The Hindu

DOT notifies new Satellite Internet Service Rules

Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a fresh set of stringent security guidelines aimed at tightening control over satellite-based internet services in India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Satellite Internet Service Rules.

New Satellite Internet Service Rules

The Department of Telecommunications has introduced new security requirements for satellite communication/ internet companies in India. The satellite internet operators-

Must localise essential functions such as locating the Network Control and Monitoring Centre within Indian territory.
Must provide real time monitoring to ensure that no user traffic originating from, or destined for India is being routed through any gateway outside Indian territory.
Prohibited from copying or decrypting Indian telecom data outside the country.
Must prevent any unintentional coverage spillover into neighbouring countries using geo-fencing technology and be capable of blocking access to websites banned in India.
Required to implement systems that can block, restrict or deny network access to specific users or groups, based on instructions from the authorities.
Must have the ability to intercept communications and monitor user activity and share user data with security agencies.
Must share user terminal information with Indian security agencies. All terminals in use must be registered and authenticated in the country, and enable support for NavIC (India’s own satellite navigation system). Indian satellite internet terminals are prohibited from working outside India.
Share a year-wise phased manufacturing plan aiming at indigenisation to a level of at least 20% of their ground segment of the satellite network. The terminals must eventually be manufactured in India, within a five year span.
Ensure that their data centres are based within the geographical boundary of India and shall make provision to provide Domain Name System (DNS) resolution within its territory.

Rationale of the New Rules

To prevent cross-border signal spillover, especially in sensitive regions.
To ensure that satellite connectivity can be monitored, intercepted, and governed in India.
To uphold national security interests while managing the growing complexity of satellite-based communication networks.

The revised conditions will apply not only to current GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite Services) license holders such as Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES alliance, but also to new entrants like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to operate in India.

The new rules reflect India’s intent to maintain tighter control over digital infrastructure as global satellite internet players seek entry into its high-potential market.

India and UK conclude Free Trade Agreement

Context: India and the United Kingdom have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) granting zero-duty to 99% of Indian exports and reducing tariffs, expected to create large opportunities for Indian firms, significantly boost bilateral trade, and attract key investments.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to India-UK trade deal.

Mains: Significance of India-UK trade deal.

India- UK Free Trade Agreement

India and the UK have concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to deepen bilateral economic ties, enhance strategic cooperation, and boost trade and investment. It is India's 16th FTA.
India's FTAs: India has inked trade deals with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, the 10-nation bloc ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and four European nations' bloc EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), UK.

What is a Free Trade Agreement?

FTA is a bilateral or multilateral understanding where participating countries consent to eliminate or lower customs duties on the bulk of traded goods.
These agreements also involve reducing non-tariff barriers on substantial imports from partner countries whilst simplifying regulations to enhance services trade and cross-border investments.
FTAs enable zero-duty entry into partner country markets, allowing for greater diversification and expansion of export destinations.
By securing preferential treatment over non-FTA member competitors, domestic exporters enjoy a level playing field, especially when other nations have already established similar agreements.
FTAs attract foreign investments and help stimulate domestic manufacturing.

Key Highlights of the India–UK FTA

The India-UK free trade agreement and Double Contribution Convention pact is expected to lead to significant economic benefits for both the countries.

99% of Indian exports will receive duty-free access to UK markets. India stands to gain substantial advantages from tariff elimination on approximately 99% of tariff lines, which covers nearly 100% of trade value.
India will reduce import tariffs on 90% of UK tariff lines, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free within 10 years.
India will receive advantages from the UK's FTA commitments in various service sectors, including IT/ITeS, financial, professional, and educational services.
India agrees to lower tariffs on various products, including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, enhancing the competitiveness of UK exports.
- Automotive tariffs will be significantly reduced from over 100% to 10% under a specified quota system.
- Whisky and gin tariffs are to be halved from the current 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by year ten of the deal.
Double Contribution Convention: Indian professionals working temporarily in the U.K. will be exempt from paying social security for up to three years, reducing the financial burden on both employees and employers.
It will facilitate easier movement for skilled workers, including contractual service suppliers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, family members of transferees with work authorization, and Independent Professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs.
Sectoral Boost: Sectors which are set to benefit in India include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and processed foods etc.

