Topic 1: Industrial Relations Code, 2020 Reforms
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
2. Context
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (IRC) is one of the four labour codes that consolidate and simplify 44 existing Central Labour Laws. Specifically, the IRC replaces three major Acts: the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. The primary objective is to modernize the industrial dispute resolution mechanism, enhance the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking of India, and ensure social security for workers by formalizing employment conditions, all while balancing the interests of employers and employees.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The IRC brings fundamental changes that impact the structure of the industrial ecosystem:
- Threshold for Closure and Retrenchment: The Code raises the threshold for mandatory government approval for lay-off, retrenchment, or closure of an establishment from 100 to 300 workers (for non-seasonal industries like mines, factories, and plantations). This provides employers with greater flexibility in scaling operations but reduces procedural hurdles for large-scale job cuts, impacting worker security.
- Fixed-Term Employment (FTE): The IRC provides statutory recognition to FTE, formalizing a contractual relationship for a specific period. Crucially, it mandates that FTE workers must be provided the same statutory benefits, including gratuity, as permanent employees doing similar work, provided the term is for one year or more.
- Negotiating Union Concept: For the first time, the Code formalizes the recognition of a Negotiating Union (or Negotiating Council) in an industrial establishment. A single union with the support of at least 51% of workers will be recognized as the sole negotiating body. This aims to streamline collective bargaining and reduce inter-union rivalry, which often leads to disputes.
- Redefined Strike and Dispute Resolution: The definition of ‘strike’ is expanded to include mass casual leave. The mandatory notice period for strikes is 60 days. The Code simplifies dispute resolution by introducing a two-member tribunal (instead of the existing one-member one) and providing direct access to the Industrial Tribunal for the worker who has been dismissed, discharged, or retrenched, eliminating the earlier mandatory reference through the government.
- Workers’ Reskilling Fund: The Code mandates the creation of a ‘Workers’ Reskilling Fund’ through employer contributions. This fund is intended to provide financial assistance equivalent to 15 days of last-drawn wages to retrenched workers within 45 days of their retrenchment.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Boost to Business: Higher threshold reduces ‘inspector raj’ and regulatory compliance costs, encouraging investment (FDI). 2. Formalisation: FTE with wage parity encourages employers to formalize employment. 3. Dispute Resolution: Streamlining of tribunals and direct access promise quicker justice. |
| Negatives | 1. Worker Insecurity: Raising the retrenchment threshold to 300 exposes workers in establishments with 100-299 employees to arbitrary firing. 2. Strike Restrictions: The 60-day notice period is criticised by trade unions as making legal strikes virtually impossible. 3. Employer Bias: The IRC is perceived to have tilted the balance heavily in favour of capital and management over labour rights. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Flagship scheme to impart industry-relevant skill training. 2. Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH): Aims at upskilling marginalized groups (SCs, OBCs, EWS). 3. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM): Voluntary pension scheme for unorganised workers. 4. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to support job creation and social security. |
5. Examples
- The IRC’s provision on Fixed-Term Employment with gratuity aims to prevent exploitation seen in previous short-term contracts where workers were denied benefits of permanency. For instance, a contract engineer hired for 18 months must receive gratuity and equal wages, a right previously confined to permanent staff.
- The increased retrenchment threshold (from 100 to 300) means that a factory employing 250 workers can now execute mass retrenchment without the State Government’s prior permission, a flexibility sought by businesses but feared by labour.
6. Way Forward
The successful implementation of the IRC requires a balanced approach. First, the states, which have concurrent power over labour, must ensure that the spirit of ‘social security and worker welfare’ is not diluted in their implementation. Second, a robust grievance redressal mechanism (GRM) at the local level is essential to reduce the burden on Industrial Tribunals. Third, the Workers’ Reskilling Fund must be adequately supported and monitored to provide meaningful skill upgradation pathways, ensuring that retrenchment does not lead to prolonged unemployment. Finally, continuous tripartite dialogue between the government, employers, and trade unions is necessary to build trust and ensure industrial harmony.
