The Indian government has successfully deactivated more than 4 crore duplicate or inactive LPG connections under the PAHAL direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme, as reported by the Petroleum Minister in a recent Parliament session.
The PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for LPG subsidies. Under this scheme, subsidies for LPG are transferred directly into the bank accounts of consumers instead of the government providing subsidized cylinders directly.
Key Features:
Consumers pay the market price for LPG cylinders and the government transfers the subsidy amount to their linked bank accounts.
The scheme covers over 17 crore LPG consumers, making it the largest cash transfer program globally.
The PAHAL Scheme was designed to achieve several important goals:
Ensures Transparency:
It eliminates intermediaries, ensuring that consumers directly receive the benefits.
Prevents Diversion:
The scheme removes incentives for the diversion of subsidized LPG cylinders.
Protects Consumer Entitlements:
The direct transfer of subsidies ensures that genuine consumers receive their entitled subsidies without any disruption.
Improves Availability and Delivery:
It enhances the availability and delivery of LPG cylinders to genuine consumers.
Eliminates Fake Connections:
By deactivating fake or duplicate connections, the scheme ensures that subsidies are only received by actual users.
Provides Self-Selection:
Consumers can select whether to avail themselves of the subsidy or not, promoting self-selection.
To be eligible for the PAHAL scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
LPG User:
The applicant must be an active LPG user.
Income Criterion:
The combined taxable income of the applicant and their spouse should not exceed ₹10,00,000 in the previous financial year, as per the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Booking Process:
Consumers book an LPG cylinder at the market price.
Subsidy Transfer:
Once the cylinder is delivered, the subsidy amount is credited directly into the linked bank account of the consumer.
Two Types of Consumers:
Primary Aadhaar-Based DBT: Where the Aadhaar number is linked with both the LPG consumer number and the bank account.
Alternative (Non-Aadhaar-Based): Where the bank account is directly linked with the LPG consumer number if Aadhaar linking is not available.
The PAHAL scheme remains a critical tool in enhancing transparency and ensuring that subsidies reach the right people. With 17 crore consumers benefiting, the scheme stands as the world's largest cash transfer program for LPG subsidies, improving the efficiency and availability of LPG across India.
The seeds of seabuckthorn and buckwheat grown in the cold desert region of Ladakh are being part of experimental studies aboard the International Space Station (ISS), launched on NASA's Crew-11 mission.
Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), often referred to as the ‘Wonder Plant’, ‘Ladakh Gold’, or ‘Golden Bush’, is a hardy shrub known for its remarkable adaptability and nutrient-rich berries. This plant thrives in cold desert regions, particularly in the Himalayan region, such as Ladakh and Spiti, which are dry and harsh environments.
Distribution: Found across Europe and Asia, particularly in the Himalayas above the tree line, including regions like Ladakh and Spiti in India.
Temperature Tolerance: The plant can withstand extreme temperature ranges, from minus 43°C to 40°C, making it drought-resistant and ideal for cold desert areas.
Berry Characteristics: The small orange or yellow berries are sour but are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients.
Unique Feature: Seabuckthorn berries remain on the plant during the harsh winter months, even under subzero temperatures.
Seabuckthorn has a variety of traditional uses, making it a valuable resource in cold desert ecosystems. Every part of the plant—fruit, leaves, twigs, roots, and even thorns—has been historically utilized for different purposes:
Medicinal Uses:
Seabuckthorn has been used for its nutritional and therapeutic properties, particularly in improving immunity and skin health.
Nutritional Supplement:
The berries are rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C) and antioxidants, making them valuable for nutritional supplements and health products.
Animal Fodder:
The leaves serve as protein-rich fodder for animals like sheep, goats, cattle, and double-humped camels in the desert regions.
Fuel and Fencing:
The plant's twigs and roots are used as fuel and for building fences in rural and remote areas.
Food Source for Wildlife:
The berries are an important food source for many bird species in the cold desert when other food sources are scarce.
Seabuckthorn is not only an incredibly resilient plant but also a valuable resource in the cold desert ecosystems of Ladakh and the Himalayas. Its recent inclusion in space experiments aboard the International Space Station highlights the growing interest in its potential, especially in extreme environments.
