October 22, 2025

CivlsTap Himachal, Himachal Pradesh Administrative Exam, Himachal Allied Services Exam, Himachal Naib Tehsildar Exam, Tehsil Welfare Officer, Cooperative Exam and other Himachal Pradesh Competitive Examinations.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The varied demographic trends across Indian states raise significant concerns about their broader implications.

Demographic Trends in India

  • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Between 2019 and 2021, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh recorded a TFR of 1.5.
  • Conversely, Bihar (3), Uttar Pradesh (2.7), and Madhya Pradesh (2.6) had higher fertility rates.
  • A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population.
  • Aging Population Concerns: According to India Ageing Report (UNFPA) the elderly population in India is projected to increase from 10.1% in 2021 to 15% by 2036.
  • In Kerala the elderly population is 16.5% whereas in Bihar it is 7.7%, in 2021.

Implications of Aging Population

  • Economic implications;
  • Increased Public Spending on Pensions with growth in elderly population.
  • Old Age Dependency Ratio: Indicates the number of older adults for every 100 people of working age (18-59 years). A ratio exceeding 15% signals an aging crisis. Some southern states have already crossed this benchmark.
  • Reduced Consumer Demand: An aging population tends to consume less compared to a younger, more active demographic.
  • Pressure on Healthcare Infrastructure: In 2017-18, southern states accounted for 32% of India’s total out-of-pocket spending on cardiovascular diseases despite having only one-fifth of the population.
  • Political Implications;
  • Interstate Resource Tensions: Southern states, despite contributing significantly to tax revenue, receive a diminishing share of central resources due to slower population growth.
  • Delimitation and Representation: The expiration of the freeze on parliamentary seats in 2026 will lead to a new delimitation exercise that will alter state representation in the Lok Sabha, influenced by population changes.
  • Social implications: The burden of supporting a growing elderly population can create tension between generations.
  • Also there will be more requirements for alternative support systems such as community-based care.

Global scenario

  • In Japan the median age is over 48 years. This demographic shift has led to prolonged economic stagnation, shrinking workforce, and increased public spending on pensions and healthcare.
  • China’s one-child policy, enforced from 1979 to 2015, significantly lowered the birth rate, leading to a rapidly aging population.
  • South Korea has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, at 0.78 as of 2022.

Way Ahead

  • Policy Adjustments: Policies should focus on supporting families through paid maternity and paternity leave, and employment practices that mitigate the “motherhood penalty.”
  • Gender Equity: States and countries with better gender equity maintain more sustainable fertility rates, as women are more willing to have children if they retain economic independence.
  • Strategic Support: Implementing work-family policies that align with modern socio-economic expectations will support fertility rates and ensure balanced demographic and economic growth.
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General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Supreme Court affirmed that accessibility to environments, services, and opportunities is an essential human and fundamental right for persons with disabilities,  yet this right is largely unfulfilled.

Disability rights in India

  • Disability rights in India are undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by the government’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
  • This movement is supported by various policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, can access opportunities and participate fully in society.
  • Recently, the Supreme Court directed the government to update the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules to enforce mandatory standards within three months.

Key efforts Taken

  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD): Replaces the 1995 Act, aligning with the UNCRPD to promote dignity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities for PwDs.
  • National Trust Act, 1999: Establishes a body dedicated to the welfare of individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
  • Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992: Regulates rehabilitation services, standardizes syllabi, and maintains a Central Rehabilitation Register for qualified professionals.
  • Scheme for Implementation of RPwD Act (SIPDA): Aims to provide skill development training to PwDs aged 15-59, particularly for those with hearing and speech impairments.
  • ADIP Scheme: Provides aids and assistive devices, including cochlear implants for children with hearing impairments, through funding to agencies.
  • SAMARTH Respite Care: Offers temporary housing support for orphans, crisis-affected families, and PwDs from low-income groups.
  • Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): Provides grants to NGOs running special schools, early intervention programs, and community-based rehabilitation projects for PwDs.
  • National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC): Offers concessional loans for PwDs’ socio-economic empowerment via Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana and Vishesh Microfinance Yojana.
  • PM-DAKSH-DEPwD Portal: Offers two modules: Skill Training for PwDs and Divyangjan Rozgar Setu, which connects PwDs to employment opportunities.
  • Accessible India Campaign: This initiative aims to create a barrier-free environment in education, transportation, and public spaces to enhance accessibility for everyone.
  • Divya Kala Mela: This event celebrates the craftsmanship of differently-abled artisans, promoting economic self-reliance and showcasing their talents.

