable alternative amidst U.S.-China tensions. Eg: India is increasingly chosen for data center locations and AI collaborations as companies seek to reduce dependence on China.
- Growing Tech and AI Sector: India’s AI and digital engineering sectors are among the fastest-growing within its IT industry. Eg: IT exports have grown at 3.3% to 5.1% annually in recent years, with a major focus on AI services.
- Skilled Workforce: India produces about 1.5 million engineering graduates every year, many with strong AI-related skills. Eg: This talent pool supports global R&D needs, especially in software and algorithm development.
- Policy Support and Investment: The Indian government is heavily investing in semiconductor and AI infrastructure. Eg: AMD’s $400 million design campus in Bengaluru and multi-billion-dollar fab proposals are part of this initiative.
- Comparative Cost Advantage: Lower labor costs and an expanding tech ecosystem make India economically attractive. Eg: Companies find operations in India more cost-effective compared to both the U.S. and China.
How do tariffs influence AI innovation and efficiency?
- Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs increase the cost of critical AI components, slowing innovation and access to cutting-edge technologies. Eg: A 27% tariff on AI chips in 2025 made the U.S. one of the most expensive places to build AI infrastructure.
- Shift Toward Efficiency Over Raw Power: Rising hardware costs push companies to focus on algorithmic efficiency and model compression instead of raw compute. Eg: AI model usage costs are falling rapidly (by ~40x/year) due to optimisation rather than increased hardware.
- Deadweight Loss and Slowed Productivity: Tariffs reduce trade volume and create inefficiencies that neither benefit producers nor consumers, slowing innovation cycles. Eg: Studies show a 1 standard deviation rise in tariffs can cut output growth by 0.4% over 5 years.
Where is India investing to boost its AI and semiconductor sector?
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities: India is setting up large-scale chip fabrication units to reduce dependency on imports. Eg: A ₹2,500 crore semiconductor chip manufacturing facility is being established in Lucknow under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with global tech companies are being encouraged to build domestic capacity. Eg: HCL and Foxconn are jointly setting up a semiconductor unit near the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.
- AI Skilling and R&D Initiatives: Programs are being launched to train talent in AI and expand research. Eg: The ‘AI Pragya’ initiative aims to upskill 1 million individuals in areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
When could over 50% of AI workload accelerators become custom ASICs?
By 2028, over 50% of AI workload accelerators are expected to be custom ASICs: This marks a shift from general-purpose chips to highly specialized hardware tailored for specific AI tasks. Eg: ASICs designed for language model inference (like Google’s TPU) outperform GPUs in efficiency and cost for specific applications.
Note: ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialised chips designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks more efficiently than general-purpose processors like CPUs or GPUs.
What does it imply?
- Shift Toward Decentralised and Specialised AI Development: Indicates a move away from one-size-fits-all hardware to task-specific solutions, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. Eg: Companies may deploy custom ASICs for voice assistants, facial recognition, or autonomous driving systems instead of relying on generic GPUs.
- Cost Optimisation: Encourages innovation in hardware design and reduces long-term operational costs, benefiting firms with large-scale AI deployments. Eg: Startups and emerging economies like India can leapfrog legacy systems by adopting efficient ASIC-based infrastructure tailored to specific AI needs.
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What are the challenges for India?
- Dependence on Imported Hardware: India relies heavily on imported semiconductor components, which makes its AI ambitions vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Eg: Tariffs on AI hardware can increase costs, slowing India’s AI infrastructure development.
- Limited Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity: India currently has insufficient domestic chip manufacturing facilities, making it difficult to compete with established producers like Taiwan and China. Eg: India has announced semiconductor fab proposals but is still far from meeting demand for advanced chips.
Way forward:
- Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Accelerate investments in semiconductor fabs and public-private partnerships to build self-reliant AI hardware supply chains, reducing dependence on imports and mitigating tariff impacts.
- Enhance R&D and Skilling: Strengthen AI-focused research, innovation, and workforce training programs to develop specialized hardware solutions like custom ASICs, driving cost efficiency and global competitiveness.
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Why in the News?
The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area.
What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?
- Improve Air Quality and Public Health: Urban forests absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, helping reduce toxic urban air. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli helps combat air pollution in Hyderabad, which often faces high pollution levels.
