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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Why in the News?

    The Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2021 shows that India’s fertility rate has dropped significantly, from 6.18 children per woman in the 1950s to 1.9 children per woman in 2021.

    Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    What has a GBD Report shown about the total fertility rate in India? 

    • Declining Fertility Rates: India’s TFR has dramatically decreased from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 necessary for population stability.
    • Future Projections: The report projects that India’s TFR could further decline to 1.04 by 2100, indicating a potential average of less than one child per woman.
    • Socio-Economic Concerns: This steep decline in fertility has raised alarms regarding political and socio-economic impacts, particularly in southern states, where there are fears of losing parliamentary representation due to demographic shifts post-delimitation in 2026.

    Why are fertility levels declining in India?

    • Early Adoption of Family Planning Policies: Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh rigorously implemented family planning policies introduced in the 1950s, leading to a significant decline in fertility rates. For example, Andhra Pradesh currently has a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5, comparable to Nordic countries like Sweden.
    • Higher Female Literacy and Workforce Participation: Increased educational attainment among women has empowered them to delay marriage and childbirth. This is evident in Kerala, where high literacy rates have contributed to the state achieving replacement-level fertility as early as 1988.
    • Changing Societal Norms: Cultural shifts have led to late marriages and smaller families. For instance, women in southern states increasingly prioritize careers and financial independence over traditional roles, contributing to lower fertility rates.
    • Urbanization and Economic Pressures: Urban lifestyles and rising costs of living discourage larger families. States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have seen fertility rates drop to 1.4 and 1.6 respectively due to urbanization and modern aspirations.

    Why are the southern States worried?

    • Ageing Population: Southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have fertility rates that have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This decline leads to an increasing proportion of elderly individuals in the population, which is projected to rise significantly.
      • For instance, Kerala’s population aged 60 and above is expected to increase from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036. This demographic shift results in a smaller working-age population, which can strain economic productivity and increase demands for pensions and healthcare services.
    • Political Representation: The upcoming delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, based on population figures from the 2031 Census, raises fears that southern states may lose parliamentary seats due to their slower population growth.
      • This potential reduction in representation could diminish their political influence at the national level, especially compared to more populous northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
    • Economic Strain: With a declining workforce contributing less to the economy through taxes and social security, southern states face challenges similar to those observed in countries with ageing populations, such as Japan and China.
    • Migration Issues: As birth rates decline, southern states may increasingly rely on internal migration from northern states to fill labour shortages. However, this reliance could create further socio-economic disparities between regions.

    Way forward: 

    • Equitable Resource Distribution: Implement policies ensuring equitable representation and resource allocation in parliamentary seats post-delimitation to address regional disparities without penalizing states with successful population control measures.
    • Support for Ageing Populations: Develop robust social security systems, healthcare infrastructure, and incentives for elder care while promoting skill development and migration-friendly policies to mitigate workforce shortages in southern states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Can Bhopal waste be safely disposed of?

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    The Madhya Pradesh High Court gave authorities four weeks to dispose of the waste, nearly 40 years after the gas disaster that killed over 4,000 people and left thousands more injured or disabled.

    What are the plans for the hazardous gas leak waste? 

    • Waste Transportation: The Madhya Pradesh government has successfully transported 358 tonnes of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide facility in Bhopal to the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Pithampur, Dhar district, following a court order.
    • Incineration Process: The waste will be incinerated at the Pithampur facility, with an initial timeline of three to nine months for complete disposal, depending on emissions and safety assessments during the process.
    • Emission Controls: To mitigate air pollution, the incinerator will utilize four-layer special filters to ensure that the smoke emitted does not contaminate the surrounding environment.
    • Post-Incineration Measures: After incineration, the resulting ash will be covered with a two-layer membrane and buried in a landfill to prevent any contact with soil and water sources.
    • Expert Supervision: The entire disposal process will be overseen by officials from the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.

    How much has been allocated to incinerate the waste and deposit the residue at a landfill in Pithampur?

    • The Central government has allocated ₹126 crore (approximately $15 million) to facilitate the incineration of this waste and ensure that any resulting residue is safely deposited in a landfill at the Pithampur facility.

    Why have there been protests?

