General Studies Paper -3

Context: India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey by surpassing 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity.

Growth and Achievements

• India’s solar power capacity increased 35 times over the past decade, rising from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
• As of January 31, 2025, India’s total installed solar capacity stands at 100.33 GW, with 84.10 GW under implementation and 47.49 GW under tendering.
• The rooftop solar sector saw remarkable growth, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed in 2024, reflecting a 53% increase compared to 2023.
• Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are among the top-performing states contributing significantly to utility-scale solar installations.
• India’s solar manufacturing capacity surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024, positioning the country as a global leader in solar module production, with an ambitious target of 100 GW by 2030.

Significance of Solar Energy for India

• Energy Security: Solar energy helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and imports, making India more self-reliant in power generation.
• Environmental Benefits: Solar power is a clean and sustainable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• Economic Growth: The solar industry has created millions of jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing, boosting employment opportunities.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The falling costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have made solar power an affordable alternative to conventional energy sources.
• Rural Electrification: Solar power provides an effective solution for electrifying remote and off-grid areas, improving the quality of life for millions of Indians.

Key Government Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy

• National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, this mission aims to achieve 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: A transformative scheme making rooftop solar a household reality, empowering homes with clean energy.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Designed to support farmers by promoting solar irrigation pumps and grid-connected renewable energy solutions.
• Solar Parks Scheme: Facilitates the development of large-scale solar parks to boost capacity expansion.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules, reducing reliance on imports.
• Net Metering Policy: Allows residential and commercial consumers to generate their own solar power and sell surplus electricity to the grid.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global initiative led by India to promote solar energy cooperation among solar-rich countries.

Challenges and the Way Ahead

• Land Acquisition: Availability of land for large-scale solar projects remains a constraint.
• Grid Integration: Ensuring stability and efficiency while integrating intermittent solar energy into the power grid.
• Financial Constraints: Investment in infrastructure and technological advancements is needed to sustain long-term growth.
• Storage Solutions: Development of cost-effective energy storage solutions is crucial for ensuring a stable power supply.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Union Agriculture Minister has announced plans to upgrade the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to e-NAM 2.0 to resolve logistical hurdles in inter-state and inter-mandi trade.

About e-NAM (2016)

• e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform that connects Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
• Provides digital services to traders, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mandis.
• As of December 31, 2024, 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders have registered on the platform.

Key Challenges in e-NAM

• Despite integrating 1,361 mandis across 23 states and 4 Union Territories, and facilitating ₹79 lakh crore worth of trade, several challenges remain:
• Logistical Issues: Inefficient transportation causes high transit time and limits distribution efficiency.
• Inadequate Warehousing & Storage: Lack of proper storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses.
• Limited Digital Literacy & Internet Access: Many farmers struggle with online platforms.
• Interstate Trade Barriers: Variations in state APMC laws hinder smooth trade.
  • Different state tax and compliance norms create complexity.

Key Features of e-NAM 2.0

• Integrated Logistics and Transportation Support: Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) integration for real-time tracking of produce.
• Optimized freight options to reduce transit times and improve delivery efficiency.
• Expanded Warehousing and Cold Storage Infrastructure: The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will offer subsidized loans to promote private investment in storage facilities.
• AI-Driven Price Discovery & Quality Assessment: AI and Machine Learning (ML) to suggest fair market prices.
• Automated quality testing to minimize disputes over product grading.
• Faster Digital Payments & Financial Support: Direct bank transfers and e-wallets for quick settlements.
• Fintech partnerships to provide micro-loans based on transaction history.
• Simplified Interstate Trade: Introduction of a unified digital pass to ease regulatory compliance.
• Standardized tax & compliance framework to facilitate free movement of produce.
• Mobile Accessibility & Vernacular Support: Voice-based commands and local language options on the e-NAM app.
• Digital literacy campaigns to help farmers navigate the platform.

Expected Impact of e-NAM Upgrades

• Increased Farmer Participation: Easier access and better incentives will attract more farmers.
• Higher Price Realization: Direct market access will reduce middlemen, ensuring fair prices.
• Reduced Wastage: Improved storage and transport infrastructure will cut post-harvest losses.
• Investment in Logistics Sectors: Investments in supply chain solutions will drive economic growth.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Union government is considering allowing private sector participation to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

About

• Traditionally, nuclear power plants in India have been owned and operated only by state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and its fully-owned subsidiary Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).
• To allow private sector participation government has proposed amendments to key legislations;
• Atomic Energy Act, 1962, a framework for nuclear energy development and regulation.
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents.
• The government will enter into partnerships with the private sector with the motive of;
• Setting up Bharat Small Reactors,
• Research & development of Bharat Small Modular Reactor, and
• Research & development of newer technologies for nuclear energy.