Issues and Concerns

  • Ground-Level Disparities: There are inconsistencies in accessible infrastructure across regions, such as Delhi having 3,775 wheelchair-accessible buses versus Tamil Nadu’s 1,917, and highlighted those newer facilities, like Andheri Metro Station, meet standards, while older ones, like the Bombay Art Gallery, lack basic accessibility features.
  • Overlooked Right to Relationships: society often neglects the emotional and relational rights of PWDs, including the need for love, privacy, and intimacy, which are often denied due to inadequate private spaces.
  • Mandatory Accessibility Standards: There are concerns for the lack of mandatory accessibility standards.
  • Social Model of Disability: The “social model of disability,” which shifts the focus from “fixing” individuals to removing physical, organizational, and attitudinal barriers that create disability in society.
  • Role of Society: Disability becomes a tragedy only if society fails to provide adequate resources and support to PWDs.

Suggestions and Way Forward

  • Built Environment Accessibility: There is a need to ensure accessible indoor and outdoor facilities, such as schools, medical centers, and workplaces.
  • Remove physical barriers to create inclusive environments benefiting everyone, including persons with disabilities (PwDs).
  • Transportation System Accessibility: Enable accessible transportation options across air travel, buses, taxis, and trains.
  • Information and Communication Accessibility: Provide accessible information to enable informed decision-making in daily life (e.g., reading price tags, event participation, healthcare info, train schedules).
  • Increasing Sign Language Interpreters: Expand the number of sign language interpreters to support individuals relying on sign language.
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General Studies Paper-2

Context: According to National Health Accounts estimates for 2021-22, India has recorded a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).

The report suggests that the OOPE declined from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22.

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

  • Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in healthcare refers to the money people pay directly from their own pockets for medical services, such as doctor visits, medicines, and hospital stays.
  • OOPE forces low-income families to spend a large portion of their earnings or savings on healthcare.
  • This financial burden can push families into poverty, create debt, and make it harder for them to afford other essentials like food and education.

Reasons for the Decline in OOPE

  • Government Health Expenditure (GHE): Between 2014-15 and 2021-22, the government’s share of health expenditure grew from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP.
  • Expansion of Social Security Expenditure (SSE): Government-funded health insurance and social health programs, rose from 5.7% of Total Health Expenditure (THE) in 2014-15 to 8.7% in 2021-22.
  • Government-Funded Insurance Schemes: Programs like Ayushman Bharat, along with various state-level health insurance schemes, have provided insurance coverage to economically vulnerable populations.
  • Targeted Programs for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): With rising cases of NCDs, the government has initiated targeted programs to manage and prevent these long-term health conditions.
  • Focus on Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce has increased in rural and underserved regions.

Government Schemes

  • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): It provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY): It provides quality generic medicines available at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
  • Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): It offers health insurance for below-poverty-line (BPL) families, with coverage up to ₹30,000 for most diseases requiring hospitalization.
  • Telemedicine Services (eSanjeevani): Facilitates remote consultation services, which help in reducing the cost burden associated with traveling and in-person consultations.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): It provides assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care, free of cost, on the 9th of every month.

Implications of Reduced OOPE for India’s Healthcare System

  • Increased Financial Stability for Households: With less of their income going towards healthcare expenses, families can allocate funds toward other essentials, improving their financial resilience.
  • Foundation for Universal Health Coverage: The decline in OOPE and strengthened public healthcare funding align with India’s long-term goal of achieving universal health coverage.
  • Encouragement for Workforce Participation in Healthcare: With better government funding, healthcare facilities can hire and train more staff, which improves service delivery, especially in underserved areas.

