Topic 1: Supreme Court and Electoral Bonds Transparency
Syllabus
- GS-II: Separation of powers between various organs; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
- GS-II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Context
Following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment declaring the Electoral Bonds Scheme (EBS) unconstitutional, the subsequent days saw intense debate on the scope and enforcement of the ruling. The core judicial reasoning focused on the violation of the fundamental right to information of the voter under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The continued debate in the news pertains to the steps necessary to ensure complete transparency in political funding, moving beyond the EBS.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Constitutional and Democratic Dimension
The SC’s verdict reinforced the principle that financial contributions to political parties are a matter of public interest, especially concerning large, anonymous corporate donations. The court highlighted the potential for ‘quid pro quo’ arrangements when donations are undisclosed, undermining the core principle of free and fair elections. The anonymity enabled by the EBS was seen as prioritizing the privacy of the donor over the voter’s right to know, skewing the balance of power toward wealthy contributors.
Legal and Proportionality Dimension
The court applied the proportionality test (derived from the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment) and found that the EBS was not the least restrictive method to achieve the stated goal of curbing black money. Existing mechanisms, such as the ₹20,000 limit on anonymous cash donations and Electoral Trusts, were cited as less restrictive alternatives. The SC also struck down amendments to the Companies Act, 2013, which permitted unlimited corporate donations, terming them “manifestly arbitrary.”
Reforms and Transparency Dimension
The judgment paves the way for deeper electoral reforms. The challenge now lies in replacing the EBS with a system that genuinely balances donor privacy with public transparency. The next steps involve strengthening the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI), mandating comprehensive disclosure of all funding sources by political parties, and enforcing limits on expenditure, not just by candidates but by political parties as well, as practiced in countries like the UK.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Right to Information Uphold: Strongly affirmed the voter’s right to information as integral to democracy. Checks Corporate Influence: Struck down unlimited corporate donations, reducing the potential for undue corporate influence on policy. Judicial Activism: Demonstrated the judiciary’s role as a final arbiter in protecting constitutional principles. |
| Negatives | Immediate Vacuum: The immediate end of EBS creates a void, risking a return to cash-based, undisclosed funding without a solid, transparent alternative. Donor Privacy vs. Transparency: The challenge of achieving an ideal balance remains legally complex. Loophole Exploitation: Parties may seek new, less transparent legal methods to circumvent disclosure requirements. |
| Relevant Schemes | Electoral Trusts Scheme: A viable alternative that encourages transparent donations to political parties by pooling money from donors and distributing it. Representation of the People Act, 1951: Requires comprehensive strengthening, especially Section 29B and 29C concerning political funding. |
Relevant Examples
- Article 19(1)(a): The core basis of the verdict, linking the fundamental freedom of speech and expression to the voter’s right to know the source of political funding.
- Puttaswamy Judgement (Right to Privacy): Used as the benchmark for the proportionality test to strike down the scheme.
Way Forward
- Legislative Solution: Parliament must enact a new, comprehensive law mandating the full disclosure of all political contributions above a minimal threshold, preferably through digital means.
- Strengthening ECI: Grant the ECI greater statutory powers to audit political party finances and enforce transparency norms effectively.
- National Consensus: Encourage an all-party consensus on capping political party expenditure and providing a level playing field for smaller parties.
- State Funding: Explore the possibility of partial state funding of elections, linked to performance and transparency metrics, to reduce reliance on private, large-scale donations.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Electoral Bonds is a watershed moment for transparency in Indian politics. The onus is now on the legislature to institutionalize a funding mechanism that upholds the spirit of the judgment, ensuring that Indian democracy is truly of the people, by the people, and free from the undue influence of dark money.
Topic 2: RBI Framework for UPI and Digital Payments Governance
Syllabus
- GS-III: Indian Economy; Mobilization of resources; Growth, development and employment.
- GS-III: Science and Technology—developments and applications in everyday life.
Context
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing the security, interoperability, and global outreach of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The framework seeks to regulate the growing dominance of certain third-party application providers (TPAPs) and ensure consumer protection while maintaining the high growth trajectory of UPI transactions.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Financial and Economic Dimension
UPI, operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has driven India’s digital payment volume to over 15 billion transactions monthly. The new RBI framework aims to address the concentration risk where a few TPAPs (like PhonePe and Google Pay) dominate the market, potentially creating a single point of failure and reducing competition. By setting clear standards for data localization, security, and dispute resolution, the framework ensures the continued stability of this crucial economic infrastructure.
