General Studies Paper-3

CONTEXT: Recently, experts stressed  the urgent need for strong national space laws for India to support exploration, innovation, and commercialisation in space.

About

• The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits national claims over space and holds states accountable for all space activities, including those by private entities.
• The treaty and its companions outline key principles but they are not self-enforcing.
• According to United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) officials, national legislation is essential to implement these principles, offering legal clarity, predictability, and responsible growth of space sectors.
  • Many countries now have national space legislation. Japan, Luxembourg, and the U.S. have enacted frameworks to facilitate licensing, liability coverage, and commercial rights over space activities.

India’s approach to space legislation

• India’s space legislation follows a deliberate, phased approach, focusing first on technical regulations to enable commercial space operations in compliance with Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty.
• This has led to key regulatory instruments such as the Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry, the Indian Space Policy (2023), and the IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures, which collectively facilitate the authorisation of non-governmental space activities.
• India has ratified the key UN space treaties but it is still in the process of enacting comprehensive national space legislation.

Importance of National Space Law for India

• Regulate Private Sector and Protect National Security – India’s growing private space industry lacks clear legal guidelines on licensing, liability, and dispute resolution.
  • Legal oversight is needed to safeguard sensitive technologies, prevent espionage, and address space militarization.
• Meet International Commitments – A domestic law would enforce compliance with global treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention.
• Enable Commercial Growth – A clear legal framework would boost investor confidence, insurance markets, and innovation in space tech.
• Ensure Sustainability and Ethics – Laws are essential to manage space debris, orbital congestion, and promote responsible exploration.

What are industry perspectives?

• Industry leaders highlight the urgent need for a robust national space law to address operational challenges and regulatory gaps.
• Leaders stressed the importance of granting statutory authority to IN-SPACe, clearly defining licensing procedures, easing FDI norms, and establishing liability and insurance frameworks.
• There should be protection of intellectual property, better inter-ministerial coordination, enforceable rules on space debris and accidents, and an independent appellate body.

Way Ahead

• India’s advancing space ambitions—human spaceflight, lunar missions, and a national space station—require a strong legal framework.
  • Without it, the country’s strategic and commercial goals risk being compromised. A national space law is essential for safeguarding India’s sovereignty and future in space.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• India’s External Affairs Minister visited Moscow for the 26th Session of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

About

• EAM is on a three-day visit to Russia, taking place against the backdrop of strained India-US relations following tariffs on Indian goods.
• The visit comes amid the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Russian President during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
• Additionally, discussions are ongoing about a potential visit by the Russian President to India later this year.

Agenda & Proposals

• Aim: To strengthen the trade partnership and address the $58.9 billion trade deficit resulting from India’s increased oil imports from Russia.
• Addressing barriers: Removal of tariff & non-tariff barriers.
• Connectivity boost: Boosting regional connectivity through major routes, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Northern Sea Route, Chennai–Vladivostok corridor.
• Trade diversification: Streamlining payment mechanisms, early conclusion of India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) FTA.
• Business engagement: More intensive B2B contacts; encourage Russian companies to invest in Make in India opportunities.
• Strategic Targets:
  • Revised trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
  • Strengthening of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Major Concern of India

• Increased Trade Imbalance: In the last four years, India–Russia trade in goods has surged from USD 3 billion in 2021 to USD 68 billion in 2024–25, but the trade deficit has also widened sharply from USD 6.6 billion to USD 58.9 billion.
• Trade Balance & Market Diversification: US is one of India’s largest export destinations, higher tariffs could worsen India’s trade deficit with the US unless India finds alternative markets.
• Energy Security Pressure: Additional 25% penalty on Russian oil purchases directly impacts India’s strategy of securing affordable energy imports, it may force India to pay higher prices for non-Russian oil, affecting inflation and current account balance.
• Diplomatic Strain in Strategic Partnerships: Tariffs undermine the India–US Strategic Partnership, especially in the context of:
  • QUAD cooperation (Indo-Pacific).
  • Defence technology and co-production.
  • Semiconductor and critical tech collaboration.
• Risk of Trade Wars: India might be pushed to retaliate with counter-tariffs, risking an escalating trade war.
  • Could disrupt India’s broader goal of positioning itself as a reliable global trade hub.