    • Health and Environmental Fears: Residents are worried that the incineration of toxic waste will pose significant health risks and environmental hazards to the local population and surrounding areas, with claims that it could lead to harmful emissions affecting air quality.
    • Historical Context: The protests are fueled by the legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health issues. This history has heightened sensitivity to any activities involving hazardous materials in the region.
    • Community Mobilization: Local organizations, such as the ‘Pithampur Bachao Samiti’, have organized bandhs (shutdowns) and demonstrations, leading to widespread participation from residents who are calling for the waste to be returned to Bhopal instead of being incinerated locally.

    What is the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy?

    The Bhopal gas tragedy, also known as the Bhopal disaster, occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.  

    • Chemical Leak: The disaster was triggered by a leak of approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic gas used in pesticide production. This gas escaped from a storage tank due to a combination of operational failures and safety deficiencies at the plant.
    • Immediate Impact: The gas cloud spread over densely populated areas surrounding the plant, leading to immediate chaos and panic. Official estimates indicate that around 3,787 people died as a direct result of the gas exposure, while other estimates suggest that the death toll could be as high as 15,000 to 20,000 over subsequent years due to related health complications.
    • Injuries and Long-term Effects: Over 558,000 individuals suffered injuries ranging from respiratory problems to permanent disabilities. Many survivors continue to experience health issues related to their exposure to the toxic gas.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Public Engagement and Transparency: Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns involving scientific experts to address community concerns, ensuring transparent communication about safety measures, emission controls, and environmental safeguards during the incineration process.
    • Enhance Monitoring and Compliance: Implement stringent real-time monitoring of emissions and groundwater quality during and after waste disposal, supervised by independent experts and regulatory bodies, to uphold environmental and public health standards.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

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

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  In 2024, PM laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first one being the Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

    Who was Satish Dhawan?

    • Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian rocket scientist and is hailed as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.
    • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
    • Oversaw a period of extraordinary growth in India’s space program, including the development of:
      • INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.
      • IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.
      • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which positioned India as a major spacefaring nation.
    • Legacy:
      • Passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor.

    About the New Launchpad 

    • The new launchpad at Sriharikota aims to bolster India’s space capabilities.
    • It will support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft.
    • Significance: This is India’s sole operational spaceport, serving as the hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its inception.

    How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

    • 1960s Search: India’s search for an ideal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, tasked EV Chitnis to identify a site on the east coast.
    • Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, approximately 40,000 acres of land were acquired in Sriharikota.
    • Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:
      • East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward takes advantage of Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra velocity boost of 450 m/s, especially beneficial for geostationary satellites.
      • Proximity to the Equator: Rockets launching near the equator require less energy to reach geostationary orbits, making the location ideal for such missions.
      • Uninhabited Area: The site’s sparse population minimizes risks during rocket launches and component re-entry.
      • Access to the Sea: Proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures that rocket debris falls into the sea, avoiding hazards to land or human settlements.
      • Strategic Accessibility: Adequate access to resources, infrastructure, and government support facilitated the development of a robust launch facility.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who are the Namdharis?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    Punjab CM paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. The day commemorates the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs (Kukas) on January 17 and 18, 1872, by British colonial authorities.  

    Who are the ‘Namdharis’?

    • The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
    • The name Kuka derives from their distinctive high-pitched recitation of Gurbani (kook in Punjabi means “cry” or “scream”).
    • Social Reforms:
      • Advocated against alcohol consumption, meat eating, and other social vices.
      • Promoted Swadeshi principles, urging people to boycott foreign goods, British services, and educational institutions.
    • The movement served as a precursor to nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule.

    About the Kuka Rebellion

    • The Kuka Rebellion was one of the localized uprisings against British rule after the Rebellion of 1857.
    • The Namdharis actively opposed British policies, particularly cow slaughter, which became a focal point of their resistance.
    • Key events leading to the rebellion:
      • In January 1872, Namdharis, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, clashed with British authorities after a cow slaughter incident in Malerkotla.
      • They attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana, loyal to the British, but the rebellion was crushed.
    • British Retaliation:
      • The British responded brutally, executing 49 Namdharis on January 17, 1872, and 17 more on January 18, 1872.
      • The Kukas were placed in front of cannons and blown up in a public spectacle to intimidate others.

