Ayushi Gupta

Welcome to the March 2025 Current Affairs Magazine, specially curated for UPSC aspirants. This magazine brings together all the important current affairs topics of the month, linked directly to Superkalam AI, where you can read detailed explanations and practice topic-wise MCQs.With each topic, you get a direct link to learn more and practice topic-wise MCQs on Superkalam — making your current affairs prep interactive and exam-focused.Access SuperKalam's monthly current affairs magazines by clicking on the banner below:<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1416px;" data-rt-align="fullwidth" data-rt-max-width="1416px" data-rt-type="image" id=""><figure class="image image_resized"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/218#one-stop-solution-for-current-affairs?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=February-CA-Magazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img style="aspect-ratio:auto/auto;" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/9e665012d9_89422ae1b8.png" alt="__wf_reserved_inherit" width="auto" height="auto" id="" loading="lazy"></a></figure></figure>‍Additionally, to test your preparation, we’ve included a Test based on March Current Affairs — giving you a complete revision tool for UPSC Prelims 2025.You can practice the test by clicking on the banner below:<figure class="image image_resized"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/tests/co3nZVbhj1mKNyAZ?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=March-CA-Magazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/image_22_c7b4e18045.png" alt="image (22).png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_image_22_c7b4e18045.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_image_22_c7b4e18045.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_image_22_c7b4e18045.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_image_22_c7b4e18045.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>&nbsp;

Introduction

1. Covers relevant topics for UPSC Prelims 2025.
2. One-click access to in-depth content and practice on Superkalam AI.
3. Includes a 50-questions Monthly Current Affairs Test — perfect for self-assessment.
4. Focuses on static + dynamic linkages, as per UPSC trends.
5. Saves time — everything you need in one place.

Why Use This Compilation?

Practice Current Affairs Micro Tests

Dive deeper into the Topics

Smart prep needs smart tools. This March Current Affairs compilation, powered by Superkalam AI practice links, ensures you read, understand, and revise through MCQs — all in one flow.&nbsp;Start practicing now and make this part of your monthly revision strategy.Learn. Practice. Ace UPSC.

Conclusion

Current Affairs Article

March 2025 Current Affairs Magazine 

Nilanshu 

Why in News?

Importance of Indian Ocean region

Rising strategic issues in the region

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Strengthening Naval Capabilities</h3><ul><li>Increasing indigenous production of warships and submarines to reduce dependency on foreign imports.</li><li>Expanding the Indian Navy’s presence through more Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) across critical maritime chokepoints.</li><li>Enhancing India’s shipbuilding industry to compete with global powers, addressing its low global ranking (20th) in shipbuilding.</li><li>Investing in Research and Development (R&amp;D) for advanced naval technologies, including ocean energy, marine biology, and biotechnology.</li><li>Boosting naval spending to counter China’s growing dominance in the region.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Enhancing Regional Partnerships</h3><ul><li>Strengthening ties with IOR nations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius through diplomatic and military cooperation.</li><li>Deepening engagement with strategic alliances such as QUAD, IORA, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN to reinforce regional stability.</li><li>Expanding India’s military footprint through naval bases and logistics hubs in key locations like the Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands.</li><li>Elevating security cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia to protect core Indian security interests in the Indian Ocean.</li><li>Balancing the “Act East” and “Look West” policies to consolidate India’s Indo-Pacific vision.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Investing in Maritime Infrastructure</h3><ul><li>Developing smart ports and logistics hubs to enhance trade efficiency and connectivity.</li><li>Strengthening major connectivity projects like the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Sagarmala%20Project&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Sagarmala Project</a> and the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.</li><li>Promoting public-private partnerships (PPP) to accelerate port development and improve maritime logistics.</li><li>Prioritizing the strategic development of islands in Andaman &amp; Nicobar to enhance security and economic potential.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Bolstering Maritime Security and Intelligence</h3><ul><li>Expanding the role of the&nbsp;Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for real-time threat monitoring and intelligence sharing. Increasing joint naval exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives with partner nations to counter maritime threats.</li><li>Strengthening Coast Guard capabilities to combat piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing operations.</li><li>Enhancing institutional cooperation and transparency to build trust and confidence among IOR nations.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Advancing Blue Economy and Climate Resilience</h3><ul><li>Promoting sustainable marine tourism, fisheries management, and marine biodiversity conservation.</li><li>Accelerating offshore renewable energy projects, including wind and hydrogen-based energy solutions. Leading global efforts in marine conservation, disaster resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.</li><li>Supporting the development of small island nations, which have been badly impacted by COVID-19, with financial aid, security, and humanitarian assistance.</li><li>Providing critical support to IOR nations in times of crisis, ensuring goodwill and long-term strategic influence.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">India’s Balancing Act in the Indo-Pacific</h3><ul><li>Rather than directly competing with China, India should adopt a&nbsp;goodwill diplomacy approach to gain influence in the region.</li><li>Consolidating India’s vision for the&nbsp;Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will be crucial for aligning its “Act East” and “Look West” policies.&nbsp;</li><li>Investing more in naval expansion and strategic partnerships to counter China’s maritime ambitions while securing India’s long-term dominance in the region.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="INS Vikrant" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/INS_Vikrant_956143ec81.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_INS_Vikrant_956143ec81.jpg 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_INS_Vikrant_956143ec81.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_INS_Vikrant_956143ec81.jpg 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"><figcaption>Source: Deccan Herald | Representative image of an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier</figcaption></figure>

Strategy to gain and retain Control

India's diplomatic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is guided by the 5-S framework—Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Samriddhi, and Shanti—emphasizing stability, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, India promotes regional cooperation and a balanced global order. Recognizing the Indian Ocean as a hub of people, culture, and commerce, India advocates for mutual trust and collaboration among littoral states, ensuring long-term security and prosperity.<meta charset="utf-8"><figure class="image"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=Indian+Polity&amp;filter=All+questions&amp;year=2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="Practice Prelims PYQs" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_c55aceda27.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_c55aceda27.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_c55aceda27.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_c55aceda27.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_c55aceda27.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>&nbsp;

Frequently Asked Questions

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(0, 71%, 75%);"><tbody><tr><td><meta charset="utf-8">1. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss.&nbsp;(2020/15M)2. Project `Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.&nbsp;(2015/12.5M)&nbsp;3. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.&nbsp;(2013/12.5M)&nbsp;4. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?&nbsp;(2013/12.5M)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><meta charset="utf-8">Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

Mains PYQs

World Geography

Prelims PYQs

Indian Ocean Region

Arvin_G

What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)? Objectives and Significance 


<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img alt="19th NAM Summit Key Highlights and Takeaways.png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/19th_NAM_Summit_Key_Highlights_and_Takeaways_96ddf13fd2.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_19th_NAM_Summit_Key_Highlights_and_Takeaways_96ddf13fd2.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_19th_NAM_Summit_Key_Highlights_and_Takeaways_96ddf13fd2.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><meta charset="utf-8">The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, was held in&nbsp;Kampala, Uganda, in 2024. The&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/VCB7a8hDQhM?si=9i3tTkoksPLifohv">summit</a> brought together global leaders to discuss pressing international issues and reinforce NAM’s commitment to peace, development, and multilateralism.&nbsp;The theme&nbsp;"Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," the summit emphasized the need for stronger South-South cooperation, economic equity, and conflict resolution in an increasingly polarized world.<h3 style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Key Highlights of the 19th NAM Summit</h3>1. Hosted in Kampala, Uganda: The summit reinforced Uganda’s diplomatic role in international affairs, bringing together leaders from 120 member states.&nbsp;2. Uganda’s Chairmanship Until 2027: The leadership transitioned from Azerbaijan to Uganda, marking a new phase in NAM’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism.3. The Kampala Declaration: A significant outcome of the summit, this declaration:<ul><li>Criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire.</li><li>Called for UN resolutions to be implemented, urging increased humanitarian assistance for affected civilians.</li><li>Reaffirmed NAM’s stance on self-determination, sovereignty, and international law.</li></ul>4. Emphasis on Global South Cooperation: The summit focused on deepening economic and technological collaboration among developing nations, reducing dependency on Western financial institutions.5. Strengthening NAM’s Role in Global Governance: Discussions emphasized the restructuring of international financial institutions, including the&nbsp;IMF and World Bank.6. Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Member states highlighted the urgency of climate finance, technology transfer, and climate justice, urging developed nations to uphold their commitments under the&nbsp;Paris Agreement.Use 30 minutes during your lunch break to quickly revise&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBqb7Bjsscm8XfvolBc3Th-1OOtGsdknl&amp;si=nN3w8KWWx6Q_fAIF">1-minute&nbsp;</a>mind-maps or practice<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/login?next=%2Fchat%3Fhl%3Dchatbox-send-btn%26q%3DGive%2520me%25205%2520PYQs%2520on%2520Modern%2520History&amp;ls=%2Fchat%3Fhl%3Dchatbox-send-btn%26q%3DGive%2520me%25205%2520PYQs%2520on%2520Modern%2520History"> MCQs 24x7 on NAM</a> on SuperKalam.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><a href="https://blog.superkalam.com/blog/upsc-2024-mains-model-answers?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=January-CA-Magazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="UPSC 2024 Mains Model Answers.png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/UPSC_2024_Mains_Model_Answers_afe19c4db2.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_UPSC_2024_Mains_Model_Answers_afe19c4db2.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_UPSC_2024_Mains_Model_Answers_afe19c4db2.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_UPSC_2024_Mains_Model_Answers_afe19c4db2.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_UPSC_2024_Mains_Model_Answers_afe19c4db2.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>

19th NAM Summit: Key Highlights and Takeaways

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img alt="Understanding the Theme and Objectives of South-South Cooperation.png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Understanding_the_Theme_and_Objectives_of_South_South_Cooperation_7df2e6fd2a.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Understanding_the_Theme_and_Objectives_of_South_South_Cooperation_7df2e6fd2a.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Understanding_the_Theme_and_Objectives_of_South_South_Cooperation_7df2e6fd2a.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><meta charset="utf-8">The theme of the 19th NAM Summit,&nbsp;"Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," reflects the growing importance of&nbsp;South-South Cooperation (SSC) in reshaping global economic and diplomatic relations. With developing nations contributing significantly to global GDP and trade, SSC has become a key mechanism for fostering economic resilience, technology exchange, and self-reliance among nations of the Global South.<h3 style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">What is South-South Cooperation?</h3>South-South Cooperation refers to collaborative efforts among developing countries to promote economic growth, technological advancement, and political solidarity without excessive dependence on traditional Western powers or financial institutions. It encompasses trade, investment, knowledge-sharing, and infrastructure development among nations in&nbsp;Asia, Africa, and Latin America.<h4 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Key Objectives of South-South Cooperation</h4>Promoting Economic Development in the Global South<ul><li>Since its inception,&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/VCB7a8hDQhM?si=9i3tTkoksPLifohv">organisations</a> like the&nbsp;United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have played a crucial role in advocating for fairer trade policies, debt relief, and financial independence for developing nations.</li><li>UNCTAD has consistently pushed for inclusive globalization, ensuring that developing economies benefit from international trade and investment.</li></ul>Increasing the Contribution of the Global South to World GDP and Trade<ul><li>Over the years, emerging economies like&nbsp;India, China, Brazil, and South Africa have significantly contributed to global economic growth.</li><li>The Global South now accounts for a major share of global GDP, demonstrating its rising influence in shaping international economic policies.</li></ul>Expanding South-South Trade and Investment<ul><li>South-South trade now constitutes&nbsp;35% of total global trade, highlighting a shift towards regional economic integration and reduced reliance on Western markets.</li><li>This shift has been driven by intra-regional trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and technology-sharing initiatives.</li><li>Examples include&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/news/brics-upsc-notes-summit-expansion">BRICS cooperation</a>, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) dialogue.</li></ul>Reducing Dependence on Western Financial Institutions<ul><li>Developing nations are working toward alternative financial mechanisms such as the&nbsp;BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).&nbsp;</li><li>Regional trade settlements in local currencies counter the dominance of Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank.</li></ul>Enhancing Technology and Knowledge Exchange<ul><li>South-South cooperation fosters research collaboration, digital innovation, and technical training in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and healthcare.</li><li>Initiatives like India’s&nbsp;Pan-African e-Network Project demonstrate how developing nations can support each other through digital infrastructure and capacity-building programs.</li></ul>Must read:&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/articles/india-asean-relations">India-ASEAN Relations: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Prospects</a>