Technological and Regulatory Dimension
UPI is a textbook example of Open Architecture that allows multiple providers to build applications on a shared core, fostering innovation. The RBI’s regulatory focus is on maintaining this open nature while mitigating risks related to data privacy and security. New features like Credit Line on UPI and UPI Lite X (offline payments) require robust regulatory oversight to prevent over-leverage by consumers and ensure the seamless integration of different payment channels. Strict regulations on data storage and use are essential to build user trust.
Global and Strategic Dimension
India is positioning UPI as a global model for DPI, with successful linkages in countries like France, Singapore, and the UAE. The RBI framework supports this global expansion by mandating compliance with international standards for cross-border payments and security. A robust domestic regulatory environment is a prerequisite for achieving global interoperability and making UPI a tool for boosting bilateral trade and remittances.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Risk Mitigation: Addresses concentration risk by regulating market share limits on TPAPs, enhancing stability. Innovation and Security: Encourages innovation (e.g., voice-based payments, offline UPI) while setting strict security standards. Global Expansion: Provides a stable, regulated foundation necessary for the global expansion of India’s DPI model. |
| Negatives | Compliance Burden: Increased regulatory requirements impose a higher compliance burden and cost, potentially slowing down innovation for smaller fintechs. Privacy Concerns: Despite end-to-end encryption, the centralized access of NPCI/Regulator to transaction metadata raises potential surveillance and privacy concerns. SME Adoption: UPI’s dominance in small-ticket P2P transactions needs to be replicated in the large-value B2B/SME segment. |
| Relevant Schemes | Digital India Mission: UPI is a key enabler of this mission, promoting digital literacy and financial inclusion. Payments Vision 2025: RBI’s strategic roadmap aiming to provide every user with secure, fast, and accessible digital payment options. |
Relevant Examples
- UPI-PayNow Linkage: The linkage between India’s UPI and Singapore’s PayNow demonstrates the model’s capacity for seamless, real-time cross-border P2P remittances.
- Dominance of Foreign Apps: The market dominance of foreign-owned TPAPs (like Google Pay, PhonePe) in transaction volume, necessitating a regulatory cap to promote domestic competition.
Way Forward
- Inter-Regulator Coordination: Strengthen coordination between the RBI, NPCI, and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) to create a unified policy on DPI, addressing both finance and technology aspects.
- Promoting Alternatives: Actively promote alternative domestic TPAPs and banking apps (like BHIM UPI) through incentives and fee structures to diversify the market.
- Data Governance Law: Expedite the passage of a comprehensive Data Protection Law to provide the necessary legal backing for the strict data regulations being enforced by the RBI on payment systems.
- Cyber Resilience: Mandate and regularly audit the cyber resilience and security protocols of all entities involved (banks, TPAPs, and NPCI) to protect against systemic failure.
Conclusion
The RBI’s new framework for UPI and digital payments is a necessary step to secure and sustain India’s fintech revolution. By proactively regulating concentration risk and enhancing security, the RBI ensures that UPI remains a trusted, open, and globally scalable platform that is pivotal to India’s vision of a cashless and financially inclusive economy.
Topic 3: Agricultural Market Reforms: FPOs and e-NAM
Syllabus
- GS-III: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country; Public Distribution System—objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; Economics of animal-rearing.
Context
A policy discussion emphasized the need to deepen agricultural market reforms in India, focusing on mechanisms like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM). These instruments are central to the government’s strategy to enhance farmers’ income by providing better price discovery, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing farmers’ collective bargaining power, moving beyond the traditional APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) monopoly.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Economic and Market Dimension
The traditional APMC model often suffers from a lack of transparency, high intermediation costs, and low price realization for farmers. The e-NAM portal counters this by creating a pan-India electronic trading platform, providing farmers with access to buyers across multiple mandis and states, thereby achieving real-time price discovery based on demand and supply. FPOs allow small and marginal farmers to aggregate their produce, achieving economies of scale in procurement (seeds, fertilizer) and marketing, transforming them from fragmented sellers into significant market players.
Structural and Governance Dimension
Effective market reforms require states to adopt the Model APMC Act amendments, which are a prerequisite for linking local mandis to e-NAM (e.g., a single trading license valid across the state and a single point levy of market fee). The governance challenge lies in integrating the vast network of APMCs, ensuring infrastructure readiness (grading, assaying, warehousing), and overcoming resistance from traditional market intermediaries. The government’s push for 10,000 new FPOs is a key step in building farmer-centric market institutions.
