JULY 02 UPSC Current Affairs – PM IAS Academy

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

Syllabus: GS2/Governance (Policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population); GS3/Economy (Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.; Investment models); GS3/Social (Human Resource Development).

Context:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, also known as Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, effective from July 1, 2025. This landmark policy supersedes the existing National Sports Policy of 2001 and lays out a visionary roadmap to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse, with a specific long-term goal of making India a strong contender for hosting and excelling at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.

More About the News:

• Approval and Effective Date: Approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025, and is now the operational sports policy for India.
• Supersedes: Replaces the National Sports Policy 2001.
• Vision: To establish India as a global sporting powerhouse and a strong contender for excellence at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games. It is built on the vision of “Sports for Nation Building” and aims to integrate sports into every aspect of national life.
• Foundational Pillars: The NSP 2025 is anchored on five key pillars:
  1. Excellence on the Global Stage: Aims to identify and develop talent from an early age (including in rural areas), build strong coaching systems, improve sports infrastructure, use sports science and technology, and provide comprehensive support to athletes. It also seeks to strengthen the functioning and transparency of national sports bodies.
  2. Sports for Economic Development: Recognizes sports as a growing economic sector. It supports the development of sports-related industries (manufacturing, tourism), encourages hosting international events, promotes sports-based entrepreneurship, and attracts investment through corporate partnerships and CSR.
  3. Sports for Social Development: Promotes equal access to sports for women, economically weaker communities, tribal populations, and persons with disabilities. It supports traditional games, integrates sports into education, and encourages career pathways in the sports sector for players and support staff¹. It also aims to leverage sports for peace and international cooperation.
  4. Sports as a People’s Movement: Focuses on building a culture of physical activity through widespread participation, public campaigns (like “10,000 Steps Challenge,” “Family Sports Weekends”), community events, and fitness programs. It also aims to provide accessible sports facilities in both urban and rural settings and introduce fitness indices for schools, colleges, and workplaces.
  5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020): Aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 by integrating sports into the school curriculum, training educators and physical education teachers in sports science and pedagogy, and establishing institutional feeder systems for early talent identification.

Brief on India’s Previous Sports Policies and Evolution:

India’s journey in sports policy has evolved over decades, reflecting changing priorities and aspirations.

• Early Policies (Pre-2000s): Initial efforts focused on infrastructure development and limited elite athlete support. The first National Sports Policy was introduced in 1984.
• National Sports Policy 2001: This policy aimed at broad-basing sports, achieving excellence at national and international levels, and promoting sports science and medicine. However, its implementation faced challenges, particularly concerning governance and funding.
• Key Initiatives Leading to NSP 2025: Several schemes and movements over the past decade laid the groundwork for the new policy:
  • Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) (2014): Focused on providing financial and logistical support to elite athletes for Olympic and Paralympic excellence.
  • Khelo India Programme (2017): A flagship government program designed to promote sports at the grassroots level, identify talent, and build sports infrastructure across the country (e.g., Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Para Games). It has expanded to include over 1000 centers.
  • Fit India Movement (2019): A nationwide movement to encourage people of all ages to adopt a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.
  • National Code for Good Governance in Sports (Draft 2017): Though not fully implemented, it aimed to bring professionalism and transparency to sports federations.

The NSP 2025 is a result of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders, reflecting a more holistic and inclusive approach.

Significance of National Sports Policy 2025:

• Holistic Development: The policy moves beyond merely medal counts to emphasize sports’ role in economic growth, social inclusion, health, and education, aligning with the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’.
• Long-Term Vision for Global Excellence: By setting the 2036 Olympics as a target, it provides a clear, long-term roadmap for athlete development, infrastructure building, and strategic planning.
• Grassroots to Elite Pathway: The policy’s emphasis on identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots level (e.g., block-level infrastructure, school integration) ensures a strong feeder system for elite sports.
• Economic Catalyst: Recognizing sports as an industry, the policy aims to generate revenue, create jobs (e.g., equipment manufacturing, sports tourism), and attract private investment through PPPs and CSR, diversifying the economic benefits of sports beyond traditional sectors.
• Inclusivity and Social Cohesion: Dedicated focus on women, persons with disabilities, tribal communities, and economically weaker sections aims to democratize access to sports and use it as a tool for social development and empowerment.
• Integration with Education: Aligning with NEP 2020 ensures that sports is not seen as an extra-curricular activity but as an integral part of holistic child development, promoting physical literacy and discipline.
• Improved Governance and Transparency: The policy hints at a legal and regulatory overhaul of sports governance, promoting professionalism and accountability in National Sports Federations.
• Leveraging Technology: The promotion of AI, data analytics, and digital platforms for performance tracking and policy monitoring signifies a modern, data-driven approach to sports development.

Challenges in Implementation:

While the NSP 2025 presents an ambitious vision, its effective implementation will face several challenges:

• Funding and Resource Allocation: Despite the economic focus, ensuring adequate and diversified funding for all sports, beyond cricket, remains a challenge. Limited budget allocations and private sector involvement in non-cricket sports can hinder growth.
• Governance and Transparency: Persistent issues of corruption, lack of professionalism, and political interference in sports federations can undermine policy objectives. The absence of a strong legal framework or independent oversight body for governance may limit accountability.
• Infrastructure Gap: While the policy emphasizes infrastructure development, addressing the significant gap in world-class facilities, especially in rural and underserved regions, and ensuring their proper maintenance, will require substantial investment and sustained effort.
• Human Resource Development: The need for a large pool of trained coaches, sports scientists, and support staff, particularly at the grassroots level, is immense. Quality of coaching and training facilities remains a concern.
• Inclusion without Enforceable Equity: Critics argue that while the policy promises inclusion for women, persons with disabilities, and transgender athletes, it may lack specific quotas, targets, or accountability mechanisms (e.g., universal design mandates for infrastructure, mandatory inclusive coaching training) to truly translate vision into equitable participation.
• Sustaining People’s Movement: Converting ‘sports as a people’s movement’ into a deeply ingrained culture of fitness and participation requires consistent public awareness campaigns, accessible programs, and a shift in societal attitudes towards sports as a viable career.
• Inter-State Coordination: Sports is a ‘State subject,’ which can lead to fragmented efforts and inconsistent implementation across states. Ensuring effective coordination between central and state governments, NSFs, and other stakeholders is crucial.

Way Ahead:

To fully realize the transformative potential of the National Sports Policy 2025, a concerted and sustained effort is required:

• Robust Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Develop clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and time-bound targets for each pillar, with integrated dashboards and independent third-party audits to track progress and ensure accountability.
• Legal Framework for Governance: Consider enacting a comprehensive National Sports Law to provide a robust regulatory framework for governance, financial transparency, and ethical conduct of sports bodies.
• Targeted Investment Strategy: Implement a differentiated funding model that prioritizes non-cricket sports and focuses on sustainable public-private partnerships, encouraging CSR investments beyond traditional areas.
• Inclusive Implementation: Develop specific, rights-based frameworks with measurable outcomes for increasing participation and representation of women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in all aspects of sports, including leadership and coaching. Mandate universal design for all new sports infrastructure.
• Leverage Technology and Data: Fully implement AI and data analytics for talent identification, performance enhancement, injury prevention, and real-time policy evaluation.
• Strengthen Grassroots Ecosystem: Focus on developing block-level sports infrastructure, training local coaches, and seamlessly integrating sports with the school curriculum as envisioned by NEP 2020.
• Promote Sports as a Career: Create clear dual-career pathways for athletes and support staff, ensuring they have academic and professional opportunities alongside their sporting careers.

The National Sports Policy 2025 is a bold step towards an India that is not only a sporting force on the global stage but also a healthier, more inclusive, and physically active nation. Its success will be defined by the rigor of its execution and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.

8 Years of Goods and Services Tax (GST): A Journey of Transformation and Evolution

Syllabus: GS3/Economy (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting); GS2/Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors).

Context:As of July 1, 2025, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) has successfully completed eight years since its historic rollout in 2017. Hailed as one of the most significant tax reforms since independence, GST replaced a complex web of indirect taxes with a single, unified system, aiming to create a common national market, reduce cascading effects of taxes, and enhance ease of doing business. While the journey has seen significant achievements, it has also presented its share of challenges, prompting ongoing efforts for further reforms and rationalization.

Key Features of GST:

• One Nation, One Tax: GST subsumed over 17 central and state taxes (e.g., Excise Duty, Service Tax, VAT, Octroi), bringing them under a single umbrella.
• Dual Structure: It operates on a dual model, with Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) levied on intra-state transactions, and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state and import transactions.
• Destination-Based Tax: Tax is levied at the point of consumption, ensuring a seamless flow of tax credit across the supply chain.
• Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can claim credit for taxes paid on inputs, preventing “tax on tax” and reducing the overall tax burden on the final consumer.
• Threshold Exemption & Composition Scheme: Provisions for small businesses to ease compliance burden.
• Online Compliance: All core processes – registration, return filing, payment, and refund – are conducted through the GSTN portal, promoting digital efficiency.
• GST Council: A unique federal body comprising the Union Finance Minister and State Finance Ministers, making decisions by consensus on all GST-related matters, demonstrating cooperative federalism.