India has launched a new collaborative initiative with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal. This initiative aims to enhance nutritional quality and food security for communities in Nepal through the fortified rice program, addressing malnutrition challenges.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency dedicated to the eradication of hunger and food insecurity. Established in 1961, WFP is guided by Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Funding: The WFP is funded through voluntary donations from governments, corporates, and private donors.
WFP's extensive operations span over 120 countries, and the organization provides food assistance during emergencies while working with local communities to enhance nutrition, promote resilience, and support sustainable agriculture practices.
Food Assistance in Emergencies:
WFP provides immediate food aid during natural disasters, conflicts, and emergencies, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations get essential food supplies when they need it most.
Building Resilience:
Beyond emergency response, WFP works with communities to develop long-term solutions for food security, such as improving farming techniques and access to nutritious food.
Nutrition Programs:
WFP promotes nutrition-enhancing programs, like fortified food products, to combat malnutrition, especially among children and pregnant women.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:
The organization focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food.
Rice Fortification: WFP is playing a crucial role in fortifying rice to address micronutrient deficiencies that affect millions of people globally. Fortified rice can significantly improve public health by delivering essential nutrients like iron, vitamins, and folic acid.
Global Report on Food Crisis:
WFP annually releases a Global Report on Food Crisis that highlights the extent of acute hunger worldwide, providing key insights into regions and populations most in need of assistance.
In 2020, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts in combating hunger and its contribution to food security worldwide, especially its ability to respond to emergencies and mitigate the impacts of conflict, climate change, and economic shocks on vulnerable communities.
The UN World Food Programme remains a pivotal organization in the global fight against hunger and food insecurity. With ongoing initiatives like rice fortification in Nepal, WFP continues to make strides in improving global nutrition and resilience while working toward its vision of zero hunger by 2030.
Recently, NITI Aayog launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI), a pioneering tool designed to track, evaluate, and benchmark the progress of Indian states and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their electric mobility goals.
The IEMI is a first-of-its-kind tool that comprehensively measures the progress of states and UTs in adopting electric mobility. It assesses various aspects of electric mobility development across 16 key indicators, categorized under three core themes:
Transport Electrification Progress:
This theme evaluates the demand-side adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting how well states are incorporating electric vehicles into their transportation systems.
Charging Infrastructure Readiness:
It tracks the development of charging infrastructure, which is essential to support the growth of electric vehicles. This includes the availability of charging stations and related infrastructure.
EV Research and Innovation Status:
This evaluates the supply-side ecosystem, focusing on research and development (R&D) efforts related to electric mobility, innovation in EV technologies, and industry collaborations.
Benchmarking and Tracking: IEMI provides a quantitative evaluation by scoring each state and UT out of 100. This allows states to compare their performance on key electric mobility indicators and track their progress over time.
Identifying Drivers and Gaps: By measuring progress in key areas, the index helps identify success factors that drive electric mobility and areas where targeted interventions are needed.
Promoting Healthy Competition: The index encourages healthy competition among states and UTs to accelerate their electric mobility efforts. It also fosters knowledge-sharing and the dissemination of best practices.
Supporting Decision-Making: It provides policy-makers with valuable insights, helping them align state-level initiatives with national goals for electric mobility. The index can guide fund allocation and policy formulation for supporting EV adoption.
Collaboration and Planning: The IEMI underscores the importance of state-level coordination and cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve India’s electric mobility vision, ensuring that local needs are considered while pursuing national goals.
Transparency: It offers a transparent, comparative framework that allows states to see how their efforts stack up against others, fostering a spirit of collaborative improvement.
Comprehensive Coverage: The IEMI covers a wide range of electric mobility-related themes and provides a holistic view of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including infrastructure, policy support, adoption rates, and innovation.
State-Specific Recommendations: By highlighting strengths and gaps, the index helps states align their strategies with both national goals and local realities.
The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) represents a significant step forward in promoting electric vehicle adoption across India. By providing an objective, data-driven tool to assess progress, it aids in informed decision-making and policy development. Additionally, it fosters competition, innovation, and collaboration among states to meet the nation's electric mobility targets.
Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced a definitive list of Ayurvedic food preparations under the category “Ayurveda Aahara.”
Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products that are developed in alignment with the holistic dietary principles of Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of health and wellness in the world. These food preparations emphasize:
Balance: Maintaining harmony between the body, mind, and environment.
