Why in the News?

• ICMR has launched CEREBO, an indigenous portable device for rapid, radiation-free diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries, aiming to improve emergency and rural healthcare access.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About CEREBO Device (Introduction, Key Features, Development & Collaboration, Significance, Future Outlook, etc.)

Introduction

• India records one of the world’s highest incidences of head injuries, with more than 100,000 deaths annually and over a million serious injuries.
• Timely diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is critical, as nearly half of the fatalities occur within the first two hours.
• However, advanced diagnostic tools like CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) remain inaccessible in many rural and emergency settings.
• Addressing this gap, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced CEREBO, an indigenous, portable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can revolutionise TBI care in India.

About the CEREBO Device

• CEREBO is a handheld diagnostic device developed using near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms. It is:

• Radiation-free and safe for infants and pregnant women.
• User-friendly, operable by paramedical staff or unskilled personnel after just 30 minutes of training.
• Efficient, capable of detecting intracranial bleeding and oedema in under a minute.
• Cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive imaging infrastructure.

• The device provides colour-coded results that enable quick triage and decision-making in critical situations.

Development and Collaboration

• CEREBO is a product of collaboration between ICMR, the Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research. It has undergone:

• Clinical validation and regulatory approvals.
• Multi-centre performance trials supported by ICMR’s mPRiDE scheme.
• Feasibility studies at trauma and neurosurgical centres to test diagnostic accuracy and integration in emergency care pathways.

• This groundwork ensures that CEREBO is ready for widespread deployment in hospitals, ambulances, rural clinics, and disaster response units.

Significance for Healthcare

• CEREBO addresses multiple challenges in brain injury diagnosis:

• Accessibility Gap - Rural and semi-urban regions often lack CT/MRI facilities, delaying critical care.
• Affordability - CT and MRI scans are expensive and require trained personnel; CEREBO reduces costs significantly.
• Speed and Precision - Immediate diagnosis improves survival rates and reduces disability.
• Emergency Deployment - Designed for ambulances and trauma centres, the tool strengthens India’s disaster and military healthcare response.

• By offering an indigenous alternative, India also reduces dependence on imported diagnostic equipment.

Public Health Impact

• According to the Indian Head Injury Foundation, nearly 50% of TBI-related deaths happen within two hours of injury.
• Often, secondary brain damage caused by bleeding and swelling progresses during this window. Early detection through CEREBO can:

• Reduce mortality rates.
• Improve recovery outcomes.
• Lower the long-term disability burden on patients and families.

• The device also aligns with India’s goal of affordable healthcare access and complements emergency medical services in high-risk areas like highways, rural belts, and conflict-prone regions.

Future Outlook

• ICMR is seeking support from State governments to integrate CEREBO into tertiary care systems. The aim is to:

• Accelerate access to CT/MRI scans where needed.
• Optimise patient triage in overcrowded trauma wards.
• Reduce overall imaging costs.
• Scale up adoption in military, emergency, and global healthcare systems.

• If widely adopted, CEREBO could serve as a global model for low-cost TBI diagnosis, particularly in developing countries facing similar healthcare challenges.

Why in News?

• According to 2017 estimates, the annual economic costs of all tobacco products for the population aged 35 years and above in India were estimated at ₹1,773.4 billion (1.04% of GDP).
• This is in addition to ₹566.7 billion (0.33% of GDP) in annual healthcare costs attributable to second-hand smoking.
• These costs include direct medical and non-medical expenditures, morbidity and mortality losses.
• As tobacco use in India causes enormous health and economic burden, there is an urgent need to review and strengthen India’s tobacco control framework to realise the vision of a tobacco-free India. 

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Gaps in Existing Legislation
• Need for a Holistic Approach
• Towards Better Regulation and Control
• Conclusion

Gaps in Existing Legislation:

• COTPA, 2003:
  • Though the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, is a stringent Act, its implementation is poor in several Indian States.
  • The legislation also has various other shortcomings that require urgent attention.
• Inadequate coverage of Smokeless Tobacco (SLT):
  • Though SLT is cheaper, culturally accepted, and less stigmatized, it is more carcinogenic than smoked tobacco.
  • Although laws like the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, contribute to its control, they are relatively weak and poorly enforced.
• Surrogate and indirect advertising:
  • Surrogate ads (especially for SLT) build brand recognition. Movies, OTT, and social media promote tobacco indirectly.
  • Though direct tobacco advertisements are banned in India, companies use similar packaging for mouth fresheners to build brand recognition and promote tobacco through classical conditioning.
  • Hence, strict bans need to be implemented on both surrogate advertisements and indirect promotion in the media.
• Weak fiscal measures:
  • There are no direct provisions in COTPA for fiscal measures to curb tobacco use.
  • Raising excise taxes is the most effective way to reduce consumption, yet India’s tobacco taxation remains inadequate and uneven.
  • For example, the tax burden on bidis (the most consumed smoked product) is just 22%, and about 50% on cigarettes—far below the WHO’s recommended 75%.
  • Since the GST rollout in 2017, minor tax hikes raised overall tobacco taxes by just 4%.
  • Rising incomes and low taxation made tobacco more affordable in India, also resulting in missed revenue and health opportunities.
• Ineffective warning labels:
  • Although tobacco warning labels are updated every two years, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness in preventing tobacco use.
  • Unlike many European countries that use packaging to educate users about a range of tobacco-related harms, India’s warnings rely mainly on fear-based messaging (oral cancer, early death).
  • COTPA rules (mandates 85% health warnings on tobacco packs) should mandate regular evaluation of tobacco warning labels.
  • India should also adopt plain packaging to further reduce the appeal and use of tobacco.
• Poor implementation of e-cigarette ban:
  • Though India is one of the few countries to ban e-cigarettes, poor implementation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019 has also resulted in an increasing threat of e-cigarettes to public health in India.
  • For example, e-cigarettes are accessible online, making them more accessible to adolescents.

Need for a Holistic Approach:

• Limitations of current National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):
  • The NTCP focuses on awareness and COTPA enforcement.
  • It ignores social determinants like poverty, unemployment, stress, etc.
  • As compared to a large user base, cessation clinics have limited reach.
• Weaknesses in ToFEI (Tobacco Free Education Institute):
  • It currently promotes awareness in schools through posters and biannual activities, but lacks the scientific rigour needed for effective tobacco control.
  • In contrast, the U.S.’s national public health agency, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends comprehensive school-based strategies in the U.S., including
    • Enforcing tobacco-free policies,
    • Integrating prevention education from kindergarten to grade 12,
    • Training teachers, involving families, supporting cessation for students and staff, and
    • Regularly evaluating programmes.

Towards Better Regulation and Control:

• Challenge faced by public health researchers: The tobacco industry has access to its real-time sales data to adapt sales strategies while public health researchers are unaware of the most recent trends in tobacco consumption.
• Policy recommendations:
  • Adopt ‘Tobacco Endgame’ strategy through multi-ministry (Education, Finance, Health, Law, Social Justice, Commerce, Information & Broadcasting, Consumer Affairs) collaboration.
  • Greater investment in research institutions not only for developing and implementing control measures but also for producing regularly updated, robust data.
  • Independent oversight body to monitor and expose industry interference.
  • Stronger use of demand-side (tax, awareness, cessation) and supply-side (regulation, enforcement) measures.

Conclusion:

• India needs a comprehensive, multipronged strategy to reduce tobacco burden.
• Combining stringent laws, higher taxation, effective awareness, social support, school-based interventions, and independent oversight is crucial.
• Sustained collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and implementers is essential to realise the vision of a tobacco-free India.

Why in news?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will launch wastewater surveillance for 10 viruses across 50 cities in the next six months.

Currently operational in five cities, the initiative aims to detect early signs of virus spread and growth trends, enabling timely public health interventions.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Wastewater
• ICMR’s Plan for Expanded Wastewater Surveillance
• Importance of Wastewater Surveillance
• Working of Wastewater Surveillance
• Wider Applications of Wastewater Surveillance

About Wastewater

• It is any water that has been affected by human use.
• It comes from a variety of sources, including households (think sinks, showers, and toilets), industries, and agricultural processes.
• Essentially, it’s the used water that needs to be cleaned before it can be safely released back into the environment or reused.

ICMR’s Plan for Expanded Wastewater Surveillance

• Over the next six months, ICMR will scale up wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) across India to detect early rises in virus load within communities.
• At present, COVID-19 and polio are under watch, but the system will now monitor pathogens linked to fever, diarrhoea, acute encephalitis syndrome, and respiratory distress.
• ICMR is also setting up surveillance for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) by testing surface water and wastewater in outbreak-prone regions, creating an early warning system.
• This will complement India’s existing surveillance networks for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) under ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

Importance of Wastewater Surveillance

• The ICMR highlights that India, like many countries, faces rising emergence and re-emergence of pathogens due to population growth, urbanisation, environmental changes, and human-animal interactions.
• In this context, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a vital tool for early detection of disease outbreaks, especially after COVID-19.
• WBE provides real-time, community-level insights into infection trends, including among asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals, enabling timely public health interventions.
• It is a cost-effective, non-invasive method that covers large populations, helps identify transmission hotspots, and supports efficient resource allocation for containment.
• By detecting pathogens such as viruses and bacteria in human waste, WBE strengthens global health security by predicting and mitigating future pandemics before clinical cases appear.

Working of Wastewater Surveillance

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with viruses or bacteria, even if asymptomatic, shed traces of pathogens through daily activities like using the toilet, showering, or washing clothes.
• These fragments travel through the sewage system, where wastewater samples are collected before treatment and sent to laboratories for testing.
• Within five to seven days, labs can detect infections circulating in the community.
• Public health officials then use this data to track disease trends and guide interventions such as prevention measures, increased testing, or vaccination drives.

Wider Applications of Wastewater Surveillance

• Beyond disease detection, wastewater surveillance also helps identify land-based sources of pollution, contributing valuable data for protecting freshwater and marine ecosystems and maintaining essential ecosystem services.
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that this approach strengthens both health systems and environmental management, though greater efforts are needed to expand and standardise such practices for effective water quality monitoring.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is similarly working to build global capacity for wastewater and environmental surveillance, highlighting its dual role in public health protection and environmental sustainability.

Why in news?

The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign, calling for the replacement of the Mercator projection with alternatives like the Equal Earth map.

The Mercator projection, still widely used in schools and media, distorts geography by shrinking Africa and inflating Europe, North America, and Greenland.

The AU argues this has perpetuated symbolic marginalisation for centuries and believes adopting a fairer projection will restore geographical accuracy and dignity.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Why the Mercator Map Faces Criticism?
• Why Maps Are Distorted?
• Impact of Map Distortion on Africa
• The Road Ahead for Correcting the Map

Why the Mercator Map Faces Criticism?

• The Mercator projection, created in 1569 to aid navigation, allowed sailors to follow straight rhumb lines across seas, revolutionising European exploration and colonial expansion.
  • A rhumb line (also called a loxodrome) is a line on the Earth’s surface that crosses all meridians at the same angle.
  • It represents a constant compass direction (e.g., always going northwest at 45°). On a globe, this path is a spiraling curve toward the poles.
  • On the Mercator map projection, rhumb lines appear as straight lines, which is why the Mercator map was so useful for sailors in the Age of Exploration.
• However, this convenience came at the cost of distorting scale: landmasses near the poles appear much larger, while those near the equator are shrunk.
• For instance, Africa (30 million sq. km) is shown as nearly the same size as Greenland, which is actually 14 times smaller.
• Similarly, Europe appears comparable to Africa, despite being only one-third its size.
• Over centuries, the Mercator map became the default in classrooms, offices, and digital platforms, reinforcing a Eurocentric view of the world.
• Critics argue that these distortions have subtly shaped perceptions of power and importance, diminishing Africa, South America, and Asia while inflating Europe, Russia, and North America.

Why Maps Are Distorted?

• All world maps are distorted because it is mathematically impossible to flatten the Earth’s spherical surface onto a rectangle without compromising area, shape, distance, or direction.
• The Mercator projection, for instance, preserves local shapes and angles but greatly enlarges landmasses near the poles, making Europe and Greenland look much bigger while shrinking Africa and South America.
• In contrast, the Equal Earth projection maintains the relative sizes of continents and countries more accurately, but introduces curved or stretched shapes.
  • Equal Earth projection was introduced in 2018 by cartographers Bojan Šavrič, Tom Patterson, and Bernhard Jenny.
  • It minimises distortion of landmass sizes; Africa and other equatorial regions shown proportionally.
• The orthographic projection offers a realistic view of Earth as seen from space, yet shows only one hemisphere at a time and compresses areas at the edges.
• Each projection, therefore, reflects a trade-off between accuracy and usability, with political as well as technical implications.