Achievements and Benefits of GST in 8 Years:

1. Economic Integration and Common Market: GST has truly created a “One Nation, One Tax” regime, dismantling inter-state barriers and check posts, leading to faster movement of goods and reduced logistics costs. This has streamlined supply chains and boosted inter-state trade.
2. Increased Tax Revenue and Formalization:
   • GST collections have shown consistent growth. In FY 2024-25, gross GST collections hit a record ₹22.08 lakh crore, a 9.4% year-on-year growth. The average monthly collection stood at ₹1.84 lakh crore.
   • The number of active GST registrations has significantly expanded, from 65 lakh in 2017 to over 1.51 crore as of April 30, 2025. This indicates a greater formalization of the economy and a broader tax base.
3. Simplified Tax Structure and Reduced Cascading Effect: By replacing multiple taxes with a unified system, GST has substantially reduced the cascading effect of taxes (tax on tax), making prices more transparent for consumers and reducing costs for businesses.
4. Enhanced Ease of Doing Business:
   • Simplified tax compliance processes and online procedures have improved transparency and efficiency.
   • Digital initiatives like e-invoicing (mandatory for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore since October 2020), e-way bills, and automated return scrutiny have reduced errors, fraud, and physical interface with tax authorities.
   • Faster IGST refunds through the Customs ICEGATE portal (often within a week) have boosted liquidity for exporters.
5. Cooperative Federalism: The functioning of the GST Council, with its consensus-based decision-making, stands out as a successful example of collaboration between the Centre and States on fiscal matters.
6. Technology-Driven Governance: GST has driven significant digital transformation, leveraging data analytics, AI, and Machine Learning to detect fraud, improve compliance, and streamline processes.

Challenges and Areas for Reform (GST 2.0):

Despite its successes, GST remains a “work-in-progress” and faces several persistent challenges:

1. Exclusion of Key Sectors:
   • Petroleum Products and Alcohol: These remain outside the GST ambit, leading to a fragmented tax system, continued cascading of taxes (as businesses cannot claim ITC on these inputs), and compliance complexities. States are reluctant to include them due to significant revenue reliance and concerns over fiscal autonomy.
   • Electricity, Real Estate, and Agriculture: Largely outside GST, contributing to incomplete ITC chains and revenue loss for some sectors.
2. Multiple Tax Slabs and Rate Rationalization: India’s GST has five main tax slabs (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) along with special rates and cesses. This multi-slab structure often leads to classification disputes (e.g., between different types of food items like rotis and parathas, or popcorn), complexity, and an inverted duty structure in some sectors (inputs taxed higher than outputs). A move towards a simpler 2-3 rate structure is often advocated.
3. Procedural and Compliance Hassles (Especially for MSMEs):
   • Despite digitization, frequent changes in rules, notifications, and return formats continue to pose challenges for businesses, particularly MSMEs who may lack dedicated in-house finance teams.
   • The burden of monthly returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and annual reconciliation (GSTR-9, GSTR-9C) can be substantial.
4. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Issues:
   • Instances of ITC denial due to supplier non-compliance or mismatches (between GSTR-1 and GSTR-2A/2B) still block working capital for honest taxpayers.
   • The restriction on provisional ITC claims has put more onus on the recipient to ensure supplier compliance.
5. Delayed Dispute Resolution: The long-delayed operationalization of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in several states has led to a massive backlog of appeals in High Courts, prolonging litigation and increasing uncertainty for taxpayers.
6. Fake Invoices and Tax Evasion: Despite digital checks, the menace of fake invoices continues to be a major challenge, leading to significant revenue leakage and legal disputes.
7. Parallel Jurisdiction and Lack of Uniformity: While the GST Council strives for uniformity, instances of divergent advance rulings and parallel tax administration by central and state authorities can create confusion.
8. Compensation Cess Withdrawal: The compensation cess for states, which was in place to offset revenue losses post-GST implementation, is expected to be withdrawn post-March 2026, raising concerns about state revenues.

Way Forward (GST 2.0 Reforms):

To further mature GST and maximize its benefits, several reforms are actively being considered and advocated:

• Phased Inclusion of Excluded Items: Gradually bring petroleum products, electricity, and real estate under GST, potentially starting with natural gas or ATF. This would require strong political consensus and a clear compensation mechanism for states.
• Rate Rationalization: Streamline the multi-slab structure into fewer, broader slabs (e.g., 3-rate system like 5%, 15%, 28%) to reduce classification disputes and compliance complexities.
• Simplify Compliance: Further simplify returns for MSMEs (e.g., by making Quarterly Returns with Monthly Payment – QRMP scheme more universal), provide automated ITC reconciliation tools, and reduce unnecessary forms.
• Strengthen ITC Mechanism: Ensure seamless flow of ITC and explore mechanisms to address genuine cases of ITC denial due to supplier lapses.
• Operationalize GSTAT: Expedite the full operationalization of the GST Appellate Tribunal benches across all states to resolve disputes efficiently and reduce litigation.
• Combat Tax Evasion: Enhance the use of data analytics, AI, and technology (e.g., real-time credit matching, integration with other databases) to curb fake invoice rackets and tax evasion.
• Amnesty Schemes: Consider one-time tax amnesty schemes for pre-GST disputes (as seen with Delhi’s recent proposal) to clear litigation backlog.
• Promote Taxpayer-Friendly Approach: Foster a culture of trust between tax collectors and taxpayers, with a focus on education and assistance rather than just enforcement.

Conclusion:

Eight years on, GST has undeniably transformed India’s indirect tax landscape, driving significant economic integration, formalization, and revenue growth. It stands as a testament to cooperative federalism. While challenges remain, especially concerning the exclusion of key sectors and compliance complexities, the ongoing dialogue within the GST Council and the focus on “GST 2.0” reforms signal a strong commitment to making it a truly “Good and Simple Tax” that can fuel India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

Sovereign Debt is Rising in Developing World: A Looming Crisis

Syllabus: GS3/Economy (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment); GS2/International Relations (Important International Institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate).

Context: Sovereign debt in developing countries has surged dramatically over the past decade, growing twice as fast as in developed economies since 2010. According to the World Bank’s International Debt Report (released in December 2024), developing countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023, with interest costs climbing to a 20-year high. This escalating debt burden is a critical concern for global financial stability and for the sustainable development of the Global South, diverting crucial resources from essential public services and climate action.

Key Trends and Statistics:

• Accelerated Growth: Since 2010, sovereign debt in developing countries has increased from 16% to 30% of the global total in 2023.
• Record Debt Service: In 2023, developing countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt, with interest costs reaching a two-decade high.
• High Interest Payments: More than half of developing countries now allocate at least 8% of government revenues to interest payments, a figure that has doubled over the past decade. For 54 developing countries (38% of the total) in 2023, this figure was 10% or more.
• Outpacing Public Spending: Interest payments are growing faster than critical public expenditures on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In 2023, 3.4 billion people lived in countries that spent more on interest payments than on either health or education.
• Negative Net Resource Transfer: In 2023, developing countries paid $25 billion more to their external creditors in debt servicing than they received in fresh disbursements, indicating a negative net resource transfer. This trend has continued since 2022.
• Regional Disparities: The pressure of rising interest payments is particularly substantial in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Asia and Pacific region also saw sovereign debt interest payments more than tripling from $20.9 billion in 2013 to $64.1 billion in 2023.
• Private Creditor Dominance: A large share of developing country debt is now owed to private creditors, who typically offer shorter maturities and charge higher interest rates.

