Why in the News?

A large delegation of European Commission College of Commissioners is in New Delhi for a two-day visit.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Introduction (Context, Statistics, etc.)
• India-EU Cooperation (Key Areas of Cooperation, Conclusion)

Introduction:

• A high-level delegation of 22 out of 27 European Commissioners, led by European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, visited New Delhi for a two-day visit.
• This visit, the first of its kind, underscores the deepening engagement between India and the European Union (EU) across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, green energy, and defence.
• The visit coincided with meetings of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), bilateral discussions between Indian ministers and EU Commissioners, and a leaders’ summit, all aimed at fostering greater cooperation and investments.

A Longstanding Partnership:

• India established diplomatic ties with the European Economic Community (EEC)—the forerunner to the EU—in 1962.
• Over the decades, relations have expanded significantly, with key milestones including:
  • 1993: Signing of the Joint Political Statement.
  • 1994: Establishment of the Cooperation Agreement.
  • 2000: The first India-EU Summit in Lisbon.
  • 2004: Upgrading relations to a Strategic Partnership.
  • 2020: Adoption of the India-EU Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2025.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EC President Ursula von der Leyen have met multiple times, strengthening diplomatic engagements.
• Their discussions have spanned topics like climate action, global trade, and regional security.

Key Areas of India-EU Cooperation:

• Trade and Investments
  • India and the EU have been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for over 15 years, with discussions resuming in 2021.
  • The EU remains India’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade increasing by 90% over the past decade.
  • Key trade statistics (FY 2023-24):
    • Bilateral trade in goods: $135 billion (Indian exports: $76 billion; imports: $59 billion).
    • Bilateral trade in services: $53 billion (Indian exports: $30 billion; imports: $23 billion).
    • EU’s FDI in India (2000-2024): $117.4 billion (16.6% of total FDI equity inflows).
    • Indian FDI in the EU (2000-2024): $40.04 billion.
  • The FTA aims to reduce tariffs, boost investments, and strengthen trade ties between the two economic powerhouses.
• Technology and Digital Cooperation
  • India and the EU are collaborating on emerging technologies, especially in response to China’s rapid advancements in digital infrastructure.
  • The India-EU TTC, launched in 2022, focuses on:

• Digital and Strategic Technologies
• Clean and Green Technologies
• Trade, Investments, and Resilient Supply Chains
• Semiconductor Collaboration: A MoU on semiconductor R&D was signed in November 2023.
• Supercomputing Initiative: India and the EU signed an Intent of Cooperation in High-Performance Computing (HPC) in 2022.
• AI and Cybersecurity: The EU participated in the Global Partnership on AI Summit in New Delhi (2023).

• Green Energy Cooperation
  • Sustainability is a key pillar of India-EU collaboration, particularly in green hydrogen and renewable energy.
  • India-EU Green Hydrogen Cooperation Initiative: India was the exclusive partner at the European Hydrogen Week 2024 in Brussels.
  • The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed €1 billion to fund Indian hydrogen projects.
  • Joint efforts are underway to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem in India by 2030.
  • These initiatives support India's Net-Zero by 2070 goal and the EU’s carbon neutrality targets.
• Defence and Space Collaboration
  • India and the EU have strengthened defence and maritime security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region under the Enhanced Security in and with Asia (ESIWA+) program.
  • First India-EU Joint Naval Exercise: Held in October 2023 in the Gulf of Guinea.
  • Security & Counterterrorism: Both sides collaborate on piracy control, natural disasters, and cyber threats.
  • Space Cooperation:

• ISRO launched EU’s PROBA-3 mission in December 2024.
• India-EU collaboration on Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan missions.
• People-to-People Ties
• The Indian diaspora in the EU includes a significant number of students, professionals, and researchers.
• Erasmus Scholarships: Over 6,000 Indian students have received Erasmus scholarships in the past two decades.
• Research Collaboration: 2,700+ Indian researchers have been funded by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions since 2014.
• Workforce Mobility: Indian professionals received 20% of EU Blue Cards in 2023-24, facilitating skilled migration.

Conclusion:

The visit of the European Commission College of Commissioners marks a historic milestone in India-EU relations. By deepening trade, technology, green energy, and defence cooperation, both sides aim to create a robust strategic partnership. The FTA negotiations, semiconductor R&D, and hydrogen projects will further strengthen bilateral ties, ensuring mutual economic growth and global leadership.

As geopolitical shifts unfold, India and the EU remain committed to building a resilient, sustainable, and secure future together.

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently stayed a Lokpal order that had taken cognizance of a corruption complaint against an unnamed High Court (HC) judge. The Lokpal bench, led by former SC judge A M Khanwilkar, asserted its authority to hear such cases under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

However, the SC found this development highly concerning and halted the proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for March 18.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Supreme Court's Rationale Behind Staying Lokpal Order
• Legal Provisions on Complaints Against Judges
• The Lokpal Case Against the HC Judge
• Conclusion 

Supreme Court's Rationale Behind Staying Lokpal Order:

• Judicial independence: The SC has always balanced criticism of judges with the need to safeguard judicial independence.
• Concerns over executive overreach: Since the Lokpal is a statutory body under the executive, allowing it to hear complaints against judges could set a precedent that threatens judicial autonomy.
• Precedence of established procedures: The SC noted that accepting the Lokpal's ruling could bypass established procedures for investigating complaints against judges.

Legal Provisions on Complaints Against Judges:

• Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Section 77 of the IPC (1860) and Section 15 of the BNS (2023) provide that a judge cannot be charged with an offense for acts performed in the course of official duties.
• K Veeraswami v Union of India (1991):
  • This landmark case ruled that judges are public servants and can be investigated for corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 (replaced by the new PCA enacted in 1988).
  • However, criminal proceedings against a judge require Presidential sanction, based on the advice of the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
  • This safeguard aims to prevent frivolous or politically motivated
• Distinction from judicial impeachment: The procedure for filing a case against a sitting judge is different from the procedure for impeaching a judge, where approval is required from Parliament.

The Lokpal Case Against the HC Judge:

• Allegations against the judge:
  • Two complaints were filed against an HC judge for allegedly influencing judicial proceedings in suits involving a private company.
  • The complainant alleged that the company was the judge’s former client when he was an advocate.
  • The Lokpal order did not address the merits of the case but focused on whether it had jurisdiction over an HC judge.
• Interpretation of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:
  • The Act applies to public servants within and outside India.
  • Section 14 defines public servants, but does not explicitly include judges.
  • However, sub-section (f) includes officials from autonomous bodies established by an Act of Parliament or controlled by the Central Government.
• Differentiation between SC and HC judges:
  • In a separate case, the Lokpal ruled that it cannot hear cases against SC judges, as the SC was established under Article 124 of the Constitution and not an Act of Parliament.
  • However, the Lokpal argued that HC judges fall under its jurisdiction since several High Courts were established under the High Courts Act, 1861, and the Government of India Act, 1935.
    • These, according to the General Clauses Act 1897, are considered Acts of Parliament.
• Referral to the CJI:
  • Despite asserting its jurisdiction, the Lokpal recognized the need for caution, given the K Veeraswami precedent.
  • Before proceeding with an investigation, the Lokpal decided to refer the complaint to the CJI for guidance.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores concern over potential executive overreach and the protection of judicial independence.

The case also highlights ongoing legal ambiguities regarding the jurisdiction of the Lokpal over the judiciary.

The SC’s final ruling will have significant implications for the accountability mechanisms of higher judiciary officials in India.

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United States in February, 2025, marked a significant step in enhancing the U.S.-India bilateral defence engagement.
• The visit resulted in agreements aimed at strengthening military cooperation, including defence acquisitions and co-production initiatives.
• However, while these developments indicate progress, they also highlight existing challenges in defence procurement, regulatory alignment, and technological integration.

Notable Achievements of PM Modi’s Visit

• Strengthening Defence Acquisitions
  • One of the notable achievements of the visit was the agreement to expand India's defence acquisitions and co-production efforts.
  • The joint statement emphasised interoperability, particularly through India's planned purchase and co-production of the ‘Javelin’ Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and ‘Stryker’ Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs).
  • These initiatives are expected to boost domestic manufacturing and integrate India into the global supply chain for these systems.
  • Additionally, India is set to acquire six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
• 10 Year Framework for US-India Defence Partnership
  • A new 10-year framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership will further consolidate military cooperation in advanced defence technologies.
  • In particular, collaborations in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous systems received a significant push.
  • Agreements between companies such as Anduril Industries and the Mahindra Group, as well as the co-development of Active Towed Array Systems (ATAS) by L3Harris and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), highlight the deepening defence industrial ties between the two nations.
• Greater Cooperation in Undersea Operations, Space Defence
  • The newly announced Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) is set to promote greater cooperation in undersea systems, fifth-generation fighter aircraft, space defence, and anti-tank missile technology.
  • A review of regulatory frameworks related to arms transfers and the initiation of a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement will ensure better synergy in defence trade and maintenance.
  • These developments reflect a growing commitment to strategic collaboration between India and the U.S.

Challenges in US-India Defence Collaboration

• Delayed Technology Transfers and Engine Procurement Issues
  • One of the most pressing issues in U.S.-India defence collaboration is the delay in the supply and transfer of technology (ToT) for General Electric’s fighter jet engines.
  • The joint statement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit made no mention of the urgent delivery of GE Aerospace’s F-404 GE-IN-20 engines, which are crucial for the Tejas-Mark 1A fighter aircraft.
  • These engines are essential for the operational readiness of India’s indigenous fighter jets, yet delays in their procurement pose a serious setback for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Challenges in Fighter Aircraft Procurement and Integration
  • The potential integration of the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft into the IAF presents a significant logistical and operational challenge.
  • The Indian Air Force already operates a highly diverse fleet, including Russian-origin Su-30MKIs, MiG-29s, French Rafales, British Jaguars, and the indigenous Tejas jets.
  • Adding the F-35 to this mix would require extensive adjustments in terms of training, maintenance, infrastructure, and weapons compatibility.
  • Moreover, the IAF's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) project, which aimed to procure 114 multirole fighters, has faced repeated delays since its initiation in 2000.
  • The project has seen several changes, from an initial selection of the Dassault Rafale in 2012 to later negotiations failing due to disagreements over technology transfer and costs.
• Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles in Defence Trade
  • While India and the U.S. have agreed to review their regulatory frameworks for arms transfers, fundamental differences remain in defence procurement processes.
  • The U.S. follows strict export control laws, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which can restrict India’s access to cutting-edge technology.
  • Even when deals are approved, they often come with conditions that limit India’s ability to indigenously manufacture or modify the systems.
  • Although discussions are underway to establish an RDP agreement, which would facilitate mutual supply of defence goods and services, regulatory misalignments between India’s Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) and U.S. acquisition mechanisms continue to slow progress.
  • The process of acquiring American defence equipment often involves lengthy approvals from both the U.S. Congress and India’s Ministry of Defence.
  • Bureaucratic delays on both sides have slowed down key defence projects, such as the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and armed Predator drones.
• Dependence on Foreign Defence Supplies and Strategic Autonomy Concerns
  • While India has been expanding its partnerships with multiple nations, including Russia, France, Israel, and the U.S., its reliance on foreign defence imports raises concerns about strategic autonomy.
  • Unlike France, which agreed to provide some level of technology transfer for the Rafale deal, the U.S. has historically been reluctant to share critical defence technology with India.
  • The U.S. tends to impose End-User Monitoring (EUM) agreements, which require on-site inspections of military equipment even after sale. This could compromise India’s operational secrecy.
  • Acquiring U.S. systems like the F-35 or advanced missile defence systems may limit India’s ability to maintain a truly non-aligned defence policy, as it would increase dependence on American military infrastructure and intelligence-sharing agreements.
• Geopolitical Sensitivities and Russia’s Role in India’s Defence Strategy
  • India’s long-standing defence relationship with Russia remains a factor that complicates deeper collaboration with the U.S.
  • For decades, Russia has been India’s primary supplier of military hardware, including S-400 missile defence systems, Su-30MKI fighters, and nuclear submarines.
  • The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which penalises countries that engage in defence deals with Moscow.
  • While India has so far managed to secure a waiver for its S-400 missile purchase, future Russian defence deals could trigger U.S. restrictions.
  • Given Russia’s continued conflict with Ukraine and U.S. pressure on countries to reduce military cooperation with Moscow, India faces a delicate balancing act in maintaining strong ties with both Russia and the U.S.

Implications of a U.S. Defence Deal

• A potential deal with the U.S. for the F-35 would be a major strategic move but comes with significant challenges.
• Unlike the Rafale deal, which included advanced weapon systems such as the Scalp air-to-ground cruise missile and the Meteor air-to-air missile, the F-35 purchase would likely lack technology transfer or co-production benefits.
• Additionally, the cost of maintaining a diverse fleet, including the Rafale, Tejas, and potentially the F-35, would impose a heavy logistical and financial burden on the IAF.
• Furthermore, acquiring the F-35 could subject India to U.S. restrictions on its deployment and operations.
• The stringent on-site inspection regime that accompanies U.S. defence sales could limit India's strategic autonomy in using the aircraft.
• These concerns highlight the complexities involved in making a long-term commitment to U.S. defence technology.

Conclusion

• The recent agreements between India and the U.S. demonstrate the deepening of their strategic and defence partnership.
• Increased interoperability, co-production, and regulatory alignment signal progress in bilateral defence ties.
• However, unresolved challenges, including delays in engine deliveries for the Tejas, integration difficulties with the F-35, and complications surrounding the MMRCA project, indicate that there is still work to be done.
• While the Modi-Trump engagement has laid a foundation for stronger defence cooperation, both nations must address these critical gaps to ensure that the partnership yields meaningful and sustainable results.

Context

• The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 is a landmark legislation that establishes a legal framework for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
• This law was introduced in response to the Supreme Court of India's March 2023 directive, which emphasised the need for an independent and transparent selection process.
• However, despite its intent to uphold democratic principles, the law has been met with considerable criticism due to concerns about government influence in the appointment process.

Historical Context, Judicial Intervention and Challenges to the New Law

• Historical Context and Judicial Intervention
  • Historically, the CEC and ECs were appointed solely by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
  • This system raised concerns about the impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is responsible for ensuring free and fair elections.
  • Recognising these concerns, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment process should involve a high-powered committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
  • This arrangement was intended as an interim measure until Parliament enacted a law on the subject.
  • While the new Act adheres to the requirement of parliamentary legislation, it significantly alters the composition of the selection committee.
  • Instead of including the CJI, the new Act introduces a cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  • This change has raised serious constitutional and democratic concerns regarding the independence of the selection process.
• Challenges to the New Law
  • The primary objection to the new law is that it deviates from the Supreme Court’s recommendation by replacing the CJI with a cabinet minister.
  • This alteration effectively ensures a government majority in the selection committee, as both the Prime Minister and the cabinet minister are members of the ruling party.
  • As a result, the appointment process risks becoming a mere formality, with the government having the final say in selecting the CEC and ECs.
  • Furthermore, the process involves a search committee led by the Law Minister, which shortlists five candidates for consideration.
  • The secrecy surrounding the shortlisted names adds another layer of opacity to the process, potentially undermining public trust.
  • The recent selection of the senior-most EC as the CEC by the two government-appointed members of the committee, despite the LoP’s dissent, highlights the predetermined nature of the selection process.