How India–Russia Partnership Can Help India Overcome US Tariff Challenges?

• Energy Security and Cost Advantage: Russian crude oil imports at discounted rates help India keep its energy basket stable despite US penalties.
  • This reduces import costs, controlling inflation and giving exporters a competitive edge against higher US tariffs.
• Market Diversification: Russia (and the wider Eurasian region) offers alternative markets for Indian exports reducing over-dependence on the US.
  • The proposed India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) FTA can provide preferential access to a large market across Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• Connectivity & Logistics Advantage: Projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, and Northern Sea Route can reduce transport time and costs for exports to Europe and Central Asia. This offsets the loss of competitiveness caused by US tariffs.
• Trade in National Currencies & Payment Mechanisms: Strengthening rupee–ruble settlement systems shields India from dollar-dominated trade restrictions imposed by the US.
• Defence & Strategic Tech Cooperation: Russia continues to be a key supplier of defence technology and nuclear energy cooperation, areas where the US could impose restrictions.
  • Strong ties with Russia ensure India maintains strategic autonomy and is not dependent on the US for critical technologies.
• Industrial & Manufacturing Opportunities: Russia’s raw material exports (energy, fertilizers, metals) combined with India’s manufacturing base can foster joint ventures under “Make in India.”
  • This creates new value chains that reduce reliance on Western-dominated supply networks vulnerable to tariffs.
• Strategic Balancing in Geopolitics: Deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia sends a signal to the US that India has viable alternatives.
  • This can improve India’s negotiating position in seeking tariff relief from the US.

Conclusion

• The India–Russia partnership provides India with energy security, market diversification, and strategic autonomy at a time of tariff and geopolitical pressure from the US.
• By leveraging Russian ties, India can reduce vulnerability to American trade restrictions while continuing to pursue its long-term trade target of $100 billion with Russia by 2030.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: In August 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India, including a 25% penalty related to India’s oil purchases from Russia.

India’s vulnerabilities in the global system.

• S. tariffs averaged 2–3% for two decades until April 2024 but the new hike marks a sharp departure.
• In return for tariff relaxation, the U.S. is demanding greater market access, especially for agricultural and dairy products, which could hurt Indian farmers.
• Despite being a U.S. ally, India faces steeper tariffs than China (now reduced to 30%).
• The tariff war highlights India’s vulnerabilities in the global system.

China’s influence

• China’s dominance stems from its massive production capacity and technological prowess.
• China holds 36.3% of global textile exports and 24.9% in machinery/electricals; India lags at 4.4% and 0.9% respectively.
• Initial 145% tariffs on China were reduced after diplomatic engagement.

Consequences for India

• Comparative Disadvantage: Indian exports (e.g., textiles) now face higher tariffs than competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh, making them uncompetitive.
• Trade Deficit Risk:S. export earnings are vital for India’s external balance; tariffs threaten this inflow.
• Sectoral Vulnerability: Textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services may suffer job and income losses.
• Investment Implications: Continued tariff instability may deter global firms from shifting supply chains to India.

 India’s Policy Options

• Engage with the U.S. to recalibrate tariffs and protect strategic sectors.
• Leverage WTO and regional blocs to contest discriminatory trade practices.
• Shift from export-led to demand-driven growth via rising wages and consumption.
• Boost public spending to build human capital and resilience.
• Invest in high-value sectors (tech, pharma, clean energy) to reduce dependence on low-wage competitiveness.
• Role of youth : Indian immigrants in the U.S. have Excelled in education, technology, and entrepreneurship and Contributed to U.S. technological and economic dominance.
• Restricting Indian talent from U.S. jobs or visas could hurt U.S. interests long-term.
• Ensure equitable access to opportunities to prevent social fragmentation.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• A robust domestic market, empowered youth, and innovation-led growth are India’s best defence against global economic turbulence.
• This requires rapid increases in wages, incomes, and investment in high-value, tech-driven industries.
• India’s 120 million youth (15–29 years) can power a knowledge economy and therefore there is a need to expand vocational training, STEM education, and digital literacy.
• Harness diaspora networks for technology transfer and global influence.