Reasons and Factors Contributing to the Debt Burden:

1. High Cost of Borrowing: Developing countries are perceived as having a “high-risk environment,” leading to significantly higher borrowing costs. UNCTAD reports show developing regions borrowing at rates 2-4 times higher than the US and 6-12 times higher than Germany.
2. External Shocks:
   • COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic necessitated massive public spending on healthcare and social safety nets, while simultaneously disrupting economic activity and revenue generation.
   • Russia-Ukraine War: The war led to soaring food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, disproportionately impacting import-dependent developing countries and straining their budgets.
   • Trade Tensions and Protectionism (Early 2025): Heightened geopolitical uncertainties and rising tariffs (e.g., from the US) are disrupting global trade flows, weakening growth prospects, and increasing financial market volatility, making it harder for developing countries to earn foreign exchange.
3. Tightening Global Financial Conditions: Major advanced economies, particularly the US, have raised interest rates to combat inflation. This has led to tighter and more volatile financial conditions globally, increasing financing costs for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
4. Biased Sovereign Credit Ratings: Critics argue that sovereign credit ratings are often biased against developing countries. Downgrades, even during crises (e.g., during the pandemic), increase borrowing costs and exacerbate debt problems by limiting fiscal space for counter-cyclical policies.
5. Weak Domestic Fundamentals:
   • Limited Fiscal Space: Many developing countries have historically low tax revenues and inefficient tax administration, limiting their ability to generate sufficient domestic resources.
   • Inefficient Public Spending: Issues like corruption, wasteful spending, and poor fiscal discipline can contribute significantly to debt burdens.
   • Dependence on Foreign Currency Borrowing: Heavy external borrowing in foreign currencies exposes countries to exchange rate volatility, increasing debt service costs when their local currency depreciates.
6. Climate Change Impacts: Developing countries face significant costs from climate change impacts and adaptation needs, requiring substantial investment that often adds to their debt. Many low- and middle-income countries now spend more on debt payments than on meeting their climate goals.

Impact of Rising Sovereign Debt on Developing Economies:

1. Crowding Out Essential Spending: The most immediate and severe impact is the diversion of scarce public funds from critical investments in health, education, infrastructure, and climate adaptation to debt servicing. This undermines long-term human development, social progress, and economic resilience.
2. Economic Stagnation and Reduced Growth: High debt burdens reduce fiscal space, limit governments’ ability to invest in productive sectors, and can lead to a “debt death spiral” where countries borrow more to service existing debt, hindering sustainable growth.
3. Financial Instability and Currency Depreciation: Heavy external borrowing, especially in foreign currencies, makes countries vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations and can lead to currency and financial instability.
4. Loss of Sovereignty and Policy Autonomy: Countries seeking IMF bailouts or debt restructuring often face conditionalities that influence their domestic policies, potentially eroding national sovereignty.
5. Exacerbated Poverty and Inequality: The squeeze on public services disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities, who rely most on public goods. Inflation, often a consequence of debt-driven monetary financing, also hits them hardest.
6. Social Unrest and Political Instability: When debt erodes a state’s capacity to govern and provide, the social contract can unravel, leading to public dissatisfaction, protests, and political instability (e.g., Sri Lanka’s debt crisis).
7. Compromised Climate and SDG Commitments: Resources diverted to debt payments mean less available for climate finance, sustainable infrastructure, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

International Efforts and Solutions:

International financial institutions (IFIs) like the IMF and World Bank, along with multilateral forums, are actively engaged in addressing the debt crisis:

• Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR): Launched in 2022, the GSDR (involving creditors, borrowing countries, World Bank, and IMF) aims to secure debt treatment for countries in default and prevent future unsustainable debt build-up. In April 2025, it released a ‘playbook’ for debt restructuring.
• G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments: Aims to facilitate timely and orderly debt resolution for low-income countries, though its implementation has faced delays and challenges.
• IMF and World Bank Support: They provide analytical work (debt sustainability assessments), policy advice, technical support on debt management, and financial assistance. They are also working to improve debt restructuring processes.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) Re-channeling: Proposals to re-channel SDRs through the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) and multilateral development banks to provide more affordable financing.
• Innovative Financing Instruments: Exploring options like debt-for-climate/development swaps and state-contingent debt instruments that provide flexibility in repayment based on economic performance or climate shocks.
• Reform of International Financial Architecture: Calls for a more inclusive, development-oriented, and equitable global financial system, enhancing liquidity during crises, and creating effective debt workout mechanisms.
• Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4): To be held in Seville, Spain, this conference (with IMF and World Bank reform high on agenda) offers a once-in-a-decade opportunity to address systemic shortcomings in global finance.

Way Ahead for Developing Countries:

1. Strengthen Debt Management Capacity: Build institutional capacity in debt analysis, forecasting, and risk management. Develop Medium-Term Debt Management Strategies (MTDS) and domestic debt markets to reduce reliance on volatile foreign borrowing.
2. Fiscal Consolidation and Domestic Resource Mobilization: Implement gradual and credible fiscal consolidation plans. Improve tax administration, broaden the tax base (e.g., via digital tax compliance), and reduce exemptions.
3. Enhance Government Efficiency: Curb corruption, eliminate wasteful spending, and improve the efficiency of public services and procurement systems.
4. Proactive Debt Restructuring: Engage in proactive debt restructuring with creditors before debt levels become highly unsustainable to ensure a faster and less painful resolution.
5. Greater Economic Growth: Implement policies to improve the ease of doing business, attract large-scale foreign investment, promote trade liberalization, and invest in education, health, and infrastructure to boost economic output and foreign exchange earnings.
6. Transparency and Accountability: Enhance debt transparency by providing granular data on amounts owed and contractual terms. Strengthen governance to build public trust and ensure that any debt relief translates into productive investments.
7. South-South Cooperation: Collaborate with other Global South nations to share experiences, build collective bargaining power in international forums, and advocate for reforms in global financial institutions.

India’s Perspective and Role:

India, as a prominent voice of the Global South, has consistently advocated for:

• Global Governance Reforms: India champions reforms in the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to ensure greater representation and a stronger voice for developing countries.
• Climate Justice: India emphasizes the historical responsibility of developed nations for climate change and advocates for increased climate finance and technology transfer to the Global South, rather than burdening developing nations with the primary costs of climate action.
• Responsible Debt Management: While India’s external debt position is generally manageable compared to some vulnerable nations (external debt-to-GDP ratio improved from 28.3% in 1991 to 18.8% in 2023), it is proactive in managing its debt. It highlights the need for balanced borrowing, focusing on productive investments, strengthening export competitiveness, and diversifying currency transactions to mitigate risks from currency volatility.
• South-South Cooperation: India promotes development cooperation through Lines of Credit, capacity-building programs (ITEC), and sharing digital public infrastructure (DPI) like UPI, offering a model of sustainable and inclusive development.
• Concerns on Household Debt: Domestically, India also faces a rising trend in household debt, particularly unsecured personal credit among lower-income households. This signals a need for better financial regulation and social safety nets within India as well.

The rising sovereign debt in the developing world poses a formidable challenge that requires collective action from both debtor and creditor nations, along with robust reforms in the international financial architecture, to prevent widespread debt crises and ensure a path towards sustainable development.

10 Years of the Digital India Journey: A Transformative Decade

Syllabus: GS2/Governance (E-governance – applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures); GS3/Economy (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment); GS3/Science & Technology (Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life).

Context: On July 1, 2025, India marks a momentous milestone: the completion of 10 years of the Digital India program. Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ambitious flagship initiative was envisioned to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Over the past decade, Digital India has revolutionized connectivity, governance, financial inclusion, and public service delivery, positioning India as a global leader in digital public infrastructure and a significant force in the digital economy.

Key Features and Pillars of Digital India:

The Digital India program was built on three core objectives, further elaborated through nine strategic pillars:

Core Objectives:

1. Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen: Ensuring high-speed internet, secure digital identity (Aadhaar), mobile access, and bank accounts for all.
2. Governance and Services on Demand: Making government services easily available online, in real-time, and enhancing transparency and accountability.
3. Digital Empowerment of Citizens: Promoting digital literacy, universal access to digital resources, and collaborative digital platforms.

Nine Pillars of Digital India:

1. Broadband Highways: Expanding high-speed internet nationwide, especially to rural areas (e.g., BharatNet).
2. Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity: Ensuring mobile network penetration even in remote regions.
3. Public Internet Access Programme: Establishing Common Service Centres (CSCs) and post offices as multi-service access points.
4. e-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology: Streamlining government processes, enhancing efficiency, and promoting online applications and tracking.
5. e-Kranti: Electronic Delivery of Services: Transforming e-governance by delivering a wide range of services electronically across various sectors (education, health, agriculture).
6. Information for All: Ensuring transparency and availability of government data and information online, including in regional languages.
7. Electronics Manufacturing: Promoting domestic manufacturing of electronic products to reduce import dependence and create jobs.
8. IT for Jobs: Training and skilling rural and small-town youth for IT and IT-enabled services.
9. Early Harvest Programmes: Implementing quick-win projects to demonstrate early benefits (e.g., biometric attendance, Wi-Fi hotspots).