Understanding the Theme and Objectives of South-South Cooperation

India’s Leadership and Key Contributions at the 19th NAM Summit


Futuristic Vision of NAM and Global Development Goals


Conclusion


19th NAM Summit: Key Highlights and Global Impact

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Foundation of Food Security and Crop Productivity</h3><ul><li>Soil serves as the fundamental base for plant growth, directly influencing agricultural productivity.</li><li>Indian soils, rich in fertility, sustain staple crops such as rice, wheat, and pulses, ensuring food security for the nation’s 1.4 billion population.</li><li>Different soil types, like the alluvial soil in the Indo-Gangetic plains and the black soil in Maharashtra, support a variety of crops and cultivation practices.</li><li>The FAO Report states that nearly 95% of the world's food production depends on soil, underlining its indispensable role in sustainable agriculture.</li><li>In 2022-23, India's foodgrain output peaked at 329.7 million tonnes, while oilseed production reached an impressive 41.4 million tonnes.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Ensuring Nutrient Cycling and Soil Microbial Health</h3><ul><li>Soil acts as a natural reservoir of essential nutrients, continuously recycling nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to support plant growth.</li><li>Beneficial microorganisms in the soil play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, and maintaining soil fertility.</li><li>India’s long-standing organic farming practices, such as&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Vermiculture&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">vermiculture</a> and the use of biofertilizers, rely on a well-nourished and balanced soil ecosystem.</li><li>Without efficient nutrient cycling, soil fertility diminishes, leading to decreased agricultural productivity and increased dependence on synthetic fertilizers.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Water Retention and Drought Resilience</h3><ul><li>Soil functions as a natural water regulator, managing infiltration, retention, and drainage to support stable plant growth.</li><li>Higher organic matter content enhances the soil's capacity to retain moisture, minimizing irrigation needs and improving resilience against drought conditions.</li><li>In dry and arid regions like Rajasthan and Bundelkhand, techniques such as mulching, cover cropping, and conservation tillage help maintain soil moisture.</li><li>Well-structured soil prevents excessive water accumulation, reducing risks of waterlogging and root diseases, especially in regions experiencing heavy rainfall.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Climate Change Mitigation and Carbon Sequestration</h3><ul><li>Soil plays an essential role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon, helping to balance atmospheric CO₂ levels.</li><li>Carbon-rich soils act as stabilizers, buffering against temperature fluctuations and preventing land degradation and desertification.</li><li>Agricultural practices such as agroforestry, no-till farming, and conservation agriculture enhance soil carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</li><li>India’s agricultural lands have the technical capacity to sequester between 3 and 8 gigatons of CO₂ annually for the next 20 to 30 years, contributing significantly to climate stabilization.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Biodiversity Conservation and Pest Control</h3><ul><li>Healthy soils foster a rich biodiversity of beneficial microbes, fungi, and insects that support natural pest regulation and soil fertility.</li><li>Soil organisms like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi enhance soil structure, improving aeration and increasing nutrient uptake for crops.</li><li>Maintaining a balanced soil ecosystem decreases reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting cost-effective and sustainable farming practices.</li><li>Studies indicate that agricultural fields with higher soil biodiversity experience fewer pest infestations compared to degraded soils.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Soil Degradation: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions</h3><ul><li>Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, erosion, and soil salinity are major factors contributing to land degradation.</li><li>The imbalance in the use of NPK fertilizers (7.7:3.1:1 instead of the recommended 4:2:1 ratio) is negatively impacting soil fertility.</li><li>Government initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme aim to educate farmers on proper fertilizer application and long-term soil conservation.</li><li>Sustainable agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, green manure application, composting, and organic farming, improve soil health and productivity.</li></ul><h3>Economic Stability and Rural Livelihoods</h3><ul><li>Soil fertility directly determines agricultural profitability, as nutrient-rich soils result in higher crop yields and better-quality produce.</li><li>With nearly 66% of India’s workforce engaged in agriculture, soil health is a critical factor in rural economic stability.</li><li>Maintaining fertile soil helps reduce farm input costs by minimizing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, thereby improving farmers’ income.</li><li>Soil-based industries, including organic farming, compost production, and biofertilizer manufacturing, create employment opportunities in rural India.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Protecting Water Quality and Preventing Pollution</h3><ul><li>Healthy soil acts as a natural filter, trapping and breaking down pollutants before they reach groundwater sources.</li><li>The excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to nitrate pollution, which contributes to water contamination and eutrophication in lakes and rivers.</li><li>Integrated nutrient management practices, including balanced fertilizer use and organic amendments, help reduce soil and water pollution, ensuring environmental sustainability.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Soil_health_FAO_enhanced_83336000fb.jpeg" alt="Soil health FAO_enhanced.jpeg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Soil_health_FAO_enhanced_83336000fb.jpeg 221w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Soil_health_FAO_enhanced_83336000fb.jpeg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Soil_health_FAO_enhanced_83336000fb.jpeg 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Soil_health_FAO_enhanced_83336000fb.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>Source: Food and Agriculture Organization | Importance of Soil Health</figcaption></figure>

Importance of Soil Health

Causes for Soil degradation in India

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for Balanced Fertilization</h3><ul><li>Shift from excessive chemical fertilizers to Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) by incorporating organic manure, biofertilizers, and minimal synthetic inputs.</li><li>Promote Nano Urea and organic alternatives to reduce fertilizer overuse.</li><li>Link Soil Health Cards (SHC) and&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Paramparagat%20Krishi%20Vikas%20Yojana%20(PKVY)&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)</a> to boost biofertilizer adoption.</li><li>Establish large-scale composting units in rural areas to increase soil organic carbon.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening Soil Biodiversity and Microbial Rejuvenation</h3><ul><li>Enhance microbial diversity using bioinoculants, vermiculture, and mycorrhizal fungi to improve soil fertility.</li><li>Encourage Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) (livestock + cropping + fish farming) for natural nutrient cycling.</li><li>Promote Pusa Bio-Decomposer (IARI innovation) for efficient organic residue recycling.</li><li>Implement natural farming techniques like Fukuoka’s method to restore soil health.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Expanding Agroforestry and Perennial Crop Systems</h3><ul><li>Promote National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) to enhance soil carbon, prevent erosion, and improve farm income.</li><li>Scale up alley-cropping with millet and legumes to rejuvenate degraded lands.</li><li>Link MGNREGA with soil conservation and afforestation programs.</li><li>Expand successful agroforestry models from Karnataka and Odisha to other states.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Encouraging Zero-Tillage and Conservation Agriculture</h3><ul><li>Zero-tillage farming reduces erosion, enhances microbial activity, and conserves soil moisture.</li><li>Promote Happy Seeder technology in Punjab and Haryana to prevent stubble burning and enrich soil.</li><li>Expand Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method to reduce groundwater usage and preserve soil structure.</li><li>Conservation agriculture under NMSA should be scaled up in semi-arid regions.</li><li>Adapt Brazil’s no-till soybean farming model to Indian pulses and cereals.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Restoring Degraded Lands Through Agroecological Approaches</h3><ul><li>Implement agroecology-based restoration to improve soil structure and fertility.</li><li>Encourage intercropping and crop rotation with nitrogen-fixing plants (pulses, legumes) to replenish nutrients.</li><li>Revive traditional techniques like Zaï pits in Rajasthan to reverse soil erosion.</li><li>Integrate these approaches into Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY) under PMKSY.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Implementing Controlled Irrigation and Preventing Salinization</h3><ul><li>Reduce soil salinity and waterlogging by shifting to drip and sprinkler irrigation.</li><li>Promote micro-irrigation under PMKSY to conserve soil moisture and prevent erosion.</li><li>Implement rainwater harvesting and surface water irrigation to reduce groundwater dependence.</li><li>Introduce salt-tolerant crop varieties (e.g., in coastal Gujarat) to restore degraded lands.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Combating Soil Erosion Through Terracing and Grassland Regeneration</h3><ul><li>Introduce terracing, check dams, and vegetative barriers in hilly and semi-arid regions to prevent topsoil loss.</li><li>Encourage community-led watershed management, inspired by Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra).</li><li>Expand grassland restoration projects, such as Gujarat’s Banni Grasslands model.</li><li>Utilize CAMPA funds for soil conservation to restore degraded land.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening Policy Implementation and Farmer Awareness</h3><ul><li>Enhance capacity-building programs through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).</li><li>Link Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure customized fertilizer recommendations.</li><li>Strengthen policy initiatives under National Project on Soil Health and Fertility (a sub-scheme of NMSA).</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Preventing Industrial and Urban Soil Pollution</h3><ul><li>Implement strict soil quality monitoring under CPCB guidelines to prevent heavy metal accumulation.</li><li>Promote phytoremediation (using plants to absorb toxins) in peri-urban areas.</li><li>Adopt biochar projects (like in Tamil Nadu) and waste-based agriculture (East Kolkata Wetlands) to restore urban soils.</li><li>Integrate Smart Cities Mission with urban soil conservation projects.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Encouraging Farmers to Adopt Regenerative and Natural Farming</h3><ul><li>Scale up Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and permaculture to restore soil fertility with minimal external inputs.</li><li>Use Andhra Pradesh’s regenerative farming model as a scalable example.</li><li>Encourage cover cropping and mulching to improve soil structure and retain nutrients.</li><li>Expand policy incentives under the National Mission for Organic Farming (NMOF).</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Soil_health_advice_to_farmers_enhanced_37087be5c0.jpeg" alt="Advice to farmers for soil health" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Soil_health_advice_to_farmers_enhanced_37087be5c0.jpeg 156w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Soil_health_advice_to_farmers_enhanced_37087be5c0.jpeg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Soil_health_advice_to_farmers_enhanced_37087be5c0.jpeg 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Soil_health_advice_to_farmers_enhanced_37087be5c0.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>Source: Food and Agriculture organization | Actions for farmers to preserve soil moisture</figcaption></figure>Read This Article Here:&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-soil-degradation">Soil Degradation</a>

Way ahead for sustainable soil management

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(0, 70%, 76%);"><tbody><tr><td>What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?&nbsp;(2022/15M) How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?&nbsp;(2019/10M)How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?&nbsp;(2018/10M)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.&nbsp;

Environment & Ecology

India's Soil Health Crisis

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Natural Causes</h3><ul><li>Climate Change and Rising Temperatures<ul><li>Rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and erratic monsoons are one of the major c<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:common-ligatures;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">auses of forest fire in India.</li><li>Unseasonal heatwaves, especially in the Himalayas, have intensified fire outbreaks.</li><li>Uttarakhand experienced 5,351 forest fires between November 2022 and June 2023 (ISFR 2023).</li><li>Erratic monsoons leave forests drier for longer, creating ideal wildfire conditions.</li><li>In 2024, IMD reported pre-monsoon rainfall deficits of 30% in the east/northeast and 68% in the south.</li></ul></li><li>Biodiversity Hotspots and Flammable Vegetation<ul><li>India’s rich biodiversity, especially dry deciduous and pine forests, is highly fire-prone.</li><li>Pine forests in Uttarakhand and Himachal shed resin-rich dry needles, acting as natural fuel.</li><li>Fires in Himachal and mid-Himalayas are closely linked to chir-pine forests.</li><li>Grasslands and bamboo groves in Central India are also highly flammable during dry spells.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Anthropogenic Causes</h3><ul><li>Rampant Encroachments<ul><li>Expanding agriculture and illegal land clearing lead to frequent fires.</li><li>Slash-and-burn practices in Northeast India escalate fire risks during dry seasons.</li><li>WWF International (2020) estimated that 75% of wildfires worldwide are caused by human activity.</li><li>Increased tourism in forested regions, especially in the Himalayas and Western Ghats, leads to more accidental fires.</li><li>Pilgrimage sites like Vaishno Devi experience open fires due to poor waste management.</li></ul></li><li>Deficient Early Warning and Fire Management Systems<ul><li>Fire surveillance and response mechanisms are outdated and poorly enforced.</li><li>Many state forest departments lack real-time monitoring and rapid response teams.</li><li>In 2019, India had only 3,377 fire stations—far below the required 8,559, with little progress since then.</li><li>Over 60% of Indian states are highly vulnerable to forest fires.</li></ul></li><li>Weak Community Participation and Awareness<ul><li>Rural communities depending on forests often lack awareness of fire risks and prevention.</li><li>Traditional fire control practices have diminished, and incentives for fire prevention remain weak.</li><li>Poor coordination between panchayats, forest officials, and local residents exacerbates fire risks.</li></ul></li><li>Lack of Technological Integration in Fire Prevention<ul><li>Despite advances in satellite monitoring, AI-driven fire prediction models are underutilized.</li><li>Current forest fire alerts are often delayed, limiting timely intervention.</li><li>The absence of weather-based fire forecasting hampers preparedness efforts.</li><li>AI-based fire prediction models remain in pilot phases and have not been widely implemented (MoEFCC).</li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:96.65%;"><img alt="Forest fires Impact" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Forest_fires_Impact_1_b4e14a1f2a.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Forest_fires_Impact_1_b4e14a1f2a.jpg 218w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Forest_fires_Impact_1_b4e14a1f2a.jpg 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"><figcaption>Source: Bureau of Meteorology Australia | Forest fires impact on local weather</figcaption></figure>

Why Frequent Forest Fires in India

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Deforestation Due to Infrastructure and Industrial Projects</h3><ul><li>Large-scale projects like highways, railways, and mining have resulted in extensive forest loss.</li><li>Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion are fragmenting ecosystems and disrupting wildlife corridors.</li><li>Despite compensatory afforestation laws, unchecked forest land diversion continues.</li><li>India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, a 6% decline between 2001 and 2023 (Global Forest Watch).</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Depleting Forest Cover in Tribal and Scheduled Areas</h3><ul><li>Tribal communities depend on forests for sustenance but face displacement due to commercial plantations and encroachments.</li><li>Weak implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) has led to widespread rejection of rightful claims.</li><li>Government afforestation programs prioritize commercial species over native biodiversity.</li><li>Over 38% of land claims under the FRA (2006) were rejected as of November 2022.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Monoculture Plantations Impacting Natural Biodiversity</h3><ul><li>Afforestation efforts often focus on commercial monocultures like eucalyptus, teak, or acacia, which deplete groundwater and fail to support native biodiversity.</li><li>These plantations do not restore the ecological value of lost natural forests, leading to biodiversity imbalances.</li><li>Eucalyptus plantations have reduced groundwater levels by 20-30% in affected regions.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Human-Wildlife Conflict Due to Shrinking Habitats</h3><ul><li>Rapid deforestation forces wildlife into human settlements, increasing conflicts with elephants, leopards, and tigers is one of the i<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:common-ligatures;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">mpact of forest fire.</li><li>Expanding agriculture and highways through forests intensify human-animal encounters, posing risks to both.</li><li>Between 2019 and 2024, elephant attacks claimed 2,727 lives, while tiger attacks resulted in 349 fatalities in India.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Forest Degradation Due to Unregulated Grazing</h3><ul><li>Overgrazing by livestock, especially in fragile ecosystems, reduces regeneration capacity and accelerates soil erosion.</li><li>Traditional pastoral systems are collapsing, leading to unsustainable grazing patterns and loss of forest biomass.</li><li>Government policies often neglect sustainable grazing management.</li><li>77% of India’s livestock graze on common land without regulation (September 2020 ‘Accounting for Pastoralists in India’ report).</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Climate-Induced Shifts in Forest Ecosystems</h3><ul><li>Rising temperatures and erratic monsoons are altering forest composition, triggering species migration and ecological imbalances.</li><li>Alpine and tropical forests are witnessing changes in flora and fauna, impacting biodiversity and local communities.</li><li>Oak forests in the Himalayas are being replaced by<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Chir%20Pine%20Forest%20Fires&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs"> chir pine</a> due to climate shifts.</li><li>West Bengal has lost 110 sq km of mangroves in the Sundarbans over the past two decades due to climate change.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Weak Implementation of Conservation Policies and Laws</h3><ul><li>Despite strong legal frameworks, poor enforcement, bureaucratic delays, and political interference weaken conservation efforts.</li><li>Policies like CAMPA and Green India Mission face inefficiencies and fund mismanagement.</li><li>Local communities are often excluded from decision-making in conservation efforts.</li><li>45% of funds allocated for compulsory afforestation between 2017 and 2022 remained unused by states.</li></ul><figure class="image"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/269#your-all-in-one-personal-mentor-available-24x7---superkalam" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/For_2026_1_c836f5cc6c.png" alt="For 2026" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_For_2026_1_c836f5cc6c.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_For_2026_1_c836f5cc6c.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_For_2026_1_c836f5cc6c.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_For_2026_1_c836f5cc6c.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>

