Why in News?

India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting 21 terror camps across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The Indian Armed Forces used precision strikes with niche-technology weapons and carefully chosen warheads to minimize collateral damage.

Although specific weapons were not disclosed, the military's arsenal now includes advanced precision-guided long-range weapons and drones, such as loitering munitions.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs)
• Cutting-Edge Precision Weapons in India’s Military Arsenal

Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs)

• PGMs, also called smart weapons or smart bombs, are missiles or bombs designed to accurately strike specific targets while minimizing collateral damage.
• Key Features of PGMs
  • Advanced Guidance Systems: PGMs use GPS, laser guidance, infrared sensors, or radar to track and hit targets precisely.
  • Mid-Flight Course Corrections: They can adjust their trajectory mid-air to account for weather, wind, or targeting errors.
  • Reduced Collateral Damage: By targeting with precision, PGMs limit harm to civilians and nearby infrastructure.
  • Increased Accuracy: They offer greater accuracy than unguided munitions, with a much smaller margin of error.
  • Versatile Deployment: PGMs can be launched from aircraft, ships, ground platforms, or UAVs, enhancing their operational flexibility.

Cutting-Edge Precision Weapons in India’s Military Arsenal

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Rafale jets, which used SCALP missiles for deep strikes and HAMMER missiles for medium-range precision targets.
• HAMMER
  • The HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range) is an air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system developed by Safran, a French aerospace and defence company.
  • Capabilities and Range
    • It has a range of up to 70 km and can be mounted on Rafale jets, as well as fitted to bombs and other guided systems, making it highly versatile for medium-range tactical operations.
  • Advanced Features
    • The system is autonomous, resistant to jamming, and capable of being launched from low altitudes over rough terrain, allowing precision strikes against a wide range of targets.
  • India’s Procurement
    • India has procured several HAMMER systems in recent years to strengthen its aerial strike capabilities.
• SCALP
  • SCALP-EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée — Emploi Général), also known as Storm Shadow in the UK, is an air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range deep strike missions with stealth features.
  • Manufacturer and Range
    • Developed by MBDA, a European multinational defence company, SCALP has a range of around 450 km and is capable of low-altitude flight, making it hard to detect.
  • Operational Versatility
    • It can be deployed at night and in all weather conditions, providing the Indian Air Force with high operational flexibility.
  • Advanced Navigation and Targeting
    • SCALP uses a combination of INS, GPS, and terrain referencing for navigation, allowing it to penetrate heavily fortified targets like bunkers and ammunition depots with high precision.
• METEOR: Next-Gen Air-to-Air Superiority
• The Meteor is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA, effective even in dense electronic warfare environments.
• It uses a solid-fuel ‘ramjet’ motor, providing continuous thrust and enabling the largest 'No Escape Zone' among air-to-air missile systems.
• BRAHMOS: India’s Supersonic Cruise Power
  • The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, and is operational in all three Indian defence services.
  • It operates at speeds close to Mach 3, ensuring faster target engagement, low dispersion, and minimal interception risk.
  • The missile follows a ‘Fire and Forget’ mode, with a cruising altitude of up to 15 km and terminal altitude as low as 10 metres, carrying a 200–300 kg conventional warhead.
• Loitering Munitions
  • Loitering munitions are aerial weapons that combine surveillance and strike capabilities, allowing them to identify and engage targets with precision.
  • These systems can be operated autonomously or manually, offering real-time intelligence and the ability to strike at the right moment.
  • In recent years, the Indian Armed Forces have been actively procuring various types of drones, including loitering munitions, to enhance situational awareness and precision strike capabilities.

Why in the News?

Recently, PM Modi said that India was marching ahead with renewed confidence in the field of space exploration and its astronauts' footprints will be on the Moon.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Space Program (Introduction, Catalyst for Empowerment, Achievements, Road Ahead, Private Participation, etc.)

Introduction

• PM Modi has outlined an ambitious future for India’s space programme, reaffirming the country's rising role in both global scientific exploration and domestic empowerment.
• In his address to the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025, PM Modi emphasized that India’s space efforts are not about competition, but about “reaching higher together”, driven by the spirit of collective growth, technological advancement, and service to humanity.

Space as a Catalyst for Empowerment

• PM Modi asserted that space exploration in India has a dual purpose, scientific progress and citizen empowerment.
• From providing alerts to fishermen to enabling the Gati Shakti logistics platform and enhancing railway safety and weather forecasting, Indian satellites have been actively improving governance and the everyday lives of citizens.
• He added that India’s space infrastructure supports socio-economic transformation, showcasing space not merely as a frontier of science, but as a driver of inclusive development.
• Highlighting this, PM Modi said India’s rockets don’t just carry payloads but “the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.”

A Legacy of Achievements

• India’s space journey began modestly with a small rocket launch in 1963. Since then, the country has reached several significant milestones:
  • India became the first country to land near the lunar South Pole with Chandrayaan-3 in 2023.
  • Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon.
  • Chandrayaan-2 produced the highest resolution images of the Moon.
  • In 2014, India became the first country to reach Mars in its maiden attempt with the Mangalyaan mission.
• India has also demonstrated engineering excellence by:
  • Building cryogenic engines in record time.
  • Launching 100 satellites in a single mission.
  • Sending more than 400 satellites for 34 countries.
  • Achieving satellite docking in space, a step forward for human spaceflight capability.

The Road Ahead: Moon, Mars, Venus

• Looking toward the future, PM Modi announced a clear and ambitious roadmap:
  • By 2025: India will send astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on a 14-day joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission.
  • By 2035: India will establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, opening new frontiers in research and international collaboration.
  • By 2040: Indian astronauts will set foot on the Moon. Mars and Venus are also part of ISRO’s future planetary exploration agenda.
• These goals reaffirm India’s commitment to bold, long-term space ambitions, rooted in both national pride and global cooperation.

Boosting Private Participation and Innovation

• PM Modi highlighted the emergence of over 250 space startups in India, which are contributing to breakthroughs in satellite tech, propulsion systems, and imaging technologies.
• He noted that many of these initiatives are led by women scientists, reflecting the inclusive character of India’s scientific community.
• These private players are not only generating employment (over 22,000 jobs in the past decade) but are also driving economic value and global relevance for India’s space sector.

Strategic Diplomacy Through Space

• India's commitment to using space for diplomacy and regional cooperation was also emphasized.
• After launching satellites for South Asian countries, the upcoming G20 Satellite Mission, announced during India’s G20 presidency, will be a symbolic and practical gift to the Global South.
• This aligns with India’s broader vision of sharing scientific progress to address shared global challenges and strengthen multilateralism.

Context:

• India and the United Kingdom signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on May 6, 2025, marking the culmination of negotiations that began in January 2022.
• The FTA has proceeded relatively quickly by the standards of negotiation timelines. For example, the one with the EU has been dragging on for nearly twenty years, but it appears to have gained momentum recently.

Strategic Timing and Geopolitical Context of the India-UK FTA:

• Post-Brexit UK strategy:
  • Post-Brexit (2020), the UK has actively sought new trade partners, signing deals with Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, and joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - a mega trade bloc of 12 countries.
  • The FTA with India is the UK’s most significant trade deal post-EU exit, given India’s fast-growing economy and rising middle class.
• India’s trade strategy:
  • In line with the goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, India is increasingly integrating with global trade systems.
  • The FTA is India’s first major FTA outside Asia, signalling a shift towards deeper global engagement and is a manifestation of comparative advantage (Ricardian theory).

Key Provisions of the India-UK FTA and Economic Gains:

• For India:
  • Improved market access: Indian exports to the UK to benefit from reduced or zero tariffs - especially in: mineral fuels, pharmaceuticals, apparel, chemicals, machinery, iron and steel
  • Ease of mobility: Eases entry for Indian professionals and students, addressing the UK’s ageing workforce.
• For the UK - Access to India’s market:
  • High-value exports like automobiles, Scotch whisky, legal and financial services.
  • India offers a young and digitally savvy consumer base with opportunities for British technology, education, and professional services.
  • The attention towards diversification away from China, coupled with India’s strong economic trajectory, presents the UK with a rare opportunity.

Safeguards and Strategic Provisions:

• Phased tariff reductions: On sensitive goods (e.g. whisky, automobiles, agri-products) to prevent market shocks.
• Quotas: Introduced to prevent flooding of markets.
• Reciprocal benefits: UK to eliminate tariffs on Indian textiles, boosting Make in India and manufacturing.

Economic Impact and Investment Landscape:

• Bilateral trade: £42 billion by mid-2024; India maintains a trade surplus of £8 billion.
• Investment flows:
  • UK: 6th-largest investor in India, over £38 billion in the past 3 years, in sectors like financial services and manufacturing.
  • India: 2nd-largest source of FDI in the UK in 2023.
• Goal: Double bilateral trade by 2030.

Progressive Elements and Challenges:

• Trade rules and modernization:
  • Need for harmonisation of standards, regulations, and norms.
  • Focus on e-commerce, digital trade, and climate-related trade rules.
  • India has opted for non-binding labour and environmental provisions (“best endeavour” clauses).
• Education and services:
  • Promotion of UKIERI (UK-India Education and Research Initiative).
  • Emphasis on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for:
    • Academic qualifications
    • Professional licenses

Significance of the India-UK FTA in India's Trade Diplomacy:

• Paradigm shift: From protectionism to proactive trade engagement.
• Foundation for future FTAs: Encouraging signals for upcoming deals with the EU and the US.
• Instrument of domestic reform: FTAs can catalyse reforms in labour laws, logistics, scale inefficiencies, and bureaucratic hurdles.
• Bilateralism vs multilateralism: With multilateralism in a permanent coma, well-negotiated FTAs for India can play a role similar to that played by the WTO in the upscaling of the Chinese economy.

Conclusion:

• The India-UK FTA is not just a trade pact, but a strategic and economic realignment.
• It underscores India's readiness to become a global economic player and leverages FTAs as tools for growth, reform, and integration.
• The FTA’s success will depend on effective implementation, ongoing dialogue, and domestic readiness to meet global standards.

Context

• India stands out among emerging economies for an unusual characteristic: its economic growth has been led not by manufacturing, as is typically the case, but by the services
• Since 1980, the share of manufacturing in India’s gross value added has barely risen, from 16% to 17.5%, while services have surged from 33% to 55%.
• This distinct trajectory reflects not only the dynamism of India's services sector but also deep-rooted structural and regulatory challenges within its industrial base.

Reason Behind India’s Manufacturing Stagnation: The Regulatory Burden on Manufacturing

• Unlike services, which have historically flown under the radar, manufacturing has been tightly bound by outdated and often arbitrary regulations.
• The factory continues to be treated as the archetype of industrial activity, attracting more scrutiny and compliance requirements than service-sector firms such as call centres or software companies.
• This regulatory bias has created an imbalanced ecosystem. As services grow, they are increasingly coming under regulatory attention, revealing how excessive and illogical many of these rules are.
• The anecdote of an inspector demanding to see a snake-pit in a modern office, an archaic and irrelevant requirement, is a glaring example of how outdated regulations can become tools for extortion.
• Similarly, coordinated schemes between consultants and enforcement authorities expose the corrupt underbelly of the system, posing real threats to business growth and entrepreneurial initiative.

Initiative Towards De-Regulation

• Recognising these challenges, the announcement of a high-level committee for regulatory reform in the 2025 Budget is a promising step.
• The committee aims to address what the authors term regulatory cholesterol, the bloated and tangled web of inspections, permits, and no-objection certificates (NOCs) that strangle business activity, especially in low-risk domains.
• A more effective model would be to shift from inspector-led approvals to self-certification for low-risk sectors.
• Lessons can be drawn from best practices within India and Southeast Asia, where third-party certifications and digital processes streamline business compliance.
• For instance, automated systems could be used to grant construction NOCs based on geotagged data, especially for buildings not obstructing flight paths or critical infrastructure.

Further Reforms Required for Sustainable Economic Growth

• Reforming Factor Markets: Land and Labour Reforms
  • Sustainable economic growth also requires reforms in factor markets, particularly land and labour.
  • Land acquisition processes remain complex, with overlapping restrictions and zoning regulations.
  • Simplifying land-use conversion and building byelaws can make industrial land more accessible.
  • Labour laws present a similar challenge. India’s rigid and outdated labour framework is misaligned with the evolving nature of work.
  • In particular, the rise of gig work, a flexible, technology-driven employment model, needs to be acknowledged in law.
  • Current efforts in some states to treat gig workers as full-time employees risk imposing unsustainable compliance burdens on platforms and employers.
  • Instead, a flexible legal framework that protects workers' rights without stifling the economic model is needed.
• Transparency and Procedural Clarity
  • Transparency and procedural clarity are equally critical.
  • All required approvals, documentation, and checklists should be available publicly and online, ensuring that businesses are not caught in discretionary or opaque processes.
  • Regular inspections, where necessary, should be harmonised across departments, notified in advance, and conducted jointly with a single checklist to eliminate redundancy and corruption.
• Cultural Change in Bureaucracy and Performance Metrics
  • Reforms must not be confined to procedures; they must extend to mindset.
  • The prevailing attitude among regulators is one of distrust towards entrepreneurs, treating business growth as something to control rather than enable. Changing this approach requires a cultural shift.
  • One transformative proposal is to include metrics such as investment facilitation and economic development in the performance evaluation of government departments.
  • Such institutional alignment could create a bureaucracy that supports, rather than hinders, business development.

