The Parker Solar Probe made history on December 24, 2024, by coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the Sun’s surface, marking the closest approach ever by a spacecraft.
About Parker Solar Probe
The Parker Solar Probe, launched in August 2018, is a car-sized robotic spacecraft named after Eugene Newman Parker, an American solar astrophysicist.
It is the first NASA mission named after a living researcher, and its mission is humanity’s first to explore within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s corona.
The spacecraft is equipped with an advanced carbon-composite heat shield capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,370°C.
This shield, which weighs only 73 kg, is designed to protect the probe from the Sun’s intense heat.
The probe’s instruments remain at a manageable 29°C due to the shield’s protection.
The primary goals are:
Approach the Sun: The probe aims to get as close as 6.5 million kilometers to study the Sun’s energy flow, solar corona heating, and the sources of solar wind.
Explore Solar Wind: Investigate the origins and behaviour of solar wind, the high-speed streams of charged particles that impact space weather.
Study Solar Corona: Delve into the mystery of why the Sun’s corona is 200 times hotter than its surface.
Investigate Plasma and Magnetic Fields: Study the structure and dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of solar wind.
The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with four primary instruments:
FIELDS: Measures the electric and magnetic fields of the Sun’s atmosphere.
ISoIS: Observes energetic particles that lead to solar storms.
SWEAP: Records the properties of solar wind particles.
WISPR: Takes images of the solar corona.
Faraday Cup: Measures ion and electron density in the solar wind.
Impact of the Mission on Solar Science
Understanding Solar Wind: The mission provides crucial data on the origins and behavior of solar wind, enhancing predictions of space weather and its impact on Earth.
Solving the Solar Corona Mystery: The probe’s findings suggest that Alfvén waves, plasma oscillations, may be the key mechanism responsible for the heating of the Sun’s corona, addressing a long-standing puzzle in solar physics.
New Discoveries on Space Dust: The probe’s discovery of dust-free pockets near the Sun challenges previous assumptions about the interaction of space dust with solar energy, offering new insights into solar dynamics.
Space Weather and Solar Flares: By monitoring the Sun’s activity, the probe aids in understanding solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), helping to mitigate the effects of space weather on Earth’s satellites and infrastructure.
Advancement in Solar Exploration Technology: The mission’s success in utilizing advanced heat shields and high-speed space travel techniques paves the way for future solar missions and deeper exploration of stellar physics.
[UPSC 2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
On April 1, 2025, tribals in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will celebrate Sarhul, marking both the New Year and the arrival of spring.
About Sarhul Festival
Sarhul is a significant Adivasi festival celebrated in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region, covering parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar.
It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, typically three days after the appearance of the new moon.
It marks the new year and celebrates the arrival of spring.
It is celebrated by various tribes, including Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho, each with its own unique customs.
The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is venerated as the abode of Sarna Maa, the deity who protects the village from natural calamities and misfortunes.
The festival symbolizes the union of the Sun and Earth.
The pahan (male priest) represents the Sun, while his wife, the pahen, symbolizes the Earth. This union is essential for sustaining life, emphasizing the connection between sunlight and soil.
It also marks the renewal of life.
After the rituals, Adivasis begin ploughing their fields, sowing crops, or gathering produce from the forest.
Cultural Significance of Sarhul
Sarhul evolved from a hunting festival to one that celebrates agriculture, reflecting the changing lifestyle of the Adivasi communities.
Sarhul is a cultural movement to preserve Adivasi heritage amidst urbanization and modernization, helping reinforce tribal identity.
Over time, Sarhul has become a platform for Adivasi political assertion, with some groups using the festival to demand the recognition of Sarna religion and its inclusion in India’s caste census.
Sarhul has also become a means for advocating tribal rights and social justice, particularly through the leadership of Baba Karthik Oraon.
[UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition State
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List now includes 1,300 fungi species, of which 1000 species are at risk of extinction due to various environmental pressures.
Important Species under Threat:
Fibrous Waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia): A Vulnerable species of fungi found in Europe, facing threats from habitat loss and land-use changes.
279 Species at Risk: Threatened by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development, leading to habitat loss.
91 Species Threatened by Pollution: Nitrogen and ammonia runoff from fertilizers and industrial activities.
50+ Species at Risk Due to Fire Patterns: Changes in fire cycles, especially in USA, making certain fungi species vulnerable in forest ecosystems.
