General Studies Paper -3

Context: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent action in three key areas to help finance the achievement of the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.

Background

• With the world facing compounding crises such as economic instability, conflicts, and trade disruptions, progress on the SDGs is lagging.
• Developing nations are spending over $1.4 trillion annually on debt servicing, limiting their ability to invest in development.
• Hence the UN has outlined three core areas needing urgent action: debt reforms, international financial institutions, and diversification of finance sources.

Key Areas of Reform

• Debt Reforms:
  • G20’s Common Framework for Debt Treatments must be accelerated and expanded to include middle-income countries in distress.
  • Credit rating agencies need to revise ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.
  • The IMF and World Bank must reform debt sustainability assessments to account for SDG-linked investments and climate vulnerabilities.
• Strengthening International Financial Institutions:
  • Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) need recapitalization and should stretch their balance sheets to increase lending capacity.
  • MDBs must focus on mobilizing private finance at affordable rates for developing countries.
• Diversifying Finance Sources:
  • Countries should mobilise domestic resources to strengthen the health, education and infrastructure sectors.
  • They should also try to increase blended finance options in collaboration with the private sector.
  • Governments must also find ways to effectively fight corruption to prevent misappropriation of critical funds.

Way Ahead

• There is a need to Push for an inclusive global tax system to ensure fair application of international tax norms.
• Also developed countries must honour their Official Development Assistance commitments.
• Global platforms, like the COP30 Climate Conference in Brazil, will explore innovative climate finance solutions with a target to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam poses challenges to India on multiple fronts by threatening the economic revival and normalisation efforts, and underscores long-standing lapses in intelligence and security measures.

About Terrorism

• It is broadly defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives.
• It is a global challenge that undermines peace, security, and human rights.
• According to the United Nations, there is no universally agreed definition of terrorism, but it is generally understood as acts intended to cause death or serious harm to civilians or non-combatants with the purpose of intimidating a population or compelling a government or international organization to act or refrain from acting.
• In the context of India, terrorism often includes cross-border activities, insurgencies, and radicalized attacks.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, defines a terrorist act as one that threatens the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India or causes terror among people by using violence or disrupting essential services.

Types of Terrorism in India

• Cross-Border Terrorism: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to operate from Pakistan, targeting civilians and security forces in J&K.
  • It includes Mumbai Attacks (2008), Pathankot Airbase attack (2016), and Pulwama bombing (2019).
• Insurgency in the Northeast and Left-Wing Extremism: States like Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland face insurgency due to ethnic grievances and separatist demands.
  • The Maoist (Naxalite) threat in the ‘Red Corridor’ across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha remains a long-standing internal security issue.
• Cyber Terrorism and Financing: Terrorists increasingly exploit digital platforms for propaganda, recruitment, and fundraising using cryptocurrency and the darknet.
• Urban Radicalization & Lone-Wolf Attacks : The rise of lone-wolf attacks and online radicalization has added new dimensions to India’s security challenges.
  • Groups like The Resistance Front (TRF) use hybrid terrorism tactics, employing radicalized locals for targeted attacks.

Challenges in Counterterrorism Efforts

• Intelligence & Security Gaps: Despite advancements in surveillance, lapses in intelligence-sharing have led to major attacks, including the Pahalgam incident.
  • Strengthening human intelligence networks and cyber surveillance is crucial.
• Security and Intelligence Challenge: The attack also highlights long-standing inadequacies in intelligence and security mechanisms in J&K, despite recurring militant strikes in the past year.
• Geographical Expansion: Militant activities, once confined to the Kashmir Valley, have expanded to Jammu, with over 30 attacks between 2021 and 2024, many of which caused civilian casualties.
• Homegrown Extremism: Radicalization through social media and religious propaganda continues to fuel domestic terrorism.
  • Groups like the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and certain ISIS-inspired modules have emerged in recent years.
• Geopolitical Tensions: India’s strategic proximity to the United States has led to increased hostility from adversaries.
  • The extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has further strained relations with Pakistan.
• Public Sentiment & Communal Harmony: Terrorist attacks often fuel communal tensions, making it imperative for the government to prevent misinformation and social unrest.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts

• Legal Framework:
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) empowers agencies to label individuals as terrorists.
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act created a central counter-terror agency with pan-India jurisdiction.
• Institutional Mechanisms:
  • NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are pivotal in intelligence collection and enforcement.
  • Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) ensures inter-agency coordination.
• Technological Integration:
  • Deployment of facial recognition, drone surveillance, and AI-enabled threat analytics enhances border and urban surveillance.
• International Cooperation:
  • India collaborates with the U.S., Israel, and other nations on intelligence sharing and counter-radicalization efforts. It is also part of global anti-terror frameworks such as:
  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
  • United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee
• De-Radicalization Initiatives: State police and intelligence wings, particularly in Kerala and Maharashtra, run community outreach and deradicalization programs targeting vulnerable youth.

Recent Government Initiatives

• NATGRID: A centralized database for real-time intelligence sharing.
• Safe City Projects: Urban surveillance under Smart Cities Mission.
  • Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)

Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Counterterrorism Strategy 

• Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including AI-driven threat detection.
  • Expanding special forces operations in high-risk areas.
• International Cooperation: Strengthening counterterrorism partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the US, and European nations.
  • Joint intelligence-sharing initiatives to track global terror networks.
• Restoring Normalcy: Immediate steps should focus on boosting security, encouraging tourism, and addressing public concerns.
  • Confidence-building measures can help counter the fear instilled by the attack.
• Community Engagement & De-Radicalization: Implementing rehabilitation programs for radicalized individuals.
  • Encouraging interfaith dialogues to counter extremist narratives.

Conclusion

• The Pahalgam attack represents not just an assault on innocent lives but on the very fabric of J&K’s resurgence.
• While the government must address the immediate security lapse, it must also take long-term measures to strengthen peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
• A calculated and decisive response is essential to restore confidence and ensure that terrorism does not derail the progress made in J&K.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, the World Bank’s released Poverty and Equity Brief on India offers a complex picture of the socio-economic landscape of India, and raises questions about broader economic inequality and the reliability of data in capturing socio-economic trends.

Key Findings of Poverty and Equity Brief on India

• Decline in Extreme Poverty: Extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day (2017 PPP terms), fell from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23, lifting 171 million people out of poverty.
  • Rural extreme poverty dropped from 18.4% to 2.8%, and urban extreme poverty from 10.7% to 1.1%, narrowing the rural-urban gap.
• Lower-Middle-Income Poverty Line: The World Bank introduces a broader measure of poverty at $3.65 a day (PPP terms), reflecting the challenges faced by low and middle-income countries.
  • Using it, poverty fell from 61.8% to 28.1%, lifting 378 million people out of poverty.
  • Rural poverty declined from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%, further reducing the rural-urban gap.
• Regional Contributions: Five populous Indian states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh — accounted for 65% of the country’s extreme poor in 2011-12 and contributed to two-thirds of the overall decline by 2022-23.
• Inequality Trends: The consumption-based Gini index improved from 28.8 in 2011-12 to 25.5 in 2022-23, indicating reduced inequality.
  • However, income-based inequality remains high, with the median earnings of the top 10% being 13 times higher than the bottom 10%.
• Employment Growth: It has outpaced the working-age population since 2021-22, with rising employment rates among women.
  • Urban unemployment fell to 6.6% in Q1 FY24/25, the lowest since 2017-18.

Challenges Highlighted By World Bank

• Income & Gender Disparities: The median earnings of the top 10% were 13 times higher than those of the bottom 10% in 2023-24, reflecting persistent income inequality.
  • Gender disparities also persist, with 234 million more men in paid work compared to women.
  • Youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, increasing to 29% among tertiary education graduates.
• Urban-Rural Divide: While the urban-rural gap has narrowed from 84% in 2011-12 to 70% in 2023-24, disparities in access to opportunities and resources remain significant.
• Conflicting Observations on Migration Trends (Data Inconsistencies): The brief notes a recent shift of male workers from rural to urban areas since 2018-19, which contradicts Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data showing an increase in agricultural employment.
  • A 2024 study by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister reported a decline in rural-to-urban migration, creating data inconsistencies that require closer examination.