The Way Forward to Repeat 1991 Moment: Microeconomic Reforms for Macro Growth

• Today, while India continues to benefit from stable monetary and fiscal policies, achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 requires it to replicate that success through microeconomic reform.
• A sustained growth rate of 8% annually is essential, especially given global headwinds such as trade wars and supply chain disruptions.
• While India cannot control global forces, it can, through domestic deregulation and institutional reform, unlock internal growth engines.
• Removing regulatory bottlenecks and building a business-friendly ecosystem are crucial levers in this regard.

Conclusion

• India's service-led growth model is a testament to its entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.
• However, realising its long-term economic ambitions will require balanced growth driven by both services and manufacturing.
• That, in turn, necessitates a bold and sustained push to deregulate, digitise, and democratise the business environment.
• India must rise to this 1991-like moment, not out of crisis, but out of opportunity, to shape a truly developed economy by 2047.

Context

• The contemporary global energy and geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by shifting power dynamics, technological innovation, and the pressing need for climate action.
• Against this backdrop, recent diplomatic overtures between the United States and India signal a pivotal opportunity to solidify a forward-looking strategic partnership.
• Highlighted by U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance’s emphasis on deeper collaboration in energy and defence, and mirrored by India's articulations, this renewed engagement is not simply about short-term alignment but the construction of a robust framework for long-term cooperation.
• Though these areas of convergence are not new, the urgency and complexity of today’s challenges demand a deeper, more strategic investment in bilateral ties.

Energy Security: A Strategic Imperative for India

• India's pursuit of energy security is grounded in three critical imperatives: ensuring the availability of resources at predictable costs, safeguarding supply chain integrity, and promoting sustainability.
• These objectives are not merely operational but foundational to India’s broader development and climate strategies.
• The nexus between nuclear energy and critical minerals presents a fertile ground for collaboration with the United States, combining India’s growing demand and policy innovation with American capital and technological prowess.

The Building Blocks of India-US Energy Future

• Critical Minerals: Building the Architecture of Resilience
  • The transition to clean energy is as much about electrons as it is about elements.
  • Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements underpin technologies ranging from electric vehicles to defence systems and renewable energy infrastructure.
  • China’s near-monopoly over rare earth processing, controlling close to 90% of global capacity, has exposed the fragility of existing supply chains and underscored the strategic vulnerability of nations dependent on these resources.
  • In response, India and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding in 2024 aimed at diversifying global critical mineral supply chains.
• Nuclear Energy: A Catalyst for Decarbonisation and Industrial Growth
  • India’s surging electricity demand, coupled with its net-zero ambitions, necessitates a diversified, low-carbon energy portfolio.
  • Nuclear power emerges as a critical pillar in this matrix, offering reliable baseload power that complements intermittent sources like solar and wind.
  • Despite its ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, India currently operates with just over 8 GW, necessitating a dramatic acceleration in deployment.

Guiding Principles for An Effective Partnership on Critical Minerals

• A Holistic Perspective
  • Critical minerals should be viewed as enablers across multiple strategic sectors, not merely within the confines of mining.
  • This broader lens will facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and long-term innovation between Indian and American institutions.
• Bilateral and Plurilateral Synergies
  • The establishment of supply guarantees and collaborative frameworks must drive the partnership.
  • The creation of an India-U.S. Critical Minerals Consortium could facilitate joint exploration and processing initiatives.
  • Moreover, leveraging plurilateral platforms like the Quad, including Japan and Australia, could exponentially increase technological capabilities and resource access.
• Long-Term Commitment
  • Unlike solar farms or battery plants, which can be operational within a few years, mining and processing infrastructure take decades to develop.
  • A 20-year roadmap with interim milestones is essential. In this context, the proposed India-U.S. Mineral Exchange, a blockchain-enabled platform for transparent trade and traceability, could set global benchmarks for ethical and resilient supply chains.
  • Additionally, establishing joint strategic stockpiles and co-investing in third-country projects across resource-rich regions such as Africa and Latin America can shield both nations from geopolitical shocks.

Necessary Reforms for an Effective Nuclear Collaboration

• Streamlined Deployment
  • Reducing the construction timeline of nuclear projects from nine to six years can significantly reduce costs and improve investor confidence.
  • This requires standardized reactor designs, expedited approvals, and skilled project execution.
• Private Sector Integration
  • Unlocking private capital is key. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with lower upfront costs and siting flexibility, offer a viable path forward.
  • However, their bankability depends on clear offtake mechanisms, risk mitigation instruments, and long-term purchase agreements.
  • India must reorient its financial systems, given that the projected investment requirement for 100 GW of nuclear power could reach $180 billion.
• Legislative and Regulatory Reform
  • The amendment of India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 is vital to enabling private investment and international collaboration.
  • The recent approval for U.S.-based Holtec International to transfer SMR technology to Indian firms exemplifies the promise of Indo-U.S. technological synergy.
  • However, safety must remain paramount. As India positions itself to lead in SMR manufacturing, robust protocols for waste management and decommissioning must be integral to the strategy.

The Way Forward: Strategic Vision in a Volatile World

• The April 2025 edition of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook points to an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by trade tensions and economic fragmentation.
• In this context, a resilient, long-term India-U.S. energy partnership offers mutual strategic assurance.
• India’s growth trajectory and the U.S.’s technological ecosystem are inherently
• Together, they can build not just a bilateral relationship, but a global coalition for energy resilience and sustainability.
• Such a partnership must move beyond symbolic agreements and embrace the plumbing of cooperation, investment tracking systems, workforce training, data-sharing frameworks, and innovation platforms like the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
• These institutional frameworks are essential to translating high-level intent into tangible outcomes.

Conclusion

• The foundation for a robust India-U.S. partnership on energy and critical minerals has already been laid.
• What remains is the commitment to operationalise this vision with long-term strategic clarity and pragmatic action.
• As India hosts the upcoming Quad summit and assumes greater leadership in global energy governance, this moment is ripe for embedding cooperation into durable institutions and cross-border frameworks.
• A resilient future demands foresight, investment, and trust, and the India-U.S. partnership is uniquely positioned to deliver on all three.

Why in News?

India successfully conducted Operation Sindoor, a joint military operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeting terrorist camps at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The strikes were a response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, attributed to ISI-backed militant groups. Precision munitions were used to hit four targets in Pakistan (Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Sarjal) and five in PoK, with the objective of dismantling terrorist infrastructure operating with impunity.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Purpose Behind Target Selection
• Key Signals from Operation Sindoor
• What Makes Operation Sindoor Different

Purpose Behind Target Selection

• The targets were chosen to dismantle anti-India terrorist infrastructure linked to groups actively engaged in cross-border terrorism.
• Involvement of Proscribed Terror Groups
  • The sites were connected to banned outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), which are known to receive direct support from Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies.
• Nature of Terrorist Facilities
  • These groups operate from training camps (Markaz) and launch pads, often concealed within government-run buildings.
    • Launch pads: Used for infiltration staging and arms training.
    • Larger camps: Serve purposes like religious indoctrination, propaganda, logistics, and recruitment.

Key Signals from Operation Sindoor

• Redefining the Causal Link Between Pakistan and Terrorism
  • India framed Operation Sindoor as a response not just to the recent Pahalgam attack, but to a two-decade-long pattern of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism since the 2001 Parliament attack.
  • It highlighted the role of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), both UN-designated terrorist groups.
  • Cited examples like Sajid Mir and the FATF’s role in forcing Pakistan to take symbolic actions without dismantling terror networks.
  • Targeting key sites like Markaz Subhan Allah, Markaz Taiba, and Mehmoona Joya undermines Pakistan’s narrative that newer proxy groups (like TRF) are disconnected from Islamabad.
• Targeting Terror, Not the Pakistani Military
  • India continues its doctrine of hitting terrorist infrastructure without targeting Pakistan’s conventional military.
  • The strikes were labeled as “non-military” and “preemptive”, similar to the approach in the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrike.
  • However, Sindoor marks an escalation in depth and scale, striking targets deep within Pakistan, not just in PoK.
• Calibrated Action with Strategic Restraint
  • India emphasized Sindoor was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”, showing it does not seek full-scale war.
  • However, it sent a clear message that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence posture no longer shields its terror infrastructure.
  • Future escalations by Pakistan could trigger Indian retaliation on military assets, pushing the threshold higher.

What Makes Operation Sindoor Different

• Unprecedented Scale and Reach
  • 24 missile strikes launched in a single day — India’s largest single-day strike so far.
  • Unlike Balakot (2019) and Uri (2016), which targeted one or few sites, Sindoor reflects a massive, coordinated offensive.
• Wider Target Spectrum and Deep Strikes
  • India signaled that no part of Pakistan is off-limits, targeting deep inside the Pakistani heartland.
  • Shows a clear shift in policy — from reactive to pre-emptive and assertive.
  • Military analysts noted this operation crossed previous thresholds in terms of both geography and intensity.
• Tri-Services Coordination and Advanced Weaponry
  • Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force all took part, demonstrating joint operational strength.
  • Strikes were highly coordinated, time-bound, and used real-time UAV confirmation to verify destruction — marking a new benchmark in precision warfare.
• Strategic Red Line Shift
  • India refrained from hitting Pakistani military installations to avoid conventional escalation, but the depth and scale of the strikes clearly altered the red line.
  • The operation has redefined the costs Pakistan may have to bear for continuing cross-border terrorism.
• Symbolic Naming, Human-Centric Messaging
  • Named “Sindoor” to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack, particularly widows of the 26 slain.
  • Reflects a shift from military glorification to moral justification.

Why in News?

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued stricter security guidelines for satellite communication (satcom) services.

It added new conditions related to data localization, website blocking, metadata collection, and the integration of the indigenous NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) positioning system.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Compliance Requirements for Satcom Companies in India
• Current Regulatory Landscape

Key Compliance Requirements for Satcom Companies in India

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a set of security and operational guidelines for satellite communication firms such as Starlink (Elon Musk), Amazon’s Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio.
• Key Compliance Requirements
  • Local Manufacturing
    • Companies must submit a year-wise phased manufacturing plan, aiming to indigenise at least 20% of the ground segment within five years of starting commercial operations.
  • Data Localisation
    • All satellite communication-related data must be stored within India.
  • Domestic Navigation System Integration
    • Mandatory integration of NavIC, India’s regional navigation system, in user terminals on a best-effort basis, with full transition required by 2029.
  • Website Blocking Mechanism
    • Firms must enable systems to block government-identified websites.
  • Cooperation with Law Enforcement
    • Companies are required to collect and share metadata with security agencies when requested.
• Enhanced Data Localisation Requirements
  • No Routing Through Foreign Gateways
    • Satcom operators must ensure that user traffic originating from or destined for India is not routed through any foreign gateway, Point of Presence (PoP), or space system not part of the designated satellite constellation.
  • No Data Mirroring Abroad
    • Operators are prohibited from mirroring Indian user traffic to any server/system located outside India.
  • Decryption Ban Outside India
    • Companies must undertake not to copy or decrypt Indian telecom data outside the country.
  • India-Based Infrastructure Mandate
    • Data centres, DNS resolution systems, and lawful interception mechanisms must be located within India.
    • Network control, user terminal monitoring, and equipment control must also operate from within Indian territory.
• National Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation
  • Service Restrictions During Emergencies
    • Companies must be capable of restricting services to individuals, subscriber groups, or regions during periods of hostilities or national emergencies.
  • Clearances for Voice and Data Services
    • Separate security clearances are required before launching voice or data communication services.
  • Special Monitoring Zones (SMZs)
    • Designated zones include areas within 50 km of international borders and coastal regions up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nautical miles).
    • These zones will be monitored by law enforcement and security agencies.
  • Real-Time User Terminal Tracking
    • Operators must provide real-time location data (latitude-longitude) of all user terminals, both fixed and mobile, upon request.
    • They must also report foreign or unregistered terminals connecting from within Indian territory.
• Strategic Intent
  • These guidelines reflect India’s push for:
    • Digital sovereignty
    • National security
    • Promotion of indigenous technologies like NavIC
    • Boosting local manufacturing in telecom infrastructure

Current Regulatory Landscape

• Starlink is currently undergoing security clearance to begin operations in India.
• It has already formed retail partnerships with Airtel and Jio.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is finalising the satellite spectrum allocation framework, which will impact how these companies operate.

Why in News?

India and the UK signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after nearly three years of negotiations. The agreement reduces tariffs on 90% of goods.

The deal aims to boost trade, investment, job creation, and innovation. It comes at a time of global trade uncertainty and marks a major economic collaboration between the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background: From "Diwali Deadline" to Final Agreement
• Key Highlights of the UK-India Trade Deal
• Reasons Behind the Push for the Deal
• Key Issues During Negotiations
• Beyond Trade: A Platform for Wider Collaboration

Background: From "Diwali Deadline" to Final Agreement

• The FTA was first targeted for completion by Diwali 2022 during British PM Boris Johnson's India visit, where he called Modi his “khaas dost.”
• Despite missing the initial deadline, the agreement was finally achieved in 2025, marking a major milestone.
• UK First Among Western Trade Partners
  • The UK beat the US and EU in sealing an FTA with India — a strategic win for both nations.
  • This puts India in a stronger position for ongoing trade talks with Washington and Brussels, as the UK deal becomes a benchmark for future agreements.

