Why in the News?
On July 1, 2025, India marked eight years since the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but the occasion came with worrying signs for the economy. GST collections in June dropped to ₹1.85 lakh crore, the lowest in four months, and grew by just 6.2% year-on-year, the slowest growth in four years.
What do low GST collections reveal about the economy and system efficiency?
- Sluggish Economic Activity: As GST is a consumption-based tax, low collections indicate reduced demand and consumption, reflecting a slowdown in economic growth.
- Tax System Inefficiencies: The marginal growth in net collections (just 3.3% after refunds) points to loopholes in compliance, delayed refunds, and inefficiencies in enforcement and administration.
- Weak Revenue Buoyancy: Revenue from domestic transactions rose only 4.6%, barely outpacing inflation, showing limited buoyancy in the tax system despite a stable tax base.
Why is the exclusion of fuel from GST debated?
- Revenue Autonomy for States: Fuel taxes are a major independent revenue source for State governments. Including fuel under GST would shift this revenue to the GST pool, which is shared with the Centre, reducing the States’ financial autonomy.
- Undermines ‘One Nation, One Tax’ Goal: Excluding key commodities like petrol and diesel creates fragmentation in the GST system, violating the principle of tax uniformity. Eg: A truck transporting goods across states pays different fuel taxes, adding to logistics costs and compliance burden.
- Public Demand for Price Rationalisation: Including fuel under GST could reduce retail prices, as GST rates are lower than the combined excise + VAT. This is especially crucial during inflationary periods. Eg: If petrol (currently taxed ~100%) comes under the 28% GST slab, it could make fuel significantly cheaper for consumers.
What does “fewer GST slabs” mean?
- It means merging some of these tax rates to move toward a simpler, more uniform GST system, such as: Possibly combining 12% and 18% into a single standard rate.
- Current GST Structure: India has multiple GST slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%. Plus 0% (exempt) and special rates on certain goods/services.
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How will fewer GST slabs improve tax efficiency?
- Simplifies Compliance for Businesses: Fewer slabs reduce confusion, errors in tax calculation, classification, and filing, especially for small businesses. Eg: A product like packaged snacks currently attracts different GST rates depending on branding, merging slabs avoids such disputes.
- Reduces Tax Evasion and Litigation: Multiple slabs create room for misclassification and disputes over applicable rates. Fewer rates lead to clearer guidelines and fewer loopholes. Eg: Footwear priced above ₹1,000 is taxed at 18%, while below ₹1,000 it’s 5%—leading to price manipulation.
- Boosts Consumption and Revenue Predictability: A simplified rate structure improves consumer confidence, reduces cascading effects, and encourages spending, improving overall collections. Eg: Countries like Singapore (7%) or New Zealand (15%) with uniform GST systems report higher compliance and stable revenue.
What is the future of the GST Compensation Cess?
- Originally meant to compensate States for GST losses for 5 years, extended till March 2026 to repay COVID-related borrowings. With its purpose served, it should be phased out rather than absorbed into GST rates.
- Removing the cess will restore trust, reduce tax burden, and may stimulate urban consumption.
Why is fiscal responsibility crucial for GST reforms?
- Ensuring fiscal sustainability: Sustainable subsidies and managing the compensation burden are essential for maintaining healthy public finances. Eg: During COVID-19, the Centre had to borrow extensively to compensate States, leading to a rise in debt levels.
- Strengthening Centre–State trust: Responsible fiscal conduct by both the Centre and States builds trust, which is critical for cooperative federalism. The GST Council functions best when transparency is ensured and non-shareable cesses are minimized to allow a higher share of central taxes to States.
- Enabling long-term tax reforms: Fiscal prudence enables the government to invest in long-term reforms such as rationalising GST slabs, strengthening IT infrastructure, and introducing compliance incentives. These efforts can improve tax buoyancy and offset short-term revenue losses.
How can the Centre–State balance be ensured? (Way forward)
- Enhancing States’ Share in Central Taxes: The Centre should increase devolved funds under the Finance Commission framework to compensate for GST-linked revenue losses, especially if fuel and alcohol are brought under GST. Eg: Raising the tax devolution share beyond the current 41% can empower States financially.
- Strengthening GST Council’s Cooperative Mechanism: Regular, consensus-based decision-making in the GST Council can improve Centre-State trust and ensure shared ownership of reforms. Eg: Joint committees for rate rationalisation or revenue monitoring can enhance transparency and equity.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?
Linkage: The article explicitly states that the GST Compensation Cess was extended until March 2026 to repay loans taken by the Centre to compensate States, specifically due to COVID-19 having disrupted revenues. The question directly delves into the compensation mechanism, its impact due to the pandemic, and the resulting “federal tensions”, which aligns perfectly with the source’s discussion on the Centre-State fiscal relationship regarding GST.
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Why in the News?
The Iran-Israel conflict has drawn global attention for its impact on oil prices, but a less visible and equally serious issue is emerging in fertiliser supply, which poses a significant risk to farming and food security in India.
What are the fertiliser security risks for India amid geopolitical conflicts?
- Disruption of Import Routes: India relies heavily on fertiliser imports from Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route vulnerable to blockades during conflicts like the Iran-Israel standoff. Eg: A naval blockade in the Strait could delay shipments of urea and DAP, affecting timely supply during sowing seasons.
- Volatile Global Prices: Geopolitical tensions raise the prices of natural gas (used to produce urea) and finished fertilisers. Eg: A conflict-induced surge in natural gas prices increases the cost of domestic urea production, straining India’s fertiliser subsidy bill.
- Dependence on Conflict Zones: India imports 100% of MOP (Muriate of Potash), including from Belarus and Israel, both affected by global instability. Eg: Escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict can disrupt MOP imports, impacting crops like sugarcane and cotton that need potash-based fertilisers.
What lessons from the Russia-Ukraine crisis remain unaddressed?
- Lack of Strategic Buffer Stocks: Despite 2022 supply disruptions, India still lacks a fertiliser buffer stock policy or minimum stocking norms for critical imports like DAP and MOP. Eg: During peak sowing seasons (like Kharif), 30–45 days of operational stock is inadequate to absorb external shocks.
- Failure to Diversify Import Sources Meaningfully: While India talks of diversification, it continues to rely heavily on Gulf countries and politically unstable regions. Eg: After disruptions in nitrogen and potash from Russia and Belarus, the current dependence on Israel and Jordan for DAP remains high, risking repetition.
- Reactive Rather than Proactive Policymaking: The policy response has focused more on short-term procurement than long-term resilience building through joint ventures, domestic innovation, or alternative fertilisers. Eg: No significant scaling of nano, bio or organic fertilisers occurred post-2022, leaving India stuck with high subsidy bills for synthetic inputs.
Why should fertilisers be part of India’s national security planning?
- Critical for Food Security: Fertilisers are essential for sustaining agricultural output in an input-intensive farming system. Eg: Disruptions in urea or DAP supply during sowing seasons can directly impact crop yields and food availability.
- Vulnerability to Geopolitical Shocks: Heavy reliance on imports from unstable regions exposes India to external risks.
- Impact on Economic and Rural Stability: Fertiliser shortages or price hikes raise subsidy burdens and can lead to rural distress.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Boosting Domestic Production: Reviving closed urea plants (e.g., Gorakhpur, Sindri, Talcher) to achieve 90% urea self-sufficiency by 2025. Focus on reducing import dependency for nitrogen-based fertilisers.
- Diversifying Import Sources: Forming long-term agreements and joint ventures with countries like Morocco (for phosphates) and Canada (for potash) to ensure a stable supply. Exploring partnerships beyond the Middle East to reduce geopolitical risk.
- Subsidy and Distribution Reforms: Implementing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertiliser subsidies to ensure transparency. Promoting alternative fertilisers like Nano Urea and encouraging balanced nutrient usage.
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How can India build resilience in fertiliser supply chains? (Way forward)
- Develop Strategic Fertiliser Reserves: Establish buffer stocks of key fertilisers like urea, DAP, and MOP, especially for critical sowing seasons (e.g., Kharif and Rabi) to cushion against global disruptions.
- Expand and Diversify Import Partnerships: Forge long-term agreements and joint ventures with stable countries (e.g., Morocco, Canada, Jordan) and explore alternative shipping routes to reduce overdependence on the Middle East and de-risk supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2017] The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.
Linkage: The article explicitly states that India relies heavily on Gulf countries for “natural gas — the key raw material used to produce” urea, a vital fertilizer. The ongoing conflict threatens “ammonia, urea, DAP, and liquified natural gas (LNG) — all vital for agriculture”. This PYQ precisely captures the energy dimension of India’s dependency on the Middle East, which is a critical underlying factor contributing to the fertilizer crisis.
