General Studies Paper -3

Context: A 500-kg metal object, believed to be space debris, crashed in Kenya, highlighting concerns about accountability and regulatory gaps in space governance.

About Space Debris

• It includes non-functional satellites, abandoned rocket stages, and smaller fragments from previous space missions.
• The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) defines space debris as all man-made objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere, that are non-functional.
• According to NASA, millions of pieces of debris orbit the Earth, ranging from tiny paint flecks to large satellite remnants.

Factors Causing Space Debris

Examples

• 2022: Chinese Long March 5B rocket fell into the Indian Ocean, sparking concerns about uncontrolled re-entry.
• 2023: Parts of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket were discovered on a sheep farm in Australia.
• February 2024: Debris from a Russian satellite disintegrated over the United States, alarming residents.

Threats from Space Debris

International Laws on Space Debris Responsibility

• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
  • Outer Space Treaty (1967): It does not specifically address space debris, it emphasizes that nations are responsible for activities conducted in outer space, including by private entities under their jurisdiction.
• Article VI of the treaty emphasizes that states bear responsibility for their space objects.
  • Liability Convention (1972): It introduces the concept of ‘absolute liability’ for damage caused by space objects on Earth.
• Under this framework, launching states are automatically responsible for any harm caused by their debris, without the need to prove negligence.

India’s Initiatives in Space Debris Management

• ISRO adheres to internationally accepted space debris mitigation guidelines recommended by the UN-COPUOS and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).
• ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM): To focus on spaceflight safety and debris mitigation.
• Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA): For Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capacity building.
• Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM) Initiative (2024) by ISRO: It aims to achieve debris-free space missions by all Indian space actors, both governmental and non-governmental, by 2030. The initiative focuses on:
  • Avoiding Debris Generation;
  • Collision Avoidance;
  • Post-Mission Disposal;

Challenges in Holding Countries Accountable

• Difficulty in Tracing Ownership: Identifying the exact origin of debris is challenging, especially for small fragments.
• Bureaucratic and Political Hurdles: Diplomatic processes for compensation can be slow and politically sensitive.
• No Penalties for Uncontrolled Re-entry: While the Liability Convention requires countries to pay for damages, it does not penalize them for allowing uncontrolled re-entries to happen.

Mitigation and Future Solutions

• International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation like the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and developing standardized procedures for debris removal can enhance accountability and enforcement.
• Mandatory End-of-Life Plans: Space missions should include clear deorbiting strategies to minimize debris risks.
• Technological Innovations: Investing in technologies for active debris removal, such as the ADRAS-J mission by Astroscale, can help mitigate the risks posed by space junk.
• Liability Insurance: Countries and private companies could be required to have insurance policies covering potential damage from space debris.
• National Regulations: Implementing and enforcing national regulations that align with international treaties can ensure that countries take responsibility for their space activities.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Iran declined to resume negotiations on its nuclear programme with the United States.

About

• Trump’s administration has levied sanctions against Iran – including on the country’s oil network – as part of his “maximum pressure” strategy.
• Trump wrote to Iran, urging negotiations on the nuclear deal or risk military action.
• Iran’s Foreign Minister stated they would only negotiate with other JCPOA members (Europe, Russia, China), not the U.S.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015

• Participants:
  • Iran
  • P5+1: Five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, UK, U.S.) plus Germany.
  • EU: Participated in negotiations.

Iran’s Commitments:

• Nuclear Restrictions: Iran agreed not to produce highly enriched uranium or plutonium for nuclear weapons and to ensure its nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Arak) focus on civilian purposes.
• Centrifuge Limits: Iran limited the number, type, and level of its centrifuges, and reduced its stockpile of enriched uranium.
  • Uranium enriched to 5% is for nuclear power; 20% for research or medical use; 90% for weapons.
• Monitoring and Verification: Iran agreed to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unfettered access to nuclear facilities, including undeclared sites.
  • A Joint Commission monitors the deal’s implementation and resolves disputes, including granting IAEA access to suspicious sites.