Achievements and Impact in 10 Years:

1. Unprecedented Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure:
   • Internet Penetration: Total internet connections surged from 25 crore in 2014 to over 97 crore in 2024 (and 120 crore telephone connections by April 2025), reflecting a 285% growth in internet users.
   • Affordable Data: India offers some of the world’s cheapest mobile data, falling from ₹308/GB (2014) to ₹9.34/GB (2022), making digital access affordable for the masses.
   • 5G Rollout: India has achieved one of the fastest 5G rollouts globally, with 4.74 lakh 5G towers installed covering 99.6% of districts within 22 months by 2025.
   • BharatNet: Over 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats are connected with high-speed optical fiber, laying the backbone for rural digital access.
2. Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion and Digital Payments:
   • UPI Dominance: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a global success story. As of April 2025, it facilitated 1,867.7 crore transactions worth ₹24.77 lakh crore in a single month, accounting for 49% of global real-time transactions in 2023. It is now operational in several countries.
   • Aadhaar and DBT: 142 crore Aadhaar IDs have been generated, forming the foundation of the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via Aadhaar has transferred ₹44 lakh crore directly to citizens by May 2025, saving over ₹3.48 lakh crore by eliminating fake beneficiaries and leakage.
3. Transforming E-Governance and Public Service Delivery:
   • DigiLocker: With 53.92 crore users by June 2025, DigiLocker has digitized billions of documents, reducing the need for physical paperwork and ensuring secure access to documents.
   • UMANG App: Offers over 2,300 government services in 23 Indian languages, with 8.34 crore users and 597 crore transactions by mid-2025, making services accessible at citizens’ fingertips.
   • eSanjeevani: Facilitated over 14 crore teleconsultations, expanding healthcare access, especially to remote areas.
   • Mission Karmayogi and iGOT: Onboarded over 1.21 crore officials, issuing 3.24 crore learning certificates, enhancing civil service capabilities.
4. Economic Growth and Digital Empowerment:
   • Digital Economy Contribution: India’s digital economy contributed 11.74% to the national GDP in 2022-23 and is projected to reach 13.42% by 2024-25, with a vision to contribute nearly 20% by 2030. India ranks third globally in the digitalization of the economy.
   • Boost to Digital Commerce: Platforms like Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have onboarded lakhs of sellers, while Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has crossed ₹4.09 lakh crore GMV in FY 2024-25, empowering MSMEs and small traders.
   • Skilling and Entrepreneurship: Programs like PMGDISHA have certified over 48 million rural citizens in digital literacy. Digital India has fostered a vibrant startup ecosystem, with over 1.25 lakh startups registered and 110+ unicorns, many thriving on digital infrastructure.
   • IndiaAI Mission: Launched in 2024 with a budget of ₹2,000 crore, it aims to boost AI innovation, compute capacity, and ethical AI frameworks, positioning India as an AI leader.
5. Social Transformation and Inclusivity:
   • BHASHINI: Supporting over 35 Indian languages with 1,600 AI models, BHASHINI is breaking language barriers and promoting linguistic inclusivity in digital services.
   • Rural Empowerment: Farmers benefit from platforms like e-NAM (for transparent agricultural marketing) and Kisan Suvidha App. Digital tools have improved access to education, health, and financial services in villages.
   • Women’s Empowerment: Digital financial inclusion has brought more women into formal banking and enabled them to manage digital transactions.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement:

Despite monumental achievements, the Digital India journey faces persistent challenges:

1. Digital Divide: Significant disparities in internet penetration, device ownership, and digital literacy persist between urban and rural areas, and across different socio-economic groups.
2. Cybersecurity Threats: The rapid expansion of digital services has led to a surge in cyber incidents (e.g., 13.91 lakh incidents in 2022). India faces a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals (estimated 8 lakh shortage).
3. Data Privacy and Security: While the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, is a positive step, concerns remain regarding its effective enforcement and potential misuse of data.
4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Despite advancements, challenges like inconsistent broadband speeds, patchy last-mile fiber-optic coverage in remote areas, and reliable power supply still limit digital access.
5. Regulatory Challenges: Frequent policy shifts, overlapping jurisdictions, and delays in implementation can hinder the smooth functioning and adoption of new digital initiatives.
6. Quality of Digital Literacy: While literacy numbers are rising, ensuring a deeper understanding of digital tools, online safety, and critical thinking is crucial.
7. E-Waste Management: The rapid increase in digital consumption also leads to a surge in e-waste, from 1.01 MT (2019–20) to 1.751 MT (2023–24), demanding more robust management frameworks.
8. Skill Mismatch: The demand for high-end tech skills (e.g., AI, data science) outpaces the availability of adequately skilled workforce.

Way Forward (Digital India 2.0):

As Digital India enters its second decade, the focus needs to be on deepening its impact, ensuring inclusivity, and establishing India as a global digital leader:

1. Bridge the Digital Divide: Aggressively expand internet infrastructure (including fiber and satellite broadband) to unserved areas. Promote affordable device ownership and expand digital literacy programs (like PMGDISHA) with a focus on cyber awareness and skills training, especially for women, the elderly, and marginalized communities.
2. Strengthen Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Prioritize robust cybersecurity frameworks and invest heavily in building a skilled cybersecurity workforce. Ensure stringent enforcement of the DPDP Act, establish regional data protection offices, and clarify data localization guidelines.
3. Enhance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Continue to innovate and integrate existing DPIs (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) to create seamless and interoperable service delivery. Explore new DPIs for sectors like healthcare (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) and logistics (National Logistics Portal).
4. Foster Inclusive AI and Emerging Technologies: Leverage AI responsibly for social good (e.g., smart agriculture, healthcare diagnostics, disaster management). Invest in research and development in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain, ensuring ethical guidelines and promoting startups in these fields.
5. Local Language Content and Voice Interfaces: Expand initiatives like BHASHINI to create more digital content and services in all Indian languages, including voice-based access, to enhance accessibility for a wider population.
6. Sustainable and Green Digitalization: Develop a national framework for e-waste management, promote green digital infrastructure (e.g., energy-efficient data centers), and extend Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to eco-friendly technology manufacturing.
7. Global Digital Leadership: Continue to export India’s successful DPI model (e.g., UPI and Aadhaar stack) to other countries in the Global South, positioning India as a leader in digital diplomacy and a blueprint for inclusive digital transformation.
8. Continuous Policy Evolution: Maintain agility in policy-making to adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes and address new challenges effectively.

The first decade of Digital India has laid a strong foundation for a digitally empowered nation. The next 10 years will be crucial in building upon these successes, ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive, secure, and sustainable, ultimately propelling India towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Cabinet Approved Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme: A Game Changer for India’s Innovation Ecosystem

Syllabus: GS3/Economy (Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life); GS3/Economy (Investment models); GS2/Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation).

Context: In a landmark decision aimed at catapulting India into the league of global innovation powerhouses, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on July 1, 2025, approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, also known as the National Research Foundation (NRF) – RDI Scheme, with a massive corpus of ₹1 lakh crore. This transformative initiative is designed to significantly boost private sector investment in research, development, and deep-tech startups, addressing a long-standing challenge of low R&D spending in India and paving the way for self-reliance and global competitiveness by 2047.

Key Features and Objectives of the RDI Scheme:

The RDI Scheme is a flagship initiative rooted in the vision of fostering a robust domestic innovation ecosystem. Its key features and objectives include:

1. Massive Corpus and Long-Term Financing:
   • ₹1 Lakh Crore Corpus: A substantial fund of ₹1 lakh crore has been approved, which will be provided as a 50-year interest-free loan by the government to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
   • Low/Nil Interest Rates: The scheme aims to provide long-term financing or refinancing to private sector entities with extended tenors at low or nil interest rates. This is crucial for high-risk, high-tech research projects that typically have long gestation periods and high upfront costs.
2. Focus on Private Sector and Deep-Tech:
   • Catalyzing Private Investment: The primary objective is to encourage and enable the private sector to scale up R&D and innovation efforts, particularly in “sunrise domains” (emerging high-growth industries like semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, clean energy, EVs) and other strategically important sectors relevant for economic security and self-reliance.
   • Deep-Tech Fund of Funds: The scheme will facilitate the setting up of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds, which will unlock capital for startups and scale-ups working on frontier technologies.
3. Support for High Technology Readiness Levels (TRL):
   • The scheme will finance transformative projects at higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). This means it will focus on research that is closer to commercialization and market readiness, bridging the gap between laboratory research and marketable products.
4. Acquisition of Critical Technologies:
   • It will support the acquisition of technologies that are critical or of high strategic importance to India, reducing technological dependencies and enhancing national capabilities.
5. Two-Tiered Funding Mechanism:
   • First Tier (Special Purpose Fund – SPF): A Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be established within the ANRF, acting as the custodian of the ₹1 lakh crore corpus.
   • Second Tier (Fund Managers): Funds from the SPF will be allocated to various “second-level fund managers.” These can include Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), or Focused Research Organizations. These managers will directly provide funding to R&D projects, primarily in the form of long-term concessional loans, but also through equity investments, especially for startups.
6. Robust Governance and Oversight:
   • ANRF Governing Board: Chaired by the Prime Minister, this board will provide the overarching strategic direction.
   • ANRF Executive Council: Will approve the scheme’s guidelines and recommend second-level fund managers and the scope/type of projects in sunrise sectors.
   • Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): Led by the Cabinet Secretary, this group will periodically review the scheme’s performance, recommend changes, and approve sectors/project types.
   • Nodal Agency: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the nodal department for implementation.
   • Independent Evaluation: Selected fund managers will include experts from industry, academia, finance, and technology, ensuring independent and effective project evaluations.