Status of Nuclear power capacity in India

• The current installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 8,180 MW, spread across 24 nuclear power reactors.
• Capacity Expansion: 10 new reactors (totaling 8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Approval for a 6×1208 MW nuclear plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA.

Benefits of Private Sector Involvement

• Faster Capacity Expansion: Private investment will help bridge the financial gap needed for rapid nuclear power growth.
• Technological Advancement: Collaboration with private companies drive innovation and bring in global expertise.
• Cost Efficiency: Competitive bidding and private participation will help reduce project costs and delays.
• Energy Security: Increased nuclear power generation helps India reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet clean energy goals.

Concerns to Private Sector Entry

• Regulatory Hurdles: Amendments to existing laws are required to enable private sector participation.
• High Capital Requirement: Nuclear power projects involve long gestation periods and large upfront investments, which deters private players.
• Liability Concerns: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act imposes high liability on operators, making private investment risky.
• Safety and Security: Nuclear energy requires strict safety protocols, and allowing private firms to operate reactors necessitates robust regulatory oversight.
• Public Perception: Concerns over nuclear safety, waste management, and radiation risks will face public resistance.

Government steps

• India had announced a Rs 20,000 crore R&D mission for development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
• India is also targeting the deployment of at least five of these indigenously developed reactors by 2033.
• NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have signed a supplementary Joint Venture agreement to develop nuclear power facilities in the country.

Way Ahead

• Clear Regulatory Framework: Establish a robust regulatory environment to ensure safety, compliance, and transparency, addressing concerns about accountability and national security.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Promote partnerships where the government maintains oversight, while private players handle operations, innovation, and investment, ensuring a balance of interests.
• Gradual Implementation: Start with pilot projects and small-scale initiatives to test private sector involvement, ensuring risk management before large-scale implementation.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: In January 2025, marine heatwaves (MHWs) in Western Australia led to the death of over 30,000 fish.

What are Marine Heatwaves?

• They are periods of extremely high temperatures in the ocean.
• They occur when sea surface temperatures rise 3-4°C above average for at least five days.
• They can last from weeks to years.
• Climate change is the primary cause, with 90% of excess heat absorbed by oceans.
• They have become more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting in recent decades.

Global Presence

• They are observed in several oceanic regions: North Pacific, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
• They can cause extreme weather events, like tropical storms and hurricanes, and disrupt the water cycle, increasing floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Recent Trends in the Indian Ocean

• MHWs, once rare in the tropical Indian Ocean, have become annual events.
• Western Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal experienced a significant rise in MHWs, with 1.5 events per decade in the western Indian Ocean and 0.5 events per decade in the Bay of Bengal between 1982-2018.

Impacts

• Monsoons: MHWs in the western Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal influence monsoon patterns, causing drying in central India and increased rainfall in southern India.
• These changes are linked to altered atmospheric circulation driven by the heatwaves.
• Socio-economic: MHWs negatively affect coastal communities, aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism.
• They can reduce productivity of important species like lobster, snow crab, and scallops.
• Disruption of ecosystems can harm the fishing industry and related livelihoods.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Destruction: MHWs can cause mass mortality of marine species, forcing them to relocate or change behavior.
• Ecosystems, such as kelp forests and coral reefs, are especially sensitive to MHWs.
  • MHWs contribute to coral bleaching, reducing coral reproductive ability and making them more vulnerable to disease.
• Other threats, like ocean acidification and overfishing, compound the damage caused by MHWs.

Strategies to Combat MHWs

• Slow down ocean warming by reducing fossil fuel emissions (aligning with Paris Agreement goals).
• Invest in nature-based solutions and apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions.
• Build research capacity to monitor MHWs, understand their impacts, and predict future events.
• Develop global research networks (e.g., Marine Heatwave International Group).

Way Ahead

• Governments should implement protective measures, such as marine protected areas, to safeguard vulnerable species.
• Enforce fishing regulations and catch management to limit economic losses.
• Raise awareness among stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and the private sector.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The United States has recently announced its withdrawal from several key international organizations, including the UNHRC, the WHO, and other international forums.