- Mitigate Climate Change and Urban Heat: They reduce the urban heat island effect and help control flooding by managing stormwater runoff. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli acts as a natural cooler and flood controller amid Hyderabad’s expanding concrete areas.
- Support Biodiversity and Provide Recreation: Urban forests preserve habitats for endangered birds and animals and offer residents nature-sensitive spaces for relaxation. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli provides green space and supports local wildlife in the middle of the city.
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Why did the Telangana government face criticism for its decision regarding Kancha Gachibowli?
- Threat to Urban Forest Land: The government decided to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest for industrial development, risking the loss of one of Hyderabad’s last urban forests. Eg: This move put 100 acres of trees at risk, which were actually felled before intervention.
- Allegations of Ignoring Public Concerns: The government claimed ownership over the forest and accused protesting students of being misled by real estate interests, downplaying genuine environmental concerns. Eg: Students and activists protested to protect the forest but were dismissed by the state government.
- Judicial Reprimand for Environmental Damage: The Supreme Court took notice of the deforestation and reprimanded the Telangana government, highlighting the environmental insensitivity of the decision. Eg: The court ordered action after 100 acres were cut down, signaling the need to protect urban green spaces.
How do urban forests help in improving the environment and public health in cities?
- Mitigate Pollution and Improve Air Quality: Urban forests sequester carbon and absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are major causes of air pollution in cities. Eg: One hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants annually, helping reduce Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494.
- Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect: Trees provide shade and cooling, lowering temperatures in concrete-heavy urban areas and combating the urban heat island effect caused by extensive construction and vehicle emissions. Eg: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai with more green cover experience less extreme heat compared to heavily built-up areas.
- Control Stormwater and Prevent Flooding: Urban forests help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and prevent flooding, thus protecting urban infrastructure and residents. Eg: Urban green spaces reduce flood risks during heavy rains by absorbing excess water, unlike paved surfaces which increase runoff.
What role have judicial interventions played in protecting urban forests in India?
- Broadened Legal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Godavarman case (1996) expanded the definition of forests, mandating all States to identify and map forest areas, including urban forests, thereby bringing them under legal protection. Eg: In 2004, the apex court directed States to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory to enhance conservation efforts.
- Prevented Tree Felling through Stay Orders: Courts have intervened to stop indiscriminate tree felling in urban areas when public protests or petitions were filed, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. Eg: In 2020, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the tree felling in Aarey Forest, Mumbai, after public outcry and legal petitions.
- Ensured Government Accountability: Judicial interventions have held governments accountable for environmentally insensitive development and upheld the Right to a Healthy Environment under Article 21. Eg: In 2024, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana government for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli, directing restoration efforts.
What is the goal of the Nagar Van Yojana?
The Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2020, aims to:
- Promote and develop urban forest spaces to enhance green cover and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising areas. Eg: It seeks to create eco-friendly urban ecosystems for better living environments.
- Create 1,000 urban forests by 2027 across Indian cities, contributing to climate resilience, air purification, and recreation. Eg: As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has already added 1445.81 km² of tree and forest cover.
- Involve local communities in forest development and maintenance to ensure sustainable urban forestry and public participation. Eg: Civic bodies and citizen groups are encouraged to adopt and care for these green spaces.
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Way forward:
- Legally Safeguard Urban Forests: Enact clear legal protections for urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli by integrating them into city master plans and forest laws to prevent diversion for non-forest use.
- Strengthen Community Participation: Empower local communities and civic bodies to co-manage and monitor urban forests through citizen-led initiatives, ensuring long-term conservation and accountability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] “Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Linkage: The Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air by absorbing pollutants. This question focuses on the critical issue of urban air pollution, highlighting the need for mechanisms like urban forests to improve air quality.
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Why in the News?
AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
- AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to increased mortality and healthcare complications.
- Globally, AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths and in India to 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 (IHME report).
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Why is it a growing concern globally?
- Rising Deaths Due to Resistant Infections: AMR causes infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality. Eg, globally AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and it is projected that by 2050, up to 10 million people could die annually due to resistant infections if no action is taken.
- Limited New Antibiotics Development: There has been a major decline in new antibiotic discovery over the past 30 years, leaving fewer effective treatment options. Eg, India’s development of Nafthromycin was the first new antibiotic in three decades, highlighting the global innovation gap.
