With recent cuts in USAID funding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF), with a capital base of $672 million and $1.5 billion in authorized funds, is gaining attention.
About the SAARC Development Fund (SDF):
The SDF was established in 2010 by SAARC member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
It focuses on social, economic, and infrastructure development across SAARC countries.
It has evolved from SAARC Fund for Regional Projects (SFRP) and SAARC Regional Fund (SRF) proposed in 1990.
In 2005, the SDF was reconstituted as the umbrella financial mechanism for all SAARC projects.
Finally, it was endorsed in 2006; Charter signed in 2008 during the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo.
Its permanent Secretariat opened in Thimphu, Bhutan, in 2010.
Funding Mechanism:
The SDF has authorized funds of $1.5 billion, with a capital base of $672 million.
It aims to expand its credit portfolio to $300 million in the coming years.
Member countries contribute to the SDF’s capital, and the funds are allocated for regional projects based on proposals from member states.
It operates on a collaborative funding model, with contributions from both the government and development partners.
[UPSC 2016] The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as:
N4S: India’s big summits often grab headlines, but their real impact lies in shaping global politics. UPSC tests whether aspirants can go beyond buzzwords and understand how diplomacy translates into power shifts. Memorizing summit names isn’t enough—what matters is connecting them to India’s strategic positioning, as seen in questions like India as an alternative to China in GS2 (2024). This article unpacks Summit Diplomacy, looking at events like Howdy Modi, the India-UAE trade deal, and Modi-Xi meetings. Have these truly boosted India’s global influence, or are they just political spectacle? Why didn’t the Wuhan summit stop the Galwan clash? While highlighting successes like India’s G20 leadership, it also examines the risks—over-relying on personal diplomacy and missing long-term follow-through.What makes this piece special? It cuts through the fluff. It shows why strong institutions – like the Ministry of External Affairs and research think tanks – matter more than handshakes and photo ops. If you’ve ever wondered whether these summits actually change anything, this article gives you the answers.
PYQ ANCHORING
The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. [GS 2, 2024]
When Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un met in Singapore in 2018, the world watched with bated breath. The historic summit promised a breakthrough in U.S.-North Korea relations, with bold commitments and glowing headlines. But within months, the promises fizzled, tensions resurfaced, and the grand spectacle turned into yet another footnote in diplomatic history.
Similarly, India has engaged in high-profile summits like Howdy Modi, Wuhan talks, and G20/SCO meetings, shaping its foreign policy. But the big question remains: Are these summits truly driving India’s global rise, or are they just diplomatic theatre without lasting substance? Is India building a strong institutional framework to sustain its global momentum, or is it overly dependent on the personal rapport of its leaders?
Summit Diplomacy and India: A Critical Analysis
Big diplomatic meetings have helped India build strong partnerships, handle conflicts, and boost its global presence. But they also come with risks—depending too much on flashy events and making deals that don’t always lead to real change.
Benefits for India
Benefit
Impact on India
Example
Stronger Global Relationships
Expanded diplomatic reach through direct leader engagements.
‘Howdy Modi’ (2019) strengthened Indo-U.S. ties.
Economic and Trade Gains
Facilitated FDI, trade agreements, and technology transfers.
India-UAE CEPA (2022) boosted trade relations.
Security and Defense Ties
Strengthened defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
India-France defense summits led to the Rafale jet deal.
Crisis Management
Helped in conflict resolution and stabilizing border tensions.
Modi-Xi informal summits (2018, 2019) aimed at easing India-China tensions.
Global Leadership
Positioned India as a key player in climate action, global health, and governance.
India’s G20 Presidency (2023) championed Global South issues.
Challenges and Limitations of Summit Diplomacy for India
Challenge
Impact on India
Example
Risk of Superficial Agreements
Lack of follow-up mechanisms leads to poor implementation.
India-China Wuhan & Mamallapuram summits failed to prevent the 2020 Galwan clash.
Over-Reliance on Personal Diplomacy
Leader-driven diplomacy can cause policy shifts with leadership changes.
Modi-Nawaz Sharif ties (2015 Lahore visit) soured after Pulwama (2019).
Global power dynamics often block India’s diplomatic goals.
India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat remains unresolved despite summit efforts.
Symbolic vs. Substantive Gains
Some summits focus more on optics than real outcomes.
BRICS Summits produce many declarations but limited economic cooperation.
Bridging Gaps in Summit Diplomacy: The Case for Institutionalization
Diplomacy isn’t just about big meetings and handshakes—it needs a solid foundation to create real, lasting impact. When foreign policy is backed by strong institutions, it becomes more stable, accountable, and less dependent on individual leaders. This helps avoid impulsive decisions and ensures that agreements actually lead to meaningful change instead of just being symbolic.
India has been making diplomacy more structured by:
Area
Institutional Mechanism
Impact
Foreign Policy Formulation
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with specialized divisions (e.g., Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Affairs)
Ensures structured policy-making and coordination across global engagements.
Strategic Diplomacy
Think tanks like Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) advising policymakers
Provides research-backed inputs for foreign policy decisions.
Permanent Missions at the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), Group of Twenty (G20) Sherpa Mechanism
Enhances India’s global presence in decision-making forums.
Defense & Security Diplomacy
Strategic dialogues (e.g., 2+2 Dialogue with the United States (U.S.), Japan), Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defense Cooperation
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Institutionalized outreach to the Indian diaspora and cultural promotion.
Success Stories of India
India has seen real success in diplomacy when strong systems back summits. This approach ensures that agreements lead to long-term results rather than just talk. Deals like the Indo-US Nuclear Agreement and the International Solar Alliance prove that structured efforts bring lasting impact. Here are some key examples:
Summit
Success Factors (Role of Institutionalization)
Key Outcomes
Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008)
Strong support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), strategic alignment with the U.S., and bipartisan backing in both nations.
Gave India access to nuclear technology despite not being a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory, boosting energy security.
India-Africa Forum Summit (2008, 2011, 2015, 2023)
Regularized engagements, structured financial commitments, and long-term diplomatic partnerships.
Strengthened economic, educational, and strategic ties between India and Africa.
Look East to Act East Policy (Since 1992, Revamped in 2014)
Institutionalized through Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits, structured trade deals, and consistent engagement.
Deepened trade, defense, and regional security ties with Southeast Asia.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) (2015)
Backed by the MEA and sustained multilateral cooperation.
Positioned India as a global leader in renewable energy with 100+ member countries.
BRICS Summits (Since 2009)
Strengthened cooperation through the New Development Bank (NDB) and structured diplomatic dialogues.
Enhanced India’s role in global economic governance and alternative financial structures.
Way Forward
Summit-to-Strategy Task Force – Create dedicated inter-ministerial teams to convert summit agreements into actionable roadmaps with clear deadlines.
Diplomatic Corps 2.0 – Expand training and decision-making authority for diplomats to reduce dependency on political leadership and ensure continuity in foreign policy.
Fast-Track Diplomacy Portal – Establish a digital platform within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for real-time tracking of agreements, approvals, and execution timelines.
Global Thought Leadership Hub – Set up an international policy research hub to shape global narratives on UN reforms, climate action, and trade policies rather than just reacting to them.
India Connect 2030 – Launch an ambitious global economic outreach program with mega-infrastructure projects, strategic trade pacts, and a counter-narrative to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
While India has made significant progress in institutionalizing diplomacy, further improvements are needed in follow-up mechanisms, bureaucratic efficiency, and multilateral leadership. By enhancing institutional processes alongside summit diplomacy, India can ensure sustained global influence and strategic consistency beyond high-profile engagements.
