The Budget session of Parliament has started at a time when India’s economic situation is shifting. After four years of strong growth following the pandemic, the economy is slowing down.
What are the key projections for India’s economic growth in FY 2024-25?
Projected GDP Growth: The National Statistical Office (NSO) has estimated that India’s GDP will grow by 6.4% in FY 2024-25. This figure marks a decline from the 8.2% growth recorded in FY 2023-24 and is lower than earlier forecasts which ranged from 6.5% to 7%.
Sectoral Performance: The slowdown is attributed to weaker performance in sectors such as manufacturing and services. The first half of FY 2024-25 is expected to see a growth rate of around 6%, necessitating a stronger performance of 6.8% in the second half to meet the annual target.
Comparative Estimates: While the NSO’s estimate stands at 6.4%, other organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have projected a slightly higher growth rate of 7%, reflecting differing outlooks on economic recovery and consumer demand.
How does the Economic Survey address challenges such as inflation and global uncertainties?
Food Inflation Concerns: Despite the overall decline in inflation, food inflation remains a challenge, rising from 7.5% in FY24 to 8.4% in the same period due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions.
The survey emphasizes the need for improved agricultural practices and climate-resilient crops to manage these risks effectively.
Inflation Trends: The survey reports a reduction in retail inflation from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% during April-December 2024, indicating a positive trend towards achieving the RBI’s target of around 4% by FY26, contingent on stable global commodity prices and favorable domestic agricultural output.
Global Economic Uncertainties: The survey highlights that ongoing geopolitical tensions and global trade risks pose significant challenges to inflation management, necessitating careful policy interventions to mitigate potential impacts on the domestic economy.
Policy Recommendations: To address these challenges, the Economic Survey advocates for strategic policy measures, including enhancing supply chain resilience, improving data collection for better price monitoring, and fostering an environment conducive to investment and growth.
What structural reforms are recommended to enhance long-term economic stability?
Deregulation and Ease of Doing Business: The Economic Survey advocates for significant deregulation to foster a more conducive business environment. It stresses that the government should “get out of the way” of businesses by minimizing micro-management and enhancing accountability among regulators.
Empowering Small Firms: Recommendations include empowering small enterprises, enhancing economic freedom, and ensuring a level playing field across sectors to stimulate growth and investment.
Focus on Domestic Demand: The budget is expected to prioritize boosting domestic demand through increased government spending, particularly in infrastructure and capital projects, as a countermeasure against global uncertainties and inflationary pressures.
Way forward:
Strengthen Domestic Resilience – Focus on boosting domestic consumption and investment through targeted fiscal measures, infrastructure expansion, and support for MSMEs to counter global uncertainties.
Enhance Inflation Management – Implement climate-resilient agricultural policies, improve supply chain efficiency, and strengthen monetary-fiscal coordination to maintain stable inflation and ensure sustainable growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.(UPSC IAS/2022)
Ahead of the Union Budget, the Congress released a report on January 30, 2025, saying that India is at risk of getting stuck in the middle-income trap.
What is the classification of Countries given by the World Bank?
The World Bank classifies countries into four income groups based on their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
Low-Income Countries: These are nations with a GNI per capita of $1,145 or less. This group typically includes countries facing significant economic challenges and lower levels of development.
Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Countries in this category have a GNI per capita ranging from $1,146 to $4,515. This group often includes emerging economies that are in the process of development but still face various socio-economic issues.
Upper-Middle-Income Countries: This classification includes countries with a GNI per capita between $4,516 and $14,005. These nations generally have more developed economies and better infrastructure compared to lower-middle-income countries.
High-Income Countries: These are countries with a GNI per capita exceeding $14,005. This group includes the most developed economies with high standards of living and advanced infrastructure.
What factors contribute to India being at risk of falling into a middle-income trap?
Low GDP Growth: India’s projected GDP growth rate for 2024-25 is around 6.4%, significantly lower than the 8% needed to leverage its demographic dividend effectively, indicating a slowdown in economic momentum.
Food Inflation Concerns: Despite the overall decline in inflation, food inflation remains a challenge, rising from 7.5% in FY24 to 8.4% in the same period due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions.
Private Sector Investment: Despite corporate tax cuts, private sector investment has not significantly increased. The Economic Survey 2024-25 indicates that Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a crucial indicator of investment activity, slowed to 5.4% in the recent quarter, reflecting a decline in private capital expenditure.