Impact of Map Distortion on Africa

• The Mercator projection has long reinforced Africa’s marginalisation by shrinking its size, creating the perception that the continent is less significant.
• This distortion, embedded in textbooks, policymaking, and popular culture, suggested—whether intentionally or not—that Africa was small, conquerable, and irrelevant.
• Critics called the map a “political tool” that aided colonial domination, while it falsely depicted Africa as marginal.

The Road Ahead for Correcting the Map

• The Equal Earth projection, developed in 2018, is the leading alternative to the Mercator map as it preserves relative areas, though continents appear stretched or curved.
• Other options include the Gall-Peters projection, which also preserves area but elongates landmasses vertically, and creative efforts like Stuart McArthur’s 1979 “Universal Corrective Map” that inverted the world to place Australia on top.
• The African Union’s endorsement of the Correct the Map campaign marks the strongest institutional push yet, with support also coming from the World Bank, National Geographic, NASA, and petitions to the UN for adoption.
• However, replacing the Mercator projection will be challenging since it is deeply entrenched in schools, textbooks, digital platforms, and institutional use.
• It would require significant curricular revisions and interface redesigns to shift global cartographic norms.

Why in news?

NITI Aayog has released a report titled Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways.

The report provides a framework for States to harmonise regulations and build an inclusive homestay ecosystem. It highlights the vast economic potential of alternative accommodations like homestays and Bed and Breakfast (BnB) in driving sustainable tourism growth.

It also presents a strategic roadmap to unlock opportunities in this sector, aiming to boost local incomes, diversify India’s tourism offerings, and strengthen community-based tourism.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• State of Travel and Tourism in India
• NITI Aayog’s Report on Homestays: Rethinking Homestays – Navigating Policy Pathways
• Conclusion

State of Travel and Tourism in India

• India’s travel and tourism sector has shown remarkable post-pandemic recovery, driven largely by domestic tourism.
• According to WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Research, the sector contributed ₹21.15 lakh crore to the economy in 2024, marking a 21% rise from 2019, and is projected to reach ₹43.25 lakh crore by 2034, accounting for 7.6% of GDP.
• It currently employs 4.325 crore people—one in every eleven jobs in India—with employment expected to grow to 6.3 crore by 2034.
• Domestic tourist spending in 2024 stood at ₹16 lakh crore, 25% higher than 2019, and may nearly double by 2034, while international tourist spending reached ₹2.85 lakh crore and is expected to touch ₹4.07 lakh crore.
• The Draft National Tourism Policy 2022 envisions India as a top five global destination by 2030, with goals to boost tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings, and employment.
• To support this, the government has raised the Ministry of Tourism’s budget to ₹2,541 crore and is focusing on developing 50 top destinations, promoting PPP projects, supporting homestays through MUDRA loans, and incentivising hotel investments under the Harmonised Master List.

NITI Aayog’s Report on Homestays: Rethinking Homestays – Navigating Policy Pathways

• NITI Aayog released its report proposing a model policy framework to help States harmonise regulations and create an inclusive homestay ecosystem.
• The report emphasises the economic and cultural potential of homestays and BnBs in driving sustainable tourism growth.
• Key Insights and Objectives
  • Economic Potential: Homestays can promote sustainable growth, generate local employment, and foster entrepreneurship, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • Cultural Value: They offer travellers culturally immersive experiences, blending authenticity with livelihood creation.
  • Policy Goal: To provide a strategic roadmap for States to strengthen homestays as an integral part of India’s tourism landscape.
• Core Recommendations
  • Light-Touch Regulatory Framework
    • Regulations should remain simple, transparent, and flexible.
    • Focus on safety, heritage protection, and inclusivity while avoiding over-regulation.
  • Digital Empowerment
    • Creation of a centralised digital portal for registration, compliance, renewals, and policy updates.
    • Ensures convenience for hosts and improves consumer trust.
  • Capacity Building and Local Empowerment
    • Training and skill development for hosts.
    • Use of digital platforms to expand outreach and strengthen credibility.
  • Financial Incentives
    • Move from focusing on individual amenities to destination-level incentives.
    • Promote tourism in underserved regions through tiered incentive structures.
• Strategic Roadmap
  • The model policy framework aims to:
    • Simplify processes and encourage broader participation.
    • Integrate technology for greater efficiency.
    • Strengthen cultural authenticity while promoting sustainable tourism.
    • Position homestays as a tool for regional development, not just accommodation.

Conclusion

NITI Aayog’s report presents homestays as a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable tourism, calling for harmonised state policies, digital integration, and destination-focused incentives. This approach seeks to unlock the sector’s full potential while safeguarding culture and livelihoods.

Why in news?

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, during an interaction with students in Kolkata on August 22, 2025, highlighted that migration is essential to globalisation and has historically driven human progress.

He further stressed that diversity is the foundation of Indian society, fostering genuine growth and development for the nation and its people.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Linkages Between Migration and Globalisation
• Amartya Sen on Migration and Diversity
• Conclusion

Linkages Between Migration and Globalisation

• Migration is both a cause and consequence of globalisation. It represents the mobility of people across and within borders in search of opportunities shaped by global economic changes.
• While often portrayed as problematic, migration contributes significantly to sustainable development.
• In poorer regions, remittances improve household security and support local economies, while in ageing industrial societies, migrant workers fill labour shortages and sustain welfare systems.
• Migration and Global Economic Changes
  • International Migration: Driven by global restructuring of labour markets, especially demand for semi-skilled and unskilled workers in developed countries.
    • Migrants often find employment in informal sectors such as textiles, construction, and agriculture.
  • Internal Migration: Linked to relocation of industries and tourism growth in the Global South, where rural workers, especially women, migrate for low-paying but vital jobs.
    • Migration is also a path for youth to gain independence and exposure.
• Contributions of Migrants
• Economic Support: Remittances are critical for household survival, investment in agriculture, housing, and local enterprises.
• Skill Transfer: Returning migrants bring new skills and open non-farm opportunities if adequate infrastructure exists.
• Social Impact: Migration fosters cultural exchange and reshapes community expectations, especially for women and youth seeking autonomy.
• Key Challenges
  • Restrictive Policies: Immigration controls often strengthen illegal smuggling networks and exploitative employers, rather than addressing underlying labour market needs.
  • Exclusion from Urban Services: Internal migrants face difficulties in accessing housing, healthcare, and education due to restrictive policies.
  • Informal Labour Exploitation: Many undocumented migrants work under poor conditions with limited rights and protections.
  • Unequal Benefits: Skilled migrants earn more and invest productively, while unskilled migrants face lower incomes and limited capacity to send remittances.
  • Gender Disparities: Women migrants often face social pressures but can be strong agents of change where they have access to land and resources.
• Policy Imperatives
  • The report stresses that migration should be recognised as both a choice and a contributor to development, not merely a problem to be controlled.
  • Policies must:
    • Protect migrants’ rights and improve working conditions.
    • Support productive use of remittances through training and infrastructure.
    • Ensure equitable access to resources, especially for women.
    • Reduce structural constraints that force people into migration as the only survival strategy.

Amartya Sen on Migration and Diversity

• During an interaction with students in Kolkata, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen underscored that migration is fundamental to globalisation and has historically driven human progress.
• He explained that cultural, linguistic, scientific, and artistic advancements—such as the repeated Arabic translations of Brahmagupta’s mathematical works—reflect migration’s role in collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Stressing that “almost nothing would happen” without the movement of people, Sen noted that migration enriches societies through food, music, culture, and ideas.
• He also highlighted that diversity forms the bedrock of Indian society, enabling true growth of the nation and its people.
• His remarks come amid recent attacks on migrants from West Bengal in other states, which have caused livelihood losses.

Conclusion

Migration is deeply linked with globalisation and has long been central to human survival and progress. Its contributions to economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development are undeniable.

However, without supportive policies, migrants remain vulnerable to exploitation, exclusion, and inequality. Recognising their role and safeguarding their rights is essential to harness migration as a force for inclusive global development.

Why in the News?

• The UGC has released a draft curriculum framework that integrates Indian Knowledge Systems into undergraduate courses, sparking debate over tradition and academic rigour.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Indian Knowledge Systems (Introduction, Subject-wise Integration, Criticism & Challenges, Significance, Future Outlook)

Introduction

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for undergraduate courses in disciplines such as anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education, and political science.
• A striking feature of this framework is the emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), with provisions to embed traditional wisdom, philosophies, and practices into modern pedagogy.
• The draft has been opened for stakeholder feedback.

Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems

• The LOCF outlines an approach that seeks to contextualise higher education within India’s cultural and intellectual traditions.
• This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encouraged decolonisation of education and promotion of indigenous systems of knowledge.
• Each subject has been tasked with weaving elements of Indian thought into the curriculum, blending heritage with modern learning outcomes.

Subject-wise Integration of Ancient Wisdom

• Mathematics
  • The draft proposes modules on mandala geometry, yantras, rangoli and kolam as algorithmic art forms, and the study of temple architecture through āyādi ratios.
  • It highlights contributions of Indian mathematicians in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus, and their influence on global mathematical traditions.
• Commerce
  • Commerce education is to incorporate Bhartiya philosophy and the Gurukul system’s holistic learning approach, linking ethical leadership and sustainable practices with modern corporate governance.
  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra will be taught as a classical text offering insights into trade regulation and financial management.
  • Concepts such as Ram Rajya in governance, CSR, ESG frameworks, and the Shubh-labh philosophy on profit with responsibility will also find space in the curriculum.
• Economics
  • The LOCF emphasises dharmic perspectives on wealth and prosperity, trade ethics, and collective enterprise.
  • Students will study indigenous exchange systems, agrarian values, principles of dana (charity), and the role of the king in the economy, contextualising economics within cultural and moral traditions.
• Chemistry
  • In chemistry, traditional Indian fermented beverages like kanji, mahua, toddy will be included in a module on alcoholic beverages.
  • The course also introduces ancient Indian concepts of the parmanu (atom) alongside modern atomic theory.
  • This integration aims to balance modern scientific education with historical Indian perspectives.
• Anthropology
  • The draft anthropology curriculum draws from thinkers such as Charaka, Sushruta, Buddha, and Mahavira.
  • Their reflections on the relationship between nature and culture are presented as indigenous perspectives that enrich anthropological studies.

Criticism and Challenges

• While the NEP 2020 encouraged multidisciplinary learning, the LOCF prioritises single-major pathways.
• For instance, in chemistry, 96 out of 172 credits are allotted to discipline-specific core courses, leaving limited room for interdisciplinary exploration.
• Opposition-ruled states have criticised the framework, alleging attempts at “saffronisation.”
• The challenge lies in balancing respect for indigenous traditions with ensuring global competitiveness and academic rigour in higher education.

Significance of the Draft Curriculum

• The draft curriculum signals a paradigm shift in India’s educational philosophy. By embedding Indian Knowledge Systems into mainstream education, UGC seeks to:

• Decolonise curricula and promote indigenous heritage.
• Provide culturally rooted yet globally relevant education.
• Encourage ethical and sustainable practices in professional fields.
• Revive the historical contributions of India to mathematics, economics, medicine, and governance.

Future Outlook

• With feedback from stakeholders invited, the framework could undergo revisions before implementation.
• If adopted, this LOCF could redefine the intellectual foundation of Indian higher education, making it more rooted in cultural heritage while aligning with global standards.
• However, the challenge will be ensuring that ancient wisdom complements rather than replaces scientific temper, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary inquiry.

Context:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping global economies.
• For India, the challenge lies in ensuring that AI enhances productivity and generates inclusive employment rather than deepening inequalities.

AI’s Potential Impact on Jobs and Economy:

• ServiceNow–Pearson AI Skills Research 2025 report: AI could reshape over 10.35 million jobs and create 3 million new tech roles in India by 2030, placing the country ahead of Singapore and Australia in AI transformation.
• International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2025 study:
  • Jobs may evolve with AI, rather than disappear.
  • Structural challenges like low skilling levels and informal workforce vulnerabilities remain key hurdles.
• Sectoral impact:
  • Agriculture: Limited exposure to AI.
  • Labour-intensive sectors: Especially services, which contributed 55% to GDP and 31% to employment in FY24, are highly vulnerable.

AI Pathways - Automation vs. Augmentation:

• Automation:
  • Replaces workers, increases efficiency.
  • Risks large-scale job losses.
• Augmentation:
  • Complements human effort.
  • Enhances productivity while preserving employment.
• Key argument (by Economist and Nobel Laureate Daron Acemoglu):
  • AI’s impact is a policy choice, not destiny.
  • India must avoid the automation trap.

Policy Priorities for Inclusive AI:

• Skilling and lifelong learning:
  • Embed digital and AI competencies across schools, ITIs, universities, and vocational centres.
  • Large-scale reskilling initiatives by firms like Infosys, Tata Steel, and Siemens show positive pathways.
• Reducing inequality:
  • Build inclusive infrastructure.
  • Programs like Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India, Future Skills PRIME, and Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI must be scaled up.
• Fostering entrepreneurship:
  • Support MSMEs through access to digital tools, computing, and tailored skilling.
  • Focus on sustainable enterprises, not just unicorns.

