Archives: News

Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

IOCR | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Poverty & Hunger

Why in the News?

According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line.

Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines:

The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per day, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to account for inflation and cost of living.
- PPP compares currencies by showing how much money is needed in different countries to buy the same goods. It helps measure real cost of living and economic strength.
Previous thresholds:
- $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
- $2.15 per day (2017 PPP)
Revised in June 2025:
- Low-income countries: $3 per day
- Lower middle-income countries (LMIC): $4.20 per day (up from $3.65)
- Upper middle-income countries: $8.40 per day (up from $6.85)
Why it matters: These new thresholds help track progress in poverty reduction and align better with today’s economic conditions.

India’s Progress and Challenges:

Reduction in Poverty:
- At the $3/day level, poverty dropped from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
- At the $2.15/day level, poverty fell from 16.2% to 2.3%, lifting 171 million people.
- At the $4.20/day level, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%, benefiting 378 million people.
Rural-Urban Trends:
- Rural poverty dropped from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%.
- The rural-urban gap narrowed from 25 to 15 percentage points.
Inequality Measures:
- Consumption inequality improved (Gini fell from 28.8 to 25.5).
- Income inequality, however, worsened (Gini rose from 52 to 62).
Employment Trends:
- Since 2021–22, employment growth has outpaced the working-age population.
- Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017–18, but youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, and 29% among graduates.
State-Level Dynamics:
- UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and MP contributed to 65% of the extreme poor (2011–12) and now represent 54% of the remaining poor.
Multidimensional Poverty:
- Declined significantly from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 15.5% in 2022–23, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards.

[UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:

Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State* (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

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Air Pollution

Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM)

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

IIT Kharagpur has made a web app called Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) to help people choose travel routes that are not just fast but also have cleaner air and better energy use.

About DRUM:

Purpose: It is a navigation tool that prioritises air quality and energy efficiency, offering a greener alternative to traditional mapping apps.
Data Usage: DRUM uses real-time data on air pollution and traffic conditions to recommend optimal routes.
Sources: Pollution information is collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the World Air Quality Index.

Important Features:

Routing Logic: DRUM applies a rank-based elimination method that prioritizes time, followed by distance, pollution exposure, and energy use.
Technical Tools: The app uses GraphHopper for route generation and Mapbox for live traffic updates.
Route Options: Users can choose from 5 routes — shortest, fastest, least pollution (LEAP), least energy use (LECR), and a balanced suggested route.
Live Updates: It retrieves real-time route data when a query is entered, not through scheduled updates.
Performance: In Delhi trials, the LEAP route cut pollution exposure by over 50%, and the LECR route reduced energy use by up to 28%.
Non-Motorized Inclusion: DRUM will expand to serve cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users.
Predictive Upgrade: DRUM 2.0, currently in development, will use machine learning to forecast pollution and traffic and recommend best routes and departure times.

[UPSC 2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:

I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles How many of the above are considered as alternative (powertrain) vehicles?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

Rare Proton Emission in Astatine Isotope

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of nuclear physicists from Finland has measured the proton emission and half-life of 188Astatine (188At)—the heaviest proton-emitting isotope ever observed.

What is Proton Emission?

Atomic Structure: Atoms are made up of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
Radioactive Decay: When atoms are unstable, they become stable by emitting particles through a process called radioactive decay.
Common Emissions: Most atoms emit alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays during decay.
Rare Emission: In very rare cases, an atom can emit a proton, a process known as proton emission.
Conditions for Emission: Proton emission occurs only in proton-rich nuclei that lie on the extreme edge of nuclear stability.
Detection Difficulty: These atoms are extremely hard to create in laboratories and usually exist for less than a second, making them hard to study.

Discovery of Proton Emission in 188-Astatine:

What is Astatine: Astatine (At) is a radioactive, halogenous element with atomic number 85, belonging to the halogen family (Group 17) on the periodic table. It’s a rarest natural element on Earth, not naturally occurring in significant quantities due to its short half-life.
Research Breakthrough: Scientists from Finland, India, and Portugal jointly studied a rare isotope called 188-Astatine.
Method: The atom was made by bombarding a silver target with strontium ions in a high-powered accelerator.
Observed Event: After its formation, 188-Astatine emitted a proton and transformed into polonium within 190 microseconds.
Role of Indian Scientists: Experts from IIT Roorkee used computer simulations to confirm the event and revealed that the atom’s shape resembled a watermelon, elongated and stretched.