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Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently carrying out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. This has caused political and social concerns because the ECI is focusing only on verifying “ordinary residents” and has given a very short deadline ending on July 31 for this process.
Why is the ECI’s voter roll revision in Bihar being criticised?
- Short timeframe: The ECI allocated just one month, till July 31, for the entire revision process, which is inadequate for comprehensive voter verification in a state like Bihar.
- Strict criteria: The emphasis on “ordinary residents” could ignore the legal protection for temporary absentees as outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Risk of wrongful deletions: Migrant workers might not be present for verification, leading to lakhs of wrongful deletions from electoral rolls.
What hurdles do migrant voters face in verification?
- Inaccessibility During Verification Window: Many migrant voters are unable to be physically present at their home constituencies during the short verification period, making it difficult to confirm their status. Eg: An estimated 20% of Bihar’s electorate is migrant; many may miss the July 31 deadline, risking exclusion.
- Lack of Clarity for Long-Term Migrants: There is ambiguity in addressing voters who have moved long-term but haven’t updated their registration to their new place of work.
How does the law define ‘ordinary residence’ for voters?
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 defines ‘ordinary residence’ as the place where a person normally lives and has the intention to return, even if they are temporarily absent.
Key Legal Provisions:
- Section 19 of the Act: A person shall be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency of their ordinary residence. Temporary absence does not disqualify a person from being considered ordinarily resident.
- Electoral Roll Manual Guidelines: Migrants temporarily away (for work, studies, etc.) are still eligible if they have the ability and intention to return. Removal from the roll requires proof of permanent relocation.
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What does Bihar’s gender turnout reveal about migration?
- Higher Female Voter Turnout: In the 2024 general election, more women voted than men in absolute numbers in Bihar. This indicates a gender skew in voter participation likely linked to male absenteeism due to migration.
- Male Migrant Absenteeism: Despite having more registered male voters, the male turnout was lower, suggesting many men were away for work and could not vote. It reflects the scale of male labour migration out of Bihar.
Do the same issues occur in other states?
- Jharkhand – Migration-linked Voter Drop: Like Bihar, Jharkhand has seen low male voter turnout due to seasonal and long-term migration for labour work.
- Uttar Pradesh – Exclusion Risk in Urban Centres: In urban areas of Uttar Pradesh, slum and migrant populations often lack proper identity or address documents, making voter verification difficult during intensive revision drives. This causes large-scale exclusions, especially among economically vulnerable groups.
What are the issues related to NRIs at the all-India level?
- Lack of Remote Voting Mechanism: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often face difficulty in exercising their voting rights due to the requirement of physical presence at their home constituency in India. Eg: An NRI working in the UAE must travel to India to vote, leading to low voter turnout among overseas citizens.
- Legal and Procedural Constraints: Though the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010 allowed NRIs to register, postal or online voting is still not widely available.
Eg: The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) has not yet been fully extended to overseas voters, limiting participation.
What are the case studies in the world?
- Mexico – Voting Rights for Migrants Abroad: Mexico allows its citizens living abroad to vote in national elections via postal ballots and electronic voting. This ensures inclusivity for a large number of migrant workers living in the United States and other countries.
- Philippines – Overseas Absentee Voting Act (2003): The Philippines enacted a law enabling overseas Filipinos to vote in presidential, senatorial, and party-list elections. It recognizes the political rights of migrant workers, encouraging participation despite physical absence.
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How can migrants get better electoral representation? (Way forward)
- Enable Registration at Place of Work: Long-term migrants should be allowed and encouraged to register as voters at their current place of residence. This ensures their political voice aligns with the region where they live and work, making representation more meaningful.
- Extend Verification and Enrollment Timelines: The Election Commission should provide a longer and flexible verification window, especially in high-migration states. This prevents wrongful exclusion and ensures migrants’ voting rights are protected even during temporary absence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.
Linkage: The article focuses on the “Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls” conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, highlighting criticisms due to the enormity of the task, short duration, and strict verification criteria that could result in the “wrongful exclusion of lakhs of voters”
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Why in the News?
The U.S. recently carried out unprovoked attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war with Iran. These actions, especially under a renewed Trump administration, have restarted discussions about U.S. imperialism and how it affects the global balance of power.
| Note: Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a powerful country extends its control over weaker territories politically, economically, or militarily, often for strategic or resource-driven gains. |
Is U.S. imperialism a threat to the world?
U.S. imperialism is often viewed as a threat to global stability for the following reasons:
- Violation of International Law: The U.S. has engaged in unilateral military interventions without UN approval, undermining global legal norms. Eg: The 2003 invasion of Iraq was based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction and violated the UN Charter.
- Destabilization of Regions: U.S. actions often leave countries in prolonged conflict, weakening state institutions and increasing terrorism or refugee crises. Eg: U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Libya led to power vacuums and regional instability.
- Erosion of Multilateralism: By acting outside global institutions, the U.S. encourages disregard for international cooperation, weakening collective decision-making. Eg: Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2017) under the Trump administration weakened global climate unity.
Why does the U.S. view China’s rise as a threat?
- Economic Rivalry: China’s rapid growth and its emergence as the world’s second-largest economy ($20 trillion GDP) challenge U.S. dominance in trade, infrastructure (e.g. Belt and Road Initiative), and manufacturing.
- Technological Competition: China’s progress in semiconductors, AI, and green technologies (e.g. leading in renewables and EVs) threatens U.S. supremacy in global innovation and strategic industries.
- Geopolitical Influence: China’s expanding presence in global institutions and alliances like BRICS and SCO counters U.S.-led systems. Its assertiveness in the South China Sea and strategic investments in Africa and Latin America reflect an alternative world order.
What challenges does bipolarity pose for rising powers like India?
- Reduced Strategic Autonomy: In a U.S.-China bipolar world, India may face pressure to align with one power bloc, limiting its independent foreign policy. Eg: India’s participation in Quad may strain ties with China-dominated SCO and BRICS.
- Limited Global Influence: Bipolarity can marginalize middle powers in global decision-making, making consensus harder. Eg: India’s efforts in climate negotiations may be overshadowed by U.S.-China disagreements.
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: Tensions between major powers can destabilize regional security, impacting India directly. Eg: Escalation in the Indo-Pacific due to U.S.-China rivalry increases India’s strategic risks.
Why is the Global South crucial amid failing multilateralism?
- Collective Voice Against Hegemony: As traditional multilateral institutions like the UN or WTO lose credibility, the Global South offers a platform for developing nations to assert their interests. Eg: BRICS expansion allows emerging economies to challenge Western dominance in global financial systems.
- Alternative Frameworks for Cooperation: The Global South promotes minilateralism and regional alliances to address shared challenges like debt, climate change, and trade inequities. Eg: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) reflects South-South cooperation in climate governance.
- Safeguarding Sovereignty and Development Needs: It helps countries resist coercive trade or security alignments and focus on inclusive development models. Eg: G77 bloc resists WTO reforms that could harm public procurement protections vital to developing economies.
How can India balance strategic ties and Global South leadership? (Way forward)
- Pursue Strategic Autonomy: India must maintain an independent foreign policy despite partnerships like Quad. Eg: It joined the BRICS Bank while deepening ties with the U.S., showcasing multi-alignment.
- Take Principled Stands in Global Forums: India should speak out against violations of international law even by allies. Eg: India’s silence on U.S. strikes in Iran undermines its credibility as a Global South leader.
- Champion Collective South-South Agendas: India can lead in climate justice, debt relief, and trade equity for developing countries. Eg: Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Voice of Global South Summit.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Linkage: The expansion of NATO and strengthening of the US-Europe strategic partnership represent key elements of U.S.-led alliances and its approach to global security. This directly relates to the U.S. acting as the “world’s sole superpower” engaged in “aggressive military behaviour” and violating the international order.
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2014] Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.
Linkage: This question directly addresses the modalities and conditionalities of “international funding agencies” which are a core aspect of global development finance. This article highlights that the “rephasing global development finance” is necessary due to several factors, including the “shrinking ODA and debt crisis”, the profound decline in the “flow of global development finance”. |
Mentor’s Comment: India’s development cooperation with the Global South is undergoing a significant reorientation. After years of steadily expanding economic assistance, rising from $3 billion in 2010–11 to $7 billion in 2023–24, the government is signaling a major policy shift. The Finance Ministry has red-flagged the continued use of Lines of Credit (LoCs), which have historically been a key engagement tool under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS). With the global liquidity crisis, rising debt distress in developing nations, and a sharp decline in traditional Official Development Assistance (ODA) from major donors like the U.S. and U.K., India is now pushing for a more diversified model.