Key Instances of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): US cited the UNHRC’s ‘chronic bias against Israel’ and its failure to address genuine human rights concerns.
• It was part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration stepping back from international agreements and organizations under its ’America First’ policy.
• It accused the UNHRC of ‘obsessively demonizing the one democracy in the Middle East’ and propagating antisemitism.
• The US prohibits any future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to millions of Palestinians.
• It is important to note that the UNHRC has passed over 100 condemnatory resolutions against Israel, which amounts to more than 20% of all resolutions passed by the council.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Reasons behind withdrawal are WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived bias towards China.
  • The US, being the largest financial contributor to the WHO, argued that the organization needed to be reformed to better serve its member states.
  • It could cost WHO $130 million in annual funds and hinder global public health response.

Other International Forums

• The US has reviewed its involvement in other international organizations, such as UNESCO and the Paris Climate Accord, citing ‘wild disparities’ in financial contributions among member countries.
  • Earlier, US left UNESCO in 2017, citing an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. It echoed a similar withdrawal in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, which was reversed in 2003.
• The US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017, citing the need to protect American jobs and industries.
  • The remaining countries proceeded with a revised version called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Implications of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• Weakening of Global Multilateralism: The repeated exits from key international organizations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of multilateralism. U.S. disengagement often leads to leadership vacuums that other nations, particularly China, have sought to fill.
• Geopolitical Power Shifts: China and Russia have leveraged U.S. withdrawals to strengthen their influence in global governance.
  • For instance, China has expanded its role within WHO, UNHRC, and trade agreements following US exits.
• Damage to Global Trust and Alliances: Frequent policy reversals, such as the U.S. leaving and then rejoining international agreements (e.g., Paris Climate Accord, WHO, and UNESCO), create uncertainty among allies and undermine trust in American commitments.
• Impact on Global Trade and Climate Policies: Withdrawal from agreements like the TPP and the Paris Climate Accord has had economic and environmental consequences.
  • The U.S. lost trade opportunities while other nations advanced regional agreements without it.
• Impact on UNRWA: UNRWA provides health, education, and aid services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
  • The US had been the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually.

Reforms Needed in International Forums Amid US Withdrawal

• Strengthening Multilateralism: Organizations like WHO, WTO, and UN bodies suffer from funding shortfalls when major contributors (like the US) withdraw.
  • Reforming financial structures—such as mandatory contributions from all members—can reduce dependency on a few nations.
• Expanding Representation in Global Decision-Making: Calls for expanding permanent UNSC membership (that remain dominated by post-WWII power structures) to include emerging powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Revitalizing Climate Agreements: Strengthening compliance mechanisms and creating penalties for withdrawal could ensure sustained participation.

Conclusion

• As the US withdraws from key international forums, it is imperative to implement reforms that address transparency, representation, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• These reforms will help ensure that international organizations remain effective in promoting global cooperation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The decadal Census exercise, initially scheduled for 2020-21, has been indefinitely delayed. As a result, several key reports on vital statistics have not been released for the past five years.

Historical Context and Initial Delays

• The Census (2021) was postponed due to the pandemic, with the government citing health concerns and logistical challenges.
• The exercise was divided into two phases:
  • The house listing phase from April to September 2020, and
  • The population enumeration phase from February 2021.
• Both phases were delayed, and no new schedule has been announced since.

Unreleased Reports

• The ‘Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System’ and ‘The Report on Medical Certification of Cause of Death’ were last published for the year 2020.
• Additionally, the annual ‘Crime in India’ report by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) for the year 2023 is also pending.

State-wise Reports

• While some States and Union Territories, such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mizoram, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh, have published reports till 2022, others like Kerala and Mizoram have more recent data.
• However, the lack of updated national reports hampers comprehensive planning and policy-making.

Importance of Vital Statistics

• Vital statistics are crucial for planning, monitoring, and evaluating various programs related to primary healthcare, family planning, maternal and child health, and education.
• Census data is crucial for demarcating constituencies, planning key welfare schemes, and understanding migration patterns.
• These reports provide invaluable data on the occurrence and characteristics of vital events such as births, deaths, and stillbirths.