Significance of the Discovery:

Scientific First: This was the first recorded instance of proton emission from astatine, a rare and heavy element.
Understanding Atomic Limits: The discovery helps scientists learn how unstable atoms behave and where the proton-holding limits of atomic nuclei lie.
Contribution to Nuclear Science: It enhances our understanding of element formation in extreme environments like stars and nuclear reactors.
Future Implications: Such discoveries can contribute to medical advances, especially in developing radioactive materials for cancer treatment.

[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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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN)

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

Why in the News?

The Centre has launched DIGIPIN, a geo-coded digital address system that aims to bring precision and efficiency to address identification across the country.

Tap to read more about PIN Codes in India.

What is DIGIPIN?

About: DIGIPIN is a digital address system introduced by the Government of India to improve location identification across the country.
Development Team: The system was developed by the Department of Posts, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO.
Technology Base: It uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to geo-code each physical location with high accuracy.
Key Features:
- Accessibility: Users can access their DIGIPIN through the India Post’s online portal, and it works seamlessly on any GPS-enabled device.
- Nature of the System: It is open source, interoperable, and privacy-focused, meaning it is publicly accessible, works across platforms, and does not store personal data.
- Code Format: Each location is assigned a unique 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 39J-53M-TJF9) that corresponds to an area of approximately 4×4 square meters.
- Coverage Area: DIGIPIN works across urban, rural, forest, and oceanic regions throughout India, even where no formal addresses exist.

digipin

Significance of DIGIPIN:

Precision Mapping: DIGIPIN enables highly accurate geolocation, even in places without traditional street addresses or house numbers.
E-Commerce Enhancement: The system boosts last-mile delivery efficiency for platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and other logistics providers.
Emergency Response: DIGIPIN supports police, ambulance, and fire services in reaching destinations quickly, especially in dense or unmapped areas.
Public Service Delivery: It improves government outreach by making it easier to deliver welfare schemes, notices, and essential services in remote areas.
Inclusion of Remote Regions: The system brings digital address visibility to forests, tribal regions, and maritime zones, aiding national mapping efforts.

[UPSC 2022] Consider the following:

1. Aarogya Setu

2. CoWIN

3. DigiLocker

4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

[7th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Water management in India needs a new course

op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2013] Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

Linkage: India’s water management problems are explicitly stated to be a result of a “fragmented and sectoral approach”. This contrasts sharply with the need for a holistic “new course.” The existing situation is problematic because “rivers and other waterbodies are often interstate and multiple political jurisdictions are involved in administering the same waterbody”.

Mentor’s Comment: In 2025, global water governance takes a historic turn as the United Nations declares it the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and launches the Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025–2034). These initiatives, aligned with World Water Day 2025 and World Day for Glaciers (March 21), focus directly on the vital connections between mountain glaciers, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems. They promote the “Source-to-Sea (S2S)” approach, which integrates water governance from glacial sources all the way to ocean outlets, acknowledging their ecological and hydrological continuity.

Today’s editorial will talk about water governance in India and the world. It will help with GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Policy Making) and GS Paper III (Environment).

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Scientists and decision-makers need to pay attention to the Source to Sea (S2S) approach.

What is the theme of World Water Day 2025?

Theme: Glacier Preservation
2025 is also declared the International Year of Glaciers Preservation by the United Nations.
Marks the start of a Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025-2034).

Why is it significant?

Crucial Source of Freshwater: Glaciers act as natural water reservoirs, supplying freshwater to millions downstream. Their preservation ensures sustained water availability for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems. Eg: The Himalayan glaciers feed rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, supporting millions of people in India.
Indicator of Climate Change: Glaciers are sensitive to global warming; their rapid melting signals climate change impacts. Protecting them helps monitor and mitigate broader environmental risks. Eg: Melting Himalayan glaciers contribute to changing river flows, affecting flood and drought patterns in South Asia.
Supports Sustainable Development: Preserving glaciers helps maintain mountain ecosystems and supports downstream communities dependent on glacier-fed waters for their livelihoods and economic activities. Eg: Alpine glaciers support mountain agriculture and tourism, critical to local economies in regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Why is the Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach important for global water governance?