Today’s editorial analyses India’s development cooperation with the Global South. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India’s development cooperation with the Global South has been steadily increasing over the years.
What are India’s modes of cooperation with the Global South?
- Capacity Building: Focuses on training, education, and skill development of human resources in partner countries. Eg: The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme provides training to officials from over 160 countries in various sectors like IT, agriculture, and governance.
- Technology Transfer: Sharing India’s innovations, expertise, and cost-effective solutions with Global South nations. Eg: India has shared digital public infrastructure models like Aadhaar and UPI with countries in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Market Access: Providing duty-free and preferential access to Indian markets for exports from developing nations. Eg: Under the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, least developed countries (LDCs) benefit from reduced tariffs when exporting to India.
- Grants: Non-repayable financial assistance offered for key infrastructure or social sector projects. Eg: India provided grants for building parliament buildings in countries like Afghanistan and Mali.
- Concessional Finance (Lines of Credit – LoCs): India extends low-interest loans to partner countries for development projects under the IDEAS (Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme). Eg: India extended LoCs for railway projects in Africa (like in Mozambique and Senegal) and for solar energy projects under the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
| Note: IDEAS is a flagship initiative of the Government of India designed to promote development cooperation with partner countries, especially in the Global South, by extending Lines of Credit (LoCs) on concessional terms. |
Why is the relevance of Lines of Credit (LoCs) under IDEAS being reconsidered?
- Rising Sovereign Debt and Repayment Challenges: Many partner countries in the Global South are facing sovereign debt crises, reducing their capacity to repay concessional loans. Eg: During the G-20 summit, India raised concerns over the unsustainable debt levels in Africa and small island nations, signalling caution in issuing new LoCs.
- Strain on Indian Public Finances: India borrows from global capital markets and extends credit at concessional rates under IDEAS, absorbing the interest differential. With global liquidity tightening, this model has become fiscally burdensome. Eg: The Finance Ministry flagged the increasing fiscal burden of absorbing interest costs in the 2025–26 budget, suggesting a shift away from LoCs.
- Unpredictability in Global Capital Markets: Fluctuations in global interest rates and capital availability have made it difficult to maintain concessional lending under predictable terms. Eg: Due to the rising cost of borrowing post-COVID, India finds it less viable to sustain concessional credit lines compared to more flexible grant-based or Triangular Cooperation (TrC) models.
How has the decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA) impacted global development finance?
- Reduction in Available Funding for Development Projects: ODA has dropped significantly from $214 billion in 2023 to an expected $97 billion, a ~45% decline, leading to fewer resources for critical development programmes, especially in least developed countries (LDCs).
- Setback to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The financing gap for SDGs has widened, rising from $2.5 trillion in 2015 to over $4 trillion in 2024. With limited ODA, progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda remains off track, especially after COVID-19 and global shocks.
- Increased Vulnerability of Debt-Stressed Nations: The shrinking flow of concessional finance has made it harder for debt-ridden nations to access affordable funding, jeopardizing development progress and worsening existing economic vulnerabilities.
What is Triangular Cooperation (TrC)?
Triangular Cooperation (TrC) is a development model that brings together three key actors:
- A traditional donor from the Global North (e.g., Germany, Japan, USA)
- A pivotal country from the Global South with development experience (e.g., India, Brazil, Indonesia)
- A partner country, usually another developing or least developed country, which receives the support
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What is the role of Triangular Cooperation (TrC)?
- Bridges Global North and South: Triangular Cooperation brings together a traditional donor from the Global North, a pivotal country from the Global South (like India), and a partner country (often another developing nation). It creates inclusive platforms for shared learning, mutual respect, and context-specific solutions.
- Promotes Cost-Effective and Impactful Development: TrC enables the co-creation of development solutions that are tailored to local needs while combining technical expertise, financial resources, and implementation experience from all three partners. This leads to cost-effective and sustainable outcomes. Eg: India and Germany have implemented TrC projects in countries like Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, and Peru.
- Expands India’s Development Diplomacy: TrC allows India to leverage partnerships with countries such as Germany, UK, EU, and Japan to implement projects in third countries, enhancing India’s role as a global development partner. It aligns with India’s vision of a Global Development Compact and was promoted during its G-20 presidency.
How can India leverage partnerships through TrC to enhance its development diplomacy? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Strategic Alliances and Global Presence: India can collaborate with traditional donors like Germany, Japan, the UK, and the EU to implement development projects in third countries, enhancing its image as a reliable global development partner and expanding its geopolitical influence.
- Promoting Scalable, Cost-Effective Solutions in the Global South: By combining India’s technical expertise with Northern financial resources, TrC enables context-specific, demand-driven projects in areas like energy, health, and education, aligning with India’s vision of a Global Development Compact.
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Why in the News?
A tragic pattern keeps repeating in Tamil Nadu’s firecracker industry, especially in Virudhunagar district, where frequent explosions continue to injure and kill workers. In the first half of 2025 alone, eight accidents have taken 26 lives—adding to a steady trend of 52 deaths in 2024 and 79 in 2023.
What causes repeated accidents in Tamil Nadu’s fireworks industry?
- Unsafe Handling of Chemicals: Accidents often result from friction during the mixing or filling of explosive chemicals, which easily ignite. Eg: In the 2025 Sattur explosion, preliminary reports blamed friction during chemical filling for the blast.
- Improper Storage of Inflammable Materials: Fireworks units store chemicals in unsafe conditions, often exposed to direct sunlight and heat, violating safety norms. Eg: Explosives Rules, 2008 prohibit storage under excessive heat, but violations continue in units across Virudhunagar.
- High Ambient Temperatures: The hot and dry climate of Virudhunagar, especially during summer, increases the likelihood of spontaneous ignition.
- Negligence by Manufacturers: Many factory owners ignore safety protocols to save time and cost, compromising worker safety.
- Inadequate Regulatory Oversight: Despite being licensed by PESO, regulatory inspections are infrequent or ineffective, allowing unsafe practices to persist.
What are the safety regulations in India?
- Explosives Rules, 2008 (under Explosives Act, 1884): Regulates licensing, safe storage, handling, and transport of explosives.
- Factories Act, 1948: Ensures worker safety through ventilation, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), safety training, and health monitoring.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Mandates pollution control, hazardous waste management, and environmental safeguards.
- Disaster Management Act, 2005: Requires emergency response plans, mock drills, and local authority coordination.
- PESO Guidelines: Enforces safety standards in explosives units and conducts inspections for compliance.
- National Building Code (NBC), 2016: Prescribes fire safety, exits, alarms, and structural norms for industrial buildings.
- Indian Boilers Act, 1923: Ensures safe operation and periodic inspection of industrial boilers.
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Why is safety regulation ineffective despite existing laws?
- Weak Enforcement of Existing Laws: The Explosives Rules, 2008 mandate strict precautions, such as protecting explosives from sunlight and heat, but enforcement is lax. Eg: Despite clear rules, multiple units in Virudhunagar continue to store chemicals in open areas, leading to repeat accidents.
- Lack of Regular and Stringent Inspections: Regulatory bodies like PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) often fail to conduct timely and thorough inspections, enabling rule violations.
- Absence of Accountability and Deterrence: Post-accident investigations rarely result in penal action, and most factories resume operations without meaningful changes. Eg: After the Sattur explosion in 2025, investigations began, but no immediate enforcement action was reported to prevent recurrence.
How does worker vulnerability worsen firecracker factory risks?
- Social and Economic Marginalisation: Workers are often from poor, rural, and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, making them desperate for employment, even in unsafe conditions. Eg: In Virudhunagar, many labourers accept jobs in hazardous fireworks units despite known safety risks due to lack of alternative livelihood options.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: Vulnerable workers often have low literacy levels and receive little or no safety training, increasing the chance of mishandling chemicals or violating protocols. Eg: Many accidents occur during the manual mixing or filling of chemicals, which is often done by untrained workers.
- Weak Bargaining Power and Job Insecurity: These workers usually work in informal or unregistered setups, where they cannot demand better safety gear, facilities, or rights.
What role should the state play in enforcing safety norms? (Way forward)
- Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Ensure regular inspections and penalties for violations under laws like the Explosives Rules, 2008 and Factories Act, 1948.
- Collaboration with Industry for Safer Practices: Work with manufacturers to develop a culture of safety, just as cooperation helped eliminate child labourin the past.
- Support for Worker Protection and Welfare: Ensure social security, compensation, and rehabilitation for injured workers. Promote formal employment practices.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past.