About Fungi:
Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi, distinct from animals, plants, and bacteria. They are eukaryotic organisms and include moulds, yeasts, mushrooms, and mildews.
Key Properties:
Fungi have chitin in their cell walls and form hyphae that create a mycelium network.
They are heterotrophic, absorbing nutrients from organic material.
They reproduce sexually and asexually through spores.
Types of Fungi:
Molds: Multicellular, fuzzy fungi.
Yeasts: Unicellular fungi used in fermentation.
Mushrooms: Fruiting bodies of certain fungi, often edible.
Ecological Role: Fungi are crucial in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Some form beneficial relationships with plants (mycorrhizae) to aid in nutrient absorption.
Uses:
Medicines: Fungi like penicillin have revolutionized medicine.
Food: Edible fungi include mushrooms and truffles.
Beverages: Yeasts are key in bread, beer, and wine production.
[UPSC 2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
1. Cnidarians
2. Fungi
3. Protozoa
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
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.
India, too, has had its fair share of high-profile summits—Howdy Modi with Trump, informal Wuhan talks with Xi Jinping, and back-to-back G20 and SCO leadership engagements. These meetings have shaped India’s foreign policy, opening doors to trade deals, strategic alliances, and global influence. 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
Summit diplomacy has played a pivotal role in India’s foreign policy, helping the country forge strategic partnerships, manage conflicts, and enhance global influence. However, it also presents challenges, including over-reliance on high-profile engagements and the risk of superficial agreements.
Benefits for India
Benefit
Impact on India
Examples
Strengthened Bilateral and Multilateral Relations
India has expanded its global reach by engaging directly with world leaders.
Example: India’s engagement with the U.S. through the ‘Howdy Modi’ (2019) and State visits has strengthened the Indo-U.S. strategic partnership.
Economic and Trade Agreements
Summits have helped India secure FDI, technology transfers, and trade deals.
Example: India signed the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (2022) during a summit meeting, boosting trade relations.
Strategic and Security Partnerships
Summit diplomacy has played a role in strengthening defense ties, intelligence sharing, and maritime cooperation.
Example:India-France defense summits led to the Rafale jet deal, enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution
High-level engagements have helped defuse tensions and manage border disputes.
Example: The Modi-Xi Jinping informal summits (Wuhan, 2018 & Mamallapuram, 2019) attempted to stabilize India-China relations despite ongoing border tensions.
Boosting India’s Global Leadership
India has used summits to assert leadership on climate change, global health, and multilateral governance.
Example:G20 Presidency (2023) allowed India to champion issues of the Global South, including sustainable development and digital transformation.
Challenges and Limitations of Summit Diplomacy for India
Challenge
Impact on India
Examples
Risk of Superficial Agreements
Many summit-level agreements lack follow-up mechanisms, leading to limited implementation.
Example: The India-China Wuhan and Mamallapuram summits failed to prevent the Galwan Valley clash (2020) despite earlier commitments to peace.
Over-Reliance on Personal Diplomacy
Strong leader-driven diplomacy can lead to policy fluctuations with changes in leadership.
Example: India’s relations with Pakistan saw highs and lows under Modi and Nawaz Sharif (2015 Lahore visit) but later deteriorated after Pulwama (2019).
Geopolitical Constraints and Strategic Mistrust
Summit diplomacy cannot resolve deep-rooted geopolitical tensions without institutional support.
Example: Despite multiple summits with China, border tensions persist, highlighting the limits of informal diplomacy.
Limited Impact on Multilateral Negotiations
While India actively participates in summits, its efforts are sometimes blocked by global power dynamics.
Example: Despite summit engagements, India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat remains unresolved.
Symbolic vs. Substantive Gains
Some summits focus more on optics than concrete outcomes, leading to skepticism about their effectiveness.
Example: The BRICS Summits produce many declarations, but real economic cooperation remains limited.
Institutionalization of Diplomatic Process
Institutionalization of diplomatic processes strengthens foreign policy by making it more structured, accountable, and resilient. By embedding diplomacy within institutions, nations can reduce the risks of impulsive decision-making and ensure that international agreements lead to long-term peace and cooperation rather than just symbolic gestures. India has institutionalized in the following ways:
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 IDSA, ORF, RIS advising policymakers
Provides research-backed inputs for foreign policy decisions.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, ICCR, Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Institutionalized outreach to the Indian diaspora and cultural promotion.