7. Conclusion
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 represents a tectonic shift in India’s labour law landscape, driven by the imperatives of economic growth and ease of doing business. While it introduces welcome measures like fixed-term employment parity and reskilling support, its effectiveness hinges on how well the states balance corporate flexibility with fundamental labour rights and social security commitments. The ultimate goal must be the creation of a productive and protected workforce, where efficiency is not purchased at the cost of equity.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 attempts to strike a balance between attracting investment and protecting worker rights. Critically analyze the key provisions of the Code and suggest measures to strengthen its focus on equitable social security. (250 words)
Topic 2: UPSC Centenary Year ‘Shatabdi Sammelan’ (2025-26)
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.GS-IV: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
2. Context
The Public Service Commission was first established in India on October 1, 1926, based on the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924). The UPSC, as a constitutional body, is celebrating its Centenary Year from October 2025 to October 2026. This year-long observance, marked by the ‘Shatabdi Sammelan,’ provides a crucial opportunity for introspection, review of past legacies, and planning a roadmap for civil services excellence in the next century.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The UPSC stands as the guardian of meritocracy, mandated by Part XIV (Articles 315 to 323) of the Constitution.
- Constitutional Mandate (Article 320): Its duty is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union. It is consulted on all matters relating to methods of recruitment, appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters. The advice is generally recommendatory but holds immense constitutional weight.
- Evolution of Reforms: The UPSC’s journey reflects India’s administrative needs:
- Kothari Committee (1976): Introduced the current three-stage examination process (Prelims, Mains, Interview).
- Hota Commission (2004): Recommended the introduction of an aptitude test (CSAT) in the Preliminary examination to evaluate core skills.
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-II): Focused on ethical governance, recommended reducing age limits, and rationalizing services.
- The Centenary Focus: The ‘Shatabdi Sammelan’ emphasizes shifting the focus from simply being a recruiting agency to being a ‘capacity builder’ and a ‘talent aggregator.’ The goal is to induct candidates who possess not just knowledge, but also the competencies required for a roles-based, citizen-centric administration.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes/Reforms
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Meritocracy & Neutrality: Ensures fair and transparent selection, fostering an all-India character. 2. Quality Workforce: Consistently provides high-quality administrators, contributing to national stability and policy implementation. 3. Constitutional Safeguard: Acts as a check on political patronage in appointments. |
| Negatives | 1. Generalist Predominance: Critics argue the recruitment favours generalists over specialists, creating a deficit in domain expertise. 2. Long Cycle: The 12-18 month recruitment cycle leads to uncertainty and delays in filling crucial vacancies. 3. Ethics Deficit: While testing is rigorous, critics point to persistent issues of bureaucratic corruption, suggesting a gap in testing core ethical fortitude. |
| Government Schemes & Reforms | 1. Mission Karmayogi: The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). Focuses on shifting from ‘Rules-based’ to ‘Roles-based’ training, using the iGOT Karmayogi platform for continuous, on-demand learning. 2. Lateral Entry: Induction of domain experts from the private sector into the bureaucracy at Joint Secretary/Director levels to fill skill gaps. 3. 360-Degree Appraisal: Introduced to replace the archaic Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system with multi-source feedback (including peers and subordinates) to ensure holistic performance evaluation. |
5. Examples
- The adoption of a Common Foundation Course for all Group ‘A’ service probationers is an example of aligning training early, breaking down ‘silos’ among various services, a recommendation often reiterated during reform discussions.
- The use of Behavioral Analysis and Psychometric assessments in the later stages of the selection process reflects UPSC’s attempt to select candidates with attributes aligned with Mission Karmayogi’s FRACs (Framework of Roles, Activities, and Competencies).
6. Way Forward
The next century requires the UPSC to focus on four key areas: 1. Agile Recruitment: Shortening the examination cycle using technology like AI-driven evaluations. 2. Specialisation: Designing recruitment pathways that prioritize domain expertise (e.g., in finance, technology, or health). 3. Continuous Evaluation: Integrating the examination outcome with career-long capacity building programs like Mission Karmayogi. 4. Ethical Integrity: Introducing more sophisticated and predictive methods to test ethical reasoning and institutional integrity, ensuring that civil servants are accountable to constitutional values.
