Context: The US President-elect Donald Trump criticised the current management of the Panama Canal, called the ‘Panama Treaty’ foolish and intended to regain the Panama Canal.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Map based questions in Prelims on Straits and Canals.
About Panama Canal
Panama Canal is a man-made sea route that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
The approximately 80 km long canal is constructed across the Isthmus of Panama, Panama Country. It was constructed by the US and officially opened in 1914.
The canal is one of the major choke points of the world. It handles the 6% maritime trade volume of the world, and significantly reduces the cost, time and distance for international trade.
Transfer of Panama Canal to Panama:
The Panama Treaty, also known as the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, was signed between the US and Panama in 1977 to hand over the canal to Panama in a phased manner.
Transfer of Control: The Canal was turned over to Panama on December 31, 1999.
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has renewed its push for the linking of AADHAR cards with Voter ID to combat voter fraud and enhance electoral integrity. In this context, let us discuss the merits and demerits of linking Aadhar with voter ID Cards.
In this context, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has in the past recommended the linking of AADHAR cards with Voter ID to combat voter fraud and enhance electoral integrity. Let us discuss the merits and demerits of linking Aadhar with voter ID Cards.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Electoral Reforms: Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID.
Background: The initial decision to link Aadhaar with Voter IDs was taken in 2015, key features were.
It was aimed at removing bogus or duplicate entries from the electoral roll.
It was a voluntary exercise.
However, it was stopped after the Supreme Court ruling on August 11, 2015, restricting Aadhaar usage to only 3 government schemes:
Food grain distribution under PDS (Public Distribution System)
PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana)
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005)
EC's stand post-2018 Judgement:
In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Aadhaar and said the government could restrict the Right to privacy if there is a specific law, and if it is proportional to a state aim. (KS Puttaswami vs Union of India)
Subsequently, the proposal to link Aadhaar with electoral roll was reintroduced in 2019, ECI requested the government to amend election laws to enable the collection of Aadhaar details.
To bring this to effect, the government brought Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, to enable linking of Aadhar with voter IDs.
ECI amended Form 6 (new voters’ registration) to provide Aadhar details. It also introduced a new form ‘Form 6B’ to collect the Aadhar number of existing Voters.
Merits of Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID
Elimination of duplicate entries: By linking Aadhaar with Voter ID, the system can effectively eliminate duplicate voter registrations, ensuring that each individual has only one voter ID. This will help maintain the integrity of electoral rolls and reduce the chances of electoral fraud.
Improved accuracy in voter registration: The linkage allows for better verification of identity, ensuring that voters are registered in the correct electoral constituency. This can enhance the overall accuracy of the electoral rolls.
Streamlined electoral process: Linking Aadhaar can simplify various electoral processes, making it easier for voters to update their registration details online. This convenience can encourage more citizens to participate in elections.
Enhanced security measures: The biometric features associated with Aadhaar, such as fingerprints and iris scans, add an additional layer of security against identity theft and fraudulent voting practices.
Facilitation of government services: Many government services require both Aadhaar and Voter ID for identification purposes. Linking them can streamline access to these services, making it easier for citizens to avail themselves of benefits.
Assisting reforms: Aadhar linkage could be useful in reforms like remote voting, electronic and internet-based voting etc.
Issues arising in the linking of Aadhaar with Voter ID:
Aadhaar not a Proof of Citizenship:
Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 explicitly states that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship but only of residency. UIDAI guidelines allow even non-citizens (residing in India for over 182 days) to obtain Aadhaar.
Linking such a document with voter ID — which requires Indian citizenship — creates a legal inconsistency and likelihood for non-citizens being included, or citizens being excluded, from electoral rolls.
Violation of Procedural Fairness:
In Lal Babu Hussein v. Electoral Registration Officer (1995): The Supreme Court ruled that deletion of a name from the electoral roll must comply with the principles of natural justice, including prior notice and opportunity to be heard.
Risk of error in data entry or deliberate deletion could lead to genuine voters being disenfranchised, as seen during the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) in 2018. Aadhaar-based deletions, especially those done algorithmically or without due notice shall violate these principles.
Contravention of Supreme Court’s Aadhaar Verdict:
In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2018), the SC upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar but limited its mandatory usage to welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Using Aadhaar for electoral purposes — not linked to welfare disbursement — falls outside the permitted use cases, raising concerns.