#BACK2BASICS: About Summit-Level Diplomacy
Summit-level diplomacy refers to high-level meetings between heads of state or government, often conducted to address pressing global, regional, or bilateral issues. These summits serve as platforms for direct negotiation, policy coordination, and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
– Trump-Kim Jong-un Hanoi Summit (2019) (Failed negotiations, no agreements) – Indo-China Informal Summits (Wuhan, Mamallapuram) (No formal treaties, mostly optics) – SAARC Summits Post-2016 (Minimal progress due to regional tensions)
While summit-level diplomacy results in substantive outcomes, pseudo summit-level diplomacy is often limited to symbolism, diplomatic signaling, or media spectacle, without tangible policy changes.
The material cost for the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme has been increased by 9.5%, resulting in an additional cost of ₹954 crore to be incurred by the Centre in the 2025-26 financial year.
About PM-POSHAN Scheme:
The PM-POSHAN Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at providing a hot, cooked meal to children studying in government and government-aided schools across India.
Launched under the Ministry of Education, it focuses on improving children’s nutritional status, school participation, retention, and attendance.
The scheme complements POSHAN Abhiyan and Mission POSHAN 2.0 to improve nutrition among children and mothers.
Key Features:
Target Group: It serves 11.20 crore children in Balvatikas (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1-8 in 10.36 lakh schools. Special focus is placed on disadvantaged children from low-income backgrounds.
Nutritional Goals: The scheme provides balanced meals to meet children’s nutritional needs.
A recent study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution level reaches around 70 µg/m³.
About PM2.5
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
It is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other health issues.
Major sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, and solid waste burning, contributing to both outdoor and indoor pollution.
WHO recommends that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should NOT exceed 5 µg/m³, and the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 µg/m³ for more than 3-4 days per year.
PM2.5 on Govt. Focus: National Clean Air Program (NCAP)
Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter by 40% by 2026 compared to 2017 levels.
It targets 131 non-attainment cities across India, focusing on improving air quality and addressing sources of pollution.
About the Notified Toxicity Standard for PM2.5
A new toxicity standard for PM2.5 in Kolkata sets the critical threshold at 70 µg/m³.
Below this level, toxicity remains stable, but it sharply increases once the concentration exceeds 70 µg/m³.
It emphasizes reducing pollution sources, particularly biomass and solid waste burning, which contribute significantly to high PM2.5 levels and increased toxicity in Kolkata.
Policy Recommendation: To reduce health risks, air quality control measures should aim to keep PM2.5 levels below 70 µg/m³.
[UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only
Preparing for UPSC 2026 can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. Many aspirants begin with a lot of motivation after reading NCERTs, but soon realise how vast and complex the exam actually is. That’s when doubts start creeping in and consistency takes a hit. To help you through this phase, Shubham Sir is bringing a simple and effective framework—the MAC Formula: Mindset, Approach, and Consistency.
Mindset is about staying calm, believing in yourself, and staying focused over the long run. Approach means planning smartly—knowing the syllabus, using PYQs the right way, and not getting lost in too many resources. And consistency? That’s about building habits, sticking to weekly goals, and showing up every single day. When all three come together, you’re on solid ground.
Shubham Sir will also talk about AIR 2 Animesh’s journey—how he went from a complete beginner to a top-ranker by consistently writing weekly answers for 1.5 years. He’ll also help you map out a 14-month plan starting this April, covering answer writing, revision, and avoiding common traps.
So if you’re aiming for UPSC 2026 and want to start strong, join the live session on Sunday, 13th April at 7 PM. It’s your chance to bring clarity to your prep and build the right momentum early on.
This session will help you cut through the noise and start with a crystal-clear roadmap. You’ll learn to prioritize your study, recognize question trends, and, most importantly, focus on what UPSC truly values.
A Rare Opportunity— Register Now! This isn’t just another generic UPSC strategy session. This power-packed masterclass is designed to give you a clear advantage over other aspirants.
By the end of this session, you will have a list of must-study PYQs, a breakdown of microthemes, and a step-by-step strategy to approach UPSC preparation like a topper. If you’re serious about UPSC 2026 – Register now!
It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Arvind Sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 13th April 2025 at 7:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a focussed UPSC 2026 Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until May 25)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
[UPSC 2017] Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ concerning the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
Linkage: The integrity of the appointment process is a key mechanism to prevent the entry of potentially corrupt individuals into the judiciary. Debates around judicial appointments often touch upon the need for transparency and meritocracy to safeguard against various forms of impropriety, including corruption.
Mentor’s Comment: The current system to deal with corruption in the judiciary includes in-house inquiries, impeachment, and oversight by the Supreme Court and High Courts. However, it is often slow, and secretive, and rarely results in strict action. Lack of transparency and political influence can weaken its impact, making it less effective in ensuring full accountability of judges.
Today’s editorial talks about problems in making judges more accountable. It highlights gaps in how judicial misconduct is handled and why better checks are needed. This topic is useful for UPSC GS Paper 2 (governance, transparency) and GS Paper 4 (ethics, integrity in public life).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Last month, a large amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly found at the official home of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. In response, Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, started an internal inquiry into the matter.
What are the limitations of the impeachment process in ensuring judicial accountability?
High Threshold for Removal: The impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and an absolute majority of total membership. This makes it extremely difficult to impeach a judge even in cases of credible misconduct. Eg: No judge of the Supreme Court or High Court has ever been successfully impeached in independent India, despite allegations — such as in the case of Justice V. Ramaswami (1993), whose impeachment failed due to political abstentions.
Over-Reliance on Political Consensus: The process is politically driven, requiring broad support across parties, which may not be feasible in a fragmented or polarized Parliament. Political considerations often override judicial integrity in decision-making.
Delayed and Ineffective as a Deterrent: The process is slow, opaque, and reactive, initiated only after significant public outcry or media coverage. It fails to act as a timely or effective deterrent, allowing misconduct to go unchecked. Eg: Justice Nirmal Yadav of the Punjab and Haryana High Court was acquitted nearly 15 years after a corruption inquiry, despite early evidence.
Why is there a demand to institutionalise transparency in judicial inquiries?
Prevents Perception of Shielding Judges: Transparency helps counter the belief that the judiciary protects its own members in misconduct cases. Eg: In the Justice Yashwant Varma case, the Supreme Court proactively released CCTV footage showing recovery of unaccounted cash to pre-empt accusations of cover-up.
Builds Public Trust and Confidence: In an era of social and mass media scrutiny, opaque proceedings can fuel public suspicion and damage the judiciary’s credibility. Making inquiry reports public can reaffirm accountability and institutional integrity.
Reduces Speculation and Misinformation: Lack of official communication can lead to rumours or leaks, which may distort facts and undermine due process. Eg: Experts have suggested appointing dedicated communications personnel in the judiciary to clarify facts and handle sensitive disclosures responsibly.
Who informally influences judicial appointments, and how does it impact the collegium?
Executive’s Role in Informal Consultations: Even before formal recommendations, the executive is consulted informally, allowing it to influence selections. Eg: The Union Government often shares IB (Intelligence Bureau) inputs that can sway or stall decisions by the collegium.
De Facto Executive Veto: The government can withhold or delay approval of names without giving reasons, effectively creating a veto power. Eg: Several appointments have been indefinitely delayed by the executive sitting on the collegium’s recommendations.
Impact on Transparency and Candidate Morale: This opaque and selective process discourages deserving candidates from participating in judicial selection. Eg: Many lawyers and judges avoid the process due to its lack of transparency and potential for humiliation.
How can peer review within the judiciary be strengthened to prevent judicial misconduct?
Institutionalising Informal FeedbackRegularise the informal feedback already exchanged within legal circles into a formal review system. Eg: Concerns shared among judges and lawyers about a colleague’s integrity can be compiled and assessed systematically.
Involving Bar Associations: Inputs from bar associations can serve as early warnings of problematic judicial behaviour. Eg: If advocates repeatedly report bias or misconduct by a judge, it could trigger a formal internal review.
