Articles on 20 November 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 20 November 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily articles for 20 November 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Public Distribution System (PDS), Objective, Evolution, Issues, Reforms

November 20, 2025
Public Distribution System

Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has evolved into a nationwide, rights-based food security network ensuring affordable access to essential food grains for vulnerable households. As of 2025, it caters to around 80.56 crore bevneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, making it one of the largest food distribution systems in the world. Over the years, PDS has expanded from a welfare-based setup to a more targeted and technology-driven system. It performs key functions such as procurement, storage, transportation, and subsidised distribution through a network of fair price shops. 

Public Distribution System (PDS) Objectives

The Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to ensure food security by providing essential commodities like rice, wheat, and coarse grains to vulnerable households at subsidised rates. It seeks to stabilise food prices, reduce hunger, and support the nutritional needs of economically weaker sections across the country.

  • Ensure Food Security: Provide essential food grains at subsidised prices to protect vulnerable households from hunger and malnutrition.
  • Price Stabilisation: Regulate market prices of essential commodities and shield poor families from inflation and volatility.
  • Nutritional Support: Supply adequate and nutritious food, especially to children, pregnant women, and economically weaker sections.
  • Buffer Stock Management: Maintain national food reserves to ensure the continuous availability of food grains during emergencies, droughts, and production shortfalls.
  • Equitable Distribution: Transfer food grains from surplus states to deficit regions to promote balanced access across the country.
  • Support to Farmers: Procure food grains at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to provide remunerative prices and encourage stable agricultural production.

Public Distribution System (PDS) Evolution

Public Distribution System (PDS) Evolution has transitioned from a wartime rationing mechanism during the 1940s to a nationwide welfare-oriented food security system. Over time, it has undergone major reforms, shifting from a universal model to a targeted and digitalised system aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.

Origins of PDS (World War II Phase)

  • PDS began during World War II as a wartime rationing system to manage food scarcity.
  • Before the 1960s, the system depended heavily on imported food grains to meet distribution needs.

Expansion During Food Shortages (1960s)

  • PDS expanded significantly in the 1960s due to severe food shortages and rising population
  • needs.
  • The government established the Agriculture Prices Commission (now CACP) to ensure fair price policies for farmers.
  • The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was created to strengthen procurement, storage, and movement of food grains for PDS.

Universal PDS Phase (1970s-1992)

  • By the 1970s, PDS evolved into a universal system, offering subsidised food to all households, irrespective of income.
  • Until 1992, PDS remained a general entitlement scheme with no targeting of beneficiaries.

Revamped Public Distribution System - RPDS (1992)

  • Launched in June 1992 to improve reach in remote, hilly, tribal, and inaccessible regions.
  • Aimed to strengthen infrastructure, reduce shortages, and ensure regular supply in disadvantaged areas.
  • Focused on addressing the needs of underprivileged populations in difficult terrains.

Targeted Public Distribution System - TPDS (1997)

  • Introduced in June 1997 to direct subsidies towards the poor instead of universal coverage.
  • Beneficiaries classified into Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) households.
  • Marked the shift from a universal to a targeted welfare approach to reduce fiscal burden and improve efficiency.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana - AAY (2000)

  • Launched in December 2000 for the poorest among BPL families, identified through NSS data showing 5% of people sleeping hungry.
  • One crore of the poorest households were initially targeted, later expanded in phases.
  • AAY provided highly subsidised grains: 35 kg per family per month, at very low issue prices.

National Food Security Act - NFSA (2013)

  • Enacted in September 2013, making food security a legal right for eligible households.
  • Built on the TPDS framework to provide subsidised food grains to 67% of the population.
  • Introduced legally enforceable entitlements and grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Transformed access to food from a welfare provision into a justiciable right under law.

Overall Transformation of PDS

  • Evolved from colonial rationing → universal welfare scheme → targeted system → legal right under NFSA.
  • Gradual reforms aimed at improving coverage, efficiency, targeting, and food security outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Public Distribution System (PDS) Functions

The Public Distribution System (PDS) functions as India’s largest food security network, ensuring the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential food grains at subsidised rates to vulnerable households. The detailed functions of PDS have been listed below.

  • MSP Procurement: Procures food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Price to ensure stable and assured income for agricultural producers.
  • Buffer Stock Maintenance: Maintains national-level buffer stocks to manage emergencies like droughts, floods, and supply disruptions.
  • Storage Management: Stores food grains in FCI warehouses and state depots to ensure continuous, year-round availability.
  • Transportation & Movement: Transports grains from procurement states to deficit regions, reducing regional imbalance in food availability.
  • Subsidised Distribution: Provides essential commodities such as rice and wheat at subsidised rates through Fair Price Shops to eligible households.
  • Price Stabilisation: Helps control inflation by reducing pressure on open-market demand
  • through distribution of subsidised grains.
  • Food Security Assurance: Ensures food access for vulnerable groups under BPL, APL, AAY, and NFSA by providing legal food entitlements.
  • Support to Welfare Schemes: Supplies food grains to schemes like Mid-Day Meal, ICDS, and PM-POSHAN for children, lactating mothers, and poor families.
  • Hunger & Malnutrition Reduction: Ensures affordable access to cereals, reducing hunger, food deprivation, and undernutrition among poor households.
  • Social Equity Promotion: Provides equal access to subsidised grains, supporting weaker and marginalised communities across regions.
  • Crisis & Disaster Support: Acts as a safety net during natural disasters, pandemics, and economic crises by ensuring uninterrupted food supply.
  • Quality Control: Ensures quality checks, inspection, and maintenance standards for food grains before distribution to beneficiaries.
  • Transparency & Grievance Redressal: Provides accountability through NFSA grievance mechanisms, vigilance committees, and social audits.

Public Distribution System (PDS) Issues

The Public Distribution System (PDS), despite being one of the largest food security networks in the world, faces several systemic challenges that reduce its effectiveness and create significant financial and administrative burdens. These issues weaken the intended impact of welfare schemes, reduce access for genuine beneficiaries, and inflate government expenditure.

  1. Leakages and Diversions
    • Around 28% leakage in PDS results in an estimated ₹69,108 crore annual loss, reflecting major inefficiencies.
    • Grains are often diverted during transportation or sold illegally in the open market.
    • Example: Nearly one-third of grains lifted from FCI fail to reach Fair Price Shops, reducing actual availability for poor households.
  1. Targeting Errors
    • TPDS suffers from both inclusion and exclusion errors, limiting its effectiveness.
    • Non-poor households often obtain ration cards, while deserving poor households are left out.
    • Example: Many migrant labourers and informal workers struggle to get ration cards, whereas some urban middle-income families access subsidised food grains.
  1. Supply Chain Inefficiencies
    • Problems in storage, transportation, and inter-agency coordination cause delays and wastage.
    • Inadequate warehouse capacity leads to spoilage of food grains.
    • Example: Remote and hilly regions frequently receive delayed deliveries, creating periodic shortages at ration shops.
  1. Monocropping and Reduced Crop Diversity
    • MSP-driven procurement focuses heavily on rice and wheat, discouraging crop diversification.
    • Long-term nutritional outcomes and soil health are affected.
    • Example: Punjab and Haryana shifted to water-intensive rice cultivation, reducing production of millets and coarse grains.
  1. Rising Subsidy Burden
    • Food subsidy increased from ₹21,200 crore in 2002-03 to nearly ₹2 lakh crore in 2024-25.
    • High subsidy levels stress the Union Budget and burden FCI finances.
    • Example: Subsidy dues to FCI often accumulate due to the large fiscal requirement for maintaining PDS operations.
  1. Urban Bias
    • PDS works more efficiently in urban areas due to better infrastructure and monitoring.
    • Rural, tribal, and remote regions face irregular supply and weaker administrative oversight.
    • Example: Urban ration shops in Delhi or Mumbai receive regular stock, while tribal districts in Odisha and Jharkhand face stock-outs due to transport bottlenecks.

Public Distribution System (PDS) Reforms

  • Aadhaar Seeding of Beneficiaries: Ensures proper identification, removes duplicate/ghost ration cards, and reduces inclusion–exclusion errors in TPDS.
  • Digitisation of Ration Cards: Allows online verification of beneficiary data, tracking of monthly quotas, and real-time monitoring of entitlements.
  • End-to-End Computerisation of Supply Chain: Tracks food grains digitally from FCI procurement centres to state depots and finally to FPS, reducing diversion and leakage.
  • GPS Tracking of Food Grain Transport Vehicles: Monitors truck movement to prevent route diversion, delay, or pilferage during transportation.
  • Automation with e-PoS Machines: FPS shops use biometric Point of Sale devices to authenticate beneficiaries and record transactions, improving transparency.
  • Smart Ration Cards: Introduced as secure electronic cards storing beneficiary details and biometrics, preventing counterfeiting and fake entries.
  • SMS-Based Monitoring System: Beneficiaries receive SMS alerts when grain is dispatched or arrives at FPS, promoting public oversight and reducing corruption.
  • Online Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: State portals and toll-free helplines allow beneficiaries to lodge complaints and track resolutions, improving accountability.
  • Strengthening Transparency through Social Audits: Local communities, SHGs, and NGOs participate in monitoring FPS functioning and reporting irregularities.
  • Expansion of Food Basket: Some states distribute pulses, edible oils, iodised salt, and fortified foods through PDS to enhance nutritional security.
  • Universal PDS Models in Select States: States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala provide subsidised food grains to all households to minimise targeting errors.
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Pilots: Cash transfer of the food subsidy directly to beneficiary bank accounts, reducing storage and transport-related leakages (implemented cautiously).

Public Distribution System (PDS) Way Forward

The Public Distribution System can be strengthened by enhancing transparency, reducing leakages, and ensuring better targeting through technology-driven reforms. Improving storage, transport, and procurement mechanisms will make food distribution more efficient and sustainable.

  • End-to-End Digitalisation: Complete computerisation, GPS tracking, and e-POS-based beneficiary authentication to minimise leakages.
  • Diversified Food Basket: Include millets, pulses, and fortified foods in PDS to improve nutrition and reduce dependence on rice and wheat.
  • Strengthening Storage & Logistics: Modernise warehouses, expand scientific silos, and improve last-mile delivery in remote regions.
  • Better Targeting & Inclusion: Regularly update beneficiary lists, integrate Aadhaar effectively, and ensure migrant portability through ONORC.

