As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme.
About GREAT Scheme:
The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial support to startups working in technical textiles.
The scheme focuses on Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles, and Protective Textiles, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
It aims to promote entrepreneurship in technical textiles by funding early-stage innovations.
Provisions and Features:
Financial Support: Startups receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for up to a period of 18 months.
No Royalty Requirement: Unlike private funding, the government does not take a share of the startup’s profits.
Upfront Contribution: Startups must deposit 10% of the allocated grant (e.g., ₹5 lakh for a ₹50 lakh grant).
Sector Focus: Covers Medical, Industrial, and Protective Technical Textiles.
Budget Allocation: Part of the ₹375 crore funding for FY 2025 under NTTM.
The Union Budget 2025 has announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana (fox nut).
What is Makhana?
Makhana, also known as fox nut, is the edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), grown in freshwater ponds across India and South Asia.
Bihar produces 90% of India’s makhana, with major hubs in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar.
It is nutrient-rich, low-fat, and considered a superfood, gaining popularity in domestic and international markets.
Traditionally used in religious rituals, makhana is now promoted for its health benefits and commercial potential.
About the Makhana Board
The Makhana Board will train farmers, ensure market access, regulate pricing, and promote exports.
The Food Processing Institute will focus on value addition, quality control, research, and global trade facilitation.
Aims & Objectives:
Increase production by promoting high-yield varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.
Improve processing infrastructure to reduce wastage and enhance product quality.
Support exports through cargo infrastructure, trade partnerships, and branding initiatives.
Structural Mandate:
Governing body led by government officials, farmer representatives, and industry experts.
Regional centers in key makhana-producing districts to assist farmers.
Partnerships with ICAR, NABARD, and agricultural universities for research and financial support.
₹100 crore initial funding for infrastructure, training, and market expansion.
Powers & Functions: Regulate production, enforce quality standards, provide subsidies, promote research, develop export infrastructure, and launch branding campaigns.
This article offers a deep dive into the laws and practices regarding the National Anthem in India, presenting a balance between respecting national symbols and protecting individual freedoms. UPSC often frames questions focusing on constitutional provisions, fundamental duties, or landmark judgments. It might ask about the significance of Article 51A(a) or analyze cases like Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala. Students often falter in understanding how constitutional provisions, judgments, and laws interact. There’s confusion about what is legally mandated versus customary. They also struggle to present balanced arguments when tackling issues of patriotism, rights, and state mandates. This article simplifies these complex intersections by presenting: Key takeaways from Supreme Court judgments, Specific examples of state practices and insights into challenges of enforcing national identity. What stands out in this article is its clear breakdown of the balance between patriotism and individual rights, using real-life examples and landmark judgments.
PYQ ANCHORING & MICROTHEMES:
GS 2: “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. [2023]
Microthemes: Fundamental rights
As per the Governor office, the Tamil Nadu assembly disrespected the Constitution by not playing the National Anthem at the beginning of the governor’s address. As per the convention of the Tamil Nadu assembly, the State Anthem (‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’) is played at the beginning of the Governor’s address. The National Anthem is played at the end of the address.
**This practice was started in 1991, prior to that there was no practice of playing either of the anthems.
LAWS AND PRACTICES REGARDING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IN INDIA
India’s laws and conventions related to the National Anthem reflect a balance between promoting respect for national symbols and protecting individual rights. Below is an overview of constitutional provisions, legal directives, Supreme Court judgments, and notable practices concerning the National Anthem.
1. Constitutional Provisions and Fundamental Duties
Article 51A(a) (Fundamental Duties): Citizens are duty-bound to “abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.”This provision emphasizes the moral obligation to respect national symbols, but it does not enforce mandatory practices.
2. Guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued detailed instructions on when the National Anthem should be played or sung. Key occasions include:
Civil and military ceremonies, such as investitures and parades.
Formal state functions attended by the President, Governors, or Lieutenant Governors.
Cultural or ceremonial events during flag hoisting or mass singing.