Significance of INDIA-UK FTA

Strengthening Strategic Economic Partnership: It aligns with the shared ambition to scale bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Thus, fostering deeper economic interdependence between the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies.
Tariff Reductions and Economic Efficiency: Tariff reduction on goods like cosmetics, medical devices, aerospace parts, food items (lamb, salmon, chocolate, biscuits, soft drinks) and electrical machinery will:
Open new market access for UK exporters in India.
Reduce input costs for Indian businesses using these goods.
Provide Indian consumers with more affordable and diverse products.
Strengthen value chains, especially in high-tech and FMCG sectors.
Expansion of Market Access: It creates large opportunities for Indian companies to expand further and access new markets. By unlocking new export opportunities, reducing trade barriers, and enabling greater access to the U.K. market.
Strengthen Indian textile and apparel sector: It will strengthen the labour-intensive Indian textile and apparel sector, positioning India as a major textile hub. Knitwear exports, which currently constitute 9% of total exports to the UK, are expected to rise to 20% post-FTA.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is not just a trade fact, it is a bridge to shared prosperity. Amid global trade wars, rising protectionism, and economic decoupling, the agreement offers certainty and stability to bilateral economic relations.

Foreigners Tribunals: Detaining Non-Citizens and Rule of Law

Context: The Assam detention regime is in news because of concerns related to liberty and well-being of persons caught in it.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about Foreigners Tribunals in Assam.

Mains: Foreigners Tribunals: Challenges associated.

Foreigners Tribunals in Assam:

Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) are quasi-judicial bodies established in Assam to adjudicate cases concerning individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants.
They were created under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, which derives its authority from the Foreigners Act of 1946.
The tribunals primarily handle cases related to individuals left out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), with a significant number of cases involving approximately 19.06 lakh people.

Legal Background:

Rule of Law and Liberty: Indian Constitution upholds the principle that personal liberty can only be curtailed under clear legal and judicial frameworks (Article 21).
Detention of Non-Citizens: Non-citizens in India can be detained under:
- Foreigners Act, 1946
- National Security Act (NSA), 1980
Preventive Detention: Though permissible under Article 22, it is subject to strict safeguards and judicial review.

Assam Experience: Citizenship and Detention

NRC and Citizenship Crisis: 19 lakh people excluded from the NRC in Assam (2019). Many declared themselves "foreigners" despite being long-term residents with no other nationality.
Documentation Challenges: Proof required: Ancestors’ residence before March 24, 1971.
Common Issues:
- Unavailable or destroyed documents (E.g., due to floods).
- Rejection due to minor discrepancies in names.
Impacts: Individuals are stripped of citizenship and placed in detention centers without effective legal recourse.

Issues and Concerns

1. Indefinite Detention: Threat to Liberty

Violation of Legal Norms: Detentions occur without conviction, charge, or trial, it is not aligned with any recognised preventive or punitive purpose.
As of December 31, 2023: Over 1.59 lakh people declared foreigners. Only 39 deported since 2017 (26 till 2023; 13 more recently). A vast majority cannot be deported — they are stateless in effect.

2. Violation of Article 21 and Judicial Supremacy:

Principles of Detention under Indian Law: It is ordinarily permitted on conviction by a court, pending trial (judicial custody) or under limited preventive detention, with safeguards (Article 22).
Current Regime in Assam Violates These Norms: Detention is not based on court orders or judicial sentencing. There is no legitimate aim such as deportation, trial, or punishment.

3. Executive Overreach and Erosion of Rule of Law:

Undermining Judicial Oversight: Courts have traditionally controlled the deprivation of liberty, executive-directed detentions without effective court supervision violate this balance.
Lack of Due Process: Procedural fairness ignored in NRC-related adjudications. Individuals declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals — quasi-judicial bodies often lacking transparency.

4. Fundamental Constitutional Questions:

Nature of Citizenship and Statelessness: Many detainees are de facto stateless — no country accepts them.
Judicial Role and Independence: If the power to detain shifts away from courts, the judiciary’s role is eroded.
Threat to Constitutional Governance: Arbitrary detentions without judicial justification undermine Article 21 and the principle of limited government.

Comparative Constitutional Jurisprudence in this context

India: Rajubala Das v. Union of India (2020): Challenge to arbitrary and indefinite detention of declared foreigners. The Supreme Court has not yet decisively settled the constitutional limits on such detentions.
Australia: In NZYQ v. Minister (2023), the High Court ruled: Indefinite detention without realistic prospect of deportation is unconstitutional. It also emphasised judicial oversight and legitimate purpose as essential for detention.

