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  • Interrupted growth Industrial growth is still tied to government spends on infrastructure 

    Why in the News?

    India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 10-month low growth of 1.5% in June, primarily due to a sharp decline in mining (–8.7%) and electricity output (–2.6%).

    What caused the IIP slowdown in June?

    • Sharp contraction in mining and electricity output: Mining activity declined by –8.7%, and electricity generation fell by –2.6%, significantly dragging overall growth. These two sectors jointly account for 22.3% of the IIP weightage.
    • Erratic monsoon and waterlogging in key mining belts: Early and uneven southwest monsoon caused flooding in mining areas of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, disrupting production and logistics.
    • Damage to infrastructure and supply chain disruptions: Waterlogging led to damage in power distribution infrastructure and interrupted supply chains, resulting in subdued industrial activity and power demand.

    How did climate events contribute?

    • Disruption of mining activities: Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in mineral-rich regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal hindered extraction and transportation of key minerals. Eg: Jharkhand received 504.8 mm rainfall (against a normal of 307 mm), affecting coal and iron ore production.
    • Damage to power infrastructure: Flooding led to breakdowns in electricity distribution systems, especially in rural and semi-industrial belts. Eg: Widespread inundation disrupted power supply, lowering electricity output by –2.6% in June.
    • Supply chain interruptions: Climate irregularities caused logistical delays and increased input costs, hampering industrial flow.

    Why is India reluctant to link climate events with economic data like IIP or GDP?

    • Institutional hesitation and narrative control: Key agencies like the Ministry of Statistics and RBI prefer attributing economic fluctuations to factors like high base effects, global demand shifts, or input cost variations, avoiding politically sensitive climate linkages.
    • Complexity of climate attribution: Linking specific events (like heavy rain or drought) to climate change requires scientific modelling and probabilistic data, which are resource-intensive and not yet integrated into mainstream reporting.
    • Fear of politicisation and accountability: Acknowledging climate-linked economic slowdowns could invite policy criticism and demand for corrective action, making policymakers cautious.

    How do climate disruptions in mining and power affect industrial output?

    • Halted Mining Operations: Extreme rainfall leads to waterlogging and flooding in mining belts, making extraction unsafe and unviable. Eg: In June, mining activity contracted by –8.7% due to excessive rainfall in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
    • Damage to Power Infrastructure: Climate events like floods and storms disrupt power transmission lines and generation facilities, leading to reduced electricity output. Eg: Electricity production shrank by –2.6% in June, which lowered industrial productivity across sectors.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in the supply of raw materials (like coal) due to climate-induced transport and logistical breakdowns affect the manufacturing cycle. Eg: Sluggish industrial output growth of 3.9% in June, despite some sectoral growth, was partly due to such disruptions.

    What can India learn from global practices in integrating climate risk into economic reporting?

    • Mainstream Climate Risk in Macroeconomic Analysis: Institutions like the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England incorporate climate risk assessments into their economic forecasts and financial stability reports. Eg: The ECB uses climate stress tests to estimate the impact of extreme weather on GDP and inflation projections, helping shape responsive monetary and fiscal policies.
    • Develop Probabilistic Climate Attribution Models: Global agencies invest in scientific and data-driven models to link specific climate events to broader economic outcomes. Eg: The UK Met Office partners with economic bodies to assess how floods or heatwaves influence sectoral output and employment, ensuring better policy alignment and risk preparedness.

    Why is climate attribution important for informed economic policymaking?

