PYQ Relevance:
Q) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) (2020) and the development of IT industries (2021).
Despite a skilled workforce, Indian firms often lose AI deals due to capability gaps. In the intense AI race against Silicon Valley, China, and Southeast Asia, India must focus on fostering innovation and ensuring market regulations do not hinder its progress.
Today’s editorial talks about the AI-related challenges in India. This content would help in GS Paper 3 mains.
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Why in the News?
In Bengaluru, Indian developers face tough competition from China for AI projects. To lead the AI race, India must focus on supportive regulations and enhancing technological capabilities.
What are the key issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India?
- Job Displacement and Skill Gap: Increased AI adoption threatens to automate routine jobs, leading to large-scale unemployment and requiring a workforce with advanced digital skills. Example: The NASSCOM report (2023) highlighted that 69% of Indian tech workers need to upskill in AI and machine learning to remain employable as automation rises.
- Algorithmic Bias and Ethical Concerns: AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in hiring, lending, and public services. Example: In 2023, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) faced criticism when its AI-based screening system allegedly disadvantaged candidates from marginalized backgrounds during preliminary evaluations.
- Misinformation and Deepfake Threats: AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes undermine public trust, pose security risks, and impact democratic processes. Example: During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, deepfake videos impersonating political leaders circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about election manipulation.
- Regulatory Uncertainty and Compliance Costs: The lack of a unified AI policy and fragmented regulations create legal ambiguity, increasing compliance burdens for Indian startups. Example: In 2023, Indian app developers filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Google for restrictive AI-related practices on the Play Store, citing unfair competition.
- Global Competitiveness and Innovation Lag: Over-regulation and high compliance costs could hinder AI innovation, making India less competitive against global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: India’s AI startup investments lag behind China and the U.S., with China attracting four times more AI funding in 2023, according to a Stanford AI Index report.
Where does India stand in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) race?
- Emerging AI Hub with Growing Investments: India is positioning itself as an emerging AI hub with increasing investments in AI research and development, but it still lags behind global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: According to the Stanford AI Index Report 2023, India ranked fifth globally in AI research output but attracted significantly less AI funding compared to China and the U.S.
- Government Initiatives to Boost AI Innovation: India has launched several initiatives to promote AI adoption, such as the “National Program on AI” and the establishment of AI research centers to enhance innovation and application. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the “IndiaAI” mission to promote AI-based solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
- Challenges in Global Competitiveness: Despite having a large talent pool, India faces challenges in scaling AI innovation due to fragmented regulations, limited high-performance computing resources, and competition from advanced economies. Example: While India produced over 20,000 AI and machine learning professionals in 2023, its AI exports remain limited compared to China’s dominance in AI-driven hardware and cloud solutions.
What is the current regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
- Existing Laws Governing AI Use: India does not have a dedicated AI law but regulates AI through existing legal frameworks like the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which governs data protection, cybersecurity, and intermediary liability.
- Sector-Specific Guidelines: Various government bodies have issued guidelines for AI applications in specific sectors. For example: RBI Guidelines for AI in financial services (e.g., credit scoring) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations on AI in data privacy and telecommunications.
- National Strategy on AI: The government launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog, 2018) to guide AI research, ethical standards, and public-sector AI deployment. Example: Under the IndiaAI Mission (2023), the government aims to promote responsible AI use while fostering innovation across industries.
- Competition and Data Protection Framework: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) monitors anti-competitive practices by tech firms using AI algorithms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 regulates how AI systems process personal data. Example: In 2023, the CCI investigated Google for alleged AI-related anti-competitive practices on the Play Store.
- AI Ethics and Responsible Use: Guidelines on the ethical use of AI emphasize transparency, fairness, and accountability without imposing ex-ante (preemptive) regulation. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released advisory notes on preventing algorithmic bias and ensuring explainability in AI decisions.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive AI Policy Framework: Establish a unified and adaptive AI policy focusing on ethical guidelines, data privacy, and accountability to balance innovation with public interest.
- Investment in AI Infrastructure and Skill Development: Enhance funding for AI research, expand high-performance computing resources, and implement large-scale reskilling programs to bridge the skill gap and improve global competitiveness.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q)To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Election Commission of India (2017) and role of the Election Commission of India (2022).
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, is the first law made under Article 324(5) of the Constitution for appointing the CEC and ECs. It was introduced after the Supreme Court’s March 2023 order, which aimed to ensure fair appointments through a high-power committee.
Today’s editorial discusses about the selection process of Election commissioners which is currently in news. This content would help in GS Paper2 mains.
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Why in the News?
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill is flawed because it favors the candidate chosen by the government.
What are the key provisions of the 2023 Bill for appointing?
- Selection Committee Composition: A three-member committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and a Cabinet Minister (nominated by the Prime Minister) as members.
- Search Committee: Headed by the Law Minister, along with two senior bureaucrats, to prepare a list of five eligible candidates for consideration.
- Appointment Procedure: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) based on the recommendations of the selection committee.
- Seniority Principle: The senior-most Election Commissioner is to be appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Binding Nature of Recommendations: It is mandatory for the President to appoint candidates recommended by the selection committee.
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Why has the new law been challenged?
- Deviation from Supreme Court’s Directive: In March 2023, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice K.M. Joseph, directed that appointments should be made by a high-powered committee comprising the Prime Minister, LoP, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The new law replaces the CJI with a Cabinet Minister, weakening the independence of the selection process.
- Lack of Transparency: The search committee’s list of eligible candidates is not made public, reducing accountability.
- Government’s Dominance: The composition ensures a built-in majority for the government’s preferred candidate, undermining free and fair selection.
What constitutional infirmities have been identified in the selection process?
- Government-Controlled Majority in the Selection Committee: The selection committee consists of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
- This structure inherently creates a 2:1 majority in favor of the government, allowing the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Minister to dominate the decision-making process, undermining an independent and impartial selection.
- Lack of Independent Oversight: Replacing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet Minister weakens judicial oversight. This reduces checks and balances, as a Cabinet Minister is subordinate to the Prime Minister and unlikely to challenge the government’s preferences.
- Violation of Fair and Objective Assessment: The process does not ensure objective evaluation of candidates due to the predetermined government majority. This may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) as it denies a fair chance to qualified candidates outside the government’s favor and threatens the basic structure doctrine by compromising the independence of the Election Commission.
What are the key observations of the Supreme Court?
- Independence of the Election Commission is Vital: The Supreme Court emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must be independent and impartial to ensure free and fair elections, which is a fundamental feature of democracy.
- Example: In the Election Commission of India vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1993), the Court held that the ECI has plenary powers to conduct free and fair elections, reinforcing the need for independent appointments.
- Need for a Neutral Selection Process: The Court highlighted that appointments to constitutional bodies like the ECI should be made through a neutral and independent process to prevent executive dominance.
- Example: In March 2023, the Constitution Bench directed that, until a law is enacted, the Prime Minister, LoP, and the CJI should select the CEC and ECs to ensure balanced decision-making.
- Concerns over Executive Overreach: The Court warned that allowing the executive to control appointments could undermine the institution’s autonomy and jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
- Example: The Court observed that the historical practice of Prime Minister-led appointments was unsatisfactory, as it compromised the Commission’s independence.
- Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality): The Court observed that a selection process favoring the government could violate Article 14 by denying an equal opportunity to eligible candidates.
- Example: The current law creates a government-majority panel, allowing political bias in appointments and limiting fair competition.
- Upholding the Basic Structure Doctrine: The Court reiterated that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be compromised by biased appointment procedures.
- Example: In S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994), the Court affirmed that any law threatening the democratic process would violate the basic structure doctrine and could be struck down.
Way forward:
- Restore Judicial Oversight: Reintroduce the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection committee to ensure impartiality and independent oversight.
- Enhance Transparency: Make the search committee’s candidate list public and adopt objective criteria for fair and unbiased selection.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for Development”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the diverse environmental impact of coal (2017), and environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants(2014).
India relies on coal for 65% of its electricity due to its low cost and large reserves. Coal-fired power plants release harmful gases like CO₂, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, causing pollution and climate issues. Using Low NOx Burners with Over Fire Air technology can reduce NOx emissions by 45-80% without affecting power generation.
Today’s editorial discusses pollution caused by coal-fired power plants in India. This information is relevant for GS Paper 3 in the UPSC Mains exam.
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Why in the News?
New research from Stanford University in the US shows that coal-fired power plants are reducing India’s rice and wheat production, causing up to a 10% loss in several states.
Why did the researchers focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emissions?
- Phytotoxic Effects on Crops: NO₂ is phytotoxic, meaning it directly harms plant health by interfering with cellular functions and enzymatic activities. Example: In agricultural areas near coal plants, NO₂ exposure leads to lower chlorophyll levels, reducing plant vitality and yield.
- Formation of Secondary Pollutants: NO₂ contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, which further damages crops by limiting photosynthesis and causing oxidative stress. Example: Increased ozone formation near coal hubs like Chhattisgarh exacerbates crop loss during peak growing seasons.
- Limited Existing Research in India: While global studies link NO₂ to agricultural damage, there was no systematic study at the power-plant level in India. Example: This research fills the gap by connecting NO₂ emissions from coal plants directly to wheat and rice yield losses.
- Satellite Data Availability: Advanced satellites like TROPOMI allow precise tracking of NO₂ concentrations, making it easier to study the pollutant’s widespread effects. Example: Researchers used satellite-derived vegetation indices (NIRv) to measure crop health across polluted regions.
- High Contribution from Coal Plants: Coal-fired power plants are a major source of NO₂ emissions, especially in industrial and agricultural belts. Example: In Chhattisgarh, around 19% of monsoon-season NO₂ comes from coal plants, causing significant crop damage.
How does this pollutant impact plant health and crop yield?
- Disruption of Photosynthesis: NO₂ reduces the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis by forming secondary pollutants like particulate matter. This limits energy production in plants. Example: In areas near coal plants, reduced sunlight exposure leads to a 5-10% decline in rice and wheat yields in states like West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
- Cellular and Enzymatic Damage: NO₂ interferes with crucial cellular processes and enzymatic functions, weakening plant growth and reducing their ability to absorb nutrients. Example: Crops exposed to high NO₂ levels in Chhattisgarh show slower growth and lower productivity, especially during peak seasons.
- Ozone Formation and Oxidative Stress: NO₂ contributes to ground-level ozone, which causes oxidative stress in plants, leading to leaf damage and reduced crop yields. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, where overall NO₂ levels are high, wheat crops suffer significant losses due to ozone-induced stress during the winter season.
Which states show the highest agricultural losses?
- Chhattisgarh: The most affected region with the highest share of NO₂ pollution from coal plants (19% during the monsoon and 12.5% in winter). It is a major hub for coal-fired power generation, leading to severe air pollution and crop yield losses.
- West Bengal: There are significant NO₂ exposure from coal plants that affects 5.7% of cropland, with yield losses between 5-10% and even greater than 10% in some areas. The proximity of coal plants to fertile agricultural zones increases the impact on rice and wheat production.
- Madhya Pradesh: About 5.9% of cropland near coal plants experiences 5-10% yield losses, while 11.9% of agricultural land could face losses exceeding 10%.
- Uttar Pradesh: High overall NO₂ pollution, but only a small portion originates from coal-fired power plants. The other industrial sources dominate NO₂ emissions, yet coal plants still add to the burden on winter wheat yields.
- Tamil Nadu: Low overall NO₂ levels but a large share comes from coal plants, disproportionately affecting local agriculture. The concentration of coal-fired power plants contributes a substantial portion of the region’s air pollution.
What steps have been taken by the Indian government?
- Increased Budget Allocation for Coal Sector: The 2025-2026 Union Budget has increased the allocation for the Ministry of Coal by 255% over the revised estimates of FY 2024-2025, reflecting a focus on managing coal resources and addressing environmental concerns.
- Pollution Control Mandates: The government has introduced emission norms for coal-fired power plants, requiring the installation of pollution control equipment like Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) to reduce nitrogen oxides (NO₂) and other pollutants.