Key Highlights of the UK-India Trade Deal

• Trade Expansion:
  • The deal is projected to increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion from 2040 onward.
  • In 2024, UK-India trade stood at £42.6 billion, with UK exports at £17.1 billion and imports from India at £25.5 billion.
  • India ranked as the UK’s 11th-largest trading partner in 2024.
• Tariff Reductions and Market Access
  • India’s Gains:
    • 99% of Indian exports to the UK will enjoy zero-duty access.
    • Boost for labour-intensive sectors: textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, auto parts, and organic chemicals.
  • UK’s Gains:
    • India to slash duties on 90% of tariff lines, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free within 10 years.
    • Lower Indian tariffs on whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb to make UK exports more competitive.
• Major Sectors Benefitting:
• Alcohol: Tariffs on whisky and gin will drop from 150% to 75% initially, reaching 40% by the tenth year—boosting the UK’s Scotch whisky exports.
• Automobiles: India will cut auto import tariffs to 10% under a quota system (down from over 100%).
• Other Goods: Reduced tariffs for British exports such as cosmetics, aerospace components, lamb, medical devices, salmon, electrical machinery, soft drinks, chocolate, and biscuits.
• Services and Workforce Mobility:
  • The deal includes increased quotas for Indian workers to take up employment in specific sectors in the UK, enhancing labour mobility and service trade cooperation.
  • Indian workers in the UK will receive a three-year exemption from social security payments, reducing financial burden and improving mobility opportunities.
  • 

Reasons Behind the Push for the Deal

• Supply Chain Disruptions & China Diversification:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains overly reliant on China.
  • Western countries, including the UK, sought to implement a ‘China-plus one’ strategy—diversifying supply chains by partnering with countries like India.
• Post-Brexit Market Realignment
  • After Brexit, the UK lost access to the EU’s Single Market.
  • India, with its large and growing consumer base, emerged as a critical alternative to offset this economic gap.
• Economic Pressures in the UK
  • The UK has been grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.
  • The FTA is viewed as a timely economic boost and a political win for PM Keir Starmer, who assumed office in July 2024.
• India’s Shift from RCEP
  • In 2019, India opted out of the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), increasing the urgency to find alternative trade alliances like the UK.

Key Issues During Negotiations

• Limited Trade Gains for India
  • According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), many Indian exports already benefit from low or zero tariffs in the UK, so the FTA’s impact on trade volume may be limited.
• Services and Work Visas
  • India prioritized better access for its service professionals, particularly in IT and healthcare.
  • However, immigration remains a sensitive issue for the UK post-Brexit.
  • Eventually, only about 100 new work visas per year for Indian professionals were agreed upon.
• Carbon Tax Dispute
  • The UK’s proposal to impose a carbon tax on metal imports (based on emissions) raised concerns for Indian exporters, particularly in steel and aluminum.
  • Negotiations were needed to address the potential impact on India’s competitiveness.

Beyond Trade: A Platform for Wider Collaboration

The FTA is seen as a foundation for deeper cooperation in sectors such as: Defence and security; Critical technologies; Education; Tourism and Indian diaspora engagement.

An Indian official aptly remarked: “The FTA is the floor, not the ceiling.”

Why in the News?

On the occasion of Civil Services Day (April 21), Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, spoke about the importance of civil services in maintaining and strengthening democracy.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Civil Services in India (Introduction, Evolution & Role, Structural Framework, Challenges, Reforms, etc.)

Introduction

• On Civil Services Day 2025, Cabinet Secretary highlighted the indispensable role of civil services in upholding Indian democracy.
• While praising their contributions to governance, elections, and development administration, he also acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges that impede their efficiency and credibility.
• In the context of evolving governance needs, civil services in India stand at a critical juncture where reform is not just desirable, but imperative.

Evolution and Role of Civil Services in India

• Civil services in India date back to 1858, when the British established the Indian Civil Service based on a merit system to manage administrative functions.
• Post-independence, this role was taken over by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which has since remained the cornerstone of merit-based recruitment.
• Civil servants have consistently been central to:
  • Conducting free and fair elections.
  • Ensuring continuity of governance during President’s Rule in states.
  • Advising political executives in policy formulation.
  • Implementing welfare schemes and disaster relief efforts.
  • Managing day-to-day administrative functions such as public service delivery and regulation enforcement.
• They serve as the institutional memory of governance and act as the fulcrum of state functionality.

Structural Framework and the Merit vs. Spoils System

• India follows a merit-based system, which entails rigorous selection through competitive examinations conducted by independent agencies like UPSC.
• In contrast, the spoils system, historically practiced in the U.S., involved appointments based on political allegiance and was largely dismantled by 1883.
• Despite India’s formal reliance on merit, creeping political interference threatens to convert the Indian system into a partial spoils framework, especially in appointments, transfers, and tenures.

Major Challenges Facing Indian Civil Services

• Erosion of Neutrality:
  • A foundational trait of civil services, neutrality is fast declining.
  • Bureaucrats are increasingly seen aligning with political interests, which compromises the integrity and impartiality expected of them.
• Political Interference:
  • Frequent and arbitrary transfers, especially of upright officers, discourage independent functioning.
  • Administrative decisions are often influenced by political calculations rather than public interest.
• Generalist Bias and Lack of Domain Expertise:
  • The generalist model of the Indian bureaucracy, where officers rotate across sectors, limits their capacity to address increasingly technical and specialized challenges.
  • This results in sub-optimal policy design and implementation.
• Endemic Corruption:
  • Corruption exists at multiple levels of the bureaucracy.
  • Despite the existence of vigilance mechanisms, many cases go unpunished, eroding public trust in civil servants.

Reforms for a Future-Ready Civil Service

• Insulation from Political Pressure:
  • To ensure the rule of law and constitutional governance, civil servants must be granted a reasonable degree of autonomy in postings, tenures, and transfers.
• Shift from Procedures to Outcomes:
  • Currently, bureaucratic performance is judged by inputs (expenditure) or outputs (activities).
  • There is a need to transition to outcome-based monitoring to align public service with actual societal impact.
• Lateral Entry of Domain Experts:
  • Introducing professionals from outside the service at senior levels can bring fresh perspectives and technical proficiency.
  • This complements the institutional knowledge of career bureaucrats and enhances governance quality.
• Strengthening Accountability and Transparency:
  • Internal performance audits, independent vigilance mechanisms, and a digital record of administrative decisions can strengthen accountability within the system.

Conclusion

Civil services have been the backbone of India’s democratic and administrative machinery. However, the changing landscape of governance, growing public expectations, and the complexity of socio-economic challenges demand structural reforms.

A balance must be struck between political accountability and bureaucratic independence. By shifting towards an outcome-oriented, expertise-driven, and politically insulated civil service, India can strengthen its governance foundations for the future.

Context

• In the digital era, India finds itself at the epicentre of a complex and multifaceted battle against misinformation and the emerging trend of de-influencing.
• As internet penetration deepens and social media becomes the default space for interaction and information, the promise of connectivity is shadowed by the proliferation of unchecked content.
• While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for expression, community-building, and awareness, they also open floodgates to clickbait, sensationalism, and disinformation, especially in areas as sensitive as health, finance, and consumer welfare.

The Rise and Risk of De-influencing

• De-influencing, a trend wherein influencers discourage certain purchases or habits, appears on the surface to promote mindful consumption.
• However, its implementation is often driven by shock value and emotional manipulation. Instead of fostering discernment, many influencers exploit algorithms by engaging in hyperbole, half-truths, and controversy to boost visibility and monetisation.
• This not only skews consumer perception but also undermines trust in both genuine advocacy and expert opinion.
• In many instances, social media users rely more on influencers than verified professionals for advice, particularly concerning health and finance.
• As a result, misinformation spreads with alarming speed and reach, amplified by artificial intelligence and algorithmic feeds.
• The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risks Report rightly flags India as one of the most vulnerable nations to digital misinformation, due to its growing online population and the virality of AI-generated content.

Legal and Ethical Boundaries

• India’s constitutional commitment to freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is a cornerstone of its democratic ethos.
• However, as the Supreme Court has reiterated, this right is not absolute. Under Article 19(2), speech that endangers public order, decency, or morality, or causes defamation, can be curtailed.
• These principles are increasingly relevant in the context of influencer-driven digital content.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aims to combat misleading advertisements by holding influencers accountable for false or deceptive promotions.
• Complementary frameworks under the IT Act, the Intermediary Guidelines (2021), and defamation laws also serve to curb harmful online behaviour.
• Though voluntary, the guidelines issued by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) set essential ethical standards for influencer conduct, with consequences like blacklisting and public naming in case of non-compliance.
• However, enforcement remains uneven.
• The effectiveness of these measures depends on consistent implementation and digital literacy.
• Influencers must recognise that transparency, not virality, is the new currency of credibility.

Health Content: A Critical Risk Area

• The stakes are even higher in the realm of health and wellness content.
• Here, misinformation can have tangible consequences, from misdiagnoses to harmful self-treatment.
• Trends such as detox water tutorials or misleading weight-loss advice often masquerade as legitimate wellness information, when in fact they lack any scientific foundation.
• The influence of such content is particularly dangerous when it capitalises on fear or exploits ignorance, blurring the line between information and manipulation.
• Legal precedent is beginning to address these gaps.
• In Indian Medical Association vs Union of India, the courts held influencers accountable for promoting misleading health content, reinforcing that only qualified professionals with disclosed credentials should offer medical advice.
• Additionally, a Delhi High Court ruling emphasised that freedom of speech does not protect defamatory or misleading statements, particularly in the health sector.
• To enhance accountability, a proposed registration or accreditation system for health-related influencers could function as a verification mechanism.
• This would create a centralised database to track and evaluate the credentials and content of those influencing public health narratives, a step toward curbing misinformation and rebuilding trust.

The Ethics of Influence and Consumer Empowerment

• Influencers wield enormous power to shape public discourse. Their content often combines persuasive storytelling with curated data and emotional appeals.
• This blend can be compelling but also misleading. When influencers intentionally cherry-pick information or rely on ambiguous phrasing to exaggerate claims, they undermine the integrity of public communication.
• The erosion of trust that follows harms not only consumers but also the long-term viability of digital influence as a tool for advocacy and engagement.
• Trust is a fragile commodity and exploiting it for personal gain, through unverified claims, paid promotions disguised as organic opinions, or sensational negativity, leads to reputational damage that affects both individual influencers and the broader digital ecosystem.
• Brands, too, have a responsibility to vet their partnerships and invest in consumer education to support informed decision-making.

Conclusion

• India's battle against misinformation and de-influencing demands a multi-pronged response.
• Stricter regulatory enforcement, ethical self-regulation, and widespread digital literacy are all crucial.
• Influencers must evolve from mere entertainers to responsible communicators, especially when dealing with topics that affect public welfare.
• While legal frameworks like the Consumer Protection Act, SEBI regulations, and judicial rulings are stepping stones, they must be supported by ethical norms, transparency protocols, and perhaps most importantly, critical thinking among users.

Context

• The recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, has once again laid bare the cracks in the international community’s approach to combating terrorism.
• While many nations were quick to condemn the violence, their calls for restraint from both India and Pakistan reflect a troubling trend: the erosion of global solidarity in confronting terror, particularly when it emanates from Pakistan and targets India.
• Amid these developments, it is important to explore the implications of the Pahalgam attack, the global community’s fragmented response, the double standards India faces, and the strategic path India must chart in response.

The Shattered Illusion of a Unified Anti-Terror Front

• In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, global powers issued statements that were, at best, diplomatically cautious and, at worst, morally ambiguous.
• Calls from the United States, the European Union, and Russia for restraint from both sides effectively equated the victim (India) with the perpetrator (Pakistan), diluting the moral clarity necessary for a resolute stand against terrorism.
• This marks a stark departure from the early 2000s, when the global community, galvanised by the 9/11 attacks, stood united in a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to terrorism.
• The erosion of this collective will is partly due to shifting global priorities.
• With ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and broader West Asia, the appetite for new conflicts, particularly in Asia, is limited.
• In this climate, India’s security concerns are often subordinated to broader fears of regional escalation, especially given Pakistan’s use of its nuclear status as a deterrent against decisive international action.

The Return of My Terrorist vs. Your Terrorist

• The global fight against terrorism has reverted to a selective, interest-based approach.
• Western nations focus on right-wing extremism or REMVE (racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism), while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) often turns a blind eye to Islamist terrorism, citing Islamophobia.
• Canada’s refusal to act against anti-India elements operating from its soil, under the guise of free expression, is emblematic of this hypocrisy.
• Similarly, China’s consistent use of its veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to shield Pakistan-backed terrorists underlines how geopolitics trumps principle.
• This trend is not limited to India.
• Africa, too, is facing a surge in terrorist activity, especially in the Sahel region.
• However, the international response remains muted, with terrorism in Africa and Asia increasingly regarded as someone else’s problem.