    • Enables Targeted Risk Mitigation and Resource Allocation: Understanding the economic impact of specific climate events helps policymakers design sector-specific interventions, such as improved infrastructure in flood-prone mining regions or energy grid resilience plans.
    • Strengthens Long-term Economic Planning and Resilience: Integrating climate attribution allows for accurate forecasting and budgeting, ensuring that climate-linked disruptions (e.g., to power or mining) are factored into growth strategies, insurance frameworks, and industrial policies.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Climate Risk Frameworks into Economic Reporting: Agencies like the Ministry of Statistics and RBI should formally include climate-related variables in metrics like IIP and GDP, using probabilistic models and event attribution tools to capture the economic impact of extreme weather events.
    • Build Institutional Capacity for Climate-Economic Analysis: Establish a dedicated national climate-economic observatory or task force to monitor, assess, and publish regular reports on how climate disruptions affect different sectors, drawing inspiration from institutions like the European Central Bank.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

    Linkage: This question is highly relevant as it directly addresses the crucial role of “investment in infrastructure” for “economic growth.” The article explicitly states that “the robust growth in capital (3.5%), intermediate (5.5%) and infrastructure (7.2%) goods output, indicates that much of industrial growth continues to hinge on the government’s infrastructure spends”.

  • Adopt formalisation to power productivity growth 

    Why in the News?

    India’s manufacturing sector is facing renewed scrutiny due to the rising contractualisation of labour, which has grown from 20% in 1999-2000 to 40.7% in 2022-23, according to the Annual Survey of Industries. 

    What drives the rise of contract labour in formal manufacturing?

    • Cost Minimization: Employers hire contract workers to reduce wage bills and avoid social security contributions. Eg: In large firms, contract workers often earn up to 31% less than regular employees.
    • Bypassing Labour Laws: Contracting allows firms to circumvent regulations under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, such as rules on retrenchment and notice period.  
    • Operational Flexibility: Firms use contract labour to scale up or down quickly with demand without long-term obligations. Eg: Seasonal industries like textiles use short-term contract workers during peak export periods.
    • Third-Party Shielding: Outsourcing through contractors protects the principal employer from legal accountability for employment terms. Eg: Automobile assembly lines often outsource non-core work to manpower agencies.
    • Sector-Wide Trend Across Sizes: The rise in contract labour is not limited to small firms; it extends to large and capital-intensive industries. Eg: Between 2000 and 2022, contract labour share doubled from 20% to 40.7% across all industries.

    Why does contract labour hurt long-term productivity?

    • Low Skill Development: Contract workers are rarely given training or upskilling opportunities, limiting their efficiency and innovation. Eg: In India’s electronics manufacturing sector, companies like Dixon Technologies rely heavily on contract labour, leading to a shortage of skilled technicians for precision assembly.
    • High Attrition and Turnover: Contract workers frequently change jobs due to lack of job security, resulting in loss of institutional knowledge. Eg: In food processing units in Punjab, annual turnover among contract workers exceeds 70%, disrupting workflow continuity.
    • Reduced Worker Motivation: Absence of benefits like promotion, pension, or medical cover leads to low morale and reduced effort. Eg: In government-run power plants, studies have shown that contract workers contribute less to maintenance efficiency than permanent staff, affecting overall plant performance.
    • Weak Industrial Relations: Contract workers are often excluded from grievance redressal mechanisms or unions, increasing workplace tensions and risking disruptions. Eg: Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant witnessed violent unrest in 2012, partly attributed to discontent between permanent and contract workers.
    • Quality Compromise and Rework: Contract workers may lack the ownership mindset, resulting in errors and product rework, which lowers productivity. Eg: In garment export hubs like Tiruppur, repeated quality rejections from overseas buyers have been traced to inconsistent output from untrained contract labour.
    • Wage and cost gaps act as a disincentive
      • Unequal pay for equal work: Contract workers often earn much less than permanent workers for doing the same job, violating fairness.
         Eg: In PSUs like ONGC, contract workers earn up to 50% less than permanent employees for the same technical work.
      • Avoidance of social security: Employers save costs by not contributing to Provident Fund, gratuity, or health benefits, increasing worker insecurity.
         Eg: A CAG audit of private thermal power plants found 30–40% labour cost savings due to evasion of statutory benefits.

    What are the existing policy?

    • Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970: This law aims to regulate the employment of contract labour in certain establishments and abolish it in specific cases where work is perennial in nature. However, enforcement is weak, and many employers bypass provisions through sub-contracting.
    • Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH Code), 2020: Consolidates 13 labour laws, including those related to health, safety, and working conditions of workers (including contract labour). It mandates registration of establishments and welfare facilities, but monitoring and implementation remain inconsistent.
    • Fixed Term Employment (FTE) provision under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Legalises short-term employment contracts with a provision for equal pay for equal work. But in practice, social security benefits and job security are often denied to such workers.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Universal Social Protection: Extend mandatory social security coverage (e.g., ESIC, EPF) to all contract and gig workers, with portable benefits and employer accountability, regardless of tenure or contract type.
    • Improve Legal Enforcement and Transparency: Strengthen labour law enforcement through digital compliance portals, randomised inspections, and public disclosure of contract employment data to prevent misuse and promote accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?

    Linkage: The article talks about the “labour code on industrial relations” introduced in 2020 which is related to the demand of the question. This code, awaiting implementation, aims to provide greater flexibility in hiring and firing by allowing firms to directly hire non-regular workers on fixed-term contracts without third-party contractors. However, it also seeks to curb exploitation by mandating basic statutory employment benefits.

  • In news: Kyoto Protocol

    Why in the News?

    Vijai Sharma, a 1974-batch IAS officer and architect of India’s climate diplomacy, who helped shape the Kyoto Protocol for safeguarding the interests of developing countries like India, has passed away.

    About Kyoto Protocol:

    • Adopted: 11 December 1997 (UNFCCC COP-3, Kyoto, Japan); Came into Force: 16 February 2005
    • Legal Status: Legally binding on developed (Annex I) countries
    • Parent Treaty: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)
    • Objective: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change
    • Principle: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)
    • Parties: 192 ratified; key non-parties include United States and Canada

    Key Features:

    • Emission Targets:
      • Annex B nations to cut emissions by 5% below 1990 levels (2008–2012)
      • Doha Amendment (2012): 18% cut for 2013–2020
    • Greenhouse Gases Covered:
      • Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, Sulfur hexafluoride
    • Market Mechanisms:
      • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Carbon credits via projects in developing nations
      • Joint Implementation (JI): Emission reduction between Annex I countries
      • International Emissions Trading: Trade surplus emission units
    • Monitoring and Enforcement:
      • Mandatory reporting and independent verification
      • Compliance Committee oversight
      • Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) included; aviation/shipping excluded
    • Equity Element:
      • No binding targets for developing nations like India and China
      • Developed nations held accountable for historical emissions

    Vijai Sharma’s Contributions:

    • Climate Negotiations Leader: India’s chief negotiator (1995–2001), led G77+China, defended equity and exemptions for developing nations
    • Policy Architect: Helped shape CDM governance, promoted India’s clean-tech access
    • Environmental Reformer: As Environment Secretary (2008–2010), improved clearance processes
    • Legacy: Called “Sir Humphrey Sharma” for his sharp wit and bureaucratic skill; key figure in India’s Kyoto-era climate diplomacy
    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following pairs:

    Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin

    1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol

    2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol

    3. Clean Development Mechanisms : Kyoto Protocol

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

     

  • NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

    Why in the News?

    The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) has been successfully launched from Sriharikota using GSLV Mk-II.

    NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

    About NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar):

    • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk-II | Launch Site: Sriharikota, India
    • Mission Life: 3 years (planned); 5+ years (design)
    • Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar orbit at 747 km with 98.4° inclination
    • Objective: High-precision monitoring of Earth’s surface changes—tectonics, agriculture, ecosystems, ice, floods, and landslides
    • Data Access: Free and near real-time; disaster maps delivered in under 5 hours
    • Hardware Contributions:
      • NASA: L-band SAR, 12m antenna, avionics
      • ISRO: S-band SAR, satellite bus, launch services
    • Development and Collaboration:
      • Initial Concept: 2007 (NASA); ISRO joined in 2012
      • Formal Agreement: 2014
      • Investment: NASA – ~$1.16 billion; ISRO – ~$90 million

    Key Features of NISAR:

    • What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)?
      • Operates day/night, all-weather
      • Simulates large radar antenna via motion
      • Penetrates clouds, vegetation, and soil
    • Dual-Band SAR:
      • L-band SAR (1.257 GHz):
        • Deeper penetration; ideal for forests, tectonic shifts, permafrost
      • S-band SAR (3.2 GHz):
        • Surface details; supports agriculture, flood mapping, biomass tracking
    • Radar Antenna:
      • 12-meter deployable mesh reflector
      • Resolution: 3–10 m spatial; cm-level vertical
      • Swath Width: 240 km
    • Imaging Frequency:
      • Global land/ice coverage every 12 days
      • Less frequent in polar zones
    • Data Output: Generates 80 TB/day (3x current Earth observatories):
      • Biomass and cropland maps
      • High-resolution flood and infrastructure data

    Applications and Impact:

    • Disaster Relief: Before-and-after imagery for planning
    • Climate Monitoring: Glacier melt, forest degradation
    • Agriculture: Crop health, rotation, food security
    • Infrastructure: Detects land subsidence (dams, cities)
    • Strategic Value:
      • Most powerful Earth-observing radar satellite
      • First with dual SAR payload
      • Strengthens India–US space partnership (Artemis, human spaceflight)
    [UPSC 2010] Question: In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news ?

    Options: (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India* (d) A space telescope developed by  India

     

  • Five years of National Education Policy (2020)

    Why in the News?

    It has been five years since the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which replaced the 1986 National Policy on Education.

    About the National Education Policy, 2020:

    • Origin: Drafted by a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan under the Ministry of Education.
    • 5 Core Pillars: Based on Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
    • Vision: Seeks to build a knowledge society by unlocking every learner’s potential.
    • Global Link: Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Education for All).

    Key Provisions:

    • [A] School Education:
      • Curriculum Structure: Introduces 5+3+3+4 design (Foundational to Secondary), replacing 10+2.
      • ECCE Focus: Early Childhood Care and Education via Jaadui Pitara kits and play-based learning.
      • Vocational Training: Begins from Grade 6 with internships.
      • Basic Literacy & Numeracy: Achieved through National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy.
      • Language Medium: Emphasis on mother tongue/regional language up to Grade 5.
      • Assessment Reform: Launch of Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) as a national evaluation centre.
    • [B] Higher Education:
      • Four-Year Degree: Multidisciplinary courses with multiple exit points.
      • Credit Bank: Academic Bank of Credit ensures credit mobility across institutions.
      • Research Boost: National Research Foundation supports innovation and research.
      • Single Regulator: Higher Education Commission of India proposed (pending law) to replace multiple bodies.
      • Language Promotion: Establishment of Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation for Indian languages.

    Implementation Initiatives:

    • Foundational Mission: NIPUN Bharat aims to achieve basic literacy and numeracy by Class 3.
    • Unified Credit System: Rollout of Academic Bank of Credit and National Credit Framework.
    • Common Entrance: Common University Entrance Test introduced for fair UG admissions.
    • Early Prep: Vidya Pravesh – a 3-month play-based module for Grade 1 entrants.
    • Tech Education in Regional Languages: Promoted by the All-India Council for Technical Education.
    • Digital Backbone: National Digital Education Architecture launched to support e-learning.
    • SAFAL Assessments: Structured competency-based testing in Grades 3, 5, and 8 by Central Board of Secondary Education.

