General Studies Paper 3

Context

• India’s next Census in 2027 is set to retain the 2011 definition of “urban,” as announced by the Registrar General of India.

How India Defines Urban Areas?

• In the 2011 Census, an urban unit was defined as either a statutory town or a census town.
• Statutory Towns: Notified by State governments; governed by urban local bodies (municipal corporations, councils, nagar panchayats).
• Census Towns: Remain administratively rural, but they function like urban areas. It satisfies the following criteria;
  • A minimum population of at least 5,000.
  • At least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non- agricultural activities
  • Density of 400 persons per sq. km or more.

Limitations of the Current Definition

• Binary Framework: Settlements are classified only as “urban” or “rural,” ignoring peri-urban and transitional areas.
• Governance Gap: Census towns function like cities but remain under Panchayati Raj institutions, which lack the financial autonomy of urban local bodies.
  • In India, urban local bodies are more autonomous and have more freedom and control over their finances, while Panchayati Raj institutions are limited to implementing centrally designed welfare schemes.
• Outdated Criteria:
  • The 75% male workforce rule ignores women’s unpaid and informal work.
  • Semi-urban residents often juggle both farm and non-farm jobs, blurring the rural–urban divide.
• Mismatch with Ground Realities: Many villages have urban lifestyles and dense populations yet remain administratively rural.

Implications of Misclassification

• The outdated urban definition leads to a significant underestimation of India’s urban population.
• While the official 2011 Census reported that 31% of India’s population lived in urban areas, research using alternative density-based criteria (Population & Environment, 2019) suggests that the actual urban population could have been, ranging between 35% and 57%.
• Policy Blind Spots: Settlements excluded from the “urban” category receive fewer resources for housing, transport, sanitation, and social infrastructure.
• Planning Deficit: Peri-urban areas become the informal urban clusters with no proper governance, resulting in unplanned sprawl.
• Labour Market Distortions: Growth of service sector and gig economy in smaller towns remains unacknowledged in official classifications.

Way Ahead

• Broaden Criteria: Move beyond rigid population size and male workforce benchmarks to include:
  • Population density and contiguity.
  • Occupational diversity (beyond agriculture vs non-agriculture).
  • Functional linkages with nearby urban centres.
• Periodic Review: Regularly update classification criteria to reflect changing economic and demographic realities.
• Governance Reform: Gradual municipalisation of census towns to provide them with elected bodies and urban-level services.
• Gender-Sensitive Measures: Recognise women’s unpaid and informal work in defining occupational structures.
• Global Learning: Adopt multi-dimensional definitions like those used by OECD or UN-Habitat, which consider density, built-up area, and commuting patterns.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• The Delhi High Court has recently issued a series of orders protecting the personality rights of Bollywood celebrities from unauthorised commercial use.

What are Personality Rights?

• Personality rights refer to the right of a person to protect his/her personality under the right to privacy or property.
• These could include a pose, a mannerism or any aspect of their personality.
• These rights are important to celebrities as their names, photographs or even voices can easily be misused in various advertisements by different companies to boost their sales.
• Many celebrities even register some aspects as a trademark to use them commercially.
• For example, Usain Bolt’s “bolting” or lightning pose is a registered trademark.

Reasons for providing these Rights

• The idea is that only the owner of these distinct features has the right to derive any commercial benefit from it.
• Exclusivity is a big factor in attracting commercial dividends for celebrities.
• Personality rights are not expressly mentioned in a Laws in India but fall under the right to privacy.

Legality of Personality Rights

• Celebrities can move the Court and seek an injunction when an unauthorised third party uses their personality rights for commercial purposes.
• Personality rights or their protection are not expressly mentioned in a statute in India but are traced to fall under the right to privacy (Article 21).
• Many concepts in intellectual property rights used in protection of trademarks such as passing off, deception can be applied while deciding whether a celebrity deserves to be protected through an injunction.

Conclusion

• India’s courts are increasingly recognising personality rights to protect individuals from digital misuse, including AI-generated content.
• While protections are expanding, they must balance free speech, artistic expression, and privacy, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legislation.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• Violent youth protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status have led to four deaths and over 30 injuries.

