In News:

India is undergoing a demographic transition, with its senior citizen population (aged 60+) currently at 15 crore, projected to rise to 32 crore by 2050. This unprecedented ageing poses socio-economic challenges, especially in urban areas like Bengaluru, where shrinking family structures leave many elderly citizens isolated and purposeless. To address these concerns, a new sector—age-tech—is emerging, leveraging technology to support the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of the elderly.

Understanding Age-Tech and its Role

Age-tech refers to technology-driven solutions tailored to the elderly’s needs. Bengaluru has emerged as a hub of innovation in this domain. Platforms like Sukoon Unlimited, founded in 2024, create communities where seniors engage in emotional counselling, volunteering, group therapies, and concierge services. Notably, both service providers and receivers are senior citizens, fostering peer support and a sense of purpose. Sukoon’s community has grown from 200 to 6,000 members across 400 towns in a year.

Technology is also being used to combat loneliness. WHO in 2022 highlighted that one in four older adults suffers from social isolation, increasing mortality risk. AI-powered conversational tools are being employed by platforms like Sukoon to provide companionship in over 100 languages.

Employment and Purpose in Silver Years

Age-tech also facilitates post-retirement employment. Wisdom Circle, for instance, connects retired professionals with employers seeking experienced talent. With 95,000 users and 1,500 companies onboard, it promotes hybrid and part-time roles. Beyond financial gain, seniors are driven by the need for relevance and contribution to society—many even apply for lower-paid or non-profit roles.

Addressing Cognitive and Physical Health

The cognitive health of seniors is another pressing concern. Over 80 lakh Indians currently suffer from dementia. Ivory, a cognitive health start-up, offers neuroscience-backed assessments to detect risks early and recommends personalized brain training. It has over 30,000 users, predominantly women from urban areas.

Orthopaedic health is also crucial. Around 50% of seniors need assistance with basic mobility. TransleadMedtech, an IISc-incubated start-up, has developed assistive chairs and commodes to aid mobility without power sources. With rising knee replacements, such innovations are critical for safety and dignity in ageing.

Challenges and the Digital Divide

Despite potential, age-tech faces hurdles. Experts warn that over-engineering tech can alienate elderly users. Solutions must be designed with the user’s needs, not just tech potential, in mind. The urban-rural divide is stark—most services target urban, financially independent seniors, excluding rural and low-income populations.

Additionally, rapid digitisation has excluded many elderly from essential services like transport and e-commerce. Digital illiteracy also exposes them to scams. Startups like Elderra work to bridge this gap by training seniors in basic digital tools.

Way Forward

For age-tech to become inclusive, the government must play an enabling role. Public-private partnerships can make these services affordable and accessible. Ageing with dignity should be a national priority, combining technology, policy, and empathy to ensure India’s elderly are not left behind in the digital era.

Introduction:

Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890) stands out as one of the foremost social reformers of 19th-century India, whose contributions to education, caste reform, women's rights, and rationalist thought continue to influence contemporary debates on social justice.

Born into the Mali casteinMaharashtra, Phule’s awakening began in 1848 after facing caste-based humiliation at a Brahmin wedding. That same year, inspired by Cynthia Farrar (a Christian missionary) and rationalist Thomas Paine, he and his wife Savitribai Phule established India’s first school for girls. By 1851, they had opened 18 schools, and later, night schools for workers and women—challenging both gender and caste hierarchies in education.

Phule’s activism extended beyond education. In 1873, he founded the SatyashodhakSamaj (Society of Truth Seekers), an organization aimed at eradicating caste-based oppression and challenging Brahminical dominance. His work Gulamgiri (Slavery) (published in 1873) likened the condition of Dalits and Shudras to that of African-American slaves, emphasizing systemic subjugation through religious orthodoxy.

Phule argued for compulsory primary education, particularly for the rural poor. In his Statement to the Education Commission, he recommended scholarships, annual prizes, and mandatory schooling up to age 12, noting that agricultural poverty kept children away from education.

In his agrarian treatise ShetkaryancheAsud (Farmer’s Whip), Phule proposed:

• Employing army personnel in public works like dams and bunds.
• Returning village pasture lands from the Forest Department.
• Importing cattle for meat to preserve draught animals crucial to agriculture.

These proposals reflected his commitment to economic upliftment of farmers and sustainable agricultural practices.

Phule’s spiritual views evolved toward rational humanism. Though he respected the equality-based ethics in Islam and Christianity, his final philosophical work, Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak, rejected all sectarian religious texts and called for a universal spiritual order. He questioned caste sanctity, ridiculed the notion of sacred superiority, and criticized the irrationalities in scriptural justifications.

He strongly supported women’s rights, defended PanditaRamabai’s conversion, and denounced polygamy, arguing for gender parity in both religious and social spheres. He wrote, “How would men feel if women married more than one man?”

Despite opposition from Bal Gangadhar Tilak and orthodox Hindu nationalists, Phule remained focused on uplifting the oppressed, even bailing Tilak out of jail at one point—illustrating his commitment to justice over personal differences.

Phule’s legacy remains crucial in modern India’s quest for social equity. His efforts to democratize education, dismantle caste, and promote inclusive governance laid the groundwork for India's later constitutional and social reforms.

In News:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is the world’s largest public employment programme, aimed at ensuring livelihood security through guaranteed rural employment. However, a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (April 2025) underscores a critical challenge: the wage rates under MGNREGA are increasingly inadequate, failing to provide even subsistence-level income.

With over 25 crore registered workers, the scheme is central to rural welfare. Yet, its effectiveness is diluted due to systemic underpayment. For FY 2025–26, MGNREGA wages vary from ?241 in Nagaland to ?400 in Haryana, averaging only ?294 nationally—a meagre 5% increase from the previous year. In many states, this rate is significantly lower than the prevailing minimum wage, in some cases by over ?200, raising serious questions about wage fairness and constitutional obligations.

Legal and Policy Background

Section 6 of the MGNREGA Act permits the Centre to fix wage rates independently of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, though the wage cannot be below ?60. Historically, from 2005 to 2009, NREGA wages matched each state’s minimum agricultural wage. However, the Centre capped NREGA wages at ?100 in 2009 due to financial concerns, leading to payments falling below statutory minimum wages—a move that the Karnataka High Court (2011) and Supreme Court (2012) found violative of labour rights.

In response to mounting concerns, wage indexation to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) began in FY 2011–12, with 2009 as the base year. Nevertheless, CPI-AL is narrow in scope compared to CPI-Rural (CPI-R), which better reflects the cost of living for rural workers across sectors.

Ignored Recommendations and Institutional Apathy

Several expert bodies have urged wage revisions. The Jean Dreze Committee (2010) advocated aligning NREGA wages with state minimum wages or, at the very least, indexing them effectively. The Mahendra Dev Committee (2014) recommended CPI-R-based indexing with an updated base year, while the Anoop Satpathy Committee (2019) proposed a national floor wage of ?375 (at July 2018 prices). However, the Centre has largely disregarded these suggestions, citing fiscal constraints.

Only a few states, including Odisha and Himachal Pradesh, have supplemented NREGA wages from their own budgets. Most continue with the Centre’s insufficient rates, causing regional disparities and undermining the constitutional promise of equal pay for equal work (Article 39).

Need for Course Correction

The current wage structure risks violating Article 23 of the Constitution, as flagged in the Supreme Court’s 1983 Sanjit Roy vs State of Rajasthan verdict, which held that paying less than the minimum wage constitutes “forced labour.”

Moreover, stagnant wages have contributed to declining worker participation. The Standing Committee rightly argues that current wages do not meet basic daily expenses and recommends a minimum daily wage of ?400. Without wage parity and realistic indexation, the scheme fails to uphold its foundational promise of dignified rural employment.

Conclusion

MGNREGA is more than a welfare scheme—it is a statutory right. To realize its full potential in promoting rural livelihoods and inclusive growth, wage reforms are imperative. Revising NREGA wages to reflect minimum wage laws, inflation trends, and regional parity is not just an economic necessity—it is a constitutional obligation.

Context:

Marine litter, particularly plastic waste, has emerged as a critical global environmental issue. With over 700 marine species affected and microplastics infiltrating food chains, the issue demands both global cooperation and local implementation. Despite India's efforts in solid and plastic waste management, a direct legislative mandate to mitigate marine litter remains absent.

Magnitude of the Crisis

• UNESCO warns: By 2050, plastic volume in oceans could exceed fish biomass.
• Ghost Gear: Lost/discarded fishing gear (nets, traps, lines) poses severe threats:
  • 5.7% of nets, 8.6% of traps, and 29% of fishing lines are lost annually (UNEP).

Key Global Frameworks

• MARPOL (Annex V) – In force since 1983, regulates ship-generated garbage disposal in oceans.
• UNCLOS (1994) – Part XII mandates nations to prevent pollution from land-based and sea-based sources, including ghost gear.
• Global Programme of Action (1995) – First UN initiative addressing land-based marine pollution.
• SDGs:
  • SDG 14.1: Reduce marine pollution, especially plastics.
  • SDG 6.3: Improve water quality via integrated management.
• Honolulu Commitment (2011):
  • Reduce land-based debris
  • Address sea-based litter
  • Clean up accumulated coastal & deep-sea litter

Institutional and Voluntary Actions

• Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML, 2012) – UNEP-led initiative uniting stakeholders for source-to-sea plastic mitigation.
• AHEG (2017) – UNEP expert group assessing policy responses for marine litter and recommending frameworks.
• Clean Seas Campaign (2017) – Advocates for elimination of single-use plastics and behaviour change.
• UNEA Resolutions on Marine Litter:
  • Adopted in 2014 (UNEA-1), 2016 (UNEA-2), 2017 (UNEA-3), and 2019 (UNEA-4).
  • While non-binding, they push for total elimination of litter discharge and evidence-based policymaking.

Scientific Support

• GESAMP (Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) has, since 2010, guided scientific research on:
  • Microplastic sources
  • Marine ecosystem impacts
  • Monitoring and mitigation strategies

India’s Current Status and Initiatives

• No direct marine litter law or policy yet exists.
• A multi-ministerial body involving MoES, MoST, and MoFAD is drafting a National Marine Litter Action Plan.
• Relevant policies in place:
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (includes Extended Producer Responsibility – EPR)
  • Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Challenges in India

• Fragmented implementation
• Limited monitoring of litter entering marine zones
• Lack of focus on coastal-level execution

Way Forward

• Adopt a national marine litter policy with local implementation mechanisms.
• Strengthen enforcement of international agreements like MARPOL and UNCLOS.
• Promote circular economy models and enhance waste infrastructure.
• Encourage public-private partnerships, community awareness, and behaviour change.
• Support scientific monitoring, research, and innovation.

Conclusion

The transboundary nature of marine litter necessitates global cooperation backed by national accountability. India's next steps must include a dedicated marine litter law, enhanced inter-ministerial coordination, and alignment with international best practices to secure its coastal and marine ecosystems.

In News:

The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a transformative chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructural journey. The long-awaited completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is not merely a technological feat, but a symbol of national integration, economic upliftment, and inclusive development in the Kashmir Valley.

Historical Background

The evolution of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir dates back to the colonial era when, in 1897, a 40–45 km rail line linked Jammu to Sialkot (now in Pakistan). Subsequent plans to extend railways to Srinagar in the early 20th century were shelved. After the 1947 Partition, Jammu was cut off from the rail grid as Sialkot became part of Pakistan. The region had to wait until 1975 for the inauguration of the Pathankot–Jammu line. The Jammu–Udhampur line, started in 1983, was completed only in 2004.

In 1994, the rail project was further extended to include Srinagar and Baramulla, and the USBRL was declared a national project in 2002, with the initial estimated cost of ?2,500 crore.

USBRL: Engineering Triumph

The fully operational 272 km USBRL has been completed at a revised cost of ?43,780 crore. It includes 36 tunnels, 943 bridges, and several record-setting engineering marvels in the seismically active, snow-covered terrain of the Shivalik and Pir Panjal ranges.