Reasons for Continued Delay

• COVID-19 Pandemic: The initial delay was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government cited health concerns and logistical challenges as reasons for postponing the Census.
  • Field activities were suspended to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Budgetary Constraints: The Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated a mere ₹80 crore for the Census, a significant reduction from the ₹8,754.23 crore approved in 2019.
• This reduced budget has raised questions about the feasibility of conducting the Census this year.
• Political Sensitivities: Debates over caste-based census inclusion and regional demands for separate statehood have complicated preparations.
• Administrative Readiness: Census officials require extensive training, and their mobilization across states takes months of preparation.
  • These include the need to update the National Population Register (NPR) and the complexities involved in conducting a large-scale exercise.
• State Elections: Continuous state elections (West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, etc.) have diverted administrative focus from census activities.

Implications of the Census Delay

• Impact on Social Policies and Welfare Schemes: Reports on births and deaths have not been released for the past five years, affecting planning and evaluation of healthcare programs.
  • Additionally, reservations for scheduled castes and tribes, as well as food security entitlements, have been impacted.
  • For instance, the National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to cover 67% of India’s population for subsidized food grains. However, due to outdated 2011 Census data, approximately 10 crore (100 million) individuals may be excluded from these benefits.
• Statistical Accuracy: Many national surveys and studies rely on Census data as a foundational reference.
  • The delay compromises the accuracy of these surveys, leading to potential misrepresentations in data related to employment, health, and other critical sectors.
• Imbalances in Representation & Resource Allocation: The postponement affects administrative functions such as the delimitation of constituencies, which depends on up-to-date population data.
• Economic Planning: Accurate economic planning hinges on current demographic data. The absence of recent Census information hampers effective policy formulation and implementation, potentially affecting economic growth and development.
• Private Sector Involvement: Businesses, especially in sectors like insurance and market research, depend on accurate Census data to assess market potential and plan strategies.
  • The delay forces companies to rely on outdated information, potentially leading to suboptimal business decisions and increased costs for conducting independent surveys.

Way Forward

• Immediate Rescheduling: The government must announce a definitive timeline for conducting the census, ensuring minimal disruption to governance.
• Interim Data Collection: Until the census is completed, the government can use Aadhaar, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys, and electoral rolls to estimate population changes.
  • Digital Registration: In 2023, the Centre enacted ‘The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act’, mandating that all births and deaths occurring from October 1, 2023, be digitally registered through the ‘Central Portal crsorgi.gov.in’. It aims to provide real-time data and improve the accuracy of vital statistics.
• Digital Census and Self-Enumeration: When the Census is finally conducted, it will pioneer a digital approach, allowing citizens to self-enumerate through a portal.
• It aims to streamline the process and improve data accuracy.
• Use of Technology: Expediting digital data collection, using AI and machine learning for faster enumeration, and integrating real-time updates can improve efficiency.
• State-Level Initiatives: States can conduct independent surveys, especially in areas like migration, urban growth, and social welfare to mitigate data gaps.

Conclusion

• The delay in conducting the Census and releasing vital statistics reports underscores the need for timely and accurate data to inform public health and policy decisions.
• Ensuring the completion of the Census and the publication of vital statistics is essential for addressing the country’s health and demographic challenges.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The United States has recently announced its withdrawal from several key international organizations, including the UNHRC, the WHO, and other international forums.

Key Instances of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): US cited the UNHRC’s ‘chronic bias against Israel’ and its failure to address genuine human rights concerns.
• It was part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration stepping back from international agreements and organizations under its ’America First’ policy.
• It accused the UNHRC of ‘obsessively demonizing the one democracy in the Middle East’ and propagating antisemitism.
• The US prohibits any future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to millions of Palestinians.
• It is important to note that the UNHRC has passed over 100 condemnatory resolutions against Israel, which amounts to more than 20% of all resolutions passed by the council.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Reasons behind withdrawal are WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived bias towards China.
  • The US, being the largest financial contributor to the WHO, argued that the organization needed to be reformed to better serve its member states.
  • It could cost WHO $130 million in annual funds and hinder global public health response.