7. Conclusion
As the UPSC enters its second century, its role remains pivotal in sustaining India’s democratic and administrative framework. The ‘Shatabdi Sammelan’ serves as a national call to action to safeguard the institution’s integrity while embracing the necessary reforms—structural, technological, and ethical—to create a civil service that is truly future-ready, adaptive, and dedicated to the philosophy of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: Examine the constitutional role of the UPSC as the ‘Guardian of Merit’ in Indian democracy. Discuss how modern initiatives like Mission Karmayogi and Lateral Entry attempt to complement or contradict this mandate in the context of emerging administrative challenges. (250 words)
Topic 3: Appointment of the 53rd Chief Justice of India
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
2. Context
Justice Surya Kant was appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 24, 2025, succeeding Justice B. R. Gavai. The appointment underscores the prevailing judicial convention of seniority but also reignites the perpetual debate regarding the balance between the tradition of seniority and the necessity of selecting the most meritorious and suitable candidate to lead the nation’s highest court.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The appointment of the CJI is governed by constitutional provisions and a long-standing convention.
- Constitutional Provision: Article 124(2) of the Constitution states that every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President after consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts as the President may deem necessary.
- The Convention of Seniority: By convention, the President appoints the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court as the CJI. This convention was established to ensure the independence and neutrality of the judiciary, protecting the appointment from political interference.
- Memorandum of Procedure (MoP): The appointment process is formalized by the MoP, which stipulates that the outgoing CJI initiates the recommendation process by naming the next senior-most judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit to hold the office. The Union Law Minister processes this, and the Prime Minister advises the President.
- Role of the CJI: The CJI is not just the senior-most judge but the ‘Master of the Roster.’ This is a critical administrative power:
- Allocation of Cases: The CJI decides which bench will hear a particular case.
- Constitution of Benches: The CJI constitutes Constitutional Benches (five or more judges) for deciding substantial questions of law.
- Administrative Head: The CJI oversees the general and miscellaneous matters relating to the supervision and functioning of the Supreme Court.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes/Reforms
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives (Seniority) | 1. Predictability: Ensures a smooth, automatic succession, minimizing scope for political manipulation. 2. Independence: Protects the judiciary from executive discretion, upholding the basic structure doctrine. 3. Stability: Ensures continuity in the administrative functioning of the Supreme Court. |
| Negatives (Seniority) | 1. Short Tenures: The convention often results in short tenures (average $1.5$ years), preventing the CJI from implementing long-term administrative or judicial reforms. 2. Merit vs. Seniority: Seniority is no guarantee of administrative or judicial leadership capability. 3. Historical Breaches: The convention was bypassed twice in the 1970s (Justice A.N. Ray in 1973 and Justice M.H. Beg in 1977), highlighting its non-binding nature and vulnerability to executive pressure. |
| Reforms & Related Concepts | 1. Collegium System: Evolved through the Three Judges Cases (1982, 1993, 1998), it vests the power of judicial appointments in a committee of the CJI and four senior-most judges. 2. National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC): Introduced through the 99th Constitutional Amendment (2014) to replace the Collegium, it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 as violative of the independence of the judiciary. 3. MoP Review: Ongoing attempts to finalize a revised MoP to bring in more transparency and accountability to the appointment process, particularly for other Supreme Court Judges. |
5. Examples
- Justice Surya Kant’s Tenure: Prior to his elevation, Justice Kant was known for his rulings emphasizing Gender Justice (directing reservation for women in Bar Associations) and holding the executive accountable (e.g., in the Pegasus Spyware case, stating the State cannot get a “free pass” citing national security). His elevation demonstrates the traditional adherence to the seniority convention despite the availability of more merit-based alternatives.
- The ‘Master of the Roster’ power was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018, clarifying that the CJI alone holds the authority to constitute Benches and allocate cases.
6. Way Forward
To strengthen the highest judicial office, the focus should be on institutional and structural reforms: 1. Fixed Term: Introducing a minimum fixed tenure (e.g., 2 years) for the CJI, irrespective of the retirement age, to allow for effective administrative reforms. 2. Collegium Secretariat: Establishing a permanent, professionally-run, and transparent secretariat for the Collegium to maintain records, assess performance, and rationalize the appointment process. 3. Enhanced Consultation: Formalizing the consultation process beyond the senior-most judges to include constitutional law experts and legal academics to ensure broader scrutiny of candidates’ judicial and administrative competence.
