Government Schemes & Policies

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025

Context: The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 or Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 in the Lok Sabha. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key features of Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0. Mains: Govt. initiatives towards Ease of doing Business reforms. 

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

  • The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 aims at amending 355 provisions — 288 provisions decriminalised to foster Ease of Doing Business, and 67 provisions proposed to be amended to facilitate Ease of Living.
  • The Bill covers 16 Central Acts administered by 10 ministries/departments. 
  • Aim: To decriminalise and rationalise minor offences under Central Acts to enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and ease of doing business.

Key features of the Bill : 

  • First-time contraventions: Advisory or warning for 76 offences under 10 Acts. E.g., Under Motor Vehicles Act, needless honking earlier attracted fines from the first offence; now a warning will be given for the first instance, and the fine applies only for repeat offences.
  • Decriminalisation: Imprisonment clauses for minor, technical or procedural defaults replaced with monetary penalties or warnings. E.g., Manufacture/sale of Ayurvedic drugs under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 earlier attracted 6 months’ imprisonment + fine of ₹10,000. Under the new Bill, imprisonment is removed, replaced with a fine up to ₹30,000.
  • Rationalisation of penalties: Penalties made proportionate, with graduated penalties for repeated offences.
  • Adjudication mechanisms: Designated officers empowered to impose penalties through administrative processes, reducing judicial burden.
  • Revision of fines and penalties: Automatic 10% increase every three years to maintain deterrence without legislative amendments.

Among the laws that will be amended include:  

  • The Motor Vehicles Act 1988  
  • Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 
  • Central Silk Board Act 1948 
  • Road Transport Corporations Act 1950 
  • Tea Act 1953 
  • Apprentices Act 1961 
  • Coir Industry Act 1953
  • The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957
  • New Delhi Municipal Council Act 1994
  • Electricity Act 2003 
  • Textile Committee Act 1963

Jan Vishwas Act 2023

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which was the first consolidated legislation aimed at systematically decriminalising minor offences across multiple Central Acts. For instance:  

  • Originally, Section 41 of the Food Corporations Act, 1964 penalised unauthorised use of FCI’s name in any prospectus/advertisement with up to 6 months’ imprisonment or ₹1,000 fine or both. This penal clause was later omitted by the Jan Vishwas Act as part of decriminalisation measures.
  • Similarly, the provision of imprisonment up to 6 months was removed from the Section 33 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 for tree felling or damage caused by cattle in protected forests, and Rs 500 fine was kept.

Significance of Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0: 

  • Promotes Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): Removes fear of criminal prosecution for small lapses.
  • Facilitates Ease of Living (EoL): Reduces compliance burden for citizens in everyday activities.
  • Trust-based Governance: Shifts from punitive criminalisation to a trust-based model of compliance and correction.
  • Reduces Judicial Burden: Minor defaults handled administratively, freeing courts from trivial cases.
  • Regulatory Modernisation: Omits archaic laws and irrelevant provisions.
  • Economic Growth: Creates a business-friendly, predictable regulatory environment, encouraging investments.

The Bill marks a significant milestone in India’s regulatory reform journey. It reflects the Government’s commitment to “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and will catalyse sustainable economic growth and improved ease of doing business.

Also Read: An Analysis of The Jan Vishwas Act 

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Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 2025 & Coastal Shipping Act 2025

Context: In the biggest overhaul of India’s maritime legal framework, two landmark legislations- ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025’, and the ‘Coastal Shipping Act, 2025’ have been enacted. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key provisions of ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025’, and the ‘Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.’

Overhaul of India’s Maritime Legal Framework

  • The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025 replaces outdated provisions of the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
  • The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 seeks to simplify and modernise the legal framework governing coastal shipping. It replaces outdated provisions of Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. 

Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025

  • The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025 adopts Hague-Visby Rules, a globally accepted maritime standard. It standardises Indian maritime trade law with globally accepted norms (especially regarding bills of lading and cargo liability). 
  • The Act lays out clearly defined roles, responsibilities, liabilities and protections for parties involved in the carriage of goods by sea to reduce legal disputes. 
  • It caps carrier liability to provide predictability for shippers and insurers. Exemptions cover force majeure events like war and natural disasters, while allowing negotiated terms for special cargo. 
  • The Act outlines clear rules around the Bill of Lading- including who is responsible if something goes wrong, and what rights both parties have. The government can update or modify the rules related to bills of lading, without needing to bring a new law to Parliament.

Bill of Lading:

  • It is a legal receipt issued by a shipping company to the person sending the goods. 
  • It lists what goods are being shipped, their quantity and condition, and where they are going. 
  • It acts as proof of ownership of the goods and is essential for international trade.