- Widespread Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Over-prescription and use of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Eg, in India, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, promoting resistance and reducing drug effectiveness.
What is Nafthromycin?
- Nafthromycin, marketed as ‘Miqnaf’, is a new antibiotic developed in India by Wockhardt, with support from BIRAC.
- It treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment with a 97% success rate.
- India’s first indigenously-developed antibiotic in 30 years and the first globally in this class.
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What is the role of Nafthromycin in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
- Provides a New Effective Treatment Option: Nafthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in 30 years, offering a powerful new drug to treat infections like Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) with a 97% success rate. Eg: This helps overcome resistance to older antibiotics like azithromycin.
- Supports Antibiotic Stewardship by Reducing Overuse of Existing Drugs: By providing an effective alternative, Nafthromycin can reduce reliance on existing antibiotics that have become less effective due to resistance, helping slow down the spread of AMR.
Why is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major cause of AMR in India?
- Over-the-counter sales without prescription: Antibiotics are often sold without a prescription, leading to improper and unnecessary use. Eg: People buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies for viral infections like common cold, where antibiotics are ineffective.
- Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture: A large portion of antibiotics is used in animals to promote growth or prevent disease, which contributes to resistant bacteria spreading to humans. Eg: Use of colistin in poultry farming, which was recently banned in India to curb resistance.
- Self-medication and lack of awareness: Many people self-medicate with antibiotics or do not complete prescribed courses, promoting resistance.
What are the healthcare gaps in the treatment of AMR?
- Shortage of Trained Medical Personnel in AMR Management: There is limited awareness and training among healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use and infection control practices. Eg: A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that in community clinics in tier-2 cities, over 50% of doctors were unaware of the national treatment guidelines for infections.
- Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Many primary and secondary healthcare centers in India lack adequate microbiology labs to accurately identify bacterial infections and their resistance profiles. Eg: In rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, absence of lab support leads doctors to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics blindly, increasing resistance risks.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR): A comprehensive plan aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan to tackle AMR using a One Health approach (human, animal, and environment sectors). Eg: The plan prioritizes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and rational antimicrobial use. States like Kerala and Delhi have developed their own State Action Plans on AMR in alignment with NAP-AMR.
- Establishment of Surveillance Networks: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) to track resistance patterns across hospitals. Eg: AMRSN collects data on AMR trends in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli from over 30 hospitals, helping inform national policy.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Regulation and Stewardship: Enforce strict controls on antibiotic sales and promote antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals and clinics.
- Invest in Surveillance and Public Awareness: Expand AMR surveillance networks and run sustained awareness campaigns to educate public and healthcare providers.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] How do you explain the factors responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
Linkage: The core issue of “drug-resistant diseases” which is Antibiotic Resistance (AMR). The article talking about the key factors for AMR, such as misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors, including non-prescription sales in countries like India. It also discusses the need for monitoring and control mechanisms like responsible global stewardship, patient education, public awareness, innovation, regulation, and government leadership in stewardship.
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds.
What is Zero FIR?
- Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
- No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.
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About the e-Zero FIR System:
- Launch and Objective: The MHA has launched a pilot e-Zero FIR project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial frauds over ₹10 lakh.
- System Developer: It has been developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.
- How It Works: Victims can file complaints via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline.
- FIR Process: The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers the FIR digitally, which is then transferred electronically to the correct local police station.
- Legal Basis: The project is implemented under Section 173(1) and 173(1)(ii) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
- Jurisdiction-Free Filing: Victims can report crimes without worrying about police station limits.
- Digital Integration: The system connects the I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR portal, and NCRB’s CCTNS platform.
Key Features and Victim Support:
- Automatic Registration: FIRs are automatically registered for cyber frauds involving over ₹10 lakh.
- Anywhere Access: Victims can file from any location, ensuring jurisdiction-free access.
- Fast FIR Transfer: FIRs are sent electronically to the appropriate police station for follow-up.
- Mandatory Visit: Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
- Improved Recovery: Early registration improves the chances of recovering lost funds in time-sensitive fraud cases.
- Simplified Process: The system makes legal action easier and more accessible for cybercrime victims.
[UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
- Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
- During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Option: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only * (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals.
About the Asiatic Lion:
- Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and is one of the 5 big cat species in the country.
- Physical Traits: They are slightly smaller than African lions and have a less developed mane.