7. Conclusion
The appointment of the CJI is a seminal moment in India’s constitutional history, symbolizing the continuity and independence of the judiciary. While the seniority convention offers essential stability, the constitutional goal of selecting the most suitable leader for the institution must take precedence. Future reforms must bridge the gap between tradition and necessity, ensuring that the highest judicial office is occupied by a leader who can drive judicial efficiency, uphold constitutional morality, and inspire public confidence during their tenure.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: “The convention of seniority in appointing the Chief Justice of India ensures judicial independence but simultaneously undermines long-term institutional leadership.” Discuss the issues arising from the short tenures of CJIs and suggest reforms for a more effective appointment and tenure system. (250 words)
Topic 4: India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Turning Negative
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Balance of Payments (BoP).
2. Context
News reports from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicated that India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow turned negative for the second consecutive month. Net FDI is calculated as Gross Inward FDI minus Outward FDI (OFDI) by Indian firms and Repatriation/Disinvestment by foreign investors. This negative figure means that the capital flowing out of the country, primarily through foreign companies repatriating profits or exiting investments, exceeded the fresh capital inflows. This trend highlights potential short-term volatility in the external sector of the Indian economy.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
FDI is a crucial source of stable, long-term capital for India’s economic transformation, bringing technology, management expertise, and job creation. The negative trend in Net FDI is a composite indicator reflecting global and domestic factors:
- Repatriation and Disinvestment: The main driver for the negative Net FDI is the sharp rise in outflows due to repatriation of profits by Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and disinvestment/exit by foreign firms. This usually happens when long-term investors decide to take profits off the table or restructure their global portfolios in response to economic slowdowns in their home countries.
- Moderation in Gross Inflows: While repatriation is high, the Gross Inward FDI has also shown moderation. This is linked to the global economic slowdown, higher interest rates in advanced economies (making capital more expensive), and increased geopolitical uncertainty which makes investors risk-averse towards emerging markets.
- Policy Uncertainty: While India has liberalized its FDI policy, issues like tax policy predictability, bureaucratic delays, and complex compliance create uncertainty, discouraging fresh, large-scale long-term capital commitments. The ease of entry for foreign capital needs to be matched by the ease of operation and exit.
- Distinction from Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): Unlike the volatile FPI (which focuses on short-term gains via stocks and bonds), FDI is generally stable. A negative Net FDI signals a deeper structural issue concerning the long-term investment pipeline, although two negative months are not yet an immediate crisis.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. OFDI Rise: A portion of the outflow is due to rising Outward FDI (OFDI) by Indian companies, signaling the growing global ambition and strength of domestic firms. 2. Sectoral Attractiveness: Core sectors like manufacturing, computer services, and financial services continue to attract significant gross inflows, showing underlying demand. |
| Negatives | 1. Balance of Payments (BoP) Stress: Sustained negative Net FDI can weigh heavily on the Current Account Deficit (CAD) financing and put pressure on the rupee. 2. Investment Pipeline Risk: Signals potential investor caution, which could slow down infrastructure development and large-scale manufacturing capacity expansion. 3. Loss of Technology Transfer: Reduced FDI inflows mean slower transfer of advanced technology and best management practices essential for domestic competitiveness. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Offer financial incentives on incremental production to attract large-scale investment, particularly in manufacturing. 2. Gati Shakti Master Plan: Aims to break infrastructural silos and improve multi-modal connectivity, directly addressing logistical challenges that deter FDI. 3. Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Initiatives: Focused on simplifying customs, logistics, and reducing regulatory burdens. |
5. Examples
- The Facebook-Jio Platforms deal ($5.7 billion) in 2020 is a classic example of large-scale greenfield FDI that significantly boosted the digital economy. The recent outflow is the opposite—a large foreign firm exiting or shrinking operations in a non-core segment.
- The Voluntary Retrospective Tax Resolution Scheme was introduced as a past measure to settle long-standing disputes like the Vodafone case, aiming to increase policy stability and predictability for foreign investors.
