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Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

[9th August 2025] OPED With tariffs, India’s growth rate needs a careful watch

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

The recent U.S. decision to impose a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penal levy on India’s exports marks a sharp turn in bilateral trade relations. While aimed at narrowing the U.S. trade deficit and influencing India’s crude sourcing from Russia, these measures risk slowing India’s GDP growth, widening the Current Account Deficit, and adding pressure on the rupee, making it a key test for India’s economic resilience in an era of rising protectionism.

 

Context:

The United States has imposed two major trade measures against India in August 2025:

  1. 25% Reciprocal Tariff (effective August 7) — in response to U.S. trade imbalance with India.
  2. 25% Penal Levy (effective August 29) — as a consequence of India’s continued oil imports from Russia.

Both actions together could significantly affect India’s exports, GDP growth, and the Current Account Deficit (CAD).

India–U.S.A Trade Snapshot:

  1. Merchandise trade surplus in 2024–25: $41.18 billion in India’s favour.
  2. The U.S. is targeting both exports and imports to narrow this gap.
  3. The penal levy also acts as a non-tariff barrier pushing India to source crude from costlier markets like the U.S. itself.

Potential Economic Implications for India

The combined effect of these tariffs and the penal levy could have severe consequences for India’s economic health.

  • Impact on Trade Balance and Current Account Deficit (CAD):
    1. Export Decline: The immediate and most direct impact will be a sharp decline in India’s exports to the US. Assuming a high import elasticity of -1, the article suggests that exports could fall by 25%.
    2. Widening Trade Deficit: Even with this decline, the overall trade deficit for India is estimated to widen by about 0.56% of GDP.
    3. Current Account Deficit: It is projected to increase from 0.6% to 1.15% of GDP due to the US reciprocal tariffs alone.
  • Effect on GDP Growth Rate:
    1. The decline in exports and the widening of the trade and current account deficits will have a ripple effect on the overall economy.
    2. When both the reciprocal tariffs and the penal levy are taken into account, the total reduction in the growth rate could be even more significant, exceeding 0.6 percentage points.
  • Currency and Inflationary Pressures
    1. Currency Depreciation: This can happen due to the uncertainty and trade deficit. The rupee-dollar exchange rate has already seen pressure, hovering over ₹87.5 since the tariffs were announced.
    2. Inflation: A shift away from Russian oil towards potentially more expensive crude sources, coupled with rising global oil prices, could put significant pressure on domestic inflation.

India’s Strategic Response and Mitigating Factors:

  • Diplomatic and Trade Negotiations:
    1. Negotiating with the US: There is still room for negotiation with the US, especially since a comprehensive trade deal has not been finalized.
    2. Highlighting Unilateralism: India needs to work with other nations to draw global attention to the discriminatory and inequitable nature of the US’s actions, particularly the penal levy imposed over oil imports.
  • Domestic Policy Adjustments:
    1. Diversification of Export Markets: In the long term, reducing dependence on a single large market like the US is crucial.
    2. Review of Import Tariffs: India’s own import tariffs negatively affect its exports. A strategic review and reduction of these tariffs could boost export competitiveness by lowering input costs for Indian producers.
  • Role of Other Factors:
    1. New Trade Agreements: India’s recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK and ongoing negotiations with the European Union could help moderate the adverse impact on the CAD by opening up new markets.
    2. Exchange Rate: The depreciation of the rupee, while a sign of pressure, can also act as a natural buffer by making Indian exports cheaper and more competitive in global markets.

To counter the economic impact of US tariffs, India’s path forward must be two-fold: proactive diplomatic engagement to challenge protectionism, and focused domestic policy reforms to boost export competitiveness. By diversifying its trade partners and refining its own tariff policies, India can fortify its economic resilience against external shocks.

 

Value Addition:

Key Economic Terms

  1. Current Account Deficit (CAD) – when a country imports more goods, services, and capital than it exports.
  2. Import elasticity with respect to tariffs – percentage change in imports in response to a percentage change in tariffs.
  3. Non-tariff barriers – policy measures other than tariffs that restrict imports/exports (e.g., quotas, licensing).
  4. Merchandise trade surplus – when export value exceeds import value for goods.
  5. Exchange rate depreciation – decline in the value of a currency relative to others.

Mains Practice Question:

“Unilateral trade measures by major powers pose a significant challenge to the principles of free and fair trade. In light of recent US tariffs on India, discuss the potential economic consequences for India and critically evaluate the policy options available to mitigate these risks.” (Answer in 250 words)

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pacific Island Nations

[8th August 2025] ​The Hindu Op-ed: Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through a Strategic Partnership Agreement, focusing on defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, while also serving broader strategic goals in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

  1. Strategic Partnership Agreement: The Philippines becomes only the fifth country (after Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and South Korea) with which India has signed such an agreement.
  2. Maritime and Defence Cooperation: The Indian Navy held its first joint maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea. India reaffirmed its support for the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitration Award favouring the Philippines in its dispute with China. Discussions were held to expand defence exports, especially BrahMos missiles and other Indian military hardware. New agreements include exchanges between all three services and Coast Guards.
  3. Connectivity and People-to-People Ties: Both countries agreed to begin direct flights and ease visa restrictions to facilitate travel and business.
  4. Economic and Trade Dimensions:
    • Bilateral trade remains modest at $3.3 billion (2024-25).
    • Investments are growing in technology and pharmaceuticals.
    • Talks to launch a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) have been initiated.
    • India’s decision to revise the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) reflects renewed trade diplomacy.

India’s Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy:

  1. Indo-Pacific strategy beyond the spectrum of Quad: India’s engagement with the Philippines shows its intention to look beyond the Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia) in Indo-Pacific diplomacy. India is pushing for multipolar partnerships, focused on maritime security, trade resilience, and a rules-based international order.
  2. ASEAN & Indo-Pacific Messaging: The Philippines is the incoming chair for ASEAN in 2026 and the coordinator for the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. This gives India a crucial partner to enhance its engagement with the bloc.

Dimensions of India-Philippines Relations

Historical and Cultural Links:

  • Diplomatic relations were formally established on November 26, 1949, soon after both nations gained independence.
  • Historical ties and shared civilizational links, though not fully documented, point to a long-standing connection.
  • A Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1952.
  • India’s “Look East Policy” (1992) and subsequent “Act East Policy” (2014) have been instrumental in revitalizing and intensifying the relationship.
  • 2019: BrahMos missile deal initiated, the Philippines becomes the first foreign buyer

Common Issues and Contemporary Challenges:

  • South China Sea Dispute: Both countries face challenges from China’s expansive territorial claims and assertive actions. India supports international law and a rules-based order, which aligns with the Philippines’ interests.
  • Terrorism and Maritime Security: Both nations are susceptible to terrorism and face non-traditional security threats, making cooperation in these areas crucial.
  • Economic Liberalization and Trade: Navigating the complexities of global trade, especially in the face of protectionist policies from major powers like the U.S., is a common challenge that both countries are addressing through initiatives like the potential PTA.

The recent meeting has elevated India-Philippines ties to a new level, rooted in mutual concerns over regional security, strategic autonomy, and economic cooperation. As ASEAN dynamics evolve and geopolitical tensions rise, such partnerships provide stability and avenues for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. India’s outreach to the Philippines affirms its commitment to an inclusive regional order and diversified diplomacy.

Mains Practice Question:

  1. The recent elevation of India-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership is part of India’s larger Indo-Pacific vision. Discuss the significance of this development in the context of ASEAN, regional security, and India’s Act East Policy.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

[7th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Decoding China, the lessons for a vulnerable India

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations

Recent actions by China, such as the withdrawal of engineers from India, are not isolated events but a deliberate geo-economic manoeuvre. This strategy is driven by China’s apprehension of a rising India and its ambition to maintain a ‘unipolar Asia’. 

Recent Actions Undertaken by China against India’s interest:

  1. Recalling over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone manufacturing facilities in India.
  2. Restricting exports of rare earths and critical minerals to India.
  3. Informal trade restrictions on the export of capital equipment including high-end manufacturing equipment for electronics assembly heavy-duty boring machines and solar equipment to India.

China’s Geo-economic Manoeuvre against India:

“It is a meticulously calibrated stratagem, designed to arrest India’s burgeoning manufacturing ambitions.”

  • Impending Technology Transfer: The withdrawal of the Chinese engineers reflects China’s calculated move to Disrupt technology transfer and Stall India’s capacity-building in advanced electronics manufacturing. By pulling out talent, it ensures that ‘India’s learning curve in high-precision, high-efficiency manufacturing remains steep.’
  • Subtle yet potent strategy: As India positions itself in global supply chains through initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, any delay in technology adoption weakens India’s global competitiveness.
  • Weaponization of Supply Chains: By restricting exports of rare earths, critical minerals, and high-end manufacturing equipment, China leverages its control over global supply chains to disrupt India’s industrial ambitions. These informal trade restrictions are non-transparent and hence are hard to contest, create uncertainty and increase costs.
  • Weaponising Overcapacity: Price War as Strategy: China’s industrial overproduction is used deliberately to crash prices and drive out competition. BYD in electric vehicles is flooding global markets with ultra-cheap products. This makes it hard for nations like India to compete fairly, stalling local industries.

Difference in Manufacturing Ecosystems of India and China:

China

India
Systemic Industrial Dominance:

1. Not accidental, but strategic: China’s industrial pre-eminence is not trivial, it has been built through decades of strong policies, investments, and planning.

2. Covers critical and emerging sectors:

Like, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, Electric Vehicles (EVs)

3. Controls global supply chains:

China does not merely export goods, it orchestrates and controls global supply chains, from raw materials to finished products.

4. Weaponising overcapacity: Overproduction (a sign of weakness elsewhere) is strategically used by China to lower global prices, making it hard for other countries to compete.

5. Aggressive pricing = market capture:

This stifles new competitors and helps China maintain dominance.

6. Economic statecraft by China: China uses its manufacturing power as a geo-economic tool to stay ahead globally and protect its export-driven economy.

 Challenges Faced:

1. Nascent Manufacturing Ecosystem:

Compared to China, India is still in the early stages of becoming a global manufacturing power.

2. Facing many hurdles: Poor infrastructure infrastructure lacunae)

3. Complex government procedures (bureaucratic red tape)

4. High import dependence: India still imports many critical components like Semiconductors, Sophisticated chips, Sensors, Engines

5. Limited local capability:

Even basic assembly-level manufacturing (referred to as “screwdriver technology“) depends on external help.

6. “Make in India” needs outside support:

While the goal is self-reliance, India is still not fully capable of producing independently, especially in high-tech sectors.

India’s Strategic Dilemma: Even as India tries to de-risk from China by aligning with the West, it faces challenges like US tariff hikes on Indian goods and Exemptions given to China despite its pro-Russia stance. This underscores the need for true strategic autonomy building resilient internal capacities rather than over-dependence on foreign goodwill.

Way Forward:

Based on China’s strategy of weaponizing its supply chains, India should adopt a multi-pronged response to enhance its own strategic and economic resilience.

  1. Bolster Domestic Manufacturing: India must double down on initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to reduce its import dependence on high-value electronics and components.
  2. Diversify Supply Chains and Sourcing: Actively seek alternative suppliers and build resilient supply chains with like-minded countries to reduce over-reliance on a single nation for critical goods. For example, India is a part of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), a trilateral framework with Japan and Australia.
  3. Invest in Strategic Alliances: India should utilize multilateral platforms such as the Quad and forge bilateral partnerships to secure access to critical minerals and technologies.
  4. Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Exploration: It is essential to intensify domestic exploration and processing of critical minerals through missions like the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to achieve self-reliance.
  5. Leverage Economic Diplomacy: India should use trade agreements and international forums like the WTO to challenge informal trade restrictions and protect its emerging industries from coercive practices.

China’s aggressive external policies are a direct result of its domestic problems, such as an aging population and economic overcapacity. This forces it to rely on exports, making any competitor like India a perceived threat. As Henry Kissinger said, “Empires have no interest in operating within an international system; they aspire to be the international system.” This highlights the need for India to build its own strategic autonomy and avoid relying on fragile alliances.