Other Pressing Issues related to forests

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Technological Solutions</h3><ul><li>Use of AI and Satellite-Based Early Warning Systems<ul><li>AI-driven predictive models and real-time satellite monitoring can detect fire-prone zones.</li><li>Drones with thermal imaging can assess fire risks and direct firefighting efforts.</li><li>The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses MODIS and SNPP-VIIRS satellite sensors for fire detection, which can be further enhanced.</li></ul></li><li>Fire-Resistant Afforestation and Green Firebreaks<ul><li>Planting fire-resistant native species instead of monocultures can reduce forest fire risks.</li><li>Green firebreaks with sal, mahua, jamun, oak, and rhododendron can slow fire spread.</li><li>Fungi-based mycelium barriers and bio-bricks from forest waste can create natural fire-resistant zones.</li></ul></li><li>Seed Bombing with Native and Climate-Resilient Species<ul><li>Drones can be used for aerial seed dispersal in degraded forests, improving afforestation efficiency.</li><li>Using indigenous, pest-resistant seed varieties ensures better survival rates.</li><li>This technique is ideal for inaccessible or conflict-prone forest zones.</li></ul></li><li>Forest-Based Blockchain for Transparent Conservation Funding<ul><li>Blockchain technology can track afforestation funding, ensuring transparency in conservation projects.</li><li>Smart contracts can link funding to measurable outcomes like tree survival rates.</li><li>This will verify the actual implementation of CAMPA and CSR afforestation commitments.</li></ul></li><li>Artificial Fog Harvesting in Dry Forests<ul><li>Fog nets can capture atmospheric moisture, providing water for forest regeneration in arid zones.</li><li>This method is useful where conventional water conservation is difficult.</li><li>Example: Tamil Nadu’s coastal forests are experimenting with fog harvesting for afforestation.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Traditional and Community-Based Solutions</h3><ul><li>Community-Led Fire Prevention and Control Mechanisms<ul><li>Empowering local communities through Van Panchayats and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) can enhance fire preparedness.</li><li>Training villagers in early detection, controlled burning, and rapid response will improve fire management.</li><li>Incentivizing participation through ecotourism revenue-sharing can sustain these initiatives.</li><li>Example: Uttarakhand’s Van Panchayats have reduced fire incidents through community patrols and firebreaks.</li></ul></li><li>Strengthening Forest Rights and Tribal Participation<ul><li>Expediting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Forest%20Rights%20Act&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Forest Rights Act </a>(FRA) claims will empower tribal communities to manage forests sustainably.</li><li>Promoting traditional conservation practices like seed ball dispersal and water harvesting will enhance resilience.</li><li>Example: Odisha’s Similipal Biosphere has involved tribal honey collectors in conservation efforts through cooperatives.</li></ul></li><li>Integrating Agroforestry and Sustainable Livelihoods<ul><li>Agroforestry models where farmers grow trees alongside crops can enhance tree cover.</li><li>Strengthening Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) value chains (e.g., medicinal plants, bamboo) will provide sustainable incomes.</li><li>Initiative: Van Dhan Yojana promotes market linkages for forest-based products.</li></ul></li><li>Leveraging Sustainable Tourism for Conservation<ul><li>Regulating ecotourism with responsible tourism guidelines will generate revenue while protecting forests.</li><li>Low-impact tourism infrastructure and carrying capacity limits will reduce human disturbances.</li><li>Example: Kaziranga National Park successfully links community-based ecotourism with conservation efforts.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Policy and Regulatory Solutions</h3><ul><li>Transitioning to Climate-Resilient Forestry<ul><li>Selecting drought-tolerant native species and restoring wetlands within forests can enhance resilience.</li><li>Strengthening India’s Carbon Credit Mechanism can attract investments for afforestation.</li><li>Example: Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges align with natural climate resilience principles.</li></ul></li><li>Banning Destructive Mining and Infrastructure in Eco-Sensitive Zones<ul><li>Strictly regulating mining, road expansion, and hydroelectric projects will prevent irreversible damage.</li><li>Implementing No-Go Zones and stricter Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) will safeguard biodiversity.</li><li>Example: In 2013, the Supreme Court allowed forest dwellers to decide on mining in Niyamgiri Hills, ensuring community involvement.</li></ul></li><li>Enhancing Water Conservation in Forest Ecosystems<ul><li>Restoring water bodies and reviving traditional rainwater harvesting structures will improve forest hydration.</li><li>Encouraging catchment area treatment in deforested river basins will enhance groundwater recharge.</li><li>Example: Haryana’s Aravalli Green Wall Project is restoring 35,000 hectares of land and reviving water bodies.</li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="Cloud seeding use" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Cloud_seeding_use_e700982a56.PNG" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Cloud_seeding_use_e700982a56.PNG 219w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Cloud_seeding_use_e700982a56.PNG 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Cloud_seeding_use_e700982a56.PNG 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"><figcaption>Source: Live Science/ACS | Use of Cloud Seeding</figcaption></figure>

Measures for Sustainable Forest Management

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(0, 84%, 75%);"><tbody><tr><td>Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (2022/15M)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

Prevention of Forest Fires in India

<h3>Economic and Trade Relations</h3><ul><li>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The EU remains one of the top sources of FDI in India, supporting industrial growth, employment generation, and technological advancements across sectors.</li><li>Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations: Resumed in 2021, the negotiations aim to:<ul><li>Reduce tariffs on goods and services.</li><li>Enhance investment protection mechanisms.</li><li>Align regulatory frameworks for smoother trade.</li></ul></li><li>Market Access: The EU seeks a more liberalized Indian market, while India looks to eliminate trade barriers and enhance export potential.</li></ul><h3>Security and Defense Cooperation</h3><ul><li>Maritime Security: The EU has deployed a liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre in Gurugram to improve information-sharing and maritime domain awareness.</li><li>Joint Defense Initiatives: Ongoing discussions cover:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Military%20exercises%20between%20India%20and%20Europe&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Military exercises</a> to enhance strategic interoperability.</li><li>EU’s Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) Initiative: Strengthens cooperation in safeguarding critical sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, a key maritime trade route.</li><li>Strategic Indo-Pacific Presence: The EU’s increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific complements India's interests in countering China’s growing influence and ensuring a free and open maritime domain.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Technology, Digital, and Infrastructure Cooperation</h3><ul><li>India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC): Focuses on cooperation in:<ul><li>Semiconductors to enhance chip manufacturing.</li><li>Artificial Intelligence (AI) for ethical and technological advancements.</li><li>Clean energy technologies to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources.</li></ul></li><li>India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A strategic initiative to create an alternative global trade route, boosting connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.</li><li>Fintech and Digital Payments: Expanding discussions on cross-border digital transactions, digital banking, and financial technology to streamline global payments.</li><li>Reducing Dependence on China-Led Supply Chains: Strengthening technology collaborations ensures India's supply chain diversification and resilience against global disruptions.</li></ul><h3>Strategic Autonomy and Multi-Alignment</h3><ul><li>Evolving Global Alignments: Unpredictable U.S. policies and potential Russia-China deals drive India to expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships.</li><li>The EU as a Stable Partner Offers India:<ul><li>Economic and trade collaboration for sustained growth.</li><li>Technological cooperation to drive innovation.</li><li>Security partnerships without overdependence on any single bloc.</li></ul></li><li>India’s Multi-Alignment Strategy: Aligns well with the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, allowing both entities to engage in global affairs without security dependencies.</li></ul><h3>Global Governance &amp; Geopolitical Realignments</h3><ul><li>Trade Diversification: The EU is actively reducing economic reliance on China, complementing India’s efforts to diversify its global trade partnerships.</li><li>Transatlantic Tensions: As the EU seeks a more independent foreign policy, India gains greater diplomatic leverage in negotiating global partnerships.</li><li>Multilateral Cooperation: India and the EU collaborate in:<ul><li>G20 to shape global economic policies.</li><li>World Trade Organization (WTO) to advocate for fair trade regulations.</li><li>United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to push for reform and global peacekeeping efforts.</li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image"><a href="https://blog.superkalam.com/blog/upsc-2024-mains-model-answers?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Model_answers_enhanced_ccbc244767.png" alt="Model answers" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Model_answers_enhanced_ccbc244767.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Model_answers_enhanced_ccbc244767.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Model_answers_enhanced_ccbc244767.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Model_answers_enhanced_ccbc244767.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>

Significance of India-EU Relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">EU-India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025</h3><ul><li>Strengthens collaboration in trade, investment, digitalization, climate change, security, global governance, and climate resilience.</li><li>Ensures sustainable growth and technological advancement.</li><li>Focuses on clean energy, connectivity, and security, enhancing cooperation across key economic sectors.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Energy &amp; Climate Action</h3><ul><li>EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership:<ul><li>Expands collaboration in renewable energy, smart grids, and clean technology financing.</li><li>Supports climate adaptation and mitigation, enhancing India’s role in the global green transition.</li></ul></li><li>EU-India <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Green%20Hydrogen&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Green Hydrogen</a> Partnership:<ul><li>Develops policy frameworks and pilot projects to promote green hydrogen and offshore wind energy.</li><li>Supports India’s clean energy goals with a €1 billion European Investment Bank (EIB) fund.</li></ul></li><li>Sustainable Consumption &amp; Production (SWITCH-Asia Programme):<ul><li>Encourages eco-friendly manufacturing, waste management, and sustainable consumer practices.</li><li>Reduces environmental footprint and advances circular economy initiatives.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Trade &amp; Economic Cooperation</h3><ul><li>EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC):<ul><li>Enhances digital governance, trade resilience, and green technology partnerships.</li><li>Strengthens supply chain diversification, reducing economic dependence on single-market sources.</li></ul></li><li>Global Green Bonds Initiative:<ul><li>Promotes the issuance of green bonds to finance sustainable infrastructure and climate projects.</li><li>Enhances climate finance frameworks, attracting private investment in clean energy.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Sustainable Urbanization &amp; Connectivity</h3><ul><li>EU-India Connectivity Partnership:<ul><li>Enhances digital and physical infrastructure, improving supply chains and logistics.</li><li>Strengthens transport networks, urban mobility, and cross-regional economic integration.</li></ul></li><li>India-EU Urban Forum:<ul><li>Facilitates dialogue among officials, experts, and stakeholders to share best practices, policies, and innovative approaches for sustainable urban development.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Social Development &amp; Gender Equality</h3><ul><li>WeEmpower India Initiative:<ul><li>Strengthens gender equality and women’s participation in clean energy and sustainable industries.</li><li>Supports female entrepreneurship and inclusive business models, boosting economic diversity.</li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=Indian+Polity&amp;filter=All+questions&amp;year=2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_31df5749a5.png" alt="Prelims PYQs" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_31df5749a5.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_31df5749a5.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_31df5749a5.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Prelims_PY_Qs_enhanced_31df5749a5.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>

Key India-EU Initiatives 

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations</h3><ul><li>EU demands lower tariffs on automobiles, spirits, and dairy, conflicting with India’s domestic trade policies.</li><li>India seeks greater market access for pharmaceuticals, IT services, and agricultural products, facing strict EU regulations.</li><li>The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) poses additional challenges for Indian exporters.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Investment Barriers &amp; Regulatory Hurdles</h3><ul><li>India’s trade regulations remain restrictive, with technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary &amp; phytosanitary (SPS) measures affecting European businesses.</li><li>European investors seek a more predictable policy environment, particularly in investment protection agreements.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Data Privacy Regulations</h3><ul><li>EU’s strict data laws make digital exports from India costly and complex.</li><li>India lacks EU data adequacy status, restricting seamless data transfers.</li><li>Small Indian IT firms struggle with high compliance costs, limiting competitiveness.</li><li>Indian firms require expensive compliance mechanisms to access the EU market.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Foreign Policy Divergences</h3><ul><li>The EU expects stronger Indian alignment on sanctions against Russia, while India maintains a neutral stance, prioritizing diplomacy.</li><li>India’s multi-alignment approach with Russia, the U.S., and Europe leads to occasional policy misalignments with Brussels.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Limited Defense Cooperation</h3><ul><li>India’s deep defense ties with Russia and growing engagements with the U.S. leave little room for European defense collaborations.</li><li>The EU’s fragmented defense strategy creates uncertainties in long-term security commitments.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Supply Chain Risks</h3><ul><li>Despite India’s efforts to diversify trade, China remains a major economic player for both India and the EU.</li><li>Building alternative supply chains requires sustained investment and regulatory adjustments.</li></ul>

Challenges for India-EU Relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Fast-Track the FTA &amp; Address Trade Barriers</h3><ul><li>Prioritize resolving tariff disputes, particularly in automotive, pharmaceuticals, and digital trade.</li><li>Accelerating FTA talks will strengthen supply chains, reduce trade barriers, and create alternative economic linkages.</li><li>Boosting high-tech exports and facilitating greater European investment in India’s manufacturing sector will drive economic growth.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Negotiating a Data-Sharing Framework</h3><ul><li>India should negotiate an EU-U.S.-style Privacy Shield to enable smooth cross-border data flows.</li><li>A mutual recognition framework can reduce compliance costs for Indian firms and European company in India.</li><li>Establishing domestic data compliance bodies will help Indian businesses meet EU privacy norms efficiently.</li><li>Strengthening cybersecurity laws will enhance India’s credibility in global digital trade.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthen Defense &amp; Security Ties</h3><ul><li>Expand joint naval exercises, cyber defense partnerships, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.</li><li>Align India’s Indo-Pacific strategy with European defense priorities to counter China’s regional assertiveness.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Develop Alternative Supply Chains</h3><ul><li>Expand semiconductor and AI collaborations under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).</li><li>Strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will create a new trade and energy route that bypasses China.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Enhance Digital &amp; Green Technology Partnerships</h3><ul><li>Increase cooperation in renewable energy, fintech, and data privacy regulations.</li><li>Expand collaboration in green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and carbon-neutral technologies for mutual economic benefits.</li><li>Align India’s data protection policies with EU standards to facilitate digital trade expansion.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Position India as a Global Diplomatic Balancer</h3><ul><li>With U.S.-Europe relations under strain, India can act as a bridge between major powers, fostering a balanced global order.</li><li>Engaging with the EU on multilateral platforms like the G20, BRICS+, and UN Security Council reforms will elevate India’s global influence.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Reform Domestic Trade &amp; Investment Policies</h3><ul><li>Simplify regulatory frameworks, enhance infrastructure, and ensure policy stability to attract European investments.</li><li>Strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) protections and improve ease of doing business to encourage European tech firms to establish R&amp;D hubs in India.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:89.14%;"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/APJ_in_European_Parliament_6d685b3cae.jpg" alt="APJ Abdul Kalam in European Parliament" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_APJ_in_European_Parliament_6d685b3cae.jpg 111w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_APJ_in_European_Parliament_6d685b3cae.jpg 357w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_APJ_in_European_Parliament_6d685b3cae.jpg 536w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_APJ_in_European_Parliament_6d685b3cae.jpg 714w" sizes="100vw" width="714"><figcaption>Source: WikiMedia Commons | APJ Abdul Kalam in European Parliament</figcaption></figure>

Way Forward

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(0, 70%, 76%);"><tbody><tr><td>‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples&nbsp;(2020/10M)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