Public Distribution System (PDS) FAQs

Q1: What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

Ans: PDS is a government-run food security network that provides essential food grains like rice and wheat to eligible households at subsidised prices through Fair Price Shops (FPS).

Q2: Which ministry administers the PDS?

Ans: PDS is administered by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Q3: What commodities are distributed under PDS?

Ans: Wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene are the primary items. Some states also distribute pulses, edible oils, iodised salt, and fortified foods.

Q4: What is Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)?

Ans: Launched in 1997, TPDS divides beneficiaries into BPL and APL categories to ensure subsidies reach the poorest households more effectively.

Q5: What is Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)?

Ans: AAY targets the poorest among BPL families. Each eligible household receives highly subsidised food grains (35 kg per month).

UPSC Daily Quiz 20 November 2025

November 20, 2025
UPSC Daily Quiz

The Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram & Ravi is a thoughtfully curated initiative designed to support UPSC aspirants in strengthening their current affairs knowledge and core conceptual understanding. Aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, this daily quiz serves as a revision resource, helping candidates assess their preparation, revise key topics, and stay updated with relevant issues. Whether you are preparing for Prelims or sharpening your revision for Mains, consistent practice with these Daily UPSC Quiz can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence in solving exam-level questions.

[WpProQuiz 27]

UPSC Daily Quiz FAQs

Q1: What is the Daily UPSC Quiz?

Ans: The Daily UPSC Quiz is a set of practice questions based on current affairs, static subjects, and PYQs that help aspirants enhance retention and test conceptual clarity regularly.

Q2: How is the Daily Quiz useful for UPSC preparation?

Ans: Daily quizzes support learning, help in revision, improve time management, and boost accuracy for both UPSC Prelims and Mains through consistent practice.

Q3: Are the quiz questions based on the UPSC syllabus?

Ans: Yes, all questions are aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, covering key areas like Polity, Economy, Environment, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

Q4: Are solutions and explanations provided with the quiz?

Ans: Yes, each quiz includes detailed explanations and source references to enhance conceptual understanding and enable self-assessment.

Q5: Is the Daily UPSC Quiz suitable for both Prelims and Mains?

Ans: Primarily focused on Prelims (MCQ format), but it also indirectly helps in Mains by strengthening subject knowledge and factual clarity.

Consumer Protection Act 1986, Objectives, Provisions, Amendments

November 20, 2025
Consumer Protection Act 1986

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was one of India’s most important legislations for protecting consumers against unfair trade practices, defective goods and poor-quality services. Before this Act, Indian consumers had limited legal support, and exploitation by sellers was widespread. The Act introduced a low-cost, speedy and accessible system for grievance redressal. It officially came into force on 15 April 1987 for most chapters and 1 July 1987 for the remaining parts, as notified by the Government of India. Its influence remained strong until it was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

Consumer Protection Act 1986

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was enacted on 24 December 1986 after receiving assent from President Zail Singh. It extended to all of India except Jammu and Kashmir (however the 2019 act is now applicable). The Act aimed to provide better protection of consumer interests and established consumer councils together with quasi-judicial bodies. It is often known as the Magna Carta of Consumer Rights in India because it strengthened consumer laws significantly. The Act was eventually repealed in July 2020, but its structure continues in updated laws.

Also Read: Protection of Human Rights Act 1993

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Objectives

The objectives of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 were designed to safeguard consumers from exploitation and give them access to fast, affordable justice.

  • The Act protected consumers from goods and services that were hazardous to life and property, forming the core of consumer safety rights.
  • It ensured consumers were informed about quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price, reducing chances of deception.
  • A key objective was guaranteeing access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices, strengthening market fairness.
  • It gave consumers the right to be heard at appropriate forums and ensured their concerns received timely consideration.
  • Redressal rights allowed consumers to seek compensation or corrective action for unfair or restrictive trade practices.
  • The Act promoted consumer education nationwide, a major gap before 1986. By the 1990s, over 200 consumer groups were active in India.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Need

India needed the Consumer Protection Act 1986 because consumers suffered from poor awareness, exploitation and lack of dedicated legal remedies.

  • Before 1986, consumer disputes had to be filed in civil courts, which were slow and expensive, causing years of delay.
  • Rapid industrialization in the 1970s-80s increased cases of adulteration, defective electronics and misleading advertisements.
  • Surveys during the 1980s revealed rising malpractice in packaged goods, prompting demand for strict regulatory action.
  • Increasing complaints regarding medical negligence and financial fraud showed the need for specialized consumer forums.
  • There was no system to educate consumers; literacy around rights was below 30 percent in many states in the 1980s.
  • Global momentum for consumer protection (post-UN Guidelines 1985) required India to strengthen its legal framework.
  • Before the Act, compensation awarded to consumers was inconsistent and often inadequate, limiting justice.

Also Read: Forest Conservation Act 1980

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Provisions

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 introduced important provisions that defined consumer rights and created an accessible system for dispute resolution.

  • The Act clearly defined consumer-related terms such as “defect,” “deficiency,” and “unfair trade practice,” removing ambiguity in legal interpretation.
  • It established Consumer Protection Councils at National, State and District levels to spread awareness and advise governments.
  • The Act created a three-tier quasi-judicial redressal structure: District Forum, State Commission and National Commission.
  • Consumers were allowed to file complaints regarding defective goods, poor services, overcharging or misleading advertisements.
  • The forums could order replacement, refund, repair, compensation or penalty for unfair practices.
  • The Act allowed complaints to be filed by individuals, groups, consumer associations or even the government.
  • A major provision was that legal procedures were simplified, eliminating need for lawyers in most cases.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Amendments

To strengthen the system, the Consumer Protection Act 1986 underwent three major amendments addressing gaps and modernizing consumer redressal.

  • 1991 Amendment: Expanded definitions and increased powers of forums. Introduced provisions for review and additional relief.
  • 1993 Amendment: Improved procedures and strengthened District Forums. It added provisions for service of notices and time-bound disposal.
  • 2002 Amendment: Most comprehensive changes; increased pecuniary jurisdiction, enabled video-conferencing during hearings, and strengthened penalties.
  • By early 2000s, rise of online commerce made further reforms necessary, leading to the formulation of the Consumer Protection Bill 2019.
  • The Consumer Protection Act 2019 replaced the 1986 Act, but retained major foundational features.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Organizations

The Act created a structured three-tier system for consumer dispute redressal at district, state and national levels for easy access.

  • District Forum (DCDRC): Initially handled cases up to ₹5 lakh, later revised to ₹20 lakh and finally ₹1 crore before repeal.
  • State Commission (SCDRC): Handled cases beyond District limits up to ₹10 crore, and heard appeals from District Forums.
  • National Commission (NCDRC): Addressed cases above ₹10 crore and heard appeals from State Commissions.
  • Consumer Protection Councils at national, state and district levels promoted awareness and advised on consumer issues.
  • Prominent consumer NGOs such as CGSI (1966), CERC, Consumer Voice and Mumbai Grahak Panchayat supported implementation.
  • The redressal bodies followed simple procedures and often allowed consumers to represent themselves without legal assistance.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Challenges

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 faced several structural, administrative and enforcement challenges that affected its efficiency and required long-term solutions.

Challenges: 

  • Heavy case backlog delayed justice.
  • Low consumer awareness in rural areas.
  • Poor enforcement of orders by businesses.
  • Rise of e-commerce created new issues not covered in 1986.
  • Limited financial and administrative capacity of forums.
  • Many consumers lacked proper documentation to file complaints.

Way Forward: 

  • Increase staffing, digitalize processes and enforce strict timelines.
  • Expand awareness programs through schools, Gram Sabhas and media.
  • Strengthen legal consequences and improve monitoring.
  • Integrate digital-market regulations, now included in 2019 Act.
  • Increase funding and improve infrastructure.
  • Simplify procedures and offer government-led support desks.

Also Read: Forest Rights Act, 2006

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Penalties

Penalties under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 ensured that businesses complied with orders and upheld consumer rights.

  • Forums could order refund, repair, replacement or compensation based on loss or injury.
  • Failure to comply could lead to fines or imprisonment, depending on seriousness.
  • Manufacturers of hazardous goods could be ordered to withdraw products from the market.
  • Misleading advertisements could attract corrective orders and penalties.
  • Compensation amounts often depended on consumer suffering, negligence and financial impact.
  • Service providers could be directed to discontinue unfair or restrictive trade practices immediately.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Achievements

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 achieved major progress in consumer empowerment, dispute resolution and public awareness across India.

  • The Act legally recognized six core consumer rights, which strengthened consumer awareness nationwide.
  • Millions of cases were resolved through District, State and National Commissions, proving the success of summary procedures.
  • It encouraged ethical business behaviour and reduced deceptive marketing practices.
  • Consumer organizations grew rapidly, supporting education and legal guidance.
  • The Act initiated major reforms in sectors like healthcare, transport, insurance and online services.
  • Its foundation influenced future policies, leading to the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Recent Developments

Recent developments show how the principles of the 1986 Act continue to shape modern consumer protection systems in India.

  • The Consumer Protection Act 2019 replaced the 1986 Act with stronger provisions for e-commerce and digital markets.
  • Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established for stricter enforcement.
  • E-filing of consumer complaints introduced through the E-Daakhil portal improved accessibility.
  • New regulations target misleading advertisements and celebrity endorsements.
  • Mediation cells created within consumer commissions reduce delays significantly.
  • The three-tier structure continues with revised jurisdiction for faster redressal.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 UPSC

The Consumer Protection Act 1986 transformed the landscape of consumer rights in India by empowering citizens, restricting unfair practices and establishing an accessible system of justice. Its redressal mechanism encouraged millions of consumers to seek compensation without facing lengthy court processes. The Act played a historical role in shaping India’s consumer movement and continues to influence the modern Consumer Protection Act 2019. Even though it has been repealed, its legacy remains central to the development of a fair, transparent and accountable marketplace in India.

Consumer Protection Act 1986 FAQs

Q1: What is the main purpose of the Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Ans: The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was introduced to safeguard consumers from unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficient services. It ensures that consumers have the right to seek compensation and timely redressal through a three-tier dispute resolution system.

Q2: What are the rights of consumers under the Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Ans: The Act provides six major rights: Right to Safety, Right to Information, Right to Choose, Right to Be Heard, Right to Redressal, and Right to Consumer Education. These rights ensure fair treatment and protection from exploitation.