• Chenab Bridge: The world’s tallest railway arch bridge, 359 meters above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower. Designed to withstand wind speeds of 260 km/h and extreme temperatures, it spans 1,315 meters and has a life expectancy of 120 years.
• Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Reasi, towers 331 meters above the river and stretches 725 meters. Its iconic inverted Y-shaped pylon is supported by 96 high-tensile cables.
• Tunnel T-49: At 12.77 km, it is India’s longest transport tunnel, located in Ramban district, designed to ensure seamless all-weather connectivity.

Strategic and Socio-Economic Significance

This rail link is a game-changer for the region. By reducing Katra–Srinagar travel time to just 3 hours, it ensures year-round, all-weather accessibility, even during harsh Himalayan winters. The connectivity is critical not only for civilians but also for the rapid movement of security personnel in this strategically sensitive region.

Economically, the rail link is poised to boost trade and tourism. It will facilitate the quicker and more cost-effective transport of local produce such as apples, walnuts, saffron, pashmina, and handicrafts, thereby integrating the Valley with national markets. Reduced logistics costs will also lower the prices of essential goods imported into Kashmir.

Way Forward

The upcoming extension to Jammu Tawi aims to further enhance nationwide connectivity to Srinagar. This project stands as a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive development, national unity, and strategic infrastructure in border regions. With its blend of engineering excellence and socio-political impact, the USBRL reinforces the vision of a Viksit Bharat that leaves no region behind.

In News:

India, which hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, holds a dual responsibility of pride and stewardship. The near-collapse of tiger numbers in 2006, with populations falling to around 1,400 and local extinctions in Sariska and Panna, prompted a national awakening. Strengthened interventions such as the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Project Tiger rejuvenation efforts helped India register over 3,600 tigers in the 2023 census, reflecting significant progress.

From Crisis to Recovery: Institutional Response

The disappearance of tigers due to poaching, habitat degradation, and poor monitoring led to structural reforms post-2006. The NTCA (established in 2005) ensured stricter protocols, better surveillance, and habitat restoration. India now boasts 53 Tiger Reserves, with central and southern states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand emerging as conservation success stories.

Emerging Challenge: Prey Base Decline

Despite rising tiger numbers nationally, several reserves in eastern and central India—such as Guru Ghasidas, Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi (Chhattisgarh), Palamau (Jharkhand), and Simlipal and Satkosia (Odisha)—have shown worrying trends of tiger decline. The core issue is not direct poaching but the fall in prey density, especially species like chital, sambar, and gaur. Scientific evidence indicates that tiger viability is closely tied to prey abundance, with a threshold of at least 10–15 prey animals per sq km required for stable populations.

Socioeconomic Roots of Ecological Depletion

Many affected reserves lie in poverty-stricken tribal regions. In the absence of alternative protein sources and sustainable livelihoods, communities turn to bushmeat hunting using traditional snares and traps. This not only reduces herbivore populations but also threatens predator survival. Palamau Reserve is a stark example where both large herbivores and tigers have nearly vanished under such pressures.

Institutional Recommendations and Ecological Restoration

The NTCA-WII 2023 report recommends short-term herbivore breeding enclosures but recognizes their limitations in rewilding success. A sustainable solution lies in habitat quality enhancement and involving communities in conservation. Some reserves still retain dense forests, providing an ecological foundation for revival. The decline of left-wing extremism in many areas also opens avenues for focused conservation interventions.

Towards Inclusive Conservation: Eco-Tourism and Livelihoods

Prosperous reserves like Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore benefit from conservation-linked tourism and community participation. In contrast, remote and underdeveloped areas lack such economic linkages. Promoting inclusive eco-tourism, skill development, and income-generation activities—such as SHGs, poultry farming, and forest produce marketing—can transform local attitudes.

Way Forward: Integrated, People-Centric Approaches

India must adopt multidimensional strategies combining ecological, institutional, and social measures:

• Implement prey recovery plans in Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs).
• Provide targeted funding and technical support to underperforming states.
• Restore grasslands, ensure wildlife corridors, and adopt technology (drones, AI) for monitoring.
• Recognize community forest rights, promote Gram Sabha governance, and expand MGNREGA to conservation-linked jobs.

Conclusion

India’s tiger conservation success is laudable but remains precarious if prey depletion continues unchecked. The path ahead demands a shift from protectionism to participatory conservation—rooted in equity, ecological integrity, and community empowerment. The survival of the tiger is not merely a wildlife concern, but a test of India’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive environmental governance.

In News:

India’s next population census is scheduled to be completed by March 1, 2027, marking a historic return to the decennial exercise after a 16-year gap—the longest in independent India’s history. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this census will be India’s first digital census and the first to include caste enumeration since Independence.

The census will be conducted intwo phases:

1. House Listing and Housing Schedule
2. Population Enumeration (including caste data)

The enumeration process will run from April 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, with March 1, 2027, set as the reference date for most of India. For Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be October 1, 2026.

This exercise will be conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. A gazette notification, expected on June 16, 2025, will formally announce the schedule. Around 25–30 lakh enumerators, largely schoolteachers, will be retrained to use a custom mobile app—a key component of the digital data collection process.

A major inclusion in this census is caste enumeration, extending beyond the current Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) data. A separate input field will record caste data for all categories, making it a potentially transformative tool for targeted welfare policies and social justice initiatives.

However, the 2027 Census is not just a demographic exercise—it holds critical constitutional and political significance, especially in the context of delimitation and women's political reservation.

Under Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution, the next delimitation of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies must be based on the first census after 2026. The current 543 Lok Sabha seats are still based on the 1971 Census. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) had frozen seat redistribution, which was extended by the 84th Amendment (2002) until after 2026.

Once census data is finalized (likely by late 2027), Parliament must pass a Delimitation Act, following which a Delimitation Commission—headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and including the Chief Election Commissioner—will be constituted. This commission will determine the new seat allocation formula based on population per constituency.

Importantly, the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, as mandated by the Women’s Reservation Act, is contingent upon the completion of this delimitation exercise.

This has triggered concerns, particularly from southern states like Tamil Nadu, which have seen slower population growth due to effective family planning. Redistribution based solely on population may reduce their parliamentary representation, leading to demands—such as by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin—for extending the status quo based on the 1971 census until 2056.

Political opposition has also criticized the delayed timeline, with Congress terming the 23-month postponement from 2021 as administrative inefficiency.

Moreover, there was no mention of updating the National Population Register (NPR), which is the first step towards the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC).

In sum, Census 2027 is not just a statistical necessity but a politically sensitive and constitutionally mandated process, central to the future of electoral representation, gender justice, and federal balance in India.

In News:

India’s transition to a green economy is not only central to achieving its environmental and climate goals but is also emerging as a powerful engine for economic growth and employment generation.

According to a recent report by NLB Services, India’s green sector is expected to generate approximately 7.29 million new jobs by FY2027–28, with the figure projected to rise to 35 million by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term net-zero commitments.

Understanding the Green Economy

A green economy encompasses sectors and activities that contribute to ecological sustainability, low-carbon development, and resource efficiency, while also promoting inclusive employment. It integrates environmental goals with economic planning, thus creating green jobs in areas such as renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable construction, waste management, and green agriculture.

Sectoral and Regional Dynamics

The most significant employment potential lies in industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), green infrastructure, sustainable textiles, and waste-to-energy solutions. These sectors have witnessed rising investments and policy focus under national missions such as PM-KUSUM, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME), and the National Hydrogen Mission.

While metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi remain hubs for green employment, tier II and III cities are poised to play a crucial role in the decentralisation of the green economy. Cities such as Jaipur, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Indore are projected to account for 35–40% of the green job creation by FY28, primarily in logistics, warehousing, sustainable agriculture, and urban waste management.

Evolving Skill Demands

The transition towards green employment is redefining workforce skill requirements. Modern green jobs demand a blend of environmental sustainability expertise and technological proficiency, particularly in AI, IoT, GIS, blockchain, and data analytics. This digital integration is reshaping job profiles and creating pathways for future-ready employment.

In response, industries are shifting hiring strategies to focus more on skill-based recruitment rather than conventional degrees. There is also a growing emphasis on industry-academia collaborations to align curricula with the evolving demands of the green economy, thus fostering climate-literate and digitally equipped professionals.

Gender Inclusion and Equity Challenges

Despite the promising employment potential, women currently constitute only 11–12% of the green workforce in India. Barriers include limited access to STEM education, workplace safety concerns, and socio-cultural constraints. However, progressive employers are increasingly adopting inclusive hiring practices, promoting women-centric skill development programmes, and partnering with training agencies to build a more diverse and equitable green talent pipeline. These efforts are expected to improve female participation by 12–15% in the next 5–6 years.

Economic Significance

India’s green economy is expected to contribute significantly to national GDP. Its valuation is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, and expand to $15 trillion by 2070, supporting India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Thus, it offers a dual dividend—economic prosperity and environmental security.

Conclusion:
India’s green transition presents a transformative opportunity to simultaneously address climate change, unemployment, and regional disparities. With appropriate policy support, capacity building, and inclusivity, the green economy can become the bedrock of sustainable and equitable growth.

Introduction

The global technology sector, while being a driver of economic growth and innovation, is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With the rapid expansion of cloud computing and digital services, data centres—the backbone of the digital economy—consume massive amounts of energy, primarily for cooling.

A recent landmark study by Microsoft and WSP Global, published in Nature, highlights the potential of advanced cooling technologies to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of data centres.

The Problem: Heat and Emissions from Data Centres

• Energy Consumption: In modern data centres, cooling systems consume nearly as much electricity as computing itself.
• Heat Management: As chips become smaller and faster, they generate more heat. Without effective cooling, systems overheat, leading to failure and reduced efficiency.
• Climate Targets: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector aims to reduce emissions by 42% by 2030 (from 2015 levels) and achieve net-zero by mid-century.

Cooling Innovations: The Game-Changers

1. Cold Plate Cooling (Direct-to-Chip Cooling)

• Coolant flows through microchannels on a plate attached directly to the chip.
• Reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
• Heat is transferred away efficiently and silently.

2. Immersion Cooling

• Entire hardware systems are submerged in thermally conductive, non-conductive liquid.
• Uses one-phase (liquid remains stable) or two-phase (liquid vaporises and condenses) systems.
• Ensures near-total heat dissipation and longer component life.

Environmental Impact (Study Findings):

Compared to traditional air cooling:

• GHG Emissions ↓ by 15–21%
• Energy Use ↓ by 15–20%
• Water Consumption ↓ by 31–52%

With 100% renewable energy:

• Emissions ↓ by 85–90%
• Water use ↓ by 55–85%

Tech Industry’s Broader Climate Actions

• Carbon Credits: Google, Netflix, and others invest in verified carbon offsets.
• Blockchain for Carbon Markets: Ensures transparency; used by Indian IT firms for ESG compliance.
• Renewable Energy: Tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Amazon power operations with green energy.
• Indian Leadership: Infosys, Reliance, and Tech Mahindra lead in green operations using AI and energy-efficient systems.

Challenges and Limitations

• Lifecycle Trade-offs: Coolant production and disposal can offset benefits.
• Capital Cost: Retrofitting old data centres is expensive.
• Regulatory Issues: Lack of global standards for coolants and fragmented carbon credit policies.
• Dependence on Grid: Benefits are reduced if electricity is still coal-based.
• Slow Deployment: Complex designs and supply chain delays hinder implementation.

Way Forward

• Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs): Evaluate true environmental costs over the product lifecycle.
• Unified Carbon Standards: Develop global frameworks for carbon credit verification and climate disclosures.
• Government Support: Provide tax incentives, green finance, and subsidies for early adopters.
• Strengthen R&D: Focus on low-impact coolants and AI-driven cooling systems.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage innovation through collaboration among tech firms, startups, and governments.

Conclusion

The technology industry stands at a crossroads where sustainable innovation is essential. Cooling technologies like cold plates and immersion cooling, coupled with renewable energy adoption and carbon offset mechanisms, can enable the ICT sector to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. With effective policy support and strategic innovation, the tech sector can become a pillar of global climate action.