Government Capital Expenditure: The survey notes that government capital expenditure utilization was only 37.3% in the first half of FY25, down from 49% the previous year, which has contributed to the overall slowdown in investments.
Low Incomes: A significant portion of India’s population lives on extremely low incomes, with estimates suggesting that about 50% of the population earns between ₹100 and ₹150 per day. This level of income severely limits consumer spending capacity and economic growth potential.
How does the current economic policy framework address the challenges? (Way forward)
Next-Generation Reforms: The Union Budget 2024-25 emphasizes “Next Generation Reforms” aimed at enhancing productivity and market efficiency across various sectors.
This includes a comprehensive Economic Policy Framework that focuses on improving factors of production land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship while leveraging technology to reduce inequality and boost economic growth.
Deregulation and Economic Freedom: The Economic Survey highlights the need for deregulation and grassroots reforms to enhance the competitiveness of the economy. It advocates for greater economic freedom, allowing individuals and organizations to pursue legitimate economic activities without excessive regulatory burdens.
Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Investment: The framework encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure projects, facilitating greater collaboration between the government and private sector.
By removing policy hurdles and providing upfront support for long-term projects, the government aims to attract patient capital necessary for sustainable development, which is critical for addressing current economic challenges
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.(UPSC IAS/2019)
Recently, the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on manual scavenging and unsafe cleaning of sewers and septic tanks in major cities across India.
What measures will be implemented to ensure compliance with the ban?
Affidavit Submission: The court has directed the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the six metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to file detailed affidavits by February 13, 2025.
These affidavits must outline how and when manual scavenging and sewer cleaning will cease in their respective cities.
Monitoring Progress: The court is actively monitoring compliance with its previous judgments, particularly the one from October 2023, which mandated actions to eliminate manual scavenging practices.
Implementation of Technology: The court noted that modern machinery and technology are available for sewer cleaning, suggesting that human involvement should no longer be necessary.
Why is Manual scavenging banned in India?
Severe Health Risks: Manual scavengers are exposed to hazardous conditions that pose significant health risks, including exposure to harmful pathogens and toxic gases. This can lead to a range of serious health issues, such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and skin infections.
Social Stigma and Discrimination: Individuals engaged in manual scavenging often face severe social stigma and discrimination due to the nature of their work, which is viewed as “unclean” and tied to lower castes in the Indian caste system.
This stigma affects not only the workers but also their families, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting access to education and better employment opportunities for their children.
What consequences will officials face for failing to comply with the court’s order?
Judicial Displeasure: The court expressed frustration over past non-compliance with its orders, indicating that failure to adhere to this latest directive could lead to serious repercussions. The justices stated, “Either do it or face consequences,” emphasizing their determination to enforce compliance.
Potential Legal Action: While specific penalties were not outlined in this order, the strong language used by the court suggests that further legal action could be pursued against officials who fail to comply with the ban on manual scavenging and sewer cleaning.
What are the significance of this action?
Human Rights Protection: This ruling is a critical step towards protecting the rights and dignity of marginalized communities who have historically been forced into manual scavenging. The court’s actions highlight the ongoing struggle against inhumane labour practices that violate basic human rights.
Public Health Improvement: By banning hazardous practices such as manual sewer cleaning, the court aims to reduce health risks associated with exposure to toxic gases and pathogens that affect workers in this field.
Legal Enforcement of Existing Laws: This action reinforces existing legislation aimed at prohibiting manual scavenging, including the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and the Rehabilitation Act of 2013. It underscores the need for effective implementation of laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.
Way forward:
Strict Law Enforcement & Accountability: The government must establish a robust monitoring mechanism with regular audits, strict penalties for violations, and legal action against officials failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s order.
Technological Adoption & Worker Rehabilitation: Municipal bodies should prioritize mechanized cleaning solutions while ensuring alternative employment, skill training, and financial support for former manual scavengers to facilitate their reintegration into society.
India’s civil services, long considered the “steel frame” of governance, are now under increased scrutiny for their ability to adapt to contemporary challenges. This article equips you with a robust framework to address such questions by covering critical themes like politicization, inefficiency, and centralized governance, supported by case studies, Supreme Court judgments, and government initiatives. While aspirants typically mention reforms like Mission Karmayogi or lateral entry, they often neglect analysis of deeper systemic issues such as Politicization and Frequent Transfers. The Back2Basics section serves as a quick reference for essential components of civil services reforms. It breaks down critical aspects like recruitment, performance appraisals, capacity building, and accountability, along with the initiatives undertaken by the government (e.g., 360-degree appraisals, Citizen Charters, and Digital India). This concise and structured content helps aspirants connect static and current dimensions effortlessly.