When regimental or naval colors are presented during parades.
For mass singing, the Anthem is required during events such as cultural functions and on occasions involving the President.
3. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
Section 3: Prohibits preventing the singing of the National Anthem and prescribes penalties of up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
General Conduct: The audience is expected to stand in attention whenever the Anthem is played, except when it is part of a newsreel or documentary.
4. Supreme Court Judgments and Case Law
Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986):
Three children from the Jehovah’s Witness sect were expelled from school for not singing the National Anthem. The Supreme Court ruled that forcing them to sing violated their fundamental right to freedom of religion (Article 25).
The court emphasized that standing respectfully suffices as respect for the Anthem.
Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018):
The Supreme Court initially ordered that the National Anthem be played before movies in cinemas and the audience must stand.
This directive was later modified to make playing the Anthem in cinemas optional, balancing respect for the Anthem with individual choice.
While laws and directives promote respect for the National Anthem, the judiciary has consistently upheld the importance of protecting individual rights:
Forcing participation in singing the Anthem violates fundamental rights.
Courts have emphasized that playing the National Anthem is often a matter of custom rather than a legal mandate.
5. State-Specific Practices: National Anthem practices vary across states, reflecting a lack of uniform mandate:
Nagaland: The National Anthem was played for the first time in its Assembly in 2021.
Tripura: It was introduced in the Assembly for the first time in 2018.
Tamil Nadu: The Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking punishment for not playing the National Anthem during a foundation-laying ceremony in 2019, stating that it is a convention, not a mandate.
CHALLENGES: BALANCING THE ENFORCEMENT OF NATIONAL SYMBOLS WITH INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
Challenges
Explanation
Examples & Supreme Court Judgments
Freedom of Expression vs. State Mandates
Tension between individual freedoms and state-imposed mandates, such as the requirement to stand for the national anthem, raises concerns about personal liberties.
Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018): SC ruled that playing the national anthem in cinemas was optional, not mandatory.
Fundamental Duties vs. Civil Liberties
Citizens are expected to respect the national anthem under Article 51A, but controversies arise when enforcing such duties infringes on personal freedoms.
Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986): SC protected the right of children not to sing the anthem due to religious beliefs.
Cultural Nationalism vs. Secularism
The push to enforce national symbols intersects with India’s secular identity, raising debates about inclusivity and respect for religious and cultural differences.
Madras High Court (2019): Court dismissed a petition demanding the anthem at a foundation ceremony, citing no mandate for it.
Modifying Legal Interpretations
The role of courts in interpreting laws that balance respect for national symbols and individual rights, often evolving over time.
Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018): SC modified its earlier order on anthem in cinemas, emphasizing it was optional.
Balancing Patriotism with Individual Rights
The need to uphold patriotism and national symbols is weighed against ensuring individual rights, particularly for minority groups or those with differing beliefs.
Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat v. State of J&K (2021): HC ruled that failure to stand during the anthem is not an offense unless it causes disturbance.
Enforcement of National Identity
The controversies highlight efforts to enforce a unified national identity through symbols like the national anthem, raising questions about inclusivity and the effectiveness of such mandates.
Karnataka Government’s 2024 Order: Controversy over exemptions for private schools from singing the state anthem, later amended.
Conclusion
India’s approach to the National Anthem blends respect for national symbols with democratic freedoms. Legal safeguards ensure that the Anthem is treated with dignity, but participation remains largely voluntary, reflecting the country’s pluralistic ethos.
#BACK2BASICS: CONSTITUTIONAL PATRIOTISM
Constitutional patriotism means devotion, love, and loyalty towards the Constitution. Although, we can say that the Constitution best caters to the needs of the people and is a great choice to adopt the concept of constitutional patriotism but that is only in theoretical terms. It is quite difficult to execute. Everyone respects each other but still there lies religious and cultural differences between people. Everyone thinks highly of their culture and treats the other one below themselves. Therefore, shifting this respect and love from their respective values and norms to a fixed set of rules can be a bit challenging
Elements and Examples of Constitutional Patriotism in India
Element
Example in Indian Context
Adherence to Constitutional Principles
Campaigns like the “Right to Education Act (RTE)” ensure every child gets access to education, upholding equality and justice as constitutional principles.
