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Category: Current Affairs

  • Elderly Care in India: Challenges & Support Systems

    Elderly Care in India: Challenges & Support Systems

    India’s elderly population will hit 300M by 2050. Explore challenges in healthcare, pensions, abuse, and policies, and the way forward for robust elderly care.

    Context:

    The traditional Indian family structure, often romanticised in the West as a self-sufficient unit for elderly care, is undergoing a seismic shift. India faces a daunting challenge as it prepares for a massive demographic transition, with its senior citizen population projected to reach 300 million by 2050.

    What is the status of the elderly in India?

    According to the UN World Population Ageing Report and India’s own data, the country is ageing rapidly:

    • Rapid Growth: India’s population of senior citizens (aged 60 and above) is one of the largest in the world and is growing at an unprecedented rate. It is projected to reach 300 million by 2050, (20% of the total population).
    • Feminisation of Ageing: Women tend to outlive men, leading to a higher proportion of elderly women, many of whom are widowed and financially dependent.
    • Ruralisation of Ageing: ~70% of the elderly population resides in rural areas (Census 2011), where access to healthcare and social security is even more limited.
    • Economic Dependency: A large section of the elderly is not part of the formal economy and lacks pension benefits, making them financially vulnerable and dependent on their families.
    Elderly Care in India
    Status of the elderly in India

    What are the challenges faced by the elderly, state, and society?

    • For the Elderly:
        • Financial Insecurity: Lack of regular pension, inadequate savings, and rising healthcare costs lead to economic dependence and poverty.
        • Health Issues: High prevalence of age-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like dementia, cardiovascular issues, and arthritis. Dementia India Alliance estimates ~9 million people with dementia, with care costs expected to triple by 2036. 
    • Lack of Healthcare Infrastructure: Elderly populations, with pre-existing health conditions and weaker immunity, face heightened vulnerability during pandemics along with the lack of accessible healthcare infrastructure.
        • Social Isolation: Migration of children, loss of spouse, and the breakdown of community ties lead to loneliness, depression, and mental health issues, further exacerbated by digital divide. 
        • Elder Abuse: Vulnerability to physical (Senicides), emotional, and financial abuse, often within families or by untrained caregivers.
        • Lack of Old Age Homes: According to NITI Aayog, old age homes are present in less than 500 districts across the country.
    • For the State and Society:
      • Healthcare Burden: Strain on the public health system to provide affordable, specialised, and long-term geriatric care.
      • Fiscal Pressure: Designing and funding sustainable pension schemes and social security nets for a massive population.
      • Interstate Variation: Southern and Western states are ageing faster with larger elderly populations, while Central and Northeastern states remain relatively younger, creating uneven policy and resource challenges.
      • Unregulated Care Sector: The private home-care and nursing home industry is largely unregulated, leading to variable quality, exploitation, and abuse.
      • Workforce Shortage: A severe lack of trained geriatric caregivers, nurses, and medical professionals specialising in elderly care.
      • Gendered Care Burden: Responsibility for elder care within families is mostly taken up by daughters, leaving them doubly burdened with domestic and caregiving roles.

    What measures have been taken by the state? 

    Constitutional provisions like Art 41 and Art 47 mandate the state to cater to the elderly section. 

      • National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC):
        It aims to create an ecosystem where senior citizens can age gracefully and live a life of dignity addressing their current and emerging needs.
    • Health:
        • National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Aims to provide dedicated healthcare facilities at district and regional levels.
        • Ayushman Bharat-Vayo Mitra: Provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. However, it does not cover critical long-term costs like home-based care, nursing homes, or palliative care.
        • Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana: Caters to BPL elderly with assisting devices. 
    • Financial Security:
        • Atal Pension Scheme: Caters to unorganised sector (vendors and daily wage earners). 
        • Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): A pension scheme for seniors offered by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).
        • Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS): A savings instrument offering higher interest rates for those above 60 and tax exemption on investments made (tax applicable on Interests gained).
    • Support & Community:
      • Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: Makes it a legal obligation for children to provide maintenance to parents and provides for the establishment of Old Age Homes.
      • Elder Line (14567): A national helpline for senior citizens to address non-emergency cases related to care and support.
      • Home Voting Facility: Special provision for elderly citizens above 85 years of age, benefitting nearly 80 lakh voters across the country.
      • SACRED Portal: Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) connects skilled elderly citizens with employment opportunities; also promotes Elderly SHGs.
      • SAGE Initiative: Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) provides a single platform for credible start-ups offering products and services for elderly care.

    What more needs to be done?

    • Regulate the Care Economy: Establish a regulatory framework for nursing homes and home-care agencies, mandating standards, training, and certification for caregivers.
    • Geriatric Training: Integrate geriatric care into the curriculum of medical, nursing, and para-medical courses to build a skilled workforce.
    • Promote Financial Literacy & Products: Encourage financial planning for old age and develop more innovative and accessible pension and annuity products.
    • Community-Based Models: Develop and support community day-care centers, helplines, and support groups to combat isolation and provide respite for families (e.g. Manavlok community kitchen (Maharashtra), ‘Sponsor a Grandparent’ scheme by Abhoy Mission in (Tripura)).
    • Formal Health Pathways: Establish systematic linkages between households and public health facilities for routine health screening and referral services.
    • Affordable Care Packages: Encourage hospitals to design special, subsidised healthcare packages tailored to elderly needs.
    • Elder-Friendly Infrastructure: Ensure urban design, public buildings, transport, and civic amenities are accessible and elderly friendly.
    • Elderly SHGs: Integrate senior citizens’ Self-Help Groups with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission to provide income and social engagement opportunities.
    • Awareness Drives: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness of legal safeguards—currently, only 12% of the elderly know about the Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (LASI Survey).
    • CSR Engagement: Channelise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds into elderly care initiatives such as healthcare, skill development, and community support systems.

    How do the elderly stand to benefit the nation?

    The elderly are not just a dependent demographic but a vast reservoir of human and social capital:

    • Longevity Dividend: Longer life expectancy translates into higher output per hour worked, per worker, and per capita.
    • Employment in Skill-Shortage Sectors: Older workers help fill gaps in sectors with labor shortages (e.g., Japan’s initiatives to employ seniors)
    • Social & Emotional Support: Strengthens family structures by providing guidance and emotional stability. They provide crucial childcare support, enabling their children to participate in the workforce, thus boosting the economy.
    • Knowledge Retention: Preserves critical skills, expertise, and continuity in traditional industries like craftsmanship.
    • Custodians of Culture: Safeguard traditions, languages, and historical knowledge for future generations.
    • Driving Innovation & Silver Economy: Their presence boosts economic diversification and creates markets targeting older populations.
    • Political & Civic Wisdom: Offer balanced perspectives in governance, policymaking, and community leadership.

    A robust elderly care system is not an expense but an investment that creates a virtuous cycle of economic stability, social cohesion, and intergenerational well-being.

     

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  • Moplah Revolt (1921): Agrarian Struggle Beyond Religion

    Moplah Revolt (1921): Agrarian Struggle Beyond Religion

    Explore the Moplah Revolt of 1921 in Malabar—agrarian roots, Khilafat link, leaders, British repression, communal fallout, and its lasting impact on India’s freedom struggle.

    Context:

    A new book release “Musaliar King” by Abbas Panakkal, sheds light on the Malabar Revolt, an important but often overlooked resistance movement in Kerala. It re-examines the Malabar Revolt’s significance, not just as a local peasant outburst, but as a part of the broader freedom struggle.

    What was the Event of Moplah Revolt?

    The Moplah Revolt broke out in August 1921 in Malabar, present-day Kerala. 

    • Who vs Who: Tenants (mainly Mappilas Muslims and some Thiyyas) vs Janmi landlords (mostly upper-caste Hindus) and British forces.
    • Time & Place: August 1921 – February 1922; concentrated in Malabar region.
    • Severity: Around 10,000 killed, tens of thousands imprisoned, forced conversions, property destruction, and massive British reprisals (notably the Wagon Tragedy).

    How Did the Regional Landscape Shape the Revolt?

    • Historical Resistance

        • Malabar had a long tradition of anti-colonial struggle, including Zamorin-led defiance and memories of Tipu Sultan.
        • Hindu–Muslim collaboration in defending local kings created a tradition of syncretic resistance.

    • Hindu–Muslim Collaboration and Fracture

        • Initially, many lower-caste Hindus (Cherumans, Thiyyas) joined Mappilas against landlords. R.N. Hitchcock (Police Superintendent, Malabar) acknowledged Hindu participation in Valluvanad.
        • However, British repression and propaganda communalised the movement, highlighting forced conversions and property destruction, driving a wedge between communities.

    • Zamindar–Peasant Divide

      • The revolt starkly revealed the Janmi (landlord) vs Verumpattakar (tenant) faultline.
      • Congress leaders (largely upper-caste landlords) failed to support peasants fully, creating a vacuum later filled by Communists and Muslim League.

    • Emergence of Malayala Rajyam:

      Ali Musaliar and Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji established parallel peasant rule, collecting revenue and administering villages, showcasing a vision of alternative governance free from colonial authority.

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    Who were the prominent leaders of the resistance?