Concluding remarks

  • The reduction in OOPE is a transformative shift, marking India’s commitment to a more inclusive healthcare system.
  • As the government continues to invest in healthcare, the future holds the potential for universal health coverage where everyone, irrespective of income, has access to quality medical services.
  • This shift does not only signify financial relief but also enhances India’s public health resilience, promoting a healthier, more economically stable population.
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Adaptation Gap Report 2024

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The “Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come Hell and High Water” was released by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Adaptation Gap Report (AGR)

  • It is an annual publication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Its purpose is to assess global progress on climate change adaptation, i.e. the efforts made by countries to adjust and prepare for current and future climate impacts.
  • Adaptation gap refers to the difference between the actual adaptation efforts being implemented and the adaptation needs required to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.

Key Highlights

  • Adaptation Finance Gap: Although international public adaptation finance for developing countries increased to $28 billion in 2022, the overall gap remains substantial.
  • Even doubling adaptation finance from 2019 levels, as targeted by 2025 under the Glasgow Climate Pact, would only reduce the finance gap by about 5%.
  • Adaptation Planning and Implementation: 87% of countries now have at least one national adaptation planning instrument. Of these, 51 per cent have a second, and 20 per cent have a third.
  • Aligning National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is crucial for strategic implementation.
  • UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (FGCR): Progress towards UAE FGCR targets, agreed at COP 28, is mixed, with thematic areas like poverty reduction and cultural heritage protection needing more focus.
  • Many NAPs reference UAE FGCR targets but lack comprehensive data and planning for all sectors.
  • Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer: Enhancing capacity and technology transfer in developing countries is vital but currently lacks effectiveness due to uncoordinated, short-term efforts.

Challenges in bridging the Finance Gap

  • Complexity of Financing Instruments: The adaptation finance landscape includes resilience bonds, debt-for-adaptation swaps, and performance-based climate grants.
  • Implementing these instruments effectively requires strong institutional capacity, which is lacking in developing nations.
  • Policy Barriers: An absence of robust enabling policies, such as climate risk disclosure frameworks and adaptation taxonomies, hinders private sector engagement.
  • High Dependence on Public Finance: The report highlights the limited involvement of the private sector, which could contribute more, especially in sectors where there are revenue-generating opportunities.

Policy Recommendations

  • Adaptation efforts must prioritize fairness and equity to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities, especially concerning gender and disadvantaged communities.
  • The principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be reinforced in climate finance discussions.
  • Implement holistic approaches that cover adaptation finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer as part of an integrated development strategy.
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General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Tamil Nadu government introduced the Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2024, aiming to enhance wind energy output by repowering or refurbishing small wind turbines.

However stakeholders have raised objections to the policy, citing concerns about its effectiveness.

Wind Energy Potential in India

  • India has wind power potential for 1,163.86 GW at 150 metres above ground level, and is ranked fourth in the world for installed wind energy capacity.
  • Only about 6.5% of this wind potential is used at the national level.
  • Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are the leading States for installed wind energy capacity, collectively contributing 93.37% of the country’s wind power capacity installation.
  • As of 2024, renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 percent of the country’s total installed capacity.
  • Solar power contributes towards 90.76 GW, wind power follows closely with 47.36 GW, hydroelectric power generating 46.92 GW and small hydro power adding 5.07 GW, and biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW.

India’s Targets

  • India has a vision to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include:
  • Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030, out of which 140 GW will be coming from wind power.
  • Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables.
  • Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
  • Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Challenges

  • Dependency on Natural Factors: Energy sources like solar and wind are variable as they rely on natural factors like sunlight, wind and water availability.
  • Limited Wind Resource Areas: India’s wind resource potential is largely concentrated in specific regions, such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
  • As the wind energy sector expands, land in these regions is becoming increasingly scarce.
  • Wildlife Impact: Wind turbines pose a threat to bird and bat populations, which can collide with the blades.
  • High Cost: The cost of turbines, installation, and grid connection can be prohibitive, though costs have been declining in recent years.
  • Turbine Lifecycle: Wind turbines typically have a lifespan of around 20-25 years.
  • Decommissioning and recycling turbine blades, which are made of composite materials, has become a significant concern due to their difficulty in recycling.
  • Offshore wind farms are more difficult and expensive to build than onshore ones due to the need for specialized vessels, equipment, and installation techniques.
  • These projects are often located in deep waters, requiring floating turbines, which are still in the experimental stages.