 

Value Addition:

Quotes by Famous Scholars that can be used in the India-China Relation Topic:

1. “India lives in a tough neighbourhood. It needs to be wise, not merely strong.” — Shivshankar Menon

2. “In geopolitics, economics is not just policy — it’s a weapon.” — Henry Kissinger

 

Mains Practice Questions:

GS2 (IR): “China’s geo-economic manoeuvres are a reflection of its internal compulsions and not just strategic rivalry.” Elucidate with reference to recent developments in India-China trade relations.

GS3 (Economy): “India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub faces challenges both internal and external.” Discuss the role of strategic autonomy in achieving self-reliance in electronics and high-tech sectors.

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Direct Benefits Transfers

[6th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state

op-ed snap | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

The promise to deliver social welfare at scale, using data-driven algorithms, may be at the cost of ‘democratic norms’ and ‘political accountability’

India’s welfare model is undergoing a silent but radical transformation. What was once a deliberative system grounded in rights and citizen needs is now morphing into a technocratic model governed by data, code, and efficiency. This shift raises a key question: Can dignity and justice survive when welfare becomes measurable but impersonal?

From Entitlement to efficiency: The new welfare playbook

Over the past decade, India has moved from rights-based entitlements to an algorithm-led delivery model—what scholars call a technocratic calculus.

  • Aadhaar: Over 1 billion enrolled; enables biometric verification to curb duplicate beneficiaries.
  • DBT (Direct Benefit Transfers): 1,206 schemes unified under Aadhaar; ₹3.48 lakh crore saved via leakages plugged.
  • CPGRAMS and grievance portals: 36 digital platforms now streamline complaints.

That’s the infrastructure. But the implications run deeper. This marks a shift from deliberative welfare (based on rights and dialogue) to calculative welfare (based on metrics like coverage, leakage, speed).

Promises vs. Perils:

1. Efficiency vs. Empathy

Welfare delivery is now fast, traceable, and auditable. But it risks treating citizens as data profiles, not as individuals with needs. Algorithms can’t ask moral questions. Bureaucrats avoid hard choices by letting systems decide.

2. Political Accountability Diluted

Leaders now point to dashboards instead of taking responsibility. Decisions on who deserves support are increasingly delegated to code.

3. Institutions Under Strain

  • RTI backlog: Over 4 lakh pending cases (June 2024)
  • Vacant CIC posts: Weakens transparency
  • CPGRAMS: Acts more like a ticketing system, not a democratic grievance platform. Visibility is centralised, but not responsibility.

4. Shrinking Social Sector Investment

  • Welfare spending has dropped from 21% to 17% of GDP (2014–2025)
  • For vulnerable groups (SCs, minorities, labour, nutrition), allocations shrank from 11% pre-COVID to just 3%
  • The paradox: as delivery gets smarter, commitments get thinner.

The Deeper democratic concern:

When welfare turns technical, it becomes less political. Philosopher Habermas warned of this: expert-rule can silence democratic debate. In India’s case, welfare governance is increasingly auditable, but less answerable.

What Needs Fixing? 

  1. Embed human judgement in digital systems: Algorithms should aid, not override, political reasoning.
  2. Revive deliberative spaces: Local bodies, gram sabhas, and social audits must regain teeth.
  3. Reinvest in social sector spending: Efficiency must not justify austerity.
  4. Reimagine grievance redressal: Make platforms citizen-centric, not just data-driven.

Way forward:

  1. Federal Pluralism: Empower States to design context-sensitive welfare regimes, reinforcing federalism and pluralism.
  2. Impact Audits: Institutionalise community-driven impact audits through Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
  3. Platform Cooperatives: Build platform cooperatives in all States with self-help groups as intermediaries, inspired by Kerala’s Kudumbashree.
  4. Civic Engagement: Incentivise civil society to promote grassroots political education and establish legal aid clinics for  stronger community accountability.
  5. Resilience Mechanisms: Strengthen and codify offline fallback systems, human feedback safeguards, and statutory bias audits.
  6. Digital Rights: Embed the “right to explanation and appeal” in digital governance frameworks, in line with UN Human Rights recommendations.

Digital welfare is not the problem. The problem is when it replaces, not supports, democracy. India must blend technology with trust, efficiency with empathy, and code with conscience. Only then can welfare remain a tool for justice—not just for savings.

Possible GS2 Mains Question:

  1. India’s welfare governance has shifted from rights-based entitlement to algorithmic delivery. Critically examine the democratic and institutional implications of this shift. Suggest reforms to align technology with constitutional values.

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Electoral Reforms In India

A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People's Act

As questions emerge over the conduct of elections in India, restoring faith in the Election Commission is crucial to safeguarding democratic legitimacy.

Context and Relevance (GS2 – Polity and Governance, Constitutional Bodies):

The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutionally mandated body under Article 324, is once again in the spotlight. Following the 2024 general elections, allegations from political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, have cast a shadow over the Commission’s neutrality and transparency. These charges revive a critical debate: Can India’s democracy survive without full public trust in its electoral machinery? The answer lies in the integrity, independence, and accountability of the Election Commission, one of the bedrocks of India’s representative democracy.

Why Is Electoral Credibility So Vital?

  1. Democratic legitimacy stems not just from elections being conducted, but from them being widely perceived as free, fair, and impartial.
  2. If losers in elections feel the process was biased or manipulated, public trust erodes, similar to a rigged court trial or fixed sporting match.
  3. Thus, electoral bodies must maintain absolute transparency to avoid a crisis of trust.

What are the Allegations?

  1. Discrepancies in Voter Rolls: A Member of Parliament has hinted at large-scale discrepancies in the 2024 elections. Tejashwi Yadav alleged that his name was missing from the electoral rolls in Bihar due to a mismatch in his EPIC (voter ID) number.
  2. Opacity in VVPAT Functioning: The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), a critical component of EVMs, has been flagged for lack of transparency. Unlike the Ballot Unit and Control Unit, the VVPAT contains software and is centrally programmed — raising questions about tamper-proofing and auditability.
  3. Arbitrary VVPAT Tallying: The process of randomly tallying VVPAT slips with EVM counts has become highly discretionary, leading to low public confidence.
  4. ECI’s Defensive Posture: Rather than addressing concerns head-on, the ECI has simply rejected tampering allegations and asked parties to raise objections “at the appropriate time”.

Wider Implications for Indian Democracy

  1. Public Trust in Institutions: Without visible impartiality, even a fair process may be discredited by perception. This impacts citizen engagement, voter turnout, and social cohesion.
  2. Level Playing Field in Elections: If major opposition leaders claim unfair treatment, it undermines the equality of contest fundamental to electoral democracy.
  3. Rule of Law and Accountability: The ECI is not above public scrutiny. While insulated from political pressure, it must remain answerable to constitutional values and public confidence.
  4. Judicial Oversight and Electoral Reforms: Calls may grow for stronger judicial or parliamentary oversight of ECI decisions — or reforms such as: Collegium system for appointing Election Commissioners, Mandatory disclosures of EVM-VVPAT audit protocols.

Way Forward

  1. Ensure Real Transparency: ECI should publish standard operating procedures for VVPAT tallying and voter roll revision.
  2. Independent Audit Mechanisms: Encourage third-party audits and real-time grievance tracking for electoral complaints.
  3. Reform ECI Appointments: Move from Executive-dominated selection to a multi-member collegium including CJI, opposition leaders, and the President.
  4. Digital Literacy and Voter Awareness: Boost public understanding of electoral tech like EVMs and VVPAT to counter misinformation and suspicion.

Conclusion:

India’s electoral democracy is only as strong as its citizens’ belief in its fairness. As a constitutional guardian of that belief, the Election Commission must go beyond legal compliance and strive to uphold both institutional credibility and democratic trust. A recalibration is urgently needed — not just for politicians or parties, but for the citizen-voter, who is the ultimate stakeholder in the democratic process.

 

Sample UPSC Mains Question (GS2 – Polity, 15 Marks)

“The credibility of democratic institutions lies not just in their constitutional design but in public perception of their impartiality.” In light of recent controversies, critically examine the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Suggest reforms to strengthen its autonomy and transparency.

 

Value Addition:

Constitutional Articles related to ECI

  • Article 324: Vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the ECI.
  • Article 325: One general electoral roll for every territorial constituency.
  • Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to be based on adult suffrage.
  • Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provisions with respect to elections.
  • Article 328: Power of State Legislature to make provisions relating to elections.
  • Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.

Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

  • VVPAT is an independent system attached to EVMs that allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly.
  • It generates a printed slip with the candidate’s name and symbol, visible for 7 seconds before being dropped into a sealed box.
  • First used in India: 2013 in Nagam (Nagaland) by-election.
  • Nationwide use: Mandated by the Supreme Court in 2013; implemented in all 543 constituencies in 2019 General Elections.
  • SC 2019 ruling: 5 random VVPAT slips to be matched with EVMs per Assembly segment to increase transparency.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India

  • Introduced on experimental basis in 1982 (Parur Assembly, Kerala).
  • Used in some constituencies in 1999 Lok Sabha elections.
  • Nationwide use: Since 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
  • EVMs have no internet connectivity, operate on standalone power, and are considered tamper-proof by EC.
  • Two parts: Control Unit & Balloting Unit, connected via cable.

Recent Issues in News Related to ECI

  • Demand for Collegium-style appointment of Election Commissioners:
    • The Supreme Court in 2023 ruled that CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President on recommendation of a committee comprising PM, LoP, and CJI.
    • Aims to reduce Executive influence and ensure independence of the ECI.
  • Delay in Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law:
    • ECI was criticized for delay in acting on defections in assemblies, e.g., Maharashtra political crisis.
    • Raises questions about the commission’s proactive powers under Tenth Schedule.
  • Electoral Roll Purification & Aadhaar-linkage:
    • Efforts to link voter ID with Aadhaar raised privacy concerns.
    • Opposition raised fears of disenfranchisement, especially of vulnerable communities.

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Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

[4th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing.

Linkage: This question directly discusses the “Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)” and its role in protecting “traditional knowledge” from erroneous patents. This is highly relevant as the source champions the idea of treating repair as a “cultural and intellectual resource” and recognizing “tacit knowledge”.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  In May 2025, the Indian government accepted a report proposing a Repairability Index for mobile phones and appliances, marking a significant policy shift toward sustainable electronics and the Right to Repair. This move comes amid growing global and domestic recognition of repair as a cultural, environmental, and intellectual resource. It ties into India’s digital and AI policy evolution, yet highlights a blind spot — the continued exclusion of informal repair ecosystems from mainstream policy frameworks, even as they remain central to material resilience and circular economy goals.

Today’s editorial analyses the Repairability Index for mobile phones and appliances. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Science and Technology) in the UPSC mains exam.

_

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, the Indian government made an important move to support eco-friendly electronics by approving a report that suggests a Repairability Index.

What is India’s Repairability Index?

  • India’s Repairability Index was introduced by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
  • It is part of the broader Right to Repair framework announced in 2022, aimed at empowering consumers, reducing electronic waste, and promoting sustainable consumption practices in line with India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)movement.
  • This index will rank products based on:
    • Ease of repair
    • Availability of spare parts
    • Duration of software support

What is the significance of it?

  • Sustainable consumption – Promotes products that last longer and are repairable. Eg: Smartphones with modular parts like Fairphone (Dutch electronics company known for producing sustainable and repairable smartphones).
  • Informed consumer choices – Enables buyers to compare repairability before purchase. Eg: Choosing a laptop with a higher repair score.
  • Reduction in e-waste – Minimizes discarding of electronics due to minor faults. Eg: Repairing washing machines instead of replacing them.
  • Accountability of manufacturers – Pushes brands to provide spare parts and repair guides. Eg: Brands like Apple offering self-service repair kits.
  • Support for circular economy – Aligns with India’s LiFE initiative and green goals. Eg: Encouraging reuse and repair to lower carbon footprint.

Why is informal repair knowledge important?

India’s Repairability Index promotes affordable, sustainable repairs by valuing informal repair knowledge

  • Affordable & Accessible Repairs: Informal repair shops offer low-cost services, especially in rural and low-income areas. Eg: Mobile repair kiosks in small towns reduce reliance on costly authorized centers.
  • Skill Preservation & Livelihoods: Supports local employment and traditional skills, often passed down informally. Eg: TV/radio technicians in informal markets maintain electronics affordably.
  • E-waste Reduction & Sustainability: Extends product lifespan, minimizing electronic waste and promoting circular economy. Eg: Refurbishing laptops in Delhi’s Nehru Place instead of discarding them.