Constitutional Concerns and Infirmities in the Selection Process

• The Constitution of India, under Article 324, entrusts the Election Commission with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections.
• The Supreme Court, in Election Commission of India vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1993), reaffirmed that the ECI must function independently to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
• Given that India has nearly 960 million voters, the appointment of election commissioners must be devoid of political influence to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.
• The major flaw in the new Act lies in the composition of the selection committee.
• By ensuring a built-in majority for the government, the law undermines the fundamental principle of independent decision-making.
• The inclusion of a cabinet minister, who is bound to align with the Prime Minister—prevents any genuine deliberation over the candidates' merits.
• Unlike a truly independent committee where decisions emerge through debate, the current structure makes the outcome predictable in favour of the government’s preferred candidate.
• Another significant issue is the Prime Minister’s power to nominate one of the members, the cabinet minister.
• Ideally, the selection committee should consist of individuals capable of making independent and unbiased decisions.
• However, a cabinet minister is inherently loyal to the Prime Minister and is unlikely to oppose their decision.
• This setup further reduces the scope for an objective evaluation of candidates.

Broader Implications of the Law: Violation of Constitutional Principles

• The arbitrary composition of the selection committee raises concerns about the new Act’s compatibility with Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality.
• By creating an appointment process that structurally favours government-backed candidates, the law fails to establish a level playing field.
• The fundamental principle of fairness in selecting high constitutional officers is compromised.
• Additionally, the independence of the ECI is crucial for ensuring free and fair elections, a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework.
• The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that free and fair elections form part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
• If the selection committee is biased in favour of the ruling party, it risks eroding the credibility of the electoral process, thereby weakening democracy

The Role of the Supreme Court

• Given these constitutional concerns, it is imperative for the Supreme Court to critically examine the law.
• The judiciary has a duty to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure that the ECI remains independent.
• The Court may need to reassess whether the current selection mechanism aligns with the constitutional principles of fairness, transparency, and non-partisanship.
• One possible solution would be to reinstate the CJI as a member of the selection committee to balance the decision-making process.
• Alternatively, Parliament could consider a more independent body, possibly including retired judges or neutral experts, to oversee the appointments.

The Way Forward

• To preserve the sanctity of India’s electoral system, it is crucial that the appointment process be reformed to ensure fairness, transparency, and non-partisanship.
• The Supreme Court’s intervention will be crucial in determining whether this law aligns with constitutional values or if it requires significant amendments to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Conclusion

• The appointment of the CEC and ECs is a matter of national importance, as it directly affects the conduct of elections and the legitimacy of the democratic process.
• While the 2023 Act fulfils the requirement of a parliamentary law, its provisions compromise the independence of the ECI by granting undue influence to the government in the selection process.
• The inherent flaws in the Act, including the lack of transparency, the government’s guaranteed majority in the selection committee, and the exclusion of the judiciary, make it vulnerable to constitutional challenges.

Why in news?

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched major initiatives under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) to modernize India's maritime infrastructure, enhance its global trade presence, and promote sustainability.

These initiatives focus on improving port efficiency, upgrading facilities, integrating Indian ports with global trade networks, and enhancing cargo handling capacities. Emphasis was also placed on adopting green technologies and eco-friendly port operations.

What’s in today’s article?

• Key Maritime Initiatives launched
• India Maritime Week 2025: Showcasing Maritime Growth
• Revitalizing India’s Shipbuilding Sector
• Vision for India’s Blue Economy

Key Maritime Initiatives launched

• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
• These initiatives were launched during a stakeholders meeting to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the Maritime sector.
• One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations
  • ONOP was launched to standardize port operations across India’s major ports.
  • The initiative aims to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation, reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and minimize operational delays.
  • The Ministry has streamlined documentation, cutting container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106).
• Sagar Ankalan - Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI): Enhancing Competitiveness
  • The Sagar Ankalan LPPI was introduced to assess port performance and improve operational efficiency.
  • It evaluates key metrics like cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, and ship berth-day output.
  • By benchmarking performance and fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency, LPPI aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and strengthens India’s global trade presence.
• Bharat Global Ports Consortium: Expanding Trade Reach
  • The Bharat Global Ports Consortium was launched to boost India’s maritime trade by integrating IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure development).
  • This initiative will enhance logistics, support the ‘Make in India’ movement, and strengthen global trade connectivity.
• MAITRI: Digital Transformation in Trade
  • The Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI) was introduced to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve efficiency through AI and blockchain.
  • MAITRI will play a key role in operationalizing the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE, aligning with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and expanding to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations.
• National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS): Advancing Sustainability
  • A website for the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) was launched to promote sustainability in maritime operations.
  • It will focus on carbon footprint reduction, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port management.

India Maritime Week 2025: Showcasing Maritime Growth

• India will host the India Maritime Week from October 27-31, 2025, in Mumbai.
• The event will highlight India’s ‘Maritime Virasat’ (Heritage) and ‘Maritime Vikaas’ (Development), featuring the 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and the 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan.
• It will attract representatives from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates.

Revitalizing India’s Shipbuilding Sector

• Discussions focused on financial support for Indian shipyards, including:
  • ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund for long-term financing.
  • Recognition of large ships as infrastructure, unlocking investment opportunities.
  • Shipbuilding clusters to enhance competitiveness and technology adoption.
  • Customs duty exemption extension for shipbuilding inputs for 10 years.
  • Extension of tonnage tax regime to inland vessels to promote river transport.
  • The Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme to boost ship recycling.

Vision for India’s Blue Economy

• The Union Minister emphasized that India's Blue Economy is vital for jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. He reiterated the government's commitment to:
  • Making India a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030.
  • Creating a world-class, efficient, and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
  • Strengthening India’s position as a global maritime powerhouse.
• These measures aim to enhance financial accessibility, support shipbuilding, and improve India's competitiveness in the maritime sector.

Why in news?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informed a New York court that it has sought India's assistance under the Hague Service Convention to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.

The Adanis face criminal and civil charges from the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC for allegedly bribing Indian officials over $250 million to advance Adani Group’s solar projects.

What’s in today’s article?

• SEC’s Legal Actions Against Adanis
• Hague Service Convention
• India’s Accession and Reservations
• Conditions for a Default Judgment Under the Hague Convention

SEC’s Legal Actions Against Adanis

• The SEC informed a New York court that it had invoked Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention, requesting India’s Ministry of Law and Justice to facilitate summons delivery to Gautam and Sagar Adani.
• The agency is also considering alternative service methods under Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• FCPA Enforcement Paused by Trump Administration
  • Earlier, in February 2025, the Trump administration temporarily suspended enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.
  • The FCPA prohibits U.S. entities and individuals from bribing foreign officials for business gains.
  • An executive order mandates a review of ongoing FCPA cases, but the SEC's court filing suggests the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing the Adani investigation to proceed.

Hague Service Convention

• The Hague Service Convention, signed in 1965, facilitates the cross-border exchange of legal documents, including summons, in commercial cases. India became a member in 2006.
• It aims to ensure defendants in foreign jurisdictions receive timely and actual notice of legal proceedings.
• Membership and Applicability
  • The Convention applies only when both the sending and receiving countries are signatories.
  • Currently, 84 states, including India and the U.S., are parties.
  • Each signatory must designate a central authority to handle service requests.
• Permitted Channels of Communication
  • The Convention allows service through diplomatic channels (via the Ministry of External Affairs), postal services, and direct communication between judicial officers or legal representatives.

India’s Accession and Reservations

• India joined the Hague Service Convention in November 2006, with reservations against all alternative service methods under Article 10.
• India mandates that legal documents in cross-border commercial cases must be served indirectly through a designated authority rather than directly to the individuals involved.
  • MEA reiterates that private judicial officers cannot serve summons directly in India.
• It prohibits the service of judicial documents through diplomatic or consular channels, except when the recipient is a national of the requesting country.
  • For instance, a U.S. court cannot serve documents in India through U.S. diplomatic or consular channels, unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India. 
• Additionally, all service requests must be in English or include an English translation.
• Role of the Ministry of Law and Justice
  • The Ministry of Law and Justice serves as India’s designated central authority for processing service requests.
  • It can reject a request but must provide reasons, such as concerns over sovereignty or security under Article 13.
  • However, it cannot refuse service solely based on claims of exclusive jurisdiction or differences in domestic law (Article 29).

Conditions for a Default Judgment Under the Hague Convention

• A default judgment can be issued if a foreign government does not cooperate in serving summons on a defendant.
• However, Article 15 of the Convention sets specific conditions:
  • The summons must have been transmitted through an approved Convention method.
  • At least six months must have passed since transmission, and the court must deem this period reasonable.
  • No certificate of service has been received despite reasonable efforts through the competent authorities.
• India’s Position on Default Judgments
  • India has explicitly stated that its courts may issue a default judgment in cross-border disputes even if no certificate of service is received, provided all Article 15 conditions are met.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is looking to wrap up public consultations on the draft Rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 by March 5.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Introduction (Context of the Article)
• Controversial Provisions of DPDP Act (Section 9(1), Concerns, Govt’s Response, Way Forward, etc.)

Introduction:

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is finalizing public consultations on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and its draft rules.
• However, disability rights activists have raised serious concerns over a specific provision in Section 9(1), which clubs adult Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with children and mandates that their legal guardians provide consent for any digital personal data processing.
• Activists argue that this undermines the autonomy of PwDs and reflects a flawed understanding of guardianship laws.

Understanding the Controversial Provision – Section 9(1):

• The DPDP Act requires data fiduciaries (organizations processing data) to obtain verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian before processing personal data of a child or a PwD with a lawful guardian.
• The definition of PwDs in this provision lumps all individuals with disabilities together, assuming that those with guardians are incapable of making legally binding decisions.
• The draft rules under Rule 10(2) require verification that the guardian was appointed by a court or designated authority under Indian guardianship laws.
• While the rule provides detailed explanations for child consent, it lacks clarity on how guardianship-based consent would apply to PwDs, leading to confusion.

Reasons Behind PwDs and Activists Concerns:

• Undermining Autonomy of PwDs
  • The provision assumes that all PwDs with guardians lack decision-making abilities, ignoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which promotes supported decision-making instead of absolute guardianship.
  • Many PwDs function independently with limited legal support but may still have a legal guardian for specific purposes.
• Legal Confusion Between RPWD Act and NT Act
  • PwDs are governed by two laws:
    • The RPWD Act, 2016 provides for limited guardianship, allowing the PwD to exercise rights with support.
    • The National Trust (NT) Act, 1999 allows full guardianship for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities.
  • However, the DPDP Act does not differentiate between these categories, applying a blanket rule for all PwDs with guardians.
• Practical Challenges in Implementation
  • There is no clear guideline on how digital platforms should obtain guardian consent for PwDs.
  • If a guardian refuses consent, the PwD may lose access to essential services, such as online banking, e-commerce, or healthcare platforms.
  • Activists highlight gender-based discrimination, where women with disabilities may be denied access to digital platforms without guardian approval.

Risk to Digital Rights of PwDs:

• Disability rights groups argue that the DPDP Act compromises digital rights by making guardian consent mandatory for accessing online services. This could lead to:
  • Exclusion from digital platforms like banking, government schemes, e-commerce, and education portals.
  • Increased control of guardians over PwDs’ choices, restricting their ability to make personal decisions.
  • Legal ambiguity for guardians, who may face penalties under the DPDP Act if their consent leads to data misuse.
• A survey by PACTA and Saksham Disability found that 27.4% of PwDs had legal guardians, yet most of them managed their affairs independently, contradicting the assumptions made by the DPDP Act.

Government's Response and the Way Forward:

• The government argues that limiting the definition of PwDs covered under Section 9(1) helps address concerns.
• However, disability activists argue that this further complicates the issue by adding unclear definitions.
• Recommended changes by disability rights groups include:
  • Amending Section 9(1) to align with the RPWD Act, 2016, ensuring PwDs have decision-making autonomy.
  • Providing clear guidelines on how data fiduciaries should handle guardian-based consent for PwDs.
  • Ensuring that digital accessibility barriers are addressed, as many platforms are still not user-friendly for PwDs.

Conclusion:

The DPDP Act, 2023, aims to regulate digital personal data while protecting user rights. However, its rigid guardianship rules threaten the digital autonomy of PwDs, potentially excluding them from online services and decision-making processes.

A balanced approach, incorporating input from disability rights groups, is necessary to ensure data protection laws do not inadvertently violate the rights of PwDs.

Context:

Tamil Nadu's opposition to the three-language formula has caused friction with the Centre. The state has adhered to a two-language policy for decades and remains firm in its stance.

The three-language policy has had a mixed record in implementation across India.

The Language Debate in India:

• Historical perspective:
  • Post-Independence, language policies have remained controversial.
  • Language has been perceived as a medium of instruction rather than a cognitive tool.
  • Colonial influence shaped the education system’s focus on instruction rather than exploration.
• Constituent assembly and language policy:
  • The issue of a national language was debated extensively during Constitution drafting.
  • Hindi’s adoption as an official language was fraught with complexities due to its multiple varieties.
  • English retained prominence, despite expectations of its gradual decline. 

Evolution of the Three-Language Formula:

• The three-language formula:
  • It is a language learning policy introduced in the 1968 National Policy on Education.
  • It mandated that students across India learn three languages: their regional language (mother tongue), Hindi, and English.
  • Hindi-speaking states must study a modern Indian language (preferably from the south) instead of Hindi as their third language.
• NEP 2020 and the three-language formula:
  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has retained the three-language formula albeit with a key difference that it doesn't impose any language on any State.
  • It specifies that the languages to be learnt will be the choice of States, regions and the students, so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India.
• Implementation challenges across India:
  • In the Hindi-speaking states, the third language rarely includes contemporary languages from other Indian states.
  • Private schools in northern states do not prioritize regional languages like Tamil or Punjabi.
  • Political concerns over language education have remained divisive and often counterproductive.
• Role played by the CABE:
  • The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), a remarkable forum that had served India since the 1920s, has played a crucial role in shaping language policies.
  • CABE helped navigate federal governance challenges in education but has been inactive in recent years.

The Real Issue - Language Standards in Education:

• Declining teaching standards:
  • Science and mathematics have been dominated by coaching institutions, while language teaching remains neglected.
  • English is now compulsory in many government schools, but proficiency remains low.
  • Teachers' limited command over English affects learning outcomes, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s transition to English-medium education.
• Impact on regional languages and reading habits:
  • Not just English, the standards of teaching in Hindi are no better.
  • Hindi and other regional languages are being treated as cultural artifacts rather than active learning tools.
  • The decline in reading habits signifies deeper issues in language education.
  • Schools fail to cultivate habitual readers, undermining long-term language proficiency.

Conclusion:

The debate over language education in India remains unresolved. Tamil Nadu’s steadfast opposition to the three-language formula reflects deeper concerns over linguistic identity and federal policies.

Improving language teaching standards is crucial for meaningful educational reform rather than focusing solely on policy formulas.

Context

• The recent stampede at New Delhi railway station on February 15 serves as a grim reminder of the persistent inadequacies in passenger safety and crowd management within Indian Railways.
• Despite the rapid modernisation of railway infrastructure and an ever-expanding network, the core issue of ensuring basic safety remains alarmingly overlooked.
• The tragedy underscores deeper systemic failures; failures not rooted in resource constraints but in institutional inertia, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability. 

