The recent findings about Indian Rosewood (scientifically known as Dalbergia latifolia) are concerning, particularly the revelation that only 17.2% of its suitable habitat lies within protected areas, according to research from the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) in Bengaluru.
Species Overview:
Known as Dalbergia latifolia, Indian Rosewood is often referred to as the "ivory of the forests" due to its highly prized timber.
It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to the foothills of the Himalayas, ranging from Afghanistan in the west to Bihar in India in the east.
Habitat and Distribution:
Indian Rosewood primarily grows along riverbanks at elevations of 200-1,400 meters (approximately 700-4,600 feet). It thrives in regions with moist soil and ample sunlight.
It is commonly found in the Himalayan foothills and adjacent areas, particularly in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Afghanistan.
Ecological and Economic Importance:
Timber: Indian Rosewood is renowned for its rich grain, deep color, and exceptional durability, making it a highly valuable resource for furniture, musical instruments, veneers, and handicrafts.
Ecological Role: The tree is considered a keystone species. It improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, supports a variety of birds and insects, and serves as a carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change.
Conservation Concerns:
Regeneration Issues: One of the most concerning issues is the lack of young trees. Researchers have observed that populations are dominated by mature, aging trees, with almost no regeneration in the wild. Seedlings are either rare or completely absent in many areas.
Illegal Logging: Indian Rosewood has been heavily exploited for its timber, and in some areas, illegal logging has contributed to the rapid decline in its numbers.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Indian Rosewood is classified as Vulnerable, meaning it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.
CITES Appendix II: The species is listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II, which restricts its trade to ensure that it doesn't become endangered due to over-exploitation.
The fact that only 17.2% of its suitable habitat lies within protected areas is worrying because protected areas offer the best chance for the species to thrive and regenerate. Without these areas, the survival of the species is at risk from deforestation, illegal logging, and the lack of habitat restoration efforts.
Conservation programs focusing on habitat protection, reforestation, and sustainable management are crucial to preventing further decline of the species. Awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of CITES regulations, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices in the timber industry will be key in conserving Indian Rosewood.
India’s banking sector plays a pivotal role in fostering the country’s economic development, driving financial inclusion, supporting critical sectors like MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and boosting the rural economy.
Credit Disbursal: By March 2024, Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) disbursed a total of ₹164.3 lakh crore in credit, a 20.2% increase YoY (compared to 15% in FY23). This growth in credit supports economic activity and enables sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services to flourish.
Agricultural Credit: Agricultural credit grew significantly, from ₹13.3 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹20.7 lakh crore in FY24. With over 7.4 crore operative Kisan Credit Card accounts, this directly supports farmers and rural businesses, contributing to rural economic growth.
Non-Performing Assets (NPA): The Gross NPA ratio of SCBs has improved significantly, falling to 2.8% in March 2024, the lowest in 12 years, from 11.2% in FY18. This reflects better risk management and recovery practices in the banking system.
Resilient Top Banks: The top 10 Indian banks account for over 50% of total banking assets, enhancing their ability to withstand interest rate fluctuations and economic volatility.
Banks provide low-cost credit to MSMEs, fueling employment generation, industrial innovation, and economic diversification.
Industrial Credit Growth: Industrial credit grew by 8.5% in FY24, a significant improvement from the 5.2% growth in FY23. This supports infrastructure and industrial development.
Digital Banking: India’s banking sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. Over 77% of adults now have accounts in formal financial institutions, reducing access gaps based on income and gender.
UPI Growth: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions surged from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY17 to ₹200 lakh crore in FY24, showcasing the growing reliance on digital platforms for financial transactions.
Smartphone Penetration: With 116.5 crore smartphone subscribers as of March 2024, India is uniquely positioned to leverage mobile banking for financial inclusion.
Fund Mobilization: In FY24, primary market fund mobilization reached ₹10.9 lakh crore, and IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) rose from 164 in FY23 to 272 in FY24, indicating a vibrant equity market.
Corporate Bond Issuances: Corporate bond issuances rose to ₹8.6 lakh crore in FY24, the highest ever, facilitating long-term growth and corporate funding.
PMJDY: Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts have exceeded 56 crore, with 67% in rural/semi-urban areas and 56% held by women, promoting financial inclusion.
Ayushman Bharat: Over 34.2 crore health cards have been issued under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, helping ensure access to healthcare for underprivileged sections of society.
National Pension System (NPS): Total subscribers to the NPS and Atal Pension Yojana rose to 735.6 lakh, with a 48.5% female participation.