- Habitat: Their only wild habitat is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
- Range: Asiatic lions once roamed Western Asia, the Middle East, and parts of eastern and central India. Now, their entire wild population is restricted to Gujarat.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (most sources claimed it Endangered, but VU status is confirmed from IUCN official website).
- CITES: Appendix I (international commercial trade is prohibited; trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection in India, violations attract the harshest penalties)
- Lion Census: First conducted in 1936, and since 1965, done every 5 years by the Gujarat Forest Department.
- Behavioural Aspects:
- Reproduction: Lions are polyoestrous with no fixed breeding season; females come into estrus every 16 days and remain fertile for 4–8 days.
- Territorial Marking: Lions roar and scent mark to declare territory; males often scrape the ground to carry their scent.
Population and Conservation Updates:
- Population Growth: From 2020 to 2025, the lion population rose 32% to 891.
- Female Increase: Adult females grew 27% to 330, indicating positive breeding trends.
- Habitat Expansion: Lions now inhabit nine satellite regions, including Mityala (32 lions) and a new corridor (22 lions).
- Range Growth: Lion territory expanded from 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to 35,000 sq. km in 2025 — a 16.67% increase.
- Project Lion (2020): A ₹2,900 crore mission to enhance habitats and create new protected areas within Gujarat.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: With more lions outside reserves, there’s a rise in livestock attacks, with a 10% annual increase in affected villages and a 15% rise in animals killed.
- Community Support: Despite risks, 61% of surveyed locals showed tolerance towards lions, underlining the need for community-based conservation.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
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?
The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.
Back2Basics: Spices Board of India
- The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
- The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
- Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
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About SPICED Scheme and its Features:
- Launch: It is launched by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Timeline and Budget: The scheme runs till 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹422.30 crore, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission period.
- Objectives: It aims to boost spice exports, improve cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and promote value addition and sustainability.
- Funding Support: In 2025–26, about ₹130 crore will be distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries.
- Focus Areas: Includes Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI-tagged spices, and development of Spice Incubation Centres.
- Priority Beneficiaries: Special focus on farmer groups, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, SC/ST communities, SMEs, and exporters from the North-East.
- Monitoring: All activities are geo-tagged for transparency and tracking.
Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:
- Global Position: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices, cultivating 75 of 109 ISO-listed spices.
- Major Producing States: Include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and others.
- Key Spices: India grows and exports pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, celery, nutmeg, and spice oils.
- Top Products by Volume: Chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander account for 76% of production.
- Export Leaders: Chili is the top export earner, generating around $1.1 billion annually. Ginger exports are growing at 27% CAGR.
- Export Value: In 2023–24, India exported $4.25 billion worth of spices, capturing 12% of the global spice trade.
- Export Destinations: India exported to 159 countries. Key markets include China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, and Sri Lanka — together accounting for 70% of exports.
| [UPSC 2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils |
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Why in the News?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections.
ASI’s Concerns with the Report:
- The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE.
- It said the earliest period could be more accurately dated to pre-300 BCE.
- The ASI said that depth data alone was not enough — each scientific date should also mention the layer number to allow for stratigraphic consistency.
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About Keezhadi Excavations:
- Location: Keezhadi is a village in Sivaganga district, located about 12 km southeast of Madurai, along the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
- Excavations: Excavations began in 2014, led by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, to uncover urban signs from the Sangam Age.
- Period Link: The site is associated with the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), and findings may push it back to 800 BCE.
- Civilisation Context: Keezhadi is now seen as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation, with evidence of urbanisation, trade, and early literacy.
Key Findings from Keezhadi:
- Period: Charcoal samples dated to around 200 BCE; some artefacts range between the 6th century BCE and 1st century BCE using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.
- Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions: Over 120 potsherds with early Tamil Brahmi script indicate literacy during the Sangam period.
- Pottery and Craftsmanship: Discovery of pottery, gold ornaments, copper tools, shell bangles, and ivory combs show local industry and artistic skill.
- Trade and Imports: Agate and carnelian beads suggest access to imported materials and long-distance trade.
- Recreational Items: Dice and game pieces were found, indicating leisure activities in the society.
- Industrial Activity: Evidence of dyeing units and bead-making points to a flourishing economy.
- Cultural Continuity: Artefacts show a transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.