The Double Standards Faced by India

• Solidarity but Conditional Sympathy
  • India’s experience with cross-border terrorism, primarily from Pakistan, is met not with solidarity but with conditional sympathy and cautionary warnings.
  • The narrative of regional stability is often invoked to pressure India into restraint, even when its citizens are the victims.
  • Ironically, the same Western powers that support Ukraine’s resistance against nuclear-armed Russia are hesitant to endorse India’s right to defend itself from a nuclear-armed Pakistan.
• Little Acknowledgment of Hinduphobia
  • The Pahalgam attack itself, in which Hindus were allegedly targeted based on religion, reveals another dimension of global apathy.
  • While Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and Christianophobia are widely and rightly condemned, acts of Hinduphobia, such as this attack, receive little to no acknowledgment.
  • This silence is compounded by incidents such as U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy being vilified for his Hindu faith, highlighting the marginalisation of non-Abrahamic religions in global discourses on religious freedom.
  • One notable exception came from U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who explicitly recognised the religious nature of the Pahalgam attack, describing it as a horrific Islamist terrorist attack.
  • Her stance stands in contrast to the broader diplomatic hedging seen elsewhere.

Strategic Implications and the Path Forward

• Despite its diplomatic isolation in this context, India is not without leverage.
• It has the opportunity, and arguably the necessity, to recalibrate its strategy. Domestically, this involves maintaining vigilance and strengthening counter-terror mechanisms.
• Internationally, India must double down on its campaign against religiophobia, especially targeting the blind spots regarding non-Abrahamic faiths.
• India’s geopolitical strategy must also evolve.
• Its decision to pause the Indus Waters Treaty and challenge Pakistan’s narrative at the UNSC are signs of a more assertive posture.
• While Pakistan's efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue through emergency sessions of the UNSC have largely failed, India's ability to sustain international support hinges on diplomatic dexterity and the strategic use of its global partnerships.
• Furthermore, India should leverage its relationships with key Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of which are pursuing internal reforms and could play a role in influencing Pakistan’s behaviour.
• India’s multi-alignment policy must translate into tangible diplomatic dividends, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism.

Conclusion

• The Pahalgam terror attack is not just an isolated act of violence; it is a stark reminder of the international community’s selective moralism and India’s growing isolation in the global fight against terrorism.
• As collective resolve against terror diminishes, India must prepare to go it alone, diplomatically, strategically, and ideologically.
• By asserting its geopolitical autonomy and refusing to be constrained by international double standards, India can shape a more secure future for itself, while also highlighting the urgent need for a renewed, truly global consensus on combating terrorism in all its forms.

Why in News?

Recent comments by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar have stirred a constitutional and political debate regarding the role and powers of the judiciary vis-à-vis the executive.

Concerns arise from his remarks calling judges a "super parliament", questioning their power to direct the President, and asserting judges are not accountable under the law.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Constitutional Principles
• Dissecting the Vice-President's Remarks
• Judicial Accountability Mechanisms
• Interplay Between Judicial Independence, Popular Sovereignty, and Judicial Activism
• Conclusion

Key Constitutional Principles:

• Separation of powers:
  • The doctrine of separation of powers is a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution.
  • It ensures that the three organs - Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary - function independently.
  • Any overreach by one organ into another's domain undermines constitutional governance.
  • Even the independence of the judiciary is fully secured because of the principle of separation of powers [L. Chandra Kumar versus Union of India (1997)].
  • If at any time judges try to exercise their powers arbitrarily, it shall be a gross violation of Article 50 of DPSP, and the government may initiate a process for a removal of the judge concerned.
• Supremacy of the Constitution:
  • The rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution are foundational doctrines.
  • Even the President, Governors, and judiciary are bound by constitutional provisions.
  • No authority is beyond scrutiny if it violates constitutional boundaries.

Dissecting the Vice-President's Remarks:

• The 'super parliament' comment:
  • The term "super parliament" is misleading and constitutionally unsound.
  • Parliament, as a body elected by the people, holds legislative power - but this does not mean that the judiciary’s constitutional review powers encroach upon Parliament's supremacy.
  • The judiciary acts as a guardian of the Constitution, ensuring no law violates constitutional limits.
• Judiciary's role regarding Presidential assent:
  • The President of India, under Article 52, is the constitutional head and must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (Articles 74, 78).
  • S/he is elected according to the provisions contained in Articles 54 and 55 establishing India as a Republic.
  • If there is undue delay in granting assent to a bill, the judiciary can intervene to protect popular sovereignty.

Judicial Accountability Mechanisms:

• Constitutional limits on judicial power:
  • All judicial powers stem from the Constitution and must be exercised within its limits.
  • Judges can be removed only on grounds of "proved misbehaviour", which includes violation of the Constitution.
• Parliament's role:
  • Parliament holds the power to enact laws that can alter or overrule judicial decisions, provided it follows constitutional procedure.
  • This reflects the democratic principle of checks and balances.

Interplay Between Judicial Independence, Popular Sovereignty, and Judicial Activism:

• Judicial independence:
  • Vital for upholding the basic structure doctrine.
  • Shielded from arbitrary executive or legislative interference.
• Popular sovereignty: The judiciary’s actions, such as setting deadlines for the President or Governor to assent bills, aim to uphold public interest and constitutional compliance.
• Article 142 and judicial activism:
  • Empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders for complete justice.
  • Such provisions underscore the Court's role in filling legislative or executive voids when constitutional mechanisms are silent.

Conclusion:

The constitutional authorities, particularly those in high office, must speak responsibly. The statement given by the VP that the law of the land does not apply to judges is not at all rational because he himself, as the second highest constitutional authority, questions the rule of law in India.

Therefore, it is necessary to uphold the judiciary's constitutional role and emphasize that the rule of law, accountability, and constitutional supremacy are the guiding lights of Indian democracy.

Why in News?

Following a government order in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, hundreds of Pakistani nationals have been deported from India.

Several deportees, however, claimed possession of Indian identity documents, such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and Voter IDs.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Rules Regarding Voter ID Eligibility and Verification
• How Citizenship is Determined for Voter Registration
• Cases of Non-Citizens Holding Voter IDs

Rules Regarding Voter ID Eligibility and Verification

• Article 326 of the Indian Constitution grants the right to vote to every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above in elections to the Lok Sabha and State/UT Assemblies.
• Disqualification Criteria (Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950– Section 16)
  • A person can be disqualified from voter registration if they:
    • Are not a citizen of India.
    • Are of unsound mind, as declared by a competent court.
    • Are disqualified under any law related to corrupt practices or election-related offences.
• Application Process (Form 6)
• Form 6 -the Election Commission of India’s (ECI’s) form for registering new electors - is used for registering new electors with the ECI.
• Requires self-attested documents for:
  • Age proof
  • Address proof
• No separate citizenship proof is needed, but the applicant must sign a citizenship declaration.
• Penalties for False Declaration (Section 31, RP Act)
  • If the citizenship declaration is false, the applicant can face:
    • Up to 1 year of imprisonment
    • Or a fine
    • Or both
• Verification by Electoral Authorities
  • Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) verifies claims and objections.
  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) assist EROs by collecting forms and documents.
  • The ERO may also conduct hearings and investigations before finalizing entries.

How Citizenship is Determined for Voter Registration

• Responsibility of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)
  • The ERO must ensure that no ineligible person, including non-citizens, is added to the electoral roll.
  • The ERO must independently verify the applicant’s citizenship status, especially when a claim or objection is raised.
  • The ERO is expected to evaluate all evidence presented during the inquiry without external influence.
• Initial Onus of Proof
  • The applicant bears the initial burden of proof to establish Indian citizenship when applying for the first time.
• Special Cases
  • For migrants within India, the ERO cross-checks with the District Election Officer (DEO) of the applicant’s previous district.
  • For married women without documentary proof:
    • Previous voter registration as an unmarried woman can be considered.
    • Proof of marriage or certificates from village heads (before and after marriage) may be accepted.
• Objections to Citizenship
  • If someone objects to an applicant’s citizenship, the burden of proof shifts to the objector.
  • However, the ERO may still require the applicant to provide proof of Indian citizenship in such cases

Cases of Non-Citizens Holding Voter IDs

• Previous Instances
  • Non-citizens obtaining voter IDs is not a new issue.
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has previously identified and removed such ineligible voters from the electoral rolls.
  • Legal action has been initiated in cases where objections were found valid.
• Current Measures
  • The ECI is working to link Aadhaar with Voter IDs to prevent non-citizens from registering.
• Limitations of Aadhaar Linkage
  • Possession of Aadhaar by non-citizens makes detection difficult, as Aadhaar alone cannot confirm citizenship.
  • Thus, Aadhaar linkage is not a foolproof solution for identifying ineligible voters.

Why in News?

Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control following the Pahalgam terror attack and the possibility of an Indian military response, the Centre has instructed northern and western states and Union Territories to test and reinforce their civil defence systems.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana to conduct mock drills on May 7 to prepare for any hostile attack.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Overview of Civil Defence
• MHA Issues Civil Defence Directives

Overview of Civil Defence

• Civil Defence measures are designed to address emergency situations, protect the public, and help restore critical services and infrastructure damaged by disasters or hostile attacks.
• Historical Background
  • Initially, Civil Defence in India focused on awareness and planning under the Emergency Relief Organization (ERO).
  • The 1962 China War and 1965 Indo-Pak conflict prompted a policy shift.
  • This led to the enactment of the Civil Defence Act, 1968, enabling protective measures across India during hostile attacks.
• Civil Defence Act, 1968 and Amendments
  • The Civil Defence Act, 1968 authorizes non-combat measures to protect people and property from hostile attacks via air, land, or sea.
  • It also enables the formation of the Civil Defence Corps and the creation of rules and regulations.
  • The 2009 Amendment expanded its scope to include disaster management as an additional function of Civil Defence, covering both natural and man-made disasters.
• Geographical Scope and Categorization
  • Though applicable across India, Civil Defence is operational in tactically and strategically vulnerable areas.
  • Civil Defence activities are currently limited to 259 categorized towns across 36 States and Union Territories.
  • 100 Multi-Hazard Prone Districts have been specifically identified for enhanced preparedness.
• Organizational Structure
  • Civil Defence is primarily volunteer-based, supported by a small number of paid staff during peacetime and expanded during crises.
  • The current volunteer target is 14.11 lakh, of which 5.38 lakh have already been raised.
  • The organisation is managed and trained by Deputy Controllers, Medical Officers, and Civil Defence Instructors.
  • Duty and training allowances are provided to volunteers.
  • The long-term goal is to have 1 crore Civil Defence volunteers across India within 7 years.

MHA Issues Civil Defence Directives

• The Ministry of Home Affairs instructed states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana to conduct mock drills on May 7.
• The drills will be conducted down to the village level in 244 vulnerable districts.
• Key measures include
  • Operationalising air raid sirens
  • Implementing blackout protocols
  • Training civilians and students on safety measures
  • Evacuation rehearsals
  • Camouflaging critical infrastructure (e.g., power plants, military sites)
• Mobilisation of Civil Defence volunteers
  • Civil Defence volunteers under the Directorate General, Civil Defence (DGC), MHA will be mobilised.
  • These steps aim to enhance preparedness against potential aerial or ground attacks.
• Examples of Measures Already Taken
  • A 30-minute blackout drill was conducted in Ferozepur, Punjab on May 4, where residents switched off lights from 9:00–9:30 PM.
  • The Ferozepur Cantonment Board issued public advisories for participation.

Why in News?

Jharkhand has completed the data collection process to determine reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), complying with the Supreme Court-mandated “triple test” criteria.

This marks a significant step in implementing constitutionally valid OBC reservations in urban governance.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• What is the “Triple Test”?
• Progress in Jharkhand
• Survey Methodology and Scope
• OBC Population in Jharkhand
• Conclusion 

What is the “Triple Test”?

• About: The “triple test” is a legal framework laid down by the Supreme Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs State of Maharashtra (2021) to ensure that OBC reservations in local bodies are fair, evidence-based, and within constitutional limits.
• It comprises three steps:
  • Constitution of a dedicated commission: A body tasked with conducting a rigorous empirical inquiry into the backwardness of OBCs in local bodies.
  • Recommendation-based reservation: Determining quantum of reservation based on the commission’s findings to avoid arbitrary or excessive quotas.
  • Reservation ceiling: Ensuring that total reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs does not exceed 50% of the total seats in local bodies.

Progress in Jharkhand:

• Establishment of OBC Commission:
  • The Jharkhand OBC Commission was constituted in June 2023.
  • Commission members studied Madhya Pradesh’s implementation of the triple test as a model.
• Data collection timeline: Data collection completed (between December 2023 - March 2024) and submitted (recently, several districts missed their submission deadlines) to the Commission.
• Verification and analysis:
  • Data will be handed to empanelled institutions like IIM, Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) for socio-economic and educational analysis.
  • A final report will be submitted to the state government post-verification. Based on which, Jharkhand will determine OBC quotas in the 48 ULBs across the state.
• Administrative bottleneck: The Chairperson's post is vacant, and the report cannot be officially submitted without their approval.