6. Way Forward
India must focus on policy stability, regulatory clarity, and strengthening contract enforcement. First, expediting commercial courts and arbitration timelines is essential to guarantee quick dispute resolution. Second, policymakers must offer continuous after-care for investors through single-window clearance and grievance redressal systems at the state level to encourage expansion rather than exit. Finally, leveraging the PLI scheme to build deep manufacturing ecosystems that link beneficiaries with local suppliers will anchor foreign firms for the long term.
7. Conclusion
A negative Net FDI is a wake-up call, emphasizing that the focus must shift from merely attracting capital to retaining it. While India’s long-term growth story remains intact, addressing short-term issues like repatriation and global risk aversion through consistent and transparent domestic policies is crucial. Sustained focus on improving the business environment will ensure that FDI remains a powerful, positive engine for India’s economic development.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: Distinguish between Gross and Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Analyze the factors responsible for the recent negative Net FDI trend in India and critically evaluate the policy measures required to ensure stable, long-term capital retention. (250 words)
Topic 5: HAMMER Precision Weapon System Joint Venture (BEL-Safran)
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Internal Security and challenges.
2. Context
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to locally manufacture the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India. This move is a direct step towards enhancing India’s military capability and self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The HAMMER is a combat-proven, modular, stand-off weapon developed by France. The joint venture signifies a strategic shift from simple procurement to co-production and technology transfer.
- Strategic Significance: HAMMER is a smart weapon designed to strike hardened targets (like bunkers, command centres, and hardened shelters) with high accuracy from extended stand-off ranges (up to 70 km). This capability allows Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy aircraft to conduct strikes without entering high-risk enemy airspaces, significantly enhancing pilot and platform survivability.
- Technology Transfer & Indigenization: The joint venture aims to achieve 60% localisation over time, with BEL taking the lead in final assembly, testing, and quality assurance. This process ensures the transfer of critical sub-system technology, including guidance kits and control mechanisms, reducing India’s reliance on emergency foreign imports and creating a domestic defence industrial base.
- Platform Compatibility: The weapon system is already integrated with the IAF’s Rafale fighter jets and is planned for integration with the domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas platform. This commonality across platforms streamlines logistics, training, and maintenance.
- Mountain Warfare Advantage: The HAMMER’s high agility and manoeuvrability make it specifically suitable for operations in complex terrain, such as high-altitude mountainous environments (e.g., the Ladakh sector).
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Strategic Autonomy: Indigenous production of a high-precision weapon strengthens India’s strategic autonomy in defence procurement. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: Local manufacturing reduces the long-term cost of procurement, spares, and maintenance. 3. Export Potential: Once indigenized, the system can potentially be exported to friendly nations, boosting India’s defence exports and foreign exchange earnings. |
| Negatives | 1. Phased Dependency: While 60% localization is high, continued dependence on critical imported components (e.g., specific sensors or chips) remains a vulnerability. 2. Integration Complexity: Integrating the system with existing and future indigenous platforms like Tejas requires significant time and rigorous testing. 3. R&D Lag: The JV focuses on production; original cutting-edge R&D remains largely with the foreign partner, highlighting the need for more fundamental research in India. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP): Prioritizes ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ and ‘Buy (Indian)’ categories to boost indigenous content. 2. Positive Indigenisation Lists: Imposes a staggered ban on the import of hundreds of defence items to compel domestic production. 3. Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs): Established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to create a strong ecosystem for defence manufacturing. |
5. Examples
- The DRDO’s Astra air-to-air missile is an example of indigenous success. The HAMMER JV follows a hybrid model: leveraging proven foreign technology for immediate operational needs while building domestic production capability.
- The BrahMos missile (a Russian-Indian JV) is the gold standard for such cooperation, with India now successfully exporting the system to countries like the Philippines.
6. Way Forward
The JV must prioritize knowledge transfer and skill development beyond just assembly. A dedicated Indian Centre of Excellence should be established to house the key intellectual property and train Indian engineers, ensuring future upgrades can be done domestically. India should also invest heavily in developing indigenous seeker technologies and sensors to completely eliminate foreign dependence in critical components, transforming from a production partner to a co-developer.