While the banking sector has made significant contributions to economic growth, it faces several challenges that require attention:
Credit Growth vs Deposit Mobilization: Credit growth is outpacing deposit mobilization, potentially causing liquidity pressures. To bridge this gap, banks are relying on short-term borrowings and Certificates of Deposit, making them more vulnerable to interest rate changes.
Changing Savings Patterns: Households are increasingly shifting savings to mutual funds, insurance, and pension schemes, reducing banks' traditional low-cost deposit base.
As digital banking grows, the exposure to cyberattacks, system failures, and risks from outsourced operations also increases. Inadequate management in these areas can lead to operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage.
The rapid expansion of retail and unsecured credit introduces higher risks of defaults, leverage, and potential systemic vulnerabilities. Banks need to strengthen risk assessment and governance frameworks to mitigate these risks.
To ensure continued economic growth and resilience, the following measures can strengthen India’s banking sector:
Aligning with Basel III guidelines and Narasimham Committee recommendations is crucial for ensuring adequate capital buffers and enhancing risk management practices.
Advanced risk-based models for assessing retail and unsecured lending can help improve capital adequacy and reduce delinquencies, ensuring a more sustainable sector.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) framework for responsible AI (FREE-AI) can be used to encourage AI-driven risk analytics and fintech partnerships to boost the efficiency and reach of the banking sector, while ensuring security and compliance.
Initiatives like MuleHunter AI and the Account Aggregator Framework should be expanded to safeguard against cyber threats.
Enforcing consumer protection norms and ensuring transparency in loan contracts and fair pricing mechanisms can build trust, especially in microfinance and financial inclusion programs.
Expanding priority sector lending, co-lending models, and digital credit platforms can bring underserved populations into the formal financial system, creating more equitable access to credit.
Integrating sustainability and climate risk assessments into lending practices can help banks mitigate greenwashing risks and provide transition financing for businesses adapting to climate change.
Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing supervision, and conducting risk-based audits will improve the resilience of India’s banking sector, making it better prepared for economic shocks.
India’s banking sector is crucial to the nation’s economic growth. By adopting digital innovation, ensuring cybersecurity, and promoting financial inclusion, banks can support sustainable growth, create jobs, and boost financial stability. Furthermore, integrating climate-aware lending and transition financing can align the sector with global sustainability goals. The sector’s resilience will not only improve domestic savings mobilization but also foster investor confidence, integrating India more deeply into global financial markets.
The Standing Committee on Finance has suggested several measures for India to navigate the growing global trade uncertainties and the rise of protectionism. Several key events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and regional conflicts in West Asia, have disrupted energy markets and global supply chains, making India’s trade more vulnerable. Additionally, the United States' imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian products has further highlighted the challenges India faces in the current global trade environment.
However, experts see these challenges as an opportunity for India to evolve from a service-oriented economy into a true product nation, as indicated by recent government reforms like GST rationalization.
A product nation is a country that:
Produces and exports a substantial volume of high-value goods.
Transitions from being a consumer or assembler of goods to a creator of globally competitive products, thereby enhancing both economic strength and global strategic standing.
This transformation aligns with the concept of the Smile Curve by Stan Shih, which shows that the highest value in a product's lifecycle lies in activities such as research and development (R&D), design, branding, and distribution, rather than just manufacturing.
Example: Companies like Apple (with a market cap of $3 trillion) earn far more than Foxconn (with a market cap of $85 billion), which only assembles Apple products.
Several countries, including South Korea, Japan, and many Southeast Asian nations, have successfully transitioned to manufacturing hubs over the past three decades, becoming product nations.
India faces several challenges in shifting from a service-oriented economy to a product-driven one:
Innovation & R&D Gaps:
India spends just 0.65% of its GDP on R&D, which is insufficient for fostering innovation, especially in high-tech and manufacturing sectors.
Import Dependence:
India remains heavily reliant on imports, including energy, fertilizers, metals, and technology, making the country vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Semiconductors are a key area of dependence, with India importing 65-70% of its semiconductor needs.
Low Private Investment:
Despite various reforms, private sector investment in advanced manufacturing and innovation remains subdued.
Regulatory and Policy Bottlenecks:
Delays in approvals, complex compliance processes, and challenges in creating a business-friendly environment hinder growth and investment in the manufacturing sector.
Structural Constraints:
India faces issues such as weak infrastructure and a shortage of skilled labor, which limit the ability to scale manufacturing and add value.
Programs like Make in India risk turning into assembly operations rather than genuine value-added manufacturing.
Employment Generation Mismatch:
Despite a growing young workforce, there is a mismatch between the pace of job creation and the need for skilled labor, particularly in manufacturing.
