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 This crisis stems from a combination of outdated urban drainage systems, rapid concretisation, encroachment on natural water bodies, and climate change-induced extreme weather events.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 Bengaluru’s network is outdated, with over 65% of its lakes encroached and connected stormwater drains severely undersized.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• Man-made Factors: Unplanned urbanisation, loss of wetlands, illegal constructions, outdated design standards, infiltration of sewage into stormwater lines, and poor maintenance.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:

The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief has lauded India for lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, reducing the poverty rate from 16.2% to 2.3%. This achievement underscores India’s sustained commitment to inclusive development, driven by economic growth, targeted welfare interventions, and improved access to essential services.

Key Findings:

The Poverty and Equity Briefs (PEBs), published biannually by the World Bank, assess poverty trends using international benchmarks (USD 2.15/day for extreme poverty, USD 3.65/day for lower-middle-income poverty), and include multidimensional poverty indicators and Gini Index estimates for income inequality.

• Rural and Urban Progress:
  • Rural extreme poverty declined from 18.4% to 2.8%.
  • Urban extreme poverty fell from 10.7% to 1.1%.
  • The rural-urban poverty gap narrowed significantly, indicating more balanced regional development.
• Lower-Middle-Income Poverty (USD 3.65/day line):
  • National poverty fell from 61.8% to 28.1%, lifting 378 million people out of poverty.
  • Rural poverty declined from 69% to 32.5%, and urban from 43.5% to 17.2%.
• State-wise Contribution:Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh—accounting for 65% of India’s poor in 2011—contributed two-thirds of the total poverty reduction by 2022-23.
• Multidimensional Poverty:
  • MPI fell from 53.8% (2005-06) to 16.4% (2019-21).
  • By 2022-23, it further reduced to 15.5%, indicating improvements in health, education, and living standards.
• Income Inequality:India’s Gini Index improved from 28.8 to 25.5, signaling a modest reduction in income disparities.

Employment and Structural Shifts

Employment growth has been robust post-2021:

• Female employment has increased, though still only 31%, with a 234 million gender gap in paid work.
• Urban unemployment declined to 6.6% in Q1 FY24-25, the lowest since 2017-18.
• A shift from rural to urban employment was noted among men, while rural women increasingly engage in agricultural self-employment.

Persistent Social Challenges

Despite progress, several social challenges persist:

• Marginalized communities (SCs/STs) face limited access to quality education, healthcare, and formal jobs.
• Malnutrition and health disparities remain despite schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan.
• Water and energy poverty still affect large segments—49.8% of rural households lack piped water (NFHS-5), and many still rely on biomass despite the Ujjwala Yojana.
• Mental poverty due to chronic stress, unemployment (29% among graduates), and social stigma hinders productivity.
• Environmental degradation from unsustainable resource use affects the poorest most, worsening poverty cycles.

Policy Recommendations

To build on this progress, India must:

• Strengthen affirmative action and welfare delivery (e.g., PMJDY, DDU-GKY, Aadhaar-based targeting).
• Promote gender equality through effective implementation of BetiBachaoBetiPadhao, SSY, and gender-inclusive job creation.
• Expand clean energy and water access via solar microgrids and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Scale up mental health services using ASHA workers and awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

India’s success in drastically reducing poverty—both monetary and multidimensional—demonstrates the impact of focused development policies. However, the path ahead requires deeper reforms targeting inequality, gender disparity, and service delivery inefficiencies to ensure sustained, inclusive growth.

In News:

The Government of India, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly referred to as Naxalism. The Central Government has set a target to make India Naxal-free by March 2026, a goal backed by integrated security, developmental, and governance strategies.

Current Status and Achievements

Recent operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur and Kanker districts led to the neutralization of 22 Naxalites, highlighting the success of the ongoing ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’. In 2025 alone, 90 Naxalites were killed, 104 arrested, and 164 surrendered. In 2024, these figures stood at 290 neutralized, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Additionally, 15 top Naxal leaders have been eliminated.

There has been a 53% decline in Naxal-related incidents, from 16,463 cases (2004–14) to 7,744 (2014–24). Casualties among security forces have dropped by 73%, and civilian deaths by 70% in the same period. Fortified police stations increased from 66 (2014) to 612 (2024). The number of Naxal-affected districts has drastically reduced from 126 to 12, indicating a marked shrinkage in the Red Corridor.

India’s Multi-Pronged Approach

The National Policy and Action Plan to Address LWE (2015) guides the Centre’s counter-Naxal efforts through three pillars: security enhancement, development outreach, and ensuring rights and entitlements.

• Security Operations:
  • Major operations like Operation Green Hunt deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), CoBRA commandos, and state-level forces like Greyhounds (Andhra Pradesh).
  • 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established in vulnerable regions for better mobility and reach.
• Development Initiatives:
  • Under PMGSY-II, the Road Connectivity Project for LWE Areas improves access to remote villages.
  • 130 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) ensure tribal children receive quality education.
  • The ROSHNI Scheme and establishment of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) provide skill development and livelihood avenues to tribal youth.
  • The Universal Service Obligation Fund (now Digital Bharat Nidhi) has led to widespread mobile tower installation in forested areas.
  • Tribal Youth Exchange Programs promote national integration and awareness among tribal youth.
• Legal and Institutional Measures:
  • The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) bans CPI (Maoist) and affiliated organizations.
  • Forest Rights Act (2006) and PESA (1996) aim to protect tribal land and forest rights.
  • Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation policies provide financial aid, vocational training, and reintegration support.