Background and Need for the RDI Scheme:

• Low R&D Spending: India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has historically been low, around 0.65% of its GDP, significantly lagging behind global averages (2.7%) and leading innovation economies like Israel (6.3%), South Korea (5%), and the US (3.6%).
• Government-Dominated R&D: Unlike developed economies where the private sector contributes over 50% to R&D, in India, government agencies historically led more than 54% of the R&D investment. The private sector’s contribution has been limited due to perceived high risk and long gestation periods.
• Funding Gaps for Deep-Tech: Deep-tech startups, crucial for breakthrough innovation, often struggle to access long-term, patient capital due to the inherent high risk and extended development cycles.
• Translational Research Gap: There’s a recognized gap in translating fundamental laboratory research (lower TRLs) into commercially viable products and services (higher TRLs).
• Viksit Bharat by 2047 Vision: To achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047, a robust, self-reliant, and globally competitive innovation ecosystem is paramount.

Expected Impact on Indian Economy and Research:

1. Boost to Innovation and Deep-Tech: The scheme is expected to be a “game changer” for innovation, especially in deep-tech and strategic sectors, fostering breakthroughs and accelerating the development of cutting-edge products.
2. Increased Private Sector R&D Investment: By de-risking investments and providing affordable, long-term finance, the scheme aims to fundamentally change the private sector’s perception of R&D from a cost to a strategic investment. This could significantly increase India’s overall R&D intensity.
3. Enhanced Self-Reliance and Global Competitiveness: By developing indigenous technologies and acquiring critical foreign ones, India will enhance its strategic autonomy, particularly in areas like defense, electronics, semiconductors, and clean energy, making it more globally competitive.
4. Job Creation and Economic Growth: Increased R&D activities and the growth of sunrise sectors will lead to the creation of high-value jobs, fostering a knowledge-based economy and contributing significantly to GDP growth.
5. Strengthening Startup Ecosystem: The Deep-Tech Fund of Funds and equity support will provide crucial capital for technology-focused startups, propelling their growth and enabling them to scale.
6. Improved Technology Adoption: By focusing on higher TRL projects, the scheme will accelerate the adoption of new technologies across various industries, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
7. Synergy between Academia and Industry: The scheme’s structure under ANRF (which also supports academic research) and its focus on funding projects closer to commercialization will likely enhance collaboration between research institutions and industry.
8. Viksit Bharat Vision: The RDI Scheme is a critical enabler for India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, driven by technological prowess and indigenous innovation.

Challenges and Way Ahead:

While the RDI Scheme is a monumental step, its success will depend on effective implementation and addressing potential challenges:

• Efficient Fund Deployment: Ensuring that the ₹1 lakh crore corpus is deployed efficiently and transparently, reaching deserving projects and avoiding bureaucratic hurdles, will be crucial.
• Identifying Right Fund Managers: The selection of second-level fund managers with the right mix of financial acumen and technical expertise will be vital for effective project evaluation and monitoring.
• Attracting Top Talent: Alongside funding, India needs to continue building a strong talent pipeline in R&D by attracting and retaining top scientists, engineers, and researchers.
• Policy Stability and Predictability: Maintaining a stable and predictable policy environment for research and innovation is essential to encourage long-term private sector commitment.
• IPR Protection: A robust Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime is crucial to incentivize innovation and protect the interests of researchers and companies.
• Global Collaboration: While promoting self-reliance, India should continue to foster international collaborations in R&D to leverage global expertise and accelerate innovation.
• Measuring Impact: Developing clear metrics and a robust monitoring framework to assess the scheme’s actual impact on R&D intensity, innovation output, and economic growth will be important.

The Cabinet’s approval of the RDI Scheme marks a pivotal moment for India’s scientific and technological advancement. By providing unprecedented financial backing and focusing on critical gaps in the innovation ecosystem, it holds the potential to unlock India’s vast R&D potential and position the nation as a formidable force in global innovation.

50 Years of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): A Milestone for Global Wildlife Conservation

Syllabus: GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment); GS2/International Relations (Important International Institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate).

Context: As of July 1, 2025, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) officially celebrates 50 years since its entry into force. Signed on March 3, 1973, in Washington D.C., and becoming active on July 1, 1975, after its tenth ratification, CITES stands as one of the most significant multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) in history. For half a century, it has served as the world’s leading instrument to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival in their natural habitats, playing a crucial role in safeguarding global biodiversity.

Overview of CITES:

• Aim: To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It achieves this through a licensing system that controls import, export, re-export, and introduction from the sea of listed species.
• Voluntary yet Legally Binding: While CITES is a voluntary international agreement, once a country becomes a Party, it is legally bound to implement the Convention through its domestic legislation.
• Secretariat: Administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva, Switzerland. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) provides scientific and technical services to the CITES Secretariat.
• Parties: Currently, CITES has 185 Parties (184 countries and the European Union). India ratified CITES in 1976.
• Conference of Parties (CoP): The CoP is the highest decision-making body of CITES, typically meeting every three years to review progress, make amendments to the Appendices, and discuss new resolutions. India hosted CoP3 in New Delhi in 1981.
• CITES Trade Database: Managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), this robust database tracks over 25 million international trade transactions reported by Parties over 40 years.

The CITES Appendices: CITES protects over 40,900 species (approximately 6,610 animal species and 34,310 plant species) across three Appendices, classifying them based on their extinction risk and the level of protection required:

• Appendix I: Includes species threatened with extinction. Commercial international trade in wild-sourced specimens of these species is generally prohibited, with exceptions only for scientific research or specific conservation purposes. Both import and export permits are required. (e.g., Tigers, Gorillas, Asian Elephants, some populations of African Elephants).
• Appendix II: Includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction but for which trade must be controlled to avoid unsustainable utilization that could threaten their survival. International trade is permitted with an export permit from the exporting country. (e.g., many shark species, crocodiles, timber species like rosewood, some populations of African Elephants).
• Appendix III: Includes species protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling international trade. Trade is allowed with a certificate of origin and sometimes an export permit. (e.g., certain species of red coral, map turtles, specific tree species).

Evolution and Key Milestones in 50 Years:

Over five decades, CITES has adapted to changing global trade dynamics and conservation challenges:

• Early Focus (1970s-1980s): Primarily focused on charismatic megafauna (elephants, rhinos, big cats) and addressing direct poaching and illegal trade.
• Expansion of Scope (1990s-2000s): Gradually expanded to include more marine species (e.g., seahorses in Appendix II in 2002) and timber species, reflecting a broader understanding of trade impacts on biodiversity.
• Combatting Wildlife Crime (2000s-Present): Recognizing the sophisticated nature of illegal wildlife trade, CITES strengthened its enforcement mechanisms through initiatives like:
  • Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme (1997): A site-based system in Africa and Asia providing data on elephant poaching trends. MIKE data has contributed to a downward trend in illegal killings.
  • International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) (2010): A collaborative effort with INTERPOL, UNODC, World Bank, and WCO to provide coordinated support and technical assistance to combat wildlife crime.
  • CITES Tree Species Programme (2024): Aims to ensure sustainable and legal trade in CITES-listed timber species.
• Increased Membership: From the initial 10 Parties in 1975 to 185 in 2025, indicating growing international commitment.
• Data-Driven Approach: The CITES Trade Database and tools like CITES Wildlife TradeView and Species+ are now leveraging vast datasets for real-time decision-making, risk assessment, and trend analysis.
• Addressing Emerging Threats: The Convention has increasingly addressed challenges like illicit financial flows, corruption risks, and wildlife crime linked to the internet.

Successes of CITES:

• Preventing Species Extinction: CITES has played a critical role in preventing the extinction of numerous species by regulating international trade, thereby reducing over-exploitation. Notable successes include improvements in populations of species like the Markhor, Black Rhino, and Southern White Rhino.
• Global Cooperation: It fosters unprecedented international cooperation among 185 Parties, sharing data, intelligence, and enforcement efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, which is essential for globally traded and migratory species.
• Raising Awareness: CITES has significantly raised global awareness about biodiversity loss and the impact of trade on endangered species, promoting responsible trade and informed consumer choices.
• Developing Legal Frameworks: It has prompted member countries to enact stronger national legislation to regulate wildlife trade and combat illicit activities.
• Data and Monitoring: The robust CITES Trade Database provides invaluable information for tracking trends, identifying threats, and informing conservation strategies.
• Sustainable Use: By allowing regulated trade for certain species under Appendix II and III, CITES promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, balancing conservation with local livelihoods and economic development.