      • Ali Musaliar (Uppapa): Revered as a spiritual and political leader of the 1921 uprising, he was labelled ‘Ali Raji’ of Tirurangadi by the British. His leadership gave a unifying religious and anti-colonial thrust.
      • Variakunnath Kunjahammed Haji – Joined the Khilafat agitation and became the unquestioned leader of the movement. His execution in January 1922, marked the end of the rebellion. 
    • Seethi Koya Thangal – Another leader who set himself up as ‘King of Mannarghat.
    • Associated Congress leaders: K. Madhavan Nair, U. Gopala Menon, Moideen Koya
    Moplah Revolt
    Variakunnath Kunjahammed Haji
    Moplah Revolt
    Ali Musaliar (Uppapa)

    [/stextbox]

    What Factors Caused the Revolt?

    • Agrarian Exploitation

        • The Janmi–Kanakkaran–Verumpattakar system, a hierarchical traditional land tenure system, created multiple intermediaries between the landowner and the cultivator, with each level receiving a share of the land’s produce, leading to economic inequalities. 
        • High renewal fees, arbitrary evictions, and rack-renting (noted in the Malabar District Collector Innes Report, 1915) worsened peasant misery.
        • Moplah peasants (tenants-at-will), along with Thiyyas, faced disproportionate exploitation.

    • Colonial Land Policies

        • The British reinstated Hindu landlords post-1792, reversing gains made under Tipu Sultan.
        • The Moplah Outrages Act (1855) criminalised their protests.
        • Weak implementation of the Malabar Tenants Improvements Act (1887) failed to protect tenants (as noted in Logan’s Malabar Manual).

    • Political Movements

        • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Malabar District Congress Committee at Manjeri demanded tenancy reforms.
        • Khilafat Movement: Mobilised Muslim peasants around pan-Islamist solidarity; merged with agrarian discontent.

    • Immediate Triggers

      • Rumour of mosque desecration at Tirurangadi (Aug 1921) by British troops, which transformed discontent into violence.
      • Arrest of Khilafat leaders → direct confrontation.

    Thus, the revolt was a product of structural agrarian oppression + political awakening under nationalist and Khilafat campaigns + immediate colonial provocation.

    What Were the Impacts of the Moplah Revolt?

    • Human and Material Loss

        • Over 10,000 lives lost, widespread displacement, and property destruction
        • Wagon Tragedy (1921): 67 Moplah prisoners suffocated in a railway carriage en route to prison.

    • Political Consequences

        • Congress Weakening: Failure to defend peasants alienated Mappilas; loss of Muslim support in Malabar.
        • Rise of CPI: Communist Party tapped peasant radicalism in the 1930s–40s, framing it in class struggle.
        • Muslim League Growth: Gained ground by mobilising identity politics where Congress failed.

    • Legislative Reforms

        • The Malabar Tenancy Act, 1929 introduced limited tenancy rights and rent protections, under pressure from the rebellion’s legacy.

    • Communal Fallout

        • The British highlighted communal aspects (forced conversions, Hindu deaths) to divide Hindus and Muslims.
        • Left a shadow of mistrust in Kerala’s Hindu–Muslim relations, though later Communist land reforms (1950s) mitigated divisions.

    • Anti-Colonial Legacy

      • Demonstrated how agrarian discontent could converge with pan-Indian nationalist and religious movements.
      • Inspired later movements where peasants became central to freedom struggles (e.g., Telangana Peasant Revolt, 1946).

    What was the Character of the Event?

    The nature of the Moplah Revolt has remained deeply contested in historiography:

      • Colonial View: British officials classified it as a communal riot or “fanatical outbreak,” seeking to delegitimise it. Terms like Moplah Outrages were deliberately used.
    • Nationalist Historians: Historians like Bipan Chandra and Sumit Sarkar view it as a peasant uprising driven by agrarian discontent and opposition to landlords.
    • Left Historians (E.M.S. Namboodiripad): Highlighted agrarian oppression but acknowledged Khilafat’s influence.
    • Recent Scholarship (Abbas Panakkal, 2021): Demonstrates it was a fusion of agrarian, religious, and anti-colonial factors, with Hindu–Muslim solidarity initially strong but later fractured under British suppression and communal rhetoric.

    Thus, its character cannot be narrowly reduced—it was a multi-dimensional revolt shaped agrarian grievances, religious mobilisation, and anti-colonial aspirations.

    How Does It Compare with North India?

    Unlike Malabar, Muslims in North India during the Khilafat era largely participated through political mobilisation (meetings, petitions, protests) but did not combine it with agrarian revolt. Reasons:

    • North Indian Muslims were more urbanised and tied to ashraf leadership, less to tenant struggles.
    • Agrarian structures in UP and Bihar were different, with zamindari but not tenancy insecurity of Malabar’s intensity.
    • Thus, Malabar Moplahs uniquely fused Khilafat with agrarian class struggle, creating one of the fiercest peasant uprisings in colonial India.

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  • Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in India

    Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in India

    Explore why India’s out-of-pocket health spending remains high despite claims of decline, its impact on poverty, and reforms to reduce household burden.

    Context

    Healthcare in India has long been characterised by high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Despite official claims that OOPE is declining, ground-level evidence suggests the opposite: households are increasingly bearing the brunt of healthcare costs. This paradox points to deeper issues in data collection, public funding, and the design of India’s health financing systems.

    What is Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)?

    Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) refers to direct payments made by households at the point of receiving healthcare services, without reimbursement from the state or insurance. These payments typically cover:

    • Doctor’s fees

    • Medicines and diagnostics

    • Hospitalisation and procedures

    • Emergency care

    According to the National Health Accounts (NHA) 2021-22, OOPE constituted 40% of total health expenditure, down from 64% in 2013-14. While this may appear as a major achievement, OOPE continues to dominate household health financing in India.

    Globally, the contrast is stark. In most OECD countries, government expenditure is the backbone of healthcare financing, with OOPE accounting for less than 20% of the total. India’s reliance on households reflects weak public investment.

    What’s the hard truth behind the decline?

    The NHA reports suggest a steep fall in OOPE. However, a closer look reveals methodological and contextual limitations:

    1. Survey Dependence

    • NHA relies heavily on the National Sample Survey (NSS) 75th round (2017-18).

    • Later estimates are extrapolations adjusted only for inflation, ignoring structural shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

    2. Contradictory Evidence

    • The Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) 2022-23 shows OOPE as a share of household consumption has risen:

      • Rural: from 5.5% to 5.9%

      • Urban: from 6.9% to 7.1%

    • This indicates healthcare has become more expensive, not less.

    3. COVID-19 Distress

    • The CMIE Consumer Pyramids Household Survey recorded a V-shaped surge in OOPE during the pandemic, reflecting spikes in costs for hospitalisation, medicines, and oxygen.

    • NHA reports, however, fail to capture this shock.

    4. National Income Accounts (NIA) Evidence

    • NIA data shows a steady rise in household health spending as a share of GDP.

    • This directly contradicts NHA’s claims of decline.

    5. Reporting Gaps

    • Many households underreport ailments or avoid hospitalisation due to costs.

    • This artificially lowers recorded OOPE in surveys, even as actual financial distress rises.

    Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in India

    What are the implications of high OOPE?

    High OOPE leads to catastrophic consequences:

    1. Poverty Trap

    • The Economic Survey 2018-19 revealed that nearly 6 crore Indians are pushed below the poverty line every year due to health expenditures.

    • This creates a vicious cycle of ill health and poverty.

    2. Distress Financing

    • Families borrow money, sell assets, or cut down on essentials like food and education.

    • Women are forced into additional wage work, while children often drop out of school.

    3. Regional Inequities

    • As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), states with weak public health infrastructure (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh) report disproportionately high OOPE.

    • Wealthier states with better facilities show relatively lower OOPE burdens.

    4. Global Comparison

    • According to WHO, India’s public health expenditure (1.8% of GDP in 2021-22) is far below the LMIC average (~6%).

    • This underinvestment shifts costs to households, widening inequities.

    How Can India Reduce OOPE?

    1. Enhance Public Spending

    • The National Health Policy 2017 recommends raising Government Health Expenditure (GHE) to 3% of GDP.

    • This could lower OOPE to 30% of total health expenditure.

    2. Strengthen Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY

    • Coverage: 50 crore people, but many gaps remain.

    • Issues: Low awareness, limited empanelment of private hospitals, and exclusions of outpatient care.

    • Needed: Expanded coverage, timely reimbursements, and greater private sector participation.

    3. Expand Primary Care Infrastructure

    • Strengthening Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) is key to reducing costly hospitalisation.

    • Early detection and outpatient treatment can prevent catastrophic spending.

    4. Regulate Prices of Medicines and Diagnostics

    • The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) must strictly enforce price caps.

    • Generic medicine availability through Jan Aushadhi Kendras should be scaled up.

    5. Improve Health Insurance Penetration

    • Beyond PM-JAY, private health insurance penetration remains low.

    • Affordable, inclusive insurance models are needed for the middle-income segment.

    6. Strengthen Data Credibility

    • Robust health expenditure tracking is essential.

    • Integration of NSS, CES, NIA, and CMIE data sources could yield more realistic OOPE estimates.

    The Way Forward

    India’s healthcare financing system is at a crossroads. While official reports project optimism, independent surveys reveal a growing burden on households. Unless India:

    • raises public spending,

    • strengthens health insurance and primary care, and

    • enforces drug price regulation,

    OOPE will continue to push millions into poverty each year.

    Reducing OOPE is not just about lowering costs—it is about ensuring equity, dignity, and access to healthcare as a fundamental right.

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  • CAG’s AI & Remote Auditing: Digital Accountability

    CAG’s AI & Remote Auditing: Digital Accountability

    Explore how CAG’s AI, remote audits, and digital platforms enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen accountability in India’s fiscal governance.