Integrated Management of Water Systems: S2S treats freshwater and marine systems as a connected continuum, ensuring that actions upstream (rivers, lakes) consider their impact downstream (coastal and marine environments). Eg: Pollution control in river basins like the Ganges directly affects the health of the Bay of Bengal ecosystem.
Improves Coordination Across Jurisdictions: S2S promotes cooperation among multiple stakeholders and political jurisdictions, bridging fragmented governance to manage shared water resources effectively. Eg: The Manila Declaration encourages countries to work together on ridge-to-reef management to protect water quality from land to ocean.
Facilitates Sustainable Solutions for Water and Marine Challenges: By addressing the entire water cycle, S2S enables holistic strategies that tackle issues like pollution, water diversion, and habitat loss, benefiting both terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Eg: Initiatives under the SIWI Action Platform connect freshwater and marine experts to develop better water management practices globally.

What is the cryosphere?

The cryosphere includes all frozen water parts of Earth, such as glaciers, snow, sea ice, and permafrost. It helps regulate the climate, reflects sunlight, and stores Earth’s freshwater.

How does the changing mountain cryosphere impact downstream water resources?

Altered Water Flow Patterns: Melting glaciers and shrinking snowpacks change the timing and volume of water flow downstream, leading to seasonal water shortages or floods. Eg: Reduced glacial melt in the Himalayas affects the flow of rivers like the Ganges, impacting water availability for millions.
Reduced Water Storage Capacity: Glaciers act as natural reservoirs, storing water during cold months and releasing it slowly. Their retreat means less buffering capacity during dry periods, causing water stress downstream. Eg: Declining glacier size in the Alps affects water supplies for European river basins in summer.
Increased Risk of Natural Hazards: Glacier melt can lead to the formation and sudden breach of glacial lakes, causing flash floods and damaging downstream ecosystems and communities. Eg: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas pose risks to villages and infrastructure along rivers like the Indus.

What are the key challenges India faces in managing its water resources?

Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation, industrial use, and domestic consumption has led to alarming depletion rates of aquifers. This poses a significant threat to long-term water availability and agricultural productivity. Eg, states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan report over 100% utilization of groundwater resources, leading to critical water scarcity.
Water Pollution: Water pollution from industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff has made large quantities of freshwater unusable. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, more than 70% of India’s surface water is polluted, with rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna being majorly affected.
Climate Change and Erratic Weather Patterns: Changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and frequent floods induced by climate change are altering water availability. The Indian Meteorological Department has noted a decline in monsoon rainfall, which is critical for replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves.

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

Formulation and Revision of National Water Policies: The government introduced the first National Water Policy in 1987, and since then, it has been periodically updated to address emerging challenges. The latest draft policies emphasize integrated water resource management and sustainability. Eg, the 2019 draft National Water Policy focuses on water conservation, efficient use, and equitable distribution.
Institutional Reforms and Coordination Bodies: Committees have been set up to improve water governance by restructuring key institutions. Eg, in 2015, a committee was formed to merge the Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board into a unified National Water Commission to foster better coordination and planning.
Promotion of Sustainable and Integrated Approaches: The government supports approaches like Source-to-Sea (S2S) management, which integrates land, freshwater, coastal, and marine resource management. Eg, pilot projects in the Indo-Gangetic basin and Delhi waterbodies are being explored under the S2S framework to address pollution and water quality comprehensively.

Way forward:

Adopt Source-to-Sea (S2S) Approach Nationwide: Implement integrated water governance that connects glacial sources to coastal ecosystems, ensuring coordinated action across sectors and regions.
Strengthen Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure: Invest in glacier monitoring, early warning systems, and sustainable groundwater management to adapt to climate-induced water variability and safeguard water security.

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Food Safety Standards – FSSAI, food fortification, etc.

Maintaining India’s progress in food safety standards

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Why in the News?

World Food Safety Day 2025 is observed with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” It highlights India’s progress in food safety, though there are still some gaps to address.

What is the theme of World Food Safety Day 2025?

Theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action”. It emphasizes the importance of applying science to ensure food safety.

How does it reflect India’s evolving approach to food safety?

Shift from Adulteration to Risk-Based Framework: Earlier, the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 focused on whether food was adulterated or not. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 introduced a scientific, risk-based approach through the creation of FSSAI.
Adoption of International Scientific Standards: India aligned its food regulations with global norms like those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Eg: Standards for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values are now scientifically defined.
Efforts to Strengthen Scientific Capacity: India is focusing on generating its own toxicological data and conducting Total Diet Studies (TDS) to suit local needs. Eg: Indian-specific dietary patterns and environmental factors are being considered to improve food safety regulations.