The Primary Cause of New Delhi Stampede: Systemic Lapses and Negligence

• Systematic Lapses
  • The fundamental principle of crowd control is to ensure smooth and unidirectional movement, eliminate bottlenecks, and deploy sufficient security personnel.
  • However, these measures were evidently ignored at New Delhi railway station.
  • The sudden announcement of a special unreserved train to Prayagraj on platform 12, despite an existing massive crowd on platform 14, led to confusion and panic.
  • This decision, though not officially categorised as a platform change, created an uncontrolled surge of movement, resulting in chaos and ultimately, disaster.
• Failure to Implement Proactive Measures
  • Preliminary reports suggest that the control room, despite having access to CCTV surveillance, failed to take proactive measures such as stopping escalators to prevent congestion.
  • This negligence highlights an alarming lack of situational awareness and preparedness among railway authorities.
  • The inadequate deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and poor barricading further exacerbated the situation, exposing passengers to grave risks.
  • The claim that authorities were caught off-guard by the influx of ticket sales is implausible, as festival seasons have historically drawn large crowds, necessitating robust crowd management strategies.

Broader Disconcerting Aspects of the Tragedy

• Half-Truths and Shifting Blame
  • In the aftermath of the tragedy, Indian Railways has attempted to shift responsibility onto passengers, citing their numbers, last-minute ticket purchases, and failure to heed announcements.
  • However, such defences fail to acknowledge that mass gatherings during religious events like the Kumbh Mela are not unprecedented.
  • Indian Railways itself had announced the movement of over 15 lakh passengers across 350 trains to Prayagraj in February, making it evident that authorities had prior knowledge of the expected footfall.
  • The failure to replicate effective crowd management strategies, such as those successfully implemented during Chhath Puja, further questions the Railways' preparedness.
  • The crisis response after the tragedy, including the abrupt deployment of additional security personnel, creation of holding areas, and suspension of platform ticket sales, indicates that these measures were always within reach but were simply neglected.
  • Had these protocols been in place beforehand, the stampede could have been prevented.
• Contradictory Statements and Lack of Accountability
  • One of the most disconcerting aspects of this tragedy is the Railways’ inconsistent and insensitive response.
  • Official narratives have shifted from outright denial to ambiguous explanations, culminating in ex gratia payments to victims' families before the actual death toll was confirmed.
  • Such actions reflect a lack of empathy and transparency, exacerbating public distrust in railway authorities.
• Attempt to Attribute the Stampede to Fake News
  • Attempts to attribute the stampede to ‘fake news’ and conspiracies rather than acknowledging lapses in planning mirror a larger pattern within Indian Railways—where every mishap is prematurely blamed on sabotage rather than internal failures.
  • The Railways' history is replete with similar disasters, such as the Elphinstone Road station stampede in Mumbai (2017) and the Allahabad station stampede during the 2013 Kumbh Mela.
  • The recurrence of such incidents suggests that lessons from past tragedies have not been internalised, raising serious concerns about institutional learning and reform.
• Flawed Inquiry Process
  • The Railways' decision to conduct a ‘high-level’ inquiry through its own senior executives raises fundamental concerns about impartiality.
  • Unlike train accidents, which are independently investigated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), the current probe is being led by railway officials who may themselves be accountable for lapses.
  • This self-regulation undermines public confidence and hinders the pursuit of justice.

The Way Forward: Need for Reform

• A truly transparent and independent investigation, whether by the CRS or another external agency, would have signalled the Railways’ commitment to accountability.
• However, the decision to oversee its own inquiry reinforces the perception that the institution is resistant to genuine reform.
• Until Indian Railways confronts its entrenched bureaucratic inertia and prioritises passenger safety over institutional complacency, such tragedies will continue to be dismissed as unfortunate inevitabilities rather than preventable failures.

Conclusion

• The New Delhi railway station stampede is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper malaise within Indian Railways.
• The failure to implement basic crowd control measures, the reluctance to accept responsibility, and the flawed investigation process all point to a system in urgent need of reform.
• Moving forward, Indian Railways must abandon its reactive approach to crises and proactively address safety concerns through improved planning, greater accountability, and independent oversight.

Context

• In recent years, several Indian states have prioritised direct cash transfers to women as a form of social security.
• However, one of the most vulnerable groups, pregnant women, continues to be deprived of their legal right to maternity benefits.
• While the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 mandates a minimum financial aid of ₹6,000 per child, the implementation of this provision has been inadequate.
• Therefore, it is imperative to explore the shortcomings of maternity benefit schemes in India, the challenges in their implementation, and the need for policy reform.

The Undermining of the NFSA Mandate

• The NFSA explicitly states that all pregnant women, except those in the formal sector, are entitled to maternity benefits.
• Adjusted for inflation, this amount should be at least ₹12,000 today, yet even the original ₹6,000 has not been fully implemented.
• Instead, the central government introduced the PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which limits benefits to ₹5,000 for the first child and recently extended coverage to a second child only if it is a girl.
• This restriction violates the universal nature of maternity entitlements outlined in the NFSA and significantly weakens the program’s potential impact.

Shortcomings of PMMVY

• Implementation Failures and Lack of Transparency
  • The PMMVY has been marred by serious implementation challenges. Many eligible women are unable to access even the reduced benefits due to bureaucratic hurdles and digital inefficiencies.
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development provides little information on the program’s performance, undermining transparency.
  • Although Right to Information (RTI) queries have provided some insight, they reveal a dismal picture.
  • Effective coverage of the PMMVY, defined as the proportion of pregnant women receiving at least one instalment, peaked at only 36% in 2019-20 and plummeted to just 9% in 2023-24.
  • The primary reason for this decline appears to be disruptions caused by software changes and overly complex implementation processes.
• Structural Barriers and Digital Exclusion
  • One of the significant hurdles in accessing PMMVY benefits is the over-reliance on Aadhaar-based payments and digital verification.
  • Many women, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, struggle to navigate these systems, leading to their exclusion.
  • Technical glitches and procedural complications have further discouraged participation.
  • Instead of simplifying access, the government has introduced additional barriers, raising concerns about whether the administrative inefficiencies are deliberate cost-cutting measures rather than mere oversight.

A Comparison of State-Level Success Stories and Lessons for the Central Government

• Tamil Nadu: A Model for Comprehensive Maternity Benefits
  • Tamil Nadu has been a frontrunner in social welfare programs, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
  • The state’s maternity benefit scheme, originally introduced in 1987, has undergone several enhancements over the years.
  • Under its current version, pregnant women receive financial assistance of ₹18,000 per child, a significantly higher amount than the ₹5,000 provided under the PMMVY.
  • The benefits are disbursed in instalments to ensure continuous support throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.
  • Additionally, Tamil Nadu’s program has been designed with a strong emphasis on accessibility and ease of implementation.
  • The state government has ensured that documentation requirements are minimal, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  • As a result, Tamil Nadu achieved 84% coverage of all births in 2023-24, a stark contrast to the PMMVY’s nationwide coverage of less than 10%.
• Odisha: Expanding Benefits with Political Commitment
  • Odisha’s Mamata Scheme, launched in 2009, is another example of a well-functioning maternity benefit program.
  • Unlike the PMMVY, which restricts benefits to only the first child (with a recent conditional extension to second-child girls), Odisha’s program provides ₹10,000 per child, covering a broader base of beneficiaries.
  • Ahead of the 2024 general election, the state government decided to double this amount, demonstrating a clear political commitment to maternal welfare.
  • Odisha’s Economic Survey data suggests that the Mamata Scheme achieved 64% coverage of all births in 2021-22, significantly higher than the PMMVY’s national figures.
  • One reason for this success is the state government’s focus on simplified procedures and direct beneficiary outreach.
  • Unlike the PMMVY, which has suffered from digital payment failures and bureaucratic inefficiencies, Odisha’s scheme ensures that funds reach eligible women in a timely manner.
• Lessons for the Central Government
  • Expand Coverage: The PMMVY should extend benefits beyond just the first child, as seen in Odisha and Tamil Nadu, to provide comprehensive support for maternal health.
  • Increase Benefit Amounts
    • The financial support offered by the PMMVY is insufficient to meet basic nutritional and healthcare needs during pregnancy.
    • The central government should follow Tamil Nadu’s model and increase benefits in line with inflation.
  • Simplify Implementation
    • The PMMVY is plagued by digital verification failures and bureaucratic red tape.
    • Tamil Nadu and Odisha have shown that streamlined procedures lead to higher coverage and better accessibility.
  • Ensure Political Commitment
    • The PMMVY has remained stagnant since its launch in 2017, whereas Tamil Nadu and Odisha have actively improved their schemes over time.
    • A commitment to periodic evaluation and enhancement of maternity benefits is essential.

The Way Forward: The Need for Policy Reform

• The stark contrast between state-level programs and the PMMVY highlights the urgent need for policy reform at the national level.
• The central government must revamp the maternity benefit system to align with the NFSA’s original intent. Key reforms should include:
  • Universal Coverage: Removing restrictions on the number of children covered under the scheme.
  • Adequate Financial Support: Increasing the maternity benefit to at least ₹12,000 and indexing it to inflation.
  • Simplified Access: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and eliminating excessive digital dependencies that exclude the most vulnerable women.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring proactive disclosure of data on fund allocations and disbursement rates to allow public scrutiny. 

Conclusion

• While India offers 26 weeks of paid maternity leave in the formal sector, women in the unorganised sector receive a meagre ₹5,000, if they manage to overcome the hurdles of the PMMVY.
• The program’s failures highlight a deeper issue: a lack of political will to support maternal and child health comprehensively.
• A well-designed and adequately funded maternity benefit program would not only uphold the rights of pregnant women but also contribute to broader social and economic benefits.
• The time has come for the government to acknowledge the shortcomings of the PMMVY and ensure that maternity entitlements are delivered in both letter and spirit.

Why in news?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that southern states would not lose any parliamentary seats after delimitation, addressing concerns of states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Due to slower population growth in the South compared to the North, delimitation based on the latest data could have resulted in a significant increase in seats for northern states.

Delimitation, which redraws constituency boundaries, is expected after the delayed Census and was initially set for 2026. In Independent India’s history, delimitation has taken place four times – 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.

What’s in today’s article?

• Need for Delimitation
• Impact of Delimitation on Lok Sabha Seats
• Concerns of Southern States Over Delimitation

Need for Delimitation

• Delimitation is a constitutional mandate carried out after each Census to readjust the number of seats in Parliament and state Assemblies and redefine constituency boundaries.
  • Article 82 of the Constitution mandates that after each Census, the allocation of Lok Sabha seats must be adjusted based on population changes.
  • However, Article 81 limits the total number of Lok Sabha members to 550, with 530 from states and 20 from Union Territories.
    • It also requires that the ratio of seats to the population in each state be as uniform as possible, ensuring that constituencies across the country have roughly equal populations.
• The goal is to ensure equal representation by maintaining similar population sizes across constituencies.
• History of Delimitation in India
  • Pre-1976: After the Censuses of 1951, 1961, and 1971, seats in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state Assemblies were redistributed.
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): During the Emergency, Parliament froze the total number of seats until the 2001 Census to prevent states with higher population growth from losing representation while implementing family planning measures.
  • 2001 Delimitation: While constituency boundaries were redrawn, the number of seats remained unchanged due to opposition from southern states.

Impact of Delimitation on Lok Sabha Seats and Elections

• The number of seats each state receives after delimitation will depend on the base average population that a future delimitation commission establishes.
• In 1977, each MP represented an average of 10.11 lakh people. Ideally, constituencies should be evenly distributed around this average.
• Potential Increase in Lok Sabha Strength
  • If the 10.11 lakh average is retained, Lok Sabha strength could rise to nearly 1,400 based on 2025 population projections.
    • UP (including Uttarakhand) could see its seats triple from 85 to 250, while Bihar (including Jharkhand) could increase from 25 to 82.
    • Tamil Nadu and Kerala would see only moderate increases (39 to 76 and 20 to 36, respectively).
  • Since the new Parliament has only 888 seats, this formula is unlikely to be implemented.
  • Experts believe that regardless of the formula, southern states would gain fewer seats compared to northern states, reinforcing concerns over their diminishing political influence.
• Impact of Delimitation on Elections
  • Regional parties in the South fear that delimitation based on population will benefit parties with a strong base in North India.

Concerns of Southern States Over Delimitation

• Southern states fear that delimitation based on the latest population data will reduce their representation in Parliament, weakening their political influence.
• Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin announced an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss delimitation, calling it a looming threat to southern states.
• He warned that Tamil Nadu could lose parliamentary seats due to its success in family planning.

Why in news?

US President Donald Trump introduced a new "gold card" immigration initiative, replacing the EB-5 visa program. For a $5 million investment, wealthy foreign investors can gain a path to U.S. citizenship and permanent residency.

The existing EB-5 program, established in 1990, requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in distressed areas) to create or preserve jobs.

It has faced criticism for fraud and misuse, including funding projects linked to Trump family businesses.

What’s in today’s article?

• EB-5 Visa Program
• Comparison: EB-5 vs. Gold Card
• Potential Benefits of the Gold Card Program
• Concerns Surrounding the Gold Card Program
• Challenges Ahead for the Gold Card Program
• Impact of Gold Card Program on Indian Investors

EB-5 Visa Program

• Established by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa program aimed to boost the American economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.
• Investment Requirements
  • The program grants green cards to immigrants who invest at least $1,050,000 or $800,000 in economically distressed areas, known as targeted employment areas.
• Capping
  • The EB-5 program was capped at 10,000 visas annually with 3,000 reserved for investments in high-unemployment areas.
• Criticism and Controversies
  • The program faced criticism for deviating from its intended purpose, with reports indicating that businesses and Trump family members used it to fund major property developments.
  • Calls for reform grew during Trump’s presidency.
• Renewal and Legal Challenges
  • The program was last renewed under President Joe Biden in 2022, with investment thresholds raised.
  • The Trump administration attempted to increase the minimum investment for targeted areas to $900,000 in 2019, but a federal judge overturned this decision in 2021.

Comparison: EB-5 vs. Gold Card

• EB-5 Program
  • Established in 1990 and managed by USCIS.
  • Grants Green Cards to foreign investors who invest at least $1.05 million ($800,000 in certain cases).
  • Requires the creation of at least 10 jobs for Americans.
• Gold Card Program
  • Likely does not require investment in American businesses or job creation.
  • Allows direct purchase of a Green Card for $5 million.
• Administration and Processing
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to regulate and issue Gold Cards.
  • Likely involvement of the Department of State and Department of Commerce.
  • Faster processing times anticipated to encourage participation.

Potential Benefits of the Gold Card Program

• Attracting Wealthy Investors
  • The straightforward residency pathway may encourage high-net-worth individuals to move to the U.S.
  • These investors could contribute to the economy through real estate, luxury markets, and business investments.
• Reducing Fraud Risks
  • The EB-5 program has faced allegations of fraud.
  • A direct, high-cost purchase model may help minimize misuse and regulatory loopholes.

Concerns Surrounding the Gold Card Program

• Citizenship for Sale
  • The program prioritizes wealth over merit, potentially disadvantaging skilled professionals.
  • It raises ethical and political concerns about fairness in immigration policy.
• Risk of Financial Misuse
  • Investment-based immigration programs can be exploited for money laundering and foreign influence.
  • Lack of strong regulatory oversight may increase these risks.
• No Economic Contribution Requirement
  • Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card does not mandate job creation or business investment.
  • Passive investors could gain residency without contributing to the U.S. economy.
• Historical Precedents and Policy Questions
  • A similar program in Canada was discontinued due to widespread misuse.
  • Key concerns remain: Should U.S. citizenship be available for purchase? Should immigration policy prioritize skills and economic contributions?

