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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Analysis of Declining CAG Audits Tabled in Parliament

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Central Idea

    • In 2023, only 18 audits prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) were tabled in the Indian Parliament, continuing a trend of decreasing numbers in recent years.

    Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

    • Constitutional Office: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is an independent constitutional authority responsible for overseeing financial administration in India.
    • Key Responsibilities: As the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the CAG is the guardian of the public purse, monitoring the financial system at both central and state levels.

    History of the Office of CAG

    • Origins in British India: The role of the CAG evolved with administrative reforms initiated by Lord Canning before the Mutiny of 1857.
    • Establishment and Evolution: The office was formalized under the Government of India Act 1858, with Sir Edward Drummond becoming the first Auditor General in 1860. The title ‘Comptroller and Auditor General of India’ was first used in 1884.
    • Independence and Strengthening: The Montford Reforms of 1919 and the Government of India Act 1935 further solidified the CAG’s independence and role in a federal setup.

    Constitutional Provisions Related to CAG

    • Articles Governing CAG: The Constitution outlines the CAG’s appointment, duties, and powers in Articles 148 to 151.
    • Duties and Powers: The CAG is responsible for auditing all government accounts and advising on financial matters.
    • Audit Reports: The CAG submits audit reports on Union accounts to the President and on state accounts to respective Governors.

    Types of Audits Performed by CAG

    • Regulatory Audit: Ensures authorized and rule-compliant expenditure.
    • Supplementary Audit: Conducted in PSUs for detecting financial leakages.
    • Propriety Audit: Focuses on the public interest and proper expenditure.
    • Efficiency Audit: Assesses optimal utilization of investments.
    • Performance Audit: Evaluates government programs for effectiveness.
    • Environmental Audit: Addresses issues related to conservation and environmental management.

    Independence of the CAG

    • Constitutional Safeguards: The CAG’s independence is protected by various constitutional provisions, including security of tenure, ineligibility for further government office, and non-varying service conditions.
    • Financial Autonomy: The CAG’s administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial independence.

    Audit Mandate Sources

    • Constitutional Basis: Articles 148 to 151 of the Constitution.
    • Statutory Framework: The Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service Act, 1971.
    • Regulations: Audit and accounts regulations as notified.

    Duties and Functions of the CAG

    • Audit Responsibilities: CAG audits all government accounts, including the Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund, and Public Account.
    • Advisory Role: Advises on financial matters and assists parliamentary committees.
    • Reporting: Submits audit reports to the President and state Governors.

    Limitations on the Powers of CAG

    • Post-Facto Reporting: Audits are conducted after expenditures have occurred.
    • Exclusions: Certain expenditures like secret service expenses are outside CAG’s purview.
    • Challenges with PPP Investments: Limited authority to audit public-private partnerships.
    • Limited Audit of NGOs and Local Bodies: No provision for auditing funds given to NGOs and elected local bodies.
    • Document Accessibility Issues: Challenges in obtaining necessary documents for audits.
    • Appointment Process: The selection process for CAG lacks external transparency.
    • Undefined Audit Scope: The term ‘audit’ is not explicitly defined in the Constitution or CAG Act.

    CAG Audits over the Years

    • Recent Trends: Between 2019 and 2023, an average of 22 reports were tabled annually, a significant decrease from the 40 reports tabled on average between 2014 and 2018.
    • Peak and Decline: The number of reports peaked in 2015 with 53 audits but has since declined, with four of the past six years seeing 20 or fewer reports tabled.

    Factors Contributing to the Decline

    • Staffing and Budget Cuts: The decline in the number of CAG reports tabled in Parliament coincides with reductions in staff strength and budget allocations for the CAG.
    • Budget Allocation: In the fiscal year 2023-24, the allocation for the Indian Audit and Accounts Department constituted only 0.13% of the Union Budget.

    Conclusion

    • Impact on Oversight and Transparency: The reduction in the number of CAG audits tabled in Parliament could have implications for governmental oversight and transparency.
    • Need for Adequate Resources: Ensuring the CAG is adequately staffed and funded is crucial for maintaining effective audit practices and upholding the accountability of government operations.