Ensuring Competitive and Open AI Ecosystems:

• Prevent monopolisation by vertically integrated firms.
• Ensure contestability in AI markets:
  • Open APIs - A publicly available application programming interface that provides developers with programmatic access.
  • Interoperable systems.
  • Indigenous Small Language Models (SLMs) and vernacular AI tools.
• Treat computing, storage, and datasets as public goods under India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model.

Way Forward:

• AI should be seen as saarthi (charioteer), not vinashak (destroyer).
• With right policies, infrastructure, and skilling, India can transform AI into a driver of inclusive growth.
• Policy choices today will determine whether AI bridges or widens India’s employment and productivity gaps.

Conclusion:

• India stands at a critical juncture where the trajectory of AI adoption will determine whether it deepens inequalities or drives inclusive prosperity.
• By prioritising augmentation over automation, investing in skilling, and ensuring open, competitive AI ecosystems, India can harness AI as a transformative force for equitable and employment-rich growth.

Context

• The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into judicial processes represents one of the most significant shifts in the administration of justice in recent years.
• In July 2025, the Kerala High Court became the first judicial body in India to release a policy regulating the use of AI in the district judiciary.
• This policy is timely and forward-looking, given the enormity of India’s judicial backlog—over five crore pending cases, and the potential of AI to introduce efficiency, accuracy, and speed into a strained system.
• However, while the allure of AI-enabled efficiency is undeniable, its risks and ethical implications demand equal attention.

The Promise of AI in Judicial Processes

• AI tools offer numerous advantages for courts, particularly in automating routine tasks.
• Document translation, transcription, defect identification in filings, and legal research can all be significantly accelerated through AI integration.
• For a system plagued by excessive pendency and resource constraints, these efficiencies are attractive incentives.
• Pilot projects in Indian courts have already explored AI transcription of oral arguments and witness depositions, with the potential to standardize records and reduce delays.
• Beyond speed, AI can also increase accessibility by providing translations in regional languages, ensuring litigants and lawyers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can engage more effectively.
• Moreover, AI-powered data analysis may help in identifying case patterns, facilitating judicial reforms, and streamlining case management.

Risks and Challenges

• Translating and Transcription Errors
  • Instances such as the mistranslation of leave granted into holiday approved or transcription software mistaking Noel for no underscore the dangers of over-reliance on imperfect systems.
  • Large Language Models (LLMs), while powerful, are prone to hallucinations, generating false case laws or misrepresenting facts, an unacceptable risk in legal contexts where accuracy is paramount.
• Lack of Clear Framework
  • AI risks reducing adjudication into mechanical, rule-based outcomes, neglecting the contextual interpretation, human reasoning, and moral judgment that underpin justice.
  • Furthermore, without clear frameworks for data storage, access, and security, the use of sensitive personal information through AI could lead to breaches of privacy.
  • Market-driven pilot projects offered on a test basis risk creating dependencies without long-term sustainability, especially in the absence of supporting infrastructure such as reliable internet connectivity and secure digital systems.
• Absence of Robust Risk Management
  • Equally concerning is the absence of robust risk management frameworks in AI procurement by courts.
  • Current practices reveal little attention to ethical safeguards, technical accountability, or error mitigation.
  • Even where human oversight exists, such as retired judges manually vetting AI translations, the problem remains that AI systems continuously learn and adapt, introducing new forms of error in evolving contexts.

Safeguards and Frameworks for Responsible Adoption

• AI Literacy
  • Judges, lawyers, and court staff require training not just in using AI tools but also in understanding their limitations and risks.
  • Judicial academies and bar associations, working alongside AI governance experts, can lead capacity-building programmes that equip legal professionals to critically assess AI outputs.
• Clear Guidelines
  • Second, Clear Guidelines must govern the individual use of generative AI in research and judgment writing.
  • Litigants should have the right to know if AI has been used in a case, whether for transcription, legal research, or drafting.
  • Courts may also consider offering litigants the right to opt out of AI-assisted proceedings, ensuring respect for individual consent and safeguarding against blind reliance on machines.
• Standardised Procurement Frameworks
  • These should include pre-procurement assessments to evaluate whether AI is the most suitable solution, followed by strict criteria for explainability, accountability, and data security.
  • Such frameworks can help courts monitor vendor performance and compliance with ethical and legal standards, tasks that often extend beyond judicial expertise.

The Way Forward

• As Indian courts cautiously move toward AI adoption, it is essential not to lose sight of the ultimate purpose of judicial processes, the pursuit of justice.
• Efficiency cannot come at the cost of fairness, transparency, or accountability.
• The challenge lies not in rejecting AI altogether but in ensuring its careful, ethical, and context-sensitive adoption.
• If deployed with appropriate literacy, guidelines, procurement frameworks, and institutional support, AI can become a valuable ally to the judiciary.

Conclusion

• The Kerala High Court’s initiative in laying down the first policy framework for AI in the judiciary is a critical milestone.
• It signals recognition of both the transformative potential of AI and the urgent need for safeguards.
• As courts across the country experiment with digital solutions, the key lies in ensuring that technology enhances human judgment rather than displaces it.

Context

• On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued an order directing the rounding up and incarceration of all street dogs in New Delhi into mass shelters.
• While the order was stayed just eleven days later, its initial pronouncement revealed deep flaws in legal reasoning, scientific understanding, and moral responsibility.
• Far from solving the problem of dog bites and public health, the decree threatened to create a humanitarian and ecological disaster while diverting public attention from the city’s more urgent crises.

The Problematic Aspect of SC Order on Stray Dogs

• A Blueprint for Catastrophe
  • The Court’s order was hailed in some quarters as a long-awaited solution to the so-called stray dog menace.
  • Yet, evidence from both India and abroad demonstrates that mass confinement of street dogs is an unscientific and counterproductive approach.
  • Experiences in the United States with the pound system show that such shelters become sites of overcrowding, psychological distress, aggression, and disease outbreaks.
  • Studies, such as those by sociologist Leslie Irvine and researcher David Tuber, confirm that long-term confinement causes severe behavioural deterioration in dogs.
  • In the Indian context, mass shelters would inevitably collapse under the sheer numbers involved.
  • Delhi’s lakhs of territorial dogs, suddenly captured and caged, would fight violently, leading to injuries and deaths.
• Bypassing Established Guidelines
  • The order also ignored the well-documented vacuum effect: the mass removal of dogs from one area merely invites migration from surrounding regions.
  • Nature fills the void, and food sources in Delhi would continue to draw dogs from neighbouring states.
  • Simultaneously, the disappearance of street dogs, who serve as efficient scavengers, would likely trigger surges in rodent and monkey populations, creating new public health crises.
  • In bypassing global and national guidelines, such as the WHO’s recommendations and India’s National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), the Court’s directive strayed dangerously from science.

The Social and Ethical Dimensions and The Politics of Distraction

• The Social and Ethical Dimensions
  • The narrative that the dog issue pits an elite against the poor is both simplistic and cruel.
  • As scholar Yamini Narayanan’s work highlights, street dogs occupy a symbiotic space within urban ecosystems.
  • For Delhi’s homeless, citizens failed repeatedly by the state, street dogs are not a menace but companions and guardians, providing comfort and protection in the harshness of life on the pavements.
  • To forcibly remove these animals would not only traumatise them but also strip vulnerable humans of their only source of emotional solidarity.
• The Politics of Distraction
  • Perhaps most troublingly, the dog order functioned as a diversion from the governance failures that plague the capital.
  • By foregrounding an emotional and polarising issue, attention was drawn away from collapsing infrastructure, perennial flooding, corruption, inflation, and even allegations of voter manipulation.
  • Instead of holding the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) accountable for its inability to manage sanitation, public health, and statutory duties, the Court’s order offered a convenient scapegoat: the city’s dogs.

The Way Forward

• Animal Birth Control
  • The answer to Delhi’s dog population challenge has long been known: the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.
  • Proven successful in cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur, ABC relies on sterilisation and vaccination to reduce dog populations gradually while ensuring high levels of rabies immunity.
  • A 2010 study from Jodhpur demonstrated measurable and sustainable declines in dog populations following such interventions.
  • The problem, therefore, lies not with the animals but with the MCD’s dereliction of duty.
  • Chronic underfunding, unmet sterilisation targets, and lack of accountability have crippled the programme’s implementation.
  • In fact, the Supreme Court’s own 2024 Maheshwari judgment upheld the ABC Rules, 2023, reaffirming their scientific and compassionate foundations.
• Towards an Evidence-Based Future
  • There is no denying that dog bites must be addressed. But the answer is not mass incarceration, a final solution approach that is both inhumane and ineffective.
  • Instead, targeted and evidence-based strategies are needed.
  • Aggressive dogs must be identified, captured, and monitored, but indiscriminate round-ups serve no purpose.
  • Vaccination, sterilisation, and public education remain the only sustainable, humane, and scientifically grounded methods of control.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s August 11 order was a victory of hysteria over science, expedience over compassion, and distraction over accountability.
• By staying the order, the Court has already corrected course, but the episode should serve as a warning.
• India’s cities cannot afford policy dictated by panic or populist narratives. Instead, they must embrace proven, humane, and scientific strategies, while holding governance institutions accountable for their failures.

Why in news?

Recently, the Haryana government officially defined the “dictionary meaning of forest.” Officials stated that the definition draws on Supreme Court precedents and aligns with judicial expectations.

However, environmentalists have raised strong concerns, arguing that the definition is too narrow and could exclude the Aravalli ridge, an ecologically fragile region.

Such exclusion may leave it vulnerable to unchecked urbanisation, illegal mining, and real estate encroachments, threatening biodiversity and groundwater recharge in one of North India’s most critical ecosystems.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Haryana’s Definition of Forests
• Supreme Court’s Directives on Forest Definition
• Godavarman Case, FCA and the 2023 Amendment
• Reactions to Haryana’s Forest Definition

Haryana’s Definition of Forests

• 
• Recently, Haryana’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department issued a notification officially defining forests under the “dictionary meaning.”
• According to the notification:
  • A patch of land will qualify as a forest if it has:
  • A minimum area of five hectares in isolation, or
  • A minimum area of two hectares if contiguous with government-notified forests.
  • It must also have a canopy density of at least 0.4 (40%).
• Exclusions from Definition
  • The notification excludes the following from being treated as forests:
    • Linear, compact, or agro-forestry plantations.
    • Orchards outside government-notified forests.
  • These exclusions cover tree plantations along roads, canals, and railway tracks, which, though ecologically beneficial, will not be classified as forests under this definition.

Supreme Court’s Directives on Forest Definition

• In its March 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to formally define what constitutes a forest and begin comprehensive surveys to identify forest areas within their jurisdictions.
• Key Instructions from the Court
  • Expert Committees: Each State/UT was required to set up a committee within one month to identify: Forest-like areas; Unclassified Forest lands; Community Forest lands.
  • Survey and Mapping: The committees must map forest lands and submit their reports to the Centre within six months.
  • Use of 2011 Guidelines: The process must strictly follow the 2011 Lafarge Umiam Mining guidelines, which mandate:
    • GIS-based decision-support database.
    • District-wise mapping of plots that may qualify as forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).
    • Inclusion of core, buffer, and eco-sensitive zones of protected areas.
    • Identification of wildlife corridors, lands diverted from forest use, and supporting maps such as TOPO-sheets and Forest Survey of India maps
• Accountability
  • The Court made it clear that Chief Secretaries of States and Administrators of UTs would be held personally accountable for non-compliance with its directives.

Godavarman Case, FCA and the 2023 Amendment

• At the centre of the current Supreme Court hearings on the 2023 amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA), 1980 lies the core question: “What constitutes a forest?”
• FCA, 1980 – Original Scope
  • The FCA of 1980 restricted the dereservation of forests or the use of forest land for non-forest purposes.
  • No diversion of forest land was permitted without prior approval from the Centre.
• Godavarman Ruling, 1996
  • In a landmark judgment (T N Godavarman Thirumulpad v Union of India), the Supreme Court expanded the meaning of ‘forest’.
  • It held that the term must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all statutorily recognised forests — whether reserved, protected, or otherwise.
  • This effectively meant that any forested parcel of land, regardless of size, ownership, or official classification, could fall under the FCA.
• The 2023 Amendment and Subsequent Legal Battle
  • According to the government, the wide applicability of the FCA following Godavarman was restraining development and utility-related works, even minor projects like building toilets in tribal schools.
  • To address this, the 2023 amendment restricted FCA applicability only to:
    • Notified forests, and
    • Lands identified as forests in government records.
    • Challenge to the Amendment
  • Retired IFS officers and NGOs such as Vanashakti and Goa Foundation challenged the amendment, arguing that it substantially diluted protections under the FCA.
  • In February 2024, the Supreme Court directed all States and UTs to continue following Godavarman’s broader definition of forests while it considered the case (Ashok Kumar Sharma, IFS (Retd) & Ors. vs. Union of India).
• Court’s March 2025 Directives
  • The Court then issued detailed instructions requiring States/UTs to define forests, conduct surveys, and submit reports to the Centre, aligning with 2011 Lafarge Umiam Mining guidelines.
  • The matter is ongoing, with the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled in September 2025.