PYQ Anchoring
GS 2: “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this con text suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020)
GS 2: Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment. (2017)
Microthemes: Civil Services
The government has launched initiatives such as Mission Karmayogi, highlighting efforts to reform India’s bureaucratic system, often referred to as the “steel frame” of governance.
Critical challenges of India’s bureaucratic structure
India’s bureaucratic framework, particularly the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), faces several critical challenges:
Politicization: Frequent transfers and promotions based on political loyalty rather than merit have eroded professionalism and morale. Lack of time to specialize due to frequent departmental rotations hampers the development of domain expertise.
Corruption and Inefficiency: India ranks moderately on the World Bank’s Government Effectiveness Index, signaling persistent issues in policy implementation and governance.
Centralized Governance: Power has increasingly been centralized in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), reducing the autonomy of civil servants and creating implementation bottlenecks.
Impact of Centralized Governance
•Reduced Autonomy: Senior bureaucrats lose independence, leading to a culture of compliance over innovation.
•Implementation Bottlenecks: Concentrating decisions at the top slows responses to emerging challenges and reduces efficiency.
•Neglect of Expertise: Over-reliance on top-down directives sidelines bureaucratic insights, impacting policymaking and governance outcomes.
Ancient Indic Principles for Enhancing Modern Governance
Ancient Indic principles provide timeless wisdom that can address contemporary governance challenges. These principles emphasize ethical leadership, inclusivity, sustainability, and active citizen participation. By integrating these values into modern frameworks, governance can become more effective, equitable, and aligned with the needs of society.
Principle
Description
Contemporary Examples
Ethical Leadership and Accountability (Raj Dharma)
Leaders must prioritize justice, fairness, and the public good, upholding values of transparency and responsibility.
Implementation of Lokpal and Lokayukta Acts to tackle corruption; PM’s emphasis on “minimum government, maximum governance.”
Inclusive Development (Antyodaya)
Ensures the upliftment of the most marginalized, promoting equity in resource distribution and opportunities.
Sustainability and Environmental Harmony (LiFE & Karmayogi)
Advocates sustainable practices and continuous skill development among public servants to address environmental and societal challenges.
India’s “Mission LiFE” for sustainable lifestyles; National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
Participative Governance (Sab Ka Prayas)
Encourages citizen involvement in policymaking and implementation through collective effort and shared responsibility.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s success through community participation; MyGov platform for public policy feedback.
Empathy and Responsibility (P2G2)
Promotes a governance model based on empathy, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility between the state and citizens.
COVID-19 crisis management with active public participation; “Har Ghar Jal” campaign for clean water access.
Efforts taken to reform the bureaucracy in India
Commission Recommendations:
1st Administrative Reforms Commission (1966): Advocated specialization within the IAS for efficiency.
2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2005): Suggested lateral entry for domain experts, mandatory training, and establishing a National Institute of Public Administration.
Central Government Initiatives:
Mission Karmayogi (2020): Aims to create a future-ready civil service with continuous learning through digital platforms.
Lateral Entry Reforms: Introduced to bring domain expertise into senior roles.
Supreme Court Judgments:
T.S.R. Subramanian v. Union of India (2013): Prohibited civil servants from following oral political directives; mandated a Civil Services Board.
Delhi Government Services Case (2023): Reinforced federalism by upholding Delhi’s legislative authority over services.
Way Forward
Empower Decentralized Governance: Strengthen local and state-level administrative autonomy to reduce over-centralization.
Implement Performance-Based Reforms: Institutionalize meritocracy with performance-linked promotions and lateral entry mechanisms.
Adopt Global Best Practices:Learn from initiatives like the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the USA to streamline India’s bureaucracy.
Efficient Capacity Building: Expand programs like Mission Karmayogi to ensure civil servants are equipped with modern governance skills.
#BACK2BASICS : CIVIL SERVICES REFORMS
Components of Civil Services Reforms and Indian Government Initiatives
Component
Key Aspects
Reforms Undertaken by Indian Government
1. Size and Structure
– Rationalize ministries, departments, and officials to reduce redundancy.
– Rightsizing of Ministries: Streamlining ministries to avoid overlaps.