Although the linking is voluntary. Some individuals might feel pressured to link their Aadhaar due to social misinformation or lack of clarity about the implications of not doing so.
Database Unreliability:
The CAG Audit Report (2021) on UIDAI found that 4.75 lakh Aadhaar numbers were cancelled due to duplication or faulty biometric capture. UIDAI had no specific criteria to verify whether an applicant had genuinely resided in India for the requisite 182 days.
Using such an error-prone, unverifiable database for electoral de-duplication is administratively unsound and likely to cause mass wrongful deletions.
Lack of Inter-Institutional Integrity:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body tasked with conducting free and fair elections.
The UIDAI, in contrast, is a statutory body under executive control. It is bound by government directions under Section 50 of the Aadhaar Act.
Entrusting UIDAI with access to electoral data risks executive overreach and compromises the independence of the electoral process.
Privacy and Data Misuse: There are concerns regarding privacy and data security. Given the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, provides broad exemptions for government entities, there is an increased risk of:
Voter data being accessed by ruling parties (leading to political microtargeting, misuse of personal information)
Electoral rolls being manipulated
Strategic deletions in opposition-dominant areas.
Recommended Alternatives
Strengthen Traditional Verification Methods: Door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs)., Independent audits of electoral rolls involving neutral agencies and social audits to enhance transparency and prevent manipulation.
Improve Redressal Mechanisms: Implement citizen-friendly grievance mechanisms that are time-bound, digital, and locally accessible. Ensure notification and hearing before voter deletions.
Uphold Constitutional Principles: Voting is a constitutional right, not a welfare entitlement. Any policy affecting this right must ensure:
Proportionality
Necessity
Least restrictive means
Transparency and accountability.
While linking Aadhaar with Voter ID has several benefits like improving electoral integrity and accessibility by eliminating duplication of votes, there are concerns regarding privacy, exclusion, human integrity, impartiality, and objectivity which need to be addressed along with.
Context: Noting that Right to Property is a Human Right, the Supreme Court directed compensation to people who lost their land for the over 20,000-acre Bengaluru-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project, two decades ago. The compensation must be paid according to the market value prevailing in April 2019.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Developments regarding ‘Right to Property’.
Historical Context
Government of India Act, 1935: It secured the right to property and contained safeguards against expropriation without compensation and against acquisition for a non-public purpose.
Inception of Constitution of India: At the inception of the Constitution, the right to property was a fundamental right. Two Articles Art. 31 and Art. 19(1)(f) ensured that any person's right against his property is protected.
Land reforms: The prevailing socio-economic condition necessitated land reforms.
Objective of land reforms: Government needed land to carry out land/ agrarian reforms and construction of public welfare assets, for this, following changes were introduced:
(1) Intermediaries were abolished.
(2) Ceiling was fixed on land holdings.
(3) The cultivating tenant within the ceiling secured permanent rights.
(4) In some states, the share of the landlord was regulated by the law.
(5) In some states, the tiller of the soil secured cultivating rights against the absentee landlord, and in some states, the rural economy was re-adjusted in such a way that the scattered bits of land of each tenant were consolidated in one place by a process of statutory exchange.
First Amendment Act, 1951: It introduced Article 31 A and 31 B.
Article 31A defined estate to encompass effectively the entire agricultural land, as per the amendment: no law providing for acquisition by the state of an estate could be questioned on the ground that it was inconsistent with or took away or abridged any of the rights conferred by Articles 14, 19 or 31.
Article 31-B declared that none of the acts or regulations specified in the Ninth Schedule nor any of the provisions thereof shall be deemed to be void on the ground that they are inconsistent with Part III.
Twenty Fifth Constitutional Amendment Act 1971:
Curtailed the fundamental right to property.
Permitted the acquisition of private property by the government for public use, on the payment of compensation which would be determined by Parliament.
Provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive Principles contained in Article 39 (b) or (c) cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19 and 31.
GolakNath case: The Supreme Court held that the Parliament has no power to amend the Constitution so as to take away or abridge the fundamental rights of the people.