    Key Achievements:

    • Curriculum and Textbooks: NCERT released new content for Classes 1–8.
    • ECCE Adoption: Early childhood curriculum implemented in several states.
    • Language Expansion: Regional language instruction expanded at foundational levels.
    • Academic Flexibility: Credit-based transfer systems in use via Academic Bank of Credit and National Credit Framework.
    • Global Presence: Indian Institutes such as Indian Institute of Technology (Zanzibar) and Indian Institute of Management (Dubai) now abroad.
    • International Collaboration: Foreign universities invited to set up campuses under new regulations.
    [UPSC 2016] “SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

    Options:

    (a) promoting the Self-Help Groups in rural areas

    (b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    (c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

    (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free*

     

  • Pralay Missile 

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive test flights of the Pralay missile from the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast.

    Pralay Missile 

    About Pralay Missile:

    • Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), led by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) with Indian industry support.
    • Purpose: Tactical surface-to-surface missile for precision strikes along sensitive borders like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
    • Role: Enhances India’s conventional deterrence in short-range battlefield operations.
    • Targets: Designed to destroy high-value assets—radars, command centers, airstrips, and military infrastructure.

    Key Features:

    • Type: Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile
    • Range: 150–500 km
    • Payload: 500–1,000 kg (conventional warheads)
    • Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor
    • Launcher: Mobile platform for rapid deployment
    • Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation with <10 m Circular Error Probable (CEP)
    • Terminal Speed: Up to Mach 6.1
    • Maneuverability: Capable of mid-air trajectory changes to evade interception
    [UPSC 2023]  Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • National Population Register (NPR)

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India recently clarified in the Lok Sabha that no final decision has been taken regarding the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Population Census 2027.

    What is the National Population Register (NPR)?

    • Overview: NPR is a register of “usual residents” in India—individuals who have lived in an area for 6 months or intend to stay for the next 6 months.
    • Conducted by: Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Legal Basis: Prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003.
    • Mandatory Nature: Registration in NPR is compulsory for all usual residents.
    • Exclusion: Assam is excluded as it has completed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.
    • Historical Background:
      • First Created: In 2010 during the House Listing phase of Census 2011.
      • Updated: Again in 2015–16 via door-to-door survey.
      • Database Size: Contains data of around 119 crore residents.
      • Aadhaar Link: Biometric data collection is linked to Aadhaar; however, ration card data collection was dropped in the 2020 plan.
      • Current Status: NPR update plans (2020) are on hold. NPR’s priority has reduced due to Aadhaar’s expanded utility in benefit delivery.
    • Scope and Data Collected:
      • Coverage Levels: Conducted at local, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.
      • Demographic Data: Includes name, age, gender, relationship, marital status, etc.
      • Biometric Data: Sourced via Aadhaar enrolment—fingerprints, iris scan, and photo.

    NPR vs National Register of Citizens (NRC):

    Feature National Population Register (NPR) National Register of Citizens (NRC)
    Purpose Record of all usual residents Register of Indian citizens
    Coverage Includes citizens and non-citizens Only Indian citizens
    Legal Basis Citizenship Act, 1955 & Rules (2003) Citizenship Rules (2003)
    Primary Use Welfare schemes, demographic data Citizenship verification
    Mandatory? Yes Not uniformly across India

     

    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

    2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

    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*

     

  • Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    Why in the News?

    The proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by 1,100 sq km has received clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and awaits approval from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

    Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR):

    • Location: Situated in South and North 24-Parganas districts, West Bengal; lies at the southern tip of the Gangetic Delta.
    • Area: Presently 2,585.89 sq km; expansion to 3,629.57 sq km under proposal.
    • Status: Notified as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, Biosphere Reserve; part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Unique Feature: World’s only mangrove forest with a viable tiger population.
    • Tiger Count: Over 100 tigers – 80 in core area, 21 in adjoining forests.
    • Landscape: Interconnected estuaries, tidal creeks, and 105 mangrove-covered islands.
    • Flora: Dominated by mangrove species like Avicennia, Rhizophora, Heritiera.
    • Fauna: Includes Royal Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cats, Estuarine Crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobras, and endangered reptiles and birds.
    • Boundaries:
      • East: Bangladesh border (Raimangal, Harinbhanga rivers)
      • South: Bay of Bengal
      • North/West: Matla, Bidya, Gomdi Rivers

