Subject: Social Justice

[pib] Aspirational District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Programme

Why in the News?

The Union Coal and Mines Minister launched operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme to align DMF initiatives with the goals of the Aspirational District and Block Programmes.

Back2Basics: District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

Establishment: DMF is a non-profit trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
Main Objective: Its primary purpose is to work in the interest of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations, as determined by the respective state governments.
Funding Source: It is funded through contributions made by holders of mining leases for major and minor minerals, with the exact amount prescribed by central or state government rules.
Governance: The operation, governance, and functioning of the DMF fall under the jurisdiction of the state government, which defines its composition and implementation mechanisms.
Decentralized Utilization: DMF funds are collected and utilized at the district level, enabling decentralized and locally relevant developmental interventions.

What is the Aspirational DMF Programme?

Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Coal and Mines to align DMF planning and implementation with national development priorities.
Convergence with National Programs: It seeks to converge DMF activities with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) for maximum social impact.
Operational Framework: It ensures that DMF funds are used to improve socio-economic indicators in the most underserved districts and blocks.
Collaboration: The programme encourages collaboration among central, state, and local authorities, improving the effectiveness and accountability of DMF investments.

Back2Basics: Aspirational District/Block Programme

Aspirational District Programme (ADP):

Launch: It was launched in January 2018 by the Government of India to uplift 117 underdeveloped districts across the country.
Key Principles: It is based on the principles of Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition, aiming to transform districts through coordinated efforts.
Positive Labeling: The word “Aspirational” was deliberately chosen to avoid labels like “backward” and to promote positive transformation and development-oriented thinking.
Selection Criteria: Districts were selected by NITI Aayog using a composite index based on 49 indicators across 5 sectors:

Health and Nutrition (30%)
Education (30%)
Agriculture and Water Resources (20%)
Financial Inclusion and Skill Development (10%)
Basic Infrastructure (10%)

Real-Time Tracking: The ADP focuses on real-time data tracking, public disclosure of rankings, and building administrative capacity at the district level.
People’s Movement: The programme has become a Jan Andolan (people’s movement), actively involving citizens, NGOs, and local administration.

Aspirational Block Programme (ABP):

Overview: It was introduced in the Union Budget 2022–23 as an extension of the ADP to the block level.
Rural Focus: It is aimed at ensuring that development reaches deep into rural areas, particularly those not fully covered under ADP.
Coverage: Initially, the programme covers 500 blocks across 31 states and Union Territories, with room for states to expand the list.
Geographical Concentration: A significant number of these blocks are concentrated in six states:
- Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks)
- Bihar (61 blocks)
- Madhya Pradesh (42 blocks)
- Jharkhand (34 blocks)
- Odisha (29 blocks)
- West Bengal (29 blocks)
Focus Areas: It focuses on improving indicators similar to ADP, with emphasis on health, education, livelihoods, and basic infrastructure.
Collaborative Governance: Like ADP, it promotes convergence of schemes, competitive spirit among blocks, and collaborative governance at all levels.

[UPSC 2012] Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’?

1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking 2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts 3. Increasing the government spending on public health 4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

July 10, 2025

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

Why in the News?

Close to 600 tribal students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have cleared IIT-JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET.

What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?

Overview: EMRS are a central government initiative launched in 1997–98 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Core Objective: To ensure access to free, holistic education for ST children from Class VI to XII, particularly in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
Bridging the Gap: These schools are intended to bring ST students at par with the general population by offering academic, cultural, and skill-based education.
Implementing Agency: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been tasked with implementing and managing EMRS across the country.
Expansion Target: EMRS are being established in every block with more than 50 percent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal residents, with a target of setting up 728 schools by 2026.
Staff Recruitment: Recruitment for teaching and non-teaching positions in EMRS is centralized under NESTS, which aims to fill over 38,000 posts to strengthen institutional capacity.

