It’s Time for India to Breathe Free : By Making a Healthy Environment a Fundamental Right

Delhi’s skies have, yet again, turned into a toxic grey blanket. Schools are shutting, flights are disrupted, and doctors are reporting a surge in respiratory emergencies. This annual ritual is more than a seasonal inconvenience; it’s a stark, suffocating symbol of a systemic failure. For decades, India has relied on judicial innovation and policy patchwork to combat environmental degradation. But as pollution becomes a year-round, nationwide crisis, this approach is proving tragically inadequate. The moment has arrived for India to take a historic constitutional step: explicitly recognizing the fundamental right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

The Judicial Bridge Is Strained

The Supreme Court has been heroic in its efforts. By expanding Article 21’s “right to life” to include the right to clean air and water, it built a bridge where the Constitution’s framers left a gap. Landmark judgments have given us vital principles: the Polluter Pays doctrine, the Precautionary Principle, and the Public Trust Doctrine. Yet, this is a bridge under immense strain. Enforcing these judicially-crafted rights remains cumbersome, reactive, and dependent on persistent litigation. It turns citizens into perpetual petitioners, fighting for the most basic human need—healthy survival. A right that must be repeatedly argued and reinterpreted in court lacks the immediate, self-executing power of a fundamental right enshrined in Part III of the Constitution.

Why an Explicit Right Matters

Inclusion in Part III is not a mere symbolic act. It is a transformative legal tool.

1. Clarity and Direct Enforcement: It would provide an unambiguous, standalone basis for citizens to challenge the state and polluters directly. The burden of proof would shift more decisively towards those harming the environment.
2. Strengthens State Accountability: While Article 48A (Directive Principle) guides the state, it is not legally enforceable. A fundamental right would impose a direct, justiciable duty on the government to act as the primary guardian of the environment. Inaction in the face of Delhi’s smog would become a clearer, more direct violation of constitutional mandate.
3. Elevates Environmental Governance: It would force a fundamental re-evaluation of development projects, industrial clearances, and urban planning through the lens of a non-negotiable right. Economic “ease of doing business” could no longer trump the constitutional right to breathe.
4. Aligns with Global and Moral Imperatives: Over 150 countries recognize this right in their legal frameworks. As the world’s most populous nation and a climate-vulnerable hotspot, India’s leadership is crucial. Domestically, it would affirm that the right to life, in the 21st century, is meaningless without a life-sustaining environment.

Addressing the Counter-Arguments

Skeptics argue that we already have enough laws and that a new right would create litigation chaos. This is a profound misreading of both the crisis and the law. Our existing laws are often weakened by poor implementation, conflicting mandates, and institutional silos. A fundamental right would act as an overarching constitutional compass, guiding and harmonizing all environmental legislation and policy.

The fear of excessive litigation is outweighed by the reality of excessive morbidity. A right is not a veto on development but a mandate for sustainable development. It would not stop industrialization; it would mandate cleaner industries. It would not halt infrastructure but demand green infrastructure.

The Path Forward

Parliament must initiate a constitutional amendment. The drafting must be precise, embedding not just the right but also the principles of intergenerational equity, climate justice, and the duty of care. Simultaneously, we must strengthen our regulatory institutions—like the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)—with greater autonomy, scientific heft, and enforcement power.

Conclusion

The air of Delhi is a warning we can no longer ignore. We have patched, pleaded, and litigated our way through this crisis for too long. The judiciary has done its part, valiantly reading the writing on the smog-filled wall. Now, it is time for the legislature to act. By engraving the right to a healthy environment into our Constitution, we would do more than change a legal text. We would affirm a new social contract—one where India’s growth is measured not only by its GDP but by the breathability of its air and the vitality of its natural wealth. It is the most profound gift we can give to our children: the constitutional right to a future where they can breathe free.

The Great Indian Education Paradox: Free by Right, Costly by Reality

India’s Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education to every child. The National Education Policy 2020 ambitiously extends this vision from the preschool years through secondary school. Yet, ask any parent today about “free education,” and you’ll likely be met with a weary smile. Behind that smile lies a story of mounting fees, private tuition bills, and agonising financial choices that betray the spirit of our constitutional promise.

Recent national data paints a troubling picture: schooling in India is increasingly a paid privilege, not a guaranteed right. While 55.9% of students still attend government schools, a seismic and telling shift is underway. Nearly a third of all students—and over half in urban areas—now attend private, fee-charging institutions. This is not merely a preference; it is a vote of no-confidence in the public system, driven by a widespread perception of better quality.

But this “better” quality comes at a staggering cost. In rural India, sending a child to a private school can consume between ₹1,500 to ₹2,800 per month—a sum that aligns with the entire monthly consumption expenditure of the country’s poorest households. In cities, the burden climbs higher. Astonishingly, even government schools, mandated to be free, charge fees to a significant minority of students. The guarantee of Article 21A rings hollow for families scraping together these payments.

The Shadow System of Inequality

Just as alarming is the normalization of a parallel, privatised shadow system: coaching. What began as niche test preparation has become a mainstream academic scaffold. Over 30% of urban and 25% of rural students now rely on paid tuition, with the figure soaring at higher grades. Urban households spend an average of ₹13,000 annually per child on coaching—almost double the rural spend.

This creates a double injustice. First, it imposes an additional financial layer on families already straining to pay school fees. Second, and more perniciously, it amplifies inequality. Coaching is a service purchased by the advantaged: those with higher incomes, educated parents, and urban addresses. It provides an unregulated, unfair academic boost, deepening the chasm between the haves and have-nots from childhood itself. The message is clear: your parents’ wallet is a key determinant of your educational outcome.