Other International Forums

• The US has reviewed its involvement in other international organizations, such as UNESCO and the Paris Climate Accord, citing ‘wild disparities’ in financial contributions among member countries.
  • Earlier, US left UNESCO in 2017, citing an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. It echoed a similar withdrawal in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, which was reversed in 2003.
• The US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017, citing the need to protect American jobs and industries.
  • The remaining countries proceeded with a revised version called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Implications of U.S. Withdrawal from International Forums

• Weakening of Global Multilateralism: The repeated exits from key international organizations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of multilateralism. U.S. disengagement often leads to leadership vacuums that other nations, particularly China, have sought to fill.
• Geopolitical Power Shifts: China and Russia have leveraged U.S. withdrawals to strengthen their influence in global governance.
  • For instance, China has expanded its role within WHO, UNHRC, and trade agreements following US exits.
• Damage to Global Trust and Alliances: Frequent policy reversals, such as the U.S. leaving and then rejoining international agreements (e.g., Paris Climate Accord, WHO, and UNESCO), create uncertainty among allies and undermine trust in American commitments.
• Impact on Global Trade and Climate Policies: Withdrawal from agreements like the TPP and the Paris Climate Accord has had economic and environmental consequences.
  • The U.S. lost trade opportunities while other nations advanced regional agreements without it.
• Impact on UNRWA: UNRWA provides health, education, and aid services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
  • The US had been the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually.

Reforms Needed in International Forums Amid US Withdrawal

• Strengthening Multilateralism: Organizations like WHO, WTO, and UN bodies suffer from funding shortfalls when major contributors (like the US) withdraw.
  • Reforming financial structures—such as mandatory contributions from all members—can reduce dependency on a few nations.
• Expanding Representation in Global Decision-Making: Calls for expanding permanent UNSC membership (that remain dominated by post-WWII power structures) to include emerging powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Revitalizing Climate Agreements: Strengthening compliance mechanisms and creating penalties for withdrawal could ensure sustained participation.

Conclusion

• As the US withdraws from key international forums, it is imperative to implement reforms that address transparency, representation, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• These reforms will help ensure that international organizations remain effective in promoting global cooperation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The decadal Census exercise, initially scheduled for 2020-21, has been indefinitely delayed. As a result, several key reports on vital statistics have not been released for the past five years.

Historical Context and Initial Delays

• The Census (2021) was postponed due to the pandemic, with the government citing health concerns and logistical challenges.
• The exercise was divided into two phases:
• The house listing phase from April to September 2020, and
• The population enumeration phase from February 2021.
• Both phases were delayed, and no new schedule has been announced since.

Unreleased Reports

• The ‘Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System’ and ‘The Report on Medical Certification of Cause of Death’ were last published for the year 2020.
• Additionally, the annual ‘Crime in India’ report by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) for the year 2023 is also pending.

State-wise Reports

• While some States and Union Territories, such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mizoram, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh, have published reports till 2022, others like Kerala and Mizoram have more recent data.
• However, the lack of updated national reports hampers comprehensive planning and policy-making.

Importance of Vital Statistics

• Vital statistics are crucial for planning, monitoring, and evaluating various programs related to primary healthcare, family planning, maternal and child health, and education.
• Census data is crucial for demarcating constituencies, planning key welfare schemes, and understanding migration patterns.
• These reports provide invaluable data on the occurrence and characteristics of vital events such as births, deaths, and stillbirths.

Reasons for Continued Delay

• COVID-19 Pandemic: The initial delay was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government cited health concerns and logistical challenges as reasons for postponing the Census.
  • Field activities were suspended to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Budgetary Constraints: The Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated a mere ₹80 crore for the Census, a significant reduction from the ₹8,754.23 crore approved in 2019.
• This reduced budget has raised questions about the feasibility of conducting the Census this year.
• Political Sensitivities: Debates over caste-based census inclusion and regional demands for separate statehood have complicated preparations.
• Administrative Readiness: Census officials require extensive training, and their mobilization across states takes months of preparation.
  • These include the need to update the National Population Register (NPR) and the complexities involved in conducting a large-scale exercise.
• State Elections: Continuous state elections (West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, etc.) have diverted administrative focus from census activities.

Implications of the Census Delay

• Impact on Social Policies and Welfare Schemes: Reports on births and deaths have not been released for the past five years, affecting planning and evaluation of healthcare programs.
  • Additionally, reservations for scheduled castes and tribes, as well as food security entitlements, have been impacted.
  • For instance, the National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to cover 67% of India’s population for subsidized food grains. However, due to outdated 2011 Census data, approximately 10 crore (100 million) individuals may be excluded from these benefits.
• Statistical Accuracy: Many national surveys and studies rely on Census data as a foundational reference.
  • The delay compromises the accuracy of these surveys, leading to potential misrepresentations in data related to employment, health, and other critical sectors.
• Imbalances in Representation & Resource Allocation: The postponement affects administrative functions such as the delimitation of constituencies, which depends on up-to-date population data.
• Economic Planning: Accurate economic planning hinges on current demographic data. The absence of recent Census information hampers effective policy formulation and implementation, potentially affecting economic growth and development.
• Private Sector Involvement: Businesses, especially in sectors like insurance and market research, depend on accurate Census data to assess market potential and plan strategies.
  • The delay forces companies to rely on outdated information, potentially leading to suboptimal business decisions and increased costs for conducting independent surveys.