Challenges Ahead for the Gold Card Program

• Legislative Hurdles in Congress
  • Immigration policy changes require congressional approval.
  • While Republicans hold a majority, not all may support a program perceived as "selling" citizenship.
  • Democrats are expected to oppose the proposal.
• Potential Legal Challenges
  • Most visa-related legal issues arise from program administration rather than the policy itself.
  • It is uncertain what legal challenges the Gold Card may face.

Impact of Gold Card Program on Indian Investors

• In 2023, only 631 Indians obtained Green Cards through the EB-5 program.
• Given the $5 million (₹43 crore) price tag, the Gold Card may not be attractive to many Indian investors.
• Impact on applicants from other categories
  • Over a million Indians are among those waiting for green cards in the U.S., according to US government data.
  • In employment-based categories, the backlog for Indian applicants is projected to reach 2.19 million by 2030.
  • Any new category will add to their waiting period.

Why in news?

The Union Rural Development Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the NAKSHA initiative (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).

What’s in today’s article?

• NAKSHA: A City Survey Initiative
• NAKSHA: Addressing Urban Land Record Challenges
• NAKSHA: Scope, Funding, and Implementation
• How the Survey Will Be Conducted
• Conclusion

NAKSHA: A City Survey Initiative

• NAKSHA is a city survey initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• It aims to modernize urban land records and boost transparency in property ownership and transactions.
• It is being implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.
• Scope and Implementation
  • Focuses on mapping towns and cities for better land governance.
  • Launched as a pilot project across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states.
  • Applicable to cities with an area < 35 sq km and population < 2 lakhs.
  • The pilot phase will be completed within a year.
• Objectives and Benefits
  • Creates a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records.
  • Uses aerial and field surveys integrated with GIS technology.
  • Enhances land governance, streamlines property records, and supports urban planning.
  • Improves decision-making, ensures efficient land use, and facilitates smoother property transactions.

NAKSHA: Addressing Urban Land Record Challenges

• Through NAKSHA and the National Geospatial Mission, the government aims to enhance urban planning, governance, and infrastructure development.
• Need for Urban Land Record Updation
  • While rural land records have improved, many cities lack proper maps even today.
  • Except for Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa, most states have outdated or unstructured land records.
  • Poor land records lead to inefficiencies in governance and taxation.
• Government Initiative and Budget Announcements
  • First proposed in the Union Budget 2024, focusing on GIS mapping of urban land records.
  • Objectives outlined in Budget 2024:
    • Digitization of urban land records.
    • IT-based system for property administration and tax management.
    • Strengthening financial position of urban local bodies.
  • Reaffirmed in Budget 2025, emphasizing:
    • Urban sector reforms in governance, municipal services, and planning.
    • Launch of the National Geospatial Mission under PM Gati Shakti to modernize land records and infrastructure planning.

NAKSHA: Scope, Funding, and Implementation

• Coverage and Scale
  • India has 7,933 towns covering 1.02 lakh sq km (Census 2011).
  • NAKSHA will cover 4,142.63 sq km in its initial phase.
  • After the pilot, the government plans to expand it to 4,912 urban local bodies.
• Funding: 100% centrally funded initiative.
• Expected Benefits
  • Provides comprehensive digital urban land records.
  • Reduces land disputes and facilitates faster urban planning.
  • Improves property tax collection and simplifies transactions.
  • Enhances access to credit by streamlining ownership records.

How the Survey Will Be Conducted

• Use of Drone Technology
  • Aerial photography using two types of cameras:
    • Simple cameras.
    • Oblique angle cameras (5 cameras with LiDAR sensors).
  • Mounted on drones with 5 cm resolution, much sharper than satellite imagery.
• Three-Stage Survey Process
  • Drone Survey & Data Collection
    • Select survey area and create a flight plan.
    • Drones capture images, from which data is extracted.
  • Field Survey & Data Verification
    • Ground verification of property tax, ownership, and registration records.
    • 2D/3D models are created, and draft land ownership details are published.
  • Public Review & Finalization
    • Claims and objections are reviewed.
    • Grievance redressal is conducted.
    • Final maps are published.

Conclusion

NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records, making them accurate, transparent, and efficient for governance and development.

Why in news?

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the provision in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, restricting the arrest of women at night is directory, not mandatory.

While a single Judge deemed an 8 PM arrest a violation of Section 46(4) of the CrPC, a two-Judge Bench later held that the provision was not absolute.

What’s in today’s article?

• Safeguards for Arresting Women at Night
• Madras High Court’s Ruling on Section 46(4) of CrPC
• Section 46(4) of CrPC – Background
• Supreme Court’s View on Arresting Women at Night

Safeguards for Arresting Women at Night

• Two safeguards are provided under Section 43(5) of BNSS (which corresponds to Section 46(4) of CrPC) for the arrest of a woman by the police.
• Restriction on Arrest Timing
  • No arrest of a woman shall be made after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional circumstances.
• Magistrate’s Permission Requirement
• In exceptional circumstances, a woman police officer must obtain prior written permission from the jurisdictional magistrate before making the arrest.
• Protection Against Physical Contact
  • The arresting officer must not touch the woman unless it is a woman police officer or circumstances require it.
• Lack of Definition for ‘Exceptional Circumstances’
  • Section 46(4) of CrPC ensures the safety of women but does not explicitly define what qualifies as an exceptional situation, leading to ambiguity in its application.

Madras High Court’s Ruling on Section 46(4) of CrPC

• Non-Mandatory Nature of the Provision
  • The Court observed that Section 46(4) of CrPC does not specify consequences for non-compliance, indicating that it is directory, not mandatory.
• Public Duty of Police Officers
  • Arresting officers perform a public duty, and strict adherence to procedure should not hinder law enforcement.
• Practical Challenges in Heinous Cases
  • In cases of serious crimes committed by women at night, immediate arrest may be necessary, especially if a magistrate is unavailable.
  • Delayed action could lead to the accused escaping, which may compromise public interest.

Section 46(4) of CrPC - Background

• 135th Law Commission Report (1989)
  • Recommended that women should not be arrested after sunset and before sunrise.
  • In exceptional cases, prior permission from the immediate superior officer was required.
  • In urgent cases, an arrest report with reasons had to be submitted to the superior officer and the magistrate.
• 154th Law Commission Report (1996)
  • Reaffirmed the recommendations of the 135th report regarding the arrest of women.
• Incorporation into CrPC (2005)
  • Based on these recommendations, Section 46(4) was added to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) with modifications to enhance safeguards for women.

Supreme Court’s View on Arresting Women at Night

• Earlier, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court directed that no woman should be detained without a lady constable and never after sunset or before sunrise.
• The Supreme Court noted that strict adherence to this rule might cause practical difficulties in certain situations.

Impact of the Madras HC Ruling

• Provision is Directory, Not Mandatory
  • The Court clarified that Section 46(4) of CrPC/43(5) of BNSS is directory, meaning non-compliance does not automatically make an arrest illegal.
• Obligation to Justify Non-Compliance
  • While failure to follow the provision does not invalidate an arrest, the arresting officer must provide a valid explanation for not complying with the safeguards.
• Need for Clear Guidelines
  • The Court directed police authorities to issue guidelines defining what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” to ensure the provision is not misused or ignored.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 2^nd edition of the Time Use Survey.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Time Use Survey (Objectives, Key Findings, Implications, Future Outlook, etc.)

Introduction:

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently released the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, highlighting significant trends in how Indians allocate their time to various activities, including employment, caregiving, and leisure.
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO), MoSPI conducted the first all-India Time Use Survey during January – December 2019.
  • The present TUS conducted during January – December 2024 is the second such All-India Survey.
• A key takeaway from the report is the increase in women’s participation in employment-related activities, signalling a gradual shift from unpaid domestic work to paid jobs.
• This transformation is a crucial development in India’s labor market dynamics, reflecting economic and social changes.

Key Findings of Time Use Survey 2024:

• Rise in Workforce Participation
  • The participation of women in employment-related activities has increased from 21.8% in 2019 to 25% in 2024.
  • For men, the figure has risen from 70.9% to 75%.
  • This data reflects an expanding economic role for women, although the gender gap in labor participation remains substantial.
• Decline in Time Spent on Unpaid Domestic Work
  • Women spent 305 minutes per day on unpaid domestic services in 2024, compared to 315 minutes in 2019, indicating a transition toward paid work.
  • Male members spent significantly less time on such tasks, averaging 88 minutes per day.
• Women’s Role in Caregiving
  • 41% of women aged 15-59 participated in caregiving activities, compared to only 21.4% of men in the same age group.
  • Women spent 137 minutes per day in caregiving, nearly double the 75 minutes spent by men.
  • These figures highlight the continued burden of unpaid caregiving on women despite an increase in their economic participation.

Implications of the Changing Work Dynamics:

• Economic Impact
  • The shift of women from unpaid domestic duties to paid jobs has economic benefits, including:
  • Higher household incomes: Additional earnings from female members contribute to family well-being
  • Enhanced productivity: More women in the workforce can drive economic growth.
  • Formalization of labor: More women entering paid jobs can lead to increased labor formalization and social security benefits.
• Social and Policy Implications
  • Despite progress, gender disparities in workforce participation persist. The findings highlight the need for:
  • Skill Development Programs: To help women transition into better-paying jobs.
  • Flexible Work Policies: Including remote work and part-time options to balance professional and domestic responsibilities.
  • Government Support: Policies like maternity benefits, affordable childcare, and financial incentives to encourage female workforce participation.

Leisure and Cultural Activities:

• People aged 6 and above spent 171 minutes per day on cultural, leisure, and mass-media activities.
• Men spent slightly more time on these activities (177 minutes) than women (164 minutes), reflecting the gendered division of time.

Education and Self-Care:

• 89.3% of children aged 6-14 participated in learning activities, spending around 413 minutes per day on studies.
• Self-care and maintenance accounted for an average of 708 minutes per day across all age groups.

Future Outlook and Recommendations:

• Strengthening Skill Training: Expanding vocational training programs for women in sectors like IT, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
• Creating More Job Opportunities: Encouraging industries to hire more women through affirmative action.
• Enhancing Social Security Benefits: Strengthening maternity benefits, pension schemes, and workplace protections for female workers.
• Workplace Inclusivity Initiatives: Promoting gender-sensitive policies in both urban and rural employment sectors.

Conclusion:

The Time Use Survey 2024 underscores a positive shift toward greater female workforce participation in India. While progress has been made, gender disparities remain, necessitating policy interventions, skill development, and supportive work environments to ensure that more women can transition from unpaid domestic work to meaningful employment.

A continued focus on gender equity in employment will play a crucial role in India’s economic growth and social progress.

Context:

• The visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India, along with the entire College of Commissioners (the European Cabinet), marks a significant moment in the evolving India-EU relationship.
• This visit gains additional importance against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, which has introduced fresh uncertainties in global geopolitics.

Geopolitical Context - The Trump Factor

• Trump’s policies are reshaping U.S. relations with Russia, China, and Europe.
• His approach prioritizes bilateral deals over multilateral commitments.
• Trump’s stance on Ukraine and NATO has left European nations in a vulnerable position. For example, Trump’s withdrawal of support for Ukraine has shocked Europe.
• His administration demands that European nations take full responsibility for their security.
• Washington’s ideological shift, including support for right-wing European parties (for example, Germany’s Alternative for Germany [AfD]), is reshaping internal EU politics.

India’s Strategic Calculations:

• India has historically managed global power shifts by engaging with multiple partners.
• For example, India’s strategy (until now) for managing US policy volatility has involved maintaining its ties with Russia and engaging in Moscow-led coalitions such as BRICS.
• This means, India traditionally relied on balancing ties with Russia and the US.
• With Russia seeking direct negotiations with the U.S., India must broaden its strategic partnerships and recalibrate its strategy amid shifting alliances.
• Europe emerges as a key player in India’s evolving foreign policy framework.

India-EU Relations:

• A historical perspective:
  • A strategic partnership was declared in 2004 but lost momentum by the early 2010s.
  • Trade negotiations had stalled, and Brussels prioritized commercial ties with China.
  • India revived engagement in 2016, leading to increased cooperation post-pandemic.
• Key initiatives include:
  • India-EU Trade and Technology Council
  • India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
  • Strengthened Indo-Pacific engagement
• Economic realities and challenges:
  • India’s economic engagement with the EU remains underdeveloped despite clear synergies.
  • India’s trade deficit with China continues to widen, nearing $100 billion annually.
  • The global economic order, once assumed to be stable/irreversible, is being dismantled by Trump’s policies.
  • India must push for economic reforms and reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Key Takeaways from Von der Leyen’s Visit:

• The visit provides Delhi with the perfect opportunity to revitalise its engagement with the EU - the world’s third-largest economy after the US and China.
• Strategic convergence between India and Europe can mitigate risks from U.S. unpredictability.
• A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and increased bilateral trade remain priority areas.
• As the EU is a vital source of science, technology, advanced industry, capital, and a vast consumer market, strengthening cooperation in these areas is essential for India’s economic resilience.

Way Ahead Towards Strengthening India-EU Ties:

• Despite their traditional emphasis on “strategic autonomy,” both Brussels and Delhi have long relied on their partnerships with the US as the anchor of their global strategies.
• While neither can afford to disengage from the US, both India and Europe must now do more to strengthen their ties in response to Trump’s unpredictable policies.
• As India recognised Europe’s strategic value in a multipolar world, the EU also moved to “de-risk” its economic ties with China and increase its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Conclusion:

• The changing global order demands a recalibrated Indian foreign policy.
• With Europe actively seeking to reduce economic dependence on China and India looking to diversify strategic partnerships, Ursula von der Leyen’s visit presents a timely opportunity to solidify India-EU ties.
• Strengthening this partnership will enhance India’s role in an increasingly multipolar world while ensuring economic and strategic stability.

Context

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable force in modern society, revolutionising industries, economies, and daily life.
• With recent advancements in computing power and data availability, AI adoption has surged, driving economic value at an unprecedented scale.
• The global AI market, currently valued at $200 billion, is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
• However, while AI offers immense economic potential, its rapid expansion also raises critical concerns, particularly regarding its environmental footprint.