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  • G20 : Economic Cooperation ahead

    From ‘rule taker’ to ‘rule shaper’, the evolution of India in international negotiations

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    The 'Tech' Moment in India's Foreign Policy – South Asian Voices

    Central idea 

    The article underscores the overlooked role of foreign policy and diplomacy in contemporary discussions on India’s trade policy. It highlights the evolving diplomatic strategies and negotiations, particularly in the context of the multilateral trading system, emphasizing India’s transformation from a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper” on the global stage. The successful handling of the G20 Summit is presented as evidence of India’s progressing transition from a balancing power to a leading power.

    Key Highlights:

    • India’s Rising Prominence: The article highlights India’s growing influence on the global stage, especially evident at COP26 with Prime Minister Modi’s strategic initiatives for low-carbon development.
    • Neglected Discourse: The author emphasizes the overlooked aspect of foreign policy and diplomacy in contemporary discussions on trade policy in India.

    Key Challenges:

    • Trade Policy Oversight: The neglect of understanding the multilateral trading system’s workings despite India’s significant trade-to-GDP ratio.
    • Complex Negotiations: The challenge of formulating a negotiating position that aligns with the multitude of stakeholders in India.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Integrated Framework: The theoretical model introduced by Ambassador Mohan Kumar to analyze India’s negotiating briefs and diplomatic motivations.
    • GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade): A reference to the foundational international treaty for trade negotiation and the precursor to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
    • Plurilateral Negotiations: Negotiations involving a subgroup of WTO members, not necessarily the entire membership.

    Key Quotes/Anecdotes:

    • “Poverty Veto”: Exploring the term used to describe India’s defensive posturing in international trade negotiations to protect domestic interests.
    • India’s Diplomatic Deftness: Showcasing India’s diplomatic skills in navigating the Ukraine-Russia conflict and evacuating its citizens.

    Key Statements:

    • India’s Diplomatic Evolution: Describing India’s shift from being a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper” in international negotiations, emphasizing its growing role in shaping global rules.
    • G20 Summit Success: The G20 Summit’s success as proof of India’s transformation from a balancing power to a leading power.

    Key Examples and References:

    • COP26 Initiatives: Prime Minister Modi’s Panchamrit Action Plan and long-term strategy at COP26 as examples of India’s innovative approaches to global challenges.
    • Ukraine-Russia Conflict: India’s strategic independence and moral position during the conflict, showcasing diplomatic effectiveness.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Trade-to-GDP Ratio: India’s overall trade-to-GDP ratio at 50% in the last decade, underscoring the significance of trade in the economy.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Neglected Aspect: Criticizing the lack of attention given to foreign policy and diplomacy in discussions related to trade policy in India.
    • Balancing Act: Examining how India balances geopolitical pressures and domestic constraints to advance its national interests in international trade negotiations.

    Way Forward:

    • Reviving Multilateral Trading System: The anticipation of a revival of the multilateral trading system, anchored in the WTO, to pursue a development-based trade agenda.
    • Policy Adjustments: Considering a more circumspect approach to trade negotiations to balance the risks and rewards, especially in the context of preferential trading systems.

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  • Anti Defection Law

    The hollowing out of the anti-defection law

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

     

    Efficacy of Anti-Defection Law | 30 Jul 2020

    Central idea

    The article explores the persistent challenges and loopholes in India’s anti-defection law, particularly focusing on the strategic exploitation of the Tenth Schedule. It highlights instances of group defections destabilizing democratically elected State governments and proposes urgent reforms, starting with the removal of the merger exception, to restore the efficacy of the anti-defection law and prevent its misuse. The complex scenarios in Maharashtra and historical trends underscore the need for a comprehensive legislative response to strengthen the democratic framework.