Social and Digital Literacy Dimension
The success of e-NAM and FPOs critically depends on the digital literacy and capacity building of small farmers. Many marginal farmers lack the knowledge and means to directly engage with the e-NAM platform. FPOs act as a bridge, utilizing technology to access e-NAM and futures markets on behalf of their members. The social capital built through FPOs also helps in adopting better farming practices, quality standardization, and collective input management.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Price Discovery: e-NAM ensures transparent, real-time price discovery, eliminating information asymmetry. Collective Bargaining: FPOs empower small farmers by increasing their size and scale for inputs and output sale. Inter-State Trade: Facilitates seamless, barrier-free inter-state trade of agricultural commodities. |
| Negatives | Infrastructure Gap: Lack of adequate assaying/grading infrastructure and cold storage at the mandi level hinders quality-based trade on e-NAM. Digital Divide: Low digital literacy and lack of access to computers/internet limit direct participation by individual farmers. Financial Sustainability: Many FPOs struggle with management expertise, market linkages, and achieving financial sustainability without continuous government support. |
| Relevant Schemes | National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): A pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities. Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs: Aims to provide technical and financial support for creating new FPOs. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Provides medium-to-long-term debt financing for post-harvest management and community farming assets. |
Relevant Examples
- FPO Trading Module: The introduction of a dedicated trading module in e-NAM that allows FPOs to trade produce directly from their collection centres, bypassing the physical mandi structure.
- Mizoram’s APMC Act: States that have fully reformed their APMC Acts, enabling smooth electronic trade and providing best-practice models for others.
Way Forward
- Strengthening FPOs: Focus on providing Professional Management Training and credit guarantees to FPOs to ensure their financial independence and viability.
- Decentralized Infrastructure: Significant investment in Assaying and Grading Infrastructure at the village level and linking it directly to the e-NAM platform for quality assurance.
- Incentivizing State Reforms: Link central government financial support (like AIF) for agricultural infrastructure to the state’s progress in implementing Model APMC Act provisions.
- Warehouse Integration: Integrate e-NAM with the Warehouse Receipts System (WRS) to facilitate post-harvest pledge finance, allowing farmers to sell when prices are favorable.
Conclusion
The twin pillars of FPOs and e-NAM are central to modernizing India’s agricultural marketing system. While the framework for change exists, its success relies on aggressive implementation, bridging the digital and infrastructural divide, and empowering farmers to truly capture value in the supply chain, thereby realizing the goal of higher and stable farm incomes.
Topic 4: India’s Indigenous Defence Technology and Naval Procurements
Syllabus
- GS-III: Science and Technology—developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
- GS-III: Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
Context
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several major naval procurements, including advanced systems and vessels, with a significant emphasis on indigenous design and manufacturing. This move highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defence, particularly to modernize the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Strategic and Geopolitical Dimension
As a major power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India requires a robust, self-sustaining naval fleet to ensure maritime security, counter piracy, and protect its sea lines of communication. Indigenous development of platforms like Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) enhances the Navy’s amphibious warfare capability and capacity for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions across the Indo-Pacific. The strategic push is to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, which is crucial during geopolitical crises or sanctions.
Technological and Economic Dimension
The AoN includes indigenously developed systems like Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs) and electro-optical search and track systems. This signifies a maturation of India’s defence R&D capabilities, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and various Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs). Economically, indigenous procurement drives the ‘Make in India’ initiative, generating high-skill jobs, boosting the private defence industrial sector, and saving valuable foreign exchange reserves. It fosters a domestic Military-Industrial Complex.
Policy and Procurement Dimension
The success of this indigenization push is governed by the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which mandates prioritizing ‘Buy Indian’ and ‘Make Indian’ categories. The challenge remains in streamlining the procurement process, overcoming the gap between the Services’ Qualitative Requirements (QRs) and what the DRDO/private sector can deliver, and ensuring long-term, predictable funding for domestic R&D projects.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbhar): Reduces critical dependence on imports, enhancing strategic autonomy. R&D Boost: Provides large orders to domestic DPSUs and private industry, incentivizing R&D. Technology Control: Ensures full control over sensitive technologies, avoiding restrictive end-user monitoring clauses. |
| Negatives | Time Overruns: Indigenous projects often face significant time and cost overruns due to complex technology development and testing. Quality Gaps: In some high-tech areas, Indian products still lag behind global standards, risking operational disadvantage. Bureaucratic Hurdles: The long and complex defence procurement and testing cycle often discourages private sector participation. |
| Relevant Schemes | Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Mandates the highest priority for Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured products. iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): An ecosystem to foster innovation and technological development in the defence sector by MSMEs and start-ups. Strategic Partnership Model: Encourages private Indian companies to tie up with global OEMs to manufacture major platforms in India. |
Relevant Examples
- INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, demonstrating complex shipbuilding capability.
- Scorpene Class Submarines: Construction under technology transfer (Project 75) showcasing indigenous integration capabilities in naval platforms.