    CAG’s AI & Remote Auditing: Digital Accountability

    Context

    India’s governance landscape is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. At the heart of this shift stands the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, the constitutional authority responsible for auditing public finances and ensuring accountability in government expenditure. In 2025, the CAG has embarked on pioneering reforms using Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote auditing, and digital platforms, positioning itself as a global leader in next-generation public audit practices.

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    Role of the CAG

    Before examining the reforms, it is vital to understand the institutional position of the CAG:

    • Constitutional Mandate: The CAG is an independent authority under Articles 148–151 of the Constitution, tasked with auditing Union, state, and public sector accounts.

    • Guardian of Public Purse: Called the “watchdog of public finance,” the CAG ensures government spending adheres to Parliament’s authorisation and promotes transparency.

    • Accountability Mechanism: Audit reports are placed before legislatures and examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), providing a crucial check on the executive.

    Historically, the CAG has uncovered several landmark cases of financial mismanagement and corruption, such as the 2G spectrum allocation and coal block allocations. Today, as governance moves to digital systems, the CAG must also evolve—hence the adoption of AI and remote auditing.

    [/stextbox]

    Recent Reforms Introduced by the CAG

    1. AI-powered Auditing (CAG-LLM)

    • By November 2025, the CAG will release its first Large Language Model (LLM) trained on decades of inspection reports.

    • Features:

      • Detects patterns and anomalies in large financial datasets.

      • Assists auditors in risk identification and forecasting.

      • Automates draft report preparation, improving efficiency.

    • Impact: Moves audits from post-facto detection to predictive and preventive accountability, a model similar to global best practices.

    2. Remote & Hybrid Audits

    • Initial pilots in:

      • Receipts Audit: GST audits using SQL-based queries.

      • Expenditure Audit: Public Works audit in Haryana.

    • These pilots have now been scaled up nationwide.

    • Benefits: Reduced need for physical inspections, enabling greater coverage at lower cost while maintaining rigour.

    3. Digital Platforms

    • CAG-Connect Portal:

      • Unified digital interface for nearly 10 lakh auditee entities.

      • Allows transparent, paperless replies to audit queries and inspection reports.

      • Ensures real-time tracking of audit correspondence.

    • Integration with Geospatial Tools:

      • Example: Use of PM GatiShakti portal for evidence-based auditing of infrastructure projects.

      • Links expenditure with physical progress using satellite and GIS data.

    4. Institutional Innovations

    • Data Analytics Cells created in field offices to handle large datasets.

    • Appointment of Digital Transformation Officers (DTOs) for real-time coordination of digital audit processes.

    5. PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) Audits

    • Example: West Bengal’s Virtual Audit System, integrated with AuditOnline, enabling paperless certification of Panchayati Raj accounts.

    • Ensures accountability at the grassroots level where schemes directly impact citizens.

    Benefits of the Reforms

    1. Efficiency and Coverage

    • Remote/hybrid audits reduce the need for extensive field visits.

    • This increases audit coverage, especially across states with large numbers of auditee entities.

    • Saves significant time and resources.

    2. Data-led Governance

    • AI-driven analytics sharpen risk identification, similar to risk-based audit models used by OECD nations.

    • Enables focus on high-risk sectors, such as GST compliance, infrastructure contracts, and welfare schemes.

    3. Transparency

    • The CAG-Connect Portal ensures that all interactions between auditors and departments are paperless, trackable, and auditable.

    • Reduces delays, subjectivity, and opacity in the audit process.

    4. Strengthening Fiscal Federalism

    • The Publication on State Finances (2022–23) highlights 10-year inter-state fiscal trends, empowering states with comparative insights.

    • Evidence-based policymaking at the state level gets a major boost.

    5. Citizen-Centric Accountability

    • Integration of audits across GST, PRIs, and Public Works ensures closer monitoring of programmes directly affecting citizens.

    • Enhances the link between expenditure and outcomes, reinforcing public trust.

    Challenges and Way Forward

    Despite these promising reforms, some challenges persist:

    • Capacity Building: Training auditors to use AI models and digital tools effectively.

    • Data Security: Ensuring that sensitive government and citizen data remains protected within audit systems.

    • Integration with Legacy Systems: Many states still rely on outdated accounting systems, complicating digital integration.

    • Balancing Automation with Human Judgment: AI tools assist auditors but cannot replace the nuanced judgment required in interpreting governance failures.

    The way forward lies in continuous capacity building, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and fostering international partnerships to benchmark India’s reforms with global best practices.

    Conclusion

    The CAG’s AI and remote auditing reforms represent a historic leap in India’s accountability framework. By embedding AI, digital platforms, and geospatial tools into audit practices, the CAG is moving from retrospective audits to predictive, preventive oversight.

    For a country as vast and complex as India, these reforms ensure that accountability keeps pace with digitised governance systems, reinforcing the principle of “government by responsibility, not discretion.”

    The success of these reforms will not only shape India’s domestic fiscal governance but also provide a global model for how supreme audit institutions can transform in the digital age.

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  • UN Commissions of Inquiry: Role and Relevance

    Explore how UN Commissions of Inquiry investigate crises, from Rwanda to Gaza, shaping accountability, evidence, and global justice under international law.

    Context

    The latest United Nations (UN) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza has reignited debates on accountability under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The report, released in September 2025, aligns with ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case brought by South Africa against Israel.

    This development highlights the pivotal role of UN Commissions of Inquiry—fact-finding bodies designed to investigate grave human rights and humanitarian law violations—and their increasing importance in shaping global justice.

    What are UN International Commissions of Inquiry?

    Establishment and Mandate

    Commissions of Inquiry are independent investigative mechanisms set up by the UN to probe serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

    • Authority to establish: They can be created by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), General Assembly (UNGA), Security Council (UNSC), or the Secretary-General.

    • Origins: Before the HRC was formed in 2006, such inquiries already existed, including the 2004 Darfur Commission of Inquiry. Since then, CoIs have become a primary instrument of the HRC to respond to crises.

    Appointment and Structure

    • Members are independent, unpaid experts—often judges, lawyers, or human rights specialists.

    • They are appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council or the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    • Support is provided by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which offers technical, legal, and logistical resources.

    Mandate and Methods

    A CoI’s mandate usually includes:

    • Gathering verified evidence of violations.

    • Conducting witness interviews, including refugees and displaced persons.

    • Using satellite imagery and forensic analysis.

    • Analyzing state actions under international treaties.

    Crucially, CoIs do not issue binding rulings. Instead, their findings serve as evidence for courts like the ICC or ICJ and inform international policymaking.

    Significance of Commissions of Inquiry

    Promoting Accountability and Deterrence

    • CoIs provide credible evidence that can be used to prosecute atrocity crimes.

    • Example: Documentation from the UN Rwanda CoI (1994) became critical to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which prosecuted leaders responsible for genocide.

    Current Case: Israel–Gaza Conflict (2025)

    • The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, established in 2021, delivered its most serious findings in September 2025.

    • The report concluded that Israel committed genocidal acts under the Genocide Convention.

    • Key evidence included:

      • Mass killings (64,000+ deaths as per Gaza Health Ministry).

      • Starvation and famine induced by blockade and targeting of supplies.

      • Forced displacement of civilians.

      • Destruction of Gaza’s fertility clinic, seen as targeting the reproductive capacity of the population.

    • Israel rejected the findings as “distorted,” but the report has bolstered South Africa’s ICJ genocide case.

    Past Investigations

    1. Syria (2011–present): Documented war crimes including chemical weapons use, mass torture, and extrajudicial killings.

    2. Myanmar (2017): Concluded that the military had acted with “genocidal intent” against Rohingya Muslims. Findings influenced The Gambia’s ICJ case against Myanmar.

    3. Darfur (2004): First major CoI into mass atrocities post-Cold War, influencing the creation of the ICC Darfur investigations.

    Broader Impact

    • CoIs expose state responsibility and support the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

    • They influence sanctions, humanitarian aid decisions, and peace negotiations.

    • As noted in India’s Economic Survey (2022–23), such mechanisms reinforce multilateral governance and global trust, particularly critical for smaller and developing nations that rely on international law.

    Why Do They Matter?

    • Documentation for justice: Without credible evidence, atrocity crimes remain politically contested. CoIs supply neutral fact-finding.

    • Pressure on states: Findings increase diplomatic pressure and restrict impunity.

    • Voice to victims: Witness testimony helps survivors tell their stories in global forums.

    CoIs may not deliver direct justice themselves, but they are indispensable in laying the groundwork for accountability.

    What Lies Ahead?

    The Gaza CoI’s findings represent the strongest UN-linked genocide assessment since Rwanda. However, limitations remain:

    • Only courts like the ICJ can legally declare genocide.

    • CoIs depend on member states for action—whether to refer cases to the ICC, impose sanctions, or support humanitarian interventions.

    • The ultimate test lies in whether states fulfill their Genocide Convention duty to prevent and punish or whether political divisions again produce global inaction.

    The effectiveness of CoIs thus depends less on their findings than on the political will of states to act upon them.

    Conclusion

    UN Commissions of Inquiry are not courts of law, but they are critical instruments of global justice. From Rwanda to Myanmar, Syria, and now Gaza, their reports have shaped international legal proceedings and diplomatic responses.

    The Israel–Gaza genocide allegations show both their strength—credible documentation and global awareness—and their limitation, as binding accountability rests with courts like the ICJ.