What Other Signatories Agreed To:

• Sanctions Relief: The EU, UN, and U.S. agreed to lift nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, but U.S. sanctions on ballistic missiles, terrorism support, and human rights remained.
  • The U.S. lifted sanctions on oil exports but kept restrictions on financial transactions.
  • UN arms and missile bans on Iran were lifted after five years, provided the IAEA confirmed Iran’s nuclear activities remained civilian.
• Violation of the Deal: If any signatory suspects Iran is violating the deal, the UN Security Council can vote on whether to continue sanctions relief.
  • This “snapback” mechanism remains in effect for ten years, after which the UN sanctions are set to be permanently removed.
• Trump’s Withdrawal: In 2018, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal, leading Iran to resume nuclear activities.
• Iran’s Nuclear Activity: In 2023, Iran enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, raising international concerns.
  • Key provisions of the JCPOA began to expire by late 2023.

Goals of the JCPOA:

• Delay Iran’s Nuclear Weapon Development: The goal was to delay Iran’s ability to make a nuclear weapon by at least one year, compared to a few months without the agreement.
• Prevent Regional Crisis: Fears that Iran’s nuclear program could lead to preemptive military action by Israel or a nuclear arms race within the region.

Challenges in Negotiation

• Mistrust between the U.S. and Iran: Past betrayals hinder diplomatic progress.
• Diverging Interests: U.S. wants a broader deal; Iran seeks JCPOA restoration.
• Domestic Political Constraints: Hardliners in both nations resist compromise.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The government is actively shaping an AI ecosystem where computing power, GPUs, and research opportunities are accessible at an affordable cost.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

• It is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Artificial intelligence allows machines to model, or even improve upon, the capabilities of the human mind.

India’s AI Sector

• India as AI Hub: India ranks second in public generative AI projects on GitHub and houses 16% of the world’s AI talent.
• AI Industry Growth: India’s AI industry is projected to reach USD 28.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 45%.
• India Ranks 1st in Global AI Skill Penetration: According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, India ranks first globally in AI skill penetration with a score of 2.8, ahead of the US (2.2) and Germany (1.9).
• AI Talent Demand: India is among the top five fastest-growing AI talent hubs, alongside Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada, with a projected demand for one million AI professionals by 2026.
• Generative AI Ecosystem: Indian GenAI startup funding reached USD 51 million in Q2 FY2025, marking a six-fold increase.
• AI Adoption Across Industries: 80% of Indian companies prioritize AI, with plans to increase tech investments, including over USD 25 million towards AI initiatives in 2025.
• Workplace AI Adoption: 70% of Indian employees use AI at work in 2024, up from 50% the previous year.
• AI Startup Ecosystem: India hosts over 520 tech incubators, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.

Challenges

• Talent Shortage: Despite a growing demand, there is a gap in the availability of skilled AI professionals.
• Data Privacy and Security: Concerns over data protection and regulatory challenges related to AI data usage.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure in certain regions limits the scalability and deployment of AI solutions.
• High Costs: The cost of AI technology adoption can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Ethical Concerns: Lack of clear frameworks for addressing the ethical implications of AI, including biases in algorithms.
• Limited Research and Development Funding: Insufficient investment in AI R&D compared to global leaders like the US and China.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Absence of comprehensive AI-specific policies and guidelines creates ambiguity for businesses and developers.
• Access to Quality Data: Limited access to high-quality, diverse datasets needed for training AI models in various sectors.

Government Initiatives

• IndiaAI Mission (2024): It has a budget of ₹10,300 crore over five years.
  • A key goal is the creation of a high-end common computing facility with 18,693 GPUs.
• India’s AI Models & Language Technologies: The government is facilitating the development of India’s own foundational models, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and problem-specific AI solutions tailored to Indian needs.
• BharatGen: The world’s first government-funded multimodal LLM initiative, BharatGen was launched in 2024.
• Sarvam-1 AI Model: A large language model optimised for Indian languages, Sarvam-1 has 2 billion parameters and supports ten major Indian languages.
• Hanooman’s Everest 1.0: A multilingual AI system developed by SML, Everest 1.0 supports 35 Indian languages, with plans to expand to 90.
• AI Centers of Excellence: Establishing dedicated AI hubs and innovation centers across the country to support AI startups and research.
• India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Combines public funding with private sector innovation to drive digital transformation.
  • Aadhaar, UPI, and Digi Locker serve as the foundation of India’s DPI.
  • Intelligent solutions are being integrated into financial and governance platforms to enhance DPI.