Q3: What are Consumer Courts under Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Ans: The Act created a three-level consumer grievance system: District Forum (for claims up to ₹20 lakh), State Commission (₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore), and National Commission (above ₹1 crore). These bodies handle complaints and offer quick resolutions.

Q4: Who can file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Ans: Any consumer who has purchased goods or services for personal use (not for resale or commercial use) can file a complaint. A registered consumer association, central or state government, or multiple consumers with similar interests can also file complaints.

Q5: What is the relevance of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 today?

Ans: Even though it was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the 1986 Act laid the foundation for modern consumer rights in India. Many principles, mechanisms, and court structures introduced in 1986 continue to influence consumer protection in the current system.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), Compositions, Functions

November 20, 2025
National Judicial Appointments Commission

The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was introduced as a constitutional body to reform the existing collegium system for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. It aimed to make the process more transparent, participatory, and accountable. 

However, the Supreme Court struck it down in 2015, restoring the collegium system. For UPSC aspirants, understanding NJAC’s provisions, composition, issues, and the judicial review that followed is essential for Polity, Governance, and current affairs.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014

The 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014 established the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) as an independent constitutional body designed to replace the existing collegium system. Its purpose was to introduce a more transparent, broad-based, and accountable mechanism for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts in India. Through this Act, Articles 124A, 124B, and 124C were inserted into the Constitution, formally establishing the NJAC as a constitutional body responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

  • Created a six-member constitutional body called the NJAC to oversee appointments of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
  • Replaced the collegium system, which was previously responsible for judicial appointments.
  • Inserted Articles 124A to 124C, defining the NJAC’s composition, powers, and procedures.
  • Provided for the inclusion of two eminent persons, the Law Minister, and senior judges to ensure broader participation.
  • Aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and checks and balances in the judicial appointment process.

Judicial Appointments Constitutional Provisions

Judicial appointments in India are governed by Articles 124, 217, and 222 of the Constitution. These provisions outline how Supreme Court and High Court judges are appointed and transferred.

  • Article 124 - Deals with the appointment of Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
  • Article 217 - Provides for the appointment of High Court judges.
  • Article 222 - Allows for the transfer of High Court judges by the President after consultation with the CJI.
  • Article 368 - Amended to add the NJAC through the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014.
  • Article 124A-124C - Inserted to establish NJAC and define its composition and powers.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Composition

The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was envisioned as a six-member constitutional body combining judicial, executive, and independent voices. This structure was designed to diversify decision-making authority so that no single institution could dominate. The inclusion of eminent persons was meant to represent civil society and reduce insularity in judicial appointments.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Composition
Member Details Nature

Chief Justice of India (Chairperson)

Sitting CJI

Ex-officio

Two senior-most Supreme Court judges

Next two senior judges after CJI

Ex-officio

Union Law Minister

Cabinet Minister responsible for law

Executive Member

Two Eminent Persons

Selected by a panel consisting of PM, CJI, and Leader of Opposition

Independent

Selection of Eminent Persons

  • Chosen by a 3-member committee: PM, CJI, and Leader of Opposition.
  • At least one should belong to SC/ST/OBC/minority community or be a woman.
  • Tenure: 3 years, with no reappointment.
  • Aimed to represent diversity and improve accountability.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Functions

The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was empowered to handle the entire framework of judicial appointments and transfers. It would recommend appointments to the President and ensure that judges were selected based on merit, integrity, and suitability.

  • Recommend appointments of the Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judges, Chief Justices of High Courts, and High Court judges.
  • Evaluate candidates based on merit, seniority, judicial experience, legal expertise, and integrity.
  • Recommend transfers of High Court judges after considering administrative and functional needs.
  • Collect and examine background information through consultations with state authorities, bar associations, and other stakeholders.
  • Ensure transparency by establishing criteria, procedures, and timelines for judicial appointments.

Reason for the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Struck Down

In the landmark judgment Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (2015), a 4:1 majority of the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC and the 99th Constitutional Amendment, 2014 as unconstitutional. The Court held that the judiciary must remain independent to protect fundamental rights, and any change that substantially reduces judicial primacy violates the basic structure doctrine.

  • Judicial Independence Undermined: Inclusion of the Law Minister and eminent persons meant external influence over judicial appointments, compromising independence.
  • Basic Structure Violation: Judicial independence is a core aspect of the Constitution’s basic structure, and any amendment weakening it is invalid.
  • Two-Member Veto Problem: The provision allowing any two NJAC members to block a recommendation risked creating deadlocks and giving excessive control to non-judicial members.
  • Executive Overreach Concerns: The government’s involvement in selecting eminent persons created possibilities of political interference.
  • Ambiguity in Criteria: Lack of clear qualifications for eminent persons created space for arbitrary or politically motivated selection.

Issues With National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)

While National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) attempted to democratize the process, several concerns emerged around its composition and mechanism. Critics argued that NJAC reintroduced executive influence, which the judiciary had gradually reduced to preserve its autonomy.

  • Potential Loss of Judicial Primacy: Judicial control over appointments would reduce significantly with the inclusion of executives and non-judicial members.
  • Risk of Political Influence: Since eminent persons were indirectly appointed with government participation, political biases could enter the system.
  • Veto Provision Problem: The two-member veto could stall appointments unnecessarily, leading to delays and vacancies in courts.
  • Broad and Ambiguous Criteria: The term "eminent person" lacked specificity, risking appointment of individuals without legal expertise.
  • Structural Imbalance: Equal representation of judiciary, executive, and others could dilute the core principle of an independent judiciary.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Way Forward

Even though NJAC was struck down, the debate on judicial reforms continues. The Supreme Court itself acknowledged the need to improve the collegium system. There is growing consensus that reforms should enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency while protecting judicial independence.

Proposed Reforms

  • Transparent Collegium Procedure: Publish criteria, minutes, and reasons for appointment decisions to improve public trust.
  • Independent Secretariat: Establish a professional secretariat to conduct research, verify credentials, and manage documentation for judicial appointments.
  • Objective Evaluation Metrics: Use standardized parameters such as judgments delivered, legal expertise, integrity reports, and domain specialization.
  • Broader Consultation Mechanisms: Allow structured input from senior advocates, bar councils, and legal experts while keeping decision-making independent.
  • Increase Diversity: Ensure adequate representation of women, minorities, and marginalized sections in higher judiciary.
  • Periodic Review Mechanism: Introduce performance assessment frameworks before elevation from High Court to Supreme Court.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) FAQs

Q1: What is the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)?

Ans: The NJAC was a six-member constitutional body established through the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014 to replace the collegium system for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Q2: Why was the NJAC created?

Ans: The NJAC was created to address concerns regarding the collegium system, such as lack of transparency, limited accountability, and allegations of nepotism.

Q3: Which constitutional amendment introduced the NJAC?

Ans: The 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014 introduced the NJAC and established Articles 124A, 124B, and 124C in the Constitution.

Q4: What was the composition of the NJAC?

Ans: The NJAC consisted of six members: Chief Justice of India (Chairperson), Two senior-most Supreme Court judges, Union Law Minister, and Two eminent persons chosen by a committee comprising the PM, CJI, and Leader of Opposition

Q5: What were the functions of the NJAC?

Ans: The NJAC was responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of Supreme Court and High Court judges. It also evaluated candidates based on merit, integrity, and suitability, ensuring a transparent selection process.

National Industrial Classification 2025 (NIC-2025)

November 20, 2025
National Industrial Classification 2025 (NIC-2025)

National Industrial Classification 2025 Latest News

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently released the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 during the ‘Culmination Ceremony' of the 75th anniversary of National Sample Survey (NSS) and World Statistics Day 2025.

About National Industrial Classification 2025

  • The NIC is the standardized system used to classify all economic activities in India for statistical surveys, censuses (like the Annual Survey of Industries), and national accounts (GDP calculation). 
  • First introduced in 1962, it has been revised periodically in line with international standards and the changing economic landscape, leading to NIC 1970, NIC 1987, NIC 1990, NIC 1998, NIC 2004, and NIC 2008. 
  • The NIC 2025 represents the latest updated national standard for classifying economic activities in India.
  • The NIC 2025 has been prepared by the MoSPI in alignment with the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) Revision 5, developed by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).  
  • The revision was carried out under the guidance of the Expert Committee for Revision of Economic Classifications (ECREC).
  • Major Changes:
    • The NIC 2025 introduces a new 6-digit coding structure, in place of the 5-digit structure of NIC 2008. 
    • The shift to a 6-digit structure matters because it provides the granularity needed to distinguish specific modern activities (e.g., distinguishing “fintech” from general financial services), enabling more precise measurement of the digital and green economies.
  • The Salient Feature of NIC 2025 are:
    • Enhanced Classification of Intermediation Services: New classes have been created across multiple sections to reflect the growing role of intermediaries in sectors such as power, retail, logistics, healthcare, education, real estate, and food services.
    • Environmental and Green Economy Integration: Expanded coverage of carbon capture, waste management, and environmental remediation activities, with better alignment to SDGs and SEEA framework.
    • Digital Economy Representation: Cloud infrastructure, blockchain, platform-based services, and web search portals are distinctly classified, reflecting the evolving nature of the digital economy.
    • Classification is technology agnostic: In general, distinction of activities is not made based on whether an activity is carried out by means of traditional or modern production techniques.
  • The NIC 2025 will serve as a vital statistical standard for compiling and analysing economic indicators across sectors.
  • The classification will also assist in accurately identifying and reporting economic activities in a consistent and comparable manner.

Source: PIB

National Industrial Classification 2025 FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) system?

Ans: To classify economic activities for surveys, censuses, and national accounts.

Q2: National Industrial Classification 2025 (NIC-2025) has been prepared by which ministry/organization?

Ans: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

Q3: What is one of the major structural changes introduced in NIC-2025?

Ans: The NIC 2025 introduces a new 6-digit coding structure, in place of the 5-digit structure of NIC 2008.

Curacao

November 20, 2025
Curacao

Curacao Latest News

With a population of just 156,000, Curacao has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest country in history to reach the tournament.