Seasonal Suitability: Consuming foods that are suitable to the current season, based on Ayurvedic principles of dosha and prakriti.
Natural Ingredients: Focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients such as herbs, spices, and natural food additives known for their therapeutic benefits.
Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022:
These regulations were introduced to recognize foods that are based on recipes, ingredients, and processes from authoritative Ayurvedic texts.
The new list issued by FSSAI is part of Schedule B, which is directly derived from Schedule A, where classical Ayurvedic texts are referenced to ensure authenticity.
Goal of Ayurveda Aahara Regulations:
The list provides clarity for both consumers and businesses, offering a credible reference for manufacturing Ayurveda Aahara products.
The initiative is aimed at integrating traditional Ayurvedic wisdom into mainstream food systems, making it more accessible and regulated.
For Food Business Operators (FBOs): The list serves as an essential tool for manufacturers, offering clear guidelines on how to produce Ayurvedic foods that meet the standards of authenticity and quality.
For Consumers: The list helps build confidence among consumers about the authenticity and safety of Ayurveda-based food products, aligning with Ayurvedic dietary traditions.
For the Industry: The initiative enhances regulatory clarity, promoting widespread adoption of Ayurveda-based nutrition, which can lead to better public health outcomes.
The official recognition and listing of Ayurveda Aahara food products represent a significant step in preserving and mainstreaming Ayurvedic dietary practices while ensuring they meet modern regulatory standards. This initiative not only strengthens the credibility of Ayurvedic foods but also encourages a more holistic approach to health and nutrition, deeply rooted in India's ancient wisdom
Recently, the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the BIMSTEC member countries.
Full Name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
Inception: BIMSTEC came into existence on June 6, 1997, following the Bangkok Declaration.
BIMSTEC serves as a platform for regional cooperation, connecting countries from both South Asia and Southeast Asia with shared interests in enhancing economic and technical cooperation in multiple sectors.
BIMSTEC is a unique organization that connects South Asia and Southeast Asia.
South Asia Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Southeast Asia Members: Myanmar and Thailand.
This partnership brings together 1.7 billion people, or 22% of the world’s population, and a combined GDP of US$ 5 trillion.
BIMSTEC organizes intergovernmental interactions through a variety of meetings to promote cooperation and coordination:
Summits
Ministerial Meetings
Senior Officials Meetings
Permanent Working Committee
Joint Working Groups
Experts Level Meetings
These interactions address key regional and global issues such as economic development, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.
Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, it coordinates the activities and initiatives of BIMSTEC.
BIMSTEC focuses on 14 priority areas, with each member country taking the lead in specific areas. India is a key player, leading efforts in the following domains:
Transport & Communication
Tourism
Environment & Disaster Management
Counter-Terrorism & Transnational Crime
The collaboration in these areas is designed to promote regional connectivity, sustainable development, and security cooperation across the Bay of Bengal region.
The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival held in New Delhi exemplifies the organization's growing focus on cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties between its member states. By promoting cultural exchanges, BIMSTEC enhances mutual understanding and trust, which are essential for cooperation in other sectors.
The central government has recently encouraged Indian states to actively use the India Cine Hub Portal to promote and facilitate global film production locally.
Launch Date: The India Cine Hub Portal was launched on June 28, 2024.
Purpose: It serves as a single-window system to streamline various processes involved in filmmaking, such as:
Permissions
Incentives
Resource mapping
Establishment: The portal was developed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, under the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
The core objective is to promote foreign film productions in India, positioning the country as a film-friendly ecosystem while ensuring smooth clearance and facilitation for global filmmakers.
Single-Window System: The portal offers a seamless process for obtaining film permits, state incentives, and logistical support, making it easier for filmmakers to shoot in India.
GIS-Based Location Mapping: The portal includes Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping to provide filmmakers with detailed location data across India, helping them choose ideal shooting sites.
Common Application Form: Filmmakers can now access a common application form, streamlining the entire process of filming permits, allowing quicker approvals.
Global Filmmakers: The portal makes India more attractive to foreign filmmakers by offering easier access to filming permits and incentives, along with detailed location information and resources.