- Possible Indus Link: Some symbols on potsherds resemble Indus Valley signs, hinting at cultural connections, despite a 1,000-year gap.
| [UPSC 2013] Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
[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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INSV Kaundinya
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy has formally inducted a traditional stitched sail ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar.
About INSV Kaundinya:
- Induction: It is a newly inducted, stitched sail ship of the Indian Navy, formally inducted at Karwar Naval Base.
- Design: The ship is based on a 5th-century design shown in a painting from the Ajanta Caves.
- Construction Method: Built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including coconut fibre stitching, wooden joinery, coir ropes, natural resins, and cotton sails.
- No Modern Additions: It has no metal parts, no modern rudder, and is powered by square sails and steering oars.
- Cultural Symbols: Features include the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty), a Simha Yali on the bow, and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Sail Plan: The vessel has 3 masts — the main mast, mizzen mast, and bowsprit mast.
- Planned Voyage: A 15-member Indian Navy crew will sail it to Oman by late 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes.
- Project Partners: This heritage revival project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Legend of Kaundinya and Queen Soma:
- Kaundinya is regarded as the first known Indian sailor to cross the seas over 2,000 years ago.
- He is credited with founding the kingdom of Funan (in present-day Cambodia and South Vietnam) through a historic alliance with Queen Soma.
- Their story is recorded in Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese sources, though not in Indian texts.
- Future dynasties like the Khmer and Cham traced their origins to this union.
| [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South East Asia and conquered some of the areas.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-stitched-sail-ship-as-insv-kaundinya/article69601911.ece
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Why in the News?
India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur.
About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB):
- Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
- Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
- 2025 Theme: ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
- Key Highlights: India showcased its global leadership through:
Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Adoption: The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.
- Membership: Its secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and the convention has been ratified by 196 countries. The USA has signed but NOT ratified it.
- India and CBD:
- India became a party to the CBD on February 18, 1994, and is recognised as a leader among developing countries in biodiversity conservation and policy implementation
- India hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the CBD in Hyderabad in 2012, showcasing its commitment and capacity in biodiversity governance
- Core Objectives:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
- Functioning: The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every 2 years.
- Latest Development (COP16, 2024): Held in Cali, Colombia, COP16 introduced a benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) to ensure rewards for local communities.
- Related Protocols:
- Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates cross-border movement of living modified organisms (LMOs); effective from 2003.
- Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources.
India’s Biodiversity Profile:
- India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.
- It covers an area of 329 million hectares and is the 9th largest country globally.
- India is home to:
- Over 1,00,000 animal species.
- Around 55,000 plant species.
- Ten bio-geographic regions.
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| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raja Ram Mohun Roy
Mains level: His contributions
One of the most influential social and religious reformers of the 19th century, Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772 in what was then Bengal Presidency’s Radhanagar in Hooghly district, would have turned 253 years today.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833)
Early life
- Born into a prosperous upper-caste Brahmin family, Roy grew up within the framework of orthodox caste practices of his time.
- Child-marriage, polygamy and dowry were prevalent among the higher castes and he had himself been married more than once in his childhood.
- The family’s affluence had also made the best in education accessible to him.
- The waning of the Mughals and the ascendancy of the East India Company in Bengal towards the end of the 18th century was also the time when Roy was slowly coming into his own.
Academics
- Roy knew Bengali and Persian, but also Arabic, Sanskrit, and later, English.
- His exposure to the literature and culture of each of these languages bred in him a scepticism towards religious dogmas and social strictures.
- He spent considerable time studying the Vedas and the Upanishads, but also religious texts of Islam and Christianity.
Religious belief
- He was particularly intrigued by the Unitarian faction of Christianity and was drawn by the precepts of monotheism that, he believed, lay at the core of all religious texts.
- He wrote extensive tracts on various matters of theology, polity and human rights, and translated and made accessible Sanskrit texts into Bengali.
- Rammohun did not quite make a distinction between the religious and the secular. He believed religion to be the site of all fundamental changes.
- What he fought was not religion but what he believed to be its perversion.
Roy, the first among liberals
- Even though British consolidation of power was still at a nascent stage in India at the time, Roy could sense that change was afoot.
- Confident about the strength of his heritage and open to imbibing from other cultures what he believed were ameliorative practices, Roy was among India’s first liberals.