Linkage: This question directly addresses the effectiveness of “regulatory institutions” and their ability to achieve their “desired objectives”. The article explicitly state that the fireworks industry in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Virudhunagar, experiences numerous fatal accidents annually, despite being governed by the Explosives Rules, 2008, and requiring licenses from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization.
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Why in the News?
The custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, has once again sparked widespread anger across the country over police brutality and the lack of accountability in such cases.
| Note: Custodial death refers to the death of a person while in police or judicial custody, due to torture, negligence, or maltreatment by authorities.
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What are the key reasons behind recurring custodial deaths in India?
- Use of Excessive Force and Torture: Police personnel often resort to physical abuse during interrogations, leading to serious injuries or death. Eg: In 2023, Tamil Nadu reported multiple cases of custodial torture, including the Ambasamudram case, which involved the brutal beating of detainees with iron rods.
- Weak Legal Enforcement and Delayed Justice: Despite numerous inquiries, very few convictions are secured against police officers involved in custodial violence. Eg: Between 2017 and 2022, 123 police personnel were arrested and 79 were chargesheeted, yet zero convictions were recorded across India.
- Lack of Independent Oversight: Most investigations into custodial deaths are conducted internally with minimal external checks or judicial scrutiny. Eg: Only 345 magisterial/judicial inquiries were initiated between 2017 and 2022, despite over 11,000 custodial deaths reported during this period.
- Culture of Impunity within the Police Force: A persistent lack of accountability creates an environment where violations are repeated without fear of consequences. Eg: Out of 74 human rights violation cases filed against police between 2017 and 2022, only 3 convictions were secured.
How are Scheduled Castes disproportionately affected in detentions?
- Overrepresentation in Preventive Detentions: Scheduled Castes (SCs) are detained at a much higher rate than their population share, reflecting systemic bias. Eg: In Tamil Nadu (2022), SCs accounted for 38.5% of detainees under preventive laws, despite forming only 20% of the State’s population.
- Targeted Policing and Social Vulnerability: SC communities often face discriminatory policing, leading to higher instances of illegal detention and custodial violence, especially under vague or discretionary laws. Eg: Tamil Nadu had 2,129 detenues as of December 31, 2022 — nearly half of India’s total — with a large share from SC backgrounds.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Judicial: Enforcement of Article 21 and DK Basu guidelines by the Supreme Court to prevent custodial torture.
- Legal Safeguards: According to CrPC Section 176(1A), judicial inquiry is mandated in custodial death cases.
- Institutional Oversight Mechanisms: Establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) to monitor, investigate, and recommend action on custodial violence.
- Police Reforms: Training under Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) to promote human rights-oriented policing.
- Technological Measures: Implementation of CCTV in police stations, body cameras, and e-Sakshya app for real-time evidence collection.
What are the case studies?
- United Kingdom – Independent Oversight through IPCC: The UK established the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) (now IOPC) to investigate deaths and serious incidents involving the police. It ensures transparent investigations and addresses complaints against police misconduct.
- South Africa – Legal Accountability via Constitutional Court: In Bhe and Others v. Magistrate, Khayelitsha (2005), the South African Constitutional Court held the state responsible for custodial deaths. The judgment pushed for reforms in police behaviour and emphasized constitutional safeguards.
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How can reforms curb impunity in custodial violence cases? (Way forward)
- Establish Independent Investigation Mechanisms: Create autonomous bodies or empower judicial magistrates to investigate custodial deaths and torture cases, ensuring unbiased inquiry and reducing conflict of interest.
- Enact a Robust Anti-Torture Law: Pass a dedicated legislation aligned with the UN Convention Against Torture, clearly defining custodial violence, laying out punishments, and providing legal remedies to victims.
- Ensure Accountability and Transparency: Mandate the use of CCTV and body cameras in all custody areas; implement real-time digital monitoring like e-Sakshya. Need Fast-track trials and ensure strict action against guilty officers to create a strong deterrent.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] Though the Human Rights Commissions have con tributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, sug gest remedial measures.
Linkage: The article talks about the clear pattern where “a significant number of custodial deaths take place, of which a considerable number of them are reported, a few of the policemen are arrested, and none of them are convicted. This question is highly pertinent to the issue of custodial deaths and the lack of police convictions.
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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.
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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.
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Why in the News?
In a recent study, researchers from WELL Labs in Chennai studied Aralumallige and Doddathumakuru gram panchayats in the Upper Arkavathy watershed near Bengaluru, and found a sharp drop in groundwater levels caused by intensive farming practices.
What drives groundwater depletion in the Deccan Plateau?
- Hard Rock Aquifers with Low Storage Capacity: The Deccan Plateau is underlain by basalt and granite (hard rock aquifers) that have limited porosity. These rely on fractures and weathered zones to store water, making them less efficient in holding groundwater. Eg: In Karnataka, 99% of the area depends on such aquifers, making sustainable storage difficult.
- Deep Borewell Drilling Alters Natural Recharge: Borewells drilled into granite cause microfractures, allowing rainwater to bypass shallow aquifers and flow deep underground. This disrupts the natural recharge cycle and reduces groundwater retention.
- Water-Intensive Agriculture: Cultivation of vegetables, flowers, and exotic crops for urban markets like Bengaluru demands large volumes of groundwater. These crops are not suited to the dry, hard-rock geology of the region.
- Encroachment of Traditional Recharge Systems: Lakes and tanks, once used for groundwater recharge, are being encroached upon or neglected. Their discharge channels are blocked, eliminating natural recharge opportunities. Eg: The lake in Aralumallige (Karnataka), once a major recharge source, remained dry in 2022 despite heavy rainfall.
Why is reliance on borewells unsustainable in rural Karnataka?
- Rapid Groundwater Depletion and Borewell Failures: Continuous extraction through deep borewells causes the water table to drop, making it harder to access groundwater over time. Eg: In the Upper Arkavathy watershed, the average borewell depth increased from 183m to 321m in just two decades. Over 70% of drinking water wells failed within 10 years of construction.
- High Financial Burden on Farmers and Panchayats: Drilling deeper borewells costs ₹4–5 lakh, often unaffordable for small farmers, with no guarantee of success. Free electricity for pumping increases electricity consumption and debt for gram panchayats. Eg: Panchayats face mounting electricity bills, diverting funds away from development works to cover power costs.
- Disruption of Natural Recharge and Local Hydrology: Borewells alter subsurface geology, causing rainwater to bypass shallow aquifers, reducing natural recharge. Eg: In Aralumallige and Doddathumakuru, borewell drilling weakened long-term water retention, contributing to chronic scarcity despite seasonal rains.
What is the socio-economic impact on local communities and governance?
- Rising electricity debt: Free power for farmers fuels overuse, pushing gram panchayats into unsustainable debts as they divert development funds to pay power bills.
- Borewell burden on small farmers: Drilling costs ₹4-5 lakh with no assurance of success, leading many farmers to lease land and migrate to cities.
What are the issues related to groundwater in Indian?
- Overexploitation and Depletion: Unregulated extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban use has led to rapid depletion of water tables. Eg: In parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Karnataka (like Aralumallige), water tables have fallen by over 100 meters in two decades due to borewell dependence.
- Poor Groundwater Quality: Contamination by nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic poses serious health risks, especially in rural areas. Eg: In Bihar and West Bengal, arsenic contamination affects drinking water; in Karnataka, nitrate levels often exceed safe limits (50 mg/l).
- Inadequate Data and Poor Management: Lack of real-time monitoring, insufficient local-level data, and fragmented water governance hinder sustainable planning. Eg: Despite groundwater overuse, local panchayats often lack predictive tools to estimate borewell failure or manage recharge zones effectively.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A nationwide water conservation campaign launched in 2019 to promote rainwater harvesting, recharge structures, and sustainable water use. Eg: In water-stressed blocks of states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the JSA promoted check dams and contour trenches to boost groundwater recharge.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): A World Bank-assisted scheme launched in 2019 for sustainable groundwater management in 7 states. It focuses on community participation, water budgeting, and crop water use efficiency. Eg: In Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, water user associations have helped monitor and reduce groundwater extraction.
- Groundwater Regulation by Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA): The CGWA regulates groundwater usage in over-exploited areas by mandating No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for industries and commercial users.
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Way forward:
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Shift from water-intensive crops (like paddy, sugarcane) to less water-demanding crops suited to agro-climatic conditions.