Indian Filmmakers: The platform’s services have been extended to Indian filmmakers, making the process of filming more efficient and promoting the country's cinematic talent on the global stage.
Fully Integrated States and Union Territories: As of now, 7 states and 2 Union Territories have fully integrated with the India Cine Hub Portal.
Onboarded States and UTs: 21 states and 6 Union Territories have also joined the platform, expanding its reach and making it more accessible across India.
The India Cine Hub Portal is expected to:
Boost India's Film Tourism: By attracting international film productions to diverse locations across the country, contributing to tourism and local economies.
Enhance Ease of Doing Business: The platform aims to make India a global filming hub, creating opportunities for local industries to collaborate with international production houses.
For the first time, joint research has successfully determined the composition of the intestinal microbiome of the Indri Lemur, a species critically endangered and found only in northeastern Madagascar.
The Indri Lemur (scientific name: Indri indri) is one of the most iconic lemur species, known for its distinctive characteristics and critically endangered status.
Size: The Indri is one of the largest lemurs, measuring 60–70 cm (24–28 inches) in length. Despite its size, it has a rudimentary tail.
Coloration: Its fur is primarily black with white patches on the head, throat, forearms, and buttocks. The ratio of black to white fur varies depending on geographical location.
Distinctive Appearance: The Indri has a round head with a pointed face, round furry ears, and large hands and feet, all adapted for its tree-dwelling lifestyle.
Geography: Found only in northeastern Madagascar, the Indri occupies coastal and montane rainforests. It can be found from sea level to an altitude of 1,800 meters.
Diet and Behavior: The Indri is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruit, flowers, and other vegetation. It is diurnal (active during the day) and is fully arboreal, spending its life in the trees. It moves in an upright position and is known for its impressive climbing abilities.
In the wild, the Indri can live between 15 to 18 years.
The Indri Lemur is classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List. Several factors contribute to its endangered status:
Habitat Loss: The Indri's rainforest habitat is under threat from deforestation and human encroachment.
Fragmentation: The destruction of its natural habitat leads to fragmented populations, making it difficult for the species to thrive.
Illegal Hunting: Though the species is protected, the Indri faces threats from illegal hunting.
Efforts are ongoing to protect this unique species through conservation initiatives aimed at preserving its habitat and ensuring the survival of its populations.
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a crucial constitutional office, has remained vacant since 2019, when the 17th Lok Sabha was formed. This prolonged vacancy raises serious concerns about constitutional adherence, institutional balance, and the health of India’s parliamentary democracy.
Article 93 of the Constitution mandates that the House of the People (Lok Sabha) should choose a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker as soon as possible after the formation of the House. However, there is no prescribed timeline, leading to ambiguity and political discretion over the matter.
The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha also fail to enforce a time-bound election for the Deputy Speaker, thus enabling the political executive to manipulate the timeline.
Origin of the Institution: The institution of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker originated under the Government of India Act, 1919, where they were referred to as President and Deputy President.
First Office Bearers: The first Speaker of the independent Lok Sabha was G.V. Mavalankar, and the first Deputy Speaker was Ananthasayanam Ayyangar.
Tradition of Bipartisan Allocation: Traditionally, the position of Deputy Speaker has been allocated to the Opposition party, reflecting a spirit of bipartisan cooperation, ensuring that both the ruling and opposition benches have a stake in the functioning of Parliament.
The Deputy Speaker has several important responsibilities:
Presiding Officer: In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker steps in to preside over House proceedings.
Chairing Committees: The Deputy Speaker can also chair parliamentary committees, ensuring smooth functioning.
Casting Vote: In the event of a tie during a vote, the Deputy Speaker exercises a casting vote to break the deadlock.
Maintaining Decorum: The Deputy Speaker is responsible for maintaining the order of the House, ensuring that the rules of procedure are adhered to.
Accountability: The Deputy Speaker is not subordinate to the Speaker but is directly accountable to the House, ensuring the independence of the position.
Centralisation of Power:
With the Speaker’s office being traditionally held by the ruling party, the absence of a Deputy Speaker (typically from the Opposition) leads to an unchecked concentration of power in the Speaker’s hands, which is not ideal in a democratic system.
Breakdown of Constitutional Morality:
While the delay in appointing a Deputy Speaker is legally permissible, the indefinite delay reflects a lack of respect for constitutional conventions and the democratic spirit enshrined in the Constitution.