Background: From UT Status to Unrest

• August 2019: Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and made a Union Territory without a legislature, unlike Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Initially, many Ladakhis welcomed the move, hoping for better governance and development.
  • However, the absence of legislative power and fears of demographic change soon led to disillusionment.
  • The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) emerged as key voices, representing both Buddhist and Muslim communities across Leh and Kargil.

Key Reasons for the Protests

• Lack of Legislative Power: Ladakhis lost representation in the J&K Assembly and Legislative Council.
  • The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) have limited authority, mostly restricted to spending development funds.
• Fear of Demographic and Cultural Erosion: Locals worry that opening Ladakh to outside investment could alter its fragile ecology and cultural identity.
  • Large-scale solar and industrial projects are being planned without local consent, raising concerns about land rights and displacement.
• Employment and Land Rights: There is growing demand for a Ladakh Resident Certificate to protect local jobs and land ownership — similar to protections once offered under Article 35A.

Core Demands

Government Response & Measures

• Dialogue and High-Powered Committees: The Union Home Ministry (MHA) set up a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to engage with protest leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The committee’s mandate includes:
  • Exploring constitutional safeguards for Ladakh;
  • Strengthening the LAHDCs of Leh and Kargil;
  • Ensuring protection of land, employment, and cultural identity;
  • Facilitating inclusive development and fast-track recruitment;
  • The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), in its 119th meeting, recommended that Ladakh be brought under the Sixth Schedule.
  • Ladakh has over 97% of its population belonging to Scheduled Tribes and the need to preserve its agrarian and cultural rights.
• Reservation in Government Jobs: 85% reservation for resident Ladakhis in government employment;
  • Of this, 80% reserved for STs;
  • Additional Quotas: 4% for residents along the LAC and LoC;
  • 1% for SCs; and 10% for EWS;
  • Total reservation reaches 95%, among the highest in India.
• Regulatory Amendments:
  • Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025;
  • Ladakh Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025;
  • Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025;
  • Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025.
• Domicile Criteria: Individuals need to prove 15 years of continuous residence in Ladakh from October 31, 2019 (the day Ladakh became a UT), to qualify as a domicile.
  • Children of Central government employees, All India Services officers, and PSU staff posted in Ladakh are eligible under specific conditions;
• Women’s Political Representation: One-third of seats in Ladakh’s Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) reserved for women on a rotational basis.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• At the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for stronger Global South solidarity and a collective push for UN reforms.

About

• He called for a united approach among Global South countries, based on fair and transparent economic practices, resilient supply chains, and stronger South-South trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
• Positioned India as a bridge between developed nations and the Global South, highlighting its leadership in initiatives like Voice of Global South Summit (2023) and G20 Presidency (2023).

Global South

• The term “Global South” was coined by Carl Oglesby, an American political activist, in 1969.
• He used the term to describe countries suffering from political and economic exploitation by developed nations of the Global North.
• In the simplest sense, Global South refers to the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.
• Most of these countries, where about 85% of the world population lives, experienced colonial rule and historically lagged in achieving substantial levels of industrialisation.
• According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Global South countries typically exhibit lower levels of development, higher income inequality, rapid population growth, agrarian-dominant economies, lower quality of life, shorter life expectancy, and significant external dependence.

Challenges Faced by Global South

• Economic: According to World Bank data (2023), the average GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa was approximately $1,623, compared to $79,640 in North America.
  • This stark disparity underscores the economic challenges faced by the Global South.
• Dependency on Agriculture: Economies in these regions often rely heavily on agriculture and raw material exports, making them particularly vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
• Infrastructural Challenges: Such as poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities further exacerbate economic disparities.
  • Post-colonial legacies continue to manifest in various ways, including persistent socio-economic disparities, systemic corruption, and political instability.
• Political Challenges: Many Global South nations contend with challenges related to governance, corruption, and internal conflicts, with autocratic regimes complicating their development trajectories and international standing.