Way Forward
- Private Sector Participation: Provide assured long-term orders and liberalize funding to encourage greater private sector investment in niche, high-technology defence R&D.
- Testing and Certification: Establish an independent, specialized agency for accelerated, realistic testing and certification of indigenous defence products.
- Export Focus: Shift focus from just domestic use to defence exports, achieving economies of scale and validating the quality of Indian defence technology globally.
- Skill Development: Invest in advanced engineering and R&D talent to close the critical technology gaps in areas like stealth, propulsion, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for defence.
Conclusion
India’s emphasis on indigenous naval procurements is a vital step toward realizing its geopolitical and strategic ambitions. By nurturing a competitive domestic defence industrial base and modernizing its naval fleet, India not only secures its maritime domain but also strengthens its credentials as a reliable security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Topic 5: Global Minimum Tax (GMT) and India’s Corporate Tax Landscape
Syllabus
- GS-III: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
- GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Context
Global news focused on the phased implementation of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT), a key component of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 framework (Pillar Two). GMT seeks to establish a 15% minimum corporate tax rate worldwide for large multinational enterprises (MNEs) with global revenues exceeding €750 million. This move has significant implications for Indian multinational corporations (MNEs) and the government’s tax revenue strategy.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Economic and Tax Governance Dimension
India’s statutory corporate tax rate (around 22%) is already above the 15% GMT threshold. However, the GMT impacts Indian MNEs that have subsidiaries operating in low-tax jurisdictions (tax havens) where they pay an Effective Tax Rate (ETR) below 15%. Under GMT, India (as the parent’s headquarters) or another jurisdiction (as a subsidiary location) can impose a “top-up tax” to reach 15%, reducing the incentive for profit shifting. The framework is designed to end the global “race to the bottom” in corporate taxation.
Impact on Indian Businesses and Competitiveness
The GMT primarily affects large Indian IT, digital, and pharmaceutical companies with extensive global operations. These companies will face a higher compliance burden and will need to restructure their global entities to account for the new rules. While the tax rate in India remains attractive, the benefits of routing profits through low-tax countries like Singapore or Mauritius will diminish. For India, it provides a level playing field for domestic companies that already pay the full tax rate.
Global Cooperation and Sovereignty Dimension
India has committed to implementing the BEPS 2.0 framework, aligning its tax laws with OECD model rules. This move enhances India’s global reputation as a responsible and cooperative tax jurisdiction. The GMT, however, raises questions about national tax sovereignty, as a country’s ability to use tax incentives (like special tax holidays for SEZs) to attract foreign investment is curtailed if the ETR falls below 15%. India will need to adapt its domestic tax incentive structure.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Revenue Mobilization: India stands to gain revenue from taxing foreign MNEs on profits attributable to Indian consumers (Pillar One) and by imposing the top-up tax on low-tax profits of its own MNEs (Pillar Two). Curbing Profit Shifting: Ends the practice of Indian MNEs routing profits via tax havens to avoid full taxation. Tax Certainty: Increases tax transparency and reduces uncertainty in cross-border tax disputes. |
| Negatives | Compliance Cost: Significant increase in compliance costs, especially for Indian MNEs operating globally, requiring complex recalculations of the ETR. Tax Incentive Curtailment: Domestic tax incentives (like those for SEZs) become less effective if the resulting ETR is below 15%, requiring structural policy redesign. Implementation Lag: Ensuring timely and consistent implementation across all jurisdictions is a major technical and legal challenge. |
| Relevant Schemes | Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme: A tax dispute resolution scheme, important given the likelihood of increased transfer pricing and ETR disputes under GMT. Corporate Tax Rate Reduction (2019): Reduction of the corporate tax rate to 22% (or 15% for new manufacturing companies) makes India competitive and already above the GMT threshold. |
Relevant Examples
- Ireland/Netherlands: European countries that historically used low corporate tax rates (below 15%) to attract global MNEs will see their ETR effectively rise, providing a lesson in the loss of tax arbitrage.
- IT Sector: Indian IT majors with delivery centres in low-tax jurisdictions will be the primary entities facing GMT adjustments and compliance challenges.
Way Forward
- Domestic Law Alignment: Expedite the necessary amendments to the Income Tax Act to incorporate the GMT rules (Income Inclusion Rule and Undertaxed Profits Rule) and establish clear guidance for MNEs.
- Review of Incentives: Conduct a comprehensive review of domestic tax incentives (like those for SEZs, R&D) to ensure they remain attractive and effective even with a 15% ETR floor.
- Capacity Building: Invest heavily in training tax professionals, the Income Tax Department, and chartered accountants on the complex technicalities of the BEPS 2.0 framework.