Government Initiatives

  • National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015): This policy was introduced to develop offshore wind energy potential in India, especially along the coastlines of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and other maritime regions.
  • National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on the development and expansion of wind energy in India. The target for wind energy capacity is set at 140 GW by 2030.
  • National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018): The main objective of the policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources.
  • Wind Resource Assessment: The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), conducts wind resource assessments to identify potential sites for wind energy generation across the country.
  • Wind Farm Development: The program promotes the development of wind power plants by providing financial incentives, including subsidies for setting up wind energy projects in identified areas.
  • Wind Energy Auctions (Competitive Bidding): The government conducts competitive auctions where developers submit bids for setting up wind power projects.
  • Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): This requires power distribution companies and large electricity consumers to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, encouraging the demand for renewable energy.
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General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Supreme Court ruled that an institution founded by a minority community retains its minority status even when recognized by statute.

Case Background

  • The judgment was in response to petitions seeking minority status for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
  • AMU’s minority status, established in 1875, was restored by the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981.
  • Petitioners challenged the 1967 S. Azeez Basha v. Union of India case, which had held that AMU could not be considered a minority institution.

Supreme Court’s Observations

  • Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud held that a minority institution could claim minority status, but the community must prove it was established to preserve its cultural identity.
  • Interpretation of Article 30(1): Article 30(1) allows religious and linguistic minorities to establish and manage educational institutions.
  • The Chief Justice classified Article 30(1) as anti-discriminatory and a “special rights” provision for minorities.
  • Legislation or actions that discriminate against minority institutions are invalid under Article 30(1).
  • Minority institutions are guaranteed autonomy in administration under this provision.
  • Scope of Minority Status: The protection under Article 30(1) also applies to universities established before the Constitution.
  • Institutions need not be exclusively for the minority community, but “predominantly” benefit them.
  • State Regulation: State regulation of minority institutions is allowed but must not infringe on their minority character.
  • Right to Administer: An institution’s minority character is not lost if management is not directly run by the founding community.
  • Minority institutions can appoint others to manage the institution, especially in specialized fields like law or medicine, to ensure educational values are emphasized.
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General Studies Paper-3

Context: A workshop on drone technology in fisheries was held at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

About Fisheries and Aquaculture sector

  • They are a key source of food, nutrition, employment, income, and foreign exchange.
  • Fish, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, helps combat hunger and malnutrition.
  • India’s Position in Fisheries: 2nd largest fish-producing nation, with ~8% of global production.
  • Top aquaculture producer, 3rd largest in capture fisheries, and a leading shrimp exporter.
  • Record Fish Production: Fish production grew from 7.52 lakh tonnes in 1950-51 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
  • Inland fisheries and aquaculture production doubled since 2013-14, reaching 131.33 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
  • Doubling of Exports: Seafood exports increased from Rs 30,213 crore (2013-14) to Rs 60,523.89 crore (2023-24), with the USA as the largest market.
  • The sector contributes 1.069% to National GVA and 6.86% to Agriculture GVA, with steady growth from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
  • Government Efforts: The Government of India has invested Rs 38,572 crore over the last decade to drive the Blue Revolution, transforming the fisheries sector.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): PMMSY focuses on sustainable, inclusive growth in fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Other initiatives include modern aquaculture practices, satellite monitoring, and the exploration of drone technology for various applications.

Technology in Fisheries

  • Efficient application of technology is essential for both fish production and utilization, covering fishing craft, gear, preservation, processing, and distribution.
  • Digital technologies like ICT, IoT, AI, machine learning, blockchain, and Cloud-edge computing can support the expansion and sustainability of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.
  • Drone Technology in Fisheries: Drones are used for water sampling, disease detection, feed management, aquaculture farm management, and fish marketing.
  • Underwater drones help monitor fish behavior and detect distress.

Importance

  • Increased Productivity: Technology enables fishermen to catch more fish with fewer resources and time.
  • Enhanced Safety: Real-time updates on weather and sea conditions reduce risks for fishermen.
  • Reduced Waste: Better storage and transportation reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more of the catch reaches consumers.
  • Sustainability: Monitoring tools can help prevent overfishing and encourage responsible practices.
  • Economic Upliftment: Improved efficiency and access to market data help fishermen earn better incomes.