Key Features of EMRS:

Residential Setup: EMRS schools are fully residential and co-educational, catering to students from Class VI to Class XII with free education, boarding, and lodging.
Student Capacity: Each EMRS school can accommodate 480 students, with equal representation of boys and girls.
CBSE Affiliation: The schools follow the CBSE curriculum to maintain consistency with national education standards and facilitate competitive academic performance.
Infrastructure: Infrastructure includes classrooms, science and computer laboratories, libraries, hostels for boys and girls, staff quarters, and sports facilities.
Cultural Preservation: EMRS institutions are designed not only for academic excellence but also to preserve and promote tribal culture, local art, and languages.
Skill and Sports Focus: Special emphasis is placed on skill development and sports training, with 20% seats reserved under the sports quota for deserving ST students.
Inclusive Policy: Up to 10% of total seats in each school can be allotted to non-ST students, enhancing diversity while maintaining tribal focus.
Free Services: Education, food, accommodation, and all related services are provided free of cost to ensure no economic barrier for tribal children.

Also in news: TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) Initiative:

NESTS and UNICEF India have launched the TALASH Initiative, focusing on the holistic development of tribal students in EMRSs.
It promotes self-awareness, emotional resilience, life skills, and career clarity, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.
It includes psychometric tests (inspired by NCERT’s Tamanna), career cards, life skills modules, and e-learning for teachers.
Over 1.38 lakh students across 28 States and 8 UTs will benefit, with full EMRS coverage targeted by 2025.

[UPSC 2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?

1. Directive Principles of State Policy

2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies

3. Fifth Schedule

4. Sixth Schedule

5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5*

July 10, 2025

[8th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Fostering a commitment to stop maternal deaths

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

Linkage: The article on maternal mortality highlights various deficiencies in healthcare delivery and infrastructure (e.g., lack of specialists, blood banks, operation theatres, and trained personnel) that contribute to maternal deaths, indicating the critical need for sound policies. This question is most directly relevant as it specifically names “maternal health care” as a crucial area for sound and adequate healthcare policies to enhance social development.

Mentor’s Comment: Despite progress, India still loses 93 mothers for every 1,00,000 births due to problems that could be prevented during childbirth. Although the number has come down from 103 (2017–19) to 93 (2019–21), there are still huge differences between states. For example, Kerala has brought the number down to 20, but in states like Madhya Pradesh (175) and Assam (167), the numbers are very high.

Today’s editorial analyses the issues related to India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Women-related Issues) and GS Paper II (Social Justice and Health) in the UPSC mains exam.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio is going down, but some states still need to work on solving basic problems and improving their healthcare systems.

What do MMR trends reveal about regional disparities in India?

Declining National MMR: India’s MMR dropped from 103 (2017–19) to 93 (2019–21), showing slow but consistent improvement.
Kerala leads with an MMR of 20, indicating robust institutional care and maternal health awareness.
Southern States (like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) show better performance (MMR under 50–60), while EAG States such as Madhya Pradesh (175) and Assam (167) remain critical zones.
“Other” States: Maharashtra (38) and Gujarat (53) have made notable progress, while Punjab (98) and Haryana (106) still struggle.

Why is India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio still high despite better healthcare access?

Regional Disparities in Healthcare Infrastructure: MMR is significantly higher in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states like Assam (167) and Madhya Pradesh (175), compared to Kerala (20). Eg: States like Bihar and UP face shortages in skilled staff and poor facility access, despite national programmes.
Inadequate Functioning of FRUs (First Referral Units): Many FRUs lack specialists, blood banks, and operating theatres. Over 66% of specialist posts remain vacant. Eg: In 2,856 designated FRUs, many lack anaesthetists or functional surgical units, risking lives in emergencies.
Three Delays in Maternal Care: Delays in seeking care, reaching hospitals, and receiving treatment result in avoidable deaths.

How are the three key delays contributing to maternal deaths?