Conclusion: Need for legal and institutional reform

Detention must serve a legitimate purpose and follow due process. The regime in Assam represents a constitutional aberration, it violates Articles 21 and 22 and disrupts the balance between liberty and state power.
There is an urgent need for clear legal standards, stronger judicial oversight, and protection of the rights of individuals caught in the citizenship net.

ECINET: Common Digital Platform for Voters and Officials

Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently announced that it was developing a new, user-friendly digital interface (ECINET) for voters and other stakeholders such as election officials, political parties and the civil society.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about ECINET platform.

About ECINET Platform

ECINET is a new digital platform launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to streamline electoral processes.
It is designed to serve as a single-point interface for all election-related services for voters and other stakeholders.
The initiative comes in response to allegations of:
- Manipulation of electoral rolls.
- Duplication of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs).
- Discrepancies in voter turnout data reporting.

Objectives:

To integrate and streamline the existing fragmented digital infrastructure of ECI.
To enhance transparency, accountability, and accessibility in the electoral process.
To simplify user access by combining services into one unified platform.

Integration of Existing Applications

ECINET will subsume over 40 mobile and web-based applications including:
- Voter Helpline App
- cVIGIL (for reporting MCC violations)
- Suvidha 2.0 (for political party permissions)
- Voter Turnout App
- Saksham (for PwD voters)
- Expenditure Monitoring System (ESMS)
- Know Your Candidate (KYC) app.
These apps together accounted for over 5.5 crore downloads.

Key Features:

Single login interface for users to access multiple services.
Unified aesthetic and simplified user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
Available across multiple devices including smartphones and desktop platforms.
Designed to reduce the operational burden on users, especially voters and election officials.
Only authorised ECI officials will be allowed to input or modify data on the platform.
In case of any discrepancy, the data recorded in statutory forms will be treated as final and binding.
Rigorous trials are being conducted to test functional integrity, ease of use, cybersecurity, and data protection.

Intended beneficiaries: The platform is expected to benefit approximately 100 crore registered electors, Booth Level Officers, Polling Officials, Electoral Registration Officers etc.

One Day One Genome Initiative

Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has released detailed graphical summaries, infographics, and other details of over 100 bacterial genomes as part of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative launched to harness the microbial potential of India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: One Day One Genome Initiative; Beneficial use cases of Bacteria.

One Day One Genome Initiative

Initiative of: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), launched in 2024.
Aim: To highlight the unique bacterial species found in India and emphasise their critical roles in the environment, agriculture, and human health.
It aims to make genomic data more accessible to researchers, students and the general public.

Some unique bacterial species under research include:

The genome of microbeMethylophaga lonarensis found at Lonar lake, Maharashtra has shown a high degree of specialisation that includes the production of ectoine, a valuable molecule with promising applications in skincare.
- Formed by a meteorite impact, Lonar Lake is one of the rare soda lakes. Its extreme conditions—high salinity, elevated pH, and limited nutrients—make survival difficult for most life forms.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ILSF15) is a novel probiotic bacterial strain isolated and characterised from the gut samples of tribes of Odisha. Genomic studies discovered genes linked to probiotic features, survival traits, and, importantly, how it can resist acid/bile and lower cholesterol in vitro.

The study of genomes of these diverse bacterial species can support important sustainable research.

Key facts about Bacteria

Microscopic, single-celled organisms (prokaryotic microorganisms).
Bacteria inhabit the air, soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep biosphere of Earth's crust.

Beneficial use cases of Bacteria

Soil fertility: Convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-usable form; aid in nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus.
Food Industry: Fermentation of various food products (curd, cheese), preservation of food; development of distinct flavours and textures; probiotics.
Biomedical use: Used as a host organism in genetic engineering to produce various proteins, enzymes, and other products (like insulin, growth hormones etc). Used as vectors (vehicles) to carry therapeutic genes into human tissues.
Biofuel production: GM bacteria and cyanobacteria can be used for biofuel production.
Biogas production: Break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (methane and carbon dioxide) as a byproduct.
Bioremediation: Can break down a range of pollutants, including hydrocarbons and toxic chemicals to clean up contaminated environments.