- Strengthen Local Water Governance: Empower Gram Panchayats to manage groundwater through community water budgeting, real-time monitoring, and local recharge efforts.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
Linkage: The article talks about the GST replaced many older taxes like VAT and excise duty, helping create a single national market. Although GST collections have steadily grown—reaching ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25—the revenue from tobacco (about ₹551 billion a year) is much less than the huge cost of tobacco-related health problems, which is ₹2,340 billion every year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Why in the News?
As India completes eight years of implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus has moved from its economic benefits to its problems, especially in public health, like the poor taxation of tobacco.
What are GST’s major achievements and gaps after eight years?
Achievements:
- Unified Tax System: Replaced multiple indirect taxes with one national tax, promoting the “One Nation, One Tax” concept.
- Increased Revenue Collection: GST collections reached ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25, showing consistent growth.
- Improved Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance through harmonised tax rates and digital processes.
- Boosted Logistics Efficiency: Removal of inter-State checkpoints reduced transport time and costs.
- Reduced Tax Cascading: The Input Tax Credit mechanism lowered production costs for businesses and prices for consumers.
Gaps:
- Ineffective Public Health Taxation: Tobacco taxation remains weak under GST, despite high health and economic burdens.
- Decline in Specific Excise Duties: Over-reliance on ad valorem GST weakened price control on harmful products like bidis and cigarettes.
- Inadequate Tax on Bidis: Bidis, widely consumed by low-income groups, are under-taxed and not covered under the GST compensation cess.
- Loss of Revenue Post-Cess Expiry: The GST compensation cess (a major source of tobacco tax) will expire in 2026, risking affordability and public health.
- Weak Deterrent Against Tobacco Use: Unlike pre-GST years, tax stagnation has failed to reduce tobacco consumption, ignoring WHO’s 75% tax recommendation.
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Why is GST ineffective in curbing tobacco use?
- Lack of Significant Tax Hikes Post-GST: Since the introduction of GST in 2017, there have been no major tax increases on tobacco products. In contrast, during the pre-GST era (2009–17), regular hikes in excise and VAT contributed to a 17% decline in tobacco use.
- Low Overall Tax Burden: The total tax on tobacco remains below the WHO-recommended 75% of retail price — only 22% for bidis, 54% for cigarettes, and 65% for smokeless tobacco. This allows tobacco products to remain affordable, especially for youth and low-income groups.
- Under-Taxation of Harmful Products like Bidis: Bidis, the most consumed smoked tobacco product, are exempt from the GST compensation cess. Despite causing harm similar to cigarettes, they generate very low tax revenue and are widely used by low-income populations, reducing the deterrent effect of taxation.
- Reduced Price Deterrence: After GST, the share of excise duty fell sharply (e.g., from 54% to 8% for cigarettes), weakening the price-based disincentive for tobacco use.
- Industry Manipulation of Ad Valorem Taxes: GST relies heavily on ad valorem taxes (based on product price), which are easier for the tobacco industry to manipulate through pricing strategies. Without specific excise duties, companies can keep prices low, making harmful products like bidis and cheap cigarettes affordable to the masses.
What reforms can align tobacco taxes with health goals? (Way forward)
- Introduce or Increase Specific Excise Duties: Add a fixed per-unit tax (specific excise) on tobacco products along with GST. Eg: Countries like the Philippines combine ad valorem and specific taxes, leading to higher prices and lower consumption.
- Raise GST and Cess to Statutory Limits: Increase GST on tobacco to the legal ceiling of 40% and expand the GST Compensation Cess to include under-taxed products like bidis. Eg: Bidis, used by the poor and causing major health harm, are not covered under the cess, reducing their tax burdenand health deterrence.
- Link Tax Policy with Inflation and Income Growth: Regularly update tobacco taxes to offset rising incomes and inflation, preventing increased affordability over time. Eg: WHO recommends adjusting taxes annually so that tobacco doesn’t become more affordable even if incomes rise.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
Linkage: The article talks about the GST replaced many older taxes like VAT and excise duty, helping create a single national market. Although GST collections have steadily grown—reaching ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25—the revenue from tobacco (about ₹551 billion a year) is much less than the huge cost of tobacco-related health problems, which is ₹2,340 billion every year.
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Why in the News?
Recently, the world’s growing preference for military force over peaceful talks have made India’s old policy of staying neutral and keeping strategic independence no longer enough.
Why is India’s neutrality no longer viable in the current global conflicts?
- Erosion of Strategic Leverage in Multilateral Crises: Neutrality has diminished India’s influence during major global conflicts where clear moral or strategic stands are expected. Eg: During the Israel-Iran conflict, India’s equidistant stance failed to garner goodwill from Iran, while Israel saw no added strategic value either.
- Increased Global Polarisation and Military Alignments: The world is now split into rival power groups, and staying neutral is often seen as being unsure or unwilling to take a stand. Eg: The U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites with bunker buster bombs, along with the growing China-Russia-Iran partnership, shows that being neutral in such a situation can actually be a liability and hurt a country’s interests.
- Loss of Support from Traditional Partners: India’s neutral approach during its own security crises has failed to rally international support. Eg: During the recent India-Pakistan conflict, most West Asian countries and even the U.S. remained non-committal, despite India’s outreach in the Global South.
- Reduced Credibility of Non-Alignment in a Hard Power World: Global forums are increasingly emphasising military strength over moral positioning. Neutrality is no longer seen as leadership. Eg: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the U.S. stressed hard power and Indo-Pacific dominance, sidelining softer, non-aligned narratives like India’s.
What are the threats posed by the China-Pakistan military alliance?
- Two-Front War Scenario: India faces the real risk of a coordinated military confrontation on both eastern and western borders. Eg: During the India-Pakistan conflict in May, intelligence revealed Pakistan’s preparedness using Chinese-supplied J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets, suggesting synchronised planning with China.
- Enhanced Pakistani Military Capabilities: China’s transfer of advanced weaponry has significantly boosted Pakistan’s defence systems, improving its precision strike and surveillance capacity. Eg: Chinese radar, missile systems, and drone technology are now integrated into Pakistan’s command and control network, enhancing its offensive potential against India.
- Asymmetric Nuclear Threat: The alliance magnifies the nuclear imbalance in the region, putting India at a strategic disadvantage. Eg: China and Pakistan together possess nearly a 5:1 advantage in nuclear warheads over India, escalating the deterrence challenge and increasing the risk of nuclear brinkmanship.
How has India’s Israel-Iran policy impacted its West Asia standing?
- Loss of Credibility as a Neutral Mediator: India’s attempt to balance ties between Israel and Iran has diluted its influence in the region, as it failed to take a principled stand when it was needed most. Eg: During the Israel-Iran conflict, India’s mere call for “restraint on all sides” disappointed Iran, which expected vocal support against targeted attacks by Israel and the U.S.
- Strained Relations with Key Regional Powers: India’s visible tilt towards Israel in recent years has alienated several West Asian countries, undermining its strategic and energy interests. Eg: India’s growing defence and technology cooperation with Israel has made its Iran policy less credible, especially after Iran was diplomatically isolated in the recent conflict.
What are the reforms needed to prepare India for a two-front war? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Long-Duration War Capabilities: India must boost its ammunition reserves, logistics systems, and supply chain resilience to sustain prolonged conflicts on both fronts. Eg: The UK’s defence audit revealed critical gaps in its own war readiness—India too must conduct similar assessments to plug vulnerabilities.
- Develop Advanced Technologies and AI Warfare: Investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone warfare, loitering munitions, and electromagnetic systems is crucial to match modern battlefield requirements. Eg: Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war show the growing role of AI-guided drones and precision weapons in shaping war outcomes.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
Linkage: India’s role in emerging strategic alliances, emphasizing the need to understand how new groupings can re-shape India’s influence and standing in global politics. The article underscores that India’s foreign policy is currently facing an “existential crisis” due to events like the India-Pakistan conflict, the China-Pakistan nexus, and the Israel-Iran conflict, where “neutrality is no longer an option.
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Why in the News?
The proposed changes in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 allowing tax officials to access a person’s “virtual digital space” during search and seizure have sparked strong debate about privacy, government surveillance, and misuse of power.
What is the current legal framework for tax-related search and seizure?
- Under Section 132 of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, search and seizure powers are currently restricted to physical spaces like houses, offices, and lockers.
- These powers are exercised based on a reasonable suspicion of undisclosed income or assets, and apply only to the person under investigation.
What does the new proposal change?
- Expansion to digital realm: The new proposal includes access to emails, cloud storage, social media accounts, digital applications, and vaguely “any other space of similar nature.”
- Override of access barriers: Authorities can override access codes of devices to enter these digital spaces.
- Open-ended scope: The vague phrasing leaves room for nearly any digital platform to fall under scrutiny, exposing data beyond the individual concerned.