Key Factors Behind the Decline in Extreme Poverty

• Impact of Household Consumer Expenditure Surveys (HCESs) Methodology: The decline is captured through the revised methodology of the HCESs of 2022-23 and 2023-24, allowing a more granular understanding of consumption patterns.
• While extreme poverty is fading, the data reveals that many individuals still struggle with basic living costs.
• Food Security Schemes: The distribution of food grains to 80 crore people has played a pivotal role in reducing extreme poverty.
  • These measures have ensured basic survival needs for millions, contributing to the sharp decline in poverty rates.
• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs): Programs like Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana have provided financial support to vulnerable populations.
  • The impact of these schemes, though not fully understood, has been captured through revised methodologies in the HCESs of 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Other Flagship Initiatives

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment annually to rural households.
  • It focuses on strengthening the livelihood resource base of marginalized communities.
• Mission Antyodaya: A convergence framework to optimize resources allocated by 26 ministries for rural development.
  • Gram Panchayats serve as focal points for implementation.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): It empowers rural women through community institutions that provide financial, technical, and marketing support.
  • It facilitates access to government schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Poshan Abhiyan.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): It aims to provide housing for the poorest segments of society.
  • It uses a three-stage validation process to ensure aid reaches deserving individuals.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): It aims to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.
  • It ensures high technical and management standards for rural road networks.
• Multidimensional Poverty Reduction Initiatives: India’s multidimensional poverty declined from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, lifting 24.82 crore people out of poverty.
  • The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assesses deprivation across health, education, and living standards.

Conclusion

• India’s remarkable reduction in extreme poverty demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted government programs and robust food security measures.
• However, challenges such as persistent inequality, inconsistent data, and the struggle of millions to sustain a basic standard of living highlight the need for continued efforts.
• As India moves forward, balancing welfare schemes with sustainable economic policies will be crucial for building an equitable and inclusive society.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a crucial constitutional institution, has remained vacant since the constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha in 2019. This prolonged vacancy violates constitutional spirit, disrupts institutional balance, and undermines the ethos of parliamentary democracy.

About

• Article 93 of the Constitution mandates that “the House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
• However, the Constitution does not specify a deadline, leading to ambiguity and misuse.
• The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha also do not enforce any time-bound election for the Deputy Speaker.
• Thus, while the appointment is a constitutional requirement, the absence of an enforceable timeline has enabled political discretion to overshadow parliamentary propriety.

Historical and Conventional Context

• The institution originated under the Government of India Act, 1919, where the Speaker and Deputy Speaker were called the President and Deputy President.
• Post-independence, G.V. Mavalankar and Ananthasayanam Ayyangar were the first Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, respectively.
• The convention has been to allocate the Deputy Speaker’s position to a member of the Opposition to promote bipartisanism.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Deputy Speaker:
  • Acts as the Presiding Officer in the Speaker’s absence.
  • Can chair parliamentary committees.
  • Exercises a casting vote in case of a tie (when presiding).
  • Maintains decorum and upholds the rules of procedure.
  • Is not subordinate to the Speaker, but directly accountable to the House.

Issues Arising from the Vacancy

• Centralisation of Power: The Speaker (usually from the ruling party) wields unchecked authority in the absence of a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition.
• Breakdown of Constitutional Morality: While legally permissible, indefinite delay reflects a lack of respect for constitutional conventions and democratic ethos.
• Undermining Consensus Politics: Keeping the post vacant denies the Opposition a vital institutional voice, affecting deliberative democracy.
• Functional and Procedural Risks: In case of the Speaker’s sudden resignation or incapacity, lack of a Deputy can create a leadership vacuum.
• Global Comparisons: In the UK, Canada, and other Westminster democracies, such posts are filled promptly with bipartisan consultation to maintain continuity and legitimacy.