SMRs can bridge rising Energy demand of AI

Context: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has eased access to art and reduced the time and the effort required to complete certain tasks. But this ease comes at a significant energy cost. Small modular nuclear reactors could be the energy answer to support booming AI and data infrastructure.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Artificial Intelligence: Challenges

Energy cost of Artificial Intelligence:

Data centres (the backbone of AI operations) consume enormous electricity and contribute 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
A simple search request made through ChatGPT (an AI-based virtual assistant) consumes 10 times the electricity consumed by a Google Search.
Training advanced AI models can emit up to 552 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent which is comparable to the annual emissions of dozens of cars.
Projections indicate that these data centres could account for 10% of the world’s total electricity usage by 2030. The majority of this electricity comes from fossil fuel sources.
India currently has sufficient capacity to generate electricity for its own domestic AI needs. Yet, with increasing adoption and ambitions, proactive planning is imperative.

Potential of SMRs is bridging the Energy demand

Leveraging nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMR), could be a possible alternative to support booming AI and data infrastructure. This is possible as:

SMRs are designed to be compact and scalable. Their flexibility allows them to be deployed closer to high-energy-demand facilities, such as data centres, which require consistent and reliable power to manage vast amounts of computational workloads. In contrast, traditional large-scale nuclear power plants demand extensive land, water, and infrastructure.
SMR can provide 24X7, zero-carbon, baseload electricity making it an ideal alternative to renewable sources such as solar and wind by ensuring a stable energy supply regardless of weather conditions.
Their modular construction reduces construction time and costs when compared to conventional nuclear plants, enabling faster deployment to meet the rapidly growing demands of AI and data-driven industries.
SMRs offer enhanced safety features, with passive safety systems that rely on natural phenomena to cool the reactor core and safely shut down, reducing the risk of accidents. This makes them more acceptable and easier to integrate into regions where large-scale nuclear facilities would face opposition.
SMR’s ability to operate in diverse environments, from urban areas to remote locations, also supports the decentralisation of energy production, reducing transmission losses and enhancing grid resilience.

In India's case, the cost of electricity from SMRs is predicted to fall from ₹10.3 to ₹5 per kWh after the reactors are functional, which is less than the average cost of electricity.

Challenges in adoption of SMRs:

Significant policy shifts are required to create a robust regulatory framework that addresses safety, waste management and public perception.
Adoption requires substantial upfront investment, as the technology is still maturing and may face issues of cost competitiveness when compared to established energy sources.
Coordinating SMR deployment with existing renewable energy initiatives will require careful planning to maximise synergies while minimising redundancy.

Sustainable AI Adoption

AI companies need to be transparent about their energy consumption, i.e., disclose their environmental impact.
Such data would provide further insights on where energy is being used the most, and encourage R&D to create a more sustainable model of AI development.

Also Read: Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence

The public-private partnership model presents a realistic solution to the challenges of sustainable AI development. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, this model can facilitate the efficient development of SMRs alongside other forms of renewable energy to support advancements in AI.

US questions India’s PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel at WTO

Context: The US has raised concerns at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over India’s PLI scheme for specialty steel, citing global overcapacity. India defends the scheme as essential for reducing import dependence and achieving self-sufficiency in high-grade steel.

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts related to the PLI scheme. Mains: Issues related to industrial policy, subsidies, WTO obligations.

Product Linked Incentive Scheme:

Objective: To incentivise domestic manufacturing in key sectors by offering financial incentives linked to increased production and sales.
For example, earlier a company was selling goods worth Rs. 1 lakh in a year and now its sales increased to Rs. 1.2 lakh. Then the company will get an incentive of 4% on Rs. 20,000 = Rs. 800.
Launched in March 2020, the scheme initially targeted three industries- Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing; Electrical Component Manufacturing; and Medical Devices. Later, it was extended to 14 sectors.
India’s PLI scheme is designed to be compliant with WTO norms. It does not include export obligations or link subsidies to export performance, which are not allowed under WTO rules. It only incentivises investment and sales growth within India.

Also Read: Production Linked Incentive Scheme

PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel

The first round of India’s PLI scheme for specialty steel was notified in 2021 by the Ministry of Steel with a budgetary outlay of ₹6322 crore.
Objective:
- To promote manufacturing of value-added steel grades in the country and help reduce imports of these grades.
- To help the industry mature in terms of technology as well as move up the value chain.