What are Toxicology Studies?

These are scientific assessments that evaluate the harmful effects of chemicals or substances (like pesticides, additives, contaminants) on living organisms, especially humans.

Why are India-specific toxicology studies important for food safety?

Reflect Local Dietary Habits: International toxicology data may not match Indian dietary patterns and consumption levels. Eg: An average Indian may consume more rice or spices than Western populations, affecting exposure to contaminants.
Consider Unique Agricultural Practices: India’s crop varieties, pesticide usage, and farming methods differ from global practices. Eg: Pesticide residues on Indian-grown vegetables may vary significantly compared to Europe, requiring tailored safety limits.
Account for Environmental and Genetic Differences: Climate, water quality, and genetic factors influence how toxins impact health in India. Eg: Heavy metal contamination in groundwater in Indian regions could cause higher cumulative exposure, not captured by foreign studies.

What is monosodium glutamate (MSG)?

MSG is a flavour enhancer commonly added to food to intensify the umami taste (a savoury flavour). It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods.

How has the regulation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in India differed from global practices?

Continued Use of Outdated Warning Labels: While global authorities like JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) have declared MSG safe since 1971, India still mandates a warning label stating it is unsafe for infants. Eg: Most countries have removed such warnings, but India continues them despite scientific consensus.
Misleading Public Perception: The mandatory label in India has led to consumer fear and confusion, with many believing MSG is inherently harmful. Eg: This is misleading, as natural glutamates (chemically identical to MSG) are found in tomato, mushroom, garlic, and even breast milk.
Lag in Regulatory Modernisation: India has been slow to align its food safety regulations with global scientific evidence. Eg: Despite MSG receiving an “ADI not specified” status globally (indicating high safety), India still treats it with caution due to legacy regulations.

What can improve food safety risk communication in India?

Simplify Scientific Language: Communicate complex terms like MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) and ADIs (Acceptable Daily Intake) in easy-to-understand formats for the public. Eg: Instead of stating “0.1 mg/kg,” explain it as a level safe for lifelong consumption in common quantities of food.
Replace Misleading Labels with Evidence-Based Information: Outdated or alarming labels should be updated to reflect current scientific understanding. Eg: The MSG warning label in India should be replaced with factual information about its safety, as done in other countries.
Enhance Public Engagement and Transparency: Build public trust through open communication with consumers, industry, and media to explain regulatory changes and safety updates. Eg: When MRL limits for pesticides were revised, clearer messaging could have prevented public fear and misunderstanding.

Way forward:

Invest in India-Specific Scientific Research: Conduct localized toxicological studies and Total Diet Studies (TDS) to ensure food safety standards reflect Indian dietary habits, agricultural practices, and environmental conditions.
Strengthen Risk Communication and Public Awareness: Simplify scientific terms for the public, revise outdated labels, and build transparent engagement with stakeholders to promote informed consumer choices and trust in regulatory decisions.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2022] Briefly discuss the status and significance of the food processing industry in India.

Linkage: The “status and significance of the food processing industry” in India is directly and fundamentally linked to the country’s food safety standards. For this industry to achieve and maintain a significant status, it must adhere to and uphold rigorous food safety standards. The perception and reality of food safety directly influence consumer trust, market access (both domestic and international), and overall economic contribution of the sector.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

Assam CM on Pakistan ‘scare narrative’: Could Chinese dams affect Brahmaputra flow in India?

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

Why in the News?

India has rejected the “scare stories” spread by Pakistan and others about China building dams upstream on the Brahmaputra River, especially the big 60,000 MW Medog Hydropower Project in Tibet.

What is the significance of the Brahmaputra’s flow originating mostly in India?

Major Contribution to River Flow: Although India has only about 34.2% of the Brahmaputra basin area, it contributes over 80% of the river’s total water flow due to higher rainfall and tributary inflows. Eg: The Indian basin receives an average annual rainfall of 2,371 mm, much higher than Tibet’s 300 mm.
Flood Management Potential: Control over a major share of the river’s flow gives India better scope to design flood control infrastructure and storage systems to reduce monsoon-related disasters. Eg: Assam CM stated that reduced flow from China could help mitigate annual floods in Assam.
Strengthened Riparian Rights and Development Planning: India’s dominant share in flow enhances its claim as a principal riparian state, empowering it to undertake hydropower and irrigation projects without heavy external dependency. Eg: India is developing hydropower projects like Dibang and Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh based on its flow share.