    In a fractured world order, CoIs remain one of the few neutral mechanisms through which truth is recorded, victims are heard, and states are pressured to uphold international law. Whether the Gaza report leads to meaningful accountability will depend on whether the world chooses principle over politics.

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  • Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

    Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

    Learn how the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) compares with NPS and OPS, why uptake is slow, and what it means for central govt. employees in India.

    The debate around pensions for government employees has always been contentious in India. With the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), the Central Government has sought to balance the assured security of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) with the market-linked features of the National Pension System (NPS). However, the scheme’s slow uptake highlights deeper tensions in India’s pension politics.

    What is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?

    Approved in August 2024 and effective from April 1, 2025, the UPS offers central government employees who joined service on or after January 1, 2004, an alternative to the NPS. Employees must opt into the scheme by 30 September 2025.

    Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

    UPS was designed as a middle path:

    • It assures a minimum pension (like OPS).

    • Requires employee contributions (like NPS).

    • Provides additional safeguards like gratuity and family pension.

    Comparing UPS, NPS, and OPS

    A key to understanding UPS lies in comparing it with both its predecessors.

    Feature UPS NPS OPS
    Eligibility Central Govt. employees Govt. employees, all citizens 18–60 yrs (incl. NRIs) Govt. employees
    Pension Amount 50% of avg. basic pay (last 12 months, min 25 yrs service) Market-linked; depends on corpus & annuity 50% of last drawn salary + DA (avg. of last 10 months)
    Minimum Pension ₹10,000/month (≥10 yrs service) None ₹9,000/month (≥10 yrs service)
    Family Pension 60% of pension at retiree’s death Depends on corpus & annuity Pension continues to family
    Gratuity Yes (retirement & death gratuity) No Yes (up to ₹20 lakh)
    Employer Contribution 18.5% of basic pay 14% of basic pay Nil
    Employee Contribution 10% of basic pay 10% of basic pay Nil
    Risk Risk-free, assured Market-linked, high risk Risk-free, assured
    Tax Benefits Unclear 60% lump sum tax-free; 40% annuity taxable No explicit benefits
    Corpus Use Restriction No 40% mandatory annuity investment No restriction

    Key Insights:

    • UPS vs OPS: UPS provides a floor pension like OPS, but unlike OPS, it requires employee contributions and bases pension on last 12 months’ average salary (not last drawn + DA).

    • UPS vs NPS: UPS eliminates market risks, but reduces flexibility since employees lose control over investment choices.

    Why is the UPS Slow to Take Off?

    Despite its assurances, UPS has seen low adoption: only 40,000 out of 23.94 lakh employees under NPS have opted for UPS so far.

    1. Preference for OPS

    Employee unions continue to demand a full return to OPS, which required no contribution and guaranteed 50% of last drawn salary + DA as pension. UPS, with mandatory employee contributions, feels less attractive in comparison.

    2. Awareness Gaps

    Though the Department of Pension launched workshops, many employees remain unconvinced about UPS’s long-term sustainability and see it as a compromise.

    3. Perception of Compromise

    UPS is viewed as a hybrid scheme—neither the full security of OPS nor the flexible investment-linked growth of NPS. Employees feel they are losing out either way.

    Broader Policy Context

    The UPS is not merely a financial tool but also a political compromise.

    • OPS demand: In several states, especially Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, political parties revived OPS to appease government employees.

    • Fiscal concerns: Economists argue OPS places a heavy pension liability on future generations, straining state finances. UPS tries to balance fiscal prudence with employee security.

    • Hybrid innovation: By mixing employer contributions (18.5%) with guaranteed minimum pensions, UPS represents India’s attempt to modernize social security without returning to fiscally unsustainable models.

    Strengths of the Unified Pension Scheme

    1. Guaranteed Pension: Ensures employees are not at the mercy of volatile markets.

    2. Minimum Floor: A pension of ₹10,000/month offers dignity even for those with shorter service spans (≥10 years).

    3. Employer Contribution Increase: Higher than NPS (18.5% vs 14%).

    4. Gratuity & Family Pension: Protects families after the retiree’s death, unlike NPS.

    5. Risk-free Model: Unlike NPS, the UPS is insulated from market crashes.

    Weaknesses of the Unified Pension Scheme

    1. Employee Contribution: Mandatory 10% contribution makes it less attractive than OPS.

    2. Lower Pension Formula: Pension is based on average of last 12 months, not last drawn salary + DA as in OPS.

    3. Lack of Flexibility: No option for investment growth, unlike NPS.

    4. Unclear Tax Treatment: Tax status of UPS remains undefined, creating uncertainty.

    5. Limited Awareness: Workshops haven’t convinced employees of its benefits.

    The Road Ahead

    For UPS to succeed, the government must:

    • Clarify tax benefits to make it competitive with NPS.

    • Strengthen awareness drives to build employee confidence.

    • Ensure timely grievance redressal to avoid OPS-like frustrations.

    • Consider hybrid add-ons (e.g., partial market exposure for higher returns).

    Ultimately, pensions are not only about fiscal sustainability but also about the social contract between the state and its employees. UPS is an attempt to reimagine that contract for the 21st century.

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  • Corruption in Bureaucracy

    Corruption in Bureaucracy

    Explore cases from Assam to Telangana, flaws in sanction rules, the criminal nexus, and India’s institutional fight against bureaucratic corruption.

    Corruption in Bureaucracy

    Context

    Corruption in India’s bureaucracy is neither new nor marginal. It is a systemic, deeply entrenched problem, cutting across levels of seniority and state boundaries. Recent high-profile cases in Assam, Haryana, Telangana, and Odisha have brought back into sharp focus the pervasiveness of graft and the institutional weaknesses that allow it to persist. From young probationary officers to seasoned IAS cadres, the exposure of illicit wealth worth crores highlights not only individual malfeasance but also structural loopholes that insulate the corrupt.

    How Grave is Bureaucratic Corruption in India?

    India’s bureaucracy—often hailed as the “steel frame” of governance—is plagued by cracks of corruption that threaten democratic accountability. The recent scandals underscore both the scale and diversity of this menace:

    • Assam (Nupur Bora case):
      A civil service officer was found with nearly ₹2 crore in unaccounted cash and jewellery, signalling corruption in land revenue administration, one of the most vulnerable sectors.

    • Haryana (Jaibir Singh Arya case):
      An IAS officer accused of bribery was shielded by denial of prosecution sanction, showing how legal safeguards intended to protect honest officers can be manipulated to protect the guilty.

    • Telangana (TGSPDCL ADE case):
      A mid-level power utility engineer amassed assets worth over ₹200 crore, proving that not only senior bureaucrats but also mid-tier officials can build staggering disproportionate wealth.

    • Odisha (young officers’ arrests):
      Newly recruited IAS and OAS officers were caught taking bribes, a chilling sign of how corruption is seeded from the very start of bureaucratic careers.

    These examples demonstrate that corruption in bureaucracy is not an isolated disease but a networked disorder where money, power, and political patronage intersect.

    Why are Regulatory Provisions Ineffective?

    India has a dense web of anti-corruption provisions, but in practice, many serve as shields for the corrupt rather than swords for the honest.

    1. The Sanction Barrier

    Under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 197 of the CrPC, no public servant can be prosecuted without prior sanction from their appointing authority (state or central government).

    • Intended Purpose: Protect officers from frivolous or politically motivated litigation.

    • Misuse in Practice: Governments often delay or deny sanction, sometimes for years, thereby protecting politically connected or influential officers.

    • Example: The Haryana case shows how sanction provisions can be weaponised as a legal shield for the corrupt.

    2. The Nexus Problem (Vohra Committee Report, 1993)

    The Vohra Committee famously acknowledged the existence of a criminal-politician-bureaucrat nexus.

    • It described this nexus as a “parallel government” where illicit flows of money, intimidation of witnesses, and political interference sabotage investigations.

    • This systemic alliance means corruption is not just a bureaucratic failure but a governance crisis.

    Institutions Against Corruption

    Despite weaknesses, India does have significant institutional mechanisms to counter corruption:

    • Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
      Apex body overseeing vigilance across central ministries. While advisory in nature, it has the autonomy to receive complaints and recommend action against officials.

    • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
      India’s premier anti-corruption agency, empowered to investigate inter-state and high-value corruption cases. Operates under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.

    • State Anti-Corruption Bureaus (ACBs):
      Crucial frontline agencies empowered to conduct trap operations, raids, and chargesheets. The Telangana ACB’s raid in the TGSPDCL case is an example.

    • Lokpal and Lokayuktas:
      Ombudsman institutions at central and state levels that allow citizens to directly complain against public officials. While their impact has been uneven, they represent a critical avenue for democratic accountability.

    The Structural Dilemma

    The fight against corruption is not merely about more laws but about effective enforcement and political will. A few hard truths emerge:

    1. Legal Complexity vs. Practical Shielding

      • Provisions like sanction requirements, designed as protective measures, have become systemic bottlenecks.

    2. Political Will is Decisive

      • No anti-corruption framework can succeed unless political leaders allow honest officers to act without fear and punishment.

    3. Cultural Normalisation of Graft

      • From small bribes in local offices to multi-crore scams, corruption has been normalised within bureaucratic culture.

    4. Need for Whistleblower Protection

      • Despite the Whistleblower Protection Act, fear of retribution discourages insiders from exposing corruption.