Reactions to Haryana’s Forest Definition

• Environmentalists have strongly criticised the definition, calling it too restrictive.
• Forest analysts argue that the minimum canopy cover threshold of 40% is unrealistic for the Aravalli region, which is naturally arid, with low rainfall and rocky terrain.
• The region’s vegetation — thorny, dry deciduous vegetation due to low rainfall and rocky terrain.
• According to them, this narrow definition contradicts the 1996 Supreme Court Godavarman judgment, which required a broader, dictionary-based interpretation of forests.
• They further pointed out that the minimum area requirement of 2 to 5 hectares is unreasonably high for a dry state like Haryana.
• In their view, a more practical threshold would have been 1 to 2 hectares, ensuring that smaller but ecologically vital forest patches are not left unprotected.

Why in news?

The RBI, in its new discussion paper on the monetary policy framework, cautioned that raising India’s 4% inflation target now would undermine the credibility of the framework and risk reversing the macroeconomic stability gains achieved over the past decade.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• RBI’s Discussion Paper on Monetary Policy
• Headline vs. Core Inflation in Monetary Policy
• Recent Trends

RBI’s Discussion Paper on Monetary Policy

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its long-awaited discussion paper on the country’s monetary policy framework.
• It warns that raising the current 4% inflation target could undermine the credibility of the framework and undo the policy and institutional gains achieved over the last decade.
• Key Questions for Feedback
  • The central bank has invited public feedback on four crucial issues:
    • Whether monetary policy should target headline or core inflation.
    • If the 4% inflation target remains optimal for balancing growth and stability.
    • Whether the 2–6% tolerance band needs revision or removal.
    • Whether the explicit 4% target should be dropped in favour of only a range.
• Risks of Raising or Lowering the Target
• The paper highlights that raising the target in today’s environment of global geopolitical and economic uncertainty could be interpreted as a dilution of the inflation targeting framework, weakening investor confidence.
• Conversely, lowering the target below 4% would not suit India’s current economic conditions.
• Recently, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s rating to BBB, praising the RBI’s strong record in inflation management.
• Stable inflation within the 2–6% range has been crucial for investor confidence, growth prospects, and currency stability.
• Background
  • India adopted the flexible inflation targeting framework in 2016, with a medium-term CPI target of 4% and a tolerance band of 2–6%.
  • The present target is valid till March 2026, after which it must be reset for the next five years.

Headline vs. Core Inflation in Monetary Policy

• The Economic Survey 2023-24 suggested that India’s inflation targeting framework should consider focusing on core inflation (excluding food and fuel).
  • Core inflation - A measure of inflation that excludes highly volatile components, typically food and energy prices. 
  • Headline inflation - The total inflation rate in an economy, encompassing the prices of all goods and services within the representative basket. 
• This was due to the fact that the food prices in India often rise due to supply shocks rather than demand pressures—making them less responsive to monetary policy tools.
• The RBI, under former Governor Shaktikanta Das, rejected this idea, stressing that food prices cannot be ignored.
• In its latest discussion paper, the RBI reiterated that nearly all inflation-targeting countries, regardless of their development stage, target headline CPI inflation.
  • Uganda is the only exception, focusing on core inflation.
• Spillover Effects of Food Prices
  • The RBI highlighted that persistent food inflation eventually spills over into core inflation through higher wages, rents, and business markups.
  • Empirical evidence from India shows that while core prices remain stable, non-core (food and fuel) prices tend to converge with them over the long run.
  • Hence, ignoring food inflation could weaken monetary policy effectiveness.

Recent Trends

• In July 2024, headline CPI inflation fell to 1.55%, an eight-year low, while core inflation stood at 4.1%.
• Historically, headline inflation has fluctuated widely between 1.5% and 8.6% since 2014 due to food price swings, whereas core inflation has been more stable.
• The RBI concluded that monetary policy must ensure both credibility and certainty, especially during global uncertainty.
• Therefore, it emphasised the importance of continuing with headline CPI as the target, since it better reflects the inflation experienced by households and investors.

Why in the News?

• The NTCA has restricted tiger corridors to only the 32 least cost pathways, easing project clearances but raising ecological concerns.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Tiger Corridors (Introduction, Importance, Legal & Judicial Context, Scientific Perspectives, Concerns, Future Outlook, etc.)

Introduction

• In a major policy shift, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has restricted the identification of tiger corridors to only the 32 “least cost pathways” listed in its 2014 report.
• This decision comes less than a month after the NTCA affirmed before the Bombay High Court that tiger corridors should reflect multiple scientific studies and ecological benchmarks.
• While the move simplifies clearances for development projects, it has sparked debate among conservationists, as corridors are essential for tiger movement, genetic diversity, and long-term survival.

Importance of Tiger Corridors

• Tiger corridors are natural linkages connecting tiger reserves and protected areas, allowing safe movement of tigers and other wildlife across fragmented landscapes.
• They help maintain genetic diversity, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and ensure the ecological stability of tiger populations.
• Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, projects in or around corridors require approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL).

NTCA’s Policy Reversal

• In July 2025, NTCA told the Bombay High Court that tiger corridors must be defined using:

• Protected Areas occupied by tigers.
• Least cost pathways identified in 2014.
• Corridors in Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs).
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021).
• Quadrennial All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.

• However, in August 2025, NTCA issued a clarification narrowing corridors only to:

• The 2014 least cost pathways.
• Corridors listed in reserve-specific TCPs.

• This rollback excluded more robust WII studies and AITE-based refinements, surprising experts since NTCA’s 2014 report itself had called these corridors a “minimal requirement.”

Legal and Judicial Context

• The Bombay High Court is hearing a petition challenging the Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife’s April 2025 decision to forward only projects within the least cost pathways for SC-NBWL approval.
• NTCA’s sudden clarification, submitted during hearings, has reshaped the case. The Environment Ministry has indicated that further refinement of corridors, based on AITE data, may be delayed until the High Court delivers its ruling.

Scientific Perspectives

• Contemporary research highlights that limiting corridors to the least cost pathways underestimates the complex movement of tigers.
• A July 2025 study by Nagpur’s LRC Foundation identified 192 potential corridors across 10 central Indian states, connecting 30 tiger reserves and around 150 protected areas.
• This dense network demonstrates that multiple pathways, not just the shortest routes, are critical for tiger survival.

Concerns and Criticism

• Conservationists fear that the NTCA’s narrowed definition weakens tiger protection at a time when India’s tiger population is recovering but facing increasing habitat fragmentation.
• By disregarding updated scientific studies and broad ecological benchmarks, the decision risks undermining the long-term connectivity essential for sustaining viable tiger populations.
• Critics argue that this approach prioritises short-term project clearances over India’s global conservation commitments.

Future Outlook

• The issue is likely to remain under judicial scrutiny in the coming months. Conservation scientists are pressing for the incorporation of advanced modelling, telemetry data, and AITE-based evidence in corridor planning.
• With India home to nearly 3,000 tigers, over 70% of the global wild population, the protection of ecological corridors will be crucial to maintaining its conservation success story.

Context:

• The Prime Minister’s Independence Day address (August 15) highlighted reforms for demand-driven growth, recalibration of GST, and the need to boost productivity through education and skill development.
• India faces challenges of low-skilled workforce, despite a large demographic advantage, making vocational education critical for employability and productivity.

India’s Current VET Landscape:

• Institutional strength: Over 14,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 25 lakh sanctioned seats.
• Low utilisation: Actual enrolment was only around 12 lakh in 2022, implying just 48% seat utilisation.
• Low employment outcomes:
  • In 2018, the employment rate among ITI graduates was 63%.
  • Countries with robust VET systems such as Germany, Singapore, and Canada reported employment rates ranging between 80 and 90%.
  • These statistics point to a VET system that is both ineffective and unattractive for the Indian youth.
• Formally trained workforce: Just 4% in India, compared to much higher figures abroad.

Challenges in India’s VET System:

• Late integration in education system:
  • VET in India introduced post high-school education.
  • This has not only shortened the period available for hands-on training before the youth enter the job market, but also does not allow for orientation towards employable skills.
• Lack of academic progression: No defined pathways from VET to higher education in India. No credit transfers between systems.
• Poor perception and quality issues:
  • Outdated, industry-misaligned curricula in India.
  • Over one-third of ITI instructor posts are vacant due to limited training capacity at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
  • Weak quality monitoring, with irregular ITI grading and no feedback systems.
• Weak public–private partnerships (PPPs):
  • In India, the engagement of employers in the private sector is limited, ITIs depend heavily on government funding, MSMEs (which drive local job creation) have low engagement with ITIs due to capacity constraints.
  • Sector Skill Councils, which play a key role in integrating training with industry needs, lack state-level presence in India.

Learning from International Best Practices:

• Integration in education system: In Germany, VET is integrated at the upper secondary level through a dual system, combining school education with paid apprenticeships.
• Academic progression: Singapore ensures progression from VET to universities, offering VET either as technical education (at the post-secondary level) or via polytechnics (at the tertiary level) through dual vocational tracks.
• Perception and quality:
  • Singapore has industry-led curriculum design, high instructor quality, regular audits and a mechanism that seeks constant feedback from employers and trainees.
  • Singapore also has a Skill Future Programme, where the government offers subsidies to upskill throughout one’s career.
• Public–private partnerships (PPPs): In Germany, Singapore, and Canada, governments fund VET institutions, while employers pay for apprenticeships, share training costs, and also help design curricula. 

Reforms Needed in India:

• Early integration of VET: Implement National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations for VET at school level.
• Pathways to higher education: Fast-track National Credit Framework for academic progression and credit transfers.
• Improve quality and relevance:
  • Align training with local industry demand.
  • Expand NSTIs, recruit instructors, strengthen ITI grading.
  • Collect trainee feedback for continuous improvement.
• Strengthen PPPs:
  • Scale up Private Training Partner
  • Involve MSMEs, CSR funding for skilling.
• Increase funding:
  • India spends 3% of the education budget on VET vs. 10–13% in Germany or Singapore or Canada.
  • Need performance-linked public funding and revenue autonomy for ITIs.

Recent Government Schemes:

• Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme:
  • ELI Part A offers up to Rs 15,000 for first-time EPFO-registered workers.
  • Part B gives employers Rs 3,000 a month for every new hire.
  • Both ELI schemes push formalisation of jobs but have no skilling components.
• PM Internship Scheme: It aims to provide one-year placements to youth in top companies, but lacks pathways to permanent jobs.
• ITI Upgradation Scheme: It focuses on modernising 1,000 government ITIs in partnership with industry, but not necessarily the quality of training.

Way Forward:

• Current initiatives are piecemeal and insufficient.
• Need systemic overhaul to:
  • Make VET attractive and effective.
  • Link it with formal employment and upward mobility.
• Transforming VET into a pathway to quality jobs, which is vital for realising Viksit Bharat.

Conclusion:

• A future-ready India must transform its vocational education system into a dynamic, industry-linked, and aspirational pathway that equips youth with globally competitive skills.
• Such an overhaul will not only enhance employability and productivity but also act as a cornerstone for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Context

• The recent judgment of the Chhattisgarh High Court in a custodial death case exposes troubling fissures in India’s legal approach to police violence and caste oppression.
• While the facts are deeply disturbing, a Dalit man dying in custody after a medical report found no injuries, only for the post-mortem to reveal 26 wounds, the reasoning of the court is perhaps more concerning.
• In downgrading a conviction from murder to culpable homicide, the High Court suggested that the police officers had intended merely to teach a lesson to the victim.
• This phrase, seemingly minor, carries profound implications for the rule of law, constitutional morality, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Violence Cannot Be Rationalised as Deterrence

• The phrase teaching a lesson signals more than an explanation of intent, it normalises custodial brutality as a form of discipline.
• The Constitution of India envisions the state as an institution bound by procedures, rights, and proportionality, not one that sanctions violence as correction.
• To frame custodial assault as misguided discipline is to blur the line between legal authority and authoritarian force.
• Courts, as guardians of constitutional morality, cannot afford to rationalise state violence under the guise of deterrence.
• Judicial language shapes reasoning, and reasoning shapes practice: when a constitutional court entertains the possibility of violence as correction, it sends a dangerous signal to police officers that excesses may be excusable zeal rather than criminal acts.