Delay in Decision-Making at Home: Families often fail to recognise danger signs during pregnancy or childbirth and delay seeking medical help. Eg: A pregnant woman showing signs of excessive bleeding may not be taken to a hospital promptly due to family neglect, financial constraints, or the belief that delivery is natural.
Delay in Reaching a Healthcare Facility: Lack of timely transportation from remote or rural areas hinders access to skilled birth attendants or emergency care. Eg: A woman in a tribal village may take hours to reach a hospital due to poor roads or lack of ambulances, resulting in delivery en route.
Delay in Receiving Adequate Care at the Facility: Even after reaching a hospital, care may be delayed due to absence of doctors, operation theatres, or blood supply. Eg: A woman experiencing uterine rupture may not get immediate surgery because the anaesthetist is unavailable or the OT isn’t ready.

What are First Referral Units (FRUs)?

First Referral Units (FRUs) are designated health facilities equipped to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC). These units serve as the first-level referral centres for maternal and child health emergencies, especially in rural and underserved areas.

How can FRUs be made more effective in reducing maternal deaths?

Ensure Availability of Specialist Medical Staff: FRUs must be equipped with qualified obstetricians, anaesthetists, and paediatricians to handle maternal emergencies. Eg: In many districts, over 60% vacancies in specialist posts mean pregnant women cannot access timely surgeries like C-sections, leading to avoidable deaths.
Establish Fully Functional Emergency Infrastructure: FRUs must have operational operation theatres, blood banks, and 24×7 emergency care to address complications like postpartum haemorrhage. Eg: A woman suffering massive bleeding after childbirth can be saved if a blood transfusion and surgery are available within two hours.
Strengthen Referral and Transport Systems: Ensure robust ambulance networks and clear referral protocols to reduce delays in reaching FRUs from rural or remote areas. Eg: The 108 ambulance service, when linked efficiently with FRUs, can reduce deaths caused by obstructed labour during long-distance travel.

What lessons does the Kerala model offer for reducing MMR nationwide?

Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths: Kerala uses a systematic review process to study every maternal death to identify medical and systemic gaps. Eg: Led by Dr. V.P. Paily, Kerala’s Confidential Review Committee analyses causes like hemorrhage, embolism, or surgical delay, enabling precise interventions.
High-Quality Emergency Obstetric Care: Kerala emphasizes emergency preparedness, with trained obstetricians, well-equipped operation theatres, and availability of blood banks.
Holistic Maternal Health Approach: Kerala addresses not only physical but also mental health aspects of pregnancy, like antenatal depression and postpartum psychosis.

Way forward:

Strengthen FRUs and Emergency Care Infrastructure: Ensure that all First Referral Units (FRUs) are fully staffed with specialists, equipped with blood banks, operation theatres, and essential medicines to manage obstetric emergencies swiftly.
Scale Up Kerala’s Model Nationwide: Implement confidential maternal death reviews, train healthcare personnel in advanced obstetric practices, and integrate mental health support into maternal care programs across all States.

July 8, 2025

Reserved faculty posts are still vacant and out of reach

Why in the News?

The low number of faculty members from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in central universities and top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS goes against India’s constitutional promise of ensuring social justice.

How significant is the problem of unfilled reserved posts in academia?

Large number of vacancies: As of 2021, over 2,389 SC, 1,199 ST, and 4,251 OBC faculty posts were vacant in 45 central universities.
High vacancy rates: A 2023 UGC report shows 30% of reserved posts are still unfilled, particularly at senior academic levels like associate professor and professor.
Public sector contrast: Group C and D jobs in railways and banks are more representative compared to A and B, indicating disparity at leadership levels in academia.

What is the constitutional and policy framework for reservations in higher education?

Constitutional Provisions: Article 15(4) allows the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes(SEBCs), SCs, and STs. Article 15(5) extends this to admissions in educational institutions, including private unaided ones (except minority institutions). Article 16(4) allows reservation in public employment for backward classes. Eg: The 93rd Constitutional Amendment enabled the government to reserve seats for OBCs in centrally funded higher education institutions like IITs and IIMs.