About Curacao

  • Curacao is an island country situated in the south Caribbean Sea, about 60 km north of the coast of Venezuela. 
  • It is also a territorial country of the Netherlands. 
  • The country includes the main island of Curacao and the island of Klein Curacao, which cover a combined total area of 171 square miles.
  • Although physiographically part of the South American continental shelf, Curaçao and neighboring islands off the northern coast of South America are usually considered to constitute the southwestern arc of the Lesser Antilles.
  • Until the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in October 2010, the country was one of its island territories and was governed as the “Island Territory of Curacao.” 
  • Currently, Curacao is administered by an independent government established by the people of Curacao and is fully autonomous in most matters, except those outlined in the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
    • Government: Constitutional Monarchy (multi-party system)
    • The head of state is the Dutch monarch, represented by a governor, and the head of government is the prime minister.
  • Once colonised by the Dutch for decades, Curacao has transformed into a thriving tourist destination and an important oil-refining hub.
  • The capital is Willemstad. The center of the city, due to its unique architecture, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Languages: Papiamento, Dutch, English
  • According to the 2023 census (published in January 2025), the population stands at 156,115, with a sex ratio of 81.9 men for every 100 women.

Source: IT

Curacao FAQs

Q1: Curaçao is located in which region?

Ans: South Caribbean Sea

Q2: Curaçao is a territorial country of which Kingdom?

Ans: The Netherlands

Q3: Which is the capital of Curaçao?

Ans: The capital is Willemstad.

BvS10 Sindhu

November 20, 2025
BvS10 Sindhu

BvS10 Sindhu Latest News

Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) and BAE Systems recently bagged a contract from the Indian Army for supply of BvS10 Sindhu – a specialised all-terrain armoured vehicle, according to a regulatory filing.

About BvS10 Sindhu

  • The BvS10 is a well-known articulated all-terrain vehicle used by several European militaries. 
    • The BvS10 is already in service with the armed forces of Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. 
    • It’s also on order for the German Army and has been selected for the US Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program.
    • Its design allows for two connected vehicle sections that help it cross difficult terrain that conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles struggle with.
  • BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded variant of the BvS10 with adaptations tailored specifically for India’s terrain and climate.
  • L&T will manufacture the BvS10 Sindhu at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, with technical and design support from BAE Systems Hägglunds (a Swedish business unit of BAE Systems, focused on military ground vehicles), the original manufacturer of the BvS10 platform.
  • The Sindhu variant can be reconfigured for multiple purposes: troop transport, command post, ambulance, recovery, logistics, or even a weapons-armed version. 
  • This flexibility is ideal for the Indian Army’s diverse mission needs.
  • It’s customized for India’s extreme terrain: high-altitude regions, deserts, marshlands, and flood-prone zones.
  • The vehicle is also amphibious, able to operate in water or flooded terrain.

Source: TH

BvS10 Sindhu FAQs

Q1: The BvS10 is primarily known as which type of military vehicle?

Ans: The BvS10 is a well-known articulated all-terrain vehicle.

Q2: Which company will manufacture the BvS10 Sindhu in India?

Ans: Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T)

Q3: Why is the BvS10 Sindhu particularly suitable for the Indian Army?

Ans: It offers modularity, mobility, and adaptability for diverse Indian terrain.

BIRSA 101

November 20, 2025
BIRSA 101

BIRSA 101 Latest News

Recently, the union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology launched India's first indigenous "CRISPR" based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and named it BIRSA 101.

About BIRSA 101

  • It is India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, designed to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
  • The therapy has been named Birsa-101 in honour of the tribal leader Birsa Munda.
  • Developed by: It is developed by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB).

Key Features of BIRSA 101

  • CRISPR Technology: It utilizes the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool to correct the genetic mutation causing Sickle Cell Disease.
  • Affordability: It is priced significantly lower than global CRISPR treatments, making it more accessible to the poorest populations.

How does Birsa-101 Cure Sickle Cell Disease?

  • Birsa-101 precisely corrects the mutations in the genetic code that causes the disease.
  • The therapy has to be given as a one-time infusion, after which the body should start producing normal red blood cells instead of sickle-shaped ones.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

  • It is a genetic condition that leads to the body’s red blood cells becoming rigid, sickle-shaped, and less capable of carrying oxygen.
  • The shape of the blood cells can also lead to blockages in blood flow, leading to acute episodes of pain, chronic pain, organ damage, anaemia, infections, and strokes.
  • A person can be a carrier and not have a disease.
  • The likelihood of a child having the disease increases if both parents are carriers or one parent has the disease and the other is a carrier.

Source: PIB

BIRSA 101 FAQs

Q1: What is BIRSA 101?

Ans: India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease.

Q2: Who developed BIRSA 101?

Ans: CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)

Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary

November 20, 2025
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary

Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A wild tiger has made a return to Gujarat after several decades, establishing a permanent presence in Dahod’s Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Gujarat.
  • The sanctuary falls on the border of Gujarat with Madhya Pradesh.
  • It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in March 1982. 
  • It is also known as "Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary," due to its highest population of sloth bears in the state.
  • Rivers:  It forms the catchment of river Panam- a major river of Central Gujarat.
  • Vegetation: It consists of dry teak forests at the foothills and mixed deciduous forests with dry bamboo brakes on the periphery.
  • It consists of a high population of 'Mahudo' trees intermixed with pure patches of 'Sadad' and 'Timru' forest on plateaus of the hills.
  • Flora:  Teak, dudhlo, sadad, timru, amla, bamboo, dhavdo, kakadiyo, mahuda, tanach, charoli, ber, jamun, khakhro etc.
  • Fauna: Leopard, Palm civet, Indian civet, Four-horned antelope, Loten’s sunbird, Large green barbet, yellow checked tit,

Source: NIE

Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: What is the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary primarily known for?

Ans: Sloth bear population

Q2: Where is the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: Gujarat

YUVA AI for ALL Initiative

November 20, 2025
YUVA AI for ALL Initiative

YUVA AI for ALL Initiative Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the YUVA AI for ALL Initiative to help everyone understand Artificial Intelligence. 

About YUVA AI for ALL Initiative

  • It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission.
  • It is a first-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth.
  • It consists of a 4.5-hour self-paced course designed to make students, professionals and other curious learners comfortable with the basics of Artificial intelligence.
  • Aim: To empower 1 crore (10 million) citizens with foundational  AI skills.

Key Features of YUVA AI for ALL Initiative

  • It’s simple, practical, and filled with real-life Indian examples to make learning relatable and fun.
  • It is available for free on leading learning platforms - FutureSkills Prime, iGOT  Karmayogi, and other popular ed-tech portals.
  • Every learner who completes the course will get an official certificate from the Government of India.
  • It’s 100% free and open to everyone
  • It allows learning at one’s own pace — anytime, anywhere

What is IndiaAI Mission?

  • It was initially launched as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Nasscom in 2023. 
  • The mission’s key goals are:
    • “Making AI in India” – Encouraging domestic AI development.
    • “Making AI Work for India” – Ensuring AI benefits various sectors in the country.
  • It aims to bolster India’s AI ecosystem by making high-end computing resources accessible to startups and researchers.

Source: News On Air

YUVA AI for ALL Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the YUVA AI for ALL Initiative?

Ans: To empower 1 crore citizens with foundational AI skills

Q2: Who launched the YUVA AI for ALL Initiative?

Ans: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

November 20, 2025
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Latest News

Recently, former Chile President Michelle Bachelet was awarded with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024.

About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

  • It was instituted in the memory of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by a trust in her name in 1986.
  • It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development,
  • It consists of a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees along with a citation.
  • It is awarded annually to a person or organization without any distinction of nationality, race or religion, in recognition of creative efforts towards:
    • Promoting international peace and disarmament, racial equality, and goodwill and harmony among nations;
    • Securing economic co-operation and promoting a new international economic order;
    • Accelerating the all-round advancement of developing nations;
    • Ensuring that the discoveries of science and modern knowledge are used for the larger good of the human race; and
    • Enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit.
  • Past recipients of this award include
    • Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union (1987);
    • UNICEF (1989)
    • Jimmy Carter, former president of the US (1997)
    • UN and its secretary-general Kofi Annan (2003)
    • Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany (2013)
    • Indian Space Research Organisation (2014)
    • Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh (2017)
    • Sir David Attenborough (2019)
    • Pratham NGO (2021)
    • Indian Medical Association and the Trained Nurses Association of India (2022)
    • Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad (2023)

Source: IE

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize FAQs

Q1: In which year was the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development established?

Ans: It was established in 1986.

Q2: Who won the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2024?

Ans: Michelle Bachelet

NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)

November 20, 2025
NASAMS

NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) Latest News

The United States recently confirmed the sale to Taiwan of the NASAMS advanced air defence missile system worth almost $700 million.

About NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)

  • It is a medium-range, ground-based air defense system.
  • It is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.
  • It was designed and developed jointly by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).
  • NASAMS reached operational capability in 1994 and was first deployed by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
  • NASAMS is operated by 13 countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. 
  • In addition to the U.S., Norway, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar, Hungary, Ukraine, and one undisclosed country depend on NASAMS for homeland defense and the protection of critical assets. 

NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) Features

  • It is built on a modular, distributed, open-hardware and software architecture. 
  • It is the world’s first networked short- and medium-range air defense system that could integrate with other equipment and air defense systems.
  • It features an X-Band, 360-degree phased array air defense radar with a 75-kilometer range to identify targets.
  • The primary weapon of the system is the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), which have an engagement range of about 30 kilometers.
  • The NASAMS is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles.
  • The system can engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes.
  • It features network-centric, open architecture that provides increased survivability against electronic countermeasures.
  • NASAMS can fire on target data provided by external sensors. 
  • Advanced emission control features of the radars minimize the risk of revealing the NASAMS unit's own position.

Source: TH

NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) FAQs

Q1: NASAMS is primarily classified as which type of defense system?

Ans: Medium-range, ground-based air defense system.

Q2: NASAMS was jointly developed by which two companies?

Ans: It was designed and developed jointly by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).

Q3: Which missile serves as the primary weapon of the NASAMS system?

Ans: AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM)

Daily Editorial Analysis 20 November 2025

November 20, 2025
Daily Editorial Analysis

Recognise the Critical Role of the Childcare Worker

Context

  • The adoption of the International Day of Care and Support by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 marks an important milestone in the global recognition of care work.
  • By acknowledging the need to reduce, redistribute, and properly value unpaid care and domestic labour, predominantly performed by women and girls, the resolution draws attention to an often-invisible foundation of social and economic life.
  • These issues resonate powerfully in India, where historical legacies, institutional gaps, and new socio-economic pressures continue to shape the landscape of childcare and care work.
  • Together, these factors underscore the urgency of a systemic transformation grounded in social justice, gender equality, and high-quality care for all children.