Undermining Consensus Politics:
The absence of the Deputy Speaker denies the Opposition a formal role in the functioning of Parliament, affecting deliberative democracy and curtailing the bipartisan spirit of governance.
Functional and Procedural Risks:
In case of a sudden resignation or incapacity of the Speaker, the absence of a Deputy Speaker could result in a leadership vacuum, disrupting the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
Global Comparisons:
In Westminster-style democracies such as the UK and Canada, the position of Deputy Speaker is filled promptly through bipartisan consultation, ensuring that the office’s continuity and legitimacy are maintained. India, by contrast, has allowed political considerations to delay this essential appointment.
Statutory Timeline:
A statutory timeline should be introduced to mandate the election of the Deputy Speaker within a fixed period (e.g., 60 days) after the constitution of the Lok Sabha. This would bring clarity and enforce accountability.
Judicial Clarification:
In 2021, the Supreme Court of India admitted a petition regarding the delay in appointing a Deputy Speaker. A definitive ruling could help reinforce constitutional accountability, ensuring that constitutional offices are not left vacant for extended periods.
Strengthening Parliamentary Norms:
The convention of allocating the Deputy Speakership to a member of the Opposition should be codified. This would protect the democratic balance and ensure that the Opposition remains an integral part of Parliament’s functioning.
Presidential Oversight:
The President of India, as the guardian of the Constitution, could be empowered to remind or advise the House regarding the timely appointment of the Deputy Speaker, ensuring that constitutional duties are fulfilled.
The vacancy in the Deputy Speaker’s office is not just an administrative lapse; it reflects a systemic malaise within the functioning of India’s democratic institutions.
The politicisation of constitutional offices undermines the principles of bipartisanship, deliberative democracy, and institutional balance.
The appointment of the Deputy Speaker should not be left to political bargaining or delay. It is essential for the continuity of Parliament and for upholding the spirit of the Constitution.
India is facing a monumental challenge in managing its growing waste, particularly plastic pollution and unprocessed solid waste.
Daily Waste Generation: India generates 170,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day. Of this:
156,000 tonnes are collected.
54% is treated.
24% is deposited in landfills.
22% is unaccounted for due to leaks in the waste management supply chain.
Urban Waste Contribution: Cities with populations exceeding one million contribute up to 50% of the total waste generated in India.
Waste Projections: By 2050, India is expected to generate an estimated 435 million tonnes of solid waste annually.
Plastic Pollution:
India is the largest global plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually (about 20% of global plastic emissions).
On average, 0.12 kg per capita per day of plastic waste is generated.
Uncontrolled Dumping & Landfills:
10 times more dumpsites exist in India than sanitary landfills, leading to severe environmental degradation.
Despite the 95% collection coverage claimed by the government, this statistic excludes rural areas, informal recycling, and open burning, creating a skewed picture of waste management.
E-Waste Crisis:
India’s electronic waste generation has more than doubled since 2018, surpassing 1.6 million metric tons in FY 2022.
Only one-third of e-waste is properly collected and processed.
Lack of Reliable Data:
Waste generation data is often incomplete, as rural areas and informal sector activities are excluded from official records.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) relies on local municipal bodies for waste data, but the collection methods remain untransparent.
1. Supreme Court of India:
The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of waste segregation, requiring it to start at the household level.
Judicial oversight, particularly continuing mandamus, has been suggested to ensure compliance with waste management laws.
2. High Court Directives:
Several High Courts have issued orders to improve waste management practices. This includes stronger enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Courts have intervened in cases where municipal bodies have failed to implement proper waste disposal mechanisms.
Continuing Mandamus is a judicial tool that allows courts to issue ongoing directives to ensure continuous compliance with laws and policies.
In the context of waste management, this would ensure sustained oversight of local authorities and ensure that waste management systems are consistently followed.
Transparency: Ensures accurate data collection and reporting.
Accountability: Promotes adherence to waste segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal.
Collaboration: Encourages collaboration between government agencies, local bodies, and citizens for better waste management.
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:
Focuses on decentralized waste management, waste segregation at the source, and scientific disposal.
Introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for managing plastic waste.
Encourages a circular economy by setting targets for recycling, reuse, and refurbishment of plastic.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
Aimed at improving sanitation and waste management infrastructure across both urban and rural India.
Promotes community participation in waste segregation and composting.
Waste-to-Energy Projects:
Encourages the establishment of waste-to-energy plants to reduce landfill dependency and promote renewable energy generation.
Strengthening Waste Segregation:
Penalties for non-compliance with waste segregation policies.
Support community-based waste management programs to improve local participation in segregating waste at the household level.
Enhancing Recycling and Circular Economy:
Integrate informal waste recyclers into the formal waste management system, ensuring that they have access to training and resources.
Promote waste-to-energy plants and upcycling initiatives to reduce reliance on landfills.
Improving Data Collection and Transparency:
Third-party audits for accurate reporting of waste generation and disposal.
Expand monitoring mechanisms to include rural areas and informal waste processors, ensuring a holistic view of the country’s waste scenario.
Aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment):
Align cities with the ‘Reduce Waste’ theme of Mission LiFE, promoting zero-waste practices in localities, events, societies, and festivals.
India’s waste management crisis requires urgent action, combining policy reforms, judicial oversight, and community participation to address the growing environmental challenges.
Waste segregation, recycling infrastructure, and data transparency are key areas that need strengthening.
As urbanization continues, sustainable waste management practices must be adopted to safeguard public health and the environment.
Through enhanced judicial oversight, government accountability, and active community engagement, India can mitigate its waste management crisis and move towards a more sustainable future.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, inaugurated by the Union Education Minister to mark its 5th anniversary, has made significant strides in reshaping India’s education system.
5+3+3+4 Structure: This new system focuses on experiential, competency-based learning and includes a foundational phase (Early Years) where mother tongue is used as the medium of instruction.
National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) emphasizes a child-centric, flexible, and holistic curriculum.
SEDG Enrollments: Over 1.15 lakh students from Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) and 7.58 lakh girls have enrolled in residential schools.
PRASHAST App: Supports disability screening, enhancing accessibility to education for students with disabilities.
NIPUN Bharat and Vidya Pravesh initiatives have reached over 4.2 crore students in 8.9 lakh schools, focusing on improving basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Over 4 lakh teachers have been trained under the NISHTHA program via digital platforms like DIKSHA and PM e-Vidya, improving teaching quality.
Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) were promoted to provide world-class higher education.
Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) enables flexible learning, credit transfers, and encourages Multiple Entry and Exit systems in higher education.
72% of schools now have internet access, supporting the growing need for digital education.
Platforms like Vidyanjali, DIKSHA, PM e-Vidya, e-Jaadui Pitara, and AI Bots (e.g., Katha Sakhi and Teacher Tara) are enhancing education delivery, making it more accessible and engaging.
Introduced in 2022, CUET is now a key entrance exam for undergraduate admissions, simplifying the admission process for students.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) established a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan to draft the new National Education Policy (NEP) in June 2017.
The NEP 2020 replaces the National Policy on Education (1986) and came into effect during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The policy emphasizes holistic development, creative thinking, problem-solving, and the need for inclusive education.
The core idea behind NEP 2020 is that education should:
Develop foundational literacy and numeracy as well as higher-order cognitive abilities such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Focus on building social, ethical, and emotional capacities of individuals.
Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education:
The policy advocates for an integrated approach to education that connects arts, humanities, and sciences, allowing students to explore various subjects and develop a well-rounded personality.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
Early childhood education is now integrated into the formal education system.
The goal is to enhance children's cognitive, social, and emotional development from an early age, ensuring a strong educational foundation.
Reimagining School Education:
The 10+2 system is replaced by a 5+3+3+4 structure:
5 years of foundational learning.
3 years of preparatory education.
4 years of secondary education, encouraging experiential learning and critical thinking.
Multilingualism and Language Proficiency:
The policy promotes the teaching of regional languages, alongside Hindi and English, fostering inclusivity and improving language proficiency.
Assessment Reforms:
Competency-based assessments will replace rote memorization.
Continuous formative evaluations will be introduced, focusing on understanding and problem-solving.
The establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) will ensure a standardized approach to assessments.
Promoting Digital Learning:
The policy underscores the importance of digital resources and e-learning platforms, aiming to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to quality education for all.