India’s Response:

The U.S.’ linking of the PLI scheme for speciality steel with global overcapacity does not hold much merit as India was a net importer of steel in FY25 for the second consecutive year despite being the world’s second-largest steel producer.
The PLI scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing of value-added, high-end steel, reduce import dependence, and enhance self-sufficiency.
The scheme is compliant with WTO rules, as it does not link subsidies to exports and only incentivises domestic production and investment.
Moreover, compared with countries like China with estimated steel subsidies of $50 billion, India’s subsidies are miniscule.

Vizhinjam International Seaport

Context: India’s first deep water and container transshipment port at Vizhinjam, Kerala has been officially inaugurated. The port is of immense significance to India’s global maritime trade.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Vizhinjam International Seaport.

Vizhinjam International Seaport

India’s first dedicated container transshipment port.
It is an all-weather deep water port. Its natural draft of about 20 metres requires minimal capital dredging.
It is the first semi-automated port in India and the first greenfield port project.
Developed by: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) under a public-private partnership model with the Kerala government.

Need for the Port:

India relies heavily on foreign ports (like Colombo, Singapore and Klang) for handling around 75% of its inbound and outbound transshipment cargo. This results in an annual revenue loss of approximately $200 million-$220 million.
India’s container throughput capacity last year was approximately 20 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), contrasting with China’s 330 million TEUs. This highlights the need for modern ports such as Vizhinjam.

Historical Importance of Vizhinjam:

The town of Vizhinjam in Kerala has played a crucial role in the history of global maritime trade.

Inscriptions from the Pandya-Chola era (1129 AD) records Vizhinjam as Rajendra Chola Pattinam, a port of Kerala.
Historians claim that Balita, a port with considerable commercial importance which finds mention in the first century AD historical travelogue ‘The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’, is Vizhinjam’s old name.

However, this historical significance faded away after colonisers of India prioritised ports in other places like Cochin and Madras.

Significance of Vizhinjam International Seaport:

Proximity to international shipping routes: Amongst all existing Indian ports, Vizhinjam is the closest to international shipping routes. It is strategically located just 10 nautical miles from international shipping routes linking Europe, West Asia and the Far East, the east-west shipping axis. Ultra-large container vessels can berth without deviating from their route, thereby saving costs.
Efficiency with Modern Infrastructure: As India’s first semi-automated port equipped with remote-controlled quay cranes and an AI-powered vessel traffic management system, Vizhinjam will significantly reduce vessel turnaround times.
Boost to local economy: The start of import-export operations at Vizhinjam would fast-track the development of associated infrastructure like industrial corridor, allied businesses including ship building, ship repair, logistics, warehousing and direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Also Read: Port Economy will drive India’s growth

The Centre and the State must ensure the timely completion of rail and road connectivity, which is crucial for leveraging the port’s full potential. Warehousing, logistics, and industrial facilities are essential for the port to evolve into a thriving commercial maritime hub.

What are Agri Photovoltaics?

Context: Agri Photovoltaics (APVs) offer a sustainable solution to boost farmers’ income by combining solar energy generation with crop cultivation. To scale effectively in India, APVs need supportive policies, standardised norms and strong financial incentives.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to Agri Photovoltaics.

Mains: How Agri Photovoltaics can transform Indian Agriculture.

Agri Photovoltaics

APV is a system that allows solar panels to be installed above farmland, enabling both electricity generation and crop cultivation on the same land.
Two common designs in APVs include:
- Growing crops between rows of solar panels
- Solar panels raised about 2 metres above the ground, allowing crops to grow underneath.
First proposed in 1981 by German scientists. APVs aim to maximise land-use efficiency and create dual income streams for farmers - from agriculture and solar energy.

Benefits of Agri Photovoltaics

Dual Revenue stream for Farmers: Farmers can earn both from crop cultivation and solar energy - either through lease income or direct energy sales to the grid. Ensures stable and diversified income, reducing dependence on unpredictable crop yields.
Efficient Land Use: Allows simultaneous food and energy production on the same land. Increases productivity per unit of land, vital for a country with just 2.4% of global land and 18% of population.
Improved Microclimate for crops: APVs may also create favourable microclimatic conditions that reduce water loss from and heat stress on plants.
Energy security: Supports India's solar mission and rural electrification by decentralising energy production. Contributes to India’s solar energy targets and aids to commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Challenges to Adoption of Agri Photovoltaics

High Capital Expenditure: While a typical 1-MW ground-mounted solar plant in 5 acres of land would cost around Rs 2.7 crore, an APV system will incur an additional 11% due to the specialised infrastructure it requires.
Lack of Standardised Guidelines: India currently lacks standardised norms for APVs, leading to ambiguity in project design and implementation. In contrast, countries like Japan and Germany have clear regulatory frameworks regarding panel height, crop yield loss, and land-use criteria for APV projects.