Mandatory Periodic Evaluations: Judges could undergo peer-reviewed performance evaluations at regular intervals. Eg: Evaluation of case disposal rates, conduct in court, and legal soundness of judgments by a panel of peers.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Enforce mandatory disclosures of family members practicing in the same court or other potential conflicts. Eg: If a judge’s relative practices in the same court, either the judge is transferred or the relative is barred from appearing.
Protection of Whistleblowers Within Judiciary: Create a safe mechanism for judges or staff to report unethical conduct without fear of retaliation. Eg: A junior judge or clerk reporting bribe attempts or unusual case assignments should be protected and heard confidentially.
When can contempt laws allow public scrutiny without undermining judicial dignity?
When Criticism is in Good Faith and Based on Facts: Legitimate concerns or constructive criticism aimed at reform, not defamation, should be allowed. Eg: A lawyer or journalist pointing out procedural delays or lack of transparency in judicial appointments based on verified data.
When the Speech is Not Intended to Scandalise the Court: Public discourse that respects the institution but critiques specific actions or decisions helps improve accountability. Eg: Civil society groups questioning a controversial verdict or delay in inquiry, without using derogatory language.
When It Promotes Institutional Integrity: Scrutiny that leads to reform and helps maintain the credibility of the judiciary should not be penalised. Eg: Media coverage exposing corruption in the judiciary, like the Justice Yashwant Varma case, can lead to necessary reforms if done responsibly.
Way forward:
Establish an Independent Judicial Oversight Body: A permanent and independent authority comprising retired judges, legal scholars, and public representatives can investigate complaints, oversee peer reviews, and recommend disciplinary action.
Codify Transparent Guidelines and Communication Protocols: Formulate clear, time-bound procedures for judicial appointments, disclosures, and inquiry mechanisms with mandatory public reporting (where appropriate). Eg: Publish annual integrity audits, conflict-of-interest registers, and inquiry outcomes (with due protection for sensitive data) to uphold public trust.
The recently held Budget session of Parliament became historic, as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued working all night and ended only around sunrise.
What made the recently concluded Budget session of Parliament historically significant?
All-night Sitting: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued debates through the night until early morning, which is extremely rare. For example, the Rajya Sabha was still debating at 8:30 p.m., with 22 speakers left, and the Waqf Bill was passed only around 2:30 a.m.
Record High Productivity: The session saw exceptionally high legislative productivity — 118% in Lok Sabha and 119% in Rajya Sabha. Eg: This indicates that the Houses worked more hours than scheduled, completing more business than expected.
Rich Parliamentary Debate and Public Engagement: Despite the late hours, MPs spoke passionately, aiming for impactful speeches that could go viral or make headlines. Eg: A woman MP quoted Victor Hugo (mistakenly calling him British), showing both the depth and drama of the debate.
Who played a critical role in capturing the nuances of the all-night parliamentary session for the public?
Parliamentary Reporters: They stayed overnight in the House, observing debates and documenting proceedings for the media. Eg: The author of the editorial, a parliamentary reporter, described the urgency and drama of speeches during the night.
News Desks and Editors: They coordinated under pressure to ensure reports met tight print deadlines while maintaining accuracy. Eg: The reporter received frantic messages from the desk urging for a timely copy to meet the morning paper’s schedule.
Media as a Democratic Bridge: Reporters help the public understand what’s happening inside Parliament, especially during rare sittings. Eg: Despite physical restrictions in the new Parliament building, reporters continue to attend sessions to provide detailed coverage.
Where are reporters restricted from going within the new Indian Parliament building, despite having official access?
Glass Enclosure for Media Personnel: Reporters, especially from electronic media, are confined to a glass enclosure within the Parliament premises. This limits their ability to move freely and interact with Members of Parliament (MPs). Eg: On July 29, 2024, journalists were restricted to this enclosure and prevented from accessing areas like the ‘Makar Dwar’, where they traditionally gathered sound bites from MPs.
Restricted Access to ‘Makar Dwar’: The ‘Makar Dwar’, a main entrance used by MPs, has been cordoned off, preventing journalists from approaching MPs for interviews. Eg: Journalists were removed from this area, which was previously a common spot for media interactions with MPs.
Limited Entry to Press Galleries: Access to the press galleries has been significantly reduced, with only a limited number of journalists allowed entry, often through a non-transparent selection process. Eg: The Editors’ Guild of India noted that only a fraction of the approximately 1,000 accredited journalists are granted access, without a clear procedure.
Separate Entry Points and Increased Security Checks: Journalists now have designated entry points separate from MPs and officials, coupled with multiple security checks, making access more cumbersome. Eg: Reporters are frisked multiple times and must navigate a windowless corridor with security cameras to reach the press gallery.
Restrictions Around Key Offices: Areas surrounding the Prime Minister’s Office, the Speaker’s office, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s office are off-limits to journalists, limiting their coverage scope. Eg: These zones have been cordoned off, preventing media personnel from accessing them.
Why do reporters persist in covering parliamentary debates despite challenges?
Democratic Responsibility: Reporters feel a duty to keep the public informed about how their representatives function, especially during important debates. Eg: Even during the late-night Budget session, reporters stayed to capture each speaker’s arguments, helping citizens understand crucial legislative developments.
Fear of Missing Crucial Details: Journalists worry they might miss significant moments or policy announcements if they leave early or tune out. Eg: During a midnight speech on the Waqf Bill, a Member of Parliament misattributed Victor Hugo as British — a detail that adds color and context to the reporting.
Drama and Insight: Parliamentary sessions offer intense debates, humor, emotional appeals, and unfiltered views — making them compelling for storytelling. Eg: The sight of an actor-turned-politician struggling through an angry speech added drama and human interest to the reporter’s coverage.
Way forward:
Ensure Transparent and Inclusive Media Access: Parliament should adopt a fair, transparent system for press gallery access and allow broader journalist participation, ensuring diverse media voices are represented. Eg: Revoking arbitrary restrictions and restoring access to areas like ‘Makar Dwar’ can enhance real-time, on-ground reporting.
Leverage Technology for Better Public Engagement: Install live-streaming infrastructure, media briefing zones, and provide official transcripts quickly to support timely, accurate reporting. Eg: Designated digital zones can help journalists report swiftly without compromising security or disrupting proceedings.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
Linkage:Role of Parliamentary discussion and debate for the public. This also examines the role and effectiveness of individual Members of Parliament during parliamentary sessions.
Over 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, a key planner, was finally brought back to India from the US to face trial.
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian terrorist, businessman and former military doctor, who is known for his involvement in terrorism-related activities.
What role did he play in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks?
Cover Identity: Tahawwur Rana provided a false business cover to David Headley, enabling him to enter India multiple times without raising suspicion. Eg: Rana’s immigration company, First World Immigration Services, was used to justify Headley’s visits to India as “business trips” while he was actually surveying 26/11 attack targets like the Taj Mahal Hotel and Chabad House.
Operational Support: Rana helped facilitate key documentation and communication links between Headley and terrorist organizations. Eg: He assisted Headley in obtaining a new passport with a false identity and supported contacts with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, maintaining secrecy for the attack planning.
Logistical and Financial Assistance: Rana’s actions indirectly enabled the planning and execution of the attacks through financial backing and logistical coordination. Eg: He supported Headley’s multiple reconnaissance trips to Mumbai and funded arrangements that helped terrorists carry out the coordinated assault which killed 166 people and injured over 238.
Note: David Headley is a Pakistani-American terrorist who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
What is the extradition treaty between India and the USA?
Bilateral Legal Framework: It is a formal agreement signed in 1997 that allows both countries to request and surrender individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes. Eg: India requested the extradition of Tahawwur Rana under this treaty for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Dual Criminality Principle: A person can be extradited only if the offense is a crime in both India and the United States. Eg: Conspiracy to commit terrorism is punishable in both countries, fulfilling the condition for Rana’s extradition.