Challenges Facing CITES at 50:

• Enforcement Gaps and Wildlife Trafficking: Despite efforts, illegal wildlife trade remains a multi-billion dollar industry (estimated $5 billion to $20 billion annually), posing a severe threat to many species. Enforcement capacities vary widely among Parties.
• Insufficient Resources: The CITES agenda and workload have grown exponentially, but the resources available to the Secretariat and many Parties for effective implementation and enforcement are often insufficient.
• Complex Global Trade Dynamics: The sheer volume and complexity of global trade, coupled with evolving online markets and illicit financial flows, make monitoring and regulation increasingly challenging.
• Political Pressures and Divergent Interests: Decision-making within CITES can be influenced by political considerations, economic interests, and differing conservation philosophies among member states (e.g., debates over elephant ivory trade).
• Scope Limitations: CITES primarily addresses trade-related threats. It is not designed to directly tackle other major drivers of biodiversity loss, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human-wildlife conflict, although these factors heavily influence species’ vulnerability to trade.
• Adapting to New Technologies: The rise of e-commerce, cryptocurrencies, and dark web markets presents new avenues for illegal trade that require continuous adaptation of enforcement strategies.
• Climate Change Impacts: The intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change mean that species listed under CITES are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced stresses, making their protection more complex.

Way Ahead for CITES:

As CITES embarks on its next half-century, its continued relevance and effectiveness will depend on several key areas of focus:

• Strengthening Enforcement and Justice: Enhance international cooperation in combating wildlife crime, including intelligence sharing, forensic capabilities, and targeting illicit financial flows. Strengthen judicial and law enforcement capacities in source, transit, and destination countries.
• Securing Adequate Funding: Secure greater and more predictable financial resources for the CITES Secretariat and for Parties to implement conservation and enforcement measures effectively.
• Leveraging Technology: Fully embrace emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and advanced data analytics for real-time monitoring of trade, identifying trends, and detecting illegal activities.
• Addressing Root Causes: While CITES focuses on trade, it must strengthen its collaboration with other MEAs and initiatives that address habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict, as these are critical underlying factors affecting species survival.
• Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods: Support communities dependent on wildlife resources by promoting legal, sustainable, and traceable trade practices that provide economic benefits and incentivize conservation.
• Adaptive Governance: Maintain the Convention’s flexibility to adapt to new scientific information, emerging threats, and evolving trade patterns, ensuring that listings and resolutions remain relevant and effective.
• Transparency and Accountability: Enhance transparency in trade data reporting and improve mechanisms for compliance review and accountability among Parties.

CITES has been a pioneering force in global conservation, safeguarding countless species from the perils of international trade. As it marks its 50th anniversary, the Convention stands at a crucial juncture, called to evolve and strengthen its resolve to protect the planet’s irreplaceable wild fauna and flora in an ever-changing world.

Regulatory Framework for Promoting Agroforestry in India

Syllabus: GS3/Economy (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Infrastructure); GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment); GS2/Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population).

Context: Recognizing the multi-faceted benefits of agroforestry in enhancing farmer income, mitigating climate change, increasing tree cover, and reducing timber imports, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently (June 18, 2025) issued Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands. This move aims to streamline the regulatory framework, address historical challenges faced by farmers, and encourage wider adoption of agroforestry practices across the country, building upon the foundational National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) of 2014.

What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry is a sustainable land management system that integrates trees and shrubs with agricultural crops and/or livestock on the same land unit. It is a dynamic, ecologically-based natural resource management system that diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Key Components of the Regulatory Framework:

The current regulatory framework for promoting agroforestry in India is a combination of foundational policies and recent streamlined rules:

1. National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) 2014:
   • India’s Pioneer Status: India was the first country in the world to adopt a dedicated National Agroforestry Policy, launched in February 2014 during the World Congress on Agroforestry in Delhi.
   • Goals: The NAP aimed to increase the area under agroforestry, enhance productivity, improve livelihoods of farmers (especially smallholders), protect and stabilize ecosystems, and promote resilient cropping systems.
   • Strategy: It called for ministerial convergence, simplified felling and transit rules, institutional support (e.g., ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute – CAFRI), research-extension linkages, and creation of market access.
   • Key Outcome: It led to the establishment of the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in 2016-17, providing financial assistance for tree plantation on farmlands (“Har Medh Par Ped” – trees on every farm bund). While SMAF operated until 2021-22, its restructured component is now integrated into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), focusing on Quality Planting Material (QPM).
2. Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands (June 2025):
   • Objective: Issued by MoEFCC, these model rules aim to simplify the regulatory environment for farmers, making it easier to plant, maintain, fell, and market timber produced from non-forest lands.
   • National Timber Management System (NTMS): A crucial digital platform under development, the NTMS will be central to the new framework.
     • Registration: Farmers will register their agricultural land and plantation details (species, number of saplings, planting date, geo-tagged location) on the NTMS portal. This data will be periodically updated by state-level committees.
     • Online Felling Application: Farmers will submit online applications for felling trees, specifying the number of trees and proposed felling date.
     • Simplified Verification:
       • For up to 10 trees: Farmers can upload photos of the trees, and the portal will use image recognition to compute circumference, girth, identify species, and estimate yield. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) will be auto-generated if criteria are met.
       • For more than 10 trees: Verifying agencies (empanelled by a state-level committee) will conduct site inspections and issue a felling permit.
     • Post-Felling Transparency: Farmers will upload photos of stumps after felling for verification.
   • State-Level Committees: These committees (often under the Wood-Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) Guidelines, 2016) will evaluate applications, empanel verifying agencies, and guide states on promoting agroforestry.
   • Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Oversight: DFOs will supervise and monitor the functioning of verifying bodies to ensure compliance.
   • Transit Permits: The rules aim to streamline transit regulations for farm-grown timber, potentially aligning with the “One Nation-One Pass” regime proposed under the National Transit Pass System (NTPS).
3. Other Supporting Policies and Initiatives:
   • Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) (restructured under RKVY): Continues to provide financial assistance, technical support, and quality planting material. CAFRI is the nodal agency for technical support.
   • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes water conservation and improved soil health, which agroforestry practices contribute to.
   • National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Promotes bamboo cultivation, a vital component of many agroforestry systems.
   • Green India Mission (GIM): Aims to expand forest/tree cover, where agroforestry plays a crucial role in increasing tree cover outside traditional forests.
   • NITI Aayog’s GROW (Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry) Initiative: Aims to restore degraded land and contribute to carbon sequestration targets.
   • Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS): Encourages sustainable forest management and traceable timber, including from agroforestry.
   • Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006: While not directly an agroforestry promotion act, it impacts land tenure and resource rights for forest-dwelling communities, including their traditional practices of using and cultivating forest lands, which can include agroforestry elements. It provides individual and community rights over forest land and minor forest produce, potentially enabling agroforestry practices on recognized lands.

Significance of the Regulatory Framework:

• Ease of Doing Business for Farmers: The new model rules, particularly the NTMS portal and simplified felling permits, aim to significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles, red tape, and harassment faced by farmers. This is a critical step towards incentivizing tree cultivation on farmlands.
• Boost to Farmer Income: By enabling easier felling and market access for timber, agroforestry can become a more lucrative income stream for farmers, especially in rainfed or degraded regions, diversifying their revenue sources beyond traditional crops.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Agroforestry enhances tree cover, sequesters carbon, improves soil health, increases water retention, and provides natural buffers against extreme weather, directly contributing to India’s climate goals (e.g., creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent by 2030).
• Reduced Timber Imports: By boosting domestic timber production from farmlands, the framework aims to reduce India’s substantial timber import bill (over ₹20,000 crore annually), supporting domestic wood-based industries.
• Environmental Benefits: Promotes biodiversity, reduces pressure on natural forests, improves soil fertility, and supports water conservation.
• Data-Driven Approach: The NTMS portal introduces traceability and digital monitoring, enhancing transparency and accountability in the agroforestry sector.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Agroforestry practices contribute to several SDGs, including poverty eradication (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15), and clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).