Climate & Sustainability Risks:
India’s heavy reliance on coal (which generates more than 70% of its electricity) poses environmental and energy transition risks.
The country faces climate change impacts and a lack of preparedness for a green finance transition.
Strengthen Manufacturing:
Scale up the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to incentivize indigenous innovation in key sectors like electronics, semiconductors, and electric vehicles (EVs).
Encourage technology integration in manufacturing to create high-value, globally competitive products.
Infrastructure & Connectivity Push:
Invest in logistics parks, multimodal transport, and digital connectivity to enhance manufacturing and integrate Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into global value chains.
The National Logistics Policy (2022) is one such initiative to streamline supply chains.
Invest in Human Capital:
Reform education and skill development to meet the demands of a product-driven economy. Focus on skills related to AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Skill India and Gati Shakti initiatives can act as building blocks to train a workforce ready for Industry 5.0.
Foster Product Development Platforms:
Promote innovation through product development platforms and incubation centers like Atal Incubation Centers, which provide startups and companies with the resources to accelerate product development.
Adopt Industry 5.0 Principles:
Align with the principles of Industry 5.0, where human creativity is integrated with intelligent technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT to drive manufacturing and innovation.
In this model, advanced technologies do not replace humans but work with humans to enhance production, ensuring sustainability and resilience.
India has a significant opportunity to transition from a service-oriented to a product-driven economy. This shift is essential for reducing external vulnerabilities, enhancing economic autonomy, and boosting its global competitiveness. By focusing on indigenous innovation, advanced manufacturing, and human capital investment, India can position itself as a leader in the global manufacturing landscape.
The government's focus on initiatives like PLIs, digital infrastructure, and industry-specific reforms provides the necessary tools to create a resilient, sustainable, and competitive manufacturing ecosystem. By addressing regulatory bottlenecks, skills gaps, and environmental risks, India can become a true product nation in the coming decades, capturing significant value across the entire product lifecycle and enhancing its strategic standing in the world
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released critical reports highlighting the global burden of mental health issues.
13.6% of the global population is affected by mental disorders (age-standardized prevalence), with the prevalence rising faster than the global population between 2011-2021.
Anxiety and depression together account for over two-thirds of all mental health cases worldwide.
Anxiety tends to begin earlier, often during childhood or adolescence.
Depression becomes more common after the age of 40, peaking between 50-69 years.
Young adults (ages 20–29) have seen the highest increase (1.8%) in the prevalence of mental disorders since 2011.
Males have higher rates of disorders like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
Females have higher rates of anxiety, depressive, and eating disorders.
Suicide is responsible for 1 in 100 deaths globally, and it remains the leading cause of death among young people.
Current projections indicate that suicide mortality will decline by only 12% by 2030, which is far below the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of a one-third reduction.
According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, around 10.6% of Indian adults suffer from mental disorders. The prevalence is higher in urban areas (13.5%) than in rural areas (6.9%).
Between 70% to 92% of those affected by mental health issues do not receive appropriate treatment due to stigma, lack of awareness, and a shortage of trained professionals.
India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends 3 psychiatrists per 100,000.
India has made strides in mental health integration:
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP, 1982) integrates mental health care into general health care.
Ayushman Bharat aims to upgrade health centers to provide mental health services.
NIMHANS Act, 2012: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences was designated an Institute of National Importance.
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Guarantees the right to mental healthcare, decriminalizes suicide, and ensures dignity for individuals.
National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS, 2022) aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030, focusing on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.
Digital Initiatives:
iGOT-Diksha: Trains healthcare professionals and community workers in mental health.
National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS, 2022): Provides 24/7 mental health support through a toll-free helpline in 20 languages.
Mental health isn’t just a medical concern—it’s also an ethical issue that affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Mental health is an essential part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Neglecting it undermines human dignity and the ability to live a meaningful life.
Uneven access, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates the divide. There is an ethical responsibility to ensure equitable distribution of mental health resources.
Stigma and discrimination often prevent individuals from seeking care or making informed decisions. It is crucial to ensure that individuals have the freedom to access support without fear of prejudice or social exclusion.
Workplaces, schools, and governments have an obligation to reduce harmful stressors and prevent avoidable suffering—whether it’s suicides or work-related mental distress. Ignoring these responsibilities is ethically wrong.
Small acts of respect, inclusion, and kindness go a long way in supporting mental well-being. An ethical society is one that recognizes and responds to the suffering of others.
Untreated mental health issues can affect productivity, social cohesion, and public safety. Addressing mental health is not just about charity; it is a social obligation for the good of society.