- Digital Economy Taxation: Continue to actively participate in global discussions on Pillar One (profit reallocation) to ensure India gets a fair share of the profits of digital giants operating within its borders.
Conclusion
The Global Minimum Tax marks a historical shift in international tax governance. While India is well-positioned with its corporate tax rate already above the threshold, its success lies in smooth domestic implementation and proactive restructuring by Indian MNEs. This reform is vital for a future where taxation is fair, transparent, and resilient to profit-shifting tactics.
Topic 6: Ecological Flow (E-Flow) in Himalayan Rivers and Hydropower Projects
Syllabus
- GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- GS-I: Important Geophysical phenomena.
Context
A prominent environmental report highlighted the ongoing failure to effectively implement “Ecological Flow” (E-Flow) norms in major Himalayan rivers, particularly those with existing and planned hydropower projects. E-Flow refers to the minimum necessary flow of water required to sustain the river’s ecosystem and maintain its ecological health and livelihood-supporting functions, which is severely compromised by damming and diversion for power generation.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Environmental and Conservation Dimension
Himalayan rivers (like the Ganga and its tributaries) are ecologically sensitive and critical for regional biodiversity. Reduced E-Flow downstream of dams drastically impacts aquatic life (fish, dolphins, turtles), reduces the river’s capacity for self-purification, and disrupts the natural processes of sediment and nutrient transport. The loss of E-Flow transforms a flowing river into a series of static pools, fundamentally altering the entire riparian ecosystem and threatening species extinction.
Governance and Implementation Dimension
The government has issued notifications mandating a minimum E-Flow percentage (varying by season) for the upper reaches of the Ganga River system, particularly the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. The main governance failure lies in non-compliance by many existing hydropower projects and the lack of rigorous monitoring and enforcement by state authorities. There is often a conflict between the mandate of maximizing electricity generation (economic interest) and maintaining E-Flow (ecological interest).
Socio-Economic and Disaster Dimension
Local communities dependent on the river for irrigation, drinking water, and spiritual practices (like pilgrimages) suffer immensely from reduced E-Flow. Furthermore, altering the river’s natural flow and sediment load exacerbates the risk of riverbed degradation, landslides, and flash floods (such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods – GLOFs) in the fragile Himalayan region. Development that ignores the concept of E-Flow increases the long-term disaster vulnerability of the entire basin.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Statutory Recognition: The principle of E-Flow has legal recognition through government notifications (e.g., for the Ganga) and various judicial interventions. Hydropower Review: Mandates a comprehensive review of the environmental impact of existing and future hydropower projects. Ecosystem Services: Recognition of the river’s inherent value beyond its utility for power generation and irrigation. |
| Negatives | Enforcement Gap: Widespread non-compliance by private and public sector project developers is a major challenge. Economic Cost: Releasing water to maintain E-Flow results in a loss of revenue from power generation, leading to financial resistance from project developers. Monitoring Capacity: Lack of adequate, real-time hydrological monitoring stations to check E-Flow compliance. |
| Relevant Schemes | Namami Gange Programme: Aims for the abatement of pollution and the rejuvenation of the Ganga, of which the E-Flow mandate is a key component. Integrated Water Management: Policy focus on comprehensive river basin planning to balance development with conservation needs. |
Relevant Examples
- Uttarakhand Hydropower Projects: The devastating 2013 floods and subsequent reports highlighted how indiscriminate hydropower construction, often ignoring E-Flow, exacerbated the disaster.
- Central Water Commission (CWC): Tasked with developing guidelines for determining the optimal E-Flow for various river basins across the country.
Way Forward
- Independent E-Flow Monitoring: Install automated, real-time monitoring stations at all critical points downstream of dam sites and make the compliance data public.
- Economic Disincentives: Impose stringent penalties and fines on projects failing to maintain the mandated E-Flow, using the revenue to fund river conservation.
- Scientific Basis: Conduct comprehensive basin-level studies across all major Himalayan rivers to scientifically determine the appropriate E-Flow (which varies seasonally) based on ecological and socio-cultural needs.
- Public Awareness and Participation: Mobilize and empower local River Protection Committees to monitor and report non-compliance, integrating community concerns into the management of E-Flow.
Conclusion
The effective implementation of Ecological Flow is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for the long-term sustainability and disaster resilience of the Himalayan region. The government must move beyond mere notification to strict, technology-backed enforcement, recognizing that a healthy river system is foundational to the health and economy of the entire Ganga basin.
