Topic 1: Historic Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Indian Constitution—features, amendments, significant provisions (Article 371A); Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; Federalism.
- GS Paper III: Internal Security (Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism).
Context
- On February 5, 2026, the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) signed a historic tripartite agreement in New Delhi.
- This agreement paves the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), granting autonomy to six eastern districts of Nagaland (Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator).
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Historical & Political Dimension:
- The Demand: The demand for a separate state (‘Frontier Nagaland’) dates back nearly a decade, driven by allegations of “step-motherly” treatment by the Kohima-based state government. The ENPO, representing the seven backward tribes of the region, argued that development funds never reached the grassroots in the east.
- The Solution (FNTA): Unlike the Sixth Schedule (which applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram), this authority is unique to Nagaland under Article 371A. It creates a separate administrative structure with legislative, executive, and financial powers over 46 specific subjects (e.g., land, rural development, tourism).
- Political Structure: The FNTA will have a mini-secretariat and elected representatives, likely reducing the political friction between the eastern tribes and the central Nagaland administration.
- Economic Dimension:
- Financial Devolution: A key grievance was financial disparity. The agreement ensures direct funding from the Centre to the FNTA, bypassing the state treasury for specific grants. This mimics the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model but for governance.
- Infrastructure Push: The region is rich in minerals but suffers from poor connectivity. The new authority is empowered to expedite road and digital connectivity projects, crucial for the “Act East” policy given the proximity to Myanmar.
- Security & Strategic Dimension:
- Border Security: These six districts share a porous international border with Myanmar. Neglect in governance had previously made this region a transit route for insurgents and drug trafficking.
- Counter-Insurgency: By empowering local tribes (Konyak, Chang, Sangtam, etc.) with governance, the Centre effectively reduces the recruitment pool for insurgent groups. A developed border populace acts as the “eyes and ears” of national security.
- Social Dimension:
- Tribal Identity: The agreement respects the unique customary laws of the Naga tribes protected under Article 371A while introducing modern governance mechanisms.
- Human Development: Specific focus on education and healthcare in the agreement addresses the stark contrast in Human Development Index (HDI) scores between Eastern Nagaland and the rest of the state.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Decentralization: Takes governance to the doorstep of the most backward districts. | State Fragmentation: May spur demand for similar “territories” in other states (e.g., Kuki-Zo in Manipur). | PM-DevINE: Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (funding infrastructure). |
| Direct Funding: Eliminates bureaucratic leakage at the state capital level. | Administrative Overlap: Potential conflict between FNTA laws and Nagaland State Assembly laws. | Vibrant Villages Programme: Focused on developing border villages in these districts. |
| Peace Dividend: Reduces alienation, potentially ending decades of agitation. | Capacity Issues: The local administration may lack the technical expertise to manage large funds initially. | Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Security-centric development. |
Examples
- Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): The FNTA is modeled similarly to the BTC in Assam but tailored to Nagaland’s Article 371A status.
- Mon District: Known for the Konyak tribe, this district has huge tourism potential (e.g., Aoling Festival) which was previously hampered by poor infrastructure; FNTA can now directly manage tourism revenue.
Way Forward
- Capacity Building: The Centre must send technical experts to train FNTA officials in public finance management and administration to ensure funds are utilized effectively.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A permanent committee involving Centre, State, and FNTA representatives must be set up to resolve jurisdictional conflicts over the “46 subjects” immediately.
- Digital Integration: Implement e-governance solutions immediately to ensure transparency in fund utilization, preventing the corruption allegations that plagued the previous system.
- Border Trade: Leverage the autonomy to formalize border trade with Myanmar (once stability returns there), turning the region into a trade corridor rather than a security buffer.
Conclusion
The Frontier Nagaland agreement is a masterstroke of “asymmetric federalism,” balancing the sanctity of Nagaland’s statehood with the genuine developmental aspirations of its eastern periphery. It shifts the narrative from “insurgency” to “governance,” cementing the integration of the Northeast.