Conclusion

• India’s rapid AI advancements are driven by strong government initiatives, positioning it as a global AI powerhouse.
• As AI adoption accelerates across industries, India’s proactive approach is not only strengthening its digital economy but also paving the way for self-reliance in critical technologies.
• With a clear vision for the future, India is set to become a leader in AI innovation, shaping the global AI landscape in the years to come.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Recently, India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance aimed at fostering city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships during the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jaipur.

Background

• The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific forum was launched in 2009 with the objective of regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives in the rapidly urbanizing and industrializing Asia-Pacific.
• Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) outlined 33 voluntary goals for shifting towards a more resource efficient and circular economy.
• It has been actively negotiating for a ‘Global Plastic Treaty’.

Cities Coalition for Circularity (C3)

• About: It is a multi-nation alliance designed to help urban centers adopt circular economy principles by integrating sustainable practices into urban planning, waste management, and resource utilization.
• Objectives: Focuses on reducing waste generation through segregation, composting, and upcycling, enhancing resource efficiency by promoting reuse and shared materials, and encouraging sustainable infrastructure.

Importance of C3 for Urban Sustainability

• Mitigating Climate Change: By reducing waste and optimizing resource use, C3 helps cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Benefits: Transitioning to a circular economy can create new business opportunities in recycling, remanufacturing, and waste management sectors.
• Resilient Cities: A circular economy model ensures that cities become less dependent on finite resources, making them more resilient to supply chain disruptions and economic downturns.
• Job Creation: It generates employment in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable construction, and eco-friendly product manufacturing.
• Improved Quality of Life: Cleaner environments, better waste management, and greener urban spaces lead to improved public health and enhanced overall well-being for citizens.

Global and Indian Context

• Several cities across the globe, such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Tokyo, have already implemented circular economy policies under the C3 framework.
• In India, circularity is gaining traction through initiatives like:
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Encouraging waste segregation and recycling.
• Smart Cities Mission: Promoting sustainable urban development.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Holding companies accountable for the lifecycle of their products.
• GOBAR-Dhan Scheme: Currently covers 67.8% of the total number of districts in India.

Challenges in Implementing Circularity in Cities

• Lack of Awareness and Technical Expertise.
• High Initial Investment Costs.
• Resistance to Change from Businesses and Consumers.
• Insufficient Policy Support and Enforcement Mechanisms.

Way Forward

• Develop and enforce policies that mandate circular economy practices.
• Invest in research and innovation for sustainable materials and processes.
• Promote awareness campaigns to educate communities on circular living.
• Strengthen public-private partnerships to scale up circular economy projects.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The degradation and loss of wetlands have reached alarming levels due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial activities. Mainstreaming wetland conservation into policy and development agendas is an urgent necessity.

About the Wetlands

• Wetlands, often referred to as the ‘kidneys of the Earth’, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance including biodiversity conservation, water purification, and climate regulation.
• These ecosystems include marshes, swamps, lakes, floodplains, mangroves, and coastal lagoons, which support a wide variety of flora and fauna.
• These wetlands comprise approximately 4.8% of the total geographical area of India, and it is estimated that at least 6% of India’s population relies directly on wetlands for their livelihood.

Why Wetlands Need Mainstreaming in Conservation Policies?

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands support diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish, and amphibians. Their loss threatens species dependent on these ecosystems.
  • Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, for instance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its bird population.
• Flood Control and Climate Regulation: Mangrove forests and floodplain wetlands absorb excess floodwater and reduce the impact of natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis.
  • Acting as carbon sinks, wetlands help mitigate climate change by storing carbon and controlling temperatures.
• Water Purification and Groundwater Recharge: Wetlands act as natural water filters, trapping pollutants and sediments. They help replenish groundwater reserves.
• Livelihoods and Economy: Millions of people, especially fishing communities, depend on wetlands for their livelihoods.
  • Chilika Lake in Odisha, for example, supports over 150,000 fisherfolk.
• Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Many wetlands are part of cultural heritage and serve as important sites for local communities.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation in India