– Focus on core governance functions and eliminate duplication.
– Creation of Mission Karmayogi (2020) to redefine roles and responsibilities.
2. Recruitment
– Merit-based recruitment with reduced political patronage.
– Adoption of Lateral Entry: Specialists from the private sector inducted into senior positions.
– Incorporate specialized skills and foster public-private mobility.
– Simplification of UPSC Syllabus to focus on domain expertise and leadership skills.
3. Capacity Building
– Upgrade training programs to align with emerging challenges in technology and governance.
– Mission Karmayogi Digital Platform: Continuous learning and skill-building for civil servants.
– Emphasize HR development and advanced training modules.
– Induction Programs for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers to introduce modern governance tools.
4. Performance and Promotion
– Reform appraisal systems like ACR to make them transparent and performance-driven.
– Introduction of 360-Degree Appraisal Mechanism to ensure holistic evaluation of officers’ performance.
– Link promotions and incentives to quantifiable outcomes.
– Mid-Career Training Programs introduced to encourage specialization and leadership skills.
5. Professionalism and Modernity
– Ensure neutrality and reduce political interference.
– Ethics Training Modules introduced as part of IAS training to instill impartiality and integrity.
– Promote e-governance for transparency and accountability.
– Digital India Program leveraged to introduce e-governance across ministries.
6. Accountability
– Strengthen reporting mechanisms and ensure transparency through legislation.
– Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act for citizen empowerment.
– Introduce citizen charters and grievance redressal systems.
– Introduction of Citizen Charters in key government departments for service delivery standards.
Ahead of World Wetlands Day (February 2nd), the Environment Ministry announced the inclusion of four new Ramsar sites, bringing India’stotal to 89.
The newly designated sites are Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand. With this, Tamil Nadu now has 20 Ramsar sites, the highest in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
About the Newly Added Ramsar Sites:
Description
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Location: Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
Originally an irrigation tank, now a designated bird sanctuary.
Recharged by northeast monsoon (Oct-Jan).
Supports 42+ bird species, including Spot-billed Pelican, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, and Black Kite.
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Location: Theerthangal Village, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
A freshwater ecosystem and an important breeding ground for waterbirds.
Recorded 96 bird species across 18 orders and 44 families.
Notable species include Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican.
Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim
Location: West Sikkim, near Khecheopalri Village.
A sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
Part of a temperate Himalayan peatland ecosystem, surrounded by broad-leaved mixed temperate forests.
Flora: Rich in macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
Fauna: Supports fish species like Cyprinus carpio, Danio aequipinnatus, and various migratory birds (Common Merganser, Tufted Duck).
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand
Location: Sahebganj District, Jharkhand.
Comprises two interconnected lakes: Pataura (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha).
Connected to the Ganga River via the Udhuwa Nala (25 km stretch).
Pataura Lake depth: ~2 meters; Berhale Lake depth: ~70 cm, covered with aquatic vegetation.
Flora: Home to 42 algae species and 36 aquatic macrophytes.
Fauna: Habitat for 83 bird species, including the Near Threatened Black-necked Stork and 22 commercially valuable fish species.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved a pilot study for the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
Legal Status of Cannabis Cultivation in India:
Prohibited for recreational use under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Section 2 of the NDPS Act bans the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis resin and flowers.
Section 10 allows state governments to regulate cannabis cultivation for medicinal and scientific purposes.
Section 14 grants the Central Government authority to permit cultivation for industrial uses (fiber and seed extraction).
Why Himachal Pradesh Could Soon Allow Controlled Cannabis Cultivation?
The Himalayan region’s soil and climate are ideal for cultivating low-THC hemp varieties, making Himachal Pradesh a prime location for controlled cannabis farming.
The government sees controlled cultivation as a way to generate revenue, create employment opportunities, and support local farmers, particularly in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, and Sirmaur.
Cannabis cultivation will be restricted to industrial and pharmaceutical uses, such as:
Pain relief medications
Textile and paper production
Biofuel and cosmetics
Hemp-based food products
The Kullu and Malana regions are known for illegal narcotic cannabis cultivation. Regulating the sector could reduce illegal activities and ensure legal trade.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 allows state governments to permit and regulate cannabis cultivation for scientific, medicinal, and industrial purposes under strict conditions.
Which are the other States to allow Controlled Cannabis Cultivation in India?
Uttarakhand (2018):
First state to legalize industrial hemp cultivation.