    Back2Basics: Tiger Reserves in India

    • Overview: A Tiger Reserve is a legally notified area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for the conservation of tigers and biodiversity.
    • Governing Authority: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • Origin: Initiated under Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
    • Structure:
      • Core Zone: Highly protected; no human activity allowed; declared as National Park or Sanctuary.
      • Buffer Zone: Surrounds core; allows regulated human use and supports conservation-compatible livelihoods.

    Tiger Reserve Landscape in India (as of 2025):

    • Total Reserves: 58 (up from 46 in 2014)
    • Largest Reserve: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 3,727.82 sq km
    • Oldest Reserve: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand – established in 1973
    • Newest Reserves: Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh), Ranipur (Uttar Pradesh), Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan)
    • Top State: Madhya Pradesh – 7 Tiger Reserves
    • Tiger Density: Bandipur TR > Corbett TR > Kaziranga TR (148, 18.6 tigers/sq. km.)
    • Global Tiger Day: Celebrated on 29th July every year

     

    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?”

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • [29th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Justice on hold: India’s courts are clogged

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ?

    Linkage: The article states that Lok Adalats, for instance, have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases between 2021 and March 2025, including pre-litigation and pending court cases. This question directly addresses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which are highlighted in the sources as a “promising way forward to ease the burden on traditional courts and deliver quicker, more affordable, and citizen-friendly justice.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:   India’s judicial delays have come under sharp focus due to the enormous case backlog—over 5 crore cases pending across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts. This crisis undermines the public’s trust in the legal system, as highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu’s reference to the ‘black coat syndrome’. The issue has resurfaced in light of systemic problems such as judicial vacancies, ineffective case management, and poor infrastructure, especially at the district level, where civil cases face the longest delays. The situation has sparked urgent calls for reform, improved judge strength, and the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats, which have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases since 2021.

    Today’s editorial analyses India’s judicial delays. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India’s problem of slow court cases has gained attention because more than 5 crore cases are still waiting to be heard in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts.

    Why is timely justice vital for public trust?

    • Maintains faith in the rule of law: When justice is delivered promptly, people believe that the system works and protects them. Eg: The Jessica Lal murder case initially led to public outrage due to delays, but the eventual conviction in a fast-tracked appeal restored some public confidence.
    • Deters future crimes: Swift punishment sends a strong message that wrongdoing will not go unpunished, discouraging potential offenders. Eg: Fast-track courts for sexual assault cases post-Nirbhaya have increased deterrence and quicker resolution.
    • Reduces prolonged trauma for victims: Delayed trials prolong emotional and mental stress for victims and their families. Eg: In the 2002 Gujarat riots cases, delayed justice caused continued trauma to survivors; timely convictions like in the Best Bakery case brought some closure.
    • Prevents misuse of legal loopholes: Delays allow the accused to manipulate evidence, threaten witnesses, or use legal tricks to avoid punishment. Eg: In the Bhopal gas tragedy case, delay of over two decades led to very mild punishments, causing loss of trust in the judiciary.

    What causes structural delays in courts?

    • Judicial Vacancies: A shortage of judges leads to an overwhelming case burden on existing judges, slowing down the process. Eg: As of 2024, over 30% of High Court posts remain vacant across India, increasing pendency.
    • Procedural Inefficiencies: Outdated procedures, frequent adjournments, and lengthy documentation cause unnecessary delays. Eg: In civil suits, routine adjournments under Order XVII of CPC often delay hearings for years.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper courtrooms, digital tools, and support staff hampers smooth functioning. Eg: Rural courts often lack basic IT infrastructure, affecting e-filing or virtual hearings.
    • Pending Government Cases: A large number of cases are filed by or against the government, clogging the judicial pipeline. Eg: Government is the biggest litigant, responsible for nearly 50% of pending cases.
    • Lack of Case Management Systems: Courts often don’t follow structured timelines or track progress systematically. Unlike fast-track courts, regular trial courts lack proper scheduling, leading to indefinite extensions.