Where India Needs to Improve
Challenge
Gaps in Institutionalization
Needed Reforms
Weak Follow-up Mechanisms
Many summit agreements lack dedicated task forces or review mechanisms for implementation.
Establish inter-ministerial monitoring frameworks to track MoUs and agreements.
Over-Reliance on Political Leadership
Summit diplomacy often depends on personal engagement of leaders rather than institutional processes.
Strengthen bureaucratic decision-making and empower diplomats to sustain momentum.
Bureaucratic Red Tape & Slow Execution
Complex approvals and delays hinder the timely execution of trade and defense agreements.
Streamline procedures through fast-track mechanisms in MEA and related ministries.
Limited Global Leadership in Multilateral Forums
Despite participation, India’s leadership in UN reforms, climate change, and WTO negotiations remains reactive.
Proactively shape global agendas rather than just responding to initiatives.
Inadequate Public & Economic Diplomacy
India’s economic diplomacy is less aggressive compared to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
Expand India’s global economic influence through better infrastructure investments and trade blocs.
Conclusion
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)
Key Takeaway:
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.
Question: National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. [UPSC 2020]
Linkage: Critical analysis of a major education policy, where aspects of centralisation, commercialisation, and the underlying ideological orientation (potentially related to communalisation, although not directly stated) could be part of the critique.
Mentor’s Comment: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 may seem important, but it hides the government’s lack of real effort to improve education for children and youth in India. Over the past ten years, the government has mainly focused on three things—taking more control over education, encouraging private schools and colleges while reducing public funding, and changing textbooks and courses to fit its own ideas.
Today’s editorial discusses education policy and its impact, providing useful insights for GS Paper 2 in the UPSC Mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The government’s three-point agenda is causing serious harm to the education system, affecting accessibility, quality, and fairness in learning opportunities.
What is the three-point agenda of the government?
Centralisation of Power: The Union Government has taken control over education policy and decision-making, sidelining State governments.
Commercialisation & Outsourcing to the Private Sector: Government policies have led to the closure of public schools and increased dependence on expensive private education.
Communalisation of Curriculum & Institutions: The Opposition has accused the government of modifying textbooks and appointing ideologically aligned individuals in academic institutions to promote a biased narrative.
What are the key concerns regarding the centralization of education under NEP 2020?
Lack of State Consultation & Decision-Making: Despite education being in the Concurrent List, the Union Government has not consulted State governments on policy implementation. Example: The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), which includes State Education Ministers, has not been convened since 2019.
Financial Coercion to Implement Central Schemes: The Union Government uses financial control to push State governments into adopting centrally designed schemes. Example: Funds under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), meant for RTE implementation, were withheld to pressure States into adopting PM-SHRI model schools.
Undermining State Control Over Higher Education: The Union Government is reducing the role of State governments in governing their own universities. Example: The 2025 UGC guidelines remove State governments from the process of appointing Vice-Chancellors, giving power to Governors (as Chancellors) instead.
Shift from Neighborhood Schools to Centralized School Complexes: NEP 2020 promotes school complexes, which leads to the closure of small public schools, reducing accessibility for marginalized students. Example: Since 2014, 89,441 government schools have been shut down, while 42,944 private schools have been opened.
Increased Control Over Curriculum & Textbooks: The Union Government has made unilateral changes to the NCERT curriculum, promoting a selective historical and ideological narrative. Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination details, Mughal history, and the Preamble to the Indian Constitution were removed from textbooks, later reinstated due to public backlash.
How has the commercialisation of education impacted public schools and higher education institutions in India?
Closure of Public Schools & Growth of Private Schools: The shift towards school complexes under NEP 2020 has led to the closure of public schools, forcing students into expensive private education. Example: Since 2014, 89,441 public schools have been closed, while 42,944 private schools have opened, increasing educational inequality.
Higher Education Funding Shift to Loans Instead of Grants: The introduction of the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) forces universities to take loans at market interest rates, instead of receiving government grants. Example: Universities now recover loan repayments from student fees, leading to fee hikes, making higher education less affordable.
Rise in Corruption & Lack of Accountability: Increased privatisation and outsourcing have led to corruption in regulatory bodies and lower academic standards. Example: The NAAC bribery scandal and failures of the National Testing Agency (NTA) have exposed financial misconduct and inefficiency in public education governance.