Managed by the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui.
Challenges include maintaining THC levels below 0.3% and seed availability.
Madhya Pradesh (2023):
Approved medicinal cannabis research but commercial cultivation is yet to start.
Sai Phytoceuticals (Pvt. Ltd.) received the first license for cannabis-based medicine production.
Jammu & Kashmir (2021):
India’s first medicinal cannabis pilot project launched by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu.
Conducted in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with a Canadian firm.
Research focuses on cannabis-based cancer and epilepsy treatments.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), commonly referred to as the Artificial Sun, has set a new world record by sustaining a high-confinement plasma operation for 1066 seconds. The artificial sun reached an extreme temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, surpassing its own previous record of 403 seconds.
What is the EAST Project?
EAST is a nuclear fusion research facility developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in 2006.
It aims to replicate solar fusion reactions to create a sustainable, clean energy source for future power generation.
The project serves as a global research platform for fusion experiments and advancing magnetic confinement technology.
It uses superconducting magnets to contain ultra-hot plasma, necessary for fusion.
Comparison with Other Fusion Projects
China’s EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak):
Record: 1066 seconds at 100 million degrees Celsius (2025).
Previous Record: 403 seconds at high confinement mode.
The British-era Palar River Anaicut, a masonry check dam built in 1858, is undergoing a major restoration following severe structural damage caused by the 2021 floods.
Supreme Court’s Directives:
The Supreme Court (SC) has directed that all restoration activities must adhere to environmental protection laws and sustainable development principles.
The WRD must ensure that the restored structure can withstand future floods and water releases.
The SC emphasized local farmers’ involvement in decision-making, considering the impact on irrigation and water availability.
About Palar River
The Palar River originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka, at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level.
It flows through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, covering a total length of 348 km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur, Tamil Nadu.
Important tributaries include Cheyyar, Ponnai, Malattar, and Kosasthalaiyar rivers.
The river has been a lifeline for agriculture, supporting ancient civilizations and irrigation networks in South India.
Geographical Features:
It is rain-fed, experiencing seasonal variations—it remains dry for most of the year but carries heavy flows during monsoons.
Its basin consists of alluvial, red, and black soil, supporting paddy, sugarcane, and groundnut cultivation.
It is heavily dammed, leading to reduced flow, sand mining concerns, and groundwater depletion.
The Palar Anaicut and various reservoirs distribute water to agricultural lands in Tamil Nadu, ensuring water security for farmers.
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?
Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka (2022), and ‘India — Sri Lanka relations ’ (2013).
Over the past 40 years, India’s role in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict evolved from mediator to active player, leading to the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord and the 13th Amendment, which introduced Provincial Councils. The JVP opposed it, calling it an Indian imposition. The LTTE also rejected it and demanded a separate Tamil Eelam, which India never supported.
Today’s editorial talks about the India Srilanka relation. This content would help in GS Paper 2 International relations.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, India’s decision to name the Jaffna Cultural Centre after Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar is a symbolic way to strengthen its deep ties with Sri Lanka.
What are the historical roots of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
Colonial Legacy: British colonial rule (1815-1948) favoured the Tamil minority in administration and education, causing resentment among the Sinhalese majority.
Sinhala-Only Act (1956): The official adoption of Sinhala as the sole national language marginalized Tamil speakers and led to widespread Tamil discontent.
Discrimination in Education & Employment: Policies like the standardization of university admissions (1970s) made it harder for Tamils to access higher education and government jobs.
Ethnic Violence & Riots: The 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom (Black July) led to mass violence against Tamils, intensifying the demand for Tamil autonomy.
Rise of the LTTE: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged as the dominant militant group demanding an independent Tamil Eelam, leading to a brutal civil war (1983-2009).
Indo-Lanka Accord (1987) & 13th Amendment: This attempt at devolution through Provincial Councils failed to fully address Tamil aspirations, leading to continued tensions.
How can the new government address Tamil aspirations and rights?
Full Implementation of the 13th Amendment: The government should prioritize the effective implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for provincial councils and limited autonomy for Tamil-majority regions. This step is crucial for addressing Tamil political representation and governance.
Engagement in Inclusive Dialogue: Establishing a direct and inclusive dialogue with Tamil political leaders and communities is essential. This dialogue should focus on addressing historical grievances, ensuring that Tamil voices are heard in national policy-making, and fostering reconciliation.