- Renewable Energy Promotion: Policies such as the National Solar Mission and incentives for renewable energy aim to reduce coal dependency and minimize air pollution while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Emission Regulations: Implement stricter NO₂ emission limits for coal-fired power plants, enforce regular monitoring, and expedite the adoption of advanced pollution control technologies like selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture and Clean Energy: Support farmers in NO₂-affected regions with resilient crop varieties and promote a transition to renewable energy through increased investment in solar and wind infrastructure.
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| PYQ Relevance:
Q) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on “ Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals” (2020), and the “Russia and Ukraine war” (2022).
In February 2025, the U.S. blamed Ukraine, Germany, and other European countries for not doing enough to end the conflict and for continuing a war with Russia that it sees as unwinnable. However, the U.S. itself has already spent over $110 billion on the Ukraine war, including $65 billion on ammunition—more than what major Western countries combined have provided.
Today’s editorial highlights the double stance of the USA in international relations. This content would help in GS paper 2 (IR).
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Why in the News?
The Munich Security Conference in Germany and the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on Ukraine were filled with contradictions and hypocrisy.
What were the key contradictions during the Munich Security Conference and the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine?
Munich Security Conference
- U.S. Criticism of European Democratic Practices vs. Its Own Actions: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance accused Europe of suppressing right-wing parties and curbing free speech. However, the U.S. previously sought to delegitimize its own right-wing movements including the 2021 Capitol riot and Trump’s 2020 election denial further exposed this contradiction.
- U.S. Demand for European Security Responsibility vs. Past Opposition: The U.S. urged Europe to increase defense spending and reduce reliance on NATO. Yet, since the Cold War’s end the U.S. has consistently opposed European efforts to establish independent security frameworks fearing a weakened NATO.
UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine:
- U.S. Opposition to European-Ukrainian Resolution vs. Its Previous Support: Despite previously leading international efforts to support Ukraine against Russia and now the U.S. voted with Russia against a European-Ukrainian draft resolution. This contradicts its long-standing position of backing Ukraine and opposing Russian aggression.
- Europe’s Victory Without U.S. Support: The European-Ukrainian resolution was adopted despite U.S. opposition, highlighting a growing divide between American and European approaches to the Ukraine conflict. However, without sustained U.S. support, Europe’s ability to continue aiding Ukraine effectively is uncertain, making the victory largely symbolic.
How has the U.S.’s stance on the Ukraine war shifted over time?
- Initial Strong Support for Ukraine (2022-2023): The U.S. led global efforts to support Ukraine, providing over $110 billion, including $65 billion for ammunition, and coordinated sanctions against Russia. Example: The U.S. played a key role in mobilizing NATO allies to send advanced weaponry, including Germany’s Leopard tanks.
- Undermining Peace Negotiations (2022): The U.S. discouraged early peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Türkiye, preferring to prolong the conflict to weaken Russia strategically. Example: In March 2022, a European leader, reportedly at U.S. behest, sabotaged a nearly finalized peace agreement.
- Tensions with European Allies (2023-2024): The U.S. increasingly criticized Europe for not contributing enough financially and militarily while maintaining disproportionate U.S. involvement. Example: Despite urging Europe to take responsibility, the U.S. continued to dominate NATO’s budget (16%) and military commitments.
- Shifting Blame to Europe (2025): By February 2025, the U.S. accused Germany, Ukraine, and other European nations of pursuing an unwinnable war and not doing enough to seek a resolution.
- Voting Against European-Ukrainian Resolution (2025): In a dramatic reversal, the U.S. voted with Russia against a European-Ukrainian draft at the UN General Assembly, signaling a shift toward disengagement. This marked a break from the U.S.’s previous unconditional support and exposed widening trans-Atlantic rifts over Ukraine policy.
Why is the trans-Atlantic partnership between the U.S. and Europe still considered relevant?
- Shared Security Commitments Through NATO: The U.S. and Europe continue to rely on NATO for collective defence, especially in response to Russian aggression and emerging global threats. Example: After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022), the U.S. increased its troop presence in Eastern Europe, while Finland and Sweden joined NATO, reinforcing trans-Atlantic security ties.
- Economic and Technological Interdependence: The U.S. and Europe maintain deep economic ties through trade, technology collaboration, and joint efforts on climate change and supply chain resilience. Example: The U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) fosters cooperation on critical areas like semiconductors and clean energy, reducing dependence on China.
What lessons should India learn from the USA’s constantly changing policies?
- Need for Policy Consistency and Strategic Autonomy: Frequent shifts in U.S. foreign policy highlight the importance of maintaining stable and long-term strategies to protect national interests.
- Example: The U.S.’s fluctuating stance on Ukraine and Afghanistan shows how unpredictable alliances can be. India should continue pursuing strategic autonomy through initiatives like “Act East” and partnerships with Russia and the Global South to avoid over-reliance on any one nation.
- Diversification of Economic and Defense Partnerships: Rapid policy changes in the U.S. underscore the need to diversify partnerships to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
- Example: U.S. sanctions on Iran disrupted India’s oil imports. In response, India diversified its energy sources by strengthening ties with Russia and exploring renewable energy investments.
- Investing in Domestic Capabilities: India must strengthen its domestic manufacturing, technology, and defense industries to reduce dependence on unpredictable foreign partners.
- Example: The U.S.’s evolving position on export controls for advanced technologies emphasizes the need for India to accelerate initiatives like “Make in India” and semiconductor manufacturing to ensure technological sovereignty.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Strategic Autonomy: Prioritize independent foreign policy decisions while balancing ties with major powers. Enhance regional leadership through initiatives like “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” to reduce reliance on any single partner.
- Enhance Self-Reliance and Diversification: Invest in domestic capabilities through programs like “Make in India” and “Digital India”, while diversifying economic and defence partnerships to mitigate risks from external policy shifts.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (UPSC CSE 2018) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on “ Data security” (2018), and the Impact of digital technology (2021).
Surveillance capitalism is an economic system where tech companies collect, analyze, and sell personal data to predict and influence behaviour. This system, described by Shoshana Zuboff in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2018), treats human experiences as a resource for profit, similar to how colonialism and industrial capitalism exploited natural and human resources.
Today’s editorial highlights current issues related to surveillance capitalism and its impact. This topic is relevant for GS Paper 2 and 3 in the UPSC Mains.
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Why in the News?
Recently, surveillance capitalism has depended on turning personal data into a product. It affects people’s privacy and freedom while being closely linked to government surveillance.
What is Surveillance Capitalism?
- Surveillance capitalism is an economic system where technology companies collect, analyze, and monetize personal data to predict and influence human behaviour.
- This data is often gathered through digital platforms like social media, search engines, and smart devices, often without users’ full awareness.
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How does surveillance capitalism rely on the commodification of personal data?
- Collection of Personal Data as Raw Material: Google Search tracks every query a user makes, including location and device information. This data is processed to understand user preferences and behaviour patterns.
- Behavioural Prediction for Targeted Advertising: Companies monetize behavioural data by selling it to advertisers who target users with precision, maximizing ad effectiveness.
- Meta (Facebook) monitors user activity across its platforms to deliver highly personalized ads. Users discussing fitness products may soon see ads for gym memberships.
- Continuous Data Harvesting Across Devices: Data is continuously extracted from smart devices, even during routine interactions, deepening the pool of user insights.
- Amazon’s Alexa collects voice commands and ambient sounds to refine product recommendations and improve its machine-learning models.
- Algorithmic Manipulation to Influence Behaviour: Algorithms shape user behaviour by curating content that fosters prolonged engagement, increasing ad revenue.
- YouTube’s recommendation algorithm analyses watch history to suggest videos that keep users engaged, often promoting content that aligns with their interests or biases.
What are the strong connections between data commodification and state surveillance?
- Mass Data Collection Programs: Governments collaborate with private tech companies to access vast amounts of personal data for surveillance purposes. Example: The PRISM program by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) collected user data from major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to monitor global communications.
- Legal Mandates for Data Sharing: Many countries enforce laws requiring digital platforms to share user data with state agencies for national security and law enforcement. Example: India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 require platforms to trace the origin of messages, facilitating state surveillance.
- Surveillance Technologies Integration: States use advanced technologies like facial recognition and AI-driven monitoring to track citizens’ movements and online activities. Example: China’s Social Credit System uses surveillance cameras and digital monitoring to track citizens’ behavior, affecting access to services based on their social scores.
What are the negative impacts of commodifying personal data?
- Privacy Erosion: When personal data is commodified, individuals lose control over their private information, leading to widespread privacy violations. Example: Social media platforms like Facebook have been criticized for selling user data to third parties, such as Cambridge Analytica which used it for targeted political advertising without users’ explicit consent.
- Exploitation and Manipulation: Personal data is often used to influence behaviour through targeted advertising or algorithmic content curation, exploiting vulnerabilities. Example: Companies like Google and Amazon use personal data to create highly targeted ads.
- Increased Risk of Data Breaches: The collection and trade of personal data raise the likelihood of data breaches, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and other harms. Example: The Equifax data breach in 2017 exposed the personal information of 147 million people.
- Inequality and Discrimination: Commodified data can reinforce social and economic inequalities by enabling discriminatory practices, such as price discrimination or exclusion from services. Example: Insurance companies may use personal data to charge higher premiums to individuals based on their health or lifestyle, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.
- Loss of Autonomy and Trust: The exploitation of personal data weakens public trust in institutions and reduces individuals’ sense of control over their own information. Example: The revelation that apps like TikTok collect and share user data with governments or third parties.
What steps has the Indian government taken?
- Data Protection Legislation: The Indian government enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, which regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. It mandates user consent, imposes penalties for data breaches, and establishes a Data Protection Board to address grievances.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity: Initiatives like the National Cyber Security Policy (2013) and the establishment of CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) aim to protect critical information infrastructure, prevent cyberattacks, and enhance data security.
- Regulating Big Tech: The government has introduced guidelines like the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require platforms to ensure transparency, allow user grievance redressal, and hold intermediaries accountable for data misuse.
What steps have been taken at the global level?
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), European Union (2018): The GDPR sets a global benchmark for data privacy by enforcing strict guidelines on data collection, processing, and storage. It grants individuals the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data and imposes hefty penalties for non-compliance.
- Global Data Protection Frameworks: Initiatives like the OECD Privacy Guidelines and the UN’s Internet Governance Forum promote international cooperation on data privacy, emphasizing transparency, user consent, and cross-border data flow regulations.
- The USA’s Sectoral Approach: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and similar state-level laws provide data protection rights to consumers, including the ability to opt out of data sales. The USA also advocates for a federal privacy law to harmonize regulations across industries.
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Way forward:
- Stronger Regulatory Frameworks: Implement comprehensive and adaptive data protection laws with clear accountability for data handlers, regular audits, and stringent penalties to safeguard user privacy and prevent misuse.
- User Empowerment and Transparency: Promote data literacy programs and ensure platforms provide clear, accessible consent mechanisms, allowing users greater control over their personal information and how it is shared.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2014) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on “freedom of speech and expression” (2014), and A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” — M.K. Gandhi (2019).
A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh imposed strict conditions, barring Allahbadia and his team from posting on social media until further notice and ordering him to surrender his passport to the police. These conditions go against previous Supreme Court rulings that warn against imposing excessive restrictions that limit personal freedom while granting temporary relief.
Today’s editorial discusses temporary protection from arrest and the factors the Supreme Court considers when granting interim relief to an accused. This information is valuable for GS Paper 2 and 4 in the UPSC Mains examination.
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Why in the News?
On February 18, the Supreme Court granted temporary protection from arrest to podcaster and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia.
What stringent conditions did the Supreme Court impose on podcaster and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia?
- Prohibition on Social Media Activity: The Court barred Allahbadia and his associates from posting any content on YouTube or other audio/video platforms until further orders. Example: Similar restrictions were rejected in Mohammed Zubair’s case (2021), where the Court held that preventing social media activity violates free speech rights.
- Surrender of Passport: He was directed to surrender his passport to the police to prevent him from leaving the country. Example: In Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2022), the Court ruled that conditions like passport surrender must not be disproportionate or impossible to comply with.
- Gag Order on Professional Work: The Court imposed a gag order restricting him from airing new content until further notice. Example: In Rehana Fathima’s case (2021), the Supreme Court overturned a similar order that restricted the activist from expressing her views online.