Coastal Shipping Act, 2025

The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 consolidates rules for coasting trade, defined as cargo or passenger movement between Indian ports or related offshore activities.

  • It introduces a simplified licensing system for coastal shipping and lays down the framework for regulating foreign vessels engaged in coasting trade.
    • It requires foreign vessels to obtain licences from the Director-General of Shipping.
    • Indian vessels, while exempt from licensing, must meet reporting norms.
  • The Act mandates formulation of National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to map routes, forecast traffic and integrate coastal shipping with inland waterways. It has to be updated every two years. 
  • It provides for creation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping to enable real-time access to authentic and regularly updated data. This database will keep potential investors informed about the government’s development plans and policy priorities.
  • Strict penalties target unlicensed operations, false declarations and safety breaches. The government is empowered to reroute or ban vessels in public interest or for national defence. 

Significance of overhauling India’s Maritime Legal Framework: 

  • Align India’s maritime framework with global conventions and international protocols. 
  • Streamline coastal trade and prioritise Indian-owned vessels in domestic waters. Enhance supply-chain security by increasing Indian ships’ participation in domestic cargo movement. 
  • The National Database for Coastal Shipping will promote transparency and confidence.
  • Reduce India’s dependence on foreign vessels thereby preventing the outflow of foreign exchange. 
  • Promotes ease of doing business for Indian shipping operators, cuts freight costs and enhances multimodal transport efficiency.
  • Catalyses local economic development generating employment opportunities across coastal regions. 

India moves a step closer to building a rule-aligned, integrated, efficient, and globally competitive coastal and inland shipping ecosystem, while securing the country’s vast 7500 km coastline for strategic and commercial benefit. 

Aadhaar Face Authentication to ensure Exam Transparency 

Context: The government is expanding Aadhaar face authentication to enhance fairness in exams, improve service delivery, and ensure inclusion.

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: What is Aadhar Face Authentication and how it is done.

What is Aadhaar Face Authentication?

  • Aadhaar Face Authentication is a biometric verification method where a person’s live facial image is matched with the photograph stored in the Aadhaar database at the time of enrolment.
  • Uses liveness detection to ensure the person is physically present.
  • Operates through a smartphone or computer camera.

Why is it being used?

  • Transparency in competitive exams: It helps ensure the person taking the exam is the real registered candidate. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) already have approval to use it for examinee verification.
  • Solving biometric issues: Many labourers and elderly people have worn-out fingerprints, making fingerprint authentication unreliable. Face authentication bypasses that issue.

Recent adoption of Aadhaar Face Authentication: 

  • Employment Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): EPFO has mandated that Universal Account Numbers (UAN) for salaried employees and pensioners will only be generated after Aadhaar face authentication.
  • India Post Payments Bank: Recently adopted face authentication for services, saying it aligns with Digital India and Financial Inclusion goals ensuring equal access for all citizens.
  • Sports Authority of India (SAI): Approved to use Aadhaar authentication for athletes, coaches, and staff to verify identity during registration, attendance, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes like Khelo India and TOPS.

Legal and Administrative Framework: 

  • Any Aadhaar authentication (including face recognition) requires IT Ministry approval.
  • In January 2025, new rules called the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025 were issued.

Under these rules:

  • Government & private organisations can submit authentication proposals to the IT Ministry.
  • Proposals are vetted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
  • A new Aadhaar authentication portal (SWIK Portal) has been launched for submitting proposals. About 1-6 proposals are approved each month.

Significance: 

  • Enhance Examination Integrity: Reduces impersonation in competitive exams and builds trust among candidates.
  • Social Inclusion: Addresses biometric failure issues for vulnerable groups.
  • Administrative Accountability: Ensures accurate beneficiary identification and transparent welfare delivery.
  • Ease of Access: Smartphone-based authentication reduces dependency on physical infrastructure.

Challenges & Concerns

  • Privacy Risks: Potential misuse of biometric data, if safeguards are weak.
  • Cybersecurity: Need for robust protection against spoofing or hacking.
  • Digital Divide: Access issues for those without smartphones or internet.

Aadhaar face authentication is becoming a central identity verification tool in India. It reflects the government's broader push for Digital India, Good Governance, and Financial Inclusion, while expanding the role of Aadhaar beyond fingerprints and OTPs. 

Also Read: UIDAI notifies new rules for Aadhar Authentication 

Need for a Unified Welfare Architecture in India

Context: India’s welfare architecture is vast and globally recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). However, it remains fragmented and inefficient, underscoring the need for systemic unification.