Address Land Rights and Resettlement Issues: The government must take action to return lands occupied by the military to their rightful Tamil owners and halt any ongoing land grabs that threaten Tamil communities. Ensuring land rights is vital for restoring trust and dignity among Tamils.
Commitment to Human Rights Accountability: The new administration should commit to addressing past human rights violations during the civil war, including accountability for wartime atrocities. This includes repealing repressive laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) that disproportionately affect Tamils.
Cultural Recognition and Language Rights: Promoting Tamil culture and ensuring that Tamil is recognized as an official language alongside Sinhala would help foster a sense of inclusion and respect for Tamil identity within the broader national framework, enhancing community cohesion.
What role does international support play in resolving Sri Lanka’s ethnic issues?
Mediation and Pressure: Countries like India have historically acted as mediators in Sri Lankan affairs. Their support can encourage the government to adhere to commitments regarding Tamil rights and autonomy.
Development Assistance: International aid can facilitate economic development in Tamil areas, addressing disparities that fuel ethnic tensions. India’s financial assistance for infrastructure projects is an example of how external support can aid reconciliation efforts.
Monitoring Human Rights: International organizations can monitor human rights conditions in Sri Lanka, advocating for accountability and justice for past atrocities against Tamils, which is essential for building trust and moving towards lasting peace.
Way forward:
Strengthen Political and Constitutional Reforms: Ensure full implementation of the 13th Amendment, conduct Provincial Council elections, and explore further constitutional reforms to enhance Tamil political representation and autonomy.
Promote Inclusive Economic Development and Reconciliation: Invest in infrastructure, employment, and education in Tamil-majority areas while advancing truth, justice, and reconciliation initiatives to address past grievances and build long-term social cohesion.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revision in the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25.
What is the significance of the Price Revision?
The recent revision of the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is significant for several reasons:
Price Stability and Remuneration: The increase from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre ensures price stability and provides a more remunerative rate for ethanol suppliers, which is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of ethanol.
Support for Sugarcane Farmers: The separate payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and transportation charges will benefit sugarcane farmers, enhancing their income and encouraging production.
Meeting Blending Targets: The 3% increase in the price is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of ethanol to meet the ambitious blending target of 20% by 2025-26, advancing from the original target of 2030.
Reducing Crude Oil Dependency: This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce India’s dependency on crude oil imports, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings and environmental benefits.
What is Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)?
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a government initiative aimed at promoting the blending of ethanol with petrol to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel option.
OMCs are currently blending up to 20% ethanol with petrol, which helps reduce reliance on imported crude oil and lowers carbon emissions.
Ethanol blending has dramatically increased from 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving an average blending rate of 14.60%.
The programme has resulted in estimated savings of over ₹1,13,007 crore in foreign exchange and has substituted approximately 193 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil over the past decade.
What are other initiatives taken to promote biofuels?
National Policy on Biofuels (2018): This policy aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development by encouraging the production and use of biofuels from various feedstocks such as sugarcane, broken rice, and maise.
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: This initiative focuses on accelerating the development of second-generation (2G) ethanol capacity in India, providing viability gap funding to support the establishment of 2G ethanol projects.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): Launched in September 2023, this alliance aims to accelerate the global adoption of cleaner fuels and support decarbonization goals. It involves collaboration with multiple countries to enhance biofuel deployment.
Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) Initiative: Launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2018, this initiative aims to convert used cooking oil into biofuel, thereby preventing its reuse in food preparation and promoting sustainability.
Biodiesel Production Targets: India has set a biodiesel blending target of 5% by 2030. The government is mobilizing production through policies that support feedstock availability, including used cooking oil and non-edible industrial oils.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiatives: The National Biofuel Coordination Committee has established targets for blending SAF in domestic flights, aiming for 1% by 2025 and 5% by 2030.
Ethanol Blending Advancements: The target for ethanol blending has been advanced from 2030 to 2025, with plans to achieve 20% blending. This includes signing long-term off-take agreements with dedicated ethanol plants to ensure a steady supply.
Way forward:
Strengthen Feedstock Supply Chain: Enhance agricultural productivity and diversify feedstock sources including maize and non-food biomass, to ensure a stable and sustainable ethanol supply.
Expand Infrastructure and Investments: Develop ethanol storage, blending, and distribution networks while encouraging private sector participation through financial incentives and policy support.
Prelims PYQ:
[2013] With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