Judicial and Diplomatic Process: The extradition process involves legal scrutiny by courts and coordination between diplomatic and law enforcement agencies of both nations. Eg: US courts reviewed Rana’s case and, after rejecting multiple appeals, extradited him with cooperation from the US Department of Justice.
What legal processes did Tahawwur Rana undergo in the US before being extradited to India?
Extradition Hearing: A US District Court evaluated India’s request to determine if the charges met the treaty’s conditions and legal standards. Eg: In May 2023, the District Court for the Central District of California approved Rana’s extradition after reviewing evidence and charges.
Appeals and Legal Challenges: Rana filed multiple appeals to delay extradition, including petitions in higher courts and emergency applications. Eg: He moved the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later the US Supreme Court with habeas corpus petitions, all of which were denied.
Final Clearance and Custody Transfer: After exhausting all legal options, US authorities coordinated with Indian officials to hand over Rana formally. Eg: The US Department of Justice and US Sky Marshal teams worked with Indian NIA and MEA for his secure transfer to Delhi.
What is the role of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)?
Legal Designation of Terrorist Organizations: UAPA provides the legal framework to declare organizations as terrorist outfits and take action against their members and supporters. Eg: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), associated with Rana and Headley, are banned under UAPA.
Prosecution of Conspirators and Supporters: UAPA enables prosecution not only of terrorists but also of individuals who aid, abet, or conspire in terrorist acts. Eg: Tahawwur Rana is being charged under UAPA for facilitating logistics and shelter to Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks.
Empowering NIA to Investigate: UAPA empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terrorism cases across India. Eg: The NIA formally arrested Rana under UAPA after his extradition, and is now interrogating him to expose the full conspiracy.
Way forward:
Strengthen International Counter-Terror Cooperation: Enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and faster legal coordination under extradition treaties. Eg: Streamlined communication between NIA and FBI can prevent delays in apprehending fugitives and tracking transnational terror networks.
Fast-Track Trial and Victim Justice: Ensure expedited judicial proceedings to bring long-pending terrorism cases like 26/11 to closure and deliver justice to victims. Eg: A special fast-track court under the NIA Act can help conclude Rana’s trial swiftly, reinforcing public trust and legal deterrence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Linkage:The issue of terrorism, its multifaceted nature, and the measures needed to combat it, which aligns with the context of the 26/11 attacks.
On April 8, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
The IPU is the global organization that connects national parliaments, promoting democracy and cooperation among countries.
Moto: “For democracy. For everyone.”
It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Establishment:
It was established in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization aimed at fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
It was founded by Englishman William Randal Cremer and Frenchman Frederic Passy, two visionaries who believed in resolving international disputes through peaceful arbitration.
Both went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
Structure and Mandate:
It comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members (mostly regional parliamentary bodies).
It is funded by its members out of public funds.
The Governing Council is made up of 3 MPs from each Member Parliament.
Core Functions:
It advocates for stronger, more inclusive, and diverse parliaments.
It defends the human rights of parliamentarians and organizes biennial assemblies to bring together parliamentary delegates and partners from around the world.
It works on issues like global governance, the United Nations, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Milestones Achieved:
The first IPU conference was held in 1889 in Paris, with participation from MPs across Europe and beyond.
It laid the groundwork for the creation of the League of Nations in 1919 and the United Nations in 1945.
India’s Participation in the IPU:
India’s membership in the IPU is facilitated through the Indian Parliamentary Group, which serves as the National Group of the IPU.
The IPG was established in 1949 following a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio Presidentof the IPG, while the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serve as Vice Presidents.
[UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:
1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June 1945; 2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945; 3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, a highly strategic naval base designed specifically to house nuclear-powered submarines, on the eastern coast near Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh by 2026.
About INS Varsha
INS Varsha is being developed as a specialized base to house India’s growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including both Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) and Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine (SSNs).
It will be situated near the coastal village of Rambilli, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command.
The naval bases lies on the confluence of Sarada and Varaha rivers.
The facility will have underground pens and tunnels to ensure stealthy operations for nuclear submarines.
This design will allow submarines to enter and exit the base undetected, maintaining their stealth, particularly important for SSBNs which carry nuclear missiles during long patrols.
The base will cover an area of 20 square kilometers and is designed to accommodate at least 10 nuclear submarines.
Like China’snuclear submarine base at Hainan Island (in the South China Sea), INS Varsha will be situated in waters that allow submarines to operate without detection from satellite surveillance.
Project Varsha
INS Varsha is part of Project Varsha, a top-secret initiative aimed at bolstering India’s maritime deterrence capabilities by building a dedicated facility for its nuclear-powered submarines.
This project is crucial to countering the growing naval presence and strategic expansion of China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
It will support the fleet of Arihant-class submarines, which are crucial for India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent
[UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently updated its classification of industries, introducing a new category known as the ‘Blue Category.’
Classification of Industries by CPCB:
The CPCB classifies industries based on their environmental impact, focusing on air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste generation.
Industries are classified using the Pollution Index (PI), which is calculated by considering air, water, and waste pollution, with equal weight given to each factor.
PI Categories:
White: PI < 25 (least polluting industries)
Green: 25 ≤ PI < 55
Orange: 55 ≤ PI < 80
Red: PI > 80 (most polluting industries)
This system helps determine industry locations, inspection norms, and pollution-related health impacts.
It is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to improve environmental standards.
Presently 419 industrial sectors are categorized into Red, Orange, Green, White, and Blue.
About the ‘Blue’ Category (Newly Introduced):
The Blue Category was introduced for industries providing Essential Environmental Services (EES) like pollution management and waste control.
It recognizes industries involved in critical environmental management, such as waste-to-energy plants, sewage treatment plants, and landfill management.
Industries in the Blue category receive a 2-year extension on their consent to operate as an incentive for their role in managing pollution.
Scope: Includes industries that manage waste from both domestic and industrial sources, such as:
Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plants: Now in the Blue category despite their high PI, due to their role in waste energy recovery.
Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants: Classified as Blue for their low environmental impact when processing municipal waste and agro residue.
Sewage Treatment Plants & Landfills: These facilities manage environmental hazards through controlled waste disposal.
Blue category industries must comply with all environmental norms, and their Pollution Index is still calculated as per the standard formula.
Industries showing successful management may receive extended operating permits and other incentives.
[UPSC 2021] With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:
1.It is a product of oil refineries. 2.Some industries use it to generate power. 3.Its use causes sulfur emissions into the environment.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
China has unveiled the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope in Antarctica.
About the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope
The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye is a 3.2m wide radio/millimetre-wave telescope located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.
It was developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU).
This telescope can detect radio waves and millimeter waves, types of invisible light, allowing scientists to study phenomena like neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecules, essential for understanding star formation and gas movement in space.
Unlike most telescopes, it works with both radio and millimeter waves, providing a more comprehensive view of space.
It is built in one of the harshest environments on Earth, with operatingtemperatures below-60°C and strong winds, making construction particularly challenging.
[UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:
(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
(c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region
Question: “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. [UPSC 2021]
Linkage: The broader context of competition for influence in the continent.
Mentor’s Comment: The aviation sector is vital for India’s economic growth, connectivity, and global integration. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 strengthens legal protections for lessors, encouraging foreign investment and lowering leasing costs. This directly supports fleet expansion, enhances regional connectivity, and boosts India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub, especially through GIFT City.
Today’s editorial talks about the aviation sector, which is a key part of India’s infrastructure. This topic is useful for GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure) and GS Paper 2 (Policy and Governance) in the UPSC exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Last week, Parliament passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025. This new law sets up a legal system to handle disputes between airlines and aircraft lessors over valuable aviation assets like planes, helicopters, and engines.
What is the main objective of the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025?