Mains Practice Question
- “The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) represents a new paradigm in conflict resolution in the Northeast.” Analyze this statement in the context of asymmetric federalism and internal security.
Topic 2: Launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’ – Cooperative Sector Reform
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperatives.
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy (Employment, Gig Economy); Inclusive Growth.
Context
- Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-sector ride-hailing service, on February 5, 2026.
- It is designed to compete with private aggregators (Ola, Uber) by offering a “zero-commission” model where drivers are owners/shareholders.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Economic Model Analysis:
- Disruption of Duopoly: Currently, the Indian ride-hailing market is a duopoly. Private aggregators charge 20-30% commission per ride. Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model where profits are redistributed to driver-partners (who are also shareholders).
- Wealth Redistribution: Instead of capital flight to foreign investors, the revenue stays within the ecosystem, increasing the disposable income of drivers. This aligns with the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision.
- Labour & Social Security Dimension:
- Gig Worker Rights: Private platforms treat drivers as “partners” to avoid employee benefits. Bharat Taxi creates a formal structure where drivers have insurance, pension benefits, and voting rights in the society.
- Dignity of Labour: By making drivers “owners,” it shifts the psychological contract from exploitation to empowerment.
- Technological & Consumer Dimension:
- Algorithm Transparency: A major consumer/driver complaint with current apps is opaque pricing (surge pricing) and arbitrary algorithm changes. A cooperative app is mandated to be transparent in its billing.
- Affordability: Without the pressure of “corporate profit margins,” rides can theoretically be cheaper for consumers while still paying drivers more.
- Governance Dimension:
- Ministry of Cooperation: This is the first major B2C (Business to Consumer) tech product from the newly formed Ministry of Cooperation, signalling a shift from traditional cooperatives (sugar/milk) to modern service-sector cooperatives.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Higher Earnings: Drivers retain near 100% of fare (minus small platform fee). | Tech Efficiency: Government-backed apps (e.g., IRCTC historically) often struggle with UI/UX compared to private tech giants. | National Cooperative Database: To map and support such initiatives. |
| Social Security: In-built insurance and pension mechanisms for drivers. | Customer Support: Private players burn cash for customer acquisition and refunds; cooperatives may lack deep pockets for this. | Digital India: Backbone for the app infrastructure. |
| Market Correction: Forces private players to reduce commissions to retain drivers. | Scalability: Expanding a cooperative model across state lines involves complex legal compliances compared to a private company. | Code on Social Security, 2020: Recognition of gig workers (supports the legal framework). |
Examples
- Namma Yatri (Bengaluru): A successful precursor operating on the ONDC network with a subscription model rather than commission. Bharat Taxi scales this to a national cooperative level.
- ULCCS (Kerala): The Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society is a prime example of how a construction cooperative can compete with immense corporate giants efficiently.
Way Forward
- Tech Partnership: The cooperative should partner with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to ensure wide discoverability without building a closed ecosystem.
- Quality Control: Strict guidelines for vehicle hygiene and driver behavior must be enforced; “cooperative” should not mean “lax service standards.”
- Hybrid Fleet: Incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) into the fleet from day one, utilizing FAME subsidies to lower operational costs further.
- Feedback Loop: Establish a robust grievance redressal mechanism managed by a third party to ensure the driver-owners do not become a cartel against consumers.
Conclusion
Bharat Taxi is not just a transport app; it is an experiment in “Digital Socialism.” If successful, it proves that the cooperative model can thrive in the algorithmic age, offering a third path between state monopoly and capitalist oligopoly.
Mains Practice Question
- “The cooperative model has traditionally been limited to agriculture and credit. Discuss the potential and challenges of extending the cooperative movement to the gig economy, with special reference to the launch of Bharat Taxi.”
Topic 3: India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- GS Paper III: Effect of liberalization on the economy; Energy Security.
Context
- On February 5-6, 2026, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to formally resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- The GCC comprises six nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Economic & Trade Dimension:
- Trade Volume: The GCC is currently India’s largest trading partner bloc (approx. $180 billion). An FTA would remove customs duties, making Indian textiles, gems, and jewelry competitive against Chinese and Vietnamese goods.