Significance of Global South in the World Order

• Demographic Significance: The Global South accounts for the majority of the world’s population, with many nations experiencing a demographic dividend—a young and growing population that drives innovation, labor force expansion, and consumer demand.
• Economic Hubs: The Global South contributes approximately 40% of global trade, half of the world’s manufacturing output, and a substantial portion of high-tech products.
  • The rapid urbanization and rising middle class in these nations are also creating new markets for goods and services, further solidifying their influence in the global economy.
• Shaping Multipolarity in World Order: Counters North-South divide and challenges unipolar dominance.
  • These countries act as a balancing force in US-China rivalry and other power competitions.

Why has India Emerged as a Voice for the Global South?

• Historical Role: India has long championed the cause of developing nations with Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Bandung Conference (1955), and G77 through the Cold War representing the collective interests of the Global South countries.
  • The civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) aligns with Global South solidarity.
• Economic Rise & Development Experience: India has emerged as the 4th largest economy of the world and is the fastest-growing major economy which inspires other Global South nations.
  • India’s own journey from aid-recipient to aid-donor & development partner makes it relatable.
• Climate & Global Justice Advocacy: India has been a Vocal advocate of climate justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
  • It leads in renewable energy, green growth, lifestyle for environment (LiFE), which resonates with Global South priorities.
• Diplomatic & Multilateral Role: During India’s G20 Presidency (2023) India placed Global South at the centre by initiating Voice of the Global South Summit.
  • India championed inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.
• Strategic Autonomy & Trusted Voice: India follows an independent foreign policy which is not aligned to any bloc trusted by both West and Global South.
  • The presence of a strong Indian diaspora in Global North also amplifies Global South concerns globally.

Challenges Faced by the India

• Domestic Development Gaps: Despite being the 4th largest economy, India still faces poverty, unemployment, health, education deficits.
• Resource & Financial Constraints: India has a limited capacity to provide large-scale aid, concessional finance, or infrastructure investments compared to China.
  • South-South cooperation needs sustained financial support, which strains India’s budget.
• Geopolitical Pressures: India has to balance its ties with the USA, EU, Russia, China while representing the Global South.
  • Western bloc may resist reforms in the IMF, UNSC, WTO where India champions Global South demands.
  • The Strategic rivalries between US–China, Russia–West pull Global South in different directions, reducing India’s influence.
• Competition with China: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and large financial outlays give it greater leverage in Africa, Asia, Latin America.
  • Many Global South countries perceive China as a more immediate development partner due to its financial clout.
• Security & Stability Concerns: Regional tensions with Pakistan & China, terrorism, and border disputes distract India’s focus from global leadership.

Initiatives by India for Global South

• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), established in 1961, played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the Global South during the Cold War.
• NAM sought to provide a platform for countries that did not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union, advocating for national sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful coexistence.
• NAM’s significance extended beyond the Cold War, as it continued to champion the interests of the Global South in the international arena.
• Voice of the Global South Summit: First-of-its-kind initiative where 125+ countries participated. India projected their concerns on debt, climate, food, energy, and digital divide.
• UN Reforms Advocacy: Strong push for UNSC expansion to include Africa, Latin America, and Asia representation.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Export: Sharing India’s UPI, Aadhaar, CoWIN model with Global South nations.
• Vaccine Maitri (2020–21): India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to 100+ Global South countries.
• Lines of Credit & Grants: $30+ billion committed for infrastructure, connectivity, power, and agriculture projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Conclusion

• The recent resurgence of the Global South reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of developing nations in global affairs.
• India’s leadership exemplifies this transition through its championing of the interests of the Global South and advocating for a recalibration of the global economic and political order.

General Studies Paper 3

Context

• The ongoing crisis like financial irregularities, weak oversight, and structural misalignment in the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has revealed deep flaws in India’s approach to public-private partnerships (PPPs) in skill development.

About the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• Origins and Purpose of NSDC: It was established in 2008 under the Ministry of Finance, and now operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as a not-for-profit public-private partnership (PPP).
• The Government of India holds 49% of its equity through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), while the private sector holds 51%.
• Its initial mandate was to act as a financial body supporting training institutes that could equip workers with employable skills.
• NSDC Vision: To become ‘World’s largest platform for Skills for All, Opportunities for All, Anytime, Anywhere’.