Relevance of the Topic  Mains: India’s Welfare Architecture - Issues, Need for a unified system.

India's Welfare Architecture:  

  • India’s welfare architecture is one of the largest in the world. The Centre runs over 34 major social protection schemes and 24 pension schemes, while states have their own independent initiatives. 
  • The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has acknowledged India’s achievement in delivering both cash and non-cash social protection. 
  • ILO’s World Social Protection Report (2024) states that India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024.
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While these benefits reach over 100 crore beneficiaries, they operate in silos often duplicating efforts and creating administrative inefficiencies.

Issues with the Current Welfare System

  • Fragmentation of Schemes: Over 34 major central schemes, 24 pension schemes, and many separate state-level programmes run in silos.
  • Duplication & Overlap: Schemes with similar benefits are repackaged under new names by different states, leading to duplication of effort and resources. Institutions like E-Shram (unorganised workers) and EPFO (formal workers) overlap, but do not interconnect.
  • Poor Targeting: Eligibility criteria vary widely between schemes causing exclusion of deserving beneficiaries and inclusion of ineligible ones. No unified database (scattered data) or structure makes it difficult to identify the right people.
  • Complex Access for Citizens: People have to run between multiple government offices and platforms to claim entitlements. Lack of portability across states for migrants and informal workers.
  • Inefficient Use of Resources: Scarce fiscal resources spread thinly across many small schemes instead of pooled for greater impact.
  • Focus on Short-term Consumption, Not Long-term Growth: Most schemes are isolated cash payouts without linkages to skill development, asset creation, or economic empowerment.
  • Political Populism: Frequent election-season welfare promises add to fragmentation and fiscal stress. 

These structural gaps highlight the urgent need for a unified welfare delivery system that consolidates schemes and integrates data across Centre and states.

Advantages of a Unified Welfare State

  • Eliminates duplication of schemes and saves administrative costs. Optimises scarce fiscal resources for deeper coverage.
  • Simplifies access: one platform for all entitlements. Improves interoperability between databases and schemes.
  • Strengthens targeting of genuine beneficiaries. Integrates benefits, allowing one entitlement to unlock others.
  • Shifts focus on collective outcomes instead of isolated scheme performance.

The G20 New Delhi Declaration’s call for “sustainably financed universal social protection coverage” further strengthens the case for a “One Nation, One Social Security” governance model.

Global Lessons: 

  • Brazil- The Fome Zero Programme: Established the Unified System of Social Assistance (SUAS), integrating welfare services across all 26 states, the federal district, and over 5,500 municipalities.
  • South Korea (1990s Reforms): Consolidated fragmented programmes under the National Pension Service and National Health Insurance Service.

Proposed Framework for Unified Welfare Architecture in India: 

  • Centre provides the unified architecture; states adapt to local contexts.
  • Use EPFO’s Universal Account Number (UAN) to route all transfers, earmarking a portion for pensions/insurance.
  • Employ Aadhaar, JAM Trinity, and Digital India Stack for portability and verification.
  • Reward states for improved coverage, efficiency, and outcome delivery.
  • Harmonise overlapping welfare laws while respecting state autonomy.

To unlock the full potential of its vast welfare network, India must move from fragmented silos to a unified, digitally integrated system that ensures portability, precision targeting, and lasting socio-economic upliftment.

Stablecoins and their Regulation 

Context: Hong Kong is set to enforce a new Stablecoins Ordinance, requiring a licence for issuing fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS). This move aims to regulate stablecoin issuers, ensure transparency, protect investors, and prevent financial risks like money laundering and unbacked digital assets.

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about Stablecoins; CBDCs. 

What are Stablecoins?

  • Stablecoins are a class of cryptocurrencies with their values linked to assets.
  • Unlike cryptocurrency coins such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) or even tokens such as Shiba Inu (SHIB), whose values can wildly rise and fall due to investor sentiments and other factors, stablecoins are designed to maintain relatively steady prices. 
  • This stability is achieved through the process of “pegging” the stablecoin to an asset such as:
    • Fiat currency (like U.S. Dollars, EU Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, etc.)
    • A commodity (like gold)
    • Other cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin), by regulating their value via computer algorithms, or by mixing multiple strategies. 
  • While the price of Bitcoin might rise or fall in the coming years, a USD-pegged stablecoin should ideally remain around $1. 

Difference between Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies

  • CBDCs are digital currencies officially issued and controlled by a government’s central bank, while Stablecoins can be privately issued and can also be pegged to foreign currencies. 

Why do Stablecoins require Regulation? 