- Service Sector: India is pushing for easier visa norms for professionals (IT, nursing, engineering). The FTA aims to move beyond the “blue-collar” labor export model to “white-collar” service exports.
- Energy Security Dimension:
- Strategic Reserve: GCC supplies over 35% of India’s oil and 70% of its gas. The FTA is likely to include clauses on “energy security assurance,” protecting India from supply shocks.
- Green Hydrogen: The deal is expected to facilitate investment from GCC sovereign wealth funds into India’s Green Hydrogen Mission, creating a new energy partnership.
- Geopolitical Dimension:
- West Asia Policy: This FTA acts as the economic pillar of India’s “Think West” policy. It complements the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) grouping and the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
- De-hyphenation: Strengthening ties with the Arab bloc helps India maintain strategic autonomy, balancing its relations with Iran and Israel.
- Food Security for GCC:
- GCC nations are food importers. The FTA will likely create a “food corridor,” encouraging GCC investment in Indian food processing parks in exchange for guaranteed food exports, a win-win for Indian farmers and Gulf consumers.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Market Access: Zero duty access for Indian apparel and leather in high-spending Gulf markets. | Petrochemical Dumping: Indian domestic chemical manufacturers fear cheap petrochemical imports from GCC will kill local industry. | PLI Scheme: For Food Processing and Textiles (to boost export capacity). |
| Remittances: Keeps the flow of remittances ($40-50 billion annually) stable by formalizing economic ties. | Non-Tariff Barriers: GCC countries often use strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) norms to reject Indian food products. | Make in India: Attracting GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) into infrastructure. |
| Investment: Unlocking billions from funds like Saudi’s PIF and UAE’s ADIA into Indian infrastructure. | Rules of Origin: Preventing third-party goods (e.g., from China) from being routed through GCC to India. | National Green Hydrogen Mission: Collaboration area. |
Examples
- CEPA with UAE: India already signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE in 2022, which boosted bilateral trade by 16% in one year. The GCC FTA expands this success to Saudi Arabia and others.
- Lulu Group: The expansion of Lulu Group (UAE-based) in India (malls/food processing) is a practical example of the investment flow this FTA aims to accelerate.
Way Forward
- Phased Reduction: India must negotiate a “phased reduction” of duties on petrochemicals to allow the domestic industry time to adapt.
- Services Waiver: India must aggressively bargain for a “Mutual Recognition Agreement” (MRA) on professional degrees to facilitate the movement of doctors and architects, not just construction workers.
- Investment Protection: A strong Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) chapter is needed to assure GCC investors, given past disputes (e.g., retroactive taxation issues).
- SPS Standards: Establish a joint food safety authority to harmonize standards, ensuring Indian agricultural exports are not rejected at Gulf ports.
Conclusion
The India-GCC FTA is not just a trade deal; it is a “civilizational bridge” modernized for the 21st century. It anchors India’s energy security while providing the Gulf nations with a reliable partner for their post-oil economic diversification (Vision 2030).
Mains Practice Question
- “The India-GCC relationship is transitioning from a ‘buyer-seller’ dynamic defined by oil to a ‘strategic partnership’ defined by investment and technology. Discuss the significance of the proposed FTA in this transition.”
Topic 4: Tragedy in Meghalaya – The Persistence of Rat-Hole Mining
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Disaster and Disaster Management; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Money laundering and its prevention.
- GS Paper IV: Ethics in Public Administration (Corruption, accountability).
Context
- On February 6, 2026, a tragic explosion occurred in an illegal “rat-hole” coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
- At least 18 miners are feared dead. The incident highlights the continued prevalence of illegal mining despite a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban in effect since 2014.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Legal & Administrative Dimension:
- Regulatory Failure: The NGT banned rat-hole mining in 2014 due to its unscientific and hazardous nature. However, the “coal mafia-political nexus” allows operations to continue clandestinely.