• Urbanization and Encroachments: Unplanned urban expansion leads to encroachment, altering natural hydrology.
  • Example: Bhoj Wetland, Madhya Pradesh, faces significant encroachment due to Bhopal’s rapid growth (Ramsar Site Report, 2023).
• Pollution from Industrial effluents: Discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste degrades water quality and aquatic biodiversity.
  • Example: Yamuna floodplain wetlands, Delhi, suffer from heavy industrial pollution and untreated sewage.
• Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns alter wetland hydrology.
  • Example: Wular Lake, J&K, faces fluctuating water levels due to glacial melt and occurrence of cloudbursts in Himalayan states.
• Unregulated Tourism and Overexploitation: Excessive human activity leads to habitat destruction.
  • Example: In recent years, the firefly habitats in Maharashtra have experienced significant degradation due to unregulated tourism.
• Invasive Species Proliferation: Non-native species, such as water hyacinth, choke wetlands, harming biodiversity and local livelihoods.
  • Example: Vembanad Lake, Kerala, is overrun by water hyacinth, disrupting aquatic ecosystems
• Lack of Awareness and Policy Implementation: Despite conservation laws, enforcement remains weak.
  • Example: East Kolkata Wetlands, despite Ramsar Site status, suffer from poor enforcement, leading to degradation.

Initiatives for Wetland Conservation

• Legal Protection: Wetlands are protected under various national laws, including the Indian Forest Act (1927), the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
• Wetlands of India Portal by MoEFCC: It provides comprehensive information on India’s wetlands. It includes capacity-building materials, data repositories, and dashboards for each state and union territory.
• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): A central scheme for the protection of wetlands and lakes.
• National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas By Space Applications Centre (SAC): It highlights the changes in wetlands across the country over the past decade.
• Integration with Namami Gange: Ministry of Jal Shakti highlighted the integration of wetland conservation with the Namami Gange program.
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has pioneered initiatives that serve as models for wetland conservation nationwide.
• Amrit Dharohar Scheme (Union Budget 2023-24): It is aimed at optimizing wetland utilization over the next three years. Its goals include enhancing biodiversity, increasing carbon stock, boosting eco-tourism, and generating income for local communities, in line with the government’s sustainable development vision.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): It emphasizes the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands. It advocates for a national wetlands mission to preserve these habitats, recognizing their importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Framework to regulate activities around wetlands.

Key Strategies for Wetland Conservation in India

• Integrating Wetland Conservation into Urban Planning: Smart city projects and infrastructure developments must consider wetland preservation.
  • Example: The Amrit Sarovar Mission aims to rejuvenate water bodies within urban areas, integrating them into sustainable city planning.
• Strengthening Legal Protection: Enhancing enforcement of environmental laws and penalizing encroachment.
  • Example: The Supreme Court’s intervention in the Deepor Beel Wetland, Assam, led to restrictions on dumping solid waste in the Ramsar site.
• Restoration & Scientific Research: Using advanced technology for wetland restoration and biodiversity conservation.
  • Example: The Namami Gange Programme employs scientific approaches to rejuvenate wetlands along the Ganges.
• Community Participation: Local involvement in conservation efforts ensures sustainable management.
  • Example: The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) involves local fishers in wetland governance, leading to successful conservation outcomes.
• Strengthening Policy Enforcement: Strict implementation of environmental laws is needed to prevent wetland degradation.
  • Example: The National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s orders on Mansagar Lake, Jaipur, prevented construction activities harming the ecosystem.
• Funding & Incentives for Wetland Conservation: Providing financial support for conservation projects through CSR initiatives.
  • Example: Amazon-ARGA MoU (2025) supports women entrepreneurs in wetland-based sustainable livelihoods.
• Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Livelihoods: Promoting wetlands as eco-tourism sites can generate revenue while ensuring protection.
  • Example: The Loktak Lake Floating Homestays Project in Manipur integrates conservation with sustainable tourism.
• Scientific Monitoring and Research: Advanced technology should be used to assess wetland health and formulate data-driven policies.
  • Example: ISRO’s National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (2022) provides crucial satellite-based insights into wetland conditions.