Historical Foundations and the Evolution of Childcare Services

  • India’s engagement with organised childcare dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when educationists such as Tarabai Modak and Gijubai Badheka developed innovative, developmentally appropriate early childhood practices.
  • However, these pioneering initiatives gradually lost prominence as post-Independence childcare became largely privatised and inaccessible to low-income families—the very groups most in need of such support.
  • A paradigm shift came with the 1972 Study Group on the Development of the Preschool Child, led by Mina Swaminathan, which articulated a holistic and equity-driven framework for early childhood care.
  • This approach culminated in the creation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 1975, today one of the world’s largest early childhood programmes.
  • With 1.4 million Anganwadi centres reaching 23 million children, and a projected need to expand to 2.6 million centres by 2030, ICDS remains central to India’s commitment to child nutrition, development, and welfare.

Undervaluation of Childcare Workers

  • Despite the scale and social importance of ICDS, care-workers continue to be underpaid, undervalued, and treated as informal caregivers rather than skilled professionals.
  • Rapid programme expansion has weakened emphasis on training and competency building, reinforcing stereotypes that early childhood work is limited to feeding, hygiene, and immunisation rather than complex developmental nurturing.
  • Their wages, often ₹8,000–₹15,000 per month, barely match minimum-wage benchmarks for unskilled labour, revealing a profound mismatch between responsibilities and remuneration.
  • The devaluation of care work manifests in multiple ways: insufficient social security, poor working conditions, limited career progression, and inadequate institutional representation.

Climate Change, Migration, and Intensified Care Burdens

  • Climate change, through floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, disproportionately harms women and children, reducing access to healthcare, nutrition, and stable livelihoods.
  • Male migration from rural to urban economies further exacerbates gendered care burdens, leaving women with little support as they juggle caregiving, wage work, and household survival.
  • Urban migration creates its own dilemmas: high rents and precarious employment push migrant women into domestic labour in wealthier households, while their own children often lack access to safe and affordable childcare.
  • Notably, only 10% of Anganwadi centres operate in urban areas, leaving a significant care vacuum.

Policy Transformations and the Path Ahead

  • Recognising care-workers is only the first step; systemic reforms must follow. India currently invests only 0.4% of its GDP in childcare, far below the 1%–1.5% standard upheld by Scandinavian countries with universal childcare systems.
  • Strengthening childcare provision, especially for children under three years, demands significant budgetary increases, infrastructure expansion, and robust training systems.
  • Currently, only 2,500 of 10,000 approved crèches under the Palna Scheme are functional, revealing implementation gaps that undermine coverage.
    • Achieving high-quality, equitable childcare requires:
    • Decent wages and labour protections for caregivers
    • Comprehensive skill development and professionalisation of care
    • Expanded urban childcare coverage
    • Stronger decentralised and community-led governance
    • Convergence across health, nutrition, labour, and social welfare systems
    • Policies that promote shared household care responsibilities
  • Crucially, the childcare agenda is inseparable from the rights of women and children.
  • It demands a shift from viewing care as a private responsibility to recognising it as a public good essential for inclusive development.

Conclusion

  • As global and domestic pressures, from climate change to migration, intensify existing inequalities, the need to invest in care infrastructure and care-workers has never been more urgent.
  • The historical legacy of inclusive childcare, coupled with contemporary demands for gender justice and child welfare, necessitates a bold reimagining of policy and practice.
  • Universal, high-quality childcare is not merely a social service; it is a nation-building imperative that strengthens families, empowers women, and gives every child a fair chance at a healthy, secure, and dignified future.
  • By valuing and professionalising care work, India can build a more equitable society where the rights of caregivers and children are fully recognised and realised.

Recognise the Critical Role of the Childcare Worker FAQs

 Q1. Why did the UN declare October 29 as the International Day of Care and Support?
Ans. The UN declared this day to recognise the importance of care work and to address the undervaluation of unpaid domestic and caregiving labour.

Q2. What major contribution did the 1972 Study Group led by Mina Swaminathan make?
Ans. The Study Group led by Mina Swaminathan laid the foundation for the Integrated Child Development Services by promoting a holistic and equity-focused childcare approach.

Q3. Why are childcare workers in India often undervalued?
Ans. Childcare workers are undervalued because their work is seen as unskilled caregiving rather than professional developmental support.

Q4. How does climate change affect childcare needs among poor families?
Ans. Climate change increases childcare needs among poor families by worsening health, nutrition, and livelihood conditions and increasing male migration.

Q5. What level of investment is required for India to achieve universal, quality childcare?
Ans. India needs to increase its childcare investment to between 1% and 1.5% of GDP to achieve universal, high-quality childcare.

Source: The Hindu

Redefining the Narrative of TB Eradication Worldwide

Context

  • The history of tuberculosis (TB) control has been shaped by periodic scientific breakthroughs, but few have been as transformative as the advent of point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
  • For decades, TB detection depended on insensitive sputum smear microscopy or prolonged culture processes conducted in centralised laboratories.
  • These methods not only delayed diagnosis and treatment but also disproportionately affected populations living in remote or resource-limited settings.
  • The introduction of portable, battery-operated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platforms has radically altered this landscape, making timely and accurate diagnosis accessible to those who need it most.

A Diagnostic Game Changer

  • Rapid molecular diagnostic systems such as Truenat, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), have emerged as vital tools in global TB control.
  • Their capacity to detect tuberculosis and drug resistance in under an hour has fundamentally reshaped screening and treatment pathways.
  • Evidence from Nigeria illustrates this impact: after integrating Truenat into its national TB program, the country nearly doubled its detection of rifampicin-resistant cases.
  • Equally significant is Nigeria’s innovative adoption of stool-based testing for children, a solution that bypasses the difficulty of obtaining sputum samples and enhances diagnostic accuracy in paediatric TB, historically an under-diagnosed segment of the disease burden.
  • Further validation comes from a multi-country study published in The Lancet, evaluating the use of on-site molecular diagnostics in primary healthcare settings in Mozambique and Tanzania.
  • The results were striking: rapid testing coupled with swift result dissemination substantially increased the proportion of patients who began treatment within seven days of their first visit.

Global Recognition of Indian Innovation

  • The transformative potential of point-of-care diagnostics gained worldwide recognition when Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics received the prestigious Kochon Prize.
  • Awarded by the Kochon Foundation in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership, this prize honours pioneering contributions to TB control.
  • Molbio’s recognition signifies more than the success of a single organisation; it represents a milestone for India’s scientific and technological ecosystem.
  • Indian innovations are now influencing TB eradication efforts globally, proving that affordable, scalable solutions developed in India can reshape health outcomes far beyond its borders.
  • In 2020, the WHO endorsed India’s portable molecular diagnostic platform after evidence from diverse studies across Asia and Africa demonstrated performance comparable to central laboratory systems, with the added advantage of deployability in remote settings.
  • This was a defining moment when innovation aligned with accessibility. Since then, a growing number of Indian enterprises have entered the TB diagnostics space, enriching the range of point-of-care tools available worldwide.

India’s Role in Decentralised TB Control

  • India's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has been pivotal in scaling these innovations domestically.
  • By installing thousands of molecular testing units across the country, the programme has significantly reduced the time from suspicion of TB to treatment initiation, strengthening the overall TB management framework.
  • The success of these efforts reflects India’s broader collaborative model: a synergy between government systems, private innovators, academia, and community health workers.
  • In a nation that accounts for nearly a quarter of the global TB burden, such cross-sector cooperation is more than beneficial, it is essential.
  • The repeated recognition of Indian contributions with the Kochon Prize, in 2006, 2017, and again today, underscores India’s growing leadership in global TB control.
  • The widespread deployment of India-made diagnostic tools, from sub-Saharan Africa’s mobile clinics to Eastern European refugee camps, further exemplifies this leadership.
  • These developments affirm that India is not merely participating in global health innovation; it is driving it.

The Way Forward: The Need for Holistic TB Care

  • Despite these achievements, the fight against TB is far from over.
  • Diagnostic advancements must be matched by equitable access to treatment, social support, nutritional interventions, and stigma reduction.
  • Research indicates that malnutrition accounts for roughly 40% of TB cases in India, an alarming figure that highlights the deep connection between disease and socio-economic inequity.
  • TB is, fundamentally, a disease of disadvantage. Successful elimination, therefore, requires addressing the structural determinants that sustain the epidemic.

Conclusion

  • As the world stands at a critical juncture in the battle against TB, it is essential to maintain momentum.
  • Continued investment in integrated innovations, combining diagnostics with nutritional support, digital adherence technologies, expanded contact tracing, and vaccine development, is vital.
  • Only through this comprehensive approach can global health systems move beyond piecemeal interventions and forge a truly equitable path to TB elimination.

Redefining the Narrative of TB Eradication Worldwide FAQs

 Q1. What major innovation has transformed TB diagnosis in recent years?
Ans. Point-of-care molecular diagnostics have transformed TB diagnosis by providing fast and accurate results.

Q2. How did Nigeria benefit from adopting the Truenat platform?
Ans. Nigeria nearly doubled its detection of rifampicin-resistant TB cases after adopting the Truenat platform.

Q3. What key finding came from The Lancet study in Mozambique and Tanzania?
Ans. The study found that on-site molecular testing significantly increased the number of patients starting treatment within seven days.

Q4. Why was Molbio Diagnostics awarded the Kochon Prize?
Ans. Molbio Diagnostics received the Kochon Prize for developing innovative TB diagnostics that improved global TB control.

Q5. What major non-medical factor contributes heavily to TB cases in India?
Ans. Malnutrition is a major non-medical factor that contributes to about 40% of TB cases in India.

Source: The Hindu

Daily Editorial Analysis 20 November 2025 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

Climate Change Performance Index

November 20, 2025
Climate Change Performance Index

Climate Change Performance Index Latest News

India slipped 13 ranks to figure at the 23rd position in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.

About Climate Change Performance Index

  • It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International.
  • It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.
  • The performance of countries is assessed in four categories — GHG emission, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.
  • It was first published in 2005.