  • Widespread Use: Stablecoins are used globally for trading, savings protection, and cross-border transactions, especially in countries facing currency instability (E.g., Argentina, Turkey, Afghanistan).
  • Market Size: Over $250 billion worth of stablecoins are in circulation. E.g., Tether (USDT) alone has a supply of over 163 billion USDT.
  • Lack of Transparency: Issuers may not always have adequate reserves backing their stablecoins, leading to trust issues and risks of fraud or insolvency.
  • Potential Impact on Fiat Currencies: Excessive or unregulated issuance may affect the value and stability of the underlying fiat currencies or commodities.
  • Risk of Collapse: History shows that algorithmic stablecoins (like UST in 2022) can fail, leading to massive investor losses and systemic risks.
  • Need for Oversight: Regulation ensures reserve transparency, financial audits, consumer protection, and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) norms.

Regulation of Stablecoins around the world

GENIUS Act:  

  • The US President signed the GENIUS Act (July 2025) to regulate stablecoins and protect the US Dollar.
  • The Act requires 100% reserve backing with liquid assets like US dollars or short-term Treasuries for stablecoins.
  • Those issuing this asset will also have to make monthly, public disclosures of the composition of their reserves, apart from complying with marketing rules.

Other countries that have started to regulate stablecoins include Japan and Singapore, while multiple other jurisdictions have more generic regulations that cover stablecoins along with other cryptocurrencies. 

What is Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance?

  • It will be illegal for people to offer any unlicensed fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) to a retail investor, or actively market the issue of unlicensed FRS to the public of Hong Kong.
  • Companies that want to legally issue stablecoins to users in Hong Kong will have to obtain a licence from the Monetary Authority as well as meet set requirements when it comes to managing reserve assets and redemption, asset stabilisation, and processing user requests.
  • In addition to this, they will have to comply with the applicable regulations that prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, thus making sure that their assets are properly disclosed and audited. 

Also Read: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 

Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

Context: The Central government has announced a Rs 1 lakh crore fund to empower the private sector in advancing India's sovereign technology goals. The RDI Scheme will offer long-term, low-interest loans and risk capital for deep-tech and transformative projects.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: key facts about the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. 

Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

  • The government has launched the ambitious Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in 2025. 
  • Aim: To incentivise private-sector participation in research and development (R&D), particularly in sunrise and strategic sectors.
  • Outlay: ₹1 lakh crore over 6 years, with ₹20,000 crore allocated for FY26.
  • A dedicated 'Deep-Tech Fund of Funds' will also be established to scale up private investment in innovation.
  • Nodal Agency: Department of Science & Technology (DST).

Key Features of the Scheme: 

  • The scheme will provide long-term, low-interest loans and risk capital to support deep-tech, critical technologies, and transformative projects.
  • Technology sectors of strategic importance have been identified under the RDI Scheme. These include:
    • Energy Security and Climate Action. 
    • Deep technologies such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence,  Semiconductors, Biotechnology, and Digital economy. 
    • Sectors critical for Strategic and Economic security. 
  • There exists the flexibility to include additional sectors based on approval from the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS).

Funding Mechanism

  • Fund allocation to innovators, researchers, and start-ups will be managed through a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which serves as the Level 1 Fund Custodian. 
  • Implementation will be carried out by Second-Level Fund Managers, including Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Focused Research Organisations (FROs), such as BIRAC, TDB, and IIT Research Parks, with approval from the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS).
    • Funding to R&D projects by the 2nd level fund managers would normally be in the form of long-term loan at low or nil interest rates. 
    • Financing in the form of equity may also be done, especially in case of startups. 
    • Contribution to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds (FoF) or any other FoF meant for RDI may also be considered.

Significance: 

  • Addresses funding gaps in private sector R&D by providing growth and risk capital to sunrise and strategic sectors. 
  • Supports innovation, technology adoption, and competitiveness with sector selection guided by India’s economic priorities and strategic needs.
  • Finances transformative projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 and above. 
  • Enables acquisition of strategically important technologies, and promotes the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.

By addressing the critical need of the private sector for long-term affordable financing, the RDI Scheme facilitates a conducive innovation ecosystem in the country. 

Also Read: India’s R&D Investment: Challenges and Opportunities 

Tracking India’s Climate Goals

Context: As per the latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India has achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity (242.8 GW) from non-fossil fuel sources out of the total 484.8 GW installed capacity five years ahead of its 2030 target. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims and Mains: India’s Climate Commitment Goals: Achievements, Govt. Initiatives, Challenges and Way Forward. 