General Studies Paper -2

Context

• Recently India-China held the 24th round of India-China Special Representative talks.

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue

• Trade and Connectivity:
  • Resumption of direct flights between India and China, facilitation of visas for tourists, businesses, media, and others.
  • Re-opening of border trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.
  • Facilitation of trade and investment flows, with China addressing India’s key concerns such as fertilisers, rare earths, tunnel boring machines.
• People-to-People Engagement:
  • Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and discussion on cultural exchanges.
  • Plan to hold the 3rd High-Level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in India in 2026.
• Trans-Border Rivers Cooperation:
  • China agreed to share hydrological data during emergency situations.
  • India flagged concerns about China’s mega dam construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).

Significance of the Visit

• The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China and both sides committed to commemorating this milestone with renewed cooperation.
• India–China Reset: The rapprochement comes after years of military and diplomatic freeze post-2020 clashes.
• The Kazan meeting in 2024 between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping is seen as a turning point.
• Geopolitical Backdrop: The rapprochement is significant as India faces deteriorating trade ties with the U.S., following recent tariffs imposed by the USA.
• Multipolarity Push: Both India and China emphasised the need for a multipolar world order, reflecting a shared interest in resisting unilateralism and Western dominance.

Challenges Ahead

• Boundary issues: Despite mechanisms, the fundamental border dispute remains unresolved.
• Trust Deficit: Despite stabilisation, the Galwan incident and repeated border violations since 2013 (Depsang, Doklam, Pangong Tso) keep Indian policymakers wary.
• China’s Activities on Brahmaputra: India remains cautious about ecological and security impacts of mega dam projects.
• Global Alignments: India’s strategic balancing between the U.S., Russia, and China remains delicate.
• China–Pakistan Factor: India remains concerned about China’s closeness with Pakistan, especially under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

Way Ahead

• Advance Border Dialogue: Prioritise early progress on boundary delimitation and phased de-escalation at the LAC to ensure lasting peace and stability.
• Balanced Economic Cooperation: Trade and investment flows should be mutually beneficial, avoiding over-dependence.
• Transparency on Rivers: Build trust through open data-sharing and cooperation on trans-boundary water projects to safeguard ecological and security interests.
• Strengthen Multilateral Cooperation: Leverage forums like SCO, BRICS, and G20 to promote multipolarity, global governance reforms, and the interests of the Global South.

Concluding remarks

• India–China relations are at a cautious but promising juncture. While structural challenges like the unresolved border persist, recent agreements mark a constructive reset.
• Guided by mutual respect and sensitivity, stable ties between the two Asian giants could contribute significantly to regional peace, economic revitalisation, and the shaping of a multipolar world order.

General Studies Paper -2

Context

• Against the backdrop of BRICS 2026 in India, a stronger India–Africa–UAE (IAU) trilateral framework is emerging with the entry of new members including the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia in the group.

Background

• The India-Africa-UAE trilateral partnership is an evolving concept focused on strengthening economic cooperation and connectivity, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
• Back in 2019, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation in Africa.
• The evolution is reflected in initiatives such as the Bharat Africa Setu, conceptualised in 2025.
• It is a trade ecosystem launched by India and DP World (UAE) to double India–Africa trade by leveraging logistics, export finance, and certification services.