The Caste Dimension of Custodial Deaths

• Equally significant is the erasure of caste from the narrative. The victim in this case was a Dalit man, assaulted by upper-caste officers.
• Yet both the trial and appellate courts dismissed the applicability of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, on grounds that there was no direct evidence of caste-based motivation.
• This narrow reading ignores how caste power operates in structural, implicit ways.
• To require explicit slurs or overt declarations of caste animus is to deny the lived experience of caste-based violence, particularly in rural policing where Dalits and Adivasis are disproportionately subjected to brutality.
• By setting the bar for proving caste intent unrealistically high, courts risk hollowing out the SC/ST Act and failing the very communities it was designed to protect.

Judicial Precedent and Persistent Impunity

• Custodial violence is not a new or isolated phenomenon.
• The Supreme Court has repeatedly issued guidelines, from the landmark D. K. Basu case onwards, mandating safeguards against torture and abuse in custody.
• Yet deaths in custody remain alarmingly frequent, disproportionately targeting the poor and marginalised.
• Compliance with judicial safeguards remains patchy, and accountability mechanisms are weak, often compromised by the fact that investigations are led by the same institutions implicated in abuse.
• Against this backdrop, the High Court’s language is especially damaging: rather than confronting systemic rot, it risks legitimising it by portraying violence as purposeful, if excessive, discipline.

The Path of Judicial Integrity

• If the judiciary is to act as the bulwark of constitutional democracy, it must reject any narrative that confers moral legitimacy upon custodial violence.
• Police officers are not vigilantes empowered to correct behaviour through force; they are public servants bound by law.
• To endorse the idea of teaching a lesson is to substitute fear for justice and coercion for due process.
• True deterrence arises not from bruises inflicted in the shadows of police stations but from proportionate punishment within the legal system.
• For structural reform, courts must insist that custodial violence is always criminal, never disciplinary.
• The SC/ST Act must be interpreted expansively to capture the systemic and caste-coded nature of violence against Dalits and Adivasis.
• Independent oversight mechanisms must be empowered to investigate custodial abuse, ensuring that accountability does not rest with compromised institutions.
• Most importantly, judicial discourse itself must reflect zero tolerance for the rationalisation of state brutality.

Conclusion

• The Constitution of India is built on the principles of dignity, equality, and rule of law. These values cannot coexist with a legal system that tolerates or rationalises custodial violence under the guise of discipline.
• The High Court’s invocation of teaching a lesson risks undermining decades of constitutional jurisprudence and emboldening future violators.
• What is required is not rhetorical sympathy but structural transformation, stronger enforcement of safeguards, robust application of protective laws, and a judicial voice that affirms that no citizen, least of all the most marginalised, should have their rights trampled in the name of correction.
• To accept anything less is to inch toward authoritarianism, where justice is written not in rights, but in bruises.

Context

• In India, discrepancies such as duplication, ineligible entries, and ghost voters have long raised concerns about electoral integrity.
• These issues not only open doors to fraud, impersonation and multiple voting, but also corrode public trust in the democratic process.
• While much of the criticism is directed at the Election Commission of India (ECI), political parties themselves share responsibility for enabling this institutional decline.
• A deeper analysis reveals how the ECI’s waning credibility, coupled with the weakening of political parties at the grassroots level, threatens the very foundations of representative democracy.

The Erosion of the Election Commission’s Credibility and Changing Nature of Political Parties

• The Erosion of the Election Commission’s Credibility
  • The ECI, entrusted with maintaining clean electoral rolls, has increasingly faced criticism for opacity and inefficiency.
  • Instead of addressing irregularities, the Commission has attempted to restrict inspection and oversight, thereby deepening suspicion about its impartiality.
  • This is a sharp fall from grace when compared to the 1990s, under T.N. Seshan, when the ECI emerged as a formidable guardian of electoral integrity.
  • At that time, the Commission implemented stringent reforms, from monitoring election expenditure to introducing the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), and surveys consistently ranked it as one of India’s most credible institutions.
  • Today, however, its legacy is under question, its authority weakened, and its integrity doubted.
• Changing Nature of Political Parties
  • While the ECI has been alleged to lose credibility, political parties have also contributed to democratic decay by reshaping themselves into highly centralised electoral machines.
  • Traditional campaign methods, door-to-door visits, community meetings, and street-corner gatherings, have given way to digital strategies such as social media outreach, phone banking, and AI-driven chatbots.
  • These techniques create the illusion of personal connection but bypass the slow, trust-building work of local party organisations.
  • Moreover, political parties increasingly rely on professional consultants who design strategies, craft messaging, and even influence candidate selection.
  • This reliance sidelines local workers, reducing them to mere providers of raw data for analytical models.

The Role of Local Organisations and Booth-Level Agents

• Electoral integrity depends on close collaboration between the ECI and political parties at the local level.
• The Commission’s manual outlines provisions for consultation during voter roll revisions, with political parties expected to scrutinise draft lists and flag discrepancies.
• To formalise this, the ECI introduced Booth Level Agents (BLAs), party representatives tasked with assisting booth-level officers in ensuring accuracy.
• BLAs are meant to scrutinise draft rolls, submit corrections, and act as the crucial link between voters, parties, and the ECI.
• On paper, this system is robust, with safeguards such as limits on bulk applications and requirements for cross-verification.
• In practice, however, recent controversies, such as irregularities in the Mahadevapura constituency of Karnataka, raise pressing questions.
• Were BLAs complicit in manipulating the system? Were they negligent in their responsibilities? Or is there institutional bias favouring incumbents?
• The controversy underscores the dangers of weakened local organisations: when parties abandon vigilance, systemic failures slip through unchecked.

The Way Forward: Reviving Political Parties’ Local Role

• The current crisis presents an opportunity for political renewal. If parties revitalise their dormant local units, they can not only improve electoral roll oversight but also restore their democratic relevance.
• Early signs of such revival are evident in Kerala, where parties are now scrutinising draft rolls more diligently for errors such as duplicate entries and multiple voter IDs.
• This suggests a growing recognition that democracy depends on active engagement beyond election-day campaigns.
• History offers a cautionary tale. In the post-Independence period, weak Congress party units allied with local elites to subvert land reforms, undermining democratic promises of agrarian justice.
• Similarly, today’s neglect of local structures risks distorting democracy itself. Without vigilant grassroots organisations, parties may not merely lose elections, they may lose the very arena of fair competition.

Conclusion

• India possesses a well-designed framework for safeguarding electoral integrity. Yet no system can withstand neglect or manipulation.
• When the ECI hides behind opacity rather than accountability, it erodes the trust necessary for a functioning democracy.
• When political parties prioritise technology and consultants over grassroots networks, they weaken their ability to act as democratic counterweights.
• Electoral roll controversies thus serve as a wake-up call: democracy cannot survive on institutional structures alone.

Context

• India’s energy security and climate change commitments are at a crossroads, with the government preparing to revisit one of the country’s most contentious legislative debates: the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962.
• The proposed amendments, aimed at redefining liability frameworks and opening nuclear energy to private participation, will not only test the unity of the Opposition but also shape India’s nuclear future.

Historical Context of Nuclear Liability in India

• The roots of the current debate go back over fifteen years, when India, not party to existing global conventions, sought to establish its own framework for compensating victims of nuclear accidents.
• The CLNDA was enacted in 2010 against the backdrop of tragedies such as the 1984 Bhopal gas leak, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
• These events sharpened public and parliamentary concern about corporate accountability.
• The Opposition, then led by the BJP and Left parties, pushed for stringent liability clauses that extended beyond operators to include suppliers of nuclear reactor equipment.
• While this addressed public fears, it also deterred foreign suppliers, making the Act effectively unworkable.
• Attempts at reform over the last decade have met with little success, with Western suppliers remaining hesitant to enter the Indian nuclear market.

Political Contours of the Debate

• The issue of liability has always been politically charged. In 2007, the UPA government considered opening the nuclear sector to private participation, citing recommendations from the Dr. Raja Ramanna Committee.
• However, concerns about sovereignty, safety, and foreign influence stalled progress.
• Today, the BJP-led NDA government seeks to amend the CLNDA and the AEA to resolve supplier liability concerns and to pave the way for private investment in nuclear energy.
• The Congress, however, has raised objections, arguing that these changes dilute accountability, compromise safety, and prioritise foreign corporate interests, particularly those of France and the U.S., over citizens’ welfare.
• Such accusations echo earlier controversies, such as when the CLNDA was originally introduced in 2010 amid claims that it was timed to coincide with U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit.
• Then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rejected such assertions, insisting that India needed a liability framework to prepare for future nuclear expansion.

India’s Nuclear Ambitions and Energy Security

• Despite India’s nuclear aspirations, the sector’s contribution to the energy mix remains modest, only about 3% of total power generation.
• As of late 2023, 24 nuclear plants provided 8.8 GW of installed capacity, far below earlier targets.
• The government now envisions a steep climb to 22.48 GW by 2031-32 and an ambitious 100 GW by 2047.
• This expansion, however, hinges on two factors: resolving liability concerns to attract international suppliers and investors, and embracing new technologies such as small modular reactors.
• These reactors, already the focus of global competition, promise safer, more flexible nuclear power, but they also raise critical questions about waste management, regulation, and public trust.

Opposition, Precedents, and the National Interest

• The Opposition’s response will be decisive. Historically, parties have reversed their stance on contentious issues once in power, often in the name of national interest.
• The Patents Act amendment, the insurance FDI reform, and the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh all saw initial resistance, followed by eventual bipartisan consensus.
• A similar shift may occur with the nuclear amendments. The Congress and other Opposition parties must weigh the risks of supplier protection against the urgency of clean energy expansion.
• In doing so, they must avoid reducing the debate to partisan rhetoric and instead engage with long-term questions:
  • How should India balance accountability with growth?
  • What safeguards are necessary for private sector participation?
  • And how will nuclear energy fit within the broader renewable energy transition?

The Way Forward: The Need for a Meaningful Debate

• The government, with its parliamentary majority, does not strictly need Opposition support. Yet a genuine, broad-based debate is crucial.
• The stakes involve not just liability provisions but also India’s trajectory toward climate goals, technological innovation, and global energy leadership.
• As one parliamentarian once warned, political role reversals should not entail policy reversals.
• The challenge before both government and Opposition is to transcend past standoffs and to shape a nuclear policy that is pragmatic, forward-looking, and uncompromising on safety.
• Only then can India reconcile its ambition for energy independence with its responsibility toward its citizens and the environment.

Conclusion

• The proposed amendments to India’s nuclear laws highlight the enduring tension between ensuring accountability and enabling growth in the energy sector.
• While liability concerns must not be dismissed, a pragmatic framework is essential to attract investment, expand nuclear capacity, and meet climate goals.
• Ultimately, bipartisan cooperation and a future-oriented debate will be key to aligning energy security with public safety and national interest.

Why in the News?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, banning harmful real money gaming while promoting e-sports and social gaming under a new regulatory framework.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Online Gaming Bill (Introduction, Key Provisions, Rationale Behind Legislation, Response, Significance, etc.)

Introduction

• The Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, marking a decisive shift in the governance of the country’s booming digital gaming sector.
• The Bill introduces a complete ban on real money gaming, citing its social, financial, and psychological harms, while simultaneously creating an enabling framework for e-sports and online social games.
• With this move, the government seeks to protect vulnerable sections of society, promote responsible gaming, and support the growth of India’s digital innovation ecosystem.

Key Provisions of the Online Gaming Bill 2025

• The legislation is structured around three key segments of gaming:

• E-Sports - Recognised as a creative and recreational industry with strong growth potential, the Bill supports e-sports development as a mainstream sector.
• Online Social Games - Encouraged as safe entertainment options that do not involve financial risks or addictive gambling mechanisms.
• Online Money Games - Completely prohibited, covering activities such as fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and other real money-based platforms where players deposit funds with monetary return expectations.

• Violations of the ban will attract strict penalties, including:

• Imprisonment of up to three years and fines up to Rs. 1 crore for first-time offenders.
• Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, including imprisonment between three to five years and fines up to Rs. 2 crore.

Establishment of an Online Gaming Authority

• A major highlight of the Bill is the creation of a statutory Online Gaming Authority tasked with:

• Coordinating policy support for the sector;
• Regulating and supervising gaming platforms;
• Supporting e-sports and legitimate online social gaming enterprises;
• Curbing harmful practices such as money laundering, addictive algorithms, and fraudulent gaming models.

• The Authority will function as a central regulator, providing uniform legal oversight and ensuring that the sector evolves in a safe and sustainable manner.

Rationale Behind the Legislation

• The government emphasised the urgent need for regulatory intervention, highlighting alarming statistics and trends:

• 32 suicides in the past 31 months linked to online money gaming addiction.
• Rising financial distress among families due to compulsive gambling behaviour.
• Reports of real money games being used for money laundering and terror financing.
• Psychological disorders and exploitation caused by predatory gaming algorithms.

• Lok Sabha Speaker termed the Bill a “national interest” legislation, citing its role in saving families from financial and emotional collapse.
• Union Information & Technology Minister underlined that while India must embrace digital innovation, it cannot allow harmful practices to threaten public welfare.