Reforms and Way Forward

• Statutory Timeline: Amend the Rules of Procedure or introduce a law to mandate the election of the Deputy Speaker within a fixed timeframe (e.g., 60 days).
• Judicial Clarification: The Supreme Court in 2021 admitted a petition on the delay in appointing the Deputy Speaker. A definitive ruling could reinforce constitutional accountability.
• Strengthening Parliamentary Norms: Codify conventions like offering the Deputy Speakership to the Opposition, to protect democratic balance.
• Presidential Oversight: The President, as constitutional guardian, could be empowered to remind or advise the House regarding delays in fulfilling constitutional obligations.

Conclusion

• The Deputy Speaker’s prolonged absence is not just an administrative lapse but a systemic malaise reflecting the politicisation of constitutional offices. In a vibrant democracy like India, institutional roles must not be reduced to political bargaining chips.
• Restoring the Deputy Speaker’s office promptly and systematically is essential not only for parliamentary continuity, but also for upholding the spirit of the Constitution, the dignity of the Opposition, and the health of India’s deliberative democracy.

General Studies Paper-1

Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted  ‘above normal’ rainfall (105% of the long-period average) during the 2025 southwest monsoon season (June-September).

• The monsoon is crucial for agriculture, economy, and water resources, providing around 70% of India’s annual rainfall.
• Since 2007, the accuracy of monsoon forecasts has improved significantly, with the absolute error in rainfall reducing by 21% from 1989-2006 to 2007-2024.

History of Monsoon Forecasting

• The IMD began forecasting the monsoon in 1877, driven by the need to understand rainfall patterns after the devastating 1876-78 Great Famine.
• Henry Francis Blanford, in the late 1800s, studied the relationship between Himalayan snow cover and monsoon rainfall.
  • He made the first long-range forecast in 1886.
• Sir John Eliot took Blanford’s work forward by incorporating local weather conditions and data from the Indian Ocean and Australia, although his predictions were still limited in accuracy.
• Sir Gilbert Walker in 1904, introduced statistical models using 28 parameters, identifying the Southern Oscillation (SO) as a key influence on the Indian monsoon.
  • He divided India into three subregions for forecasting.

Scenario After Independence

• IMD continued using Walker’s model until 1987, but it became less effective due to changes in climate patterns and loss of correlation with key parameters.
• In 1988, The IMD shifted to a new regression model (Gowariker Model) using 16 variables, but issues persisted with the accuracy of regional forecasts.

New Models and Strategies

• In 2003, IMD introduced two new models based on 8 and 10 parameters.
  • The two-stage forecast strategy was also implemented, although it had mixed results.
• In 2007, IMD developed a Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System, reducing the number of parameters to improve accuracy and introduced ensemble forecasts to increase robustness.
• In 2012, the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System (MMCFS) was launched to combine ocean, atmospheric, and land data for better forecasts.
• In 2021, the Multi-Model Ensemble system further improved forecast accuracy by combining global climate models, including MMCFS.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference held in Indonesia in 1955.

Bandung Conference

• The Bandung Conference brought together twenty-nine newly independent Asian and African countries.
• The objective of the conference was to deliberate on the common challenges faced by decolonized nations and to assert their collective voice in a world order dominated by the Cold War superpowers.
• The conference marked the emergence of the Global South as an influential grouping in international politics.
  • It aimed to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and strongly opposed colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism in all forms.
• The conference served as a precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Bandung’s Ten Principles (Dasasila Bandung)

• Respect for fundamental human rights, and for the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
• Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations,
• Recognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations, large and small,
• Abstention from intervention or interference into the internal affairs of another country,
• Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself, singly or collectively, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations,
• Abstention from the use of arrangement of collective defense to serve the particular interests of any of the big powers, and abstention by any country from exerting pressures on other countries,
• Refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country,
• Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, such as negotiation, conciliation, arbitration, or judicial settlement as well as other peaceful means of the parties’ own choice, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations,
• Promotion of mutual interests and cooperation, and
• Respect for justice and international obligations.

Conclusion

• The Bandung Conference remains a powerful symbol of unity, dignity, and self-determination for the countries of the Global South.
• In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics, the spirit of the Bandung Conference continues to hold immense relevance for efforts toward creating a more just and multipolar world order.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam poses challenges to India on multiple fronts by threatening the economic revival and normalisation efforts, and underscores long-standing lapses in intelligence and security measures.

