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Type: Explained

These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them

  • Gap between allocations for health, outcomes in States 

    Why in the News?

    Realizing the full potential of Union Budget 2024-25 health allocations depends on State-level factors, as states share costs and handle the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

    About the two major Centrally Sponsored initiatives  

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Focuses on improving health infrastructure through health and wellness centres (AB-HWCs), block-level public health units (BPHUs), district public health laboratories (IDPHLs), and critical care hospital blocks (CCHBs).
    • Human Resources for Health and Medical Education (HRHME): Aims to boost medical personnel by building new medical, nursing, and paramedical colleges, increasing seats, and upgrading district hospitals to medical colleges.

    Issue of Low Fund Utilization and Faculty Shortage:

    • Poor Fund Absorption in PM-ABHIM: Fund absorption has been poor, with only 29% used in 2022-23. The reasons are – complex execution structures, reliance on health grants from the 15th FC (only 45% utilized), and delays in construction due to rigid procedures.
    • Low Fund Utilization in HRHME: Utilization of funds in educational infrastructure was only around 25% of the budget estimates in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. 
    • Shortage of teaching faculty: There is a significant shortage of teaching faculty in newly established medical institutions, with over 40% vacancies reported in 11 of the 18 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences.
    • For example, in Uttar Pradesh, 30% of teaching faculty positions were vacant in 2022 for government medical colleges established between 2019-21.
    • Lack of specialist positions: The shortage of specialists affects the establishment and upgrading of medical colleges and district hospitals, with more than a third of sanctioned specialist positions in urban CHCs and two-thirds in rural CHCs remaining vacant as of March 2022.

    How can states work on Fiscal space? (Way forward)

    • Enhanced Budget Planning and Allocation: States should prioritize and allocate funds efficiently for health infrastructure and recurring costs.
    • Strengthening Revenue Generation: States can explore increasing their own revenue sources through improved tax collection, introducing new revenue streams, or enhancing public-private partnerships. 
    • Optimizing Expenditure Management: Implementing better financial management practices, such as cost control measures, transparent procurement processes, and efficient use of existing resources, can help in managing and maximizing the impact of budget allocations for health infrastructure and services.

  • Why gold nuggets are found in quartz veins?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have been curious about why the majority of gold nuggets discovered throughout history have been found in orogenic quartz veins.

    Location and distribution of Gold:

    • Orogenic gold systems are commonly found in mountainous regions where large-scale geological processes, such as the collision of tectonic plates, have occurred.
    • For example, the Himalayas, the Canadian Shield, and the Western Australian goldfields.
    • Large gold nuggets are often found in orogenic quartz veins formed during the tectonic processes that create mountains.
    • These nuggets form because, during earthquakes, the stress on quartz crystals causes a reaction that deposits gold on their surfaces. This process happens repeatedly, leading to the accumulation of gold nuggets.

    Note: 

    • Gold nuggets are naturally occurring pieces of gold that have formed into lumps or chunks. They are typically found in riverbeds, streams, or within rock formations, often in quartz veins.
    • Orogenic quartz veins are quartz veins that form in mountainous regions.

    Findings by Researchers:

      • Piezocatalytic Effect and Gold Accumulation: Researchers discovered that the piezocatalytic effect of quartz under seismic stress causes the accumulation of gold in quartz veins.
        • The piezoelectric quartz crystal generates an electric field when subjected to stress. 
        • This field can drive electrochemical reactions at the interface between the quartz and a surrounding aqueous solution containing dissolved gold. These reactions cause gold to be deposited on the quartz surface. 
      • Seismic Activity and Localized Gold Deposits: The study suggests that gold nuggets in orogenic systems are formed through repeated piezocatalytic reactions over time, driven by natural seismic activity. This process explains the highly localized and interconnected nature of gold deposits within quartz veins.
      Conclusion: Researchers have found that gold nuggets in orogenic quartz veins form through piezocatalytic reactions caused by seismic stress on quartz. This process drives gold deposition on quartz surfaces, explaining the concentration and localization of gold in mountainous regions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Did Corporate Tax cuts increase Wages?