Kesavananda Bharti case: Upheld the validity of Article 31 C but made it subject to judicial review. Justice H R Khanna held that Right to Property Under Article 19(1)(f) did not pertain to the basic structure of the Constitution.
Minerva Mills case: Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was limited, and it could not be used to remove limitations and grant itself “unlimited” and “absolute” powers of amendment. It further said that the Constitution exists on a harmonious balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs.
The 44th Amendment Act of 1978:
It abolished the right to property as a Fundamental Right by repealing Article 19(1)(1) and Article 31 from Part III.
Instead, the Actinserted a new Article 300A in Part XII under the heading 'Right to Property'.
Thus, the right to property remains a legal right or a constitutional right, though no longer a fundamental right.
It is not a part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
Present legal status of Right to Property
Constitution, 44th Amendment Act: By 44th Amendment Act 1978 of the Constitution of India, a new article namely 300A was inserted and titled as Right to Property. It read as:
No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. This article provides restrictions on the State that it cannot take anybody's property without the force of law also interpreted can be deprived of the force of law.
The word 'law' here means a validly enacted law which is just, fair, and reasonable. Thus, making the right to property as a legal and constitutional right, but not a fundamental right.
The right to property as a legal right (as distinct from the Fundamental Rights) has the following implications:
It can be regulated i.e., curtailed, abridged, or modified without constitutional amendment by an ordinary law of the Parliament.
It protects private property against executive action but not against legislative action.
In case of violation, the aggrieved person cannot directly move the Supreme Court under Article 32 (right to constitutional remedies including writs) for its enforcement. He can move the High Court under Article 226.
Recent cases in this Context
Vidya Devi v. The State of Himachal Pradesh and Others (2020):
The Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot take over citizens' property without following due process. The state cannot use the doctrine of adverse possession to claim land without acquisition proceedings.
Ultra-Tech Cement Ltd. v. Mast Ram (2024):
The Supreme Court ruled that the right to property is a human right, not just a constitutional or statutory right. The court also ruled that the state must pay compensation in a timely manner.
Property Owners Association & Ors. v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (2024):
The Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot take over private properties and call them "community resources". The court further ruled that not all private properties are automatically considered "material resources of the community".
BMIC land acquisition case (2025):
Right to property is a human right in the welfare state and constitutional right under Article 300-A Article 300-A provides that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.
The state cannot dispossess a citizen of his property except in accordance with the procedure established by law.
The compensation for acquisition must be paid according to the prevailing market value of the acquired land and not as per the value of the property at the time of the acquisition.
Context: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel for localised/targeted cancer treatment.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Hydrogels; their Applications.
What are Hydrogels?
Hydrogels are water-based crosslinked polymer chains with three-dimensional (3D) network structures capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of fluids.
The jelly-like substance can be found naturally as well as can be synthesised in the laboratory.
Properties of Hydrogel:
Hydrophilic
Biocompatible (Non-toxic & non-immunogenic)
Biodegradable
Flexible
Semi-permeable
Applications of Hydrogel
Wide range of biomedical and engineering applications (tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, patches for wound healing etc.)
Wastewater treatment
Soft robotics
Contact lenses
Added in soil to help retain moisture
Hydrogel- based batteries and supercapacitors
Hydrogel-based cooling system.
The Recent Development:
Indian Researchers have designed hydrogel composed of ultra-short peptides that delivers drugs precisely to the tumour site, ensuring localised action.
Key features:
This hydrogel remains insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring it stays localised at the injection site.
It serves as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, releasing it in a controlled manner while sparing healthy cells from harm.
It responds to elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), a molecule abundant in tumour cells, ensuring targeted action.
Significance:
Injectable hydrogel enables precision drug delivery, thus, minimising damage to healthy cells (otherwise caused by current treatments like chemotherapy and surgical interventions).
The design of hydrogel is expected to be revolutionary for breast cancer therapy.
Context: Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India face various operational challenges likefrequent license revocations and other regulatory actions. To address this, the Reserve Bank of India is set to replace the Supervisory Action Framework with the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework in 2025.
Mains: Challenges associated with UCBs, Way Forward
What are Cooperative Banks?
Cooperative Banks refer to financial institutions under the Banking System in India that operate on the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit for their members.
Their members are both the owners and customers of the bank.