Conclusion

• Wetlands are indispensable to India’s ecological and economic security. While India has taken commendable steps toward conservation, there is an urgent need to integrate wetland management into mainstream policymaking.
• By combining legal, scientific, and community-driven approaches, India can safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recently, the panel on the Ministry of Panchayati Raj identified several reasons why male relatives of elected women representatives in the Panchayati Raj System are able to act as proxies on their behalf.

Women in Panchayats

• The introduction of women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, was a landmark step toward gender equality in India’s political landscape.
• It mandated that one-third of all seats in panchayats be reserved for women, enabling them to participate in grassroots governance.
• Over the years, several states have extended it to 50%, resulting in the presence of over 1.45 million elected women representatives (EWRs) in PRIs.

Key Challenges Faced by Women Panchayat Members

• Patriarchal Mindset and Sarpanch Pati Syndrome: In many cases, male family members, especially husbands (Sarpanch Pati), fathers, or brothers, act as de facto decision-makers, reducing elected women representatives to mere figureheads.
• It is widely referred to as the ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’ and is prevalent in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
• Lack of Political Training and Awareness: Many women lack awareness of governance structures, financial planning, and policy implementation.
  • It hinders their decision-making capabilities, making them reliant on male counterparts or bureaucrats for governance-related matters.
• Resistance from Bureaucracy and Male Counterparts: Many bureaucrats fail to take women leaders seriously, assuming that they lack competence or decision-making skills.
  • It creates delays in fund allocation and implementation of welfare schemes, reducing the impact of women-led governance.
• Financial Dependence and Lack of Economic Empowerment: Most rural women remain economically dependent on male family members, which restricts their ability to function independently in politics.
  • Limited access to financial resources and micro-credit schemes further diminishes their ability to make independent decisions.
• Gender-Based Violence and Threats: Women in politics, especially in rural areas, face intimidation, verbal abuse, and even physical violence.
  • Incidents of harassment by opposing male politicians or dominant caste groups discourage women from actively participating in governance.
  • In extreme cases, women are coerced into resigning from their positions.
• Dual Burden of Work and Household Responsibilities: Women leaders struggle to balance their political responsibilities with household duties.
  • Societal expectations often burden them with domestic chores, childcare, and agricultural work, leaving them with limited time to focus on governance issues.
• Social and Caste-Based Discrimination: Women from marginalized communities—especially Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)—face intersectional discrimination.
  • It is particularly evident in Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.

Benefits of Strengthening EWRs Decision-Making Capabilities

• Improved Governance and Policy Implementation: For example, in Kudumbashree (Kerala), empowered women leaders played a key role in implementing welfare schemes and poverty alleviation programs.
• Increased Representation and Gender-Responsive Policies: For example, in Nagaland, women-led panchayats have focused on reducing gender-based violence and improving maternal health services.
• Financial Independence: Example: For example, in Bihar, EWRs have successfully implemented micro-loan schemes for women entrepreneurs, boosting rural employment.
• Training for Sarpanch Pati Syndrome): For example, in Rajasthan, training programs helped reduce cases where husbands controlled panchayat decisions.

Key Initiatives Strengthening Women Participation in Panchayats

• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) – SHG Linkages: It enhances leadership skills and financial independence among rural women.
• Mahila Sabhas (Women’s Gram Sabha Meetings): Organized before regular Gram Sabha meetings to prioritize women’s issues in governance. These ensure that concerns related to health, education, and safety are discussed before the general Panchayat meetings.
• Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan (PMEYSA): Aimed at capacity-building for elected women representatives (EWRs) in Panchayats to enhance their leadership skills and decision-making abilities.
• Mission Shakti (2022): It includes schemes like Sambal (for safety and security) and Samarthya (for economic empowerment), which also aim to strengthen women’s participation in governance structures like Panchayats.
• Women’s Leadership Development Programs (Ministry of Panchayati Raj): Various leadership and capacity-building programs, supported by NGOs and government agencies, aim to enhance women’s decision-making capabilities in Panchayats.