- Sixth Schedule Loophole: Land in Meghalaya is privately owned under community tenure systems (Sixth Schedule). Owners often argue that the MMDR Act (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act) conflicts with their customary land rights, creating a legal grey area exploited by illegal miners.
- Environmental Dimension:
- Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): The mining turns local rivers (like the Lukha and Myntdu) highly acidic and blue in color, killing aquatic life and making water undrinkable for downstream villages.
- Ecological Fragility: The region is ecologically sensitive; unscientific tunneling destabilizes the soil, leading to landslides during monsoons.
- Socio-Economic Dimension:
- Livelihood Trap: For many locals and migrant laborers (often from Assam or Bangladesh), this dangerous work is the only source of income. The lack of alternative industries in the state forces them into these “death traps.”
- Child Labour: The narrow tunnels (rat-holes) often necessitate the use of children or small-statured adults, leading to severe human rights violations.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| (None – purely illegal activity) | Loss of Human Life: Frequent accidents due to flooding and gas leaks. | District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Funds for mining-affected areas (often misused here). |
| Local Revenue (Short term): Quick cash for land owners. | Revenue Loss: State loses crores in royalties to the black market. | Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY): Welfare of mining areas. |
| Institutional Decay: Erosion of trust in law enforcement agencies. | Scientific Mining Policy: Proposed by state to legalize/regulate (pending). |
Examples
- Ksan Mine Tragedy (2018): 15 miners were trapped and died in a similar illegal mine in the same district. The 2026 incident shows lessons were not learned.
- Kopili River: A hydroelectric project on this river is frequently damaged by acidic water from upstream illegal mines.
Way Forward
- Satellite Surveillance: Use ISRO’s remote sensing data to identify fresh excavation sites and changes in land use patterns in real-time to bypass local corruption.
- Alternative Livelihoods: The Centre must fund a special package for eco-tourism and horticulture (e.g., Lakadong Turmeric) in East Jaintia Hills to wean the population off coal dependence.
- Legalize & Regulate: Instead of a blanket ban which drives mining underground, the state should push for “Scientific Mining” with strict safety protocols and environmental clearances.
- Strict Enforcement: Invoke the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) to trace the financial trails of the coal mafia, hitting the masterminds rather than just the laborers.
Conclusion
The Meghalaya tragedy is not an accident but a systemic failure of governance. It represents a clash between customary rights and constitutional obligations, where the environment and human life are collateral damage.
Mains Practice Question
- “The persistent illegal mining in India’s Northeast is a symptom of the conflict between environmental regulation and local livelihood needs.” Discuss this statement with reference to the rat-hole mining ban and the Sixth Schedule.
Topic 5: Airbus Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Government policies for development in various sectors (Education); Skill Development.
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure (Airports/Aviation); Indigenization of technology.
Context
- Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara, Gujarat.
- This follows the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility setup by Tata-Airbus in the same city, aiming to create a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Educational & Skill Dimension:
- Industry-Academia Linkage: This CoE bridges the gap between theoretical engineering and practical aerospace requirements. It will offer specialized courses in avionics, airframe structures, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul).
- “Job-Ready” Workforce: The curriculum is co-designed by Airbus, ensuring that graduates are immediately employable, addressing the “employability deficit” in Indian engineering graduates.
- Strategic & Industrial Dimension:
- Aerospace Hub: Vadodara is emerging as India’s first private aerospace manufacturing hub. The CoE ensures a steady pipeline of skilled talent for the C-295 factory and future projects.
- MRO Hub Ambition: India currently sends 85% of its aircraft abroad for maintenance. This CoE is a step towards building domestic capacity to capture the $4 billion MRO market.
- technological Dimension:
- Sustainable Aviation: The center will focus research on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and green technologies, aligning with global decarbonization goals (CORSIA).
