Current Affairs – June 29-30, 2025

{GS2 – Governance – Civil Services} Adi Karmyogi Programme

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Ministry’s flagship programme–the Adi Karmyogi Initiative, at the Adi Anveshan, a National Conference of the Tribal Affairs Ministry.

Key Features

• Aim: Building a cadre of highly motivated officers and change-makers dedicated to grassroots transformation.
  • The programme aims to bring about a fundamental shift in the attitude and motivation of field-level officials, emphasising citizen-centric ideation and delivery.
• Objective: To take capacity-building to about 20 lakh field-level stakeholders by creating a batch of trainers and master trainers at the State, district, and block levels.
• Target: Reaching 1 lakh tribal villages and habitation.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} China’s Trilateral Diplomacy in India’s Neighbourhood

• Context (TH): In a strategic push to expand its regional influence, China has revived trilateral engagements with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, seen as efforts to counterbalance India and strengthen its own economic and security presence in South Asia.

China-Pakistan Nexus

• Legacy of the 1962 War: India-China ties were deeply impacted post the 1962 conflict, prompting Beijing to forge a long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan to counterbalance India.
• Pakistan’s dependency on China: Over $29 billion in loans & 80% of arms imports come from China.
• Shielding Pakistan: China has consistently defended Pakistan at global forums, including shielding UN-designated terrorists.
• Operation Sindoor: During Operation Sindoor, China criticized India’s retaliation, defended Pakistan, and supported calls for “dialogue.”

Strategic Aims of China’s Trilateral Push

• Reinforcing Pakistan’s Relevance: China seeks to strengthen Pakistan’s regional standing, especially as it grapples with severe economic and political instability.
• Redirecting Influence: As countries like the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka recalibrate relations in favour of India, China is shifting focus toward more volatile regions such as Afghanistan and Bangladesh to retain strategic footholds.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The trilateral platforms offer China opportunities to promote BRI-linked connectivity projects and ensure long-term economic and infrastructure penetration in the region.
• Using Proxies: Although framed as cooperative engagements, these initiatives align with China’s long-standing policy of leveraging regional proxies, particularly Pakistan to counterbalance and contain India’s growing influence.

Key Concerns for India

• Terrorism Risks: Bangladesh and Afghanistan have been historically used for cross-border terrorism by Pakistan. Chinese backing could deepen this threat.
• Strategic Isolation: The trilaterals aim to dilute India’s influence in its immediate neighbourhood and reduce diplomatic support for India in global fora.
• Economic Leverage: With Pakistan’s economic dependence and Chinese investments rising in South Asia, economic coercion could shape regional alignments.

Way Forward

India must continue assertive diplomacy, reinforcing red lines in regional engagements.

• Strengthen bilateral economic and strategic partnerships with neighbours.
• Expand multilateral forums like BIMSTEC and IORA to provide alternatives to Chinese-led groupings.
• Promote regional connectivity and trade independent of Chinese influence.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections} Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)

• Context (PR): The Election Commission of India (ECI) is delisting 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) to uphold electoral transparency & accountability.

What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties?

• Political entities registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA).
• Not recognised as State or National parties due to failure to meet electoral performance criteria.
• India had over 2,800 RUPPs by 2025, with their count nearly doubling from 1,112 in 2010 to 2,301 in 2019, as per ADR. 97% of registered parties remain unrecognised.
• Privileges:
  • Eligible for election symbols under certain conditions.
  • Exempt from tax on donations (Section 13A, Income Tax Act).
  • Can receive political donations.
  • Allowed to contest elections as registered parties.

SC ruling: INC vs Institute of Social Welfare & Ors (2002) had held that the ECI does not have the power to deregister any political party under the RP Act. ECI can deregister a party only in exceptional cases like fraud, loss of constitutional allegiance, or if declared unlawful by the government.

Concerns with RUPPs

• Low Electoral Participation: Out of 2,800+ RUPPs, only 750 contested the 2024 general elections. Many are termed ‘letter pad parties’.
• No Physical Presence: Offices are untraceable, violating Section 29A requirements.
• Tax Exemption Misuse: Less than 5% file donation reports indicating potential misuse of tax exemptions.
• Misuse: Surge in registrations seen around elections linked to illicit funding or proxy candidates.
• Compliance Failures: Many RUPPs don’t update office-bearer lists, conduct internal elections or file annual returns.