What are the privacy risks of allowing tax access to digital spaces?
- Deep intrusion into personal life: Digital spaces like emails, social media, and cloud drives contain private, non-financial information. Their access exposes not just the individual but also their family, friends, and professional networks.
- Risk to confidentiality: Professionals like journalists and lawyers could have confidential sources and sensitive data compromised, affecting freedom of expression and legal rights.
- Lack of oversight: The provision allows tax authorities to bypass judicial warrants, violating principles of transparency, accountability, and privacy.
What is the Proportionality Principle?
Proportionality Principle is a legal doctrine that ensures any action taken by the State—especially those that limit fundamental rights—must be reasonable, necessary, and least restrictive in achieving a legitimate aim. |
How does the proposal violate the proportionality principle?
- Absence of judicial safeguards: The proposal allows tax authorities to access an individual’s digital data without prior judicial approval or warrant. In contrast, the U.S. Supreme Court in Riley vs California mandated warrants before accessing digital content due to the sensitive nature of personal data.
- No relevance filter for accessed data: The provision lacks a clear distinction between financial and non-financial data, enabling authorities to access personal content unrelated to tax evasion. For instance, a journalist’s device could reveal confidential sources and communications, compromising press freedom.
- Fails the least intrusive means test: The measure does not explore less invasive options to meet enforcement goals and grants sweeping powers without ensuring necessity. The Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy case clearly stated that any restriction on privacy must be necessary and adopt the least intrusive method.
Which global safeguards can India adopt for digital searches?
- Judicial Authorization Before Search: In Canada, Section 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms mandates that searches (including digital) must be pre-approved by a neutral and impartial judge, based on reasonable and probable grounds. This ensures accountability and protects citizens from arbitrary intrusions.
- Warrant Requirement for Digital Devices: In the United States, the Supreme Court ruling in Riley v. California (2014) held that law enforcement must obtain a warrant before accessing data on cell phones, given the deeply personal nature of digital information. This aligns digital privacy with Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches.
- Taxpayer Bill of Rights: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforces the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which guarantees that searches are not more intrusive than necessary and are conducted with due process. It emphasizes that digital investigations must follow legal safeguards, respecting taxpayer privacy.
Way forward:
- Mandate Judicial Oversight and Clear Warrants: Any access to an individual’s digital space must require prior approval from a neutral judicial authority, based on tangible evidence and specific relevance to the tax investigation.
- Define ‘Virtual Digital Space’ Narrowly and Precisely: The term should be clearly limited to platforms directly linked to financial transactions, excluding unrelated personal data, to prevent excessive intrusion and ensure proportionality.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.
Linkage: This question directly addresses the fundamental right to privacy, which is the central concern raised by the proposed digital search powers in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025. The article explicitly states that the Bill “raises significant concerns about privacy, overreach, and surveillance” and emphasizes that “The right to privacy cannot and must not be eroded under the garb of regulatory action”.
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Why in the News?
Recently, the three-language rule in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has caused a new dispute in Maharashtra, showing people’s worries about language and political disagreements.
What are the key features of the three-language policy under NEP 2020?
- Mandatory Learning of Three Languages: All students must learn three languages during their school education.
- Flexible Language Choice: States and schools have the autonomy to choose any two Indian languages and one foreign language, removing the compulsion of Hindi.
- Promotion of Multilingualism: Emphasis on learning regional, national, and global languages, thereby fostering cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction: Preference is given to teaching in the mother tongue or regional language at least up to Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8.
- No Imposition of Any Language: The policy avoids mandatory imposition of Hindi or any other language across the country.
- Implementation Based on Demand: A minimum of 20 students must demand a specific third language in a school for it to be introduced.
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Why has the implementation of the three-language policy sparked resistance in States like Maharashtra?
- Fear of Hindi Imposition: Despite the NEP 2020’s flexibility, there is a strong perception that Hindi is being prioritised as the default second language, especially after Maharashtra’s decision to make Hindi mandatory till Class 5.
- Threat to Regional Identity: The policy is seen as undermining Marathi linguistic and cultural identity, which has historically been a sensitive issue in the State.
- Distrust in Government Intentions: The formation of a committee rather than outright scrapping of the decision raised suspicion about hidden agendas, including the promotion of the Right-wing ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’ ideology.
How does the perceived imposition of Hindi affect regional linguistic identity and federal harmony?
- Resentment in Non-Hindi Speaking States: Imposing Hindi is perceived as marginalising regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Malayalam, causing strong backlash. Eg: Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the three-language formula, invoking the “anti-Hindi imposition” movementdating back to the 1960s.
- Weakening of Linguistic Pluralism and Diversity: Promoting one language risks diluting India’s multilingual fabric, which is essential for preserving cultural identity and inclusiveness. Eg: In North-East India, states like Manipur and Nagaland have expressed concerns over losing native tongues due to Hindi-centric policies.
- Strain on Federal Relations: Perceived language imposition creates friction between the Centre and States, weakening cooperative federalism and leading to policy resistance. Eg: Several southern states have demanded greater autonomy in education policy, arguing that central language decisions ignore regional aspirations.
What is the relevance of the three-language policy for academic purposes?
- Promotes Inclusivity and Communication in Diverse Settings: Multilingual proficiency helps students communicate across regions, fostering national integration and better participation in higher education and jobs. Eg: A student from Kerala who knows Hindi and English can study or work in northern India or abroad more comfortably.
- Enhances Cognitive and Learning Abilities: Learning multiple languages improves memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, aiding overall academic performance. Eg: Studies show that multilingual students often perform better in tasks requiring attention and multitasking.
- Improves Access to Knowledge and Resources: Knowing more than one language enables students to access a broader range of textbooks, research, and cultural literature, enriching their academic experience. Eg: A student fluent in English and a regional language can read both international academic content and local history or literature.
What are the challenges do schools face in offering diverse language options under the policy?
- Limited Availability of Qualified Language Teachers: Most schools lack trained teachers for non-regional or less commonly spoken languages, making it hard to implement true linguistic diversity. Eg: A school in Bihar may struggle to find teachers for Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam, even if students want to learn them.
- Low Student Demand for Minority Languages: The policy requires a minimum of 20 students to demand a language for it to be introduced, which excludes smaller linguistic communities. Eg: In many Hindi-speaking regions, languages like Telugu or Bengali are not offered due to insufficient student numbers.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Teacher Training and Language Infrastructure: Invest in recruiting and training teachers for a wider range of Indian languages, and develop teaching materials in collaboration with state language boards.
- Ensure Flexibility and Regional Autonomy: Allow States and schools to adapt the three-language policy based on local linguistic demographics, ensuring inclusivity without enforcing a one-size-fits-all model.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.
Linkage: This question is related to “Diversity and pluralism,” which directly talk about the language as a cultural element. The article highlights how language can become a point of contention, with some seeing a uniform language policy as essential for national identity, while others view it as an “imposition” that undermines the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India.
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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.
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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.
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Why in the News?
On May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court gave a key judgment revisiting earlier cases on senior lawyer designation. Though overlooked as an internal court issue, it raised concerns about inequality in the legal profession, elitism, and the fairness of classifying lawyers under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
What are the legal issues with the senior advocate designation?
- Arbitrary Classification under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961: Section 16 allows courts to classify lawyers into “senior advocates” and others based on vague terms like “ability” or “standing at the Bar”, which lack objective benchmarks. It has been challenged as violative of Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution because it creates unequal treatment among equals without a clear rationale.
- Lack of Objective Selection Process in Court Rules: The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 prescribe procedures for designation but allow subjective discretion, enabling possible favouritism or bias. Eg: Rule 2 of Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules allows for pre-audience to senior advocates, reinforcing hierarchical privilege without transparency in how they are chosen.
- Undermines Egalitarian Access to Justice: Designation often leads to a concentration of influence among a few, marginalising others and affecting diversity in courtroom representation. Eg: In Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India (2017), the Court upheld the validity of Section 16 but did not address how it leads to systemic exclusion, especially of women and underprivileged lawyers, conflicting with constitutional ideals of equality and non-discrimination.
Why is the 2025 Jitender judgment seen as inadequate?
- Did Not Address Constitutional Validity of Section 16: The 2025 judgment failed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which creates a classification between senior advocates and other advocates. The Court did not refer the matter to a larger Bench for a deeper constitutional review. The classification was upheld without addressing whether it was arbitrary or led to inequality in the legal profession.
- Acknowledged Subjectivity but Retained Flawed Process: The Court admitted that the point-based assessment system used to designate senior advocates is “highly subjective”, yet it retained the application-based process. This allows judges’ discretion to continue dominating the selection process, opening space for favoritism and elite networks. Eg: Many competent lawyers are left out simply because they lack access to the corridors of power.