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Brain Gain: Retains top aerospace talent within India. | Access Equity: High-tech courses may be expensive/elitist, excluding rural students. | PM Gati Shakti Master Plan: Integrated infrastructure planning. |
| Tech Transfer: Direct access to global best practices from Airbus. | Niche Focus: Highly specialized skills may not be transferable to other sectors if the industry slumps. | Skill India Mission: Upskilling the youth. |
| Global Standards: Indian certifications gaining global recognition (EASA/FAA standards). | Faculty Shortage: Lack of experienced aerospace instructors in India. | National Civil Aviation Policy 2016: Vision for MRO and manufacturing. |
Examples
- Toulouse, France: The CoE aims to replicate the ecosystem of Toulouse (Airbus HQ), where a university and factory coexist to drive innovation.
- IIT Kanpur: Has a flight lab, but GSV’s model is more industry-integrated specifically for manufacturing and operations rather than just R&D.
Way Forward
- Scholarship Fund: Establish a CSR-funded scholarship program to ensure meritorious students from economically weaker sections can access these high-end courses.
- MRO Policy Update: The government should further lower GST on MRO services (currently 5-18%) to make domestic repairs competitive, creating demand for CoE graduates.
- Faculty Exchange: Institute a mandatory exchange program where Airbus engineers serve as visiting faculty and GSV professors intern at Airbus facilities.
- Start-up Incubator: The CoE should house an incubator for aviation start-ups (drones, AI in logistics) to foster entrepreneurship, not just job seekers.
Conclusion
The Airbus CoE at GSV is a pivotal moment for “Skilling India.” It signifies a shift from general technical education to demand-driven, high-value skill development, essential for India’s aspiration to become a global aviation hub.
Mains Practice Question
- “For ‘Make in India’ to succeed in high-tech sectors like aerospace, ‘Skill India’ must evolve into ‘Specialise India’. Analyze the role of industry-academia partnerships like the Airbus-GSV CoE in this context.”
Topic 6: India Joins BRICS Industrial Centre (BCIC)
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings (BRICS); Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy (Industrial Policy, MSMEs); Liberalization.
Context
- India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), a new initiative to support manufacturing and MSMEs within the bloc.
- This was formalized during a virtual trade minister meeting on Feb 6, aimed at countering Western protectionism.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Geopolitical Dimension:
- Counter-Weight to G7: As the G7 nations move towards “friend-shoring” and carbon taxes (CBAM), BRICS nations are consolidating their industrial base to remain competitive.
- Supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities. The BCIC aims to create intra-BRICS supply chains that are immune to Western sanctions or disruptions.
- Economic & Industrial Dimension:
- Industry 4.0: The Centre focuses on sharing technologies related to AI, robotics, and IoT in manufacturing. India stands to gain from China’s advanced manufacturing tech and Russia’s heavy industry expertise.
- MSME Integration: A key goal is to integrate Indian MSMEs into the global value chains of BRICS giants (e.g., supplying components to Chinese electronics firms or Brazilian auto makers).
- Strategic Autonomy:
- By joining this center, India ensures it is not left out of the standards-setting process for future industrial goods within the Global South.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Knowledge Sharing: Access to best practices in efficiency and automation. | China Dominance: Fear that the center will be a Trojan horse for Chinese standards/goods. | Make in India: Central to industrial growth. |
| Market Access: Easier entry for Indian goods into Brazil, Russia, and South Africa. | Trade Deficit: Might worsen India’s trade deficit with BRICS nations (especially China). | PLI Schemes: Production Linked Incentives for 14 sectors. |
| Standards Harmonization: Reducing non-tariff barriers among members. | Geopolitical Balancing: Might irk Western partners (US/EU) who see BRICS as a rival bloc. | ZED Certification: Zero Defect Zero Effect (for MSMEs). |
Examples
- UNIDO: The BCIC functions somewhat like UNIDO (UN Industrial Development Organization) but is exclusive to the specific interests of the BRICS nations.
- Pharmaceuticals: India can use this platform to export its generic drug manufacturing competencies to Brazil and South Africa, bypassing Western IP hurdles.
Way Forward
- Defensive Mechanisms: India must ensure strict “Rules of Origin” within BCIC agreements to prevent re-routing of Chinese goods.