Respect for Pluralism
Celebrating diverse festivals like Eid, Diwali, and Christmas across the nation while ensuring public offices remain secular, reflecting respect for pluralism.
Upholding Rule of Law
Landmark judgments such as the decriminalization of Section 377 of the IPC (2018) showcase the enforcement of constitutional rights over societal prejudices.
Fostering Equal Citizenship
Reservation policies under Article 15 and Article 16 of the Constitution ensure affirmative action to provide equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
Educational Awareness of the Constitution
Initiatives like the Constitution Day celebrations (November 26) and inclusion of constitutional values in school curriculums raise awareness among citizens.
MAJOR JUDGEMENTS IN THE PAST
Year
Incident
Supreme Court Judgment
2016
Mandatory Playing in Cinema Halls: The Supreme Court issued an interim order mandating that all cinema halls play the national anthem before the screening of films, requiring audiences to stand as a sign of respect.
Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India: The Court later modified its order in 2017, making the playing of the national anthem in cinema halls optional rather than mandatory.
2017
Vande Mataram Status: A petition was filed seeking to equate ‘Vande Mataram’ with the national anthem and make its singing compulsory in schools.
The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre on why ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be treated on par with the national anthem but did not issue a directive making its singing mandatory.
2016
National Anthem in Courts: A plea was made to mandate the playing of the national anthem in all courts before proceedings.
The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea, stating that its previous order on the national anthem should not be overstretched.
2021
Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat vs. State of J&K & Anr: Dr. Bhat was charged under Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, for not standing during the national anthem at a university event. The Jammu & Kashmir High Court ruled that mere disrespect to the national anthem is not an offense under Section 3; it penalizes only intentional prevention or causing disturbance during its singing.
The court emphasized that while citizens have a fundamental duty to respect the national anthem under Article 51A(a) of the Constitution, failure to do so is not punishable unless it involves preventing or causing disturbance during its singing.
2024
Karnataka Government’s Order on State Anthem: The Kannada and Culture Department issued an order exempting private schools from singing the state anthem during assemblies, sparking controversy. The order was later termed a “printing mistake” and rectified to include all schools.
This incident did not involve a Supreme Court judgment but highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the singing of national and state anthems in educational institutions.
Q) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Capital Budget and Revenue Budget (2021), and the objectives of Union-Budget (2017).
The Union Budget’s forecast of 10.1% nominal GDP growth for 2025-26 seems reasonable, based on the Economic Survey’s prediction of 6.3%-6.8% real GDP growth. Although capital spending has gone up, it’s similar to last year’s budget. The Budget aims to drive growth towards becoming a developed nation, though some measures, like tax relief, could have come sooner.
Today’s editorial talks about the measures taken in the Budget. This content would help in GS paper 3 in the economy section.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Some measures in the Budget should have been introduced earlier and replacing ‘fiscal deficit’ as a key indicator is a wrong decision.
How realistic are the government’s tax revenue growth assumptions?
Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) Trends: The growth in the Government of India’s GTR has been trending downwards in recent years. The buoyancy of GTR has fallen for three successive years from 1.4 in 2023-24 to 1.15 in 2024-25 (RE) and then to 1.07 in 2025-26 (BE). As a result, growth in the Government of India’s GTR has kept falling from 13.5% in 2023-24 to 11.2% in 2024-25 (RE), and to 10.8% in 2025-26 (BE). Within the government’s tax revenues, the growth rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also fallen from 12.7% in 2023-24 to 10.9% in 2025-26 (BE).
Shift to Direct Taxes: The structure of the government’s taxation has moved from indirect to direct taxes, with the share of direct taxes in the government’s GTR increasing from 52% in 2021-22 to 59% in 2025-26 (BE).