What is the criticism of the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)?
Shift from Grants to Loans Increases Financial Burden: HEFA replaces UGC’s block grants with market-rate loans, forcing universities to generate their own funds. Example: Universities struggle to repay loans, leading to higher student fees, making education less accessible to the economically weaker sections.
Universities Rely on Student Fees for Loan Repayments: Most universities lack revenue sources, so they increase student fees to repay loans. Example: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education found that between 78% to 100% of HEFA loans were repaid using student fees, worsening affordability.
Neglect of Public Education & Research: HEFA discourages public investment in higher education, prioritizing financial viability over quality education and research. Example: Many state universities, lacking resources, avoid infrastructure development or research expansion due to loan repayment concerns.
Which specific changes in NCERT textbooks have been linked to the alleged communalisation of education?
Removal of Mughal History & Selective Erasure of Historical Facts: Chapters on Mughal India and references to their contributions in architecture, administration, and culture have been removed or reduced.Example: Class 12 history textbooks no longer include sections on Mughal rule, diminishing a key period of Indian history.
Omission of Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassination and Hindutva Ideology’s Role: References to Nathuram Godse and the RSS’s role in Gandhi’s assassination were removed, altering historical narratives. Example: Class 12 Political Science textbooks no longer mention how Hindu nationalist ideologies influenced Godse’s actions.
Exclusion of Constitutional Principles & Secularism: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was initially removed, and sections on secularism and democracy have been diluted. Example: Class 10 political science textbooks saw removal of content discussing secularism as a foundational principle, sparking public backlash.
Way forward:
Strengthen Federalism in Education Governance: Restore State consultation mechanisms like the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) to ensure inclusive decision-making.
Ensure Transparency & Academic Integrity in Curriculum Revisions: Establish an independent curriculum review committee with experts from diverse backgrounds to prevent ideological biases in textbooks.
Social media has been flooded with memes, and one of the most popular ones says, “For the first time, a fire brigade has started more fires than it put out.” The truth is, the fire is still burning. This perfectly reflects the ongoing controversy surrounding the Delhi High Court judge and the half-burnt currency notes case.
What key issues arise from the Delhi High Court Judge controversy over half-burnt currency notes?
Allegations of Corruption in the Judiciary: The discovery of half-burnt currency notes at a judge’s residence raises suspicions of financial misconduct and corruption within the judiciary. Example: The Justice P.D. Dinakaran case, where allegations of land grabbing and corruption led to his resignation before impeachment proceedings.
Lack of Immediate Legal Action and Accountability: Unlike other public officials who face direct investigations, the judge in question was merely repatriated to his parent High Court, reflecting a selective approach to judicial accountability. Example:Justice Soumitra Sen of Calcutta High Court was impeached for financial misconduct, but only after prolonged proceedings, highlighting delays in judicial accountability.
Opacity in Internal Inquiry Mechanisms: The judiciary relies on internal probes rather than independent investigations, raising concerns about transparency and impartiality in handling misconduct. Example: The former CJI Ranjan Gogoi sexual harassment case, where an internal Supreme Court panel cleared him without an external review, leading to public outcry.
Why has the Collegium system of judicial appointments in India faced criticism over the years?
Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The Collegium functions through closed-door deliberations without publicly disclosing selection criteria or reasons for appointments and rejections. Example: In 2019, Justice Akil Kureshi’s elevation was delayed without a clear explanation, raising concerns over executive influence and opaque decision-making.
Nepotism and Judicial Dynasties: The system has been criticized for favoring judges’ relatives and individuals with strong connections rather than selecting candidates purely on merit. Example: The presence of multiple second-generation judges in the Supreme Court, such as Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (son of former CJI Y.V. Chandrachud), has fueled debates over judicial nepotism.
Lack of Diversity and Inclusivity: The Collegium system has led to an underrepresentation of marginalized communities, women, and candidates from diverse backgrounds in the higher judiciary. Example: As of 2024, the percentage of women judges in the Supreme Court remains significantly low, with only three out of 34 judges being women.
How can the establishment of an Indian Judicial Service help address concerns regarding judicial accountability and transparency?