Highlights of the Climate Change Performance Index 2026

  • Denmark, the UK and Morocco took the lead in this year’s CCPI .
  • China (54th), Russia (64th), the US (65th) and Saudi Arabia (67th) are the G20’s worst-performing countries, receiving an overall very low score. 
  • India fell 13 places from its previous ranking of 10th to stand at 23rd in the latest global climate change performance with a score of 61.31.
  • It also labelled India among the biggest producers of oil, gas, and coal worldwide, leading it to fall from a ‘high performer’ to a ‘medium’ one in this year’s CCPI.
  • India also scored medium in GHG emissions, climate policy, and energy use, and low in renewable energy.

Source: TOI

Climate Change Performance Index FAQs

Q1: Who publishes the Climate Change Performance Index?

Ans: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network International

Q2: What is the Climate Change Performance Index?

Ans: It is a scoring system designed by the Germanwatch to enhance transparency in international climate politics.

Semeru Volcano

November 20, 2025
Semeru Volcano

Semeru Volcano Latest News

A volcano on Indonesia's main island of Java erupted recently, throwing ash and gas kilometres into the sky and forcing officials to raise the alert status to its highest level.

About Semeru Volcano

  • It is located in East Java, Indonesia. 
  • It is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. 
  • At 3,676 metres (12,060 feet), it is the highest peak on Java Island and sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.
  • It lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera.
  • Summit topography is complicated by the shifting of craters from NW to SE.
  • Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has erupted numerous times in the past 200 years, including a deadly episode in 2021 that killed 62 people and buried villages in hot ash.
  • It is known for its regular ash explosions that typically occur at intervals of 10-30 minutes.

Source: NDTV

Semeru Volcano FAQs

Q1: Semeru Volcano is located in which part of Indonesia?

Ans: East Java

Q2: Semeru is also known by which other name?

Ans: Mahameru

Q3: Which characteristic makes Semeru’s summit topography complicated?

Ans: Shifting of craters from northwest to southeast.

Q4: What is a notable feature of Semeru’s eruptive behavior?

Ans: Regular ash explosions at intervals of 10–30 minutes.

Modern Terrorism and Digital Tradecraft – Insights from the Red Fort Blast Investigation

November 20, 2025
Modern Terrorism and Digital Tradecraft

Modern Terrorism and Digital Tradecraft Latest News

  • The investigation into the recent (November 10) Red Fort car explosion in Delhi — one of the deadliest attacks in recent years — has revealed the evolving nature of terrorism in India. 
  • The module behind the attack allegedly leveraged encrypted communication platforms, dead-drop email techniques, and high operational discipline, reflecting trends discussed in global counter-terrorism research. 
  • The case highlights critical gaps in India’s digital surveillance and counter-terrorism architecture.

Background of the Incident

  • The attack:
    • A car exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on November 10, killing 15 and injuring over 30.
    • Treated as a terrorist attack under counter-terrorism laws; investigation handed to the NIA.
  • Key suspects: Three doctors (Dr. Umar Un Nabi, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, Dr. Shaheen Shahid) linked to Al Falah University (Faridabad) - alleged deep involvement in planning and operational support.

Major Findings of the Investigation

  • Use of encrypted communication:
    • Primary communication through Threema, a Swiss-based end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) app with -
      • No phone number/email needed
      • Random user IDs
      • No metadata retention
      • Two-end message deletion
    • Suspected use of a private Threema server, possibly offshore.
  • Spy-style ‘Dead-Drop’ email technique: Use of a shared email account accessed via unsent drafts. Leaves almost no digital transmission footprint, complicating forensics.
  • Physical reconnaissance and explosive stockpiling:
    • Multiple recce missions across Delhi before the attack.
    • Ammonium nitrate stockpiling traced to a red EcoSport vehicle.
    • Use of familiar vehicles to avoid suspicion.
  • Operational discipline and external linkages:
    • Dr. Umar, who was reportedly the driver of the car that caused the blast, “switched off his phones” and cut digital ties after the arrest of his associates, a sophisticated tactic to limit exposure.
    • Possible connection with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) or a JeM-inspired module.
    • Reflects high operational security and training.

Academic Scholarship Alignment

  • Patterns consistent with counter-terrorism research: 
    • Growing use of E2EE platforms, VPNs, private servers by extremist groups.
    • Use of digital dead-drops, blending old spycraft with new technologies.
    • Adoption of multi-domain operational security: phygital (physical + digital).
  • Challenge for States: Traditional surveillance tools (phone tapping, metadata scraping, email intercepts) are becoming ineffective.

Implications for National Security

  • Traditional surveillance offers limited insights: Encrypted apps and decentralised servers bypass law enforcement touchpoints.
  • App bans are insufficient: Threema, banned in India under Section 69A of the IT Act, still accessible via VPNs.
  • Need for advanced technical capabilities: Device seizure alone is insufficient without memory forensics, server tracking, and reverse engineering capabilities.
  • Potential transnational handlers: Possible JeM link indicates cross-border operational networks.

Challenges

  • Lack of specialised cyber forensics: Limited expertise in analysing encrypted servers, private-network communication.
  • Regulatory gaps: No clear framework for self-hosted communication infrastructure.
  • Detection of digital dead-drop methods: Existing intercept systems cannot detect draft-based email communication.
  • Radicalisation in professional spaces: Highly educated individuals (doctors, academics) are harder to monitor.
  • Weak international coordination: Terror cells exploit jurisdictional limitations of foreign apps and servers.

Way Forward

  • Build dedicated digital forensics units: Special teams for E2EE platform analysis, server forensics, memory dumps. Monitoring of VPN exit nodes and anonymisers.
  • Regulate self-hosted communication servers: Mandate lawful access compliance for privately hosted servers. Strengthen cooperation with tech companies under judicial oversight.
  • Update counter-terrorism laws:
    • Explicitly recognise threats from decentralised networks, encrypted communication, dead-drop techniques.
    • Train investigators to detect shared accounts and draft-only communication.
  • Strengthen institutional counter-radicalisation: Early-warning systems in educational institutions. Focused programs for highly educated professionals.
  • Deepen international intelligence cooperation:
    • Collaboration on encrypted infrastructure, server access, and cross-border funding.
    • Pursue tech diplomacy with countries hosting encrypted-app servers.
  • Public awareness: Educate citizens on evolving terror methodologies and reporting mechanisms.

Conclusion

  • The Red Fort blast underscores a critical reality - terrorism in the 21st century is driven as much by encrypted code as by physical logistics. 
  • Modern terror cells blend digital anonymity tools with traditional reconnaissance and ideological networks. 
  • For India, this incident is a stark reminder that counter-terrorism must evolve toward multidisciplinary intelligence, advanced cyber-forensics, stronger legal tools, and international cooperation.
  • To protect society, security agencies must be equipped to combat threats not only on the ground but also within the encrypted, decentralised digital ecosystems where modern terror thrives.

Source: TH

Modern Terrorism and Digital Tradecraft FAQs

Q1: How encrypted communication platforms have altered the landscape of counter-terrorism in India?

Ans: They reduce the effectiveness of traditional surveillance tools, compelling law enforcement to adopt advanced digital forensics.

Q2: What is the relevance of digital ‘dead-drop’ techniques in modern terror operations?

Ans: It allows terrorists to communicate via unsent drafts, leaving almost no digital footprint and evading conventional interception mechanisms.

Q3: How does the Red Fort blast highlight the challenge of detecting radicalisation among highly educated individuals?

Ans: It shows that radicalisation can occur in professional spaces that are typically under-monitored, making early detection more complex.

Q4: What are the implications of private, self-hosted servers for India’s cyber security framework?

Ans: They bypass national regulatory controls, necessitating new legal frameworks enabling lawful access while balancing privacy concerns.

Q5: Why is international cooperation essential in countering technologically sophisticated terror networks?

Ans: Encrypted apps, cross-border funding create transnational operational chains that can only be addressed through intelligence sharing and tech diplomacy.

Indigenous Gene Editing Technology to Make GE Crops Cheaper in India

November 20, 2025
Gene Editing Tech

Gene Editing Tech Latest News

  • Indian scientists have created a homegrown, “miniature” alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas system for precise genome editing in plants. 
    • CRISPR-Cas is a natural bacterial defense system adapted for genome editing. 
    • It uses a guide RNA to lead a Cas enzyme, such as Cas9, to a specific DNA sequence. 
    • The Cas enzyme cuts the DNA at that exact spot, and the cell’s repair machinery is then used to insert, delete, or modify genes with precision.
  • The new technology, recently patented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), uses TnpB — transposon-associated proteins — to cut and modify plant DNA. 
  • This development strengthens India’s ability to produce genome-edited (GE) crops at lower cost while reducing dependence on foreign proprietary tools.

Gene Modification Vs Gene Editing

  • Gene Modification - GM introduces foreign DNA from a different species into an organism.
    • Process: A new gene from another organism is inserted into the target organism’s genome.
    • Outcome: Produces a genetically modified organism (GMO) containing genetic material from multiple species.
    • Analogy: Like inserting a new chapter from another author into a book.
    • Example: Adding a gene from another plant species to make a crop disease-resistant. 
  • Gene Editing - Gene editing makes precise, targeted changes to an organism’s existing DNA without adding foreign genes.
    • Process: Small changes—such as deletions, corrections, or replacements—are made at specific DNA sites. It uses Molecular scissors (Cas/TnpB) and Guides RNA to direct cuts at precise DNA locations.
    • Outcome: Produces a genetically edited organism (GEO) with modified original DNA.
    • Analogy: Like correcting or deleting a word in a document.
    • Example: Removing a gene to stop an unwanted protein or correcting a mutation causing a genetic disorder.

India’s First GE Rice Varieties

  • ICAR announced two CRISPR-edited rice varieties:
    • Samba Mahsuri (IIRR) – Edited cytokinin oxidase 2 gene using CRISPR-Cas12a → higher yield.
    • MTU-1010 (IARI) – Edited DST gene using CRISPR-Cas9 → drought & salinity tolerance.
  • These varieties face commercialisation hurdles due to CRISPR patent restrictions.

Indigenous Breakthrough in Genome Editing

  • Indian scientists have developed a “miniature alternative” to CRISPR-Cas technologies using TnpB proteins, offering a fully indigenous genome-editing (GE) tool for plants. 
  • The technology, recently patented by ICAR, enables precise DNA cutting and modification to improve crop traits.