Way Forward: Strengthening Women’s Political Participation

• Capacity-Building and Leadership Training: Initiatives like the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (Centrally Sponsored Scheme) should be expanded to ensure that every elected woman leader is well-equipped to perform her duties.
• Strict Implementation of Laws Against Proxy Representation: State governments must strictly enforce laws to prevent male relatives from unofficially controlling women panchayat members.
  • Awareness campaigns should educate women about their rights and empower them to function independently.
• Financial Empowerment and Access to Resources: Women leaders should be given direct access to panchayat funds and financial aid without bureaucratic interference.
  • Microfinance schemes should be promoted to enhance their economic independence and reduce financial dependence on male family members.
• Reservation in Higher Political Offices: While PRIs have 33-50% reservation for women, the same should be extended to legislative assemblies and parliamentary elections.
  • The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 reserves one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly, but will take effect only after delimitation based on a post-enactment census.
  • It would enable more women leaders to transition from grassroots governance to state and national-level politics.
• Strengthening Women’s Support Networks: Initiatives like the National Federation of Elected Women Representatives (NFEWR) should be expanded across all states.
• Ensuring Safety and Protection for Women Leaders: Strict measures should be implemented to protect women leaders from harassment, violence, and political intimidation.
  • Fast-track courts should handle cases of violence against elected women representatives.

Conclusion

• While women panchayat members have made significant strides in political representation, systemic barriers continue to hold them back.
• Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes capacity building, legal reforms, gender sensitization, and community support.
• By empowering women representatives and ensuring their full participation in local governance, India can move closer to achieving gender equality and inclusive development.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Australia and India share a robust and dynamic relationship that has evolved significantly over the years.

• As India continues its rapid economic ascent, Australia emerges as a natural partner, offering complementary strengths and strategic alignment.

About India-Australia Relations

• Historical Ties: India and Australia have shared historical ties dating back to the colonial era under British rule.
• Both nations were part of the Commonwealth, which laid the foundation for their diplomatic relations after India’s independence in 1947.
• Post-independence, India’s policy of non-alignment and Australia’s alignment with Western alliances created a diplomatic gap.
• While interactions remained limited during the Cold War due to differing strategic alignments, relations significantly improved in the post-liberalization era of the 1990s.
• Political and Diplomatic Engagement: It has progressed from a Strategic Partnership (2009) to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2020). Key milestones include:
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD): Both countries, along with the US and Japan, collaborate in QUAD to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: A high-level engagement between the foreign and defense ministers of both nations to strengthen security cooperation.
• Economic and Trade Relations:
• India is Australia’s 5th largest trading partner. It is expected to boost bilateral trade from the current $31 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
  • Major exports from Australia to India: Coal, education services, natural gas, and agricultural products.
  • Major exports from India to Australia: Pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and IT services.
• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Negotiations are ongoing to further enhance trade and investment flows.
• Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): It aims to boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and opening new avenues for economic partnerships.
• Australia is a key supplier of critical minerals, coal, and education services to India.
• Complementary Economies: Australia is rich in natural resources, including critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are essential for India’s manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
• As India aims to become a global manufacturing hub and transition to renewable energy, Australia’s resources can play a pivotal role in supporting these ambitions.
• Defense and Security Cooperation:
  • Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA): It allows both nations to access each other’s military bases for logistics and maintenance.
  • Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital governance.
  • Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD): Both nations with the US and Japan, for countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Defense Exercises like Malabar, AUSINDEX, and AUSTRAHIND: For strengthening military interoperability and defense ties.
  • Cultural Ties: Australia is a top destination for Indian students, with over 100,000 Indians studying in Australian universities. Recent initiatives include:
  • India-Australia Education and Research Collaboration: MoUs between universities for research in science, technology, and humanities.
  • Maitri Scholarship Program: Scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia.
  • Diaspora Engagement: A large Indian-origin community in Australia serves as a cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.

Future Roadmap: Four ‘Superhighways of Growth’:

• Clean Energy: Australia is a leader in clean energy technologies and has the resources to support India’s renewable energy goals.
  • It can help India achieve its target of increasing the number of electric vehicles and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
• Agribusiness: The agribusiness sector presents significant opportunities for collaboration.
  • Australia’s expertise in sustainable agriculture and advanced farming techniques can contribute to India’s efforts to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.
• Education and Skills: With India’s growing demand for quality education and skill development, Australian institutions are set to play a pivotal role in meeting these needs.
  • Tourism: Both countries have vibrant tourism industries, and promoting tourism exchanges can strengthen cultural ties and boost economic growth.