Way Forward

• Legal Reforms: Law Commission (255^th Report) suggested RP Act amendments to deregister parties inactive for 10 years.
  • ECI Memo (2016): Recommended legal powers for ECI to deregister dormant parties.
• Amend RP Act: As per Law Commission’s 170^th & 255^th reports, RP Act should allow ECI limited power to deregister non-compliant parties.
• Prevent Financial Misuse: Tighten compliance to prevent misuse of tax exemptions & donations.

Political Parties Political parties are registered under Section 29A of the Representation of Peoples’s Act, 1951 (RPA). Parties must apply to the ECI along with their constitution or founding document. They must pledge allegiance to the Indian Constitution & uphold principles of socialism, secularism, democracy & national integrity. Benefits: Eligible to contest elections. Can request a common election symbol. Allowed to receive financial contributions legally. Criteria for Recognition as a Political Party State Party (Any one condition must be met) 6% of Votes + 2 Assembly Seats: The party must secure at least 6% of the total valid votes in the Legislative Assembly election & win at least 2 seats in that Assembly. 6% of Votes in Lok Sabha + 1 Lok Sabha Seat: It must secure 6% of the total valid votes in the Lok Sabha election & win 1 seat from that state in the Lok Sabha. 3% of Assembly Seats or Minimum 3 Seats: The party must win 3% of the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly, or at least 3 seats, whichever is greater. 1 Lok Sabha Seat for Every 25 Seats: The party must win 1 Lok Sabha seat out of every 25 seats allotted to the state. 8% Statewide Vote Share: The party must secure at least 8% of the total valid votes in a state in either Assembly or Lok Sabha elections, even if it wins no seat. National Party (Any one condition must be met) 6% Vote Share in 4 States + 4 Lok Sabha Seats: The party must poll at least 6% of the total valid votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four or more states & win at least 4 Lok Sabha seats from any state. 2% of Total Lok Sabha Seats from at least 3 States: It must win at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha (i.e., 11 out of 543 seats) & those seats must be from at least 3 different states. Recognized as a State Party in Four or More States: If a party is already recognized as a State Party in four or more states, it is automatically granted National Party status.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} Digital Search Powers in IT Bill 2025

• Context (TH): The draft Income-Tax Bill, 2025 proposes allowing tax authorities to access individuals’ “virtual digital space” during search operations.

Digital Search Powers under the IT Bill

• Under the draft I-T Bill, 2025:
  • Tax authorities may access digital platforms including emails, cloud drives, social media accounts, messaging apps, and digital applications.
  • They may also override access codes and passwords to retrieve information.
  • The definition of “virtual digital space” is open-ended, including “any other space of similar nature.”

Key Concerns

• Blurring Legal Boundaries: Unlike physical searches with limited scope, digital searches often expose sensitive and unrelated personal data, including that of third parties (e.g., family, friends, clients, or professional contacts).
• Vague Definitions and Overreach: The open-ended phrasing of “any other space of similar nature” grants unrestrained powers to authorities.
  • It raises concerns about mass surveillance especially with encrypted platforms like WhatsApp under scrutiny.
• Threat to Confidentiality: Without clear thresholds, the provision risks compromising professional confidentiality and trust by exposing sensitive data of journalists, lawyers, and researchers.
• Violation of Proportionality Test: The Supreme Court in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) laid down a four-fold test for any state action infringing on privacy: Legitimate aim; Necessity; Proportionality; Least intrusive means.
  • The I-T Bill’s blanket digital search powers fail this test due to lack of specificity, judicial oversight, and relevance thresholds.

• Lack of Judicial Oversight: The new provision allows digital access without a warrant. No mandatory disclosure of “reasons to believe” undermines transparency and opens doors to misuse.