    Why in the News?

    Before the pandemic, the U.S. and India reduced corporate taxes to boost growth but we now we can evaluate their effects.

    Case Study on the Effects of Tax Cuts in the U.S.

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in December 2017, significantly reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. A recent analysis by economists Gabriel Chodorow-Reich, Owen Zidar, and Eric Zwick highlights several key findings:

    • Investment Increase: The TCJA led to an estimated increase in investment of approximately 8% to 14%.
    • GDP Growth: The long-term increase in GDP is projected to be modest, around 0.9%, which is substantially lower than initial expectations.
    • Wage Impact: The increase in annual wages due to the tax cuts was less than $1,000 per worker, contrasting sharply with earlier claims of increases between $4,000 and $9,000.
    • Tax Revenue Decline: The TCJA is expected to result in a long-term reduction in tax revenue of nearly 41%, raising concerns about the fiscal health of the U.S. economy.

    Tax Cuts in India

    In September 2019, India also implemented corporate tax cuts, reducing the rate for existing companies from 30% to 22% and for new companies from 25% to 15%.  The primary reason for this move was to stimulate economic growth and attract investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

    Impact of the Tax cuts:

    • Revenue Loss: The tax cuts resulted in a revenue loss of approximately ₹1 lakh crore in 2020-21.
    • Gig workers (insecure forms of work): Although unemployment has decreased since the pandemic, much of the new employment is in insecure forms of work.
    • Decline in Regular Employment: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in India, the share of regular wage employment fell from 22.8% in 2017-18 to 20.9% in 2022-23.
    • Tax Burden Shift: There has been a notable shift in the tax burden from corporate taxes to individual income taxes. The share of corporate taxes in gross tax revenues fell from about 32% in 2017-18 to 26.5% in 2024-25.

    What must be the next step? ( Way forward)

    • Focus on Future Investment: Policymakers should consider implementing high taxes on existing profits while providing incentives for future investments to stimulate economic activity.
    • Addressing Income Inequality: Tax policies should be designed to ensure that the benefits of tax cuts do not disproportionately favour wealthier individuals or corporations at the expense of wage earners.
    • Evaluating Economic Conditions: Need to evaluate the tax cuts to ensure they are not merely providing short-term benefits without addressing long-term growth and fiscal stability.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  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. (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • How does John Mill’s theory define the Extent of Liberty?

    Why in the News?

    A minor girl’s gang rape in Assam led to Chief Minister Sarma’s anti-Muslim remarks, criticized as hate speech, violating India’s secular Constitution and potentially harming societal harmony, breaching Mill’s Harm Principle.

    What does the Harm Principle Say?

    The harm principle, articulated by philosopher John Stuart Mill in his essay on ‘Liberty’, asserts that the actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to others.

    • Legitimate Use of Power: The only justification for exercising power over any member of a civilized community, against their will, is to prevent harm to others. This means that individual liberties should be respected unless they infringe upon the rights or well-being of others.
    • Self-Regarding vs. Other-Regarding Actions: Mill distinguishes between self-regarding actions (which affect only the individual) and other-regarding actions (which affect others).
      • Society or the state has no right to interfere in self-regarding actions, but it can regulate other-regarding actions that cause harm.
    • Definition of Harm: Harm is defined as wrongful setbacks to interests to which individuals have rights. Mill emphasizes that mere offence or disapproval does not constitute harm.
      • For example, someone may be offended by another’s opinion, but this does not justify restricting that opinion unless it incites violence or causes direct harm.
    • Limitations of Freedom: Mill acknowledges that while individuals should have the freedom to act as they choose, this freedom can be curtailed when their actions pose a significant threat to others. For instance, inciting violence is harmful and justifies state intervention.

    What does Mill say about ‘Freedom of Speech and Expression’?