AI’s Environmental Impact Across Stages

• Hardware Production and Infrastructure
  • Raw Material Extraction and Manufacturing
    • The manufacturing of AI hardware requires rare earth metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are mined under environmentally damaging conditions.
    • Mining operations contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and significant carbon emissions.
    • Additionally, the extraction of these materials often involves unethical labour practices in some regions.
  • Energy-Intensive Production
    • The fabrication of semiconductors and other AI hardware involves complex chemical processes and high-temperature treatments, consuming vast amounts of energy.
    • The semiconductor industry alone accounts for a notable share of global industrial emissions.
  • E-Waste Crisis
    • As AI-driven systems demand more computing power, the lifecycle of AI hardware shortens, contributing to a growing electronic waste (e-waste) problem.
    • Many GPUs and TPUs become obsolete within a few years, leading to discarded electronic components that contain hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which pollute the environment when not properly recycled.
• Data Centre Operations: The Backbone of AI
  • Energy Consumption
    • Data centres are responsible for approximately 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
    • This figure is expected to double by 2026 as AI applications become more widespread.
    • AI models, particularly generative AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, require significantly higher computing power than traditional algorithms, further escalating energy demand.
  • Water Usage for Cooling
    • AI data centres generate immense heat due to their continuous operations, necessitating efficient cooling systems.
    • Many large-scale data centres rely on water-based cooling systems, which consume millions of litres of water annually.
    • This exacerbates water scarcity in regions where such facilities are located.
  • Location-Based Carbon Footprint
    • The environmental impact of data centres is also influenced by their geographical location.
    • Data centres in regions powered by coal and fossil fuels have a much higher carbon footprint than those situated in areas using renewable energy.
    • Companies that fail to strategically place their infrastructure contribute more to global emissions.
• AI Model Life Cycle Emissions
  • Training AI Models
    • Training state-of-the-art AI models is an extremely energy-intensive process.
    • For instance, GPT-3’s training process emitted approximately 552 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂-e), comparable to the emissions from nearly 125 gasoline-powered cars over a year.
    • Advanced models like GPT-4 require even more computational resources, escalating their environmental impact.
  • Inferencing and Continuous Operation
    • Once AI models are deployed, they require substantial computational power to process user queries and make real-time predictions.
    • This is known as inferencing, which can sometimes consume 10–100 times more energy than earlier AI models.
    • Since these models run continuously on cloud servers, their energy consumption compounds over time.
  • Data Storage and Retrieval
    • AI models rely on massive datasets that require ongoing storage and retrieval, further increasing energy usage.
    • Maintaining these vast datasets involves constant processing and updating, which contributes to sustained power consumption.
  • Model Retirement and Re-training
    • Unlike traditional software that can run for years with periodic updates, AI models often require retraining as new data becomes available.
    • Each retraining cycle demands significant computational resources, leading to recurring carbon emissions.

The Global Response to AI’s Environmental Challenges

• As awareness of AI’s environmental impact grows, global discussions on sustainable AI practices have gained momentum.
• At COP29, the International Telecommunication Union emphasised the need for greener AI solutions, urging businesses and governments to integrate sustainability into their AI strategies.
• More than 190 countries have adopted ethical AI recommendations that address environmental concerns, and legislative efforts in the European Union and the U.S. aim to curb AI’s carbon footprint.
• However, despite these initiatives, concrete policies remain scarce.
• Many national AI strategies primarily focus on economic growth and technological innovation, often overlooking the role of the private sector in reducing emissions.

Strategies for Sustainable AI Development

• Need to Strike a Balance
  • Achieving a balance between AI-driven innovation and environmental responsibility requires a multi-faceted approach.
  • A key step in this direction is investing in clean energy sources. Companies can reduce AI’s carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy and purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions.
  • Additionally, locating data centres in regions with abundant renewable resources can help alleviate energy strain and minimise environmental damage.
  • AI itself can contribute to sustainability by optimizing energy grids.
  • For instance, Google’s DeepMind has successfully applied machine learning to improve wind energy forecasting, enabling better integration of wind power into the electricity grid.
• Hardware Efficiency
  • Hardware efficiency is another critical factor in reducing AI’s environmental impact.
  • The development of energy-efficient computing components and regular maintenance of hardware can significantly lower emissions.
  • Moreover, optimising AI models can lead to substantial energy savings. Smaller, domain-specific models designed for particular applications require less computational power while delivering comparable results.
  • Research suggests that the carbon footprint of large language models (LLMs) can be reduced by a factor of 100 to 1,000 through algorithmic optimisation, specialized hardware, and energy-efficient cloud computing.
  • Businesses can also reduce resource consumption by adapting pre-trained models rather than training new models from scratch.
• Transparency and Accountability
  • Transparency and accountability are essential to driving sustainability efforts.
  • Organisations must measure and disclose the environmental impact of their AI systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of life cycle emissions.
  • Establishing standardised frameworks for tracking and comparing emissions across the AI industry will promote consistency and encourage companies to adopt greener practices.

Conclusion

• Sustainability must be embedded into the core design of AI ecosystems to ensure their long-term viability.
• While AI presents groundbreaking opportunities for economic growth and technological progress, it is crucial to address the environmental costs associated with its expansion.
• By investing in renewable energy, optimising hardware and software efficiency, and developing transparency in emissions tracking, we can achieve a sustainable AI future.

Context

• Human smuggling remains a grave humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of Indians who seek better opportunities abroad through illegal channels.
• The loopholes of existing legal frameworks, particularly the Emigration Act, 1983 and the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012, highlights the inefficiencies in tackling this growing menace.
• Therefore, it is crucial to explore the socio-economic factors behind irregular migration, the exploitative nature of human smuggling networks, the existing legislative gaps, and the need for a robust national legal framework.

The Dark Reality of Human Smuggling

• The Role of Human Smugglers: Preying on Desperation
  • The illegal migration network is a well-organised system involving travel agents, document forgers, corrupt officials, and international criminal syndicates.
  • These smugglers operate openly in rural India, targeting vulnerable individuals and their families with false promises.
  • They charge exorbitant sums, often several lakhs of rupees, under the pretext of securing visas, work permits, or direct job placements.
  • Many families sell their land, jewellery, or take massive loans to fund these journeys, believing that their loved ones will achieve prosperity abroad.
  • However, once these migrants leave India, their nightmare begins.
  • Many are sent through dangerous routes, including forests, deserts, or even war zones.
  • Some are crammed into overcrowded boats, hidden inside trucks, or locked inside shipping containers for days without food or water.
  • A significant number do not survive the journey, dying from suffocation, dehydration, or drowning.
• The Inhumane Conditions Faced by Migrants
  • For those who do make it to their destination, the suffering continues.
  • Without proper documentation, they are at the mercy of traffickers and employers who treat them as modern-day slaves. Many are forced into:
    • Backbreaking, unpaid labour on construction sites, farms, or factories.
    • Sex trafficking and forced prostitution, especially in the case of women and young girls.
    • Working under extreme conditions in war-torn regions, such as clearing ammunition fields in Iraq.
    • Detention and deportation, often in shackles, after being caught by immigration authorities.
  • Survivors have narrated horrific accounts of their journeys.
  • Some were made to sit in piles of human waste, while others watched fellow migrants die beside them, their bodies dumped on roadsides or into the ocean.
  • Many end up stranded, with no legal rights, no money, and no way to return home.
• The Psychological and Social Toll
  • Beyond the physical dangers, illegal migration leaves deep psychological scars.
  • Migrants who return after being deported face humiliation, shame, and economic ruin.
  • Families who invested their life savings in these journeys are often left in debt traps, struggling to recover financially.
  • The stigma surrounding failed migration leads to social isolation, and in extreme cases, some returnees even resort to suicide.
• The Globalization of Human Smuggling
  • The smuggling of migrants is no longer just an issue of small-scale fraud; it has evolved into a globalised criminal enterprise.
  • International mafias and trafficking syndicates coordinate across borders, using fake documents, underground transport networks, and bribery to move people illegally.
  • Due to low detection rates and weak legal frameworks, smuggling has become an extremely profitable and low-risk business for criminals.

Gaps in Existing Laws and Challenges in Law Enforcement

• The Emigration Act, 1983: An Outdated and Ineffective Law
  • The law was enacted to regulate the movement of Indian citizens abroad, particularly for employment purposes.
  • It sought to prevent exploitation of Indian workers in foreign countries by introducing a system of emigration clearance for those traveling to specific countries. However, the law is outdated and ineffective in the following ways:
  • Failure to Define Human Smuggling
    • The Act does not define or criminalize human smuggling, leaving a massive legal loophole that allows traffickers to operate freely.
    • Since human smuggling is not explicitly recognized as a crime, law enforcement agencies lack the legal authority to take strict action against offenders.
  • Weak Regulation of Recruitment Agents
    • The law primarily focuses on licensing recruitment agents who facilitate legal overseas employment but does not address illegal travel agents and human traffickers.
    • Many travel agents operate without licenses and deceive vulnerable individuals with fake job offers, forged visas, and false promises.
  • Lack of Stringent Punishment
    • The penalties under the Act are too lenient to deter criminal networks. Smugglers often escape with minor fines or short prison sentences, allowing them to resume operations quickly.
    • Organised crime syndicates find it more profitable to continue smuggling people, as the financial rewards far outweigh the legal consequences.
• The Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012: A Limited Effort
  • Recognising the rampant problem of human smuggling in the state, Punjab enacted the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012 to regulate the activities of travel agents and prevent fraudulent migration schemes.
  • While this law is a step in the right direction, it remains limited in scope and enforcement due to several reasons:
  • Limited to Punjab
    • The law applies only within the state of Punjab, leaving smugglers in other parts of India free to continue their operations without fear of prosecution.
    • Since human smuggling is a national and international problem, a state-level law is insufficient to combat it effectively.
  • Poor Implementation and Weak Enforcement
    • Despite the law’s existence, illegal travel agents continue to flourish in Punjab due to poor enforcement.
    • Many smugglers operate under different names and fake identities to evade detection.
    • Corruption within local authorities enables illegal agents to continue their businesses without facing any real consequences.
  • Lack of Coordination with Central Authorities
    • Since the law is limited to Punjab, it does not integrate with national agencies such as the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) or the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
    • This lack of coordination prevents effective tracking and prosecution of smugglers operating across multiple states.

The Way Ahead to Fix the Gaps and Address the Challenges: A National Call to Action

• Legislative Reforms: A strong national law must be enacted to define human smuggling, impose strict penalties on offenders, and protect vulnerable migrants.
• Strict Law Enforcement: Authorities must crack down on illegal agents and international crime syndicates involved in smuggling operations.
• Awareness Campaigns: Young individuals must be educated about the dangers of illegal immigration and the legal alternatives available.
• International Cooperation: India must collaborate with destination countries to prevent illegal entry, rescue victims, and repatriate stranded migrants.
• Employment Opportunities: Creating better job prospects within India can deter migration and reduce the demand for illegal routes.

Conclusion

• Human smuggling is a grave violation of human rights that demands immediate attention.
• The existing legal and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient, and Parliament must step up to enact a comprehensive, enforceable law to safeguard Indian citizens.
• Without urgent action, countless more lives will be lost to this ruthless trade. The time for legislative inertia is over, India must rise to protect its people from the perils of human smuggling.

Why in the News?

China’s Ambassador to India Xu Feihong posted on X (Twitter) about the historic Tea Horse Road which spanned more than 2,000 km, and connected China to India via Tibet.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Tea Horse Road (Historical Background, Utility, Role in Modern History, Revival, etc.)

Introduction:

• The Tea Horse Road, an ancient trade network connecting China, Tibet, and India, played a key role in commerce and cultural exchange for centuries.
• While less famous than the Silk Road, this route facilitated the movement of tea, horses, and other valuable commodities across some of the world's most challenging terrains.
• Recently, China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in strengthening India-China ties through history.

Origins of the Tea Horse Road:

• The Tea Horse Road traces its origins to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), when trade between Southwest China, Tibet, and India first flourished.
• Buddhist monk Yijing (635-713 CE) documented early trade exchanges, mentioning the movement of goods such as sugar, textiles, and rice noodles from China, while horses, Tibetan gold, saffron, and medicinal herbs were exported.
• By the 10th century, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), official markets were established along the route to regulate the trade of tea and horses, which became the dominant commodities exchanged between China and Tibet.

A Network of Roads Across Difficult Terrain:

• The Tea Horse Road was not a single pathway, but a network of trails originating in Southwest China and reaching deep into the Indian subcontinent, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Key Features of the Route:

• Length: Over 2,000 km
• Key Cities: Passed through Dali, Lijiang (Yunnan Province), and Lhasa (Tibet)
• Elevation: Reached up to 10,000 feet in the Himalayas
• Challenges: Harsh terrain, extreme weather, and high altitudes made the journey perilous for traders

• Despite these difficulties, traders travelled extensively, carrying tea from Sichuan to Tibet and India, while returning with horses and other essential goods.

Tea and Horses – The Core of the Trade:

• Tea was a necessity for Tibetan nomads, who lived in cold and harsh climates. According to National Geographic, yak butter tea became a staple for Tibetans, providing essential warmth and energy.
• Meanwhile, horses were crucial for China’s military. Since the central plains of China lacked horses, they had to be imported from Tibet and Yunnan.
• Tibetan steeds became highly valued, particularly in China’s conflicts against Mongolian tribes.
• To regulate this exchange, China’s Song Dynasty government established official markets, ensuring a controlled trade of tea and horses, which contributed to regional economic stability.

The Road’s Role in Modern History:

• Expansion of Trade in the Early 20th Century
  • With the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, the Tea Horse Road became even more vital. Yunnan’s tea industry expanded as China integrated into the global market.
  • New trade techniques and goods were introduced to the mountainous regions, increasing economic opportunities.
• World War II and the Road’s Strategic Importance
  • During World War II, when Japan controlled much of China’s coastline, the Tea Horse Road served as an alternative supply route for transporting goods and military supplies to China’s resistance forces.
• Decline After the Founding of the People's Republic of China (1949)
  • Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the importance of the Tea Horse Road declined.
  • Mao Zedong’s land reforms significantly changed trade patterns, and with the advancement of modern transportation, the historic trade route lost its relevance.
  • However, some remnants remain, particularly in regions like Lijiang, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its historical significance in trade.

Revival of the Tea Horse Road as a Cultural Landmark:

• In recent years, China has promoted tourism along the ancient trade route, highlighting its historical importance.
• The city of Lijiang, once a crucial trade hub, has been transformed into a cultural and heritage site, drawing visitors from across the world.
• According to UNESCO, Lijiang was an important distribution center for trade between Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet, where it intersected with southern Silk Road routes. Today, the city serves as a testament to the Tea Horse Road’s enduring legacy.

Conclusion:

The Tea Horse Road was more than just a trade route; it was a lifeline connecting China, Tibet, and India for centuries. While its significance has diminished in modern times, it remains a historical and cultural symbol of international exchange.

Today, efforts to preserve its legacy through tourism and research highlight its role in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the regions it once traversed. The renewed focus on this historic route serves as a reminder of the deep historical ties between India and China.

Context:

• State governments impose a significant compliance burden on employers, accounting for 80% of criminal provisions, 65% of filings, and 63% of total compliances.
• Chief Ministers (CMs) can improve the business environment through three key reforms: Decriminalisation, Digitisation, and Rationalisation.
• These reforms can help boost high-wage employment and foster economic growth.

Decriminalisation of Employer Compliance:

• The current scenario:
  • India has 26,134 employer-related jail provisions, of which 80% can be removed by state governments.
  • The Jan Vishwas Bill eliminated only 110 out of 5,239 central employer jail provisions due to bureaucratic inertia and vested interests.
• Recommended approach:
  • CMs should adopt a “reversing the gaze” approach, removing criminal provisions except in cases involving:
    • Physical harm to individuals.
    • Intentional fraud against stakeholders.
    • Major societal externalities affecting public order, national integrity, or property rights.
    • Vague general clauses that do not specify crimes clearly.
    • Procedural infractions like delays or inaccuracies in filings, incorrect formats, and calculation errors.
  • The upcoming Jan Vishwas 2.0 could eliminate another 40% of employer-related criminal provisions.
  • States like Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have made small reforms, while Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha are considering changes.