Note: A “riparian state” refers to a state or country that shares a river or stream border with another state or country.

What about the Medog Hydropower Project?

The Medog Hydropower Project is an ambitious and controversial initiative by China to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. With a planned capacity of 60,000 megawatts (MW) and an estimated cost of $137 billion, the project has significant environmental, geopolitical, and social implications for the region

Why is China’s proposed Medog hydropower project raising concerns for India?

Strategic Control Over Water Flow: China’s 60,000 MW Medog dam could allow manipulation of the Brahmaputra’s flow, risking reduced water in dry seasons or artificial floods during monsoons. Eg: Sudden releases from Chinese dams have previously caused flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Environmental and Seismic Hazards: The dam’s location in a seismic zone threatens biodiversity, increases landslide risks, and may disrupt sediment flow critical for downstream agriculture. Eg: Trapped sediments can reduce soil fertility, impacting farming in India and Bangladesh.
Absence of Water-Sharing Agreements: China’s unilateral actions without consultation violate equitable sharing norms, worsening trust deficits. Eg: Unlike the Indus Treaty with Pakistan, no formal pact exists between India and China on the Brahmaputra.

What steps has India taken or proposed to utilise the Brahmaputra’s water potential?

Development of Hydropower Projects: India is actively constructing and planning large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to harness the Brahmaputra’s energy potential and establish water-use rights. Eg: Projects like the Dibang Multipurpose Project (2880 MW) and Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2000 MW) are designed to generate clean energy and regulate river flow.
Construction of Multipurpose Storage Reservoirs: India is focusing on creating dams and storage facilities to control floods, store monsoon water, and ensure water availability in dry seasons. Eg: The proposed Upper Siang project aims to store floodwaters and generate electricity while supporting irrigation and drinking water needs in the region.
Promotion of Inland Waterways and River Navigation: The Brahmaputra is being developed as a key navigable waterway under India’s Act East Policy to boost trade and regional connectivity. Eg: The National Waterway-2 (NW-2) on the Brahmaputra facilitates cargo movement between Assam and Bangladesh, promoting economic use of the river.

Way forward:

Bilateral Water-Sharing Framework: India and China should initiate dialogue to establish a formal transboundary water-sharing agreement, ensuring data transparency, flow regulation, and emergency notification mechanisms—similar to the Indus Waters Treaty.
Regional Environmental Assessment Mechanism: Promote a joint environmental impact assessment (EIA) involving India, China, and Bangladesh under a multilateral platform like the UN or SAARC, to ensure sustainable and equitable river basin management.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2013} What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

Linkage: The articles talks about the Chinese infrastructure interventions on the Brahmaputra are “hydropower projects with minimal storage”. It also mentions the massive planned Medog project as the world’s largest hydropower facility, and India’s own Upper Siang Project which will generate power and serve as a buffer against flow variations. This question directly relates to a type of hydropower project pertinent to river development and control.

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Railway Reforms

PM inaugurates Chenab Railway Bridge

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

About the Chenab Rail Bridge:

Location: The Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge, situated over the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
Height: The bridge rises to a height of 359 metres, which is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Structure and Length: It has a total length of 1,315 metres, comprising a 530-metre approach bridge and a 785-metre steel arch bridge.
Project Execution: Constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation, with contributions from Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering (South Korea), and VSL India.
Design and Engineering:
- IISc Bengaluru designed the foundation.
- IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee conducted seismic analysis.
- DRDO ensured it is blast-proof.
Durability and Safety: The bridge can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, blasts up to 40 tonnes of TNT, temperatures as low as -20°C, and wind speeds of 266 km/h.
Speed and Lifespan: It supports train speeds up to 100 km/h and has a lifespan of 120 years.
Key Milestones: The arch closure was completed in April 2021, and the Golden Joint Ceremony was held on August 13, 2022.