Grassroots Governance: Strengthening Panchayats for Sustainable Growth

Context: Panchayats in India remain underutilized due to financial constraints, fragmented efforts, and limited institutional capacity.

• Strengthening panchayats is essential for achieving holistic and inclusive development across India’s diverse rural landscape.

About the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India

Historical Evolution:

• Ancient Period: The concept of local self-governance in India dates back to ancient times, with Village Councils (Panchayats) playing a crucial role in local administration and dispute resolution. These councils were informal and operated based on local customs and traditions.
• British Era: During the early British period, the traditional Panchayat system was weakened due to the introduction of centralized revenue collection systems.
• Reforms in the later British period, such as Lord Ripon’s Resolution (1882) and the Royal Commission on Decentralization (1907-09), sought to revive local self-governance.
• Post-Independence Era: The Constitution of India emphasized the importance of village Panchayats as units of self-governance.
• The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, which was implemented in Rajasthan in 1959.
• Subsequent committees, such as the Ashok Mehta Committee (1978), further refined the structure and functions of PRIs.
• Constitutional Recognition (1992): The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act granted constitutional status to PRIs, making them a mandatory feature of governance in rural India.
• It came into effect on April 24, 1993, thus April 24th is celebrated as the National Panchayati Raj Day every year.
• It introduced a Three Tier System:
• Gram Panchayat (Village Level): The lowest tier, responsible for addressing local issues such as sanitation, water supply, and rural housing.
• Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): The intermediate tier, coordinating development programs across multiple villages.
• Zila Parishad (District Level): The apex tier, overseeing and integrating development activities at the district level.
• It mandated reservations for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs), and the appointment of a State Finance Commission to recommend the financial powers of Panchayats.

Key Features of the Modern Panchayati Raj System

• Decentralized Governance: PRIs enable decision-making at the grassroots level, ensuring that local needs and priorities are addressed effectively.
• Participatory Democracy: The system promotes citizen participation through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies), where residents can voice their concerns and influence decisions.
• Inclusive Representation: Reservations for women, SCs, and STs ensure that marginalized groups have a voice in governance.
• Nearly 14 lakh women representatives have been elected to PRIs, showcasing the success of reservation policies.
• Integration with Development Goals: PRIs play a critical role in implementing government schemes and achieving SDGs at the local level.

Role of Panchayats in Grassroots Governance

• Localizing Development: Panchayats are uniquely positioned to tailor strategies to the specific socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental needs of villages.
• Unlike top-down models, a panchayat-led approach ensures that development initiatives are contextually relevant and community-driven.
• Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The recently launched Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) ranks over 216,000 panchayats on their progress in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water sufficiency, infrastructure, and governance.
• It underscores the critical role of panchayats in achieving India’s sustainable development agenda.

Challenges Facing Panchayats in India

• Inadequate Financing: Most panchayats rely heavily on funds from higher tiers of government, with limited avenues for generating their own revenue.
• A study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that in 2022-23, the average revenue per panchayat was ₹23 lakh, with only 1.1% coming from local taxes and fees.
• Technological and Digital Literacy Gaps: Limited technological infrastructure and low digital literacy hinder effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of progress.
• Without digital tools, real-time tracking of SDG progress remains a challenge.
• Fragmentation in Rural Governance: Multiple government departments operate in villages without proper coordination, leading to duplication of work and inefficient use of resources.
• The lack of convergence between different schemes and departments makes holistic development difficult to achieve.

Strengthening Panchayats for Development

• Enhancing Institutional Capacity: Targeted training programs to equip panchayat officials with technical and managerial skills.
• Promoting digital inclusion to streamline administrative processes and improve governance.
• Enhancing Financial Autonomy: PRIs should be empowered to generate revenue through property taxes, market fees, and local businesses.
• Timely devolution of funds from higher tiers of government is essential.
• Fostering Community Participation: Encouraging citizen involvement in decision-making processes to ensure local needs are addressed.
• Strengthening transparency mechanisms for better accountability.
• Better Coordination Between Departments: Establishing integrated development plans that align efforts across multiple sectors.
• Strengthening accountability measures to prevent resource wastage.