- Monitoring of Public Statements: Allahbadia’s public statements and activities on digital platforms are subject to strict oversight to prevent further controversies. Example: In Frank Vitus v. NCB (2024), the Court struck down a bail condition requiring the accused to share their Google Maps location PIN, calling it an invasion of privacy.
- Single Investigation for Multiple FIRs: The Court may consolidate the multiple FIRs against him under a single investigation to prevent harassment. Example: In Parteek Bansal v. State of Rajasthan (2022), the Supreme Court denounced the filing of multiple FIRs for the same offense as a form of state harassment.
What factors does the top court consider when granting interim relief to an accused?
- Tampering with Evidence (Interfering with Investigation): The Court considers whether interim relief might allow the accused to destroy, fabricate, or conceal evidence. Example: In Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2022), the Court cautioned against imposing impossible bail conditions while ensuring the investigation remains uncompromised.
- Nature and Gravity of the Offense: The seriousness of the alleged crime and its potential social impact are weighed when deciding on interim relief. Example: In Arnab Goswami v. State of Maharashtra (2020), interim bail was granted, with the Court emphasizing the need to prevent misuse of the law for political harassment.
- Protection of Fundamental Rights: The Court considers the accused’s fundamental rights, particularly personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Example: In Frank Vitus v. NCB (2024), the Court struck down a bail condition requiring the accused to share their Google Maps location PIN, calling it a violation of privacy rights.
- Flight Risk (Likelihood of Absconding): The Court evaluates whether the accused is likely to flee the country or jurisdiction to evade legal proceedings. Example: In Chidambaram v. Directorate of Enforcement (2019), anticipatory bail was denied due to concerns about flight risk and the accused’s ability to influence the investigation.
- Intimidation of Witnesses (Influencing or Threatening Witnesses): The possibility of the accused threatening, influencing, or coercing witnesses is assessed to ensure a fair trial. Example: In State of Gujarat v. Amit Shah (2010), bail was granted after the Court found no direct evidence suggesting that the accused would intimidate witnesses.
What has the Court previously stated about gag orders?
- Gag Orders Violate Freedom of Speech: The Court has consistently held that gag orders restricting speech violate Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Example: In Mohammed Zubair v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2021), the Court refused to restrict Zubair from tweeting while on bail, stating it would create a chilling effect on free speech.
- Prior Restraint is Constitutionally Disfavored: The Court has cautioned that prior restraint—preventing speech before it occurs—is unconstitutional except in exceptional circumstances like public order or national security. Example: In R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1994), the Court ruled that prior censorship is permissible only when there is compelling public interest.
- Gag Orders Must Be Proportional: Any restriction on speech must be narrowly tailored and proportionate to the harm being prevented. Broad, vague restrictions are unconstitutional. Example: In Rehana Fathima v. State of Kerala (2021), the Court struck down a bail condition prohibiting Fathima from expressing her views on social media, calling it disproportionate.
- Right to Practice a Profession: Gag orders must not prevent individuals from pursuing their profession, especially when their work depends on public communication. Example: In Vinod Dua v. Union of India (2021), the Court quashed FIRs against journalist Vinod Dua, stating that his journalistic work was protected under Article 19(1)(a).
- Interference with Judicial Process is an Exception: The Court has upheld gag orders only when speech could obstruct the judicial process or prejudice a fair trial. Example: In Sahara India Real Estate Corp. v. SEBI (2012), the Court allowed temporary restrictions to prevent media trials from affecting the outcome of legal proceedings.
Way forward:
- Balance Fundamental Rights with Fair Trial: Ensure that any restrictions on speech, including gag orders, are narrow, proportionate, and imposed only when necessary to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings while safeguarding freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- Establish Clear Guidelines for Interim Relief: Formulate uniform guidelines to regulate conditions like passport surrender, social media bans, and public statement monitoring, ensuring they are consistent with constitutional protections and do not impose disproportionate burdens on the accused.
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| PYQ Relevance:
Q) Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
(UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Prelims have focused on ‘appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India’ (in 2017), and ‘Arbitration and Conciliation’ (2015).
Every Chief Justice of India and senior member of the higher judiciary faces the persistent challenge of case backlogs. Currently, the Supreme Court has around 82,000 pending cases, High Courts have over 62 lakh, and lower courts nearly five crores. About 50 lakh cases have been pending for over 10 years. India can address its legal backlog by adopting mediation as an effective solution for faster and amicable dispute resolution.
Today’s editorial discusses the pending cases in the Supreme Court and explores alternative solutions. This is useful for GS Paper 2 (Polity) in the UPSC Mains.
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Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court has around 82,000 pending cases, High Courts have over 62 lakh, and lower courts have nearly five crores.
What is the status of case backlogs in India?
- Supreme court: As of recent data, there are approximately 45.3 million pending cases in lower courts across India, with 34.3 million being criminal cases and 10.9 million civil cases. The Supreme Court has a backlog of nearly 83,000 cases, while high courts collectively have about 5.9 million pending cases.
- High Court: As of recent data, there are approximately 62.39 lakh (6.24 million) pending cases across all High Courts in India, with a significant portion being more than a year old6. This includes both civil and criminal cases.
- Nearly 62,000 cases have been pending for over 30 years in various High Courts, including some dating back to the early 1950s. This highlights the chronic issue of long-standing pendency affecting the judicial system.
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How can court case backlogs be transformed into valuable resources?
- Promoting Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Identify and refer suitable cases (e.g., family disputes, commercial disagreements) for mediation to reduce court workload. Example: The Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre has successfully resolved thousands of cases through mediation, reducing pendency and fostering amicable settlements.
- Leveraging Data Analytics for Case Management: Use AI and data analytics to categorize cases by complexity, urgency, and likelihood of settlement for faster resolution. Example: The Supreme Court’s SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency) uses AI to assist judges in analyzing and prioritizing cases.
- Expanding Fast-Track and Special Courts: Establish dedicated courts for high-pendency areas like cheque-bouncing cases (Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act) and sexual offenses. Example: Fast-track courts for rape cases under the POCSO Act have expedited justice delivery in many states, reducing backlog in sensitive matters.
- Implementing E-Courts and Digital Filing: Shift to e-filing and virtual hearings to streamline processes and reduce procedural delays. Example: The E-Courts Project has enabled online case filing and digital record management, reducing paperwork and improving case tracking.
- Imposing Costs for Frivolous Litigation: Introduce punitive costs for unnecessary appeals and frivolous cases to discourage misuse of the judicial system. Example: The Supreme Court has imposed heavy fines in cases of “Public Interest Litigations” (PILs) found to be motivated by personal agendas.
Should India consider adopting mediation as a dispute resolution method?
- Faster and Cost-Effective Resolution: Mediation is quicker and less expensive than prolonged litigation, saving time and financial resources for both parties. Example: In commercial disputes, companies like Tata and Reliance have used mediation to resolve conflicts, avoiding lengthy and costly legal battles.
- Preserving Relationships: Mediation focuses on mutual agreement, fostering cooperation and maintaining relationships, which is crucial in family and business matters. Example: Matrimonial disputes in family courts are often referred to mediation, leading to amicable settlements and reducing emotional distress.
- Encouraging Confidentiality and Flexibility: Mediation proceedings are confidential, protecting sensitive information and offering flexible solutions tailored to the parties’ needs. Example: Intellectual Property (IP) disputes in the Bombay High Court have been successfully mediated, protecting trade secrets while resolving conflicts.
- Global Best Practice Alignment: Many countries, including the United States and Singapore, prioritize mediation to resolve civil and commercial disputes efficiently. Example: India’s Commercial Courts Act, 2015, mandates pre-institution mediation for commercial cases, aligning with international standards and reducing case influx.
- Reducing Judicial Backlog: Mediation can significantly reduce the burden on courts by resolving disputes outside the formal judicial system. Example: The Delhi Dispute Resolution Society has successfully mediated thousands of civil and matrimonial disputes, easing pressure on the Delhi High Court.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023: The Mediation Act provides a statutory framework for mediation, aiming to encourage institutional mediation and enforce mediated settlement agreements. It also establishes a body for registering mediators and promotes community and online mediation.
- Introduction of Court-Annexed Mediation Centres: Mediation centres have been set up in various High Courts and District Courts to facilitate dispute resolution. Example: The Delhi High Court Mediation Centre (Samadhan) and Bangalore Mediation Centre successfully mediate thousands of cases annually.
- Incorporating Mediation in Specific Laws: Laws like the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 mandate pre-institution mediation for commercial disputes, promoting early settlements.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Mediation Infrastructure: Expand court-annexed mediation centres, train mediators, and promote online dispute resolution (ODR) to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
- Policy and Public Awareness: Implement awareness campaigns to encourage mediation adoption and introduce incentives for parties choosing alternative dispute resolution methods.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (2013)
Q) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (CSP 2022)
(a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
(b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
(c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
(d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State. |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on internal security challenges linked with border management (2013), and Fifth Schedule (2022).
The India-Myanmar borderlands lack reliable data despite ongoing conflicts and crises. In Manipur, restricted access and security issues make it hard to document humanitarian needs. Misinformation worsens the situation. Around 58,000 people live in relief camps, while 12,000 fled to Mizoram and 7,000 to Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya. Data collection remains fragmented.
Today’s editorial discusses issues related to Manipur, which are relevant for GS Paper 3 (Mains) under the Security section.
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Why in the News?
The Manipur conflict is complex, and security issues make it hard to access certain areas leads to major gaps in tracking humanitarian needs.
How has the complexity of the conflict contributed to significant gaps in documenting humanitarian needs?
- Restricted Access and Security Concerns: The conflict’s complexity leads to restricted access for humanitarian organizations and data collectors due to security risks. Example: Adverse security conditions hinder the ability to thoroughly assess needs in certain areas.
- Breakdown of Information Chains: The physical and social separation of communities (like the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi) disrupts the flow of accurate information. Example: The separation makes it difficult to get a comprehensive understanding of the needs of both communities, as information does not flow freely between them.
- Unaccounted Populations: Official counts often only consider those in registered relief camps, overlooking unregistered individuals living with relatives, in temporary shelters, or displaced across multiple locations. Example: Many individuals displaced outside of registered camps or those who have left the State entirely are not included in official estimates, leading to underreporting.
- Altered Healthcare Access and Documentation: The conflict changes how people seek medical care, especially in conflicted regions, making it difficult to track health-related issues. Example: Residents of Kuki-Zomi-dominated hill districts can no longer easily access major hospitals in Imphal, leading to indirect routes and potentially undocumented health crises.
- Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of inaccurate information clouds the true picture, making it difficult to form an empirical understanding of the conflict’s impact. Example: The text mentions that misinformation and disinformation cloud an empirical understanding of the conflict.
Why do the India-Myanmar borderlands remain a data-deficient region despite their long history of armed conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises?
- Challenging Geography: The region’s complex topography, characterized by rugged mountains and dense forests, complicates access for data collection efforts. For example, the difficult terrain has hindered the effective implementation of border initiatives such as fencing, which has faced significant logistical challenges over the years.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: There is a lack of basic infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, which impedes the movement of researchers and humanitarian workers.
- The Moreh Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Manipur, intended to facilitate trade and connectivity, has experienced slow construction and inadequate facilities, reflecting broader infrastructural deficiencies in the region.
- Political Sensitivities: The presence of various insurgent groups and ongoing conflicts creates a volatile environment that discourages data collection. Security concerns often prevent researchers and NGOs from engaging with local communities to gather necessary information on humanitarian needs.
- Shared Ethnic Ties and Cross-Border Dynamics: The interconnectedness of ethnic communities across the border complicates the situation further. Policies such as the cancellation of the Free Regime Movement (FMR) agreement have disrupted traditional social networks, making it difficult to assess the socio-economic conditions on both sides effectively.
- Restricted Access for Humanitarian Organizations: Government-imposed restrictions and logistical challenges prevent humanitarian agencies from collecting and reporting crucial data.
- Example: After Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, aid organizations faced severe restrictions in conflict-hit areas like the Sagaing Region, resulting in major data gaps on displacement and food insecurity.
Why does Manipur need a shift towards ‘greater common good’ politics?
- Ethnic Divisions and Communal Tensions: The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities has created deep mistrust and segregation, making governance difficult. A politics of “greater common good” would prioritize reconciliation and collective welfare over ethnic identity-based politics.