They operate on the principle of “one person, one vote” in decision making and are managed on the basis of cooperation, self-help, and no profit no loss.
Along with lending, these banks also accept deposits.
They are incorporated and registered under the States’ Cooperative Societies Act passed by the concerned state.
What are Urban Cooperative Banks?
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are financial institutions that operate in urban and semi-urban areas in India.
They primarily serve the banking needs of small businesses, individuals, and communities in urban areas.
UCBs were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an amendment in 1966.
Until 1996, these banks were allowed to lend money only for non-agricultural purposes. This distinction does not hold today.
Regulation of Urban Cooperative Banks:
UCBs are registered as societies under the Co-operative Societies Acts of the respective State Governments.
UCBs that have a multi-State presence are registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act administered by the Government of India.
Previously, the UCBs were under dual regulation by the state registrar of societies and the RBI.
Registration, administration, amalgamation and liquidation of UCBs were governed by the provisions of the State Co-operative Societies Acts.
Banking related functions were governed by the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS).
This dual regulation resulted in ambiguity and a lack of clarity, creating additional impediments to effective governance of UCBs.
In 2020, all UCBs and multi-state cooperatives were brought under the supervision ofRBI for banking-related functions through the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Banking Regulation Amendment Act, 2020:
Applicability
- Applicable to Scheduled Cooperative banks which include Urban Cooperative Banks, District Cooperative Banks and State Cooperative Banks.
- Not applicable to Non-Scheduled Cooperative Banks.
Enhanced Regulatory Powers of the RBI
- Empowers RBI to remove the chairperson of the Cooperative Banks.
- Extends RBI’s power to supersede the Board of Directors of all the Scheduled Cooperative Banks. (Earlier, RBI was only empowered to supersede the Board of Directors of the Multi-State Cooperative Banks)
- RBI can order a special audit of Cooperative Banks.
Issue of Shares
- Cooperative Banks are allowed to issue shares to members or persons residing within Banks’ area of operation.
Challenges Associated with Urban Cooperative Banks:
Board members as borrowers:
Cooperative bank board members can borrow from the banks, unlike the commercial bank board members.
The board members in several cases have misused their borrowing powers to siphon off large sums of money, resulting in major cooperative bank failures. E.g., PMC Bank Failure due to misuse of power by board.
Financial Challenges: Such as low capitalisation, high levels of Non Performing Assets (NPA), inadequate Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR).
Technological Limitations: Many UCBs lag in adopting technologies like Core Banking Solutions (CBS).
Decline in number of UCBs:Due to various reasons like unsafe operations to the interests of depositors and the general public, insufficient capital, low earnings, etc.
RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action:
To strengthen UCBs in India, RBI will implement the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework for UCBs starting April 1, 2025. This will replace the current Supervisory Action Framework (SAF).
The PCA framework will be applied based on different tiers of UCBs.
Tier 1 UCBs are excluded from PCA Framework for now.
PCA framework applies to UCBs in Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4.
The framework establishes risk thresholds for capital adequacy, asset quality, and profitability.
For capital adequacy, breaches are categorised based on the extent to which the levels fall below the regulatory minimum — by up to 250 basis points, 250-400 basis points, or exceeding 400 basis points.
In terms of asset quality, thresholds are determined by the level of net non-performing assets (NNPAs), with categories set at 6-9 per cent, 9-12 per cent, and 12 per cent or higher.
A UCB may exit the PCA framework if it reports no breaches in risk parameters for four consecutive quarters.
Way Forward
Strict diligence practices through credit assessments, proper documentation, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Regular compliance checks: A well-designed compliance programme with a dedicated Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) can help UCBs to adhere to regulatory complexities and maintain operational stability.
Enhance risk management through risk management committees to oversee activities related to credit and operational risks.
Upskilling staff: Regular staff training on compliance and risk management is essential for effective functioning of UCBs.
The PCA framework emphasises the need for UCBs to manage credit and concentration risks effectively. This involves diversifying loan portfolios, reducing exposure to risky sectors, and maintaining healthy asset quality.
Context: Recently, China has unveiled two stealth fighter jets which shows the technological prowess of the country. In contrast, India’s aircraft modernisation efforts are at various stages of development and not up to the mark, highlighting a gap in India’s defence preparedness.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Basic understanding of India’s aircraft technological development.