To Protect Aircraft Lessors’ Rights: The Bill allows aircraft lessors to repossess aircraft and engines swiftly in case of default by airlines. Eg: During GoFirst’s insolvency (2023), lessors couldn’t recover their planes due to legal delays—this Bill now provides legal backing for quicker repossession.
To Implement the Cape Town Convention and Protocol: Aligns Indian aviation law with global standards to enhance legal predictability and reduce risk for international investors. Eg: Many countries that have implemented the Convention see lower leasing costs and more confidence from global leasing firms.
To Boost Investment and Reduce Costs in Aviation: Encourages leasing activity in India (especially at GIFT City) by reducing legal and financial uncertainties, lowering aircraft leasing costs by up to 8–10%. Eg: IndiGo and Air India’s fleet expansion could benefit from cheaper leases, ultimately leading to lower operational costs.
What was the Cape Town Convention in 2008?
The Cape Town Convention is an international treaty designed to standardize and protect the rights of creditors (like aircraft lessors) in transactions involving high-value mobile assets, especially in aviation, rail, and space sectors.
Why was the Bill needed despite India signing the Cape Town Convention in 2008?
Lack of Implementing Legislation in India: Though India signed the Convention in 2008, it did not pass a domestic law to give it legal force. Eg: Courts couldn’t apply the Convention directly, leading to confusion during airline insolvency cases like GoFirst.
Conflict with Existing Indian Laws: Domestic laws such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) often clashed with the Convention’s provisions. Eg: In GoFirst’s 2023 case, NCLT imposed a moratorium that barred lessors from repossessing aircraft, conflicting with the Convention’s rights.
Low Compliance Score on Global Index: India scored low on the Cape Town Compliance Index (score of 50 out of 100), reducing global confidence. Eg: Lessors viewed India as high-risk, making leasing more expensive and legally uncertain.
Previous Airline Failures Exposed Legal Gaps: Airline shutdowns like Kingfisher, SpiceJet, and GoFirst highlighted legal ambiguities in asset repossession. Eg: Lessors struggled for months to retrieve aircraft and were also burdened with costs like parking fees.
To Encourage Investment and Reduce Risk Perception: The absence of a robust legal mechanism discouraged foreign leasing firms from doing business in India. Eg: The new Bill aims to improve investor sentiment and facilitate cheaper leases for growing airlines like IndiGo and Air India.
How did legal conflicts affect aircraft repossession during GoFirst’s insolvency?
Moratorium under IBC Prevented Repossession: The NCLT imposed a moratorium that barred lessors from reclaiming their aircraft, despite defaults by GoFirst. Eg: Lessors were legally restricted from de-registering and removing aircraft even though the Cape Town Convention allows it.
Delay in Aircraft Maintenance and Access: Legal restrictions also denied lessors access to their aircraft for routine maintenance, risking airworthiness. Eg: Aircraft parked at airports couldn’t be inspected or serviced, causing additional losses to lessors.
Lessors Incurred Extra Operational Costs: Lessors had to pay dues on behalf of GoFirst, including airport handling, parking, and office space charges. Eg: These unexpected expenses made the leasing business financially unviable under Indian legal conditions.
What concerns do lessors have about India’s tax regime and GIFT City push?
Stringent Tax Scrutiny under GAAR: India’s General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR), implemented in 2017, allows tax authorities to deny tax benefits if a leasing company is deemed to exist solely for tax-saving purposes without substantial commercial activity. Eg: Lessors cannot merely establish a shell entity in GIFT City to avail tax perks; they must demonstrate genuine business operations, unlike the more lenient frameworks in countries like Ireland.
Challenges in Financing Support: Unlike other global leasing hubs, Indian banks are cautious about lending to airlines due to past airline failures, leading lessors to rely on overseas funding, which increases costs. Eg: European banks support leasing businesses in Ireland, but in India, the absence of similar backing means lessors face higher financing costs.
Uncertainty in Tax Incentives Implementation: While GIFT City offers tax incentives, ambiguity in their application and interpretation by tax officials can lead to procedural delays and increased compliance burdens. Eg: Lessors may face delays due to unclear tax exemption procedures, affecting their operational efficiency.
Requirement to Establish Physical Presence: The push for lessors to set up operations in GIFT City necessitates a physical presence, involving additional costs and administrative efforts. Eg: Lessors must establish offices and staff in GIFT City to comply with regulatory requirements, unlike jurisdictions that allow more flexible arrangements.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges: Despite incentives, lessors face regulatory hurdles and operational challenges, such as the absence of an airport in GIFT City, complicating logistics for leased aircraft. Eg: Newly leased aircraft need proper parking facilities, and the lack of an airport in GIFT City poses logistical issues.
Way forward:
Enact and Operationalize the Bill Swiftly: The government should ensure the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 is not only passed but implemented effectively, with clarity on how it interacts with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and other domestic laws.
Enhance Infrastructure and Regulatory Clarity at GIFT City: India should build supportive infrastructure (like an airport) in or near GIFT City and offer clear, predictable tax and regulatory policies to attract top-tier leasing companies.
Last month, in March, it was five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began around the world.
What did COVID-19 reveal about trust in healthcare and public health interventions?
Fragility of Public Trust: Public trust in healthcare systems is delicate and can quickly deteriorate during a crisis. Eg: In countries like the U.S. and Brazil, misinformation and politicization of health measures led to public skepticism about mask mandates and vaccines.
Trust Influences Compliance: Low trust in healthcare institutions led to reduced compliance with health measures like vaccination, social distancing, and testing. Eg: In India, varying levels of trust in different states resulted in underreporting of COVID-19 deaths, as later highlighted in Science.
Communication is Crucial: Clear and consistent communication from governments and health agencies helped in building public trust. Eg: New Zealand’s early success was due in part to science-based communication from the Prime Minister and health officials.
Trust Shapes Health Behavior: People’s willingness to seek medical help or follow guidelines depended on their trust in healthcare providers. Eg: In Nigeria, fear and mistrust led many to avoid hospitals, fearing infection or poor treatment.
Erosion of Trust Undermines Future Preparedness: Damaged trust affects the public’s response to future health threats and reduces the uptake of new interventions.Eg: The inconsistent global response to monkeypox was partly due to lingering distrust from the COVID-19 experience.
How did technology both aid and challenge digital health and education during the pandemic?
Enabled Remote Health Services (Telemedicine): Technology allowed continuation of healthcare through teleconsultations when in-person visits were restricted. Eg: In India, platforms like eSanjeevani facilitated over 100 million teleconsultations, especially in rural areas.
Accelerated Use of AI in Pharma and Diagnostics: Artificial Intelligence helped speed up drug discovery, vaccine research, and diagnostic tools. Eg: Tools developed by DeepMind (UK) predicted protein structures, aiding faster vaccine development and earning its creators the Nobel Prize.
Exposed the Digital Divide: Access to digital tools remained unequal, affecting remote education and healthcare access for underprivileged groups. Eg: In India, many rural students lacked smartphones or internet, disrupting schooling during lockdowns.
Boosted Digital Learning Platforms: Educational apps and platforms saw a massive surge, enabling continuity in learning. Eg: Platforms like Byju’s and Google Classroom were widely adopted in India and globally for virtual classes.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns: Increased reliance on tech led to concerns over data breaches, surveillance, and lack of digital ethics. Eg: Contact-tracing apps like Aarogya Setu raised privacy concerns due to unclear data protection protocols.
Why were vulnerable groups, especially women and the poor, hit hardest by the pandemic?
Loss of Livelihood and Informal Jobs: The poor, especially those in informal sectors, lost income due to lockdowns and lack of social protection. Eg: In India, millions of migrant workers lost jobs overnight and walked back to their villages without government support.