Personal Income Tax: There has been a fall in growth from 25.4% in 2023-24 to 20.3% in 2024-25 (RE) and 14.4% in 2025-26 (BE). This fall in growth in 2025-26 (BE) is partly due to the announced income-tax concessions.
Corporate Income Tax: The growth in 2024-25 (RE) is quite low at 7.6%. This growth has been raised to 10.4% in 2025-26 (BE).
Is the level of government expenditure appropriate, and is its composition efficient?
Overall Expenditure: The government is estimated to spend Rs 50,65,345 crore in 2025-26, 7.4% higher than the revised estimate of 2024-25. The size of government expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been reduced from 14.6% in 2024-25 (RE) to 14.2% in 2025-26 (BE). Growth in total expenditure, at 7.6% in 2025-26 (BE), is lower than the budgeted nominal GDP growth at 10.1%.
Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure has been raised from 11.11 lakh crore rupees in the current fiscal year to 11.21 lakh crore rupees for the oncoming fiscal year1. There has been a steady improvement in the quality of government expenditure as the share of capital expenditure in total expenditure has been improving. This share has improved by 10% points over the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 (BE).
Investment in Key Areas: Investment remains a central theme in the Budget, categorized into three key areas—people, economy, and innovation.
Investment in people: Includes the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity for schools and health centers, Centers of Excellence for Skilling, and initiatives for Gig workers.
Investment in the economy: Focuses on infrastructure projects, interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure, asset monetization, and urban redevelopment projects.
Investment in innovation: Allocates funds to private sector-driven R&D initiatives and missions to support urban planning and knowledge systems.
AI Infrastructure: The Government of India has to build up large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in order to facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies.
Is the shift away from using fiscal deficit as a primary indicator of fiscal prudence a positive step?
Change in Indicator: One measure introduced in the Budget is to move away from fiscal deficit as an indicator of fiscal prudence. The practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. It has been stated that from now on, the focus will be on reducing the debt-GDP ratio annually.
New Target: The central government aims to reduce its outstanding liabilities to around 50% of GDP by March 2031.
Debt-GDP Ratio: In the 2025-26 Budget, the practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. Alternative paths of the debt-GDP ratio with nominal GDP growth assumptions of 10.0%, 10.5% and 11.0% are given.
The glide paths are indicated in terms of alternative growth assumptions and alternative assumptions regarding mild, moderate, and high degrees of fiscal consolidation. This makes the whole exercise vague and non-transparent.
Fiscal Deficit Target: The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is set at 4.4% of GDP, revised down from 4.8% in the current financial year.
Way forward:
Restore Fiscal Deficit Transparency: Reintroduce clear fiscal deficit targets with specific timelines, instead of focusing solely on the debt-GDP ratio. This would ensure greater clarity and accountability in fiscal management.
Enhance Investment Efficiency: Prioritize strategic investments in key areas like AI infrastructure, R&D, and innovation, while ensuring these investments align with long-term growth goals and contribute to overall economic resilience.
On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Rajasthan’s Forest Department to map all sacred groves using satellite and ground surveys based on their cultural and ecological importance, regardless of their size.
Note: In Rajasthan, sacred groves, locally known as ‘orans’, are estimated to number around 25,000, covering approximately 6 lakh hectares across the state.
What are the implications of the December 18 order?
Conflict with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 – The order contradicts the FRA, which was enacted to recognize and vest forest rights with gram sabhas. Instead, the decision shifts control from communities to the Forest Department.
Loss of Community Autonomy – Sacred groves, which have been traditionally protected by local communities, will now be governed by state authorities, potentially disrupting cultural conservation practices.
Potential Erosion of Traditional Governance Systems – The transfer of management could weaken customary laws and traditional conservation practices that have preserved these groves for generations.
Legal Precedence for Future Cases – By prioritizing the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, over the FRA, this order may set a precedent for other community-managed lands to be taken over by the Forest Department.
Impact on Livelihoods and Religious Practices – Communities that depend on sacred groves for religious, medicinal, and cultural purposes may face restrictions under the new classification as ‘community reserves’.