Digitisation for Simplified Compliance:

• The need for digital transformation:
  • 65% of India’s 69,233 employer compliances can be made paperless, presence-less, and cashless.
  • India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has already transformed areas like vaccine certification, toll payments, de-duplicated welfare records, and payments.
  • For example,
    • RBI’s initial UPI target of a billion monthly transactions has now been revised to a billion daily transactions.
    • Recent announcements on PAN 2.0 and the Entity Locker (a single source of truth, tamper-proof, and authenticated document repository for all government-issued licenses, registrations, and permissions).
• Proposed solutions:
  • State Employer Compliance Grids (SECGs) should be implemented, replicating DPI’s open-architecture technology for:
    • Filing periodic returns.
    • Issuing licences, registrations, and NOCs.
    • Ensuring a single-source, tamper-proof repository for compliance documents.
  • SECGs can be operational in 180 days and should integrate with national initiatives.
  • Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are in the early stages of adopting SECGs.

Rationalisation of Governance and Compliance Frameworks:

• Challenges in bureaucratic structures:
  • India’s state civil service has become rigid and inefficient, often prioritizing prohibition over permission and guilt over innocence.
  • Excessive bureaucracy: Number of government departments in some states:
    • UP (72), Uttarakhand (63), Assam (54), Punjab (51), MP (47), Maharashtra (35), Andhra Pradesh (31), Gujarat (27).
  • Comparatively, developed nations operate with fewer ministries: Japan (15), UK (22), US (25).
• Way forward:
  • Simplifying governance structures: By consolidating departments can enhance efficiency.
  • Decentralisation of policy-making: PM Modi’s idea that 29 CMs matter more than one PM aligns with philosopher Karl Polanyi’s view that markets are shaped by social, political, and economic factors.

Conclusion:

• India’s economic challenge lies in “employed poverty”, with too many people in low-productivity jobs.
• CMs can accelerate reforms by removing unnecessary compliance hurdles, enabling businesses to flourish and generate higher wages.
• As Daniel Kahneman (Nobel Prize-winning economist) suggests, sometimes the best way to accelerate progress is not by stepping on the accelerator but by removing the brakes - a principle CMs should embrace for economic transformation.

Context

• On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
• While its proponents claim that it aims to promote gender justice, uniformity, and administrative efficiency, its broader implications suggest a legal framework that places personal relationships under state surveillance.
• Amid these developments, it is crucial to explore how the UCC, in conjunction with anti-conversion laws, curtails personal freedoms, strengthens patriarchal control, and institutionalizes segregation in contemporary India.

Challenges Faced by the Interfaith Relationships in India

• Interfaith marriages in India already face immense social and legal challenges.
• A 2014 survey of over 70,000 respondents revealed that fewer than 10% of urban Indians had a family member who married outside their caste, and only 5% reported interfaith marriages within their families.
• Existing laws such as the Special Marriage Act, 1954, require a 30-day public notice period, making interfaith couples vulnerable to scrutiny and harassment.
• The situation has worsened with anti-conversion laws in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
• These laws impose bureaucratic barriers, including mandatory declarations, waiting periods, and district magistrate approvals.
• The impact of these regulations is not just procedural but deeply social, emboldening vigilante groups linked to right-wing organisations.
• A study found that in Uttar Pradesh, 63 out of 101 police complaints filed under the anti-conversion law against Christians originated from third-party vigilante groups.
• Instead of safeguarding individual rights, these laws provide legal backing for extrajudicial policing of personal choices.

State Surveillance and the Criminalization of Live-in Relationships

• The UCC extends state control beyond formal marriages, reaching into informal relationships.
• It mandates that live-in relationships be registered with district authorities, requiring couples to submit a 16-page application along with identity proofs.
• The process includes seeking approval from religious leaders or community heads, notifying family members, and subjecting couples to scrutiny.
• Non-compliance is criminalised, carrying a penalty of up to six months of imprisonment and a ₹25,000 fine.
• Such measures disproportionately affect interfaith couples, who often seek privacy due to social pressures.
• Reports indicate that only one couple has successfully registered their live-in relationship in Uttarakhand, while others have turned to the High Court for protection.

Broader Implications:

• Empowering Religious Institutions in a Secular State
  • By requiring religious certification for marriage or conversion, the UCC formalises the authority of religious leaders over personal relationships.
  • This contradicts India's constitutional guarantees of individual freedom and secularism, reinforcing the idea that personal relationships must conform to religious and community norms rather than personal choice.
• Enhancing Familial Control Over Women
  • The legal requirement to notify families of live-in relationships places women at heightened risk of coercion, honour-based violence, and forced separation.
  • Patriarchal narratives often depict women in interfaith relationships as victims of manipulation, further limiting their agency.
  • These legal frameworks thus reinforce family and community control over women’s autonomy.
• Legitimising Vigilantism
  • Extremists’ groups now have legal avenues to monitor and intervene in interfaith relationships.
  • Public notices and family notifications allow these groups to track and harass couples, often under the pretence of upholding tradition.
  • Instead of protecting individuals, these laws provide a legal shield for extrajudicial policing, increasing communal tensions.
• A Dangerous Precedent: The Spread of the UCC Model
  • Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC is not an isolated incident but a potential model for other states.
  • Rajasthan’s High Court has proposed similar live-in relationship registration requirements, and the state has already enacted an anti-conversion law.
  • Gujarat is also considering a draft UCC based on Uttarakhand’s framework.
  • This trend suggests a coordinated effort to regulate personal relationships through legal mechanisms, threatening India’s pluralistic traditions.

Conclusion

• The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand, alongside existing anti-conversion laws, represents an unprecedented level of state interference in personal relationships.
• By bureaucratising interfaith unions, strengthening religious authority, curtailing women's freedoms, and legitimizing vigilantism, these laws erode individual rights and deepen communal divisions.
• If similar policies are adopted in other states, India risks institutionalising social segregation, undermining the very principles of democracy and personal liberty.

Context

• The Right to Information (RTI) Act was introduced with the objective of enhancing transparency and empowering citizens by granting them access to government-held information.
• It was perceived as a means to uphold democratic principles by ensuring accountability and reducing corruption.
• However, despite its initial promise, the Act has encountered numerous challenges, resulting in a diminished impact.
• Therefore, it is important to examine the trajectory of the RTI Act, the systemic issues that have weakened its implementation, and the legal interpretations that have further restricted citizens’ access to information. 

The Initial Promise of the RTI Act

• The RTI Act was seen as a landmark piece of legislation that recognized citizens as the true rulers of the nation.
• By codifying the fundamental right to information, the Act provided an effective tool for public oversight, allowing people to monitor the functioning of the government.
• This empowerment was expected to curb corruption and arbitrariness, leading to a more transparent and accountable administration.
• The law was hailed as one of the best transparency laws in the world, offering a legal framework for citizens to seek information with dignity and respect.
• However, the optimism surrounding the Act quickly diminished as the government and bureaucracy resisted this shift in power.

Systematic Issues and Judicial Interpretations that Weakened the RTI Act

• Bureaucratic Resistance and Systemic Erosion
  • One of the earliest challenges to the RTI Act was the reluctance of government officials to relinquish control over information.
  • Recognising that the Act effectively transferred power from public servants to citizens, the government attempted to weaken the law through amendments.
  • However, strong public opposition forced it to abandon these efforts. Despite this, a gradual erosion of the Act’s effectiveness ensued through bureaucratic resistance and judicial reinterpretations.
  • The implementation of the Act was entrusted to Information Commissions, which functioned as appellate authorities.
  • Unfortunately, most of the commissioners appointed were retired bureaucrats, many of whom viewed these positions as post-retirement sinecures rather than opportunities to uphold transparency.
  • Their reluctance to impose penalties for non-compliance further weakened the Act.
  • Additionally, delays in appointing commissioners led to massive backlogs, rendering the right to information ineffective.
  • The mandated 30-day period for providing information was often not adhered to, turning RTI into a tool that provided historical records rather than timely insights.
• Judicial Interpretations Restricting RTI
  • Central Board of Secondary Education vs Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011)
  • A significant shift in the interpretation of the RTI Act occurred with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Central Board of Secondary Education vs Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011).
  • The judgment challenged the strict interpretation of Section 8, which outlines exemptions to the right to information.
  • The Court’s assertion that indiscriminate use of RTI could hinder administrative efficiency and national development introduced a restrictive view of the law.
  • This perspective justified the denial of information on broad grounds and cast suspicion on RTI applicants, leading to an environment where transparency was seen as an obstruction rather than a fundamental right.
• Girish Ramchandra Deshpande vs Central Information Commissioner (2012)
  • The erosion of the RTI Act continued with the Supreme Court’s decision in Girish Ramchandra Deshpande vs Central Information Commissioner (2012).
  • In this case, the Court ruled that information about a public servant’s disciplinary records and financial dealings was ‘personal information’ and therefore exempt under Section 8(1)(j).
  • The judgment did not fully consider whether the information was related to a public activity or if its disclosure was in the larger public interest.
  • By narrowly interpreting the law, the Court set a precedent that allowed authorities to withhold crucial information, effectively converting the RTI into a Right to Deny Information (RDI).
  • This interpretation has been cited in multiple subsequent rulings, further restricting transparency.

The Implications of a Weakening RTI Act

• Reduced Government Accountability and Transparency
  • One of the core objectives of the RTI Act was to make the government more transparent and accountable to the public.
  • By allowing citizens to seek information on governmental decisions, policies, and expenditures, the Act aimed to ensure that public officials remained answerable for their actions.
  • However, the increasing reluctance of Information Commissions to impose penalties, the excessive delays in providing information, and judicial restrictions on disclosure have made it easier for authorities to evade scrutiny.
  • For example, the SC’s ruling in Girish Ramchandra Deshpande vs Central Information Commissioner (2012) set a precedent that allows government officials to withhold crucial information by classifying it as “personal.”
  • This significantly reduces public oversight over government functionaries, making it easier for misconduct, inefficiency, and corruption to go unchecked.
• Increase in Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds
  • A strong RTI framework acts as a deterrent against corruption by ensuring that public officials are aware that their actions are subject to scrutiny.
  • When the implementation of the RTI Act is weakened, corrupt practices become easier to hide.
  • Government contracts, public procurement processes, and financial allocations, areas where corruption is most prevalent, become opaquer, allowing misappropriation of public funds without fear of exposure.
  • For instance, activists have used RTI to uncover major scams in the past, such as the Adarsh Housing Society scam and the Vyapam scam.
• Hindrance to Investigative Journalism and Public Awareness
  • The RTI Act has been a critical tool for journalists and researchers who rely on access to government data to investigate issues of public interest.
  • Many major news stories and investigative reports have been based on information obtained through RTI applications.
  • However, as government departments and Information Commissions become more reluctant to disclose information, the ability of journalists to report on corruption, policy failures, and governance issues is severely affected.

The Way Forward: A Call for Citizen Vigilance

• To safeguard the integrity of the RTI Act, active citizen participation is essential.
• Public awareness and media discourse must highlight attempts to dilute the Act and push for reforms that restore its effectiveness.
• Information Commissions must be strengthened by appointing independent and competent officials with a commitment to transparency.
• Additionally, the legal framework must be reviewed to ensure that exemptions under Section 8 are interpreted in a manner that prioritizes public interest over bureaucratic convenience.

Conclusion

• While the RTI Act was initially seen as a powerful tool to uphold transparency and democracy, its effectiveness has been steadily eroded by bureaucratic resistance, judicial restrictions, and legislative amendments.
• The shift from an era of optimism to one of scepticism underscores the challenges in maintaining government accountability.
• However, the responsibility to preserve the essence of the RTI Act lies with the citizens and media, who must actively defend their fundamental right to information.

Why in news?

India aims to cap or reduce the consumption of urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and muriate of potash (MOP) due to their heavy reliance on imports.

What’s in today’s article?

• India’s Dependence on Imported Fertilisers
• Need to Limit the Usage of Urea, MOP, and DAP
• An Effective Replacement for DAP: Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS)
• The Road Ahead

India’s Dependence on Imported Fertilisers

• MOP: Fully imported from Canada, Russia, Jordan, Israel, Turkmenistan, and Belarus due to the lack of domestic potash reserves.
• Urea: Over 85% of demand met domestically, but production depends on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar, the US, UAE, and Angola.
• DAP: imported in the form of
  • finished fertiliser (mainly from Saudi Arabia, China, Morocco, Russia and Jordan) as well as
  • raw material (rock phosphate from Jordan, Morocco, Togo, Egypt and Algeria; sulphur from UAE, Qatar and Oman) and
  • intermediate chemicals (phosphoric acid from Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia; ammonia from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Indonesia).

Need to Limit the Usage of Urea, MOP, and DAP

• High Import Dependence and Currency Depreciation
  • India heavily relies on imports for MOP and DAP, while urea production depends on imported LNG.
  • The rupee’s depreciation further increases the cost of these fertilisers, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
• Imbalance in Nutrient Application
  • Urea (46% nitrogen), MOP (60% potash), and DAP (46% phosphorus + 18% nitrogen) are high-analysis fertilisers.
  • Most crops do not require such high concentrations of individual nutrients, leading to inefficient nutrient absorption and wastage.
• Need for Balanced Fertilisation
  • Crops require a mix of macronutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (sulphur, calcium, magnesium), and micronutrients (zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese, molybdenum).
  • Excessive use of high-analysis fertilisers disrupts soil health and reduces long-term productivity.
• Efficient Use of Resources and Foreign Exchange
  • Reducing dependence on high-analysis fertilisers ensures better utilisation of imported raw materials.
  • Balanced fertilisation promotes sustainable farming, enhances crop yields, and reduces unnecessary expenditure on imports.

An Effective Replacement for DAP: Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS)

• APS (20:20:0:13) contains 20% nitrogen (N), 20% phosphorus (P), and 13% sulphur (S) but no potassium (K).
• Despite having lower phosphorus content than DAP (which has 46% P), APS is an effective alternative due to its balanced nutrient composition.
• APS manufacturing reduces dependence on costly phosphoric acid, making fertiliser production more economical and resource-efficient.
• The inclusion of sulphur improves soil health and enhances crop yield, making APS a viable and sustainable alternative to DAP.
• APS is ideal for oilseeds, pulses, maize, cotton, onion, and chilli, which require high sulphur content.
  • DAP should be reserved for wheat, rice, and sugarcane, where it is most essential.
• Also, companies benefit by selling twice the number of APS bags from the same phosphoric acid quantity, making APS a more financially viable option.

The Road Ahead

• Surge in NPKS Complex Fertiliser Sales
  • NPKS fertiliser sales in 2024-25 are projected to reach 14 mt, nearly double the 7.3 mt in 2013-14.
  • The rapid growth is largely driven by 20:20:0:13, which is steadily replacing DAP.
• Expanding the Push for Balanced Fertilisation
  • Other complex fertilisers like 10:26:26:0, 12:32:16:0, 15:15:15:0, and 14:35:14:0 need stronger marketing efforts.
  • Direct application of MOP should be minimised, with its usage integrated into balanced complex fertilisers.
• Reducing Dependence on High-Analysis Fertilisers
  • The long-term goal is to limit or reduce the use of urea, DAP, and MOP, ensuring efficient nutrient application.
  • Farmers should be encouraged to maximize nutrient use efficiency, leading to better crop productivity while conserving foreign exchange.

Why in news?