- Humanitarian Crisis and Governance Failures: Prolonged displacement, lack of adequate relief measures, and deteriorating healthcare require governance focused on inclusive development rather than ethnic-based power struggles.
- Example: Over 58,000 displaced individuals are still in relief camps, struggling with food, water, and medical shortages due to lack of coordinated efforts.
- Economic and Social Stability: Manipur’s economic potential is hindered by violence, blockades, and an unstable law-and-order situation. A governance approach focused on the “greater common good” would foster investment, economic recovery, and social stability.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Imposition of President’s Rule: On February 13, 2025, Manipur was placed under President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister. This decision was made due to nearly two years of ethnic violence and political turmoil that had resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread unrest.
- Suspension of the State Assembly: The state assembly has been put under suspended animation, which means it will not function until the situation stabilizes. This is the 11th instance of President’s Rule being imposed in Manipur since its statehood.
- Security Measures: The central government has directed security forces to take all necessary steps to restore order in Manipur. This includes deploying additional military and paramilitary forces to manage the fragile security situation, which has seen recent escalations in violence.
- Appointment of a Security Advisor: Following the invocation of Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, a security advisor was appointed to assist the Chief Minister in managing law and order.
- Investigation into Violence: The Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over important cases related to the violence to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for effective investigation, indicating a commitment to addressing the root causes of the unrest.
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Way forward:
- Inclusive Dialogue and Reconciliation: Establish a truth and reconciliation commission involving all ethnic communities to foster trust, address grievances, and create a roadmap for long-term peace and stability.
- Sustainable Development and Governance Reforms: Focus on infrastructure development, livelihood generation, and transparent governance to ensure equitable growth, reduce ethnic tensions, and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Energy Security (2017), and uneven distribution of mineral oil (2021).
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani to strengthen India-Qatar ties into a “strategic partnership” focused on trade, investments, technology, energy, and people-to-people connections. They also discussed key global and regional issues. This is the Amir’s second state visit to India, following his 2015 visit.
Today’s editorial talks about the trade relations between Qatar and India. This content would help in mains answer writing GS Paper 2 in International Relations.
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Why in the News?
India and Qatar agreed to strengthen their relationship as a “strategic partnership,” aim to double trade to $28 billion in five years, and attract $10 billion in Qatari investment into India.
What are the trade relations between India and Qatar?
- Strategic Partnership and Trade Goals: India and Qatar have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, aiming to double their trade from approximately USD 14 billion to USD 28 billion over the next five years. This agreement was formalized during discussions between the Indian Prime Minister and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
- Key Exports and Imports: In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s exports to Qatar were valued at USD 1.96 billion, while imports from Qatar reached USD 16.8 billion. Major exports from Qatar to India include liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and petrochemicals, whereas India exports cereals, textiles, machinery, and precious stones to Qatar.
- Energy Cooperation: Qatar is India’s largest supplier of LNG and LPG, accounting for over 48% of India’s LNG imports and 29% of its LPG imports in FY 2022-23. This energy trade has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with long-term contracts in place for continued supply.
- Investment Opportunities: Qatari investments in India have surpassed USD 1.5 billion, focusing on sectors such as telecommunications, retail, and infrastructure. Indian companies are also increasingly investing in Qatar, with significant contributions from firms like Larsen & Toubro and Wipro.
- Future Prospects: Both countries are exploring avenues beyond energy, looking to enhance cooperation in technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The recent discussions included the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to further facilitate trade relations.
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Why is Qatar important to India?
- Energy Security: As a major LNG supplier, Qatar plays a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security, accounting for over 48% of India’s LNG imports. Example: India imports around 8.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from Qatar, covering a significant portion of its energy demand.
- Trade & Investment: Bilateral trade is growing, with plans to double it to $28 billion and explore a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Example: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has invested in Indian companies like Reliance Jio and Adani Green Energy.
- Indian Diaspora & Remittances: Over 800,000 Indians work in Qatar, making them the largest expatriate group.Example: Indian workers send billions in remittances to India annually, supporting the economy and families back home.
- Strategic & Security Cooperation: The new Strategic Partnership Agreement enhances cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism. Example: India and Qatar conduct joint naval exercises to ensure maritime security in the Gulf region.
- Geopolitical & Diplomatic Influence: Qatar plays a key role in West Asian diplomacy, including mediation in conflicts like Israel-Palestine and Taliban negotiations. Example: India engages with Qatar on regional issues to maintain stability and secure energy interests.
What are the benefits of recent deals between India and Qatar related to LNG?
- Duration and Volume: The new agreement extends the supply of 7.5 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of LNG from Qatar to India for an additional 20 years, from 2028 to 2048. This is an extension of the existing contract that was set to expire in 2028.
- Pricing Structure: The renewed deal is expected to offer LNG at rates lower than current prices, potentially saving India around $6 billion over the life of the contract. The pricing structure will differ from previous terms, eliminating fixed charges and allowing for more flexible pricing based on market conditions.
- Energy Security: This agreement is crucial for India’s energy security, as Qatar currently supplies about 35% of India’s LNG imports. The deal ensures a stable and reliable supply of natural gas, which is essential for various sectors, including power generation, fertilizers, and city gas distribution.
What are the challenges between India and Qatar?
- Legal & Human Rights Issues: Several Indian workers face legal challenges in Qatar, including imprisonment and labor rights concerns. Example: Former Indian Navy officer Commander Purnendu Tiwary remains in Qatari custody, despite the repatriation of seven other detained Indian naval personnel in 2024.
- Geopolitical Differences: India and Qatar have differing views on regional issues like Israel-Palestine and Middle East conflicts. Example: India supports a two-state solution, while Qatar has close ties with Hamas, leading to potential diplomatic frictions.
- Economic Dependence on Energy Imports: India heavily relies on Qatar for LNG imports, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Example: Any geopolitical instability in the Gulf or energy price hikes could impact India’s energy security and trade balance.
Way forward:
- Diversifying Economic Engagement: Reduce dependency on energy trade by expanding cooperation in manufacturing, technology, and digital infrastructure. Example: Strengthening investments in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and logistics through bilateral agreements and joint ventures.
- Enhancing Diplomatic and Security Cooperation: Deepen collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing to address regional security concerns. Example: Conduct more frequent joint naval exercises and establish structured dialogues on geopolitical issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Addressing Legal and Labor Concerns: Strengthen diplomatic mechanisms to protect Indian workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment of those facing legal challenges in Qatar. Example: Expand labor agreements, improve grievance redressal mechanisms, and negotiate for faster repatriation of detainees, including Commander Purnendu Tiwary.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like conventional energy generation (2020) and coal-fired thermal plants (2014).
In August 2022, India updated its climate plan to the UNFCCC, promising to follow a cleaner, environmentally friendly path for growth. The country aims to cut emissions per unit of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans to get 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, while keeping thermal power at 50% of the energy mix.
Today’s editorial addresses issues related to thermal power plants. This topic will be useful for GS Paper 2 and 3 in the Mains exam.
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Why in the News?
States that produce thermal power should be fairly compensated for handling the pollution caused while generating electricity for other states.
What is the extent of the pollution burden caused by thermal power plants in certain states?
- High Concentration of Polluting Power Plants: States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are home to a large share of India’s thermal power plants, contributing significantly to the country’s carbon emissions. These states face disproportionate pollution as they generate much of the power consumed across India but do not benefit equally in terms of electricity consumption.
- For example, Chhattisgarh produces large amounts of electricity from thermal plants, but its per capita electricity consumption remains much lower than that of economically better-off states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- Disproportionate Emissions and Air Pollution: Thermal power generation is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM), contributing heavily to air pollution. States like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with a high density of coal-based plants, suffer from severe air quality deterioration, leading to health hazards like respiratory diseases.
- Externalities from Power Exporting States: States such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha are significant net exporters of electricity. Despite being the source of much of India’s thermal power, these states bear the brunt of the pollution without receiving adequate compensation or benefits. Chhattisgarh was the highest net exporter of electricity in 2022-23, yet it continues to face the negative environmental impacts without direct benefits.
- Impact on Local Health and Environment: The local populations near thermal power plants suffer from air pollution-induced health issues like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. Additionally, the local environment is negatively impacted due to thermal pollution and the disposal of coal ash.
- In Bihar, which generates most of its electricity from thermal plants, residents face health risks due to pollutants emitted by nearby plants, such as NTPC‘s plants.
- Water and Soil Contamination: Thermal power plants contribute to thermal pollution in water bodies, affecting aquatic life, and displace harmful chemicals into soil, which degrades agriculture. In coal-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand, this leads to long-term environmental damage.
- For instance, the coal ash from thermal plants in Odisha has been found to pollute the soil, reducing agricultural productivity and harming local ecosystems.
What are the environmental and health impacts of this pollution on local populations?
- Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: The emission of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from thermal power plants significantly degrades air quality. This leads to an increase in respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- For example, in Chhattisgarh, where thermal plants are concentrated, residents face high rates of respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure to air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
- Water and Soil Contamination: The disposal of toxic coal ash and wastewater from thermal power plants pollutes local water bodies and soil, leading to contamination of drinking water sources and agricultural land. This can cause long-term harm to both human health and local ecosystems.
- In Odisha, coal ash from thermal plants has been found to seep into nearby rivers and groundwater, impacting drinking water quality and agricultural productivity.
- Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: The carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by thermal power plants contributes to global warming, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. These events directly affect public health by increasing mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
- For example, states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha face heightened vulnerability to heatwaves and flooding, worsened by the cumulative impact of pollution from nearby thermal power plants.
What steps can be taken to mitigate the pollution caused by thermal power plants? (Way forward)
- Adoption of Cleaner Technologies: Implementing advanced technologies such as Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) can significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). These technologies capture pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere, improving air quality.
- Switching to Cleaner Fuels and Renewable Energy Sources: Gradually transitioning from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas, biomass, or renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro) can help reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants.
- The Solar power initiatives in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have vast renewable energy capacities, can be expanded to replace coal-based power generation, reducing reliance on thermal plants.
- Improved Waste Management and Pollution Control Regulations: Establishing strict regulations for the management of coal ash and waste from thermal plants can help prevent contamination of water bodies and soil. The use of ash for brick-making and cement production, or proper disposal in landfills, can mitigate environmental hazards.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? (UPSC CSE 2018) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Panchayat System (2015), and Local Governance (2021).
The 73rd Amendment of 1992 was a milestone in India’s democracy, establishing the Panchayati Raj system to decentralize governance. It created a three-tier structure at the village, block, and district levels, ensuring regular local elections and reserving 50% of seats for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. This brought democracy to the grassroots, promoting local representation and inclusive leadership. However, progress in strengthening local governance has slowed. Rapid technological and societal changes now risk making Panchayats less relevant. To keep them effective, their role must be reimagined to address modern challenges while preserving their core democratic purpose.
Today’s editorial talks about issues related to local government. This content would help in GS Paper 2 in mains answer writing.
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Why in the News?
The special discussion in Parliament on the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution had several salient aspects of the Constitution and policy directions adopted by previous governments but very little on a vital aspect of local governance was highlighted.
Why is the Panchayati Raj movement facing distress?
- Incomplete Devolution of Powers: Many States have not transferred all 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule, limiting Panchayats’ decision-making authority. Example: A 2022 Ministry of Panchayati Raj report found that less than 20% of States had fully devolved powers, restricting local governance.
- Declining Fiscal Autonomy: Though direct transfers have increased, untied grants (which Panchayats can use freely) have reduced from 85% (13th Finance Commission) to 60% (15th Finance Commission). Example: Many Gram Panchayats rely on centrally sponsored schemes, leaving little room for independent development planning.
- Marginalization Due to Digital Welfare Schemes: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes like PM-KISAN bypass Panchayats, reducing their role in beneficiary selection and grievance redress. Example: Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually under PM-KISAN directly in their accounts, eliminating Panchayats’ role in rural welfare.
- Political and Bureaucratic Interference: State governments and political parties use Panchayats as tools for electoral gains rather than empowering them as self-governing institutions. Example: In states like West Bengal and Kerala, Panchayat elections are highly politicized, often leading to violence and reducing focus on governance.