Statutory Framework and UGC Regulations: The University Grants Commission (UGC) enforces reservation policies for faculty recruitment and student admissions in central universities. Mandated quotas: SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, OBC – 27%, EWS – 10%.

Judicial and Policy Milestones: In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), the Supreme Court upheld reservations for OBCs and imposed a 50% cap. Later adjusted with the 10% EWS quota under 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019) allowed reservation for EWS without touching existing SC/ST/OBC quotas.

What are the main barriers to filling reserved faculty posts in central universities?

Institutional Autonomy and Weak Oversight: Central universities operate with high autonomy, often leading to non-compliance with UGC reservation norms due to lack of accountability.
Discriminatory Recruitment Practices: Selection committees, often lacking social diversity, may reject qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates citing subjective reasons like “not found suitable.” Eg: A 2022 study by Ambedkar University Faculty Association found 60% of reserved post vacancies resulted from discretionary rejections.
Flawed 13-point Roster System: The shift to a 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment, drastically reducing reserved seats, especially for STs. Eg: In departments with fewer than 14 posts, no seat is allotted to STs, leading to underrepresentation.
Underrepresentation at Senior Faculty Levels: Reserved category candidates are mainly recruited for junior roles, while senior positions (Professors, Directors, VCs) are dominated by unreserved groups. Eg: UGC data (2023) showed 30% of reserved teaching posts remain vacant, mostly at senior levels.
Political and Ideological Biases: Appointments are sometimes influenced by political affiliations or ideological alignment, marginalising qualified candidates from deprived backgrounds.

What is the 13-point roster system?

The 13-point roster system is a method introduced in 2018 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for implementing reservation in faculty recruitment in higher educational institutions.

Why is the 13-point roster system seen as a setback to social justice?

Fragmentation of Reservation Quotas: The 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment rather than the whole institution, limiting the total number of posts available for reservation. Eg: In a department with only 6 posts, there may be only one OBC post, and none for SCs or STs, delaying fair representation for years.
Exclusion of Marginalised Groups in Small Departments: Due to small faculty sizes, SC/ST reservations are often skipped altogether under this system, severely impacting their inclusion in higher education. Eg: ST candidates often get no opportunity unless 14 or more posts are available in the department, which is rare in most disciplines.
Violation of the Spirit of Social Justice Mandate: This system undermines constitutional goals of equitable representation by focusing on arithmetic rather than affirmative action principles. Eg: The 13-point roster was challenged in courts and led to protests by academic and Dalit organisations, citing erosion of diversity in faculty appointments.

How does faculty underrepresentation impact inclusive education?

Lack of Representation and Role Models: Underrepresentation of faculty from SC/ST/OBC/EWS backgrounds deprives students of relatable mentors and role models, affecting confidence and belonging. Eg: A first-generation Dalit student may feel alienated in a classroom where no faculty share similar social experiences, discouraging them from pursuing higher studies or research.
Exclusion of Diverse Knowledge Systems: Faculty diversity enriches curricula by introducing marginalised perspectives, histories, and lived realities. Its absence leads to a narrow academic discourse.
Weakening of Constitutional Mandates and NEP Goals: Faculty imbalance undermines the Constitutional vision of social justice and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on inclusive, multidisciplinary education.

What steps should be taken by the Indian Government? (Way forward)

Strengthen Enforcement and Accountability Mechanisms: Ensure strict implementation of reservation policies through regular audits, public compliance reports, and penalties for non-compliance by central institutions. Eg: The Ministry of Education can mandate annual reporting of filled vs. vacant reserved posts and link funding to adherence.
Revise the 13-Point Roster System: Replace or reform the 13-point roster to treat the entire institution as the unit of reservation (like the older 200-point roster), ensuring better representation across departments. Eg: This would allow Scheduled Tribes or SCs to get opportunities in smaller departments that currently evade reservation quotas.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

Linkage: The article explicitly states that India’s constitutional commitment to social justice mandates equitable representation, including specific quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, central universities and premier institutions consistently fail to fill these reserved faculty positions, with significant vacancies reported.