Way Forward

• Judicial Authorization: Mandate prior judicial warrants for digital searches.
• Define Scope Clearly: Narrow and specify the definition of “virtual digital space” to exclude irrelevant personal content.
• Safeguard Confidentiality: Introduce professional privilege protections for journalists, lawyers, doctors, etc.
• Redress Mechanisms: Create robust institutional channels for accountability and grievance redressal.
• Transparency: Require authorities to record and later disclose “reasons to believe” in writing post-search.

Read in detail about Income Tax Bill 2025.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} One Year After India’s Criminal Law Overhaul

• Context (TH): One year since India introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) to modernize its criminal justice system, feedback from investigating officers reveals persistent operational and infrastructure challenges on the ground.

Key Digital Reforms CCTNS Integration for FIR Registration: Most FIRs now registered digitally via the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). Seamless intra-state routing of zero FIRs is now possible. Enables smooth transition between old and new legal provisions. Launch of e-Sakshya App: Developed by the NIC in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Helps IOs collect and store real-time audio-visual evidence with geolocation and timestamp. Evidence is stored securely on the National Government Cloud (NGC) via Sakshya Lockers.

Positive Impact

• Transparency and Accountability: Geo-tagged visuals enhance the credibility of investigations. Presence of witnesses and accused now has visual proof. It also prevents delegating tasks informally by IOs.
• Real-Time Forensics Integration: Mandatory FSL expert visits ensure proper evidence handling. States like Chhattisgarh are seeing better scene-of-crime documentation.
• Infrastructure Boost: National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Central FSL in Raipur announced to strengthen forensic capacity. Police dogs are also increasingly used at crime scenes for tracking.
• Digital Case Flow: Medico-legal reports (rape cases) are being shared digitally within 7 days as mandated under Section 184.
  • Pilot testing of MedLEaPR (developed by NIC Haryana) underway in Chhattisgarh to streamline post-mortem reports.

Ground-Level Challenges

• Tech & Resource Gaps: IOs often use personal phones due to limited government-issued devices. The e-Sakshya app requires Android 10+, forcing some officers to buy new phones. Also only one tablet per station is insufficient.
• Courts Not Fully Integrated: Despite cloud storage via Sakshya lockers, courts still demand pen drives as evidence. This causes duplication of work and increase cost burden on IOs continues.
• App Limitations: In offline mode (FIR not linked), limited to 5 Sakshya IDs, restricting evidence capture. There is no provision to delete/retake faulty videos in linked FIRs.
• Legal & Practical Ambiguities:
  • Section 303 BNS: Ambiguity around non-registration of thefts under ₹5000.
  • Section 112 BNS: Open-ended definition of “petty organised offences” causing inconsistent interpretation.
  • Section 530 BNSS: Provision for video testimony of IOs and witnesses exists but rarely used.
• Cyber Forensics Backlog: Cybercrimes need experts to analyse seized digital evidence, which is still a gap in most state forensic labs. Labs must be notified under the IT Act to provide valid cyber forensic opinions.

Recommendations

• Wider e-Sakshya Deployment: Ensure every IO has access to official, compatible devices.
• Direct Court Access to Digital Evidence: Eliminate pen-drive duplication via seamless ICJS-Court integration.
• Upgrade State Forensic Labs: Especially cyber units; notify them under the IT Act.
• Standardise Digital Evidence Use: Across states with defined procedural protocols.
• Resource Allocation: More budget for ICT tools and mobile forensic units.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Migrants} SPREE Scheme

• Context (PIB): Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved the re-launch of SPREE (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees) Scheme to expand ESI coverage nationwide.

• Initially introduced in 2016, the scheme successfully facilitated the registration of over 88,000 employers and 1.02 crore employees.
• The renewed SPREE will be open from July 1 to December 31, 2025, offering a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and previously excluded workers, including contractual and temporary staff, to enrol under the ESI Act.
• By focusing on voluntary compliance rather than penalisation, the scheme aims to alleviate the litigation burden and encourage formal registration.

Amnesty Scheme 2025 The ESI Corporation has also approved the Amnesty Scheme 2025, which is valid from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. It aims to reduce the number of litigations by providing a mechanism for resolving disputes outside the court, offering employers an opportunity to come forward for a mutual settlement and promoting ease of doing business.

{GS3 – Agri – Reports} Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2023-24)

• Context (PIB): The National Statistics Office (NSO) has released the annual publication of the Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2023-24).