What are the challenges related to the informal repair sector?

  • No Legal Recognition: Informal repairers lack licensing, social security, and financial support. E.g.: Mobile repairers in small towns operate without official status or access to schemes.
  • Bias Toward Authorized Centres: Policies favour OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) -authorized repairs, sidelining local technicians. Eg: Warranties void if not repaired at authorized service centers.
  • Exclusion from Policy Frameworks: Right to Repair and e-waste policies neglect grassroots repair ecosystems. Eg: Informal markets like Nehru Place not integrated into national repair planning.

Which steps can link repair to AI and sustainability goals?  

  • AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms detect faults early and recommend timely repairs, reducing waste. Eg: Smart appliances (e.g., washing machines) alert users before breakdowns, helping extend product life.
  • AI-Driven Repair Diagnostics: AI tools assist technicians by analyzing errors and suggesting solutions, even in informal sectors. Eg: Mobile apps using AI (like Bhashini-based tools) guide rural repairers to fix smartphones or electronics.
  • Support for Circular Economy: Integrate AI with repairability data (e.g., India’s Repairability Index) to promote reuse and reduce e-waste.

Way forward: 

  • Recognize Informal Repair Sector: Include informal technicians in policy frameworks and skilling programs under schemes like Skill India.
  • Strengthen India’s Repairability Index: Ensure it includes access to spare parts, repair manuals, and supports local repair ecosystems.
  • Promote Open Access to Repair Tools: Mandate OEMs to share diagnostic tools and data with certified independent and informal repairers.
  • Leverage AI for Inclusive Repair Solutions: Use AI-powered platforms to assist grassroots repairers and map repair needs, boosting sustainability goals.

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Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

[2nd August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What has been missed is India’s digital sovereignty

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

PYQ Relevance:

[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: The article highlights that data is the “digital era’s most valuable resource” and that compromising its control, including individual data, poses “serious security risks” and affects national competitive advantage. Safeguarding personal data is a crucial component of asserting digital sovereignty.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  The India–UK FTA, recently finalised, is hailed as a “gold standard” but raises concerns over digital sovereignty. India conceded access to source code and government data, weakening regulatory control and AI innovation leverage. The deal also marks a shift from India’s previous global stand on data localisation, contrasting positions taken even by countries like the US.

Today’s editorial analyses the concerns over digital sovereignty in the India-UK FTA. 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?

The India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), officially called the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is in the news because of a significant debate over its provisions for the digital sector and digital sovereignty.

What digital issues arise from the India-UK FTA?

  • Unrestricted Use of Public Data: UK firms gain equal access to Indian public datasets, affecting domestic innovation potential. Eg: British companies can commercially exploit Indian transport or agricultural data.
  • Weakened Data Localization Autonomy: India must engage in consultations before enacting data rules, reducing flexibility.  
  • No Safeguards for Critical Infrastructure: The deal doesn’t exempt sensitive sectors from source code restrictions. Eg: India can’t review software running in strategic areas like nuclear power plants.
  • Lack of Coherent Digital Trade Policy: Commitments were made without a clear digital governance framework. Eg: Digital clauses went unchallenged, unlike the agricultural sector, which had strong negotiation backing.
  • Restricted Source Code Access: India is barred from demanding source code or algorithms, limiting oversight.

What is Source Code?

Source code is the original set of instructions written by a programmer in a human-readable programming language (like Python, Java, or C++) that defines how a software program works.

How does source code access loss affect India’s digital control?

  • Weakens Cyber Sovereignty: Without access to source code, India cannot verify or modify software behavior, increasing reliance on foreign tech. Foreign telecom equipment may have backdoors compromising national security.
  •  Inhibits Regulatory Oversight: Lack of access hinders the ability of Indian regulators to audit algorithms or ensure compliance with local laws. Eg: India can’t fully inspect e-commerce platforms’ pricing algorithms for anti-competitive behavior.
  • Compromises Data Privacy & Security: Source code opacity prevents India from detecting data leaks or unauthorized data transfers.

Why is a digital policy crucial for India’s trade interests?

  • Ensures Data Sovereignty: A strong policy helps India control how data is stored and used globally. Eg: Prevents sensitive health data from being transferred without oversight.
  • Protects Domestic Industry: Clear rules support Indian startups against unfair access by global players. Eg: Limits foreign firms from exploiting local e-commerce data.
  • Strengthens Negotiation Power: Defined digital laws give India leverage in FTA talks. Eg: Helps resist pressure to allow free cross-border data flow in trade deals.
  • Secures National Interests: Policy enables checks on cybersecurity threats and foreign surveillance. Eg: Restricts flow of defence-related digital information.
  • Boosts Digital Economy: Promotes data-driven innovation and economic growth through regulation. Eg: Encourages investment in Indian cloud services by assuring legal clarity.

Way forward: 

  • Reassess Digital Commitments: Review FTA clauses that compromise digital sovereignty and seek renegotiation if needed.
  • Strengthen Data Protection Laws: Enforce robust data localisation and privacy regulations to safeguard national interest.
  • Ensure Source Code Access: Mandate conditional access to critical software for security audits and public interest.
  • Promote Indigenous Tech: Invest in local AI and digital infrastructure to reduce foreign dependency.
  • Align Trade with Policy: Harmonise trade agreements with India’s long-term digital and strategic goals.

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Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

[1st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why the world needs better green technologies

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.

Linkage: This question directly related to “alternative technologies” to address a critical global environmental and resource crisis (freshwater scarcity). This aligns with the broader theme that the world needs better and diverse green technologies to tackle urgent environmental problems and ensure resource self-sufficiency, as emphasized in the context of energy innovation.

 

Mentor’s Comment: As the push for sustainable energy intensifies, concerns are rising over the efficiency limits of widely used silicon photovoltaics. With the growing need for green hydrogen and land constraints, experts are questioning whether next-gen solar technologies offer better solutions. India must invest in efficient, diverse, and scalable innovations to meet climate goals and ensure energy self-sufficiency.

Today’s editorial analyses the concerns that are rising over the efficiency limits of widely used silicon photovoltaics. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, as the global need for clean energy has increased and countries aim to fulfill their climate promises, silicon solar panels have become the most popular choice, changing the look of places from city rooftops to large solar farms in villages.

What limits silicon photovoltaics in meeting India’s climate goals?

  • Low Energy Efficiency: Silicon solar panels have an in-field efficiency of only 15–18%, meaning a significant portion of solar energy is not converted into electricity. Eg: In Rajasthan, more panels are required to meet energy demand, increasing cost and land use due to low conversion efficiency.
  • High Land Requirement: Due to their low efficiency, silicon panels need a larger surface area to generate the same output compared to newer technologies. Eg: The Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh covers over 1,500 hectares, reducing land availability for agriculture and conservation.
  • Slow Climate Impact: Despite growing solar capacity, CO₂ levels have risen from 350 ppm in 1990 to ~425 ppm in 2025, indicating renewables are not scaling fast enough. Eg: Even after installing 4.45 TWh of renewable energy by 2024, India remains behind on its climate targets.
  • Environmental Footprint of Manufacturing: The production of silicon panels involves high energy use and toxic chemicals, partially offsetting their green benefits. Eg: Most panels are imported from China, where coal-powered factories dominate, adding to indirect emissions.
  • Incompatibility with Advanced Applications: Silicon PVs are less suitable for high-efficiency applications like green hydrogen production, which needs more consistent, high-output energy. Eg: In pilot projects in Gujarat, using silicon panels reduces the overall efficiency of green hydrogen production due to energy losses.

Why rethink electrolysis-based green hydrogen?

  • High Energy Consumption: Electrolysis requires more energy to produce green hydrogen than the energy hydrogen provides when used, making the process energy-inefficient. Eg: In India’s pilot projects in Ladakh, the high electricity input from solar panels results in low net energy gain, raising concerns about economic viability.
  • Storage and Transportation Challenges: Hydrogen has very low density, making it difficult and expensive to store and transport, often requiring high-pressure tanks or cryogenic conditions. Eg: In hydrogen mobility projects, such as those in Delhi, leakage and compression issues have hampered safe and cost-effective deployment.
  • Compounding Energy Losses in Conversion: Using green hydrogen to produce green ammonia or methanol, and then extracting hydrogen back, leads to multiple stages of energy loss. Eg: In proposed export hubs like Vizag, converting hydrogen to ammonia for shipping and then reconverting it abroad reduces overall energy efficiency.

How do land and efficiency issues impact India’s solar push?

  • Low Efficiency Increases Land Requirement: Silicon solar panels with 15–18% efficiency require larger surface areas to generate the same energy as advanced solar technologies. Eg: In Rajasthan’s Bhadla Solar Park, vast desert land is used to compensate for low panel efficiency, which limits deployment in land-constrained states.
  • Urbanisation Limits Land Availability: Rapid urban expansion and the need to conserve green zones reduce the availability of suitable land for large-scale solar projects. Eg: In Mumbai’s metropolitan region, limited open space has pushed the focus toward rooftop solar, which has its own technical and regulatory hurdles.
  • Hinders Achievement of Renewable Energy Targets: The inefficient land-to-energy ratio slows down the pace of solar capacity expansion, affecting progress toward India’s net-zero commitments. Eg: In Tamil Nadu, where land is both fertile and scarce, competing demands between agriculture and solar installations have delayed key solar proposals.

What role can artificial photosynthesis play in renewable energy?

  • Direct Conversion of Sunlight into Fuel: Artificial photosynthesis (APS) mimics natural photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and CO₂directly into fuels like green methanol or hydrogen, offering a clean, efficient alternative to traditional energy-intensive processes.
  • Bypasses Inefficiencies in Current Technologies: APS has the potential to eliminate multiple energy-loss steps such as electrolysis, storage, and reconversion, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency of renewable fuel production systems.

Why invest in next-gen renewable tech like RFNBO? (Way forward)

  • Enhances Energy Independence: Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) can reduce India’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels (currently ~85%), promoting energy self-sufficiency in a geopolitically volatile world.
  • Supports Diverse and Efficient Decarbonisation: RFNBO technologies enable the production of cleaner fuels like green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol using renewable electricity, offering higher efficiency and adaptability for industrial and transport sectors.
  • Future-Proofing India’s Energy Strategy: Investing in RFNBO ensures India is aligned with global clean energy innovations, allowing it to meet net-zero targets and remain competitive in emerging green fuel markets.

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Wetland Conservation

[31st July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Restoring mangroves can turn the tide on India’s coastal security 

op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2019] Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

Linkage: The article explicitly details the importance of mangroves, stating they are “critical in India’s pursuit of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the empowerment of coastal communities”. It explains their role as “natural barriers, protecting coastal communities from cyclones, tidal surges, and erosion”, and their significance in “biodiversity conservation”. The article also discusses the threats leading to their “depletion,” such as “urban expansion, aquaculture, pollution, and changing climate patterns”.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  India’s mangrove forests have come into focus due to growing efforts to restore and protect them amid increasing threats from urban expansion, climate change, and pollution. Recent successful restoration projects in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Mumbai, along with support from government missions and private partners, highlight India’s growing role in mangrove conservation. These forests are vital for climate resilience, coastal protection, and biodiversity, making their preservation a national priority.

Today’s editorial analyses India’s growing efforts to restore mangrove forests. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, mangrove restoration efforts in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Mumbai have been successful.

What is the extent of Mangroves in India?

  • India’s total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km, accounting for 0.15% of the country’s geographical area (as per ISFR 2021).
  • West Bengal, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold the largest mangrove areas, with West Bengal (Sundarbans) alone covering over 42% of the total.

Why are mangroves vital for climate and coastal resilience in India?

  • Natural Coastal Shield: Mangroves act as buffers against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Eg: During the 2004 tsunami, villages protected by mangroves in Tamil Nadu suffered less damage compared to those without them.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: They store “blue carbon” in biomass and deep soil, helping to absorb excess CO₂. Eg: India’s mangroves contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, aiding in climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Provide breeding grounds for fish, crabs, birds, and other marine life. Eg: Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary in Mumbai supports over 180 bird species due to nearby mangroves.
  • Livelihood Support for Communities: Sustain traditional occupations like fishing, honey gathering, and crab farming. Eg: Sunderbans communities rely on mangroves for fishing and honey collection.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction: Reduce the impact of natural disasters by slowing floodwaters and stabilising shorelines. Eg: In Odisha, mangroves helped minimise damage during Cyclone Phailin (2013).