Industry Response and Potential Challenges

• The Bill has sent shockwaves through India’s multi-billion-dollar real money gaming industry, which had long sought central regulation rather than prohibition.
• Industry experts have already hinted at a possible constitutional challenge on grounds of trade restrictions and legislative competence.
• Legal experts, however, argue that the Bill is drafted in a manner that can withstand judicial scrutiny, given its strong grounding in public interest and national security considerations.

Significance for India’s Digital Future

• The Online Gaming Bill 2025 balances the dual objectives of promoting innovation while safeguarding citizens:

• For Youth - It shields young players from harmful addiction and financial ruin.
• For Industry - It provides clarity and legitimacy to e-sports and social gaming start-ups.
• For Society - It addresses rising concerns around fraud, money laundering, and mental health.
• For Governance - It establishes a uniform, national-level framework that was long overdue in the fragmented regulatory space.

• By encouraging e-sports, the Bill also aligns with India’s ambition to emerge as a global player in digital entertainment, especially as the country prepares to host world-class sporting events like the proposed 2036 Olympics.

Context:

• Criminal law reflects the delicate balance between state authority and citizens’ rights.
• The recent proposals by the Government of India to provide a constitutional framework for the removal of ministers (including the PM and CMs) on arrest, have reignited debates on misuse of investigative agencies, political corruption, and the need for systemic reforms.

Criminal Law and Discretionary Power:

• Nature of criminal law: It reflects the idea of state power rather than justice, as governments can criminalise or decriminalise acts depending on political needs.
• Discretion in policing: Police enjoy wide powers of arrest even on mere suspicion.
• Under-trials in India: 76% of prisoners in 2022 were under-trials, highlighting misuse of arrest powers.

Government’s Recent Proposal:

• Provisions introduced:
  • Article 75(5A): Removal of Union Ministers including the PM.
  • Article 164(4A): Removal of State Ministers/CMs.
• Trigger event:
  • The government’s proposal in the recently tabled Bills was seemingly necessitated by the former Delhi CM’s refusal to resign after spending weeks in jail.
  • Then, the Delhi HC held that there is nothing in law envisaging a CM’s resignation in such circumstances.
• Objective: Projected as a bold move towards decriminalisation of politics.

Challenges of Investigative Agency Misuse:

• Judicial criticism:
  • In 2013, Justice R M Lodha famously called the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a “caged parrot speaking in the master’s voice”.
  • On the raid at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, CJI B R Gavai said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has “crossed all limits”.
• Case studies:
  • Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren (who resigned on his arrest) had to spend six months in custody on the allegations of a so-called land scam, before bail.
  • Arvind Kejriwal lost critical election campaigning time due to delayed bail.
• Tough bail provisions: UAPA, PMLA make bail rare, converting arrests into punishment before conviction.

Political Corruption and Ethical Concerns:

• Vohra committee (1993): Highlighted nexus of politics, crime, and business.
• Erosion of political ethics: Parties embrace corrupt leaders for electoral “winnability”.
• Judicial interventions:
  • Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013): Barred convicted political leaders from contesting elections.
  • Jan Chaukidar case (2004): It had even prohibited those in jail from contesting, but Parliament overturned this order.

Credibility Crisis of Enforcement Agencies:

• ED’s track record (2014–2024): 193 cases against politicians, but only 2 convictions.
• Concerns raised:
  • 71% of ED cases filed in the last 5 years.
  • SC’s anguish over low conviction rate.
• Public perception: Agencies appear politically motivated.

Political Context of the Recently Introduced Bills:

• Electoral strategy: The ruling party introduced the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill despite lacking 2/3rd majority.
• Opposition stand: Accusing ruling party of weaponising agencies.
• Inclusion of PM: Possibly a symbolic move to score political points (parallels with Lokpal Act, 2013).

Concerns with Over-Criminalisation:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: Out of 358 sections, 181 prescribe over 5 years of imprisonment.
• Risk: Expansive criminalisation increases misuse for political purposes.
• Judicial principle: Bail should be the rule except in heinous crimes.

Way Forward:

• Autonomy of agencies: CBI, ED should be made independent with directors chosen by consensus.
• Judicial safeguards: Ensure bail is accessible and arrest is not misused as punishment.
• Consensus building: Constitutional amendments must be based on political consensus, not partisan gains.
• Ethics in politics: For reasons other than political expediency, strengthen institutional measures to combat corruption.

Conclusion:

• If India ensures genuine autonomy of investigative agencies, upholds bail as a rule, and builds political consensus on reforms, criminal law can truly serve justice rather than power.
• In the future, such measures may transform the criminal justice system into a tool for cleansing politics of corruption while safeguarding democratic rights.

Why in news?

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi marks the first ministerial-level engagement from China since the two countries agreed in October 2024 to disengage at the border.

During his meeting with PM Modi, Wang acknowledged that India–China relations have seen “ups and downs”, stressing that the lessons learned from past experiences are worth remembering.

His remarks suggest a cautious attempt at resetting ties while keeping in mind the sensitivities arising from recent border tensions.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India–China Ties: From Mahabalipuram to Re-engagement
• Wang Yi’s Visit Amid Global Shifts and Renewed Outreach
• Twin-Track Movement in India–China Relations
• Addressing the Trust Deficit in India–China Relations

India–China Ties: From Mahabalipuram to Re-engagement

• In October 2019, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping held their second informal summit at Mahabalipuram, symbolising optimism and warmth in bilateral ties.
• However, this optimism quickly faded. By June 2020, the violent Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh marked the worst military confrontation in decades, leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers.
• This triggered a deep rupture in relations, with both sides amassing 50,000–60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and engaging in frequent confrontations while building infrastructure to consolidate their positions.
• Despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations, disengagement remained partial, keeping relations strained.
• Progress began only in 2024, when both sides agreed to complete disengagement in the remaining flashpoints of Depsang and Demchok.
• This paved the way for a significant thaw, reinforced by a Modi–Xi meeting in Kazan in October 24, where both leaders decided to mend ties.
• Since then, there has been a renewed diplomatic momentum.

Wang Yi’s Visit Amid Global Shifts and Renewed Outreach

• In the wake of Donald Trump’s election as U.S. President, China braced for potential hostilities, signalling readiness for both friendship or confrontation.
• As Washington imposed tariffs on China — and later on India — Beijing sought to strengthen ties with New Delhi.
• This thaw led to the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and resumption of visa issuance to Chinese nationals.
• Against this backdrop, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India, marking a significant gesture of outreach before PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
• Unlike in 2022, Wang secured a meeting with PM Modi during this trip, signalling improved diplomatic engagement between the two Asian giants.

Twin-Track Movement in India–China Relations

• India and China have agreed to simultaneously advance border-related discussions and bilateral cooperation without allowing one issue to obstruct the other.
• This twin-track approach, first adopted after Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit, had been followed until 2020 and is now being revived.
• Border-Related Mechanisms
  • Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation - An “Expert Group” under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) will explore early harvest options in boundary delimitation.
  • Working Group on Border Management - A new Working Group under WMCC will focus on effective border management, ensuring peace and stability in border areas.
  • Expanded General-Level Mechanisms - General-level mechanisms will be expanded to include Eastern and Middle sectors in addition to the existing Western sector, with early meetings planned.
  • Both sides acknowledged the need for a political perspective to achieve a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement.
  • India emphasised that the border situation directly influences overall bilateral ties.
• Bilateral Engagements
  • Connectivity and Trade
    • Agreement to resume direct flight connectivity at the earliest.
    • Facilitation of visas for tourists, businesses, media, and visitors.
    • Re-opening of border trade through designated points: Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.
    • Promotion of trade and investment flows through concrete steps.
  • Trans-Border Rivers Cooperation
    • China agreed to share hydrological information during emergencies on humanitarian grounds, enhancing cooperation on shared water resources.

Addressing the Trust Deficit in India–China Relations

• The trust deficit between India and China remains a major obstacle despite recent efforts at engagement.
• Border Tensions - Repeated Chinese incursions — Depsang (2013), Chumar (2014), Doklam (2017), and the ongoing Ladakh standoff — have eroded confidence.
  • Over 50,000 troops remain deployed in eastern Ladakh, making a time-bound roadmap for de-escalation and de-induction essential.
• China–Pakistan Nexus - China’s military cooperation with Pakistan, including weapons supply and live intelligence during Operation Sindoor, has deepened Indian security concerns.
• Water Security Risks - China’s construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) threatens downstream states, raising alarm for India as a lower riparian country.
• Terrorism Concerns - India reiterated its strong opposition to cross-border terrorism, recalling that combating terrorism was a core objective of the SCO.
• Economic Vulnerabilities - China’s export restrictions on rare earths, tunnel boring machines, and fertilisers directly impact India’s industrial growth and food security.

Why in news?

The Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture tabled its 380th report on “Overall Review of Safety in the Civil Aviation Sector” in both Houses of Parliament. The report has issued a strong warning about the state of India’s aviation safety system.

The panel’s sharp observations highlight serious systemic lapses in India’s aviation safety architecture and stress the urgent need for reforms to prevent future tragedies.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Context and Trigger of the Report
• Parliamentary Panel on Aviation Safety: Key Findings and Concerns
• Conclusion

Context and Trigger of the Report

• In the backdrop of the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad (2025), the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has raised serious alarms over systemic lapses in India’s civil aviation safety architecture.
• The committee’s 380th report highlights regulatory weaknesses, operational stress, and governance failures that could escalate into future disasters if unaddressed.
• The Committee also summoned officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to question them on delays in accident investigations and coordination failures.
• While the report does not directly mention the AI 171 crash, members of the committee extensively discussed it during deliberations.

Parliamentary Panel on Aviation Safety: Key Findings and Concerns

• Aviation Safety at Risk
  • The committee observes that India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector has stretched infrastructure and regulation to their limits.
  • With passenger traffic expected to cross 300 million annually by 2030, unchecked fleet growth, workforce fatigue, and outdated infrastructure could create conditions ripe for catastrophic accidents.
• DGCA Autonomy Crisis
  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is grossly understaffed — only 553 of 1,063 sanctioned posts are filled.
  • Nearly 45% of technical staff are on deputation, leading to high attrition and loss of institutional memory.
  • India’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit placed it below the global average in safety oversight.
  • Without urgent reforms, India risks international restrictions on airline operations.
  • The committee demands full administrative and financial autonomy for DGCA and recruitment independence from UPSC to attract technical experts.
• Air Traffic Controllers: Overworked and Fatigued
  • Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are working prolonged, fatiguing shifts.
  • Due to staff shortages, many airports merge control sectors at night, increasing risks.
  • The committee calls this “institutionalised overwork” and demands:
    • A Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS).
    • An end to exemptions from duty-time rules.
    • A staffing audit and expansion of ATC training capacity.
• Unresolved Safety Deficiencies
  • As of April 2025, 3,747 safety deficiencies remain unresolved, including 37 critical risks.
  • DGCA’s enforcement is termed a “procedural formality”, lacking real deterrence.
  • Recommendations include:
    • Time-bound closure of deficiencies (72 hours for critical cases).
    • Strict penalties, suspension, or licence cancellation for non-compliance.
    • Independent audits of DGCA’s enforcement system.
• Helicopter Operations: Weak Oversight
  • Since 2021, India has seen 23 helicopter incidents, including four during the 2025 Char Dham Yatra.
  • Oversight is fragmented, with state agencies like Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) managing operations with limited DGCA involvement.
  • The committee calls for:
    • A uniform national framework for helicopter operations.
    • Terrain-specific training for mountain pilots.
    • A DGCA helicopter oversight cell for continuous monitoring.
• Recurring Operational Risks
  • Runway incursions rose to 14.12 per million movements in 2024, exceeding the target of 9.78.
  • Similar overshoots were noted for loss-of-situational-awareness events and near mid-air collision (AIRPROX) incidents.
  • The panel recommends:
    • Root-cause analysis of each incident.
    • Focused safety programmes at high-risk airports.
    • Faster deployment of fog navigation and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) systems.
• Regulatory Culture and Whistleblower Protection
  • A punitive culture discourages reporting of safety lapses.
  • Instances cited where ATCOs were fined up to ₹25 lakh.
  • The committee urges:
    • Adoption of a “just culture” approach that distinguishes errors from negligence.
    • A legally backed whistleblower protection system ensuring anonymity and preventing victimisation.
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Dependence and Strategic Vulnerabilities
  • India depends 85% on foreign MRO facilities, spending ₹15,000 crore annually overseas.
  • This creates strategic vulnerabilities in case of geopolitical shocks.
  • Recommendations include:
    • Rationalising GST and customs duties on aviation spares.
    • Incentivising domestic MRO hubs.
    • Launching a national aviation skill mission.
• Governance Gaps in Airports Authority of India (AAI)
  • AAI lacks a Member (ATC) on its Board despite repeated recommendations since 2006.
  • The committee calls this a serious governance failure, undermining systemic safety planning.