Survey Methodology and Scope:

• A door-to-door survey identified OBC voters and their population share in urban areas only.
• Focused on:
  • Political representation in urban local bodies in Jharkhand over the last 25 years.
  • Caste-wise data of elected representatives (MPs, MLAs, Mayors, Panchayat members).
  • Historical data of winners from general seats in the last two ULB elections.
• Not a caste census: Unlike the all-India caste census, this is urban-specific and focused on ULB quota eligibility.

OBC Population in Jharkhand:

• OBCs constitute ~50% of the state’s population.
• Subdivided into:
  • BC-I (Backward Class I): More socially and educationally backward; includes 127 castes.
  • BC-II (Backward Class II): Relatively better-off; includes around 45 castes.
• Kudmi community (a subgroup of the Mahato caste) is the largest OBC group, accounting for 15% of the electorate.

Conclusion:

Successful implementation of the Triple Test in Jharkhand could set a precedent for other states to follow in ensuring constitutionally valid and data-driven OBC reservations in local governance.

This process not only strengthens grassroots democracy but also enhances the inclusivity and representational equity of India’s urban political landscape.

Why in the News?

• Recently, the Central Government announced that a caste enumeration will be included with the forthcoming census.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Caste Census (Introduction, Historical Context, OBCs, Challenges in Representation, Broader Social Implications, etc.)

Introduction

• Central Government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census marks a pivotal moment in the country’s socio-political evolution.
• The move is not just administrative, it is deeply political.
• As debates around representation, resource allocation, and social justice intensify, the caste census is being viewed as a corrective measure to decades of skewed data and policy imbalance.
• This new phase could reshape the contours of caste-based politics and governance in India.

Historical Context of Caste Enumeration

• Caste enumeration in India began under British colonial rule with the first formal Census in 1872.
• The 1901 Census under H.H. Risley converted the exercise into a political instrument by introducing caste classification, which later influenced the formation of caste organizations and discourse across the subcontinent.
• Post-independence, caste was excluded from enumeration, barring Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• The assumption was that caste consciousness would fade in a democratic, egalitarian framework.
• However, this exclusion overlooked the vast diversity and socio-economic inequities among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), especially the most deprived segments.

Defining the OBC Category and Challenges in Representation

• The first attempt to identify OBCs was made through the Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953), which listed around 2,300 communities.
• Yet, its recommendations were dismissed due to vague criteria and lack of political consensus.
• A more radical intervention came from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, who argued that "merit comes from opportunity," advocating for greater access for marginalised communities.
• The breakthrough came with the Mandal Commission Report (1980), which estimated that OBCs comprised 52% of India’s population and recommended 27% reservations in public jobs and educational institutions.
• While the report's partial implementation in 1990 changed India’s political landscape, it also exposed the limitations of relying on outdated 1931 data. Since then, the demand for a fresh caste census has gained momentum.

Broader Social Implications

• While OBCs have gained political representation over the decades, this has disproportionately benefited intermediary and dominant backward castes.
• Several smaller SC and OBC communities remain invisible in public policy and electoral equations due to lack of data, leadership, and targeted welfare.
• A caste-based census could democratize representation by bringing such groups into focus. It could also shed light on land ownership, education, and access to government schemes, revealing the economic underpinnings of caste inequalities.
• The enumeration would not only serve OBCs but also denotified tribes, nomadic communities, and underrepresented minorities.

Conclusion

The inclusion of caste enumeration in the national Census signals a paradigm shift in India’s social contract. By generating granular data on caste and correlating it with economic indicators, the state can better target welfare schemes and bridge persistent gaps in representation.

If implemented transparently and sensitively, the caste census can become a tool for inclusive development, rectifying decades of structural inequities and ensuring that no community is left behind in India’s democratic journey.

Context

• The rapid evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised numerous sectors, making once-difficult creative and analytical tasks incredibly simple and fast.
• Tools such as ChatGPT-4o can, for instance, generate detailed, Studio Ghibli-inspired portraits within seconds, opening up new horizons for creators and businesses alike.
• However, this technological ease and accessibility conceal a significant downside: the enormous energy required to power these AI systems.
• As AI adoption continues to surge, concerns about its environmental footprint become increasingly urgent, raising critical questions about how to reconcile technological progress with sustainable practices. 

The Hidden Energy Costs of AI

• Contrary to popular perception, AI services are far from energy-neutral.
• Each time a user interacts with a generative AI tool, whether crafting text, images, or performing complex analyses, it activates servers housed in data centres scattered across the globe.
• These data centres rely heavily on electricity, much of which is still generated by burning fossil fuels.
• This dependency on non-renewable energy sources makes AI’s environmental cost significant.
• Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted this issue in a candid remark: It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT, but our GPUs are melting.
• This statement underscores the immense computational demand behind seemingly simple user requests.
• According to projections, data centres could account for up to 10% of the world’s total electricity consumption by 2030, a staggering figure that illustrates the potential long-term strain on global energy resources.

Environmental Impact of AI Training and Operation

• AI's environmental footprint extends beyond its operational phase. The training of large AI models is particularly resource-intensive.
• For instance, training a single large-scale AI model, whether a conversational tool like ChatGPT or a visual generator like Midjourney, can emit as much carbon dioxide as five cars running continuously throughout their lifespans.
• These emissions arise from the vast computational processes involved in teaching AI to recognise patterns, understand language, and generate creative outputs.
• Even after deployment, AI systems continue to consume immense amounts of energy.
• Each user request triggers computations that draw power from data centres, and as user bases expand, so does the cumulative environmental impact.
• Without robust sustainability measures, the continued proliferation of AI tools threatens to exacerbate global carbon emissions and deepen reliance on fossil fuels.

The Need for Transparency

• One of the most effective initial steps toward mitigating AI’s environmental impact is greater transparency from companies operating in this sector.
• Just as existing laws mandate data privacy disclosures, similar regulations should require AI companies to publish detailed reports on their energy usage.
• These disclosures should address:
  • Total Energy Consumption: Detailed metrics on how much electricity their AI tools consume, both during model training and in day-to-day operations.
  • Sources of Energy: Information on whether their electricity is sourced from renewable, nuclear, or fossil fuel-based energy.
  • Sustainability Measures: Concrete steps being taken to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Such transparency will empower regulators, researchers, and the public to hold companies accountable and encourage innovation toward more energy-efficient AI models.

Small Modular Reactors: A Promising Solution

• What are SMRs?
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a new generation of nuclear reactors designed to be compact, flexible, and scalable.
  • Unlike traditional nuclear plants, which are large, expensive, and require extensive infrastructure, SMRs are built in modular units that can be assembled off-site and transported to their final location.
  • This flexibility allows SMRs to be deployed close to high-demand facilities, such as data centres, significantly reducing transmission losses and ensuring reliable energy supply.
• Advantages of SMRs
  • Continuous, Zero-Carbon Energy: Unlike renewable sources such as wind and solar, which are subject to weather variability, SMRs provide a constant and reliable power supply, ensuring 24/7 availability of clean energy.
  • Faster and Cost-Effective Deployment: Their modular design allows for faster construction and lower upfront costs compared to conventional nuclear power plants, enabling quicker response to growing energy demands.
  • Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs are equipped with passive safety systems that rely on natural processes (like convection and gravity) to cool the reactor core in emergencies, minimising the risk of accidents and making them safer than traditional nuclear reactors.
  • Adaptability: SMRs can be deployed in a variety of settings, from urban centres to remote locations, facilitating decentralised energy production. This decentralisation enhances grid resilience and reduces the risk of widespread outages.

Challenges of SMR Deployment

• Regulatory and Policy Barriers
  • Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures safety, effective waste management, and public trust is critical.
  • Policymakers will need to navigate complex technical and social issues to secure widespread acceptance.
• High Initial Investment
  • Although SMRs promise lower long-term costs, the initial investment remains significant.
  • This financial barrier could delay widespread adoption, especially in developing countries.
• Integration with Renewable Energy
  • It is essential to coordinate SMR deployment with existing renewable energy initiatives.
  • Careful planning is required to avoid redundancy and ensure that SMRs complement, rather than compete with, solar, wind, and other green energy sources.
• In India’s context, while these challenges are real, there are promising signs.
• Estimates suggest that once operational, the cost of electricity from SMRs could fall from ₹10.3 to ₹5 per kWh, making it competitive with or even cheaper than current average electricity costs.

The Way Forward

• The future of AI is undeniably bright, but its sustainability hinges on addressing its environmental impact.
• To ensure that AI continues to thrive without depleting planetary resources, a multifaceted strategy is required.
• Public-private partnerships offer a promising pathway, allowing governments and industry leaders to collaborate on the development of SMRs and other sustainable energy sources.

Conclusion

• Transparent energy reporting, robust regulations, and innovative energy solutions like SMRs can together forge a future where technological progress and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
• By acting decisively today, we can ensure that AI remains a tool for empowerment, without becoming a burden on our planet.

Context

• On April 24, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, declaring it would hold the agreement in abeyance until Pakistan ceased its support for cross-border terrorism.
• This decision, following the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, marked a significant departure from India’s traditionally cautious approach to the IWT, a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations.
• While the term abeyance suggests a temporary suspension with the option of reinstatement, it raises critical legal, diplomatic, and strategic questions, shedding light on India’s evolving tactics in addressing its complex relationship with Pakistan.

The Legal Context and Meaning of ‘Abeyance’

• The Legal Context
  • The term abeyance, as invoked by India, finds no grounding in the formal language of international law.
  • The IWT itself, as well as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) of 1969, does not recognise such a concept.
  • Notably, India is not a party to the VCLT, while Pakistan, though a signatory, has not ratified it.
  • International law, including the principles enshrined in the IWT, emphasises cooperation over unilateral action.
  • Articles XII(3) and (4) of the IWT stipulate that any modification or termination of the treaty requires mutual consent, a scenario that appears unlikely given the current diplomatic stalemate.
  • Moreover, while the VCLT allows for suspension or termination of treaties under specific exceptional circumstances, such as a material breach (Article 60), impossibility of performance (Article 61), or a fundamental change in circumstances (Article 62), India has not formally invoked these provisions.
• Meaning of ‘Abeyance’
  • Its use of abeyance, therefore, appears more symbolic than legally enforceable, effectively serving as a political statement rather than a legitimate suspension of treaty obligations.
  • In practical terms, India’s decision may enable it to halt cooperation on critical operational aspects of the treaty.
  • This includes withholding data on water resource projects and flood forecasting, actions that could temporarily jeopardize Pakistan’s water security.
  • Additionally, India might proceed with certain infrastructural activities, such as flushing silt from its reservoirs, without notifying Pakistan as required under the IWT, further straining bilateral trust.

Strategic Calculations and the ‘Two-Level Game’

• India’s choice of ‘abeyance’ reflects a strategic balancing act. Domestically, the decision likely aimed to demonstrate a swift and robust response to terrorism, providing solace to a grieving nation.
• Internationally, it signals India’s mounting frustration with Pakistan’s intransigence.
• This move also appears designed to free India, at least temporarily, from the procedural constraints that Pakistan has frequently used to delay critical water infrastructure projects, such as the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower initiatives.
• The strategy, however, is fraught with risks. Pakistan, heavily reliant on Indus waters, has already characterised India’s actions as an existential threat, potentially inflaming tensions in an already volatile relationship.
• The current political instability in Pakistan, exacerbated by internal dissent, economic challenges, and efforts to internationalise the Kashmir dispute, further complicates India’s calculations.
• Whether India’s abeyance will exert meaningful pressure on Pakistan remains an open question.

Potential Ramifications for India

• Legal and Diplomatic Challenges
  • Domestically, India’s move has resonated powerfully, aligning with public sentiment and garnering widespread political support.
  • Yet, beneath this immediate approval lie deeper concerns.
  • On the international stage, unilaterally undermining the IWT risks exposing India to legal challenges before the Permanent Court of Arbitration or the International Court of Justice.
  • Such a development could tarnish India’s reputation as a responsible global actor committed to international norms.
• Environmental Concerns
  • Equally critical are the environmental and social risks.
  • Fast-tracking water infrastructure projects to consolidate India’s water rights, while politically expedient, may sideline essential environmental reviews and public consultation processes.
  • The Indus basin, rich in biodiversity and seismically sensitive, could face significant ecological damage, undermining long-term sustainability and the very national security the strategy seeks to bolster. 

The Path Forward: Balancing Security and Responsibility

• As India navigates this delicate terrain, it must weigh immediate security imperatives against broader geopolitical and environmental considerations.
• While strong rhetoric and decisive action may satisfy domestic demands, lasting solutions to cross-border terrorism require a nuanced approach.
• India’s future strategy should prioritise reinforcing its standing as a responsible democracy that champions both environmental stewardship and international law.
• In this context, the IWT abeyance serves as a double-edged sword: it offers short-term tactical gains but carries long-term strategic risks.
• To maintain credibility and avoid unintended consequences, India must carefully craft its narrative, ensuring that any operational steps remain within the bounds of legal defensibility and environmental prudence.
• Simultaneously, diplomatic channels must remain open to manage tensions and prevent the situation from spiralling into open conflict.