What threatens India’s mangroves?

  • Urbanisation and Industrial Expansion: Mangrove areas are cleared for ports, housing, and industrial zones. Eg: Mangrove loss in Mumbai due to Navi Mumbai airport construction.
  • Aquaculture and Agriculture Encroachment: Conversion of mangrove land into shrimp farms or paddy fields disrupts ecosystems. Eg: Andhra Pradesh lost mangroves to extensive aquaculture projects.
  • Pollution: Discharge of industrial effluents, plastic, and sewage harms mangrove health. Eg: Thane Creek, Mumbai, faces heavy pollution impacting biodiversity.
  • Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: Changes in salinity, temperature, and rising sea levels affect mangrove regeneration. Eg: Sundarbans face submergence and loss due to rising sea levels.
  • Overexploitation of Resources: Excessive collection of wood, honey, and fodder leads to degradation. Eg: In West Bengal, unsustainable practices by local communities reduce forest cover.

How has community involvement aided mangrove restoration in Tamil Nadu?

  • Collaborative Restoration Projects: Community members partnered with institutions like the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for restoring degraded mangroves. Eg: In Muthupettai’s Pattuvanachi estuary, locals helped implement a 115-hectare restoration plan.
  • Tidal Canal Digging for Hydrology Restoration: Villagers participated in digging 19 major canals to restore natural tidal flow, crucial for mangrove survival. Eg: This intervention successfully revived water movement in Muthupettai, enabling mangrove regrowth.
  • Seed Collection and Plantation: Locals actively collected and planted seeds of native mangrove species like Avicennia and Rhizophora. Eg: Over 4.3 lakh Avicennia seeds and 6,000 Rhizophora propagules were planted by community members.
  • Removal of Invasive Species: Community groups helped clear invasive weeds like Prosopis juliflora, which compete with mangroves for space and nutrients. Eg: In Kazhipattur near Buckingham Canal, Chennai, invasive plants were removed before mangrove restoration began.
  • Support for Green Missions and Monitoring: Local residents supported and maintained mangrove cover under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, ensuring long-term success. Eg: Community participation helped double Tamil Nadu’s mangrove area from 4,500 ha to 9,000 ha (2021–2024).

What is the role of corporate partnerships in mangrove revival in Mumbai?

  • Financial and Technical Support: Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund invested $1.2 million (₹10.3 crore) in a restoration project along Thane Creek, enabling large-scale ecological rehabilitation.
  • Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration: Partnered with Hasten Regeneration and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to install trash booms that intercept plastic waste, aiming to collect 150 tonnes over 3 years while planting 3.75 lakh mangrove saplings.
  • Community Empowerment and Livelihood Generation: Created paid employment opportunities for local women in planting and maintenance, linking ecological recovery with socio-economic upliftment.

Why is Gujarat leading in mangrove restoration?

  • Ambitious Scale under MISHTI Scheme: Under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), launched in 2023, Gujarat planted over 19,000 hectares of mangroves within two years—far exceeding the national five-year target of 54,000 hectares.
  • Strategic Coastal Coverage & Biodiversity Focus: Gujarat holds about 23.6% of India’s total mangrove cover, with major plantations in Kutch, Bhavnagar, Surat, and Dumas-Ubhrat. These areas support critical ecological balance, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
  • Strong Governance, Planning & Local Institutional Support: Efficient coordination between the Gujarat Forest Department, state environment agencies, and local communities has ensured success. Structured coastal mapping, restoration planning, and promotion of ecotourism-linked livelihoods have further strengthened outcomes.

What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

  • Green India Mission & State Missions: Through the National Green India Mission and state-level initiatives like the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the government supports afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and community-based conservation efforts.
  • Inclusion in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules: Mangrove areas are designated as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) under the CRZ Notification, restricting construction and promoting their protection through legal safeguards and regulatory oversight.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Community-Based Conservation: Empower local communities through training, incentives, and formal roles in monitoring and maintaining mangroves to ensure sustainable, long-term protection.
  • Integrate Mangroves into Climate and Development Planning: Recognise mangroves as vital climate infrastructure by integrating them into coastal zone management, disaster resilience strategies, and carbon credit frameworks.

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Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

[30th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Bihar’s dark side — the hub of girl child trafficking

op-ed snap | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections
PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and the private sector would be most productive?

Linkage: This question is highly relevant because the article explicitly state that child trafficking in Bihar is a severe socio-economic issue rooted in “poverty” and “complete absence of regulatory oversight and social acceptance for girls being commodified.

 

Mentor’s Comment: The trafficking and exploitation of minor girls in Bihar’s orchestra groups has sparked national concern after the rescue of over 270 girls this year alone—many of them subjected to sexual abuse and forced labour. Despite existing laws, trafficking networks thrive due to weak enforcement, poor inter-state coordination, and lack of regulation. The Patna High Court, responding to a plea by child rights groups, has recognized the issue as serious and directed the Bihar government to act urgently. This case highlights the systemic failures in preventing trafficking and calls for a comprehensive, prevention-based strategy to safeguard children from exploitation.

Today’s editorial analyses trafficking and exploitation of minor girls. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Internal Security) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, there has been national concern over the trafficking and abuse of young girls in Bihar’s orchestra groups, after more than 270 girls were rescued this year.  

What factors make Bihar a hub for child trafficking ?

  • Geographical vulnerabilities: Bihar’s porous border with Nepal and seamless railway connectivity to trafficking-prone states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh facilitate trafficking routes.
  • Economic desperation and social acceptance: Deep poverty, especially in rural areas, and a cultural normalisation of girls being commodified contribute to vulnerability.
  • Deceptive recruitment practices: Traffickers exploit aspirations for dance, employment, or marriage, luring families with false promises, especially in districts like Saran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and others in the ‘orchestra belt’.
What are the existing laws to prevent child exploitation?

  • Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): Main law targeting commercial sexual exploitation, penalising brothel-keeping, trafficking for prostitution, and soliciting.
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 370 & 370A: Define and criminalise trafficking for exploitation (e.g., slavery, forced labour), with enhanced punishment for trafficking of women and children.
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Provides for protection and rehabilitation of trafficked children as “children in need of care and protection.”
  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Prohibits bonded and forced labour, often linked with trafficking for labour exploitation, and provides for release and rehabilitation of victims.
  • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended 2016): Prohibits employment of children below 14 in hazardous occupations, including those linked to trafficking networks.

Why do existing laws fail to curb trafficking despite being comprehensive?

  • Legal Framework Undermined by Weak Implementation

  • Under-enforcement and misclassification: Despite laws like POCSO, JJ Act, and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, many trafficking cases are filed under generic categories like kidnapping or missing persons, weakening legal accountability.

  • Low conviction rates: There’s a sharp disconnect between the number of rescues and successful prosecutions. Convictions remain low due to lack of evidence, procedural delays, and poor legal follow-through.

  • Weak Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Most AHTUs are under-resourced, lack dedicated staff, and suffer from poor inter-state coordination – limiting their effectiveness.

2. Poor Local Vigilance and Community-Level Gaps

  • Community silence and normalisation: In many villages and schools, missing children aren’t reported – either due to fear of police or because migration is seen as normal.
     Eg: In Saran district, Bihar, girls trafficked to orchestras weren’t reported by villagers who assumed they had migrated for work.

  • Delayed or uninformed local response: Panchayats and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) often lack awareness or training to respond promptly.
     Eg: In East Champaran, a CWC failed to stop a trafficker from taking custody of a minor using a false identity.
  1. Fragmented Inter-Agency Coordination
  • Lack of coordination between police forces: Investigations often stall because police from different states don’t share real-time data or work collaboratively.
     Eg: A girl trafficked from Gopalganj (Bihar) to Howrah (West Bengal) remained untraced for months due to poor inter-state coordination.

  • No unified tracking database: Absence of a centralised system makes it hard to identify trafficking patterns or repeat offenders.
     Eg: Multiple cases from Sitamarhi went undetected because FIRs weren’t cross-referenced.

4. Surveillance and Monitoring Gaps at Transit Points

  • Neglected transport hubs: Unlike railways (monitored by the RPF), bus stands and private vehicles lack surveillance protocols.
     Eg: A trafficking ring used night buses from Muzaffarpur to Odisha, bypassing detection entirely.

What role can technology play in prevention of  trafficking?

  • Real-time Data Sharing for Border Monitoring: Technology-enabled platforms like PICKET (Prevention, Investigation, and Combating of Human Trafficking for Enforcement Tracking) help law enforcement agencies share real-time intelligence at interstate checkpoints.
  • Predictive Analysis and Hotspot Mapping: AI and data analytics can identify trafficking-prone areas, track patterns in missing persons reports, and trigger early alerts.
  • Victim Identification and Case Tracking: Digital tools help maintain a centralised database of trafficked persons, FIRs, and case progress, ensuring follow-up and victim rehabilitation. Eg: A rescued child in Odisha was linked to an FIR in West Bengal using PICKET, allowing swift family reunification and prosecution.

Way forward

  • Strengthen Local and Border Surveillance: Deploy trained staff at village, block, and border levels with access to real-time data for early detection of trafficking.
  • Scale Up Tech Platforms like PICKET: Expand AI-based tracking, digital case monitoring, and inter-state data sharing for coordinated, victim-focused action.

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Judicial Pendency

[29th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Justice on hold: India’s courts are clogged

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ?

Linkage: The article states that Lok Adalats, for instance, have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases between 2021 and March 2025, including pre-litigation and pending court cases. This question directly addresses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which are highlighted in the sources as a “promising way forward to ease the burden on traditional courts and deliver quicker, more affordable, and citizen-friendly justice.

 

Mentor’s Comment:   India’s judicial delays have come under sharp focus due to the enormous case backlog—over 5 crore cases pending across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts. This crisis undermines the public’s trust in the legal system, as highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu’s reference to the ‘black coat syndrome’. The issue has resurfaced in light of systemic problems such as judicial vacancies, ineffective case management, and poor infrastructure, especially at the district level, where civil cases face the longest delays. The situation has sparked urgent calls for reform, improved judge strength, and the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats, which have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases since 2021.

Today’s editorial analyses India’s judicial delays. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.

_

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, India’s problem of slow court cases has gained attention because more than 5 crore cases are still waiting to be heard in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts.

Why is timely justice vital for public trust?

  • Maintains faith in the rule of law: When justice is delivered promptly, people believe that the system works and protects them. Eg: The Jessica Lal murder case initially led to public outrage due to delays, but the eventual conviction in a fast-tracked appeal restored some public confidence.
  • Deters future crimes: Swift punishment sends a strong message that wrongdoing will not go unpunished, discouraging potential offenders. Eg: Fast-track courts for sexual assault cases post-Nirbhaya have increased deterrence and quicker resolution.
  • Reduces prolonged trauma for victims: Delayed trials prolong emotional and mental stress for victims and their families. Eg: In the 2002 Gujarat riots cases, delayed justice caused continued trauma to survivors; timely convictions like in the Best Bakery case brought some closure.
  • Prevents misuse of legal loopholes: Delays allow the accused to manipulate evidence, threaten witnesses, or use legal tricks to avoid punishment. Eg: In the Bhopal gas tragedy case, delay of over two decades led to very mild punishments, causing loss of trust in the judiciary.

What causes structural delays in courts?

  • Judicial Vacancies: A shortage of judges leads to an overwhelming case burden on existing judges, slowing down the process. Eg: As of 2024, over 30% of High Court posts remain vacant across India, increasing pendency.
  • Procedural Inefficiencies: Outdated procedures, frequent adjournments, and lengthy documentation cause unnecessary delays. Eg: In civil suits, routine adjournments under Order XVII of CPC often delay hearings for years.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper courtrooms, digital tools, and support staff hampers smooth functioning. Eg: Rural courts often lack basic IT infrastructure, affecting e-filing or virtual hearings.
  • Pending Government Cases: A large number of cases are filed by or against the government, clogging the judicial pipeline. Eg: Government is the biggest litigant, responsible for nearly 50% of pending cases.
  • Lack of Case Management Systems: Courts often don’t follow structured timelines or track progress systematically. Unlike fast-track courts, regular trial courts lack proper scheduling, leading to indefinite extensions.