Key Highlights

• Gross Value Added (GVA): The GVA of agriculture and allied sectors at current prices increased by about 225% from 2011-12 to 2023-24.
• Gross Value of Output (GVO): GVO from the agriculture and allied sector at constant prices has shown steady growth, marking an overall increase of approximately 54.6%.

Crop Sector

• The crop sector remains the most significant contributor to the total GVO (at constant prices) of agriculture and allied sectors, with a share of 54.1% in 2023-24.
• Cereals and fruits & vegetables together accounted for 52.5% of total crop GVO in 2023-24.
• Among the cereals, only paddy and wheat constitute ~85% of GVO (at constant prices) of all cereals in 2023-24.
• Five States, namely Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Haryana, contributed nearly 53% of the GVO (at constant prices) of cereals in 2023-24.
  • With a reduced share (18.6% in 2011-12 to 17.2% in 2023-24), Uttar Pradesh maintained the top-most position.
• Gram and Arhar together accounted for over 58% of the value of the output of the ‘pulses’ group during 2023-24. Madhya Pradesh (22%) recorded the highest output value in pulses during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Horticulture

• Fruits: In 2023-24, the constant prices GVO of Bananas (47.0 thousand crore) surpassed that of Mangoes (46.1 thousand crore).
  • Mango was the top-most contributor in GVO (at constant prices) in the fruit group consistently from 2011-12 to 2021-22.
• Vegetables: Potatoes remain the top contributor in GVO (at constant prices) of the vegetable group during 2011-12 to 2023-24.
• Floriculture: Experienced significant growth in GVO at constant prices, nearly doubling from ₹17.4 thousand crore in 2011–12 to ₹28.1 thousand crore in 2023–24.
• Statewise: The composition of State-wise contributions to the GVO (at constant prices) for ‘fruits and vegetables’ and floriculture has changed noticeably from 2011–12 to 2023–24.
  • Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh were the three top-performing States in 2023-24. However, in 2011-12, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were the top three states.

Livestock Sector

• GVO of Livestock Sector: Increased from 25.6% in 2011-12 to 31.2% in 2023-24, making it one of the fastest-growing components of agriculture & allied activities.
• State-wise: Uttar Pradesh led livestock GVO, but its share declined slightly, whereas Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan registered significant gains from 2011-12 to 2023-24.
• Milk: Remained dominant in this sector in 2023-24; however, the share has decreased from 67.2% to 65.9% during 2011-12 to 2023-24.
• Meat: The share of the meat group in the total GVO of the livestock sector increased from 19.7% to 24.1% during 2011-12 to 2023-24 (at constant prices).

Fishing and aquaculture

• Its share in India’s agricultural GVO has risen significantly from 4.2% in 2011–12 to 7.0% in 2023–24.
• Share of inland fish has decreased from 57.7% to 50.2% during 2011-12 to 2023-24.
• Share of marine fish increased from 42.3% to 49.8% between 2011-12 and 2023-24.

Other

• Condiments & Spices: The share of Madhya Pradesh (19.2%) in GVO in 2023-24 made a dramatic leap, becoming the top contributor in this group, while Karnataka and Gujarat followed with 16.6% and 15.5%, respectively.
• ‘Forestry and Logging’: The sector has displayed moderate but consistent growth, increasing from ₹149 thousand crore to ₹227 thousand crore between 2011-12 and 2023-24.

{GS3 – IE – Banking} India’s First Maritime NBFC

• Context (PIB): India launched Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) as the first dedicated maritime NBFC to finance blue economy sectors.

• It aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to make India a global maritime leader.

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd.

• Reorganisation: The former Sagarmala Development Company Ltd. (SDCL) has been reorganised as SMFCL.
• Registration: Registered with the RBI under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Administrative Control: Functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

Role and Functions

• Targeted Maritime Finance: Provides tailored funding for ports, shipping, MSMEs, and startups.
• PPP Enabler: Supports public–private partnership projects in maritime infrastructure.
• Blue Economy: Funds shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and logistics.
• Green Infrastructure: Prioritises carbon-neutral maritime projects.