Challenges in the Relationship

• Visa and immigration policies: Issues related to work permits and student visas occasionally cause friction.
• China’s influence: Both countries have different trade dependencies on China, which affects their strategic calculations.
• Climate change and environmental policies: Differences in climate commitments and coal exports remain points of discussion.

Conclusion

• Australia’s complementary strengths, strategic alignment, and robust economic cooperation make it a natural partner for India’s growth trajectory.
• By leveraging their respective capabilities and deepening their collaboration in key sectors, Australia and India can achieve mutual prosperity and contribute to regional stability.
• As both nations continue to strengthen their partnership, the future holds immense potential for shared growth and development.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: In recent years, the importance of care work has gained recognition globally, yet it remains underappreciated and undervalued in many economic policies.

In India, the need to center care in economic policy is crucial for achieving gender equality, improving social welfare, and fostering sustainable development.

About the Care Economy (Purple Economy)

• It encompasses all the activities related to caregiving, both paid and unpaid.
• Paid Care Work: Includes nurses, domestic workers, teachers.
• Unpaid Care Work: Cooking, cleaning, caregiving, often undervalued.
• The World Economic Forum’s report on the ‘Future of Care Economy’ highlights three perspectives:
• As an engine for increasing economic productivity.
• As investors and employers (business perspective).
• Focusing on gender equality and disability inclusion (human rights perspective).
• Care Diamond Model: Involves State, markets, households, and communities in care provision.

Invisible Contribution of Care Work

• Globally, unpaid care work is disproportionately carried out by women.
• In India, women spend nearly 312 minutes per day on unpaid domestic and care work, compared to 52 minutes by men (Time Use Survey, 2019).
• It restricts women’s economic participation and contributes to India’s declining female labor force participation rate, which was only 24% in 2022 (World Bank).

Need for a Care Economy in India

• Changing Demographics: A recent study from the United Nations Population Fund finds that as of 2022, about 25% of India’s population is between the ages of 0-14 years, and 10.5% is above 60 years, i.e. about 360 million children and 147 million elderly persons require care.
  • Over the next few decades, not only will the population grow, but there will also be a demographic transition.
  • By 2050, the proportion of elderly persons is expected to increase to 20.8% of the population, i.e. about 347 million persons.
  • Moreover, even as the proportion of children reduces marginally to 18%, the number of children will still be close to 300 million.
• Ageing Population: As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline, the proportion of elderly individuals in our society is rising. This demographic shift necessitates more attention to elderly care.
• Gender Inequality: Women’s active participation in the economy is crucial for reducing gender inequality. However, India faces a low female labour force participation rate (FLFPR).
  • According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, India’s FLFPR was 37% (2022-23), significantly below the world average of 47.8%. One key reason behind this disparity is the disproportionate burden of care that women bear within families.
• Multiple Care Burden: Women in India shoulder multiple care responsibilities, ranging from childcare to looking after other household members—such as the elderly, sick, and disabled.
  • Additionally, they perform substantial unpaid domestic work. In fact, women aged 15-64 years spend about three times more time daily on unpaid domestic work than men.
  • It often prevents women from participating fully in the workforce.
• Childcare as a Focus: To increase women’s participation in the labour force, attention is now turning toward childcare.
  • Some State governments have been working on building support services through the existing Anganwadi network.
  • In the 2024-25 Budget, there was a 3% increase in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s budget for the integrated child care and nutrition program (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme).
• Beyond Childcare: While childcare is crucial, we must recognize that women are primary caregivers across the entire life course of household members. Therefore, their care responsibilities need to shift elsewhere.

Economic Benefits of a Care-Centered Policy

• Higher Female Workforce Participation: Expanding care services, such as affordable daycare centers and elderly care facilities, would allow more women to enter the workforce, thereby increasing overall economic productivity.
• Job Creation: Investing in the care economy can generate millions of jobs, particularly for women.
  • The ILO estimates that investment in care services could create 11 million new jobs in India by 2030.
• Improved Health and Well-being: A strong care infrastructure ensures better early childhood development, elderly care, and mental well-being, leading to a healthier and more productive population.
• Reduction in Gender Inequality: Recognizing and redistributing care work can help bridge the gender gap in wages and economic opportunities.