- Missed Opportunity to Promote Inclusiveness and Reform: Instead of proposing systemic change, the Court left it to High Courts to frame rules, without tackling the core issue of representation. The process continues to exclude women, Dalits, and those from less privileged backgrounds, reinforcing elitism in the judiciary. Eg: The designation process continues to favour a “creamy layer” of elite lawyers, limiting judicial diversity.
What are the factors fueling inequality in the legal profession?
- Unequal Access to Quality Legal Education: Aspiring lawyers from rural or low-income backgrounds often lack access to top law schools due to language barriers, lack of coaching, or high costs. Eg: Students from remote areas rarely make it to National Law Universities, which limits their exposure and opportunities.
- Urban Concentration of Legal Opportunities: Legal practice in metropolitan cities attracts more recognition, clients, and judicial exposure compared to small-town lawyers. Eg: Talented advocates in lower courts of Bihar or Odisha are often overlooked for high-profile cases or designations.
- Subjectivity in Senior Advocate Designation: The selection process often favours those with elite networks or familiarity with judges, sidelining equally competent but lesser-known lawyers. Eg: Women and Dalit lawyers remain significantly underrepresented among senior advocates.
Way forward:
- Transparent and Inclusive Designation Process: Develop a merit-based, transparent system for designating senior advocates with clear evaluation criteria. Include diverse representation (e.g., women, marginalized groups) in selection committees to promote judicial inclusiveness.
- Strengthening Legal Education and Access: Expand access to quality legal education through scholarships, regional law schools, and skill-based training in vernacular languages, especially for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds to reduce structural entry barriers.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
Linkage: This question prompts an evaluation of the judiciary’s role in achieving “ideals of democracy”. The article talks about the direct counter-narrative to this positive assertion by arguing that the classification of senior advocates, as upheld by Supreme Court judgments in Indira Jaising and Jitender, creates a “legal oligarchy” and perpetuates inequality that can damage the justice delivery system enormously.
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Why in the News?
India has made significant progress in expanding vaccine coverage, with a dramatic drop in the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023. But even though India is not affected by war or extreme poverty like some other countries, it still has the second-highest number of children without any vaccination in the world.
What is the trend in global and Indian vaccine coverage?
- Global Progress: Since 1980, coverage for six major diseases—including measles, polio, and tuberculosis—has doubled worldwide, and the proportion of zero-dose children has fallen to around 75% fewer globally.
- India’s Improvement with Persistent Gaps: India has dramatically reduced zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023, yet still ranks second globally in absolute numbers, indicating significant strides amid ongoing challenges.
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What are zero-dose children?
- Zero-dose children are those who have not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
- They are a crucial performance marker of a country’s immunisation system and indicate inequities in vaccine coverage.
Why are they important for assessing vaccination?
- Reflects health system coverage and equity: A high number of zero-dose children shows that vaccination programmes are not reaching all segments of the population. NFHS-5 (2019–21) Data also showed that full immunisation coverage among children aged 12–23 months was significantly lower in rural and tribal regions compared to urban areas (e.g., Nagaland: 57.8%, compared to Tamil Nadu: 89.8%).
- Indicates social and economic exclusion: The presence of zero-dose children highlights barriers like poverty, low maternal education, and marginalisation. Eg: Urban slums with high migrant populations tend to have more zero-dose children due to lack of awareness and access.
- Warns of vulnerability to disease outbreaks: Areas with many zero-dose children are more likely to face outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Eg: Measles outbreaks are more common in districts with poor immunisation coverage.
Why does India still have a high number of zero-dose children despite adequate resources?
- High birth rate increases absolute numbers: India has the highest number of annual births globally. In 2023, India had around 23 million births, making even a small percentage of zero-dose children translate into a large number.
- Geographical and logistical challenges: Remote tribal areas, urban slums, and migrant populations are harder to reach due to terrain, mobility, and poor infrastructure. E.g., children in parts of Meghalaya or urban Delhi, slums often miss vaccinations due to lack of access and follow-up.
- Socio-cultural barriers and vaccine hesitancy: Low maternal education, religious beliefs, and misinformation lead to vaccine hesitancy in certain communities. Eg: In some Muslim households or among Scheduled Tribes, distrust or misinformation about vaccines limits uptake.
How has India’s zero-dose child rate changed over time, especially post-COVID?
- Steady decline before the pandemic: Between 1992 and 2016, India reduced the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% to 10.1%, showing consistent improvement in immunisation outreach.
- Sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic: Disruptions in health services led to a surge in zero-dose children, increasing from 1.4 million in 2019 to 2.7 million in 2021, reversing years of progress.
- Partial recovery after the pandemic: The number dropped to 1.1 million in 2022 but rose again to 1.44 million in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges in sustaining immunisation coverage.
Where are zero-dose children mainly located in India?
- High-burden states in northern and central India: Large numbers of zero-dose children are concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, which have large populations and gaps in last-mile immunisation delivery.
- Northeastern and underserved regions: A relatively high proportion is also found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, where geographic inaccessibility, scattered populations, and weaker health infrastructure pose challenges.
What actions are needed for India to meet the WHO’s 2030 immunisation target?
- Expand and intensify targeted immunisation drives: Strengthen last-mile delivery through regular and focused vaccination campaigns in underserved regions. Eg: Mission Indradhanush and its intensified versions could increase immunisation coverage in low-performing districts.
- Strengthen community-level engagement and awareness: Promote behavioural change and reduce vaccine hesitancy through culturally tailored IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. Eg: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) encourages institutional deliveries and postnatal care, which can be used to ensure timely vaccination of newborns.
- Integrate immunisation with digital health monitoring systems: Use technology for real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and follow-up in high-birth and high-risk areas. Eg: eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) monitors vaccine stocks and cold chain availability, improving efficiency and reducing wastage.
Conclusion: India’s immunisation journey shows a mixed reality, while the country is a global leader in vaccine development, it still struggles to ensure all its children receive basic immunisation. Closing this gap is important not just for public health but also for social fairness and overall development. The need is even more urgent because India has the highest number of newborns in the world. The Immunisation Agenda 2030 should be treated as a national priority.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?
Linkage: It explicitly deals with “vaccines” and “Indian vaccine manufacturers”. While it focuses on COVID-19 vaccines, the discussion around vaccine functionality and production capacity is fundamentally linked to the broader challenge of “Vaccinating India” and reaching “zero-dose children” for various preventable diseases.
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Why in the News?
A new series by The Lancet highlights a major shift in global health. Type 2 diabetes, which earlier affected mostly older people, is now increasing quickly among those under 40. Around 260 million young adults worldwide already have the disease.
What distinguishes early-onset type 2 diabetes from adult-onset in impact?
- Longer disease duration with increased complications: Being diagnosed at a younger age means living longer with the disease, increasing the risk of complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage throughout life. A 25-year-old with diabetes may face multiple health issues by age 40, compared to someone diagnosed at 55.
- Greater loss in life expectancy: Individuals diagnosed before the age of 30 can lose up to 15 years of life expectancy, whereas older adults diagnosed later typically lose fewer years. A young adult may not survive past their 60s if the disease is poorly managed, while an older adult may live well into their 70s or 80s.
- More disruption to personal and economic life: Early onset affects critical life stages like education, job opportunities, and family planning, placing greater mental and financial stress. A person in their 20s may have to drop out of college or limit employment due to frequent medical care needs.
Why is early-onset diabetes a major concern for Indian health systems?
- Rising burden on already stretched public healthcare: India’s healthcare system is under pressure from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Early-onset diabetes increases the demand for long-term care, monitoring, and medication. A 2023 ICMR study found that more than 25% of diabetes cases in India are now diagnosed before the age of 40.
- Economic impact on productivity and workforce: Early-onset diabetes reduces an individual’s healthy working years and impacts productivity, especially in labour-intensive sectors. According to the ICMR 2023 study, diabetic workers lose an average of 7–8 additional workdays annually, leading to reduced output, absenteeism, and rising employer costs.
- Greater lifetime healthcare costs and complications: Early diagnosis leads to decades-long care, including medication, check-ups, and complication management, increasing costs for families and public health insurance. Eg: A young diabetic using insulin, requiring eye and kidney screenings, adds a heavy burden on schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
How do socio-economic and environmental factors drive its rise?