What Makes TnpB Technology Different

  • The new tool uses Transposon-associated TnpB proteins that function like Cas9/Cas12a as molecular scissors.
  • Key advantages:
    • Much smaller size (400–500 amino acids) compared to Cas9 (1,000–1,400) and Cas12a (1,300).
    • Compact size allows easy delivery via viral vectors, avoiding tissue-culture-based delivery.
    • Uses Deinococcus radiodurans-derived TnpB, enabling efficient gene editing.
      • Deinococcus radiodurans is a bacterium that can survive in extremely harsh conditions.
      • The bacterium is harmless to humans. It is useful in bioremediation and can help clean up radioactive waste.

Why TnpB-Based Editing Is a Game Changer

  • The indigenous tool allows:
    • Freedom from foreign IP control
    • Lower costs for GE crop development
    • Easier DNA delivery due to the protein’s small size
    • Potential to address NGO concerns about foreign companies dominance

Why India Needed an Alternative to CRISPR

  • CRISPR-Cas technologies are controlled globally by:
    • Broad Institute – patents for CRISPR-Cas12a
    • Corteva Agriscience – joint licensing for CRISPR-Cas9 in agriculture
  • Indian scientists can use CRISPR for research but commercial release of GE varieties requires licensing fees. 
  • Indigenous TnpB systems eliminate such IP restrictions, making GE crop development affordable and scalable.
  • ICAR has been negotiating with Broad Institute and Corteva since July 2025. They permit research use but may charge licensing fees for commercial GE crop cultivation.
    • India has requested fee waivers for small and marginal farmers.

Source: IE | AFS

Gene Editing Tech FAQs

Q1: What is the new indigenous gene-editing technology developed in India?

Ans: India’s new genome editing tool uses miniature TnpB proteins as molecular scissors, offering a compact, IP-free alternative to CRISPR for precise plant DNA modification.

Q2: How is TnpB different from CRISPR-Cas systems?

Ans: TnpB proteins are much smaller than Cas9/Cas12a, enabling easier delivery through viral vectors without tissue culture, lowering costs and simplifying genome editing.

Q3: Why does India need an alternative to CRISPR?

Ans: CRISPR tools are patented by foreign institutions, requiring license fees for commercial GE crop use. Indigenous systems avoid IP barriers and reduce dependence.

Q4: What advantages does the TnpB-based tool offer crop breeders?

Ans: It allows precise DNA editing, simpler delivery into plant cells, lower development costs, and independence from global CRISPR patents for commercial applications.

Q5: What is the future potential of India’s TnpB genome-editing tool?

Ans: Successful adoption by plant breeders can accelerate affordable GE crop development, improve yield and resilience traits, and strengthen India’s agricultural biotechnology ecosystem.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Provisions of Tribunal Reforms Act

November 20, 2025
Tribunal Reforms

Tribunal Reforms Latest News

  • The Supreme Court has struck down multiple provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, ruling that they violate the principles of judicial independence and separation of powers. 
  • The Court also directed the Union Government to establish the long-pending National Tribunal Commission within four months to ensure transparency and independence in tribunal appointments and administration. 

Overview of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021

  • The Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 sought to restructure the functioning of tribunals, alter appointment procedures, and allow the government a greater say in fixing tenure, salary, service conditions, and administrative control over tribunal members.
  • Key provisions included:
    • Minimum age of 50 years for appointment of tribunal members,
    • A four-year tenure, which could be renewed,
    • A search-cum-selection committee that included two central government secretaries, whose ministries often appear as litigants before tribunals,
    • Powers given to the Centre to frame rules regarding appointments and service conditions.
  • These provisions were previously challenged and struck down in a 2021 judgment, yet were reintroduced with minor tweaks in the new legislation.

Supreme Court’s Core Findings

  • The Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran held that the 2021 Act was an attempt to “repackage” the very provisions earlier invalidated. 
  • The Court noted that Parliament cannot circumvent judicial directions by re-enacting an unconstitutional provision in slightly modified form. The Court anchored its reasoning in three pillars:
  • Judicial Independence
    • Tribunals discharge judicial functions, and executive dominance over appointments undermines impartiality. The Court reiterated that executive involvement must be minimal, especially as the government is a litigant in most tribunal cases.
  • Separation of Powers
    • Any law affecting the structure or functioning of the judiciary must respect the constitutional limits placed on legislative power. Parliament cannot “override” or “contradict” judicial pronouncements.
  • Constitutional Supremacy
    • The Bench emphasised that the Constitution, not Parliament or the executive, is supreme, and judicial review is a basic feature safeguarding constitutionalism.
  • “The Constitution is what the Court says it is, Parliament cannot merely restate or repackage the invalidated provision,” the Court observed. 
  • The Court found the 2021 Act to be a “legislative override” that consciously defied earlier judgments relating to tribunal autonomy.

Key Provisions Struck Down

  • The Supreme Court invalidated provisions that:
    • Allowed the Centre to control tenure and age limits of tribunal members,
    • Included government secretaries on the selection committee,
    • Limited tenure to four years, undermining institutional stability,
    • Granted excessive rule-making powers to the executive over tribunals.
  • These provisions collectively weakened tribunal independence by giving the government disproportionate control over adjudicatory bodies.

Direction to Establish National Tribunal Commission

  • The Court reiterated its earlier order to create a National Tribunal Commission (NTC), an independent body envisioned to:
    • Oversee the appointments of tribunal members,
    • Regulate service conditions,
    • Ensure institutional autonomy,
    • Oversee administration and infrastructure,
    • Standardise functioning of tribunals across India.
  • The Court stressed that the NTC is an “essential structural safeguard”, especially given the government’s repeated attempts to influence tribunal design. 

Issues with the 2021 Act Highlighted by Petitioners

  • The petitions argued that the Act:
    • Attempted a “sly revival” of provisions already struck down,
    • Allowed government dominance over tribunals, where the Centre is often the biggest litigant,
    • Was passed without adequate parliamentary debate,
    • Abolished nine specialised tribunals and transferred their workloads to already overburdened High Courts.
  • These arguments were largely accepted by the Supreme Court.

Significance of the Judgment

  • The ruling strengthens the architecture of tribunal independence, which has been the subject of multiple landmark decisions since 2010. Its key implications include:
    • Reinforcing judicial checks on legislative overreach,
    • Ensuring tribunals remain neutral adjudicatory bodies,
    • Avoiding conflict of interest arising from executive involvement,
    • Protecting citizens’ access to independent and efficient justice.
  • The judgment also sends a strong message to Parliament that non-compliance with constitutional judgments is unacceptable.

Challenges Ahead

  • Even as the judgment lays down clear constitutional limits, several challenges remain:
    • Establishing the National Tribunal Commission may require extensive coordination between ministries,
    • High Courts may face increasing burdens until tribunal vacancies are filled through a constitutionally valid process,
    • Ensuring that future amendments align fully with judicial precedent will require strict legislative discipline.
  • Nonetheless, the ruling marks a major step toward restoring institutional balance between the three branches of government.

Source: TH | IE

Tribunal Reforms FAQs

Q1: What did the Supreme Court strike down in the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021?

Ans: Provisions relating to age limits, tenure, selection committees, and executive control over tribunals were declared unconstitutional.

Q2: Why were these provisions invalidated?

Ans: They violated judicial independence and separation of powers by giving the executive excessive control.

Q3: What is the National Tribunal Commission?

Ans: An independent body mandated to oversee appointments, administration, and functioning of tribunals.

Q4: What constitutional principles did the Court emphasise?

Ans: Judicial independence, separation of powers, and constitutional supremacy.

Q5: What deadline has the Court given the Centre?

Ans: The Centre must establish the National Tribunal Commission within four months.

Revised Royalty Rates Aim to Ease India’s Critical Mineral Bottlenecks

November 20, 2025
Royalty Rates

Royalty Rates Latest News

  • The Union Government has revised royalty rates for four key critical minerals — graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium — essential for green energy technologies. 
  • The move aims to boost domestic exploration, reduce import dependence, and strengthen supply-chain security.
  • Graphite has shifted from a fixed per-tonne royalty to an ad valorem system. High-grade graphite (80%+ fixed carbon) will now incur a 2% royalty on the Average Sale Price (ASP), while lower-grade graphite attracts 4%. 
  • Caesium and rubidium will each have a 2% royalty, and zirconium’s rate has been sharply reduced to 1% from the previous 12% uniform levy. 

Why India Shifted to Ad Valorem Royalty for Critical Minerals

  • ASP (Average Sale Price) reflects the weighted average ex-mine price of minerals from non-captive mines, published monthly by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). 
  • For minerals lacking domestic pricing, IBM relies on United States Geological Survey (USGS) data converted into INR.
  • Experts say shifting to ad valorem royalties makes the system market-responsive and attractive to investors. 
  • As sale prices rise with global demand, state revenues increase proportionally, ensuring fair value. 
  • The reform also comes amid China’s prolonged export restrictions on key minerals. 
  • With China controlling 90% of global critical mineral processing, supply-chain disruptions have pushed India and other countries to diversify sources and stabilise domestic production.

Rising Demand and India’s Critical Mineral Dependency

  • India’s renewable energy and EV ambitions will sharply raise demand for critical minerals, many of which the country imports entirely. 
  • India remains 100% import-dependent for cobalt, lithium, nickel, REEs and silicon — all vital for batteries, solar, semiconductors and advanced electronics.
  • The government expects revised royalty rates to attract more bidders and unlock associated minerals such as lithium, tungsten, REEs and niobium. 
  • However, progress has been limited: since auctions began in 2023, only 34 of 81 critical mineral blocks have received successful bids. 
  • Despite having sizable reserves, India’s mining and processing capacity remains restricted by policy gaps, technical limitations and insufficient investments.

Revised Royalty Rates: What They Mean for India’s Critical Mineral Push

  • India classifies 30 minerals as “critical,” though caesium and rubidium — included in the latest royalty revision — are not part of India’s list, even though countries like the US, Canada and South Korea consider them critical.
  • The revised rates are part of a continuing series of royalty reforms, following earlier revisions in 2022, 2023 and early 2024 covering minerals such as cobalt, indium, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, and REEs. 
  • Under the MMDR Act’s Second Schedule, most minerals follow an ad valorem royalty structure linked to ASP, while only six, including graphite, previously followed per-tonne rates.