Merit-Based and Transparent Selection Process: The IJS would ensure that judges are selected through a competitive examination, reducing nepotism and favoritism in judicial appointments. Example: Similar to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where UPSC conducts open and merit-based recruitment, an IJS would create a level playing field for candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Greater Diversity and Inclusivity in the Judiciary: A national-level selection system would bring in candidates from different social, economic, and regional backgrounds, making the judiciary more representative. Example: Currently, women and marginalized communities are underrepresented in the higher judiciary, but an IJS could help bridge this gap by ensuring equal opportunities.
Stronger Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms: Judges recruited through IJS could be subjected to periodic performance reviews and disciplinary oversight, ensuring accountability and ethical conduct. Example: In Germany, judges are part of a structured civil service system with evaluation and accountability mechanisms, ensuring higher judicial standards.
Who would be responsible for conducting the recruitment process for the Indian Judicial Service?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as the Conducting Authority: The UPSC, which already handles merit-based recruitment for civil services like IAS and IPS, could be entrusted with conducting exams for IJS to ensure transparency and fairness. Example: The Judicial Services Examination at the state level is conducted by State Public Service Commissions; a national-level IJS could follow the same model under UPSC.
Supreme Court and High Courts for Selection Criteria and Oversight: The Supreme Court, in consultation with High Courts and legal experts, could frame eligibility criteria, syllabus, and selection methods to maintain judicial independence. Example:The All India Judicial Service (AIJS) proposal, discussed since the 1960s, suggested a recruitment system similar to UPSC but with judicial oversight to ensure fairness.
Independent Judicial Commission for Monitoring and Appointments: An autonomous body, comprising retired judges, legal scholars, and judicial officers, could be set up to oversee appointments and address grievances. Example:Judicial Appointments Commissions exist in the UK, where an independent body handles judicial recruitment, preventing executive or political interference.
Way forward:
Balanced Judicial Appointments with Greater Transparency: Establish a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) that includes representatives from the judiciary, executive, and civil society to ensure a more transparent and accountable selection process.
Strengthening Judicial Accountability Mechanisms: Implement periodic performance reviews and ethical oversight for judges, with an independent body monitoring judicial conduct and financial integrity.
Mains PYQ:
Question: Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. [UPSC 2017]
Linkage:Existing mechanism for judicial appointments and the debates surrounding it. The discussion on an IJS often arises as an alternative or complementary approach to the current system, aiming for greater transparency and potentially reducing the scope for concerns raised in the NJAC debate.
More urban women have paid jobs but still handle most household work. Though more men now help, the gender gap remains wide. Northeastern states see higher male participation in domestic works.
What are the trends in urban women’s participation in paid jobs and household work?
Increase in Paid Employment but Still Low: The share of urban women engaged in paid work rose from 15.5% in 2019 to 18% in 2024. Example: In Tamil Nadu and Telangana, about 25% of urban women participate in paid work, significantly higher than Bihar (9%) and Uttar Pradesh (10%).
Unpaid Household Work Burden Remains High: Despite employment growth, the share of women doing unpaid household work increased from 79.3% to 81%. Example: In Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, over 80% of employed women also do unpaid domestic chores, highlighting the dual burden.
More Men Helping, but Gender Gap Persists: The share of urban men doing unpaid domestic work rose from 23% to 28.5%, but women’s share remains disproportionately high. Example: In Kerala and Northeastern states (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh), over 50% of urban men participate in household chores, while in most states, it remains between 20-40%.
Why does the gender gap in household chores persist despite more men helping?
Deeply Rooted Social Norms and Gender Roles: Household work is still perceived as a woman’s responsibility, while men’s participation is seen as “helping” rather than sharing duties equally. Example: Even in urban households where women work full-time, they are expected to manage cooking, cleaning, and childcare, while men engage in minimal domestic tasks.
Unequal Time Distribution Between Paid and Unpaid Work: Women balance both employment and domestic responsibilities, whereas men often focus primarily on paid jobs. Example: In Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, over 80% of employed women still do household chores, while men’s share remains significantly lower.
Limited Structural Support for Household Work: Lack of affordable childcare, elderly care services, and domestic help forces women to take on more unpaid work. Example: Countries like Sweden offer state-funded childcare and paternity leave, reducing the burden on women, whereas India lacks similar support systems.
Workplace Expectations and Rigid Work Hours: Men often work longer hours outside the home and face social stigma if they take time off for household chores. Example: In corporate India, men who seek flexible work hours for family responsibilities may face negative career perceptions, unlike in Nordic countries, where parental leave is encouraged for both genders.