In News:

Urban flooding has emerged as a critical challenge in India’s rapidly urbanising landscape. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai face recurrent inundations, leading to loss of life, infrastructure damage, and economic disruptions. This crisis stems from a combination of outdated urban drainage systems, rapid concretisation, encroachment on natural water bodies, and climate change-induced extreme weather events.

The Urban Drainage Crisis

Urban drainage refers to the infrastructure that manages rainwater and prevents flooding. However, over 70% of India’s urban areas lack scientifically designed stormwater systems (MoHUA, 2019). Mumbai’s stormwater drains, originally built in the 1860s, can handle only 25 mm of rainfall per hour, while rainfall events often exceed 100 mm/hour. Delhi's drainage is based on 1976 norms, incapable of handling current rainfall intensities, such as the 185.9 mm received in a single day in May 2025. Bengaluru’s network is outdated, with over 65% of its lakes encroached and connected stormwater drains severely undersized.

Key causes of urban flooding include:

• Natural Factors: Intensifying short-duration rainfalls due to climate change, low-lying topographies.
• Man-made Factors: Unplanned urbanisation, loss of wetlands, illegal constructions, outdated design standards, infiltration of sewage into stormwater lines, and poor maintenance.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

Floods cause the highest economic damage among natural disasters in India. In 2024, Mumbai received 300 mm of rain in six hours, crippling the city’s transport and health systems. Chennai’s monsoon floods in 2024 led to massive waterlogging due to blocked drains and concretised surfaces.

Urbanisation has drastically increased impervious surfaces, reducing natural infiltration and increasing runoff. Nashik, for instance, witnessed rapid impervious expansion, contributing significantly to urban flooding.

Technological Solutions: GIS and Remote Sensing

To tackle urban flooding, advanced tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are being deployed:

• Satellite Monitoring: ISRO and NRSC use high-resolution imagery to monitor rainfall, land use, and flood-prone zones. LiDAR-generated Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) help map vulnerable areas.
• Hydrological Modelling: Tools like HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS simulate flood scenarios and help plan mitigation strategies.
• Urban Drainage Mapping: GIS assists in identifying drainage bottlenecks and encroachments. For instance, GIS studies in Ahmedabad and West Bengal’s Keleghai Basin have enabled flood risk zoning.

Government Interventions

Several policies and programs support flood mitigation:

• AMRUT 2.0 and Smart Cities Mission: Promote integrated stormwater systems and sustainable urban drainage.
• Model Building Bye Laws (2016): Mandate rainwater harvesting.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Amrit Sarovar Mission: Encourage water body rejuvenation and groundwater recharge.
• NDMA Guidelines: Recommend real-time flood forecasting and risk mitigation using satellite data.

Future Directions

Moving forward, flood resilience must be built through:

• Green Infrastructure: Restoring wetlands, using bioswales and permeable pavements.
• Smart Drainage Systems: IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring and early warnings.
• AI Integration: Enhancing prediction models using real-time meteorological data.
• Policy Enforcement: Preventing illegal constructions on floodplains and drainage channels.
• Community Engagement: Raising awareness on waste disposal and flood preparedness.

Conclusion

Urban flooding in India reflects the failure to integrate environmental planning into urbanisation. However, with the aid of emerging technologies, inter-agency coordination, and proactive governance, Indian cities can transform from reactive flood responses to resilient urban systems. A holistic approach combining infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and data-driven policies is essential for sustainable urban development.

In News:

In 2025, the United Nations has declared the year as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, underscoring the urgent global need to address the retreat of glaciers. This critical issue was the focus of the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, co-hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan with the support of the UN and attended by leaders and experts from across the globe.

Glaciers, often referred to as the “water towers of the world”, store nearly 70% of Earth’s freshwater. However, accelerating glacier melt—driven by global warming—has become a slow-moving catastrophe. Since 1975, over 9,000 billion tons of glacial ice have been lost. The period from 2022 to 2024 marked the highest recorded glacier mass loss, with many smaller glaciers projected to vanish entirely within this century. This phenomenon threatens not only mountain ecosystems but also global water security, food systems, biodiversity, infrastructure, and human livelihoods.

Developing countries, particularly those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, face disproportionate vulnerabilities due to glacier retreat. Communities dependent on glacier-fed rivers for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower are witnessing increased poverty, forced migration, and infrastructure damage. Melting glaciers also contribute significantly to sea-level rise, placing coastal cities and low-lying regions at risk of displacement and flooding, as seen in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and Lagos.

The conference served as a clarion call to transition from pledges to concrete action. It recognized that 83% of global emissions that require mitigation lie with just 35 countries, emphasizing the need for collective ambition. The summit also launched the Decade for Cryosphere Science (2025–2034) and advocated for the establishment of a UN Glacier Preservation Fund to ensure sustained, long-term financing for adaptation.

Key recommendations included:

• Integration of glacier preservation into national climate policies, especially Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
• Development of early warning systems and predictive tools for climate-related disasters in mountainous regions.
• Investments in data-driven adaptation, using AI and hydrological models to forecast risks and optimize resilience strategies.
• Promotion of gender-inclusive water governance, especially involving women in glacial and water-related decision-making.
• Establishment of hydro-meteorological services for glacier-dependent regions to safeguard water access and ensure resilience.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the UN stressed that resilience pays — every dollar spent on adaptation strengthens economies, protects livelihoods, and mitigates future losses. The upcoming Fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development in Seville and COP30 in Brazil were identified as critical moments to elevate financing and policy commitments.

In conclusion, glacier loss is not merely an environmental concern but a humanitarian and developmental crisis. The protection of glaciers is central to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and must be addressed with the urgency, equity, and international solidarity it demands. The world must act now—so that future generations do not inherit a planet where glaciers and the lifelines they sustain have become a relic of the past.

In News:

In a landmark judgment in The State of Tamil Nadu v. The Governor of Tamil Nadu & Anr., the Supreme Court of India decisively addressed the issue of Governors withholding assent to state bills without justification or within a reasonable time.

The case arose after the Tamil Nadu Governor delayed or reserved for the President’s consideration 10 re-enacted Bills passed by the State Assembly, prompting the State Government to move the Court. The Supreme Court declared such delays unconstitutional and laid down a time-bound framework for gubernatorial assent, thereby reinforcing the federal fabric and legislative autonomy of states.

Constitutional Framework and Issues

Under Article 200, when a Bill is presented to the Governor after being passed by the State Legislature, the Governor has four options: grant assent, withhold assent, return the Bill (except money Bills), or reserve it for the President. However, the proviso to Article 200 mandates that once a Bill is re-passed by the Legislature, the Governor “shall not withhold assent.” Article 163 requires the Governor to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (CoM), except in limited discretionary matters.

The crux of the problem lies in the absence of any timeline in Article 200, enabling some Governors to indefinitely delay or withhold assent—often termed a “pocket veto.” Such delays, especially in opposition-ruled states, have sparked accusations of political misuse and erosion of democratic norms. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, and Telangana have faced similar issues, resulting in constitutional gridlock and litigation.

Key Observations of the Supreme Court

In its verdict, the Supreme Court declared that:

• The Governor's delay in granting assent or reserving re-passed Bills is illegal and violates constitutional provisions.
• The ten re-enacted Bills in Tamil Nadu are deemed to have received assent under Article 142, which empowers the Court to ensure "complete justice."
• The Governor has no discretion to reserve or withhold assent once a Bill is re-passed by the Assembly unless its content has materially changed.
• Indefinite inaction by the Governor amounts to a subversion of democracy and disrespect to the will of the people.

Time-bound Guidelines Laid Down

For the first time, the Court laid down clear timelines:

• 1 month to act (assent/reserve) on the aid and advice of CoM.
• 3 months to return a Bill if withholding assent without CoM's advice.
• 1 month to assent to a Bill re-passed by the legislature.
• 3 months maximum to reserve a Bill for the President, with justification.

Failure to comply renders the Governor’s inaction subject to judicial review, introducing a mechanism of constitutional accountability.

Significance for Federalism and Governance

The judgment is a milestone in reaffirming cooperative federalism, ending the misuse of gubernatorial discretion to obstruct state legislation. It upholds the supremacy of the elected legislature and enforces the constitutional principle that Governors are not political actors but facilitators of governance. It also ensures that democratic processes cannot be sabotaged by unelected constitutional functionaries.

Conclusion

By reinforcing time-bound gubernatorial actions and curbing arbitrary delays, the Supreme Court has safeguarded India’s constitutional architecture. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had warned, the effectiveness of the Constitution depends on its implementers. This verdict echoes that caution, ensuring that constitutional morality prevails over partisan politics.

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently released the 26th edition of “Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data”, a flagship publication that offers a gender-disaggregated statistical portrait of India. This comprehensive document provides valuable insights into the progress, challenges, and opportunities in achieving gender equality across various socio-economic spheres.

Purpose and Scope

Drawing from official statistics across Ministries and Departments, the publication covers vital areas such as population dynamics, education, health, economic participation, and political representation, highlighting disparities and gains across gender lines. It also reflects urban-rural divides and regional variations, thus enabling data-driven policymaking for inclusive development.

Education: Moving Towards Gender Parity

India has shown consistent improvements in Gender Parity Index (GPI) in education. Primary and higher secondary levels have maintained high GPI values, indicating strong female enrolment rates. While upper primary and elementary levels witnessed some fluctuations, they largely remained close to parity, demonstrating the impact of initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and expanding access to girls’ education.

Labour Force and Financial Inclusion

Women’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has seen a marked improvement, rising from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24 (usual status for ages 15+). This indicates a gradual integration of women into the formal and informal workforce, though structural and cultural barriers persist.

In the financial sector, women now own 39.2% of all bank accounts and contribute 39.7% of total deposits. Their participation is especially prominent in rural India, where they make up 42.2% of account holders, showcasing the success of financial inclusion efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.

Digital and Entrepreneurial Engagement

A notable trend is the sharp rise in DEMAT accounts, suggesting increased retail participation in capital markets. From March 2021 to November 2024, the total DEMAT accounts quadrupled from 33.26 million to 143.02 million. While men still dominate in terms of numbers, female participation also grew fourfold, rising from 6.67 million to 27.71 million in this period.

Encouragingly, female-led proprietary establishments across sectors such as manufacturing, trade, and services have shown a rising trend over 2021–24, indicating growing entrepreneurial confidence.

Additionally, startups with at least one woman director recognized by DPIIT rose from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024, underscoring the rise of women in innovation and enterprise.

Political Participation and Electoral Empowerment

Electoral data reflects the deepening roots of women’s political empowerment. The number of total electors rose from 173.2 million in 1952 to 978 million in 2024, with increasing female voter registration. Female voter turnout, which was 67.2% in 2019, stood at 65.8% in 2024. Notably, the gender gap in voting has narrowed, with female turnout surpassing male turnout in 2024, signaling a positive shift in political engagement.

Conclusion

The “Women and Men in India 2024” report is more than a statistical compendium—it is a mirror to India’s gender realities. While progress is evident in domains like education, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, persistent gaps remain. For India to achieve true gender equity, these insights must inform targeted, data-driven policies that empower women across all sectors, making gender equality central to the nation’s development discourse.

In News:

As India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy and a global powerhouse, it must confront a growing public health crisis — the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Often called the "silent epidemic," NCDs are now the leading cause of death in India, responsible for approximately two-thirds of all mortalities. A preventive health-care mindset is the need of the hour — one that aims to "heal before there is a need to heal."

The Burden of NCDs: A Growing Threat

India has undergone a significant epidemiological transition, with communicable diseases declining but NCDs surging. Chronic ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and chronic respiratory conditions now claim 5–6 million lives annually. Worryingly, these diseases are increasingly affecting younger populations, with 22% of Indians over the age of 30 at risk of dying from an NCD before 70.

This threatens India’s demographic dividend and economic productivity. Young patients in their 30s and 40s are presenting with heart ailments and diabetic complications, reflecting a national health crisis.