    The Way Forward

    India’s bureaucracy must embrace probity and accountability as its foundational ethic. Possible reforms include:

    • Time-bound sanction decisions: Denial or grant of sanction should be made within a fixed time frame (e.g., 3 months).

    • Independent sanction authority: Remove sanction powers from political executives; vest them in an independent body like the CVC.

    • Digitisation and transparency: Land, revenue, and utility services—often hotspots of corruption—must be fully digitised with audit trails.

    • Protection for young officers: Create mentoring and integrity training for recruits to build a culture of ethics from the ground up.

    • Stronger citizen oversight: Strengthen Lokayuktas and empower citizen complaint mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    As the saying goes, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” For India’s bureaucracy to truly be the steel frame of governance, it must embrace responsibility over privilege.

    Corruption in bureaucracy is not only a matter of financial loss but also of erosion of trust in governance. The recent scandals serve as a reminder that while laws and agencies exist, their effectiveness depends on political will, institutional integrity, and cultural change within the system.

    Only then can India hope to build a bureaucracy that serves the public good rather than private gain.

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  • Judicial Experimentalism vs Right to Justice

    Judicial Experimentalism vs Right to Justice

    Explore Section 85 BNS, key rulings from Lalita Kumari to Shivangi Bansal (2025), and how judicial experimentalism delays justice for matrimonial cruelty victims.

    The relationship between judicial innovations and the constitutional right to justice in India has always been complex. Courts frequently face the challenge of balancing competing interests—protecting women against systemic matrimonial violence while preventing misuse of criminal law provisions. The debate has re-emerged in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal (2025) ruling, which endorsed the Allahabad High Court’s 2022 guidelines in Mukesh Bansal vs State of U.P. These guidelines introduced a two-month “cooling period” and referral of matrimonial cruelty complaints to Family Welfare Committees (FWCs) before any coercive legal action could be initiated.

    This development has reignited concerns over judicial experimentalism and its consequences for women’s access to justice under Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

    Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): The Anti-Cruelty Provision

    Judicial Experimentalism vs Right to Justice- Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

    Formerly known as Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 85 of BNS criminalises cruelty by the husband or his relatives towards a married woman.

    • Definition of cruelty:

      • Physical or mental harm to the woman.

      • Harassment over unlawful demands for dowry.

      • Conduct likely to drive a woman to suicide.

    This section is cognisable and non-bailable, reflecting the seriousness of the offence and the state’s intent to safeguard women from entrenched patterns of domestic violence and harassment. While the law was designed to provide prompt and effective remedies, judicial interventions have often oscillated between strengthening and diluting its enforcement.

    Judicial Rulings and Guidelines: The Evolution

    Over the years, several rulings have attempted to refine procedures under Section 498A IPC / Section 85 BNS:

    1. Lalita Kumari vs Govt. of U.P. (2014)

      • The Supreme Court held that a preliminary inquiry is permissible in matrimonial disputes before registering an FIR.

      • This was justified on the grounds that 498A complaints may sometimes be false, and automatic FIRs could unfairly stigmatise the accused.

    2. Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar (2014)

      • Recognising misuse of automatic arrests under 498A, the Court restricted police powers.

      • It required police to apply a checklist before arrest and mandated issuance of a “notice of appearance” instead of immediate custody.

      • This ruling became the cornerstone of safeguards against arbitrary arrests.

    3. Satender Kumar Antil (2022)

      • Strengthened the Arnesh Kumar guidelines.

      • Directed that bail must be granted if arrests were made in violation of those safeguards.

      • This judgment highlighted the judiciary’s shift towards protecting the liberty of the accused.

    4. Rajesh Sharma vs State of U.P. (2017)

      • Perhaps the most controversial intervention.

      • The Court directed constitution of Family Welfare Committees (FWCs) to screen complaints before police or courts could act.

      • Coercive action was to be suspended until FWC reports were submitted.

      • Widely criticised as regressive, as it created a non-statutory body with quasi-judicial powers that had no basis in law.

    5. Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar vs Union of India (2018)

      • The 2017 FWC guidelines were struck down.

      • The Court emphasised that criminal law cannot be outsourced to extra-legal committees.

      • Reasserted that police and judiciary alone have constitutional authority to handle such complaints.

      • Restored the victim’s right to prompt legal recourse.

    6. Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal (2025)

      • Revived a version of the Rajesh Sharma framework.

      • Approved the Allahabad High Court’s 2022 guidelines mandating a two-month “cooling period” before coercive action in cruelty complaints.

      • During this period, complaints must be referred to an FWC for reconciliation efforts.

      • Effectively reintroduced mechanisms already struck down in 2018, raising questions of judicial consistency.

    How Judicial Experimentalism Affects Victims

    The 2025 ruling has direct consequences for women’s access to justice:

    1. Delays Action

    The two-month pause stalls investigation, arrests, and immediate legal protection. Victims who approach the law in desperation are left vulnerable to continued abuse.

    2. Erodes Autonomy of Criminal Justice Agencies

    Referring complaints to FWCs, which are non-statutory and lack legal authority, undermines the independence of police and magistrates. It effectively places quasi-judicial power in the hands of committees with no constitutional mandate.

    3. Denies Prompt Access to Justice

    Women filing complaints are deprived of immediate remedies. This contradicts the principle that justice must be “speedy, accessible, and effective”, especially in cases involving violence and harassment.

    4. Repeats Judicial Overreach

    The 2018 judgment had already recognised that FWCs were beyond judicial competence. Reviving them in 2025 reflects judicial inconsistency, eroding trust in the stability of legal protections.

    5. Perpetuates Risk

    Delays in action embolden perpetrators. Victims may face intensified violence during the waiting period. Fear of inaction can also dissuade women from seeking remedies altogether.

    Broader Implications: Judicial Innovation versus Constitutional Rights

    The recurring experimentation around Section 498A / Section 85 highlights a tension in India’s legal system:

    • Balancing misuse and protection: Courts often cite misuse of dowry-harassment laws as a reason for procedural safeguards. However, data consistently shows that women continue to face widespread domestic violence, making strong enforcement critical.

    • Judicial overreach: The creation of extra-legal committees like FWCs blurs the line between judicial activism and legislative overstep.

    • Right to Justice: Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees not only the right to life but also the right to fair and prompt justice. Any system that delays or dilutes this right undermines constitutional guarantees.

    Conclusion

    The Shivangi Bansal ruling of 2025 reopens a chapter that had been firmly closed in 2018. By reviving the Family Welfare Committee model and imposing a cooling-off period, the judiciary risks weakening hard-earned protections for women against matrimonial cruelty.

    While preventing misuse of criminal law is important, such safeguards should be statutory, evidence-based, and victim-centric rather than judicial experiments that compromise women’s safety. The balance between innovation and rights must always tilt in favour of protecting constitutional guarantees.

    Ultimately, Hyderabad’s motto that “Justice delayed is justice denied” remains true—the right to justice cannot be compromised by experimentalism.

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  • Hyderabad Liberation Day: History & Unity

    Hyderabad Liberation Day: History & Unity

    Explore Hyderabad Liberation Day’s history, Operation Polo, Razakar resistance, Telangana’s culture, and its role in today’s national unity.

    Context

    Hyderabad Liberation Day holds renewed relevance today as both the Union and state governments mark the occasion with cultural programmes, flag hoisting, and civic education, linking past struggles against Razakars to present-day national unity.

    Generated image

    Why is Hyderabad Liberation Day Celebrated?

    Hyderabad Liberation Day, observed every year on 17th September, commemorates the historic integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948. While India achieved independence on 15th August 1947, the journey was not yet complete. Several princely states had to accede to the Union, and Hyderabad—then one of the largest and wealthiest princely states under the rule of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan—posed a major challenge.

    The Nizam, despite being surrounded geographically by Indian territory, refused to join the Indian Union. Instead, he sought to remain independent and was supported by his private militia, the Razakars. This militia, infamous for its sectarian violence, forced conversions, and atrocities on civilians, became a threat not only to Hyderabad’s population but also to the social and communal harmony of newly independent India.

    Faced with increasing instability, lawlessness, and the possibility of foreign interference, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister—also known as the “Iron Man of India”—decided on swift action. On 13th September 1948, he authorised Operation Polo, a military campaign led by the Indian Army. The operation was short yet decisive; within just five days, Hyderabad was liberated and formally merged into the Indian Union by 18th September 1948.

    The victory was more than a territorial or political merger—it was a crucial step in preserving India’s sovereignty, democracy, and secular character. It ended the Razakars’ reign of terror, restored peace and order in the Deccan region, and reinforced the idea that India’s unity would not be compromised by sectarian forces.

    Even today, leaders recall the significance of the event. During the 2025 celebrations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined that the Razakars’ actions symbolised direct attacks on India’s communal fabric, and their defeat marked a turning point in safeguarding national unity. Thus, Hyderabad Liberation Day is not only a reminder of a military triumph but also a symbol of resilience, justice, and the unshakable will to protect India’s sovereignty.

    How do Telangana’s Tribes and Cultural Traditions feature in the celebrations?

    The observance of Hyderabad Liberation Day also reflects Telangana’s rich tribal and folk culture, which celebrates the spirit of freedom and resistance.