- Impact of Urbanization: With India’s rural population declining (from ~75% in 1990 to ~60% today), policy focus has shifted towards urban development and municipal governance. Example: Rural development funds have increasingly been diverted towards urban infrastructure projects, weakening Panchayat-led rural initiatives.
What impact does the distress in Panchayati Raj have on rural development?
- Inefficiency in Rural Welfare Implementation: Panchayats have been sidelined in the distribution of welfare benefits, leading to inefficiencies and reduced grievance redressal. Example: Schemes like PM-KISAN and PM Awas Yojana bypass Panchayats, causing delays in identifying genuine beneficiaries and addressing local concerns.
- Neglect of Rural Infrastructure and Public Services: Panchayats’ inability to raise resources has led to poor maintenance of rural roads, sanitation, and drinking water supply. Example: Many village schools and health centres remain understaffed due to a lack of funds and decision-making power at the Panchayat level.
- Increased Rural-Urban Migration: The failure to create employment and sustainable livelihoods in villages forces rural youth to migrate to cities for work. Example: States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh witness high rural-to-urban migration as Panchayats are unable to promote local skill development and job creation.
- Weakened Local Decision-Making and Planning: Panchayats struggle to implement need-based development projects due to limited autonomy and lack of funds. Example: In many states, Gram Panchayats cannot initiate independent infrastructure projects like rural roads or drinking water facilities without state approval.
- Reduced Grassroots Participation in Governance: Declining public engagement weakens democratic processes, reducing local accountability and effective implementation of schemes. Example: Many village-level meetings (Gram Sabhas) see low attendance, leading to top-down decision-making that may not reflect local priorities.
What steps can be taken to revive and strengthen the Panchayati Raj system?
- Greater Devolution of Powers and Functions: State governments should fully implement the Eleventh Schedule by transferring all 29 subjects to Panchayats. Example: Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign empowered Panchayats with financial and planning autonomy, leading to better local governance.
- Enhancing Financial Autonomy: Increase untied grants from Finance Commissions to Panchayats and allow them to generate local revenue through taxes and fees. Example: Maharashtra has successfully implemented property tax collection at the Gram Panchayat level to fund local development.
- Strengthening Administrative Capacity: Appoint dedicated local-level bureaucrats and improve digital governance tools for efficient service delivery. Example: Karnataka’s Gram Swaraj Project uses IT-based platforms to improve transparency and monitoring of Panchayat activities.
- Encouraging Citizen Participation and Accountability: Regular and active Gram Sabha meetings should be mandated for community involvement in decision-making. Example: In Rajasthan, social audits of MGNREGA work through Gram Sabhas have improved transparency and reduced corruption.
- Expanding Panchayats’ Role in Emerging Areas: Panchayats should be given new responsibilities in areas like water conservation, renewable energy, and disaster management. Example: Gujarat’s Mission Mangalam engaged Panchayats in women-led SHGs to promote local entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Devolution and Strengthening Autonomy – Ensure full transfer of subjects under the Eleventh Schedule, increase untied grants, and empower Panchayats with independent revenue-generating mechanisms to enhance self-governance.
- Capacity Building and Community Engagement – Improve Panchayat administration through digital tools, dedicated local bureaucrats, and mandated Gram Sabha participation to enhance transparency, accountability, and grassroots governance.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on China as a threat to the USA (2021), and China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools (2017).
In mid-January, reports said China blocked its engineers and technicians from working at Foxconn in India and recalled those already there. It also restricted exports of key manufacturing equipment, which China dominates. While Foxconn brought in Taiwanese workers, the lack of equipment is a bigger challenge. This move threatens India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
Today’s editorial discusses challenges arising from China’s dominance in the global supply chain. This topic is relevant for GS Paper 2 and GS Paper 3 in the UPSC Mains.
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Why in the News?
Recently, China has stopped its engineers and technicians from travelling to work at Foxconn’s facilities in India.
How is China using e-supply chains as a strategic tool?
- Monopoly Over Critical Manufacturing Equipment: China dominates the production of high-tech manufacturing equipment required for semiconductor and electronics production. Example: In early 2024, China restricted the export of specialized manufacturing machinery to Foxconn in India, slowing down iPhone assembly and production.
- Control Over Key Raw Materials: China holds a significant share of the global supply of rare earth elements (REEs) essential for electronics, EV batteries, and defense technology. Example: In 2023, China imposed export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two critical metals used in semiconductor and military applications, impacting global supply chains.
- Workforce and Knowledge Transfer Restrictions: By preventing its engineers and skilled technicians from working in foreign manufacturing hubs, China restricts the transfer of tacit knowledge to competitors. Example: Chinese engineers working at Foxconn’s Indian facilities were recalled, creating a skills gap that affected Apple’s production capacity.
- Disrupting Supply Chains to Gain Geopolitical Leverage: China can manipulate logistics, trade policies, and export restrictions to pressure countries and corporations dependent on its supply chains. Example: During the U.S.-China trade war, China imposed export controls on key components for companies like Huawei and Apple, demonstrating its leverage in global electronics production.
- Deep Integration into Global Manufacturing Networks: Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and heavy investments in industrial zones, China ensures that multinational corporations remain reliant on its supply chains. Example: Despite U.S. sanctions, companies like Tesla and Apple continue significant operations in China due to its well-integrated and cost-effective supply chain ecosystem.
What are the risks and vulnerabilities posed by China’s control over e-supply chains?
- Disruptions to Critical Industries: China’s dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, rare earth metals, and electronics components makes other nations vulnerable to supply chain shocks.
- India depends on China for over 75% of electronic components, affecting smartphone and telecom industries. The 2020 global chip shortage, worsened by China’s export controls, severely impacted industries like automobiles, defence, and consumer electronics.
- Geopolitical and Economic Coercion: China can weaponize supply chains to exert diplomatic pressure or punish countries for political disagreements.
- Post-Galwan clash (2020), India faced delays in customs clearance for Chinese goods, disrupting industries reliant on imports.
- Lithuania faced trade restrictions in 2021 after allowing a Taiwan representative office, showing how China uses supply chains as leverage.
- Vulnerability in Strategic Sectors (Telecom, Defense, Energy): Dependence on Chinese technology in strategic sectors poses risks related to cybersecurity, espionage, and sabotage.
- India banned Huawei and ZTE from 5G trials due to concerns over data security. The U.S. and EU have imposed restrictions on Chinese telecom firms citing national security threats.
- Supply Chain Manipulation and Price Volatility: China’s control over rare earth metals, batteries, and semiconductors allows it to manipulate prices and supply.
- Despite efforts to develop local lithium-ion battery production, India still relies on China for key materials, affecting the EV sector. In 2023, China restricted gallium and germanium exports, leading to price spikes for these critical semiconductor materials.
- Stifling Competitor Growth and Technological Dependence: China restricts the transfer of critical machinery and skilled labor to competitors to maintain its manufacturing edge.
- China’s ban on engineers working in Indian Foxconn plants and export curbs on key equipment have slowed India’s smartphone manufacturing expansion. U.S. firms like Apple, Tesla, and Intel remain dependent on China’s supply chains, despite attempts at diversification.
How can countries and companies safeguard themselves from China’s influence over e-supply chains? (Way Forward)
- Supply Chain Diversification (China Plus One Strategy): Countries and companies should expand production to alternative locations to reduce reliance on China.
- Example: Apple is shifting iPhone production to India, Vietnam, and Mexico to mitigate risks from China. The U.S. has passed the CHIPS Act (2022) to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
- Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and R&D: Governments should invest in local industries, incentivize component manufacturing, and build advanced R&D ecosystems.
- Example: India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme supports domestic electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Japan and South Korea are increasing investments in semiconductor fabs to reduce dependence on China.
- Forming Strategic Trade Alliances and Technology Partnerships: Nations should collaborate on trade agreements and secure alternative sources for critical materials and technology.
- Example: India, the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan are working together under the Chip 4 Alliance to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain. The EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is securing alternative semiconductor and rare earth suppliers.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Public health system (2015), and the Health for All’ in India (2018).
Medical education is changing in unusual ways. There is a shortage of doctors, yet governments and medical professionals limit access to medical studies. As a result, more students from different countries travel abroad to study medicine. In the past, medical education was international, but now each country controls it while it still becomes more global. This trend is important because of healthcare needs. The exact number of students studying medicine abroad is unknown, but it is estimated to be over 200,000, often in low-quality institutions. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had 24,000 foreign medical students, mostly from India.
Today’s editorial talks about issues in the Medical sector. This content would help in GS Papers 1, 2 and 3 to substantiate your answer.
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Why in the News?
Studying medicine abroad is common, but it is largely unnoticed and lacks proper regulation.
How does the globalization of medical education impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare?
- Increased Access to Medical Education but Quality Concerns Persist: India has only 1 medical seat for every 22 applicants, with 2.3 million students appearing for NEET annually.
- As a result, over 20,000 Indian students go abroad for medical studies each year. While foreign education provides an alternative, some countries have lax regulatory frameworks, leading to concerns over clinical training standards.
- Low Licensing Exam Pass Rates for Foreign Medical Graduates: India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%.
- In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam. Many foreign-trained doctors struggle to meet national standards, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
- Disproportionate Dependence on Foreign-trained Doctors in Some Countries: In the US, 25% of physicians are international medical graduates (IMGs), while in the UK, 37% of doctors in the NHS come from abroad.
- While globalization helps address doctor shortages in developed countries, it exacerbates the “brain drain” in source countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
- Growth of For-profit Medical Schools with Limited Oversight: The Caribbean region alone has over 50 private medical schools, many catering exclusively to international students from the US and Canada.
- These institutions charge high tuition fees but often lack sufficient clinical training infrastructure, raising concerns about graduate competence.
- Shortage of Trained Doctors in Source Countries: The WHO estimates a global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, with Africa facing a deficit of 6 million doctors and nurses.
- Many doctors trained abroad do not return home, worsening healthcare shortages in low-income countries while benefiting high-income nations.
What are the consequences of medical degrees that are obtained abroad, especially from countries with lower academic standards?
- High Failure Rates in Licensing Exams: Foreign-trained doctors often struggle to meet national medical standards, leading to low pass rates in licensing exams.
- Example: In India, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%. In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
- Limited Clinical Exposure and Skill Gaps: Some foreign medical colleges lack proper clinical training, affecting students’ hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.
- Example: Several Caribbean medical schools, catering to US and Canadian students, have faced criticism for their limited hospital affiliations, forcing students to complete clinical rotations in different countries.
- Difficulty in Securing Residency and Employment: Graduates from lesser-known foreign institutions often struggle to secure postgraduate training and jobs in competitive healthcare markets.
- Example: In the United States, international medical graduates (IMGs) face higher rejection rates for medical residencies, with only about 60% of non-US IMGs matching into residency programs in 2023, compared to 93% of US medical graduates.
Is the global mobility of medical education sustainable, and how does it affect local health systems?
- Brain Drain Weakens Healthcare in Source Countries: Many doctors trained abroad do not return, leading to a shortage of medical professionals in their home countries.
- Example: Nigeria loses over 2,000 doctors annually to migration, worsening its doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at 1:5,000, far below the WHO-recommended 1:1,000.
- Unequal Distribution of Healthcare Professionals: High-income countries attract foreign-trained doctors, leaving rural and underserved regions in low- and middle-income nations critically short-staffed.
- Example: In India, only 20% of doctors serve in rural areas, even though 65% of the population resides there, leading to severe healthcare disparities.
- Reliance on Foreign-trained Doctors in Host Countries: Developed nations depend on foreign medical graduates to fill workforce gaps, making their healthcare systems vulnerable to changing immigration policies.
- Example: The UK’s NHS workforce includes 37% foreign-trained doctors, with a significant number from India and Pakistan.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Domestic Medical Education Infrastructure: Increase the number of medical seats and improve the quality of training in home countries to reduce dependence on foreign institutions. Example: India has added over 100 new medical colleges since 2019 to expand access to medical education.
- Stricter Accreditation and Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees: Establish global accreditation standards and bilateral agreements to ensure only high-quality foreign medical degrees are recognized. Example: The National Exit Test (NExT) in India will standardize assessment for both domestic and foreign medical graduates.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on nuclear science and technology (2017), and atomic energy (2013).