India’s textile industry is one of the largest globally, covering the entire value chain from cotton cultivation to apparel manufacturing. However, it lags behind China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh in exports due to fragmented supply chains, higher costs, and complex regulations.

Despite being a major producer of cotton and synthetic fibres, the industry has seen slow growth. Rising sustainability and compliance requirements are expected to further increase costs, particularly for smaller firms.

What’s in today’s article?

• India’s Textile Journey: From Fibre to Fabric
• India’s Textile and Apparel Industry: Growth and Export Trends
• India’s Textile Export Challenges
• The Sustainability Challenge in India’s Textile Industry

India’s Textile Journey: From Fibre to Fabric

• Cotton Production and Employment
  • India is the second-largest cotton producer globally, contributing 24% of global production.
  • Cotton farming involves around 60 lakh farmers, primarily in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
  • The cotton textile value chain, from fibre processing to garment manufacturing, employs over 4.5 crore people.
• Man-Made Fibre (MMF) Industry
  • India is also the second-largest producer of MMF, with Reliance Industries leading in polyester and Grasim Industries being the sole domestic producer of viscose.
  • However, MMF consumption in India remains low at 3.1 kg per capita, compared to 12 kg in China and 22.5 kg in North America.
  • Overall fibre consumption, including natural and synthetic fibres, is 5.5 kg per capita, below the global average of 11.2 kg.
• MSME Clusters and Specialisations
  • Around 80% of India's textile value chain operates within MSME clusters, each specializing in different textiles:
    • Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) – Fabric production
    • Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu) – T-shirts and undergarments
    • Surat (Gujarat) – Polyester and nylon fabrics
    • Ludhiana (Punjab) – Woolen garments

India’s Textile and Apparel Industry: Growth and Export Trends

• India’s textile and apparel sector is a key economic driver, contributing 13% to industrial production, 12% to exports, and 2% to GDP.
• However, manufacturing growth has slowed over the past decade.
• Growth trends
  • Between FY15 and FY19, the textile sector grew at a CAGR of 0.4%, while apparel grew at 7.7%.
  • From FY20 to FY24, the industry contracted, with textiles shrinking by 1.8% annually and apparel by 8.2%, largely due to post-pandemic economic challenges.
• Export Performance and Key Markets
  • Despite a trade surplus, textile and apparel exports have seen sluggish growth.
  • In FY24, exports stood at $34.1 billion, slightly up from $33.4 billion in FY20.
  • Nearly 50% of exports were to the U.S. and EU, serving brands like JCPenney, Gap, and Decathlon.
• Sector-Wise Export Trends
  • Garment and Apparel Exports – Declined from $15.5 billion in FY20 to $14.5 billion in FY24.
  • Cotton Textiles and Home Textiles – Grew from $10.2 billion in FY20 to $12.3 billion in FY24, with key players like Welspun Living and Trident Ltd.
• Challenges for MSMEs
  • The slowdown has hit MSME clusters, especially in Tamil Nadu, due to global and domestic economic headwinds, impacting production and exports.

India’s Textile Export Challenges

• Lagging Behind Competitors
  • India trails China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh in textile exports due to higher production costs and a fragmented supply chain.
  • In contrast, Vietnam exported $40 billion worth of apparel in 2023, benefiting from vertically integrated supply chains that lower manufacturing costs.
• Fragmented Cotton Supply Chain
  • India's cotton supply chain is spread across multiple states, increasing logistical costs and hindering large-scale production.
  • The lack of localisation makes production costlier compared to fibre-to-fashion firms in China and Vietnam, which offer low-cost, high-quality, and adaptable exports.
• Regulatory and Trade Barriers
  • Competitor nations benefit from free trade agreements (FTAs) and simpler customs procedures, reducing regulatory costs.
  • In contrast, India’s complex export procedures, requiring detailed accounting of every fabric, button, and zipper, increase compliance burdens for exporters.
• High Raw Material Costs in MMF Sector
  • India’s man-made fibre (MMF) sector suffers from high raw material costs.
  • Quality control orders (QCOs) restrict imports of polyester and viscose fibres, forcing domestic yarn makers to rely on costlier local alternatives.

The Sustainability Challenge in India’s Textile Industry

• Growing Global Focus on Sustainability
  • With global markets tightening compliance norms, Indian manufacturers must increase renewable energy use, improve recycling, and ensure stricter sourcing and traceability.
• Rising Costs Due to Sustainable Sourcing
  • A global shift towards sustainable textiles is increasing production costs.
  • The EU, which accounts for 20% of India’s textile exports, has implemented 16 new regulations from 2021 to 2024, making it challenging for small enterprises to transition to environmentally friendly production.
• The Fast Fashion Waste Crisis
  • The textile recycling market in India is projected to reach $400 million, while the global market could touch $7.5 billion.
  • With fashion waste expected to hit 148 million tonnes by 2030, PM Modi highlighted the need for higher recycling efforts, as currently, less than 25% of textile waste is recycled.

Why in news?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to discontinue the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) list of quality academic journals, first introduced in 2018.

Instead, it will provide a set of suggestive parameters for selecting journals based on eight criteria.

What’s in today’s article?

• UGC-CARE
• Reasons for Withdrawing UGC-CARE
• Concerns Over Scrapping the CARE List
• The New Approach to Journal Evaluation

UGC-CARE

• UGC-CARE was introduced in 2018 to combat the problem of predatory journals, journals that publish research in exchange for publishing fees without checks like peer reviews.
• Reason for Setting Up UGC-CARE
  • Significance of Research Publications
    • Publications in journals play a crucial role in institutional rankings, faculty appointments, promotions, and research grants.
    • The quality of research publications directly impacts the credibility and funding of higher education institutions.
  • Rise of Predatory Journals
    • Due to the importance of journal publications, substandard and predatory journals proliferated, offering publication for a fee without rigorous peer review.
    • This led to concerns about academic integrity and India's global research reputation.
  • UGC’s Concern and Response
    • In 2019, the UGC highlighted the negative impact of publishing in dubious journals, warning of long-term academic damage.
    • An investigation by a leading media house, in 2018, revealed over 300 publishers operating predatory journals in India, charging fees between $30 and $1800 for publication.
  • Establishment of UGC-CARE
    • Following these concerns, UGC introduced the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) in 2018 to replace the previous system of university-suggested journals.
    • Under CARE, a dedicated UGC cell assessed journals based on strict quality protocols.

Reasons for Withdrawing UGC-CARE

• Concerns with the UGC-CARE List
  • The UGC-CARE list was introduced to ensure only reputable journals were considered for faculty selections, promotions, and research funding.
  • However, it faced several criticisms, including:
    • Over-centralisation in deciding journal quality.
    • Delays in adding or removing journals.
    • Limited inclusivity, particularly in fields like Tamil studies.
    • Lack of transparency, leading to the exclusion of highly respected Indian-language journals.
• Shift to a Decentralised Approach
  • The UGC argues that decentralisation will:
    • Help combat predatory journals more effectively.
    • Make institutions responsible for evaluating journals.
    • Allow flexibility for institutions to develop their own mechanisms aligned with UGC’s suggested parameters.
    • Ensure evaluation models can adapt to evolving fields and disciplinary needs.
• Expert Committee Review (2023)
  • The UGC formed an expert committee to review the CARE system. The decision to discontinue it in October 2023 was based on concerns about:
    • Over-regulation, as highlighted by NEP 2020, which criticized excessive centralisation.
    • Lack of transparency, with no clear reasoning for journal inclusions or exclusions.
    • Inefficiencies, including delays in adding high-quality journals and sudden removals affecting faculty careers.
• Concerns from Academics
  • Experts pointed out that CARE was not exhaustive and created pressure to publish in specific journals.
  • Academics often receive offers to pay for publications, raising concerns about predatory practices.

Concerns Over Scrapping the CARE List

• Potential Rise of Predatory Journals
  • Academics fear that eliminating the CARE list removes a key safeguard against predatory journals.
  • Without a central oversight mechanism, low-quality and exploitative journals may thrive.
• Lack of Public Consultation
  • Some experts believe the system was still evolving and could have helped curb predatory publishing.
  • An academic described the move as “retrograde”, arguing that there should have been public consultation before scrapping CARE.

The New Approach to Journal Evaluation

• Suggestive Parameters for Institutions
  • The UGC has introduced non-binding ‘suggestive parameters’ to help institutions assess journals.
  • These parameters include evaluating the journal’s editorial process, peer review system, and the expertise of its editorial board.
• Institutional Responsibility & Accountability
  • Institutions are now responsible for developing their own mechanisms to evaluate journals.
  • Failure to do so could harm their reputation by endorsing faculty publications in dubious journals.
• Decentralisation & Academic Freedom
  • The new approach aims to promote decentralisation, academic freedom, and institutional accountability.
  • Faculty and researchers can assess journals based on discipline-specific criteria rather than relying on a centralised list.

Why in news?

Recently, Microsoft announced Majorana 1, a new quantum computing chip developed using engineered particles in a new state of matter, which the company sees as a breakthrough.

With this Microsoft aims to develop quantum computers capable of solving industrial-scale problems within years (2027-29) rather than decades.

Though, the company has not released any performance data on its quantum chip yet.

What’s in today’s article?

• Microsoft’s Unique Approach to Quantum Computing
• Majorana 1
• Quantum Computers vs Supercomputers vs Classical Computers

Microsoft’s Unique Approach to Quantum Computing

• For the past 20 years, Microsoft has focused on developing topological qubits, which are more stable and require less error correction than traditional qubits.
  • Topological qubits are a more stable type of quantum bit, the basic unit of quantum computers.
  • They store information in the way specially engineered particles called anyons are arranged and braided, not in the particles themselves, making them less prone to errors. 
    • Anyons are two-dimensional systems. They are neither fermions nor bosons, but have statistical properties in between the two.
• Challenges in Creating Topological Qubits
  • Developing these qubits posed a steep learning curve, as Majorana fermions—particles that are their own antiparticles—had never been physically observed before.
    • A Majorana fermion is a hypothetical particle in particle physics that is its own antiparticle, meaning it acts identically to its antiparticle.
    • Essentially, it is a fermion that can be considered as its own mirror image, unlike other particles which have distinct antiparticles. 
  • Although theorized by Ettore Majorana over 80 years ago, evidence of a type known as Majorana zero modes (MZMs) has only emerged in the last decade.
    • MZM is a special type of quantum state that appears at the ends of certain topological superconductors.
    • It is characterized by being its own antiparticle, meaning it acts like both matter and antimatter simultaneously, and exists at zero energy.
    • Due to this it becomes a promising candidate for robust quantum computation. 
• Building a New Quantum Material: Topoconductors
  • To fabricate these new particles, Microsoft developed topoconductors, made by combining indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminum (a superconductor).
    • Just as semiconductors enabled modern electronics, topoconductors pave the way for scalable quantum systems, potentially reaching a million qubits to solve complex industrial and societal challenges.
  • When cooled to near absolute zero and exposed to magnetic fields, these materials merge superconductivity with semiconductors, enabling the creation of a new type of qubit.

Majorana 1

• Microsoft’s Majorana 1 is an eight-qubit chip, which is modest compared to rivals like Google’s Willow (106 qubits) and IBM’s R2 Heron (156 qubits).
• However, its Topological Core architecture could allow scaling up to a million qubits, a necessary threshold for solving real-world problems.
• Majorana 1’s Design
  • Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip features aluminum nanowires arranged in an "H" shape.
  • Each "H" structure has four controllable Majorana particles, forming a single qubit.
• Potential Applications of Quantum Computing
  • Microsoft envisions Majorana 1 helping to develop breakthroughs such as:
    • Breaking down microplastics into harmless byproducts.
    • Inventing self-healing materials for construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
  • Microsoft envisions using quantum computing with generative AI to design new materials or molecules through natural language input.
  • Quantum computing could generate synthetic data to improve AI model training.
• Challenges
  • Quantum systems are highly sensitive to environmental interference, causing errors.

Quantum Computers vs Supercomputers vs Classical Computers

• Classical Computers
  • Classical computers process information using binary code (bits) with values of either 0 or 1.
  • They rely on logic gates (AND, OR, XOR, NOT) to manipulate data.
• Quantum Computers
  • Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition).
  • A qubit can have probabilities assigned to both 0 and 1, allowing it to store and process more information than a classical bit.
  • Quantum gates (H-gate, Pauli gates) enable the processing of qubits and are reversible in nature.
• Supercomputers
  • Supercomputers use advanced architectures with GPUs and multi-core processing to perform calculations faster than regular computers.
  • Despite their power, they still follow classical computing principles and logic gates.
• Quantum vs. Supercomputers
  • While supercomputers enhance classical processing speed, quantum computers can solve complex problems that classical and supercomputers cannot.
  • Quantum gates enable unique computational abilities beyond traditional logic gates.

Why in the News?

• Recently, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to podcaster and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with the First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him over remarks made on the YouTube show “India Got Latent”.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Introduction (Context, Background)
• Gag Orders (Legal Basis, Supreme Court’s Speech Restrictions, Previous Judgements, Future Implications, etc.)

Introduction:

• The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly ruled on gag orders, which prevent individuals from making public statements or publishing content.
• The recent case of influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, who was granted interim relief from arrest but banned from posting on social media, highlights the judicial approach toward speech restrictions.

Background: The Ranveer Allahbadia Case

• On February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ranveer Allahbadia, a podcaster and influencer, over multiple FIRs related to alleged obscene and explicit content on the YouTube show India Got Latent.
• However, the Court imposed stringent conditions, barring Allahbadia and his associates from posting any content on social media until further orders. Additionally, he was directed to surrender his passport.
• This controversial restriction, effectively a gag order, contradicts prior Supreme Court rulings, which have cautioned against imposing excessive speech restrictions while granting bail or interim relief.

Legal Basis for Gag Orders in India:

• A gag order refers to judicial or executive action that prohibits individuals from making public statements. Such orders usually fall under:

• Section 144 of CrPC – Allows the government to restrict public statements in cases of law and order concerns.
• Contempt of Court Act, 1971 – Prohibits public discussion on ongoing legal cases to prevent judicial influence.
• Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution – Allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for security, public order, and morality.

• However, courts have consistently ruled that speech restrictions must be proportionate and justified.

Supreme Court's Principles on Interim Relief and Speech Restrictions:

• Discretionary Conditions for Interim Relief
  • Judges have the discretion to impose conditions when granting bail or interim relief. These conditions are typically based on:
    • Flight risk – Whether the accused may abscond from trial.
    • Tampering with evidence – If the accused could interfere with investigations.
    • Intimidation of witnesses – Preventing threats or coercion.
• However, courts have ruled that restrictions must not violate fundamental rights.

Key Supreme Court Rulings on Gag Orders:

• Parteek Bansal vs. State of Rajasthan (2022)
  • The Supreme Court condemned the practice of multiple FIRs for the same offense, calling it harassment and misuse of legal machinery.
  • Relevance: This case supports Allahbadia’s argument against multiple FIRs in different states.
• Satender Kumar Antil vs. CBI (2022)
  • The Supreme Court ruled that bail conditions must be reasonable, warning against imposing impossible or unjustified restrictions.
  • Relevance: The Allahbadia order contradicts this ruling, as barring him from social media affects his profession.
• Frank Vitus vs. Narcotics Control Bureau (2024)
  • The Court struck down bail conditions requiring the accused to share Google Maps location, ruling it violated privacy under Article 21.
  • Relevance: The Allahbadia gag order violates free speech rights under Article 19.
• Rehana Fathima Case (2021)
  • The Supreme Court stayed a Kerala High Court order restricting activist Rehana Fathima from posting content while on bail, ruling that such conditions create a chilling effect on speech.
  • Relevance: The Allahbadia case raises similar concerns, as his gag order restricts online expression.
• Mohammed Zubair vs. Uttar Pradesh (2021)
  • The Supreme Court refused to prohibit Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair from tweeting while on bail, stating it would be an unjustified violation of free speech.
  • Relevance: The Allahbadia case presents identical legal challenges, as the Court restricted speech as a bail condition.