Increased Burden on Women: Women faced a double burden of unpaid care work (childcare, household chores) and job losses in female-dominated sectors. Eg: During school closures, women in urban slums often had to quit jobs to care for children, worsening gender inequality.
Limited Access to Health Services: Vulnerable groups faced disruptions in essential health services, including maternal care and mental health support. Eg: In many low-income countries, access to reproductive health services declined, increasing risks for pregnant women.
When and why did universal health coverage and hybrid solutions gain urgency?
Exposure of Weak Health Infrastructure:The pandemic exposed gaps in health systems, especially in developing countries, creating urgency for universal health coverage to ensure no one is left behind. Eg: In India, shortages of hospital beds and oxygen highlighted the need for strong public health systems accessible to all.
Need for Remote Healthcare: Lockdowns limited physical access to hospitals, leading to a surge in telemedicine and hybrid care models that combine digital tools with on-ground services. Eg: Teleconsultations increased in both urban and rural areas to provide care without physical contact during peak COVID-19 waves.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Solutions: Governments began to focus on sustainable and scalable healthcare strategies that balance cost, access, and efficiency through hybrid models. Eg: Countries like Brazil and Bangladesh started integrating AI-powered diagnostics with community healthcare workers to reach underserved populations.
Which IP-related debates during COVID-19 exposed tensions between innovation and access?
TRIPS Waiver Proposal: The proposal to waive certain intellectual property rights under the TRIPS Agreement sparked global debate. It aimed to let countries produce COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments without legal barriers. Eg: India and South Africa led the push at the WTO in 2020; many developed nations opposed it, fearing harm to innovation.
Opposition from Pharmaceutical Companies: Pharmaceutical companies resisted IP waivers, arguing it would discourage future research investments. They emphasized the role of patents in incentivizing innovation and funding advanced research. Eg: Pfizer and Moderna opposed sharing mRNA technology, despite global demand.
Vaccine Nationalism and Access Inequality: IP protections contributed to unequal global vaccine distribution, especially in low-income countries. Wealthier nations secured large vaccine stocks early, while poorer countries struggled due to production limits. Eg: Africa faced major delays in vaccine access due to limited manufacturing and patent restrictions.
Way forward:
Promote Flexible IP Frameworks During Health Crises: Encourage temporary waivers or compulsory licensing for life-saving technologies to ensure global equity in access.
Strengthen Global South Collaboration: Build regional manufacturing and research partnerships to reduce dependency on patent-holding nations and improve pandemic preparedness.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] “COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
Linkage:The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in India’s health sector and taught important lessons on how to better prepare for and manage similar health crises in the future. This impacted the vulnerable groups, especially women and the poor, hit hardest by the pandemic.
Today’s China is clearly very different from the time of Deng Xiaoping. Since Xi Jinping took power in 2013, China has changed even more, and there’s little sign that it plans to go back to its earlier approach.
Why is China’s reference to its past and civilisational wrongs worrying for neighbours like India?
Revival of Imperial Borders: China increasingly invokes the idea of restoring historical boundaries, particularly from the Qing Dynasty era, as part of its national rejuvenation narrative. This fuels aggressive territorial claims along its borders, including the Himalayas. Eg: Galwan Valley clash (2020) and Doklam standoff (2017) stemmed from China’s assertion of areas it considers historically part of its territory.
Narrative of Victimhood and Justification for Aggression: By portraying itself as a wronged civilisation that suffered during the “Century of Humiliation,” China seeks to justify its assertive and sometimes aggressive policies. This historical grievance can be weaponised to rationalise border incursions or political pressure. Eg: China’s repeated provocations in Ladakh are often accompanied by narratives about safeguarding sovereignty and correcting past “injustices”.
Undermining Trust and Stability in the Region: Civilisational rhetoric makes China appear unpredictable and ideologically rigid, reducing the room for compromise or pragmatic dialogue. Diplomatic efforts may be overshadowed by a deep-seated belief in historical entitlement, affecting long-term peace and confidence-building. Eg: Despite de-escalation talks, China maintains over a lakh soldiers with heavy weaponry in Ladakh, showing the mismatch between words and actions.
What do incidents reveal about China’s border ambitions?
Assertion of Historical Claims: China seeks to enforce its version of historical borders, often disregarding settled agreements or established boundaries. Eg: In Doklam (2017), China attempted to build a road near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, claiming it as part of “historical Chinese territory”.
Testing India’s Military and Diplomatic Response: Provocations are used to gauge India’s preparedness, resolve, and red lines in high-altitude and remote border regions. Eg: The Galwan clash (2020) tested India’s military presence in Eastern Ladakh, where both sides suffered casualties.
Salami Slicing Strategy: China advances its territorial ambitions incrementally—occupying small patches of disputed land to gradually shift the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Eg: Reports of Chinese infrastructure buildup in Depsang Plains and Demchok indicate creeping occupation tactics.
How does China’s military and tech build-up affect India’s defence readiness?
Late 2024 – Signs of De-escalation: A thaw began in late 2024, marked by steps to ease tensions at border friction points. Eg: De-escalation started just before the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia (October 2024).
Border Patrolling Agreement Announced: An India-China Border Patrolling Agreement was informally referenced as a framework to manage patrolling in the Himalayas. Eg: Though details remained sketchy, the agreement was viewed as a tentative breakthrough in restoring order along the LAC.
Chinese Defence Ministry’s Statement (November 2024): China officially acknowledged progress in implementing the disengagement and patrolling settlement. Eg: A Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson stated the hope for a “harmonious dance between the Chinese Dragon and the Indian Elephant.”
India’s PM Statement in the U.S. (February 2025): Indian PM, during a visit to the U.S., declared that normalcy had returned to the border. Eg: He emphasized cooperation with China as essential for global peace and prosperity.
Which regional moves call for a foreign policy rethink by India?
China’s Outreach to Bangladesh: After the political transition in Bangladesh, China deepened ties with the new leadership. Eg: Visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus to China in March 2025, after Sheikh Hasina’s eclipse.
China’s Inroads in India’s Neighbourhood: China actively seeks new alliances in South Asia, undermining India’s traditional influence. Eg: Countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and now Bangladesh are being courted by China with investments and diplomatic engagement.
Neglect of West Asia and North Africa: India’s recent foreign focus has tilted towards the U.S., while West Asia and North Africa have seen less engagement. Example: China’s growing presence in energy partnerships and infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa poses strategic challenges.
China’s Advance in African Nuclear Sector: China is gaining access to nuclear energy resources in Africa, positioning itself as a key energy partner.Eg: China’s strategic energy investments in Africa give it leverage over future global energy security, where India lags behind.
Great Power Competition and China’s Strategic Penetration: China’s rapid expansion through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) creates a web of influence around India. Eg: Strategic infrastructure in Myanmar, Maldives, and the Indian Ocean region reshapes regional geopolitics in China’s favour.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
Act East Policy Revamp: Strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia. Eg: India’s maritime cooperation and defence agreements with ASEAN countries.
Neighbourhood First Policy: Renewed focus on diplomatic and developmental engagement with South Asian neighbours.Eg: Infrastructure and energy projects in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, including India-funded railways and power grids.
Deepening Quad and Indo-Pacific Strategy: Enhanced coordination with USA, Japan, and Australia under the Quad framework. Eg: Joint naval exercises like Malabar, and focus on free and open Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Infrastructure Development: Accelerated development of border infrastructure in sensitive regions to counter Chinese encroachments. Eg: Fast-tracking roads, tunnels, and airstrips in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Sikkim.
Enhanced Defence Diplomacy: Upgrading military-to-military engagements and arms exports to friendly nations. Eg: Supplying Tejas fighter jets to Argentina and BrahMos missiles to the Philippines.