Expansion of NSDC

• NSDC’s role expanded with the launch of the Skill India Mission by 2015, making it the nodal agency for a wide range of schemes.
• Key Schemes under NSDC:
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Upskilling and reskilling through 2,500+ centres.
  • National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): Supporting training costs for over 49,000 employers.
  • Craftsmen Training Scheme: Operated through industrial training institutes.
  • Overseas Placement Programmes: Facilitating employment abroad, e.g., construction workers in Israel.
  • It stretched its limited resources and exposed governance weaknesses and patchy placement records, inadequate quality assurance, and widespread dissatisfaction among trainees.

Current Crisis in NSDC

• Operational Challenges and Skill Gaps: A recent NSDC study revealed a staggering gap — India needs 103 million skilled workers, but the current supply stands at only about 74 million.
• Only about 50% have found employment, despite training over 40 million individuals.
• Structural and Strategic Issues: Overlapping mandates (government and PPP) and lack of streamlined coordination between ministries and training partners have led to inefficiencies.
• Information Asymmetry: Job seekers, training providers, and employers operate in silos.
  • Individuals often lack clear guidance on which skills are in demand, while employers struggle to find candidates with verified competencies.
  • Coordination Failures: Educational institutions and training centers frequently offer courses that don’t match industry requirements, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand, wasting resources and time.
• Present Bias: Governments and institutions tend to prioritize short-term metrics — like enrollment numbers — over long-term outcomes such as sustained employment and career growth.
• Fragmented Funding and Oversight: Multiple ministries and agencies run overlapping skilling schemes, diluting accountability and creating inefficiencies.

Government Response

• Skill India Digital Platform: In response to mounting challenges, the government launched a digital platform to streamline skilling, education, and employment efforts.
  • It aims to improve transparency and ease of access for trainees.
• Revised Skill Loan Scheme: A new model offers financial support for higher education and skilling, including interest subvention for eligible students (Union Budget 2024–25).
• National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): The mission continues to provide strategic direction, but its ambitious target of training 300 million people by 2022 remains unmet.

What Needs to Change: Streamlining for Impact

• Create a Unified Digital Skills Platform: A centralized, AI-powered platform can connect job seekers, employers, training providers, and financiers. It should offer:
  • Real-time labor market insights;
  • Verified skill credentials;
  • Personalized learning pathways;
  • Transparent funding options like scholarships and grants;
• Rethinking the PPP Model: PPPs can bring in cutting-edge curriculum, industry expertise, and scalable infrastructure.
  • Models like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme — where private enterprises provide direct, on-the-job training — appear more effective and sustainable than NSDC’s centralised approach.
• Standardize Credentials and Assessments: A national framework for skill certification — recognized across industries — can improve trust and mobility in the labor market.
• Focus on Outcomes, Not Inputs: Shift the emphasis from enrollment numbers to employment rates, wage growth, and career progression. This requires robust tracking and feedback mechanisms.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• Recently, the Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, completed its seven years.

About the Ayushman Bharat

• It is a flagship health initiative, emerged from the National Health Policy 2017, and was launched in September 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• It aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through two complementary components:
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): It provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
  • It covers over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approx. 55 crore beneficiaries, i.e. about 40% of India’s population based on SECC 2011).
  • It offers cashless and paperless access to services at public and empanelled private hospitals across India.
  • Benefits are portable nationwide, meaning beneficiaries can access services anywhere in the country.
• Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): It aims to transform 1.5 lakh sub-centres and primary health centres into HWCs.
  • It focuses on comprehensive primary care, including screening for non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health services, and essential medicines.
  • First Ayushman Arogya Mandir inaugurated in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.