    Kuka Martyrs’ Day 

    • It is observed on January 17 and 18 each year to honor the 66 Namdharis who were executed in 1872.
    • Significant Stories of Bravery:
      • Bishan Singh (12 years old): Refused to renounce his sect despite being offered his life and was brutally executed after tugging the beard of a British official.
      • Waryam Singh: Courageously used stones to elevate himself to the cannon’s mouth for execution, showing unwavering dedication.
    • Legacy:
      • After the rebellion, Satguru Ram Singh and other Namdhari leaders were exiled to Rangoon.
      • Namdharis believe Ram Singh is still alive and mourn his absence by wearing white.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the:

    (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

    (b) Home Rule Movement

    (c) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    In news: Yala Glacier

    World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Yala Glacier in Nepal is predicted to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and mass loss. It is the only glacier in the Himalayas listed on the Global Glacier Casualty List, an initiative launched in 2024 to document endangered or vanished glaciers worldwide.

    Note:  The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21st to be observed annually as World Glacier Day starting from 2025.

    About the Yala Glacier 

    • Yala Glacier is located in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal, and is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon.
    • It is one of the most studied glaciers in Nepal and represents the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
    • The glacier has been monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, and satellite images, providing crucial data on the state of Himalayan glaciers.
    • It is the only glacier in the Himalayas included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, a recognition of its critical status.
    • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere, a critical water resource supporting 240 million people in the Himalayan region.

    Retreat of Yala Glacier

    • Yala Glacier is projected to disappear by the 2040s, reflecting the growing threat to Himalayan glaciers.
    • It has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021, with a 36% reduction in area during this period.
    • Its elevation, which ranged between 5,170m and 5,750m in 2011, has significantly declined.
    • The glacier has lost so much mass that it no longer meets scientific standards for effective observation.
    • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to rapid glacial retreat.

    About the Global Glacier Casualty List

    • It was launched in 2024 by a consortium of institutions including Rice University, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO.
    • It documents endangered or vanished glaciers.
    • Glaciers Listed: Includes 15 glaciers, such as:
      • Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024.
      • Sarenne Glacier (France): Vanished in 2023.
      • Dagu Glacier (China): Categorized as “critically endangered,” expected to vanish by 2030.
    • Significance:
      • Highlights the urgency of glacier preservation, as these ice masses store 70% of global freshwater and influence water security for billions of people worldwide.
      • Reinforces the need for global cooperation to address the accelerating loss of glaciers due to climate change

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following Pairs :

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
    3. Milam : Mandakini
    4. Siachen : Nubra
    5. Zemu : Manas

    Which of the following pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1,2 and 4

    (b) 1,3 and 4

    (c) 2 and 5

    (d) 3 and 5

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    Lokpal and Lokayukta

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

    Why in the News?

    12 years after its enactment, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, has seen limited impact, with the Lokpal ordering just 24 investigations and granting 6 prosecution sanctions.

    History of Lokpal:

    • The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-I) recommended establishing an anti-corruption ombudsman for India in 1966.
    • Several Lokpal Bills were introduced between 1971 and 2008, but none were passed.
    • In 2011, activist Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Andolan led to significant public pressure for an anti-corruption framework.
    • This movement resulted in the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which provides for the appointment of:
      • Lokpal at the Centre.
      • Lokayuktas in states to address corruption cases involving public servants.

    About Lokpal and Lokayukta

    Lokpal Lokayukta
    About
    • Envisioned under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, it is India’s first anti-corruption ombudsman at the central level.
    • Covers corruption cases involving public servants, including the Prime Minister (with exceptions), Union Ministers, MPs, and central government officials.
    • Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee (includes PM, LoP, CJI, and an eminent jurist).
    • Established under Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, as the state-level counterpart to the Lokpal.
    • Handles corruption cases involving state public servants, including Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, and state officials.
    • Appointed by the Governor, with the composition and appointment process varying across states.
    Powers and Functions
    • Investigates corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
    • Can confiscate property acquired through corrupt practices.
    • Has jurisdiction over central officials in Groups A, B, C, and D, and institutions receiving significant foreign contributions or government funding.
    • Can refer cases to the CBI or its Inquiry Wing for investigation.
    • Submits annual reports to the President, which are tabled in Parliament.
    • Investigates cases under state laws, particularly involving state public servants.
    • Addresses corruption complaints related to government schemes, contracts, and functioning.
    • Powers vary across states, but typically include authority to recommend investigations, disciplinary action, or prosecution.
    • Submits annual reports to the Governor, which are presented in the State Legislature.
    Structural Mandate
    • Composition: Chairperson (former CJI, SC Judge, or eminent person) and up to 8 members, 50% of whom must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women.
    • Tenure: 5 years or until 70 years of age.
    • Salary: Chairperson’s salary equals CJI, members’ salaries equal SC Judges.
    • Removal by the President upon SC inquiry for misconduct or incapacity.
    • Composition: Varies by state law but generally includes a Chairperson and members with qualifications similar to the Lokpal.
    • Tenure: Defined by state legislation.
    • Salary: Modeled on the Lokpal but subject to state laws.
    • Removal by the Governor, often following a process modelled on the Lokpal Act.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    UNICEF’s ‘Global Outlook 2025: Strengthening the foundations of children’s futures

    ExplainedIOCR | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society

    Why in the News?