Issues and Concerns

  • Slow development: Technological advancements in fishing and processing have been slow in India, relying largely on inshore, small-scale fishing methods
  • High Initial Cost: Many fishermen cannot afford the latest technologies, leading to inequalities within the sector.
  • Training and Adaptation: Many fishers need training to use new technologies effectively, which may be challenging for older generations or those with limited literacy.
  • Environmental Concerns: Certain technologies, if misused, can contribute to overfishing and disrupt marine ecosystems.
  • Dependency on Technology: Over-reliance on technological tools can make fishers vulnerable if the technology fails or requires maintenance.

Conclusion and Way Forward

  • Technology has great potential to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector, making it more productive, sustainable, and resilient.
  • However, the adoption of technology must be balanced with considerations of cost, environmental impact, and training to ensure long-term benefits for the sector and its stakeholders.
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General Studies Paper-3

Context: According to the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Portal, from 2014 to 2023, ₹1.84 lakh crore of CSR funds were disbursed.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • It involves companies taking responsibility for their impact on environmental and social well-being, working to improve society and reduce negative impacts.
  • India’s CSR Mandate: India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013.
  • It requires companies to undertake social welfare projects.
  • It aims to advance sustainable development goals and foster public-private partnerships to drive India’s transformation.

Thrust Areas for CSR Initiatives

  • Education: Investments in schools, scholarships, educational resources, and infrastructure improvements, especially in underserved communities.
  • Health: Improving healthcare access through hospital construction, mobile clinics, and telemedicine for underserved areas.
  • Employment: Creating job opportunities, skill training, and inclusive hiring to support marginalized groups.
  • Skill Development: Programs for technical and vocational training, apprenticeships, and certifications.
  • Sports: Supporting sports events, building facilities, and promoting participation among youth and marginalized groups.
  • Livelihood: Enhancing livelihoods with support for income-generating activities, microfinance, and sustainable practices.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Reducing ecological impact through conservation, eco-friendly practices, and resource management.

Need in Agriculture sector

  • Agriculture employs nearly 47% of India’s workforce and contributes 16.73% to GDP.
  • However, challenges include natural resource degradation, stagnant farmer incomes, and climate threats.

CSR Contributions to Agriculture

  • Many companies are focusing CSR efforts on climate action and sustainability in agriculture.
  • An outlook report showed that 23% of surveyed companies prioritize “environment and sustainability” for CSR.
  • CSR funds support agriculture through projects like grain banks, farmer schools, livelihood projects, water conservation, and energy-efficient irrigation.

Main Challenges

  • There is no precise way to track CSR funds specifically targeted at agriculture due to a lack of categorization in reporting mechanisms.
  • Agricultural sustainability-related CSR activities can fall under 11 sectors listed in Schedule VII of the Companies Act. These categories are broad, making it hard to track agriculture-specific CSR spending.

Future Recommendations

  • Developing a sector-specific CSR reporting framework would help address agricultural sustainability needs effectively and support India’s sustainable growth and just transition goals.
  • To ensure effective funding and impact, agriculture should be specified as a distinct sector in CSR reporting.

This would enhance targeting, transparency, and assessment of CSR contributions to agriculture.

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General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited proposals for setting up ‘Centres of Excellence (CoE) under Research and Development (R&D) Scheme’ of ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’.

About the Centres of Excellence for Research and Development on Green Hydrogen

  • It is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to propel India towards a low-carbon economy and enhance energy independence.
  • The primary objective is to create world-class ‘Centres of Excellence’ that will serve as hubs for cutting-edge research, skill development, and knowledge dissemination in the field of Green Hydrogen.
  • These centres aim to advance technologies related to the production, storage, and utilisation of Green Hydrogen, thereby accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Key Features of the Initiative

  • Integrated Research: The CoEs will facilitate integrated research covering multiple areas within the Green Hydrogen value chain.
  • It includes innovations in production methods, storage solutions, and utilisation technologies.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships: The initiative encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry, academia, and government bodies.
  • Public and private entities, research institutions, and universities are expected to form partnerships to submit proposals.
  • Funding and Support: The government has allocated Rs 100 crores for setting up these centres under the Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • It aims to support the establishment and operationalization of the CoEs, ensuring they have the necessary resources to drive significant advancements in Green Hydrogen technologies.
  • Long-term Goals: The National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30, aims to contribute to India’s goal of becoming Aatma Nirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy.
  • The mission is expected to lead to substantial decarbonization of the economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and position India as a leader in Green Hydrogen technology and market.