Economic Impact: A Drain on Development

The economic cost of NCDs is staggering. Reduced workforce participation and productivity losses are already costing India 5–10% of its GDP annually. A joint study by the World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health estimated that India could lose $3.5–4 trillion due to NCDs between 2012 and 2030. Clearly, investment in preventive care is not a burden, but a strategic economic necessity.

Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers

Most NCDs are preventable. Key risk factors include:

• Sedentary lifestyles
• Unhealthy diets
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Air pollution
• Genetic predisposition

About 80% of premature cases of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle modification. With 22–23% of Indian adults overweight, tackling obesity is critical. Regular 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, healthy diets low in sugar and fat, and pollution control are essential pillars of preventive health.

Early Detection and Screening: A Lifesaver

Early diagnosis through regular screenings from age 40 (or earlier with family history) enables timely intervention. This includes:

• Hypertension and diabetes checks
• Mammography for breast cancer
• HPV testing for cervical cancer
• Colon polyp screening

Early detection helps prevent complications — e.g., controlling blood pressure to prevent stroke, or detecting early-stage cancer.

Technology and AI: Catalysts for Preventive Care

India’s 750+ million smartphone users present a unique opportunity. Mobile apps, wearables, and health trackers can promote awareness and monitor health in real time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can:

• Predict individual disease risk through data modelling
• Generate health risk scores
• Detect anomalies in X-rays or CT scans (e.g., lung nodules, fatty liver)

Used responsibly, AI enhances accuracy and access while keeping care humane and patient-centric.

Creating a Preventive Ecosystem

Preventive care must become a national mindset. Key stakeholders include:

• Individuals: Adopt healthy habits and regular check-ups.
• Workplaces: Implement employee wellness programmes.
• Healthcare providers: Shift from curative to preventive approaches.
• Government: Expand initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs and Health and Wellness Centres.

Policy measures must also be aligned — urban design should promote exercise, school curricula should include nutrition education, and food industry norms must limit unhealthy ingredients.

Conclusion

Preventive medicine is more than a health intervention — it is a development imperative. By encouraging early detection, healthy lifestyles, and technology-enabled care, India can reduce disease burden, enhance productivity, and safeguard its economic ambitions. Every individual’s choice matters. Scaled across 1.4 billion people, these choices will shape not just personal well-being but the health and prosperity of the nation.

Context:

A landmark global study published in The Lancet has brought to light the disturbing scale of child sexual abuse (CSA) worldwide. Using data from 204 countries (1990–2023), the study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that 18.9% of women and 14.8% of men globally were victims of CSA. In India, 30.8% of women and 13.5% of men reported having experienced sexual violence before turning 18, placing it among the countries with the highest prevalence for women.

The research revealed that most abuse begins in childhood, with 67% of girls and 72% of boys facing their first abuse before 18. A staggering 26.9% of Indian women and 9.4% of men aged 20–24 continue to report having been abused during their childhood, indicating the persistence of this crisis.

Context and Contributing Factors

CSA in India is exacerbated by societal stigma, patriarchal norms, and underreporting, particularly among boys. Male survivors face additional silence due to entrenched ideas of masculinity and victim-blaming. Abuse often occurs in familiar settings, including homes and schools, with digital exploitation emerging as a growing threat.

Furthermore, regional disparities persist. Urban areas report more digital abuse, while rural areas suffer from familial exploitation compounded by lack of awareness and legal access. States like Kerala and Maharashtra show better reporting, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag.

Legal and Institutional Response

India enacted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2012, a gender-neutral law covering a wide range of sexual offences with child-friendly procedures. However, implementation gaps remain:

• Conviction rates below 30%
• Backlogged trials
• Insufficient training for police and judiciary

Additionally, mental health services for survivors are scarce, and sex education in schools remains inadequate, leaving children vulnerable and uninformed.

Civil Society and Global Comparisons

NGOs such as Save the Children, Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, and HAQ have played key roles in rehabilitation and awareness. International best practices offer valuable lessons:

• Nordic countries integrate mandatory sex education.
• Australia uses public awareness and national offender registries.

Recommendations and Way Forward

A multisectoral, prevention-focused approach is vital:

• Legal Reforms
  • Fast-track POCSO courts
  • Child-friendly police units
  • Sensitisation training for frontline staff
• Education System Overhaul
  • Include modules on “safe/unsafe touch” and digital safety
  • Train teachers to detect and report CSA
• Community Engagement
  • Empower Panchayats and child welfare committees
  • Conduct grassroots campaigns to break the culture of silence
• Technological Safeguards
  • Strengthen helplines like Childline 1098
  • Collaborate with tech platforms for safer digital ecosystems
• Research and Data Collection
  • Create a national CSA data repository
  • Promote evidence-based policymaking through academic and NGO partnerships

Conclusion

The Lancet study underscores that CSA is not merely a criminal issue—it is a public health and social emergency. Laws like POCSO, while crucial, are not enough. What is needed is a coordinated, empathetic, and data-driven strategy that spans homes, schools, communities, and cyberspace. Only then can India safeguard its children not just from predators, but from institutional neglect and societal apathy.

In News:

The office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, though not explicitly bound by rigid timelines, holds constitutional and democratic significance in India's parliamentary democracy. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, the Lok Sabha must elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its members "as soon as may be." Despite this mandate, the Deputy Speaker’s post has remained vacant since June 2019, reflecting a deepening divergence from constitutional propriety and democratic convention.

Constitutional Framework and Election Process

The Deputy Speaker is elected by Lok Sabha members, with the election date fixed by the Speaker and communicated through a parliamentary bulletin. As per Article 94, the Deputy Speaker remains in office until resignation, disqualification, or removal by a resolution supported by a majority. If the seat falls vacant, the House must elect a replacement. Constitutionally, under Article 95, the Deputy Speaker exercises all powers of the Speaker in their absence, including presiding over sessions, maintaining order, and ensuring legislative discipline.

While the Constitution does not mandate a time frame for this election, the phrase “as soon as may be” is intended to ensure prompt appointment to avoid any constitutional vacuum. However, the absence of legal compulsion has been misinterpreted, leading to prolonged delays.

Functions and Powers

The Deputy Speaker assists the Speaker in running the House and steps in as presiding officer when the Speaker is absent. In legislative committees, if nominated, the Deputy Speaker automatically assumes chairmanship. Distinctively, unlike the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker may participate in debates and vote on all matters when not presiding. When chairing, however, the Deputy Speaker can only vote in case of a tie. The salary of the Deputy Speaker is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial independence from executive discretion.

Parliamentary Convention and Historical Practice

India's parliamentary practice, inspired by the Westminster model, has traditionally ensured balance by allocating the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Opposition, especially since the post-Emergency era. Notable examples include G.G. Swell (1969–77) and Godey Murahari (1977–79), both from Opposition parties. The intent has been to uphold a power-sharing mechanism and offer space for dissent within the House's functioning.

Democratic Concerns Arising from Prolonged Vacancy

The continued absence of a Deputy Speaker through the 17th and now 18th Lok Sabha raises serious concerns. It undermines Articles 93–95, and violates Rule 8 of the Lok Sabha Rules (1952), which mandates timely election post a formal motion. The delay centralizes authority in the Speaker—typically from the ruling party—and distorts the democratic balance between treasury and Opposition benches.

Moreover, the non-appointment sidelines the principles of consensus-based governance and institutional checks and balances, weakening parliamentary accountability. It also poses risks during any potential Speaker vacancy, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis.

Conclusion

The Deputy Speaker's post is not a ceremonial redundancy but a constitutional necessity for balanced legislative functioning. Upholding this institution is critical for the health of India’s democracy. The ongoing vacancy reflects not just administrative inaction but a gradual erosion of parliamentary conventions, warranting urgent political consensus and constitutional fidelity.

In News:

In a landmark medical feat, a nine-month-old American boy, Kyle “KJ” Muldoon Jr., became the first known human to be successfully treated using base editing, a next-generation gene editing technique derived from CRISPR-Cas9. KJ was born with Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase I (CPS1) deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that disrupts nitrogen breakdown, leading to toxic ammonia buildup—known as hyperammonemia—which can be fatal if untreated.

From CRISPR-Cas9 to Base Editing: Evolution of Gene Editing Tools

CRISPR-Cas9, developed in 2012 by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, revolutionized biotechnology and earned them the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Modeled after a microbial immune system, CRISPR works by creating “genetic memory”—capturing viral DNA and guiding the Cas9 enzyme, which acts as molecular scissors, to target and cut specific DNA sequences. This enables scientists to eliminate or repair faulty genes by inducing a double-strand break followed by insertion of a corrected DNA sequence.

However, the double-strand break mechanism raised concerns about unintended genetic consequences. Enter base editing, a refined tool that modifies single DNA bases—the letters A, T, C, G—without cutting both strands of the DNA. Instead of scissors and glue, base editing works like a pencil and eraser, replacing one incorrect base pair with the correct one using a fusion of Cas9 and a base-modifying enzyme. In KJ’s case, the specific base mispair causing CPS1 deficiency was successfully corrected using this technique.

Advantages of Base Editing

• Precision and Safety: Avoids double-strand breaks, reducing off-target effects.
• Compactness: Easier to deliver to cells via viral vectors.
• No foreign DNA: Eliminates need for donor DNA insertion.
• Customisation: Suitable for diseases caused by single-nucleotide mutations.

Challenges: Economic, Ethical, and Regulatory

Despite its promise, base editing faces several bottlenecks:

• Cost and Accessibility: The procedure is prohibitively expensive—estimated in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars—and was funded by research institutions and biotech firms in KJ’s case.
• Scalability: The therapy was custom-designed for KJ’s specific mutation, limiting its use for others. Such personalised medicine lacks the economies of scale that attract pharmaceutical investment.
• Regulatory hurdles: Countries like India face issues of bureaucratic red tape and outdated ethical frameworks that delay the deployment of advanced genomic therapies.
• Ethical concerns: As the technology becomes more powerful, there are concerns about misuse, eugenics, and the potential editing of germline cells.

Conclusion

KJ’s treatment marks a paradigm shift in personalised medicine, highlighting the transformative potential of base editing in addressing rare and otherwise untreatable genetic disorders. However, wider application requires systemic reforms in bioethics, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare infrastructure. To ensure equitable access, future efforts must focus on cost reduction, public funding, global collaboration, and ethical oversight. If successfully scaled, base editing could revolutionise medicine for millions suffering from rare genetic diseases.

In News:

Medium enterprises (MEs), a vital yet under-recognized segment of India’s MSME ecosystem, have long faced significant challenges, especially in accessing affordable and timely credit. Though they constitute only about 0.3% of registered MSMEs, medium enterprises contribute nearly 40% of MSME exports, highlighting their critical role in India’s industrial growth and global trade competitiveness.

Significance of Medium Enterprises in the Indian Economy

The MSME sector as a whole contributes around 29% to India’s GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce. However, while micro and small enterprises dominate in number (97% and 2.7% respectively), medium enterprises represent a minuscule share by count but a disproportionately large share in exports and innovation. Medium enterprises have a turnover range of ?100–500 crore and investment in plant and machinery between ?25–125 crore, as per the revised FY26 classification norms announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.

Credit Gap and Financing Challenges

NITI Aayog’s 2025 report, Designing Policy for Medium Enterprises, reveals a credit deficit of approximately $10 billion faced by medium enterprises. This gap stems from institutional biases and structural constraints. Unlike micro units that benefit extensively from priority sector lending, medium enterprises receive fewer such loans and face borrowing costs about 4% higher than those for large companies. Moreover, out of 18 government MSME schemes, only 8 specifically target medium enterprises, which receive less than 18% of total scheme funds (?5,442 crore overall). The absence of dedicated working capital schemes exacerbates liquidity issues, limiting growth and scale-up prospects.