Conclusion

• India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance marks a pivotal moment in its bilateral relationship with Pakistan.
• While it demonstrates a tougher stance against terrorism and asserts India’s strategic interests, it also exposes complex legal, environmental, and geopolitical challenges.
• The true test lies ahead: can India leverage this strategy effectively without compromising its commitment to international norms and ecological sustainability?
• The answer will shape not only India’s regional influence but also its global reputation in the years to come.

Why in News?

ICAR has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties featuring higher yields, drought and salinity tolerance, and improved nitrogen-use efficiency, making them climate-resilient and water-conserving.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Genome Editing in Plants and GM Crops
• ICAR Develops Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
• Practical Benefits of ICAR’s New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
• Significance of the Breakthrough in Genome-Edited Paddy
• India’s Push for Genome Editing in Agriculture

Genome Editing (GE) in Plants and GM Crops

• Genome editing in plants refers to making precise, targeted changes to a plant's DNA without introducing foreign genetic material.
  • It uses technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 to edit specific DNA sequences within a plant's existing genome. 
  • This can involve deleting, inserting, or modifying DNA at precise locations.
• On the other hand, GM crops involve inserting genes from other organisms into the plant's genome.
• In essence, genome editing modifies existing DNA, while GM crops introduce new DNA.
• India has exempted GE crops from biosafety regulations under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
  • These regulations govern both field trials and release for commercial cultivation in the case of GM crops. 

ICAR Develops Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• ICAR has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1—to enhance yield, drought and salinity tolerance, and nitrogen-use efficiency, without using any foreign DNA.
• DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)
  • Developed by: ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad
  • Parent Variety: Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204)
  • Gene Targeted: Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2 or Gn1a)
  • Technology Used: Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) genome editing
    • SDN1 uses DNA-cutting enzymes (nucleases) to create a targeted break in the DNA at a specific location. 
  • Key Traits:
    • Early maturity (~130 days; 20 days earlier than parent)
    • Drought tolerance
    • High nitrogen-use efficiency
  • Superior yield:
    • 5.37 tonnes/ha (vs. 4.5 t/ha for parent) – 19% increase
    • Up to 9 t/ha under optimal conditions
    • Retains the grain and cooking quality of Samba Mahsuri
  • Recommended Zones: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal (Zone III).
• Pusa DST Rice 1
  • Developed by: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi
  • Parent Variety: MTU1010
  • Gene Targeted: Drought and Salt Tolerance (DST) gene
  • Technology Used: SDN1 genome editing
  • Key Traits:
    • Drought and salinity tolerance
    • Enhanced yield under stress conditions:
      • Inland salinity: 3,508 kg/ha (9.66% higher than MTU1010)
      • Alkaline soils: 3,731 kg/ha (14.66% higher)
      • Coastal salinity: 2,493 kg/ha (30.4% higher)
    • Contains no foreign DNA, comparable to conventional varieties
  • Recommended Zones: Same as Kamala – major rice-growing states across India

Practical Benefits of ICAR’s New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• Higher Yields, Lower Emissions
  • Cultivating DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 over 5 million hectares can:
    • Increase paddy production by 4.5 million tonnes
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32,000 tonnes (approx. 20%)
• Significant Water Savings
  • Kamala's shorter maturity period allows for:
    • Three fewer irrigations
    • Savings of 7,500 million cubic metres of irrigation water, which can benefit other crops
• Use of Safe and Award-Winning Technology
• Developed using CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology, awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• No foreign DNA used; only native gene edits to enhance traits
• Follows Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 methods — considered equivalent to natural mutations
• Exempt from Stringent GMO Regulations
  • Under India's Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, SDN1 and SDN2 crops are:
    • Exempt from strict GMO rules (Rules 7–11)
    • Classified as genome-edited, not genetically modified
• Regulatory Clearances Granted
• Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) of ICAR approved the lines
• Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) cleared them in May 2023
• Declared safe under India’s simplified regulatory framework for genome-edited crops
• IPR Concerns Being Addressed
  • Some concerns exist about the Intellectual Property Rights of the genome-editing technology, but ICAR has assured they are being looked into and will be resolved in due course

Significance of the Breakthrough in Genome-Edited Paddy

• Paddy: India’s Most Critical Foodgrain Crop
  • Paddy is the main kharif crop and occupies one-third of India’s foodgrain cultivation area.
  • It contributes about 40% to the total foodgrain basket, making it essential for national food security.
  • Major paddy-growing states include: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Assam.
• India’s Paddy Production Paradox
  • India had the largest area under paddy cultivation (45 million ha) globally in 2020.
  • But in production, India ranked second (186.5 million tonnes) after China (211 million tonnes).
  • The gap is due to lower yield in India:
    • India: 4,138 kg/ha
    • World average: 4,717 kg/ha
    • China: 7,043 kg/ha
    • Indonesia: 5,128 kg/ha
    • Bangladesh: 4,809 kg/ha

India’s Push for Genome Editing in Agriculture

• Beyond Rice: Genome Editing in Other Crops
  • Genome-editing research is underway for oilseeds and pulses.
  • The University of Delhi has already developed a genome-edited mustard variety.
• Government Support and Funding
  • The Indian government has allocated ₹500 crore for genome-editing research in agricultural crops to boost yield and climate resilience.

Context:

Agriculture provides food, feed, fibre, and fuel. For example, cotton yields lint (fibre), edible oil from seeds (food), and protein-rich cake (feed).

However, the growing use of crops like maize for fuel is raising concerns among traditional user industries, as it affects the availability and cost of maize for food and feed purposes.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Imbalance from Ethanol: Impact on Maize Supply and Prices
• Collateral Impact: Ethanol Push Hits Soyabean Market
• Can Imports Restore Balance in Maize Supply

Imbalance from Ethanol: Impact on Maize Supply and Prices

• Until 2021–22, India produced 32–33 million tonnes (mt) of maize, against a domestic demand of 28 mt.
• Surplus allowed for 3.7 mt in exports.
• Major demand segments:
  • Poultry feed: 15 mt
  • Cattle feed: 5 mt
  • Industrial starch: 5 mt
  • Human consumption: 2 mt
  • Seed/other uses: 1 mt
• Rising Ethanol Demand
  • Maize, rich in starch (68–72%), is now used to produce ethanol for fuel blending.
  • 1 tonne of maize = ~380 litres of ethanol.
  • Ethanol production from maize:
    • 2022–23: 0.8 mt maize → 31.51 crore litres
    • 2023–24: 7.5 mt maize → 286.54 crore litres
    • 2024–25 (contracted): Projected 12.7 mt maize → 484.35 crore litres
• Disruption in Supply Chain
• Biofuel demand has disrupted the earlier demand-supply equilibrium.
• Livestock feed industry, particularly poultry and cattle feed sectors, is hit hard.
• Surge in Prices
  • Maize prices have risen from Rs 14,000–15,000 to Rs 24,000–25,000 per tonne over four years.
  • Main reason: diversion of maize towards ethanol under the blending programme.

Collateral Impact: Ethanol Push Hits Soyabean Market

• After ethanol extraction, the leftover mash is dried to form Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS).
  • DDGS is a by-product of ethanol production, specifically from the fermentation and distillation of starch-rich grains like corn. 
• DDGS is protein-rich:
  • Maize-based DDGS: 28–30% protein
  • Rice-based DDGS: Up to 45% protein
• DDGS vs Traditional Protein Sources
  • Conventional protein feed ingredients include de-oiled cakes (DOC) of soyabean, mustard, cottonseed, groundnut, and rice bran.
    • DOC refers to the residue left after oil has been extracted from seeds or grains, typically through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. 
    • It's a byproduct of the oil extraction process and is used as a source of protein and nutrients in animal feed and as an organic fertilizer. 
  • These are more expensive than DDGS:
    • Soyabean DOC: ₹31,000–32,000/tonne
    • Maize DDGS: ₹16,000–17,000/tonne
    • Rice DDGS: ₹18,000–19,000/tonne
• Pressure on Soyabean Prices
• Increased DDGS supply offers a cheaper substitute to soyabean DOC (de-oiled cake).
  • DOC refers to the residue left after oil has been extracted from seeds or grains, typically through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction.
• Livestock feed manufacturers are blending DDGS with soyabean DOC to cut costs.
• Result: Soyabean DOC prices down by ~30% in two years.
• Soyabean grain prices have dropped to ₹4,300/quintal, below the MSP of ₹4,892.
• Winners and Losers
  • Maize farmers benefit from rising prices due to ethanol demand (close to or above MSP of ₹2,225/quintal).
  • Soyabean farmers, however, suffer price declines due to falling demand for soy DOC.

Can Imports Restore Balance in Maize Supply

• High Maize Dependency in Livestock Feed
  • Maize share in feed:
    • Broiler chicken: 55–65%
    • Egg-layer poultry: 50–60%
    • Cattle feed: 15–20%
  • Feed industry is under pressure due to rising maize prices and seeks import liberalisation.
• Current Import Policy Constraints
  • India allows 0.5 million tonnes (mt) of maize imports annually at 15% duty; anything above that attracts 50% duty.
  • Genetically Modified (GM) maize imports are prohibited for food and feed use.
  • In April–January 2024–25, India imported 0.94 mt:
    • 0.51 mt from Myanmar
    • 0.39 mt from Ukraine
    • Both non-GM sources
• Industry's Proposal: GM Maize for Fuel Use Only
• Industry experts propose importing GM maize solely for ethanol production, not for seed, food, or feed.
• This would address the surge in demand from biofuel production without affecting food/feed safety norms.
• Global Trade Implications
  • Opening GM maize imports would benefit top exporters:
    • US, Brazil, and Argentina (major GM maize growers)
  • The US is actively seeking new buyers after China scaled down imports.
• Balancing Act: A Domestic Production Push
  • Experts suggest increasing domestic maize production by:
    • Boosting yields
    • Diverting acreage from rice, which is water-intensive and already in surplus
  • A “win-win” strategy would ensure maize expansion does not hurt soyabean or cotton farmers.

Why in the News?

Recently, PM Modi commissioned the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Vizhinjam International Port (Historical Background, Initial Development, Early Milestones, Future Phases, Challenges, etc.)

Introduction

• The inauguration of Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a historic moment in India’s maritime landscape.
• Located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water, semi-automated container transhipment port.
• It is strategically positioned just 10 nautical miles from global shipping routes, making it a crucial asset for international trade.
• With the first phase of development complete, the port is set to reshape India’s standing in global maritime logistics and provide an economic thrust to the southern region.

Historical and Strategic Significance

• Vizhinjam’s maritime relevance dates back to ancient times, known during the Chola period as Rajendra Chola Pattinam.
• Over the years, it lost prominence due to colonial preferences for ports like Madras and Cochin.
• However, renewed interest began in the 1940s when Travancore commissioned a study on its potential. After nearly eight decades, Vizhinjam is now reborn as a modern transhipment hub.
• Among all Indian ports, Vizhinjam is geographically closest to key international maritime lanes.
• This proximity provides India an opportunity to reduce dependency on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang, which currently handle nearly 75% of India’s transhipped cargo.

First Phase Development and Features

• The port was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at a cost of ₹8,867 crore.
• Contributions included ₹5,595 crore from the Kerala Government, ₹2,454 crore from Adani Ports (the concessionaire), and ₹817.8 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Union Government.
• Key features include:
  • Natural draft of 20 metres, allowing docking of Ultra Large Container Vessels.
  • Semi-automation, with women crane operators trained at the Community Skill Park.
  • India’s first greenfield deep-sea port, operational since July 2024 with full-scale commercial activity from December.
• Within months, the port exceeded its projected target of handling 1 lakh TEUs annually by processing 6 lakh TEUs and hosting 280 vessels. In March 2025 alone, it handled 1.08 lakh TEUs.

Early Milestones and Global Interest

• Global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has included Vizhinjam in its Jade and Dragon shipping services. Notable events include:
  • Docking of MSC Claude Girardet, South Asia’s largest container ship (24,116 TEUs).
  • Handling of 10,330 containers from MSC Anna in a single visit, a record for any Indian port.
  • MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, is expected to dock in May 2025.

Fast-Tracking Future Phases

• The Kerala Government, in partnership with Adani Ports, aims to complete remaining construction phases by 2028, significantly earlier than the initial 2045 target. These phases involve:
  • Increasing capacity from 1 million TEUs to 4.87 million TEUs.
  • Extending container berth length from 1,200 to 2,000 metres.
  • Investment of ₹20,000 crore.
  • Environmental clearance for phases two and three was granted in March 2025.
• The port has been featured at global forums including WEF 2025 and the Invest Kerala Global Summit.

Infrastructure and Operational Challenges

• Despite strong progress, several infrastructural gaps remain:
  • No Integrated Check Post (ICP), which is vital for import-export operations and crew change facilities. The application is pending with the Union Home Ministry.
  • Delays during high ship traffic (40 ships in February) due to inadequate support systems.
  • Customs office was only recently opened, and a permanent Port Health Office is still awaited.

Associated Industrial and Economic Initiatives

• To promote local economic integration, the Kerala Government is pushing forward:
  • A Vizhinjam Development Zone, envisaging an industrial corridor.
  • State-specific business centres near the port.
  • A proposal to station a dedicated IAS officer for the Vizhinjam Economic Growth Corridor.
  • Allied businesses including shipbuilding, logistics, warehousing, and clean bunkering (hydrogen, ammonia).
  • The energy agency ANERT is exploring green hydrogen and wave energy projects.