    Recently, UNICEF’s Global Outlook 2025 emphasizes the urgent need for resilient systems to protect children’s rights amid crises like conflict, climate change, and economic instability, ensuring equitable access to essential services globally.

    What are the primary challenges facing children in the current global landscape as per UNICEF’s Global Outlook 2025?

    • Conflict and Displacement: Over 473 million children, or about 19% globally, live in conflict-affected areas—a figure that has nearly doubled since the 1990s. This exposes children to severe risks, including displacement, starvation, disease, and psychological trauma.
    • Economic Instability: Nearly 400 million children live in countries in debt distress, where financial pressures are reducing investments in essential services such as education and healthcare, further deepening their vulnerabilities.
    • Climate Change: Around 1 billion children are at extremely high risk from climate impacts. Disruptions from extreme weather events affect their access to education and healthcare, while only 2.4% of global climate finance is directed toward child-focused initiatives.
    • Digital Inequality: The expansion of digital public infrastructure (DPI) offers opportunities to improve service delivery, but significant digital divides persist, disproportionately affecting children in low-income and marginalised communities.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this flagship scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of girls.
    • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): This savings scheme encourages parents to save for their daughters’ education and marriage by offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
    • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Established in 1975, ICDS focuses on improving the nutritional and health status of children under six years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to reduce malnutrition among children and women through a convergence of various schemes and community-based approaches.
    • Mission Vatsalya: This initiative focuses on child protection services, ensuring that vulnerable children receive necessary support and care.
    • Child Protection Policies: The government has enacted several laws, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their welfare.
    • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): The NCPCR plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting children’s rights in India. It has launched various initiatives such as the POCSO e-Box for reporting child sexual abuse and the Bal Panchayat Abhiyan to encourage child-led governance.

    How can global governance and national systems be strengthened to support children’s rights and well-being?

    Global governance: 

    • Strengthening International Mechanisms: The United Nations should develop specialized frameworks to protect children’s rights in the digital environment, ensuring online safety and privacy are integral to global governance policies.
    • Ensuring Accountability: States and corporations must be held accountable for violations of children’s rights, with the adoption of measures like the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to ensure businesses prioritize child protection.
    • Fostering Global Collaboration: Promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation can address challenges such as cyberbullying and online exploitation through shared best practices and coordinated efforts to safeguard children’s rights worldwide.

    National systems: 

    • Developing Child Rights Governance Systems: Nations should establish comprehensive frameworks that integrate children’s rights into laws and policies, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to prioritize children’s needs in governance.
    • Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Enhancing the capacity of CSOs through training programs can improve their ability to advocate for and implement child rights initiatives while effectively engaging with government institutions.
    • Advancing Evidence-Based Advocacy: Utilizing data-driven approaches to shape policy priorities can ensure child rights are central to resource allocation and budgeting at global, regional, and national levels.
    • Empowering Children’s Participation: Encouraging children to actively participate in decision-making processes helps create policies that address their needs and aspirations, fostering a more inclusive governance system.
    • Establishing Robust Monitoring Systems: Implement mechanisms to regularly track and report on children’s well-being indicators to ensure accountability and measure progress in achieving child rights standards.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Global-National Synergy: Strengthen collaboration between international frameworks and national systems to prioritize children’s rights in governance, focusing on accountability, digital safety, and climate resilience through coordinated policies and resource allocation.
    • Child-Centric Policy and Participation: Develop evidence-based policies that directly address children’s vulnerabilities while empowering them to participate in decision-making, ensuring sustainable and responsive governance structures.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI allows NRI to open rupee accounts abroad with authorized banks

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with the Central government, has reviewed the rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) to make it easier to carry out cross-border transactions in Indian rupees (INR) according to a statement by the RBI.