NITI Aayog’s Key Policy Recommendations

• Working Capital Financing Scheme: A sector-specific loan scheme, administered by the Ministry of MSME, is proposed to provide medium enterprises with working capital loans capped at ?25 crore, with individual requests up to ?5 crore. Loans would be linked to enterprise turnover and offered at concessional interest rates, addressing their substantial capital needs.
• Medium Enterprise Credit Card: To meet immediate liquidity requirements—such as payroll, inventory, and equipment maintenance—a credit card facility with a pre-approved limit of ?5 crore is recommended. This facility would follow market interest rates but include a repayment grace period.
• Expedited Credit Disbursal via Retail Banks: Leveraging local retail banks for faster fund distribution under MSME ministry supervision aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance timely access to credit.
• Technology and Skilling Initiatives: The report advocates transforming existing MSME technology centres into ‘India MSME 4.0 Competence Centres’ tailored to sectoral and regional demands, spanning industries like engineering, electronics, and specialized manufacturing. It also proposes incorporating medium enterprise-specific modules into entrepreneurship training and skilling programmes to bridge labour skill mismatches.
• Digital Access and Compliance Support: NITI Aayog recommends creating a dedicated sub-portal within the Udyam platform that facilitates scheme discovery, compliance guidance, and AI-powered navigation to help medium enterprises efficiently access government resources.

Broader Structural Challenges

Apart from financing, medium enterprises face low adoption of advanced technologies, limited R&D support, inadequate sector-specific testing infrastructure, and a disconnect between training programmes and industry needs. These gaps impede innovation and scalability.

Strategic Importance and Policy Outlook

NITI Aayog emphasizes that medium enterprises have the potential to be major employment generators and innovation drivers if provided focused policy attention and financial support. Drawing lessons from global examples like Germany’s Mittelstand and Italy’s fashion industry, the report envisions India’s medium enterprises evolving into globally competitive firms over the next decade.

The medium sector’s formal labour structure also makes it key to transitioning India’s economy from informal to formal. Therefore, a coordinated and inclusive policy framework focusing on finance, technology, skill development, and digital infrastructure is vital to unlock this segment’s full potential and enhance India’s industrial competitiveness, export growth, and self-reliance.

In News:

India’s space sector, traditionally dominated by public institutions like ISRO, has seen major policy shifts since 2020 to enable private participation. In a significant development, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have become the first Indian states to formulate state-level space policies, aiming to bolster private investment, foster innovation, and generate employment.

Recently, Gujarat launched the Space Tech Policy 2025–30, becoming the first state to do so. A day later, Tamil Nadu approved its Space Industrial Policy 2025. These policies complement the Indian Space Policy 2023 and the liberalisation of FDI norms in the space sector. They also align with national efforts led by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), established in 2022 to facilitate private sector engagement in space activities.

Key Features and Objectives

Employment and Investment Targets:

• Gujarat aims to create 25,000 jobs, while Tamil Nadu targets 10,000 new high-skilled jobs.
• Tamil Nadu expects to attract ?10,000 crore in investments over five years.

Sectoral Scope: Both policies aim to develop a full spectrum of space-tech activities including:

• Satellite payload and component manufacturing
• Communication and propulsion systems
• Ground stations and control centres
• Space application software and analytics

State-specific Incentives:

• Gujarat will provide launch and patent support, capital incentives via the Gujarat Electronics Policy, and access to benefits under the IT/ITeS and Deep Tech Start-up Programme.
• Tamil Nadu offers capital subsidies up to 20%, a ?10 crore Space Tech Fund, payroll subsidies up to 30% in the first year, and location-based investment incentives.

Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development

• Gujarat plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Space Technology and a dedicated manufacturing cluster in Sanand, near Ahmedabad.
• Tamil Nadu will create TNSpaceBays, special industrial zones catering to MSMEs, deep-tech start-ups, R&D labs, and international players.
• New satellite testing infrastructure and skill development programmes are planned in Chennai.

Strategic Importance

The policies reflect recognition of space technology’s growing importance in national security, navigation, healthcare, internet services, weather forecasting, and disaster management. Missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and SpaDeX have enhanced India’s global space credentials, motivating states to leverage their talent and industrial ecosystems to participate in this high-value sector.

These state initiatives also resonate with India’s broader push towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, by promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports in critical technology sectors.

Conclusion

The Gujarat and Tamil Nadu space policies mark a paradigm shift in India’s sub-national innovation strategy. By aligning with central space policy reforms and incentivising private participation, these states are poised to become key hubs in India’s space-tech value chain. Such proactive state-level interventions are vital for India’s ambition to emerge as a global space power and offer a replicable model for other states like Karnataka and Telangana, which are also planning similar initiatives.

In News:

In a significant milestone for the Indian economy, India has officially surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest economy in the world in nominal GDP terms, as per the IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2025). According to NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, India’s GDP now stands at $4.19 trillion, marginally higher than Japan’s $4.18 trillion. This marks a historic moment, reflecting a shift in the global economic order and reaffirming India's rising stature on the world stage.

From Fifth to Fourth: A Decade of Accelerated Growth

India’s economic rise has been particularly notable over the past decade. From a GDP of $2 trillion in 2014, India has more than doubled its output to cross the $4 trillion mark in 2025. This rapid expansion has also been accompanied by a sharp rise in per capita income, which has grown from $1,438 in 2014 to $2,880 in 2025. In global rankings, India moved from the 5th position in 2024 to 4th in 2025, overtaking Japan and trailing only the United States, China, and Germany.

Factors Driving the Surge

India’s ascent is the result of multiple structural reforms and policy initiatives undertaken in recent years. Programs such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have enhanced domestic manufacturing, boosted digital infrastructure, and encouraged self-reliance. The government’s focus on ease of doing business, tax reforms (GST, corporate tax rationalisation), and large-scale infrastructure investment under schemes like Gati Shakti have further catalysed growth.

Despite global trends towards supply chain diversification and reshoring, India continues to attract foreign companies due to its cost-effective labor, large consumer base, and improving logistics. For instance, companies like Apple continue to expand their operations in India, viewing it as a reliable manufacturing hub.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

India’s new economic position carries significant geopolitical weight. As the 4th largest economy, India’s influence in global financial institutions, climate negotiations, trade partnerships, and multilateral forums such as G20 and BRICS is set to grow. The achievement enhances investor confidence, thereby potentially increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

Domestically, this growth presents an opportunity for addressing structural issues such as unemployment, regional disparities, and income inequality. The challenge ahead lies in ensuring that growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven.

Future Outlook

According to NITI Aayog, India is poised to surpass Germany within the next 2.5–3 years, potentially becoming the third-largest economy globally. For this, sustaining macroeconomic stability, boosting exports, enhancing skill development, and transitioning to a green economy will be crucial.

Conclusion

India’s rise to the 4th largest economy marks a defining moment in its development trajectory. It reflects not just statistical growth, but also the success of structural reforms, demographic potential, and policy resilience. As India prepares for its next leap, balancing economic dynamism with social equity will be the key to truly becoming a global economic leader.

In News:

According to the RBI’s latest Remittances Survey (2023–24), there has been a significant structural transformation in India's inward remittance patterns. Advanced Economies (AEs) — led by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, and Australia — have overtaken the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations as the primary sources of remittances. This shift holds major implications for India’s migration, financial inflows, and socio-economic planning.

Changing Source Geography of Remittances

India’s total remittance inflow touched USD 118.7 billion in 2023–24, doubling since 2011. The United States alone accounted for 27.7%, followed by the UAE (19.2%), the UK (10.8%), Saudi Arabia (6.7%), and Singapore (6.6%). This marks a departure from the earlier dominance of the Gulf region, whose collective share has dropped to 38%, while Advanced Economies now contribute over 50%.

The top recipient states of these remittances in India are Maharashtra (20.5%), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Factors Behind the Shift

1. Evolving Migration Trends:There has been a surge in professional, high-skilled Indian migrants heading to AEs, particularly in sectors like STEM, finance, and healthcare. These migrants tend to earn higher wages, have stronger job security, and remit more per capita compared to their low-skilled counterparts in the Gulf.

2. Declining Opportunities in the GCC:Several Gulf countries have implemented nationalisation policies like Saudi Arabia’s “Nitaqat,” which prioritise local hiring. Moreover, automation and economic diversification have reduced demand for foreign low-skilled workers. This, combined with COVID-19-induced job losses and return migration, has contributed to the decline in remittances from the region.

3. Education-Driven Migration:Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada have emerged as popular education destinations. For instance, Indian migration to the UK tripled from 76,000 in 2020 to 250,000 in 2023. Post-study work opportunities and migration partnerships like the India-UK “Migration and Mobility Partnership” (2021) have bolstered this trend.

4. Cost and Mode of Transfers:Digitalisation has reduced remittance costs to India below the global average, although it still exceeds the SDG target of 3% for a US$200 transfer. Nonetheless, cash-based transactions remain significant for smaller amounts.

Economic and Policy Implications

1. Macroeconomic Importance:Remittances contribute about 3–3.5% of India’s GDP, consistently surpassing FDI and Official Development Assistance (ODA). They help finance nearly half of the merchandise trade deficit and act as buffers against external economic shocks.

2. Household-Level Impact:Remittances are pivotal for improving living standards, enabling expenditure on food, healthcare, and education. In Kerala, for instance, remittances account for over 36% of the state's domestic product.

3. Policy Challenges and Recommendations:

• Skill Alignment: Training systems must align with global job markets to prevent ‘wilful deskilling’ — where highly educated migrants take up low-skilled jobs.
• Migration Diplomacy: India must proactively negotiate bilateral/multilateral mobility agreements to secure rights, fair wages, and career progression for migrants.
• Diaspora Engagement: Policies should encourage productive use of remittances (e.g., investments, health, education) and tap diaspora networks for technology and knowledge transfer.

Conclusion

India’s remittance ecosystem is transitioning from Gulf-led low-skilled flows to knowledge-intensive, high-value contributions from Advanced Economies. Sustaining this trend will require strategic migration governance, skill reforms, and deepened engagement with the global Indian diaspora.

Context:

India is experiencing a paradoxical trend — despite a rapidly expanding working-age population and rising production capacity, the generation of formal employment opportunities remains insufficient. Since 2017–18, while the working-age population has increased by approximately 9 crore, formal sector jobs have grown by only 6 crore, indicating an annual shortfall of around 50 lakh jobs. This mismatch is further compounded by the dominance of self-employment and informal sector jobs, especially in rural areas, raising concerns about both the quality and sustainability of employment.

Structural Shift Towards Capital-Intensive Growth

The country’s production systems are increasingly exhibiting capital-intensive tendencies — even in traditionally labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and food processing. This phenomenon, often referred to as "skill-biased technological change," is driven by two broad factors:

• Demand-Side Factors: The pressure to enhance productivity and reduce costs incentivises adoption of automated and capital-intensive technologies, especially in high-value manufacturing and services.
• Supply-Side Constraints: A shortage of skilled and technically trained labour impedes the effective utilisation of labour resources. Less than 10% of India’s workforce has received formal vocational or technical training, and most youth entering the labour market lack industry-relevant skills.

The declining cost of technology, coupled with stagnant real wages and rigid labour laws in some states, further tilts the balance in favour of machines over human labour.

Policy Interventions and Challenges

The Government of India has initiated schemes such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to address the employment deficit.

• PLI Scheme: While it aims to boost manufacturing output, the scheme is heavily focused on high-tech sectors like electronics, drones, and IT hardware — which are capital- and skill-intensive. Despite this, the highest job creation under the PLI has been observed in food processing and pharmaceuticals, suggesting a disconnect between investment focus and employment potential.
• ELI Scheme: Designed to subsidise the cost of hiring untrained workers in labour-intensive sectors, the ELI provides short-term financial support via EPFO contributions. However, its long-term efficacy in ensuring sustainable skilling and employment remains uncertain due to lack of outcome data and short subsidy duration (2–3 years).