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhance Innovation: By fostering a collaborative environment, the CoEs will drive innovations that improve process efficiencies and lead to the development of new products.
  • Promote Sustainability: Advancements in Green Hydrogen technologies will contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
  • Boost Economic Growth: The initiative will create new opportunities for research and development, leading to job creation and economic growth in the clean energy sector.

Conclusion

  • The Government of India’s call for proposals to set up Centres of Excellence for Green Hydrogen R&D marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable and energy-independent future.
  • By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, these centres will play a crucial role in advancing Green Hydrogen technologies and positioning India as a global leader in clean energy innovation.
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General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation restricting social media access for children under 16, aiming to mitigate potential harms associated with online platforms.

Social Media

  • Social media refers to online platforms where people create, share, and exchange information and ideas. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Harmful effects of social media on children

  • Mental Health Issues: Increases anxiety, depression, and risk of cyberbullying.
  • Sleep Disturbance: Poor sleep quality and screen addiction.
  • Academic Impact Reduces focus, leading to lower grades and procrastination.
  • Social Skills Decline: Less face-to-face interaction weakens social skills.
  • Body Image Issues: Causes body dissatisfaction and self-esteem problems.
  • Privacy Risks: Exposure to inappropriate content and data privacy threats.
  • Materialism: Influencer culture promotes unrealistic lifestyles and self doubts.

Social Media Regulation in India

  • In India, social media regulation is governed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023.

IT Rules 2021:

  • Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A three-level grievance redressal system has been established, allowing users to report concerns. Each platform must respond to complaints within a specified time frame.
  • Disclosure of Origin: Social media platforms are required to reveal the first originator of a controversial or harmful message when requested by a court or authorized government agency. This rule helps track the spread of misinformation or harmful content.
  • Chief Compliance Officer: All social media intermediaries must appoint a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), a resident of India, to ensure the platform’s adherence to local laws and respond to legal requirements.
  • Voluntary Verification: Significant social media platforms must provide an option for users to voluntarily verify their accounts, promoting trustworthiness on the platform.

Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023:

  • Section 9: Governs children’s data under age 18 with three conditions:
  • Parental Consent: Requires verifiable consent from parents/guardians.
  • Well-being Focus: Data processing must prioritize child well-being.
  • No Targeted Advertising: Restricts tracking and behavioral advertising targeting children.

Global Social Media Regulations for Children

  • China: Restricts daily internet use based on age, with limitations ranging from 40 minutes to two hours per day, and bans internet use for minors from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  • European Union: Proposed a ban on internet access without parental consent for children under 16. Imposes strict data privacy controls, setting a benchmark for user data protection worldwide.
  • South Korea: Enacted the Cinderella Law in 2011, which banned children under 16 from online gaming from midnight to 6 AM, aimed at reducing internet addiction. The law was abolished in 2021.
  • France: Requires parental authorization for children under 15 to access social media.
  • Earnings of influencers under 16 are protected from parental access until the child reaches 16.

Issues with Banning Social Media for Children

  • Enforcement Difficulties: Digital age restrictions are hard to enforce; children can find ways to bypass them.
  • Parental Burden: Age restrictions place an added burden on parents, especially where digital literacy is low, making it difficult for them to monitor children’s activities effectively.
  • Freedom of Expression: Banning social media restricts children’s rights to express themselves and access diverse information.
  • Benefits of Social Media: Provides community support, promotes learning, and keeps children informed about global issues and trends.

Way Ahead

  • Enhanced Age Verification Technologies: Implement advanced, reliable age-verification tools that can accurately restrict children’s access based on regulatory requirements.
  • Parental Involvement and Digital Literacy Programs: Introduce widespread digital literacy programs for parents and guardians, especially in regions with low digital awareness.
  • Stricter Data Privacy and Content Moderation Policies: Reinforce data privacy for minors by updating policies to ensure their personal information remains protected.
  • Integrated Digital Literacy in School Curricula: Schools can play a crucial role by integrating digital literacy into the curriculum, helping children understand the ethical and safe use of social media.
  • Emphasis on Mental Health Support: Develop support systems within schools and communities to address the mental health impacts of social media use on children.
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