Mains: Challenges faced by India in military modernisation and defence sector.
Chinese Military Modernisation
Advanced Fighters:
China has fielded two fifth generation fighter jets:
J-35: medium fighter
J-20: heavy fighter. This makes China the only country other than the U.S. with more than one fifth generation fighter.
China unveiled two stealth fighter jets in tail-less configuration (speculated to be sixth gen-fighters)
One is a massive jet with delta-wing design & three engines, indicating long range capability.
Second is a smaller twin-engine design with swept wings.
China’s Air Force and Naval Aviation together constitute the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific region with over 1,300 fourth-generation fighters. They are equipped with technology comparable to the U.S. standards.
Collaboration: Pakistan has approved the procurement of 40 J-35s (fifth generation) from China.
India’s Aircraft Fleet:
Indian Air Force (IAF) has 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, significantly below the optimal readiness requirements.
Of the current 31 squadrons, the phase out of two MIG-21 squadrons has been extended due to the delayed deliveries of LCA-Mk1A.
IAF has acquired 36 Rafale (4.5 generation aircraft) from France through a government-to-government deal in 2016.
India lacks a 5th generation fighter aircraft with no prospects of its induction, for at least a decade.
India’s Modernisation Plans
Ambitious Acquisitions:
India plans to acquire over 500 fighter jets, primarily indigenously designed and manufactured.
Key Projects:
LCA-MK1A (Tejas): Indian Air Force has placed an order of 83 units of LCA-MK1A with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A deal for 97 additional Mk1As is under discussion.
Their delivery has been delayeddue to supply chain issues with the F-404 engines by General Electric (GE).
The HAL Tejas is an indigenous single-engine 4th-generation multirole light fighter aircraft, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by HAL.
LCA-MK2 (Tejas 2): Production of the LCA Mark 2 combat aircraft is expected to start in 2029-2030.
LCA Mark 2 is a 4.5 generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, an improved version of LCA Tejas fighter jet.
It would be powered by GE-414 engine (a high-performance afterburning turbofan engine).
IAF plans to have about six squadrons of Tejas Mk2.
AMCA MK-2 (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): The AMCA Mk2 is expected to go into mass production only after the year 2035.
AMCA-Mk2 is a 5th generation stealth fighter. It is currently the only 5th generation fighter under development in India.
Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TED-BF) for Navy:
The first prototype of TED-BF could make its maiden flight by 2026 and be ready for production by 2031.
TEDBF will serve as a replacement for the aging fleet of MiG-29Ks and is designed to meet the Navy's specific requirements.
Procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA):
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently revealed its intent to conduct an open tender for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, aiming to procure 114 jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Challenges in India’s Aircraft Modernisation:
Delay in Acquisitions:
Delayed deliveries of LCA-Mk1A and LCA-MK2 (Tejas 2).
AMCA Mk2 (5th gen aircraft) will take a decade to be operational.
Squadron Shortfalls:
The IAF is down to a mere 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
This number will go down further when the last two remaining squadrons of the MiG-21s are phased out by the end of 2025.
Jaguars, Mirage-2000s and MIG-29s will begin to phase out between 2030-2035.
Even with the LCA-Mk1A, LCA-Mk2 and the MRFA, IAF will still be at 35-36 squadrons by 2035.
Dependence on Foreign Engines:
India is dependent on imported engines, directly or ‘co-manufactured’ to power all indigenous jets and helicopters. E.g., License manufacturing for the F-414 engine (from the US) or the new 110KN engine (from France) makes India dependent on these countries for the most critical parts.
India cannot claim tobe fully self-reliant till it can field an aero-engine that is completely designed and developed in the country.
Context: Ahead of Budget 2025-26, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended rationalisation of food subsidies urging the government to adopt direct benefit transfer (DBT) model to provide direct income support to beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: National Food Security Act, 2013- Features
Mains: PDS- Problems, DBT for PDS.
National Food Security Act, 2013
National Food Security Act, 2013 provides food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to households.
Coverage: Up to 75% of rural population and 50% of urban population (encompassing 67% of total population of India).
Entitlement:
Priority households: 5 kg/person/month
Antyodaya households: 35 kg/household/month
Subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains.