Existing Bilateral Ties

• India and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022.
  • Aim: Raise non-oil trade to US$ 100 billion annually by 2027. Already, bilateral trade has reached US$57.8 billion in non-oil trade (US$85 billion including oil).
  • Sectors unlocked: Renewable energy, civil nuclear cooperation, fintech, logistics, aviation, food security, critical minerals, space, and advanced technologies.
  • UAE and Africa: Gulf countries invested over US$100 billion in Africa (2012–2022), with the UAE leading the pack.
  • UAE investments surpass those of China, France, and the UK, extending beyond traditional sectors into food parks, agri-tech, fintech, and renewable energy.
  • The UAE is also backing new economic zones in key African states, such as the digital incubator ecosystem in Ghana.
• India and Africa: India has long-standing cultural and historical ties with African countries, but current trade levels remain modest. Africa accounts for 6% of India’s exports and 5.6% of imports.
• Demographic synergy: India’s demographic dividend peaks by 2041 whereas Africa will see over 60% of its population in working age by 2050, making it the next global growth hub.

Pillars of the IAU Trilateral Cooperation

• Industrial and Technological Cooperation
  • Co-development in agritech, edtech, fintech, AI-based learning, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Platforms for joint intellectual property, innovation sandboxes, and start-up exchanges.
  • Bharat Mart (Dubai) will provide Indian SMEs and women-led enterprises a global export hub.
• Investment and Financing Collaboration
  • Integration of India’s GIFT City, UAE’s DIFC, and emerging African hubs (Lagos/Kigali/Nairobi) for seamless capital flows.
  • Potential joint investment fund for SMEs, startups, and infrastructure.
  • Cross-border digital payment integration through UPI–RuPay connectivity.
• Research, Vocational and Academic Partnerships
  • Academic partnerships, fellowship exchanges, and vocational upskilling.
  • Growing number of African students in India and institutional tie-ups with UAE universities.
  • Cultural festivals, tourism exchanges, and heritage commerce.

Strategic and Geopolitical Significance

• Leadership in the Global South: The trilateral framework represents a fresh model of South–South cooperation, showcasing how emerging powers can shape global governance.
• Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: By diversifying trade and connectivity routes, the partnership helps reduce excessive reliance on Western-dominated or China-centric supply chains.
• Enhanced Security Collaboration: The three regions can work together on maritime safety in the Indian Ocean, as well as emerging domains like cyber defense and counter-terrorism.

Challenges Ahead

• Economic Asymmetries: Bridging the development gap between the UAE and less-developed African economies.
• Political Coordination: Harmonising diverse governance models and policy priorities.
• Global Competition: Ensuring visibility amid forums like G20, IPEF, and ASEAN.
• Logistical Constraints: Large-scale connectivity projects across three continents face financing and coordination hurdles.

Concluding remarks

• At a time when the world is scrambling for resources and transactional partnerships are on the rise, the India, Africa and UAE trilateral offers a framework that is both practical and principled.
• In this Afro–Asian Century, such an initiative reflects the need for emerging economies to reshape development models and build resilient, diversified partnerships and supply chains that reduce vulnerability to global disruptions.

General Studies Paper -3

CONTEXT: The recent Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla journey to ISS marks India’s ascent as a major space power, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and embracing the philosophy of Vishwabandhu Bharat in the space sector.

Dimensions of India’s Space Programme

• Scientific & Technological Dimension:
  • Cost-effective innovation: India’s missions, such as Chandrayaan-3, succeeded in lunar landing at about 1/10th the cost of global peers; the ISS research mission was also completed at a fraction of international costs.
  • Indigenous R&D: Development of launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV Mk-III), navigation (NavIC), and cryogenic technology showcases India’s self-reliance.
• Economic Dimension:
  • Space Economy: Currently worth ~$8 billion, India’s space sector is projected to reach $40 billion by 2040.
  • Startup ecosystem: Home to over 300 startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Pixxel, supported by IN-SPACe and NSIL.
  • Satellite services: Drive growth in broadband (OneWeb, Jio-Satellite), agriculture, logistics, and financial inclusion.
• Diplomatic & Global Dimension (Vishwabandhu Bharat):
  • South-South cooperation: India provides satellites and launch services to African and Asian nations (e.g., GSAT-9 “South Asia Satellite”).
  • International collaborations: Key projects with NASA (NISAR mission), Artemis Accords, and partnerships with France, Russia, SpaceX, and Axiom Space.
  • Soft power: India is recognized as a responsible, affordable space launch provider fostering goodwill worldwide.
• Social & Developmental Dimension:
  • Health & education: Telemedicine and tele-education programs connect rural India via INSAT satellites.
  • Agriculture: Satellite-based yield forecasting, soil moisture mapping, and precision farming increase productivity.
  • Disaster management: Real-time alerts and tracking (INSAT, RISAT) bolster climate resilience.
  • Urban planning: Remote sensing and GIS underpin smart city development.
  • Inclusivity: Spaces technology benefits extend beyond urban areas, supporting rural and marginalized communities.
• Security & Strategic Dimension:
  • Indigenous navigation: NavIC ensures India is not reliant on foreign navigation systems.
  • Military use: Development of military communication and surveillance satellites; dual-use technologies enhance security.
  • ASAT Test (2019): Demonstration of anti-satellite capability established deterrence in space.
  • Geopolitical leverage: Strategic autonomy enhanced vis-à-vis the US, China, and Russia.