July 2, 2025

[1st July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How do unsafe cancer drugs reach patients?

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2014] While doctor’s prescription is a must to get drugs, many people buy them over the counter without prescription. Discuss the contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

Linkage: The wider discussion about checking drug quality and the difficulties in doing so is very important to stop unsafe drugs, like cancer medicines, from reaching patients. This question is relevant because it looks into how drugs are monitored and the problems faced in keeping them safe.

Mentor’s Comment: A major global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, reported by The Hindu, has revealed that poor-quality and unsafe cancer drugs, many of them from India, have been sent to over 100 countries. These faulty medicines have caused serious health problems, including the deaths of children in Yemen, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia. The report highlights serious regulatory weaknesses in low- and middle-income countries, and shows that the WHO’s warning system only acts after harm is done. This is especially worrying because it affects cancer patients, one of the most vulnerable groups.

Today’s editorial talks about the poor-quality and unsafe cancer drugs. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Health & Governance) in the UPSC mains exam.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, a major global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, reported by The Hindu, found that low-quality and unsafe cancer drugs.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) is an independent, non-profit news organization based in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 2010 with the aim of producing in-depth, public interest journalism that holds power to account.

What are the major quality risks in cancer drug manufacturing and distribution?

Contamination during manufacturing: Risk of bacterial contamination from improper disinfection, untrained staff, or poor cleanroom discipline. Even small errors like air movement or touching non-sterile items can spread bacteria.
Poor quality control: Failure to test raw ingredients, clean equipment, or filter water properly can make life-saving drugs toxic or lethal.
Distribution chain vulnerabilities: Changes in temperature, humidity, or poor handling during transport can degrade drug quality. The complex journey from raw materials to patient requires strict monitoring at each stage.

Why are poorer countries more exposed to unsafe cancer drugs?

Weak Regulatory Frameworks: Many low-income countries lack strong drug regulatory authorities and legal frameworks to ensure medicine quality. Eg: In Nepal, there is no effective testing or monitoring of imported drugs due to limited institutional capacity.
Lack of Testing Infrastructure and Experts: These countries often do not have certified laboratories or trained personnel to check for contamination, dosage accuracy, or manufacturing faults. Eg: Nepal and similar nations lack verified experts or facilities to evaluate drug safety before market entry.
Inability to Track Drugs Through Supply Chains: Poor digital and logistical infrastructure leads to ineffective drug tracking, making it easier for substandard or counterfeit drugs to infiltrate the system. Eg: In countries with porous borders and no tracking systems, drugs can be repackaged or sold without oversight.
Corruption and Weak Enforcement: Corruption in customs, licensing, and procurement processes allows unverified drugs to enter public hospitals and pharmacies unchecked. Eg: In some regions, low-cost cancer drugs without proper quality assurance enter due to bribery and lack of regulatory follow-up.
Dependence on Low-Cost Imports Without Verification: Due to budget constraints, poorer nations rely heavily on cheap generic imports without adequate checks for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or source validation. Eg: In Yemen (2022), at least 10 children died after receiving contaminated methotrexate, highlighting the consequences of poor import verification.

How does WHO ensure drug safety?

Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Drugs: WHO operates a global Rapid Alert System to identify and inform member countries about harmful or substandard medicines. Eg: If contaminated cancer drugs are reported in one country, WHO sends out a global alert so others can take preventive action.
Global Benchmarking and Certification Tools: WHO uses tools like the Global Benchmarking Tool to assess national regulatory systems and ranks them from Level 1 (weakest) to Level 4 (strongest). Eg: In 2023, 70% of member countries were rated at Level 1 or 2, showing limited capacity to regulate drug safety.
Prequalification, GMP, and CoPP Systems: WHO runs prequalification programs to approve safe drugs, ingredients, and labs; enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); and issues the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) to confirm quality of exported drugs. Eg: A CoPP acts like a passport for medicines, verifying they are approved and safely made in the exporting country.

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

Strengthening Drug Regulatory Framework: The government has empowered the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to regulate drug approval, quality checks, and enforcement across India. CDSCO conducts inspections and sampling under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to detect substandard medicines.
Track and Trace Mechanism: India has introduced a barcode-based Track and Trace system for export of pharmaceutical products to improve transparency and traceability. Eg: The system helps monitor supply chain integrity and detect counterfeit drugs, especially in exports.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for pharmaceuticals promotes domestic manufacturing of quality drugs and APIs while reducing import dependence. Eg: Incentives are given to firms that meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and global export standards.

Way forward:

Establish a National Drug Quality Monitoring Authority: Create a centralised, independent regulatory body to oversee real-time quality audits, enforce uniform GMP standards, and ensure accountability across manufacturing units.
Invest in Testing Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce: Strengthen drug testing laboratories, equip them with modern technology, and train qualified professionals to carry out rigorous inspections and batch verifications at every stage.

July 1, 2025

No time to rest: India did well in climbing up SDG Rankings, but falls short in governance

Why in the News?

India has entered the top 100 in the Sustainable Development Report (2025), ranking 99th out of 167 countries, according to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This shows a clear improvement from its 110th position in 2016, marking a notable step forward.

What does India’s SDG ranking improvement show?

India moved into the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since 2016, reaching rank 99 out of 167 countries.
The improvement reflects progress in poverty reduction (SDG 1), infrastructure (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and digital inclusion.

Why is Zero Hunger still a challenge for India?

Persistent Child Malnutrition: A significant portion of Indian children still suffer from undernutrition. Eg: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of children under five were stunted, only slightly better than 38.4% in NFHS-4 (2015–16).
Widening Dietary Disparities: Access to a nutritious diet remains unequal across income and geographic lines. Eg: Rural and low-income households often rely on calorie-dense than nutrient-poor food, while wealthier urban populations have better diet diversity.
Rising Dual Burden of Malnutrition: India is witnessing a simultaneous increase in obesity and undernutrition. Eg: Between 2006 and 2021, obesity among adults aged 15–49 almost doubled, especially in urban areas, showing nutritional imbalance.

Which SDG areas show strong and weak performance?

Strong Performance:

SDG 1 – No Poverty: Significant progress in reducing poverty levels. Eg: Poverty rate declined from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to about 12% in 2023 (World Bank).
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Near-universal household electrification and renewable energy expansion. Eg: India is the 4th largest in renewable energy capacity (solar and wind).
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Rapid growth in digital connectivity and financial inclusion. Eg: UPI-driven digital payment infrastructure and mobile network penetration.

Weak Performance:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: High levels of malnutrition and dietary inequality persist. Eg: 35.5% of children under five are stunted (NFHS-5, 2019–21).
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Uneven access to education and digital learning across regions. Eg: COVID-19 widened learning gaps between rural and urban students.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Challenges in governance, rule of law, and press freedom. Eg: India ranks low in global indices measuring institutional strength.

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children and womenthrough better nutrition and health services. It supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Digital India and UPI Initiatives: Aimed at increasing digital access, financial inclusion, and service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
PM-KUSUM and Solar Missions: Promote renewable energy and sustainable farming by enabling farmers to adopt solar-powered pumps and panels. It supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.