    • Importance of Free Speech: Mill talks about the idea that all opinions, whether true or false, should be allowed to flourish because they contribute to the pursuit of truth. 
      • Silencing any opinion robs humanity of the opportunity to challenge and refine its beliefs.
    • Truth and Error: Mill argues that the collision of differing opinions helps people correct their errors and strengthen their understanding of the truth. Even false beliefs are valuable as they force us to defend and reinforce our beliefs.
    • Limitations: While Mill strongly advocates for free speech, he acknowledges that it can be limited in cases where speech directly incites harm, such as inciting violence against a specific group. He provides the example of expressing harmful opinions to an agitated crowd, which could lead to immediate danger.
    • Balancing Freedom and Harm: Mill recognizes that while free speech is vital, it must be balanced against the potential harm it might cause, especially when it leads to violence or significant psychological harm to targeted groups.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Enhance laws against hate speech to ensure accountability, balancing the right to free expression with the need to protect societal harmony and prevent violence.
    • Promote Inter-Community Dialogue: Encourage programs fostering tolerance and understanding between communities, reinforcing the secular principles of the Constitution and mitigating divisive rhetoric.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Dealings at a China-Africa forum that India must track

    Why in the News?

    The 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from 4th to 6th September, 2024.

    About the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

    The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000 to enhance the strategic partnership between China and African nations. It serves as a platform for collective dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and development.

    Challenges of China-Africa Debt:

    • Chinese loans to African countries amounted to approximately $170 billion from 2000 to 2022. However, Chinese lenders represent only about 12% of Africa’s total public and private debt, indicating that China is not the primary creditor.
    • A significant portion of Chinese loans is not disclosed in sovereign debt records, complicating the understanding of Africa’s overall debt levels. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the sustainability of these debts.
    • Despite concerns over “debt trap diplomacy,” China is unlikely to forgive or cancel debts but may consider writing off smaller, interest-free loans.

    African Priorities at FOCAC 2024

    • Economic Goals: African nations are focusing on enhancing trade relations with China, with a modest goal of $300 billion in imports from Africa between 2022-2024. As of mid-2024, trade has reached $167 billion, primarily dominated by raw materials.
    • Agricultural Development: There is a pressing need to develop a sustainable agricultural industry in Africa. This includes improving the processing of agricultural commodities and leveraging the expertise of countries like China and India to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
    • Green Energy and Industrialization: African countries are advocating for the establishment of refining and processing hubs to increase the value added from their raw materials.

    What are the learnings that India can have?

    • Continuity in Engagement: India should emphasize consistent engagement with Africa, particularly by organizing the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) to capitalize on recent momentum, especially after the African Union’s inclusion in the G-20.
    • Support for Industrialization: Indian companies are encouraged to invest in higher value-added sectors in Africa, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, to foster local employment and market development.
    • Private Sector Participation: Greater involvement of the Indian private sector is essential, along with innovative financing solutions like public-private partnerships to support projects in Africa.
    • Digital and Financial Connectivity: Utilizing India’s digital stack and establishing rupee-based financial transactions can enhance connectivity and reduce forex risks for African nations.

    Conclusion: India should deepen its strategic partnerships with African nations by expanding bilateral and multilateral engagements, focusing on key sectors like healthcare, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. Leveraging India’s experience in these areas can help address African development needs while enhancing India’s influence on the continent.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • On Germany’s electoral architecture 

    Why in the News?

    On July 30, Germany’s constitutional court approved downsizing the Bundestag, citing concerns over financial strain and efficiency due to its unprecedented 736 deputies.

    (Note: The Bundestag is the Lower house of Germany)

    Why has the German Constitutional Court upheld the move to downsize the lower house of parliament?

    • Constitutional Rationale: The court approved the plan to reduce the size of the Bundestag to improve its efficiency and reduce costs, as it had become the world’s largest elected assembly.
      • The court backed the government’s decision to limit the Bundestag to 630 members by removing “overhang” and “balance” seats, which had caused the number of legislators to grow significantly.
    • Legal Compliance: The court’s decision aligns with previous rulings that emphasized the need for electoral equality and the fair representation of political parties in the Bundestag, ensuring that the election system remains constitutionally valid.

    How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work?