    Key Highlights:

    • Eternal Debate: The persistent nature of debates and discussions around political defections and India’s anti-defection law.
    • Speaker’s Balancing Act: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker, Rahul Narwekar, navigating the Assembly’s winter session while handling Shiv Sena factions’ disqualification petitions.

    Key Challenges:

    • Tenth Schedule Critique: Identifying and addressing weaknesses in the Tenth Schedule, allowing for strategic and unpunished political defections.
    • State Government Instability: Instances of defections leading to the collapse of democratically elected State governments in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Karnataka, and Arunachal Pradesh.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Tenth Schedule: Constitutional section housing the anti-defection law.
    • Exemptions and Amendments: Two-thirds majority merger provision, 91st Amendment’s omission of the one-third split provision, splitting and merging trends.
    • Disqualification Petitions: Filed before legislative Speakers under the Tenth Schedule.

    Key Quotes/Anecdotes:

    • Strategic Exploitation: Skillful use of exemptions under the Tenth Schedule causing democratically elected governments to crumble.
    • Defection Strategies: Instances of splits followed by mergers, highlighting a pattern of exploiting the anti-defection law for political maneuvering.

    Key Statements:

    • Legislative Response: The removal of the one-third split provision in 2003 as a response to its frequent and strategic misuse.
    • Limited Safeguard: The merger exception being the primary safeguard, prompting concerns about its efficacy in preventing group defections.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Maharashtra’s Complex Scenario: Shiv Sena and NCP factions claiming the status of the original party, forming alliances without actual mergers.
    • Surveyed Instances: Instances from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Assemblies illustrating splits followed by mergers and rapid succession defections.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • 91st Amendment Impact: Omission of the provision allowing exemption for one-third splits in the original party in 2003.
    • Recent Instances: A decade marked by group defections leading to the destabilization of State governments.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Ailments in the Tenth Schedule: In-depth scrutiny of flaws in the anti-defection law, questioning its effectiveness and the need for reforms.
    • Strategic Exploitation: Examining how merger provisions have been strategically used to undermine the stability of elected governments.

    Way Forward:

    • Deletion of Merger Exception: Urgent removal of the merger exception as a crucial step in addressing the shortcomings in the Tenth Schedule.
    • Comprehensive Reforms: Advocating for comprehensive reforms post-deletion to fortify the anti-defection law and restore its intended efficacy.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    A blow for the rights of the legislature, in law making

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Supreme Court: Governors can't sit on bills and veto legislative action | India News - Times of India

    Central idea 

    Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s landmark interpretation in the State of Punjab case links the Governor’s power to withhold assent to the immediate reconsideration of Bills, safeguarding legislative rights. The judgment addresses historical delays caused by Governors and raises concerns about potential strategic reservations for the President. The article emphasizes the need for clarity on Governors’ discretion and suggests a constitutional review for a comprehensive legislative framework.

    Key Highlights:

    • Landmark Judgment: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s groundbreaking interpretation of Article 200.
    • Innovative Approach: CJI’s creative approach to constitutional nuances in the State of Punjab case.
    • Assent and Reconsideration Link: Linking the withholding of assent to the immediate reconsideration of Bills.

    Key Challenges:

    • Historical Delays: Governors’ Past Practices causing prolonged delays in decision-making.
    • Strategic Reservations: Governors exploiting the option to strategically reserve Bills for the President.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Constitutional Articles: Article 200, Proviso to Article 200, Article 254.
    • Governor’s Powers: Withholding assent, reconsideration, and reservation for the President.
    • Presidential Consideration: Conditions for reserving Bills for the President.

    Key Quotes/Anecdotes:

    • Forward-Thinking Judiciary: “The CJI, in a forward-thinking approach, protects the legislature’s rights.”
    • Supreme Court’s Firm Stance: “The Supreme Court emphatically states Governors cannot unduly delay the decision on Bills.”