Understanding Naxalism

Naxalism, rooted in the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari (West Bengal), is a Maoist-inspired insurgency seeking to overthrow the Indian state through armed rebellion. Factors contributing to its rise include landlessness, tribal alienation, poverty, displacement from mining and industrial projects, and state neglect. The insurgency remains concentrated in the “Red Corridor” encompassing Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar.

Conclusion

India’s counter-Naxal policy demonstrates that a balanced approach combining firm security enforcement with development and governance reforms can significantly curb insurgency. Continued emphasis on inclusive growth and tribal empowerment remains crucial to achieving lasting peace in affected regions.

Introduction

The increasing presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds in legislative bodies has emerged as a serious concern for Indian democracy. The phenomenon, commonly referred to as the criminalization of politics, undermines constitutional values and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. Data released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has brought renewed focus to this persistent challenge.

Current Scenario and Data Highlights

As per ADR’s recent analyses (2024–2025):

• 44% of Lok Sabha MPs and 45% of MLAs across the country have disclosed criminal cases in their election affidavits. Notably, 29% of these cases involve grave charges like murder, attempt to murder, and crimes against women.
• States such as Andhra Pradesh (79%), Telangana and Kerala (69%), and Bihar (66%) have the highest number of legislators with criminal records.
• Among the accused are 54 MLAs charged with murder, 226 with attempted murder, and 127 with crimes against women, including 13 with rape charges.
• 23% of women legislators also face criminal allegations, indicating the pervasive nature of the issue across gender lines.
• A significant number of legislators with serious cases are also high net-worth individuals, particularly from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, showing a concerning link between money power and political success.

Underlying Causes

Several structural and political factors contribute to the criminalization of India's electoral system:

• Inadequate Legal Provisions: Individuals are permitted to contest elections until conviction, as reaffirmed in the Public Interest Foundation vs. Union of India (2018) judgment.
• Judicial Delays: The absence of speedy trials enables accused politicians to continue in office without legal resolution.
• Political Utility of Strongmen: In regions with weak law enforcement, candidates with criminal backgrounds are perceived as effective enforcers or community protectors.
• Party Prioritization of Winnability: Political parties often ignore criminal records when nominating candidates who are likely to win.
• Influence of Money and Muscle Power: Many such candidates possess substantial financial and coercive clout, which aids their electoral prospects.
• Limited Voter Awareness: Despite the mandatory disclosure of criminal cases, there is insufficient public engagement with this information.

Impact on Governance and Democracy

The influence of criminal elements in politics has multiple adverse consequences:

• It undermines democratic legitimacy and weakens public faith in elected institutions.
• Policy-making is compromised, as legislators with vested interests may act contrary to public welfare.
• The dominance of such individuals fosters a culture of impunity, worsening governance and law and order.
• Ethical standards decline, discouraging professionals and clean candidates from entering public life.

Judicial and Institutional Measures

Key interventions include:

• In Lily Thomas vs. Union of India (2013), the Supreme Court ruled that convicted legislators receiving a sentence of two years or more must be disqualified immediately.
• In 2020, the apex court mandated political parties to publicly explain why candidates with criminal records were chosen.

Reform Measures

To counter this trend, a multi-pronged approach is required:

• Amend election laws to bar candidates with serious charges from contesting, especially if charges are framed by a court.
• Set up fast-track courts for time-bound trials of political candidates, as recommended by the Supreme Court.
• Implement state funding of elections to curb the role of black money, as advised by the Indrajit Gupta Committee.
• Enhance voter literacy through outreach campaigns and digital platforms.
• Strengthen accountability of political parties by enforcing penalties for repeated nomination of tainted candidates.
• Empower the Election Commission to refuse recognition or symbols to non-compliant parties.

Conclusion

The entrenchment of criminal elements in politics is a serious challenge to India's democratic aspirations. Addressing it requires urgent legal reforms, institutional vigilance, political responsibility, and an informed electorate. Only through collective effort can the ideals of clean and ethical governance be restored.

Introduction to Rice Fortification

Fortification refers to the process of adding micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to food products that are not naturally present in sufficient amounts. In India, rice fortification has been identified as a cost-effective strategy to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These deficiencies contribute to various health problems such as anemia, stunted growth, and cognitive impairments, particularly among women and children.

Background: India’s Fortified Rice Program

India has one of the highest rates of malnutrition globally, with anemia affecting every second woman and every third child in the country. Rice is a staple food for approximately 65% of India’s population, making it an ideal vehicle for micronutrient fortification. In 2019, the Indian government launched the rice fortification initiative as part of its broader strategy to improve public health and nutrition outcomes.