    • Dual Voting System: In Germany, each voter casts two votes in federal elections:
      1. First Vote: Directly elects a candidate from a local constituency via the first-past-the-post method (299 seats).
      2. Second Vote: Chooses a political party, which determines the distribution of another 299 seats proportionally across Germany’s 16 regions.
    • Seat Allocation: The second vote is crucial as it determines the overall proportion of seats each party holds in the Bundestag. The final seat count for each party is based on a combination of directly elected candidates and the proportion of the second vote.
    • Overhang Seats: If a party wins more direct seats than the proportion of the second vote would allow, these extra seats are known as “overhang seats.” These were traditionally retained, leading to an increase in the total number of seats.

    How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work in India?

    • No MMP System in India: India does not use a mixed-member proportional representation system at the national level. The Indian electoral system primarily follows the first-past-the-post method, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins a seat in the parliament.
    • Proportional Representation: In India, proportional representation (Single transferable) is used only in certain cases, such as elections to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and the President.

    Types of Proportional Representation:

    • Single Transferable Vote (STV): This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. It is used to elect members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the President of India.
    • Party-List PR: In this system, voters cast their votes for a party rather than individual candidates. Seats are allocated to each party based on the proportion of votes they receive. A minimum threshold (usually between 3-5%) is often required for a party to gain representation, preventing excessive fragmentation in the legislature.
    • Mixed-Member Proportional Representation (MMP): This combines elements of FPTP and PR, allowing voters to cast two votes—one for a candidate and another for a party. This system aims to balance the benefits of direct representation with proportionality.

    What are balance or overhang seats and why were they deemed Unconstitutional?

    • Overhang Seats: These are additional seats that a party wins when it secures more direct constituency seats than it would be entitled to based on its second vote share. This situation arises due to the mixed-member proportional system.
    • Balance Seats: Introduced to maintain proportionality and fairness, balance seats are given to other parties to offset the overhang seats, ensuring that the overall seat distribution reflects the second vote shares accurately.
    • Unconstitutionality: In 2008, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the increasing number of overhang seats violated the principle of electoral equality. The recent judgment further upheld the move to eliminate these seats to simplify the electoral system and maintain fairness.

    Conclusion: Germany should swiftly implement the downsizing plan, ensuring that the transition to a 630-member Bundestag is smooth and transparent, with clear communication to the public and political parties.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Why did the Centre alter its pension plan?

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved a new Unified Pension Scheme for Central government employees, set to launch on April 1, 2025, benefiting 23 lakh employees.

    What are the main features of the Unified Pension Scheme? 

    • Assured Pension: Employees will receive half of their average basic pay from the last 12 months of service as a monthly pension, provided they have served at least 25 years. A minimum pension of ₹10,000 is guaranteed for those with at least 10 years of service.
    • Family Pension: Dependents will receive 60% of the government worker’s pension upon their demise (death of a person).
    • Inflation Adjustment: Pension incomes will be adjusted for inflation, similar to the dearness relief provided to current employees.
    • Lump Sum Superannuation Payout: A lump sum equivalent to 1/10th of an employee’s salary and dearness allowance for every six months of service, in addition to gratuity benefits.
    • Contributory Mechanism: Employees will contribute 10% of their salary to the pension pool, while the government will contribute 18.5%.

    How is it different from the current pension system?  

    1. Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Provided an assured pension at 50% of the last drawn salary with no contributions required from employees.
      1. It also offered an additional pension for pensioners above 80 years and adjustments based on Pay Commission recommendations.
    2. National Pension System (NPS): Introduced in 2004, it was a defined contribution scheme with 10% contributions from both employees and the government, but without guaranteed pension amounts.
    3. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Combines the assured pension model of OPS with the contributory mechanism of NPS, but with a higher government contribution (18.5%) and a guarantee of certain pension benefits.

    Why did the government feel the need to bring about this change? 

    1. Employee Dissatisfaction with NPS: Government employees, especially those who joined post-2004 under the NPS, were dissatisfied with the uncertainty in pension incomes compared to their predecessors under the OPS.
    2. Political and Electoral Considerations: The issue became politically sensitive, with opposition parties promising to revert to OPS in some states, prompting the central government to address these concerns.
    3. Balancing Aspirations with Fiscal Prudence: The government aimed to find a middle ground that would satisfy employees while maintaining fiscal discipline.