Why are civil cases slower in district courts?

  • Frequent Adjournments Requested by Parties: Parties often misuse the provision of adjournments to delay proceedings unnecessarily. Eg: In a property dispute in Uttar Pradesh, the defendant sought over 20 adjournments in 5 years, delaying the verdict significantly.
  • Insufficient Judicial Strength: A shortage of judges leads to excessive caseloads, slowing the pace of case disposal. Eg: In Madhya Pradesh, one district judge was handling over 2,000 cases, making timely resolution nearly impossible.
  • Delay in Filing and Responding to Documents: Government departments and advocates often delay submitting necessary replies or documents. Eg: In a civil suit against a municipal corporation in Maharashtra, a delay of 18 months occurred because the civic body failed to file its written statement on time.

What role does ADR play in reducing pendency?

  • Eases Burden on Courts: ADR mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation help resolve disputes outside the formal court system, thus reducing the number of cases pending in courts. Eg: In Delhi, the mediation centre at Tis Hazari Courts has resolved over 2 lakh cases since 2005, significantly easing judicial workload.
  • Faster and Cost-Effective Resolution: ADR offers a quicker, less expensive, and more flexible approach compared to traditional litigation, encouraging parties to settle early. Eg: In commercial disputes, arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act often concludes within 12–18 months, unlike civil suits which may take years.

How effective are Lok Adalats in clearing backlogs?

  • High Volume Disposal: Lok Adalats are effective in disposing of a large number of cases quickly, especially compoundable civil and petty criminal cases.
    Eg: In the National Lok Adalat held in November 2023, over 1 crore cases were settled in a single day, significantly reducing court backlog.
  • Reduced Litigation Time & Cost: They offer speedy and cost-free resolution, which encourages litigants to settle disputes without lengthy trials, thus clearing cases that would otherwise clog lower courts.
  • Binding and Final Awards: The decisions are legally binding, and there is no appeal, which ensures that the disposed cases do not re-enter the judicial system, helping in permanent reduction of pending cases.
  • Focus on Pre-litigation Cases: Lok Adalats also take up pre-litigation matters, preventing disputes from entering the formal court system, and thereby curbing future backlog.

However, they are less effective for complex or non-compoundable cases (like serious criminal or constitutional matters), so their impact is limited to specific case types.

What are the differences between ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Lok Adalat? 

  • Scope and Types: ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is a broad umbrella that includes various methods like mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation. Lok Adalat is a specific type of ADR, institutionalized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
  • Legal Status and Binding Nature: In ADR, some methods like arbitration are legally binding, while mediation/conciliation may not be. In Lok Adalat, the award is final, binding, and enforceable as a court decree with no appeal.
  • Formality and Cost: ADR mechanisms can range from formal (arbitration) to informal (mediation) and may involve fees. Lok Adalats are informal, cost-free, and designed for speedy resolution of civil and compoundable criminal cases.

Way forward: 

  • Institutional Strengthening and Legal Awareness: Strengthen infrastructure and ensure regular training for mediators and conciliators. Promote legal literacy to make citizens aware of ADR mechanisms and Lok Adalats as effective alternatives to litigation.
  • Digital Integration and Monitoring: Introduce e-Lok Adalats, expand online dispute resolution (ODR), and use data-driven monitoring to track disposal rates and identify bottlenecks in the system for continuous improvement.

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Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

[28th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How is India preparing against GLOF events?

op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management
PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).

Linkage: The article explicitly states that the NDMA has “markedly accelerated its efforts to manage these increasing risks” and initiated a “proactive shift from mere post-disaster response to risk reduction through its Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR)”. This directly links to the concept of “disaster resilience” and “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR),” which are central to India’s preparedness strategy for GLOF events.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  On July 8, 2025, Nepal experienced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which triggered a flash flood along the Lende River, destroying a China-built friendship bridge and disabling four hydropower plants, cutting off 8% of Nepal’s power supply. This catastrophe highlights the growing threat of GLOFs due to glacial melt from rising temperatures in the Himalayas. The incident has raised concerns over the lack of trans-boundary early warning systems, particularly between China and Nepal. It also drew attention to India’s vulnerability, as the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) contains 7,500 glacial lakes, many at high risk of GLOF due to climate change, poor monitoring infrastructure, and lack of early warning systems. India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has responded by launching a national programme targeting 195 at-risk glacial lakes, focusing on hazard assessment, early warning systems, risk mitigation, and community engagement.

Today’s editorial analyses the major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Himalaya region. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

Recently, Nepal faced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which led to a sudden flash flood along the Lende River.  

What are GLOFs?

  • GLOFs are sudden floods caused by the breach of natural or man-made dams holding glacial lakes, releasing large volumes of water.
  • Himalayan Spread: The Himalayas across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet host thousands of glacial lakes, many near international borders. India has 7,500+ glacial lakes, with 200+ deemed potentially dangerous.

 

What are their transboundary risks in the Himalayas?

  • Trans-boundary Risk: GLOFs from upstream countries (e.g. China) can impact downstream nations (India, Nepal, Bhutan) without early warning. Eg: The July 2024 Tibetan GLOF damaged Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi hydropower project with no prior alert.
  • Lack of Data Sharing: Minimal real-time data exchange between neighbours hampers early warning and risk management. Eg: Nepal got no warning from China during the 2024 GLOF.

How has climate change increased GLOF frequency in the IHR?

  • Accelerated Glacier Melting: Rising temperatures cause glacier retreat and formation of unstable glacial lakes. Eg: Milam Glacier, Uttarakhand shows rapid retreat, increasing GLOF risk.
  • Extreme Precipitation: Intense rainfall from climate change can overfill lakes, causing breaches. Eg: Gya GLOF (2014) in Ladakh followed heavy rainfall, damaging infrastructure.
  • Increased Landslides: Thawing permafrost and unstable slopes trigger landslides into lakes, displacing water and causing GLOFs. Eg: 2013 Chorabari Glacier landslide near Kedarnath worsened the flood impact.

What measures has India taken for GLOF mitigation?

  • Early Warning Systems (EWS): Installed to detect rising water levels and trigger alerts. Eg: EWS at South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim before 2023 GLOF.
  • Satellite Monitoring: ISRO-NRSC use remote sensing to track glacial lakes. Eg: Monitored via Bhuvan portal in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Risk Mapping: NMSHE identifies high-risk areas for targeted intervention. Eg: Studies in Kinnaur and Chamoli flagged vulnerable lakes.
  • Engineering Measures: Lake drainage and structural control to prevent overflow. Eg: Work at Tsho Rolpa Lake (Nepal) as a replicable model.
  • Community Preparedness: NDMA and states run drills and awareness programs. Eg: Mock drills in Uttarkashi and Kullu.

What are the gaps? 

  • Weak Early Warning Systems (EWS): India lacks real-time sensors, automated sirens, and alert mechanisms. Eg: No early alerts during Chamoli disaster (2021).
  • Low Community Preparedness: Most villages in Sikkim and Uttarakhand lack evacuation protocols and disaster training.
  • Poor Transboundary Coordination: Minimal data sharing with China hinders early action in regions like Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Infrastructure Vulnerability: Bridges and dams not designed for GLOFs.
    Eg: Chungthang dam breach (2023) exposed weak infrastructure.
  • Limited Scientific Capacity: Shortage of glaciologists, risk modelers, and ground validation limits NDMA’s effectiveness.

Way forward: 

  •  Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Deploy real-time sensors, sirens, and automated alerts in high-risk zones.
  • Enhance Transboundary Cooperation: Establish formal data-sharing agreements with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
  • Build Local Preparedness: Conduct regular community drills, awareness drives, and evacuation planning.
  • Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Design dams, bridges, and power projects to withstand GLOF surges.
  • Invest in Research & Capacity: Train glaciologists, improve satellite-ground integration, and support Himalayan climate studies.

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Internal Security Architecture Shortcomings – Key Forces, NIA, IB, CCTNS, etc.

[26th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy

op-ed snap | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2016] The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

Linkage: The article explicitly talks about the India’s shift in counter-terrorism strategy, mentioning the surgical strikes after the Uri attack (2016) and the Balakot strikes (2019) following Pulwama as “a strong reply” and “statement of intent”. The article culminates in discussing Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack (2025), which involved striking terror bases and military air-bases deep in Pakistan, setting a “new threshold” for India’s response to terror.

 

Mentor’s Comment: This year, in light of the recent Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025), launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation demonstrated India’s enhanced conventional military strength and shift in counter-terrorism doctrine, drawing parallels with the Kargil War’s legacy of structural reforms, military modernisation, and strategic assertiveness.

Today’s editorial analyses the Indian Military strength. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Internal Security) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

July 26, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, a key moment in India’s military history.

What key shortcomings did Kargil expose?

  • Intelligence Failure: There was a complete lack of actionable intelligence about Pakistani infiltration. Eg: Neither RAW nor military intelligence anticipated the large-scale intrusion in the Kargil sector, resulting in delayed response.
  • Lack of Real-time Surveillance and Reconnaissance: India lacked advanced aerial and satellite surveillance capabilities. Eg: Absence of drone surveillance led to Pakistani troops occupying key heights undetected.
  • Operational Unpreparedness in High-altitude Warfare: Indian troops were not fully equipped or trained for fighting in extreme mountain conditions. Eg: Soldiers lacked snow boots, high-altitude tents, and artillery support during initial engagements.
  • Inadequate Military Modernisation and Logistics: Outdated weaponry and logistical weaknesses slowed the military’s response. Eg: Lack of precision-guided munitions and night-vision equipment hampered operations in the early phase of the conflict.

How did they influence India’s military reforms?

  • Revamp of the Intelligence Infrastructure: The intelligence failure in Kargil led to the creation of dedicated and tech-enabled intelligence agencies. Eg: Establishment of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in 2002 and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) in 2004 improved surveillance and early warning systems.
  • Modernisation and Capability Building: Recognising operational gaps, India focused on military modernisation and indigenous defence production. Eg: Induction of Rafale fighters, Apache helicopters, and BrahMos missiles, along with enhanced focus on ‘Make in India’ defence projects.
  • Structural and Doctrinal Reforms: The need for faster, joint response led to organisational restructuring and new doctrines. Eg: Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 and development of the Cold Start Doctrineenabled swift, coordinated operations across services.

How has India’s counter-terror strategy evolved from Kargil to Operation Sindoor?

  • Shift from Strategic Restraint to Active Retaliation: Initially, India responded passively to terror attacks, but now adopts swift and punitive action. Eg: In Operation Sindoor (2025), India launched precision strikes on nine terror bases and eleven military airbases inside Pakistan within 96 hours of the Pahalgam attack.
  • Use of Air Power and Missile Strikes: India has moved beyond surgical ground raids to deep-strike capabilities using air and missile assets. Eg: The BrahMos missile strike on Nur Khan Base in Pakistan reportedly crippled a nuclear weapons storage facility, sending a strong strategic signal.
  • Preemptive and Coordinated Operations: Focus has shifted to pre-empting terror threats through real-time intelligence and coordinated special operations. Eg: In 2023, India conducted a pre-emptive operation in Kashmir’s Gurez sector, dismantling a terror launchpad before infiltration.
  • Internationalising the Terror Narrative: India increasingly leverages diplomacy and global platforms to isolate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror. Eg: Following the Pulwama attack (2019), India worked with global powers to get Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.
  • Integration of Technology and Intelligence Networks: There is now enhanced use of surveillance drones, cyber intelligence, and inter-agency coordination. Eg: Operation Black Thunder II (2024) used real-time intelligence sharing between NTRO, RAW, and special forces to eliminate a high-value terrorist in less than two days.

What are the challenges for India? 

  • Persistent Cross-border Terrorism: Despite reforms, Pakistan-based terror groups continue to pose a threat, using proxy warfare and non-state actors to destabilize regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: India is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks on its military, energy, and communication infrastructure by hostile state and non-state actors. Eg: In 2023, a suspected Chinese-origin cyberattack targeted the power grid in Ladakh, exposing gaps in cyber defence preparedness.
  • Delays in Defence Modernisation: The slow pace of procurement, bureaucratic hurdles, and over-dependence on imports affect India’s combat readiness. Eg: Delays in acquiring high-altitude drones and next-generation tanks have impacted operational planning in sensitive border areas like Eastern Ladakh.

