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.
_
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:
