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Fact Book 5

The document introduces Sandhan, a personalized test series feature for UPSC Prelims preparation, offering tailored practice, extensive question collections, and performance tracking. It also provides a snapshot of the Indian economy, highlighting key economic indicators, employment statistics, and fiscal policies. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of integrating data and examples into exam answers to enhance performance.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

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Fact Book 5

Uploaded by

Nikhil Anand

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8468022022 www.visionias.

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Personalise Your UPSC Prelims

Preparation With Sandhan
(A Personalised Test Series Feature of All India GS Prelims Test Series)
Preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam is not just about practicing mock tests; it's about practicing them smartly.
Recognizing the diverse learning levels and speciﬁc needs of aspirants, we've developed Sandhan, a personalized
test series feature within the All India GS Prelims Test Series.

KEY FEATURES OF SANDHAN

Extensive Collection: Access 20000+ high-quality Personalised Test Creation: Customise tests by
questions prepared by VisionIAS and UPSC selecting subjects and topics according to
Previous Year Questions(PYQs). individual preferences.

Flexibility in Question Selection: Choose Timed Assessments: Evaluate and enhance time
between VisionIAS questions or UPSC Previous management skills with timed tests of varying
Year Questions. questions and lengths.
Performance Improvement: Receive Student Dashboard: Track subject-speciﬁc
personalised recommendations identifying
performance and overall progress through an
focus areas for further improvement, based on
intuitive student dashboard.
performance analysis

KEY ADVANTAGES OF SANDHAN

Tailored Practice: Aspirants select specific Personalised Assessment: Choose between
subjects and topics, focusing preparation on VisionIAS questions and UPSC Previous Year
personal strengths. Questions to suit personal needs.
Comprehensive Coverage: Access to a wide Targeted Improvement: Recommendations
array of questions ensures thorough highlight improvement areas, aiding
syllabus preparation. strategy refinement.
Effective Time Management: Timed Enhanced Confidence: Customized sessions
assessments help develop crucial exam-time and feedback build readiness and confidence
management skills. for the exam.

This innovative tool allows students to tailor their practice sessions to their unique requirements, enabling a more focused
and eﬀective preparation. With Sandhan, aspirants can align their study practices with their personal learning styles and
objectives, ensuring a holistic and targeted approach to tackling the UPSC Prelims.

Scan QR code to register and download Scan QR code to learn how Sandhan Personalised
brochure"All India GS Prelims Test Series” Test can be a transformative platform

2
8468022022 www.visionias.in

CONTENTS
1. Snapshot of the Indian Economy�� 4 7. Agriculture and Allied activities �� 9
2. Employment, Labour and Skill Development �� 4 8. Industry and Industrial Policy�� 11
3. Growth and Development�� 4 9. Services�� 11
4. Fiscal Policy �� 6 10. Infrastructure �� 12
5. Banking, Payment Systems and Financial 11. Mining and Energy �� 13
Markets��7 12. Innovation and Entrepreneurship �� 14
6. External Sector�� 8

Dear Students,

In the competitive landscape of the UPSC Mains examination, the significance of

integrating data, facts, and examples into your answers cannot be overstated.

These elements serve as the backbone of a compelling and persuasive response,

elevating your answer from a generic narrative to a well-substantiated
argument.

To support you, we have distilled essential information from the VisionIAS

Mains 365 resources which are renowned for their comprehensive coverage of
current affairs. This document provides a concentrated source of high-quality
data, facts, and examples.

The layout of this document is designed for quick reference and easy integration
into your answer.

Leveraging this distilled information will help you craft comprehensive,

informative, and compelling answers essential for securing higher marks.

Scan here to Scan here to

download Mains get smart
365 documents quality content

3
8468022022 www.visionias.in

Snapshot of the Indian Economy

Indian Economy at a Glance

National GDP was estimated at Rs. 293.90 lakh crores at current prices in 2023-24 while real GDP (at constant
prices) was estimated at Rs. 172.90 lakh crores.
External Trade in India registered record exports in 2023-24 at USD 778 billion and overall imports declined to
USD 853.8 billion in 2023-24.
Unemployment Rate declined to 3.2% in 2022-23 from 4.1% in 2021-22.
81.6% was the public debt-to-GDP ratio for FY2023-24.
Percentage of the poor has gone down from 25% in 2015-16 to 15% in 2019-21 and around 135 million people
were lifted out of poverty during this period

Employment, Labour and Skill Development

Employment

Unemployment rate was 3.1% for calendar year 2023 (PLFS 2023), in which Urban unemployment rate was
5.2% and rural rate at 2.4%.
Women’s labor force participation rate was 41% (PLFS 2023).
1 out of every 3 unemployed individuals was young in India (ILO Report finding).
Employment ratios for women in India are below average (World Bank South Asia Development Update).
About 45.76% of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture (Seasonal employment) and allied sector
during 2022-23.

Skill Development

In India, only around 5% of the workforce is formally skilled against 52% in the US and 96% in South Korea.
India has entered its 37 years long demographic dividend period, lasting from 2018 to 2055.
Only 50.3% of India’s educated people are employable, as per India Skills Report, 2023.
Quality of jobs is on decline, highlighted by Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

Growth and Development

Economic Indicators

India recorded real GDP growth of 7.8% during the April-June period of 2023-24, the highest in the past four
quarters.
In absolute terms, Gross Fixed Capital Formation in Indian economy increased from Rs. 32.78 lakh crore
(constant 2011-12 prices) in 2014-15 to Rs. 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-23 (Provisional Estimates).

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India’s gross savings rate stood at 29.7% of Gross National Disposable Income (GNDI) in 2022-23, with
households forming 60.9% of aggregate savings.
India’s net Financial Savings declined to 5.3% of GDP during 2022-23 from an average of 8% during 2013-22.
At 40.1% of GDP, the stock of household debt in India is relatively low when compared to other Emerging
Market Economies (EMEs).
India’s household debt to GDP ratio is one of the lowest in the world, as also the Debt Service Ratio (DSR),
which is estimated at 6.7% at end-March 2023.
Average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) has been increasing since 1999-2000.

Human Development

India’s rank in Human Development Report improved to 134 (out of 193) in 2022 from 135 in 2021.
Life expectancy at birth: Improved to 67.7 years (in 2022) from 67.2 (in 2021).
Expected years of schooling: Increased to 12.6 years from 11.9 years.
Mean years of schooling: Increased to 6.57 years.
Gross National Income per capita: Improved to $6,951 from $6,542.
Gender Inequality Index: India jumped 14 places to rank 108 in 2022.

Urban Poverty

There are more than 230 million people in Multidimensional poverty in 2021 in India.
17% of urban households are slum dwellers (as per the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation).
Continued migration pressure with urban population to exceed 590 million people by 2030 due to Urban-
pull and Rural-push factors.

Financial Inclusion

14.7 bank branches per 100,000 adults in 2020, higher than Germany, China and South Africa.
50 Crore+ PMJDY accounts with over 55% accounts held by women.
Bottom 50% of the global population owns just 2% of wealth and 8% of income. (World Inequality Report
2022).
In 2021, 49% of Indian adult men-owned smartphones, while only 26% of women did, revealing a gender
disparity in ownership.
World Bank has estimated that a 10% increase in fixed broadband penetration would increase GDP growth
by 1.38% in developing economies.

Urban Planning

India is at present 35% urban, which is expected to go to 53% by 2047.

As per the Census of 2011, 40% of India’s Urban population lives in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which is expected to
grow at a very fast pace.
Under Smart Cities Mission, only 28 cities have received 100% of their share of funds from States/ULBs.
Till December 2023, out of 7,970 projects taken up by Smart cities, 6,419 projects have been completed with
Madurai being the only smart city which has completed 100% of its projects.

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Housing

3 crore additional rural and urban houses announced in June 2024 under PM Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Over 1 crore houses grounded under PMAY (U) and over 75 lakh houses completed.
Over 2 crore houses grounded under PMAY (R) and over 2.29 crore houses completed.
Around 4.12 lakh housing units (44% in NCR) are stalled.
Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban, around 5.62 lakh houses could not be delivered to beneficiaries
due to a lack of basic amenities as of December 2022.

Land record modernization

95.09% of villages have completed Computerization of Land Records (Record of Rights i.e., RoR).
70% of Cadastral Maps have been digitized.
1.15 ha was the average farm size in 2010-11.
<10% of the land is under non-agricultural uses.

Fiscal Policy
Government Financing

5.6% of GDP as fiscal deficit for FY2023-24.

Estimated 81.6% public debt-to-GDP ratio for FY2023-24.
27.5% combined debt-to-GDP ratio of States at end-March 2023.
60% debt-to-GDP ratio (40% Central Government and 20% combined debt-to-GDP ratio of States) by FY25
to avoid the debt spiralling out of control.
States consolidated Gross Fiscal Deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GFD-GDP) ratio declined from 4.1% in
2020-21 to 2.8% in 2021-22.
States’ dependence on net market borrowings declined to 76% in the budgeted GFD for 2023-24.

Fiscal Deficit

Fiscal Deficit of Union Government reached 9.2% of GDP during pandemic year FY21.
Fiscal deficit for FY2023-24 moderated to 5.6% of GDP.
Government aims to reach a fiscal deficit level below 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26.
Combined Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of states, which increased to 4.1% of GDP in the pandemic-affected year,
was brought down to 2.8% in FY22.

Direct Taxation

11.6% tax-GDP ratio in FY2023-24 (6.6% for direct taxes and 5% for indirect taxes);
Net Direct Tax collections (provisional) for the FY 2023-24 stand at Rs. 19.58 lakh crore marking a growth of
17.70% Y-o-Y.
Corporate Tax and Personal Income tax are the main contributors to Direct Tax.
Direct tax buoyancy at 2.52 in 2021-22 was the highest in last 15 years but declined to 1.18 in 2022-23.

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Capital Expenditure

Government has budgeted capital expenditure at ₹11.11 lakh crore (an increase of 11.1% over 2023-24) in
2024-25.
Total Capex grew at an average rate of 13% during FY12 and FY22.
The Centre’s Capex has steadily increased from an average of 1.7% of GDP (FY09 to FY20) to 3.4% of GDP in
FY2024-25.
Capex by the Corporate sector increased in FY23, driven by heavy investments in electricity, steel, chemicals,
auto and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Banking, Payment Systems

and Financial Markets
Banking

15.4% Credit Growth for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in FY22-23.

4.5% Gross NPA ratio and 1.2% Net NPA of SCBs at end-December 2022.
71.6% was the Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) of SCBs in September 2022.
Annualised Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE) for PSBs turned positive in 2020 after
remaining negative since March 2016.

Asset Quality and Restructuring

The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPAs) of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) fell to 3.9% in 2022-23.
The sectoral share of the NPAs is dominated by the infrastructure sector.
Disproportionate share of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) i.e., about 9/10th of NPAs.
India has been one of the worst affected economies from the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.
Huge Backlog of 13,000 cases under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code with increase in average resolution
time from 324 to 653 days.

Payment systems

As per RBI, cash accounts for nearly 50% of all transactions in India.
50% volume of India’s digital payments is dominated by Debit Cards, PPIs, and IMPS.
53% value of India’s digital payments is dominated by RTGS and NEFT.
22.4 digital transactions were happening per capita in 2019 (from 2.4 in 2014).
Cross-border payments market value is estimated to be $190 trillion in 2023 and expected to reach $290
trillion by 2030.

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Capital Markets

Consistent growth in terms of size during the past few decades (India is the 4th largest stock market).
Money raised by Initial Public Offering has been the greatest in the last decade.

External Sector

Export Sector

US$ 778.22 billion was India’s overall exports (merchandise and services combined) in 2023-24.
2.4% was India’s share in world’s exports (China-12% and US-9%).
India’s exports are about 23% of its GDP.
India’s services trade has been a major driver of its exports.
India’s merchandise imports from FTA partners grew by ~38% whereas exports grew by just ~14.5% (Global
Trade Research Initiative (GTRI)).

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

FDI into India reached an all-time high of $84.83 billion in 2021-22.

FDI is expected to reach to the tune of $100 Billion.
From April 2000-March 2024, India’s service sector attracted the highest FDI equity inflow of 16.13%.
Mauritius, Singapore, USA, Netherlands and Japan emerged as top 5 countries for FDI inflows in India in
FY2023-24.
In 2023–2024, FDI inflows declined by 3.5% to $44 billion, which is a five-year low.
70% of total inbound FDI was limited to three states i.e. Karnataka, Maharashtra & Gujarat in FY 2022 – 23.

Global Debt of Developing Countries

Global public debt reached an all-time high of $97 trillion in 2023 from $17 trillion in 2000.
30% of global public debt is held by developing countries.
54 developing countries allocated 10% or more of government revenues to interest payments.
Median value of public debt-to-GDP ratio fell from a peak of 60.4% in 2020 to 54.7% in 2023.
India’s General Government Debt (GGD) was 80.9% of the GDP.

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Agriculture and Allied activities

Agricultural Credit

Every 1% increase in agricultural credit produces 0.29% increase in agricultural GDP.

Small and marginal farmers hold 86% of operational landholdings, only 41% of such farmers could be covered
by banks.
There are more than 65,000 functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and they account for 41 % of
the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans.

Agricultural Mechanization

Indian farm mechanization level is at 40–45% compared to that of the United States (95%), Brazil (75%) and
China (57%) (NABARD, 2018).
India’s farm equipment market is 7% of the global market, with more than 80% of the value contribution
coming from tractors.
The trade surplus in non-tractor farm machinery is very small.
India is reliant on low grade equipment or imports.

Fertilizer Sector

India is the 3rd largest producer of fertilisers and the 2nd largest fertilizer-consuming country after China
(2022).
Urea is the most produced (86%), the most consumed (74%), and the most imported (52%).
Indian fertilizer market is projected to register a CAGR of 11.9% (for 2022-2027).

Financial Support to farmers

More than 11 crore farmers have been given the financial benefits of approximately Rs 2.81 lakh crores under
PM -KISAN (Till feb 2024).
Overall, 2-2.5% of GDP is provided as subsidy annually in the form of fertilizer, credit, crop insurance and price
support subsidies.
1/5th of the aggregate farm income is in the form of subsidies.
50.2% of the agricultural households are under some kind of debt.
About 60% of the loans taken by farmers were from institutional sources (NSSO Report).
Enrolment of farmers under the PMFBY has crossed a record 40 million in 2023-24.

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Allied Sector

13.36% CAGR of Livestock sector during 2014-15 to 2021-22, contributing 30.19% in total agriculture GVA in 2020-
21 (at constant prices).
25% of the global milk production happens in India, contributing 5% of national economy and employing
more than 8 crore farmers directly (2024).
37% of India’s total exports are contributed by the Horticultural Sector (2019).
India is 3rd largest fish producer, 4th largest exporter and 2nd largest aquaculture producer.
Inland fish production has doubled over the past 9 years to 131 lakh tonnes.

Food Processing Sector

Sunrise sector with 7.26% AAGR (FY14-FY22), contributing 1.8% of the total GVA in the country (2021-22).
20.05 lakh employees with 12.2% of total persons engaged in the registered manufacturing sector in the
country.
24 Operational Mega Food Parks out of 41 approved across the country.
Share of processed food exports in agri-exports has increased to 25.6% in 2022-23.

Agricultural Exports

Agricultural exports and imports in India registered an 8% decline (2023 – 24) each.
India has been a net exporter of agri-products since the economic reforms began in 1991.
Share of India’s agricultural exports in the world agriculture trade in 2023 was 2.4%.
Share of agricultural exports in India’s total merchandise exports was 11.9% in 2021-22.

Agricultural Extention

Every rupee invested in agricultural research yields a return of nearly Rs 13.85.

Continued technology backstopping has increased average productivity during 2014-23 by 20.2% in cereals,
21.6% in pulses, and 30.4% in spices.
In 2020-21, India spent 0.7% of its agriculture GDP on extension services.

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Industry and Industrial Policy

Industrial Policy

17% contribution of manufacturing sector to GDP, almost stagnant since 1991.

Improvement on several internationally reputed indices such as the Global Competitiveness Index, Logistic
Performance Index and the Global Innovation Index has been seen recently.
9 Indian companies feature in Fortune 500 list of 2022.
Government has approved development of 11 Industrial Corridors with 32 Projects in four phases.

Electronics Sector

Electronics sector of India contributes around 3.4% of the country’s GDP.

India’s domestic production in electronics has increased from $ 29 Billion in 2014-15 to $ 87 Billion in 2021-22.
India’s consumer electronics market size has reached $73.7 billion in 2022.
India’s export of electronic goods rose by almost 88% from 2013-14 to 2022-23.
USA is the largest importer of India’s electronic exports followed by UAE, China, the Netherland & Germany.
India aims to reach US$300 billion worth of electronics manufacturing and US$ 120 billion in exports
by FY26.

Services

E-Commerce Sector

India is 8th largest e-commerce market globally.

A sunrise sector with 10-15% share in India’s retail market.
US$ 55.6 Billion was generated by the industry in 2021 and expected to reach US$ 350 billion by 2030.
India has 3rd largest online shopper base of 140 million in 2020.
10 million internet users are added monthly (majorly from tier-II cities) due to increasing internet and
Smartphone penetration.

Telecom Sector

India is 2nd largest telecom sector of the world.

Around 66 crore connections are in Urban India and 53 crore in Rural India (Rural tele-density of 59%).
India has the second-highest number of internet subscribers globally.
One of the largest sector in terms of FDI inflows, contributing around 6% of total FDI inflow.
The sector contributes directly to 2.2 Mn employments and indirectly to 1.8 Mn jobs.

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Tourism Sector

39th rank out of 117 countries in Global Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 of WEF.
The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) reports that tourism in India won’t return to pre-
pandemic levels until 2026.
In 2019 - 20, the sector contributed around 5.19 % to the total GDP of the country.
Tourism sector is third largest foreign exchange earner for the country until 2019.
India is 7th ranked with 56 million trips in wellness tourism (As per Global Wellness Tourism).

Insurance

India has a health protection gap (HPG) of 73%.

Number of insured farmers declined from 6.1 crore to 5.2 crore in 2023.
$91 is India’s overall insurance density in FY21.
India is the 10th largest insurance market in the world.
4.2% is India’s overall insurance penetration in FY21.

Gaming Sector in India

With 568 million users, India is officially the largest gaming market and accounts for every one in five online
gamers globally.
Indian gaming market is expected to reach $6 Billion by 2028.
Number of Indian gaming companies surged from 25 in 2015 to over 1400 in 2023.

Infrastructure

Logistics Sector

India’s logistics cost has been worked out to be in the range of 7.8-8.9 % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in
2021-22.
India is ranked 38th on World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, 2023, an improvement from 44th in 2018.
Government has planned 35 MMLPs (to act as freight aggregation and distribution hubs) with an investment
outlay of $6.2 Billion.
National Rail Plan envisages that share of freight traffic by rail should go up from the current share of 27% to
45% by 2030.

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Roadways

India has second-largest road network in the world, spanning a total of 6.67 million kilometres (kms).
Road transport carries ~87% of India’s total passenger traffic and more than 60% of its freight.
2.2% of the country’s total road network is National Highways which carries over 40% of road traffic.
India has 1% of the total vehicle population in the world, but accounts for 11% of road crashes and fatalities,
costing 3-5% of GDP.

Indian Railways

4th Largest Railway Network in the world behind only US, Russia, and China.
The Indian Railways consists of a total track length of 1.26 lakh km with 7,335 stations.
A daily passenger count of 24 million passengers and 204 million tonnes of freight.
1st and 4th respectively in passenger and freight transport globally.
Indian Railways is the single largest employer in India, employing approximately 1.3 Mn people.

Port Sector

Turnaround time across Indian ports consistently declined from 94 hours (FY13-14) to 52 hours (FY23-24).
Consistent rise in container traffic from 555 million tonnes (FY13-14) to 796 million tonnes (FY23-24).
Cargo handling of the Major Ports has steadily increased over the years, with a 10% increase from last year.
Operating ratio has come down to Rs. 48 from Rs. 53 in 2020-21 (i.e., Rs. 48 is spent for every Rs. 100 earned).

Civil Aviation

India has become third largest domestic aviation market in world after USA and China.
Between 2009- 2019, India contributed 5.9% to global growth in passenger traffic.
Overall, aviation industry contributes $35 billion annually to India’s GDP and offer 7 million jobs.
India has jumped to 48th rank in ICAO’s global aviation safety rankings.

Mining and Energy

Mines and Minerals

Mining sector’s contribution to Indian GVA is at ~2%.

India continues to be largely self-sufficient in primary raw materials including bauxite, chromite, iron ore
etc.
India is deficient in kyanite, magnesite, rock phosphate, manganese ore etc.
Indian mining industry is characterized by a large number of small operational mines.
In terms of value of mineral production, about 97% comes from just 7 states.
Only 10% of the obvious geological potential (OGP) area of India has been explored.

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Coal, Oil and Gas Sector

~50% of India’s overall energy mix comes from Coal.

~28% of India’s overall energy mix comes from Oil.
India produced 997 million tonnes of coal in 2023-24.
India is third largest oil consumer with 4.9 million barrels of oil being consumed per day.
87.7% of India’s Oil needs are being fulfilled through imports in FY2023-24.
Overall, India’s primary energy demand is expected to nearly double to 1,123 million tonnes of oil equivalent
by 2040.

Power Sector

Third-largest producer and third-largest consumer of electricity worldwide.

Installed power capacity of 444 GW by May 2024 (193 GW Renewable Energy and 217 GW Coal-based).
Solar energy contributed 84 GW, 46 GW from wind power, 10.9 GW from biomass and 46.9 GW from
hydropower.
1255 kWh is India’s per capita power consumption as against the world average at 3,260 kWh.
FDI in power sector reached $ 18.17 billion (2000-2023).
Power DISCOMS under losses (about Rs 68,832 crore in 2022-23).

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Innovation

40th rank amongst 132 countries in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023.
42nd rank amongst 55 countries in International Intellectual Property Index, 2024.
Over 1 lakh Patents were granted by the Patent office (March, 2023 to March, 2024).
7th position in terms of Resident Patent Filing activity in the world (WIPO Report 2022).
India still underperforms in innovation with 0.66% Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as compared
to 2.8% in USA, and 4.2% in South Korea.

Startup Ecosystem

India has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world with over 100+ unicorns and 98000 Startups (2023).
For tech startups, India is the 2nd largest ecosystem.
Around 40% of startups are in tier-II and tier-III cities.
Overall startups are growing at an average growth rate of 15% year on year.
Approximately 47% of recognised startups in the country have at least one-woman director.

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tutorials, mini tests and
All IndiaTest Series

All India Test Never Miss Preparation

Q
Series a Class Uninterrupted
Opted by every 2 out Technological support to access
A

Organize all your lectures

of 3 selected candidates. recorded classes, resources,
The VisionIAS Post Test track your Absolute & Relative and study material effectively
1
2
3
4
5
TEST

Analysis provides corrective performance through your own & access them from anywhere,
measures and also continuous student portal anytime
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7

performance improvement
15
8468022022 www.visionias.in

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Quick Facts

AHMEDABAD BENGALURU BHOPAL CHANDIGARH DELHI GUWAHATI HYDERABAD JAIPUR JODHPUR LUCKNOW PRAYAGRAJ PUNE RANCHI
8468022022 www.visionias.in

Personalise Your UPSC Prelims

KEY FEATURES OF SANDHAN

KEY ADVANTAGES OF SANDHAN

Scan QR code to register and download Scan QR code to learn how Sandhan Personalised
brochure"All India GS Prelims Test Series” Test can be a transformative platform

2
8468022022 www.visionias.in

CONTENTS
1. Climate Change �� 4 5. Renewable Energy and Alternative Energy
2. Air Pollution��7 Resources�� 12

3. Water and Land Degradation�� 8 6. Conservation Efforts�� 13

4. Sustainable Development�� 9 7. Disaster Management�� 14

8. Geography��16

Dear Students,

In the competitive landscape of the UPSC Mains examination, the significance of

integrating data, facts, and examples into your answers cannot be overstated.

These elements serve as the backbone of a compelling and persuasive response,

elevating your answer from a generic narrative to a well-substantiated
argument.

To support you, we have distilled essential information from the VisionIAS

Mains 365 resources which are renowned for their comprehensive coverage of
current affairs. This document provides a concentrated source of high-quality
data, facts, and examples.

The layout of this document is designed for quick reference and easy integration
into your answer.

Leveraging this distilled information will help you craft comprehensive,

informative, and compelling answers essential for securing higher marks.

Scan here to Scan here to

download Mains get smart
365 documents quality content

3
8468022022 www.visionias.in

Climate Change

Key outcomes of CoP 28

Mobilization of $83.9 billion in climate finance.

Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) by India.
Adoption of First Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement
Global Goal on Adaptation-UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience.
Officially operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund

Loss and Damage (L&D) fund

The fund aims to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of
climate change.
Fund 1st announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2022.
Based with World Bank
India is a strong supporter.

India and Climate Action

Targets under NDCs submitted to UNFCCC

Reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 level.
Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy
resources by 2030.
Achievements/Progress
Reduced the emission intensity vis-à-vis it’s GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019. (India’s National
statement at UNFCC COP 28)
Achieved 45.5% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. (June 2024, Ministry of
Power)
Recent Initiatives: Green Credit Program, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

Climate Equality

Globally, richest 10% account for nearly half (48%) of emissions. (Emission gap report 2023)
M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others v. Union of India and Others: Recognized right to be free from adverse effects of
climate change under Articles 14 and 21.

Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Sections

Children: 6.7 million Children displaced in India alone (2016-2021) due to weather-related events. (UNICEF)
Women: Only 2% of gender-tagged international adaptation finance is gender-responsive. (Adaptation Gap
Report).
Elderly: Heat-related deaths among those over 65 risen by 70% in 2 decades. (WHO)
Rural Poor: Poor households lose 5% of their total income due to heat stress relative to better-off in an
average year.

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Impact of Climate Change on Health

Exposure to extreme weather events: 189 million people.

Impact of Climate Change on Indian subcontinent

Rise in average temperature in India: 0.7°C (1901-2018)

Increase in Frequency of daily precipitation extremes (>150 mm per day): 75% (1950-2015)
Sea-level rise in North Indian Ocean: 3.3 mm per year (1993-2017).

Emission trends

Global (Emission Gap Report 2023)

Increase in Global GHG emissions: 1.2 % from 2021 to 2022.
Global warming estimated to be limited to 3°C if current policies continue.
India
Only contributed 5% of warming to date (Emission Gap Report-2023).
2022 share in global CO2 emissions: 8%. (3rd highest globally).
Per capita carbon emissions: Still very low at 2 tonnes per person per year in 2021 (Global average 4.7
tonnes).
Initiatives
Global: Global Methane Pledge, Powering Past Coal Alliance, Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs),
Mission Innovation, etc.
Indian: Panchamrit Target declared in COP 26 (Net-Zero emissions by 2070), National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC), etc.

Greenwashing

Making a product or policy seem more environmentally friendly or less damaging than it is in reality.
Types: Greenhushing, Greenrinsing, Greenlabeling, Greenlighting etc.
Example: In 2015, Volkswagen used software to manipulate emission tests in its Clean Diesel cars.
Initiatives in India: Standard for eco-labelling of products and services by BIS; Consumer Protection Act, 2019;
SEBI’s BRSR norms.

Climate Finance

Current Needs
Global: At least USD 4–6 trillion per year for global transformation to a low-carbon economy. (Emission
Gap Report 2022)
India:
Up to 6–8 trillion USD during 2015–2030 to implement the actions required to transform the current
energy systems.
~USD 10 trillion to achieve net-zero by 2070.

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Initiatives
Global: Loss and Damage Fund; Green Climate Fund (GCF); Global Environment Facility (GEF); Clean
Technology Fund (CTF)
India: National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC); sovereign green bonds

Sector Specific Decarbonisation in India

Transport Sector
14% share in energy-related CO2 emissions.
3rd most greenhouse-gas-emitting sector in India.
Initiatives: Bharat Stage VI Emission Standards; Ethanol Blending in Petrol to reach 20% by 2025; FAME;
National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Agrifood systems
Contributes to 18% GHG emissions in India (2019)
India among top 3 emitters of agrifood emission.
Initiatives: National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA); Gobardhan scheme etc.
Shipping Industry
Accounts for nearly 3% of global GHG emissions. (UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2023 report)
Initiatives: IMO’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI); The MARPOL Treaty; Hong Kong International
Convention; Harit Nauka Initiative

Short Lived Pollutants (SLPs)

Substances: Black Carbon, Methane, Tropospheric Ozone, Hydrofluorocarobons, etc.

Impact: 2nd largest contributor to human-caused climate warming after CO2, contributing up to 45% of
global warming.
Initiative: Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s (CCAC), only global alliance to reduce SLCPs.

Climate Engineering

It is the intentional large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system to counter climate change.
Methods: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Modification (SRM).
Initiatives: Climate modelling research program in geoengineering at IISc; Major Research and Development
Program (MRDP) by DST.

Climate Change and Cryosphere

Significance:
Estimated 30% of world’s undiscovered conventional natural gas resources.
80% of the world’s fresh water is in the form of glaciers, ice sheets, etc.
Impact of climate change:
In case by 2°C rise, Himalayas expected to lose 50 % of today’s ice.
Arctic heating up more than 2 times as fast as rest of world.
Initiatives: Himalayan Monitoring Assessment Programmed (HIMAP); National Mission for Sustaining
Himalayan Ecosystem.

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Ozone hole

Ozone holes grew larger and thinner over Antarctica. (2020-22)

Initiatives: Vienna Convention; Montreal Protocol; Kigali Amendment; India cooling Action Plan (ICAP); Ozone
cell in MoEFCC.
India’s achievements (Montreal Protocol): Exceeded 35% HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) phase-out
goal and eliminated HCFC 141b. (UNDP).

Carbon Farming

Carbon farming practices are management practices that are known to sequester carbon and/or reduce
GHG emissions.
Potential: Agricultural soils can absorb 3-8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent every year.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU)

Fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods entering EU.
Impact on India: In 2022, India’s 27% exports of iron, steel, and aluminium products went to EU.

Air Pollution

Urban Air Pollution in India

Air pollution in India (2023 World Air Quality report, IQAir)

Ranked 3rd globally in air pollution
Annual average PM2.5 concentrations: 54.4 µg/m3 (>10 times of WHO recommended annual guideline
level of 5 µg/m3)
9 out of 10 World’s most polluted cities in India (Begusarai, Guwahati, Delhi in Top 3)

National Clean Air Programme

Target: Achieve reductions up to 40% of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2025-26, base year 2017.
Progress made by NCAP in last 5 years
27 out of 49 cities showed improvement in PM 2.5.
24 out of 46 cities showed improvement in PM 10.

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Water and Land Degradation

Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Key Amendments
Central government to prescribe manner of nomination, terms and conditions of service of Chairperson,
State Pollution Control Board.
Decriminalises several violations, and instead imposes penalties.
Adjudicating officers to determine penalties, appointed by Centre.
Penalties collected in Environment Protection Fund under EPA, 1986.

Water for Prosperity and Peace

Around 80% of jobs are water-dependent.

Society’s Peace and Social Stability increases with decrease in inequalities in allocation of water resources
and access to water supply and sanitation.

Extreme Water Stress

Current Situation
25 countries, including India, faces extremely high-water stress. [World Resources Institute (WRI)]
Impacts (WRI Data)
31% of global GDP will be exposed to high water stress by 2050.
60% of world’s irrigated agriculture faces extremely high-water stress.

Urban Water Crisis in India

By 2030 India’s water demand would double due to rapid urbanization (UN Report).
India has 18% of world’s population, but only 4% of world’s water resources.

Ground Water in India

India is world’s largest user of groundwater (uses 25% of all groundwater extracted every year globally)
Indo-Gangetic basin in India has already passed the groundwater depletion tipping point. (Interconnected
Disaster Risks Report 2023)
Initiatives: National Aquifer Mapping & Management Programme (NAQUIM); Jal Kranti Abhiyan; Atal Bhujal
Yojana (2020)

Namami Gange

Challenge:
Only 232 projects (out of 409 projects) made operational (till Dec. 2022).
Installed waste treatment plants capable of treating only 20% of estimated sewage in 5 major States
along the river
Achievement: Out of 1072 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) 885 brought under CPCB’s Online Continuous
Effluent Monitoring Stations (OCEMS).

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Water Trading for reuse for treated wastewater

Only about 40% of urban wastewater is treated in India.

India is a large virtual net exporter of water

Outcomes COP 5 Minamata Convention

Limit of 15 mg/kg concentration of mercury set as threshold for wastes contaminated with mercury.

Land Degradation

Current Situation
India: Degraded land: ~29.7 per cent. (ISRO Atlas, 2021)
World: 50% of plain’s topsoil lost via erosion over last 150 years. (WWF report)
Targets
Global: Voluntary commitments to restore degraded land reached one billion hectares by 2030 (Land
Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme)
India: Restore 26 million hectares by 2030 (LDN target)

Sustainable Development

Progress in Sustainable Development Goals

Challenges
Asia Pacific would not achieve all 17 SDGs before 2062. (SDG Progress Report, 2024)
Regional variation: More than 20 points variation in scores between Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. (SDG
India Index, 2023-24)
Best Practices
MYAC (One Million Youth Actions Challenge) by One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership;
ENACT partnership (launched in CoP27) to environmental issues through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Localisation of SDGs

Examples of Best Practices

Bihar: Viksit Bihar ke 7 Nischay
Bhopal: India’s first city-level Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of SDGs

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism sector’s Share in World’s Carbon Emissions: 8%

Over- Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region: 100 million tourists every year
Initiatives: National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (NSST), 2022; Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

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Sustainable Finance

Global need of USD 3 trillion over next decade to finance green growth (NITI Ayog report)
Initiatives: Addis Ababa Action Agenda (SDG Summit 2023 by UNGA in 2030); Sovereign Green Bonds.

Mission LiFE

Launched by India at UNFCCC COP26 in 2021.

Targets:
Atleast one billion Indians and other global citizens to take individual and collective action for environmental
preservation in 2022 to 2027.
Atleast 80% of all villages and urban local bodies to become environment-friendly by 2028.

Circular Economy

Current Situation: Only 7.2% of the global economy is circular with a declining trend (Circularity Gap report
2023)
Initiatives: National Resource Efficiency Policy (NREP), 2019, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); Swachh
Bharat Mission, etc.

Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023

Broaden the definition of “coastal aquaculture”.

Registration granted under the Act to prevail as valid permission under CRZ Notification.
Permitting certain aquaculture activities in CRZ areas like hatcheries.
Prevent use of antibiotics.

Organic Farming

India has world’s highest number of organic farmers (Economic Survey 2022-23)
Sikkim became the world’s 1st 100% organic state.
Initiatives: FSSAI Jaivik Bharat logo; PM PRANAM; Pramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana etc.

Climate Resilient Farming

Impact of Climate change on Agriculture: Projected decline in yields of rainfed rice, wheat by 2050 and shift
in crop zones like of Apple.
Agriculture sector emissions in India: 14%
Major share of GHG emissions: Enteric fermentation (54.6%), rice cultivation (17.5%), and fertilizer in
agricultural soils (19.1%), etc.

Agroforestry

Extent in India: 8.65% of total geographical area. (NITI Aayog GROW report)
Initiatives: Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (Har Medh par Ped) Scheme launched in 2016-17; National Agroforestry
Policy, 2014 etc.

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Plastic Waste Management in India

Plastic waste in India

Per capita plastic waste generation doubled over the last 5 years. (CPCB’s annual report in 2020-21)
Ranked 3rd globally in generation of single-use plastic (SUP) waste (Plastic Waste Makers Index 2019)

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024

Key amendments
Local body mandated to undertake an annual assessment of plastic waste generated.
Centralised Portal for Registration.
Expansion of scope of EPR to Producers, Importers and Brand Owners who introduce any plastic packaging.

E-waste management in India

Status: 16.01 lakh tonnes total e-waste generated (2021-22)

Global rank: 3rd largest e-waste generator (Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 report)
Challenge: Only ~33% of total e-waste generated, collected and processed.

Sewage Management in India

Estimated sewage generation from Class I cities and Class II towns: > 33,000 Million Litres per Day (MLD)
Challenges: Only 23% of treatment capacity meets the consented parameters of SPCBs.

Green Buildings

Consume 25% less energy than traditional buildings

Initiatives: Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) (2007 revised in 2017); Eco-Niwas Samhita 2018 by
Ministry of Power; GRIHA by TERI.

Examples Environmental Movements in India

Chipko movement (1973), Uttarakhand

Silent Valley Movement (1973), Kerala
Appiko movement (1983), Karnataka

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Renewable Energy and Alternative

Energy Resources
Renewable Energy in India

Targets
Achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed by 2030 from renewables. (INDC)
Non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030. (Panchamrita)
Progress: Installed Capacity (Power Ministry, June 2024)-
Renewable energy source (Incl. Hydro): 195 GW (43.7% in total)
Non-Fossil Fuel: 203 GW (45.5% in total)

Solar Energy in India

Installed solar energy capacity: 85 GW (Power Ministry, June 2024)

Potential: 748 Giga Watt peak (National Institute of Solar Energy).
Global rank in Solar Power capacity: 5th
Initiatives: Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme; Solar Park Scheme; PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana;
International Solar Alliance (ISA) etc.

International Solar Alliance

Aim
Mobilise USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030.
Delivering energy access to 1,000 million people.
Installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity.

Hydrogen Energy in India

Targets: Green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum. (National
Green Hydrogen Mission)
Steps taken: National Green Hydrogen Mission; Hydrogen-based Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) buses in
Leh.

Tidal Energy

Estimated potential of tidal and wave energy in India: 12455 MW and 41300 MW, respectively

Ethanol Blending in India

Target: 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 (Updated) and 5% biodiesel blending in diesel by 2030.
Achievement: 10% ethanol blending in Petrol by June 2022.
Initiatives: PM JI-VAN Yojana, Ethanol blending Program (EBP) etc.

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Energy Transition in India

Refers to shifting energy production away from sources that release a lot of greenhouse gases
Achievements: Installed RE Capacity increased from 76.37 GW in 2014 to 195 GW (including hydro) in (June
2024)

Electric Vehicles

Benefits over conventional vehicles: Zero tailpipe emissions; High-energy conversion rates of electric motors
Delete, exceeding 90%.
Initiatives: FAME India Scheme; GST on EVs has been reduced from 12% to 5% etc.

Conservation Efforts
Forest Conservation in India
Targets:
INDC: To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050.
National Forest Policy of India, 1988: To have a minimum of 1/3rd of the total geographical area of the
country under forest and tree cover
Total forest and tree cover in India: 24.62% of total geographic area (Increase of 0.28% from 2019) (India
State of Forest Report 2021)
Loss: India lost 3.3% of tree cover due to deforestation from 2001 to 2022. (Global Forest Watch)
Initiatives: Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023; Nagar Van Yojana; Green India Mission etc.

Wildlife Conservation in India

Constitutional framework: Article 48A under DPSP; Article 51(g) under Fundamental Duties; Under Concurrent
List (7th Schedule).
Legislative Measures: Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Initiatives: Species Recovery Programme; Project Tiger; Project Cheetah; etc.

Coral Bleaching
2023-2024 had the fourth global mass coral bleaching event. (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration)
Bleaching in India: Live coral in Gulf of Mannar Decreased from over 37% to 27.3%. (2005- 2021)
Initiatives: Biorock technology; Coastal Zone Regulation Notifications; International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI);
etc.

Project Tiger
Achievements
Increase in Number of tigers: 3,682, from 2967 in 2018. (Status of Tigers, co-predators and Prey in India-2022
report)
Increase in Number of tiger reserves: 55 in 2024, from 9 in 1973
23 CA|TS accredited tiger reserves in India

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Human Wildlife Conflict

Key Fact: 1,510 deaths recorded in the country due to animal attacks in 2022 (Accidental Deaths & Suicides in
India 2022)
Initiatives: Advisory for management of man-animal conflict; Species specific guidelines; National wildlife
Action Plan (2017-2035)

Wetland conservation

Extent in India: 7 lakh wetlands covering 4.86% of total geographic area

Loss: 2 out of 5 wetlands lost in India in last 3 decades. (Wetlands International)
Initiatives in India: Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017; Centre for Wetland Conservation
and Management (CWCM); Party to Ramsar Convention; 12 Blue Flag Beaches in India etc.
Examples of sites in India: Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Tampara Lake (Odisha), Pichavaram
Mangrove (Tamil Nadu),Thane Creek (Maharashtra) etc.

Mangroves Conservation

Total Mangrove Cover in India: 4,992 sq Km (ISFR, 2021)

Threat of extinction: 50% of the mangrove ecosystems examined classified as vulnerable, endangered, or
critically endangered (IUCN Red List of Mangroves Ecosystems)
Initiatives: MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes); Sustainable Aquaculture
In Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) etc.

Disaster Management

Infrastructure Resilience

Potential impact of climate change: Global average annual loss (AAL) in infrastructure sectors of about 14 %
of GDP.
Initiatives: Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions; Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI).

Heatwaves

Vulnerability: 4% of districts and 7% of population are highly vulnerable.

Impact: Over 10,000 people lost their lives due to heatwaves between 2000-2020 (IMD).
Initiatives: Color code impact-based heat wave warning; Heat Action Plans (IMD).

Earthquake

Vulnerability: 59% of Indian landmass classified as earthquake-prone

Examples: Morocco, Taiwan, Afghanistan
Initiatives: Earthquake Risk Assessment and Mapping; Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS)

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Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods

Vulnerability: >9 million people in High Mountain Asia (HMA) are vulnerable.
Examples: Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021) and Sikkim (2023)

Landslides

Vulnerability: 13.17% of India’s geographical area

Examples: Joshimath, Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, Uttarakhand
Initiatives: National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) Programme; Landslide Atlas of India by National
Remote Sensing Centre of ISRO.

Crowd Disaster Management

Examples: Collapse of a platform at Delhi’s Kalkaji Temple (2024); Morbi Bridge Collapse (2022); Seoul crowd
tragedy (2022)
Initiatives: Police Act of 1861; Disaster Management Act, 2005; NIDM’s Crowd Management Strategies and
arrangement.

Fire Safety

Fire accidents: 7,435 people killed in over 7,500 fire accidents in India in 2022. (NCRB)
Recent Examples: Gaming zone in Rajkot (Gujarat); Fiirecracker factory in Harda (Madhya Pradesh) and a
private hospital in Delhi
Existing Regulation: Fire service is a State subject; National Building Code; Model Building Bye Laws 2016 etc.

Forest Fires

Vulnerability: 22% area falls under highly and extremely fire prone category.
Examples: Uttarakhand (2024); Australian bushfire (2019).
Initiatives: New National Forest Policy (1988); National Action Plan on Forest Fire (NAPFF)

Industrial Safety

Example: Chennai ammonia gas leak (2024); Chasnala Mining Disaster (1975); Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
Initiatives in India: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010, OSH Code, 2020, PLIA, 1991, National Policy on
Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace.

Oil Spills

Examples: Ennore Oil Spill, Tamil Nadu; Nagapattinam Oil Spill, Tamil Nadu
Initiatives:
National: National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (1996), Merchant Shipping Act, 1958
International: International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (2001),
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL (India is a signatory)

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Dam Safety

Vulnerability:
India is the 3rd largest dam Owning nation after USA and China.
80% of dams in India are over 25 years old.
Examples of dam failure: Banqiao dam China; Machchhu Dam, Gujarat; Derna dam, Libya; Chungthang Dam,
Sikkim.
Initiatives in India: National Register of Large Dams (NRLD). DRIP, DHARMA, Dam Safety Act, 2021

Environmental cost of War

Measures
Geneva Convention imposes restrictions on warfare methods damaging environment.
Stockholm Conference (1972): Prohibits the use of all weapons of mass destruction.
Rome Statutes - Article 12 establishes responsibility of states
UN Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification
Techniques (ENMOD)

Geography
India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Achievements
39 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) in India to monitor severe weather events (till 2023).
Appreciation from the United Nations for early warning services
Significant improvement in forecast accuracy of severe weather events by 40-50% (last 5 years).

El-Nino - Monsoon Link

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) & Indian monsoon:

El Niño suppresses monsoon rainfall.
La Niña enhances monsoon rainfall.
El Nino impact on Monsoon
Causes weakening of walker circulation
Weakening of the pressure gradient between Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
Shift in Jet Stream influences the movement of weather systems.

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CONTENTS
1. Reservation�� 4 16. Anti- Defection Law �� 9
2. Citizenship�� 4 17. Delegated Legislation�� 10
3. Hate Speech�� 5 18. Judiciary �� 10
4. Article 142�� 5 19. Tribunal �� 11
5. Uniform Civil Code �� 5 20. Prison Reform�� 11
6. Ninth Schedule �� 6 21. Inner Party Democracy �� 12
7. Delimitation �� 6 22. Criminalization of Politics�� 12
8. Cooperative Federalism �� 6 23. Municipal Elections�� 12
9. Fiscal Federalism��7 24. Censorship�� 13
10. Inter State Water Disputes (ISWDs) ��7 25. Constitutionalization of Environmental Issues 13
11. Governor��7 26. Temple Regulation �� 13
12. National Capital Territory of Delhi �� 8 27. Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions�� 14
13. One nation one language�� 8 28. Nari Shakti Vandan [Constitution
14. Parliamentary Privileges �� 8 (106th Amendment)] Act, 2023�� 14

15. Office of Speaker �� 9 29. Internet Shutdown�� 14

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Reservation
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 15(4): Reservation in educational institution for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs),
SCs and STs.
Article 15 (6) and 16(6): 10% reservation for EWS for admission in educational institutions and public
employment. (103rd Amendment Act 2019)
Article 16(4), 16(4A) and 16(4B): Reservation in posts and services.
Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of SC, ST and other weaker sections of society.
Article 243D: Reservation of Seats for SC and ST in Panchayats.
Article 330: Reservation of seats for SC and ST in House of the People.
Article 332: Reservation of seats for SC and ST in Legislative Assemblies of States.

Judgements/Recommendations

Dr Pradeep Jain v Union of India, 1984: Legislation for sons of soil would be unconstitutional but did not
expressly rule on it.
Indra Sawhney v Union of India, 1992: Reservation under Article 16(4) should in no case exceed 50%, No
reservation in promotions; Exclusion of creamy layer from OBCs.
M. Nagaraj v. Union of India, 2006: 3 conditions for reservation in promotion i.e. State must show
Quantifiable data on backwardness of SCs/STs.
Facts about their inadequate representation in public employment.
Reservations are in the interest of administrative efficiency.
Ram Singh and Ors. vs Union of India case, 2015: SC suggested need for a non-caste-based identification of
backward classes.
Jarnail Singh v Lachhmi Narain Gupta, 2018: Reservation in promotions does not require state to collect
quantifiable data on backwardness of SCs and STs.
Janhit Abhiyan v Union of India, 2022: SC upheld 103rd Constitution Amendment Act which provided for EWS
reservation, based on economic criteria.

Citizenship
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 5: Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution.

Article 6: Rights of citizenship of certain persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan.
Article 7: Rights of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan.
Article 8: Rights of citizenship of certain persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
Article 9: Persons voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign State not to be citizens
Article 10: Continuance of rights of citizenship.
Article 11: Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law.

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Hate Speech
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 19(2): Hate speech curtailed on grounds of public order, incitement to offence, and security of State.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 353(2)): Feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will between different
religious groups etc. shall be punished with imprisonment (extend to three years, or with fine, or with both).
RPA, 1951 (Section 8): Disqualifies candidates convicted for illegitimate use of speech.
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (Section 7): Penalizes incitement to untouchability.

Judgements/Recommendations

Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan vs U.O.I. & Ors, 2014: Court recognizing the negative impact of hate speech and
referred the matter to Law Commission for in depth examination.
Shreya Singhal vs Union of India, 2015: SC held that reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on free
speech and expression may be imposed only if it incites violence or leads to public disorder.
Amish Devgan vs Union of India, 2020: SC highlights the need to balance competing interests of free speech
and prevent spread of hatred and communal disharmony.

Article 142
Judgements/Recommendations

Bhanwari Devi and Ors. vs State of Rajasthan, 2002: SC provided “Vishaka Guidelines” to address workplace
sexual harassment, eventually resulting in Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.
Vineeta Sharma vs. Rakesh Sharma & Ors., 2020: SC addressed conflicting judgments on daughters’
coparcenary rights under Hindu Succession Act.
The Secretary, Ministry of Defense vs. Babita Puniya, 2020: SC granted permanent commission to women
officers in Indian Army.
Indira Sawheny V. Union of India (1992): Capped 50% limit on reservation and introduced concept of creamy
layer

Uniform Civil Code

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 44: The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil court throughout the territory of
India.

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Judgements/Recommendations

Shah Bano Case (1985): SC Highlighted need for UCC among religions.
Paulo Coutinho vs Maria Luiza Valentina Pereira (2019): SC Highlights need for uniform laws for consistency.
Law Commission (2018): No UCC needed now, amends existing laws.

Ninth Schedule
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951 added a new Article 31B.

Article 31B states that none of the acts/regulations mentioned in Ninth Schedule shall be considered to be
void on ground that they are inconsistent with any rights.

Judgements/Recommendations

Waman Rao V Union of India (1981): SC held that amendment to Constitution which was made before 24th
April 1973 is valid (as per Kesavananda Bharati judgement and evolution of Basic Structure doctrine).
IR Coelho Vs State of Tamilnadu, 2007: Constitution bench ruled that Ninth Schedule cannot be challenged
for violating fundamental rights, but can be challenged for violating basic structure of Constitution.

Delimitation
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 82: Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census which establishes a delimitation
commission.
Article 170: States get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census.

Cooperative Federalism
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

7th Schedule demarcates central, state and concurrent lists.

Article 312 (All India Services).
Article 263 (Inter- State Council to discuss common interests of Centre and States).
Article 280 (Finance Commission recommending distribution of financial resources between Union and
States).

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Fiscal Federalism
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Seventh Schedule: Tax Bases Delineated in Union and State Lists (Article 246).
Distribution of Revenue:
Article 269: Taxes levied and collected by Centre, assigned to states.
Article 269-A: GST in inter-state trade.
Article 270: Taxes distributed between Union and states per Finance Commission.
Article 275: Financial assistance to States in form of grants-in-aid charged to revenue of India.
Borrowings:
Article 292: Union can borrow domestically or internationally.
Article 293: State can only borrow domestically.
Article 280: Finance Commission constituted to adjudicate sharing of resources between Union and States.

Inter State Water Disputes (ISWDs)

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Seventh Schedule: Water is a State subject (Entry 17, State List) and Union Government has constitutional
role only in case of Inter-State waters (Entry 56, Union List)).
Article 262: Parliament to make laws to provide for adjudication of ISWDs.
National Water Policy 2012: Addresses water scarcity, inequities in its distribution and lack of unified
perspective in planning and use of water resources.

Judgements/Recommendations

National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution recommended to define constitution
and jurisdiction of river boards to regulate, develop and control all interstate rivers.National Commission to
Review the Working of the Constitution recommended to define constitution and jurisdiction of river boards to
regulate, develop and control all interstate rivers.

Governor
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 163: Governor is bound by aid and advice of CoM except when required to exercise his/her functions in
his/her discretion.
Article 200: Governor Assent is necessary for a bill to become a law.

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Judgements/Recommendations

Nabam Rebia case (2016): If a governor exercised his discretion beyond his jurisdiction or power, it would fall
under subject matter of judicial review.
State of Punjab Case (2023): If a Governor decides to withhold assent to a Bill, then he/she has to return bill to
legislature for reconsideration. Such bill cannot be kept with Governor indefinitely.
Tamil Nadu Governor case (2023): SC stated that Governor cannot refer bills to President after Assembly has
re-enacted the Bills following the Governor’s declaration of withholding the assent.
Sarkaria Commission: Not act as an agent of President; rarely use discretion, only if Bill contravenes
Constitutional provisions, and reserve it for Presidential consideration etc.
Punchhi Commission: Given a fixed tenure of five years; Take decision wrt Bill presented for assent within
period of six months etc.

National Capital Territory of Delhi

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 239-AA, inserted by 69th Amendment Act, 1991, conferred special status on Delhi (on recommendations
of S Balakrishnan Committee).
It provides that NCT of Delhi will have an administrator and a Legislative Assembly.
Legislative Assembly shall have power to make laws wrt any of matters in State List or Concurrent List
except on subjects of police, public order, and land.
In case of difference of opinion between L-G and his Ministers, L-G shall refer it to President.

One nation one language

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Under Article 343, Constitution of India declared Hindi in Devanagari script as Official language of India.
Official Languages Act, 1963 provided that English ‘may’ still be used along with Hindi for official communication.

Parliamentary Privileges
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 105 and Article 194 deals with powers, privileges of members of Parliament and State legislature
respectively.
Right to Prohibit Publication of Proceedings (Article 105(2), Article 194(2)).
Article 121 restricts members from discussing conduct of judges of SC and HC.

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Judgements/Recommendations

PV Narasimha Rao vs. State: SC stated that members need wider protection of immunity against all civil and
criminal proceedings that bear a nexus to their speech or vote.
M.S.M. Sharma case: SC stated whenever there is a condition of imbalance between provision of Part V, Article
194(3) (privileges) and fundamental rights conferred by part III, fundamental right will remain supreme over
the others.

Office of Speaker
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 93: Establishes post of both Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Article 94: Removal and resignation of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Article 96: Speaker cannot preside Lok Sabha while a resolution for his removal is under consideration.

Judgements/Recommendations

Nabam Rebia case, 2016: SC held that a Speaker or Deputy Speaker facing notice of removal cannot decide
disqualification proceedings against legislators.

Anti- Defection Law

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

52nd Amendment Act 1985.

Tenth Schedule also known as Anti-defection Law.

Judgements/Recommendations

Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others, 1992: SC said that judicial review is applicable on a Speaker’s
decision but cannot be available at a stage prior to making of a decision by Speaker/Chairman.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs. Hon’ble Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors. Case, 2020: SC
held that disqualification petitions under Tenth Schedule should be decided by Speakers within three
months.
2nd ARC Report titled ‘Ethics in Governance’ and various other expert committees recommended that issue
of disqualification of members on grounds of defection should be decided by President/Governor on advice
of Election Commission.

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Delegated Legislation
Judgements/Recommendations

Kerala State Electricity Board: SC held that Delegated legislation, including rules and regulations formed
by State and Central authorities should not replace but supplement the parliamentary statute from which it
draws power from.
Petition Vivek Narayan Sharma vs Union of India (Demonetisation case), 2016: SC upheld the validity of
delegated legislation by upholding the Centre's 2016 decision on demonetisation.
D. S. Garewal vs State of Punjab and Another: Court held that Article 312 of Constitution deals with powers of
delegated legislation.

Judiciary
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 20 (Right to protection against conviction of offenses), Article 21 (Right to life and liberty), Article 22
(Right to protection against arrest and detention in certain circumstance).
Pendency: Over 85,000 cases in SC alone (National Judicial Data Grid).
Women in Judiciary: 13.4% and 9.3% of judges are women in HCs and SC respectively (State of Judiciary
Report 2023).
Judicial Appointment (Article 124): President shall make SC Judges appointments after consulting with CJI
and other SC and HC judges as he considers necessary.
Regional Benches (Article 130): Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief
Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.
Judicial Accountability (Article 235): Constitution provides for ‘control’ of High Court over the subordinate
judiciary clearly indicating the provision of an effective mechanism to enforce accountability.
Free legal aid (Article 39A): Mandates State to ensure justice with equal opportunity, including free legal aid
provision.

Judgements/Recommendations

First Judges Case, 1981 or S P Gupta Case: SC ruled that recommendation made by CJI to President can be
refused for cogent reasons, thereby giving greater say to executive.
Second Judges Case, 1993 (Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCARA) vs Union of India):
CJI only need to consult two senior-most judges over judicial appointments and transfers.
Third Judges Case, 1998: CJI should consult with four senior-most SC judges to form his opinion on judicial
appointments9 and transfers.

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Tribunal
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 323A: Empowered Parliament to constitute administrative Tribunals (both at central and state level)
for adjudication of matters related to recruitment and conditions of service of public servants.
Article 323B: Specified certain subjects (taxation and land reforms) for which Parliament or state legislatures
may constitute tribunals by enacting a law.
In 2010, SC clarified that subject matters under Article 323B are not exclusive, and legislatures are
empowered to create tribunals on any subject matter under their purview as specified in 7th Schedule.

Judgements/Recommendations

Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, 2015: Create National Tribunals
Commission (NTC) for tribunal administration.

Prison Reform
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Total prisoners: About 5.73 lakh people against a capacity of about 4.36 lakh (Prison statistics India, 2022).
Overcrowding: 77.1% of all prisoners being undertrials (Prison statistics India, 2022).
Understaffed: 30%.
Low representation of women staff: Only 13.77%.
Prison budget: Only 0.6% spent on vocational/ educational training of prisoners and 1% on their welfare
activities.

Judgements/Recommendations

Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs

Implement Support to Poor Prisoners programme;
Utilise technology like trackable bracelets to keep track of prisoners on bail.
Mulla Committee, 1980 on Jail Reforms
Setting up All India Service called Indian Prisons & Correctional Service;
Press and public to be allowed inside prisons.

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Inner Party Democracy

Judgements/Recommendations

Committees like Dinesh Goswami Committee, Tarkunde Committee and Indrajit Gupta Committee: Argued
for more transparent working of political parties in country.
Draft Political Parties (Registration and Regulation of Affairs) Act, 2011: To regulate constitution, functioning,
funding, accounts and audit, and other affairs of political parties participating in elections.

Criminalization of Politics
Judgements/Recommendations

Union of India v Association for Democratic Reforms, 2002: SC stated that electors have a fundamental right
to know the antecedents of candidates.
Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v Union of India, 2004: SC declared Section 33B of RPA 1951 as
unconstitutional and void. This section allowed candidates to furnish information only under Act.
Lily Thomas v Union of India, 2013: SC ruled that Section 8(4) of RP, 1951 as unconstitutional.
Earlier, Section 8(4) of RPA allowed convicted Member of Parliament or Legislature of state to continue in
their posts, provided they appealed against their conviction/sentence in higher courts within three months
of date of judgment by trial court.
Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India, 2018: SC ordered political parties to publish criminal records of
their candidates on their social media handles, and newspapers.

Municipal Elections
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Composition of Municipalities (Article 243R): All seats in a Municipality shall be filled by persons chosen by
direct election from territorial constituencies in Municipal area.
Reservation of seats (Article 243T): Seats are reserved for weaker sections, SC/ST, Women, and other groups
as per respective municipal Acts.
Duration of Municipalities (Article 243U): 5 years from date appointed for its first meeting.
State Election Commission (Article 243ZA): Superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral
rolls for, and conduct of, all elections to Municipalities shall be vested in SEC.

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Censorship
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules: Regulate content on digital media like social media Intermediaries, Over the Top
platforms etc.
Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995: Regulates broadcasting of programmes on television along
with bodies like News Broadcasters Association and Indian Broadcasting Foundation.
Central Board of Film Certification: Regulates the public exhibition of films.
Press Council of India: Maintains and improves the standards of newspapers and news agencies.

Constitutionalization of Environmental Issues

Judgements/Recommendations

Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India, 1978: Right to environment, free of danger of disease and infection is
inherent in Article 21.
Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State, 1988: Recognised the right to live in a healthy environment
as part of Article 21 of the Constitution.
M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, 1987: Treated the right to live in pollution free environment as a part of Article 21.
Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India, 1996): Observed that “Precautionary Principle” and “Polluter
Pays Principle” are essential features of “Sustainable Development.”

Temple Regulation
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 25 (1) gives freedom of religion and 25 (2) talks about areas where State may intervene and make
laws or regulate religious institutions.
Article 26 provides for freedom to manage the religious affairs of citizens and is subject to public order,
morality and health.
Entry 28 of List III of Schedule VII empowers both Union and State Legislatures to make law on “Charities and
charitable institutions, charitable and religious endowments and religious institutions”.

Judgements/Recommendations

Seshammal & others versus State of Tamil Nadu, 1972: SC held that appointment of an Archaka to a temple
would be a secular function, and only the performance of religious service by those priests would be an
integral part of religion.
Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple Case, 2020: SC granted erstwhile Travancore royal family the
shebaitship rights (right to manage a temple) for properties belonging to Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in
Kerala.

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Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions

Judgements/Recommendations

Article 243H: Provides for finance for Panchayats by securing authorization from State Legislatures for grants-
in-aid to Panchayats from Consolidated Fund of State.
It empowers panchayats to impose, collect, and allocate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees.
Article 243-I: Setting up a State Finance Commission every 5 years to review financial position of Panchayats
and make recommendations to improve their financial position.
Article 280(3) (bb): Mandates Central Finance Commission to recommend measures needed to augment
Consolidated fund of state and supplement panchayat resources (on basis of recommendations made by
Finance Commission of State) to President.

Nari Shakti Vandan [Constitution (106th Amendment)] Act, 2023

Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Article 330A and Article 332A Inserted: Reservation of 1/3rd seats for women in Lok Sabha (LS) and State
legislative assembly respectively.
It also includes reservation of 1/3rd seats for women belonging to SC/ST under Article 330 and 332.
Articles 239AA amended: Reservation of nearly 1/3rd seats for women (including SC seats) in Legislative
Assembly of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Article 334A inserted: Reservations shall come into effect after delimitation is undertaken after relevant
figures for first census (after commencement of act) have been published and cease to have effect after
expiration of 15 years.
Periodic rotation of seats reserved for women after each delimitation as Parliament may by law determine.
Provisions of this act shall not affect any representation in legislative assemblies and Lok Sabha until
their dissolution.

Internet Shutdown
Constitutional Provisions/ Data

Suspension of telecom services (including internet shutdowns) is governed by Temporary Suspension of

Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, notified under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
It provides for temporary shutdown of telecom services in a region on grounds of public emergency (up
to 15 days at once).
Temporary suspension orders are to be issued by Union/State Home Secretary only.

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Judgements/Recommendations

Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India, 2020: SC ruled that internet freedom is part of Article 19(1)(a), with
restrictions only permissible under Article 19(2). Court had passed following directions
Suspension can be utilised for temporary duration only.
Any order of suspending internet is subject to judicial review.
Foundation for Media Professionals v. Union Territory of J&K, 2020: SC recognized that rights to speech,
health, education, and business must be balanced with national security concerns.
Parliamentary Standing Committee:
Putting in place mechanism to decide merit of an internet shutdown.
DoT should formulate policy to selectively restrict OTT services use instead of banning internet as a
whole.

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CONTENTS
1. IT, Computers, Robotics�� 4 4. Health �� 12
2. Biotechnology, Nanotechnology And Issues 5. Indian Scientist and their Contribution �� 15
Relating To Intellectual Property Rights�� 8 6. Miscellaneous�� 18
3. Awareness in the Field of Space �� 10

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IT, Computers, Robotics

Fourth Industrial Revolution

Term coined by Klaus Schwab, founder of the WEF.

Key Initiatives:
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (India)
Urban transformation, India Hub for Urban Transformation
Education 4.0
Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) - Udyog Bharat 4.0

Artificial Intelligence

Expected to raise India’s annual growth rate by 1.3 % by 2035.

$1 trillion to India’s economy by 2035 (NITI Aayog).
Key Initiatives:
India Al Mission
National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence by NITI Aayog
Future Skills PRIME
New Delhi Declaration of GPAI

IndiaAI Mission

Rs 10,300 crore for IndiaAI Mission.

10,000 GPUs for advanced AI computing infrastructure
Funding: Over 5 years through PPP model.
Pillars of IndiaAI:
AI in Governance
AI Computer & Systems
Data for AI
AI, intellectual property (IP) & Innovation,
Skilling in AI & AI Ethics & Governance

Ai And Agriculture

Applications of AI in agriculture:
Intelligent crop planning (E.g SENSAGRI),
Smart Farming (E.g. AgroStar Startup),
Farmgate-to-fork (E.g. Stellapps),
Data-driven agriculture (E.g. BharatAgri App).

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Key Initiatives:
National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence
Al for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) initiative
Kisan-eMitra

AI and Health Care

Key Applications:
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (E.g. S.A.R.A.H. Smart AI),
Clinical research and discovery (E.g. ProteinSGM),
Workforce optimization (E.g. Virtual Assistants & Chatbots).
Key Initiatives:
International Centre for Transformational Artificial Intelligence
Ethical Guidelines for Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research and Healthcare.
iOncology.ai. by AIIMS Delhi

AI and Defence

Key Applications: Border Security, military robots, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance & Military
Robots.
Key Initiatives:
Defence Al Council and Defence Al Project Agency
Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC)
Department of Defence Production earmarked Rs 100 crore/year
Unit for Digitization Automation, Al an App Networking (UDAAN)

Deepfakes

Regulatory measures applicable to deepfakes in India

Section 66E of the IT Act of 2000
Section 66D of the IT Act of 2000
Indian Copyright Act of 1957

Quantum Technology

Applications: Quantum communication, Quantum sensing and metrology, Quantum computing & Quantum
simulation.
Key Initiatives:
National Quantum Mission
UN designates 2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NMQTA).
Quantum-Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) initiative
QSim - Quantum Computer Simulator Toolkit

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National Quantum Mission

Mission Duration: 2023 to 2031.

Mission objectives:
Establishing a secure and high-bandwidth communication infrastructure spanning 2,000 kilometres.
Developing quantum computers with a processing capacity of 1,000 qubits.
Advancing the development of highly sensitive magnetometers
Synthesizing and characterizing novel quantum materials

Blockchain Technology

Initiatives
National Strategy on Blockchain, 2021 (MeiTY)
Design and Development of a Unified Blockchain Framework for offering National Blockchain Service and
Creation of Blockchain Ecosystem’ Project
Telangana has conceptualized India’s first Blockchain District

Web 3.0

In 2022, India held 11% of the global Web 3.0 developer pool, ranked 3rd worldwide. (Bharat Web3 Association)
Significance/Applications
Use of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Secure and transparent health records.
Governance models E.g. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAO)
Removing platform dependence and control by making digital activity platform transferable.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Initiatives
Draft Policy on IoT by MeitY
Centre of Excellence in Intelligent IoT Sensors has been established.
MeitY in collaboration with NASSCOM has initiated a programme titled FutureSkills PRIME.

Robotic Technology

India ranks 10th globally as per the World Robotics Report, 2022
Initiatives
Draft National Strategy for Robotics (NSR), released by MeitY.
Research & Development Centres: ARTPARK & CAMRAS
Capacity Building Initiative: FutureSkills Prime
Make-in-India Robots: Manav, Daksha & Vyommitra

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Robotics and Health Care

Initiatives
Draft National Strategy for Robotics (NSR) emphasizes on domestic manufacturing of robots.
India got its first urologic robotic installation at the AIMS, New Delhi, in 2006.
National Health Policy, 2017

Brain-computer Interface (BCI)

Types of BCIs:
Non-Invasive: E.g. Electroencephalography (EEG)
Semi-invasive: E.g. Electrocorticography (ECoG)
Invasive: E.g. Neuralink’s Implant.
Applications of BCI
Helping people with physical disabilities and ageing
Treatment for diseases: Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy
Facilitate brain research
Improving human performance

3D Printing Technology

India’s first 3D-printed post office recently created in Bengaluru.

Initiatives
National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing, 2022 by MeitY
Aspires to achieve 5% of Global AM market share and add nearly US$ 1Bn to the GDP by 2025.
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Aurangabad, has established a 3D printing lab.
In 2023, National Centre for Additive Manufacturing, set up by MeitY in collaboration with the Telangana.

Critical Tech Sectors

Collaborations with countries for Promoting critical sectors:

U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
India and Australia signed the Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber – Enabled Critical Technology
Cooperation, 2020.
India and EU signed intent of cooperation in area of High-Performance Computing in 2022.
In 2023, India and Japan entered into Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on semiconductor supply chain
partnership.

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Biotechnology, Nanotechnology
And Issues Relating To Intellectual
Property Rights
Biotechnology

India ranked 12th globally

Market is targeted to reach $150 Bn by 2025 and $300 Bn by 2030. (India Bio-economy Report 2023)
Initiatives
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC)
Biological Research Regulatory Approval Portal (BioRRAP)
National Biopharma Mission (NBM)
Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission by DBT
DBT Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines 2023

Biotechnology and Agriculture

Significance/Applications
Increased crop productivity: E.g. DMH 11 Mustard
Enhanced crop protection: E.g. GM Cotton
Improved nutritional value: E.g. Golden Rice
Environmental benefits: E.g. BT brinjal
Nutritional benefits: For example, golden rice

Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals

Significance/Applications
Prevention and early detection: E.g. ELISA, Biosensors
Personalization medicine: E.g. Pharmacogenomics
Curative therapies: E.g. Gene Therapy
Precision intervention & Present fewer side effects

Gene Editing

Three-stage complex mechanism of unwinding, cleaving and rewinding of DNA

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Genome Sequencing

Human genome:3.2 billion nucleotides and 23,500 genes.

Initiatives
IndiGen programme
Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH)
GenomeIndia Project: Inspired by Human Genome Project (1990) and launched by DBT.

Genetically Modified Organism

Applications:
Industrial Use: Biofuels (use of GM algae), Bioplastics (Genetically engineered microbes), etc.
Medical: Production of Pharmaceuticals (Insulin), Xenotransplantation (GM Pig kidney), Gene therapy, etc.
Agriculture: Pest Resistance (Bt Cotton), Herbicide Tolerance & Enhanced Nutritional Content (e.g. Golden
Rice), Cloned animal (e.g. Dolly Sheep) etc.
Environmental: Bioremediation (Oilzapper)
Regulation
Environment Protection Act 1986
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Nanotechnology

India secured third position in global ranking through its contribution to Nanoscience and technology
publications (Department of Science and Technology).
Initiatives
Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI), 2002
Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission), 2007
Nano-electronics Innovation Council set up by MeitY
Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme-Idea to Innovation.
Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, Punjab.

Nanotechnology and Agriculture

Significance/Applications
Nanofertilizers: E.g. Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP)
Nanopesticides: E.g. Nano Silver
Nanobiosensors: Monitors soil conditions
Nanomaterials for Soil Improvement: Nanoparticles of clay & Nanomagnets
Nanotechnology in Crop Breeding: Enables precise manipulation of plant genes at nanoscale.

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Initiatives
Guidelines for evaluating nano-agri inputs and products
National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP)
Skill development training programme on nanotechnology
Nano Fertilizer Plant established by IFFCO at Phulpur

Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources in India

Measures by Government to Protect India’s TK and GRs

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
India’s Patent Act, 1970
Requirements (PDR) mechanism for the disclosure of involved GRs and TK in the claimed patent.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Ministry of AYUSH: Dedicated ministry for traditional medicine.

Awareness in the Field of Space

Chandrayaan-3

Payloads:
Lander payloads: ChaSTE; ILSA & Rambha-Langmuir Probe (LP).
Rover payloads: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS)
Key findings made by Chandrayaan-3
Temperature Profile of Moon’s Surface: It is 70 degrees centigrade.
Elements on moon: Probe confirmed presence of sulphur near South Pole.
Other elements like Aluminum (Al), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), etc. were also detected.
Thin plasma on the surface of the moon.
Natural seismic activity

Aditya-L1

Scientifc objectives of the mission

Study of Solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics, Study of chromospheric and
coronal heating, physics of the partially ionized plasma, initiation of the coronal mass ejections (CMEs),
and solar flares.
Identify the sequence of processes that occur at multiple layers (chromosphere, base and extended
corona) which eventually leads to solar eruptive events.
Other Missions to study Sun
Parker Solar Probe (NASA)

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Solar Orbiter (NASA/ESA)

Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (NASA)
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (NASA/ESA/JAXA)

Gaganyaan Mission

Status of Gaganyaan programme

Design of systems and sub-systems for Gaganyaan completed.
Human-rated L110-G VIKAS engine successfully tested.
Astronaut training facility commissioned in Bengaluru.
ISRO is indigenously developing Environmental Control And Life Support System (ECLSS).
Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1)

Private Sector in Space

In 2023, size of India’s space economy is estimated at $8 billion (around 2-3% of global space economy),
which has potential of USD 100 billion by 2040. ( Arthur D Little Report)
Space Start-ups increased to nearly 200 in 2024 from 1 in 2022.
Initiatives
Indian Space Policy 2023 enables end-to-end participation of Non-Governmental Entities.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), an independent nodal agency
under Department of Space for allowing space activities.
New Space India Limited to promote private sector participation.
Budget 2024–25 announced Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund.

Space Debris

Reports highlights that:

Since beginning of Indian space era, 127 Indian satellites have been launched till December 2023.
There have been five major on-orbit break-up events in 2023, resulting in addition of 69 fragmented
objects to space debris.
Initiatives
Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM) 2030
ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Operations Management (IS4OM)
Space Situational Awareness Control Centre (SSACC)
Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
Project NETRA by ISRO
Zero Debris Charter signed by 12 countries

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Outer Space Governance

About Artemis Accords

Established In 2020 by NASA,
Objective: It sets common non-binding principles to govern civil exploration and use of outer space, the
moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, for peaceful purposes.
India is also a signatory to this Accord.
Key International Space Treaties:
Outer Space Treaty 1967, Rescue Agreement 1968, Liability Convention 1972, Registration Convention 1976,
Moon Agreement 1979.
India is a signatory to all five of these treaties but has ratified only four.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Lead Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at VSSC played an important role in launch of LVM3 vehicle carrying
Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.
VLCC remotely carries out system checks on launch vehicle prior to mission.

Developmental Role of ISRO

Food security and Agriculture: FASAL Project & CHAMAN Project

Rural Development: Monitoring of IWMP, GeoMGNREGA etc.
Urban Development: Use of geospatial data in AMRUT scheme.
Water Management: Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL)

Health
Antimicrobial Resistance

High prevalence of antibiotic usage: 71.9% of patient surveyed.

It is among top 10 public health threat (WHO).
75% of administered antibiotics are excreted unmetabolized.
AMR will result in US$ 1 trillion to 3.4 trillion annual losses to GDP by 2030. (World Bank)
1.27 million deaths in 2019 by bacterial AMR)
Initiatives
National Program on AMR containment
National Action Plan on AMR (NAP – AMR), 2017

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National AMR surveillance network of state medical college labs (NARS-Net)

Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945

Tuberculosis (TB)

India’s Initiatives
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
Nikshay Poshan Yojana
TB Mukt Panchayat Initiative
Mission Indradhanush
Other: Tribal TB Initiative, National TB Call Centre – Ni-kshay SAMPARK, etc.

E-cigarettes

Children 13–15 years old are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults.
India has banned e-cigarettes under PECA 2019.
Issues
Health Risks: Nicotine exposure in pregnant women can limit the brain development of the foetus.
Enforcement issues: Easily available in tobacco shops and online.
Less Regulated: Around 74 countries have no regulations in place.
Aggressively marketed: E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

India 3rd largest pharmaceutical industry by volume in world

Primarily dependent on bulk drug import particularly from China.
Initiatives
Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme
The Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Park.
Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI)
Government has allowed 100% FDI in the pharma sector

Generic Drugs

Reduces healthcare costs due to its relatively cheaper pricing.

India accounts for 20-22% of generic drug exports globally. (Invest India)
Steps taken by government to promote GD
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Free drug initiative of National Health Mission
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

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Digital Health

Initiatives related to Digital Health

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) has been implemented
under it.
eSanjeevani
Tele-MANAS
Nikshay 2.0 portal
Poshan Didi, a chatbot-based for nutrition counselling service
Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system

Cervical Cancer

Second most common cancer among females in India.

Occurs most often in women over age 30
Around 67,000 women dying from the disease each year.
Initiatives for prevention
Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative (by WHO): Outlined the ‘90-70-90’ targets for each country by 2030-
Vaccination to prevent Cervical Cancer

Traditional Medicine

Around 80% of the world’s population is estimated to use TM. (WHO)

Around 40% of pharmaceutical products today have a natural product basis, including aspirin, etc.
Initiatives
National Ayush Mission,
Gujarat Declaration by WHO
Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (Gujarat) by MoA and WHO
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL),
WHO’s Module 2 of International Classification of Diseases 11 (ICD-11)
Other: AYUSH Visa for foreign nationals, Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI), SMART 2.0’

Ultra-processed Food

Huge hidden cost of over $7 trillion/year on health and environment.

India’s UPF sector grew at an annual growth rate of 13.37%.
Initiatives to curtail Ultra-Processed food
FSSAI has put a cap on at 2% or less from 2022.
Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 aims to hold food businesses
accountable for their claims/advertisements.
Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School Children) Regulations, 2020

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Campaign like ‘Eat Right India’ movement, ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’

Aerated beverages are taxed at 28% GST and additional 12% compensation cess.

Rare Diseases(Orphan Diseases)

80% of rare diseases are genetic and 1.4% of newborn children are affected.
Less than 5% of rare diseases have therapies available to treat them.
Initiatives
National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
recently introduced generic drugs for rare diseases such as Tyrosinemia-Type 1, Gauchers Disease, Wilson’s
Disease, etc.
National Registry by the ICMR for collecting epidemiological data.
Digital Portal for Crowd funding for Patients.

Indian Scientist and their Contribution

Prafulla Chandra Ray

Established the first Indian research school in chemistry.

Popularly known as Father of Indian Chemistry
Research on platinum, iridium and sulphides of organic substances.

Srinivasa Ramanujan

Contributed to several mathematical concepts like infinite series, continued fractions,

number theory and mathematical analysis.
Introduced a summation, now known as the Ramanujan sum which is currently used in
signal processing.
Also credited for his work in ‘Modular functions’ which are used to reveal properties of Black Holes by
astrophysicists.
In his famous letter to Hardy in 1919, he introduced the “mock theta functions” which are used today in ‘String
Theory’ in theoretical physics.
Discovered Hardy Ramanujan number i.e., 1729 which is the smallest number which can be expressed as the
sum of two cubes in two different ways- 1729 = 13 + 123 = 93 + 103.
Discovered a long list of new ideas for solving many challenging mathematical problems that have given
great impetus to the development of game theory.

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C. V. Raman

In 1922, he published his work on the ‘Molecular Diffraction of Light’, which ultimately led to
his discovery of ‘Raman Effect’ in 1928.
He was honoured with Nobel Award for Raman Effect.
Raman effect refers to change in wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by
molecules.
Postulated, Raman spectroscopy, to understand composition of structures, crystallographic orientation of
the sample and change in vibrational frequency for chemical bond in Ramanujan number Raman effect.

Homi Jehangir Bhabha

As a student, he worked with a Nobel Prize winner, Niels Bohr in Copenhagen and played a
major role in the development of the Quantum Theory.
Published papers on the Absorption of Cosmic Radiation, electron-positron scattering
(later renamed Bhabha scattering).
Chief architect of India’s nuclear energy program by taking several initiatives such as:
First chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India (Known as Father of Indian Nuclear Power)
Founded and directed Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Atomic Energy Establishment,
Trombay, later renamed the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Pioneered the use of thorium to extract uranium from it rather than relying on the meager reserves of
uranium in India.
Established the Cosmic Ray Research Unit at Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore.

Vikram Sarabhai

Founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947.

Established the Indian National Committee for Space Research in 1962, which was later,
renamed ISRO.
Played key role in setting up Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in Thiruvananthapuram.
Worked on India’s first satellite ‘Aryabhata’.
Some of the other well-known institutions established by him are: Faster Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR),
Kalpakkam; Variable Energy Cyclotron Project; Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad etc.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Project director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) which successfully deployed
the Rohini satellite.
Made an effort to develop the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and SLV-III.
Directed projects which sought to develop ballistic missiles.
Worked on Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and played a major part in
developing many missiles under the mission including Agni, Prithvi etc.

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Meghnad Saha

Formulation of ‘equation of the reaction - isobar for ionization’, which later became known as
Sahaʼs ‘thermo-ionization equation’ or the Saha Equation.
Theory of high-temperature ionization of elements and its application to stellar atmospheres,
as expressed by the Saha equation, is fundamental to modern astrophysics.

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

Played an important role in the study of structure and evolution of the stars including his most
notable contribution of ‘Chandrasekhar Limit’ (1.4 of solar masses).
Chandrasekhar limit determines if a star dies as a white dwarf, or has the mass to exceed
this, launching a supernova to create a black hole or neutron star.
Also developed theories on star atmospheres, black holes, the illumination of the sunlit sky, star structures
and star mass.
In 1983, Chandra was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the physical processes involved in
the structure and evolution of stars.

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis

Founded the Indian Statistical Institute.

Established the National Sample Survey (1950) and set up Central Statistical Organisation
to coordinate statistical activities.
Shaped India’s second Five-year Plan (1956-61), also called the Mahalanobis Plan focused on the development
of public sector and rapid industrialisation.
Propounded Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure.

Tessy Thomas

Contributed to various fields such as Guidance, Control, Inertial Navigation, Trajectory

Simulation and Mission Design.
Played a leading role on Agni I-V series of missile systems, Aeronautical Systems Cluster
Laboratories.
Also worked on aeronautical systems, including manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, lighter than air
systems, aero engines, early warning airborne systems and subsonic cruise missiles.

C.N.R. Rao

Main research interests are in solid state and materials chemistry.

Also, worked on metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, and other materials and two-dimensional
systems, including graphene, boron-nitrogen-carbon hybrid materials, and molybdenum
sulfide for energy applications and green hydrogen production.
He has contributed also to studies of synthesis, properties of transition metal oxides and of phase transitions.

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Gagandeep Kang

Known for her inter-disciplinary research studying the transmission, development and
prevention of enteric infections and their sequelae in children in India.
Also, developed national rotavirus and typhoid surveillance networks.
Investigating the complex relationships between infection, gut function and physical and cognitive
development.

Satyendra Nath Bose

He is referred as “Father of the God Particle”

The fundamental particle ‘Bosons’ were named after him.
Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC): A quantum phenomenon predicted by Bose and Einstein
(1925).
Other Contributions:
X-ray diffraction cameras: Designed and constructed by him for rotation and powder photography.
Deduced Planck’s Black body radiation law without any reference to classical electrodynamics.

Miscellaneous
Nuclear Energy in India

1.8 % of total installed capacity

India currently on second stage of 3-stage nuclear energy program
Initiatives
Resolution of issues related to Civil Liability for Nuelear Damage (CLND) Act & Creation of Indian Nuclear
Insurance Pool.
Amendment of Atomic Energy Act
PRAGATI Platform
Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership
Partnership with private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (Budget 2024)

Nuclear Fusion

India joined ITER project in 2005

India has also constructed its indigenous tokamak ADITYA and semi-indigenous Steady State
Superconducting Tokamak (SST-1).
Advantages
No carbon emissions as only by-products are helium.
Abundant fuels such as Deuterium can be extracted from water.

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Reliable power as they continue to produce energy for longer periods.

Energy efficiency & Safety

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Initiatives undertaken for BESS in India

Legal status for ESS as a Generator, Transmission or Distribution element, issued by Ministry of Power (MoP)
on in 2022.
Bidding Guidelines for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) notified by the MoP in 2022.
National Framew:ork for Promoting Energy Storage Systems unveiled by the MoP in 2023.
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 to promote circular economy in BESS sector.
Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for development of BESS, 2023

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023

Quantum dots sizes are normally not more than 10 nanometers.

Properties of QDs:
Fluorescence
Tunable Emission
Photostability
Material Variety
Biocompatibility
Application of quantum dots
Television screens based on QLED technology, and LED lamps.
In cancer treatment for targeted drug delivery, Nano medicine, biochemists and doctors may use them to
map biological tissue etc.
In quantum computing, thinner solar cells, flexible electronics, tiny sensors, and encrypted quantum
communication etc.

Superconductivity

Materials exhibit zero electrical resistance.

Materials like Mercury, Lead, Aluminum, Tin, Niobium
Room-temperature superconductor: material capable of exhibiting superconductivity above 0 °C.

PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

Tenure: 2021-26
Overall cost: ₹ 4,797 crore
It encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes:

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ACROSS (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services)

O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology)
PACER (Polar Science and Cryosphere Research)
SAGE (Seismology and Geosciences)
REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training, and Outreach)

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1

16
in TOP 20Selections in CSE 2023 AIR

from various programs of Vision IAS Aditya Srivastava

2 5 6 7 9 10
AIR AIR AIR AIR AIR AIR

Animesh Ruhani Srishti Anmol Nausheen Aishwaryam

Pradhan Dabas Prajapati

39
Selections
in TOP 5 0

in CSE 20 22
1
AIR
2
AIR
3
AIR

Ishita Garima Uma

Kishore Lohia Harathi N

SHUBHAM KUMAR
CIVIL SERVICES
EXAMINATION 2020

[email protected] /c/VisionlASdelhi /visionias.upsc /vision _ias VisionIAS_UPSC

AHMEDABAD BENGALURU BHOPAL CHANDIGARH DELHI GUWAHATI HYDERABAD JAIPUR JODHPUR LUCKNOW PRAYAGRAJ PUNE RANCHI
8468022022 www.visionias.in

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CONTENTS
1. Women�� 4 5. Healthcare �� 9
2. Children�� 5 6. Nutrition�� 10
3. Other Vulnerable Sections �� 6 7. Poverty and Developmental Issues �� 11
4. Education �� 8

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365 documents quality content

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Women

Marriage

Laws governing marriages in India

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Special Marriage Act, 1954
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

Live-in relationships

Important Judicial Pronouncements

Lalita Toppo vs The State of Jharkhand (2018): Applicability of Domestic Violence Act, 2005 with respect to
the live-in-partner
Indra Sarma v. VKV Sarma (2013): Mutual live-in relationship is not an offense.

Women in Workforce

Female labor force participation increased from 23.3% (2017) to 37% (2022-23). (PLFS)
Wage disparity as men in India capture 82% of labour income (World Inequality Report 2022)
Women constitute 13.76% of entrepreneurs in India.
Contribution to GDP by Women is 17% in India, as against global average of 37% (UN).
Gender equality would increase India’s annual GDP growth by 1.4%. (McKinsey report)
Legal provisions: Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2013), Maternity Benefit
(Amendment) Act (2017), Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) (2020), etc.
Schemes/initiatives: Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK), National Crèche Scheme, SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Menstrual Hygiene

Only 78% of women aged 15-24 years use hygienic menstrual protection (NFHS-5)
23 million girls drop out annually due to lack of proper facilities. (2014 report by an NGO)

Women in STEM

Global STEM Workforce: Women make up 29.2% in STEM, despite being 49.3% in non-STEM jobs (Global
Gender Gap Report 2023).
India’s STEM Graduates: India leads with 42.6% women STEM graduates but only 27% in STEM jobs (World
Bank).
Initiatives: Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy, 2013, Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN
(WISE-KIRAN) , Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) programme, etc.

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Care Economy (Purple Economy)

Public expenditure on care economy is less than 1% of GDP.

Globally, 249 million women and 132 million men comprised care workforce (ILO).
About 76.2% of the total amount of unpaid care work is performed by women (ILO).

Violence against women

Crimes against women rose 4% in 2022 as compared to 2021 (NCRB).

13,479 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act (NCRB).
Legal provisions: Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Pre-
Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, Protection of Women
from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, etc.
Schemes: Fast Track Special Courts, Nirbhaya Fund, One Stop Centres, Sexual Harassment electronic Box
(She-Box), Mission Shakti- Sambal and Samarthya, etc.
International Measures: UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW, 1979), UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993).

Children
Child marriage

Child marriage in girls declined from 49.4% in 1993 to 22.3% in 2021. (Lancet)
1 in 5 girls and 1 in 6 boys are still married below the legal age of marriage.
Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra (in decreasing order) accounted for more than 50% of
child marriages in girls.
Sustainable Development Goal target 5.3 aims to end child marriage in girls by 2030.
Legal provisions: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)
Act (2012), Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment (PCMA) Bill, 2021, etc.
Jaya Jaitley committee (2020) recommended increasing the age of marriage for females to 21 from 18.

Child Labour

Globally, 1 in 10 children are engaged in child labour (UNICEF).

In India, 10.1 million Children engaged in labour (Census 2011).
80% of child labour found in rural areas
62.8% of child labour is engaged in hazardous work
Constitutional Provisions: Article 24 (Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.), Article 23
(Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour), Article 39(e) (Directs the state to ensure that the
tender age of children is not abused).

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Legal Provisions: Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act (1986), Commission for Protection
of Child Rights Act, 2005: Establishes National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009), Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015), etc.
Government initiatives: National Policy on Child Labour (1987), National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme,
1988 (Now merged with Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan since 2021), PENCiL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for
No Child Labour) portal, etc.
Global Measures: UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) (1989), Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 (to end all forms of child labour by 2025.

Other Vulnerable Sections

Indigenous people

Constitutional Measures
Article 342: Notification of STs
Schedule V and VI (Article 244)
Article 275: Grant of special funds for promoting the welfare of STs
Article 338A: National Commission for STs
Legislative Measures
Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Government Schemes
Panchasheel Principles for Tribal Development
Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)
Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Vikas Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Criteria for identifying PVTGs:

Pre-agricultural level of technology
Low level of literacy
Economic backwardness
A declining or stagnant population
Currently, there are 75 PVTGs spread over 18 states and the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Odisha houses highest number (13) of PVTGs in India.

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Transgenders

NALSA vs Uol (2014): Legal Recognition for Transgender Persons as ‘Third Gender’.
K.S. Puttaswamy vs UoI (2017): Recognition of the right to sexual orientation as an aspect of privacy.
Navtej Singh Johar vs Uol (2018): Decriminalization of Homosexuality
Deepika Singh vs Central Administrative Tribunal (2022): Atypical families such as unmarried or queer
relationships are also entitled to equal protection of law (under Article 14).
Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty vs Union of India case unanimously refused to accord legal recognition to
marriages between persons of the same sex.
Other measures: National Council for Transgender Persons, Garima Greh, National Portal on Transgender
Persons, etc.

Senior care

In India, senior citizens (people aged 60 years and above) currently comprise around 10% of population
(NITI Aayog).
78% of elderly population survives without pension.
Only 18% of seniors are covered by Health insurance.
Constitutional provisions:
Article 41: State shall make effective provision for securing right to work, education, and to public assistance
in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, etc.
7th Schedule: Item No. 9 of State List and item 20, 23 & 24 of Concurrent List relates to old age pension, social
security and social insurance, and economic and social planning.
Other measures
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007), National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP),
Senior Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative, Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED)
portal, National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), etc.

Persons with Disability (PwDs)

2.21% of the total population is disabled persons. (Census 2011)

55% of disabled are illiterate.
Initiatives: Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act (2016), ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons
for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids and Appliances), Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), National
Fund for PwDs, Accessible India Campaign, etc.
International cooperation: Convention on Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Biwako Millennium
Framework and Adoption of Incheon Strategy.

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Education
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Legal and Policy Framework for ECCE

Article 45: Directs the State to provide ECCE for all children until they complete the age of six years.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Provides that appropriate government
may make necessary arrangements for pre-school education.
National Education Policy, 2020: Recommended a sub-framework for 0-3 years old under National Curricular
and Pedagogical Framework for ECCE
Other measures
Navchetna- National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children (2024) from Birth to Three Years,
Aadharshila- National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024, ICDS, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi,
etc.
Global initiatives: Global Partnership Strategy (GPS) for Early Childhood established by UNESCO, SDG4 (Quality
Education for all), etc.

School Education

Gross Enrolment Ratio

Elementary: 100.13% (UDISE+)
Secondary: 79.56% (UDISE+)
Dropout rate
Primary: 1.45% (UDISE+)
Secondary: 12.62% (UDISE+)
Mean years of schooling: 6.7 years. (UNDP’s Global Human Development Index Report 2021)
Education expenditure for 2020-21 was 4.64% of GDP, still short of the 6% target under NEP 2020.
About 25% of 14-18 year-old rural youth still cannot read a Standard II level text fluently in their regional
language. (ASER, 2023)

Provisions for Higher Education under National Education Policy (NEP)

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) to reach at least 50% by 2035.

Multiple entry and exit options
Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs)
Internationalization of education
National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) is established as a platform for the free exchange of ideas
on the use of technology to enhance learning.
National Research Foundation (NRF)

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Education in Regional Languages

Article 350A of the Constitution: Provides for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of
education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
Right to Education Act 2009: As far as possible the medium of instruction in education should be in the mother
tongue.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but
preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the mother tongue/ regional language.
Other Initiatives: Anuvadini (AI-based App), e-KUMBH Portal, Natural Language Translation Mission, etc.

Healthcare

Government Health Expenditure: ~1.35% of GDP (41.41% of Total Health Expenditure) (2019-20)
Out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE): 47.1% of the total health expenditure (2019-20)
Health insurance coverage: 41% of households with any usual member covered under a health insurance.
(NFHS-5)
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.0 (NFHS-5)
Under-five mortality rate (U5MR): 41.9 (NFHS-5)
Infant mortality rate (IMR): 35.2 (NFHS-5)
Neonatal mortality rate (NMR): 24.9 (NFHS-5)
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): 97 per 1 Lakh Live births 2018-20 (Economic Survey 2022-23)
Institutional birth: 88.6% (NFHS-5)
Low doctor to patient ratio: 1:834 (including both allopathic doctors AYUSH doctors) (1:1000 prescribed by the
WHO)
Geographical inequality: Around 2/3rd population in rural areas, yet 73% of the public hospital beds in urban
areas.

Universal Health Coverage

Dimensions of UHC: Access to health services, Financial Risk Protection, Quality of Services.
Initiatives:
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Holistic health interventions at all levels.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Equitable access via technology.
National Health Policy 2017: Affordable, quality healthcare for all.
Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush: Immunization for zero-dose children and pregnant women.

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Digital Health

Government Initiatives to promote Digital Health

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Integrated digital health infrastructure
Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system: Digital COVID vaccine distribution
eSanjeevani: National telemedicine service
Poshan Didi: Chatbot-based nutrition counseling
Nikshay 2.0 portal: Community support for TB patients
Telemental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS): Free tele-mental health
services.

Mental healthcare

10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.

Treatment gap for mental disorders ranged between 70 to 92% for different disorders. (National Mental
Health Survey 2015-16).
Key initiatives to deal with the issue of Mental illness: KIRAN Helpline, Tele MANAS, Mental Health Care Act,
2017, National Mental Health Programme, Manodarpan.

Palliative care

According to the WHO, 56.8 million people need palliative care which would be doubled by 2060.
In India, only 1-2% of people in need of palliative care are able to access it.
National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) 2012 under NHM

Nutrition

Global Hunger Index (GHI)

India ranked 111 out of 125 countries with GHI score of 28.7 and is categorized as Serious on GHI Severity of
Hunger Scale.
South Asia and Africa South of the Sahara regions have the highest hunger levels.
Government initiatives to tackle hunger: National Food Security Act (NFSA) (2013), Pradhan Mantri Garib
Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission), POSHAN Tracker, Eat Right
Movement, etc.

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Poverty and Developmental Issues

Population

India is the world’s most populous country.

India has around 17% of population but only 2.45% of the global surface area and 4% of the water resources.
IMR has decreased from 40.7 in 2015-16 to 35.2 in 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
Increasing Life expectancy at birth: reached to 69.7 years in the 2015-19 period from 31 in 1947.
Measures taken by India for population control: National Programme for Family Planning (1952), National
Population Policy 2000, Mission Parivar Vikas, India Family Planning 2030 Vision Document, etc.

Youth development

Demographic dividend: India is one of the youngest countries in world with an average age of 29 years.
Initiatives: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), Startup India,
Khelo India, etc.

Manual Scavenging

714 out of 766 districts in the country have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free. (2023)
Constitutional provisions: Articles 15 (Prohibition of discrimination), 17 (Abolition of untouchability), 21 (Right
to Life and Personal Liberty), etc.
Legal Provisions: Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS
Act, 2013), SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Safai Karamchari vs Union of India case (2014): Supreme Court ruled that manual scavenging is in blatant
violation of Article 17.
Initiatives: National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), National Action for
Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan, etc.
International conventions: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Convention for Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights, etc.

Migration

Internal migration: 75.9 million individuals were living in internal displacement at the end of 2023, Internal
Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) report.
About 80% of seasonal migrant children in major destinations lack access to education near work sites
Marriage (81%) is the leading reasons for migration of women (PLFS).
3/4th of migrant women are unemployed, approximately 14% of migrant women are in self and wage-
employed jobs and approximately 12% are in casual labour. (PLFS)
Initiatives taken for betterment of Internal Migrants: National policy for rehabilitation and resettlement 2007,
Enhancing accessibility to welfare schemes like ‘One Nation One Ration Card’, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
2.0, Ayushman Bharat, etc.

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

Urbanization

Urban population: 36% (World Bank, 2023)

Future projections on urbanization: 40% population by 2036 (World Bank)
Contribution to GDP: ~60% (NITI Aayog, 2022)
Urban slums constitute around 49% of urban population. (World Bank, 2020)
Initiatives for sustainable urbanization: AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission, etc.

Social isolation and loneliness

World Health Organization has declared loneliness a pressing global health threat and has initiated an
international commission focused on tackling loneliness.
Impact
Health Risks with about a 50% increased risk of dementia, 29% increased risk of heart disease and 32%
increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness costs US economy an estimated $406 billion a year.

Suicide

Suicide rate has increased to 12.4 per 1 Lakh -the highest rate ever recorded in India (NCRB).
Suicide rate among Indian women and girls is twice that of global average. (Lancet)
Age-group 18-45 years remains most vulnerable and accounted for around 2/3rd of the suicides in 2021.
Steps taken for suicide prevention
Legal framework: Decriminalization of suicide attempt under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) and Mental
Healthcare Act (2017).
Policies and Programs: National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022), National Mental Health Policy (2014),
National Palliative Care Programme, UMMEED guidelines by Ministry of Education, Manodarpan, KIRAN Helpline,
etc.

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8468022022 www.visionias.in

14
VISION IAS
VALUES, CONCEPTS AND INDIAN THINKERS

Table of Contents
1. VALUES ..............................................................................................................................................3
1.1. Honesty .................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Integrity .................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Probity ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Accountability ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5. Empathy ................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6. Tolerance .................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.7. Selflessness ............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.8. Justice ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.9. Objectivity ................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.10. Leadership .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.11. Dedication to Public Service .................................................................................................................... 5
1.12. Impartiality and Non-partisanship ........................................................................................................... 5

2. CONCEPTS ..........................................................................................................................................5
2.1. Attitude .................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Social Influence and Persuasion ................................................................................................................ 6
2.3. Emotional Intelligence (EI) ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.4. Social Intelligence (SI) ............................................................................................................................... 6

3. INDIAN THINKERS ..............................................................................................................................7

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of Vision IAS.

1
2
1. VALUES
1.1. Honesty

• Meaning: Speaking and acting truthfully, more than not lying, deceiving, stealing, or cheating. It
involves showing respect towards others and having self-awareness.
• Importance: Foundation for trust, key in social relationships.
Classical Ethical Frameworks:
• Aristotelian virtue ethics: Honesty as a virtue, balancing between too little and too much honesty.
• Consequentialism: Honesty depends on situations and outcomes.
• Deontology: Immanuel Kant emphasizes honesty as an absolute moral obligation.
Examples:
• Anil Swarup: Implemented transparent e-auction system for coal block allocations.
• Sachin Tendulkar: Walked off the field voluntarily during the 2011 ICC World Cup, exemplifying
sportsmanship.

1.2. Integrity

• Meaning: Practice of being honest and adhering to one's values and principles.
• Traits:
o Honesty / Truthfulness
o Fairness
o Decency / Respectfulness
o Adherence to moral principles
o Helpful
o Responsibility / Trustworthiness
Examples:
• Shaheed Hemu Kalani: Resisted torture by the British, not revealing associates.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Withdrew Non-cooperation Movement after Chauri-Chaura incident, adhering to
non-violence.

1.3. Probity

• Meaning: Quality of having strong moral principles, integrity, honesty, decency.

• Importance: Essential for efficient and effective governance and socio-economic development.
Examples:
• Jacinda Ardern: Resigned as New Zealand PM, prioritizing the country's needs.
• Shanmugam Manjunath: Fought against petrol adulteration, exemplifying courage and probity.

1.4. Accountability

• Meaning: Being answerable for a system, its behavior, and impacts.

• Forms:
o Vertical Accountability: Principal-agent relationship (e.g., elections).
o Horizontal Accountability: Network of institutions ensuring mutual control.
o Social Accountability: Civil society organizations and media checking public sector officials.

3
Examples:
• Morarji Desai: Regular press conferences, promoting transparency.
• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai: Took accountability for ISRO's first space flight failure.

1.5. Empathy

• Meaning: Ability to sense and imagine others' emotions.

• Types:
o Affective Empathy: Sensations and feelings in response to others’ emotions.
o Cognitive Empathy: Identifying and understanding others' emotions.
Examples:
• C F Andrews (Deenbandhu): Fought British alongside Mahatma Gandhi, showing empathy towards
indentured labor.
• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Empathetic policymaking, providing health coverage to over 12 crore
families.

1.6. Tolerance

1. Meaning: Fair and permissive attitude towards differing opinions, practices, etc.
2. Importance: Fosters harmony and social cohesion in a pluralistic society.
Examples:
• Nelson Mandela: Leadership characterized by tolerance and reconciliation post-apartheid.
• Supreme Court of India: Recognition of 'Third-Gender' and decriminalization of consensual same-sex
relationships.

1.7. Selflessness

• Meaning: Balanced attitude between self and others' needs.

• Importance in Governance: Acting solely in the public interest, placing public needs ahead of
personal needs.
Examples:
• Satyendra Dubey: Exposed corruption, sacrificing his life.
• Tukaram Omble: Showed courage during 26/11 Mumbai attacks, sacrificing his life.

1.8. Justice

• Meaning: Fairness or equal treatment.

• Forms:
o Social Justice: Equal opportunities irrespective of race, gender, etc.
o Distributive Justice: Equitable allocation of assets.
o Retributive Justice: Punishment of wrongdoers proportionately.
Examples:
• Sagarmal Gopa: Stood for justice against Jaisalmer's ruler's atrocities.
• P Narhari: Made Gwalior District barrier-free, aiding persons with disabilities.

4
1.9. Objectivity

• Meaning: Acting impartially, fairly, and on merit without bias.

• Importance in Civil Services: Upholds rule of law, reason, merit, and accepted standards.
Examples:
• POSHAN Abhiyan: Evidence-based decision-making using POSHAN Tracker.
• Digital portals (PROBITY, SPARROW, SOLVE): Assessing performance of Central Government
officers.

1.10. Leadership

• Meaning: Successfully marshaling collaborators to achieve ends, stemming from social influence
rather than authority or power.
• Importance: Critical for good governance, ensuring participation, transparency, and accountability.
Examples:
• Dr. Verghese Kurien: Father of India’s White Revolution, established Amul cooperative.
• E. Sreedharan: Known as "Metro Man of India," effective project management and engineering
leadership.

1.11. Dedication to Public Service

• Meaning: Willingness to give time and energy, putting public interests first.
• Importance: Requires high spirit of service and sacrifice to fulfill public aspirations.
Examples:
• Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam: Contributions to missile and nuclear programmes.
• Dr. M S Swaminathan: Green Revolution and National Food Guarantee Act recommendations.

1.12. Impartiality and Non-partisanship

• Meaning: Not supporting a group over others, remaining apolitical in civil service.
• Importance: Ensures fair service to political executives, maintains public confidence.
Examples:
• T. N. Seshan: Reforms as Chief Election Commissioner ensuring non-partisan elections.
• Nandan Nilekani: Focused on technological and administrative aspects of Aadhaar, maintaining non-
partisanship.

2. CONCEPTS
2.1. Attitude

• Meaning: Predisposition to respond positively or negatively towards an idea, object, person, or

situation.
• Factors:
o Classical conditioning: Learning through repeated pairings.
o Instrumental conditioning: Learning from rewards and punishments.
o Cognitive appraisals: Evaluating information and experiences.

5
o Observational learning: Learning through observing others.
o Persuasions: Deliberate attempts to change attitudes.
Functions:
• Knowledge, Utilitarian, Ego-defense, Value-expression

2.2. Social Influence and Persuasion

• Meaning: Adapting opinions or behaviors through social interactions.

• Types: Compliance, Identification, Internalization.
• Modes of Persuasion: Source credibility, message content, audience characteristics, reciprocity,
social proof, timing, and context.

2.3. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

• Meaning: Identifying, comprehending, and managing emotions of self and others.

• Significance: Leadership effectiveness, Decision-making, Communication, Conflict resolution,
Public engagement
Examples:
• Jacinda Ardern: Response to Christchurch mosque shootings.
• GST implementation: Balancing emotional and rational aspects.
• T.N. Seshan: Improved election integrity.

2.4. Social Intelligence (SI)

• Meaning: Understanding and managing interpersonal relationships.

• Facets:
o Social awareness: Primal empathy, attunement, empathic accuracy, social cognition.
o Social facility: Synchrony, self-presentation, influence, concern.

6
3. INDIAN THINKERS

7
8
Copyright © by Vision IAS
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of Vision IAS.

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