How can India improve in governance-related SDGs? (Way forward)

Strengthen Institutional Transparency and Accountability: Ensure timely delivery of justice, reduce corruption, and make public institutions more responsive. Eg: Implementing police and judicial reforms, and enhancing public grievance redressal mechanisms.
Promote Press Freedom and Civic Participation: Safeguard freedom of expression, support independent media, and encourage public engagement in policymaking. Eg: Enforcing laws that protect journalists and fostering platforms for inclusive civic dialogue.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2021] What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

Linkage: This focuses on the main goal of ending hunger and malnutrition, which is the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). The article says that SDG 2 is still a major concern in India, even though there has been progress in other areas. So, it’s important to examine how well policies like the National Food Security Act are working.

June 28, 2025

[pib] ‘NAVYA’ Initiative for Skilling Adolescent Girls

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the NAVYA initiative.

About the ‘NAVYA’ Initiative:

Overview: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
Nodal Agencies: It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Target Beneficiaries: It targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, particularly from under-served regions.
Implementation: The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and those from North-Eastern regions.
Objective: To build skills, confidence, and employability among young girls in sectors beyond traditional roles.

Key Features:

Focus on Non-Traditional Skills: Girls will receive training in emerging fields like electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and more.
Certification Support: Beneficiaries will receive skill certificates under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma.
Post-Training Pathways: Designed to ensure employment, entrepreneurship, or further education opportunities for girls.
Inclusive Development Goal: Empowers girls to be agents of socio-economic change, aligning with India’s growth trajectory toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.

[UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only

June 24, 2025

Integrating Rare Donor Registry of India with e-Rakt Kosh

Why in the News?

The ICMR has launched the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is further planning to integrate the RDRI with the e-Rakt Kosh Digital platform.

What are Rare Blood Types?

Rare blood groups are defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens (HFAs) or negative combinations of multiple common antigens.
In India, examples include Bombay (hh), P-null, Rh-null, and rare profiles like S-s-U-.

About the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI):

Launch: It was launched by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in collaboration with four regional medical institutes.
Purpose: It aims to address the shortage of rare blood types such as Bombay (hh), Rh-null, and P-Null, critical for patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
Uniqueness: Over 4,000 donors have been screened using multiplex PCR, suited for Indian genetic diversity, and catalogued using 300+ rare blood markers.
Rare Phenotypes Tracked: The registry focuses on rare phenotypes defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens; already 170 Bombay group donors have been identified.
Key Features:
- DNA-Based Testing: Molecular assays are used for accurate donor typing, enabling a centralised national database accessible through a dedicated web portal.
- Integration with e-Rakt Kosh: RDRI is designed to be integrated with e-Rakt Kosh, enabling cross-platform donor search and matching by medical professionals nationwide.
- Real-Time Support: The platform allows secure data access, real-time requisitions, and timely transfusion support for patients requiring rare blood types.
- Global Linkages: The initiative aims to connect with International Rare Donor Panels and develop a frozen rare blood inventory to ensure long-term availability.
Challenges: Key challenges include low awareness, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of antibody screening at decentralised blood banks.

What is E-Rakt Kosh?

Overview: e-Rakt Kosh is a national digital platform developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, launched in 2016.
Real-Time Information: It offers live updates on blood availability, donor records, and donation camp details across India via a centralised interface.
National Coverage: The system covers over 3,800 blood centres across 29 states and 8 Union Territories, integrated with UMANG, e-Hospital, and the National Health Portal.
Notable features include:
- Donor Safety and Tagging: It maintains traceable donor databases, including health history and rare blood group tagging, ensuring safe and verified transfusions.
- Inventory Monitoring: e-Rakt Kosh manages stock levels, tracks expired units, and ensures safe disposal, thereby improving quality control.
- Camp Management: It facilitates registration and scheduling of blood donation camps, sends alerts for shortages, and streamlines resource planning.
- Critical Access Role: Once integrated with RDRI, it will allow direct access to rare blood group data, crucial during emergency transfusions.
- Transparency and Logistics: The system enhances transparency, strengthens blood logistics, and improves communication between blood banks, hospitals, and donor groups.