What did T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India establish about the definition of ‘forest land’?
Broad Definition: The Supreme Court established that ‘forest land’ includes not only areas understood as forests in the dictionary sense but also any area recorded as forest in government records, regardless of ownership.
Expert Committees: The ruling directed state governments to form expert committees to identify areas that fit this definition of ‘forest land’.
How are sacred groves traditionally conserved by communities?
Watershed & Ecological Functions: Many sacred groves protect natural water sources, prevent soil erosion, and regulate local climate. Example: Orans (Rajasthan) – These groves support perennial water streams and serve as critical grazing lands for livestock.
Strict Protection through Customary Laws & Taboos: Communities impose strict prohibitions on tree felling, hunting, or resource extraction in sacred groves. Example: Sarpa Kavu (Kerala) – These groves are dedicated to serpent deities, and cutting trees is considered a bad omen.
Religious & Cultural Practices for Conservation: Rituals, festivals, and community prayers reinforce the spiritual importance of these groves. Example: Devara Kadu (Karnataka) – Annual worship ceremonies maintain local participation in conservation efforts.
Community Governance & Management: Local elders, priests, or village councils oversee the maintenance and enforcement of protection norms. Example: Jahera (Odisha, Chhattisgarh) – Tribal communities like the Gonds and Santhals manage these groves as sacred spaces.
Role in Biodiversity Preservation: The groves act as biodiversity hotspots, protecting endemic flora, fauna, and medicinal plants. Example: Law Kyntang (Meghalaya) – Khasi communities conserve these forests, which shelter rare orchids and medicinal herbs.
Way forward:
Harmonizing Legal Frameworks – Amend policies to ensure the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, work in tandem, recognizing gram sabhas’ authority in managing sacred groves while ensuring ecological conservation.
Community-Centric Conservation – Strengthen traditional governance systems by legally empowering local communities to manage sacred groves, integrating scientific conservation methods with cultural practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Recently, the Budget has acknowledged health care as a cornerstone of national growth and development.
What are India’s steps towards healthcare transformation in Budget 2025-26?
Increased Healthcare Spending: The budget includes a substantial allocation of ₹99,859 crore to the healthcare sector, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Expansion of Medical Education: The budget allocates resources to add 10,000 new seats in medical colleges across India in FY26, with plans to add 75,000 seats over the next five years. This expansion aims to address the rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: There is an increase of ₹1,000 crore allocation under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which aims to strengthen health infrastructure at all levels.
Digital Health Focus: The budget emphasizes the expansion of digital health portfolios, including telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostic solutions, to bridge care gaps and offer efficient healthcare solutions to underserved regions.
Promoting Medical Tourism: With the launch of the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, the budget aims to position India as a top medical tourism destination by introducing on-arrival visas for international patients and streamlining visa norms.
Healthcare Coverage for Gig Workers: The budget extends Ayushman Bharat coverage to one crore gig workers, recognizing their contribution to the new-age services economy.
Support for AI in Healthcare: The budget announces the establishment of India’s Centre of Excellence for AI, and the expansion of the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative, will further propel research within the Indian healthcare sector.
What would be the implications of Customs duty exemptions?
Cost Reduction: The budget includes a full exemption of customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs used to treat cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions. This measure will significantly reduce the cost of these essential medications, making them more accessible to patients, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Improved Access to Medications: The exemption extends to specific drugs under Patient Assistance Programs run by pharmaceutical companies, along with adding 37 new medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs by next year. This will improve access to critical medications for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions.
What are the objectives of synergy – ‘Heal in India’?
Promote Medical Tourism: The ‘Heal in India’ initiative aims to promote medical tourism by simplifying visa procedures for international patients.
Establish India as a Global Healthcare Destination: By enhancing hospital infrastructure and streamlining visa processes, India is poised to become the preferred medical destination for international patients.
What are the challenges in India?
Inadequate Infrastructure: India faces a shortage of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, leading to unequal access to services.