State-Wise Cultural Differences in Gender Roles: Some states, particularly in Northeast India (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh), have higher male participation in household chores due to more egalitarian traditions. Example: In Kerala, 44% of men contribute to domestic work, but in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, men’s participation remains under 30% due to traditional patriarchal norms.
Which Indian states have the most urban men doing unpaid household work?
Northeastern States Lead in Male Participation: Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland have the highest share of urban men engaged in household chores, with over 50% participation. Example: In these states, matrilineal or more egalitarian traditions encourage men to take on domestic responsibilities, unlike in many other parts of India.
Kerala Tops Among Major States: Kerala has 44% of urban men involved in household work, the highest among major Indian states. Example: Kerala’s higher literacy rates, progressive gender norms, and a strong service sector contribute to greater male involvement in domestic chores compared to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where men’s participation remains below 30%.
Why is female workforce participation higher in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka?
Strong Industrial and Service Sectors: These states have thriving industries like textiles, IT, and manufacturing, which offer more employment opportunities for women. Example: Tamil Nadu’s garment industry, Telangana’s pharmaceutical sector, and Karnataka’s IT and startup ecosystem employ a significant number of women.
Progressive Socio-Cultural Norms and Policies: Higher literacy rates, better education access, and state-driven welfare policies encourage female employment. Example: Tamil Nadu’s Cradle Baby Scheme and Telangana’s WE-Hub for women entrepreneurs promote women’s workforce participation.
Higher Urbanization and Better Infrastructure: Cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru provide better public transport, safety measures, and childcare facilities, making it easier for women to work. Example: Karnataka’s free bus travel for women initiative improves women’s mobility, indirectly supporting their workforce participation.
Way forward:
Strengthening Gender-Inclusive Policies: Implement affordable childcare, flexible work hours, and workplace safety measures to support women’s workforce participation.
Encouraging Equal Domestic Responsibility: Promote shared household duties through awareness campaigns, parental leave policies, and incentives for men to engage in unpaid domestic work.
Mains PYQ:
Question: Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? [UPSC 2024]
Linkage: The gap between men and women in household work shows that equality at home is still missing, making it harder for women to be truly empowered.
According to MoSPI’s Energy Statistics in India 2025, coal contributed 79% to India’s total energy generation, amounting to 16,906 petajoules (PJ), marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
Share of Coal in India’s Energy Basket:
Dominance: As of 2023-24, coal contributed 79% to India’s total energy generation, amounting to 16,906 petajoules (PJ), marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
Production Growth: In 2023-24, India saw a 12% increase in coal production, continuing a strong growth trajectory from the 15% growth in 2022-23, marking one of the fastest growth rates in the past decade.
Dependence on Imports: Despite a surge in domestic production, India remains 26% dependent on coal imports, although this has decreased from 31% in 2019-20.
India’s Total Energy Basket:
Coal: Discussed above.
Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power contributes approximately 1.7% to the total electricity generation capacity, with an installed capacity of about 8,180 MW as of late 2024.
Crude Oil: The share of crude oil has decreased from 11% in 2014-15 to 6% in 2023-24, indicating a long-term decline in its contribution to India’s energy mix.
Natural Gas: Similarly, natural gas’s share has decreased from 9% in 2014-15 to 7% in 2023-24, reflecting a shift away from natural gas in the energy mix.
Renewable Energy: Despite significant investments and efforts by the government, renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear) contribute only 7% to the total energy mix in 2023-24, showing slow but steady growth over the past decade.
Shift Towards Renewable Energy:
Total Contribution: Renewable sources contributed 7% of India’s total energy production in 2023-24, a modest increase from 6% in 2014-15. While this share remains small, the absolute production from renewables has grown at a 6.76% CAGR over the past 10 years.
Growth in Solar and Wind Energy:
The generation from solar, wind, and other renewable sources (excluding large hydro) has surged by 210% over the last decade, increasing from 6,555 KToE in FY15 to 20,279 KToE in FY24.
Key Renewable Energy Potential:
Wind energy holds the largest share of India’s renewable potential at 55.17%, with an estimated potential of 11,63,856 MW.
Solar energy is the second-largest contributor at 35.50%, with a potential of 7,48,990 MW.
Large hydro contributes 6.32% of the renewable energy potential with 1,33,410 MW.
Future Targets:
India added3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the way.
India is aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, which would significantly boost the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing the reliance on coal and crude oil over the coming years.
[UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and
The discovery of large sums of cash at Delhi High Court judges’ residence has raised concerns about corruption in India’s judiciary and reignited the debate over the public disclosure of judges’ assets and liabilities.
Current Stance on Judges’ Asset Disclosure
Supreme Court’s Historical Approach:
1997 Resolution: The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice J.S. Verma, resolved that judges should disclose their assets to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), but this did not involve public disclosure.
2009 Resolution: The full Bench of the Supreme Court agreed to publish judges’ asset declarations on the court’s website, though this was done voluntarily. However, the website has not been updated since 2018, and the assets of current judges are not publicly available.
2019 Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled that judges’ personal assets and liabilities are not private information, making them subject to the Right to Information (RTI)Act.
High Court’s Position:
As of March 2024, only 13% of High Court judges have publicly disclosed their assets and liabilities. Many High Courts, including Uttarakhand and Allahabad, have opposed public disclosure and argued that such information is outside the scope of the RTI Act.
Resistance to Full Disclosure:
The Uttarakhand High Court (2012) passed a resolution opposing the disclosure of judges’ assets under the RTI Act. Similarly, many High Courts have rejected RTI applications seeking information about judges’ assets.
Parliament’s Role – Proposed Reforms
Committee Recommendation (2023):
The Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law and Justice recommended that legislation be introduced to make the disclosure of judges’ assets and liabilities mandatory for Supreme Court and High Court judges.
However, there has been no progress on implementing this recommendation as of now.
Need for Legislation:
Despite the RTI Act requiring public servants to disclose their assets, judges have largely remained exempt from such transparency.
Legislative action is seen as essential to ensure accountability and transparency within the judiciary, with several advocating for mandatory public disclosure similar to other public officials.
[UPSC 2017] With reference to the appointment of the High Court Judges, consider the following statements:
1. Chief Justice of India is consulted by the President in the appointment.
2. Governor of the State is consulted by the Chief Justice of India in the appointment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
[UPSC 2021] An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.
The Lok Sabha recently passed a Bill to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, in honour of Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a visionary leader known as the “father of the cooperative movement” in India, particularly in dairy farming.
Who was Tribhuvandas Patel?
Patel was born in 1903 to Kishibhai Patel and Lakhiba in Anand, Gujarat. He was an alumnus of Gujarat Vidyapith and was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
A dedicated freedom fighter, Patel participated in the civil disobedience movement, campaigns against untouchability, and the salt satyagraha.
He was jailed in 1930 for his participation in the Salt Movement.
He is widely recognized as the “father of the cooperative movement” in India, particularly for his transformative work in the dairy industry.
Patel’s Contribution to the Cooperative Movement
In 1946, Patel founded the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited (KDCMPUL), known later as Amul, to empower farmers and challenge the monopoly of the Polson Dairy in Anand, Gujarat.
Patel collaborated with Verghese Kurien, a mechanical engineer, to modernize the dairy plant and increase milk production. This collaboration eventually led to the White Revolution in India.
Patel was also instrumental in setting up the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), which played a pivotal role in cooperative dairy farming and rural development.
After his retirement, Patel used funds from the cooperative community to establish the Tribhuvandas Foundation, focused on community health and welfare.
Cooperative Movement in India:
Pre-Independence Era:
The cooperative movement originated from informal local initiatives like Chit Funds and Mutual-Loan Associations in places like Madras Presidency and Punjab.
The 1904 Cooperative Credit Societies Act formally recognized cooperatives.
The Government of India Act, 1919 empowered provinces to legislate on cooperatives, leading to the Bombay Cooperative Society Act of 1925.
Post-Independence Developments:
Cooperatives became central to India’s economic strategies, particularly for rural development and social justice.
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) (1963) and NABARD (1982) supported rural cooperatives and provided credit to farmers.
The 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011) granted the right to form cooperatives under Article 19.
The Ministry of Cooperation was formed in 2021 to strengthen the cooperative framework.
The MSCS Amendment Act 2023 aims to improve governance and operational efficiency of cooperatives.
Key Types of Cooperatives in India:
Consumers’ Cooperatives: Provide affordable goods by removing intermediaries (e.g., Kendriya Bhandar).
Producers’ Cooperatives: Support small producers by supplying essential materials.
Cooperative Marketing Societies: Help producers market products collectively (e.g., Amul).
[UPSC 2011] In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?