    Key Statements:

    • Curbing Arbitrary Power: CJI’s interpretation limits the Governor’s arbitrary power to withhold assent without prompt reconsideration.
    • Judicial Assertiveness: The Supreme Court asserts Governors’ accountability in decision-making, addressing historical lapses.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Governor of Kerala’s Discretion: Arif Mohammed Khan’s discretionary action in sending Bills to the President.
    • Tamil Nadu Governor’s Controversial Move: Sending Bills to the President against constitutional provisions sparks controversy.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Constitutional Mandates: Second proviso to Article 200 mandates reservation for the President under specific conditions.
    • Article 254 Framework: Outlines conditions for a State law’s supremacy on Concurrent List items.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Safeguarding Legislative Rights: The judgment protects legislative rights but prompts questions about Bills reserved for the President.
    • Governor’s Discretion Scrutiny: The article scrutinizes Governors’ discretion in sending Bills to the President, highlighting potential constitutional issues.

    Way Forward:

    • Clarification Imperative: The need for further clarity on Governors’ discretion in reserving Bills for the President.
    • Constitutional Review: Examining the constitutional framework regarding Bills on State and Concurrent subjects for a comprehensive legislative landscape.

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  • Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

    Case Study: School of Happiness in Assam

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Central Idea

    • Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is set to launch the International School of Peace and Happiness, a pioneering institution dedicated to teaching lessons on humanity and societal happiness.

    School of Happiness: A Backgrounder

    • Bodoland Territorial Council’s Initiative: The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), which governs the BTR, has been planning this project for a year.
    • Addressing Regional Conflicts: The BTR has experienced ethnic conflicts and extremism. The school aims to instill human values and co-existence in a region marked by diverse faiths, cultures, and ethnicities.
    • BTC’s Vision: It emphasizes the need for formal schooling in peace-building and happiness to create peace ambassadors for conflict resolution.

    Genesis of the School  

    • Pilot Project: The concept originated from the Bodoland Happiness Mission, a pilot project introduced a year ago.
    • Training Peace Volunteers: Around 400 youth and community leaders were trained as peace and happiness volunteers at Bodoland Community Counselling Centres.
    • Training Focus: The program included awareness of social issue-related laws, bias removal, self-awareness, counselling techniques, and stress management.

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  • India’s Bid to a Permanent Seat at United Nations

    Why only 5 countries have Veto Power in UNSC?

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Central Idea

    • A recent UN resolution vote, where 153 countries voted in favor and 10 against, including the USA’s support for Israel, underscores the influence of a few nations in global decisions.
    • This voting pattern brings into focus the veto powers within the UN Security Council (UNSC) and their persistence for over seven decades.

    What is the Veto Power in the UNSC?

    • Exclusive Membership: The UNSC comprises five permanent members (P5) – the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China – along with 10 non-permanent members.
    • Power of Resolutions: Unlike the General Assembly, resolutions passed by the UNSC are legally binding.
    • Veto Mechanism: Any P5 member can veto a resolution, blocking its adoption even with the required majority support.

    Rationale behind Veto Power for Permanent Members

    • Post-WWII Context: The P5, instrumental in forming the UN after World War II, were granted special rights, including veto power, as recognition of their role.
    • Strategic Necessity: The veto was considered vital to ensure the participation of these major powers in global peacekeeping efforts.

    Formation and Evolution of the UN and Veto Power

    • Foundational Discussions: The structure of veto power was developed during key meetings like the Dumbarton Oaks and Yalta Conferences.
    • FDR’s Influence: President Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned the UN as a post-war peacekeeping body, with the ‘Four Policemen’ (USA, USSR, UK, and China) at its core.
    • USA’s Diplomatic Efforts: The United States employed strategies, including intelligence, to secure veto power in the UN Charter.

    Debate and Criticism of the Veto Power

    • Global Dissatisfaction: The exclusive nature of veto power has been a point of contention for many countries.
    • Resistance to Change: Attempts to expand the P5 or modify veto rights have been largely unsuccessful due to the vested interests of the permanent members.
    • Acknowledging Changes: The increase in non-permanent UNSC members in 1965 was a nod to the changing international environment.
    • Reforms agenda: Proposals include making all 15 seats temporary with five-year terms, encouraging open competition for seats, and imposing lobbying and term limits.