    What are the recent changes made in FEMA regulations by RBI?

    • Opening Rupee Accounts for Non-Residents: Overseas branches of authorized dealer (AD) banks can now open rupee accounts for non-residents, enabling them to conduct current and capital account transactions with Indian residents.
    • Settlement of Transactions: Non-residents can use their balances in repatriable rupee accounts, including Special Non-Resident Rupee Accounts (SNRAs) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs), to settle transactions with other non-residents abroad.
    • Investment Opportunities: Balances in these accounts can be utilized for foreign investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt instruments, thereby promoting rupee-based investments.
    • Flexibility for Exporters: Indian exporters are now permitted to open foreign currency accounts overseas to receive export proceeds and use these funds for import payments, enhancing operational flexibility.
    • Support for Local Currency Transactions: The new guidelines support cross-border transactions in local currencies, reducing reliance on dominant foreign currencies like the US Dollar

    What is Internationalisation of Rupee?

    • The internationalization of the rupee refers to the process of increasing the use and acceptance of the Indian rupee (INR) in global trade, investment, and cross-border transactions. This initiative aims to promote the rupee as a viable alternative to dominant currencies like the US dollar in international markets.

    What are the key features of the Internationalisation of Rupee?

    • Cross-Border Transactions: The primary goal is to facilitate more cross-border transactions in rupees, allowing businesses and individuals to conduct trade and investments without relying on foreign currencies.
    • Current and Capital Account Transactions: Initially focused on promoting the rupee for import and export trade, the process will extend to other current account transactions and eventually capital account transactions, enabling investments in rupee-denominated assets.
    • Full Convertibility: Achieving full capital account convertibility is essential for internationalization, meaning there would be no restrictions on converting rupees into foreign currency or vice versa for investments and loans.
    • Strengthening Economic Sovereignty: Reducing reliance on foreign currencies enhances India’s economic sovereignty and minimizes exposure to currency fluctuations, thereby stabilizing trade relations.
    • Enhancing Global Trade: By allowing direct transactions in rupees, internationalization can simplify cross-border trade processes, eliminate currency conversion needs, and reduce transaction costs.

     

    What are the significance of Internationalisation of Rupee? 

    • Reducing Exchange Rate Risks: By promoting INR usage in international trade, India can mitigate exchange rate risks associated with reliance on major currencies like the USD.
    • Enhancing Trade Competitiveness: Facilitating rupee transactions can improve India’s trade competitiveness by lowering transaction costs and simplifying payment processes for exporters and importers.
    • Strengthening Economic Sovereignty: Greater acceptance of the INR in global markets can enhance India’s economic sovereignty and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks and geopolitical tensions.
    • Encouraging Foreign Investment: The ability to conduct transactions in INR may attract more foreign investors looking for stable investment opportunities in India

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Global Agreements: Expand bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to encourage invoicing and settlement in rupees, promoting its global acceptability.
    • Enhance Domestic Financial Infrastructure: Improve financial systems to support seamless cross-border rupee transactions, including achieving full capital account convertibility and increasing trust in the INR.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is set to expand to seven major Indian airports starting January 16, 2025, ensuring seamless and expedited immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

    About the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    • Launched under the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, it aims to establish world-class immigration facilities and enhance international mobility.
    • The Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the programme.
    • It was initially introduced on June 22, 2024, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
    • It is targeted at Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders in its first phase and will eventually include foreign travelers.
    • Phase-Wise Implementation:
      • Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
      • Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travelers.
    • The program is free of cost during its initial implementation phase.
    • By 2025, the program will be operational at 21 major airports across India.

    Features of the Program

    • Operates through e-gates or automated border gates for faster processing.
    • Travelers scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication, to complete the process.
    • Enrollment is completed through an online portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in), where applicants upload their details and required documents.
    • Membership is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until the passport’s validity, whichever comes first.
    • Applicants must ensure their passport has a minimum six-month validity at the time of registration.
    • White-listed trusted travelers undergo faster clearance while maintaining security standards.

    Significance  

    • Reduces immigration clearance time, providing a hassle-free travel experience for international travelers.
    • Biometric authentication ensures identity verification, reducing risks of fraudulent entries.
    • Travelers can bypass regular queues, making the process more convenient and seamless.
    • Comparable to the Global Entry Program in the United States, it aligns India’s immigration services with international standards.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3
    (d) 2 and 3

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