Major Achievements in Last Seven Years

• Impact at Scale:
  • Over 55 crore beneficiaries have been reached since inception;
  • More than 10.3 crore hospital admissions authorized, translating to ₹1.48 lakh crore in cashless care;
  • 8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operate nationwide, delivering preventive and promotive healthcare;
  • Government health expenditure rose from 29% to 48%, while out-of-pocket cost dropped from 63% to 39%.
• Expanding the Beneficiary Base:
  • 2021: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was launched as the digital backbone of Ayushman Bharat, enabling the creation of a unique Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for every citizen.
  • 2022: Scheme expanded to cover 12 crore families;
  • 2024: ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and their families were added;
• October 2024: Senior citizens above 70 years gained universal coverage via the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card;
  • Nearly 1 crore gig and platform workers are now being integrated into the scheme;

Looking Ahead

• As Ayushman Bharat enters its eighth year, the focus shifts to:
  • Strengthening digital health infrastructure;
  • Enhancing quality assurance through Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS);
  • Expanding preventive care and lifestyle disease management;
  • Improving state-level fund absorption and implementation capacity.

General Studies Paper 3

Context

• India will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) around the commencement of U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 30 in Brazil in November.

About NDCs

• The NDCs are renewable-energy adoption goals set by a country as part of being a signatory to the Paris Agreement.
  • Countries must regulate their fossil fuel consumption to keep the globe from heating 2°C, and as far as possible, 1.5°C above that in pre-industrial times.
• Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years.
• India last updated its NDCs in 2022:
  • It committed to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% of 2005 levels;
  • source half of its electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources;
  • and create a carbon sink of at least two billion tonnes — all three by 2030.

Progress India Made

• Emissions intensity of GDP refers to the amount of carbon emitted per unit of GDP and does not mean a reduction in net emissions.
• As of 2023, India reported to the United Nations climate-governing body that the emissions intensity of its GDP had been reduced by 33% between 2005 and 2019.
• By June 2025, India reported installing at least 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

Targets for 2035

• The updated NDCs, or NDC 3.0 as they are called, is expected to reflect the degree of emissions reductions by 2035.
• So far, only 30 of the 190-odd countries have submitted their NDCs though it is not uncommon for countries to submit their NDCs just ahead of the annual climate talks.

Expected NDCs

• The EU is expected to submit its NDCs ahead of COP30 with an indicative 2035 target in a range from 66.25% and 72.5% reduction, compared to 1990 levels.
• Australia this month updated its NDCs aimed to cut emissions 62%-70% of 2005 levels by 2035.
• The United States has exited the Paris Agreement and it remains to be seen if China will announce ambitious NDCs ahead of COP 30.
• India is also expected to operationalise the India Carbon Market by 2026 — under which 13 major sectors will be given mandatory emission-intensity targets — and can trade their resulting savings via emission reduction certificates.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that traditional medicine is practised in 88% of its member-states — 170 out of 194 countries.

About

• Growing Acceptance: Analysts estimate that the global traditional medicine market will reach $583 billion by 2025, with annual growth rates of 10%-20%.
• Countrywise Market: China’s traditional Chinese medicine sector is valued at $122.4 billion, Australia’s herbal medicine industry at $3.97 billion, and India’s Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) sector at $43.4 billion.
• Shift in Healthcare: This expansion reflects a fundamental shift in health-care philosophy — from reactive treatment models to proactive, preventive approaches that address root causes rather than symptoms alone.

Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy)

• The key aim of the AYUSH Department is to provide health services under the AYUSH stream to the people.
• The AYUSH stream includes Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems of healthcare and treatment.
• The Government promotes these systems through various initiatives aimed at integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare.

Key Features of the Ayush System:

• Ayurveda: Focuses on holistic healing using herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes. It emphasizes balance in body, mind, and spirit.
• Yoga and Naturopathy: Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being through postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Naturopathy emphasizes natural treatments and lifestyle changes.
• Unani: Originating from Greek medicine, it uses herbal remedies and emphasizes balance among the body’s elements.
• Siddha: A traditional healing system from South India, focusing on alchemy and herbal medicine.
• Homoeopathy: Based on the principle of “like cures like,” it uses highly diluted substances to treat various ailments.