In the Union Budget speech on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. This move is likely to be welcomed by the U.S., where past governments have opposed India’s law because it holds nuclear manufacturers partly responsible for accidents. However, in India, removing supplier liability could be a major concern, as it might weaken nuclear safety measures.
Today’s editorial talks about the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. This content will help in GS papers 2 and 3 in mains answer writing.
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Why in the News?
The mention of plans to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act in the Union Budget is a serious issue that needs attention.
What is the Atomic Energy Act?
- The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 is an Indian law that regulates the development, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while ensuring national security. It gives the government exclusive control over nuclear materials, plants, and research and allows the establishment of nuclear power projects. The Act also covers radiation safety, uranium mining, reactor operations, and waste disposal to prevent misuse and ensure public safety.
What is the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act?
- The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 is an Indian law that defines liability in case of a nuclear accident. It ensures compensation for victims while holding nuclear plant operators accountable.
Key Features:
- Operator Liability: The primary financial responsibility for any nuclear accident rests with the plant operator (NPCIL in India), not the supplier.
- Right of Recourse: Unlike many other countries, India allows operators to seek compensation from suppliers if defective equipment or services cause an accident (Section 17).
- Liability Cap: Operator liability is capped at ₹1,500 crore (~$180 million), with the government covering additional costs if needed.
- Exclusion from Global Regimes: India has not joined international nuclear liability agreements like the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC), meaning financial responsibility remains domestic.
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What are the safety and liability concerns related to nuclear energy?
- Risk of Catastrophic Accidents: Nuclear plant failures can lead to massive radiation leaks, environmental destruction, and long-term health impacts.Example: The Fukushima Daiichi disaster (2011, Japan) resulted from a tsunami, causing multiple reactor meltdowns and widespread radioactive contamination.
- Design Flaws and Negligence: Suppliers may overlook or downplay safety risks in reactor designs, leading to vulnerabilities. Example: The Three Mile Island accident (1979, USA) occurred due to a known reactor design flaw that the supplier failed to address.
- Limited Liability for Suppliers: In many countries, nuclear suppliers are indemnified, placing financial liability entirely on plant operators and governments.Example: General Electric (GE), which designed the Fukushima reactors, faced no financial consequences due to Japan’s liability laws.
- Insufficient Compensation for Victims: Liability caps limit compensation for victims, despite the high costs of nuclear disasters. Example: India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act caps liability at ₹1,500 crore, whereas Fukushima’s cleanup costs are estimated at ₹20-46 lakh crore.
- Radioactive Waste and Long-Term Risks: Safe disposal of nuclear waste remains a major challenge, with risks of leaks and contamination lasting thousands of years.Example: The Chernobyl disaster (1986, USSR) left a radioactive exclusion zone that remains uninhabitable nearly 40 years later.
How does India’s approach to nuclear liability differ from global standards?
- Operator Liability with Limited Supplier Responsibility: India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010, places primary liability on the operator (NPCIL), but allows it to seek compensation from suppliers in case of defective equipment or services (Right of Recourse, Section 17).
- Global Standard: Most countries fully indemnify suppliers, meaning they bear no financial responsibility after supplying reactors.
- Example: In Japan, General Electric (GE) faced no liability for the Fukushima disaster (2011), while in India, foreign suppliers fear financial risks if an accident occurs.
- Liability Cap vs. Unlimited Liability in Some Countries: India caps operator liability at ₹1,500 crore (~$180 million), with additional compensation coming from the government if needed.
- Global Standard: Some countries, like Germany, impose unlimited liability on operators to ensure full compensation. The U.S. Price-Anderson Act establishes a large industry-backed fund for damages beyond a certain limit.
- Example: After the Chernobyl disaster (1986, USSR), the Soviet government bore the entire cost (~$235 billion), whereas an Indian accident beyond ₹1,500 crore would shift the financial burden to taxpayers.
- India is Not Part of Global Nuclear Liability Regimes: India has not signed the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), which standardizes liability norms and creates an international compensation pool.
- Global Standard: Most nuclear-powered nations, including the U.S. and Japan, are CSC members, ensuring global financial support for nuclear accidents.
- Example: If a nuclear accident occurs in France, CSC members contribute to compensation, but in India, all financial burdens remain domestic.
What are the reasons behind the government’s plan to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act?
- Attracting Foreign Investment and Suppliers – The existing CLND Act allows India’s nuclear operator (NPCIL) to seek compensation from foreign suppliers in case of faulty equipment, discouraging companies from supplying reactors. Amendments could limit supplier liability, making India a more attractive market for nuclear investments from countries like the U.S., France, and Russia.
- Expanding Nuclear Energy Capacity – India aims to increase its nuclear power generation to meet rising energy demands and climate goals. Simplifying liability laws could accelerate agreements with international partners and facilitate the construction of new nuclear plants under deals such as the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement.
What are the other implications of increasing nuclear energy reliance?
- High Economic Costs and Project Delays: Nuclear power plants require massive upfront investments, long construction periods, and frequent cost overruns.
- Example: The AP1000 reactors in Georgia, USA, were initially estimated at $14 billion but were completed at $36.8 billion—a 250% cost overrun. Similarly, India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant faced significant delays and cost escalations.
- Nuclear Waste Management and Environmental Risks: Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years, requiring secure disposal and long-term monitoring.
- Example: The Fukushima disaster (2011) led to the release of radioactive material, contaminating land and water, with cleanup costs estimated between ¥35-80 trillion (~₹20-46 lakh crore). India lacks permanent storage facilities for high-level nuclear waste.
- Geopolitical and Security Concerns: Expanding nuclear energy means higher dependence on foreign suppliers, leading to strategic vulnerabilities and potential external influence.
- Example: India’s civil nuclear deal with the U.S. (2008) opened doors for technology transfer, but suppliers now demand liability protection before delivering reactors, creating diplomatic pressure.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Liability and Safety Frameworks: The government should Amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act to ensure fair risk-sharing between operators and suppliers.
- Need to invest in advanced reactor safety technologies (e.g., Small Modular Reactors – SMRs) and strengthen independent regulatory oversight.
- Develop Robust Waste Management and Indigenous Capabilities: The government should establish permanent disposal sites for high-level nuclear waste with stringent monitoring.
- Need to enhance domestic nuclear technology (e.g., Thorium-based reactors) to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and improve energy security.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC CSE 2018) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Climate Change (2017), and COP 26 (2021).
In the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, India ranks among the top 10 climate performers globally, underscoring its commitment to climate action. India has been recognized for its significant role in South-South climate cooperation, reflecting its leadership in fostering collaboration among developing nations to address climate change.
Today’s editorial highlights how South-South cooperation can help achieve climate goals, promote sustainable development, and empower developing countries to meet their climate targets, drawing attention to India’s strategic opportunities and responsibilities in this area. This content would help in substantiation of answers in Mains GS Paper III (Environment and Biodiversity).
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Why in the News?
India’s potential role in fostering climate cooperation between developing nations through South-South cooperation in the context of the Paris Agreement is needed for the global solutions to tackle climate change.
How does Article 6 of the Paris Agreement benefit India in achieving its climate goals?
- Carbon Markets: Under Article 6.2, countries can trade carbon credits to meet their emissions reduction targets. India can participate in these carbon markets, generating revenue by selling surplus carbon credits earned through emission reductions in sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
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- By engaging in carbon trading, India can attract foreign investments from companies in developed countries looking to offset their emissions. This can provide funding for clean energy projects, supporting India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Cooperative Approaches: Article 6.4 establishes a global carbon market mechanism, similar to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, but with improvements. India could utilize this mechanism to undertake joint projects with other countries that help reduce emissions while fostering sustainable development.
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- Through cooperative approaches, India can access advanced technologies, practices, and expertise from other countries, enabling its industries to adopt cleaner technologies and improve energy efficiency, contributing to its climate and development goals.
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- Article 6.8 promotes non-market mechanisms, which focus on facilitating actions like capacity-building, finance, and knowledge sharing to address climate change. This can help India strengthen its national capabilities to implement climate policies and adapt to the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions.
- India, being highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, can benefit from non-market approaches to enhance its adaptive capacities and resilience, addressing critical sectors like agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure.
- Flexibility in Meeting Targets:
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- The flexibility provided by Article 6 allows India to find the most cost-effective solutions for emission reductions, especially in sectors where technology deployment is expensive or challenging. It provides an opportunity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in a way that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.
What are the potential challenges India faces in utilizing ITMOs and engaging in international climate finance?
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Systems: India’s current MRV systems for tracking emissions reductions may not meet the rigorous standards required for ITMOs, which are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in carbon markets.
- Inadequate MRV mechanisms could hinder India’s ability to accurately quantify and report emission reductions, limiting its participation in carbon trading and climate finance.
- Accessing Climate Finance: Despite being a major developing country, India faces challenges in accessing sufficient and predictable climate finance from international sources, as the global financing mechanisms often favor smaller or more vulnerable nations.
- Limited access to finance can slow down India’s ability to implement large-scale climate projects, especially in sectors like renewable energy, adaptation, and infrastructure development.
- Ensuring Environmental Integrity: While ITMOs enable carbon trading, there’s a risk of “low-quality” credits or “double counting” (where emissions reductions are claimed by multiple parties), which could undermine the credibility and environmental integrity of the system.
- If India is not careful in ensuring robust methodologies for generating and trading ITMOs, it might face challenges in maintaining the credibility of its climate commitments, affecting its international reputation.
- Domestic Policy and Institutional Coordination: India’s domestic policies on climate change may not be fully aligned with the requirements of international climate finance mechanisms or ITMO systems. There is also a need for better coordination among various ministries and stakeholders to implement and track climate action effectively.
- Misalignment between international climate goals and domestic policies could result in inefficiencies and missed opportunities to access ITMOs and climate finance.
What are the opportunities for India under South-South cooperation via Article 6.2?
- Carbon Trading with Fellow Developing Countries: India can collaborate with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and others in the South Asian region to work together to reduce emissions through renewable energy, afforestation, or energy efficiency programs.
- India could sell any surplus carbon credits generated through its own emission reduction efforts to other developing countries that need help meeting their own NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions). This allows India to both achieve its climate goals and potentially generate revenue.
- Technology and Knowledge Transfer: India has already made significant progress in solar energy and can offer valuable lessons and technologies to fellow developing countries.
- India can also help other countries develop adaptation strategies for climate change impacts, such as water management techniques, disaster preparedness, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- In return, India could receive new technologies, methods, and knowledge to enhance its own climate resilience.
- Joint Ventures for Clean Energy Projects: India can partner with other developing countries to co-develop large-scale renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, or hydropower. Joint initiatives could be supported by carbon markets, with emission reductions which could attract investments, expertise, and improve access to clean energy technologies.
- By collaborating with other developing countries, India can contribute to the development of affordable, scalable solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of developing nations.
- These solutions could be implemented locally, reducing emissions and improving energy access.
- Strengthening Capacity and Institutional Frameworks: South-South cooperation can help India and other developing countries to assist in establishing frameworks for monitoring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) emissions reductions, benefiting both India and its partner countries.
- India can help south countries in refining its strategies and implementing the best practices that suit their own development contexts.
- Leveraging Climate Finance: India, by engaging in South-South cooperation, could also have access to international financial instruments that make climate action more affordable.
- This would be particularly beneficial in sectors where India faces challenges in scaling up clean technologies, like electric vehicles, or in regions like rural areas that require adaptation interventions.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q) Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on India’s relations with Israel (2018), and the Arab Peace Initiative for Israel and Palestine ( 2023).
On February 4, 2025, Donald Trump proposed relocating Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to Egypt and Jordan, turning the area into a global resort under U.S. control. He hinted at a West Bank plan soon. Alongside Netanyahu, he praised Saudi Crown Prince Mb Salman, who reaffirmed that Saudi-Israel ties depend on a Palestinian state’s creation.
Today’s editorial talks about issues in the Middle East which is always in the news because of the Israel and Palestine conflict. This topic is also the favourite of UPSC in GS Paper2 mains and prelims related to International relations above mentioned in the box (PYQ Relevance). This content would help in substantiation of answers in Mains GS Paper 2.