Challenges in Implementation:

Despite the progressive framework, several challenges need to be addressed for effective implementation:

1. State-Level Adoption and Uniformity: As “forests” (and by extension, rules related to felling trees on non-forest land) are largely a State subject, the model rules need to be adopted and uniformly implemented by State and Union Territory governments. Divergent state-specific rules can still create confusion.
2. Awareness and Capacity Building: Many farmers, especially smallholders, may lack awareness about the new rules, the benefits of agroforestry, or the technical knowledge to implement suitable agroforestry models. Effective extension services and training are crucial.
3. Digital Literacy and Access: The success of the NTMS portal relies on farmers’ digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity in rural areas.
4. Market Linkages and Value Chains: Ensuring fair prices, assured buy-back mechanisms, and robust market linkages for diverse agroforestry products (beyond just timber) is essential for profitability.
5. Quality Planting Material (QPM): Availability of high-quality, region-specific, and climate-resilient planting material remains a challenge.
6. Credit and Insurance: Agroforestry often involves long gestation periods for tree crops, making access to tailored credit and insurance products vital. It is often excluded from priority sector lending in many banks.
7. Crop-Tree Competition: Without proper scientific planning and species selection, trees can compete with annual crops for water and nutrients, especially in rainfed areas. Research and extension services need to provide region-specific guidance.
8. Land Tenure and Ownership: Ambiguities in land tenure and ownership can deter farmers from investing in long-term tree crops. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) aims to address this for forest dwellers, but broader land tenure security remains important.

Way Ahead:

To fully leverage the potential of the regulatory framework for agroforestry, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

1. Expedite State Adoption: The central government should actively engage with states and UTs to encourage the swift and uniform adoption of the Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands, potentially offering incentives for early and effective implementation.
2. Intensive Awareness Campaigns and Training: Launch widespread, localized awareness campaigns through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutions, and forest departments. Focus on practical training for farmers on species selection, management practices, and proper use of the NTMS portal.
3. Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Expand rural broadband connectivity and provide digital literacy training to ensure equitable access and effective utilization of the NTMS.
4. Develop Robust Market Ecosystems: Facilitate public-private partnerships, establish backward and forward linkages, and explore price support mechanisms or guaranteed buy-back arrangements with wood-based industries for diverse agroforestry products.
5. Promote Research and Extension: Invest in region-specific research on tree-crop compatibility, pest and disease management, and climate-resilient agroforestry models. Strengthen the coordination between agriculture and forest extension departments.
6. Financial Inclusion: Classify agroforestry under priority sector lending and develop customized, low-interest credit and insurance products that account for the long gestation period and risks associated with tree crops.
7. Integrate with Other Schemes: Ensure seamless integration of agroforestry promotion with other government schemes like MGNREGA, NRLM, PM-KISAN, and climate action plans for holistic rural development.
8. Monitor and Evaluate: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with clear KPIs to track the impact of the regulatory changes on tree cover, farmer income, timber production, and environmental benefits.

The new regulatory framework, particularly the Model Rules and the NTMS, signifies a critical shift towards an “ease of doing business” approach in India’s agroforestry sector. If effectively implemented, it holds the promise of transforming rural livelihoods, enhancing ecological resilience, and significantly contributing to India’s environmental and economic aspirations.

Munnar as ‘Responsible Tourism Destination’: A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Syllabus: GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment); GS1/Geography (Salient features of world’s physical geography); GS2/Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation).

Context: Munnar, one of Kerala’s most iconic hill stations nestled in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, is on the cusp of a major transformation. By December 2025, it is set to be officially declared an International Responsible Tourism Destination. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Kerala Tourism Department and its acclaimed Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission, aims to redefine tourism in Munnar by ensuring it remains livable for local communities, sustainable for its delicate ecosystem, and enjoyable for visitors, setting a new benchmark for responsible travel globally.

What is Responsible Tourism? Responsible Tourism (RT) is a holistic approach to tourism development that seeks to maximize the benefits for local communities, minimize negative environmental and social impacts, and enrich the experience of visitors. It encourages tourists to be more aware of their impact and make responsible choices. The core principles of RT encompass economic, social, and environmental responsibilities:

• Economic Responsibility: Maximizing economic benefits to local communities, including local sourcing, employment generation, and direct involvement of local people in tourism activities.
• Social Responsibility: Enhancing the well-being of host communities, respecting local culture and heritage, ensuring fair working conditions, involving local people in decision-making, and promoting gender equality.
• Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing negative environmental impacts, conserving natural and cultural heritage, reducing waste (especially plastic), promoting carbon-neutral practices, and using resources sustainably.

Munnar’s Journey Towards Responsible Tourism:

Munnar, a prime hill tourism hub attracting over 12 lakh overnight tourists annually (and potentially 40 lakh including day visitors), faces challenges of waste generation, plastic use, and ecosystem degradation due to its popularity. Recognizing this, the Kerala government, through its Responsible Tourism Mission, has initiated a comprehensive plan:

1. Strategic Vision (Declaration by Dec 2025): The ultimate goal is to declare Munnar as an International Responsible Tourism Destination by December 2025, with a focus on making it a net-zero carbon tourism destination and a plastic-waste-free zone.
2. Dedicated Protocol: The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, in collaboration with the UNDP’s IHRML (Initiatives for Human Rights and Local Self Government) initiative, has formulated a specific Hill Destination Responsible Tourism Protocol tailored for Munnar and its surrounding areas. This protocol will be strictly implemented with the support of local self-governments and various tourism stakeholders.
3. Financial Commitment: The state government has sanctioned an initial budget of ₹50 lakh for the preliminary phase of a project titled “Sustainable Resilient Tourism Centres,” to support outreach, community training, and infrastructure.
4. On-Ground Initiatives Already Underway:
   • Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Comprehensive efforts are being made to eliminate plastic waste, with authorities working with local businesses to replace plastic packaging and materials with biodegradable alternatives. A major clean-up drive in March 2025 removed 55 tonnes of waste, with 49 tonnes being plastic.
   • Green Tag Status: Six key destinations in Munnar have already received “green tag” status, including Munnar Hydel Park, Upcycle Park, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Park, and the Eravikulam National Park (ENP), signifying their compliance with green protocols.
   • Net-Zero Carbon Focus: Measures are being implemented to balance emissions with compensatory actions, including improved waste systems, clean transportation options (e.g., electric vehicles), and sustainable infrastructure planning.
   • Rural & Village Tourism Experiences: Curated village experiences are being designed to offer tourists insights into local life, cuisine, and culture, directly benefiting rural communities. This includes integration of traditional industries like handicrafts, handloom, and local cuisine.
   • Responsible Hospitality Standards: Hotels, resorts, and homestays are being audited and classified based on their environmental practices, energy usage, and social responsibility to promote green standards.
   • Training for Local Service Providers: Auto drivers, local tour operators, hospitality workers, homestay operators, and community tour leaders are receiving orientation on responsible tourism principles to ensure high-quality, authentic, and responsible visitor experiences.
   • Women-Friendly Tourism: Specific models and initiatives are being promoted to empower women as hosts, entrepreneurs, and to ensure safe tourism experiences for female visitors. Kerala has signed an MoU with UN Women to boost women-friendly activities in its tourism sector.
   • Awareness Campaigns: Information boards, eco-reminder signage, and short films are being deployed to educate visitors about responsible travel behavior.
   • Waste Management: Eravikulam National Park, already a green destination, has robust waste management and segregation systems in place.

Benefits of Responsible Tourism for Local Communities in Munnar:

1. Enhanced Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment:
   • Direct income generation for local communities through curated village experiences, homestays, and the sale of local handicrafts, handloom products, and authentic cuisine.
   • New employment opportunities for locals as guides, drivers, service providers, and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
   • Reduction of “leakage” in the tourism economy by encouraging local sourcing of goods and services.
2. Cultural Preservation and Promotion:
   • Encourages the showcasing and preservation of local traditions, arts, crafts, and cuisine, fostering a sense of pride in local heritage.
   • Provides opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange between tourists and locals.
3. Environmental Protection and Awareness:
   • Active involvement of local communities in waste management, plastic reduction, and conservation efforts, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.
   • Increased awareness among locals about the ecological sensitivity of their region and the importance of sustainable practices.
4. Community Development and Social Equity:
   • Inclusion of local people in decision-making processes related to tourism development.
   • Focus on women’s empowerment through tourism-linked livelihoods and creating safe spaces for women in tourism.
   • Improved infrastructure and public services as tourism revenues are channeled back into the community.
5. Improved Quality of Life for Residents:
   • The core goal is to make Munnar a destination that remains livable for natives while being enjoyable for visitors. This means ensuring that tourism development does not negatively impact the daily lives, resources, and peace of the local population.

Challenges in Implementing Responsible Tourism in Munnar:

1. Balancing Tourism Growth with Conservation: Munnar’s popularity means high tourist footfall. Managing this volume while protecting the fragile ecosystem and avoiding over-commercialization remains a significant challenge.
2. Waste Management Infrastructure: Despite efforts, effective waste management, particularly for non-biodegradable waste, across a vast and ecologically sensitive area like Munnar, requires continuous investment and robust systems.
3. Local Buy-in and Training: Ensuring universal adoption of responsible practices by all stakeholders (including small businesses, informal sector workers, and individual households) requires ongoing training, awareness, and enforcement.
4. Addressing “Greenwashing”: Preventing superficial adoption of “green” practices without genuine commitment to sustainability from some tourism operators.
5. Climate Change Vulnerability: Munnar, being in the Western Ghats, is susceptible to impacts of climate change (e.g., extreme rainfall, landslides). Sustainable tourism efforts must also incorporate climate resilience measures.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing robust mechanisms to monitor the actual impact of responsible tourism initiatives (e.g., carbon footprint reduction, local income increase, waste diversion rates) and ensure accountability.
7. Sustaining Behavioral Change: Ensuring that both tourists and locals consistently adhere to responsible practices over the long term requires sustained public education and enforcement.