Need for a Cohesive Labour-Capital Policy Framework

India’s employment challenge cannot be addressed through fragmented policies. A cohesive framework is required that integrates:

• Industrial Policy with Skilling Policy: Ministries responsible for industrial production, labour, and skilling must work in tandem to ensure the availability of a workforce with skills that are aligned with the demands of emerging sectors.
• Incentive Structuring: The current flat subsidies under ELI could be modified into a graded structure, where higher transfers are provided for higher levels of certified skill acquisition, encouraging continuous skill upgrading.
• Skill Supply Chain Reform: Skill development institutions like ITIs and vocational centres should be incentivised based on placement rates and wage outcomes, not just enrolments or certifications.
• Labour Law Flexibility: State-level reforms in labour regulations are essential to reduce the cost of employing formal workers and to encourage job creation, especially in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Way Forward for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India)

As India transitions towards becoming a high-value production economy, it must simultaneously invest in its human capital. This requires:

• Dynamic Skill Development Programs: Adaptive skilling strategies must be designed to align with evolving technological trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and green energy.
• Data-Driven Employment Policies: Regular labour market surveys and outcome tracking of employment schemes are critical for evidence-based policymaking.
• Support for Labour-Intensive Sectors: Focused support to industries with high employment elasticity, such as textiles, leather, food processing, tourism, and construction, can yield substantial job creation.

In conclusion, advancing the agenda of Viksit Bharat demands equal emphasis on capital and labour. Without a strong and skilled workforce, India's demographic dividend risks turning into a demographic burden. Therefore, employment generation must be at the core of India’s development policy, with a strategic vision that links skilling, production, and structural transformation.

In News:

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025, seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the administration of waqf properties in India. The revised Bill incorporates the recommendations of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and has sparked significant political and community debate due to its proposed structural and procedural reforms.

1. Retention and Restriction of ‘Waqf by User’ Doctrine

• Background: The doctrine allows property to be treated as waqf based on uninterrupted communal usage, even without formal documentation.
• Revised Provision: Retains ‘waqf by user’ for properties registered before the enactment of the law but prohibits its use for future claims.
• Criticism: The introduction of a clause requiring individuals to prove Islamic practice for five years to establish waqf status is seen as exclusionary and arbitrary.

2. Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Institutions

• Provisions:
  • Mandates the inclusion of at least two non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.
  • Removes the requirement that the CEO of a Waqf Board be Muslim.
  • Redefines Waqf Tribunals to include a district judge, a Joint Secretary-level officer, and a Muslim law expert.
• Criticism: Raises questions about community autonomy in religious affairs under Article 26 of the Constitution.
• Government's Justification: Aims to enhance expertise, transparency, and administrative efficiency.

3. Enhanced Government Oversight in Waqf Property Surveys

• New Mechanism:
  • Surveys to be conducted by senior officials above the rank of District Collector.
  • Such officers will serve as the final authority in determining whether land is waqf or government-owned.
  • Tribunal jurisdiction curtailed in such disputes.
• Implications:
  • Centralizes decision-making within the state bureaucracy.
  • Raises concerns about executive overreach and weakening of judicial oversight in waqf matters.

4. Centralised Registration and Digital Governance

• Digital Portal:
  • Mandatory online registration of all waqf properties within six months.
  • Extensions can be granted by waqf tribunals upon demonstration of "sufficient cause."
• Objective: To curb encroachment, enhance transparency, and create a uniform digital record of waqf assets.

5. Application of the Limitation Act, 1963

• Change Introduced: Repeals Section 107 of the Waqf Act, 1995, which exempted waqf properties from the statutory limitation period.
• Implication: Allows claims of adverse possession after 12 years; may legitimize longstanding illegal occupations of waqf land.
• Opposition View: Seen as a move that undermines waqf rights and aids encroachers.

6. Judicial Review and Appeals

• Revised Provision:
  • Waqf tribunal decisions are no longer final.
  • Appeals can be made to the High Court within 90 days.
  • Courts can dismiss suits if properties are not registered within the stipulated time unless “sufficient cause” is shown.
• Impact: Enhances judicial scrutiny but also limits access to justice in certain cases through procedural conditions.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Encourages transparency and formalisation of waqf governance.
  • Introduces checks against misuse and encroachments.
  • Provides a digital framework for property management.
• Cons:
  • Risks state interference in religious institutions, impacting minority rights under Articles 25–28.
  • Exclusion of oral traditions may erase significant community practices and histories.
  • Implementation challenges due to administrative overburden and community mistrust.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, represents a significant shift in the governance of waqf properties by increasing state oversight, standardising processes, and promoting digital reforms. However, it raises serious questions about religious autonomy, federal balance, and minority rights. A careful balance between administrative efficiency and constitutional guarantees is essential to ensure inclusive and equitable governance.

In News:

On April 1, 2025, India and China marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the exchange of congratulatory messages between President DroupadiMurmu and President Xi Jinping. Both leaders emphasized the need to deepen cooperation, manage differences strategically, and work jointly for regional and global stability. Xi referred to the bilateral relationship as a “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” symbolizing coordinated progress between two Asian giants.

Significance of the 75th Anniversary

The commemoration marks a diplomatic milestone for two ancient civilizations and modern emerging powers, both key members of the Global South. It offers a timely opportunity to recalibrate relations, especially after recent tensions such as the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Xi called for enhanced “strategic mutual trust” and deeper coordination on global affairs, reflecting a shared responsibility in shaping the international order.

President Murmu and PM Modi stressed multipolarity, stability, and peaceful coexistence. Notably, over 70,000 visas were issued to Indians in early 2025, indicating a revival in people-to-people exchanges. Talks in March 2025 focused on border management and resumption of cultural and religious exchanges, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Historical Overview

India was the first non-socialist country to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1950. The 1954 Panchsheel Agreement promoted peaceful coexistence. However, the 1962 war over the unresolved border disputes—especially in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh—remains a lasting legacy of mistrust.

Ties normalized in the 1980s, with Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit paving the way for diplomatic mechanisms like the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). The 2000s saw robust economic engagement, with bilateral trade reaching $138.5 billion by 2024. Both nations became pivotal members of BRICS, SCO, and G20.

Areas of Cooperation

• Multilateral Platforms: India and China coordinate in BRICS, SCO, and on Global South agendas, especially climate finance and equitable development.
• Economic Ties: Despite border frictions, trade remains resilient. China is India’s largest trading partner.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Student exchanges, art exhibitions, and religious pilgrimages continue.
• Public Diplomacy: Diplomatic dialogues, resumed air links, and cooperation on trans-border rivers underscore confidence-building efforts.

Points of Divergence

• Border Dispute: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains contentious, especially post-Galwan 2020.
• Strategic Mistrust: China’s ties with Pakistan and presence in the Indian Ocean, as well as its Belt and Road Initiative (excluding India), fuel rivalry.
• Trade Imbalance: India’s import-heavy trade with China leads to a significant deficit.
• Perception Gap: India’s push for strategic autonomy contrasts with China’s assertive regional posturing.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Strategic Dialogue: Revive and regularize SR-level border talks and WMCC meetings.
• Rebuild Trust: Encourage military confidence-building measures and cooperative ventures in non-sensitive areas.
• Balance Trade: Promote diversification and attract Chinese investments aligned with India’s interests.
• Enhance People-to-People Ties: Facilitate educational, cultural, and tourism exchanges.
• Promote Multilateralism: Collaborate on global issues such as climate change, health security, and WTO reforms.

Conclusion

India-China relations remain a blend of cooperation and contestation. The 75th anniversary provides an inflection point to transcend border hostilities and engage in constructive diplomacy. A balanced and long-term perspective, as advocated by both nations, can shift the narrative from conflict to coordinated coexistence—true to the spirit of the “Dragon-Elephant Tango.”

Context:

India’s air pollution crisis has evolved from a seasonal concern into a persistent public health emergency. Urban skylines disappearing under layers of smog, overflowing hospitals with respiratory cases, and frequent school closures point to the alarming scale of the issue. Indian cities consistently rank among the most polluted globally, and without a coordinated, inclusive, and locally-driven strategy, the situation may deteriorate further.

Institutional and Structural Complexities

Air pollution in India is not merely a technical issue; it is deeply embedded in structural and governance-related challenges. It reflects a mix of socio-economic disparities, weak municipal capacity, behavioral norms, and fragmented institutional mandates. Municipal bodies — key actors in controlling local pollution sources — often lack adequate funding, data access, and administrative autonomy. Their responsibilities are rarely aligned with national clean air targets.

India aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% (from 2017 levels) by 2026 under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), but progress remains slow. This is due in part to a reliance on ambient air quality data, which can fluctuate based on meteorological factors and may not accurately reflect ground-level interventions. A shift toward activity-based metrics — such as the number of biomass stoves replaced or diesel vehicles retired — is needed to measure real impact.

Key Interventions and Their Gaps

India has introduced several programs to combat air pollution:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Targets 20–30% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 by 2026 in 132 cities.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI): Introduced in 2020 to enforce strict vehicular emission norms.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Promotes LPG usage to reduce dependence on biomass.
• FAME II: Incentivizes electric vehicles.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Addresses urban waste, a significant pollution source.

However, between 2019 and 2023, only about 60% of NCAP funds were utilized — not due to lack of intent, but due to institutional misalignment and poor coordination. Additionally, India’s clean air budget is dwarfed by global comparisons; China invested ?22 lakh crore over five years, while India’s NCAP allocation is less than 1% of that. Even when related programs (PMUY: ?18,128 crore; FAME II: ?10,795 crore; SBM-U: ?1.4 lakh crore) are included, the challenge lies in integrating these efforts meaningfully.

The Need for a Phased, Data-Driven Approach

A transformative clean air strategy should include:

• Phase I: Build high-resolution, local emissions inventories.
• Phase II: Link funding to data-driven, actionable plans.
• Phase III: Track reductions in emissions, not just pollution concentrations.

Governance reforms must empower local authorities, integrate air quality goals into urban planning, and ensure open access to real-time emissions data.

Guarding Against Technological Overdependence

India must avoid over-reliance on AI dashboards, smog towers, and other high-tech tools that may benefit elite urban areas while neglecting rural and informal sectors — major contributors to emissions. Instead of focusing on optics, efforts must prioritize structural reforms and equitable interventions.

Global Lessons, Local Adaptation

India can learn from other countries:

• China: Closed coal plants aggressively.
• Brazil: Enabled community-led waste management.
• California: Reinvested pollution revenue in vulnerable populations.
• London: Implemented bans before adopting high-tech monitoring.

India’s path must be rooted in federalism, tailored to its informal economy, and driven by behavioral and structural change. Clean air must be recognized as a universal right, not a privilege — and achieving it demands people-centric governance, consistent funding, and courageous implementation.

Context:

In March 2025, UNESCO released its global report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” at the ‘Nutrition for Growth’ summit in France. The report brings to light the critical intersection between child nutrition and educational outcomes, positioning school feeding programs not merely as welfare schemes but as foundational investments in human capital.

Global and Indian Context

As per the report, 418 million children across 161 countries benefit from school meal programs, yet over half of these initiatives lack adequate portions of fruits and vegetables. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of the programs include sugary beverages. This dietary imbalance is reflected in the rising tide of childhood obesity, which has doubled in over 100 countries in the past two decades.

In India, the PM-POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme remains a vital intervention, feeding approximately 118 million children daily, making it one of the largest school meal programs globally. Despite this extensive reach, the report notes a persisting issue of "hidden hunger" — widespread micronutrient deficiencies stemming from poor dietary diversity.

Nutrition-Education Nexus

The report strongly advocates for recognizing nutrition as an enabler of learning. Well-balanced meals in schools contribute to better attention spans, memory retention, and academic performance. In countries like Brazil and Finland, where nutrition programs are closely aligned with educational frameworks, data shows improved enrolment, retention, and performance metrics.

School meals also serve as instruments of social equity, especially for children from low-income families and marginalized communities. They act as a safety net, improving attendance — particularly for girls — and reducing hunger-related learning barriers. When sourced locally, these programs can additionally boost rural economies and support sustainable agriculture, creating farm-to-table ecosystems.