Way forward: 

  • Promote Jointness and Modernisation: Implement integrated theatre commands and upgrade military technology to ensure faster, coordinated responses.
  • Strengthen Border and Cyber Security: Deploy smart surveillance systems and enhance cyber defence to counter both conventional and hybrid threats.

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Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

[25th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The India-U.K. FTA spells a poor deal for public health

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

PYQ Relevance:

[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 health care at the grassroots level.

Linkage: The article highlights how tariff-free entry of HFSS products leads to “lower prices” and “aggressive marketing,” posing “grave long-term health risks”. The question’s call for the Indian State to play a “vital role to contain the adverse impact” and suggest measures aligns perfectly in the article’s advocacy for “strong measures to regulate the advertising of HFSS” and “mandatory FOPNL” to protect public health.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  India and the United Kingdom signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK. While the deal promises economic benefits, it has triggered serious public health concerns due to the likely surge of tariff-free imports of unhealthy, ultra-processed food products from the UK into India.

Today’s editorial analyses the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

India and the United Kingdom recently signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade, reduce tariffs, enhance market access, and strengthen economic and strategic ties between both nations.

What are the key provisions of the India–UK FTA?

  • Tariff Reductions on Goods: Reduction or elimination of customs duties on products like textiles, leather, and machinery from India and premium liquor, automobiles, and pharma from the UK.
  • Services Sector Access: Easier market access for Indian professionals (e.g., IT experts, nurses, yoga instructors) and UK financial, legal, and education services.
  • Investment and Regulatory Cooperation: Investor protection clauses and liberalised FDI norms to encourage bilateral investments with predictable regulatory environments.
  • Digital Trade and Intellectual Property Rights: Provisions for secure cross-border data flows, IPR enforcement, and e-commerce facilitation, supporting startups and tech trade.
  • Labour Mobility and Social Security Coordination: Allows short-term professionals to avoid double social security payments, benefiting workers on temporary assignments.

Why has the FTA triggered health concerns in India?

  • Stricter Intellectual Property (IP) Provisions: The UK is pushing for TRIPS-plus measures such as patent term extensions and data exclusivity, which could delay the entry of generic medicines in India. Eg: Cancer or HIV patients in India may face delayed access to affordable generics if extended patents block local production.
  • Threat to Domestic Pharma Industry: Indian generic manufacturers fear reduced competitiveness due to stricter IP norms, which may raise medicine costs and affect public health schemes. Eg: India’s role as the “pharmacy of the Global South” may weaken, affecting exports to Africa and Latin America.
  • Limited Access to Government Procurement: If the FTA includes government procurement commitments, it may restrict India’s ability to prioritise domestic firmsfor health supplies under public schemes. Eg: Public procurement for schemes like Jan Aushadhi may face restrictions, impacting affordable medicine distribution.

How does Mexico’s NAFTA experience inform India’s approach to FTAs?

  • Uneven Gains Across Sectors: NAFTA boosted Mexico’s manufacturing exports, especially to the US, but agriculture suffered due to competition from heavily subsidised US farms, displacing small farmers. Eg: India should protect its small-scale agriculture and MSMEs in FTAs to avoid rural distress and job losses.
  • Job Creation Without Security: While NAFTA generated employment in export-driven industries, these jobs were often low-paid, lacked labour rights, and offered poor working conditions. Eg: India must ensure FTAs include labour safeguards and social protection for workers, especially in textiles and electronics.
  • Weak Domestic Supply Chains: Mexico became heavily dependent on foreign inputs and technologies, undermining local value chains and domestic innovation. Eg: India should strengthen its Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts by ensuring technology transfer and local sourcing mandates in FTAs.

What are the regulatory differences between India and the UK on unhealthy food products?

Aspect India United Kingdom (UK)
Front-of-Pack Labelling Voluntary system; no mandatory warning labels for high fat/sugar/salt Mandatory traffic light system highlighting fat, sugar, and salt levels
Advertising to Children Limited restrictions; junk food often advertised during kids’ content Strict regulations on TV and online adstargeting children for junk food
Nutritional Standards in Schools No uniform enforcement across states; junk food in/near schools persists Banned sale of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks in school premises

Why is Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) important post-FTA?

  • Protects Public Health from Imported Junk Food: With the FTA, imports of ultra-processed and unhealthy foods may rise. FOPNL provides clear warnings (e.g., high in sugar, fat, salt) to help consumers make healthier choices. Eg: Chile introduced warning labels, leading to a drop in sugary drink sales by 25%.
  • Empowers Consumers with Informed Choices: Indian consumers often lack nutritional awareness. FOPNL enables them to understand the health risks of packaged foods at a glance, regardless of foreign branding or marketing. Eg: In Brazil, FOPNL helped rural consumers avoid misleading “natural” claims on unhealthy imported snacks.
  • Counters Aggressive Marketing by Foreign Brands: Post-FTA, multinational food companies may flood the Indian market with aggressive marketing. FOPNL acts as a visual deterrent, discouraging overconsumption, especially among children. Eg: In Mexico, FOPNL helped reduce the purchase of snacks targeted at children despite flashy packaging.

Way forward: 

  • Implement Mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPNL): The Indian government should finalize and enforce strong, interpretive FOPNL regulations (like warning labels) based on WHO guidelines to help consumers easily identify foods high in salt, sugar, and fat.
  • Strengthen Domestic Food Standards and Surveillance: Ensure alignment between imported and domestic food safety regulations, backed by robust monitoring by FSSAI. This will prevent imported unhealthy products from bypassing scrutiny and harming public health.

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

[24th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Can Presidential Reference change a judgment?

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary?

Linkage: This question is about the power and role of the Supreme Court of India. It helps us understand how the Court gives advice to the President and what limits exist when it comes to reviewing or changing its past decisions.

 

Mentor’s Comment: On July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued notices to the Union Government and all States on a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on whether the President and Governors can be judicially compelled to act within prescribed timelines on Bills passed by State legislatures. This comes in the wake of the Court’s April 8 judgment, which held that delays by Governors in granting assent to Bills are unconstitutional, and laid down judicially enforceable timelines for action. The Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, will hear the matter in detail around mid-August under Article 143(1), which allows the President to seek the Court’s advisory opinion on matters of public importance.

Today’s editorial analyses the Presidential Reference seeking clarity on whether the President and Governors can be judicially compelled to act within prescribed timelines on Bills passed by State legislatures.. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court of India has asked the Union Government and all States to respond to a question raised by the President: Can the President and Governors be legally forced to take action within a fixed time on Bills passed by State Assemblies?

What is Presidential Reference?

Presidential Reference is a process under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution where the President of India seeks the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on important questions of law or fact that are of public importance.

Background:

In 2024, President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 143(1) to ask the Supreme Court whether binding timelines can be imposed on the President and Governors to act on Bills passed by State Legislatures — especially in light of delays in assent or return of Bills, such as those witnessed in Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

What is the significance of Article 143(1) in constitutional interpretation in the context of Presidential Reference?

  • Presidential Power to Seek Advice: Article 143(1) empowers the President of India to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on questions of law or matters of public importance. Eg: In the Berubari Union case (1960), the President referred a question about the transfer of territory to Pakistan.
  • Advisory Role of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court’s opinion is not binding, but carries high persuasive value in future interpretations and policy decisions. Eg: The Court’s opinion on the Ayodhya land issue (1993) was declined, as the reference was seen to violate secularism.
  • Clarifies Constitutional Dilemmas: Helps resolve grey areas in constitutional practice without formal litigation, especially in cases involving federal disputes or institutional responsibilities. Eg: The 2024 Presidential Reference seeks clarity on whether the SC can set timelines for Governors or the President in assenting to Bills.

Why did Tamil Nadu’s plea over the Governor’s inaction raise constitutional concerns?

  • Delay Violates Constitutional Mandate: The Governor’s inaction on State Bills breaches Article 200, which requires prompt decision assent, reservation, or withholding on legislative proposals.
  • Threatens Federalism and State Autonomy: Prolonged inaction undermines the authority of the elected State government, disrupting the federal balance enshrined in the Constitution.
  • Triggers Judicial and Political Tensions: Such inaction forces judicial intervention, leading to constitutional ambiguity and disputes over the separation of powers between constitutional offices.

How did the April 8 SC verdict reshape the Centre-State power balance?

  • Fixed a Time Limit for Governors’ Decisions: The Supreme Court ruled that Governors must act on Bills “as soon as possible”, preventing indefinite delays. Eg: In Tamil Nadu’s case, the Governor had withheld action on multiple Bills for months, leading to constitutional standoff.
  • Clarified Limits on Withholding Assent: The Court emphasized that Governors cannot sit on Bills indefinitely or reject them arbitrarily, reinforcing the legislative supremacy of elected State governments. Eg: The verdict curbed the misuse of Article 200 by Governors in opposition-ruled States.
  • Reinforced Cooperative Federalism: The judgment upheld that constitutional functionaries must act in harmony, ensuring Centre-State relations are based on trust and constitutional propriety. Eg: The verdict serves as a warning against politicized Governor roles that disrupt the federal structure.

When can the Supreme Court refuse a Presidential Reference?

  • Lack of Public Importance: If the issue is not of sufficient public or constitutional importance, the Court may decline to give its opinion. Eg: Political or non-legal matters without broader legal impact.
  • Hypothetical or Vague Questions: The Court avoids answering abstract, premature, or unclear issues. Eg: In the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal case (1992), the Court refused as the matter was not ripe for consideration.
  • Risk of Judicial Overreach: If the reference could interfere with pending litigation, reopen settled judgments, or encroach on executive/legislative powers, the Court may refuse. Eg: Questions that challenge or revisit prior rulings.

How does the non-binding nature of Article 143 opinions affect jurisprudence?

  • Encourages Deliberative Democracy: Since the opinion is not binding, it invites parliamentary debate and public discourse rather than closing the matter purely through judicial authority. Eg: After the SC’s advisory opinion in the In re Kerala Education Bill, 1957, political discussions shaped the final policy on minority education rights.
  • Enables Judicial Restraint in Political Questions: It allows the Court to share constitutional insight without overstepping into executive or legislative domains, maintaining the separation of powers. Eg: In the Ayodhya Reference case (1994), the SC declined to answer a politically loaded question, exercising restraint.
  • Promotes Flexibility in Constitutional Practice: Non-binding opinions allow the executive to consider but not be bound by the Court’s interpretation, creating space for evolving legal practices over time. Eg: The opinion in In re Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (1991) offered legal clarity, but the Centre retained room to manage interstate negotiations.

Way forward: 

  • Make Advisory Opinions More Transparent and Accessible: Publish all Presidential References and advisory opinions in simple language to promote public understanding and ensure informed civic debate on constitutional matters.
  • Encourage Parliamentary Follow-Up: Parliament should deliberate on Supreme Court’s advisory views under Article 143(1) to align legislation or executive action with constitutional principles while respecting the non-binding nature of such opinions.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

[23rd July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: China, India and the conflict over Buddhism

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2020] Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

Linkage: To understand the “conflict over Buddhism,” it is essential to appreciate its historical roots and evolution within India. The Pala period saw a flourishing of Buddhist art, philosophy, and institutions, which contributed significantly to its spread, including to regions like Tibet, making it a foundational element of the cultural heritage that both India and China now seek to influence. 

 

Mentor’s Comment:  India and China are engaged in a growing geopolitical contest over influence in the Himalayan Buddhist sphere, especially regarding spiritual leadership, monastic networks, and cultural legitimacy. With the Dalai Lama’s succession looming, both countries are using Buddhism as a strategic tool to shape regional loyalties, particularly in border areas like Ladakh, Tawang, Nepal, and Bhutan. This spiritual soft power struggle is emerging as a critical front in India-China rivalry, alongside their military and maritime tensions.

Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to Himalayan Buddhist sphere between India and China. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society, Ancient India and Geography), GS Paper II (International Relations)  in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

The Himalayas are the true battleground for a future clash between the Asian powers (India and China), as both sides try to win the support of people living along the border.

How is China leveraging Buddhism in the Himalayas to influence the region and challenge India?