Conclusion

The committee’s report is a roadmap for urgent reforms, stressing that without stronger regulation, staffing reforms, and governance changes, India risks facing future aviation disasters and international restrictions.

Context:

• In Bihar, democracy is silently sidelining millions of migrants. A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls has resulted in the deletion of nearly 3.5 million voters (4.4% of the total electorate).
  • These voters were marked as “permanently migrated” after being absent during house-to-house verification.
• For Bihar, migration is not merely economic but often a survival necessity. However, this lived reality of circular and split-family migration is being read by the state as an abandonment of voting rights.
• As a result, millions of vulnerable citizens risk permanent disenfranchisement — unable to vote either in their place of work or at home — creating a silent crisis that erodes India’s democratic inclusiveness.
• This article highlights how India’s democracy is failing its migrant citizens, with millions facing disenfranchisement due to rigid electoral systems, administrative exclusions, and migration-linked challenges.

Migrants and the Sedentary Citizen Problem

• India’s electoral system is still built around the idea of a sedentary citizen — one whose life is rooted in a fixed residence.
• Voter registration depends on proof of residence and in-person verification, making it nearly impossible for migrants, who often live in rented rooms, slums, construction sites, or even pavements, to establish eligibility.
• This structural gap is reinforced by regionalism and sub-nationalism. Migrants are frequently seen as outsiders, job competitors, or political threats in host states.
• Rising demands for domicile-based job quotas and resistance to migrant enfranchisement reflect fears of altered political outcomes.
  • Consequently, migrants are discouraged from registering in destination states.
• At the same time, many are being removed from their home-state rolls due to absence during verification.
• This has created a double exclusion — migrants are neither allowed political inclusion where they live and work, nor retained in their places of origin.
• The result is a deepening crisis of disenfranchisement for millions of migrant citizens.

Study Findings: Migrant Marginalisation in Electoral Processes

• A 2015 study by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), funded by the Election Commission, confirmed that migrants remain largely excluded from electoral participation in host states.
• The study highlighted a triple burden faced by migrants:
  • Administrative barriers such as proof of residence requirements.
  • Digital illiteracy that prevents smooth access to online electoral services.
  • Social exclusion where migrants are viewed as outsiders or political threats.
• Crucially, the study found a direct correlation between high migration rates in source states and lower voter turnout.

Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Widening Democratic Deficit

• Instead of bridging the turnout gap, Bihar’s SIR initiative has worsened disenfranchisement.
• Nearly 3.5 million migrants risk losing voting rights due to absenteeism during house-to-house verification.
• Bihar already had one of the lowest average voter turnouts (53.2%) in the last four Assembly elections.
• In contrast, Gujarat (66.4%) and Karnataka (70.7%), with fewer outbound migrants, show significantly higher participation.

Migration Flows and Electoral Implications

• Mobile visitor location register data suggests an annual outflow of 7 million circular migrants from Bihar. Around 4.8 million migrate seasonally (June–September), but nearly half return for festivals such as Durga Puja, Chhath, and Deepavali.
• In election years, many such returning migrants find themselves unable to vote because their names have already been struck off the rolls.
• Without coordination between origin and destination states, this becomes systemic disenfranchisement.
• Migrants embody a dual belonging: they contribute economically in host states but remain politically tied to their origin states.
• This is now being demonised. The message is clear — absence at home during verification means loss of voting rights.

Parallel with Ration Portability Challenges

• The ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme illustrates the same barriers faced by migrants.
• Since its 2019 launch, uptake among Bihari migrants remains limited — only 3.3 lakh households availed ration portability outside Bihar (as of May 2025).
• Key reasons include:
  • Dual residency needs (economic life in host states, entitlements in home states).
  • Fear of losing benefits if shifted.
  • Bureaucratic hurdles in destination states.
• Similarly, with voter IDs, migrants retain home-state documents for security but face exclusion where they actually live and work.

Toward Portable Voter Identity for Migrants

• The solution to migrant disenfranchisement lies in adopting portable and flexible voter identity systems that allow citizens to retain voting rights regardless of mobility.
• Instead of blanket deletions, the Election Commission should adopt a cross-verification model with destination state rolls.
• Panchayats and civil society groups must be empowered to run migrant outreach and re-registration drives.
• Replicating the Kerala model of migration surveys in high-migration states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh would ensure inclusive voter participation.
• Without such reforms, India risks witnessing the largest silent voter purge in its post-Independence history, disproportionately targeting the poor who migrate only for bread, dignity, and survival.

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government are locked in a dispute over disciplinary authority on election officials. The state has refused to act against four officers accused of tampering with the electoral roll, arguing that no elections have been announced and the Model Code of Conduct is not in force.

This clash has reignited the long-standing debate on the extent of the ECI’s disciplinary control once state officials are deputed to election duty.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Constitutional Vision for the Election Commission
• 1988 Amendments: Strengthening ECI’s Authority over Election Officials
• The Continuing Tussle: T N Seshan vs. the Government
• The 2000 Agreement: Formalising ECI’s Disciplinary Powers
• West Bengal Standoff: Options Before the ECI

Constitutional Vision for the Election Commission

• During the Constituent Assembly debates, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasized that the Chief Election Commissioner should enjoy the same protection as a Supreme Court judge to ensure independence from the executive.
• On staffing, he rejected the idea of creating a parallel permanent bureaucracy for the Commission, noting it would be costly and unnecessary since electoral work fluctuates in intensity.
• Instead, he proposed that officials be deputed from provincial governments, remaining under the Commission’s authority during elections.
• Thus, the framers envisioned an Election Commission without its own permanent staff but with full control over officials temporarily assigned to it.

1988 Amendments: Strengthening ECI’s Authority over Election Officials

• In 1988, Parliament gave legal backing to the Constituent Assembly’s vision by amending both the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951.
• These changes placed election officials formally under the Election Commission’s control.
• Under Section 13CC of the 1950 Act, officials such as Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, and Electoral Registration Officers were deemed to be on deputation to the Commission while handling electoral rolls, making them subject to its supervision and discipline.
• Similarly, Section 28A of the 1951 Act extended this authority to returning officers, presiding and polling officers, and even police personnel on election duty.
• Their accountability to the Commission lasted from the notification of elections until the final declaration of results.
• Together, these amendments institutionalised the Commission’s power over both administrative and enforcement staff during elections, ensuring independence and uniformity in the conduct of polls.

The Continuing Tussle: T N Seshan vs. the Government

• Even after the 1988 amendments gave the Election Commission clear authority over election officials, disputes with governments persisted.
• The fiercest clash came during the tenure of T N Seshan (1990–96), the combative Chief Election Commissioner known for his strict enforcement of electoral discipline.
  • He declared that once drafted, these officials would answer solely to the ECI.
  • He also claimed powers to discipline, suspend, or transfer errant officers — a stance the government refused to accept.
• The Ranipet Flashpoint
  • The conflict peaked during the 1993 Ranipet by-election in Tamil Nadu.
  • To conduct this election smoothly, the then CEC sought deployment of central forces. However, the government bluntly told him that he lacked the authority to demand central forces.
  • In retaliation, T N Seshan postponed 31 elections — to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state councils, and assemblies — until the deadlock was resolved.
• Judicial Intervention and Aftermath
  • The ECI then approached the Supreme Court, which gave interim relief by affirming its authority over officers on election duty.
  • However, the litigation dragged on even after Seshan retired in 1996.
  • Finally, in 2000, under Chief Election Commissioner M S Gill, a negotiated settlement was reached, and the case was closed.

The 2000 Agreement: Formalising ECI’s Disciplinary Powers

• The tussle over the ECI’s authority was finally settled in 2000 through a negotiated agreement recorded by the Supreme Court.
• For the first time, the Commission’s disciplinary powers over officials on election duty were formally spelt out.
• Scope of Powers
  • The ECI was empowered to:
    • Suspend officers for dereliction of duty.
    • Replace errant officials and send them back to their original cadres with a detailed conduct report.
    • Recommend disciplinary action to the competent authority, which was bound to act within six months and report back to the Commission.
  • This settlement marked a turning point: for the first time, the ECI’s disciplinary authority was codified on paper, strengthening its ability to act against officials who compromised free and fair elections.
  • It also established a clear chain of accountability between the ECI, the Centre, and the states.

West Bengal Standoff: Options Before the ECI

• The ongoing clash between the ECI and the West Bengal government shows that the 2000 settlement has not fully resolved tensions over disciplinary control of election officials.
• Over the years, states have sometimes resisted ECI directives or diluted them by accepting explanations from officers instead of enforcing strict action.
• In the present case, if West Bengal continues to resist, the ECI has three escalation options:
  • Summoning the Chief Secretary — already exercised, with a week’s compliance deadline set.
  • Involving the Centre — urging it to remind the state of the binding nature of the 2000 framework.
  • Approaching the Courts — as a final recourse, invoking its authority under the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 and 1951, to ensure enforcement.
• This episode highlights how the ECI’s authority, though legally backed, still faces practical challenges when state governments push back against its disciplinary powers.

Why in news?

S&P Global Ratings noted that the proposed two-tier GST structure could reduce the effective taxation rate while boosting long-term fiscal revenues.

The Centre’s proposal, to be discussed with states in an upcoming meeting, aims to simplify GST by reducing the slabs to just 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% rate for select luxury or sin goods.

This reform is expected to streamline compliance, reduce complexity, and potentially increase government revenues over time, though its short-term impact on collections and affordability remains to be seen.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• The Proposed Two-Slab GST System
• S&P’s Position on GST Reform
• Economists’ Perspective on Fiscal Impact

The Proposed Two-Slab GST System

• The central government plans to move from the current four-rate GST structure to two slabs of 5% and 18%, with an additional 40% rate for sin and demerit goods.
  • Currently, there are 4 slabs under GST( 5, 12, 18 and 28%) and the taxation system has been an important component of the government's revenues.
• This reform is expected by the end of 2025 and aims to simplify compliance while reducing distortions in the indirect tax regime.
• The changes will reduce classification disputes, scope for litigation and evasion as well as remove duty inversion.
• Declining Effective GST Rates
  • Since its launch in 2017, GST rates have been gradually reduced.
  • An RBI study in 2019 found that the weighted average GST rate had dropped from 14.4% to 11.6%, achieved through base broadening and removing distortions.
  • This trend is expected to continue under the new structure.

S&P’s Position on GST Reform

• S&P Global Ratings has dismissed concerns that the Centre’s proposal to reform the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime will harm fiscal revenues.
• Director of the organisation explained that while tax rates may appear lower under the proposed two-slab system, simplified implementation and transparent accounting could actually improve revenue collection in the long run.
• It highlighted that GST has been a key driver of fiscal revenues over the past five to six years.
• S&P believes reforms will continue strengthening government finances rather than weakening them, even if short-term adjustments create some pressure.
• Debt and Fiscal Targets
  • S&P forecasts the combined central and state fiscal deficit at 7.3% of GDP in 2025–26, narrowing to 6.6% by 2028–29.
  • Interest servicing remains a heavy burden but should ease gradually due to stronger revenues and cheaper financing.
  • India’s debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to fall from 83% in 2024–25 to 78% by 2028–29, with the Centre targeting 49–51% by 2030–31.
• Rating Upgrade and Long-Term Outlook
  • S&P upgraded India’s rating to BBB from BBB-, citing its robust economic performance.
  • The agency stressed that India’s reforms, including GST rationalisation, support long-term fiscal sustainability despite short-term uncertainties.
  • It upgraded India’s rating to BBB from BBB- citing:
    • Strong and resilient economic expansion.
    • Political commitment to fiscal discipline.
    • Improved quality of government spending through higher capital expenditure.
    • A credible monetary policy framework ensuring controlled inflation.

Economists’ Perspective on Fiscal Impact

• Economists note that state governments could face revenue losses estimated at ₹7,000–9,000 crore annually.
• However, these may be offset by stronger GDP growth, which boosts both direct and indirect tax collection.
• For 2025–26, the central government’s fiscal deficit impact is expected to be less than 0.1% of GDP.

Context:

• In May 2025, the Ministry of Finance released India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy for consultation.
• The taxonomy aims to channel climate-aligned investments, reduce greenwashing, and guide investors on which sectors and technologies support mitigation, adaptation, or transition.
• It positions itself as a “living” framework, meant to evolve with India’s shifting priorities and global obligations.
• However, its effectiveness as a governance tool will depend on how well this adaptability is translated into practice.
• In this context, this article explores the need for a review architecture, the substantive aspects of ensuring legal and content clarity and an institutional mechanisms for accountability.