India’s Ayurvedic Transformation

• The AYUSH industry, comprising over 92,000 micro, small and medium enterprises, has expanded nearly eight-fold in less than a decade.
• India now exports AYUSH and herbal products worth $1.54 billion to more than 150 countries.
• Presently, Ayurveda is recognized as a system of Traditional Medicine in more than 30 countries.
• Ayush Visa: The Ministry of Home Affairs incorporated a new visa category, “Ayush Visa” for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment like therapeutic care, wellness and yoga in India.
• So far, more than 50 products (Unani and Ayurveda) have been registered in 08 countries namely Kenya, USA, Russia, Latvia, Canada, Oman, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka under the International Cooperation (IC) scheme of the Ministry.
• Global Recognition: The Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization has established the World’s first and the only Global Traditional Medicine Centre (WHO GTMC) in Jamnagar, India.
  • The UN General Assembly in 2014, unanimously adopted a resolution for observing 21st June every year as the International Day of Yoga.

Government Initiatives

• Global Expansion: India has signed 25 bilateral agreements and 52 institutional partnerships, established 43 AYUSH Information Cells across 39 countries.
• Ministry of Ayush: Established in 2014, this ministry is dedicated to promoting traditional medicine, ensuring quality control, and regulating practices.
• NAM: Government is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in the country through State and UT governments for promotion and development of AYUSH systems.
  • Under the concept of AYUSH Gram, AYUSH based lifestyles are promoted through behavioral change communication, training of village health workers towards identification and use of local medicinal herbs and provision of AYUSH health services.
• Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL): It has been established to promote Ayush products and services globally by the Ministry of Ayush and supported by the Ministry of Commerce.
• Scientific Validation: India has invested significantly in research through institutions including the All India Institute of Ayurveda, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, the National Institute of Ayurveda, and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
  • These institutions focus on clinical validation, drug standardisation and developing integrative care models that combine traditional knowledge with modern medical practices.
• Information, Education and Communication (IEC) in AYUSH: Under the scheme, the Ministry undertakes promotional activities like organization of AROGYA fairs at State and National level; multimedia campaigns; preparation and distribution of publicity material including audio visual material, etc.
• Promotion of International Cooperation: The Ministry deputes AYUSH experts to foreign countries to participate in international meetings, conferences, training programmes, for promotion and propagation of AYUSH Systems.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Recent innovation in India — particularly digital innovation — has emerged as a powerful equaliser, transforming governance, empowering citizens, and redefining access to opportunity.

Need of Innovation in India

• Innovation is the engine that can drive inclusive growth, global competitiveness, and sustainable development. It offers:
• Scalable solutions to public service delivery;
• Efficient use of resources in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing;
• Empowerment of youth and entrepreneurs through digital tools;
• Global competitiveness in emerging technologies like AI, biotech, and clean energy;
• According to the NITI Aayog, innovation has already played a transformative role in India’s Green, White, and Blue revolutions—lifting millions out of poverty and creating new livelihoods.