Challenges in Integrating Care into Economic Policy

• Financial and Budgetary Constraints: Public spending on care services, including child care and elderly care, remains low compared to other social sectors.
• Lack of Data and Policy Recognition: Economic indicators like GDP do not account for unpaid care work, making it difficult to push for policy changes.
• Deep-seated Gender Norms: The cultural expectation that women should be the primary caregivers limits policy efforts to redistribute care responsibilities.
• Fragmented Healthcare and Social Services: Lack of coordination among different sectors (e.g., health, welfare, labor) leads to inefficiencies.
  • Different funding sources and priorities create policy misalignment.
  • Healthcare and social care often fall under different ministries, leading to jurisdictional conflicts.
• Technological and Data Sharing Barriers: Interoperability between healthcare IT systems is a challenge.
  • Privacy concerns and lack of standardized data policies slow down integration.

Policy Recommendations for a Care-Centric Economy

• Increase Public Investment in Care Services: The government should expand public child care, elderly care, and health services to reduce the burden on families, particularly women.
• Recognize and Measure Unpaid Care Work: Incorporating the economic value of unpaid care work into national accounts and economic indicators.
  • It can be achieved through time-use surveys and satellite accounts that measure the contribution of care work to the economy.
• Strengthen Legal Protections for Domestic and Care Workers: Ensuring fair wages, social security, and labor rights for care workers will improve working conditions in the sector.
• Promote Shared Responsibilities: Encouraging equal participation of men in household and care work through public awareness campaigns can help shift gender norms.
• Integrate Care Economy into Economic Planning: Future budgets and economic policies must allocate funds specifically for care-related infrastructure and services.
• Encouraging Shared Responsibility: Promoting policies and cultural shifts that encourage men to take on a more equitable share of care responsibilities.
• It includes implementing paternity leave policies, conducting awareness campaigns, and challenging traditional gender norms.
• Promoting Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Allocating resources to address gender disparities in care work through targeted programs and initiatives.
• It includes increasing funding for social protection schemes, such as maternity benefits, paid family leave, and pensions for caregivers.

Conclusion

• Centering care in India’s economic policy is essential for achieving gender equality, improving social welfare, and fostering sustainable development.
• By recognizing the value of care work and implementing supportive policies, India can create a more inclusive and equitable society.
• As the country continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to ensure that care work is no longer invisible but is acknowledged and valued as a fundamental pillar of the economy.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has revolutionized public procurement in India benefiting government buyers and small businesses alike.

What is GeM?

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform for public procurement in India. It was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in government procurement.
• Objective: To create an open and transparent procurement platform for government buyers.

Core Principles of GeM

Key Features of GeM

• SWAYATT is the portal’s commitment to enhance ease of doing business and establish direct market linkages to annual public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth.
• Startup Runway 2.0 is an opportunity for Startups to showcase their innovative products and services to Government buyers and engage in public procurement.
• GeM has created a dedicated marketplace category for all Startups to list their products and services, irrespective of their DPIIT-certification.
• Womaniya initiative seeks to showcase products made by women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups [WSHGs].
• GeM is collaborating with various stakeholders from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSME] ecosystem with special focus on entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Caste/ Schedule Tribes [SC/ ST].
• The SARAS Collection is a pristine handcrafted collection of handicrafts, handloom textiles, office décor, furnishings, accessories, event souvenirs, personal hygiene and care products from top of the line SHGs in India.

Impact of GeM

• Cost Savings: Competitive pricing has resulted in lower procurement costs for the government.
• Wider Market Access: Vendors from across the country, including rural areas, can register and sell their products.
• Boost to MSMEs & Startups: Nearly 50% of the orders on GeM are from MSMEs, promoting small businesses.

Concluding remarks

• The platform’s strategic initiatives have significantly contributed to the ease of doing business and enhanced participation in government procurement.
• As GeM continues to evolve, it remains committed to its vision of creating a sustainable, open, and competitive marketplace, driving India’s progress towards inclusive and transparent public procurement practices.