Way Forward

• Immediate Rescheduling: The government must announce a definitive timeline for conducting the census, ensuring minimal disruption to governance.
• Interim Data Collection: Until the census is completed, the government can use Aadhaar, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys, and electoral rolls to estimate population changes.
  • Digital Registration: In 2023, the Centre enacted ‘The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act’, mandating that all births and deaths occurring from October 1, 2023, be digitally registered through the ‘Central Portal crsorgi.gov.in’. It aims to provide real-time data and improve the accuracy of vital statistics.
• Digital Census and Self-Enumeration: When the Census is finally conducted, it will pioneer a digital approach, allowing citizens to self-enumerate through a portal.
• It aims to streamline the process and improve data accuracy.
• Use of Technology: Expediting digital data collection, using AI and machine learning for faster enumeration, and integrating real-time updates can improve efficiency.
• State-Level Initiatives: States can conduct independent surveys, especially in areas like migration, urban growth, and social welfare to mitigate data gaps.

Conclusion

• The delay in conducting the Census and releasing vital statistics reports underscores the need for timely and accurate data to inform public health and policy decisions.
• Ensuring the completion of the Census and the publication of vital statistics is essential for addressing the country’s health and demographic challenges.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Union Budget 2025-26 has made significant strides in addressing mental health, allocating ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  (MoH&FW) underscores the government’s recognition of health as a critical pillar of national development.

About the Mental Health

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which individuals realize their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Potential Reasons Mental Health Disorders

• Exposure to unfavorable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances – including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation.
• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation, etc.
• Dysfunctional family relationships and lack of support systems can negatively impact mental health.

Burden of Mental Health Disorders

• Global: In 2019, an estimated 970 million people were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
  • These conditions can lead to significant distress, impairment in functioning, and an increased risk of self-harm.
  • The economic consequences of mental health disorders are significant, with productivity losses often outweighing the direct costs of care.
• India:
  • 15% of India’s adult population suffered from mental disorder (national study);
  • Mental Morbidity: Higher in urban metro regions (13.5%) as compared to rural areas (6.9%) and urban non-metro areas (4.3%).

Challenges in Mental Health Care

• Socio-Economic Factors: Socio-economic conditions such as poverty, unemployment, and food security impact the mental health conditions.
• Social Discrimination: Stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations further exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions.
• Budgetary Allocations: National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has faced budgetary ambiguities. In recent years, its funding has been merged under broader health programs, making it difficult to determine the exact allocation for NMHP.
• Treatment Gap: 70% to 92%; More pronounced among blue-collar workers, who often face demanding jobs, unsafe work environments, and a lack of adequate legislative and policy protections.
  • It is particularly wide in low- and middle-income countries, where mental health services are often under-resourced and of poor quality.
• Limited Scope of Existing Policies & Regulations: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), for instance, focuses primarily on physical safety, excluding mental well-being and preventive measures.
  • Similarly, the Code on Social Security (2020) does not recognize mental strain as a compensable injury, further exacerbating the disparity in mental health care.
  • Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 enshrines access to mental health as a statutory right, over 11 crore people in India still suffer from mental health disorders, with 80% not seeking help.

Steps Towards Inclusive Mental Health Care

• Policy Reforms: Governments need to revise existing policies to include mental health as a critical component of occupational safety and health.
  • It includes recognizing mental strain as a compensable injury and providing adequate support for mental health care.
• Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
• Community-Based Programs: Implementing community-based mental health programs can ensure that mental health services are accessible to underserved populations.
  • These programs can provide early detection, treatment, and support for individuals with mental health disorders.
• Training and Capacity Building: Training healthcare professionals and community workers in mental health care can improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services.
  • It includes providing training to general physicians, health workers, and other frontline workers to identify and address mental health issues.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities can help create a comprehensive and inclusive mental health care system.
  • These partnerships can leverage resources and expertise to address the mental health needs of diverse populations.