Innovation in India as an Equaliser

• Digital India and Connectivity: Digital India mission has expanded internet access to remote villages, making education, healthcare, and financial services accessible to all.
• JAM Trinity & India Stack:
  • Jan Dhan: 53+ crore bank accounts, bringing the unbanked into the formal economy.
  • Aadhaar: 142 crore digital identities; simplified verification, enabled e-KYC at just ₹5.
  • Mobile (UPI): 55 crore+ users; 20 billion transactions worth ₹24.85 lakh crore in Aug 2025 alone.
• Technology for Citizens:
  • PM-KISAN: Direct income support to 11 crore farmers.
  • DigiLocker: 57 crore users, 967 crore documents securely stored.
  • E-Services: From tax filing to traffic checks, everyday processes are simplified.
  • Education Technology: Tools like DIKSHA and SWAYAM are democratizing access to high-quality learning content.
• Governance and Accountability:
  • PRAGATI: PM-led monthly video conferences for real-time project monitoring.
  • Direct Benefit Transfer: Saved over ₹4.3 lakh crore by eliminating leakages.
• Space and Global Leadership:
  • Mars Orbiter Mission: World’s most cost-effective Mars mission.
  • Chandrayaan-3: First to land on Moon’s South Pole.
  • ISRO: 104 satellites in one launch; satellites launched for 34 nations.
  • CoWIN: Managed 200 crore vaccine doses with precision and transparency.
• Manufacturing and Innovation:
  • Stepwise approach from assembly to advanced semiconductor design.
  • India now designs cutting-edge chips (2nm, 3nm, 7nm).
  • Investments in fabs, packaging, chemicals, and gases to build a full ecosystem.
• Infrastructure with Intelligence:
  • PM Gati Shakti: Integrated GIS mapping of roads, rail, ports, and airports.
  • IndiaAI Mission: 38,000 GPUs at one-third global cost; datasets for AI innovation.
  • AIKosh: Supports development of indigenous AI in Indian languages and sectors.
• Engineering Marvels:
  • Statue of Unity: 182m tall, world’s tallest statue, transforming Kevadia into a tourism hub.
  • Chenab Bridge & Himalayan Tunnelling: Engineering breakthroughs in connectivity.
  • Pamban Bridge: Modern replacement for century-old structure.

Innovation in Governance and Public Policy

• Municipal and Rural Innovation: Institutional innovations like e-governance, citizen charters, and transparent municipal funds allocation have improved accountability at the grassroots level.
• Equalising Opportunities for Women and Marginalised Groups: Government initiatives in STEM promotion, entrepreneurship funds for women, and tribal innovation hubs are providing equal footing for historically disadvantaged communities.
• Healthcare Innovation: Telemedicine platforms and government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are reducing geographical barriers to quality healthcare, especially in underserved regions.
• Grassroots Innovation Movements: The National Innovation Foundation has documented thousands of grassroots ideas, proving that innovation is not confined to laboratories but thrives in villages too.

Challenges to Innovation as an Equaliser in India

• Digital Divide: Rural and low-income communities still face limited access to high-speed internet, digital literacy, and tech infrastructure, despite rising smartphone penetration.
• Gender Gaps: Women often face barriers in accessing technology-driven opportunities.
• Startup Focus: Many Indian startups prioritize consumer convenience (e.g., food delivery, quick commerce) over deep-tech or grassroots innovation.
• Low R&D Orientation: India’s education system often emphasizes rote learning over creativity and problem-solving. It stifles innovation from the ground up.
  • Innovators often struggle to move from prototype to market due to lack of funding, testing facilities, and mentorship in NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.
• Unequal access to quality education: Technology in education has not yet bridged the gap between urban and rural learners.
• ASER data shows that while smartphone access has increased, meaningful learning outcomes remain uneven.
• Lack of Skill: Indian industry often prioritizes low-cost labor over technological advancement.
  • Over 70% of manufacturing workers are in small, unregistered enterprises with minimal exposure to innovation.
  • A large portion of India’s workforce lacks job security, social benefits, or access to upskilling, making it harder to participate in or benefit from innovation.
• State-level Disparities: The India Innovation Index reveals wide gaps in innovation capacity between states, with southern and western states outperforming others.

Conclusion

• Innovation in India is indeed the greatest equaliser—transforming education, health, governance, and economy by bridging divides and creating new opportunities.
• While challenges persist, sustained policy support, grassroots participation, and inclusive design ensure that innovation is not just about economic growth but about social justice and empowerment.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) stands as a symbol of empowerment after two decades of enactment.

About Domestic Violence

• It is defined as any act, omission, or conduct by a person that harms or endangers the health, safety, life, limb, or well-being of a woman — whether physical or mental (Section 3 of the PWDVA). It includes:
  • Physical abuse, verbal & emotional Abuse & economic Abuse.
• According to the United Nations (UN), domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence that occurs within the private sphere — typically between individuals related by intimacy or blood. It encompasses:
  • Intimate Partner Violence: Physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner.
  • Child & Elder Abuse: Within the household
  • Economic & Psychological Control: Restricting access to money, isolating from social networks, or using intimidation.