7. Conclusion
The BEL-Safran joint venture for the HAMMER system is a significant landmark in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance, offering a critical upgrade to precision strike capability. It successfully executes the dual policy of acquiring crucial technology while simultaneously building domestic industrial capacity. For the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to succeed, such JVs must serve as a launchpad for future, fully indigenous R&D efforts in high-end weapon systems.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: Discuss the significance of the BEL-Safran joint venture on the HAMMER weapon system in the context of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission in defence. What are the associated challenges in achieving true technological autonomy? (250 words)
Topic 6: Hayli Gubbi Volcano Ash Plume Impact on Indian Airspace
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Disaster and Disaster Management. Important Geophysical phenomena.
GS-I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
2. Context
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending a massive plume of volcanic ash and gases into the atmosphere. Carried by high-altitude jet streams, this ash plume travelled thousands of kilometres across the Arabian Peninsula and the Arabian Sea, entering Indian airspace over Gujarat and Rajasthan, leading to safety warnings and operational disruptions for airlines.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
This incident is a prime example of how natural disasters in one part of the globe can rapidly impact critical infrastructure and safety in distant regions, necessitating a transnational disaster response mechanism.
- Aviation Hazard: Volcanic ash is extremely hazardous to aircraft. The fine, abrasive particles (containing silica and rock) can:
- Engine Failure: The silica melts in the high temperatures (around 1000°C) of jet engines and then solidifies on turbine blades, causing engine stall or complete shutdown.
- Abrasion: The ash acts like sandpaper, abrading cockpit windshields, reducing visibility, and damaging sensors and control surfaces.
- Contamination: It clogs air filters and contaminates fuel, leading to systems failure.
- Geophysical Context: Hayli Gubbi lies in the Afar Triple Junction, a tectonically active zone where the African and Arabian plates are separating. Its long dormancy period (12,000 years) made the explosive eruption unpredictable and scientifically significant.
- Disaster Management Response in India:
- DGCA Advisory: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an immediate advisory to airlines to avoid affected flight levels and regions.
- IMD Monitoring: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the ash plume’s trajectory (southwest to northeast, towards Delhi-NCR and then China) using satellite imagery and atmospheric models, providing crucial real-time information.
- Airport Protocols: Airports in the affected zone were instructed to inspect runways and taxiways for ash contamination and suspend operations if safety was compromised.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Timely Response: Prompt advisory from the DGCA and tracking by the IMD prevented any major safety incidents or engine damage to commercial flights. 2. Global Cooperation: Reliance on the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs) highlights India’s effective participation in global alert and risk mitigation systems. 3. Short-Term Impact: The effects are short-lived (24-48 hours) as the ash disperses quickly. |
| Negatives | 1. Economic Disruption: Cancellation and diversion of flights caused significant economic loss to airlines and inconvenience to millions of passengers, showing vulnerability of the aviation sector. 2. Predictive Challenge: Accurately predicting the exact path and concentration of ash plumes remains a major global challenge due to complex high-altitude wind patterns. 3. Respiratory Health Risk: While the concentration at ground level was negligible, the ash and $\text{SO}_2$ plumes could potentially exacerbate respiratory issues in already polluted cities like Delhi. |
| Government Schemes | 1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Apex body for formulating disaster policies, including protocols for multi-hazard scenarios like the impact of an event outside India. 2. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP): Focuses on coastal regions, but its infrastructure (like early warning systems) is crucial for tracking any transboundary atmospheric events. |
5. Examples
- The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland caused the biggest airspace shutdown since World War II, cancelling over 100,000 flights. India’s swift response avoided a similar operational paralysis.
- The BA Flight 009 incident in 1982 (flying into the Mount Galunggung ash cloud) is a historical example of complete engine failure due to volcanic ash, which guides modern aviation safety protocols.
6. Way Forward
India must invest in dedicated high-altitude atmospheric monitoring technology capable of fine-grained tracking of volcanic ash and $\text{SO}_2$ plumes. Strengthening the IMD’s collaboration with international VAACs is essential. Furthermore, the DGCA needs to mandate advanced on-board detection systems for commercial aircraft, allowing pilots to receive automated warnings and adjust flight paths in real-time, moving beyond ground-based advisories.