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 It is a strategic roadmap to transform India’s maritime sector by 2047. Port Capacity Goal: Expand capacity to 10 billion tonnes per annum. 100% PPP Model: All 12 major ports to operate under PPP. Investment Target: Mobilise ₹80 lakh crore in 25 years. Multimodal Focus: Promote transhipment hubs, mega ports, and connectivity. Net-Zero Ports: Achieve carbon-neutral operations at major ports.

About Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)

• An NBFC is a company that offers financial services without accepting demand deposits.
• Legal Basis: Incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Regulator: It is regulated by the RBI.
• {{Financial Role: Engages in lending, leasing, investment, and hire-purchase.
• Deposit Restriction: Cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques.
• No Settlement Role: Not part of payment and settlement systems.
• No Deposit Insurance: Not covered under DICGC (Deposit Insurance & Credit Guarantee Corporation).

{GS3 – IE – Development} National Statistics Day

• Context (IE | IE | TH): National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29, marking the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis. The 1^st National Statistics Day was celebrated in 2007.

• The 2025 theme is “75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS)”.

About P.C. Mahalanobis

• Father of Indian Statistics: Built India’s statistical architecture and promoted data-based planning.

Legacy and Institutional Role

• ISI Founder: Founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931, now a national institute under the ISI Act, 1959.
• System Architect: Helped create NSSO, CSO, and India’s national accounts system.
• Academic Pioneer: Introduced statistical teaching in Indian universities.
• Sankhya Journal: Founded the Sankhya journal, inspired by Biometrika, to promote statistical research.

Technical Contributions

• Mahalanobis Distance: Developed a method to measure distribution distance for outlier detection.
• Pilot Surveys: Pioneered low-cost, small-scale survey testing before full deployment.
• Census Reforms: Identified and corrected enumeration errors in population counts.
• Anthropometry Use: Applied statistical tools to nutrition and demographic studies.
• Crop Estimation: Designed sampling methods to estimate crop yield and agricultural output.
• Flood Control Role: Provided hydrological calculations for projects like the Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi.

Planning Contributions

• Five-Year Plan: Advised the Second FYP (1956–61), focusing on industrialisation.
• Public Data: Championed reliable, large-scale surveys to guide social planning.

National Sample Survey (NSS)

• Initiation: Recommended by the National Income Committee (1949), chaired by Mahalanobis.
• Mandate: Collect large-scale, periodic data for policy and planning.
• First Round of NSS: Conducted in 1950–1951, covering rural socio-economic conditions.
• Survey Rounds: Most rounds span 12 months; special rounds last 6 months.
• Periodic Labour Force Survey launched in 2017 under NSS to monitor employment trends.
• Under NSO: Currently, NSS functions as a survey division within NSO since the 2019 reorganisation.
• Tech Shift: Switched from Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing (PAPI) to Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).

Functions of NSS

• Evidence-Based Governance: Informs poverty, health, and employment programs with reliable data.
• Policy Design Support: Shapes schemes like MGNREGS, PDS, and Ayushman Bharat.
• Labour Trends: Tracks employment-unemployment through periodic household surveys.
• Price Monitoring: Supplies inflation-related data via rural–urban price indices.
• Crop & Price Data: Collaborates with states for yield estimates and rural–urban price tracking.

Milestones in the History of NSS

• PDS Targeting: Assisted in identifying BPL households for food subsidy targeting.
• ICDS Support: Supplied indicators for child health and nutrition planning.
• Food-for-Work: Provided metrics for rural employment guarantee schemes.
• Tech Modernisation: Introduced CAPI to reduce delay and human error.
• Global Credibility: NSS data is used by UN Statistical Division, World Bank, and IMF.

Challenges for NSS

• Non-Response Issues: Urban fatigue and migration reduce data quality.
• Delayed Surveys: Postponed rounds affect time-sensitive policy planning.
• Manpower Shortfall: Field staff and funding remain below required levels.
• Data Credibility: Statistical revisions and suppressed surveys undermine public trust.
• Informal Sector Gaps: The informal economy remains underreported in coverage.