Key Initiatives and Efforts Strengthening Panchayats in India

• Infrastructure Development:
• Funds For Gram Panchayat Bhawans: To ensure dedicated office premises for panchayats with populations exceeding 3,000.
• Digital Infrastructure: To streamline governance.

Financial Empowerment:

• Own Source Revenue Training: Specialized modules have been introduced to help panchayats generate revenue through local taxes and fees.
• Samarth Portal: It facilitates revenue generation and fund management for panchayats, promoting financial independence.

Technological Integration:

• eGramSwaraj: A digital governance initiative available in 22 languages, enabling transparent fund management and real-time monitoring.
• SVAMITVA Scheme: Drone surveys have been conducted in 3.17 lakh villages, issuing over 2.19 crore property cards to empower rural property owners.

Capacity Building:

• Training for Women Representatives and Development of Panchayat Leaders: Specialized modules have been developed to strengthen the political voice of women in panchayats.

Environmental and Social Initiatives:

• Localized Climate Data: Over 2.5 lakh panchayats now receive weather forecasting data to support climate-resilient planning.
• Community Engagement Campaigns like ‘Healthy Panchayat’ and ‘Siti Bajo aur School Aao’ to address health and education challenges.

Conclusion

• Strong panchayats are the cornerstone of grassroots governance and sustainable development in India.
• Addressing challenges such as inadequate financing, technological gaps, and fragmented efforts is crucial to unlocking their full potential.
• By enhancing institutional capacity, improving financial autonomy, and fostering community participation, panchayats can drive inclusive and holistic development, ensuring that no village is left behind.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Minister of State for Ayush said that India has now emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for treatment and medical tourism.

About

• Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country or region for medical treatment, procedures, or health-related services.
• The medical tourism industry in India is valued at approximately $9 billion, the country attracts patients from across the globe for advanced treatments in cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and organ transplants.
• Medical tourism in India increased by around 33% year-on-year in 2023 nearly 6.6 lakh.
• Popular destinations for medical tourism in India include cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, which are home to premier healthcare facilities.

Factors Responsible for the Growth of Medical Tourism in India

• Cost-Effective Treatment: India offers medical procedures at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the US or Europe.
• High-Quality Healthcare: India has a well-established healthcare infrastructure with internationally accredited hospitals and skilled medical professionals.
• Availability of Advanced Medical Technology: Indian hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and cutting-edge treatments, particularly in fields like cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
• Shorter Wait Times: Medical tourists can access timely treatment, often avoiding long wait times common in some Western healthcare systems.
• Government Support and Policies: The Indian government has implemented policies that encourage medical tourism, including medical visa facilitation and promoting the sector internationally.

Significance for India

• Economic Growth: It boosts the economy by generating revenue from international patients, contributing to the healthcare sector and related industries (e.g., hospitality, transportation).
• Improved Healthcare Infrastructure: To cater to medical tourists, hospitals invest in state-of-the-art facilities, which also benefits local patients by improving overall healthcare quality.
• Promotion of India’s Global Image: It enhances India’s reputation as a global healthcare destination, attracting more foreign investment and partnerships in the medical field.
• Technological Advancements: The demand for advanced treatments and international standards of care drives innovation and the adoption of new medical technologies in Indian healthcare.
• Skill Development: It fosters the development of a highly skilled workforce, as healthcare professionals gain exposure to international standards and diverse patient needs.
• Diplomatic Ties: As patients from different nations seek treatment in India, they are exposed to rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
• This exchange of experiences can foster greater understanding and goodwill between nations, paving the way for strengthened diplomatic ties.

Challenges

• Strong competition from Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
• Most of the medical care is not covered by insurance and it makes medical value travel (MVT) less attractive.
• The MVT facilitators are not well organized and accredited. Many unprofessional agents exploit the medical value traveller.
• Lack of Regulations: There are no comprehensive regulations to govern the MVT sector, which leaves the sector unorganised and lacks monitoring of the quality of services.
• Promotion of MVT: Individual Hospitals are carrying out their publicity but there is no effective campaign to establish India as a brand for medical value travel.
• Accreditation: Although, India maintains a robust accreditation system through National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). However, there is not much awareness about NABH in foreign countries and international patients still attach much greater value to Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.