For example, India has only 0.9 beds per 1000 population, with only 30% of these beds located in rural areas. This is significantly lower than the WHO’s suggested norm of 3.5 beds per 1000 population.
The underdeveloped state of roads and railways, along with erratic power supply, further complicates the establishment of rural health facilities.
Financial Barriers: A significant portion of the population faces affordability issues, with many households bearing healthcare expenses out-of-pocket.
For instance, a large proportion of the Indian population lacks health insurance coverage, exacerbating the financial burden and limiting access to necessary healthcare services.
High costs of intensive care units (ICUs), averaging ₹60,000-90,000 per day, are beyond the reach of most Indians.
Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists.
For example, shortages of surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, general physicians, and paediatricians range from 74.2% to 81.6% of the required strength in Community Health Centers (CHCs). The doctor-patient ratio is significantly low, especially in rural areas.
Way forward:
Strengthen Rural Healthcare Infrastructure – Increase investments in rural hospitals, improve transport and power infrastructure, and incentivize private sector participation to bridge accessibility gaps.
Expand Medical Workforce & Insurance Coverage – Enhance training programs for doctors and nurses, increase medical seats, and extend affordable health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for low-income groups.
Mains PYQ:
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
The U.S. deporting dozens of Indians for being illegal immigrants is not unexpected or new.
What are the reasons behind it?
Illegal Immigration Enforcement: The deportations are part of intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations aimed at identifying, detaining, and deporting individuals who are in the U.S. without proper documentation.
Large-Scale Illegal Migration – Many Indians, particularly from Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, attempt to enter the U.S. illegally through Mexico and Canada due to economic distress and job shortages.
What is the potential impact of US immigration policies on Indian students and professionals?
Legal Migration Channels: The Indian government is keen on ensuring that legal migration channels to the U.S. for Indian nationals are not restricted by the U.S. administration. These legal routes include H-1B visas for skilled workers and visas for students.
Deterrence of Illegal Migration: Both the U.S. and India are engaged in deterring illegal migration while creating more avenues for legal migration from India to the U.S.
Increased Deportations: Deportation of Indian nationals from the United States surged by 400% in the past three years. In 2024, 1,529 Indians were deported, a significant jump from 292 in 2021.
Impact on Undocumented Indians: Approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the U.S., primarily from Punjab and Gujarat. As of November of the previous year, 20,407 undocumented Indians were either facing final removal orders or were held in detention centers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
How will this impact the USA?
Labour Market Disruptions: Deportations can create labor shortages in sectors reliant on immigrant workers, such as construction and hospitality. (Example: Indian workers contribute significantly to the U.S. IT and service industries.)
Diplomatic Tensions: Large-scale deportations may strain U.S.-India relations, especially if handled insensitively. (Example: The use of military flights for deportations sparked protests from other countries like Colombia.)
How might the deportation of Indian nationals affect the political landscape in India?
Domestic Political Fallout: The deportation of thousands of Indians could become a political issue, with opposition parties blaming the government for failing to create adequate job opportunities at home.
Diplomatic Challenges: The mass deportations could strain India-U.S. relations, particularly if deportees face harsh treatment, triggering diplomatic interventions.
Public Backlash: The use of military flights and reports of inhumane treatment, such as shackling, may create anti-U.S. sentiment among the Indian public.
State-Level Political Implications: States with high numbers of deportees (Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana) may experience political unrest, with local governments facing pressure to provide jobs and reintegration support.
Rise in Anti-Illegal Migration Policies: The Indian government may be compelled to introduce stricter measures against illegal immigration and human trafficking networks, affecting those attempting to migrate illegally.
Impact on Indian Diaspora Relations: The large-scale return of undocumented migrants could impact remittances, economic support for families, and the broader perception of Indian migrants globally.
What should India do? (Way forward)
Strengthen Domestic Employment Opportunities: Implement targeted economic reforms, boost job creation in high-migration states (Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana), and address the root causes driving illegal migration, such as agricultural distress and unemployment.