Current Statistical Framework in India

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

• MoSPI was formed in 1999 via the merger of two departments-
  • Department of Statistics (DoS)
  • Department of Programme Implementation (DoPI)
• 2 Wings: Comprises Statistics Wing (NSO) and Programme Implementation Wing.

The Programme Implementation Wing of MoSPI oversees MPLADS, the Twenty-Point Programme (TPP), and Infrastructure Monitoring (IPMD).

National Statistical Office (NSO)

• Formation: Created in 2019 as an umbrella body under MoSPI.
• Divisions: Includes Central Statistical Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• CSO Role: Manages GDP, Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Consumer Price Index, and ASI.
• NSSO Role: Conducts socio-economic surveys, including PLFS, consumer expenditure, and health.

National Statistical Commission (NSC)

• Setup: Constituted in 2006 based on Rangarajan Commission recommendations.
• Role: Ensures professional oversight, quality assurance, and release protocols.

State Statistical Coordination

• State DES: Directorates of Economics and Statistics (DES) handle local data collection.
• Alignment: Follow NSO formats and survey protocols.

Legal Framework

• Union List Entry 94: Allows the Centre to collect statistics on Union subjects.
• Concurrent List Entry 45: Empowers both the Centre and the States to handle general statistics.
• Relevant Acts: Census Act (1948), Registration of Births & Deaths Act (1969), Statistics Act (2008).

Institutional Status

• ISI: ISI functions as an autonomous institution under MoSPI as per the ISI Act, 1959.
• UN Integration: NSO aligns with the IMF-SDDS and UN release standards.

IMF–SDDS: The Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) by the IMF sets global norms for publishing timely, reliable, and comparable macroeconomic data.
Institution	Operates Under	Structure	Mandate
NSO	MoSPI	Umbrella Body	Oversee national statistics, surveys, data release
CSO	NSO	Division	GDP, IIP, CPI, ASI, national accounts
NSSO	NSO	Division	Conduct large-scale socio-economic surveys
NSC	MoSPI	Advisory Body	Data quality, ethics, oversight
ISI	MoSPI (Statutory)	Autonomous	Research, training
DES	State Governments	Department	Collect and compile state-level statistics
PI Wing	MoSPI	Separate Wing	Monitor projects like TPP, IPMD, MPLADS

Broader Issues in India’s Statistical System

• Departmental Fragmentation: Parallel data sources create duplication and inconsistency.
• Transparency Deficit: Delays or non-release of politically sensitive data.
• Technology Gaps: Low AI and automation usage in official statistics.
• Skilled Staff Shortage: Lack of trained statisticians in field operations.
• Low Public Trust: Frequent data revisions and withheld surveys reduce credibility.

Way Forward

• Timely Release: Legally mandate the timely publication of all major datasets.
• Reform Acts: Update Census and Statistics Acts for modern standards.
• Public Engagement: Promote statistical literacy as a civic responsibility.
• AI Integration: Use AI for forecasting, consistency checks, and anomaly alerts.
• Incentivise Respondents: Offer outreach and rewards to improve participation.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen training and tech adoption in state DES and NSO.
• Open Access: Expand real-time data portals for transparency and accountability.

{GS3 – Infra – Energy} India Energy Stack

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Power has initiated the India Energy Stack (IES) to build a secure, unified digital infrastructure for the power sector.

What is India Energy Stack?

• Aim: IES aims to build a unified digital backbone for the power sector to boost efficiency, integration & consumer empowerment.
• Inspired by: Aadhaar (identity) & UPI (payments).
• Offers: Seamless, secure & consumer-centric energy services.
• Unify: Digital systems across electricity value chain generation, transmission, distribution & consumption.
• Key features:
  • Unique IDs for consumers, assets & energy transactions.
  • Real-time, consent-based data sharing.
  • Open Application Programming Interface (APIs) for interoperability & system integration.

Need

• Fragmentation: Current power sector platforms lack integration & standardization.
• Rising Demand: Digital solutions needed to ensure grid reliability amid EV & industrial growth.
• Consumer Empowerment: Enables active participation & informed energy usage.
• DISCOM Operations: Enables real-time monitoring & better service delivery.
• Net Zero Commitments: Supports India’s green transition with data-backed decisions.