    • Tribes of Telangana: According to the Census of India, 2011, Scheduled Tribes form around ¬9% of Telangana’s population. Major tribes include Raj Gonds, Lambadas (Banjaras), Chenchus, and Koyas. 
    • Dance and Folk Traditions: Celebrations are marked by performances of Telangana’s traditional dance forms:
      • Gussadi Dance: traditional folk dance of the Raj Gond tribes from the Adilabad, performed by Dandari groups. 
      • Lambadi Dance: Performed by the Lambada community, reflecting agrarian life and resilience.
      • Perini Shivatandavam: Known as the “dance of warriors,” symbolising valor and often performed in cultural events linked to liberation.
      • Bathukamma Festival Songs: Though primarily associated with a floral festival, their themes of collective harmony are highlighted in state-level programmes.

    These performances connect the present generation with the sacrifices of the past, ensuring that the cultural identity of Telangana remains intertwined with its political history.

    Gussadi Dance

    What is Its Relevance in Contemporary India?

    • Political and Social Significance
      • In Maharashtra’s Marathwada region (formerly part of Hyderabad State), the Chief Minister and Guardian Ministers hoist the national flag, highlighting the region’s shared historical memory.
      • In Telangana, the Union Government now observes the day officially, reviving the legacy of Hyderabad’s integration after years of political debate.
    • Governance and Civic Education
      • As per the Economic Survey 2022–23, civic awareness and historical consciousness are key to strengthening democratic participation.
      • School and college programmes organised during the celebrations acquaint students with the sacrifices of martyrs, fostering democratic values through historical learning.
    • Linking History with Development: The inauguration of Beed-Ahilyanagar railway service in 2025, coinciding with the celebrations, demonstrates how historical aspirations of integration continue to inspire modern infrastructure and development outcomes.

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  • Lesser Flamingos in Lake Natron

    Context: Tanzania halts soda ash mining to save the world’s Lesser Flamingos, prioritising long-term ecological health over short-term industrial gains. 

    Lesser Flamingos in Lake NatronLesser Flamingos in Lake Natron

    Lesser Flamingos: 

    • Conservation Status: Near Threatened by IUCN due to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance from industrial activities.
    • Habitat: Prefers alkaline and saline lakes; Lake Natron is a globally significant breeding site due to its extreme chemistry that deters predators.
    • Range: Found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Also present in parts of India, primarily in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
    • Population: Lake Natron supports about 75% of their global population.
    • Diet: Feeds primarily on cyanobacteria and algae thriving in alkaline lakes, giving them the characteristic pink hue.
    • Major Threats:
      • Habitat destruction (e.g., proposed soda ash mining at Lake Natron).
      • Disturbance to hydrology and food web caused by diversion of freshwater or industrial activity.
      • Pollution and climate change.

  • India Braces for La Niña’s Return

    Context: Weather experts have warned that India could face an intense cold wave during the winter of 2025-26 (December-January). This prediction is significant especially after the Triple Dip La Nina (2020-23). 

    [stextbox id=’info’]

    La Niña is the “cool phase” of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle—a natural climate phenomenon marked by unusually cold sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It happens when stronger-than-normal trade winds push warm water westward, causing cool, nutrient-rich water to upwell in the east.

    India Braces for La Niña's Return

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    How Does La Niña Impact Indian Weather?

    La Niña’s influence on Indian weather is delivered through “teleconnections,” or long-distance atmospheric links.

    • Stronger Winter Monsoon (North-East Monsoon): For peninsular India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, La Niña years often bring a good North-East Monsoon, leading to higher rainfall between October and December.
    • Colder Winter Temperatures over North India: This is the primary impact highlighted in the current forecast. The mechanism involves:
      • Change in Jet Stream Patterns: La Niña tends to alter the path of the sub-tropical westerly jet stream, a high-altitude wind current that greatly influences winter weather in North India.
      • Deeper Troughs and More Western Disturbances: The jet stream develops deeper north-south waves (troughs). These troughs scoop out cold air from higher latitudes and pull it down towards northern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
      • Increased Frequency of Cold Wave Conditions: This influx of cold, dry air leads to a higher number of cold wave days, where minimum temperatures drop significantly below normal. Dense fog and prolonged cold spells are also more common.
    • Positive Impact on Summer Monsoon: La Niña has a strong correlation with above-average rainfall during India’s Southwest Summer Monsoon (June-September). The cooling in the Pacific shifts convection patterns, strengthening the monsoon circulation.
    • Air quality trends: 
      • Poor quality in Peninsular India: Relatively slower winds near the surface, traps pollutants and notably increases PM2.5 concentration.
      • Improved Air quality in Northern India: Weaker western disturbances with absence of rain and clouds and faster ventilation led to a significant improvement in air quality in the North. However, contrary observations can also be registered with interplay of multitude factors. 

  • Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India

    Context: AMR poses a grave health threat in India, with superbugs resisting last-resort antibiotics. ICMR’s call to restrict new antibiotic sales to select hospitals underscores the urgent need for strict stewardship amid rising drug-resistant TB and hospital infections. 

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and why is it a major public health threat globally and in India?

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve to resist the effects of drugs, rendering treatments ineffective. 

    • Global threat: WHO warns that AMR could cause 10 million annual deaths worldwide by 2050, surpassing cancer fatalities.
    • India-specific crisis: TB exemplifies the problem. Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) requires newer medicines like bedaquiline and delamanid, but resistance is rising. Similarly, resistance to last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems and colistin in Klebsiella and E. coli has left physicians with shrinking treatment options.

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    Relevant Regulatory Bodies and their Role

    • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Surveillance, stewardship programmes, research.
    • Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) – Regulates approval, manufacture, and restricted sale of antibiotics.
    • Union Health Ministry – Policy formulation (e.g., National AMR Action Plan 2017).
    • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – Coordinates AMR containment, infection prevention, and surveillance.
    • WHO & FAO – Provide global frameworks (e.g., AWaRe classification, One Health approach).

    [/stextbox]

    • Economic burden: According to Economic Survey 2020–21, AMR increases treatment costs by more than 50% for bloodstream infections caused by superbugs, deepening poverty-health linkages.

    What regulatory policies and guidelines have been initiated in India to counter AMR?

    • National Policy for Containment of AMR (2011):First comprehensive framework for regulating antibiotic use and infection prevention.
    • National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021): Based on WHO’s Global Action Plan; emphasised One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.
    • Schedule H1 (2014): Restricted over-the-counter sale of critical antimicrobials through mandatory prescription.
    • Red Line Campaign (2016): Marked antibiotic packs with a red line to discourage misuse (Down to Earth, 2019).
    • National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM – revised 2022): Rationalised availability of critical antibiotics.
    • Surveillance initiatives: ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) tracks resistance trends across tertiary hospitals.
    • TB Programme model: Restricted rollout of new TB drugs (e.g., bedaquiline) only through DOTS-Plus centres with strict monitoring, ensuring long-term benefits despite short-term challenges.

  • Tropical Forest Forever Facility: Brazil’s Bold Market-Led Climate Finance Innovation

    Context: Brazil’s push for the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) at the upcoming COP30 in Belém comes at a time when climate finance gaps remain stark—with forest protection needs estimated at $460 billion annually by 2030 but current flows far below this.

    What is a Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)?

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    Key design features

    • Payments fixed at $4/hectare annually, adjusted for inflation.
    • At least 20% of funds earmarked for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
    • Monitoring through satellite imagery, with canopy and deforestation thresholds.
    • Designed to complement REDD+, not replace it, by focusing on standing forest protection without generating carbon credits.

    [/stextbox]

    • The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), proposed by Brazil for COP30 in Belém, is a blended finance mechanism aimed at raising $125 billion for tropical forest conservation. 
    • It functions through the Tropical Forest Investment Fund (TFIF), pooling concessional contributions from high-income countries and philanthropies (20%) with institutional and sovereign wealth fund investments (80%). 
    • The capital will be invested in liquid financial assets (e.g., green bonds, US treasuries), and the returns will finance performance-based payments to Tropical Forest Countries (TFCs) for conserving standing forests.

    What is its significance?

    • Bridging the Finance Gap: According to WWF (2025), global forest protection needs $460 billion annually by 2030; current finance is less than one-tenth of this. TFFF, the largest-ever dedicated forest fund, could channel about $4 billion annually to tropical forest nations.

    Tropical Forest Finance Outlook

    • Recognition of Standing Forests: Unlike REDD+, which rewards avoided deforestation, TFFF incentivises high-forest, low-deforestation regions like the Congo Basin.
    • Support to IPLCs: If implemented, IPLCs could access nearly $800 million annually, almost triple existing climate-related ODA flows (OECD data).
    • Partnership Model: Framed as an investment rather than aid, it reduces dependence on volatile donor grants and creates long-term financial predictability.
    • Brazil’s Leadership: With 12% of global forest cover, Brazil positions itself as a climate finance innovator and forest diplomacy leader ahead of COP30.

    What challenges does the market-driven approach of the TFFF pose?

    • Dependence on Credit Ratings: Returns hinge on TFIF’s rating by agencies like Fitch or Moody’s. Lower ratings could raise borrowing costs, reducing net payments to forest nations.
    • Debt Burden on Global South: As highlighted by Third World Network (2025), much of TFFF’s revenue arises from investments in developing economies, meaning funds flow back from the very countries it intends to support—reinforcing structural inequalities of the global financial system.
    • Volatility of Capital Markets: Payments to TFCs risk reduction during downturns, undermining conservation incentives.
    • Governance Concerns: Historically, IPLCs have received <1% of climate ODA (OECD). Ensuring that 20% of TFFF funding reaches them without bureaucratic leakages is uncertain.
    • Definitional Disputes: The reliance on canopy thresholds (20–30%) risks excluding countries with naturally sparse forests, echoing past conflicts seen under the EU Deforestation Regulation.