Nutritional Support: Meals for Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children (6 months- 14 years)
Maternity benefit: Rs 6000 for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Women empowerment: Eldest woman (18 years and above) considered as head of household for issuing ration cards.
Grievance redressal: At district and state levels.
Accountability through social audits and Vigilance committees.
Food Security Allowance: Providedin case of non-supply of food.
Need for Rationalisation of Food Subsidies
Higher Subsidy Burden: Food subsidy burden has increased to more than Rs. 2 lakh crores on an annual basis. This indicates the unsustainability of food subsidies.
Leakage in PDS system: Recent ICRIER study highlights 28% leakage in the PDS system. Inefficiencies and corruption lead to diversion of food grains.
Rise in fiscal deficit: High subsidy bills strain the fiscal deficit, diverting funds from other critical areas like education, health, infrastructure, etc.
Benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer for PDS Beneficiaries
Empowerment of beneficiaries: Direct income support would empower beneficiaries to purchase food items of their choice, based on individual needs.
Better targeting: DBT can precisely reach the intended beneficiaries with the help of digitisation as the system is linked to Aadhar.
Eliminate middlemen: Cash transfers directly to the beneficiaries remove intermediaries, reducing chances for diversion, corruption and leakages.
Administrative Efficiency: DBT would reduce the logistical burden of transporting and distributing food grains under the PDS system.
Bottlenecks for DBT in PDS
Existing legal provision: There exists an optional provision under the National Food Security Act, 2013, (NFSA) for the states to transfer the subsidy directly to the beneficiary’s bank account. However, no State had requested for DBT since NFSA was rolled out in 2013.
Linkage with MSP procurement: The issue of DBT is linked with the Minimum Support Price procurement as PDS is one of the outlets where the government disposes of the grains purchased from farmers.
Poor Banking infrastructure and Digital Divide: Limited access to digital resources and inadequate banking infrastructure would hinder DBT implementation.
Rationalisation of Food Subsidies should be considered by the government, considering the unsustainable subsidy bill and rising cases of leakages reported in the PDS system. An overhaul of the system along the lines of Direct Benefit Transfer, end-to-end computerisation of PDS, seeding of Aadhar with Ration Card, etc. is the need of the hour.
Context: Recently,the Ministry of Education has released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report that indicates a drop in the school enrollment ratio. The number of enrolled students in 2022-23 were 25.17 crore, while the figures for 2023-24 stood at 24.80 crore.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts about the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report.
Mains: Analysis of causes of dropping enrollment and other trends in the Report.
Major Highlights of the UDISE+ Report
Decline in School Enrollment Rate:
The number of enrolled students in 2022-23 were 25.17 crore, while the figures for 2023-24 stood at 24.80 crore.
In 2018-19 total enrollment was 26.02 crore, which increased in 2019-20 by 1.6%.
Enrollment slightly fell in the 2020-21 due to COVID-19 led lockdown.
In 2021-22, enrollment slightly improved by 0.76% (due government schemes like PRAGYATA scheme of digital education and lockdown upliftment).
There is asharp increase in the enrollmentin the private schools as compared to the government schools, suggesting shifting back to private institutions.
Drop-out rates rise sharply at higher education levels, from 5.2% in middle school to 10.9% at the secondary stage.
Increase in Dropout Rate for Boys: From 2018-19 to 2023-24, boys enrollment percentage dropped by 4.87%, while in similar duration girls dropout reduced by 4.48%.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): While the preparatory level boasts a GER of 96.5%, the foundational level is at a mere 41.5%. Middle and secondary levels are at 89.5% and 66.5%, respectively.
State-wise trends:
States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra witnessed the highest dropouts as per the report.
State-wise discrepancies: West Bengal has 79% foundational and preparatory schools but only 11.6% secondary schools, creating a risk of higher dropout rates.
State of School Infrastructure:
While over 90% of schools have basic amenities like electricity and gender-specific toilets, advanced facilities such as functional desktops, internet access and ramps with handrails remain limited.
Only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, 53.9% have internet, and 52.3% are equipped with ramps, underscoring significant gaps in accessibility and tech readiness.
About UIDSE+
Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus is a data aggregation platform maintained by the Ministry of Education ministry to collate school education data from across the country.
UDISE+ is an upgraded version of the original UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education).