PM also inaugurated Anji Bridge:

About: The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built over the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab.
Ranking: It is the second-highest railway bridge in India, after the Chenab Bridge.
Design: Originally planned as an arch bridge, the design was changed to cable-stayed due to geological challenges.
Structure Details: The total length is 725 metres, comprising an ancillary viaduct, approach bridge, and central embankment.
Features: It is supported by 96 cables ranging from 82 to 295 metres, with a deck width of 15 metres.
Resilience: The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity, unstable terrain, strong winds, heavy storms, and explosions.

[UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

Which of the statements given above are not 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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RBI Notifications

RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Decisions

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The RBI, in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 1% to release ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system by November 2025.

Key Changes Announced:

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) reduced by 1% in four tranches, bringing it down to 3% by November 29, 2025.
This CRR cut will release ₹2.5 lakh crore liquidity into the banking system by December 2025.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) remains unchanged at 18% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).

Key terms related to the MPC instruments:

	Explanation
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)	CRR is the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that must be maintained as liquid cash with the RBI. Banks cannot use this amount for lending or investment. No interest is earned on CRR. It is used to control liquidity and inflation in the economy. Increasing CRR reduces bank lending capacity; decreasing it increases liquidity. Current CRR is 4.5% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)	SLR is the minimum percentage of NDTL that banks must maintain in liquid form. It includes cash, gold, or approved government securities, kept with the bank itself. It helps ensure bank solvency and restricts excessive credit growth. Raising SLR reduces funds available for lending; lowering it boosts credit and growth. It also helps the government ensure demand for its securities.
Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL)	It includes public deposits and balances held with other banks. It excludes deposits the bank itself has with other banks. Demand liabilities include current accounts and demand drafts. Time liabilities include fixed deposits and recurring deposits. CRR and SLR are calculated as a percentage of NDTL.
Repo Rate	The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. Banks sell securities to RBI with an agreement to repurchase them later. Lower repo rate makes borrowing cheaper and boosts liquidity. Higher repo rate makes borrowing costlier, reducing liquidity. It is a key monetary policy tool to regulate inflation and money supply.
Variable Rate Repo (VRR) Auction	VRR auction is a method where RBI conducts repo operations at variable interest rates. Interest rate is determined through competitive bidding by banks. It reflects real-time demand and supply of liquidity. Enables more flexible and efficient liquidity management by RBI.
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)	SDF allows banks to deposit surplus funds with the RBI without providing any collateral. Banks earn interest at a rate set by the RBI. It is used to absorb excess liquidity from the system. Part of RBI’s liquidity management framework.
Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR)	WACR is the weighted average interest rate at which banks borrow and lend overnight funds in the interbank call money market. It is an important indicator of short-term liquidity conditions. RBI monitors WACR to guide monetary policy decisions.

[UPSC 2020] If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do?

1. Cut and optimise the Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate.

3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

Why in the News?

India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2026–2028.

About the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

Establishment: It is one of the 6 principal UN organs, created in 1945 under the UN Charter.
Mandate: It coordinates the UN’s economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural work.
Role: ECOSOC serves as the central platform for global policy dialogue, review, and development recommendations.
Composition: ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
Decision-Making: Decisions are made by simple majority; no permanent members; presidency rotates annually.
Functions and Powers:
- Coordination: Oversees 15 specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO), 8 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions.
- Promotion Areas: Focuses on living standards, employment, human rights, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
- Engagement with NGOs: Grants consultative status to over 1,600 NGOs and organizes global conferences.
- UN Oversight: Supervises agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR.
Sessions and Meetings:
- Main Sessions: Held each July, along with an organizational session.
- Finance Dialogues: Hosts April meetings with finance ministers from the IMF and World Bank.
- SDG Monitoring: Organizes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Legal and Institutional Details:
- UN Charter Basis: Defined under Chapter X (Articles 61–72) of the Charter.
- Headquarters: Located in New York.
- Scope: ECOSOC is the largest and most complex UN body, shaping global development policy.

India and ECOSOC:

Membership: India is serving its 18th term as a member, elected for the 2026–28 period.
Subsidiary Roles: India has held positions in bodies like the UN Statistical Commission, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and UNAIDS Board.
Recent Milestone: India recently joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), highlighting its data expertise.
Policy Priorities: India supports inclusive growth, SDG progress, and south-south cooperation through evidence-based multilateral leadership.

[UPSC 2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:

1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.

2. It is elected by a 2/3 majority of The General Assembly for a 3-year term.

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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