    Why are civil cases slower in district courts?

    • Frequent Adjournments Requested by Parties: Parties often misuse the provision of adjournments to delay proceedings unnecessarily. Eg: In a property dispute in Uttar Pradesh, the defendant sought over 20 adjournments in 5 years, delaying the verdict significantly.
    • Insufficient Judicial Strength: A shortage of judges leads to excessive caseloads, slowing the pace of case disposal. Eg: In Madhya Pradesh, one district judge was handling over 2,000 cases, making timely resolution nearly impossible.
    • Delay in Filing and Responding to Documents: Government departments and advocates often delay submitting necessary replies or documents. Eg: In a civil suit against a municipal corporation in Maharashtra, a delay of 18 months occurred because the civic body failed to file its written statement on time.

    What role does ADR play in reducing pendency?

    • Eases Burden on Courts: ADR mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation help resolve disputes outside the formal court system, thus reducing the number of cases pending in courts. Eg: In Delhi, the mediation centre at Tis Hazari Courts has resolved over 2 lakh cases since 2005, significantly easing judicial workload.
    • Faster and Cost-Effective Resolution: ADR offers a quicker, less expensive, and more flexible approach compared to traditional litigation, encouraging parties to settle early. Eg: In commercial disputes, arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act often concludes within 12–18 months, unlike civil suits which may take years.

    How effective are Lok Adalats in clearing backlogs?

    • High Volume Disposal: Lok Adalats are effective in disposing of a large number of cases quickly, especially compoundable civil and petty criminal cases.
      Eg: In the National Lok Adalat held in November 2023, over 1 crore cases were settled in a single day, significantly reducing court backlog.
    • Reduced Litigation Time & Cost: They offer speedy and cost-free resolution, which encourages litigants to settle disputes without lengthy trials, thus clearing cases that would otherwise clog lower courts.
    • Binding and Final Awards: The decisions are legally binding, and there is no appeal, which ensures that the disposed cases do not re-enter the judicial system, helping in permanent reduction of pending cases.
    • Focus on Pre-litigation Cases: Lok Adalats also take up pre-litigation matters, preventing disputes from entering the formal court system, and thereby curbing future backlog.

    However, they are less effective for complex or non-compoundable cases (like serious criminal or constitutional matters), so their impact is limited to specific case types.

    What are the differences between ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Lok Adalat? 

    • Scope and Types: ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is a broad umbrella that includes various methods like mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation. Lok Adalat is a specific type of ADR, institutionalized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
    • Legal Status and Binding Nature: In ADR, some methods like arbitration are legally binding, while mediation/conciliation may not be. In Lok Adalat, the award is final, binding, and enforceable as a court decree with no appeal.
    • Formality and Cost: ADR mechanisms can range from formal (arbitration) to informal (mediation) and may involve fees. Lok Adalats are informal, cost-free, and designed for speedy resolution of civil and compoundable criminal cases.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutional Strengthening and Legal Awareness: Strengthen infrastructure and ensure regular training for mediators and conciliators. Promote legal literacy to make citizens aware of ADR mechanisms and Lok Adalats as effective alternatives to litigation.
    • Digital Integration and Monitoring: Introduce e-Lok Adalats, expand online dispute resolution (ODR), and use data-driven monitoring to track disposal rates and identify bottlenecks in the system for continuous improvement.

  • The medical boundaries for AYUSH practitioners

    Why in the News?