- He was simultaneously interested in religion, politics, law and jurisprudence, commerce and agrarian enterprise, Constitutions and civic rights, the unjust treatment of women and the appalling condition of the Indian poor.
Establishment of Atmiya Sabha
- In 1814, he started the Atmiya Sabha (Society of Friends), to nurture philosophical discussions on the idea of monotheism in Vedanta.
- It aimed to campaign against idolatry, casteism, child marriage and other social ills.
- The Atmiya Sabha would make way for the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, set up with Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore’s father.
Abolition of Sati, educational and religious reforms
- He campaigned for the modernisation of education, in particular the introduction of a Western curriculum, and started several educational institutions in the city.
- In 1817, he collaborated with Scottish philanthropist David Hare to set up the Hindu College (now, Presidency University).
- He followed it up with the Anglo-Hindu School in 1822 and, in 1830, assisted Alexander Duff to set up the General Assembly’s Institution, which later became the Scottish Church College.
- It was his relentless advocacy alongside contemporaries such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar that finally led to the abolition of Sati under the governor generalship of William Bentinck in 1829.
- Roy argued for the property rights of women, and petitioned the British for freedom of the press (in 1829 and 1830).
- His Brahmo Sabha, that later became the Brahmo Samaj, evolved as a reaction against the upper-caste stranglehold on social customs and rituals.
Perils of non-conformism
- Roy, who was given the title of Raja by the Mughal emperor Akbar II, was no exception to the societal enmity.
- Roy was also often attacked by his own countrymen who felt threatened by his reformist agenda, and by British reformers and functionaries, whose views differed from his.
Conclusion
- Roy’s work in the sphere of women’s emancipation, modernising education and seeking changes to religious orthodoxy finds new relevance in this time.
- He was among the first Indians to gain recognition in the UK and in America for his radical thoughts.
- Roy was unquestionably the first person on the subcontinent to seriously engage with the challenges posed by modernity to traditional social structures and ways of being.
- Rabindranath Tagore called him a ‘Bharatpathik’ by which he meant to say that Rammohun combined in his person the underlying spirit of Indic civilisation, its spirit of pluralism, tolerance and a cosmic respect for all forms of life.
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.
Linkage: While it focuses on the influence of ocean currents rather than the threat of overfishing, it establishes the fishing industry as a subject of examination in the context of geography and marine environments. |
Mentor’s Comment: India’s marine fisheries sector produces around three to four million tonnes of catch annually, showing that the country has reached its maximum sustainable yield. However, large mechanised fishing operations dominate the catch, while small-scale fishers—who make up 90% of the fishing population—harvest only about 10% of the total volume. Despite the high output, nearly three-quarters of marine fisher families live below the poverty line. When fishers invest in newer nets and bigger engines to catch ‘just one more kilo,’ they often fail to increase their catch significantly and instead incur higher debts, fuel expenses, and other costs, worsening the economic condition of these vulnerable communities.
Today’s editorial discusses issues in the Indian marine fisheries sector. This content will help you with GS Paper 2 (Policy Making) and GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy and Environment).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India’s marine fisheries sector faces an ecological and economic crisis. Although it produces 3–4 million tonnes of fish each year, it hides serious problems of unfairness and unsustainability.
What causes inequity in India’s marine fisheries despite high yields?
- Dominance of Mechanised Fishing: Large mechanised vessels capture the majority of fish, leaving small-scale fishers with a minimal share. For example, though small-scale fishers make up 90% of the population, they catch only 10% of the total marine output.
- Low Incomes Despite High Effort: Marginal increase in catch requires high investment in fuel, engines, and nets, increasing debts for traditional fishers. Eg: Even with larger engines, returns don’t rise proportionally, worsening poverty in fishing communities.
- Bycatch and Wasteful Practices: High-volume trawling discards significant juvenile and non-target species, reducing long-term resource availability. Eg: Shrimp trawlers discard over 10 kg of bycatch for every 1 kg of shrimp caught.
- Regulatory Fragmentation: Varying state laws allow exploitation of legal loopholes, enabling illegal or unsustainable practices. Eg: A fish species banned in one state can be caught and sold by landing in a neighbouring state.
- Lack of Inclusive Governance: Small-scale fishers have limited role in fisheries decision-making and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Eg: Fisheries subsidies and infrastructure mainly support large operators, sidelining traditional communities.