India’s Climate Commitment Goals

  • India submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2022. India aims to:
    • Achieve 50% of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
    • Reduce its GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
    • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from forest and tree cover by 2030. 
  • At COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), India announced its long-term goal to achieve the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. 
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India achieves 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Power Generation Capacity: 

As per the latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy-

  • India has achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity (242.8 GW) from non-fossil fuel sources out of the total 484.8 GW installed capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target. 
  • The 50% share of non-fossil sources in installed electricity capacity was contributed by sources such as large hydropower, nuclear, and renewable energies like wind and solar. E.g., In 2024 almost 30 GW of renewable energy was installed, of which solar energy stood at nearly 24 GW.

Future Targets: 

  • India’s stated climate objective is to achieve at least 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. For the target to materialise, significant contributions need to come from nuclear power. 
  • India's current nuclear energy capacity is 8.78 GW. India is  currently building 10 nuclear reactors that are expected to become operational during this timeframe to scale this capacity to about 17 GW by 2030. 

Energy Capacity vs Generation: 

  • The 50% share of non-fossil fuels in installed capacity does not mean half of India’s electricity is clean. Electricity generation from renewable sources is intermittent and dependent on timing, seasonality, and climate. As such, the share of non-fossil fuels in electricity generation is lower than its share in installed capacity.
  • Data from the Central Electricity Authority show that in May 2025, non-fossil fuel sources, including large hydro and nuclear, accounted for 28% of electricity generation in India.
  • Electricity itself forms a small part of the energy basket. Less than 22% of India’s total energy consumption is done in the form of electricity. The rest happens through direct burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.

Therefore, electricity forms about 22% of India’s total energy consumption, and non-fossil fuel sources account for about 28% of electricity generation. This means clean energy from non-fossil fuel sources accounts for just about 6% of India’s total energy consumption. 

Progress on Forestry Target

  • According to official data submitted to UNFCCC, about 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink has already been created by 2021. 
  • It is estimated that India has likely added 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink. (Official data is to be released soon by the next edition of India State of the Forest Report). 
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Emissions Intensity Target: 

  • There is less information on the progress being made on the emissions intensity target. India aimed to reduce its emissions per unit of GDP at least 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
  • The latest data (2020) on emissions intensity show that India had already reduced it by 36% from 2005 levels. 

Policy-Driven Progress Fuelling Clean Energy Growth: 

The achievements reflect the success of policy design and implementation of key Flagship programmes such as:

  • PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) empowered lakhs of farmers by providing solar-powered pumps enabling sustainable agriculture, and opened avenues for Agrovoltaics and feeder-level solarisation. 
  • PM Surya Ghar Yojana- brought about the rooftop revolution fostering decentralised energy generation.
  • Solar Park Development
  • National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 

Way Forward

India can further expand renewable power generation by- 

  • Getting access to international finance and technology that it is entitled to under the provisions of the Paris Agreement
  • Expanding the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Deployment Pumped Hydro Storage
  • Accelerated investments in Green Hydrogen 
  • Accelerating the deployment of Bharat Small Modular Reactors. 

 As the country moves toward the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, the path forward must be inclusive and driven by technology. 

Biostimulants in Indian Agriculture 

Context: Government has tightened the regulation of Biostimulants following the complaints from farmers about forced tagging of Nano-fertilisers or Biostimulants with conventional subsidised fertilisers.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Biostimulants, Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) 1985, Insecticide Act 1968.

What are Biostimulants?

The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order 1985, which regulates the manufacturing and sale of biostimulants, defines biostimulants as substances or microorganisms that: 

  • Stimulate plant physiological processes
  • Improve nutrient uptake
  • Enhance growth, yield, stress tolerance, and crop quality.
  • Do not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticide Act 1968.

They can be derived from seaweed extracts, plant waste, or microorganisms and are not traditional fertilisers or pesticides.

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India’s Biostimulant Market

  • India biostimulants market size is valued at USD 355.53 million in 2024.
  • The market is projected to grow from USD 410.78 million in 2025 to USD 1,135.96 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.64% during the forecast period.

Issues with Biostimulants:  

  • Questionable Efficacy: Many farmers complained about the ineffectiveness of biostimulants.
  • Unregulated Sale in the Past: Biostimulants were sold without government approval for years since they were neither classified as fertilisers nor pesticides. Over 30,000 products were sold unchecked for years. After government regulation, the number has now come down to approximately 650.
  • Provisional Certification Loophole: Manufacturers were allowed to sell products with only provisional registration, which was extended repeatedly. This delayed the enforcement of full regulatory standards.