Criticism of the Recent Order of the Supreme Court:

• Legal experts argue that the social media ban is excessive, as:
  • The case does not involve national security or law and order threats.
  • Speech bans violate Supreme Court precedents on bail conditions.
  • The order indirectly affects digital content creators and free expression online.
• Even if Allahbadia’s content is found objectionable, the IT Act and media regulations provide alternative legal measures rather than outright speech bans.

Future Implications for Digital Speech in India:

• Need for Clear Guidelines on Gag Orders
  • Courts must define when speech restrictions can be imposed as bail conditions, ensuring consistency in rulings.
• Balancing Free Speech and Legal Restrictions
  • The government and judiciary must strike a balance between regulation and speech freedoms, ensuring prior restraint is imposed only in exceptional cases.
• Strengthening Legal Safeguards Against Arbitrary Bans
  • Gag orders should be time-bound and subject to review.
  • Affected parties must have the right to challenge speech restrictions in court.

Conclusion:

• The Supreme Court’s interim order in the Ranveer Allahbadia case raises critical questions on free speech, prior restraint, and judicial overreach.
• Past rulings have consistently cautioned against excessive speech restrictions, making the social media ban controversial.
• Going forward, a well-defined legal framework is necessary to ensure gag orders are applied only in exceptional circumstances and do not unjustly infringe upon fundamental rights.

Context:

• India, as the world’s largest democracy, relies on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct free and fair elections.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the appointment process of Election Commissioners (ECs) and its impact on the independence of the ECI.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs) and political leaders have long demanded a transparent and bipartisan appointment process.

The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Electoral Reforms:

• Several CSOs, including Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Internet Freedom Foundation, etc. have been advocating for electoral reforms.
• ADR has been at the forefront, filing legal challenges to reform the EC appointment process.

Legal Battle for a Transparent Appointment Process:

• 2015: ADR filed a petition challenging the executive’s exclusive control over EC appointments, citing concerns over independence.
• 2018: The case was referred to a Constitution Bench, but hearings were delayed.
• March 2, 2023:
  • In Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India, the Supreme Court (SC) noted that no legislation outlining the appointment process for these positions had been passed in more than 70 years.
  • This is in spite of the constitutional provision under Article 324(2) that required Parliament to pass a law.
  • It ruled that, until Parliament enacts a law, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and ECs should be appointed by a committee comprising:
    • The Prime Minister
    • The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha
    • The Chief Justice of India (CJI)
  • The ruling aimed to reduce executive dominance and ensure transparency.

The 2023 Legislation and Its Controversies:

• The government passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, modifying the SC’s ruling.
• The Act excluded the CJI from the selection panel. Instead, it created a new selection committee comprising:
  • The Prime Minister
  • A Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by the PM)
  • The Leader of the Opposition
• Critics argue that this change undermines impartiality, as the executive holds a majority in the selection panel.

Judicial Review and Government Action:

• January 2024: ADR and other petitioners challenged the 2023 Act in the SC, arguing it allowed the ruling party to dominate the selection process.
• March 2024: Despite the pending judicial review, the government appointed two new ECs under the new selection framework.
• February 18, 2025: The incumbent CEC retired, and the government made new appointments via a midnight order.
• February 19, 2025: The SC was scheduled to hear the case but adjourned it without a new date, prolonging uncertainty.

Global Best Practices in EC Appointments:

• United States: Commissioners appointed by the President with Senate approval.
• South Africa: President appoints on the recommendation of the National Assembly.
• Brazil: Appointments made by the Federal Supreme Court.
• United Kingdom: The Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission (cross-party) makes appointments.
• France: Joint appointments by the President, Legislature, and Judiciary.
• Nepal: President appoints CEC and ECs based on recommendations from the Constitutional Council, followed by a parliamentary hearing.

Way Forward:

• The integrity of India’s electoral process hinges on the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission, real and visible.
• The need of the hour is to embrace a bipartisan and neutral collegium-based appointment system, drawing from global best practices.
• This would not only fortify the ECI’s autonomy but also bolster public confidence in the democratic process.

Conclusion:

• The 2023 Act has been criticized for reintroducing executive control over EC appointments, despite the SC’s attempt to ensure impartiality.
• If the government reinstates the CJI in the selection panel, legal challenges could be resolved.
• The issue remains unresolved, with the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic institutions under scrutiny.

Context

• The global labour market is undergoing a significant transformation, and it is evident that the skills required in 2030 will be markedly different from those needed today.
• This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for India. While the world faces an impending shortage of skilled workers, India is uniquely positioned to leverage its workforce potential.
• However, to fully capitalise on this opportunity, India must address various challenges, including regulatory barriers, skill mismatches, and immigration restrictions.

An Overview of The Global Talent Shortage and India’s Potential

• A recent study by FICCI-KPMG, Global Mobility of Indian Workforce, predicts a global talent shortage of over 85.2 million people by 2030, which could result in $8.45 trillion in unrealised annual revenue.
• This underscores the urgent need for nations to develop a future-ready workforce.
• India, with its vast pool of young and skilled workers, has a unique opportunity to fill this gap and contribute significantly to the global economy.
• However, realising this potential requires strategic interventions at multiple levels, including government policies, international collaborations, and workforce training programs.

Key Geographic Regions and Sectoral Demands

• GCC and Australia: These regions have a strong demand for workers in manufacturing and construction, sectors that require large-scale labour mobility.
• Europe: As one of the oldest post-industrial societies, Europe has a growing need for service-sector workers, particularly in healthcare, due to its aging population.
• Emerging Sectors: Across all regions, there is a rising demand for expertise in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, predictive analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and sustainability. 

Barriers to Workforce Mobility and Strategies to Enhance Workforce Mobility

• Barriers to Workforce Mobility
  • Regulatory and Immigration Barriers – Complex visa processes and stringent work permit regulations restrict skilled migration.
  • Recruitment Malpractices and Trafficking – Exploitative recruitment practices and human trafficking pose risks to migrant workers, a concern highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Policy Barriers and Skill Mismatches – Many Indian degrees, particularly in medicine, are not universally recognized, leading to underemployment or unemployment of skilled professionals.
  • Language and Cultural Barriers – Integration challenges, such as language proficiency and cultural adaptation, affect workforce productivity.
• Strategies to Enhance Workforce Mobility
  • Bilateral Agreements and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Agreements with GCC nations and other key markets aim to protect the rights of Indian workers and facilitate their smooth migration.
  • Skill Development Programs: Government initiatives focus on aligning workforce training with global market demands.
  • Digital Platforms for Workforce Support: Online recruitment systems are designed to prevent exploitation and protect migrant workers, especially in the GCC region.
  • Sector-Specific Skill Training: Training programs must be tailored to meet the specific demands of different geographic regions.
  • Regulation of Recruitment Practices: Stricter oversight of recruitment agencies is necessary to prevent worker exploitation.
  • Recognition of Qualifications: International collaborations should ensure mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: The private sector should play an active role in skill development and global employment facilitation.
  • Circular Migration and Mobility: Temporary work visas and rotational workforce models can help address labour shortages while maintaining demographic balance.

The Political Climate, India’s Resilience and Economic Future and the Road to ‘Viksit Bharat’

• The Political Climate and India’s Resilience
  • The political climate regarding immigration policies is constantly evolving.
  • While Europe may tighten its regulations, Australia remains more open to skilled migration.
  • The FICCI-KPMG study highlights that the Indian diaspora in Australia is one of the largest and fastest-growing.
  • Strict immigration policies mainly target illegal migration, making it crucial for India to position its skilled workforce globally while ensuring legal compliance.
  • Unlike some other migrant groups, Indian workers generally face minimal hostility in international labour markets.
  • However, India must continue efforts to curb illegal migration to maintain its positive global reputation and safeguard its workers from exploitation.
• India’s Economic Future and the Road to ‘Viksit Bharat’
  • India’s ability to capitalise on global labour market opportunities will significantly influence its economic trajectory.
  • Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, has projected that India’s GDP could reach between $6.5 trillion and $9 trillion by 2030.
  • The extent to which India taps into the $8.45 trillion global economic opportunity will determine how close it gets to the higher end of this projection.
  • By effectively addressing workforce mobility challenges and strategically positioning its skilled labour force in international markets, India can not only contribute to the global economy but also realize its vision of Viksit Bharat, a developed India. 

Conclusion

• As the global labour market undergoes a transformation, India stands at a crucial juncture.
• With a rapidly growing workforce, the country has a unique opportunity to fill the talent shortage projected for 2030.
• However, achieving this goal requires a coordinated effort involving government policies, skill development initiatives, and international collaborations.
• By addressing regulatory challenges, streamlining workforce mobility, and leveraging its young and skilled population, India can secure a significant share of the global labour market and drive its own economic growth in the process.

Context

• The recent debate surrounding corporate leaders urging Indians to work longer hours sheds light on the structural issues in India's labour market.
• While these appeals might stem from a desire for economic growth, they fail to acknowledge the harsh realities of India’s predominantly informal workforce.
• The over-reliance on cheap labour, rather than technological advancement, continues to hinder India's long-term industrial progress.
• Amid these debates, it is important to examine the implications of this labour-dependent strategy, highlighting its impact on productivity, innovation, and economic sustainability.

The Informality of India's Workforce

• India’s workforce is overwhelmingly informal, with only 21.7% of workers in salaried jobs, according to the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey.
• Even among these salaried workers, nearly half lack formal contracts, paid leave, or social security.
• The call for longer working hours disregards the reality that most Indian workers, particularly manual labourers and household helpers, already endure gruelling schedules simply to survive.
• Unlike developed nations where productivity gains have reduced working hours, India continues to extract economic value by extending the workday rather than improving efficiency.

Striking Aspects of India’s Industrial Structure

• Cheap Labour as a Competitive Strategy
  • One of the most striking aspects of India’s industrial structure is its heavy reliance on cheap labour as the primary source of competitive advantage.
  • Instead of investing in technological innovation, automation, or efficient management practices, Indian businesses continue to extract economic gains by keeping wages low and increasing working hours.
  • This approach, while beneficial for short-term profits, ultimately hinders long-term economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
• A Historical Perspective: The Evolution of Labour Exploitation
  • Throughout history, economies have used labour-intensive methods to drive industrial growth, particularly in their early stages.
  • During the Industrial Revolution in Britain, factories exploited workers by enforcing excessively long hours under inhumane conditions.
  • Karl Marx famously described how capitalists had a ‘werewolf hunger for surplus labour,’ pushing workers beyond their physical limits in pursuit of higher profits.
  • However, by the mid-19th century, labour reforms, unionisation, and technological progress led to a shift from sheer labour exploitation to efficiency-driven productivity.
• The Structural Shift Toward Informality
  • Indian businesses have systematically shifted away from the organised sector, where labour laws ensure minimum wages, job security, and worker benefits, to the unorganised sector, where such regulations are largely absent.
  • This structural transformation has allowed industries to sidestep labour protections and exploit workers without facing legal repercussions.
  • One of the key strategies used to maintain low labour costs is the proliferation of small, unregistered firms.
  • Industrial hubs such as Coimbatore and Ludhiana are filled with micro-enterprises, often operating in small sheds, producing components that feed into larger manufacturing networks.
  • These businesses lack formal employer-employee relationships, with many owners being former workers themselves.
  • In such environments, wages remain depressed, and technological investment is minimal.
• The Rise of Contract Labour and Migrant Workforces
  • Another major factor in the persistence of the cheap-labour model is the increasing use of contract workers.
  • Over half (56%) of all workers who joined India’s factory sector after 2011-12 were employed on a contract basis rather than as permanent employees.
  • Contract workers receive significantly lower wages and are excluded from essential benefits such as job security, health insurance, and pension schemes.
  • Moreover, India's industry relies heavily on migrant workers who leave their villages in search of employment in urban and industrial centres.
  • These workers often belong to disadvantaged social groups, lack access to land or assets, and have no bargaining power in the labour market.
  • As a result, they are forced to accept extremely low wages and poor working conditions.

Why Cheap Labour Fails as a Long-Term Strategy

• Low Productivity and Stagnation
  • Unlike developed economies, where productivity growth drives economic expansion, India’s reliance on cheap labour has stifled innovation.
  • Businesses remain reluctant to invest in technology or skill development, leading to a workforce that is overworked but underproductive.
• Weak Domestic Demand
  • Suppressing wages weakens the purchasing power of the working class, limiting the growth of the domestic market.
  • When a large segment of the population earns barely enough to survive, demand for consumer goods, services, and housing remains low, slowing economic progress.
• Inability to Compete Globally
  • India's failure to modernise its industries has resulted in declining competitiveness in global markets. The garment industry is a prime example.
  • Despite its abundant workforce, India’s share in global garment exports has remained stagnant at 3.1% for two decades.
  • In contrast, countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam have invested in modern factories, automation, and efficient management practices, allowing them to dominate the sector.
• Increased Worker Exploitation and Social Unrest
  • The continued exploitation of workers, through long hours, low wages, and informal contracts, leads to worsening living conditions, rising income inequality, and social unrest.
  • Without adequate protections, workers remain trapped in cycles of poverty, preventing overall economic development.

The Case of the Garment Industry: A Lost Opportunity

• India’s garment industry exemplifies how over-reliance on cheap labour has stunted progress.
• Despite its abundant workforce, India has failed to expand its share in global garment exports beyond 3.1% over the past two decades.
• In contrast, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam have surged ahead due to their willingness to modernise and invest in productivity-enhancing technology.
• Indian manufacturers, by clinging to the advantage of low wages, have remained uncompetitive in the global market.
• A similar problem plagues India’s IT and other new-generation industries, where the reluctance to invest in workforce skill development and technological infrastructure limits their potential.
• Instead of creating a high-value, innovation-driven economy, industry leaders continue to rely on extensive work hours and minimal wages to sustain profits.

The Need for a New Industrial Strategy

• Invest in Technology and Automation: Embracing advanced manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation can boost productivity without extending working hours.
• Prioritise Skill Development: Enhancing workforce skills through education and vocational training will create a more capable and efficient labour force.
• Strengthen Labour Laws and Worker Protections: Enforcing fair wages, job security, and social benefits will not only improve living standards but also stimulate domestic consumption.
• Encourage Formalisation of Enterprises: Incentivising businesses to operate within the formal sector will promote accountability, better wages, and stable employment opportunities.

Conclusion

• India’s continued dependence on cheap labour as a competitive strategy is
• While it has provided short-term gains for industries, it has stifled innovation, weakened domestic demand, and limited global competitiveness.
• If Indian industry is to thrive in the 21st century, it must move beyond exploitative labour practices and adopt a more forward-thinking approach that prioritises productivity, innovation, and worker welfare.
• The shift from a labour-intensive model to a technology-driven economy will be critical in ensuring long-term industrial and economic growth.