Key Initiatives

• WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2030): It aims to improve mental health by strengthening governance, providing community-based care, implementing promotion and prevention strategies, and strengthening information systems, evidence, and research.
  • It emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health into primary health care to ensure that individuals receive the care they need.
• Role of Community-Based Programs: These programs can provide early detection, treatment, and support for individuals with mental health disorders, particularly in underserved populations.
  • By engaging with communities and raising awareness about mental health, these programs can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

Steps Taken by the Government of India

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): India has implemented various initiatives to improve access to mental health care under it.
  • These include the establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence to increase the intake of students in mental health specialties and the launch of the National Tele Mental Health Programme to provide quality mental health counseling and care services.
  • The District Mental Health Programme (component of the NMHP) has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts, providing training to specialist and non-specialist cadres and offering outpatient services, assessment, counseling, and continuing care.
• Comprehensive Primary Health Care: Upgradation of more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, where mental health services have been added.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP): It aims to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care. A total of 53 Tele MANAS Cells are operational across 36 states /union territories.
• Manodarpan Initiative: An initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aims to provide psycho-social support to students for their mental health and well-being.
• Kiran Helpline: The helpline is a step towards suicide prevention, and can help with support and crisis management.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The Union Budget 2025-26 represents a significant step towards improving mental health care in India.
• By increasing funding for key programs and institutions, the government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing mental health challenges.
• However, continued efforts are needed to ensure transparency in funding allocations and to address the socio-economic factors that contribute to mental health issues.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with the objectives of Viksit Bharat to ensure energy security, sustainability, and reduced dependency on fossil fuels.

Key Highlights of the Nuclear Energy Mission

• Capacity Target: 100 GW by 2047 (Current capacity: 8 GW).
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): ₹20,000 crore allocation for R&D and indigenous SMR development.
• Goal: Five operational SMRs by 2033.
• Private Sector Participation: Proposed amendments to key legislations:
  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – Framework for nuclear energy development and regulation.
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 – Ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents.
• Capacity Expansion: 10 new reactors (totaling 8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Approval for a 6×1208 MW nuclear plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA.
• Nuclear Partnerships: Collaboration with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).

Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) & Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs)

• The government is advancing nuclear energy expansion through BSRs and BSMRs, ensuring a scalable and efficient power supply for industries and remote areas.

Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a strong safety and operational track record.
• Designed for reduced land requirements, making them suitable for industrial hubs (e.g., steel, aluminum, and metals) to aid in decarbonization efforts.
• Public-Private Collaboration:
• The private sector provides land, cooling water, and capital.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) manages design, quality assurance, and operations.

Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs)

• Definition: Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
• Modular Construction: Factory-fabricated components for faster deployment.
• Applications:
  • Coal plant repurposing
  • Off-grid power generation
  • Grid stability with renewables
  • Hydrogen co-generation (high-temperature gas-cooled reactors)

Government Initiatives for Nuclear Expansion

• India’s nuclear roadmap includes multiple initiatives to scale up nuclear capacity, enhance R&D, and integrate advanced reactor technologies.
• Planned Expansion: Increase nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
• New Projects: 10 additional reactors in pre-project stages, aiming for completion by 2031-32.
• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Development:
  • Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) – 500 MW achieved critical milestones in 2024, paving the way for India’s closed nuclear fuel cycle strategy.
• New Uranium Discovery: Extended the life of Jaduguda Mines by 50+ years.
• Public-Private Collaboration: NPCIL & NTPC formed the ASHVINI JV to develop nuclear power plants under existing regulatory frameworks.

Safety, Sustainability & Global Commitments

• Safety Standards: Indian nuclear power plants adhere to stringent safety measures, with radiation levels well below global benchmarks.
• International Commitments: India aligns with COP26 targets to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 and fulfill its Paris Agreement obligations.
• Thorium Utilization: R&D on Molten Salt Reactors to leverage India’s abundant thorium reserves for long-term energy security.

Conclusion

• The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores India’s commitment to a nuclear-powered future, reducing carbon emissions and securing energy reliability.
• The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat positions India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology, with a strategic push toward indigenous innovation, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms.
• With robust policy support and technological advancements, India’s nuclear sector is poised for unprecedented growth, solidifying its role in a clean energy-driven future.