International Relations

India - European Union relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Judicial Recognition of Right to Information (1975-1989)</h3><ul><li>1975: Supreme Court recognized the Right to Know as part of fundamental rights.</li><li>1982: Expanded interpretation under Article 19(1)(a) &amp; Article 21, linking RTI to freedom of speech and the right to life.</li><li>1985: NGOs demanded access to environmental information after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Grassroots Movements and Early Drafts (1990-1999)</h3><ul><li>1990s: Movements like Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan exposed corruption in wage payments through Jan Sunwai (public hearings).</li><li>1996: Formation of the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), which drafted an RTI Bill with the Press Council of India.</li><li>1997: Government referred the draft to the H.D. Shourie Committee, which later submitted its recommendations.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Legislative Attempts and Early State RTI Laws (2000-2004)</h3><ul><li>2000: Parliamentary Standing Committee reviewed the RTI draft; Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Karnataka passed State RTI laws.</li><li>2002: Parliament passed the Freedom of Information Act, but it was never notified.</li><li>2003: The Supreme Court pressured the government to implement RTI-based governance reforms.</li><li>2004: The UPA government’s Common Minimum Programme promised a stronger RTI law.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Passage of the RTI Act (2004-2005)</h3><ul><li>2004: NCPRI submitted amendments to the National Advisory Council (NAC).</li><li>December 2004: Government introduced a limited RTI Bill covering only the Central Government, leading to protests.</li><li>2005: After lobbying, Parliament passed a comprehensive RTI Act covering both Central and State Governments.</li><li>The right to information act came into force on October 12, 2005, with Shahid Raza Burney’s RTI application in Pune being the first filed under the law.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:83.11%;"><img alt="RTI" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/RTI_1dd21a0245.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_RTI_1dd21a0245.jpg 195w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_RTI_1dd21a0245.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_RTI_1dd21a0245.jpg 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"></figure>

Journey to RTI

RTI and Governance

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Vacancy and Backlog in Information Commissions</h3><ul><li>The efficiency of RTI is crippled by the high number of vacancies in Central and State Information Commissions, leading to delays in appeals and complaints.</li><li>Without adequate commissioners, cases remain unresolved for years, reducing RTI’s effectiveness.</li><li>As of June 2024, over 4 lakh appeals and complaints were pending across 29 information commissions.</li><li>As of October 2024, 4 State Information Commissions remain defunct due to the absence of commissioners, while the Central Information Commission operates with only 3 out of 11 sanctioned members, according to a Satark Nagrik Sangathan report.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Dilution through Legislative Amendments</h3><ul><li>Recent amendments have undermined the independence of the Information Commissions, making them susceptible to government influence.</li><li>The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, gave the central government power to determine the tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, reducing their autonomy.</li><li>The DPDP Act, 2023, amended Section 8(1) of RTI, exempting all personal information from disclosure, even if it concerns public officials.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Bureaucratic Resistance and Non-Compliance</h3><ul><li>Many public officials deliberately delay or deny information, fearing exposure of inefficiencies and corruption.</li><li>Some institutions even refuse to appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs), making it difficult for citizens to access information.</li><li>Political parties have also defied RTI, limiting scrutiny of their funding and internal workings.</li><li>In 2023-24, nearly 42% of RTI appeals to the Central Information Commission (CIC) were returned without hearing.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Expansion of Exemptions and Secrecy Laws</h3><ul><li>Several government bodies remain outside the purview of RTI due to broad exemptions.</li><li>Government departments often deny information under RTI, citing national security concerns under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.</li><li>27 security agencies, including RAW, IB, and CERT-In, are exempt under the Second Schedule of the RTI Act.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Inordinate Delays in Information Disclosure</h3><ul><li>The RTI Act mandates a response within 30 days (or 48 hours in life and liberty cases), but authorities often violate these deadlines.</li><li>This delays justice, especially in cases involving human rights violations, environmental clearances, and corruption inquiries.</li><li>The lack of stringent penalties for such delays encourages lethargy among officials.</li><li>A 2022 report stated that 12 of 29 information commissions in India have a waiting time of over a year to hear an appeal on wrongful denial of information or complaint.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Threats to RTI Activists and Whistleblowers</h3><ul><li>RTI activists face serious threats, including harassment and violence, discouraging citizens from exposing corruption.</li><li>Many activists have been attacked or killed for seeking sensitive information, yet protection mechanisms remain weak.</li><li>The Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, meant to safeguard informants, has not been effectively implemented.</li><li>According to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), across India, 99 RTI activists have lost their lives and 180 have been assaulted since 2006.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Skewed Gender Representation in RTI Institutions</h3><ul><li>The lack of gender diversity in Information Commissions limits the perspective on issues affecting women.</li><li>Since its inception, the RTI framework has been dominated by male officials, failing to ensure gender-sensitive governance.</li><li>This weakens the representation of women's concerns in transparency mechanisms.</li><li>Since the passage of the Right to Information Act in 2005, merely 9% of all information commissioners across the country have been women.</li><li>12 out of 29 information commissions have not had a single woman commissioner since their inception.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Lack of Awareness Among Citizens</h3><ul><li>Many citizens, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of their RTI rights, leading to its underutilization.</li><li>Government efforts to promote RTI awareness through campaigns and education remain inadequate.</li><li>Without knowledge of the process, marginalized communities struggle to demand accountability.</li><li>According to a PWC study, only 12% of the rural population and 30% of the urban population were aware of the RTI Act.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Misuse of the Right to Information (RTI) Act</h3><ul><li>The RTI Act is a vital tool for transparency, but its misuse for frivolous or non-serious queries burdens public offices and diverts resources from critical governance matters.</li><li>Some individuals file RTIs to harass officials or settle personal disputes, undermining the Act’s original intent.</li><li>For instance, an RTI was once filed to count the number of cattle in a region, highlighting how irrelevant queries can strain administrative efficiency.</li><li>Such misuse weakens the effectiveness of the RTI Act and hampers its role in ensuring accountability.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="RTI protest" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/RTI_protest_6941840580.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_RTI_protest_6941840580.jpg 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_RTI_protest_6941840580.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_RTI_protest_6941840580.jpg 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"><figcaption>Source: Hindustan times | Recent protest on amendments in RTI</figcaption></figure>

Issues in ensuring the effectiveness of RTI

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Filling Vacancies and Clearing Pending Cases</h3><ul><li>Appointing Information Commissioners at both Central and State levels without delays is essential to resolving backlog issues.</li><li>Setting a fixed recruitment timeline and adopting an independent selection process can help minimize political interference.</li><li>Introducing fast-track procedures and additional benches can accelerate case resolution.</li><li>Implementing AI-driven systems can help prioritize urgent cases and speed up hearings.</li><li>Conducting regular audits of Information Commissions can ensure they function efficiently.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Restoring Autonomy of Information Commissions</h3><ul><li>Enhancing financial and administrative independence of Information Commissions can prevent government influence.</li><li>The selection process should involve parliamentary oversight instead of being controlled solely by the executive branch.</li><li>Regular judicial reviews by the Supreme Court and High Courts can reinforce the commissions’ independence.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Enhancing Proactive Disclosure (Section 4 of RTI Act)</h3><ul><li>Government bodies should be required to publish key information online to reduce the need for RTI requests.</li><li>Websites must be updated regularly with details of budgets, tenders, contracts, and decision-making processes.</li><li>Creating Open Data Portals can provide real-time access to non-sensitive government information.</li><li>Conducting social audits and third-party evaluations can improve transparency in government schemes and programs.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Reducing Bureaucratic Resistance and Strengthening Compliance</h3><ul><li>Officials delaying or denying information without valid reasons should face strict penalties.</li><li>Establishing a ranking system for ministries and departments based on RTI compliance can promote transparency.</li><li>Public Information Officers (PIOs) should receive annual training to improve efficiency and awareness.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Protecting RTI Activists and Whistleblowers</h3><ul><li>The Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, should be fully enforced with provisions for anonymous complaints and urgent protection measures.</li><li>Fast-track courts should handle cases involving threats or attacks on RTI activists with strict legal action.</li><li>Helplines and dedicated support cells should be set up at district levels for RTI activists.</li><li>Collaboration between the government and civil society can help establish legal aid funds for activists facing threats.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Improving Gender Representation in Information Commissions</h3><ul><li>A minimum quota should be introduced to ensure more women are appointed as Information Commissioners.</li><li>Recruitment policies should actively encourage women to apply for PIO and commissioner roles.</li><li>RTI awareness and training programs should specifically target women’s organizations and self-help groups.</li><li>Initiatives focusing on transparency in women-centric sectors such as healthcare, social welfare, and rural development should be promoted.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Increasing Awareness and Digital Accessibility</h3><ul><li>RTI education should be incorporated into school and college curricula to build awareness from a young age.</li><li>Nationwide RTI awareness campaigns should be conducted through digital platforms, community radio, and local governance bodies.</li><li>Filing RTI applications should be made easier by providing regional language support and mobile-friendly platforms.</li><li>Local self-government bodies, such as Gram Panchayats, should hold RTI awareness programs to boost rural participation.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Reforming Overlapping Laws like the Official Secrets Act, 1923</h3><ul><li>The Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923, should be revised to align with RTI principles and reduce unnecessary secrecy.</li><li>Government decision-making should be made more transparent, especially for matters unrelated to national security.</li><li>Periodic reviews of the Second Schedule of the RTI Act, which exempts 27 security agencies, should be conducted to ensure non-sensitive information is made public.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Utilizing Technology for Better RTI Implementation</h3><ul><li>AI-powered chatbots and automated RTI assistants can help citizens draft better applications.</li><li>Blockchain-based systems can ensure secure record-keeping and prevent data manipulation.</li><li>RTI portals should integrate with DigiLocker for easy access to publicly available documents.</li><li>A real-time tracking system should be introduced, allowing applicants to monitor the status of their RTI requests.</li></ul><meta charset="utf-8">Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-artificial-intelligence-in-governance-transforming-public-administration">AI in Governance</a><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:96.56%;"><a href="https://superkalam.com/upsc-mains-evaluation?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Mains_answer_evaluation_66c73dbc1d.png" alt="Mains answer evaluation.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Mains_answer_evaluation_66c73dbc1d.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Mains_answer_evaluation_66c73dbc1d.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Reforms needed

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(339, 76%, 79%);"><tbody><tr><td><meta charset="utf-8">1. Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss (2020/10M)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

Indian Polity

Multiple Choice Questions

Recent Right to Information Amendments

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Civil Nuclear Collaboration</h3><ul><li>Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for cost-effective and faster deployment.</li><li>France aids India’s goal of generating 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.</li><li>₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission supports SMR research.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Defence and Strategic Partnership</h3><ul><li>Deepening defence ties through technology transfer, Rafale jets, and Scorpene submarines.</li><li>France accounts for a significant share of India’s arms imports.</li><li>Launch of&nbsp;FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) in 2024.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Space and Aerospace Cooperation</h3><ul><li>Collaboration on satellite missions like&nbsp;TRISHNA and space security research.</li><li>Support for India’s space startups in AI-based satellite applications.</li><li>ISRO and CNES signed a space cooperation agreement in 2021.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Artificial Intelligence and Technology Innovation</h3><ul><li>India-France Roadmap on AI promotes ethical and secure AI development.</li><li>Support for Indian startups at&nbsp;Station F, a leading French incubator.</li><li>Expansion of&nbsp;UPI usage in France for real-time payments.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Indo-Pacific Security and Maritime Cooperation</h3><ul><li>Joint naval exercises (Varuna) and projects for climate resilience.</li><li>India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation funds sustainable projects.</li><li>France supports India's vision for a&nbsp;free and open Indo-Pacific.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Economic and Trade Relations</h3><ul><li>France is one of India’s largest European investors in clean energy and finance.</li><li>India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) aims to enhance trade.</li><li>Bilateral trade reached&nbsp;USD 13.38 billion in 2023-24.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Renewable Energy and Green Technologies</h3><ul><li>Joint initiatives in&nbsp;solar energy, hydrogen economy, and grid modernization.</li><li>France aids India’s&nbsp;National Green Hydrogen Mission with technical expertise.</li><li>Collaboration under the&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=International%20Solar%20Alliance%20(ISA)&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">International Solar Alliance (ISA)</a>.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Education and Cultural Exchange</h3><ul><li>France is a leading European destination for Indian students (7,344 enrollments in 2023-24).</li><li>Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) promotes skilled migration.</li><li>Joint cultural programs strengthen people-to-people ties.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:98.72%;"><a href="https://superkalam.com/upsc-mains-evaluation?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Mains_answer_evaluation_c1dbdf43dc.png" alt="Mains answer evaluation.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Mains_answer_evaluation_c1dbdf43dc.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Mains_answer_evaluation_c1dbdf43dc.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Domains of Cooperation

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Delays in Defence Procurement and Technology Transfer</h3><ul><li>Bureaucratic delays, cost escalations, and localisation demands slow defence deals.</li><li>Projects like&nbsp;Rafale jets, Scorpene submarines, and jet engine collaborations face setbacks.</li><li>Project 75(I) Scorpene submarine deal has been stalled since 2017.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Civil Nuclear Energy Roadblocks</h3><ul><li>The&nbsp;Jaitapur nuclear plant (9,900 MW) faces high costs, protests, and legal hurdles.</li><li>India’s&nbsp;Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) discourages French suppliers.</li><li>France stated in 2023 that&nbsp;nuclear liability issues remain unresolved.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Trade Imbalances and Market Access Issues</h3><ul><li>High tariffs and regulatory hurdles affect trade growth.</li><li>France seeks better access for&nbsp;pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and defence, while India pushes for IT and agricultural exports.</li><li>The&nbsp;slow progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) complicates trade expansion.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Disagreements on Global AI and Data Regulation</h3><ul><li>India prefers a&nbsp;flexible digital policy, while France supports&nbsp;strict EU-style GDPR regulations.</li><li>Differences over&nbsp;open-source AI, cybersecurity norms, and data sovereignty impact cooperation.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Divergences in Indo-Pacific and Strategic Autonomy</h3><ul><li>India follows a&nbsp;non-aligned strategy, while France aligns with&nbsp;NATO and Western policies.</li><li>India’s&nbsp;ties with Russia for energy and defence create friction, especially post-Ukraine war.</li><li>France has strongly opposed Russia, while India refused to join&nbsp;NATO-led sanctions.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:2pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr">Immigration and Mobility Restrictions</h3><ul><li>Visa limits and work permit challenges affect Indian students and professionals in France.</li><li>India seeks&nbsp;easier residency rules, but France prioritises&nbsp;EU-wide immigration policies.</li><li>The&nbsp;Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) aims to improve mobility, but France is tightening Schengen visa rules.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="Rafale.jpg" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Rafale_c41d4df812.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Rafale_c41d4df812.jpg 234w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Rafale_c41d4df812.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Rafale_c41d4df812.jpg 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"><figcaption>Source: Dassault Aviation | Rafale Fighter jet</figcaption></figure>