Enhance Public Awareness & Legal Migration Channels: Conduct awareness campaigns on the risks of illegal immigration while expanding safe and legal pathways for skilled migration through bilateral agreements with the U.S. and other countries.
Engage in Diplomatic & Policy Advocacy: Strengthen diplomatic efforts to ensure fair treatment of deported individuals, negotiate favourable visa policies for Indian professionals and students, and collaborate with the U.S. on workforce mobility solutions.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Union Budget 2025 has significantly increased the allocation for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (SGMBY) to ₹20,000 crore, up from ₹11,100 crore in the FY25 Revised Estimates (RE) and ₹6,250 crore in the FY25 Budget Estimates (BE).
AboutPM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
It is a flagship initiative launched by Prime Minister on February 15, 2024, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
It aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households across India.
The scheme has a budget outlay of ₹75,021 crore and is planned for implementation until FY 2026-27.
The initiative is part of India’s clean energy transition, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Key Features:
40% subsidy on installation costs through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
1 kilowatt: 30,000 rupees
2 kilowatts: 60,000 rupees
3 kilowatts: 48,000 rupees
3 kilowatts or more: 78,000 rupees
National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.
Two Solar Installation Models:
RESCO Model – Third-party ownership, with consumers paying only for electricity used.
Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Model – DISCOMs or state agencies install solar panels for households.
Model Solar Village: ₹1 crore incentive for the top-performing village in each district.
Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): ₹100 crore fund to encourage private investment in solar energy.
Significance
Reduces Electricity Bills: Households can save ₹15,000 to ₹1,80,000 annually.
Boosts Renewable Energy: Helps achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity, bridging the gap from 10.4 GW (as of November 2023).
Strengthens Energy Security: Expands access to sustainable and decentralized power.
Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Empowers Rural India: 50% of projects are expected in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, promoting economic growth and electrification.
PYQ:
[2020] India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) was recently announced by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO on January 14, 2025.
What is Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?
The OCM, launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, aims to enhance marine conservation and resource management.
It focuses on the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf, regions with rich biodiversity, coral reefs, and fisheries generating $610 million annually.
The OCM promotes Blue Carbon Projects, using coastal ecosystems for carbon storage, benefiting both climate resilience and local communities.
It has secured $15 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project, with an additional $126.02 million in co-financing.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
Established in 1961, the IOC/UNESCO promotes marine science cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.
It operates in key areas:
Ocean science research: Supports studies on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Tsunami warning systems: Maintains early warning mechanisms to mitigate risks.
Ocean observations: Collects and analyzes oceanographic data for policy-making.
The IOC leads the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), known as the “Ocean Decade”, advancing global marine conservation efforts.
About the Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, located south of the Gulf of Mexico and southwest of the Sargasso Sea.
Major Gulfs and Bays – Includes Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Honduras, and Gulf of Darién.
The Caribbean Sea supports rich biodiversity but faces threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, making conservation efforts like OCM essential for sustainability.
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements :
1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.
The Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’.
What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?
The Ministry of Culture launched this scheme in 2003-04.
It aims to preserve and promote India’s traditional performing arts.
It provides financial assistance to Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students) in music, dance, theatre, and folk arts, ensuring structured training under the age-old mentorship system.
Aims and Objectives:
Preserve and revive rare art forms through direct knowledge transfer.
Support traditional artists by providing financial aid for sustainable livelihoods.
Encourage young talent by facilitating training under experienced Gurus.
Promote classical, folk, and tribal art forms through structured mentorship.
Features and Significance:
Financial Assistance
Guru – ₹7,500/month | Accompanist – ₹3,750/month
Shishyas – ₹1,500/month (up to four per Guru)
Repertory Grant – Guru: ₹15,000/month | Shishya: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month
Eligibility
Indian citizens engaged in traditional performing arts.
Gurus aged 45-70 years with national-level recognition.
Implementation & Monitoring
Each Guru trains 5-8 Shishyas, focusing on rural and tribal artists.
Periodic reviews and expert evaluations ensure proper fund utilization.