1985 Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) and the Insecticide Act, 1968

  • In India, fertilisers and pesticides are governed by the 1985 Fertiliser Control Order and the Insecticides Act of 1968, respectively.
  • The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare issues the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and makes changes to it from time to time.

Regulation of Biostimulants

  • In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture amended the 1985 FCO and included biostimulants, paving the way for their regulated manufacturing, sale and import. The inclusion of biostimulants empowered the Central government to fix specifications.
  • The FCO classified biostimulants specified in Schedule VI of the FCO in eight categories, including botanical extracts (as well as seaweed extracts), bio-chemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Every manufacturer or importer of a biostimulant shall make an application to the Controller of Fertilisers along with the requisite product information.
  • The product’s chemistry, source (natural extracts of plant/microbe/animal/synthetic), shelf-life, reports of bio-efficacy trials, and toxicity must be submitted, along with other data. The five basic acute toxicity tests are: 
    • Acute oral 
    • Acute dermal 
    • Acute Inhalation 
    • Primary skin Irritation
    • Eye irritation 
  • The four eco-toxicity tests are: (i) Toxicity to birds; (ii) Toxicity to Fish (Freshwater); (iii) Toxicity to honeybees; (iv) Toxicity to earthworm
  • The FCO clearly states that no biostimulant shall contain any pesticide beyond the permissible limit of 0.01ppm. 
  • Agronomic bio-efficiency trials shall be conducted under the National Agricultural Research System, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and state agricultural universities. 
  • Bio-efficacy trials shall be conducted at minimum three different doses for one season at three agro-ecological locations.

Central Biostimulant Committee: 

  • In 2021, the Agriculture Ministry constituted the Central Biostimulant Committee for 5 years, with the Agriculture Commissioner as its Chairperson and seven other members.
  • Under the FCO, it shall advise the Centre on:
    • inclusion of a new biostimulant;
    • specifications of various biostimulants
    • methods of drawing of samples and its analysis
    • minimum requirements of laboratory
    • method of testing of biostimulants
    • any other matter referred to it by the central government.

Recent Government Actions on Biostimulants

  • The Union Agriculture Minister wrote to all Chief Ministers urging them to stop the forced tagging of biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers like urea and DAP.
  • The latest extension of provisional certificates expired on June 16, 2025, after which companies cannot sell unapproved biostimulants.
  • In addition to this, the Agriculture Ministry notified “Specifications of Biostimulants” for several crops, including tomato, chilli, cucumber, paddy, brinjal, cotton, potato, green gram, grape, hot pepper, soybean, maize, and onion.

QR code-based Aadhaar Verification App

Context: UIDAI is set to launch a QR code-based App to enable Aadhaar updates from home with enhanced verification and data control.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Features of QR code-based Aadhaar App. 

Key Features of the New App

  • The QR based app will allow individuals to update their Aadhaar details from their homes. 
  • Except for biometric updates like fingerprints or iris scans, most changes, including name, address, and mobile number will soon be possible online, using the App equipped with advanced verification protocols.
  • Authenticated government databases such as PAN, passport, driving licence, and PDS and MNREGA registries will be used to cross-verify user-submitted information. 
  • The App enables secure QR code-based Aadhaar sharing offering users control over when and how their data is shared. E.g., while checking in at a hotel, the customers can share a full or masked version of their e-Aadhaar through secure, mobile-to-mobile channels, only with explicit consent.
  • The proposed App is expected to go live by the end of 2025. 

Why is the QR-based Aadhaar App introduced ?

The QR-based Aadhaar app has been introduced to solve the following existing challenges in the Aadhaar update and usage ecosystem. 

  • Digital Exclusion of Vulnerable Groups: 1 in 3 users struggled to update Aadhaar, and 20% failed to do so. 30% of homeless people and 27% of third-gender individuals lacked Aadhaar. Barriers include lack of documentation and gender misclassification, leading to denial of services and exclusion from welfare schemes.
  • Privacy and Consent Risks: Centralised linking of Aadhaar to multiple services raises data misuse and surveillance concerns.
  • Low Awareness and Low Digital Literacy: Aadhaar’s digital features continue to be underutilised. Many users, particularly in rural areas, rely on physical photocopies rather than e-Aadhaar.

Significance of QR-based Aadhaar App: 

  • Empowers users to control their identity, dictate access, and minimise data exposure.
  • Can reduce paperwork and also help prevent the use of forged documents.