  • Supreme Court Stay on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

    Context: The Supreme Court’s interim stay on key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 underscores ongoing concerns over the balance between religious autonomy and state oversight of minority charitable assets.

    What were the objectives of the Waqf Act?

    [stextbox id=’info’]

    Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. The Waqf Act, 1995, consolidated earlier legislation to regulate Waqf properties in India.

    [/stextbox]

    • Ensure proper administration of Waqf estates through Central and State Waqf Boards.
    • Protect Waqf lands from encroachment and mismanagement.
    • Provide access to Waqf resources for welfare activities such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
    • Strengthen accountability by mandating registration of Waqfs.

    According to the Sachar Committee Report (2006), Waqf properties in India cover over 4.9 lakh acres, with an annual potential income exceeding ₹12,000 crore. However, poor management means only a fraction is realised. The Economic Survey (2017-18) highlighted that efficient governance of such assets could support minority welfare schemes, reducing dependence on state funds.

    What key provisions have been put on hold and why?

    • Powers of the District Collector to Determine a Government Property: Under Section 3C of the Act,  district collectors were authorised to decide if a piece of land, claimed as Waqf, was actually government land. During inquiry, such land would automatically stop being treated as Waqf. The apex court found this problematic because allowing Collectors to rule on titles undermines the principle of separation of powers.
    • Inclusion of Non‑Muslims in Waqf Boards:  Allowed a situation where non‑Muslims could become a majority in Waqf Boards and even in the Central Waqf Council. To protect the community’s right to self‑management, the Court limited non‑Muslim representation — a maximum of 4 members in the Central Waqf Council (out of 22) and 3 in State Waqf Boards (out of 11). This keeps inclusivity but prevents outsiders from dominating.
    • Five‑Year “Practising Islam”: Only Muslims who could prove practising Islam continuously for at least 5 years could create a Waqf. The apex court ruled that it was vague, discriminatory, and arbitrary without clear guidelines on how such verification would happen. The government may revisit and frame proper rules.

    What remains applicable under the amended law?

    • Abolition of Waqf-by-User: Long-used principle allowing land used for religious/charitable purposes to be deemed Waqf is now abolished prospectively. SC found no prima facie illegality, citing misuse for encroachments.
    • Applicability of Limitation Act: Waqf Boards must act against encroachments within statutory limitation periods; SC upheld this as ending an earlier legal anomaly.

    What lies ahead?

    The interim order reflects a balancing act: protecting Waqf autonomy while allowing reforms to curb misuse. The final verdict will determine whether the 2025 Act withstands constitutional scrutiny. The case highlights the wider tension between religious freedom and state oversight of charitable assets, a recurring theme in India’s governance of minority institutions.

  • Places in News: Kangla Fort

    Context: Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Manipur on September 13, the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal has been turned into a high-security zone. 

    About Kangla Fort:

    Kangla Fort, located in Imphal, Manipur, is one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in Northeast India. Often referred to as the “spiritual and political cradle” of Manipur, Kangla was the ancient capital of the Meitei rulers and remains a powerful symbol of sovereignty, heritage, and resilience.

    Historical Significance:

    • Ancient Capital: Kangla served as the seat of power for the Ningthouja dynasty from 33 CE to 1891 CE, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited political centres in South Asia.
    • Royal Chronicle: The site is extensively documented in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, Manipur’s royal chronicle.
    • Architectural Legacy: Successive kings, including Khagemba and Garibaniwaz, expanded and fortified the complex, incorporating Meitei architecture, moats, temples, and ceremonial spaces.
    • Colonial Impact: The fort was partially destroyed and occupied by the British after the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, symbolising the loss of independence.

    Cultural & Religious Importance:

    • Sacred Site: Kangla is revered by the Meitei people as a place of ancestral worship, housing temples like the Pakhangba Temple and sacred dragon statues (Kanglā Shā).
    • Manuscripts & Rituals: Ancient texts like Sakoklamlen and Chinglon Laihui prescribe rituals and construction norms for the site.
    • Symbol of Identity: The fort is central to Manipuri cultural revival and is proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status.

  • Places in News: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

    Context: In a landmark shift, Madhya Pradesh has ended the practice of keeping wild elephants in captivity, following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This decision marks a turning point for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), embracing a more ethical and ecologically sound approach to elephant management.

    Places in News: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

    About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

    • Name Meaning: “Bandhavgarh” means “Brother’s Fort“
    • Mythological Reference: Believed that Lord Rama gifted the fort to his brother Laxmana
    • Location: Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh
    • Established: 1968; declared a Tiger Reserve in 1993
    • Terrain: Surrounded by the Vindhya hills, comprising 32 rolling hills, grasslands, meadows, and mixed deciduous forests with bamboo and sal (Saal) vegetation.
    • The region lies geographically between the Mahanadi River in the west and the Son River in the east, with the Johila River playing a vital role in sustaining its local ecology.
    • Known For: Highest density of Bengal tigers in India, rich biodiversity, and ancient Bandhavgarh Fort
    • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and elephants (migratory from Chhattisgarh)

  • INS Androth

    NAVY GETS ANTI-SUBMARINE SHIP

    Context: The Indian Navy has inducted INS Androth, an indigenously built anti-submarine warfare ship, enhancing its maritime strength amid China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean.

    INS Androth

    About INS Androth

    • INS Androth is the second vessel in the series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, for the Indian Navy. (first being INS Arnala)
    • Named after Androth Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, symbolising India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime frontiers and island territories in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    Key Features:

    • It is the largest warship constructed in India using over 80% indigenous content. 
    • Powered by a diesel engine–waterjet system, it ensures high speed and agility in shallow waters. 
    • Armed with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets, and advanced shallow-water SONAR, it boosts the Navy’s anti-submarine, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities, reflecting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in naval defence manufacturing.

  • Why India’s Rates are Falling but Yields are Rising?

    Context: The yield on India’s 10-year benchmark government bond has surged, climbing over 20 basis points since the last RBI rate cut in June. This divergence from the expected pattern points to deeper concerns in the market beyond just monetary policy.

    What is the relationship between central bank interest rates and government bond yields in general economic theory?

    In general economic theory, there is a strong and direct relationship between a central bank’s policy interest rates (like the repo rate) and government bond yields. This relationship operates through the following mechanisms:

    • Direct Correlation with Interest Rates: Central bank rate cuts signal cheaper borrowing costs in the economy. 
      • When the RBI cuts the repo rate, it typically leads to a fall across the spectrum of interest rates, including those for government bonds. 
      • New bonds are issued with lower coupon rates, making existing bonds with higher coupons more attractive. 
      • This increased demand for existing bonds drives their prices up, and since bond yields move inversely to their prices, the yields fall.
    • Inverse Relationship with Inflation: Low inflation preserves the purchasing power of the fixed interest payments (coupons) that a bond provides. 
      • When inflation is low, the real return on bonds is higher, making them more attractive to investors. This increased demand pushes bond prices up and yields down.
    • Expectations Theory: The bond market is forward-looking. If investors expect the central bank to cut rates in the future, they will buy bonds today to lock in higher yields, which again pushes current yields down. Conversely, expectations of future rate hikes or higher inflation cause selling, pushing current yields up.

    What factors are defying the relationship?

    The current surge in Indian bond yields, despite rate cuts and low inflation, is due to a combination of domestic fiscal concerns and global uncertainties that are overriding the traditional monetary policy signals.

    • RBI’s Shift to Neutral Stance: In its June policy meeting, while cutting rates by 50 basis points, the RBI also changed its policy stance from “accommodative” (hinting at future cuts) to “neutral” (signaling a pause). The market perceived this as the end of the rate-cutting cycle, removing a key reason to buy bonds in anticipation of future gains.
    • Fiscal Deficit Concerns: This is a primary worry. There are mounting fears of a fiscal slippage—the government missing its deficit target. Weak direct and indirect tax collections, coupled with recent cuts in GST rates (estimated to cause a revenue loss of ~₹48,000 crore), have led investors to fear that the government will need to borrow more than planned from the market to meet its spending needs. Higher supply of bonds without a commensurate increase in demand leads to falling bond prices and rising yields.
    • Global Factors and Export Worries: The escalating US-China trade war and punitive US tariffs threaten Indian exports. Sectors like gems & jewellery, textiles, and IT services (due to a proposed US outsourcing tax) face uncertainty. Lower exports hurt corporate profits and economic growth, potentially worsening the government’s tax revenue problem and creating a negative feedback loop.
    • Supply and Demand Dynamics: State governments have front-loaded their borrowing, increasing the supply of bonds in the market. Meanwhile, weak deposit growth in banks has led to subdued demand from these key institutional investors for government securities, creating an imbalance that pushes yields higher.

    What are the implications on the larger economy?

    Rising government bond yields have significant spillover effects on the broader economy, often counteracting the RBI’s efforts to stimulate growth.