Vision of a Port-Led Economic Hub

• Echoing global models like China’s Shenzhen SEZ, there is a proposal to designate Vizhinjam as a Special Investment Region (SIR). The Kerala Government is expected to introduce an SIR Bill, focused on:
  • Creating a special economic zone (SEZ).
  • Ensuring compensation and rehabilitation for landowners.
  • Studying best global practices in port-led economies.
• Concerns remain about the financial burden of Union Government’s VGF repayment, potentially ballooning from ₹817.8 crore to ₹10,000 crore.
• There are also calls to halt nearby rival transhipment projects, like the one proposed in Colachel, to ensure Vizhinjam’s economic sustainability.

Conclusion

Vizhinjam International Seaport stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. As India’s first deep-sea transhipment port with world-class capabilities, its success will depend on coordinated efforts among the State, Centre, businesses, and global shipping firms.

If fully realised, Vizhinjam could serve as a transformative maritime hub for South Asia, propelling Kerala and India into a new era of trade leadership.

Context:

• The 16th Finance Commission (FC) faces growing demands from Indian states to increase their share in the divisible tax pool - with some suggesting a rise from the current 41% to as high as 50%.
• This has reignited a crucial debate on fiscal federalism, central transfers, and the nature of India’s intergovernmental fiscal architecture.

Background - Decline in States’ Effective Share:

• History of devolution trends:
  • 14th Finance Commission (2015–20): Increased states’ share in divisible pool to 42%.
  • 15th Finance Commission (2020–25): Maintained it at 41% (due to reorganization of J&K as a Union Territory).
• Shrinking divisible pool:
  • Despite higher nominal devolution, Centre imposed more cesses and surcharges, which are non-shareable with states.
  • As per RBI data:
    • Shareable tax pool reduced from 88.6% (2011–12) to 78.9% (2021–22) of gross tax revenue.
    • States have effectively received only 32% of total gross tax revenues over six years.

Key Issues for the 16th Finance Commission:

• Fiscal constraints of the Union government:
  • Increased devolution reduces the Centre’s fiscal capacity.
  • Centre already borrows to transfer to states.
  • Challenge to create fiscal space for Union List priorities amid politically-driven centrally sponsored schemes (CSS).
• Tied vs untied transfers: Refer to the conditions placed on how the funds are used.
  • States already spend around 60% of general government expenditure.
  • Thus, the states’ demand for greater fiscal autonomy could be met by increasing the share of untied transfers.
  • This would require the need to rationalize CSS to allow more untied funds. However, rationalizing CSS is complex due to political and developmental compulsions.
  • Also, untied transfers may lead to increased revenue expenditure on populist schemes like cash transfers and subsidies, rather than on productive capital investments.

Concerns Over States' Spending Quality:

• Rising revenue deficits:
  • States increasingly borrow for revenue expenditure (e.g. salaries, subsidies).
  • Examples: Karnataka slipping into revenue deficit; Punjab's high revenue deficit hampers capital expenditure.
• Risk of populist spending:
  • 14 states have launched cash transfer schemes (adding up to 0.6% of the GDP).
  • As India is moving towards some form of quasi-universal income transfer (driven by electoral politics), these cash transfers are being financed through a combination of expenditure switching and higher borrowings.

Equity and Efficiency in Public Service Delivery:

• Inter-State disparities:
  • Spending by low-income states (e.g. Bihar) is much lower than richer states.
  • Concern: Will increasing untied funds narrow or widen inequality in service delivery?
• Devolution to local governments (3rd tier):
  • Indian third-tier governments (Panchayats, Municipalities) get much less compared to peers in China, South Africa.
  • States are often reluctant to devolve functions and finances.
  • Question: Will higher state share incentivize more devolution to local bodies?

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• The 16th Finance Commission must strike a balance between:
  • Enhancing states’ fiscal autonomy.
  • Ensuring fiscal sustainability of the Centre.
  • Promoting efficient and equitable spending.
  • Encouraging genuine federalism through local empowerment.
• A holistic approach is required, considering constitutional, economic, and political dynamics that shape India’s fiscal federalism.

Context

• India’s relationship with foreign aid has historically been one of ambivalence, oscillating between receptivity and resistance and this duality has shaped both policy and public discourse over the decades.
• The recent targeting of USAID under U.S. President Donald Trump symbolises a broader global retreat from official aid, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, rising anti-immigration sentiment, and economic pressures in donor countries.
• For India, however, the retreat from aid is neither abrupt nor unexpected; the signs have long been apparent.

The Evolution of India’s Aid Narrative

• In the immediate aftermath of Independence, India actively sought international aid to bridge the developmental gap with industrialized nations.
• The state was the primary conduit of this aid, reflecting a then-prevailing belief that governments were best positioned to drive transformative change.
• The period between 1955 and 1965 marked the zenith of aid inflows, primarily from Western nations.
• While some of this aid also reached private organisations, the emphasis remained on government-led development.
• However, starting in the 1970s, official development assistance (ODA) began its steady decline.
• By the 1990s, thanks to India’s burgeoning economy and robust growth narrative, ODA had dwindled to a negligible proportion of national income and public investment.
• This shift reflected both India’s growing economic self-sufficiency and evolving international perceptions that no longer viewed India as a country in desperate need of external support.

From Aid to Investment: A Strategic Pivot

• In contemporary India, the focus has shifted decisively from aid to investment.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade cooperation, climate action partnerships, and technological collaboration now occupy centre stage in India’s engagement with the world.
• Thus, while the reduction in official aid may not stir major concern, the decline in private aid, particularly to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), raises more profound challenges.
• NGOs have long filled critical gaps left by government programs, addressing grassroots needs and holding authorities accountable.
• The withdrawal of private aid threatens these organisations' ability to function effectively, potentially leading to job losses in both donor and recipient countries, wastage of resources like food and medicine, and a reduction in global partnerships in sectors such as health and the environment.

NGOs: Between Public Support and Foreign Aid

• Historically, Indian NGOs were sustained by public donations, especially in the pre-Independence era and the initial years post-Independence.
• However, since the 1960s, two key funding streams have emerged: government grants and foreign aid.
• It was only after the 2013 mandate for corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions that corporate funding gained notable traction.
• Despite steady growth in foreign aid to NGOs over the decades, recent years have seen a marked decline.
• For example, between 2017-18 and 2021-22, NGOs received substantial funds under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA), but reports indicate a significant downturn in foreign contributions since then.

Regulatory Constraints, Their Impacts and The Value and Risks of Foreign Aid

• Regulatory Constraints and Their Impacts
  • The crux of the decline lies less in donor reluctance and more in the Indian government's increasingly cautious, and sometimes hostile, attitude toward foreign-funded NGOs.
  • The 1976 passage of the FCRA, in response to perceived foreign hand influences during the politically charged Emergency era, imposed stringent regulations on foreign funding.
  • Over the decades, successive amendments, in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2023, and 2024, have progressively tightened the noose, leading to the cancellation of many NGO registrations.
  • Moreover, prominent foreign donors such as the Soros Foundation have faced active discouragement.
  • These regulatory measures, while ostensibly aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, risk undermining the constructive role played by NGOs in India’s development landscape.
• The Value and Risks of Foreign Aid
  • Foreign aid, despite occasional misalignments with local realities, has provided NGOs with flexible, generous funding.
  • It has facilitated capacity building, exposure to global best practices, and the freedom to adapt to shifting ground realities.
  • Crucially, foreign-funded NGOs have acted as watchdogs, voicing concerns over governmental and corporate excesses and advocating for marginalized populations.
  • The complete cessation of foreign aid would have far-reaching consequences: unemployment in the voluntary sector, stalled or abandoned projects, and a deceleration of social development initiatives.
  • More fundamentally, it would erode the system of checks and balances that NGOs provide, potentially enabling unchecked governmental overreach.

Conclusion

• While the goal of self-reliance is laudable and aligned with nationalistic aspirations, it must be pursued with caution.
• Undermining NGOs through overzealous regulation and shrinking foreign aid streams risks harming India’s broader developmental and democratic objectives.
• Striking a balance between sovereignty and global collaboration is crucial to ensure sustained social progress.

Context

• The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing profound transformations, and nowhere is this shift more surprising than in the Arctic.
• Once a domain celebrated for its scientific cooperation and environmental stewardship, the Arctic is rapidly morphing into a contested geopolitical and military arena.
• As conflict zones proliferate worldwide, the polar north has emerged as a new frontier of competition, where great powers jostle for influence, resources, and strategic advantage.

The Arctic’s Rising Strategic Importance and The Steady March of Militarisation

• The Arctic’s Rising Strategic Importance
  • The renewed strategic focus on the Arctic is not merely the result of escalating geopolitical ambitions.
  • Crucially, climate change has played an enabling role by reshaping the physical and economic contours of the region.
  • The Northern Sea Route (NSR), once navigable only during brief summer months, is now increasingly accessible year-round.
  • This development has heightened global interest, with the NSR promising to redraw major trade routes and unlock untapped resource wealth.
  • Consequently, traffic along these corridors has surged, accentuating the Arctic’s transition from a scientific preserve to a geopolitical hotspot.
• The Steady March of Militarisation
  • Parallel to these commercial opportunities is a more troubling trend: the militarisation of the high north.
  • Arctic states are not only reviving dormant military installations but also enhancing their operational capabilities through submarine deployments and conspicuous shows of force.
  • Although this militarisation is not entirely new, its intensification marks a significant shift in the stakes for control and influence.
  • A symbolic turning point came in 2019 when U.S. President Donald Trump proposed purchasing Greenland, a move widely dismissed as absurd but, in reality, underscoring the Arctic’s growing centrality in global power politics.

India’s Paradoxical Posture and Strategic Stakes for India

• India’s Paradoxical Posture
  • For non-Arctic nations such as India, these shifts hold significant implications. Yet, India’s response has been paradoxically subdued.
  • The country's 2022 Arctic Policy is commendable for its clarity and focus on climate science, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
  • It draws strength from India’s experience with the Himalayan Third Pole, recognizing the interconnectedness between polar changes and South Asia’s water security.
  • However, the policy’s emphasis remains firmly on scientific and environmental dimensions, underplaying the Arctic’s fast-evolving strategic realities.
  • India’s current posture appears increasingly out of step with the region’s new dynamics.
  • While the Arctic Council and India’s research activities in Svalbard testify to a sustained presence, these initiatives are rooted in a bygone era of cooperative diplomacy.
  • As the Arctic order frays under the weight of geopolitical rivalry, India’s reliance on scientific diplomacy risks marginalisation.
• Strategic Stakes for India
  • The Arctic’s geopolitical recalibration is not a distant concern for India; its ramifications are tangible and far-reaching.
  • As the NSR gains prominence, India’s traditional dominance over Indian Ocean trade routes may come under pressure, challenging its vision of becoming a linchpin of Indo-Pacific connectivity.
  • The deepening collaboration between Russia and China in the Arctic, coupled with China’s growing maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, blurs the line between the Arctic and Indo-Pacific theatres, compelling India to reassess its regional strategies.
  • Moreover, India faces a delicate diplomatic balancing act.
  • Its historical ties with Russia are increasingly scrutinised by Nordic states, particularly in the wake of Russia’s assertive posture in Ukraine.
  • New Delhi has yet to convincingly articulate how its principle of strategic autonomy can align with the evolving interests of its Arctic partners.

The Way Forward: Toward a More Purposeful Arctic Engagement

• India’s future in the Arctic demands a strategic recalibration, one that preserves its environmental ethos while embedding a sharper geopolitical focus.
• A multi-pronged strategy is imperative. First, institutionalising Arctic engagement through dedicated desks in the Foreign and Defence Ministries, supported by regular inter-agency coordination and think tank collaboration, would establish a robust policy framework.
• Second, India should actively seek partnerships with like-minded Arctic states in dual-use areas such as polar logistics, maritime domain awareness, and satellite monitoring, enhancing its credibility while avoiding overt militarisation.
• Third, as new governance forums arise, India must secure its place in shaping rules and standards concerning infrastructure, shipping, and the blue economy, always engaging local communities with respect and restraint.

Conclusion

• India’s Arctic strategy, while thoughtful in its scientific and environmental emphasis, is no longer sufficient in the face of mounting geopolitical rivalries.
• The Arctic is no longer merely a zone of principle-driven cooperation; it is increasingly defined by power politics.
• If India fails to adapt its approach, it risks being sidelined in the emerging Arctic order.
• A more integrated and strategic engagement, balancing climate consciousness with pragmatic geopolitics, will be vital for safeguarding India’s long-term interests in this rapidly transforming region.

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has decided that the next Census will include questions on caste to its enumeration of India’s population, for the first time in almost a century.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Caste-based Data in Census (Background, Objectives, Significance, Impact, Challenges, etc.)

Introduction

• In a landmark shift, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste-based data in India’s next Census.
• This marks the first time in nearly a century that caste information, beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), will be collected in a national enumeration exercise.
• The decision comes at a politically sensitive time, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections and following growing demands from opposition parties for updated caste-based demographic data to inform welfare and reservation policies.