    How have government employees responded?  

    • Positive Reception: Government employees have largely welcomed the UPS as it addresses concerns with the NPS by reintroducing assured pension benefits and increasing the government’s contribution, offering greater financial security in retirement.
    • Reservations: Despite the positive aspects, there are concerns about the continued contributory nature of the scheme and the absence of a commutation option, with employees seeking more clarity on these issues.

    What will be the cost to the exchequer?

    1. Immediate Costs: The UPS is expected to cost an additional ₹7,050 crore this year due to the higher government contribution and arrears for some employees.
    2. Future Financial Impact: While the initial impact will be the additional 4.5% contribution from the government, the assured pensions will increase future government liabilities. However, economists believe this can be managed through higher revenue growth and can be compared to the impact of Pay Commission revisions.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Clear Communication and Transparency: The government should provide detailed guidelines and clarify any remaining ambiguities about the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
    • Plan for Long-Term Fiscal Sustainability: To manage the increased financial burden from the UPS, the government should incorporate these commitments into its fiscal planning, potentially exploring new revenue sources to maintain fiscal prudence while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension scheme.

  • A crisis in WANA that no one talks about 

    Why in the News?

    The fight between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemayti (“My Protector”), has caused severe destruction in Sudan.

    Historical Background of Sudan

    • Civil Strife and Governance: Sudan has a history of civil strife, marked by 15 military coups and two civil wars since its independence in 1956, resulting in 1.5 million deaths and the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The conflict in Darfur has been particularly notable, involving the Janjaweed militia and leading to over 200,000 deaths and millions displaced.
    • Current Crisis Genesis: The ongoing conflict is rooted in the 30 years of autocratic rule by Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019. The subsequent attempts to establish a civilian government failed, culminating in a military coup in October 2021, which led to the current armed conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) starting on April 15, 2023.

    Global Power Competition and Regional Powers Influence

    • Foreign Involvement: Sudan’s conflict has drawn significant foreign interest due to its strategic location and natural resources. Egypt supports the SAF, while Iran backs the SAF despite its rivalry with Egypt. The UAE has emerged as the primary supporter of the RSF, providing weapons and resources. Russia’s Wagner Group has also supported the RSF, while the Kremlin seeks a naval base in Port Sudan.
    • Geopolitical Dynamics: The conflict has created complex alliances, with countries like Chad and Libya also involved. Mercenaries from various regions, including South Sudan and Ukraine, have joined the fray, complicating the conflict further.

    Sudan and Syria Issue:

    • Humanitarian Crisis: Sudan’s crisis is particularly acute due to its strategic location and resource wealth, leading to a massive displacement crisis, with over 10 million people displaced since April 2023
    • Parallel Conflicts: Both Sudan and Syria have experienced severe internal conflicts driven by authoritarian regimes, regional power plays, and foreign interventions, leading to widespread human suffering and instability.

    India’s Strategic Considerations:

    • Economic Interests: India’s trade with Sudan reached $2,034 million in 2022-23, with a significant trade surplus. India has also invested heavily in Sudan’s oil sector, with cumulative investments worth $2.3 billion.
    • Historical Ties: India has maintained strong people-to-people ties with Sudan, including educational exchanges and medical tourism. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit in 2003 reinforced these relations.
    • Humanitarian and Diplomatic Engagement: India evacuated its nationals early in the conflict, but the ongoing crisis may require continued diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to protect its broader interests in the region.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Multilateral Diplomacy: India should collaborate with international bodies like the UN and the African Union to promote peace initiatives in Sudan, leveraging its neutral position to mediate and support conflict resolution efforts that safeguard regional stability and its strategic interests.
    • Expand Humanitarian and Development Aid: India can bolster its humanitarian assistance, focusing on essential services like healthcare and education, while also exploring opportunities for post-conflict reconstruction projects, ensuring long-term economic engagement and goodwill in Sudan.