  • State-controlled Buddhism: China uses Buddhism as a tool of statecraft, asserting the right to control reincarnations (e.g., the 2007 rule requiring official approval for “Living Buddhas”).
  • Soft power through infrastructure: Beijing builds roads, shrines, and monasteries in border regions and funds Buddhist projects (e.g., in Nepal’s Lumbini).
  • Buddhist diplomacy: China invites Himalayan monks to conferences, slowly shifting their spiritual loyalties.
  • Manipulating internal sect disputes: China supports splinter sects (e.g., Dorje Shugden) to undermine Tibetan unity and weaken India’s influence.

What is the background story of the Dalai Lama?

  • Early Life and Recognition: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet. At the age of 2, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, following Tibetan Buddhist spiritual traditions.
  • Exile and Conflict with China: In 1950, China invaded Tibet. After a failed uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India and established the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where he continues to lead the Tibetan cause.
  • Global Peace Icon: He became a global symbol of peace and non-violence, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Though he stepped down from political duties in 2011, he remains the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and a strong advocate of compassion and dialogue.

Why is the Dalai Lama’s succession a strategic issue for India-China relations?

  • Dual claims: The 90-year-old Dalai Lama has hinted at reincarnating outside Chinese control (likely India), while China insists on selecting a successor through its Golden Urn method.
  • Split leadership: This could lead to two rival Dalai Lamas — one backed by India and the Tibetan diaspora, and another by China in Lhasa.
  • Regional impact: This schism would force Himalayan Buddhist populations (Ladakh, Bhutan, Tawang) to choose allegiances, influencing their political alignment.

What challenges does India face in countering China’s Buddhist diplomacy?

  • Lack of a Coordinated National Strategy: India’s Buddhist outreach remains fragmented across ministries (Culture, External Affairs, Tourism), lacking a central vision or institutional mechanism. Eg: While India promotes the Buddhist circuit (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath), it has limited regional engagement with Himalayan Buddhist leaders compared to China’s structured approach.
  • Sectarian Divisions Within Indian Buddhism: Rivalries among sects, such as the two Karmapas (Ogyen Trinley Dorje vs. Thaye Dorje), weaken India’s ability to present a unified spiritual leadership. Eg: The divided Karmapa lineage allows China to exploit internal rifts and influence parts of the Kagyu sect in Sikkim and beyond.
  • Delayed Response to China’s Assertive Moves: India has been slow to counter China’s active engagement with Himalayan monasteries, especially in Nepal and Bhutan, where spiritual allegiance is also geopolitical. Eg: China’s investments in Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace) and support for Shugden sects in Nepal show how it uses religious infrastructure to undermine India’s influence.

How does the spiritual identity of the Himalayan regions affect their geopolitical stance?

  • Loyalty to Buddhist Lineages Influences Foreign Policy Orientation: Regions like Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan, and parts of Nepal follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions (Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma), which often align them spiritually with Dharamsala-based Tibetan leadership under the Dalai Lama. This shapes their emotional, cultural, and sometimes strategic affinity with India over China.
  • Religious Influence Determines Soft Power Competition: China uses religious diplomacy, including recognising Buddhist leaders and promoting pro-China sects (e.g., Shugden), to erode India’s cultural sway in the Himalayas. Spiritual loyalties in monasteries can subtly shift political allegiances, especially in Nepal and Bhutan.
  • Monasteries Act as Political and Social Anchors: In Himalayan societies, monastic institutions are not just religious centres but also sources of local leadership, education, and conflict resolution. Control or influence over these can tilt regional attitudes towards either India or China, making them strategic soft power assets.

How can India use its Buddhist heritage to boost regional influence? (Way forward)

  • Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy through Buddhist Circuits: India can promote Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar as centres of global Buddhist unity. Eg: India’s International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) can be used to host annual regional Buddhist summits to enhance people-to-people ties with countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Nepal.
  • Support and Recognize Key Monastic Leaders in the Himalayas: India can nurture its ties with Tibetan Buddhist communities in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh by supporting locally respected Rinpoches and monastic institutions. Eg: Facilitating wider recognition of the 17th Karmapa (Ugyen Trinley Dorje) can help project a unified spiritual leadership from Indian soil and counter China’s manipulation of Buddhist lineages.
  • Leverage Buddhist Soft Power in Neighbourhood Diplomacy: By incorporating Buddhism in regional initiatives like Neighbourhood First and Act East, India can expand cultural influence over ASEAN and SAARC nations. Eg: India’s Lumbini-Bodh Gaya direct air link with Nepal and cultural grants to Myanmar monasteries show how soft power can strengthen strategic partnerships.

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Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

[22nd July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Water, energy demand spotlights risk of human-induced quakes 

Explainedop-ed snap | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location
PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2020] Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

Linakge: This question is about a region known for earthquakes and volcanoes. The article mainly talks about quakes caused by human activity but also mentions that these usually happen in places already on fault lines or where tectonic plates are shifting—areas like the Circum-Pacific. So, it’s important to understand these natural zones when looking at how human actions might trigger earthquakes.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  Human-induced earthquakes are increasingly drawing scientific and public attention, as research shows that human activities like groundwater extraction, dam construction, and fracking can trigger or accelerate seismic activity, particularly in tectonically sensitive regions such as Delhi-NCR, the Western Ghats, and parts of Maharashtra and Kerala.

Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to Human-induced earthquakes in India. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Governance) and  GS Paper III (Disaster Management) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

Recent studies in India have highlighted a correlation between excessive groundwater depletion and increased seismic events, especially in Delhi.

What are human-induced earthquakes?

  • These are earthquakes triggered by human activities rather than natural tectonic movements. Activities like mining, groundwater extraction, building dams, and fracking disturb the earth’s crust, causing seismic activity. Over 700 human-induced quakes have been recorded globally in the last 150 years.

 

How do activities like groundwater extraction and dams trigger quakes in India?

  • Groundwater Depletion Weakens Crustal Stability: Excessive extraction of groundwater reduces pore pressure, leading to a shift in stress within the earth’s crust. Eg: In Delhi-NCR, increased seismic activity between 2003–2012 has been linked to excessive groundwater loss.
  • Reservoir-Induced Seismicity (RIS): The weight of large reservoirs exerts additional pressure on underlying faults, triggering quakes. Eg: The 1967 Koynanagar earthquake (magnitude 6.3) was linked to the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra.
  • Water Infiltration into Fault Zones: Water from reservoirs or excessive irrigation can seep deep into fault lines, lubricating them, and making them more likely to slip. Eg: Seismic tremors near Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala are suspected to be induced due to water infiltration in a seismically sensitive region.
  • Load Variation Due to Filling and Emptying of Dams: Rapid filling or draining of reservoirs changes the stress distribution, causing small or moderate tremors. Eg: In the Himalayan region, such stress changes are a concern for dams like Tehri Dam.
  • Ground Subsidence from Overuse of Aquifers: Excessive groundwater extraction leads to land subsidence, altering the natural equilibrium of stress in the crust. Eg: Regions in North Gujarat have experienced subsidence, making them more vulnerable to fault reactivation and quakes.

Why is Delhi-NCR prone to quakes from groundwater loss?

  • Rapid Groundwater Depletion Alters Stress Fields: Excessive groundwater extraction reduces the hydrostatic pressure underground, disturbing the natural stress balance in fault zones. This stress redistribution can reactivate dormant faults, triggering seismic activity. Eg: Studies from 2003–2012 show increased microseismic activity in parts of Gurgaon and Faridabad, correlated with falling water tables.
  • Aquifer-Related Land Subsidence: Continuous overuse of aquifers causes the land to sink (subsidence), which can strain the Earth’s crust and disturb nearby fault lines. In Delhi-NCR, land sinking has been recorded in Dwarka, Kapashera, and parts of Noida, increasing quake risk. Eg: A 2021 study by IIT-Kanpur showed that excessive aquifer use led to ground subsidence and elevated seismic hazard.
  • Built-Up Pressure on Seismically Active Faults: Delhi-NCR sits near the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault and Delhi-Haridwar ridge, making it naturally earthquake-prone. When groundwater is extracted, it weakens the structural resistance of rocks, making nearby active faults more vulnerable. Eg: Minor tremors in Rohini and West Delhi (2020-21) were suspected to be linked to combined stress from tectonics and human activity.

How does climate change contribute to seismic risks?

  • Melting Glaciers Increase Uplift Pressure: Rapid glacial melt in the Himalayas (due to rising temperatures) reduces surface weight. This triggers isostatic rebound — the crust rises and shifts, which can activate faults beneath. Eg: In Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), increased seismic activity has been observed near retreating Gangotri Glacier, linked to glacial thinning and uplift.
  • Changing Rainfall Patterns Cause Landslides and Crustal Stress: Intense rainfall and flash floods (exacerbated by climate change) cause rapid groundwater recharge and erosion, disturbing fault stability. Eg: In Kodagu (Karnataka), unusually heavy rains in 2018 triggered landslides and minor tremors due to destabilized slopes and crustal shifts.
  • Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Seismic Pressure: Rising sea levels increase water load on coastal plates, especially in delta regions. This can suppress or activate tectonic stresses near coastlines. Eg: In Sundarbans (West Bengal), changes in sediment load and sea-level rise have raised concerns of future seismic risks in this low-lying, tectonically sensitive zone.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

  •  Seismic Zoning and Monitoring: India is divided into four seismic zones (II to V) to prioritize risk-based planning. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) monitors seismic activity across the country in real-time.
  • Implementation of Earthquake-Resistant Building Codes: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued IS codes for earthquake-resistant construction.
  • Capacity Building and Public Awareness: NDMA and NDRF conduct training, mock drills, and awareness programs in vulnerable areas.

Way forward: 

  • Integrated Land and Water Management: Promote sustainable groundwater use, recharge practices, and land-use planning to reduce land subsidence and seismic vulnerability.
  • Expand Monitoring and Preparedness: Enhance seismic monitoring networks and public awareness programs to improve early warning systems and disaster resilience.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

[21st July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Temples of social justice 

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

PYQ Relevance:

[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 “any argument against government control of temple affairs would be striking at the root of social justice”. This question directly addresses “social justice” and the upliftment of “underprivileged sections,” which is the core argument of the article “social justice model” enabled by the regulation of temple funds.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  A political controversy in Tamil Nadu emerged over using temple funds to build colleges. The debate highlights a unique social justice model rooted in colonial-era laws, notably the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, which legally permits such use of surplus funds. The issue reflects ongoing tensions between secular governance, social reform, and religious traditions.

Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to temple funds like to build colleges. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society) and  GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Why in the News?

A political controversy recently erupted in Tamil Nadu over the use of temple funds for building colleges.

What is the origin and evolution of state control over temples in Tamil Nadu?

  • Colonial Intervention and Legal Frameworks: The British colonial government began regulating temples through laws such as the Madras Regulation VII of 1817 and the Religious Endowments Act, 1863. These aimed at curbing mismanagement and ensuring proper use of temple revenues, though actual control was minimal.
  • Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act, 1927 & 1951: Post-independence, the Madras HRCE Act, 1951 granted the state direct control over temple administration. It replaced hereditary trustees with government-appointed officers, shifting from oversight to active state involvement in managing temple affairs.
  • Dravidian Politics and Reformist Push: The Self-Respect Movement and the rise of Dravidian parties (e.g., DMK) advocated for rationalism and secular administration of temples. This reinforced the idea of temples as public institutions, furthering state oversight in their functioning.

Why is using temple funds for education legally and socially justified?

  • Legal Provision under State Law: The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act, 1959 allows the use of temple surplus funds for public purposes like education, healthcare, and social welfare, provided the core religious functions are not affected. Eg: The government used temple funds to construct colleges in Tiruvannamalai and Krishnagiri, serving backward districts.
  • Social Justice and Inclusive Development: Tamil Nadu follows a Dravidian model that sees temples as public institutions capable of promoting equality, education, and empowerment, especially for marginalized communities. Eg: Building a college with temple funds in a remote area helps first-generation learners, aligning with constitutional goals of equity and social upliftment.
  • Historical and Cultural Precedent: In the pre-colonial and colonial era, temples often served as centres of learning and charity. Using their resources for education today revives that tradition in a modern, secular context. Eg: In the 19th century, temple lands supported gurukuls and feeding centres, a legacy extended now through modern institutions.