7. Conclusion
The Hayli Gubbi incident serves as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of global hazards and the vulnerability of India’s critical transport infrastructure. By utilizing sophisticated tracking technology and adhering to global safety protocols, India successfully mitigated the immediate threat. The long-term goal for disaster management must be to enhance predictive capabilities and strengthen global-to-local coordination to minimize future economic and safety disruptions from such transboundary geophysical events.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: Analyze the threats posed by volcanic ash plumes to modern aviation and discuss the role of multi-agency coordination (like DGCA and IMD) in India’s response to the Hayli Gubbi eruption. (250 words)
Topic 7: Operation Sagar Bandhu for Sri Lanka
1. Syllabus
GS-II: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
2. Context
Following the devastation caused by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah in Sri Lanka, India launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ (Friend of the Seas), a comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission. The operation involved the coordinated deployment of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), reaffirming India’s role as a reliable ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Operation Sagar Bandhu is a potent display of India’s foreign policy doctrines in action, leveraging military and civil assets for a swift, non-reciprocal response to a neighbour’s crisis.
- Neighbourhood First Policy: The prompt and substantial assistance to Sri Lanka, a key maritime neighbour, practically demonstrates India’s commitment to the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The assistance included airlifting 21 tonnes of aid (tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals) and deploying specialized NDRF search-and-rescue teams.
- SAGAR and MAHASAGAR Vision: The operation aligns with India’s overarching maritime doctrine of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the recently expanded Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). By being a net security provider and crisis responder, India consolidates its moral and strategic influence in the IOR, countering extra-regional influences.
- Military-Civil Integration: The mission saw seamless cooperation: Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J and IL-76 transport aircraft for quick delivery of aid and NDRF teams, and the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri for delivering essential rations and providing logistical support. This showcases India’s robust HADR capabilities.
- Soft Power Diplomacy: HADR missions are vital components of Soft Power Diplomacy. By providing timely, non-intrusive, and life-saving assistance, India builds long-term goodwill and trust, which are invaluable for strategic stability in bilateral ties.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Bilateral Trust: Strengthens diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka, often strained by internal economic or political issues. 2. HADR Capacity: Demonstrates the advanced capability of the NDRF and military transport wings for complex, trans-national missions. 3. Regional Leadership: Reinforces India’s image as the leading security and humanitarian anchor in the IOR. |
| Negatives | 1. Logistical Challenges: Coordinating multi-agency relief (Navy, Air Force, NDRF) and ensuring smooth logistics in a foreign country during a disaster is always complex. 2. Domestic Preparedness: While assisting Sri Lanka, India must equally prioritize its own domestic preparedness for the cyclone (e.g., in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry), ensuring no internal gap. 3. Resource Allocation: Deployment of capital assets like INS Vikrant for HADR involves opportunity costs vis-à-vis their primary defence roles. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Neighbourhood First Policy: The core foreign policy guiding this response. 2. SAGAR Doctrine: The maritime strategy that institutionalizes India’s role as a security provider. 3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The specialized body at the core of the mission, trained in technical search, rescue, and specialized HADR operations. |
5. Examples
- Operation Rahat (2015): The complex evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen, highlighting India’s robust evacuation capability.
- Operation Samudra Setu (2020): The naval evacuation of Indians stranded overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Operation Maitri (2015): India’s massive relief and rescue mission following the Nepal earthquake.
6. Way Forward
India should institutionalize the HADR response further by establishing a dedicated HADR Coordination Cell within the Ministry of External Affairs that works round-the-clock with the military and NDRF. Furthermore, India should propose a regional HADR mechanism under the BIMSTEC or SAARC framework, where pre-positioned assets and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) are in place to ensure faster, joint responses to common regional disasters like cyclones and tsunamis.