Areas of friction

How India can improve relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Bridging India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations</h3><ul><li>France, as a key EU member, can mediate regulatory and trade standard alignments between India and the European Union.</li><li>By advocating for reduced tariffs, easing market access, and harmonizing digital and environmental policies, France can accelerate FTA finalization, unlocking billions in trade potential.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening India-Europe Connectivity via IMEC</h3><ul><li>France’s strategic port of Marseille can serve as a key hub in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).</li><li>By investing in multi-modal logistics, digital trade facilitation, and supply chain diversification, France can position itself as a critical transit point between India and the EU.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Facilitating India’s Deeper Engagement with European Defence Networks</h3><ul><li>France can act as India's entry point into European defence cooperation, particularly with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation).</li><li>Recently, the Government of India officially became the newest Observer State in the OCCAR-managed MALE RPAS (Eurodrone) programme.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening Climate and Energy Partnerships in Europe</h3><ul><li>France can champion India’s renewable energy initiatives within Europe, encouraging more EU-based funding for India’s solar, wind, and hydrogen projects.</li><li>By supporting technology transfer and green finance, France can position India as a preferred partner in EU’s Green Deal frameworks.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Expanding India-Europe Digital and AI Cooperation</h3><ul><li>France can help align India’s data governance and AI policies with EU standards, ensuring smoother tech collaboration.</li><li>By integrating India’s AI innovation ecosystem with European AI hubs, coordinating cybersecurity efforts, and promoting India-EU quantum computing research, France can drive a structured digital.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:97.91%;"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/267#2024-pyq-magazine?utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="PYQ magazine.png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/PYQ_magazine_56e54e78ec.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_PYQ_magazine_56e54e78ec.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_PYQ_magazine_56e54e78ec.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

What role can France play in improving relations

<figure class="table"><table style="background-color:hsl(342, 78%, 83%);"><tbody><tr><td><ol><li>What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?&nbsp;(2019/10M) </li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

France and India relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Executive Head of the State</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The Governor is the chief executive head of the state, acting as a nominal authority and representative of the central government.</li><li>Under&nbsp;Article 154, all executive actions of the state government are carried out in the Governor’s name.</li><li>As per&nbsp;Article 166, the Governor formulates rules for the transaction of business.</li><li>The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on their advice, the Council of Ministers.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Legislative Role</h3><ul><li>The Governor serves as the constitutional link between the state legislature and the Union.</li><li>Under Article 174, the Governor summons, prorogues, and dissolves the state assembly.</li><li>A Bill requires the Governor’s assent to become law or may be reserved for the President’s consideration under Article 200.</li><li>Under Article 207, no Money Bill can be introduced in the state assembly without the Governor’s recommendation.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Administrative</h3><ul><li>The Governor appoints key state officials such as:<ul><li>Advocate General (Article 165).</li><li>Members of the State Public Service Commission (Article 316).</li><li>Vice-Chancellors of state universities, which has been a subject of controversy.</li></ul></li><li>These appointments are essential for state governance and are generally made in consultation with the state government</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Discretionary Powers</h3><ul><li>The Governor can act independently in specific situations where the Constitution grants discretion.</li><li>Government Formation: In case of a hung assembly, the Governor decides which party to invite to form the government.</li><li>Recommending President’s Rule under Article 356 if the state government fails to function constitutionally.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Implementing President’s Rule</h3><ul><li>Under Article 356, the Governor can recommend<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=President%27s%20rule&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">&nbsp;President’s Rule</a> if the constitutional machinery in a state fails.</li><li>Though intended as an emergency provision, it has often been misused for political reasons.</li><li>The Supreme Court has ruled that such recommendations must be justified and not arbitrary.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Judicial Powers</h3><ul><li>Under Article 161, the Governor can:<ul><li>Grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions for offenses against state laws.</li><li>Unlike the President, the Governor cannot pardon death sentences or court-martial cases.</li></ul></li><li>This power ensures a system of checks and balances while allowing humanitarian considerations in justice.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Special Responsibilities for Scheduled Areas and Tribal Welfare</h3><ul><li>In Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, the Governor has special powers over Scheduled Areas.</li><li>These states are administered as Autonomous Districts under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.</li><li>The Governor can intervene in tribal administration to protect indigenous rights and promote welfare policies.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="Raj bhawan" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Raj_bhawan_kolkata_64cc12f13b.jpg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Raj_bhawan_kolkata_64cc12f13b.jpg 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Raj_bhawan_kolkata_64cc12f13b.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Raj_bhawan_kolkata_64cc12f13b.jpg 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Raj_bhawan_kolkata_64cc12f13b.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>Raj Bhavan, West Bengal</figcaption></figure>

Key Constitutional Functions of Governor

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Delay in Granting Assent to Bills</h3><ul><li>Governors have increasingly withheld or delayed assent to Bills passed by state legislatures, undermining the legislative process and federalism.</li><li>Article 200 allows Governors to reserve Bills for the President’s consideration, but excessive delays create legislative paralysis.</li><li>The Supreme Court has ruled that the phrase “as soon as possible” in Article 200 must be followed, yet delays of over two years have been observed in multiple states.</li><li>Examples: Punjab -&nbsp; Governor withheld assent to multiple Bills for two years, prompting Supreme Court intervention. Tamil Nadu - Governor delayed 12 Bills, leading to judicial intervention.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Misuse of Discretionary Powers</h3><ul><li>Governor’s discretionary powers when used arbitrarily leads to parties forming the government in a&nbsp;hung assembly due to the absence of clear guidelines.</li><li>Inconsistent decisions sometimes favor certain political parties, distorting the democratic mandate.</li><li>Examples: Karnataka (2018) -&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor gave a party&nbsp;15 days to prove majority, later reduced to&nbsp;24 hours by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;Maharashtra (2019) -&nbsp;Governor Koshyari swore in a CM candidate without majority, leading to an&nbsp;80-hour government.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Lack of Accountability and Transparency</h3><ul><li>Unlike the Chief Minister, who is accountable to the legislature, the&nbsp;Governor is only accountable to the President and can be removed at the Union government’s discretion (Article 156).</li><li>The&nbsp;lack of impeachment provisions shields Governors from scrutiny despite holding significant powers.</li><li>This leads to instances where Governors act without facing direct consequences for their decisions.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Overreach in Administrative Matters</h3><ul><li>Governors have increasingly interfered in day-to-day governance, bypassing the elected Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (Article 163).</li><li>This results in governance paralysis, as Governors refuse to clear files, delay cabinet decisions, or publicly criticize state policies.</li><li>Example: Delhi (2023) -&nbsp; Clashes between the&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Lieutenant%20Governor%20controversy%20Delhi&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Lieutenant Governor</a> and the state government over bureaucratic appointments led the Supreme Court to rule that Delhi’s elected government has control over services, not the LG.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Partisan Conduct as Center’s Agent</h3><ul><li>Governors, appointed by the Central Government, often act in ways that align with the ruling party at the Union, raising concerns about political bias.</li><li>Misuse of discretionary powers to destabilize opposition-led state governments is a recurring issue.</li><li>Examples: Arunachal Pradesh (2016) - Governor’s actions led to the dismissal of the elected government, which was later reinstated by the Supreme Court. West Bengal (2023) - The Governor unilaterally appointed Vice-Chancellors, leading to a legal battle with the state government.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Conflict Over University Appointments</h3><ul><li>As&nbsp;Chancellors of state universities, Governors often interfere in the selection of Vice-Chancellors, bypassing the elected government’s role.</li><li>This has led to&nbsp;standoffs between Governors and state governments, frequently requiring judicial intervention.</li><li>The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about whether Governors should continue serving as university Chancellors.</li><li>Example: West Bengal (2023) -&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor unilaterally appointed Vice-Chancellors, leading to a&nbsp;legal dispute with the state government.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Arbitrary Use of President’s Rule</h3><ul><li>Governors have historically been instrumental in invoking Article 356 (President’s Rule) on dubious grounds, leading to the dismissal of elected governments.</li><li>Though the S.R. Bommai judgment (1994) limited such misuse, Governors continue to play a role in politically motivated dismissals.</li><li>Example: Uttarakhand (2016) - The Governor recommended President’s Rule just before a floor test, raising concerns of political interference.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:97.48%;"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/218#one-stop-solution-for-current-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Current_affairs_magazine_3c5a6cf8b2.png" alt="Current affairs magazine.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Current_affairs_magazine_3c5a6cf8b2.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Current_affairs_magazine_3c5a6cf8b2.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Key Issues related to the Governor’s Office

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Defining Time Limits for Governors’ Decisions</h3><ul><li>Governors should act on Bills within a fixed timeframe to prevent legislative paralysis and uphold federal principles.</li><li>Punjab case (2023): Supreme Court ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely delay assent to Bills, reinforcing the need for clear timelines.</li><li>Punchhi Commission (2010): Recommended a six-month limit for Governors to decide on reserved Bills.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Limiting Discretionary Powers</h3><ul><li>Government formation after elections must follow clear rules to prevent partisan bias.</li><li>S.R. Bommai judgment (1994): Limited the Governor’s power to dismiss governments, setting a precedent for defining post-election roles.</li><li>Punchhi Commission: Recommended a structured order for inviting parties to form a government:<ul><li>Pre-poll alliances</li><li>Single largest party</li><li>Post-poll alliances</li></ul></li><li>This approach prevents political manipulation in hung assemblies.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Ensuring Neutrality in University Appointments</h3><ul><li>Governor’s powers as Chancellor can be reassessed.</li><li>Sarkaria Commission (1988): Suggested that Governors should not have statutory powers unrelated to their constitutional role; states should have more say in university governance.</li><li>As recently, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala passed Bills reducing the Governor’s role in appointing Vice-Chancellors. There must be establishment of&nbsp; state-level independent commissions to handle university appointments and depoliticize the process.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Revising the Appointment and Removal Process</h3><ul><li>The appointment process should be transparent to ensure Governors act independently, not as political agents of the Centre.</li><li>Sarkaria Commission: Recommended that Governors should be appointed after consulting the Chief Minister to reduce political bias.</li><li>Punchhi Commission: Advised that Governors should not have recent political affiliations to maintain neutrality.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Holding Governors Accountable Through Judicial Review</h3><ul><li>Article 361 grants immunity to Governors, but their actions should still be subject to judicial review.</li><li>Rameshwar Prasad case (2006): Ruled that Governors’ decisions can be reviewed if found to be malicious or unconstitutional.</li><li>Proposed Reform: Introduce a Governor’s Annual Report to the Rajya Sabha for parliamentary accountability. Consider a constitutional amendment to increase transparency and judicial scrutiny.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Clear Guidelines on Imposing President’s Rule</h3><ul><li>Article 356 (President’s Rule) has been misused for dismissing elected governments, necessitating stricter safeguards.</li><li>S.R. Bommai case (1994): Mandated that President’s Rule must be justified and subject to judicial review.</li><li>Punchhi Commission: Recommended:<ul><li>Protecting state rights by limiting the Centre’s power during emergencies.</li><li>Targeted interventions in troubled areas instead of imposing statewide emergency rule.</li><li>Limiting the duration of President’s Rule to three months.</li></ul></li><li>Sarkaria Commission: Suggested President’s Rule should be a last resort when all other alternatives fail.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Creating an Impeachment Process for Governors</h3><ul><li>Currently, Governors can only be removed by the President, making them unaccountable to states.</li><li>Punchhi Commission: Suggested introducing an impeachment process similar to that of the President, allowing state legislatures to pass a resolution for removal.</li><li>BP Singhal vs Union of India (2010):<ul><li>Supreme Court upheld the pleasure doctrine but emphasized that a Governor’s removal must have a valid reason.</li><li>The Centre must provide justification if challenged.</li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Sarojini_Naidu_30aa6f8249.jpg" alt="Sarojini Naidu" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Sarojini_Naidu_30aa6f8249.jpg 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Sarojini_Naidu_30aa6f8249.jpg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Sarojini_Naidu_30aa6f8249.jpg 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Sarojini_Naidu_30aa6f8249.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>Sarojini Naidu: First Women Governor of India</figcaption></figure>Read This Article Here:&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-the-inter-state-council-enhancing-centre-state-cooperation-in-india">Inter-State Council</a>

Reforms Suggested

Governor's Role in a Democracy

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">What is Fintech?</h3>Fintech (Financial Technology) refers to leveraging technology to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of financial services. India's fintech growth has been driven by factors such as increasing smartphone usage, widespread internet access, regulatory initiatives, and advancements in digital payments.<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Stages of Development</h3><h4>Early Stage (Before 2000s)</h4><ul><li>Banking operations relied on Core Banking Solutions (CBS) and IT-enabled financial services.</li><li>Introduction of ATMs, NEFT, RTGS, and electronic clearing services streamlined transactions.</li></ul><h4>Growth Stage (2000–2015)</h4><ul><li>2009: Aadhaar launched, enabling digital identity authentication.</li><li>2010: NPCI introduced Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) for instant money transfers.</li><li>2013: Digital wallets like Paytm gained traction with the rise of e-commerce.</li><li>2014: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) expanded financial inclusion efforts.</li><li>2015: Alternative lending platforms and digital NBFCs began emerging.</li></ul><h4>Acceleration Stage (2016–2020)</h4><ul><li>2016: Demonetization acted as a catalyst for digital payments.</li><li>2016: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transformed instant fund transfers.</li><li>Rapid expansion of fintech startups in lending, wealth management, and insurance (e.g., Zerodha, PolicyBazaar, PhonePe).</li></ul><h4>Current Stage (2020–Present)</h4><ul><li>2020 (COVID-19 Pandemic): Accelerated adoption of digital banking, contactless payments, and fintech services.</li><li>2021: Launch of the Account Aggregator Framework for seamless financial data sharing.</li><li>2022: RBI introduced Digital Lending Guidelines to regulate online lending platforms.</li><li>Rise of&nbsp;Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) models and embedded finance solutions.</li><li>Expansion of&nbsp;RuPay Credit Card-linked UPI payments, cryptocurrency exchanges (under regulation), and AI-driven financial services.</li></ul>