[UPSC 2001] A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

Options: (a) O, Rh- * (b) O, Rh+ (c) AB, Rh- (d) AB, Rh+

June 23, 2025

SMILE Scheme

Why in the News?

Reasi is set to become J&K’s second district after Srinagar to implement the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme for marginalised individuals’ dignity and livelihood.

About the SMILE Scheme:

Launch: It was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the rehabilitation of beggars and empowerment of transgender persons.
Core Focus: It promotes rehabilitation, livelihood creation, skill development, and social inclusion for the most marginalised individuals.
Approach: It merges earlier schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging to provide a cohesive welfare framework.

Key Features and Components:

- Shelter Provision: Uses existing shelter homes run by states/UTs; new homes are set up where needed for secure accommodation.
- Livelihood and Skilling: Offers education, identity documentation, vocational training, and economic linkages to ensure self-reliance.
- Target Group Size: The scheme aims to benefit approximately 60,000 marginalised individuals, especially transgender persons and urban beggars.

Implementation and Funding:

- Pilot Launch: The first phase started in 30 cities and later expanded to 50 more cities under Phase 2.
- Survey Mechanism: Local authorities conduct field surveys, with each unit aiming to rehabilitate at least 25 individuals.
- Financial Allocation: A total of ₹100 crore was allocated for 2023–26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on rehabilitation efforts.

[UPSC 2016] ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood*

(b) abolish the Child Labour

(d) rehabilitate the manual scavengers and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

June 19, 2025

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0

Why in the News?

The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

It is a Centrally sponsored housing scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of providing “Housing for All” by ensuring access to pucca (permanent), all-weather houses with basic amenities to all eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme has two major components:
- PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) for rural areas, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) for urban areas, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
PMAY follows a targeted and inclusive approach, prioritizing Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), Middle Income Groups (MIG), and other vulnerable sections like SCs, STs, women, transgenders, and minorities.

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0:

PMAY-U 2.0 is the revamped version of PMAY-Urban, launched in 2024, with a renewed target to provide 1 crore additional pucca houses in urban India by 2028.
It builds on the progress made under the original PMAY-U (2015), under which over 93 lakh houses have been constructed.
The scheme supports house construction, purchase, and rental housing for eligible urban families under EWS, LIG, and MIG categories.
The total investment for PMAY-U 2.0 is ₹10 lakh crore, with ₹2.3 lakh crore committed by the Centre as financial assistance or subsidies.
CSMC (Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee) oversees approvals, with recent approvals including 2.34 lakh houses for nine states.

Key Features of PMAY-U 2.0:

Four Implementation Verticals:

1. Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Support for building houses on owned land.
2. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Houses built with public/private sector collaboration.
3. Affordable Rental Housing (ARH): Rental units for migrants, workers, and urban homeless.
4. Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): Interest subsidy on housing loans for EWS, LIG, MIG.

Target Beneficiaries:
- Families with annual income up to ₹3 lakh (EWS), ₹3–6 lakh (LIG), and ₹6–9 lakh (MIG).
- Must not own a pucca house anywhere in India in the name of any family member.
- Adult earning members are treated as separate households.
Central Assistance:
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh per housing unit under BLC and AHP.
- Up to ₹1.8 lakh interest subsidy under ISS for home loans up to ₹25 lakh.
Technology Innovation:
- Support for disaster-resistant, sustainable construction using Technology Innovation Grants (TIG).
- Real-time tracking with geo-tagging, BHUVAN platform, and PMAY-U portal.
Inclusive Allocation:
- Special allocations for women, SC/ST/OBC, and transgender individuals.
- Focus on gender and social equity in housing distribution.
Robust Governance and Monitoring:
- Implementation through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Management Information System (MIS) for transparency.
- Coordination with Smart Cities, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat, and other schemes.

[UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:

Options: (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

June 19, 2025