- Sector Selection: India should prioritize sectors where it has strength (Pharma, IT, Auto Components) for the initial phase of cooperation to establish leadership.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: India should pitch its “India Stack” (UPI, ONDC) as the industrial standard for digital payments and commerce within the BRICS bloc.
- Green Manufacturing: Use the platform to collaborate on green technologies (solar, batteries) to meet climate goals collectively without relying on Western tech transfer.
Conclusion
Joining the BCIC is a pragmatic move for India. While wary of Chinese dominance, India cannot afford to be isolated from the industrial dynamics of the Global South. It balances India’s “Atmanirbhar” goals with necessary global engagement.
Mains Practice Question
- “In an era of fragmented globalization, regional industrial groupings like the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies are becoming the new norm. Discuss the opportunities and strategic risks for India in such alignments.”
Topic 7: Black Swan Summit – Technology for Social Justice
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services.
- GS Paper III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; IT and Computers (Fintech).
Context
- On February 6, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Organized under the BharatNetra initiative, the summit focuses on leveraging AI and Fintech to ensure inclusive growth and social justice.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Digital Transformation & Inclusion:
- Fintech as a Lifeline: The President noted that for farmers, women, and small shopkeepers, “Fintech” has moved beyond being a technical term to a lifeline. It enables the direct flow of benefits (DBT), reducing intermediaries and corruption.
- The Rural Divide: Despite progress, a “digital gap” remains in remote tribal areas. The summit emphasized that technological innovation must be “conversational” (AI interfaces) to assist those with low literacy, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital economy.
- Gender Justice Dimension:
- Women as Leaders, Not Just Users: A primary theme was viewing women as the drivers of the fintech ecosystem. By supporting women-led SMEs and SHGs through digital finance, technology becomes a tool for gender empowerment rather than just a commercial utility.
- Financial Autonomy: Digital tools give women greater control over their savings and credit, which is fundamental to human dignity.
- Security & Ethical Dimension:
- The “Black Swan” Risks: The summit’s name refers to unpredictable, high-impact events. In the digital age, these include deepfakes, misinformation, and cyber-fraud.
- Institutional Safeguards: The President highlighted the need for cybersecurity to be part of the social justice framework—protecting the poor from being the primary victims of online financial fraud.
- Regional Growth (Odisha Model):
- BharatNetra Initiative: Odisha is positioning itself as a global fintech hub. With its high working-age population and fiscal health, the state aims to integrate Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to create 10 million jobs by 2027.
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Financial Literacy: Empowers the marginalized with better control over assets. | Cyber Fraud: Rising instances of digital phishing targeting low-literacy users. | BharatNetra (Odisha): Integrated Global Fintech Capability Hub. |
| Transparency: Real-time tracking of welfare funds (DBT). | Privacy Concerns: Data harvesting by private fintech firms without informed consent. | Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): To prevent and report cyber fraud. |
| Job Creation: High potential for sustainable job creation in AI and Insurtech. | Dependency: Increasing social reliance on technology can lead to isolation or systemic failure during outages. | PM-WANI: Providing public Wi-Fi to increase rural digital access. |
Examples
- Odisha SHGs: Women in rural Odisha using mobile apps to manage micro-credit, which was previously a tedious manual process prone to errors.
- Conversational AI: New interfaces launched at the summit that allow tribal residents to ask about government schemes in their local dialects via voice.
Way Forward
- Curriculum Integration: Digital and financial literacy should be made a mandatory part of school curricula to prepare the next generation for “tech-resilience.”
- Multilingual AI: Developing AI models in local Indian languages to ensure the “last mile” of society can interact with the government without a mediator.
- Public Awareness: Launching mass-media campaigns, similar to “Jago Grahak Jago,” specifically focused on avoiding “Black Swan” digital threats like deepfakes.
- Incentivizing Social Fintech: The government should offer tax breaks to startups that focus specifically on “social justice tech” rather than purely profit-driven apps.