In July 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the fortified rice program under key welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). This initiative will run until December 2028, and aims to make fortified rice a common feature of the Public Distribution System (PDS), mid-day meals, and anganwadis, reaching millions of beneficiaries across the country.

Fortification Process and Standards

The fortification of rice involves adding essential micronutrients—iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—to rice grains. This can be done by either coating the rice with a premix or producing extruded rice kernels that are enriched with nutrients before blending them with regular rice. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), every kilogram of fortified rice should contain:

• Iron: 28 mg - 42.5 mg
• Folic Acid: 75 - 125 micrograms
• Vitamin B12: 0.75 - 1.25 micrograms

Scientific Safety and Efficacy of Iron Fortified Rice

The safety and effectiveness of iron-fortified rice have been under close scrutiny. Concerns were raised about whether individuals with hemoglobinopathies (such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia) might be adversely affected by the added iron. Initially, the packaging of fortified rice carried health advisories for these individuals, but a 2023 scientific review and committee assessment concluded that there were no health risks from iron fortification for such individuals. The iron levels in fortified rice are minimal compared to the levels of iron patients with Thalassemia receive through blood transfusions, and Sickle Cell patients have naturally elevated levels of hepcidin, which limits iron absorption.

Following the review, the advisory was removed in July 2024, aligning with global practices where similar advisories are not required in countries that fortify rice.

Expansion of Fortified Rice Infrastructure

India’s rice fortification program has scaled up rapidly. As of 2024, over 21,000 rice mills have installed blending equipment to produce fortified rice, with a monthly capacity of 223 lakh metric tons (LMT). Additionally, 232 premix suppliers have the capacity to produce 75 LMT annually, significantly surpassing the requirements of the PMGKAY, which mandates the procurement of 5.2 LMT of fortified rice annually.

To ensure quality, NABL-accredited labs conduct rigorous testing on fortified rice products across the country. This infrastructure expansion supports the goal of fortifying rice distributed through welfare schemes and public safety nets.

Global Context: Rice Fortification Worldwide

Fortification of staple foods, including rice, is a globally recognized practice aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations with limited access to diverse diets. As of 2024, 18 countries globally are actively involved in rice fortification. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed rice fortification as an effective means to combat iron deficiency anemia, especially in countries like India where rice is a primary dietary staple.

Countries such as the U.S. have been fortifying rice since the late 1950s, and WHO recommends iron fortification where rice constitutes a major part of the diet.

Benefits of Iron Fortification of Rice

• Improved Cognitive Development: Iron is crucial for brain development and cognitive function. Adequate iron intake during early childhood is linked to better cognitive performance, which can improve educational outcomes.
• Enhanced Maternal and Infant Health: Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with risks such as maternal anemia and poor fetal development. Fortified rice helps reduce these risks by improving iron intake among pregnant women.
• Reduction in Prevalence of Anemia: Regular consumption of fortified rice has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels in populations suffering from iron deficiency anemia. This has been particularly evident in pilot districts in India, where iron fortification has led to improved health outcomes among both adults and children.

Potential Risks and Challenges

• Bioavailability of Iron: Iron bioavailability refers to the body's ability to absorb and utilize the iron from fortified foods. While iron from rice is absorbed to a lesser extent compared to meat, its fortification still contributes significantly to overall iron intake, especially in populations that consume rice regularly.
• Overload of Iron: Excessive iron intake can lead to iron toxicity, causing oxidative stress, liver damage, and increased risk of infections. Special care must be taken to ensure that individuals with conditions like hemochromatosis or those receiving other forms of iron supplementation do not experience iron overload.
• Technical and Social Barriers: While India has made substantial progress in infrastructure for rice fortification, challenges remain in ensuring the quality, stability, and safety of fortified rice. Moreover, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and acceptance of fortified rice among diverse population groups remains a critical concern.

Future Directions for Rice Fortification

• Nanotechnology for Enhanced Iron Absorption: To improve the bioavailability of iron, exploring the use of nanotechnology could help encapsulate iron particles, enhancing their absorption and effectiveness in the body.
• Biofortification Integration: Combining iron fortification with biofortification—the process of breeding rice varieties with naturally higher iron content—could provide a sustainable solution for long-term micronutrient deficiency.
• Public-Private Partnerships: To scale up rice fortification, there is a need for collaborations between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These partnerships can help improve distribution networks, technology development, and financial sustainability.
• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Rigorous evaluation studies, such as those being conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NITI Aayog, will help assess the effectiveness of the rice fortification program and ensure its continuous improvement.

Conclusion: A Path to Nutritional Security

The fortification of rice in India represents a powerful tool to address the growing problem of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which affects millions of people, especially women and children. By ensuring that fortified rice is integrated into government welfare schemes, India can take a significant step toward improving public health and achieving its nutritional goals.

While challenges related to bioavailability, iron overload, and implementation remain, ongoing research, technological innovation, and collaborative efforts can help mitigate these risks. As India continues to expand its rice fortification program, it offers a model for other countries facing similar nutritional challenges, reinforcing the role of fortified foods in achieving global sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to health and nutrition.