The government is also strengthening regulations on privacy, consent, and the responsible use of Aadhaar-linked personal data by amending the Aadhaar Act to align it with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 with the aim to:  

  • Provide users greater control over their data by emphasising data minimisation.
  • Provide the right to erasure - Users can request deletion of Aadhaar-linked data.
  • Prevent Aadhaar data reuse beyond the original purpose without fresh consent. 

Need for Climate-Smart Fabrics  in Heat Action Plans 

Context: India needs climate-smart fabrics to cope with intensifying heatwaves, as traditional clothing offers limited protection against extreme heat and humidity.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Climate Smart Fabrics.

What are Climate Smart Fabrics?

  • Climate Smart Fabrics, also known as Smart textiles, are textiles designed to adapt to environment conditions.
  • These fabrics integrate technologies like- sensors, microchips, and conductive fibres which enables them to monitor, react to, and even change their properties in response to stimuli like temperature, moisture etc. 
  • Examples:  
    • New Phase Change Materials (PCMs) integrated into fabrics can absorb excess heat and release it when things cool down. 
    • Scientists at Stanford University developed a textile that is transparent to infrared wavelengths and radiates heat away from the body. 

Key Features: 

  • Thermal Regulation: Absorb and release heat to maintain optimal body temperature.
  • Moisture-Wicking: Pull sweat away from the skin and enable faster evaporation. 
  • UV Protection: Shield against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Smart Fabrics use Important Technologies to function: 

  • Nanotechnology: Developments in nanotechnology allow fabrics to be treated or engineered at a molecular level to give them unique properties like water resistance or enhanced durability. E.g., Graphene Modified Protective Clothing. 
  • Miniaturised Electronics enable the embedding of sensors and circuits directly into textiles without affecting their flexibility or comfort.
  • Wireless Technologies like Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication) facilitate the communication of smart textiles with smartphones and other devices, enabling real-time data tracking and interaction.
  • Thin and flexible batteries or solar cells: Improvements in energy harvesting and storage technologies are crucial to power these smart textiles.
image 14

Why India Needs Climate-Smart Fabrics?

  • India is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves. For instance, Delhi's heat index touched 54°C, Ooty witnessed its warmest day in 73 years and Kashmir had its hottest June in five decades.
  • As heatwaves intensify and humidity levels rise across India, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plain, traditional cotton clothing is proving inadequate.
    • In high humidity, cotton dries slowly, sticks to the body, traps heat, and raises the risk of skin infections.
    • Natural fibres like cotton offer little protection against harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of skin-related illnesses, including cancer.
  • Over 50% of India’s workforce is engaged in outdoor occupations such as farming, construction, and street vending, making them highly vulnerable to extreme heat exposure.
  • Vulnerable groups often lack access to appropriate protective clothing. For instance, in Varanasi, Blinkit delivery partners recently went on strike, demanding cotton uniforms to cope with the summer heat.
  • An analysis from Down to Earth estimates that a single five-day heat wave leads to 30,000 excess deaths in summer.

Despite growing threats, India's Heat Wave Action Plan lacks longterm, science-backed interventions such as climate-smart clothing. 

It relies only on a combination of early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, emergency medical response, and structural interventions like cool roofs and shaded public spaces.

image 22

Way Forward

  • Integrate smart fabrics into Heat Action Plans.
  • India’s new Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme (₹1 lakh crore outlay) should prioritise affordable wearable technologies and mass production of climate-adaptive fabrics.

Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, a flagship initiative under the Union Budget 2024-25, aimed at addressing the challenges of unemployment and jobless growth.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key Highlights of Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.

Mains: Significance of Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.

Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

  • With an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, ELI Scheme aims to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years. 
  • ELI Scheme is a part of the Prime Minister’s package of five schemes to facilitate employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth. 
  • Objectives: 
    • Create additional employment in the formal sector and sustain it.
    • Promote employability and formalisation of the workforce.
    • Complement National Manufacturing mission.
    • Enhance social security of the workforce. 

Key Highlights of the Scheme:  

Benefits for first-time workers: 

  • ELI scheme will benefit individuals entering the workforce for the first time and registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). 
  • Eligible employees, those earning up to ₹1 lakh/month, will receive an EPF-based wage incentive of up to INR 15,000 disbursed in two stages. 
  • The first half will be paid after six months of continuous service, while the second half will be released upon completing one year of service and a financial literacy program.