Challenges

• Rising competition from private global giants (SpaceX, Blue Origin, etc.).
• Space debris and orbital congestion issues.
• Low R&D investment.
• Balancing commercialization with national security.
• Need for clear regulatory frameworks for startups and FDI.

Way Forward

• Increase R&D investment to meet global benchmarks.
• Facilitate private sector participation with simplified procedures.
• Enhance space diplomacy—especially with the Global South and major powers.
• Prioritize sustainability and responsible use of outer space.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• India’s evolving Africa diplomacy took a strategic turn with the Prime Minister’s visit to Namibia, reflecting a focus on empathy and mutual respect beyond policy.

About India–Namibia Relations

• Historical Foundations: India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the UN as early as 1946. Key milestones include:
• Hosting South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO)’s first overseas diplomatic mission in New Delhi in 1986.
• Gen. Diwan Prem Chand of the Indian Army leading UN peacekeeping forces during Namibia’s transition to independence (1989–90).
• Upgrading India’s observer mission to a full High Commission on Namibia’s Independence Day in 1990.
• Strategic Cooperation: India’s recent diplomatic push, marked by PM visit to Namibia in July 2025, has revitalized bilateral ties. Key outcomes include:
  • Signing of MoUs on health, entrepreneurship, biofuels, and disaster resilience.
  • Namibia’s adoption of India’s UPI—a first in Africa.
  • Establishment of the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT and the ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia’s Ongwediva campus.
  • Namibia joined the Global Biofuels Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
  • Strategic Advantage to India: Namibia’s location in southwestern Africa, with access to the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to key regional players like South Africa, Angola, and Zambia, makes it a vital node for India’s outreach to the continent.
  • Its stable political environment and democratic institutions offer a reliable platform for long-term cooperation.
• Economic and Commercial Ties: Bilateral trade reached approximately US$813 million in 2023–24, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery, and chemicals, while importing non-ferrous metals and minerals.
  • Namibia is a key partner in India’s quest for critical minerals, particularly uranium, essential for clean energy transitions.
• Capacity Building and Development Assistance: Namibia is a beneficiary of India’s ITEC programme, with training provided to:
  • Defence personnel and helicopter pilots;
  • Health officials working on AIDS control;
  • Civilian professionals and diplomats;
• Multilateral Alignment: Namibia supports India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and collaborates on platforms like the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, and G20.
  • Both nations advocate for reforming global governance to reflect the aspirations of the Global South.
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Yoga is widely practiced in Namibia, and cultural events like Sanskriti, Ayurveda Day, and Republic Day celebrations foster deeper connections.
• The India-Namibia Friendship Association plays a key role in promoting cultural exchange.