Topic 7: India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty and Cross-Border Security
Syllabus
- GS-II: India and its neighbourhood relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- GS-III: Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Context
Discussions in the news focused on strengthening the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty as a crucial element of the bilateral security partnership. The treaty allows for the reciprocal transfer of persons accused or convicted of crimes between the two nations. Robust enforcement of this treaty is seen as key to combating cross-border terrorism, organized crime, and the illegal movement of insurgents operating from either side of the border.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Security and Counter-Terrorism Dimension
Bangladesh and India share a long, often porous border, which is frequently exploited by terrorist groups, cattle smugglers, and insurgents from India’s Northeast states seeking safe haven. The Extradition Treaty is a primary legal tool to ensure that criminals cannot evade justice by crossing the border. Its effectiveness is central to India’s counter-insurgency efforts, enabling the transfer of high-profile fugitives who pose a threat to both countries.
Legal and Diplomatic Dimension
Extradition processes are often complex, involving judicial review and lengthy diplomatic negotiations. The successful and timely execution of the treaty is a strong indicator of the deep trust and political will in the India-Bangladesh relationship. Enhancements to the treaty often involve simplifying procedural requirements, ensuring due process and the protection of human rights, and expanding the list of extraditable offenses to include emerging crimes like cybercrime and economic offenses.
Bilateral and Regional Cooperation Dimension
Beyond extradition, the treaty reinforces broader bilateral security cooperation, including coordinated border management, intelligence sharing, and joint anti-smuggling operations (e.g., through the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)). This level of security synergy is vital for maintaining regional stability and facilitating economic cooperation, as a secure border is a prerequisite for seamless trade and connectivity.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Crime Deterrence: Prevents criminals and terrorists from using the other country as a safe haven, strengthening border security. Judicial Closure: Ensures that perpetrators face trial and punishment in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. Bilateral Trust: Successful extraditions are powerful symbols of mutual cooperation and trust. |
| Negatives | Lengthy Process: Extradition proceedings are often highly time-consuming due to multiple legal and human rights challenges in courts. Political Sensitivities: Cases involving high-profile political figures or activists can become politically sensitive, hindering smooth execution. Human Rights Concerns: Need to ensure that the human rights of the accused are protected in accordance with international standards. |
| Relevant Schemes | Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP): Jointly implemented by India and Bangladesh to ensure security and peace along the border. Agartala Declaration: Signed between the two countries to enhance counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation. |
Relevant Examples
- Transfer of Insurgents: Extradition and handover of key leaders of Northeast Indian insurgent groups (like ULFA, NDFB) operating from Bangladesh soil.
- Dawood Ibrahim (Potential): While not specific to Bangladesh, such treaties are crucial for bringing back high-profile economic and terrorism fugitives, wherever they are sheltered.
Way Forward
- Procedural Streamlining: Create a specialized, fast-track extradition cell within the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs in both countries to expedite paperwork and approvals.
- Expanded Scope: Review and expand the list of extraditable offenses to include modern transnational crimes like money laundering, cyber terrorism, and human trafficking.
- Judicial Training: Conduct joint training programs for judicial officers, police, and lawyers on the nuances of international extradition law and human rights protocols.
- Information Sharing: Enhance real-time, secured intelligence and criminal information sharing between the security agencies of the two nations to locate and apprehend fugitives quickly.
Conclusion
The India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty is an indispensable tool for deepening the strategic security ties between the two nations. A robust and efficiently enforced treaty is vital not only for delivering justice but also for creating a stable, secure, and prosperous neighborhood, allowing both countries to focus on shared economic and developmental goals.
Topic 8: Conservation of Sea Cows (Dugongs) and Coastal Ecosystems
Syllabus
- GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Biodiversity.
- GS-I: Geographical features and their location—changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Context
Reports highlighted the urgent conservation status of Sea Cows or Dugongs, a large, herbivorous marine mammal, and India’s efforts to protect them. Dugongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, granting them the highest degree of protection. Their conservation is crucial as they are indicators of the health of their primary habitat: seagrass meadows.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Ecological and Biodiversity Dimension
Dugongs are the only strictly marine herbivorous mammal. They play a vital role in maintaining the seagrass meadows, which are critical coastal ecosystems. By grazing, dugongs help prevent the overgrowth of macro-algae and maintain the diversity and health of seagrass beds. Seagrass beds are crucial carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and act as nurseries for numerous commercially important fish species (prawns, crabs). The decline of dugongs directly correlates with the degradation of these vital habitats.
Threats and Conservation Challenges Dimension
The primary threats to dugongs in India (found mainly in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh, Palk Bay, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands) include:
- Habitat Loss: Destruction of seagrass meadows due to coastal development, industrial pollution, and siltation from rivers.
- Accidental By-catch: Entanglement and drowning in fishing gear (gillnets, trawlers).
- Boat Collisions: Injuries from fast-moving boats in shallow waters.