Historical Background of Caste-Based Enumeration

• Caste data was first collected in India in the 1881 Census under British rule and continued until the 1931 Census, which remains the last official dataset providing a detailed caste breakdown.
• The 1941 Census did collect caste data, but the findings were never published due to the Second World War.
• Post-Independence, India officially discontinued this practice, choosing only to count SC and ST populations for administrative purposes.
• However, the 1931 data later formed the basis for the Mandal Commission recommendations, which proposed a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) based on the finding that OBCs comprised 52% of the population.
• In 2011, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted but failed to deliver a reliable caste breakdown, partly due to its open-ended format which recorded over 46 lakh caste entries, making the data unusable for policy purposes.

Objectives of the Caste Census

• The key goals behind including caste in the upcoming Census are:
  • Informed Policy-Making: Updated caste data will help refine the allocation of welfare benefits and development programs based on actual demographics.
  • Reservation Reassessment: Current reservation percentages are based on outdated or projected data. The caste census will enable a fresh evaluation of the need and extent of quotas for various communities.
  • Social Justice: It is expected to support more inclusive governance by bringing visibility to marginalized and underrepresented communities within the OBC, SC, and ST categories.
  • Evidence-Based Governance: Reliable caste data will aid academic research and enable evidence-backed political and economic interventions.

Political Significance and Reversal of Stance

• After the Bihar government conducted its own caste survey in 2023, followed by similar exercises in Telangana and Karnataka, the national discourse began to shift.
• These state-level surveys revealed that backward classes make up over 60% of the population in many regions, fuelling demands for increased representation.
• In this context, the Centre’s announcement appears aimed at regaining political ground, particularly as opposition parties campaign on themes of social justice and demand enhanced reservation caps.

Potential Impacts on Reservation Policies

• One of the most significant implications of the caste census is its potential to alter existing affirmative action policies.
• The current cap on reservations is set at 50% by the Supreme Court. However, data from recent state surveys suggest that OBCs and other backward groups may warrant a higher quota, pushing political parties to demand an increase.
• In Karnataka, for example, the caste census revealed an OBC population of nearly 70%, prompting calls to raise their reservation from 32% to 51%. Similar demands are likely to emerge across other states, challenging the legal limit on quotas.

Implementation Challenges

• The decision to include caste in the Census presents several operational and political challenges:
  • Caste Classification: Preparing a national-level caste code directory is a complex task, given the regional, linguistic, and sub-group variations in caste identities.
  • Overlap and Disputes: Different states maintain their own OBC lists, leading to discrepancies. There is also contention over classifications of certain castes as SC, ST, or OBC.
  • Political Sensitivities: Any inclusion or exclusion in caste lists is likely to spark political controversy, especially in election-bound states.
  • Delayed Timeline: Although the announcement has been made, the actual Census has not been scheduled. The 2021 Census was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no new date has been announced.

Way Ahead

The inclusion of caste enumeration in the national Census marks a major step toward data-driven governance and equitable policymaking.  While it is likely to provide much-needed clarity on the actual demographic composition of India’s various caste groups, the process will require careful planning to ensure accuracy and avoid further social fragmentation.

Given the political sensitivities and legal implications, the implementation of caste-based policies based on this data may take time. However, this decision represents a turning point in India's journey toward a more inclusive governance framework.

Why in News?

A detailed report titled ‘Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations’ was released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, CII, and the Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research.

It aimed to assess the innovation outcomes and national contributions of public-funded R&D institutions in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Scope of the Study
• Objective of the Study
• Methodology of the Study
• Key Findings of the Study
• Recommendations of the Report
• Conclusion

Scope of the Study:

• Institutions covered: 244 public-funded R&D organisations affiliated to various ministries.
• Excluded: Scientific institutions such as those belonging to -
  • Defence research and development, space research, and atomic energy research - these make up the dominant share of India’s overall R&D spend.
  • Academic institutions and universities.
• Rationale for exclusions:
  • Sensitive nature of work in defence, atomic, and space domains.
  • Academic institutions not included due to differing mandates.

Objective of the Study:

• Core purpose: To examine whether public-funded labs are:
  • Engaged in academic (curiosity-driven) science,
  • Or aligned with industry-driven innovations and product development.
• Broader goals:
  • Contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Align with National Missions (e.g., Deep Ocean Mission, National Quantum Mission).
  • Support women scientists, skilling, and employment
  • Guide labs to address socio-economic challenges.

Methodology of the Study:

• Survey format:
  • Online questionnaire with 62 parameters.
  • Labs/institutes self-select themselves as ‘Basic, Applied or Services’ or as ‘hybrid’ (if their research falls into more than one of the first three categories).
  • All the data submitted by the labs/institutes was signed off by each lab director to ensure authenticity.
• Key parameters measured:
  • Annual R&D expenditure.
  • Share of young scientists.
  • Number of patents and technologies developed.
  • Participation of women scientists.
  • Contributions to national missions.
  • Collaboration with industry (domestic and international).
  • Incubation support to startups.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Limited industry and startup engagement:
  • Only 25% of the labs surveyed gave incubation support to startups.
  • Merely 16% provided support to ‘deep tech’ startups.
  • Just 15% collaborated with industry overseas.
• Access and openness: About 50% opened facilities to external researchers/students.
• Contribution to national missions:
  • 50% contributed to ‘Make in India’.
  • 35% aligned with Skill India.
  • 30% targeting the Swachh Bharat.
• Human resource trends:
  • Decline in permanent staff.
  • Rise in contractual staff from 17,234 to 19,625.
  • Young researchers' share increased from 54% to 58%.
  • Women scientists' representation remained stagnant.
• Budget growth: The combined budget of 155 labs/institutes increased from ₹9,924 crore in 2017-18 to ₹13,162 crore in 2022-23.

Recommendations of the Report:

• Mandate realignment:
  • All labs to review and align mandates with ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
  • Prioritise critical technologies on a war footing.
• Strategic collaboration and capacity building: Strengthen partnerships with:
  • Industry
  • Startups
  • Other R&D labs
  • Higher Education Institutions
• Institutional reforms: Promote establishment of Section 8 Companies (nonprofit organisations established under the Companies Act, 2013) to -
  • Provide support to startups,
  • Open research and testing facilities, and,
  • Improve cross-linkages with higher educational institutes.

Conclusion:

Strengthening public-funded R&D institutions through targeted innovation, industry collaboration, and alignment with national missions is essential to propel India towards its vision of Viksit Bharat.

With strategic reforms and inclusive participation, these institutions can become powerful engines driving sustainable development, technological self-reliance, and global scientific leadership.

Why in News?

Diseases preventable by vaccines, like measles, meningitis, and yellow fever, are resurging as millions of children miss vaccinations due to funding cuts and disrupted immunisation efforts.

WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi warn that misinformation, population growth, and humanitarian crises are further threatening progress. They urge global leaders to prioritise and strengthen vaccination programmes with urgent and sustained political commitment.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Alarming Global Vaccination Crisis
• Importance of Vaccination
• Way Forward: Strengthening Global Immunisation Efforts

Alarming Global Vaccination Crisis

• A WHO rapid review across 108 low- and lower-middle-income countries revealed that nearly half face moderate to severe disruptions in vaccination campaigns and access to supplies due to reduced donor funding.
• Rising Number of Unvaccinated Children
  • Routine immunisation coverage is declining.
  • In 2023, 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccines — an increase from 13.9 million in 2022 and 12.9 million in 2019.
  • Over half of these children live in fragile or conflict-affected regions.
• Impact on Disease Surveillance
  • More than half of the surveyed countries reported disruptions in disease surveillance, increasing the risk of unchecked outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
  • Even countries with strong healthcare systems are affected.
  • The U.S. has reported 935 measles cases as of May 1, 2025 — more than triple the 2024 count — despite the disease being declared eliminated there in 2000.
• Alarm from Global Health Leaders
  • WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned that funding cuts are threatening global health gains.
  • They emphasized the cost-effectiveness and life-saving impact of vaccines.
• Call for Urgent Investment
  • Leaders stressed the importance of sustained political and financial commitment to initiatives like the ‘Big Catch-Up’, which aims to vaccinate children who missed routine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Importance of Vaccination

• High Return on Investment and Life-Saving Impact
  • WHO describes immunisation as a top health investment, yielding a return of $54 for every $1 spent.
  • Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives — approximately six lives every minute.
  • Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of these lives saved.
• Major Role in Reducing Infant Mortality
  • Vaccination has contributed to 40% of the global improvement in infant survival.
  • More children today survive past their first birthday than ever before in human history.
• Eradication and Control of Deadly Diseases
  • Vaccines have eradicated smallpox and nearly eradicated polio.
  • Annually, they prevent nearly 4.2 million deaths from 14 major diseases.
• Building Herd Immunity and Protecting Public Health
  • Vaccines not only protect individuals but also reduce disease spread by building herd immunity, crucial in preventing outbreaks.

India’s Progress through Immunisation

• India has achieved major health milestones due to widespread immunisation — including being declared polio-free in 2014 and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
• New vaccines like Measles-Rubella, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) have been added to its immunisation programme.
• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
  • UIP is one of India’s largest public health efforts, targeting 26 million newborns and 34 million pregnant women annually.
  • Over 13 million immunisation sessions are conducted nationwide.
• Gaps in Coverage Remain
  • Despite significant progress, 23.9% of Indian children still miss out on full immunisation, as reported in the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21).

Way Forward: Strengthening Global Immunisation Efforts

• WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi urge parents, the public, and political leaders to reinforce their support for immunisation.
• They call for sustained investment in vaccines and adherence to the Immunisation Agenda 2030.
• A key milestone will be Gavi’s pledging summit, to be held in June 2025, which aims to raise at least $9 billion to protect 500 million children and save over eight million lives between 2026 and 2030.

Why in News?

Just over 10 days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India has intensified its diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Key steps include curbing water flow through the Baglihar dam, halting imports from Pakistan, banning Pakistani ships from docking, and suspending all mail and parcel exchanges.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India Restricts Water Flow from Baglihar Dam
• India Imposes Total Trade Ban on Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
• India Bans Maritime Link with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack
• India Suspends Postal Services with Pakistan

India Restricts Water Flow from Baglihar Dam

• India has temporarily restricted the flow of water from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River, targeting Pakistan’s Punjab region.
  • The Chenab River plays a critical role in irrigating Pakistani farmlands.
• The move is intended as a short-term punitive measure in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Even a brief choke in water flow serves as a signal that India is prepared to take coercive steps.
• Treaty-Compliant Yet Strategic
  • Though the Baglihar dam is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project permitted under the Indus Water Treaty, India’s action highlights its ability to use treaty-compliant infrastructure strategically in response to cross-border terrorism.
• Possible Action on Kishanganga Dam
  • As per analysts, similar measures could soon be implemented at the Kishanganga dam on the Jhelum River, indicating a broader strategy to pressure Pakistan using water resources.

India Imposes Total Trade Ban on Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

• In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect.
• The move is aimed at safeguarding national security and public policy.
• With this, India-Pakistan trade, once valued at over $2.4 billion annually, has now come to a complete standstill.
• Foreign Trade Policy Updated
  • A new provision has been inserted in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, explicitly prohibiting the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.
  • Exceptions, if any, will require special government approval.
• Trade Already at a Historic Low
  • Due to strained bilateral ties, trade between the two nations was already minimal.
  • In April-January 2024–25, India’s exports to Pakistan stood at $447.65 million, while imports were just $0.42 million.
    • The two-way trade had significantly declined post the 2019 Pulwama attack.
• India’s Major Exports to Pakistan
• Exports included pharmaceutical products ($110.06 million), organic chemicals ($129.55 million), auto components, sugar, petroleum products, and food items like cereals and spices.
• Previous Trade Measures & MFN Status Withdrawal
  • Post-Pulwama, India had imposed a 200% import duty on Pakistani goods and revoked Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status under WTO rules.
  • Pakistan never reciprocated India’s 1996 MFN gesture and retracted its 2012 NDMA promise due to domestic opposition.
• Pakistan’s Countermove
  • In retaliation, Pakistan has also suspended all trade with India, including indirect trade via third countries.

India Bans Maritime Link with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack

• India has banned all Pakistani-flagged vessels from docking at Indian ports. The ban is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
• Indian Vessels Also Restricted from Pakistani Ports
  • The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has also prohibited Indian-flagged ships from visiting Pakistani ports.
  • It invoked Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, in the interest of national security and public infrastructure safety.
• Limited Scope, Exemptions Possible
  • The order applies only to ships flying the Indian or Pakistani flags.
  • Vessels flagged under third countries are not covered by the directive.
  • Exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially for ships already enroute.
• Minimal Impact Due to Low Trade Volume
  • Maritime trade between the two countries has been negligible, with only about 14 ship visits in 2024.
  • Most trade has traditionally occurred via land borders or through third countries. Hence, the ban is expected to have limited economic impact.

India Suspends Postal Services with Pakistan

• India has suspended the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels with Pakistan via both air and surface routes.
• The directive was issued by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communication, effectively halting all postal communication between the two countries.