Key Concerns and Challenges

• Episodic Engagement and Diplomatic Gaps: India’s Africa outreach has often been marked by long diplomatic lapses.
  • The recent visit by India’s Prime Minister — the first in nearly three decades — contrasted with the consistent presence of other global powers, raising concerns about sustained commitment.
• Modest Trade and Economic Ties: Key sectors like mining, energy, and digital infrastructure are underutilized, and negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement with SACU (Southern African Customs Union) are still ongoing.
• Missed Opportunities in Critical Minerals: Namibia is a leading producer of uranium and other strategic minerals, but no major agreements were signed during the visit to secure supply chains.
  • India’s clean energy ambitions require resilient access to such resources, making this a critical gap.
• Implementation Challenges: While MoUs were signed in health and entrepreneurship, effective implementation remains uncertain.
  • India’s development projects in Africa have sometimes faced delays or lacked follow-through, risking credibility and impact.
• Global Competition and Strategic Pressure: India’s engagement needs to navigate growing competition from China, which has a deep footprint in Africa through infrastructure, loans, and mineral deals.
  • India’s model — based on respect and co-development — needs to be scaled effectively to compete with more resource-intensive approaches.
• Capacity Constraints and Institutional Gaps: Namibia’s tech readiness is promising, but institutional capacity to absorb and scale Indian innovations like UPI may require sustained support.
  • Long-term success depends on building local expertise and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• India–Namibia relations is exemplified by India’s vision of South-South Cooperation:
  • Focuses on mutual benefit, not donor-recipient dynamics;
  • Prioritizes knowledge sharing, human resource development, and institutional capacity;
  • Aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and India’s role as ‘Voice of the Global South’.
• India–Namibia relations are a microcosm of India’s evolving Africa strategy — grounded in history, driven by technology, and guided by shared values. It requires:
  • Consistent high-level engagement;
  • Strategic agreements in critical sectors;
  • Robust implementation of development projects;
  • Navigating global competition with a clear value proposition;
• As India expands its footprint across the African continent, Namibia stands as a strategic ally and a symbol of what respectful, resilient, and reciprocal partnerships can achieve.

Impact of Ethanol Blending

Context: India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) in 2025, five years earlier than the 2030 target set under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018).

• The government highlights significant benefits including reduced oil imports, enhanced farmer incomes, and lower carbon dioxide emissions. However, concerns remain over consumer dissatisfaction regarding mileage drop, agricultural sustainability issues etc.

About EBP

• Launched: Pilot in 2003; expanded under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018).
• Target: Achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2030, achieved in 2025.
• Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Objectives:
  • Reduce India’s heavy reliance (~85%) on crude oil imports.
  • Provide assured markets and improve farmer incomes.
  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions by substituting fossil fuels.
  • Feedstock: Sugarcane (molasses and juice), rice, maize/corn, damaged food grains.

Key Concerns

• Consumer Issues:
  • Drop in Mileage: LocalCircles survey found 67% of petrol vehicle owners opposed E20, citing lower fuel efficiency and increased maintenance costs.
  • Limited Price Benefit: Despite a 65% fall in global crude oil prices since 2022-23, petrol prices have been cut by only about 2%, raising doubts about cost savings passed to consumers.
• Agricultural Sustainability:
  • Water-Intensive Crop: Sugarcane consumes 60–70 tonnes of water per tonne, contributing to groundwater depletion, particularly in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land area is degraded, partly due to unsustainable agricultural practices.
  • Food vs Fuel Dilemma: Diverting rice and corn for ethanol (34% of corn output used for ethanol in 2024–25, along with record rice allocation) has led to increased corn imports, affecting food security.

Way Forward

• Diversify Feedstock: Shift away from sugarcane to alternative sources such as maize, bamboo, and agricultural residues to reduce environmental impact.
• Consumer Protection: Implement tax incentives or compensation as recommended by NITI Aayog to address concerns over fuel efficiency drop.
• Balanced Energy Strategy: Use ethanol as a transitional or bridge fuel while aggressively scaling up EV adoption backed by renewable energy-supported charging infrastructure.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Recently, the Union Government approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to support employment generation. However, it raises concerns regarding its design, target population, and its potential to reinforce, rather than reduce, existing labour market inequalities.