- Pollution: Ingestion of marine plastics and chemical contamination from coastal runoff.
Governance and Community Dimension
Effective conservation requires a shift from protected areas to community-based approaches. The establishment of the India’s First Dugong Conservation Reserve (e.g., in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu) is a key governance initiative. This model integrates local fishing communities, offering them alternative livelihoods or incentives to adopt Dugong-Friendly Fishing Practices (DFFP), turning them from potential threats into conservation partners.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Highest Legal Protection: Listing under Schedule I of WPA, 1972. Dedicated Reserves: Establishment of India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay. Seagrass Restoration: Conservation efforts indirectly contribute to the crucial restoration of coastal carbon-sequestering ecosystems. |
| Negatives | Funding Shortfalls: Conservation projects often lack continuous and adequate funding for enforcement and community livelihood support. Enforcement Difficulty: Enforcing fishing restrictions (e.g., net bans) in large coastal areas is complex and often resisted by local fishermen. Lack of Data: Insufficient scientific research on Dugong population dynamics and movement patterns to inform effective policy. |
| Relevant Schemes | Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): Provides financial and technical assistance to states for wildlife conservation, including Schedule I species. Coastal Zone Management Plans: Regulations aimed at preventing the destruction of coastal ecosystems like seagrass beds and mangroves. |
Relevant Examples
- Palk Bay Reserve (Tamil Nadu): The dedicated reserve serves as a model for integrating fisheries management with Dugong conservation.
- Andaman & Nicobar: Designated as a crucial Dugong habitat where tribal communities often share a symbiotic relationship with the marine environment.
Way Forward
- Community Incentives: Implement a comprehensive incentive scheme for fishing communities (e.g., subsidized alternative gear, direct payment for conservation efforts) to protect Dugongs and report sightings.
- Seagrass Mapping and Restoration: Invest in advanced satellite and drone technology to accurately map and monitor the health of all major seagrass meadows and launch targeted restoration projects.
- Enforcement and Awareness: Strengthen the Marine Police wing for strict enforcement against illegal fishing in critical habitats and run extensive public awareness campaigns in coastal areas.
- Scientific Research: Fund long-term, collaborative research projects to monitor Dugong populations using acoustic tags and aerial surveys to inform conservation strategies.
Conclusion
The conservation of the Dugong is fundamentally about protecting the health of India’s coastal environment. As an indicator species, its survival is deeply linked to the vitality of seagrass ecosystems, which are invaluable for biodiversity and climate mitigation. A blend of strong legal protection, dedicated reserves, and community-led conservation is essential to secure the future of this gentle giant of the sea.
Topic 7: Role and Limitations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Syllabus
- GS-II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
- GS-II: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Context
A review of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) highlighted its critical role in safeguarding human rights in India, particularly through suo motu (on its own motion) intervention in cases of custodial violence, police inaction, and rights violations against vulnerable groups. However, the analysis also emphasized the institutional limitations that restrict its effectiveness as a true watchdog body.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Statutory and Mandate Dimension
The NHRC is an autonomous statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Its broad mandate includes inquiring into violations of rights concerning life, liberty, equality, and dignity, reviewing constitutional safeguards, and promoting human rights literacy. It possesses the powers of a civil court in conducting inquiries and can recommend compensation and disciplinary action to the government.
Institutional Limitations and Effectiveness Dimension
Despite its powers, the NHRC is often criticized as a “toothless tiger” due to significant constraints. The primary limitation is its lack of power to prosecute or punish violators; it can only make recommendations, which are not binding on the Central or State Governments. Furthermore, the Commission cannot inquire into matters related to the armed forces without prior clearance from the Central government and relies on government agencies for its investigations, raising concerns about potential bias or conflict of interest.
Performance and Reform Dimension
The NHRC has been instrumental in taking up issues of systemic human rights violations, such as custodial deaths, child labor, bonded labor, and the rights of the disabled. However, delays in the disposal of numerous complaints, insufficient dedicated investigative staff, and the one-year limitation period for accepting complaints reduce its overall impact. Reforms are necessary to strengthen its independence and grant it true enforcement capabilities, aligning it with the Paris Principles (international standards for National Human Rights Institutions).
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Civil Court Powers: Empowers it to summon witnesses, call for documents, and regulate its own procedure. Suo Motu Intervention: Allows it to act on reports of media or public knowledge without waiting for a formal complaint. Promotional Role: Crucial for spreading human rights literacy and awareness among various sections of society. |
| Negatives | Non-Binding Recommendations: Its key limitation; governments are not bound to act on its recommendations or compensate victims. Lack of Independent Staff: Reliance on government agencies (police) for investigation, especially in cases against the state. Exclusion of Armed Forces: Limited mandate to investigate human rights violations by members of the armed forces without government approval. |
| Relevant Schemes | Human Rights Education: NHRC plays a crucial role in promoting human rights education in academic institutions and through public campaigns. Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act (2019): Introduced changes to composition and tenure to improve functioning and autonomy. |
Relevant Examples
- Custodial Violence Cases: The NHRC has consistently taken a strong stand on custodial deaths and torture, leading to policy changes and compensation in numerous high-profile cases.