  • What is the Munich Agreement and the role it played in starting World War II?   

    Why in the News?

    On September 1, 1939, German troops invaded Poland, sparking World War II. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later, on September 3.

    The Sudeten crisis 

    • Background: The Sudeten crisis emerged from Hitler’s demand that the German-majority regions of Czechoslovakia, known as Sudetenland, be ceded to Germany. These regions, with a population of over three million German-speaking people, were part of Czechoslovakia after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire post-World War I. Hitler aimed to incorporate Sudetenland into his vision of a “Greater Germany.”
    • German Occupation: Following the Munich Agreement, German troops occupied Sudetenland from October 1 to October 10, 1938. This occupation was part of Hitler’s broader plan for territorial expansion.

    About the Munich Agreement and changes after that 

    • Signatories: The Munich Agreement was signed on September 29-30, 1938, by Germany, France, Italy, and Great Britain. Czechoslovakia was not a party to the agreement but was pressured into accepting it by the signing powers.
    • Terms: The agreement allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland in exchange for a promise of peace. Great Britain’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who supported the agreement, famously declared it as “peace with honour” after returning from Munich.
    • Terms and Implementation:
      • Plebiscite: Some regions within Sudetenland were subject to a plebiscite for determining their fate.
      • Military Withdrawal: The Czechoslovak government was required to withdraw its military and police forces from Sudetenland and release Sudeten German prisoners within four weeks of the agreement.
    • Aftermath: Despite the Munich Agreement, Hitler violated the terms within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia.
      • The Munich Agreement, intended to appease Hitler and maintain peace, ultimately failed and was seen as a significant misjudgment of dealing with expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Conclusion: The Munich Agreement, meant to appease Hitler by ceding Sudetenland to Germany, failed disastrously. Within six months, Hitler violated the agreement by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, highlighting the dangers of appeasing expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (2021)

  • INS Arighat: India’s second nuclear sub

    Why in the News?

    India’s second nuclear submarine, the Arighaat, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, following rigorous trials conducted over the past few months.

    Status of Navy’s Submarines in India: 

    • Current Fleet: The Indian Navy’s submarine fleet includes two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (INS Arihant and INS Arighaat) and 16 conventional submarines. The Navy is also constructing two additional larger SSBNs.
    • Operational Readiness: The Navy is authorized to maintain a fleet of 18 submarines, but operational availability can be affected by maintenance and refitting schedules, with about 30% of the fleet typically under repair.

    About the newly inducted INS Arighaat

    • INS Arighaat is a 6,000-tonne Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine, which will join its predecessor, INS Arihant, as a vital component of India’s nuclear triad.
    • The submarine can carry up to 12 K-15 SLBMs with a range of approximately 750 km or four K-4 SLBMs exceeding 3,500 km.
      • It is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing compared to the diesel-electric submarine.
    • It will enhance India’s nuclear deterrence, support strategic balance in the region, and play a crucial role in national security.

    How does it significantly strengthen India’s nuclear triad?

    • Enhances Second-Strike Capability:  With two nuclear submarines now operational, India can maintain a constant presence of a submarine patrolling its waters, ready to launch a nuclear strike at short notice in retaliation.  
    • Expands Missile Reach: INS Arighaat is equipped with indigenously developed K-15 missiles with a range of over 700 km and long-lasting availability underwater due to a nuclear-powered engine without surfacing.
    • From the South China Sea, these submarines can potentially target locations in China, including its capital Beijing.  
    • Both of this major developments will provide India with a more balanced and robust nuclear deterrent capability across all three domains – land, air, and sea.

    Way forward: 

    • Indigenous Submarine Development: Accelerate the development and commissioning of indigenous SSBNs (Submersible Ship Ballistic Missile Nuclear) and advanced SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles) to further strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and ensure sustained deterrence capabilities.
    • Strategic Partnerships and Modernization: Enhance collaboration with global naval powers for technology transfers and expertise while modernizing the current submarine fleet to ensure continued operational readiness and address emerging maritime security challenges.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022)