Japan mandates that:

APV structures must be temporary and removable.
Panel height must be at least 2 meters.
Crop yield loss must not exceed 20%.
Projects are reviewed every 3 years to assess their agricultural impact.

Germany, through its framework DIN SPEC 91434, requires:

At least 66% of the original agricultural yield (reference yield) must be maintained.
Only up to 15% of arable land can be used for solar infrastructure.

This ensures that agriculture remains the central focus, even with high energy output.

Low Feed-in Tariff (FiT) reducing project viability: Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is the fixed price at which power producers like farmers or solar developers can sell electricity back to the grid. FiT is often too low, reducing project viability. E.g., Under the PM-KUSUM scheme in Rajasthan, the FiT is ₹3.04/unit. At this rate, the payback period for a 1-MW ground-mounted solar plant is 15 years, which discourages investors due to the long return period.
Land Availability and Size: In India, over 86% of farmers are small and marginal, owning less than 2 hectares of land. Implementing APVs on smaller farms may not always be economically feasible due to land constraints and high initial costs.
Lack of farmer training and technical knowledge.

Way Forward

Learn lessons from Germany and Japan to develop national APV guidelines, incorporating clear specifications on panel height, permissible crop yield loss, and land-use norms.
Introduce a higher Feed-in Tariff (FiT), aligned with the thermal average power purchasing cost for State DISCOMs (₹4.52/unit), to reduce the payback period to just four years. This would make APV systems more economically attractive.
Expanding institutional support through grants or NABARD’s credit guarantee for APV investments candidates also lower financial barriers to smallholders.
Leveraging farmer institutions such as FPOs and cooperatives which can help farmers pool resources and provide stronger market linkages.
Capacity-building programmes training and equipping farmers with the expertise to manage APV systems.
Revamp PM KUSUM scheme on agricultural solarisation to accommodate APVs in its delivery system could help scale the innovation across the country.

Agri Photovoltaics hold great promise for transformation. However, success depends on two pillars: economic incentives and a robust policy framework that ensures farming remains central.

Delhi launches Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana

Context: The Chief Minister of Delhi flagged off a fleet of registration vans for doorstep registration of beneficiaries of the Delhi government’s Vaya Vandana Yojana.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Vaya Vandana Yojana.

Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana

Initiative of: Delhi government.
Aim: To provide cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for senior citizens aged 70 and above for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in Delhi.
Mobile registration vans will conduct on-the-spot registrations in local neighbourhoods. Every citizen aged 70 or more can obtain the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Health Card simply by providing their Aadhaar and Delhi residence proof for registration.
This initiative combines ₹5 lakh coverage from the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) with an additional ₹5 lakh provided by the Delhi government.
- Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is the largest health assurance scheme in the world. It offers health insurance worth ₹5 lakh per year per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
All eligible beneficiaries can avail benefit regardless of their financial background.

The initiative aims at the welfare of senior citizens and seeks to eliminate all logistical challenges to accessible healthcare.

Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight Mechanism in India

Context: While the Indian Constitution enshrines checks and balances, legislative oversight has often been diminished. If India seeks ‘Maximum Governance’, it must also commit to ‘Maximum Accountability’, starting with an empowered and effective Parliament.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Issues in Parliamentary oversight mechanism in India.

Parliamentary Oversight Mechanism

The Constituent Assembly opted for a Parliamentary system of governance because it ensures greater executive accountability through daily parliamentary oversight.
Parliamentary oversight refers to the mechanism through which the legislature supervises and scrutinises the policies and actions of the executive. This includes:
- Question Hour and Zero Hour
- Parliamentary and Department-related Standing Committees (DRSC)
- Financial Committees like Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings
- No-confidence motions, adjournment motions, and debates on bills and budgets

Weakening Parlimanetary Oversight Mechanisms

However, over time, Parliamentary oversight mechanisms have weakened, raising institutional concerns about transparency and democratic functioning.