- Bonded Labour: Active intervention by the NHRC in identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating victims of bonded and child labor.
Way Forward
- Binding Recommendations: Grant the NHRC the power to ensure that its recommendations for compensation are binding on the respective government, backed by legal enforcement mechanisms.
- Independent Investigative Wing: Develop a large, independent, and specialized investigative wing entirely under the NHRC’s control, reducing reliance on state agencies.
- Expanded Mandate: Review the restrictions on inquiring into human rights violations by the armed forces in sensitive areas, with necessary safeguards.
- Decentralization: Strengthen the State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) with adequate funding and human resources to effectively handle local complaints.
Conclusion
The NHRC is a constitutional bulwark for human rights in India, playing an essential role in advocacy and investigation. To fulfill its mandate and meet international standards, the government must address its institutional limitations by providing it with the necessary legal and financial teeth to hold powerful violators accountable and ensure justice is delivered effectively.
Topic 8: India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 and Scientific Outreach
Syllabus
- GS-III: Science and Technology—developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
- GS-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Context
News focused on the preparations and goals for the upcoming India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. IISF is a large-scale, annual event organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). The festival’s primary objective is to celebrate the scientific spirit, connect science with society, and promote a scientific temper among the public, especially youth.
Main Body: Multidimensional Analysis
Social and Cultural Dimension (Scientific Temper)
The IISF is an exercise in democracy and science communication, designed to popularize science and cultivate a scientific temper (as mandated by Article 51A(h) of the Constitution). It provides a platform for citizens to interact directly with scientists and innovators, demystifying complex research and showing the practical applications of science in everyday life, thereby countering superstition and promoting rational thinking.
Policy and Innovation Dimension
The festival serves as a platform to showcase India’s achievements in science and technology, including breakthroughs in space, nuclear energy, IT, and biotechnology. It encourages indigenous innovation by hosting challenges and competitions, connecting researchers and entrepreneurs with industry and potential funders. High-level participation from ministries ensures that scientific priorities and outcomes are integrated into national policy-making.
Education and Outreach Dimension
IISF is a crucial tool for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach. It targets students, researchers, farmers, and artisans, providing hands-on workshops, seminars, and exhibitions. Events like the Nationwide Innovation Challenge aim to scout for prospective innovators at the grassroots level, encouraging students to pursue science as a career and fostering a pipeline of future researchers and technologists.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | Public Engagement: Excellent mechanism for mass public engagement with science and research. National Pride: Showcases India’s scientific prowess to domestic and international audiences, boosting morale. Grassroots Innovation: Provides a platform for marginalized innovators and students from remote areas to showcase their talent. |
| Negatives | Urban Focus: Events often remain concentrated in major cities/educational hubs, limiting reach to deep rural areas. Post-Event Impact: Challenge in ensuring that the enthusiasm generated during the event translates into sustained science education and career choices. Cost and Scale: Organizing a festival of this scale involves significant logistical challenges and financial outlay. |
| Relevant Schemes | SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board) Schemes: The IISF often highlights the work and grants provided by such bodies to promote research. Jigyasa Programme: A student-scientist connect program often linked to the spirit of scientific outreach promoted by the IISF. |
Relevant Examples
- Science Villages: A component of IISF where villagers are invited to experience science demonstrations and modern agricultural practices firsthand.
- Guinness World Records: IISF has previously achieved world records for large-scale science experiments, demonstrating mass participation and public engagement.
Way Forward
- Digital Integration: Leverage the digital infrastructure to extend the reach of IISF events and content to schools and colleges in the remotest districts.
- Year-Round Follow-up: Establish regional IISF cells to ensure year-round follow-up, mentoring, and funding support for the innovators and students identified at the festival.
- Local Language Communication: Prioritize the translation and dissemination of scientific content showcased at the festival into major Indian languages to break language barriers.
- Industry Linkage: Actively involve venture capitalists and industry leaders to provide incubation and commercialization pathways for promising technologies showcased by innovators.
Conclusion
The India International Science Festival is a crucial national undertaking that links India’s scientific achievements to its democratic aspirations. By fostering a culture of curiosity and evidence-based thinking, the festival is instrumental in realizing the vision of a truly developed and scientifically empowered India.