Way Ahead

• With a fast paced modern lifestyle, there is greater demand for wellness and alternate cures.
• India has invested heavily in AYUSH and is in a unique position to attract medical value travellers for a cure through AYUSH and also for enhancing wellness.
• There is a need for greater support from the Government towards regulation, facilitation and marketing of India as a Medical Value Travel destination.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam poses challenges to India on multiple fronts by threatening the economic revival and normalisation efforts, and underscores long-standing lapses in intelligence and security measures.

About Terrorism

• It is broadly defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives.
• It is a global challenge that undermines peace, security, and human rights.
• According to the United Nations, there is no universally agreed definition of terrorism, but it is generally understood as acts intended to cause death or serious harm to civilians or non-combatants with the purpose of intimidating a population or compelling a government or international organization to act or refrain from acting.
• In the context of India, terrorism often includes cross-border activities, insurgencies, and radicalized attacks.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, defines a terrorist act as one that threatens the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India or causes terror among people by using violence or disrupting essential services.

Types of Terrorism in India

• Cross-Border Terrorism: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to operate from Pakistan, targeting civilians and security forces in J&K.
  • It includes Mumbai Attacks (2008), Pathankot Airbase attack (2016), and Pulwama bombing (2019).
• Insurgency in the Northeast and Left-Wing Extremism: States like Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland face insurgency due to ethnic grievances and separatist demands.
  • The Maoist (Naxalite) threat in the ‘Red Corridor’ across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha remains a long-standing internal security issue.
• Cyber Terrorism and Financing: Terrorists increasingly exploit digital platforms for propaganda, recruitment, and fundraising using cryptocurrency and the darknet.
• Urban Radicalization & Lone-Wolf Attacks : The rise of lone-wolf attacks and online radicalization has added new dimensions to India’s security challenges.
• Groups like The Resistance Front (TRF) use hybrid terrorism tactics, employing radicalized locals for targeted attacks.

Challenges in Counterterrorism Efforts

• Intelligence & Security Gaps: Despite advancements in surveillance, lapses in intelligence-sharing have led to major attacks, including the Pahalgam incident.
  • Strengthening human intelligence networks and cyber surveillance is crucial.
• Security and Intelligence Challenge: The attack also highlights long-standing inadequacies in intelligence and security mechanisms in J&K, despite recurring militant strikes in the past year.
• Geographical Expansion: Militant activities, once confined to the Kashmir Valley, have expanded to Jammu, with over 30 attacks between 2021 and 2024, many of which caused civilian casualties.
• Homegrown Extremism: Radicalization through social media and religious propaganda continues to fuel domestic terrorism.
  • Groups like the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and certain ISIS-inspired modules have emerged in recent years.
• Geopolitical Tensions: India’s strategic proximity to the United States has led to increased hostility from adversaries.
  • The extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has further strained relations with Pakistan.
• Public Sentiment & Communal Harmony: Terrorist attacks often fuel communal tensions, making it imperative for the government to prevent misinformation and social unrest.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts

• Legal Framework:
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) empowers agencies to label individuals as terrorists.
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act created a central counter-terror agency with pan-India jurisdiction.
• Institutional Mechanisms:
  • NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are pivotal in intelligence collection and enforcement.
  • Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) ensures inter-agency coordination.
• Technological Integration:
  • Deployment of facial recognition, drone surveillance, and AI-enabled threat analytics enhances border and urban surveillance.
• International Cooperation:
  • India collaborates with the U.S., Israel, and other nations on intelligence sharing and counter-radicalization efforts. It is also part of global anti-terror frameworks such as:
  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
  • United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee
• De-Radicalization Initiatives: State police and intelligence wings, particularly in Kerala and Maharashtra, run community outreach and deradicalization programs targeting vulnerable youth.