    A recent controversy on X (Twitter) between a hepatologist and an Indian chess Grandmaster has reignited the long-standing debate over whether practitioners of traditional medicine (such as Ayurveda and Unani) can legitimately claim the title of “doctor” and prescribe modern medicine.

    What are the concerns with Ayurvedic doctors prescribing modern drugs?

    • Lack of scientific training: Ayurvedic doctors often lack formal training in modern pharmacology and diagnostic methods, which may result in inappropriate prescriptions. For instance, there have been cases where Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed steroids or antibiotics without understanding their side effects or dosage.
    • Violation of legal norms: According to the Supreme Court judgment in Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case, non-MBBS practitioners are not permitted to prescribe allopathic medicines. However, several states have passed conflicting executive orders, creating legal ambiguity.
    • Consumer deception and litigation: When Ayurvedic doctors prescribe modern drugs, patients may assume they are consulting an MBBS-qualified doctor, leading to misrepresentation. This has led to consumer lawsuits, such as a case in Delhi where the doctor’s qualification was challenged in court.
    • Endangerment in critical care: Some private hospitals employ Ayurvedic doctors in emergency wards to cut costs, risking patient safety. There have been cases where treatment by BAMS doctors during emergencies led to worsened outcomes due to delayed or incorrect interventions.
    • Undermining rational drug use: The unregulated prescription of allopathic drugs by Ayurvedic doctors contributes to antibiotic resistance and irrational drug use. A Uttar Pradesh health audit found significant instances where AYUSH doctors prescribed modern medicines without oversight.

    How has traditional medicine regulation evolved in India?

    • Establishment of AYUSH systems: Post-independence, India formally recognized traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) was established in 1995, later upgraded to the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 to promote and regulate these practices.
    • Legal and institutional frameworks: The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 set up the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) to regulate education and professional standards. This was later replaced by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the NCISM Act, 2020, to enhance transparency and accountability.
    • Integration with mainstream healthcare: Over time, traditional medicine has been increasingly integrated into public health policies, like the National Health Policy (2017), and programs such as AYUSH Health and Wellness Centresunder Ayushman Bharat. This reflects a shift toward pluralistic healthcare governance while ensuring regulation and quality control.

    Why is Rule 2(ee) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules debated?

    • Rule 2(ee) defines “registered medical practitioners” who may prescribe modern drugs. It allows State governments discretion to include non-MBBS practitioners under certain conditions. This loophole is used to let Ayurvedic and Unani doctors prescribe modern medicine.
    • The Supreme Court judgment (Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case) clarified this as unconstitutional, yet many states persist. The Indian Medical Association frequently contests such misuse in courts.

    What is the impact of AYUSH on public health insurance?

    • Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat: The AYUSH systems have been included under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), allowing beneficiaries to access treatments in AYUSH hospitals. This expanded the coverage of services, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional medicine is widely trusted.
    • Cost-effective care delivery: Treatments under AYUSH are often less expensive than allopathic interventions. For instance, Panchakarma therapy for lifestyle disorders or Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis are cost-efficient, thus reducing the financial burden on insurance providers and the government.
    • Increased utilisation and trust: With AYUSH covered under insurance, more people are opting for traditional medicine. This has led to higher utilisation rates of AYUSH healthcare facilities and promoted medical pluralism, contributing to a broader public health reach in India.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Evidence-Based Integration: Establish an independent regulatory body for traditional medicine that ensures scientific validation, clinical trials, and safety monitoring before public endorsement or inclusion in health schemes. This helps maintain credibility and public trust.
    • Depoliticise Health Governance: Formulate traditional medicine policies through expert-driven committees with representation from all health systems, free from political interference. This ensures balanced development, equitable support, and harmonised integration into the national health framework.

    Mains PYQ:

    [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.

    Linakge: The article highlights the consequences for public health when state governments allow registered Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners to prescribe modern medicine or perform surgeries, leading to friction with modern medical associations. This question directly addresses the role of the state in the public healthcare system and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.