Way forward:
Build a Multi-Domain Deterrence Framework: India must develop coordinated military, cyber, space, and maritime capabilities to counter China’s growing influence across all strategic domains. Eg: Strengthening the Defence Cyber Agency, expanding India’s space surveillance, and enhancing undersea monitoring in the Indian Ocean to deter any surprise escalation.
Expand Strategic Partnerships Beyond the Quad: India should diversify its strategic alignments by engaging European powers (like France and Germany), Middle East partners (like UAE, Israel), and Africa through trade, defence, and technological cooperation. Eg: India-France Indo-Pacific cooperation and India-UAE-France trilateral initiatives can counterbalance China’s BRI-led influence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Linkage: India’s strategic partnerships play an important role in maintaining peace in the region, especially as China grows stronger militarily, acts aggressively like in Galwan, and expands its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Corruption and red tape make doing business in India difficult. This article breaks down how these issues hurt economic growth, scare away investors, and kill the startup spirit. The UPSC often asks questions that test an aspirant’s ability to connect corruption with governance, economic impact, and ethical dilemmas (e.g., “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption.” [GS4, 2019]). Many aspirants falter by treating corruption as an abstract moral issue rather than understanding its deep-rooted impact on governance, economy, and public trust. This article addresses that by offering concrete examples (e.g., how frequent compliance changes increase costs and create bribery opportunities). One standout feature of this article is its focus on solutions—like a digital-first approach (One Nation, One Business identity) and global best practices (DOGE, USA)—instead of just highlighting the problems. This approach helps aspirants frame well-rounded answers that go beyond criticism and suggest practical reforms.
PYQ ANCHORING
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. [GS 4; 2019]
It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.[GS 4; 2014]
Microthemes: Challenges of Corruption, Public/Civil Service Values
Despite India’s push for ease of doing business, corruption and red-tapism continue to choke enterprise growth. With a majority of businesses admitting to bribery under duress, the question remains—can India achieve sustainable economic progress without tackling these deep-rooted issues? Addressing the economic fallout of corruption, streamlining compliance, and embracing digital governance are critical to making India a competitive global player. But are current reforms enough to break this cycle?
The Economic Cost of Corruption
Higher Business Costs – Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face repeated bribe demands for approvals, avoiding harassment, or speeding up processes, which reduces profitability.
Discourages Foreign Investment – An EY-FICCI survey found that 80% of investors see corruption as a major deterrent, making India a less attractive destination for investment.
Hinders Startups – Red tape, bribery, and unclear regulations discourage entrepreneurs, making it harder for startups to grow and innovate.
Fewer Jobs, Slower Growth – Money that could be used for expansion and hiring is wasted on bribes, limiting economic growth and job creation.
Inefficient System – Bureaucratic delays, constant rule changes, and bribery waste business resources and reduce overall productivity.
Hurts Global Reputation – India risks losing investment to other emerging economies that offer better transparency and ease of doing business.
ROLE OF COMPLIANCE SYSTEM IN PERPETUATING CORRUPTION
India’s compliance environment has long been a challenge for businesses, particularly due to excessive compliance requirements, constant policy changes, and outdated labour laws. These factors not only increase operational costs but also discourage investment and innovation.
1. The Ever-Changing Compliance Framework
One of the biggest hurdles for businesses is the constant flux in compliance regulations. Frequent updates create an unpredictable environment, making it difficult for businesses to plan and operate smoothly.
Key Issues:
Unstable Compliance Environment – In 2023, India saw 9,420 compliance updates (36 per day), making business operations unpredictable and resource-intensive.
Corruption and Bureaucratic Delays – Even legally compliant businesses face bribery demands to speed up approvals.
Sector-Specific Disruptions – Industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing suffer due to frequent policy changes, leading to increased costs and operational difficulties.
Example – In 2021, sudden changes in the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) impacted medicine availability and caused financial losses to pharmaceutical companies.
Proposed Solution – Regulatory bodies should adopt a structured update approach, like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which now revises food labelling rules only once a year for predictability.
2. Outdated Labour Laws: A Missed Opportunity
India’s labour laws are notoriously complex and outdated, creating additional compliance burdens. While the government passed four labour codes in 2020, replacing 29 colonial-era laws, their implementation remains stalled.
Key Issues:
Harsh Penalties for Minor Infractions – Many laws impose criminal liability for minor violations, discouraging business growth.
Delays in Labour Code Implementation – States have yet to notify promised labour reforms, keeping businesses stuck with outdated regulations.
Cumbersome Registrations & Filings – Businesses must register under multiple labour laws and submit returns in different formats, increasing administrative burden.
Example:
Factories Act, 1948 – Still mandates outdated licensing and safety norms despite modern technological advancements.
Shops and Establishments Act – Varies by state, making multi-location business expansion complex due to separate registration requirements.
Proposed Solution:
Immediate Implementation of Labour Codes – Streamlines compliance, simplifies business operations, and promotes formal employment.
Regulatory Reform – Fixing compliance update intervals, reducing criminal liability for minor violations, and simplifying labour laws can create a more business-friendly environment.
DIGITAL-FIRST APPROACH TO REDUCE CORRUPTION IN INDIA
A digital-first approach, such as the ‘One Nation, One Business’ identity system, can significantly improve ease of doing business by reducing red tape and curbing corruption through the following measures:
Issue
Current Problem
Digital Solution
Global Example
Simplified Business Registrations & Compliance
Businesses need multiple identifiers (PAN, GSTIN, CIN, state-specific licenses), leading to duplication, delays, and bribe demands.
A unified business identity would replace multiple registrations, reducing the need for repetitive filings and minimizing opportunities for corruption.
Estonia’s e-Business Register allows companies to be established online within minutes with a single identification number.
Reduced Human Discretion & Corruption
Manual processing of applications (e.g., pollution control certificates, labour permits) allows officials to demand bribes for approvals.
Automated checks & real-time tracking of applications would reduce face-to-face interactions, limiting opportunities for corrupt practices.
Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) ensures digital verification and monitoring to curb bribery risks.
Faster Approvals & Transparency
Businesses often experience delays in approvals (e.g., property registrations, drug licenses), requiring unofficial payments to push applications forward.
A unified digital platform (similar to DigiLocker) could store pre-verified documents, enabling faster approvals and eliminating the need for informal payments.
South Korea’s 24-hour e-Approval system ensures instant clearance for various business applications.
Streamlined Regulatory Processes
Cumbersome and redundant regulations slow down business approvals and increase compliance costs.
A single-window clearance system could minimize delays and reduce the scope for corruption in approvals and licensing.
The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reduces redundant regulations for faster approvals.
Enhanced Digital Integration
Regulatory databases are fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and lack of transparency.
Strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by integrating regulatory databases could improve transparency and efficiency.
The DOGE (USA) promotes real-time monitoring & automated decision-making through digital platforms.
Performance Accountability
Lack of measurable outcomes leads to inefficiency and bureaucratic inertia in government departments.
Introducing performance metrics for government departments would increase accountability and ensure faster service delivery.
The DOGE (USA) enforces outcome-based assessments to measure the efficiency of public officials.
Way forward:
Adopt a Unified Digital Governance Framework: Implement a National Business Identity System to integrate all regulatory processes (e.g., taxation, labour compliance, environmental clearances) under a single digital platform.
Strengthen Institutional Accountability and Oversight: Establish an Independent Regulatory Oversight Body to monitor public service delivery using performance-based metrics.
Periodic Training and Awareness Programs: Regular workshops should be conducted for employees to ensure they understand compliance obligations. Example: Cybersecurity awareness programs for IT employees to safeguard sensitive data.
Simplification of Compliance Procedures: Governments should work towards reducing bureaucratic red tape and making compliance requirements more transparent. Example: The introduction of single-window clearance systems for businesses to obtain multiple permits efficiently.
#BACK2BASICS : COMPLIANCE SYSTEM
A compliance system consists of various elements that ensure businesses operate within legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks. It helps organizations avoid legal penalties, maintain transparency, and build trust with stakeholders.