Why the Shift Was Needed

  • Earlier, graphite’s per-tonne royalty system made mining unviable during price falls or for lower-grade deposits. 
  • Moving to ad valorem rates aligns royalties with real market prices, improving commercial viability.
  • Caesium, rubidium and zirconium were previously subject to the default 12% ASP rate, despite lacking defined ASPs or domestic production. 
  • This discouraged bidders and limited exploration.

Expected Impact

  • The newly lowered and transparent ad valorem rates are expected to:
    • Provide predictable royalty obligations for bidders
    • Improve auction participation
    • Encourage domestic mining and production of key minerals
    • Reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s supply-chain resilience

India’s Critical Mineral Bottleneck: Mining More Isn’t Enough

  • India’s critical mineral ecosystem faces structural weaknesses that cannot be solved by royalty revisions alone. 
  • A study identified regulatory gaps, low private-sector incentives, limited technical expertise, and inadequate financial capacity as major barriers to mining, explaining the modest response to critical mineral auctions.

Weak Processing Capacity: The Core Constraint

  • A far deeper challenge lies in mineral processing, where India remains heavily import-dependent. 
  • The analysis highlights three connected limitations:
    • Low processing scale,
    • Difficulty securing raw materials, and
    • Relatively small domestic demand.
  • Even in minerals like copper — where India has significant smelting capacity — the country contributes just 3% of global processed output. 
  • For rare earth elements, private participation was historically restricted because they were categorised as atomic minerals.

The Way Forward

  • Expanding mining alone will not bring self-reliance unless India also builds the ability to convert raw minerals into high-purity materials needed for batteries, semiconductors, optics and advanced manufacturing.
  • For true strategic autonomy in EVs, electronics and green technologies, India must develop a full domestic value chain — mining and processing — to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain security.

Source: IE | TH

Royalty Rates FAQs

Q1: Why did India revise royalty rates for critical minerals?

Ans: The government aims to encourage exploration, attract bidders in auctions, strengthen domestic supply chains, and lower import dependence for minerals needed in clean energy technologies.

Q2: What major changes were introduced in the royalty structure?

Ans: Graphite shifted to ad valorem rates, while caesium, rubidium and zirconium saw sharply reduced royalties, creating a more transparent and investor-friendly pricing framework.

Q3: How will lower royalty rates help critical mineral mining?

Ans: Reduced and predictable royalties make mining commercially viable, especially for minerals lacking established domestic prices, thereby improving auction participation and investor interest.

Q4: What challenges still constrain India’s critical mineral sector?

Ans: Weak regulatory frameworks, low private exploration incentives, limited technical expertise, and poor processing capacity significantly restrict mining growth and value-chain development.

Q5: Why is processing capacity a major bottleneck?

Ans: India lacks large-scale refining facilities for key minerals, forcing reliance on imports of high-purity materials required for batteries, semiconductors, EVs and advanced manufacturing.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Launch Date, Objectives, Eligibility

November 20, 2025
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

The Central Sector Scheme named PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was introduced under the Government of India to facilitate income support to farmers and their families. The scheme was implemented as the Rythu Bandhu Scheme in Telangana by their state government where a fixed amount was transferred directly to the farmers who were eligible for the scheme. During the Interim Union Budget of India on 1 February 2019, Piyush Goyal announced the project as a country wise project.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was launched on 24th February 2019 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. According to this scheme, all the small and marginal farmers will receive Rs. 6000 per year in three installments directly to the bank accounts. The budget for this scheme is set to be Rs. 75000 crore, financed by the Union Government.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) was launched in February 2019 to offer direct financial aid to small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farming families receive ₹6,000 a year, paid in three instalments of ₹2,000 each, credited into their bank accounts directly.

The core idea behind PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is to promote farmer’s income, helping them manage agricultural costs and household needs more effectively. It specifically targets those with limited land, aiming to improve rural livelihoods and strengthen the rural economy. PM KISAN also aligns with the broader goal of increasing the farmer’s income and tackling rural struggles, making it a pillar in the country’s agricultural support system.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN) 21st Installment

The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN) 21st Installment provides ₹2,000 to each eligible small and marginal farmer as part of the annual ₹6,000 aid. More than 10 crore farmers across the country benefit from this direct financial transfer. The scheme plays a crucial role in empowering farmers and promoting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN) 21st Installment of ₹2,000 is expected to be released before Diwali, bringing festive relief to farmers. The scheme ensures that farmers receive timely monetary support to manage agricultural expenses and household needs.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Overview

The 21st Installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana amount is expected to be released in October 2025. Below mentioned table includes PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Overview:

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Overview

Name of the scheme

PM-KISAN Yojana

Full-Form

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

Date of launch

24th February 2019

Government Ministry

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Official Website

https://pmkisan.gov.in/

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Features

  1. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is introduced to support around 12 crore small and marginal farmers across India. With an annual budget of ₹75,000 crore, it stands as one of the largest direct income support programs in the country.
  2. Every farmer who is eligible receives ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000. This amount is transferred straight into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), cutting out delays and eliminating middlemen.
  3. This scheme ensures a basic, reliable income for farming families. With timely payments every four months, it provides expected support for managing agricultural and household expenses.
  4. There are no restrictions on how the money should be spent. Whether it’s seeds, fertilizers, family needs, or medical expenses, farmers are free to use the funds as they see fit.
  5. The scheme is entirely financed by the central government. From its introduction, the Centre has committed ₹75,000 crore annually, ensuring a consistent flow of funds through the DBT system.
  6. To access the benefits of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Aadhaar authentication is required. Farmers without Aadhaar can get enrolled at the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to become eligible for the scheme.
  7. The process has been made user-friendly. Farmers can register themselves using the PM-KISAN mobile app or visit a CSC for assistance. This self-registration setup ensures broader and quicker access.
  8. A centralized call center has been established to handle queries, resolve issues, and assist farmers with registration or any problems they might face with the scheme.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Objectives

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to increase the income of small and marginal farmers. It serves as a direct support mechanism for rural households dependent on agriculture. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Objectives are as follow:

  1. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana aims to provide assured income support to eligible farmer families with cultivable land, helping them manage both agricultural and household expenses.
  2. PM-KISAN also helps farmers purchase essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. The goal is to promote better crop health and improve farm productivity, thereby stabilizing farm income.
  3. The government plans to expand the scheme’s coverage to nearly 14.5 crore farmers, up from the current base, with a target of including 2 crore more beneficiaries.
  4. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana coverage is expected to cost ₹87,217.50 crore, fully financed by the Central Government.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN), small and marginal farmers must not fall under certain exclusion categories. The scheme is meant for land-owning farmers, and specific individuals and groups are banned from receiving its benefits.

  • Institutional landholders - Any land owned by institutions rather than individuals is excluded.
  • High-ranking public officials which includes:
    • Former and current holders of constitutional posts.
    • Ex or current Union and State Ministers.
    • Sitting or former Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) or State Legislatures.
    • Former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations.
    • Former and current Chairpersons of District Panchayats.
  • Government employees and retirees - Any serving or retired employee of Central or State Government departments, offices, or ministries is ineligible. This also applies to retirees drawing a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more.
  • Income taxpayers - Anyone who paid income tax in the most recent assessment year is automatically excluded.
  • Professionals practicing independently - Registered doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects actively practicing their profession are not eligible, even if they own agricultural land.

Documents required for verification by eligible farmers:

  • Valid proof of Indian citizenship
  • Landholding documents to prove ownership
  • Aadhaar card for identity authentication
  • Active bank account details to receive DBT transfers

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Advantages

  1. One of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Advantages is the direct transfer of money to farmer’s bank accounts. An example was on December 25, 2020, when ₹18,000 crore was deposited into the accounts of 9 crore farmers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This kind of direct benefit transfer ensures speed, transparency, and zero leakage.
  2. All beneficiary details are maintained on a central digital platform. This has streamlined both registration and fund distribution, making the process more efficient and reliable. The digital shift has also helped in reducing errors and eliminating duplication.
  3. By providing timely financial assistance, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana helps ease the cash issues that farmers often face, especially during sowing or harvest seasons. This support can make a real difference in managing day-to-day farming and household expenses.
  4. With improved financial support, farmers are in a better position to adopt improved practices, invest in inputs, or even explore new technologies.
  5. The selection of beneficiaries is based on eligibility criteria, leaving no room for bias or political interference.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Challenges

  1. While the intent is to offer income support, the ₹6,000 annual aid may not be enough to meaningfully improve the financial stability of small farmers. The fixed amount also doesn’t consider the size of landholding or varying cost of living across regions, limiting its real impact.
  2. Despite being positioned as a poor welfare scheme, data suggests that the benefits often reach relatively better-off farmers, those who already had access to land and resources even before the pandemic, leaving out some of the most vulnerable rural households.
  3. One of the major drawbacks is the exclusion of landless agricultural workers. Since eligibility is only restricted to land ownership, millions of rural households who work on leased land or as laborers don’t qualify, even though they form a critical part of the rural economy.
  4. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana follows a top-down structure, where the central government funds and directs it while states identify beneficiaries. This model often faces coordination issues, delays in updating records, and gaps in last-mile delivery which reduces its overall effectiveness.
  5. As more focus and funding shift toward cash transfer schemes like PM-KISAN, there’s growing concern that critical long-term investments like those in irrigation, infrastructure, and market support which will affect the agricultural sector in a longer run.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana FAQs

Q1: What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?

Ans: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India that provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts.

Q2: Who is eligible for the PM Kisan Scheme?

Ans: All landholding farmer families with cultivable land, as per official land records, are eligible. However, income tax payers, institutional landholders, and professionals like doctors or engineers are excluded.

Q3: How can a farmer register for PM Kisan?

Ans: Farmers can register through the official PM Kisan portal (pmkisan.gov.in), local CSC centers, or through the agriculture department of their respective states.

Q4: What documents are required for PM Kisan registration?

Ans: Aadhaar card, bank account details, land ownership proof, and mobile number are required for registration.

Q5: How is the PM Kisan amount disbursed?

Ans: The amount of ₹2,000 is transferred thrice a year, usually in April-July, August-November, and December-March directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

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