Mental health is a global challenge that demands urgent action. In India, addressing this issue is not only a matter of health policy but also an ethical responsibility. By improving access to mental health care, addressing treatment gaps, and promoting inclusive practices, India can move towards a more equitable and compassionate society, ensuring the well-being of all individuals. Efforts like digital health initiatives, early intervention strategies, and suicide prevention programs are steps in the right direction, but much more remains to be done
The Standing Committee on Finance recently recommended that the Central Government create a comprehensive action plan to evenly distribute industries across states to reduce the regional imbalances in India. The 26th Report titled “Roadmap for Indian Economic Growth in Light of Global Economic and Geopolitical Circumstances” emphasized that while industrial development is a state subject, the Central Government’s initiatives are crucial for guiding this development. Additionally, the Economic Survey 2024-25 also highlighted the significant disparities in industrial development between states.
Regional imbalances refer to uneven economic growth and development between different geographical regions of India, with some states developing faster than others. The government is now focusing on addressing these imbalances, which hinder overall national progress.
Several factors contribute to these regional imbalances:
Historical Factors:
During the British era, development was concentrated in areas like West Bengal and Maharashtra, leaving many regions underdeveloped.
Geographical Factors:
Difficult terrain in areas like the Himalayas and Northeastern states raises costs and makes it harder to implement development projects.
Political Factors:
Political instability and protests can also affect industrial development. For example, the Tata Nano project was relocated from West Bengal to Gujarat due to protests and political issues.
Policy Disparities:
Certain policies like the Green Revolution disproportionately benefited states like Punjab and Haryana, exacerbating existing regional imbalances.
Lack of Ancillary Industries:
Despite developing large public sector enterprises in regions like Rourkela and Bhilai, there has been a lack of ancillary industries in many backward areas, leading to slow industrial growth.
Location-Specific Growth:
Cities near national capitals or well-connected regions, like Gurugram or Noida near Delhi, naturally develop faster due to proximity and better infrastructure.
Infrastructure Deficit:
Poor infrastructure—including roads, railways, banking services, and electricity—limits industrial growth in many states, especially in the Northeast and other backward areas.
The regional disparities have wide-ranging consequences:
Security Concerns:
Areas with low development face insurgency (e.g., North-East India) or left-wing extremism (e.g., Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha), which undermines national security.
Political Fragmentation:
There is an increasing demand for new states and autonomy (e.g., Telangana, Vidarbha), reflecting dissatisfaction with uneven development.
Economic Slowdown:
Uneven development hampers national economic growth and deepens the economic divide. States like Karnataka (per capita income Rs 2,04,605) are far ahead of Madhya Pradesh (Rs 70,434).
Reinforcing Imbalances:
Prosperous regions attract more investments, creating a cycle where cities like Chennai and Bangalore continue to grow faster than others.
Environmental Damage:
Industrial concentration in certain areas leads to pollution (e.g., Delhi’s air pollution) and environmental degradation.
Social and Human Development Issues:
Frustration among vulnerable groups (like SC/ST, OBCs, and women) is heightened by disparities in healthcare, education, and housing.
There are stark disparities in the Human Development Index (HDI), with Goa ranking at the top and Bihar at the bottom.
Healthcare inadequacy is evident in states like Bihar, where one doctor serves 28,391 people, compared to Delhi, where one doctor serves just 2,203 people.
To address regional imbalances, India needs to adopt a multi-pronged approach:
Promoting New Financial Institutions in Backward Regions:
Establishing new financial institutions in backward areas could help foster all-around development in these regions.
Setting up New Regional Boards:
Creating regional boards with the necessary legal powers and funding can help in targeting the removal of imbalances.
Establishing Growth Corridors:
Growth corridors should be developed, encompassing education zones, agriculture zones, and industrial zones for the rapid development of backward areas.
Performance-Based Funding:
A performance-based funding system could reward states that significantly reduce internal regional disparities, incentivizing development in lagging areas.
Additional Funds for Infrastructure:
Extra funding should be provided to improve core infrastructure in backward regions, particularly at the inter-district level.
Strengthening Governance in Backward States:
Effective administration can help these states raise revenues, attract investment, and improve the utilization of resources.
Deregulation, R&D, and Innovation:
Policies aimed at deregulating industries, promoting research and development, and boosting innovation could facilitate industrial growth in underdeveloped regions.
To effectively address regional imbalances and foster balanced development, India needs to create an environment that promotes innovation, attracts investment, and ensures efficient use of resources. By focusing on strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, and promoting cooperative and competitive federalism, the country can help all states develop at a more equitable pace. As the Standing Committee on Finance suggests, addressing these regional disparities is not only critical for national growth but also for ensuring social stability and economic autonomy in the long run
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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.
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