Higher Education Reforms:
The policy envisions a flexible, multidisciplinary higher education system, promoting research, innovation, and collaboration with the industry.
It also allows foreign universities to set up campuses in India, increasing international cooperation.
Teacher Empowerment:
Teachers will receive professional development through training, workshops, and exposure to learner-centric pedagogy.
The policy promotes creative and critical thinking skills for teachers, positioning them as facilitators of learning.
Gender and Social Inclusion:
The policy emphasizes inclusivity, striving to ensure equal opportunities for all, including marginalized groups, women, and persons with disabilities.
Greater Flexibility:
Multiple Entry and Exit options in higher education allow students flexibility in choosing and changing their educational pathways.
Holistic Development:
NEP 2020 nurtures cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Flexible Learning Pathways:
Students can choose subjects based on their interests, making the learning process more personalized and aligned with their career aspirations.
Reduced Curriculum Burden:
By focusing on core concepts and essential skills, the policy reduces the curriculum load and promotes a deeper understanding of subjects.
Skill Development:
Emphasis on critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy ensures that students are ready for employment and future challenges.
Collaborative Learning:
The policy encourages the formation of collaborative learning communities, fostering a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
Professional Development:
NEP offers opportunities for continuous professional development, helping teachers stay updated on evolving pedagogical practices.
Enhanced Teaching Practices:
Teachers will be encouraged to adopt learner-centric teaching approaches, emphasizing interactive and experiential learning.
Integration of Technology:
Teachers will use digital tools, online resources, and educational apps to improve teaching effectiveness and cater to diverse learning styles.
Inclusive Education:
The policy focuses on ensuring that teachers are equipped to teach students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and marginalized communities.
Recognition of Leadership and Mentorship:
Teachers can take on leadership and mentorship roles, supporting their peers and contributing to the successful implementation of the policy.
The shift to a 5+3+3+4 model allows for more personalized, hands-on learning and focuses on life skills.
ECCE integration aims to improve foundational learning in children and prepare them for formal schooling.
Encouraging learning in regional languages alongside Hindi and English helps students become proficient in multiple languages, promoting cultural inclusivity.
The launch of PARAKH aims to standardize assessments and move away from rote learning by promoting a more competency-based approach.
Digital learning and technology-enhanced education are central to bridging educational gaps, especially in remote areas.
Multiple Entry and Exit systems allow students to take breaks from their education or switch courses easily, providing a flexible approach to learning.
PM SHRI Schools: Aimed at setting up model schools to showcase best practices.
NIPUN Bharat: Focused on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
PARAKH: Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
NISHTHA: National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement.
Despite the notable progress, several challenges remain in the path of NEP’s full implementation:
Implementation of NEP varies across states. Some states, like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, have expressed concerns over the three-language formula, mother-tongue instruction, and common entrance tests like CUET.
Teacher shortages, poor digital infrastructure, and Anganwadi unpreparedness for quality pre-primary education are major hurdles.
Public spending on education is still below NEP's target of 6% of GDP, with budgetary allocations failing to meet the policy's ambitious goals.
Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), intended to replace the UGC, is facing delays.
Regional language barriers and a lack of fluent teachers in diverse languages make it challenging to deliver content across various languages.
Resistance to pedagogical reforms and fears about over-centralization (e.g., CUET) are slowing the process.
The lack of robust data systems for monitoring and evaluating NEP outcomes hampers effective implementation.
Invest in research at the technology-pedagogy interface to develop evidence-based and context-specific innovations.
Upgrade the ICT infrastructure at schools, as only 57.2% of schools have functional computers and 53.9% have internet access (UDISE+ 2023–24).
Increase capacity-building programs for teachers to help them integrate technology and promote creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning in classrooms.
Encourage cooperation among educators, technologists, social scientists, and policymakers to develop future-ready learning ecosystems.
NEP 2020 presents a transformative vision for India’s education system. Key progress has been made in areas such as Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, digital access, and higher education reforms. However, federal disagreements, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory delays still pose significant challenges. To achieve the ambitious goals set out in NEP 2020, there must be strategic investments, inter-governmental coordination, and continued innovation in education delivery. By addressing these challenges, NEP can pave the way for a more flexible, inclusive, and future-ready education ecosystem in India.
A recent global study published in Nature Cities highlights alarming trends in flood risks and slum settlements, with India emerging as the worst-affected country in terms of slum clusters located in flood-prone areas. This issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, poor infrastructure, and climate change, calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable populations in urban slums.
India’s Vulnerability:
Over 158 million slum dwellers in India live in flood-prone areas, primarily in the Ganga River delta, a naturally flood-prone region.
40% of slum dwellers reside in urban and suburban areas with high flood risk due to overcrowding and poorly managed infrastructure.
Other countries with significant vulnerable populations include Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Global Context:
Slum dwellers are 32% more likely to live in floodplains compared to other populations.
In cities like Mumbai and Jakarta, the flood risk is closely tied to slum density, indicating that these populations are disproportionately exposed to flood threats.
Disproportionate Vulnerability in the Global South:
In low- and middle-income countries, 33% of informal settlements are located in areas exposed to flooding.
Hotspots outside South Asia include Rwanda, northern Morocco, and coastal Rio de Janeiro.
Impact on Socioeconomic Inequality:
Slum dwellers face severe flood impacts, including job loss, displacement, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Lack of infrastructure and social safety nets exacerbates these vulnerabilities.
Riverine Floods:
Caused by overflowing rivers due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failures.
The Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Krishna River basins are most prone to flash floods, with the Himalayan regions facing higher risks due to steep slopes.
Urban Expansion:
Rapid urban growth, especially in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, is encroaching upon floodplains, worsening the risk of flooding.
India ranked 3rd globally (1985–2015) in urban growth into flood-prone areas.
Flash Floods:
Flash flood incidents have increased, with a rise from 132 incidents in 2020 to 184 in 2022. These are caused by extreme rainfall combined with saturated soil.
Notable events include Himachal Pradesh (2025), Wayanad (2024), and Ladakh (2024).
Climate Change:
Extreme rainfall events have doubled from 1981 to 2020, and monsoon rains have increased by 56%, significantly heightening flood risks.
Poor Drainage:
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru face waterlogging due to outdated or blocked drains, worsening urban flooding.
Weak Oversight:
Encroachments and plastic waste often block stormwater drains, as seen in the 2015 Chennai floods.
Lack of Local Strategies:
Absence of region-specific flood risk assessments hampers forecasting, land-use planning, and infrastructure improvements.
Defining Slums:
According to the Pranab Sen Committee (2010), slums are defined as settlements with poorly built houses, inadequate sanitation, and crowded living conditions.
UN-HABITAT defines slums as settlements lacking basic services like durable housing, clean water, sanitation, and secure tenure.
Slum Population in India:
According to Census 2011, 17% of India’s urban population resides in 1.39 crore slum households.
States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal have the highest slum populations.
Major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata show the strong correlation between urban growth and slum formation.
Regulations:
Housing and slum rehabilitation fall under state jurisdiction in India, guided by acts like the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956.
Region-Specific Adaptation:
Develop flood risk management strategies based on local topography and soil conditions, improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
Restrict Urban Expansion in Floodplains:
Enforce zoning laws and promote flood-resilient infrastructure under initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
Upgrading Informal Settlements:
Under schemes like PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), improve flood resilience through elevated housing, better drainage, and improved infrastructure in slums.
Data-Driven Risk Assessment:
Use tools like satellite imagery, Integrated Flood Warning Systems (IFLOWS), and data from the India Meteorological Department to monitor flood risks and improve flood forecasting.
Adopt the Sponge City Concept:
Cities like Shanghai and Mumbai are implementing the Sponge City model, using green roofs, permeable surfaces, and rain gardens to absorb excess rainwater and reduce flood risks.
Climate Change Adaptation:
Incorporate climate resilience into urban planning and restore urban lakes and wetlands to manage floods, as seen with Bengaluru’s Jakkur Lake restoration.
As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development approaches, urgent action is required to address flood vulnerability in slum settlements. These efforts should align with key SDGs:
SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
SDG Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
SDG Goal 1 (No Poverty)
Addressing these challenges is essential for improving the lives of millions of slum dwellers already exposed to the devastating impacts of floods. Efforts must be ramped up to create resilient urban infrastructure and flood-resistant housing, ensuring that no community is left behind.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