7. Conclusion
Operation Sagar Bandhu is more than a humanitarian mission; it is a critical instrument of India’s regional foreign policy. It encapsulates the nation’s commitment to its neighbours, using its capabilities to foster regional stability and mutual growth. By consistently acting as a reliable first responder, India ensures that its diplomatic and strategic objectives in the IOR are underpinned by genuine friendship and assistance in times of crisis.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ exemplifies India’s ‘First Responder’ role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Evaluate how HADR missions align with and strengthen India’s foreign policy objectives of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR. (250 words)
Topic 8: Digital Version of Constitution in Nine Languages
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability. E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential.
2. Context
On the occasion of Constitution Day (November 26), the President of India launched the digital version of the Constitution of India translated into nine Indian languages, including Bodo and Kashmiri (for the first time). This initiative is a major step toward promoting constitutional literacy and strengthening the democratic spirit by making the foundational legal document accessible to citizens in their mother tongue.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
This initiative leverages technology to achieve the constitutional goal of inclusiveness and public participation, bridging the gap between governance and citizens, especially those from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Linguistic Inclusivity: The translation, particularly into languages like Bodo and Kashmiri (which represent specific constitutional, cultural, and regional concerns), makes the core principles of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity directly accessible. This directly strengthens the spirit of Article 345 (Official language or languages of a State).
- Constitutional Literacy: By providing easy digital access via a mobile application or dedicated website, the project encourages constitutional literacy among youth, students, and citizens who may not be comfortable reading the official English or Hindi texts. This fosters an informed citizenry, which is fundamental to the successful functioning of a democracy.
- E-Governance Application: This is a high-impact application of e-governance where technology (digital versions, mobile apps) is used to simplify access to core governmental documents. It moves towards ‘governance at the doorstep’ by removing physical and linguistic barriers to a vital document.
- Strengthening Federalism: The availability of the Constitution in regional languages supports the implementation of central laws at the state and district levels, ensuring legal documents are understood by local administrators and citizens alike.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Democratic Deepening: Enables wider public participation in governance and legal discourse by democratizing access to the supreme law of the land. 2. Cultural Integration: Promotes national integration by showing respect for linguistic diversity while uniting citizens under a common constitutional framework. 3. Accessibility: Digital format ensures quick, searchable, and cost-effective access, replacing bulky printed volumes. |
| Negatives | 1. Translation Integrity: Legal texts are complex; ensuring the absolute fidelity and nuanced legal meaning remains consistent across nine different languages is a massive technical and legal challenge. 2. Digital Divide: The benefits are limited to those with digital access, potentially excluding large segments of the rural population or those with poor internet connectivity. 3. Continuous Updation: Ensuring that all nine digital versions are instantaneously updated following every constitutional amendment requires a robust, centralized, and failsafe mechanism. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Digital India: The overarching program that supports the creation and delivery of digital services to empower citizens, which the Constitution App is an example of. 2. National Translation Mission (NTM): An effort focused on translating knowledge texts into all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. 3. E-Courts Project: A parallel e-governance initiative focused on digitizing court records and judgments to improve judicial efficiency. |
5. Examples
- The Digital Library of India is a similar initiative focusing on translating and digitizing millions of books.
- The use of AI/Machine Learning (ML) based translation tools is being explored to handle the scale and complexity of translating future legal texts more quickly, reducing the human translation time which can be extensive.
6. Way Forward
The project should be expanded to include all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Furthermore, to overcome the digital divide, a hybrid approach combining the digital app with targeted distribution of cheap, print-on-demand copies in local languages must be adopted in remote areas. Finally, mandatory inclusion of these translated texts in the curriculum of law and public administration schools will ensure the initiative yields maximum long-term benefit.
7. Conclusion
The release of the digital Constitution in multiple languages is a landmark step towards linguistic justice and participatory governance in India. By utilizing the power of digital technology, the state has effectively reaffirmed the Constitution’s status as a ‘living document’ that belongs to every citizen, regardless of their native tongue. This effort deepens the foundation of our constitutional democracy by ensuring that the supreme law is not just obeyed, but truly understood.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: The launch of the digital Constitution in multiple languages is seen as a tool for deepening democracy and promoting constitutional literacy. Analyze the potential and challenges of leveraging e-governance for making complex legal documents accessible to a linguistically diverse population. (250 words)