Review Architecture for India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy

• A structured review system is essential for India’s climate finance taxonomy to ensure investor confidence, legal clarity, and global alignment.
• Drawing inspiration from the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, the framework should function on two levels.
  • Annual Reviews
    • These would address short-term implementation gaps, evolving obligations, policy changes, and stakeholder feedback.
    • They must follow a predictable process with fixed timelines, documentation standards, and mandatory public consultations.
  • Five-Year Reviews
    • A deeper reassessment every five years would evaluate the taxonomy against global carbon market trends, evolving definitions of climate finance, and India’s sectoral transitions.
    • This aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) cycle and the global stocktake under the UNFCCC.
• Together, these periodic and recurring reviews would make the taxonomy both responsive in the short term and resilient in the long run.

Substantive Aspects of Reviewing India’s Climate Taxonomy

• A meaningful review of India’s climate finance taxonomy must focus on legal coherence and substantive clarity.
• Legal Coherence
  • The review should ensure alignment with Indian laws like the Energy Conservation Act, SEBI regulations, and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, while harmonising with international obligations.
  • It must address enforceability, remove redundancies, clarify overlaps, and synchronise with related fiscal tools such as green bonds, blended finance, and risk disclosures.
• Content Clarity
  • The taxonomy should remain clear, readable, and technically accurate.
  • Definitions must evolve with market standards and be accessible to both experts and non-experts.
  • Quantitative thresholds like emission reduction targets or efficiency benchmarks should be updated using data and stakeholder feedback.
• The review should also focus on inclusivity by ensuring accessibility for MSMEs, the informal sector, and vulnerable communities, with simplified entry points, phased compliance, and realistic expectations — particularly in agriculture and small manufacturing — to support India’s net-zero pathway.

Institutionalising Accountability in India’s Climate Taxonomy

• To ensure effective and transparent reviews, the Ministry of Finance should establish a dedicated unit within the Department of Economic Affairs.
• Public dashboards can be introduced to collect inputs, record implementation challenges, and publish review reports, ensuring both predictability and transparency.
• Annual summaries and five-year revision proposals should be made public in a consolidated format to enhance investor confidence and accessibility.
• This will also enable better alignment with parallel frameworks like India’s carbon market, green bond mechanisms, and disclosure obligations.

Conclusion

• The taxonomy rollout coincides with key shifts in India’s climate finance ecosystem.
• This includes - the operationalisation of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, mainstreaming of green bonds, and rising demand to align public investments with long-term climate goals.
• A weak or opaque taxonomy risks undermining these developments.
• Ultimately, the taxonomy must function as a true “living document” — kept relevant through active review, transparent revision, and structured engagement — if it is to succeed as a credible governance tool for India’s climate finance future.

Why in News?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha.
• The bill aims to address the gap in the Constitution regarding removal of Ministers (PM, CMs, Union/State Ministers) facing serious criminal allegations and detained for 30 consecutive days.
• The move comes against the backdrop of the controversy that surrounded the arrest in 2023 of V Senthil Balaji, a minister in Tamil Nadu’s DMK government.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Provisions of the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025
• Justification and Rationale Behind the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025
• Political and Legal Background
• Related Legislative Measures
• Procedural Issues in Parliament
• Constitutional and Administrative Implications
• Conclusion

Key Provisions of the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025:

• Constitutional amendments:
  • The Bill will amend Articles 75, 164 and 239AA.
  • Article 75 of the Constitution primarily deals with the appointment and responsibilities of the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister.
  • Article 164 of the Constitution outlines the provisions related to the CoMs in a state.
  • Article 239AA of the Constitution outlines special provisions for the NCT of Delhi.
• Removal clause: If a Minister (PM/CM/Minister) is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with five years or more imprisonment, then:
  • President (on advice of PM/directly) removes Union Ministers/PM.
  • Governor (on CM’s advice) removes State Ministers.
  • Governor (directly) removes Chief Minister of State.
  • UT-specific amendments cover CMs/Ministers in UTs and J&K.
• Reappointment: Ministers can be reappointed upon release.

Justification and Rationale Behind the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025:

• Good governance and constitutional morality: Ministers facing criminal charges undermine public trust and principles of responsible government.
• Character beyond suspicion: Elected representatives must rise above political interests to uphold the welfare of people.
• Constitutional gap: No explicit removal provision existed earlier; courts interpreted “pleasure of Governor/President” but bound by aid and advice doctrine.

Political and Legal Background:

• Case reference:
  • Arrest of V. Senthil Balaji (DMK Minister, 2023) sparked controversy.
  • Governor R.N. Ravi dismissed him → CM M.K. Stalin reinstated after bail → later reshuffle removed Balaji after SC’s concerns.
• Judicial doctrine: Governors’ powers under Article 164 are not absolute, subject to aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

Related Legislative Measures:

• Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 – For union and states.
• Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Amends the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 and covers UTs like Puducherry and Delhi.
• J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Amends section 54 in the 2019 reorganisation act (the act turned J&K from a state to a UT).
• All bills are likely to be referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament.

Procedural Issues in Parliament:

• Rule 19A and 19B of Lok Sabha Rules: Require prior notice and circulation of bills to MPs before introduction.
• Government request: Sought leniency in procedural rules due to time constraints (Monsoon Session ending August 21, 2025).

Constitutional and Administrative Implications:

• Strengthens executive accountability: Explicit mechanism for removal of tainted Ministers.
• Centre–State–UT differentiation: Separate but aligned amendments to maintain federal balance.
• Checks criminalisation of politics: Legislative attempt to safeguard public trust in governance.
• Risk of political misuse:
  • Analysts criticized the Bill as a tool to destabilize opposition-ruled states.
  • Warning of misuse by central agencies to arrest opposition leaders, while ruling party leaders remain untouched.
  • There have been recent cases when incumbent CMs — such as Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi and Hemant Soren in Jharkhand — spent several weeks in jail on corruption allegations.
• May cause logjam in the session of Parliament: The government's likely move comes when the Opposition has been making headlines with “vote theft” allegations, and holding protests against the SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar.

Conclusion:

• In the coming years, if the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 is enacted, India may witness a paradigm shift towards greater constitutional accountability and ethical governance.
• It will ensure that public offices remain free from the shadow of serious criminal allegations.
• However, the true test of these reforms will lie in safeguarding them from political misuse, thereby balancing the ideals of constitutional morality with the principles of natural justice.

Why in the News?

• The Rajya Sabha has passed the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2025, allowing leaseholders to mine critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel without paying additional royalty.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Mines & Mineral Amendment Bill (Introduction, Key Features, Significance, Challenges, Future Outlook)

Introduction

• India has taken a decisive step towards securing its critical mineral supply chain by passing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025.
• The legislation, cleared by the Rajya Sabha after its passage in the Lok Sabha, empowers mining leaseholders to extract rare and critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel without paying additional royalty.
• This reform is positioned as a cornerstone for India’s ambitions in clean energy, technology, and strategic industries.

About the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2025

• The Bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• Its key provision allows existing leaseholders to diversify operations by adding critical minerals to their portfolio.
• These minerals are essential inputs for advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy storage, and aerospace applications.
• Additionally, the Bill strengthens the Union government’s powers to promote the development of mineral markets through the creation of mineral exchanges, ensuring transparency and efficient trading.

Significance of the Reform

• Strengthening Resource Security - Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are indispensable for batteries, electronics, and green technologies, making domestic mining critical to reduce import dependence.
• Boost to Clean Energy Transition - Access to critical minerals underpins India’s EV revolution, solar manufacturing, and renewable integration.
• Support for Strategic Sectors - From smartphones to fighter jets, these minerals are essential for India’s industrial and defence ecosystems.
• Ease of Doing Business - By removing the burden of additional royalty, the Bill incentivises companies to invest in exploration and development.

The National Critical Mineral Mission

• Union Coal and Mines Ministry highlighted that the government has identified 24 critical and strategic minerals.
• To support this effort, the National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched with an outlay of 34,000 crore, focusing on boosting domestic exploration and production, including offshore reserves.
• The National Mineral Exploration Trust has also been renamed as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, signalling a stronger emphasis on both exploration and industrial development.

Challenges Ahead

• Environmental Risks - Critical mineral mining could impact fragile ecosystems and water resources.
• Global Competition - India must match international players already dominating the mineral supply chains.
• Technological Capacity - Scaling up exploration and refining requires cutting-edge technologies and significant investment.
• Geopolitical Sensitivities - Securing critical minerals is tied to global strategic competition, especially with China’s dominance in rare earth processing.

Future Outlook

• The passage of the Bill is expected to transform India’s mining sector into a strategic pillar for economic growth and self-reliance.
• By linking resource extraction with the goals of energy transition, Make in India, and national security, India is positioning itself as a serious player in the global critical minerals market.
• However, the success of the initiative will depend on balancing industrial ambitions with environmental safeguards, building domestic refining capacities, and ensuring equitable revenue sharing with states and local communities.

Context

• The vision of Viksit Bharat, a developed India, rests heavily on building robust scientific capabilities, especially in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
• Achieving this aspiration will require self-reliance (aatmanirbharta) in key sectors, just as India achieved food self-sufficiency during the Green Revolution of the 1960s.
• At the heart of that transformative moment stood M.S. Swaminathan, a scientist whose work changed India’s destiny.
• As Priyambada Jayakumar’s recent biography, M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India, highlights, his career offers timeless lessons not only for agriculture but also for the future of scientific advancement in India.

The Central Theme of Swaminathan’s Journey: Science as a Collaborative Endeavour

• A central insight from Swaminathan’s journey is that science thrives on collaboration, not isolation.
• The breakthrough that launched the Green Revolution did not come solely from laboratory research but from openness to international exchange of ideas.
• Swaminathan’s engagement with Norman Borlaug in Mexico, and his willingness to adapt foreign innovations to Indian conditions, exemplify how progress emerges from global scientific networks.
• However, his struggles with bureaucratic delays in securing Borlaug’s visit to India also expose the pitfalls of excessive administrative control.
• If the Green Revolution had begun even two years earlier, India could have avoided deeper food crises.
• The lesson for Viksit Bharat is clear: Indian scientists must have greater freedom to interact internationally, attend conferences, and build personal collaborations without being hampered by red tape.

Factors Contributed to Green Revolution’s Success

• Political Leadership and Scientific Listening
  • Another crucial factor in the Green Revolution’s success was political leadership that valued scientific expertise.
  • Leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and C. Subramaniam created the enabling environment for Swaminathan’s work.
  • Subramaniam, with his own scientific training, recognised the importance of providing resources for field trials when bureaucrats were hesitant.
  • This highlights a broader principle: in complex technical domains, politicians must listen directly to scientists rather than relying solely on bureaucratic intermediaries.
  • Countries such as China, where many ministers are technically trained, illustrate the value of scientifically literate leadership.
  • For India to achieve Viksit Bharat, it must cultivate decision-makers who understand and prioritise science, both at the central and state levels.
• Balancing Innovation with Scepticism
  • The rollout of the Green Revolution required bold political decisions amidst scepticism.
  • The massive import of 18,000 tonnes of seeds was opposed by the Finance Ministry, the Planning Commission, and ideological critics wary of U.S. influence.
  • Shastri resolved these conflicts not by waiting for consensus but by personally examining the scientific evidence.
  • This underlines the importance of leadership willing to take risks on innovative ideas while ensuring accountability through independent monitoring.
  • The eventual success of the Green Revolution demonstrated how decisive backing of new technologies can yield transformative outcomes.

Sustainability and Future Challenges

• While the Green Revolution solved India’s food crisis, it also produced unintended consequences, overuse of water, fertilizers, and environmental degradation.
• Swaminathan himself warned of these risks and advocated for evergreen revolution approaches to make agriculture sustainable.
• Unfortunately, many of these corrective measures remain unimplemented. Today, the challenge of climate change threatens to reverse gains in agricultural productivity.
• Science, once again, will be central to solutions, but India lags in agricultural research. While China has eight institutions among the world’s top ten, India has none in the top 200.
• Inadequate funding, limited institutional autonomy, and weak governance structures undermine India’s research capacity.
• Bridging these gaps is essential if India is to confront the agricultural challenges of the future.

The Broader Relevance of Swaminathan’s Story: Extending the Lessons Beyond Agriculture

• Reduced bureaucratic barriers so that scientists can collaborate globally.
• Scientifically informed leadership that listens to experts and supports research with resources.
• Courageous decision-making that embraces innovation despite risks, coupled with mechanisms for accountability.
• Sustainable practices that balance short-term gains with long-term resilience.
• Strengthening research ecosystems through funding, autonomy, and recognition of merit.

Conclusion

• M. S. Swaminathan’s life reminds us that science, politics, and leadership must work hand in hand to achieve national transformation.
• Just as his vision of food self-sufficiency reshaped India’s destiny in the 1960s, today’s vision of Viksit Bharat will depend on harbouring a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and sustainability.
• Honouring Swaminathan’s legacy means more than celebrating his past achievements, it means applying his lessons to secure India’s future.