Challenges Identified

The report flags several systemic challenges. A majority of school feeding programs are heavily dependent on staple grains, offering minimal variety. Many meals still include ultra-processed and low-nutrient foods, while nutrition education remains largely absent from school curricula — only 17 countries integrate it with national food standards.

Further, an urban-rural divide in infrastructure, such as cold storage and supply chains, leads to inconsistent delivery. Monitoring gaps also persist — just 8% of countries track school meals against WHO nutritional standards, making outcome assessment difficult.

Recommendations and Way Forward

UNESCO proposes a holistic approach for countries to bridge the education-nutrition divide:

• Curriculum Integration: Nutrition should be embedded into educational content across disciplines and levels.
• Science-Based Standards: National guidelines should align with WHO dietary recommendations.
• Local Procurement: Meal sourcing must prioritize seasonal and region-specific produce to enhance diversity.
• Teacher Training: Educators should be equipped to impart food literacy effectively.
• Robust Monitoring: Countries must develop national strategies on school nutrition with clear benchmarks, accountability, and evaluation mechanisms.

Conclusion

The report makes a compelling case that education and nutrition must be interlinked to foster meaningful development. Investing in nutritious school meals is not merely about feeding children — it is about shaping a healthier, more capable future generation. In the long run, a well-nourished child is better positioned to learn, thrive, and contribute to nation-building, making this a strategic priority for policymakers worldwide.

Context:

Nearly two decades after the landmark India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (123 Agreement) was signed in 2007, a major operational milestone has been achieved. In March 2025, the US Department of Energy (DoE) granted regulatory clearance under “10CFR810” of the US Atomic Energy Act (1954), allowing Holtec International, a US-based nuclear engineering firm, to transfer unclassified Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to three Indian private entities: Holtec Asia (its subsidiary), Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Key Regulatory and Safeguard Provisions

• Authorization Duration: 10 years, subject to a five-year review.
• Safeguards: Technology to be used only for peaceful nuclear activities under IAEA safeguards.
• Restrictions:
  • No retransfer to other Indian or foreign entities without US approval.
  • Prohibited for military/naval propulsion or enrichment purposes.
  • No access to Sensitive Nuclear Technology.
• Compliance: Holtec is required to file quarterly progress reports to the US DoE.

Strategic and Technological Significance for India

• Modernizing India's Nuclear Fleet: India's nuclear program has traditionally relied on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium. The transfer of SMR technology based on Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) represents a shift towards the global mainstream of nuclear reactor technology.
• Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Collaboration with Indian firms like L&T and TCE can localize manufacturing and engineering, promoting Make in India and self-reliance in nuclear energy technology.
• Entry into Global SMR Supply Chain: This development aligns India with an emerging global trend, as SMRs (30–300 MWe) are increasingly viewed as crucial for decarbonization and energy security.
• Strategic Counterbalance to China: As China advances its SMR technology for energy diplomacy in the Global South, this India–US initiative presents a geopolitical counterweight, especially as both nations face challenges in independently competing with China’s scale and state-led investments.

Legal and Policy Bottlenecks

• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Cited by foreign companies as a barrier due to concerns about supplier liability in case of accidents.
• Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Needs amendments to permit private sector participation in nuclear generation, currently reserved for public sector undertakings like NPCIL and NTPC.
• Despite Holtec's request, these PSUs were not included in the initial authorization due to pending non-proliferation assurances from the Indian government. However, they may be added later, contingent on further diplomatic progress.

Way Forward and Future Prospects

• Holtec’s Expansion Plans: Its non-nuclear manufacturing unit in Dahej, Gujarat is poised for expansion, with a potential doubling of its workforce once SMR manufacturing begins.
• Partnership Pipeline:
  • TCE for engineering design.
  • L&T for high-precision nuclear component manufacturing.
  • Future engagement with NPCIL and NTPC as operators of Holtec’s SMR-300 reactors.
• Clean Energy Strategy: SMRs are positioned as a key component of India's low-carbon energy transition, addressing both rising power demands and global climate commitments.

Conclusion

The US’s clearance for technology transfer to Indian private firms marks a pivotal operational step in the long-stalled India–US civil nuclear partnership. It opens the door for India to enter the global SMR market, boosts its domestic nuclear industry, and strengthens strategic cooperation with the US. However, legal reforms and institutional readiness remain critical for realizing the full potential of this deal.

Background:

In a landmark ruling in K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu (May 2025), the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed that maternity leave is not merely a welfare measure but a constitutional and reproductive right of women. Setting aside the Madras High Court’s judgment, the apex court extended maternity benefits to a government school teacher for her third child, rejecting the Tamil Nadu government's policy that restricts such benefits to only the first two children.

Background of the Case:

The petitioner, a teacher employed in a Tamil Nadu government school, was denied maternity leave for her third biological child, citing Fundamental Rule 101(a) which limits benefits to women with fewer than two surviving children. Notably, the child in question was from her second marriage, while the earlier two children were in the custody of her former husband and born before her employment. The single bench of the High Court had ruled in her favour, finding the state rule inconsistent with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and invalid under Article 254 (repugnancy with central law). However, a division bench reversed this decision, prompting an appeal to the SC.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court:

• Maternity leave is integral to a woman’s reproductive autonomy and thus protected under Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensures personal liberty.
• It is also aligned with Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 42) that mandate the state to ensure humane work conditions and maternity relief.
• The SC emphasized that reproductive rights are recognized under international human rights law, including the rights to health, privacy, dignity, equality, and non-discrimination (as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
• The Court clarified that population control, though a valid public policy goal, cannot override the constitutional guarantee of reproductive choice and health.

Reaffirming the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended 2017):

• The Act applies to workplaces with 10 or more employees, including both public and private sectors.
• Provides 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for women with fewer than two surviving children, and 12 weeks for the third or subsequent child.
• Also covers adoptive and commissioning mothers with 12 weeks of leave.
• Ensures job security, access to crèche facilities in establishments with 50+ employees, and promotes work-from-home options during or after pregnancy.

Significance of the Judgment:

• The verdict ensures gender equity in the workforce by reinforcing women’s right to combine motherhood with professional aspirations.
• It highlights the need to harmonize state policies with central welfare legislation and constitutional mandates.
• It reflects the Court's broader jurisprudence, such as in Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration, which had affirmed a woman’s reproductive choices as part of her autonomy.

Implications for Policy and Governance:

This judgment strengthens women’s workforce participation by addressing a key dropout point—childbirth. It serves as a precedent for inclusive, rights-based policy design and calls for reviewing restrictive service rules across states. It aligns with India's commitments under international human rights frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality).

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s verdict elevates maternity leave to a constitutionally protected right, advancing both social justice and women’s empowerment in India’s democratic framework.

In News:

Urban forests are increasingly emerging as critical ecological buffers amidst India’s rapidly expanding cities. The recent controversy over the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad—where 400 acres of urban forest land were earmarked for industrial development—has reignited debates on sustainable urbanisation and environmental governance. The Supreme Court’s intervention to halt further deforestation underscores the urgent need to prioritise ecological assets in urban planning.

Importance of Urban Forests

Urban forests such as Kancha Gachibowli (Hyderabad), Aarey (Mumbai), Turahalli (Bengaluru), Neela Hauz and the Ridge (Delhi), and Dol Ka Baadh (Jaipur) play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance within metropolitan environments. Their multifaceted contributions include:

• Air Pollution Mitigation: Urban forests absorb pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10, which are major contributors to urban air pollution from vehicular emissions and construction activity.
  • A 2006 study by the USDA Forest Service found that one hectare of forest can remove approximately one ton of air pollutants annually.
  • In November 2024, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded a hazardous AQI of 494 in Delhi, highlighting the urgent need for natural air purifiers.
• Climate Regulation: These forests help reduce the urban heat island effect, control stormwater runoff, and mitigate urban flooding and erosion.
• Carbon Sequestration: Trees in urban forests trap atmospheric carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
• Biodiversity Preservation: They serve as urban habitats for endangered birds, insects, and other fauna, supporting biodiversity within city limits.
• Socio-Cultural Benefits: Urban forests offer green spaces for recreation, promote mental well-being, and enhance the overall livability of urban areas.

Threats and Challenges

Despite their importance, urban forests in India face increasing threats due to:

• Unregulated Urban Expansion: Urban planning often disregards ecological sustainability, prioritising infrastructure and industrial development over green spaces.
• Lack of Legal Clarity: State governments sometimes contest the status of forest lands, as seen in Telangana’s claim over Kancha Gachibowli, undermining forest protections.
• Real Estate Pressures: Encroachments and land-use changes for commercial gain are frequent, with environmental concerns often sidelined.

Judicial Interventions and Constitutional Provisions

Indian courts have played a pivotal role in safeguarding urban forests:

• T.N. GodavarmanThirumulpad Case (1996): Expanded the definition of "forest" to include areas recorded as forest in government records, irrespective of ownership or classification.
• Delhi High Court (2015): Directed the protection and notification of the Delhi Ridge forest.
• Supreme Court Stay on Aarey Tree Felling (2020): Responded to civil society petitions to preserve Mumbai’s Aarey forest.
• Rajasthan High Court Suo Motu Action (2024): Intervened against deforestation in biodiversity-rich Baran district.

Constitutional Backing:

• Article 21: Guarantees the Right to Life, interpreted by courts to include the right to a clean and healthy environment.
• Article 48A: Directs the State to protect and improve the environment.
• Article 51A(g): Makes it a fundamental duty of citizens to protect the natural environment.

Policy Interventions: Nagar Van Yojana

In response to growing ecological concerns, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the Nagar Van Yojana in 2020 with the goal of developing 1,000 urban forests by 2027.

• As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, the initiative has already led to an increase of 1,445.81 sq km in tree and forest cover in urban areas.
• The scheme aligns with other policy frameworks such as the National Forest Policy (1988) and the National Mission for Green India (2014), which promote afforestation and ecological restoration.

Way Forward

To ensure sustainable urbanisation, India must:

• Integrate ecological planning into urban masterplans, with mandatory forest inventories and zoning protections.
• Strengthen legal protections for notified and unnotified forests within urban areas.
• Foster community participation and civil society engagement in urban environmental stewardship.
• Promote green infrastructure through Smart Cities and AMRUT missions.

Conclusion

Urban forests are not peripheral luxuries but ecological necessities. Their conservation is essential for ensuring environmental resilience, public health, and urban quality of life. As India continues its urbanisation journey, a harmonious balance between development and ecological preservation is indispensable.

Context:

India, the second-largest fish-producing nation globally, contributes around 8% to world fish production. With an estimated marine fisheries potential of 5.31 million tonnes, India’s sector has reached its maximum sustainable yield, currently stabilizing at 3–4 million tonnes annually. However, this apparent success masks deep ecological and socio-economic distress, primarily due to overfishing.

Inequity and Overexploitation

Despite their 90% share in the fishing population, small-scale fishers harvest merely 10% of the total catch, while mechanised trawlers dominate volumes. This has left three-fourths of marine fisher families below the poverty line. Escalating the problem is the race to increase yields using more powerful engines and finer mesh nets—leading to marginal gains at steep ecological and financial costs.

Trawling operations, especially shrimp trawlers, demonstrate the magnitude of bycatch—where for every kilogram of shrimp, over 10 kg of juvenile and non-target species are discarded. Such practices degrade marine biodiversity, deplete spawning stocks, and destabilise food webs. Examples from Canada’s cod fishery (1992) and California’s sardine fishery collapse (1960s–80s) show the irreversible impacts of mismanaged stocks.

Policy Fragmentation and Regulatory Loopholes

Each coastal state in India governs its marine fisheries through its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MFRA), resulting in a regulatory patchwork. Fishers exploit these inconsistencies—for example, landing juvenile fish legally in one state that are protected in another. This undermines conservation and facilitates laundering of protected species.

Moreover, the fish-meal and fish-oil (FMFO) industry fuels ecological damage by incentivising bycatch. Much of this low-value catch is processed into meal, mostly for export, depriving domestic consumers and aquaculture of vital nutritional inputs.