How did the Self-Respect Movement shape temple governance?

  • Challenged Brahminical Control: The movement, led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, questioned hereditary priesthood and the dominance of Brahmins in temple administration, pushing for non-Brahmin inclusion in both ritual and managerial roles.
  • State Intervention in Temple Administration: It laid the ideological foundation for government regulation of temples through legislations like the HR&CE Act, bringing temples under state control to ensure transparency, social equity, and public accountability.
  • Promotion of Secular and Social Justice Values: The movement emphasized that temple wealth should serve the public good, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, especially for the oppressed castes, transforming temples into instruments of social reform.

What are the constitutional and legal bases for state intervention in religious institutions in India?

  • Article 25(2)(a) – Social Welfare and Reform: The Constitution permits the state to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or secular activity associated with religion to promote social welfare and reform.
  • Article 26 – Regulates While Protecting Rights: While religious denominations have rights to manage their own affairs, the state can impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and health.
  • Judicial Precedents and Statutory Laws: Courts have upheld state control over temples (e.g., in Shirur Mutt case) distinguishing between religious practices and secular administration. Laws like the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act legally enable such oversight.

Should religious institutions be allowed to function autonomously without state control? 

  • Argument in favour: 
    • Protection of Religious Freedom: Article 26 of the Indian Constitution grants religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs. Autonomy respects the pluralistic ethos of India and avoids state overreach in spiritual matters.
    • Cultural and Traditional Integrity: Many religious institutions have centuries-old customs and management systems. Autonom y helps preserve these indigenous practices without interference from changing political or administrative interests.
  • Argument against: 
    • Accountability and Transparency: Without state oversight, there is a higher risk of financial mismanagement, corruption, or exploitation of devotees. State regulation ensures proper audit and governance of temple funds and assets.
    • Public Interest and Welfare: Religious institutions often hold significant wealth and influence. State control can direct surplus resources towards social welfare, education, and infrastructure, promoting inclusive development beyond the religious community.

Way forward: 

  • Balanced Autonomy with Regulation: Implement a co-governance model where religious institutions retain spiritual autonomy, while the state ensures financial transparency, protection of heritage, and equitable use of public funds.
  • Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Update existing laws to clearly define the limits of state intervention, ensure community representation in temple boards, and establish robust grievance redressal mechanisms.

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Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

[19th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Indian inequality and the World Bank’s claims 

op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2015] Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

Linkage: The article highlights that the World Bank’s report, “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025,” claims India has “almost eradicated extreme poverty” and “significantly reduced consumption inequality since 2011-12”. This directly supports the premise in the PYQ about a reduction in poverty levels.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  The World Bank’s April 2025 report highlights a decline in extreme poverty in India, supported by new HCES datarevealing insights into consumption inequality. The launch of the PMDDKY aims to reform agriculture through district-level planning, despite concerns over falling public investment in agriculture. Emphasis on inclusive participation and localised implementation is crucial for sustainable growth.

Today’s editorial analyses the World Bank’s report “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025”. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society) and  GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, the release of the World Bank’s report “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025”, which made significant claims about the reduction in poverty and inequality in India.

What are the key findings of the World Bank’s April 2025 report on poverty in India?

  • Extreme Poverty Has Nearly Been Eliminated: India has made substantial progress in poverty reduction over the past decade. Eg: About 27 crore people were lifted out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, based on the International Poverty Line of $2.15/day (2017 PPP).
  • Consumption Inequality Has Declined: The gap between the rich and poor in consumption patterns has reduced significantly.  
  • India Among Least Unequal Countries (by Consumption): In terms of consumption distribution, India now ranks among the top four least unequal countries globally. Eg: Both rural and urban households reported increased and more balanced access to milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, showing better consumption equity.

How has the HCES data helped understand consumption inequality?

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23 data has provided deep insights into consumption inequality in India.

  • Decline in Consumption Inequality: HCES showed a reduction in the consumption gap between the richest and the poorest households. Eg: The Gini coefficient for consumption dropped to 28.2 in rural areas and 31.9 in urban areas, indicating more equitable spending.
  • Improved Nutritional Access Across Income Groups: Data showed that low-income households are consuming more nutritious food than before. Eg: Compared to 2011–12, rural poor households now consume more milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, narrowing the dietary gap.
  • Urban-Rural Gap Has Narrowed: Consumption growth in rural India outpaced urban areas, helping to reduce regional inequality. Eg: The monthly per capita consumption rose by over 164% in rural and 146% in urban households (in nominal terms).
  • Shift Towards Non-Food Expenditure: Rising non-food spending like education, transport, and health among lower-income groups suggests improving quality of life. Eg: In rural areas, non-food items made up 50.3% of total spending, indicating broader access to services.
  • Policy Targeting Becomes Easier: The disaggregated data helps target welfare schemes better at both the state and district level. Eg: States like Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which showed rising consumption among poor households, can now be used as models for nutrition and cash transfer schemes.

Why is distinguishing between income and consumption inequality important?

  • Households Smooth Consumption Despite Income Fluctuations: People often use savings, credit, or social networks to maintain consumption when incomes fall temporarily. Eg: A daily wage worker in Uttar Pradesh may lose work during the monsoon, but still manages basic consumption (food, rent) by borrowing from local moneylenders or using savings.
  • Public Transfers Reduce Consumption Inequality: Government subsidies and welfare schemes help the poor consume more than their income alone would allow. Eg: A family in Odisha earning low wages may still access subsidised food under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and free school meals, narrowing consumption inequality even if income remains low.
  • Informal Support Influences Consumption: Land, gold, livestock, and informal social support can enhance consumption even when income is unstable. Eg: In Maharashtra, a small farmer with seasonal income can sell stored grain or gold jewellery to fund household expenses during lean months—sustaining consumption better than someone with the same income but no assets.

What are the steps taken by the government?

  • Expansion of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): The government has expanded cash transfer schemes like PM-KISAN, PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana, and Ujjwala 2.0 to ensure income support and reduce consumption inequality. Eg: As of 2024, over 11 crore farmers received ₹6,000 annually under PM-KISAN through DBT.
  • Strengthening Food Security SystemsThrough the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and One Nation One Ration Card, subsidised food grains are provided to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries, helping smoothen consumption shocks. Eg: NFSA covers 75% of rural and 50% of urban population, ensuring minimum nutrition.
  • Investment in Social Infrastructure and Welfare: Increased spending on education, health, rural housing (PMAY-G), and employment (MGNREGA) to reduce long-term structural inequality. Eg: In FY 2024-25, the budget for MGNREGA was over ₹86,000 crore, supporting rural livelihoods and stabilising consumption during crises.

Way forward: 

  • Enhance Targeting Through Data-Driven Welfare Delivery: Leverage HCES and SECC data to better identify vulnerable households and customize welfare delivery, especially in nutrition, health, and education. Eg: Use Aadhaar-linked data and digital platforms like PM Gati Shakti to streamline benefit distribution and plug leakages.
  • Promote Employment-Led Growth in Rural and Urban Areas: Focus on labour-intensive sectors like agro-processing, textiles, and construction, while supporting MSMEs and skilling initiatives to boost income equality and domestic consumption. Eg: Scale up schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Skill India Mission to create sustainable livelihoods.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

[18th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How is China leading the green energy sector?

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2015] To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

Linkage: The articles talks about the how China has effectively led and transformed the global green energy market, particularly through cost reduction and market control. This question directly addresses the factors behind the fall in solar energy costs, which is directly related to article.

 

Mentor’s Comment: In 2024, China installed more wind turbines and solar panels than the rest of the world combined, demonstrating its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing and supply chains. With a $940 billion investment in renewables in a single year, China has strategically leveraged state-owned enterprises (SOEs), policy backing, and supply chain control to become a clean-energy superpower.

Today’s editorial analyses China’s dominance in Green Energy. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) and  GS Paper III (Energy Sector) in the UPSC mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, China has gained attention for investing a huge amount of money and taking the lead in the global green energy sector.

Why is China a global leader in renewable energy?

  • Installed Capacity: China has the largest installed base of solar and wind energy in the world. Eg: By 2024, China added 300 GW of solar power, more than the rest of the world combined.
  • Supply Chain Control: China dominates the entire renewable energy supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Eg: It produces over 80% of global solar panels and a major share of battery components like lithium and cobalt.
  • Massive Green Investments: China leads in clean energy investments, supported by government incentives and green bonds. Eg: In 2024, China invested $940 billion in clean energy, nearly triple that of the U.S.
  • State-Led Policies: The government uses State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and policy mandates to drive green growth. Eg: SOEs like Huaneng and State Grid built large-scale wind and solar farms across the country.
  • Export of Green Technology: Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China exports renewable energy infrastructure globally. Eg: Chinese firms are setting up solar projects in Africa and wind parks in Latin America.

How did domestic issues drive China’s green strategy?

  • Severe Air Pollution: China faced toxic air quality, especially in industrial cities like Beijing, causing public health crises and unrest. Eg: The 2013 “Airpocalypse” led to mass protests, pushing the government to launch the Air Pollution Action Plan.
  • Energy Insecurity: Heavy dependence on coal and imported oil created vulnerability in energy supply and pricing. Eg: China increased solar and wind deployment to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and enhance energy self-sufficiency.
  • Economic Rebalancing Needs: China needed to shift from heavy industry to innovation-driven growth and green jobs. Eg: The government promoted green industries under the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans to support sustainable development and tech leadership.

What role do SOEs play in China’s energy transition?

  • Leading Renewable Deployment: State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are the primary drivers of solar, wind, and hydro projects, benefiting from state financing and land access. Eg: China Three Gorges Corporation built massive hydropower plants, including the Three Gorges Dam, aiding low-carbon electricity supply.
  • R&D and Technology Innovation: SOEs invest in clean energy R&D, fostering breakthroughs in battery storage, grid tech, and EVs. Eg: State Grid Corporation of China has led innovations in ultra-high-voltage transmission to integrate renewables across vast regions.
  • Policy Implementation and Scaling: SOEs act as instruments of the central government’s green policy, enabling fast scaling of infrastructure and meeting national climate goals. Eg: China Energy Investment Corporation rapidly expanded wind farms under the 14th Five-Year Plan.

What can India learn from China?

  • Scale and Speed of Deployment: India can emulate China’s rapid infrastructure development in renewables by simplifying land acquisition and faster clearances.Eg: China added over 230 GW of renewable capacity in 2023, nearly 3 times India’s total renewable addition.
  • Strong Role of Public Sector: India should empower its public sector undertakings (PSUs) to take a leadership role in clean energy, similar to China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Eg: China’s SOEs like State Power Investment Corporation lead massive solar and wind projects, while India can enhance NTPC and SECI’s role.
  • Domestic Manufacturing Push: China’s dominance is rooted in its robust clean tech manufacturing ecosystem. India should focus on R&D, incentives, and supply chains.

What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

  • National Solar Mission: Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), this mission promotes solar power generation with a target of 280 GW by 2030. Eg: India has already crossed 81 GW of solar capacity as of 2024.
  • Green Hydrogen Mission: The government launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Eg: Target of 5 MMT green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
  • PLI Scheme for Renewable Manufacturing: To reduce import dependence, the government introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar PV modules, batteries, and wind components. Eg: Over ₹24,000 crore allocated to boost domestic solar manufacturing.

What are the challenges in India? 

  • Intermittent Energy Supply: Renewable energy like solar and wind is non-continuous, making it hard to meet demand consistently. Eg: In 2022–23, India’s solar power capacity was ~70 GW, but actual generation was only ~110 billion units, implying an average capacity utilization of ~18%.
  • Inadequate Energy Storage: India lacks robust battery storage infrastructure to balance supply-demand fluctuations. Eg: As of 2023, India had only ~4.6 GW of battery storage, while the estimated need by 2030 is over 40 GW(CEA).
  • Low Private Investment in Renewables: High risks and policy uncertainty reduce private sector participation. Eg: In FY 2022–23, investment in India’s renewable sector fell by 25%, from $14.5 billion in 2021 to $10.9 billion (IEEFA).

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage collaboration between government, industry, and startups to accelerate clean energy innovation and deployment.
  • Invest in Skill Development and R&D: Promote training in green technologies and boost research in storage, hydrogen, and grid integration to build long-term capacity.

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