Erosion of Question Hour: Frequent disruptions, adjournments, and lack of substantive queries have diluted its impact. During the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), Question Hour functioned only 60% of the scheduled time in Lok Sabha and 52% in Rajya Sabha. Frequent disruptions, adjournments, and lack of substantive queries have diluted its impact.
Underutilised Committees: Parliamentary committees produce detailed reports, but their findings are seldom discussed on the floor of the House. Consequently, the committee's findings have had limited influence on legislation or executive action. Moreover, most Standing Committees lack technical and research staff, resulting in superficial reviews of complex policy matters.
Lack of Research and Analytical Support for MPs: MPs in India often operate without specialised staff or professional research support, making it harder to scrutinise complex policies or spending data.
Declining quality of Parliamentary Debates: Parliamentarians generally tow the party line and argue on rhetoric rather than facts and substantial reports. It leads to lack of quality debates in parliament and frequent disruptions.
Post-Legislative Vacuum: India lacks a formal mechanism for post-legislative scrutiny. Laws are rarely assessed for their real-world outcomes after enactment. This creates a governance gap where performance evaluation of statutes is absent.

Achievements of Indian Legislative Oversight

Even with its inconsistencies, Indian legislative oversight has had notable successes:

The Standing Committee on Railways recommended waiving Indian Railways' dividend payments in 2015, a move implemented in 2016 to ease financial stress.
The Standing Committee on Transport influenced the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, notably in establishing the National Road Safety Board.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) exposed critical delays, opaque appointments, and corrupt practices during the Commonwealth Games in 2010. On average, the PAC has made 180 recommendations every year in the past eight years, out of which 80% were accepted by the government.
On average, the PAC has made 180 recommendations every year in the past eight years, out of which 80% were accepted by the government.

Way Forward

To make oversight truly effective, Parliament must adopt targeted reforms, beginning with robust post-legislative scrutiny.

Institutionalise Post-Legislative Scrutiny: Create subcommittees under each Standing Committee or a specialised body to track the implementation of laws. Emulate UK Model where government departments submit post-legislative reviews within 3–5 years of implementation.
Committee Reform and Empowerment: Mandate floor discussion on select DRSC reports with compulsory ministerial response. Committees must be strengthened with dedicated research and technical support, thus moving beyond mere administrative assistance.
Leveraging Technology: By leveraging Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, Parliament can help members swiftly flag irregularities, track policy trends, and frame sharper, evidence-based questions.
Public Accessibility and Transparency: Oversight reports should be published in regional languages, supplemented by infographics, short videos, and data dashboards to make committee findings accessible to citizens, promoting participatory democracy.

In a democracy, maximum governance demands maximum accountability. Strengthening the role of Parliament in scrutinising executive action is essential in not just making laws but also ensuring their effective implementation and accountability.

Rising Temperatures and Mango Productivity

Context: Despite rising temperatures and erratic weather affecting mango quality and flowering, India’s mango productivity has grown largely due to the fruit’s genetic diversity, which enhances its resilience to climate change.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Impact of rising temperatures on production of crops.

Rising Temperatures:

According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Annual Climate Survey of 2024, the year 2024 was the warmest year on record since 1901.
The country’s annual mean land surface air temperature during the year 2024 was +0.65°C above the 1991-2020 average. IMD data also shows that the last 12 years have been warmer than earlier years.

Impacts of rising temperatures on Mango Production

1. Anticipated Impact:

Higher temperatures lead to early maturity, fruit drop, and disorders such as spongy tissue in varieties like Alphonso.
Anecdotal information suggests that mango productivity has been affected due to rising temperatures.

2. Observed Impact:

Empirical evidence and statistical data of the Horticulture Department in India suggest otherwise contradicting the perception of decline.
Data from the Horticulture Department and Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre show that mango productivity and cultivated area in India have both increased.
- Mango productivity in India has increased from 5.5 metric tonnes per hectare (MT/Ha) in FY2009 to 9.7 MT/Ha in FY2018.
- India’s productivity in 2024–25 is expected to surpass that of major producers like China and Thailand.

Impacts of rising temperatures on Mango Production

Reasons behind increased production despite rising temperatures:

Experts explain this resilience is due to the genetic diversity of mangoes. Genetic diversity allows the fruit to adapt to changing conditions, such as high temperatures and irregular rainfall.
Indian researchers and horticulture experts suggest that while extreme weather can disrupt flowering and fruiting stages, the physiological mechanisms and genetic variation in mango species help them withstand environmental stress.

Despite climatic stressors like heat waves and erratic rainfall, India’s mango production remains robust, largely due to genetic adaptability. This offers hope for future agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.