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Why in the News?
Donald Trump recently proposed an audacious plan to relocate 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan, turning Gaza into a global resort, which has stirred geopolitical tension.
- This suggestion, along with his praise for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), hints at possible changes in the West Asia region, especially concerning the Israel-Palestine issue and Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement in the Abraham Accords.
What is meant by Trump’s ‘expanding the canvas’ strategy?
- Trump’s “expanding the canvas” strategy refers to his approach of broadening the scope of a negotiation or conflict resolution by introducing bold, often extreme proposals to provoke reaction and stimulate further discussions.
- By presenting an audacious or exaggerated idea, he aims to shift the focus and push opposing parties to consider more realistic and agreeable counter-offers. The idea is that this “shock tactic” can help break a stalemate and create space for new solutions.
- In the context of the Gaza proposal, Trump’s suggestion to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a global resort serves as an example of this strategy—pushing the boundaries of negotiation to force other stakeholders to come up with a more balanced, practical solution.
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What are the implications of the proposed strategy for the Gaza conflict, and how might it reshape the geopolitical landscape in West Asia?
- Geopolitical Tensions and Pushback: This proposal would likely anger Palestinians and Arab nations, as it bypasses the core issue of Palestinian statehood and self-determination. It could worsen tensions between Israel, Palestinians, and neighboring Arab countries.
- The suggestion might also be viewed as a land grab or colonial move, particularly because it disregards the established claim of Palestinians to their land, creating significant backlash in the region and beyond.
- Impact on Palestinian Statehood: Trump’s plan shifts focus away from the two-state solution (Israel and Palestine coexisting as separate states), which many international actors, including the U.S. and the UN, support.
- The proposal undermines the push for Palestinian independence and could derail efforts to achieve a lasting peace settlement.
- Saudi Arabia and Other Arab Nations’ Involvement: Trump’s proposal could alter the balance in Arab-Israeli relations. Saudi Arabia, which is being courted for inclusion in the Abraham Accords, might find it difficult to reconcile such a plan with its own stance on Palestinian rights, especially since Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has linked normalization with Israel to the creation of a Palestinian state.
- It could either push Saudi Arabia and other Arab states further toward Israel or create more division, depending on how the proposal is received by the region’s leaders.
- Shifting Regional Alliances: If Saudi Arabia were to move toward accepting the proposal, it could signal a significant shift in Middle Eastern alliances, possibly leading to greater cooperation between Arab states and Israel, while sidelining Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
- On the other hand, if the plan fails, it could deepen regional divisions, particularly between Israel and the Arab world, and intensify the existing geopolitical instability in the region.
How are the ongoing conflicts and economic challenges in West Asia affecting the region’s future?
Political Impact of Conflicts: The wars and conflicts in places like Gaza, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon have created deep divisions and instability. The region has been repolarized, leading to less cooperation and more distrust between nations.
- Issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Kurdish national aspirations remain unresolved, keeping tensions high and preventing lasting peace.
Economic Challenges: The conflicts have caused massive destruction, with the rebuilding costs in places like Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. However, economic recovery is impossible without resolving the political issues first.
- The region’s economy is also heavily dependent on oil, which is a vulnerable resource. The global push to move away from fossil fuels and the volatility of oil prices make the region’s future uncertain.
- Countries like Saudi Arabia are aware of this and are trying to diversify their economies, but this process is slow.
What are the Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords refer to a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, aimed at establishing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. These agreements were brokered by the USA, and they marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Here are the four major features of the Abraham Accords:
- Normalization of Relations: Israel established diplomatic ties with Arab countries like UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
- Economic Collaboration: The signatories are working together to enhance trade relations, investment opportunities, and economic partnerships. Israel’s advanced technology sector, including cybersecurity and innovation, is seen as a valuable area for collaboration with the Arab countries.
- Security Cooperation: Enhances defense and intelligence sharing, especially to address regional threats like Iran. As part of the normalization, the Accords encourage cultural exchange programs, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
- Exclusion of the Palestinian Issue: One of the most notable features—and points of controversy—of the Abraham Accords is that the agreements were made without resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- While Palestinian leaders and many in the Arab world have opposed the Accords, claiming they betray the Palestinian cause, the agreements were framed as separate tracks that do not require the resolution of Palestinian statehood for Arab-Israeli relations to normalize.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Shaping Stability:
- Economic Influence: Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the region, plays a major role in the economic stability of West Asia. It has massive reserves of wealth, particularly from its oil exports, and is using this to invest in rebuilding and diversifying the region’s economy. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, for example, is helping to fuel new development projects.
- Diplomatic Influence: Saudi Arabia’s political influence is also crucial. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), the country has made efforts to mediate regional conflicts, like the war in Yemen and tensions with Iran. It has also sought to balance relationships with global powers, including the U.S., China, and Russia, while maintaining its leadership role in the Arab and Islamic world.
- Potential to Guide Regional Stability: Despite the conflicts around it, Saudi Arabia has largely avoided direct involvement in the region’s major wars. It can use its wealth and diplomatic leverage to fund reconstruction efforts and push for more peaceful, negotiated solutions to ongoing conflicts. It also holds significant sway over organizations like OPEC, which can affect the global oil market and, by extension, the region’s economy.
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What are the challenges the US faces in advancing the Abraham Accords, and how does it complicate vision for broader Arab-Israeli normalization?
- Palestinian Statehood and the Core Issue of the Conflict: The Palestinian issue is a major barrier to Arab-Israeli normalization, with many Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, insisting on a Palestinian state as a prerequisite.
- Trump’s focus on individual peace deals with Arab states bypasses this issue, making it difficult for countries like Saudi Arabia to fully normalize relations with Israel.
- Opposition from Palestinian Leaders and Supporters: The Palestinian leadership has consistently rejected the Abraham Accords, seeing them as a betrayal of their cause. They argue that normalizing relations with Israel without addressing Palestinian rights and the establishment of a Palestinian state undermines their struggle for sovereignty and independence.
- This complicates the situation. As long as Palestinians feel excluded from peace processes or see no meaningful progress toward a state of their own, it will be difficult to secure broad Arab-Israeli normalization.
- Resistance from Ultra-Religious Israeli Groups: Within Israel, the growing influence of ultra-religious Jewish groups also complicates Trump’s plans. These groups often oppose any peace deal and their influence makes it harder for the Israeli government to adopt policies that could lead to broader peace agreements, even with Arab states.
- Competing Interests Among Arab States: While some Arab states like the UAE and Bahrain have embraced the Abraham Accords, others, particularly in the Gulf, have been more cautious.
- Saudi Arabia, for example, has signaled interest in normalizing relations with Israel, but only on the condition that Palestinian statehood is part of the deal.
- This puts Trump in a difficult position, as he must balance the desire to expand the Accords with the realities of Arab and Palestinian demands.
Way Forward:
- Need for Revised Diplomacy: A lasting solution must address Palestinian statehood, with a two-state solution being central to gaining support from Arab nations and Palestinian leaders. Direct negotiations, backed by international mediators, are crucial.
- Arab states, Israel, and global powers must work together through multilateral platforms, with Saudi Arabia playing a key role in fostering peace and stability in the region.
- Humanitarian Focus: Immediate efforts are needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and surrounding areas, with international aid supporting reconstruction and stability.
- Economic Diversification: The region must move beyond oil dependency by investing in other industries, with collaboration between the U.S. and Gulf states to promote long-term economic stability.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)
Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on grave challenge to national security (2017), and ‘pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council ’ (2015)
Wars are raging, global institutions are failing, and terrorism is evolving in new, digital, and decentralized forms. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza crisis dominate headlines, subterranean threats such as radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism are quietly reshaping global security risks.
Today’s editorial highlights why the world is in a volatile state, how extremist groups are adapting, and why counterterrorism efforts must evolve to meet these new challenges. This content will help in GS paper 2 (Security issues).
Why in the News?
The world is going through an unpredictable phase, with wars, conflicts, and terrorism on the rise. The post-1945 global order has collapsed, and international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are failing to prevent violence. At the same time, terrorism is evolving, using digital tools and decentralized networks to survive and grow.
Why is the Present Period Unpredictable?
- Wars in Europe and West Asia:
- The Ukraine war continues with no clear end in sight.
- The Gaza conflict and tensions in Lebanon have led to large-scale civilian casualties.
- Failure of Global Institutions:
- The UNSC and ICJ have become powerless observers, unable to stop wars.
- The principles of international law are now ignored by major powers.
- Moral and Political Decline:
- Nations are acting in self-interest, with no common moral framework.
- Peace efforts are temporary and do not address the root causes of conflicts.
What are the Recent Subterranean Activities?
- False Sense of Stability in West Asia:
- Some believe that Israeli military actions have weakened Iran’s regional influence.
- However, underground resistance movements are growing, keeping tensions high.
- Resurgence of Islamist Extremism:
- Jihadist groups are reorganizing, using online radicalization.
- “Lone wolf” attacks are increasing, making them harder to predict.
- Digital Radicalization:
- Terrorist groups are recruiting and training people online.
- Social media and encrypted messaging apps are used to spread extremist ideologies.
How Terrorism is Witnessing a Revival?
- Terrorism is Adapting:
- Since 1979, terrorist networks have evolved.
- Al-Qaeda and ISIS have used both military and digital strategies to stay active.
- Now, terrorism is shifting towards smaller, more frequent attacks.
- Al-Qaeda and ISIS Regrouping:
- Al-Qaeda is training militants in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
- ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Attacks have been reported in Moscow, Türkiye, and Iran.
- More Small-Scale Attacks:
- Instead of large bombings, modern terrorism relies on:
- Lone-wolf attacks (one person acting alone).
- Vehicle attacks, knives, or simple explosives.
- AI-driven propaganda to recruit supporters.
- Recent Terror Attacks in the U.S.:
- Las Vegas Cyber Truck Explosion: A Tesla exploded outside a hotel where President-elect Donald Trump was staying.
- New Orleans Vehicle Attack: A former soldier drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people while displaying an ISIS flag.
- Virginia Terror Plot: Authorities foiled a planned attack in early 2025.
- Warnings for the Future:
- Experts warn of a new wave of terror attacks using digital tools.
- Security agencies worldwide are on high alert to prevent further incidents.
Conclusion
A technology-driven and cooperative global approach is essential to counter rising conflicts and terrorism. Nations must strengthen international institutions, use AI for surveillance, and enforce stricter digital regulations to prevent online radicalization. Community engagement and de-radicalization programs can help address extremism at its roots. Stronger border security, cyber-tracking, and intelligence-sharing will be key to preventing future attacks. As threats become more decentralized and digital, proactive measures and global collaboration are the only paths to lasting peace.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (UPSC CSE 2019) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on National Education Policy (2020), and Significance of Primary Education (2016 and 2022).
Did you know that, the Budget Allocation for the FY 2024-25 of ₹ 73,498 cr is the highest ever for the Department of School Education & Literacy. On the other hand, while science and technology have integrated countries, education can generate the need for profit and can widespread use of innovations.
Today’s editorial discusses the major observations from the ASER 2024 Report. This content can be used in Mains answer to present the Digital divide in Rural and Urban Area. Further this content also tells you the Potential of Digital infrastructure and Implementation that India needs to build.
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Why in the News?
According to the recent ACER Survey 2024, India lacks a road map in the field of education that allows the promise of technology to be harnessed for those who need it the most.
What are the Key Highlights given by ASER 2024?
| The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a citizen-led survey that provides estimates of schooling and learning levels in rural India. Published by the NGO Pratham, ASER has been conducted since 2005. After 2016, the survey transitioned to an alternate-year model, with the “basic” ASER conducted in all rural districts every other year. In the intervening years, a smaller survey focuses on specific age groups and domains. The “basic” ASER tracks enrollment for children aged 3-16 and assesses the reading and arithmetic skills of children aged 5-16 through household surveys. |
- Academic Observations and Reporting: Since 2006, private school enrollment in rural India has been increasing, plateauing at 30.8% in 2014 and remaining there in 2018.
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- Basic arithmetic abilities in Class 3 have risen to 33.7% in 2024, exceeding both 2022 and 2018 rates. Class 5 reading levels are also up, nearly matching 2018 figures, although private schools have not yet reached their pre-pandemic reading levels.