UDISE+ system was developed by the Department of School Education & Literacy in the year 2018-19.
Aim:
To enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of education data.
To overcome the issues related to erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.
UDISE+ 2023-24 attempted to collect student-wise data along with their Aadhaar numbers on a voluntary basis to establish a uniqueness. Overall, more than 19.7 crore students provided Aadhaar numbers by 2023-24.
Significance: The shift from aggregated school-level data to individual student records, facilitated by Aadhaar-linked unique educational IDs-
Enhances the monitoring of progression and retention.
Streamline beneficiary identification for government schemes, reducing duplication and promoting equitable resource distribution.
Potential Reasons for the Decline in School Enrollment
Change in Data Collection Methodology: In 2022-23, MoE started a revitalised UDISE+ ecosystem which captures data on more than 60 fields for each student and Aadhaar details were also collected on a voluntary basis.
More efforts have been put in to accurately establish student and teacher credentials to remove duplicate/ghost entries for specific identification of beneficiaries.
UDISE+ 2022-23 data is not strictly comparable with the previous reports on various educational indicators like Gross Enrolment Ratio, Net Enrolment Ratio, dropout rates etc.
Apart from Aadhaar, a separate unique educational ID (EID) for every student has been created in the UDISE+ portal to cover each and every child under the ecosystem of UDISE+.
Alternate Education Choices: There is increasing preference for homeschooling and the alternate means of education, reducing enrollment in the schools.
Post-pandemic school preference: Post pandemic there is high enrollment in the private schools, suggesting changes in parental preferences and perception of quality education.
Demographic change: A slight reduction in the birth rate in India may also be impacting the enrollment numbers of school-age children.
Infrastructure and Resource challenges: Issues likeinsufficient smart classrooms, low teacher to student ratio may also impact enrollment. E.g., Only 12% of government schools have a functional smart classroom.
Way Forward
Enhancing budget: There should be a 6% of GDP allocation (in line with the recommendation of National Education Policy, 2020) to education to improve physical and digital infrastructure and resources in schools.
Proper monitoring: There should be a timely and proper monitoring of the learning outcomes of the students not only in the form of examinations but also in terms of problem solving assessments.
Inviting guest faculty: There should be a provision for regular inclusion of guest faculty for improved learning outcomes of the students. E.g., Vidyanjali scheme of voluntary guest faculty in schools.
Conclusion: The report suggests a reduction in overall enrolment of the students, suggesting a scope of improvement in standards of the education. The focus should be in enhanced fund allocation, improved monitoring, inviting expertise, and quality enhancement by gaining public feedback to promote higher enrollment. Curtailing dropouts and ensuring universal access to education at all levels by 2030 is one of the primary goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Sustainable Development Goals.
Context: The latest report of the Central Ground Water Board finds the presence of excessive nitrates (defined as more than 45 mg per litre) in groundwater in 440 districts as of 2023, an increase from 359 such districts in 2017. Other major chemical contaminants affecting groundwater quality are Fluoride and Uranium.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Nitrate Contamination; Methemoglobinemia; Eutrophication.
Major Highlights:
About 56% of India’s districts face the problem largely due to subsidised synthetic nitrogenous fertiliser, a key input for farming. This is a health hazard, particularly for young children, and a source of environmental toxicity.
Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest nitrate contamination problem, with 49%, 48%, and 37%, respectively, of their tested samples reporting numbers beyond the safe limit.
What is Nitrate Contamination?
Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of Nitrogen and Oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some foods.
Utility of Nitrates:
Plants require nitrates for their survival and growth. It occurs naturally in soil and dissipates when the soil is extensively farmed. Thus, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to replenish the soil.
In Agriculture, nitrate is used as fertiliser for crops and lawns.
In Industry, nitrates are used in food preservation, certain pharmaceutical medications, as well as the manufacture of munitions and explosives.
Sources of Nitrates:
Natural sources: Igneous rocks, atmospheric deposition and symbioses of some plants, along with cyanobacteria and some heterotrophs.
Anthropogenic sources: Nitrogen-rich fertilisers used for agricultural purposes, discharge of poorly treated domestic, and industrial wastewaters, livestock manure, and leachate from landfill sites.