Trends and Statistics

• Global Picture: According to UN Women, nearly 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner.
  • In 2023 alone, over 51,000 women and girls were killed by family members or partners—an average of 140 deaths per day.
• Indian Scenario:
  • NCRB Data (Crime in India Report): 507 cases registered under PWDVA in 2021. 468 cases registered in 2022.
  • NFHS-5 (2019–2021):3% of ever-married women aged 18–49 years reported spousal violence. It is a reduction from 31.2% in NFHS-4 (2015–2016).

Key Reasons for Domestic Violence

• Patriarchal Norms & Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted patriarchal traditions view women as subordinate to men.
  • Cultural acceptance of male dominance perpetuates violence.
• Dowry-Related Conflicts: Persistent dowry demands often escalate into harassment and violence.
  • Linked with economic control and status assertion.
• Economic Dependence & Poverty: Women’s financial dependence reduces ability to leave abusive relationships.
  • Poverty and unemployment increase household stress and violence.
• Weak Legal & Institutional Support: Delayed justice delivery, lack of shelters, and weak enforcement etc discourage reporting.
• Cultural Silence & Social Stigma: Fear of dishonor, family reputation, and victim-blaming silence survivors.
  • Many cases remain unreported, reinforcing the cycle of abuse.
• Intergenerational Cycle of Violence: Children witnessing violence normalize abusive behavior in adulthood.

Global Efforts to Combat Domestic Violence

• UNiTE Campaign by UN Women: The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” is an annual global campaign running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
• Spotlight Initiative: It has helped enhance or adopt over 550 laws and policies worldwide to address violence against women.
  • It has provided essential services to over 3 million women, including education, legal aid, and psychosocial support.
  • More than 95% of institutional mechanisms for domestic and intimate partner violence were established after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action 1995.

India’s Efforts to Address Domestic Violence

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: It was enacted to safeguard the fundamental rights of women under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India.
• It provides a civil law remedy to protect women from domestic violence and prevent its recurrence in society.
• Section 18: Protection Order in each district to assist Magistrates, report complaints, and facilitate legal remedies such as protection orders and residence orders.
• Section 19: Residence Order for residing at Matrimonial House;
• Section 20: Monetary Orders which includes maintenance for herself and her Children;
• Section 21: Temporary Custody of Children;
• Section 22: Compensation order for the damages caused to her.
• Mission Shakti & One Stop Centres (OSCs): These provide integrated support—medical aid, legal assistance, shelter, and counseling—to women in distress across India.
  • 802 centres are functional nationwide.
  • Assisted 10.80 lakh women till 31st January 2025.
• Emergency Response Systems:
• ERSS-112: A nationwide emergency helpline for women, integrated with police dispatch systems.
• Women Helpline 181: Operational in 35 states/UTs, handling over 2.10 crore calls and assisting more than 84 lakh women.
• Women Help Desks: 14,658 desks set up across police stations, with 13,743 led by women officers.
• Women Helpline (WHL-181) – Integrated with ERSS in 35 States/UTs.
  • Assisted 84.43 lakh women through 2.10 crore+ calls.
• National Dashboard: Developed by C-DAC to track helpline calls and categorize domestic violence cases in real time.
• Stree Manoraksha Project: NIMHANS provides psycho-social counselling training for OSC staff.
• Role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): DBT schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana provide direct cash transfers, LPG connections, and maternity benefits.
• Financial independence reduces women’s vulnerability to economic abuse — a common form of domestic violence.

Implementation Challenges

• Underreporting: Social stigma and fear of retaliation prevent many women from speaking out.
• Lack of dedicated personnel: Many states assign protection officer duties to existing officials, limiting their effectiveness.
• Limited awareness: Many women are unaware of their rights under the Act or how to access support services.

Way Forward

• Education and Awareness: Teaching consent, respect, and gender equality from a young age;
• Stronger Enforcement: Dedicated protection officers and fast-track courts;
• Community Support: Safe shelters, helplines, and survivor networks;
• Men as Allies: Engaging boys and men in prevention efforts.