Incentives for employers generating jobs: 

  • Companies registered with EPFO that hire additional staff earning up to ₹100,000 per month will receive a monthly incentive of up to ₹3,000 per employee for a period of two years. 
  • For manufacturing units, this support will continue through the third and fourth years as well.
  • Eligibility criteria include the hiring of at least two new employees by establishments with fewer than 50 employees, and a minimum of five new hires for those with 50 or more employees. 
  • All new hires must remain continuously employed for at least six months to qualify.
  • Coverage Period: Valid for jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

Significance of the Scheme: 

  • Addresses the challenge of jobless growth by directly linking fiscal incentives to net employment generation.
  • Encourages a shift from informal to formal employment, thereby enhancing social security coverage, tax base, and compliance with labour laws.
  • Targets first-time entrants, helping reduce structural unemployment and leveraging demographic dividend in the economy.
  • Encourage employers to create sustained new employment, particularly in the manufacturing sector. 
  • Boosts aggregate demand via higher household income and consumption.
  • Supports labour-intensive manufacturing, enhancing employment elasticity.
image 6

Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025 

Context: The Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, which focuses on developing India as a strong contender for excellence in international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. 

Sports Sector in India- Govt. Initiatives and Policies

Sports is a ‘State’ subject in the Indian Constitution. 

  • 1951: India hosted the first Asian Games in New Delhi. 
  • 1954: Government set up the All-India Council of Sports to advise on sports matters, support federations, and fund elite athletes.
  • 1984: India unveiled its first National Sports Policy. The NSP aimed to improve infrastructure, promote mass participation, and raise standards in elite sports. It also stressed the importance of integrating sports with education, which was formalised in the 1986 National Education Policy. 
  • 2000: India created a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 
  • 2001: A revised National Sports Policy was launched in 2001, setting clearer goals for mass participation and international excellence.
  • 2011: National Sports Development Code was introduced, aiming to regulate and professionalise National Sports Federations. It addressed governance, anti-doping, age fraud, betting, gender issues etc. but implementation remained the hurdle.
  • 2014: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provided elite athletes with coaching, nutrition, and infrastructure support.
  • 2017: Khelo India conducted youth talent identification across schools and universities
  • 2019: Fit India Movement promoted physical activity and fitness as a public health priority.
  • 2025: NSP 2025 was announced as Khelo Bharat Niti - 2025.

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025:

  • The new policy will replace the existing framework of National Sports Policy, 2001, with an objective to make India among the top five sporting nations by 2047. 

The policy is anchored on Five Key Pillars: 

1. Excellence on Global Stage: 

  • Strengthen sports programs from the grassroots to elite levels, including early identification and nurturing of talent.
  • Promote establishment of competitive leagues, and develop sports infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
  • Build world-class systems for training, coaching, and holistic athlete support.
  • Enhance the capacity and governance of National Sports Federations.
  • Encourage the adoption of sports science, sports science, medicine, and technology to boost athletic performance.
  • Train and develop sports personnel, including coaches, technical officials, and support staff.

2. Sports for Economic Development:

NSP 2025 recognises the economic potential of sports and seeks to:

  • Promote sports tourism and attract major international events to India.
  • Strengthen sports manufacturing ecosystem, and promote startups and entrepreneurship in the sector.
  • Encourage private-sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovative funding initiatives.

3. Sports for Social Development:

The policy emphasises the role of sports in driving social inclusion by:

  • Promoting participation among women, economically-weaker sections, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities through focused programs.
  • Revitalising and promoting indigenous and traditional games.
  • Positioning sports as a viable career option by integrating it into education, encouraging volunteering, and facilitating dual-career pathways.
  • Engaging Indian diaspora through sports.

4. Sports as People’s Movement: 

To make sports a national movement, the policy aims to:

  • Drive mass-participation and a culture of fitness through nationwide campaigns and community-based events.
  • Launch fitness indices for schools, colleges, and workplaces etc.
  • Enhance universal access to sports facilities.

5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020): 

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, the NSP 2025 proposes to:

  • Integrate sports into school curricula.
  • Equip educators and physical education teachers with specialised training to promote sports education and awareness.

Strategic Framework of National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025:

NSP 2025 lays down a comprehensive implementation strategy encompassing:

  • Governance: Establish a robust regulatory framework for sports governance, including legal framework.
  • Private Sector Funding & support: Develop innovative financing mechanisms and engage private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.
  • Technology & Innovation: Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, for performance tracking, research, and program implementation.
  • National Monitoring Framework: Create a national framework with well-defined benchmarks, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and time-bound targets.
  • Model Policy for States: NSP 2025 will serve as a model for States and Union Territories, encouraging them to revise or formulate their own policies.

NSP 2025 vision document aims not just to raise India's global sporting profile but also to create a healthier, fitter, and socially inclusive society. India also needs to codify measures like the Draft National Code for Good Governance in Sports, 2017 to enforce reforms for the larger good of sport. 

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