Evolution of the Fintech Industry in India

Key Drivers of Fintech Growth in India

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Regulatory Uncertainty and Compliance Challenges</h3><ul><li>The rapidly evolving regulatory landscape creates&nbsp;uncertainty for startups and investors.</li><li>In&nbsp;2024, RBI barred Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers due to compliance violations, highlighting regulatory concerns.</li><li>The absence of clear guidelines on&nbsp;AI-driven fintech, cryptocurrency, and data protection adds to compliance difficulties.</li></ul><h3>Cybersecurity Threats and Rising Digital Fraud</h3><ul><li>The surge in digital transactions has led to increased risks of&nbsp;phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud.</li><li>Many fintech firms&nbsp;lack robust cybersecurity measures, making them vulnerable to data breaches.</li><li>Payment fraud cases rose by 65% in 2023, with financial losses exceeding&nbsp;INR 1200 crore.</li><li>UPI frauds accounted for 40% of these incidents, with digital arrest-led scams being prevalent.</li></ul><h3>Concerns Over Digital Lending and Predatory Practices</h3><ul><li>Some digital lenders impose&nbsp;high-interest rates and use aggressive recovery tactics, leading to borrower harassment.</li><li>Many loan apps operate&nbsp;without proper RBI registration, trapping low-income users in debt cycles.</li><li>While&nbsp;RBI’s Digital Lending Guidelines aim to regulate the sector, enforcement remains a challenge.</li><li>The government has proposed a&nbsp;Rs 1 crore fine on unregulated lenders, but effective implementation remains uncertain.</li></ul><h3>Data Privacy and Consent Issues</h3><ul><li>Fintech platforms collect&nbsp;large volumes of user data, often lacking strong privacy safeguards.</li><li>India ranked 5th globally in data breaches (2023), with&nbsp;5.3 million leaked accounts.</li><li>Many apps access&nbsp;sensitive data without user consent, raising concerns over misuse.</li><li>While the&nbsp;Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) introduces new rules, its implementation is still in progress.</li></ul><h3>Digital Divide and Financial Inclusion Barriers</h3><ul><li>Despite fintech expansion,&nbsp;rural and semi-urban populations still face challenges in accessing digital financial services.</li><li>Limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and language barriers hinder adoption.</li><li>While the&nbsp;JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) framework has improved financial access, adoption rates remain low.</li><li>Only 38% of rural and semi-urban users engage with digital financial services, and&nbsp;11.30 crore Jan Dhan accounts remain inactive.</li></ul><h3>High Customer Acquisition Costs and Profitability Challenges</h3><ul><li>Intense competition forces fintech firms to&nbsp;offer heavy discounts and cashback, increasing&nbsp;customer acquisition costs.</li><li>Many operate on&nbsp;thin profit margins, making long-term sustainability difficult.</li><li>Several fintech startups have shut down due to the&nbsp;lack of a viable revenue model.</li><li>Fintech funding in India dropped nearly 300% in 2023, with firms raising just&nbsp;USD 2.1 billion compared to previous years.</li></ul><h3>Monopoly Concerns and Limited Market Competition</h3><ul><li>A few dominant players control&nbsp;India’s fintech landscape, leading to monopoly concerns.</li><li>Three firms (PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm) handle 94% of UPI transactions, reducing competition.</li><li>NPCI introduced UPI market cap rules to prevent market concentration, but implementation has been delayed multiple times.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:96.69%;"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/219#august-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Current_affairs_magazine_e7d90f6aa2.png" alt="Current affairs magazine.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Current_affairs_magazine_e7d90f6aa2.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Current_affairs_magazine_e7d90f6aa2.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Key Challenges Facing the Fintech Sector in India

Revitalizing India’s Fintech Sector: Key Strategies for Global Leadership

India’s fintech revolution has transformed financial access, setting a model for emerging economies. To sustain leadership, it must address regulatory clarity, cybersecurity, and inclusion. Strengthening policies, fostering innovation, and ensuring responsible growth will solidify India’s position as a global fintech powerhouse.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:98.06%;"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/267#2024-pyq-magazine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="PYQ magazine.png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/PYQ_magazine_fb1e15c9de.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_PYQ_magazine_fb1e15c9de.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_PYQ_magazine_fb1e15c9de.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Economy

Social Issues & Schemes

Fintech in India

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Energy Security and Economic Stability</h3><ul><li>India’s&nbsp;crude oil imports from the Middle East rose from&nbsp;51% (Dec 2024) to 53.89% (Jan 2025), reinforcing the region’s role in India’s&nbsp;energy security.</li><li>A&nbsp;2023 MoU with the UAE aims to develop&nbsp;green hydrogen and an undersea cable under the&nbsp;‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ initiative.</li><li>In&nbsp;Feb 2024, India extended its&nbsp;LNG deal with Qatar until 2048, securing&nbsp;7.5 million tonnes annually for long-term energy stability.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Trade, Investment, and Economic Corridors</h3><ul><li>India-GCC bilateral trade reached&nbsp;USD 161.59 billion in FY 2023-24, cementing the&nbsp;Middle East as a key economic partner.</li><li>FTAs and economic corridors, including&nbsp;IMEC, aim to enhance&nbsp;trade connectivity and lower costs.</li><li>The&nbsp;UAE ranks as&nbsp;India’s third-largest trading partner and&nbsp;second-largest export destination, with exports exceeding&nbsp;$35.62 billion (FY 2023-24).</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Remittances and Workforce Contributions</h3><ul><li>The&nbsp;Middle East hosts&nbsp;millions of Indian expatriates, whose&nbsp;remittances bolster India’s forex reserves and economy.</li><li>Over&nbsp;66% of India’s 1.34 crore NRIs reside in the&nbsp;UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.</li><li>India received&nbsp;$111 billion in remittances (2022), the highest globally, with the&nbsp;Gulf region as the largest contributor.</li><li>Saudi Arabia’s&nbsp;Nitaqat labor reforms have led India to seek&nbsp;favorable migration policies.</li></ul>

Middle Eastern India: A Pillar of India’s Foreign Policy


<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Energy Price Volatility and Supply Disruptions</h3><ul><li>India’s&nbsp;heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil makes it vulnerable to&nbsp;price fluctuations and&nbsp;geopolitical instability.</li><li>Houthi attacks in the Red Sea (2023-24) and&nbsp;OPEC+ production cuts have disrupted supply chains and increased import costs.</li><li>OPEC+ nations cut oil production by&nbsp;2.2 million barrels/day (Q1 2024), raising&nbsp;global oil prices and impacting&nbsp;India’s energy security.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Geopolitical Instability and Regional Conflicts</h3><ul><li>Ongoing conflicts in&nbsp;Israel-Palestine, Yemen, and&nbsp;Saudi-Iran tensions create&nbsp;diplomatic hurdles for India.</li><li>Maintaining&nbsp;neutrality in the Israel-Gaza conflict while balancing ties with&nbsp;Iran and Saudi Arabia remains challenging.</li><li>The&nbsp;IMEC project faces delays due to the conflict, impacting&nbsp;India’s regional trade strategy.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Trade Barriers and Delayed Economic Agreements</h3><ul><li>The absence of an&nbsp;India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) limits&nbsp;economic potential despite strong trade ties.</li><li>Regulatory hurdles, tariff barriers, and labor laws restrict business expansion.</li><li>While&nbsp;CEPA (2022) boosted&nbsp;India-UAE trade, negotiations for an&nbsp;India-GCC FTA remain slow.</li></ul>

Key Challenges in India-Middle East Relations

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Enhancing Energy Partnerships through Co-Development</h3><ul><li>India should transition from a&nbsp;passive importer to an&nbsp;active co-investor in&nbsp;Middle Eastern energy infrastructure.</li><li>Joint ventures in&nbsp;renewables, hydrogen, and oil refining will ensure&nbsp;long-term energy security.</li><li>Saudi Aramco’s stake in the&nbsp;$44 billion Ratnagiri refinery could cement&nbsp;long-term ties.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Expanding Trade and Economic Integration Beyond Oil</h3><ul><li>Diversification into manufacturing, IT, space technology, and defense exports will strengthen&nbsp;economic ties.</li><li>Finalizing the&nbsp;India-GCC FTA will boost&nbsp;trade and investment flows by removing barriers.</li><li>Fast-tracking the&nbsp;India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will integrate&nbsp;India into global supply chains.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Co-Development in Defense and Security Cooperation</h3><ul><li>Moving from&nbsp;arms sales to joint defense production will deepen&nbsp;security ties.</li><li>Establishing&nbsp;defense tech parks in UAE and Saudi Arabia will integrate supply chains and reduce reliance on Western firms.</li><li>Strengthening&nbsp;intelligence-sharing networks and&nbsp;anti-terror frameworks will enhance&nbsp;regional security.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening Food and Water Security via Agri-Tech Cooperation</h3><ul><li>Co-developing&nbsp;agricultural tech parks in the&nbsp;Middle East will enhance&nbsp;food security and boost&nbsp;Indian agri-tech exports.</li><li>Collaboration in&nbsp;desalination, hydroponics, and smart irrigation will make&nbsp;Gulf nations less reliant on imports.</li><li>Expanding the&nbsp;India-Middle East Food Corridor will enable&nbsp;joint research and innovation in&nbsp;food and water security.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Institutionalizing Migration Frameworks for Skilled Workforce</h3><ul><li>Upskilling Indian workers and signing&nbsp;labor mobility agreements will shift migration toward&nbsp;high-skilled sectors like&nbsp;healthcare, AI, and engineering.</li><li>Setting up&nbsp;vocational training centers in&nbsp;Gulf nations will improve&nbsp;wages and working conditions.</li><li>Expanding the&nbsp;Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) will provide&nbsp;better insurance coverage for Indian workers abroad.</li></ul>

Measures to Strengthen India-Middle East Relations


<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Why is the Middle East important to India?</h3>The Middle East is crucial for India due to energy security, trade, and strategic partnerships. It supplies a significant portion of India’s crude oil and natural gas, serves as a major trade hub, and hosts millions of Indian expatriates who contribute through remittances.<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Why there is so much Indian diaspora in the Middle East?</h3>The Indian diaspora in the Middle East is large due to historical trade ties, employment opportunities, and geographic proximity. Millions of Indians migrated to work in sectors such as construction, healthcare, IT, and services, benefiting from strong labor demand in Gulf countries. Favorable migration policies and economic cooperation further support this workforce movement.<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">What countries are in the Middle East?&nbsp;</h3>The Middle East includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, and Turkey. The region is strategically located, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">What is the largest country in the Middle East?</h3>Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by land area, covering approximately 2.15 million square kilometers. It plays a key role in regional geopolitics, global oil markets, and Islamic heritage as the custodians of Mecca and Medina.

FAQs

Prelims PYQs:

Mains PYQ:



India-Middle East Relations: History, Trade, and Strategic Ties

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Early Years and International Recognition (1996–2005)</h3><ul><li>The first Aero India in&nbsp;1996 aimed at attracting foreign investments and showcasing India’s aerospace capabilities.</li><li>By the early 2000s, it gained recognition, drawing participation from global players like&nbsp;Russia, Israel, and the U.S.</li><li>India focused on&nbsp;technology transfer and collaborations, laying the foundation for indigenous aerospace development.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Strengthening Domestic Aerospace Capabilities (2005–2015)</h3><ul><li>This period saw&nbsp;increased international participation, with leading firms like&nbsp;Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Dassault Aviation, and Airbus entering India.</li><li>Major defence procurement deals included&nbsp;Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.</li><li>India also strengthened&nbsp;indigenous manufacturing, with HAL’s&nbsp;Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas gaining prominence.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">The Push for Self-Reliance (2015–Present)</h3><ul><li>Under&nbsp;‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, India accelerated its efforts in&nbsp;domestic defence production.</li><li>Aero India evolved into a&nbsp;showcase for India’s aerospace capabilities, attracting&nbsp;global investments and strategic partnerships.</li><li>Private sector participation in defence manufacturing increased, reducing dependence on foreign imports.</li></ul>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/articles/current-affairs-2025-indias-defence-modernisation-a-strategic-path-to-self-reliance-and-security">India's Defence Modernisation</a>

The Journey of Aero India: From Exhibition to Strategic Platform


Key Highlights of Aero India 2025


<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Drone Technologies</h3><ul><li>India is making significant strides in&nbsp;unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with DRDO and private firms developing&nbsp;high-end military drones.</li><li>Aero India 2025 will feature advancements in&nbsp;AI-driven UAVs,&nbsp;drone swarm technology, and&nbsp;autonomous surveillance aircraft.</li><li>These developments are crucial for India’s&nbsp;border security, reconnaissance missions, and modern warfare capabilities.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Warfare Technologies</h3><ul><li>AI integration in&nbsp;aerospace and defence is a growing focus area, with India investing in&nbsp;autonomous navigation, predictive maintenance, and AI-assisted combat decision-making.</li><li>Cyber warfare and electronic warfare (EW) technologies will be a major showcase, aligning with India’s efforts to&nbsp;strengthen digital security and cyber defence capabilities.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Next-Generation Air Defence Systems</h3><ul><li>India has been developing&nbsp;advanced missile defence systems, including the&nbsp;S-400 Triumf, DRDO’s&nbsp;XRSAM, and the indigenous&nbsp;Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme.</li><li>Aero India 2025 will provide insights into&nbsp;hypersonic missile technology and advanced&nbsp;radar-based early warning systems.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Role of Private Sector in Defence Manufacturing</h3><ul><li>The government’s push for&nbsp;greater private sector involvement under ‘Make in India’ has led to collaborations with leading firms like&nbsp;Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence.</li><li>Aero India will highlight their contributions in&nbsp;fighter jet components, defence electronics, and armoured vehicle production.</li></ul><h3>Promoting Start-ups and Innovation: The ‘Manthan’ Platform</h3><ul><li>‘Manthan’ is a dedicated&nbsp;innovation showcase for Indian defence start-ups.</li><li>Under the&nbsp;iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative, start-ups are developing solutions in&nbsp;cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).</li><li>This aligns with India's push to&nbsp;integrate AI and emerging technologies into defence.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Enhancing Visitor Engagement and Global Participation at the Aero India Show</h3><ul><li>Expected footfall:&nbsp;700,000+ visitors, including&nbsp;defence delegations, global aerospace firms, and policymakers.</li><li>Improvements in&nbsp;logistics, security, real-time monitoring, and an exclusive Aero India 2025 mobile application to enhance visitor experience.</li><li>Features&nbsp;live aerial displays, interactive defence tech seminars, and static aircraft exhibitions to offer deeper insights into global aerospace trends.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:91.45%;"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/219#august-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Banner_current_affairs_a1d8dba1e5.png" alt="Banner current affairs.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Banner_current_affairs_a1d8dba1e5.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Banner_current_affairs_a1d8dba1e5.png 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></a></figure>

Technological Showcases and Strategic Significance

<h4>Who organizes Aero India?</h4><ul><li>The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, organizes Aero India, with the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO) handling the event.</li></ul><h4>Which jets are in Aero India?</h4><ul><li>Aero India features jets like the Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, F-16, Gripen, Mirage 2000, and various drones and helicopters from global manufacturers.</li></ul><h4>Where is the best air shows?</h4><ul><li>Some of the best air shows include: Aero India (India), Paris Air Show (France), Farnborough Airshow (UK), Dubai Airshow (UAE), MAKS Air Show (Russia) and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (USA)</li></ul>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><ol><li><meta charset="utf-8">International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat. (2014/12.5M)</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Consider the following aircraft: (2024) 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1&nbsp;How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Aero India 2025

Mayuri

Significance of Tribal Communities in India

Challenges Faced by Tribal Communities

<ul><li><meta charset="utf-8">Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Grants individual and community forest rights.</li><li>PESA Act, 1996: Strengthens self-governance in tribal areas.</li><li>Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Quality education for tribal children.</li><li>Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (VDVY): Enhances tribal incomes through MFP value addition.</li><li>MSP for MFP: Ensures fair pricing for forest produce.</li><li>Tribal Health and Nutrition Portal – ‘Swasthya’: Digital platform tracking tribal health.</li></ul>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/articles/pm-juga-scheme">PM-JUGA</a>

Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare


Way Ahead

<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#AFF1C6;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Case Laws<ul><li>Samatha V. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997)- SC nullified all mining leases in Andhra Pradesh's Scheduled Areas and halted mining operations, affirming the right to livelihood as a key aspect of the right to life.</li></ul>Committees<ul><li>Xaxa Committee (2013) - Recommended that officials should be punished for the delayed implementation of FRA, 2006 or PESA, 1986.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Content Enrichment

What is National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)?<ul><li>NCST is a Constitutional body established under Article 338A by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.</li><li>It is responsible for safeguarding the rights of the Scheduled Tribes in India.</li></ul>Who notifies the Scheduled Tribes in India?&nbsp;<ul><li>The STs are notified by the President under Article 342(1) of the Constitution.</li></ul>Which is the largest tribe of India?<ul><li>Gond is the largest tribe of India with a population of 1.2 crore (2011 census).</li><li>They are concentrated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana &amp; Jharkhand.</li></ul>What is the PESA Act for Tribes?<ul><li>PESA Act refers to the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.</li><li>It empowers tribal communities by recognizing their customary rights &amp; self-governance in Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.</li></ul>

<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><ol><li>Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems (2021/10M).</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)<ol><li>PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.</li><li>A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.</li><li>There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.</li><li>Irula and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. &nbsp;</li></ol>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;A. 1, 2 and 3B. 2, 3 and 4C. 1, 2 and 4D. 1, 3 and 4&nbsp;Correct Answer: C</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

Ensuring Tribal Welfare

The industrial sector contributes ~30% of India's CO₂ emissions, with power, steel, cement, and refineries as key polluters. Despite net-zero by 2070 and a 500 GW renewable target by 2030, challenges like fossil fuel dependency, slow clean-tech adoption, and weak regulations persist.A comprehensive policy integrating carbon trading, green finance, and strict efficiency standards is crucial for India's low-carbon industrial transition.<figure class="image"><img alt="Carbon Tracker" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Carbon_Tracker_6a8740cec9.jpeg" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Carbon_Tracker_6a8740cec9.jpeg 232w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Carbon_Tracker_6a8740cec9.jpeg 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Carbon_Tracker_6a8740cec9.jpeg 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Carbon_Tracker_6a8740cec9.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Power Generation (Thermal Power Plants)</h3><ul><li>The&nbsp;power sector is the&nbsp;largest contributor to industrial CO₂ emissions, with&nbsp;coal-based thermal power plants generating ~70% of India’s electricity.</li><li>Coal combustion releases high levels of CO₂,&nbsp;sulfur oxides (SOₓ), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM2.5), causing severe air pollution and health hazards.</li><li>Despite mandates for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Flue%20Gas%20Desulfurization&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Flue Gas Desulfurization</a> (FGD) to control SO₂ emissions, implementation has been delayed due to financial constraints and regulatory leniency.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Iron and Steel Industry</h3><ul><li>India, the&nbsp;second-largest steel producer globally, relies heavily on&nbsp;coal-based blast furnaces, making the sector one of the&nbsp;highest carbon emitters.<ul><li>The steel industry emits&nbsp;~2.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel produced.</li><li>High costs of transitioning to&nbsp;green hydrogen-based steel production.</li><li>Slow adoption of energy-efficient technologies like&nbsp;electric arc furnaces due to high electricity tariffs.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Cement Industry</h3><ul><li>Cement production contributes&nbsp;~8% of global CO₂ emissions, mainly due to the&nbsp;calcination process, where limestone releases CO₂.<ul><li>High dependency on&nbsp;coal-based kilns for clinker production.</li><li>Limited adoption of&nbsp;low-carbon alternatives like fly ash-based cement.</li><li>High cost of&nbsp;carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Oil and Gas Industry (Refineries &amp; Petrochemicals)</h3><ul><li>The refining sector contributes significantly to&nbsp;methane leaks and CO₂ emissions, particularly in crude oil processing.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Fertilizer Industry</h3><ul><li>Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from fertilizer production contribute to&nbsp;global warming, with a climate impact&nbsp;300 times greater than CO₂.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr">Transport &amp; Automotive Industry</h3><ul><li>Road transport accounts for 12% of India's total CO₂ emissions, driven by rising vehicle ownership and increasing freight demand.</li></ul>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/articles/strengthening-environmental-governance-in-india">Strengthening India's Environmental Governance</a>

Major Emission-Intensive Industries in India


<h3>Heavy Reliance on Coal-Based Energy</h3><ul data-start="111" data-end="512"><li data-start="111" data-end="222">India's industrial sector depends significantly on coal for electricity and high-temperature processes.</li><li data-start="223" data-end="355">Sectors like steel, cement, and aluminum continue to use coal as it is the cheapest and most accessible fuel option.</li><li data-start="356" data-end="512">In November 2024, the government sanctioned 36 new coal projects to meet rising energy demands, highlighting continued reliance on fossil fuels.</li></ul><h3>High Cost of Clean Technologies</h3><ul data-start="560" data-end="1270"><li data-start="560" data-end="719">Transitioning to cleaner technologies like carbon capture, green hydrogen, and energy-efficient processes is slow due to high initial investment costs.</li><li data-start="720" data-end="822">Green hydrogen remains expensive at ₹350-400/kg, limiting its large-scale industrial adoption.</li><li data-start="823" data-end="925">MSMEs struggle with upfront capital investment, despite long-term savings from cleaner energy.</li><li data-start="926" data-end="1095">Technologies such as Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) in thermal plants and electrification of steel production remain underutilized due to financial constraints.</li><li data-start="1096" data-end="1270">Despite rapid growth in renewable energy, challenges like grid integration, transmission bottlenecks, and lack of industrial-scale storage hinder widespread adoption.</li></ul><h3>Weak Regulatory Enforcement and Policy Dilutions</h3><ul data-start="1335" data-end="1793"><li data-start="1335" data-end="1451">Environmental regulations are often delayed, diluted, or inconsistently implemented, weakening their impact.</li><li data-start="1452" data-end="1563">Industries exploit regulatory loopholes and compliance delays to avoid investing in clean technologies.</li><li data-start="1564" data-end="1682">Pollution control boards face limitations in monitoring and penalizing violations due to inadequate resources.<ul><li data-start="1683" data-end="1793">Example: The deadline for SO₂ emission compliance was extended to 2027, postponing clean air benefits.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Limited Financial Incentives for Decarbonization</h3><ul data-start="1858" data-end="2222"><li data-start="1858" data-end="2001">Though initiatives like PAT (Perform, Achieve, and Trade) and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/articles/carbon-markets">carbon trading markets</a> exist, industries lack adequate financial support.</li><li data-start="2002" data-end="2103">Green financing options remain scarce, and banks hesitate to invest due to uncertain returns.</li><li data-start="2104" data-end="2222">Low carbon credit prices (₹300-600 per tonne) provide insufficient incentives for industries to cut emissions.</li></ul><h3>Inefficiencies in Industrial Processes</h3><ul data-start="2277" data-end="2751"><li data-start="2277" data-end="2396">Many industries operate with outdated, inefficient machinery, leading to high energy consumption and emissions.</li><li data-start="2397" data-end="2480">Aging thermal power plants from the 1990s suffer from declining efficiency.</li><li data-start="2481" data-end="2597">Retrofitting old plants is costly, leading industries to prioritize production over efficiency improvements.</li><li data-start="2598" data-end="2751">Waste heat recovery, cogeneration, and low-carbon manufacturing techniques remain underutilized due to lack of awareness and technical expertise.</li></ul><h3>Slow Progress in Circular Economy &amp; Waste Management</h3><ul data-start="2820" data-end="3288"><li data-start="2820" data-end="2933">Industrial waste recycling and reuse remain underdeveloped, increasing raw material demand and emissions.</li><li data-start="2934" data-end="3063">Many industries fail to adopt circular economy principles, leading to excessive resource extraction and waste generation.</li><li data-start="3064" data-end="3185">India produces 4.43 million tons of hazardous waste annually, but only 71,833 tons are classified as incinerable.</li><li data-start="3186" data-end="3288">Only 21% of India's steel production is based on recycled scrap, limiting resource efficiency.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img alt="Circular Economy" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/Circular_Economy_3897e09800.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_Circular_Economy_3897e09800.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_Circular_Economy_3897e09800.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_Circular_Economy_3897e09800.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_Circular_Economy_3897e09800.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h3>Socioeconomic Trade-Offs in Industrial Decarbonization</h3><ul data-start="3359" data-end="3857"><li data-start="3359" data-end="3464">Balancing economic growth, job creation, and emission reduction presents a significant challenge.</li><li data-start="3465" data-end="3600">Emission-intensive industries serve as major employment generators, making strict environmental policies politically sensitive.</li><li data-start="3601" data-end="3707">A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Just%20Transition&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">just transition</a> framework is necessary to mitigate workforce resistance to cleaner technologies.</li><li data-start="3708" data-end="3857">Around 3.6 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the coal mining and power sectors, making the shift to clean energy complex.</li></ul>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-climate-change-catalyst-for-indias-green-economy-transition">Climate Change: Catalyst for India's Green Economy Transition</a>

Key Barriers to Industrial Emission Reduction in India


<h3>Strengthening Carbon Pricing and Emission Trading</h3><ul data-start="126" data-end="646"><li data-start="126" data-end="253">India should implement mandatory carbon pricing with stringent cap-and-trade regulations to ensure emissions reduction.</li><li data-start="254" data-end="390">Expanding the carbon credit trading scheme to more industries and integrating it with global markets will enhance effectiveness.</li><li data-start="391" data-end="509">Higher carbon pricing will encourage industries to adopt cleaner fuels, energy efficiency, and carbon capture.</li><li data-start="510" data-end="646">The government must enforce penalties for non-compliance to deter industries from paying low fines instead of cutting emissions.</li></ul><h3>Expanding Green Hydrogen and Biofuel Ecosystem</h3><ul data-start="709" data-end="1109"><li data-start="709" data-end="866">Scaling up green hydrogen production through policy incentives and public-private partnerships can decarbonize steel, cement, and fertilizer sectors.</li><li data-start="867" data-end="1015">Increasing biofuel and compressed biogas (CBG) adoption under the SATAT scheme will reduce fossil fuel dependence in transport and refining.</li><li data-start="1016" data-end="1109">These clean alternatives require low-cost financing to encourage industrial adoption.</li></ul><h3>Faster Adoption of Circular Economy in Manufacturing</h3><ul data-start="1178" data-end="1695"><li data-start="1178" data-end="1308">India must enforce strict Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for industries like steel, cement, textiles, and e-waste.</li><li data-start="1309" data-end="1440">Promoting industrial symbiosis, where waste from one industry is repurposed as raw material for another, can cut emissions.</li><li data-start="1441" data-end="1575">Setting material recovery targets under frameworks like ZED (Zero Defect, Zero Effect) will promote sustainable manufacturing.</li><li data-start="1576" data-end="1695">Establishing recycled material marketplaces will enhance supply chain efficiency and lower raw material demand.</li></ul><h3>Decarbonizing Thermal Power Plants through Rapid FGD and CCS Deployment</h3><ul data-start="1783" data-end="2316"><li data-start="1783" data-end="1941">India must enforce Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) installation in coal-fired power plants and accelerate Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) deployment.</li><li data-start="1942" data-end="2094">Setting up carbon utilization hubs to repurpose captured CO₂ for chemicals, synthetic fuels, and construction materials can improve feasibility.</li><li data-start="2095" data-end="2207">Retrofitting old coal plants with supercritical technology will increase efficiency and lower emissions.</li><li data-start="2208" data-end="2316">Incentivizing coal gasification and hybrid power models (coal + renewables) will aid the transition.</li></ul><h3>Strengthening Industrial Energy Efficiency Standards</h3><ul data-start="2385" data-end="2831"><li data-start="2385" data-end="2529">Expanding the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Perform%20Achieve%20and%20Trade%20(PAT)%20Scheme&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme</a> to cover more industries with sector-specific efficiency benchmarks is essential.</li><li data-start="2530" data-end="2671">Making Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliance mandatory for factories will boost adoption of energy-efficient solutions.</li><li data-start="2672" data-end="2831">MSMEs should receive subsidized access to energy-efficient machinery and digital monitoring tools under schemes like Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF).</li></ul><h3>Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption in Industries</h3><ul data-start="2900" data-end="3245"><li data-start="2900" data-end="3011">Industries must be incentivized to shift to captive solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy solutions.</li><li data-start="3012" data-end="3130">Expanding Open Access Renewable Energy Policies will allow industries to procure green power at lower tariffs.</li><li data-start="3131" data-end="3245">Faster battery storage deployment through viability gap funding will enhance renewable energy reliability.</li></ul><h3>Developing Low-Carbon Transport and Green Logistics</h3><ul data-start="3313" data-end="3787"><li data-start="3313" data-end="3422">To decarbonize freight transport, industries must transition to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.</li><li data-start="3423" data-end="3550">Enhancing the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and shifting goods movement to rail will significantly reduce emissions.</li><li data-start="3551" data-end="3675">Expanding green shipping initiatives and mandating zero-emission warehouses will further cut supply chain emissions.</li><li data-start="3676" data-end="3787">Rail electrification should be linked with industrial transport policies for a synchronized transition.</li></ul><h3>Ensuring Just Transition for Coal-Dependent Industries</h3><ul data-start="3858" data-end="4245"><li data-start="3858" data-end="3997">While shifting to clean energy, India must implement a Just Transition framework to protect coal-dependent workers and communities.</li><li data-start="3998" data-end="4107">A national Reskilling and Green Jobs Program can train workers in solar, hydrogen, and EV technology.</li><li data-start="4108" data-end="4245">Industrial zones should be repurposed into clean energy and sustainable manufacturing hubs to ensure regional economic stability.</li></ul><h3>Strengthening Waste-to-Energy and Industrial Waste Management</h3><ul data-start="4323" data-end="4791"><li data-start="4323" data-end="4453">Expanding waste-to-energy plants, bio-CNG production, and industrial waste valorization can cut methane and CO₂ emissions.</li><li data-start="4454" data-end="4567">Implementing zero landfill policies for large industries will push sectors toward closed-loop production.</li><li data-start="4568" data-end="4689">Incentivizing biodegradable alternatives and chemical recycling in plastic-heavy industries will lower emissions.</li><li data-start="4690" data-end="4791">Industries should be required to use certified green packaging to reduce waste at the source.</li></ul><figure class="image"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/165#-content-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="image (6).png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/image_6_7f69f19a65.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_image_6_7f69f19a65.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_image_6_7f69f19a65.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_image_6_7f69f19a65.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_image_6_7f69f19a65.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>

Way Forward: Key Solutions for Industrial Decarbonization in India


<figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#AFF1C6;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Case Laws<ul><li>M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986) - The Supreme Court held that Right to a pollution-free environment was a fundamental right under the Constitution of India.</li></ul>Committees<ul><li>Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats (2015) - The report recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal power projects.</li></ul>Case Studies<ul><li>Japan's Top Runner Program establishes efficiency benchmarks for appliances, ensuring continuous improvements in energy performance.</li></ul>Quotes on Environment<ul><li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">"We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it." - Barack Obama.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

What are the three types of emissions?<ul><li>Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by an entity (e.g., fuel combustion in industries).</li><li>Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, or heat.</li><li>Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the entire value chain, including raw materials, logistics, and product use.</li></ul>How do industrial emissions affect climate change?<ul><li>Industries release CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, which trap heat in the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and worsening climate extremes.</li></ul>What is the largest source of emissions in India?<ul><li>The energy sector, mainly due to fossil fuel combustion, is the highest emitter, contributing significantly to CO₂ emissions.</li></ul>What is the most polluting industry?<ul><li>The fossil fuel-based energy sector is the most polluting, as coal, oil, and gas combustion releases large amounts of greenhouse gases.</li></ul>

<figure class="table" style="width:99.96%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><ol><li>Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? (2013/10M).</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<figure class="table" style="width:99.96%;"><table class="ck-table-resized" style="background-color:#ead1dc;border-collapse:collapse;border-style:solid;table-layout:fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt;"><td style="border-color:#000000;border-width:1pt;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:hidden;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><ol><li>According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of Sulphur dioxide emissions? (2024)&nbsp;</li></ol>A. Locomotives using fossil fuelsB. Ships using fossil fuelsC. Extraction of metals from oresD. Power plants using fossil fuels&nbsp;Correct Answer: D&nbsp;2. With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: (2021)<ol><li>It is a product of oil refineries.</li><li>Some industries use it to generate power.</li><li>Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. &nbsp;</li></ol>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3&nbsp;Correct Answer: D</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;Ace your Prelims preparation🚀<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/pyq?subject=All+Subjects&amp;topics=&amp;year=all&amp;filter=All+questions">Practice unlimited year-wise, subject-wise PYQs here</a>.