    Conclusion

    • Continued Discussions: The use of veto power in the UNSC remains a contentious issue, reflecting the complex nature of global politics.
    • Adapting to Modern Times: As the world’s political landscape evolves, there may be growing pressure to reform the UNSC’s structure and veto mechanism to better align with the current global order.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    CRISPR-Based Therapies: A New Era in Genetic Disease Treatment

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

    Central Idea

    • Revolutionary Development: The medical world is witnessing a significant breakthrough with the approval of CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia in the U.K. and the U.S.
    • Global Impact: These advancements hold the potential to transform the lives of millions suffering from these inherited blood disorders.

    CRISPR Technology: From Discovery to Application

    • Origins of CRISPR: Discovered in archaea in 1993, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) elements were later found to form an antiviral defense system in bacteria with Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins.
    • Nobel Prize-Winning Innovation: Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR-Cas9 as a ‘molecular scissor’ earned them the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
    • Eukaryotic Genome Editing: Subsequent research demonstrated CRISPR-Cas9’s ability to edit eukaryotic genomes, paving the way for various applications in genetic therapies and agriculture.

    CRISPR in Medicine: Recent Approvals and Applications

    • CRISPR-Based Treatment for Blood Disorders: The MHRA in the U.K. and the FDA in the U.S. approved ‘Casgevy’ for treating sickle-cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia.
    • Treatment Mechanism: Casgevy involves modifying a patient’s blood stem cells to correct the genetic defect causing sickling, then regrafting them to produce normal red blood cells.
    • Historical Context: This approval marks a full circle from Linus Carl Pauling’s description of sickle-cell disease as a molecular disorder 74 years ago.

    Emerging CRISPR Technologies and Approaches

    • Base-Editing: This technique allows genome editing at the single nucleotide level.
    • Prime Editing: A newer method that uses a search-and-replace strategy for precise genome modifications.
    • Epigenetic Modifications: CRISPR systems are also being developed to target epigenetic effects.

    Challenges and Future Prospects

    • Safety and Accuracy Concerns: Issues like off-target events, where CRISPR-Cas9 edits unintended parts of the genome, pose significant challenges.
    • Balancing Risks and Benefits: While the potential of these technologies is enormous, their risks must be weighed against both short- and long-term benefits.
    • Ongoing Research and Surveillance: Continuous scrutiny is essential to uncover potential side effects that are currently unknown.

    Conclusion

    • Celebrating Advances: The approval of therapies like Casgevy heralds a new era for millions suffering from genetic diseases.
    • Optimistic Outlook: The advancements in CRISPR technology signal a promising future in the field of genetic medicine and disease treatment.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Guru Teg Bahadur: Martyrdom and Legacy

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    guru teg bahadur

    Central Idea

    • PM paid homage to Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, on his martyrdom day, highlighting his bravery, moral integrity, and teachings that foster unity and peace.
    • His sacrifice, especially his defence of Kashmiri Pandits against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s forced religious conversions in the 17th century, stands as a pivotal moment in Indian history.

    Guru Teg Bahadur’s Life and Contributions

    • Extensive Travels: Guru Teg Bahadur, born on April 1, 1621, was known for his extensive travels across India, akin to Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
    • Reviving Sikh Centers: His journeys were instrumental in revitalizing Sikh centers beyond Punjab, setting the stage for the formation of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699.
    • Poetic Legacy: A prolific poet, Guru Teg Bahadur’s hymns are an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
    • Founder of Anandpur Sahib: He founded Anandpur Sahib in 1665, a city of great religious and historical significance for Sikhs.

    Execution by Aurangzeb

    • Protection of Kashmiri Pandits: In 1675, Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Teg Bahadur for protection against Aurangzeb’s religious persecution.
    • Arrest and Martyrdom: Guru Teg Bahadur was arrested and later executed in Delhi on November 24, 1675, in Chandni Chowk, for refusing to convert to Islam and standing up for religious freedom.
    • Memorials in Delhi: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the place of his execution, and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib commemorates the site where his body was cremated.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

    1. Dadu Dayal
    2. Guru Nanak
    3. Tyagaraja

    Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 2

     

    Post your answers here.