Conclusion
Technology is a double-edged sword. As President Murmu stated, it only guarantees inclusion if purposefully designed for it. The transition from “Tech-for-Growth” to “Tech-for-Justice” is essential to achieving a truly Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Mains Practice Question
- “Technology does not guarantee inclusion on its own; it requires a conscious orientation towards social justice.” Discuss this statement in the light of India’s burgeoning Fintech ecosystem.
Topic 8: India’s “Mother of Democracy” – PM’s Reply in Rajya Sabha
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha on February 5-6, 2026.
- He defended the government’s development record and criticized the Opposition’s boycott of the proceedings as a “defilement of the temple of democracy.”
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Ideological Dimension:
- Mother of Democracy: The PM reiterated that Indian democracy is an ancient “human institution” (Atmanirbhar Democracy) rather than a Western import. He cited Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to argue that Indian nationalism is inclusive and based on Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram.
- Opposition’s Role: He characterized the Opposition’s walkouts as a failure to engage in the “sacred duty” of debate, suggesting that persistent electoral defeats have led to a “destructive” political mindset.
- Economic & Performance Dimension:
- The “Saturation” Model: The PM argued that his government is moving away from “vote-bank politics” toward “saturation” of schemes (100% coverage). This includes affordable housing, LPG (Ujjwala), and digital financial inclusion.
- Investment Growth: Despite global turmoil, India has seen record FDI. The PM attributed this to political stability and the “India Opportunity” narrative on the global stage.
- Agriculture & Federalism:
- Small Farmer Focus: He defended agricultural reforms (PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card) by stating that the focus has shifted from the “big farmer” to the “marginal farmer” who owns less than 2 hectares of land.
- Cooperative Federalism: Citing the COVID-19 response and the GST model, he argued that the Centre and States are now working in a “Team India” spirit, despite political friction.
- Social Justice Dimension:
- Empowerment over Entitlement: The government’s narrative shifts from “doles” to “empowerment” (e.g., providing toilets and electricity as a means of dignity).
Positives, Negatives, & Government Schemes
| Positives | Negatives/Challenges | Government Schemes |
| Global Standing: India recognized as the “Voice of the Global South” and a land of opportunity. | Parliamentary Disruption: Frequent walkouts lead to bills being passed without robust debate. | PM-KISAN: Direct income support for small farmers. |
| Infrastructure Milestone: Massive expansion in internet penetration and road connectivity. | Polarization: Intense political friction between the Treasury and Opposition benches. | Ayushman Bharat: World’s largest health insurance scheme. |
| Economic Resilience: Maintaining high growth and FDI in a period of global recession. | Data Discrepancies: Opposition often challenges government claims on unemployment and poverty. | Aspirational Districts Programme: Focused on lifting the most backward regions. |
Examples
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India’s UPI and digital identity (Aadhaar) systems were cited as evidence of “democracy delivering” at scale.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR): The PM addressed the ongoing controversy regarding voter list updates, emphasizing the removal of “infiltrators” to protect the rights of legitimate citizens.
Way Forward
- Restoring Debate: Both the government and the Opposition must find a middle ground to ensure that the “Question Hour” and “Motion of Thanks” are used for substantive policy critique rather than slogans.
- Codifying Privileges: There is a need to clearly define and codify parliamentary privileges to prevent their misuse for stalling House proceedings.
- Strengthening Committees: More bills should be referred to Parliamentary Standing Committees to ensure detailed scrutiny that may be missing on the floor of the House.
- Promoting “Mother of Democracy” Globally: Using platforms like the G20 and BRICS to showcase India’s decentralized governance (Panchayati Raj) as a viable democratic model for developing nations.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s reply underscores a vision where democracy is measured by “delivery” and “dignity” for the poor. However, the health of the “Mother of Democracy” also depends on the vibrant participation of the Opposition, making a functional Parliament the ultimate goal for 2047.
Mains Practice Question
- “Indian democracy is not just a western institution but a human institution rooted in Indian ethos.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of the functioning of the Indian Parliament in recent years.