{GS3 – S&T – Nuclear Energy} India’s Civil Nuclear Reform Push

• Context (IE): India is gearing up for a major policy shift in its civil nuclear sector with legislative groundwork underway to amend two crucial laws- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 and Atomic Energy Act, 1962

Need for the Reforms

India’s civil nuclear industry has long been viewed as insular and risk-averse due to two main legal hurdles:

• Section 17(b) of CLNDA: The CLNDA introduced a provision that allows the operator to claim right of recourse from supplier in case of equipment defects even after paying compensation for nuclear damage.
  • While globally operators bear primary liability, India’s inclusion of supplier liability (domestic and foreign) discouraged companies like Westinghouse and Framatome from investing.
• Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Only state-owned enterprises like Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd can operate nuclear facilities in India.

Key Features of the Proposed Amendments

Amendments to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA)

• Dilution of Section 17(b): Will bring the provision in line with global nuclear liability norms and reduce fear of legal action among suppliers in case of nuclear accidents.
• Clarifying ‘Supplier’ Definition: Ambiguity around the term will be addressed to ensure only core technology providers bear liability.
• Capping Supplier Liability: Amendments may limit monetary liability to the value of the contract and restrict the liability window to a specific time.
• Alignment with Global Norms: Will harmonise India’s law with the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC), key to attracting international investments and partnerships.

Amendments to Atomic Energy Act, 1962

• Allow Private Participation: Amendments aim to permit private and possibly foreign companies to co-own and operate civil nuclear plants.
• Foreign Investment: The proposed reforms could allow foreign companies to hold minority stakes in Indian nuclear projects, marking a significant shift from India’s state-controlled nuclear sector.
  • This move aims to commercialise the industry, attract global expertise, and create a more competitive and inclusive energy ecosystem.

Challenges

• Political Consensus: Amendments, especially to the CLNDA, may face opposition due to fears over compromising compensation rights for accident victims.
• Balancing Safety and Investment: Regulatory authorities like Atomic Energy Regulatory Board must ensure stringent vetting of new private players without dampening investor interest.

Significance for India’s Energy Future

• Clean Energy Goals: Nuclear energy will be vital to meet India’s net-zero targets by 2070 and reduce reliance on coal.
• Energy Security: Diversification of the energy mix is essential for long-term sustainability.
• Technology Leap: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can be a game-changer, safer, modular, and suitable for remote or industrial areas.
• Strategic Autonomy: Enhancing indigenous manufacturing of nuclear tech through joint ventures with global leaders strengthens India’s technological sovereignty.

Way Forward

• Speedy legislative action to amend CLNDA and Atomic Energy Act.
• Conduct transparent stakeholder consultations with vendors, regulators, and civil society to strike a balance between safety and commercial interests.
• Public-private partnerships to build domestic capacity and integrate global expertise.
• Institutionalising accountability through better contract design, insurance mechanisms, and independent oversight.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW)

• Context (TH): Japan has successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite named GOSAT-GW satellite on its mainstay H-2A rocket.

• Third series in mission to monitor carbon, methane, and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• The launch marked the 50^th and final flight for the H-2A, which has served as Japan’s primary rocket for carrying satellites.
• Previously, H-2A has successfully carried many satellites and probes into space, including Japan’s moon lander SLIM last year and the popular Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2014, which reached a distant asteroid.

{Species – Mammals – Misc} Kharai Camel

• Context (DTE): NGT ordered the removal of illegal salt pans and creek encroachments in Kachchh, citing threats to the habitat of the Kharai camel.

Credit: VillageSquare

• Kharai camel is locally called Dariyataru, meaning ‘sea camel’.
• Geographic Range: Found mainly in the Kachchh region of Gujarat.
• Habitat Adaptability: Survives in both desert and coastal zones. It Depends on brackish water and estuarine ecosystems.
• Swimming Ability: Can swim up to 3 km to graze on coastal islands.
• Feeding Habit: Feeds on mangrove species like Avicennia and Rhizophora.
• Community Link: Reared by Rabari and Fakirani Jat Maldhari communities.
• Significance: Milk has therapeutic properties and high antibody content.
• Threats: Mangrove degradation, salt pan encroachment, habitat destruction, etc.