Government Initiatives

The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated a record ?2,703.67 crore to the fisheries sector, focusing on the sustainable harnessing of resources from the EEZ and high seas, especially around Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Key schemes include:

• Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY): Focuses on inland fisheries and aquaculture for food security.
• Blue Revolution Scheme: Enhances productivity in marine and inland fisheries.
• Technological Interventions: Satellite-based vessel tracking, Oceansat for forecasting Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ), and GIS mapping are being deployed.

Path to Sustainability

India’s National Policy on Marine Fisheries (2017) embeds sustainability at its core, promoting measures like:

• 61-day uniform fishing bans during monsoons;
• Prohibitions on harmful methods like pair and bull trawling, and LED light usage;
• Promotion of mariculture, artificial reefs, and sea ranching.

Successful models abroad offer direction. New Zealand’s Quota Management System (QMS) aligns catch limits with stock assessments and uses transferable quotas to regulate fishing. India could pilot such a model for its mechanised fleet.

Domestically, Kerala’s enforcement of a Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for threadfin bream boosted catches by 41% in one season. Scaling such practices nationally can ensure ecological recovery and economic benefits.

Way Forward

India must urgently move towards a unified, science-based regulatory framework, including:

• National MLS norms,
• Gear restrictions to reduce juvenile catch,
• Scientific catch limits,
• Closed seasons aligned with spawning cycles.

Simultaneously, fisher cooperatives must be empowered, FMFO quotas capped, and consumer awareness campaigns launched to encourage demand for legally sized, sustainable seafood.

In conclusion, India stands at a critical juncture. Ignoring overfishing risks deepening poverty and ecological collapse. The solutions—rooted in science, equity, and sustainability—are within reach and must be swiftly implemented to safeguard marine wealth and livelihoods for future generations.

Context:

The recent controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma and the subsequent remarks by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have reignited a crucial debate in Indian constitutional discourse: How can the judiciary remain independent while also being held accountable? At the heart of this debate lies the tension between institutional autonomy and the growing demand for transparency in judicial conduct.

The Varma Case: Catalyst for a Larger Debate

In March 2024, unaccounted cash was reportedly found at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, then serving on the Delhi High Court. Following the discovery, he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. An in-house inquiry conducted by the Supreme Court found him culpable, yet it dismissed a petition seeking criminal investigation, forwarding the report instead to the President and Prime Minister.

Vice President Dhankhar questioned the constitutional basis of the in-house mechanism and called for a re-examination of the K Veeraswami judgment (1991), suggesting that the current legal framework grants excessive immunity to judges and hampers accountability.

Constitutional Safeguards and In-House Procedures

The Indian Constitution protects judicial independence through Article 124, which stipulates that judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can only be removed through impeachment—a process that requires a special majority in Parliament. However, this safeguard has made judicial removal politically difficult. Despite several attempts, no judge has ever been successfully impeached since independence.

To address ethical complaints, the judiciary devised the in-house inquiry mechanism, wherein a panel headed by senior judges examines allegations against fellow judges. While this preserves the judiciary’s autonomy, the mechanism lacks statutory backing and has no power to impose penalties or recommend criminal prosecution.

The Veeraswami Judgment: Balancing Act or Bottleneck?

In the K Veeraswami case, the Supreme Court ruled that a judge could be treated as a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, it mandated that any criminal case against a judge could proceed only with the approval of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), not the executive. This was intended to prevent misuse of prosecutorial powers and ensure judicial independence.

Critics argue that this judgment has created a judicial monopoly over sanctioning investigations, undermining public accountability. In practice, criminal prosecution against judges remains extremely rare. Notably, in 2019, then CJI Ranjan Gogoi sanctioned an FIR against Justice S.N. Shukla of the Allahabad High Court—one of the few instances of such approval.

Towards a Transparent and Accountable Judiciary

The current episode underscores a critical gap in India’s judicial accountability mechanisms. While independence is essential to prevent executive interference, absolute immunity risks eroding public confidence in the judiciary. The lack of transparency and enforceability in in-house inquiries has further exacerbated this perception.

There is a growing case for revisiting the Veeraswami judgment, possibly through constitutional or legislative reform, to allow limited and well-regulated avenues for criminal investigation into judicial misconduct—without compromising judicial independence.

Conclusion

A nuanced balance must be struck between judicial independence and accountability. India’s democracy cannot afford a judiciary that is either vulnerable to political manipulation or immune from public scrutiny. Strengthening internal accountability frameworks, reinforcing institutional checks, and ensuring transparency in disciplinary processes are essential to uphold both the dignity and integrity of the judiciary.

Context:

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), adopted the first-ever Pandemic Agreement at its 78th session in May 2025. This historic and legally binding agreement, three years in the making, aims to strengthen global pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response with a focus on equity, solidarity, and scientific evidence. Triggered by the gaps and inequities exposed during the COVID-19 crisis, the accord marks a milestone in global health governance under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, previously used for the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The agreement was unanimously approved by 124 countries, with no opposition and 11 abstentions. It emphasizes that national sovereignty remains intact, explicitly stating that WHO cannot mandate domestic laws or measures such as lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or travel restrictions. This provision addresses concerns of state overreach and promotes voluntary, collaborative international action.

A central feature is the creation of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, wherein countries that share virus samples will receive equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Participating pharmaceutical companies must allocate 20% of their real-time production (10% as donations, 10% at affordable prices) to WHO for distribution based on public health needs, especially in developing nations. This move addresses the vaccine nationalism witnessed during COVID-19 and promotes global health equity.

To support this system, the agreement calls for the establishment of a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL), coordinated by WHO, to ensure timely and fair distribution of essential health products during public health emergencies. Member states are encouraged to develop national pandemic prevention plans, improve disease surveillance, and invest in routine immunisation, antimicrobial resistance control, and zoonotic disease prevention.

Another key pillar is the promotion of sustainable local production of health products and technology transfer to developing countries. Mechanisms such as licensing, regulatory incentives, and financing are to be used to facilitate regional and global tech hubs. These efforts are aimed at reducing reliance on a few manufacturing nations and improving rapid response capabilities globally.

The agreement’s adoption is politically significant in reaffirming multilateralism amid rising nationalism. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed it as a “victory for public health and multilateral cooperation.” However, the absence of the United States — a major global health funder and former leader in pandemic response — casts a shadow. The U.S. withdrew from the drafting process following the Trump administration’s move to exit WHO, raising concerns about the treaty’s universality and enforcement.

Despite the lack of a penalty mechanism for non-compliance, the agreement represents a global consensus on shared responsibility for health security. It acknowledges that pandemics pose transboundary risks requiring coordinated international action, especially to protect vulnerable populations and frontline workers.

Expected to enter into force after ratification by 60 countries and the finalisation of PABS and GSCL mechanisms by May 2026, the WHO Pandemic Agreement is a pivotal step in ensuring the world is better prepared, more resilient, and more just in the face of future pandemic threats.

Context:

In recent years, India's tiger conservation practices have come under scrutiny due to the continued use of live baiting, particularly for feeding injured or aging tigers. While originally a hunting tactic used by British colonialists—placing prey like buffalo or goats to lure tigers for easy shooting—live baiting found new life in post-independence India as a tourism tool in reserves like Sariska. This practice was officially banned in 1982 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, yet it persists in conflict scenarios and as a means of care for ailing tigers.

National Policy and Ecological Concerns

According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), live baiting for tourism is prohibited, and its use for injured or old tigers is “not advisable.” The SOP emphasizes minimal human intervention, underscoring that wildlife conservation must adhere to the principle of survival of the fittest. Artificial feeding undermines this, fostering dependency, disrupting natural selection, and increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

Despite these guidelines, many reserves continue the practice under humanitarian or public pressure. Feeding wild tigers, even as an emergency measure, is permitted only in exceptional cases—such as when an injured tigress with dependent cubs cannot hunt. Experts like Valmik Thapar recommend baiting no more than once every two weeks and only for a short duration of up to three months.

Case Studies Highlighting Consequences

The tragic case of Kankati, a 23-month-old tigress in Ranthambore, illustrates the dangers of early habituation. Raised on live bait after her mother, Arrowhead, fell ill, Kankati and her siblings lost their fear of humans. She has since killed two people, raising alarms about human safety in reserves.

Similar outcomes have been observed in the cases of T36, T37, and Simba—young tigers raised on bait following the deaths of their mothers. Without learning essential hunting skills, these tigers either perished prematurely or became threats to others. Even aging icons like Machhli and T2 were kept alive unnaturally with bait; while Machhli survived on human-provided food for seven years, T2 died too weak to kill.

The Cultural Shift Toward Over-Intervention

A growing culture of emotional overreach is increasingly shaping wildlife management. Tourists now demand treatment for limping or injured tigers, triggering unnecessary tranquilizations and medical interventions. From transporting prey animals to creating artificial water sources during dry spells, reserves like Corbett, Kanha, Bandipur, and Pench are altering ecosystems to sustain tigers artificially.

This overmanagement leads to unnatural survival of weaker individuals, overcrowding, and territorial conflicts—not just between tigers but also between tigers and humans. Experts caution that such interference only weakens the ecological integrity of tiger populations.

Conclusion: Let Nature Lead

Veteran conservationists argue that wild tigers do not require pet-like care. The most effective conservation strategy remains the preservation of natural habitats and prey bases, with minimal human interference. Misplaced kindness, though emotionally compelling, endangers both tiger and human populations by disrupting nature’s balance.

For India to achieve sustainable tiger conservation, it must resist populist interventions and re-anchor policies in ecological wisdom—protect, don’t pamper.

In News:

India’s northeast has long faced logistical isolation due to its geographical constraints and overdependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck. A recent strategic initiative aims to transform this scenario through the creation of a multi-modal connectivity route that bypasses Bangladesh and directly links the Northeast to the sea via Myanmar and Kolkata. This development gains added relevance in light of recent remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who described Northeast India as “landlocked” and dependent solely on Dhaka for maritime access—a claim that India seeks to counter through tangible connectivity upgrades.

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)

At the heart of this initiative lies the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a flagship project under India’s Act East Policy, designed to connect the eastern seaport of Kolkata to the landlocked Northeast through Myanmar. The project includes:

• Sea Leg: Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar (~539 km).
• Inland Waterway: From Sittwe to Paletwa via the Kaladan River (~158 km).
• Road Leg in Myanmar: Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border (~110 km).
• Indian Extension: Zorinpui to Lawngtlai and Aizawl in Mizoram, connecting to the national highway network.

This corridor not only reduces reliance on routes through Bangladesh but also serves as a strategic counterbalance in India’s regional geopolitics, particularly in strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and enhancing its maritime influence in the Bay of Bengal.

Strategic Shillong-Silchar Highway

Complementing the KMTTP is the construction of a 166.8 km four-lane high-speed highway from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) to Panchgram (near Silchar) along NH-6. This is the first high-speed corridor in the North-East and the first in a hilly terrain, and is slated for completion by 2030. The project is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at a cost of ?22,864 crore, with implementation by NHIDCL for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The highway will include:

• 19 major bridges, 153 minor bridges, 326 culverts
• 22 underpasses, 26 overpasses, 8 subways, and 34 viaducts

It will reduce travel time between Shillong and Silchar from 8.5 to 5 hours and act as a crucial link to states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur. More significantly, it will integrate with the Kaladan route, offering a direct link to Kolkata via Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal.

Strategic and Economic Significance

This integrated connectivity initiative holds multi-dimensional importance:

• Reduces dependency on Bangladesh and the Siliguri Corridor
• Enhances trade and people-to-people ties with ASEAN nations
• Strengthens regional integration under the Act East Policy
• Boosts economic development in the North-East through improved logistics
• Improves India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal

In conclusion, the Kolkata-Northeast sea route and supporting infrastructure like the Shillong-Silchar highway represent a decisive step towards bridging geographical constraints, boosting regional development, and reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy in the eastern frontier.