- Unhealthy food environments and marketing: Easy availability and aggressive marketing of processed and sugary foods through social media influence poor dietary habits among youth. Eg: Fast food delivery apps and influencer-driven trends promote ultra-processed snacks in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Inequality in access to healthcare and lifestyle management: Low-income groups lack access to nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and preventive healthcare, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. Eg: Children in urban slums of Kolkata face limited health awareness and inactivity, raising early-onset diabetes risk.
- Impact of early-life undernutrition and developmental challenges: Poor maternal nutrition, low birth weight, and childhood undernourishment raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, even without obesity. Eg: In rural Madhya Pradesh, undernourished children show insulin resistance despite having a low BMI.
Why is prevention more effective than treatment in tackling this issue?
- Reduces lifelong health burden and complications: Preventing diabetes avoids decades of medication, monitoring, and risks of complications like kidney or heart disease. Eg: Promoting physical activity and healthy diets in schools can reduce diabetes risk and future hospital visits.
- More cost-effective for individuals and health systems: Prevention strategies like awareness campaigns and food policies cost less than long-term drug therapy and hospitalisation. Eg: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, adopted in over 100 countries, has reduced sugary drink sales and lowered obesity-related costs.
- Addresses root causes and promotes healthy behaviours: Focusing on prevention changes social and environmental conditions that lead to obesity and diabetes. Eg: Urban planning with parks, pedestrian paths, and fitness centres encourages active lifestyles, lowering diabetes risk.
Way forward:
- Strengthen preventive public health strategies: Implement nationwide programs promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and early screening in schools and communities to reduce risk factors from a young age.
- Ensure equitable access to care and awareness: Expand access to affordable diagnosis, lifestyle counselling, and essential medicines in both urban and rural areas, especially targeting low-income and high-risk groups.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges, and what steps need to be taken to meet them?
Linkage: This question directly addresses “newer health challenges” and the steps required to meet them. The need for “urgent investment in prevention, early diagnosis and targeted care” mentioned in the article directly aligns with the “steps to be taken” aspect of this question.
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Why in the News?
A big controversy has started in Kerala after the Governor put up a picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ in an official room at the Raj Bhavan, leading to a clash between the Governor and the elected state government.
What is the origin and evolution of the Bharat Mata image?
- Origin in literary and artistic nationalism: The concept of Bharat Mata originated in the late 19th century through Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, which introduced the idea of Banga Mata (Mother Bengal). Later, Abanindranath Tagore painted a four-armed woman resembling a Hindu goddess in 1905, which was popularised by Sister Nivedita as Bharat Mata.
- Evolution into a political symbol: During the Indian freedom movement, Bharat Mata evolved into a powerful emotional symbol representing the nation’s collective identity. While the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ became widespread, no specific image was officially adopted. Post-independence, the concept remained cultural but was not recognised in any constitutional or legal form.
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What is the Governor’s role in relation to decisions of the elected state government?
- Constitutional Head: The Governor is the nominal head of the state and must act based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as per Article 163 of the Constitution. For instance, decisions on official functions, such as placing portraits or symbols, must follow government directions.
- No Independent Decision-Making Power: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified in the Constituent Assembly that the Governor has “no functions which he can discharge by himself.” In the Kerala case, the Governor unilaterally placing the Bharat Mata picture at state events goes against this principle.
- Bound by Constitutional Protocols: The Supreme Court has held in multiple judgments (e.g., Nabam Rebia case, 2016) that the Governor cannot act at his discretion in routine matters. Thus, any deviation from official protocol, such as conducting ceremonies with unauthorised symbols, breaches constitutional norms.
How does the Bharat Mata image controversy highlight tension between constitutional norms and cultural nationalism?
- Lack of Constitutional Recognition: The image of Bharat Mata is not recognised by the Constitution like the national flag, emblem, or anthem. Including it in official state functions challenges the principle of secularism and constitutional symbolism, which mandates state neutrality in public symbolism.
- Political and Ideological Association: The specific depiction used by the Governor—a woman in saffron with a lion—is commonly linked to“right-wing outfits”, making it a cultural nationalist representation rather than a universally accepted national symbol. Its use in state ceremonies risks the blurring of state and ideological lines.
- Violation of Democratic Protocol: The elected state government objected to the image’s presence, arguing that no unilateral decision can override collective democratic authority. This reflects the friction between constitutional propriety and the personal or ideological preferences of a constitutional functionary.
Can the Governor act independently in this case?
- No. The Constitution does not permit the Governor to act unilaterally in official matters. Any display of symbols or portraits during official functions must have the State government’s approval. The Governor’s conduct must adhere to constitutional discipline, not personal or ideological preferences.
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How should officials balance personal beliefs with constitutional values? (Way forward)
- Adhere to constitutional obligations over personal ideology – Public officials must act in line with constitutional principles like secularism, equality, and neutrality while performing official duties. For instance, a Governor should follow government protocol during official functions rather than promoting symbols not recognised by the Constitution.
- Separate personal practices from public conduct – While officials are free to hold personal beliefs, they must not impose them in public institutions or state functions. Eg An officer may privately revere a religious symbol but should avoid displaying it in a government office to maintain inclusivity.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.
Linkage: The controversy surrounding the display of a specific picture of Bharat Mata highlights a tension with the “strong secular core” and “inclusive” nature of Indian nationalism. This question explores the principles of Indian secularism, which are central to understanding the debate over how such a concept should be represented and integrated into official functions in a diverse society.
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Why in the News?
In 2022, liver disease rose to become the eighth leading cause of death in India, marking a serious public health issue that had not occurred in the previous five years.
What do sex- and age-wise trends reveal about liver disease deaths in India?
- Sex-wise trend: Male deaths due to digestive diseases (especially liver-related) were 3.5 times higher than female deaths in 2022.
- Liver diseases accounted for 70–75% of digestive disease deaths in men, while in women it ranged between 52–57%.
- Age-wise trend:
– For women, liver-related deaths increased with age, especially in the 65+ age group.
– For men, the highest death rates occurred in the 35–54 age group, pointing to middle-age vulnerability.
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Why are liver disease deaths significantly higher among men than women?
- Higher Alcohol Consumption: A major reason is the wide gender gap in alcohol use—around 19% of men consume alcohol compared to just 1% of women. This significantly increases the risk of liver disease among men. In 2022, 75% of male deaths due to digestive diseases were liver-related, compared to 57.5% in women.
- Middle-Age Vulnerability: Most male deaths from liver disease occur in the 35–54 age group, indicating that lifestyle-related liver damage starts early. In contrast, among women, liver disease deaths are more common in the 65+ age group, often linked to age-related complications rather than lifestyle.
- Biological and Behavioural Differences: Men may be more prone to risk-prone behaviours, including excessive alcohol and meat consumption, both of which are linked to liver damage. Data also shows men consistently have 3 to 3.5 times higher death rates from digestive diseases than women over the last decade.
How do regional differences affect liver and digestive disease mortality?
- Higher Burden in North-Eastern States: Five North-Eastern states recorded over 10% of certified deaths due to digestive diseases in 2022, with Sikkim leading at nearly 20%. This indicates a regional concentration of liver and digestive health issues.
- Lifestyle Factors in the Region: The North-East has the highest combined prevalence of alcohol and meat consumption in India. This overlap may be a key factor contributing to the elevated liver disease burden in the region.
- State-Wise Variation Highlights Public Health Gaps: No other state outside the North-East showed a double-digit share of digestive disease deaths, pointing to geographic health disparities.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): The government launched NP-NCD to tackle non-communicable diseases, including liver disorders, by promoting early diagnosis, screening, and health awareness at the primary healthcare level.
- National Action Plan and Monitoring Framework (NAP-NCD): Aims to reduce harmful alcohol use, improve dietary habits, and promote healthy lifestyles through public campaigns and community outreach, aligning with WHO targets.
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): These centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including counselling on nutrition, lifestyle modification, and screening for liver and digestive diseases, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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What measures can strengthen research on lifestyle-related liver diseases? (Way forward)
- Enhance Data Collection and Surveillance: Develop region-specific health databases that track alcohol and meat consumption, age, and liver disease trends. States like Sikkim and others in the North-East could benefit from focused public health monitoring to identify at-risk populations.
- Promote Longitudinal and Causal Research: Support long-term studies that move beyond correlation to establish causal links between lifestyle choices and liver disease.
- Encourage Community-Based Health Studies: Launch grassroots-level research programs involving local communities to understand dietary habits, alcohol use, and health-seeking behaviour.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Linkage: The increasing deaths due to liver diseases in India, which accounted for a substantial share of digestive system diseases and became the eighth leading cause of death in 2022, highlight a significant public health challenge. This question directly addresses the role of the public healthcare system in containing adverse health impacts and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.
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