Recent Government Initiatives

• NATGRID: A centralized database for real-time intelligence sharing.
• Safe City Projects: Urban surveillance under Smart Cities Mission.
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)

Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Counterterrorism Strategy 

• Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including AI-driven threat detection.
  • Expanding special forces operations in high-risk areas.
• International Cooperation: Strengthening counterterrorism partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the US, and European nations.
  • Joint intelligence-sharing initiatives to track global terror networks.
• Restoring Normalcy: Immediate steps should focus on boosting security, encouraging tourism, and addressing public concerns.
  • Confidence-building measures can help counter the fear instilled by the attack.
• Community Engagement & De-Radicalization: Implementing rehabilitation programs for radicalized individuals.
  • Encouraging interfaith dialogues to counter extremist narratives.

Conclusion

• The Pahalgam attack represents not just an assault on innocent lives but on the very fabric of J&K’s resurgence.
• While the government must address the immediate security lapse, it must also take long-term measures to strengthen peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
• A calculated and decisive response is essential to restore confidence and ensure that terrorism does not derail the progress made in J&K.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: India has achieved a record of over 145 million tonnes of cargo movement on inland waterways in 2024-25.

About

• The number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111, with the operational length growing from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24).
• Massive infrastructure development includes Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, floating terminals, and green tech like Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Vessels.
• Future Prospects: India aims to increase IWT modal share from 2% to 5%, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.

Inland Waterways

• Inland waterways refer to navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks used for transportation of goods and passengers within a country.
• India has ~14,500 km of navigable waterways, but their usage is limited. 111 waterways have been declared National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• Importance of Inland Waterways
  • Economic Benefits: Lower transportation costs compared to road and rail.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Uses 30% less fuel than road transport and 50% less than rail.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Reduces carbon emissions and congestion on roads.
  • Connectivity: Supports hinterland trade and rural economies.
  • Tourism & Passenger Transport: Plays a role in ferry services and river cruises.

Criteria for Declaring a National Waterway

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) declares the National Waterway.
• National Transport Policy Committee (1980) recommended the following criteria for National Waterway:
• Navigable by mechanically propelled vessels of reasonable size.
• Channel width of ~45 m and depth of ~1.5 m.
• Continuous stretch of at least 50 km.
• Should serve multiple states, or connect major ports/hinterlands, or be strategically important, or serve underserved areas.

Challenges in Inland Waterway Development

• Seasonal water level variations affect navigation.
• Lack of infrastructure (terminals, dredging, and navigation aids).
• Slow adoption by industries due to underdeveloped routes.
• Competition from road and rail transport.

Policy Measures to Boost Inland Waterways

• Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme: It was launched in 2024 and has two key components:
• Financial Incentive: Cargo owners get a 35% reimbursement on actual operating costs for shifting cargo from road/rail to IWT, encouraging use of waterways.
• Scheduled Services: Regular cargo services have been introduced to boost reliability and predictability.
• Extension of Tonnage Tax to Inland Vessels: It was announced in 2025 during the budget, the tonnage tax regime has been extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021.
  • Benefit: Provides a stable and predictable tax regime based on vessel tonnage rather than profits, thereby lowering the tax burden and encouraging broader adoption of inland shipping.
• Regulatory Framework for Private Investment: The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been notified, enabling private investment in inland waterways infrastructure.
• Port Integration: To ensure seamless multimodal logistics, the Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, as well as the Intermodal Terminal at Kalughat, are being transferred to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata for operation and management.
  • This integration is expected to streamline cargo movement between ports and inland waterways.
• Digitisation and Centralised Database: A centralised portal is being developed for the registration of inland vessels and crew, similar to the ‘Vahan’ and ‘Sarathi’ systems used for road transport. This initiative will:
  • Simplify registration processes.
  • Provide real-time data on vessel and crew availability.
  • Enhance transparency and planning in the sector.
• Cargo Aggregation Infrastructure: To resolve issues related to sparse industrial presence along waterways, cargo aggregation hubs are under development:
  • Freight Village at Varanasi.
  • Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj.
• Engagement with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): More than 140 PSUs have been engaged to explore shifting a portion of their cargo to IWT.

Way Ahead

• The Indian government is investing heavily in inland waterways through projects like Jal Marg Vikas (JMVP).
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being encouraged.
• Integration of IWT with multimodal logistics hubs for seamless transport is being carried out.