Nitrate Pollution:
Nitrogen (N) in the form of nitrate is a common pollutant in both surface and ground water. Nitrates are highly soluble in water and have no taste or smell.
It can be highly toxic asthey can enter the food chain via groundwater and surface water.
High Nitrate levels can harm the respiratory and reproductive system, kidney, spleen and thyroid in children and adults. It is particularly harmful to infants, causing Methemoglobinemia (or blue-baby syndrome).
Together with phosphorus, Nitrates in excess amounts can accelerate Eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic plant growth.
What is Methemoglobinemia?
Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder which occurs due to an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood.
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body.
Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen (due to its lower tendency to bind with Oxygen).
Due to higher Methemoglobin concentration in blood, the Red Blood Cells’ Oxygen carrying capacity becomes low. Thus, body tissues do not receive enough Oxygen, which gives it a bluish appearance (blue-baby syndrome).
What is Eutrophication?
Eutrophication is a natural or human-induced process in which bodies of water become overly enriched with nutrients, particularly Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
This nutrient enrichment leads to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, known as an algal bloom.
As the algae die and decompose, the oxygen in the water is depleted (due to High Biological Oxygen Demand), causing hypoxia or even anoxic conditions. This can harm fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Context: The Union Cabinet has announced the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Scheme based questions.
Mains: Impacts; reforms and potential of schemes in the agriculture sector.
Major Highlights:
The Union Cabinet has-
Approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of ₹69,515.71 crore.
The aim is to provide risk coverage to farmers against natural calamities.
Approved setting up of Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) for upgradation in farm technology by revitalising research and development, with an allocation of ₹824.77 crore. Key initiatives include:
Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) which uses remote sensing for crop yield estimates.
Weather Information and Network Data System (WINDS) for augmenting weather data through automatic weather stations. Implementation of WINDS to assist state governments will begin in 2024-25.
Approved the extension of the subsidies on DAP. DAP is Diammonium Phosphate, a fertiliser that contains a mix of nitrogen and phosphate.
Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH)
Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) uses Remote Sensing Technology for yield estimation with minimum 30% weightage to technology-based yield estimates.
Under YES-TECH Claim calculation and settlement has been done for 2023-24. Madhya Pradesh has adopted 100% technology based yield estimation.
9 Major States are currently implementing (namely AP, Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka). Other States are also being on-boarded expeditiously.
Weather Information and Network Data System (WINDS):
Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) envisages setting up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at block level and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at panchayat level.
Under WINDS, 5 times increase in current network density is envisaged to develop hyper local weather data. Under the initiative, only data rental costs are payable by Central and State Governments.
About PM FASAL Bima Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a flagship crop insurance scheme launched in 2016 to promote crop insurance penetration among the farmers.
Objectives: Providing financial support to farmers in case of unforeseen circumstances; stabilising farmers income; encouraging farmers to adopt modern technology; and ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
Coverage of the scheme:
Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses)
Oilseeds
Annual Commercial/Annual Horticultural crops
The scheme also covers the post-harvest losses due to rainfall, hail storm or any such negative externality within 14 days of harvesting.
Farmers pay a nominal premium:
2% for Kharif crops.
1.5% for Rabi crops.
5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments. In the ratio of 50:50 in normal states and 90:10 in the case of north-eastern.
Use of Remote Sensing Technology, Smartphones & Drones for quick estimation of crop losses to ensure early settlement of claims.
Benefits of the decision to Extend Schemes:
Protecting from vulnerability: Indian farmers are prone to vulnerabilities like monsoon dependency and pest attack along with the risks of seed productivity. Extension of scheme will reduce such vulnerabilities by insuring farmers against risks.
Reducing input cost: Extending the subsidies for DAP fertiliser will reduce the input cost of the farmers reducing expenditure burden.
Boost to North-East: Special treatment in insurance premium to north-eastern states will reduce the regional disparities.
Promoting R&D: Institutionalisation and fund allocation to FIAT will revitalise the research and development in the farm sector in India making it more productive and gender neutral in nature.
Conclusion: PM FASAL and fertiliser subsidies are key for boosting the farmer’s income in India. But more funds need to be allocated in the research and development to enhance the overall productivity and optimum utilisation of the resources. India should take a slight turn from subsidies based support to innovation and capital generation based support to make agriculture sustainable.