Brief About Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

• Target: Creation of over 3.5 crore jobs across sectors, with a special focus on manufacturing.
• Total Outlay: ₹99,446 crore;
  • It is part of a broader ₹2 lakh crore package announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 to support employment, skilling, and entrepreneurship for over 4.1 crore youth.
  • It is administered by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and coordinated with EPFO for tracking and disbursement.
• Objectives of the ELI Scheme:
  • Boost employment generation across all sectors;
  • Enhance employability of youth;
  • Extend social security coverage;
  • Incentivize formal job creation, especially in manufacturing;

Structure of the ELI Scheme

• Part A: Incentives for First-Time Employees:
• Eligibility: First-time employees registered with EPFO;
• Benefit: One month’s EPF wage (up to ₹15,000), paid in two installments:
  • 1st installment after 6 months of service;
  • 2nd installment after 12 months and completion of a financial literacy program;
• Savings Component: A portion of the incentive will be deposited in a savings instrument, accessible after a fixed period;
• Target Beneficiaries:92 crore youth entering the workforce for the first time.
• Part B: Incentives for Employers:
• Eligibility: Employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh;
• Benefit: Up to ₹3,000 per month per employee for 2 years;
• Extended Incentives: For the manufacturing sector, benefits continue for 3rd and 4th years;
• Condition: Employment must be sustained for at least 6 months;

Expected Outcome

• Formalization of Workforce: Encourages EPFO registration and social security coverage;
• Youth Empowerment: Supports financial literacy and savings habits;
• Sectoral Growth: Prioritizes manufacturing to stimulate industrial employment

Key Criticisms / Problems in ELI Scheme

• Employer-Centric Approach: ELI Scheme channels fiscal incentives to employers — particularly in manufacturing — without adequately addressing the skill mismatch between available workers and industry demands.
  • It risks strengthening employer bargaining power and widening wage gaps, especially for low-skilled and informal workers.
• Capital-Labour Asymmetry: ELI scheme may reinforce existing capital-labour imbalances, prioritising firm-level growth over equitable labour market outcomes, by mimicking capital subsidies.
• Skill Mismatch: India’s labour market problem extends beyond job scarcity to acute employability gaps:
  • Only 8.25% of graduates work in jobs matching their qualifications.
  • Over 53% of graduates and 36% of postgraduates are underemployed.
  • Only 4.9% of youth (15–29 years) have formal vocational training.
• Wage Disparities:
  • Just 4.2% of graduates in specialized roles earn ₹4–8 lakh annually.
  • Nearly 46% in low-skill jobs earn less than ₹1 lakh per year.
• Exclusion of the Informal Sector: The scheme favours firms registered with the EPFO, thereby excluding 90% of the workforce employed in the informal sector.
  • It sidelines the majority of workers from benefits and risks deepening the formal-informal divide.
• Risk of Disguised Unemployment: The subsidy design may incentivise enterprises to reclassify existing jobs as ‘new’ to claim benefits, fostering disguised unemployment and low productivity—particularly in agriculture and informal services.
• Sectoral Blind Spots: Manufacturing receives disproportionate focus, despite its declining employment elasticity due to automation and capital intensity.
  • With manufacturing contributing less than 13% of total employment, this bias neglects the 70% of workers in agriculture and services — sectors where women, rural youth, and informal workers are concentrated.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Skills and Education: Investment in vocational training, education reform, and industry-relevant skilling is essential to bridge the employability gap and improve job quality.
• Inclusive Policy Design: Employment incentives must extend to informal sector workers, with mechanisms for social security, formal contracts, and rights protection.
• Focus on Sustainable Employment: Policies should shift from short-term job headcounts to long-term strategies that enhance productivity, preserve labour rights, and reduce inequalities.

Conclusion

• The ELI Scheme, while well-intentioned, risks entrenching structural labour market inequalities if it continues to privilege employers and formal sector firms without addressing skill deficits, sectoral realities, and the informal economy’s needs.
• A balanced, inclusive, and skill-focused strategy is critical for genuine and sustainable employment generation in India.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Technological advancements, such as the complete switchover to digital systems, reveal the unintended consequences of over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools.