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    What is Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA)?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    zero trust

    Central Idea

    • In response to rising cyberattacks, the Centre has established a secure e-mail system for 10,000 users across critical ministries and departments.
    • The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has designed this system, incorporating Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA).

    What is Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA)?

    • ZTA is a security concept and framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”
    • This approach to cybersecurity is a significant shift from traditional security models that operated under the assumption that everything inside an organization’s network should be trusted.
    • In contrast, Zero Trust assumes that trust is never granted implicitly but must be continually evaluated and authenticated, regardless of the user’s location or the network’s perimeter.

    Key Principles of ZTA

    • Least Privilege Access: Users are granted only the minimum level of access needed to perform their job functions. This limits the potential damage in case of a security breach.
    • Strict User Verification: Every user, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted access to applications and data.
    • Micro-segmentation: The network is divided into small zones to maintain separate access for separate parts of the network. If one segment is breached, the others remain secure.
    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): ZTA often requires multiple pieces of evidence to authenticate a user’s identity. This could include something the user knows (password), something the user has (security token), and something the user is (biometric verification).
    • Continuous Monitoring and Validation: The system continuously monitors and validates that the traffic and data are secure and that the user’s behaviour aligns with the expected patterns.

    Implementation of Zero Trust Authentication

    • Technology: Implementation of Zero Trust requires technologies like identity and access management (IAM), data encryption, endpoint security, and network segmentation tools.
    • Policy and Governance: Organizations need to establish comprehensive security policies that enforce Zero Trust principles, including how data is accessed and protected.
    • User Education and Awareness: Training users on the importance of cybersecurity and the role they play in maintaining it is crucial.

    Benefits of Zero Trust Authentication

    • Enhanced Security Posture: By verifying every user and device, Zero Trust reduces the attack surface and mitigates the risk of internal threats.
    • Data Protection: Sensitive data is better protected through stringent access controls and encryption.
    • Compliance: Helps in meeting regulatory requirements by providing detailed logs and reports on user activities and data access.
    • Adaptability: Zero Trust is adaptable to a variety of IT environments, including cloud and hybrid systems.

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Report, 2023

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

    Central Idea

    • The govt has released the LEADS (Logistics Ease across Different States) 2023 report, assessing logistics performance across Indian States and Union Territories (UTs).
    • The report includes 11 States and two UTs, encompassing coastal, landlocked, North Eastern States, and UTs.

    About LEADS Report

    • The LEADS index was launched in 2018 by the Commerce and Industry Ministry and Deloitte.
    • It was inspired by the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of World Bank, and has evolved over time.
    • It ranks states on the score of their logistics services and efficiency that are indicative of economic growth.
    • States are ranked based on quality and capacity of key infrastructure such as road, rail and warehousing as well as on operational ease of logistics.

    Key Highlights of the 2023 Report

    • ‘Achievers’ Category: States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, and UTs Chandigarh, Delhi are named as ‘Achievers’.
    • Category Shifts: Maharashtra moved from ‘Achievers’ to ‘Fast Movers’, while Odisha shifted from ‘Achievers’ to ‘Aspirers’.
    • ‘Fast Movers’: Kerala and Maharashtra among coastal States, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand among land-locked States, and Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland among North Eastern States are ‘Fast Movers’.
    • ‘Aspirers’: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and UTs like Daman & Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh are categorized as ‘Aspirers’.

    Policy perspectives

    • Digital Initiatives: Digital reforms like PM GatiShakti, Logistics Data Bank, ULIP, and GST are driving India’s improved global ranking.
    • India’s Improved LPI Rank: India’s LPI rank improved by six places to 38th position in 2023, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts.
    • Vision for Logistics Sector: India’s logistics sector is set to grow from a $3.5 trillion to $35 trillion economy by 2047.

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