Reducing Industrial Emissions in India

Why in News?


<h3 data-start="0" data-end="52">Employment Growth &amp; Livelihood Enhancement</h3><ul data-start="53" data-end="481"><li data-start="53" data-end="162">MSMEs are a key provider of non-farm employment, particularly for semi-skilled and unskilled workers.</li><li data-start="163" data-end="284">Digitalization and fintech have expanded micro-enterprises’ access to financial markets and growth opportunities.</li><li data-start="285" data-end="393">PM Vishwakarma &amp; Mudra Yojana (₹5.41 lakh crore sanctioned in FY24) have encouraged self-employment.</li><li data-start="394" data-end="481">Over 1 crore registered MSMEs collectively employ around 7.5 crore individuals.</li></ul><h3 data-start="483" data-end="532">GDP Contribution &amp; Industrial Expansion</h3><ul data-start="533" data-end="832"><li data-start="533" data-end="634">MSMEs play a crucial role in driving industrial growth and strengthening local supply chains.</li><li data-start="635" data-end="736">Udyam portal registrations (4 crore MSMEs as of March 2024) indicate increased formalization.</li><li data-start="737" data-end="832">MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to GDP and account for 45% of India's manufacturing output.</li></ul><h3 data-start="834" data-end="888">Enhancing Exports &amp; Foreign Exchange Revenue</h3><ul data-start="889" data-end="1152"><li data-start="889" data-end="987">MSMEs serve global markets, excelling in textiles, leather, and engineering goods exports.</li><li data-start="988" data-end="1070">GeM &amp; PLI schemes facilitate MSME participation in global supply networks.</li><li data-start="1071" data-end="1152">MSME-driven exports comprised 45.73% of India’s total exports in 2023-24.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1154" data-end="1209">Accelerating Digital &amp; Technological Adoption</h3><ul data-start="1210" data-end="1685"><li data-start="1210" data-end="1318">MSMEs are embracing AI, automation, and digital payments, transitioning into tech-driven businesses.</li><li data-start="1319" data-end="1406">ONDC &amp; ₹1 lakh crore innovation fund (Budget 2024) push digital transformation.</li><li data-start="1407" data-end="1509">72% of MSME transactions are now digital, improving credit access through RBI’s tech platform.</li><li data-start="1510" data-end="1685">MSME-led aerospace &amp; pharma ventures (e.g., Boeing collaboration in Tamil Nadu, ₹2,000 crore Aragen Life Sciences investment in Hyderabad) foster high-tech innovation.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1687" data-end="1734">Empowering Women &amp; Social Enterprises</h3><ul data-start="1735" data-end="2009"><li data-start="1735" data-end="1822">Women-owned MSMEs are advancing gender inclusion and economic self-sufficiency.</li><li data-start="1823" data-end="1928">Mudra Yojana has sanctioned ₹32.36 lakh crore for 51.41 crore loans, with 68% allocated to women.</li><li data-start="1929" data-end="2009">Women entrepreneurs now constitute 20.5% of MSME registrations on Udyam.</li></ul><h3 data-start="2011" data-end="2071">Boosting Rural Industries &amp; Agro-Based Enterprises</h3><ul data-start="2072" data-end="2356"><li data-start="2072" data-end="2144">Rural MSMEs generate local employment, reducing urban migration.</li><li data-start="2145" data-end="2245">PM Vishwakarma (₹13,000 crore) &amp; SRI Fund (₹50,000 crore) are expanding rural manufacturing.</li><li data-start="2246" data-end="2356">Animal Husbandry Credit Guarantee Scheme (2023) offers collateral-free loans to livestock-based MSMEs.</li></ul><h3 data-start="2358" data-end="2404">Promoting Sustainable &amp; Green Growth</h3><ul data-start="2405" data-end="2629" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><li data-start="2405" data-end="2498">MSMEs are key players in clean energy adoption and eco-friendly industrial practices.</li><li data-start="2499" data-end="2629" data-is-last-node="">RAMP initiative (World Bank-backed) and Telangana MSME Policy (₹4,000 crore) encourage sustainability-focused enterprises.</li></ul>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-pm-gati-shakti-national-master-plan">PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan</a>

The Role of MSMEs in India’s Economic Growth


<h3 data-start="0" data-end="54">Financial Constraints &amp; Credit Accessibility</h3><ul data-start="55" data-end="514"><li data-start="55" data-end="152">MSMEs face credit shortages due to strict collateral norms and cautious lending by banks.</li><li data-start="153" data-end="243">Dependence on informal borrowing increases operational expenses and limits growth.</li><li data-start="244" data-end="342">Government schemes exist, but slow disbursement and limited awareness reduce their impact.</li><li data-start="343" data-end="421">Despite CGTMSE expansion, only 20% of MSMEs have formal credit access.</li><li data-start="422" data-end="514">Payment delays, amounting to ₹10.7 lakh crore, lead to severe cash flow disruptions.</li></ul><h3 data-start="516" data-end="567">Regulatory Complexity &amp; Compliance Burden</h3><ul data-start="568" data-end="872"><li data-start="568" data-end="668">MSMEs grapple with excessive regulations, high compliance costs, and frequent policy shifts.</li><li data-start="669" data-end="768">Overlapping laws on labor, taxation, and the environment create administrative bottlenecks.</li><li data-start="769" data-end="872">The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the need for regulatory simplification to support MSMEs.</li></ul><h3 data-start="874" data-end="923">Workforce Shortages &amp; Technological Lag</h3><ul data-start="924" data-end="1244"><li data-start="924" data-end="1020">MSMEs struggle with a lack of skilled labor, hampering productivity and competitiveness.</li><li data-start="1021" data-end="1098">Many rely on outdated technology, limiting automation and efficiency.</li><li data-start="1099" data-end="1159">Only 6% of MSMEs use e-commerce platforms for sales.</li><li data-start="1160" data-end="1244">A survey found that 45% of MSMEs have incorporated AI into their operations.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1246" data-end="1303">Infrastructure Deficiencies &amp; Logistics Hurdles</h3><ul data-start="1304" data-end="1576"><li data-start="1304" data-end="1389">Poor transport networks and high logistics costs weaken MSME competitiveness.</li><li data-start="1390" data-end="1475">Power supply inconsistencies and rising electricity costs disrupt production.</li><li data-start="1476" data-end="1576">Limited industrial clusters outside major states restrict nationwide and global integration.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1578" data-end="1623">Market Challenges &amp; Export Barriers</h3><ul data-start="1624" data-end="1878"><li data-start="1624" data-end="1708">MSMEs struggle with branding, export incentives, and quality certifications.</li><li data-start="1709" data-end="1785">High logistics expenses (14-18% of GDP) reduce cost competitiveness.</li><li data-start="1786" data-end="1878">Weak integration into global value chains (GVCs) limits international market access.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1880" data-end="1929">Low Awareness of Government Initiatives</h3><ul data-start="1930" data-end="2198"><li data-start="1930" data-end="2009">Many MSMEs fail to utilize government schemes due to limited awareness.</li><li data-start="2010" data-end="2101">Cumbersome application processes and bureaucratic hurdles discourage participation.</li><li data-start="2102" data-end="2198">While ₹2.57 lakh crore was sanctioned under Mudra Yojana, many MSMEs remain underserved.</li></ul><h3 data-start="2200" data-end="2262">Sustainability &amp; Environmental Compliance Challenges</h3><ul data-start="2263" data-end="2613"><li data-start="2263" data-end="2360">MSMEs face difficulties in meeting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=ESG%20(Environmental%2C%20Social%2C%20and%20Governance)&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs"> ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)</a> standards.</li><li data-start="2361" data-end="2466">Indian MSMEs contribute 110 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, highlighting sustainability concerns.</li><li data-start="2467" data-end="2537">High costs of green technology deter eco-friendly transitions.</li><li data-start="2538" data-end="2613">Europe’s Carbon Border Tax poses a threat to India's steel exports.</li></ul><h3 data-start="2615" data-end="2668">Informality &amp; Limited Institutional Support</h3><ul data-start="2669" data-end="2989" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><li data-start="2669" data-end="2773">A significant number of MSMEs remain unregistered, restricting access to finance and incentives.</li><li data-start="2774" data-end="2882">Informal MSMEs lack financial inclusion, making it harder to secure structured credit and insurance.</li><li data-start="2883" data-end="2989" data-is-last-node="">Without formal labor contracts, many workers miss out on social security benefits like ESI and PF.</li></ul><figure class="image"><a href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/library/article/165#-content-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img alt="image (6).png" src="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/image_6_194440d8cf.png" srcset="https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/thumbnail_image_6_194440d8cf.png 245w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/small_image_6_194440d8cf.png 500w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/medium_image_6_194440d8cf.png 750w, https://d2ys2jeehmmmwr.cloudfront.net/large_image_6_194440d8cf.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></a></figure>&nbsp;Read This Article Here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://superkalam.com/current-affairs/article/current-affairs-2024-building-rural-resilience-a-roadmap-for-sustainable-growth-in-india">Building Rural Resilience: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth in India</a>

Key Challenges Hindering MSME Growth


<h3 data-start="0" data-end="62">Enhancing Formal Credit Access &amp; Financial Stability</h3><ul data-start="63" data-end="435"><li data-start="63" data-end="146">Expand collateral-free loans through fintech platforms and digital lending.</li><li data-start="147" data-end="215">Strengthen Mudra Yojana &amp; CGTMSE for improved risk coverage.</li><li data-start="216" data-end="317">Establish an MSME Credit Monitoring Cell to track loan delays and promote factoring services.</li><li data-start="318" data-end="435">Mandate strict payment timelines under MSME Samadhan and integrate <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Trade%20Receivables%20Discounting%20System%20(TReDS)&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Trade Receivables Discounting System</a> (TReDS) with GeM for faster settlements.</li></ul><h3 data-start="757" data-end="814">Expanding Market Reach &amp; Global Competitiveness</h3><ul data-start="815" data-end="1155"><li data-start="815" data-end="908">Promote export-oriented MSMEs through FTAs and integration into global supply chains.</li><li data-start="909" data-end="994">Expand <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dashboard.superkalam.com/chat?hl=chatbox-send-btn&amp;q=Production%20Linked%20Incentive%20(PLI)&amp;utm_source=PDF&amp;utm_medium=button&amp;utm_campaign=Current-Affairs-Blogs">Production Linked Incentive</a> (PLI) schemes &amp; cluster-based development for stronger local industries.</li><li data-start="995" data-end="1068">Improve ONDC &amp; GeM integration to boost e-commerce participation.</li><li data-start="1069" data-end="1155">Provide subsidized branding &amp; certification support for international markets.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1157" data-end="1213">Driving Digital &amp; Technological Transformation</h3><ul data-start="1214" data-end="1584"><li data-start="1214" data-end="1283">Facilitate AI, IoT, &amp; automation adoption via MSME tech hubs.</li><li data-start="1284" data-end="1347">Integrate Udyam &amp; ONDC for seamless digital onboarding.</li><li data-start="1348" data-end="1438">Launch Digital MSME 2.0 for cybersecurity, cloud access, and e-commerce expansion.</li><li data-start="1439" data-end="1517">Expand Skill India &amp; PM Vishwakarma to offer sector-specific training.</li><li data-start="1518" data-end="1584">Establish MSME Apprenticeship Hubs in industrial clusters.</li></ul><h3 data-start="1586" data-end="1647">Addressing Raw Material Costs &amp; Supply Chain Issues</h3><ul data-start="1648" data-end="1948"><li data-start="1648" data-end="1704">Develop raw material banks to stabilize pricing.</li><li data-start="1705" data-end="1770">Promote domestic manufacturing under Atma Nirbhar Bharat.</li><li data-start="1771" data-end="1855">Strengthen warehousing &amp; logistics parks for efficient inventory management.</li><li data-start="1856" data-end="1948">Implement cluster-based procurement models and promote bulk-buying cooperatives.</li></ul><h3 data-start="2739" data-end="2791">Empowering Women &amp; Social Entrepreneurship</h3><ul data-start="2792" data-end="3149"><li data-start="2792" data-end="2865">Provide higher credit guarantee for women-led MSMEs under CGTMSE.</li><li data-start="2866" data-end="2942">Expand Mudra Yojana’s women entrepreneur fund for financial support.</li><li data-start="2943" data-end="3011">Link SHGs with MSME clusters for better financial inclusion.</li><li data-start="3012" data-end="3094">Encourage co-working spaces &amp; mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs.</li><li data-start="3095" data-end="3149">Improve GeM access for women-owned businesses.</li></ul><h3 data-start="3151" data-end="3206">Enhancing MSME Resilience &amp; Crisis Management</h3><ul data-start="3207" data-end="3507"><li data-start="3207" data-end="3274">Develop an MSME Disaster Recovery Fund for economic shocks.</li><li data-start="3275" data-end="3347">Strengthen insurance schemes to cover pandemic-like disruptions.</li><li data-start="3348" data-end="3422">Implement flexible credit restructuring policies during downturns.</li><li data-start="3423" data-end="3507">Promote alternative credit sources like crowdfunding &amp; peer-to-peer lending.</li></ul>

Policy Measures to Strengthen MSMEs


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