India’s Digital Push

• India’s ambitious digital transformation in education — accelerated by the pandemic and sustained by policy — has undeniably reshaped classrooms.
• India’s digital push democratizes learning from smartboards and tablets to online assessments and virtual learning platforms.

Vision and Policy Framework

• The digital education drive is anchored in the Digital India initiative and reinforced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes:
• Equitable access to technology;
• Multilingual digital content;
• Teacher empowerment through ICT;
• Integration of AI and emerging tech in pedagogy;
• Role of AI and EdTech: AI is reshaping classrooms by:
  • Assisting teachers with lesson planning and assessments;
  • Offering personalized learning paths based on student performance;
• Supporting regional language content for inclusivity.
• In Bengaluru, AI-enabled voice tools like Tara are helping first-generation learners improve English skills, showing how tech can complement traditional teaching.

Key Efforts: Digital Push in Education

• Union Budget (2025): It reinforced India’s commitment to emerging technologies:
  • ₹500 crore allocated for AI in education;
  • 10,000 fellowships for deep-tech research;
• Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs and Centres of Excellence.
• Additionally, over 56,000 smart classrooms and 2,600+ computer labs have been set up in government schools to strengthen digital infrastructure.
• Digital India: It is aimed to bridge the digital divide and make technology a tool for inclusive development, from rural villages to urban metros. It was conceived with three core objectives:
  • Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen;
  • Governance and Services on Demand;
  • Digital Empowerment of Citizens;
• Other efforts like PM e-Vidya Programme, DIKSHA, SWAYAM, ePathshala, NISHTHA, and Atal Tinkering Labs fuel the digital push for education in India.

Challenges and Gaps

• Digital & Access Divide: Only 32.4% of schools have functional computers; rural areas lag behind.
• Millions of students still lack access to smartphones, laptops, or reliable internet.
• ASER Survey (2021) found that nearly 30% of students in rural India had no access to a smartphone at home.
• Infrastructural Deficits: Many schools lack basic amenities like safe classrooms and toilets.
  • Erratic power supply and poor network coverage make digital learning inconsistent, even when devices are available.
• Language and Literacy Barriers: Many platforms are English-centric, leaving non-English speakers and first-generation learners struggling to engage.
• Teacher Training: Limited ICT training hampers effective tech integration.
• Data Privacy: Concerns over student data collection and AI surveillance remain

Empathy Deficit: When Tech Overshadows Human Connection

• Education is about connection, care, and understanding, along with content delivery.
• Empathy, once the cornerstone of good teaching, risks being sidelined in the race for digital efficiency.
• Teacher-Student Disconnect: Virtual platforms limit spontaneous interactions, making it harder for teachers to gauge emotional cues or offer personalized support.
• Mental Health Strain: Isolation, screen fatigue, and pressure to perform digitally have taken a toll on students’ mental well-being.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Algorithms and standardized modules often ignore individual learning styles, cultural contexts, and emotional needs.

Case Study: Hidden Cost of Digital-First Approach

• Maharashtra Anganwadi Case: An Anganwadi in Maharashtra recently introduced AI-powered equipment and digital devices to aid early learning. A three years old child confidently used an interactive smart board, while another explored a virtual jungle via an AI headset
  • However, such initiatives risk detaching young children from real-world experiences vital for cognitive and emotional growth.
  • Early childhood education already suffers from low priority; replacing relational, sensory-based learning with virtual tools could erode developmental foundations.
• Impact on Teachers: From pre-school to university, digital solutions are reshaping education, often diminishing teachers’ professional autonomy.
• Limited training and systemic neglect mean that teachers are increasingly sidelined in favor of automated systems, further weakening the education ecosystem.

Way Forward: Rethinking the Digital Push

• Hybrid Models: Blending digital tools with traditional teaching can ensure inclusivity and preserve human connection.
• Localized Content: Platforms must offer multilingual, culturally relevant material to engage diverse learners.
• Teacher Training in Empathy: Digital literacy should go hand-in-hand with emotional intelligence training for educators.
• Community-Based Access: Shared digital hubs in villages and urban slums can democratize access where personal devices are scarce.