Why is shrimp trawling harmful to marine ecosystems?
- High Bycatch: Shrimp trawling results in excessive capture of non-target species, including juveniles. Eg: For every 1 kg of shrimp, over 10 kg of juvenile fish and other marine life are discarded.
- Juvenile Fishing: Small mesh sizes allow immature fish to be caught, reducing breeding populations. Eg: Sub-legal mesh sizes (<25 mm) trap juvenile sardines and mackerel, threatening their recovery.
- Habitat Destruction: Bottom trawling disturbs seabeds and coral reefs, degrading marine habitats. Eg: Trawl nets drag along the ocean floor, damaging reef ecosystems and invertebrate habitats.
- Ecosystem Imbalance: Removing large quantities of multiple species disrupts food webs and marine biodiversity. Eg: Multi-species shrimp trawling affects dozens of species, weakening ecosystem stability.
- Encourages Unsustainable Practices: The bycatch feeds fish-meal and fish-oil industries, incentivising further exploitation. Eg: Over half of trawl fishery hauls in some states are low-value bycatch ground into meal for export.
How do state-level laws hinder effective fisheries regulation?
- Fragmented Legal Framework: Each coastal State/UT has its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MFRA), leading to inconsistency in rules. Eg: A fish species protected as juvenile in one State may be legally caught in a neighbouring State.
- Easy Circumvention: Fishers exploit legal loopholes by landing catch across State borders to avoid stricter regulations. Eg: Unscrupulous trawlers bypass juvenile fish bans by selling catch in States with weaker enforcement.
- Undermines Conservation: Lack of harmonised standards weakens conservation efforts and encourages overfishing of vulnerable stocks. Eg: Inconsistent mesh size limits and closed season rules reduce the overall effectiveness of protection policies.
Which models show success in sustainable fisheries management?
- Quota Management System (QMS): Aligns science and policy by setting total allowable catches based on stock assessments and allocating tradable quotas. Eg: New Zealand’s QMS, introduced in 1986, helped stabilise and rebuild key fisheries through individual transferable quotas.
- Minimum Legal Size (MLS) Regulation: Enforcing size limits allows fish to mature and reproduce, leading to long-term stock recovery and improved fisher incomes. Eg: After Kerala implemented MLS for threadfin bream, catches rose by 41% in a single season.
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Who should act to ensure marine fisheries sustainability in India?
- Central Government: Should promote an ecosystem-based regulatory approach by reforming vessel licenses, infrastructure grants, and subsidies. Eg: Aligning subsidies with sustainability goals can discourage overfishing by mechanised fleets.
- State Governments: Must strengthen enforcement of fisheries laws with better patrols and real-time reporting tools. Eg: Uniform implementation of gear restrictions and closed seasons across coastal states.
- Fisher Cooperatives and Village Councils: Can act as co-managers of marine protected areas and breeding sanctuaries, ensuring community participation. Eg: Local councils enforcing seasonal bans and gear regulations in Kerala’s coastal villages.
- Consumers (Urban & Rural): Should exercise responsible seafood consumption by choosing legally sized, sustainably sourced fish. Eg: Rejecting undersized fish in markets can reduce demand for juvenile catch and promote biodiversity.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Infrastructure Development: The government is modernising fisheries-related infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. Eg: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), over ₹20,000 crore has been allocated to develop fishing harbours like the Mangalore fishing harbour and Paradeep harbour in Odisha with modern landing and storage facilities.
- Fisheries Subsidies and Financial Support: Financial aid is provided to fishers for deep-sea fishing, insurance, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Eg: The Blue Revolution scheme supported the acquisition of deep-sea tuna longliners by Tamil Nadu fishers, promoting offshore fishing and reducing coastal pressure.
- Policy Reforms and Conservation Measures: The government is implementing biological conservation through legal reforms like fishing bans, gear restrictions, and MLS regulations. Eg: The Kerala government’s implementation of Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for threadfin bream in 2017 resulted in a 41% increase in catch in just one season, showing improved fish stock regeneration.
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Way forward:
- Implement a unified national fisheries law to harmonise regulations across states, closing legal loopholes and strengthening enforcement for sustainable resource management.
- Empower local fishing communities through co-management models, enhancing their participation in decision-making and conservation to ensure equitable benefits and long-term ecosystem health.
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