Way Forward:

Munnar’s declaration as an International Responsible Tourism Destination by December 2025 is an ambitious yet achievable goal. To ensure its long-term success, the following steps are crucial:

• Rigorous Implementation of Protocols: Strict and consistent implementation of the Hill Destination Responsible Tourism Protocol by all stakeholders, with clear penalties for non-compliance.
• Continued Investment in Green Infrastructure: Focus on developing sustainable waste management systems (including waste-to-energy solutions), promoting renewable energy sources for tourism establishments, and investing in green transportation.
• Empowering Local Self-Governments: Strengthen the capacity of local self-governing bodies (Panchayats) to plan, implement, and monitor responsible tourism initiatives, making them key custodians of the destination’s sustainability.
• Diversification of Tourism Products: Promote diverse, low-impact tourism experiences (e.g., birdwatching, nature walks, cultural immersion, agri-tourism, homestays) to spread tourist load and encourage deeper engagement with local culture and nature.
• Technological Integration: Leverage technology for monitoring environmental impact, managing tourist flows, facilitating responsible choices (e.g., through apps for waste disposal, local product purchase), and enhancing visitor experiences.
• Private Sector Engagement: Foster strong partnerships with hotels, resorts, and tour operators, providing incentives for adopting certified green practices and contributing to local community development.
• Continuous Awareness and Education: Implement targeted campaigns for both tourists and locals to instill a sense of shared responsibility for preserving Munnar’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Research and Data-Driven Decision Making: Continuously collect and analyze data on environmental impact, economic benefits, and social acceptance to refine policies and strategies for sustainable tourism development.

Munnar’s transformation into an International Responsible Tourism Destination holds the promise of a future where tourism is not just about economic gain, but also about ecological integrity, social equity, and an enriched experience for all. It can serve as a powerful model for other ecologically sensitive tourist destinations in India and globally.

Mahabodhi Temple: A Beacon of Enlightenment and a Site of Ongoing Debate

Syllabus: GS1/Art & Culture (Indian Architecture, Sculpture and Literature); GS1/History (Ancient History – Buddhism); GS2/Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation).

Context: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is one of the most revered and historically significant sites in the world, marking the precise spot where Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment and became the Buddha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, the temple complex continues to be a vibrant center of Buddhist pilgrimage and a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion and architectural evolution. As of July 2025, the temple remains a focal point not only for its profound spiritual importance but also due to ongoing discussions and protests regarding its management and control, highlighting a complex interplay of historical legacy, religious claims, and legal frameworks.

Historical Background and Significance:

• The Enlightenment: The Mahabodhi Temple stands on the sacred ground where, around 589 BCE, Siddhartha Gautama meditated under a Bodhi tree (a Ficus religiosa) and achieved supreme enlightenment, becoming the Buddha. This event marked the birth of Buddhism.
• Emperor Ashoka’s Contribution (3rd Century BCE): Emperor Ashoka, a devout patron of Buddhism, is credited with constructing the first temple at this site in the 3rd century BCE. He also installed the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), a polished sandstone slab, to mark the exact spot where Buddha sat in meditation.
• Gupta Period Reconstruction (5th-6th Century CE): The current, imposing brick structure of the Mahabodhi Temple largely dates back to the Gupta period (5th-6th centuries CE). It is one of the earliest and most significant Buddhist temples built entirely of brick that is still standing in India.
• Decline and Revival: After the decline of Buddhism in India due to various factors including invasions, the temple fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned for centuries. It came under the control of a Hindu Mahant (head priest) in the 16th century. Significant restoration efforts were undertaken in the 19th century by British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham and later by the Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala, who founded the Mahabodhi Society to reclaim the site for Buddhists.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (2002): The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a sacred site of Buddhism and for its architectural and historical significance.

Architectural Features:

• Main Temple Structure: The central temple is a towering structure, approximately 55 meters (180 feet) high, with a pyramidal or straight-edged conical shikhara (tower). It features multiple layers of niches, arch motifs, and intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.
• Materials: Primarily constructed of brick and stucco, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Gupta period.
• Four Towers: The main tower is surrounded by four smaller, identical towers at its corners, each topped with an umbrella-like dome, contributing to its unique architectural style that influenced Buddhist temples globally (e.g., in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar).
• Bodhi Tree: West of the main temple stands the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree. It is a focal point for pilgrims who meditate beneath its shade.
• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): A stone platform inside the temple marking Buddha’s meditation spot.
• Animesh Lochan Chaitya: A shrine marking the spot where Buddha spent the second week after enlightenment, gazing at the Bodhi Tree without blinking.
• Other Sacred Sites: The complex includes other sacred sites related to the “Seven Weeks of Enlightenment,” such as the Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Walk) and the Lotus Pond.
• Stone Railings: The temple complex is surrounded by ancient stone railings, some dating back to the Sunga period (1st century BCE), adorned with valuable early stone relief sculptures.

Spiritual and Cultural Importance:

• Holistic Pilgrimage Site: For Buddhists worldwide, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the four main pilgrimage sites associated with Buddha’s life (Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar).
• Center for Meditation and Learning: Thousands of monks and devotees visit annually for prayers, chanting, meditation retreats, and to study Buddhist scriptures.
• Universal Symbol: Beyond Buddhism, the Mahabodhi Temple symbolizes peace, enlightenment, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, attracting visitors from all faiths and backgrounds.
• Living Heritage: It is the only living Buddhist site on India’s World Heritage list, with daily rituals, prayers, and festivals continuing centuries-old traditions.

Recent Developments and Controversies (as of July 2025):

The management and control of the Mahabodhi Temple have been subjects of long-standing debate and recent protests:

• Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949: The core of the controversy lies in the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949. This Act established a management committee, the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), which comprises four Buddhists and four Hindu members. Crucially, the District Magistrate of Gaya, who is typically a Hindu, serves as the ex-officio Chairman, leading to a de facto Hindu majority (5-4) in the committee.
• Demand for Buddhist Control: Buddhist organizations, particularly the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), have intensified protests in recent months (starting late 2024 and escalating in early 2025), demanding the repeal of the 1949 Act and exclusive control of the temple by the Buddhist community. They argue that:
  • No shrine of one religion should be controlled by members of another, citing it as a violation of constitutional rights.
  • Hindu rituals are increasingly being performed within the temple complex, which they consider non-Buddhist and disrespectful to the shrine’s character.
  • The term “Bodhgaya Temple” in government documents, instead of “Mahabodhi Temple,” undermines its Buddhist origin.
• Historical Claims: Hindus assert their historical association with the temple, arguing that Buddha is an incarnation of Vishnu, and that the Hindu Mahants preserved the temple during periods of Buddhist decline.
• Legal Challenges: A petition challenging the 1949 Act was filed in the Supreme Court in 2012 by two Buddhist monks, but it has not been listed for a hearing even after 13 years, adding to the frustration of protestors.
• Protest Escalation: Protests have included rallies and demonstrations, with instances of monks being forcibly removed from the temple premises during their protests.
• Government Stance: The government considers it a policy decision and a matter for the Home Department of the Bihar government, maintaining that the current management structure is based on a long-standing legal framework.

Way Forward:

Addressing the ongoing dispute over the Mahabodhi Temple’s management requires a balanced and sensitive approach:

• Dialogue and Consensus: Facilitating constructive dialogue between Buddhist and Hindu communities, alongside government representatives, to find an amicable and mutually respectful solution.
• Review of the 1949 Act: A comprehensive review of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, by legal experts and community representatives, considering modern principles of religious freedom and management of sacred sites, may be necessary.
• Transparent Management: Ensuring transparent governance and financial management of the temple complex, irrespective of the management structure.
• Focus on Conservation: Prioritizing the preservation of the temple’s architectural integrity, historical artifacts, and the ecological health of the Bodhi Tree, in line with its UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Promoting Inclusivity: While addressing specific management concerns, ensuring that the temple remains accessible and welcoming to all devotees and visitors, upholding its universal spiritual significance.
• Judicial Intervention: If legal challenges persist, the Supreme Court’s timely consideration of the pending petition could provide legal clarity.

The Mahabodhi Temple stands as a powerful symbol of enlightenment and India’s rich spiritual heritage. Resolving the management controversy in a manner that honors its profound significance for all stakeholders will be crucial for its continued role as a global beacon of peace and spiritual wisdom.