Key Components of a Compliance System
Regulatory Framework & Compliance Requirements: Businesses must adhere to laws related to taxation, labour, environmental standards, corporate governance, and industry-specific regulations.
Examples: Companies in India follow the Companies Act, 2013, GST regulations, and labour laws like the Factories Act, 1948.
Internal Policies & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Organizations establish internal guidelines to ensure employees and stakeholders comply with legal requirements.
Example: A financial institution follows anti-money laundering (AML) policies to prevent fraud.
Compliance Monitoring & Reporting: Regular audits and internal reviews help identify non-compliance issues before they escalate.
Example: Companies listed on the stock exchange must file quarterly financial reports with SEBI.
Licensing & Permits Management: Businesses need approvals to operate legally, such as factory licenses, environmental clearances, and trade permits.
Example: The Pharmaceutical industry requires approvals from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) before launching new drugs.
Employee Training & Awareness Programs: Employees must be trained on legal obligations, ethical practices, and workplace compliance.
Example: IT firms conduct data protection and cybersecurity training to comply with the Personal Data Protection Bill.
Whistleblower Mechanisms & Risk Management: Companies must have mechanisms for reporting violations, ensuring accountability.
Example: Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, public and private organizations must implement anti-bribery policies.
Technology & Automation in Compliance: Many businesses use compliance management software to track deadlines, file reports, and monitor regulatory changes.
Example: GST e-invoicing system automates tax compliance for businesses in India.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to expand the manufacturing capabilities of passive electronic components in India.
About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme:
The scheme is designed to promote the manufacturing of select electronic components in India, such as resistors, capacitors, relays, switches, sensors, and connectors.
It focuses particularly on passive electronic components, while active components like semiconductors fall under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
The scheme has a tenure of 6 years, with a 1-year gestation period.
The scheme offers 3 types of incentives:
Turnover-linked incentive: Based on revenue.
Capex-linked incentive: For investments in plants and machinery.
Hybrid incentive model: A combination of both turnover and capex incentives.
Achievements and Growth in the Electronics Sector:
Domestic Production Growth: India’s electronics production has grown from ₹1.90 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to ₹9.52 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17%.
Export Growth: Electronics exports have increased from ₹0.38 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to ₹2.41 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of over 20%. India is now the second-largest mobile phone producer globally.
Future Projections: By 2026, India’s electronics production is projected to reach USD 300 billion.
Government Initiatives for Electronics Growth:
Make in India (2014): Aimed at boosting India’s manufacturing sector and transforming it into a global hub for design and manufacturing.
Phased Manufacturing Programme (2017): Focused on increasing domestic value addition in mobile phones and their parts.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme (2020): Aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing in mobile phones, electronic components, and semiconductor packaging, offering 3-6% incentives on incremental sales.
Semicon India Program (2021): With a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore, this scheme promotes the domestic semiconductor industry.
Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) (2021): Provides a 25% financial incentive for capital expenditure in electronic goods manufacturing.
Increased Budget for 2025-26: The allocation for electronics manufacturing has been raised from ₹5,747 crore in FY 2024-25 to ₹8,885 crore in FY 2025-26.
[UPSC 2016] Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in:
The preliminary findings of Genome India Project, based on the whole genome sequencing of 10,074 healthy and unrelated Indians from 85 populations across the country, were published recently.
About Genome India Project
The Genome India Project was launched in January 2020 to map the genetic diversity of India’s population.
It is a collaborative project supported and funded by the Department of Biotechnology, GoI, involving multiple institutions across the country.
Objectives:
Decode the genetic diversity of India’s population through large-scale genome sequencing.
Create an exhaustive catalog of genetic variations, including common, low-frequency, rare, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and structural variations.
Develop a reference haplotype structure for Indians, which can be used to impute missing genetic variation in future studies.
Design genome-wide arrays for research and diagnostics at an affordable cost.
Establish a biobank for DNA and plasma collected for future research use.
The Genome India Database, which houses the genetic data, is now available to researchers worldwide and is stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.
Preliminary findings of the Study
The project genotyped 10,074 individuals from 85 populations, including 32 tribal and 53 non-tribal groups across India.
Blood samples were collected from around 20,000 individuals, with DNA samples from 10,074 individuals subjected to whole genome sequencing.
A total of 180 million genetic variants were identified, of which 130 million are in non-sex chromosomes (22 autosomes) and 50 million are in sex chromosomes X and Y.
Variant Significance:
Variants associated with diseases.
Rare variants.
Variants unique to India or specific communities.
[UPSC 2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cell
The latest Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the year 2024, covering the period from January to December, was released on April 8, 2025.
About the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
Launched by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in April 2017, the PLFS provides frequent data on labour force indicators to track employment trends.
It estimates employment and unemployment indicators in rural and urban areas quarterly and annually, using Current Weekly Status (CWS) and Usual Status (ps+ss).
The PLFS Annual Reports offer national estimates on employment and unemployment, broken down by rural and urban areas.
The survey tracks indicators like Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR), helping policymakers understand employment dynamics.
Key Terminologies Used:
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is the percentage of the population that is either working or actively seeking work. It measures the active engagement of the population in the labour market.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is the percentage of the population that is employed. It indicates the proportion of the population that is engaged in productive work.
Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is the percentage of individuals in the labour force who are unemployed. It provides insights into the efficiency of the labour market and the availability of employment opportunities.
Usual Status (ps+ss): This approach calculates a person’s employment status based on the activities they pursued over the past 365 days. It includes both their principal and subsidiary economic activities.
Principal Status (ps): The main activity a person engaged in during the reference period.
Subsidiary Status (ss): Any additional economic activities undertaken by a person for at least 30 days during the reference period.
Current Weekly Status (CWS): CWS measures a person’s employment status based on the activities they pursued in the past 7 days. It focuses on short-term employment fluctuations.
Key Highlights of the Recent Report (2024):
Details
Sample Size and Survey Coverage
Surveyed 12,749 Field Survey Units (FSUs) across 6,982 villages and 5,767 urban blocks with 1,01,957 households and 4,15,549 individuals.
Labour Force Indicators (CWS)
LFPR (Urban)
Urban male LFPR increased from 74.3% to 75.6%, and female LFPR from 25.5% to 25.8%, resulting in an overall increase from 50.3% to 51.0%.
Shows gradual improvement in workforce participation, especially among males.
WPR (Urban)
Urban WPR increased from 47.0% to 47.6%, while national WPR remained stable at 53.4% to 53.5%.
Indicates a slight improvement in the share of employed people in urban areas.
Unemployment Rate (UR)
Rural unemployment decreased from 4.3% to 4.2%, and urban female unemployment decreased from 8.9% to 8.2%.
Indicates small improvements in employment opportunities, especially in rural and female urban sectors.
Decline in Unpaid Helpers
Reduced number of unpaid helpers in rural households led to a decline in WPR and LFPR for rural females.
Fewer women are engaged in unpaid family work, which may indicate an increase in formal employment.
Labour Force Indicators (PS+SS)
LFPR (National)
National LFPR slightly decreased from 59.8% in 2023 to 59.6% in 2024.
Shows a slight decrease in overall workforce participation at the national level.
WPR (National)
National WPR slightly decreased from 58.0% to 57.7%, indicating a small drop in employment despite stable participation rates.
Reflects a slight decline in the proportion of the population employed.
Unemployment Rate (UR)
National UR slightly increased from 3.1% to 3.2%, reflecting a small rise in unemployment.
A minor increase in unemployment, suggests potential challenges in creating enough jobs for the growing population.
[UPSC 2013] Disguised unemployment generally means:
(a) large number of people remain unemployed (b) alternative employment is not available (c) marginal productivity of labour is zero (d) productivity of workers is low
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