- Attendance for both teachers and students in government elementary schools has improved. Several states have pre-primary enrollment rates above 90%.
- Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: The big push for foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) under NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission has helped to improve foundational learning through better resources, learning materials, and teacher training which appears to be a major contributor to the improvements noted in the ASER 2024 report.
- Emphasis on Early Childhood Education: NEP 2020’s emphasis on early childhood education is expected to further improve access, as ASER 2024 reported increased enrollment in early childhood education, with almost 80% of children aged 3 to 6 years enrolled in some form of pre-primary education.
- Improved Accessibility and Potential: In 2018, approximately 90% of rural households possessed basic mobile phones, while 36% owned smartphones. By 2022, smartphone ownership in these households increased to over 74%, and further to 84% in 2024, but educational use is limited to 57%.
- Among children aged 14-16, smartphone ownership rose from 19% to about 31% within a year.
- Smartphones were mainly used to send texts, worksheets, and videos during the pandemic as a substitute for textbooks. Digital skills from the pandemic remained relevant, and artificial intelligence (AI) generated new interest.
- Reversing Pandemic Losses: The ASER 2024 report suggests a rebound from the learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in government schools, where reading and arithmetic skills have reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
- The improvement in standard III implies that some of its credit can go to the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
What are the present challenges of digital divide in India according to ASER Report 2024?
- Gender Disparity: Boys outpace girls in access, ownership, and smartphone usage, which puts girls at a disadvantage and exacerbates existing inequalities. Even when smartphones are available, girls face systemic barriers that limit their access, such as social norms, parental control, and prioritization of boys’ education.
- Access vs. Usage: While nearly all children between 14 and 16 have access to cell phones, only 57% use smart devices for education-related activities, while about 76% use them for social media.
- Variations Across States: ASER 2024 indicates wide variations in digital literacy across states.
- Digital Literacy Skills: While smartphone access is widespread, structured digital education programs can enhance meaningful use of technology for learning.
- There is a gender gap in digital skills, with 85.5% of boys and 79.4% of girls reporting that they know how to use a smartphone.
- Smartphone Ownership: There is a gender gap in smartphone ownership, with only 36.2% of boys and 26.9% of girls reporting owning a smartphone.
- This lack of personal ownership limits access and curtails opportunities for girls to explore and learn independently.
How can technology be leveraged to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to educational resources?
- Targeted distribution of school-owned devices: Schools can monitor device-to-student ratios to decide how each device can best support specific learning activities within the curriculum.
- Distribution can be based on the individual needs of the student, ensuring that each device is allocated where it can have the most significant impact on learning.
- Embrace pedagogically-led technology integration: Prioritizing integrating technology in a way that enhances the learning experience as a whole can ensure that every student benefits from the transformative potential of digital tools.
- This includes how educators are trained in technology as a means to achieve equitable learning outcomes.
- Assess Needs and Resources: Survey families to understand current technology access at home and take inventory of existing school technology equipment and infrastructure. Identify areas that need upgrades to support 1:1 device programs.
- Provide Multiple Access Options: Offer devices that students can use at school and take home and create a community technology center with free WiFi, computers, and printers. Partner with community organizations to provide access outside of school
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Capital Budget and Revenue Budget (2021), and the objectives of Union-Budget (2017).
The Union Budget’s forecast of 10.1% nominal GDP growth for 2025-26 seems reasonable, based on the Economic Survey’s prediction of 6.3%-6.8% real GDP growth. Although capital spending has gone up, it’s similar to last year’s budget. The Budget aims to drive growth towards becoming a developed nation, though some measures, like tax relief, could have come sooner.
Today’s editorial talks about the measures taken in the Budget. This content would help in GS paper 3 in the economy section.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Some measures in the Budget should have been introduced earlier and replacing ‘fiscal deficit’ as a key indicator is a wrong decision.
How realistic are the government’s tax revenue growth assumptions?
- Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) Trends: The growth in the Government of India’s GTR has been trending downwards in recent years. The buoyancy of GTR has fallen for three successive years from 1.4 in 2023-24 to 1.15 in 2024-25 (RE) and then to 1.07 in 2025-26 (BE). As a result, growth in the Government of India’s GTR has kept falling from 13.5% in 2023-24 to 11.2% in 2024-25 (RE), and to 10.8% in 2025-26 (BE). Within the government’s tax revenues, the growth rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also fallen from 12.7% in 2023-24 to 10.9% in 2025-26 (BE).
- Shift to Direct Taxes: The structure of the government’s taxation has moved from indirect to direct taxes, with the share of direct taxes in the government’s GTR increasing from 52% in 2021-22 to 59% in 2025-26 (BE).
- Personal Income Tax: There has been a fall in growth from 25.4% in 2023-24 to 20.3% in 2024-25 (RE) and 14.4% in 2025-26 (BE). This fall in growth in 2025-26 (BE) is partly due to the announced income-tax concessions.
- Corporate Income Tax: The growth in 2024-25 (RE) is quite low at 7.6%. This growth has been raised to 10.4% in 2025-26 (BE).
Is the level of government expenditure appropriate, and is its composition efficient?
- Overall Expenditure: The government is estimated to spend Rs 50,65,345 crore in 2025-26, 7.4% higher than the revised estimate of 2024-25. The size of government expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been reduced from 14.6% in 2024-25 (RE) to 14.2% in 2025-26 (BE). Growth in total expenditure, at 7.6% in 2025-26 (BE), is lower than the budgeted nominal GDP growth at 10.1%.
- Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure has been raised from 11.11 lakh crore rupees in the current fiscal year to 11.21 lakh crore rupees for the oncoming fiscal year1. There has been a steady improvement in the quality of government expenditure as the share of capital expenditure in total expenditure has been improving. This share has improved by 10% points over the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 (BE).
- Investment in Key Areas: Investment remains a central theme in the Budget, categorized into three key areas—people, economy, and innovation.
- Investment in people: Includes the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity for schools and health centers, Centers of Excellence for Skilling, and initiatives for Gig workers.
- Investment in the economy: Focuses on infrastructure projects, interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure, asset monetization, and urban redevelopment projects.
- Investment in innovation: Allocates funds to private sector-driven R&D initiatives and missions to support urban planning and knowledge systems.
- AI Infrastructure: The Government of India has to build up large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in order to facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies.
Is the shift away from using fiscal deficit as a primary indicator of fiscal prudence a positive step?
- Change in Indicator: One measure introduced in the Budget is to move away from fiscal deficit as an indicator of fiscal prudence. The practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. It has been stated that from now on, the focus will be on reducing the debt-GDP ratio annually.
- New Target: The central government aims to reduce its outstanding liabilities to around 50% of GDP by March 2031.
- Debt-GDP Ratio: In the 2025-26 Budget, the practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. Alternative paths of the debt-GDP ratio with nominal GDP growth assumptions of 10.0%, 10.5% and 11.0% are given.
- The glide paths are indicated in terms of alternative growth assumptions and alternative assumptions regarding mild, moderate, and high degrees of fiscal consolidation. This makes the whole exercise vague and non-transparent.
- Fiscal Deficit Target: The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is set at 4.4% of GDP, revised down from 4.8% in the current financial year.
Way forward:
- Restore Fiscal Deficit Transparency: Reintroduce clear fiscal deficit targets with specific timelines, instead of focusing solely on the debt-GDP ratio. This would ensure greater clarity and accountability in fiscal management.
- Enhance Investment Efficiency: Prioritize strategic investments in key areas like AI infrastructure, R&D, and innovation, while ensuring these investments align with long-term growth goals and contribute to overall economic resilience.
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Critically examine the role of WHOin providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Bridging Healthcare Gaps (2015), and WHO Initiatives (2020).
The US is the largest contributor to WHO, providing about 18% of its funding. The withdrawal is expected to jeopardize critical health programs, particularly those addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other health emergencies.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for member states to collaborate more effectively in light of reduced US involvement, ensuring that global health priorities remain addressed despite funding challenges. This content can be used to present the significance of multilateral collaboration and its impact on international policy and governance with respect to Health.
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Why in the News?
After the USA’s withdrawal from WHO, it is time for the countries in the global south to support WHO and initiate collaborative actions to reshape the global health agenda.
What are the Potential Impacts of the US Withdrawal from WHO?
- Disruption of Funding and Programs: The US contributes nearly 18% of WHO’s budget (~$1 billion annually), supporting critical health programs like immunization, tuberculosis control, and pandemic preparedness.
- The withdrawal will likely disrupt ongoing projects aimed at combating health challenges such as HIV/AIDS and polio eradication.
- Weakened Global Health Response: WHO’s ability to coordinate responses to health crises will be significantly impaired without US support. This includes reduced resources for disease surveillance and emergency operations in regions facing outbreaks or health threats.
- Impact on Global Health Leadership and Collaboration: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, allowing other nations (e.g., China) to increase their influence.
- This shift could alter international collaboration dynamics and lead to fragmented approaches to public health challenges.
- Repercussions for Low-Income Countries: Marginalized communities in low-income countries may face disproportionate impacts due to reduced funding from WHO. These communities rely heavily on WHO for access to essential health services, and the withdrawal signals a deprioritization of global health initiatives, exacerbating existing inequalities.
- The overall effectiveness of global health initiatives may decline as WHO struggles with funding constraints and could slow long-term progress toward key health goals, such as disease eradication and comprehensive vaccination programs, ultimately affecting global health security.
How might the withdrawal reshape international health diplomacy?
- Shift in Global Health Leadership: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, potentially allowing countries like China to increase their influence in global health governance.
- This shift could alter the dynamics of international collaboration, with other nations stepping up to fill the void left by the US.
- Increased Geopolitical Tensions: The withdrawal could intensify competition between the US and China for influence in global health matters.
- China’s initiatives, such as the Health Silk Road, may gain traction as it seeks to position itself as a leader in global health, thereby reshaping alliances and partnerships among countries.
- Impact on Multilateral Cooperation: The US’s exit may weaken multilateral cooperation on critical health issues, leading to fragmented responses to global health challenges.
- Countries may become less willing to collaborate on shared health threats without US leadership, which could hinder effective pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
- Loss of Diplomatic Leverage: By withdrawing, the US relinquishes its role as a key influencer in shaping global health policies and initiatives.
- This could diminish its ability to advocate for public health programs that align with its interests and values, allowing other nations to take a more prominent role in setting global health agendas.
- Disproportionate Effects: The low-income countries that rely heavily on WHO for support may face greater challenges without US involvement.
What reforms or changes might be necessary within WHO in light of this withdrawal?
- Diversification of Funding Sources: WHO should encourage member states to increase their assessed contributions, which currently cover less than 20% of its budget. This could help reduce reliance on any single donor, particularly the US.
- WHO can seek to expand its voluntary contributions from other countries and private organizations to fill the financial gap left by the US withdrawal.
- Strengthening Governance and Accountability: Implementing more transparent financial management practices can help restore trust among member states and ensure that funds are allocated effectively.
- Establishing an independent oversight body to review WHO’s operations and decision-making processes may help address concerns about political influence and enhance accountability.
What opportunity do India have in this situation?
- Increased Leadership Role: India can take a prominent leadership position within WHO, representing the Global South.
- For Example, through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India facilitated vaccine exports during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its commitment to global health equity and influencing health policies.
- Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: The withdrawal allows India to bolster its healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities.
- For Example, significant investments in indigenous vaccine production, such as Covaxin and Covishield, have positioned India as a major player in global vaccine supply chains, enhancing self-reliance and healthcare outcomes.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Emerging Economies: India can forge stronger partnerships with other emerging economies to collaboratively address global health challenges.
- For Example, engagement with countries like Brazil and South Africa through the IBSA Dialogue Forum can focus on shared issues like antimicrobial resistance and maternal health, enhancing collective responses to public health threats.
- Leveraging Pharmaceutical Strength: India’s robust pharmaceutical industry can fill gaps left by reduced WHO funding.
- Known as the “pharmacy of the world,” India supplied affordable vaccines during the pandemic, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in global healthcare by continuing to produce low-cost medications.
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Way Forward: India can not only mitigate the impacts of the US withdrawal but also can significantly contribute to shaping a more equitable global health landscape.
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