    • Higher Borrowing Costs for Everyone: The 10-year government bond yield is the benchmark pricing reference for all long-term borrowing in the economy. If the government has to pay more to borrow, it sets a higher cost for everyone else. This means:
    • Corporate Borrowing: Companies will face higher interest rates on loans and bonds for investment projects, potentially delaying capital expenditure (capex) and expansion plans.
    • Retail Borrowing: Home loans, car loans, and personal loans become more expensive for individuals, dampening consumer demand.
    • Undermining Monetary Policy: The RBI’s rate cuts are intended to make credit cheaper and boost economic activity. Rising bond yields effectively transmit higher interest rates through the economy, nullifying the stimulative effect of the RBI’s actions and making the monetary policy transmission ineffective.
    • Increased Government Interest Burden: A higher yield on new government borrowings increases the interest burden on the national debt. This leaves less fiscal space for the government to spend on crucial areas like infrastructure, health, and education, potentially forcing even more borrowing or cuts in productive expenditure.
    • Investor Sentiment and Currency Volatility: Sustained high yields can signal a lack of market confidence in the government’s fiscal management. This can make foreign investors nervous, leading to outflows from debt and equity markets, which can put downward pressure on the Indian rupee.

  • PLI Scheme for White Goods

    Context: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently announced the re-opening of the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights). 

    What is the PLI Scheme for White Goods?

    The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods is a central government initiative designed to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the air conditioner and LED light industries. The scheme provides financial incentives to companies based on their incremental sales of goods manufactured in India.

    • Objective: To make India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) by creating a complete component ecosystem for these sectors, enhancing domestic value addition, and generating employment.
    • Tenure: The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2021 and is being implemented over a seven-year period, from Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 to FY 2028-29.
    • Financial Outlay: The total outlay for the scheme is ~₹6,000 crore.
    • Incentive Mechanism: Incentives are paid annually to selected manufacturers for a period of five years (FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27) on the incremental sale of eligible products over the base year (FY 2020-21).
    • Current Status: Applicants with a committed investment of ~₹10,000 crore demonstrate strong industry appetite.

    Eligible Products

    The scheme specifically targets the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies, not just finished goods. The eligible products are categorised as follows:

    PLI Scheme for White Goods

    What is the significance of the scheme?

    The PLI Scheme for White Goods holds immense strategic and economic significance for India:

    • Reducing Import Dependence: Prior to the scheme, India heavily imported critical components like compressors for ACs and LED chips. The scheme incentivises the manufacture of these “not manufactured in India” components, reducing import bills and strengthening the supply chain against global disruptions.
    • Creating a Complete Domestic Ecosystem: It aims to build an end-to-end value chain within India, moving beyond mere assembly to high-value manufacturing. This fosters innovation and deepens the industrial base.
    • Enhancing Global Competitiveness: By providing financial incentives, the scheme makes Indian manufacturing cost-competitive. This attracts global champions to set up shops in India and helps domestic companies scale up, integrating India into the global supply chains for white goods.
    • Generating Large-Scale Employment: The establishment of new manufacturing units and the expansion of existing ones create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, both for skilled and unskilled labour.
    • Consumer Benefit and Energy Efficiency: Promoting domestic manufacturing of efficient components like BLDC motors and LED drivers leads to the availability of more energy-efficient products in the market, saving energy costs for consumers and supporting India’s climate goals.

  • ASEAN’s Middle-Income Trap and Lessons for India

    Context: ASEAN’s struggle with the middle-income trap is highly relevant today as global supply chains shift under US–China tensions, protectionist tariffs, and technological disruptions.

    What is the middle-income trap?

    • The middle-income trap refers to a situation where economies that have achieved middle-income status fail to transition into high-income economies, experiencing prolonged stagnation. 
    • According to the World Bank (2012), such economies cannot sustain productivity growth because they rely on low-cost labour and foreign technology without upgrading to innovation-driven growth.

    How does it affect ASEAN economies?

    ASEAN economies like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines have remained in the middle-income category for decades.

    • Economic Stagnation: Growth slows once cheap labour and resource-driven expansion exhaust their potential.
    • Weak Domestic Champions: Unlike South Korea (Samsung, Hyundai) or Taiwan (TSMC), ASEAN relied excessively on foreign MNCs for integration into global value chains, leaving little scope for indigenous innovation.
    • Geopolitical Risks: US tariff policies and a weakening export-led global economy undermine ASEAN’s reliance on external demand.

    This has led to widening inequalities and vulnerability to shocks, evident during COVID-19, when tourism- and export-dependent ASEAN economies suffered deep recessions.

    What factors are responsible? 

    • Weak Institutions: As Acemoglu and Robinson argue in Why Nations Fail, “extractive institutions” concentrate power in elites, resisting innovation. Similar challenges exist in India where land, labour, and judicial bottlenecks slow industrial growth (Economic Survey 2020–21).
    • Dependence on MNCs: ASEAN hosts foreign firms but lacks home-grown technological champions. India too depends heavily on FDI in electronics and defence but lags in building global players in semiconductors or EV batteries.
    • Inequality and Weak Domestic Demand: ASEAN’s urban–rural divide curtails mass consumption. India also faces a similar challenge — NSSO data shows rural distress limits domestic demand expansion.
    • Governance Gaps: Corruption, political patronage, and weak intellectual property protection discourage innovation in ASEAN; India too struggles with regulatory uncertainty.

    What measures can help escape the trap? 

    • Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems: ASEAN must deepen university–industry linkages, enforce IPR, and encourage R&D. India’s Atal Innovation Mission and PLI schemes offer useful models.
    • Strategic FDI Management: Ensure technology transfer clauses in FDI agreements. India’s telecom and defence offset policies show partial success but need stricter monitoring.
    • Inclusive Growth: Reducing inequality broadens domestic markets. ASEAN requires bridging the rural–urban divide; India’s focus on PM-KISAN, MGNREGA and rural infrastructure plays a similar role.
    • Regional Integration: ASEAN can act as a ‘domestic’ market of 680 million people by removing non-tariff barriers. India’s challenge lies in deeper intra-South Asian integration, currently one of the least integrated regions globally (World Bank, 2022).
    • Institutional Reforms: Transparent, merit-based governance and credible state capacity are prerequisites. India too must improve contract enforcement and ease of doing business.

    What broader lessons emerge?

    ASEAN’s struggle highlights that industrial upgrading, institutional reforms, and inclusive growth are mutually reinforcing. For India, avoiding a similar trap requires:

    • Building domestic champions in sunrise sectors (semiconductors, green tech).
    • Expanding middle-class purchasing power by reducing inequality.
    • Enhancing regional and global competitiveness through innovation-driven strategies.

    As the Economic Survey 2021–22 stressed, “innovation and inclusive development, not low-cost labour, will determine the future of emerging economies.”

  • India and Mexico: A 75-Year Partnership

    Context: Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, India and Mexico are reflecting on a partnership historically characterised by a “humanistic orientation” and are now aiming to elevate it to a Strategic Partnership. This relationship, built on shared values and mutual benefit, is gaining renewed significance in a rapidly shifting global order.

    How have bilateral relations with Mexico benefited India?

    The bilateral relationship has delivered significant, multi-sectoral benefits for India:

    • Agricultural Revolution (The Green Revolution): The most profound historical benefit was Mexico’s contribution to India’s food security. 
      • The 60th anniversary of Mexican national leaders (like Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug) sending wheat seeds to India was facilitated by M.S. Swaminathan. This initiative was pivotal to India’s Green Revolution, helping “save millions of lives from hunger.”
    • Economic and Trade Partnership: Mexico is a key trading partner for India in Latin America. The relationship provides India with access to a large market of nearly 130 million people and a strategic gateway to North and South America due to Mexico’s geographic position.
    • Diplomatic and Multilateral Support: The two countries have traditionally shared similar views on multilateral platforms, supporting a more democratic and inclusive global order. This partnership has bolstered India’s standing in the Global South.
    • COVID-19 Solidarity: India, through Vaccine Maitri, showcased its capability as a reliable pharmacy of the world, strengthening diplomatic goodwill.
    • Strategic Market Access: For Indian companies, Mexico serves as a manufacturing and export hub to the entire Americas.

    What are the challenges in the ties?

    Despite the strong foundation, the relationship faces certain challenges:

    • Underutilised Economic Potential: While trade is healthy, it remains below its true potential. There is a need to diversify the trade basket beyond traditional commodities and pharmaceuticals.
    • Geographical Distance and Connectivity: The physical distance has been a barrier to deepening people-to-people ties and increasing the frequency of high-level engagements compared to neighbours.
    • Navigating Great Power Politics: In an era of US-China rivalry, both India and Mexico, while seeking strategic autonomy, must carefully navigate their respective relationships with major powers, which could sometimes create complex diplomatic situations.
    • Lack of a Formal Strategic Framework: The current “Privileged Partnership” may be insufficient, necessitating upgradation to a “Strategic Partnership” to deal with the emergent geopolitical issues. 

    What opportunities lie ahead in the present geopolitical context?

    The current volatile global landscape presents a unique opportunity to transform the India-Mexico relationship:

    • Supply Chain Diversification: As companies look to de-risk from China (the “China Plus One” strategy), both India and Mexico stand to benefit. Mexico can be a hub for Indian companies targeting North American markets, and India can be a key partner for Mexico in Asia.
    • Cooperation in Critical Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, automation, digital finance, and space science are key areas for bilateral collaboration. Joint ventures and knowledge sharing in these sunrise sectors can define the next phase of the relationship.
    • Leadership in the Global South: As two of the world’s largest democracies and major economies, they can jointly champion the causes of the developing world, push for reforms in multilateral institutions, and shape a new, more multipolar world order.
    • Energy and Sustainability: There are vast opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate change mitigation technologies.
    • From Privileged to Strategic Partnership: The explicit intent to formalise a Strategic Partnership would provide the necessary framework to synergise efforts across defence, security, technology, and economics, making the partnership more comprehensive and result-oriented.