A Vicious Cycle We Must Break

This trend sets off a dangerous cycle. As aspirational families exit the public system, government schools face declining enrolment and political salience. This can lead to neglect, further erosion of quality, and a deepening of the perception gap, justifying more flight to the private sector. The very idea of a common, unifying public education system—essential for a diverse democracy—is being hollowed out.

The solution is not to berate parents for seeking the best for their children, nor to over-regulate private actors into ineffectiveness. The solution lies squarely where the responsibility does: with the state.

Reclaiming the Public Promise

The path forward must be a relentless, mission-mode revitalisation of the public education system. The NEP 2020 provides the blueprint; we need the political will and resources to build it. This goes beyond infrastructure.

We must focus on the human core of education: recruiting, training, and supporting excellent teachers. We must implement the NEP’s focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy with urgency, ensuring no child falls behind in the early years. We must universalise quality Early Childhood Education to level the playing field from the start. Research confirms that improved school quality directly reduces the demand for private tuition. This should be our most powerful metric for success.

The goal is to make the neighbourhood government school the first, best, and most aspirational choice for every parent. This is not a utopian ideal; it is the bare minimum required to fulfil a constitutional mandate.

Education was envisioned as the great equaliser, the engine of social mobility. Today, it risks becoming an engine of stratification. We stand at a crossroads. One path leads to a fractured society where a child’s future is auctioned to the highest bidder. The other leads back to the foundational promise of our Republic: that every child, regardless of birth, has an equal right to learn, grow, and thrive.

The choice is ours. We must choose public trust over private cost, and reclaim education as a fundamental right for all, not a privileged commodity for some.

Core Paradox: The State vs. The People

At the philosophical center is the circular problem you identified: In a democracy, sovereignty resides in “the people,” yet it is the state apparatus that defines and verifies who constitutes “the people.” This creates an inherent tension between inclusion (democratic legitimacy) and exclusion (administrative control). When the burden of proof shifts from the state to the individual, the presumption of citizenship—a bedrock of democratic trust—is destabilized.

The Documentary Labyrinth and Shifting Burdens

India’s lack of a singular, incontrovertible “master document” for citizenship forces reliance on a patchwork of proxies (voter IDs, passports, legacy data). This labyrinth places immense weight on documentary evidence, which is often unevenly available across class, region, and community. The legal evolution from jus soli toward a more restrictive, descent-based framework, compounded by the introduction of the “illegal migrant” category and religion-based exceptions (CAA, 2019), has made citizenship increasingly conditional and investigable.

Institutional Jurisdiction: ECI vs. MHA

The dispute over the ECI’s SIR highlights a jurisdictional grey zone. While the ECI rightly seeks accurate rolls, its verification actions inevitably brush against the MHA’s exclusive legal mandate to determine citizenship. This clash reveals a systemic gap: verification processes that have the effect of questioning citizenship status are undertaken without the clear legal safeguards and appellate structures (like Foreigners Tribunals) that govern formal citizenship determination.

The Assam Precedent: Bureaucratized Anxiety

Assam’s NRC exercise operationalized the “burden on the individual” principle at a massive scale. Its outcomes—19 lakh people in a state of legal limbo, the trauma of document forensics, and the subsequent political discomfort when exclusion crossed religious lines—serve as a cautionary tale. It demonstrated how bureaucratic processes, reliant on brittle legacy documents and frontline discretion, can become engines of existential anxiety and de facto disenfranchisement.

The Unavoidable Human Element

You correctly note that whether under ECI or MHA, the final arbiters are local officials—the patwari, the constable, the booth-level officer. Their interpretations, biases, and understandings of complex rules directly translate into inclusion or exclusion. This “administrative paradox” means that the lofty constitutional question of “Who is an Indian?” is often answered in cramped government offices based on fragmented paperwork.

Conclusion: The Search for a Democratic Balance

The quest for a “perfect” electoral roll or a “definitive” citizenship register confronts an irreducible dilemma: No technically rigorous verification process can be purely neutral. It is always embedded in political history, social hierarchies, and the state’s evolving conception of belonging.

Therefore, the critical question for Indian democracy is not just how to verify, but under what principles:

1. Procedural Fairness: Are processes accessible, transparent, and equipped with robust grievance redressal?
2. Presumption of Innocence: Does the system err on the side of inclusion, treating citizenship as a right to be protected, not a privilege to be arduously proven?
3. Minimizing Arbitrary Power: Are clear, consistent legal standards in place to constrain frontline bureaucratic discretion?
4. Constitutional Morality: Do verification mechanisms uphold the fundamental rights to equality, dignity, and non-discrimination?

Ultimately, resolving India’s citizenship debate requires more than administrative efficiency; it demands a renewed political and social consensus on what it means to belong. The state must verify, but it must do so in a manner that strengthens, rather than undermines, the democratic covenant that the state exists for its people, and that “the people” are defined by a shared future, not just a provable past.

The Sanchar Saathi Mandate – Security at What Cost?

The Indian government’s recent directive to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones, framed as a necessary shield against digital fraud, is a classic case of a well-intentioned policy veering dangerously towards digital authoritarianism. While the goal of empowering citizens against scams is laudable, the means chosen—compulsory preinstallation, ambiguous deletability, and expansive data access—set a perilous precedent that threatens the very rights it claims to protect.

The Slippery Slope of “For Your Own Good”

The government’s justification rests on the alarming rise in cybercrime. The Sanchar Saathi portal, with tools like Chakshu for reporting fraud and the ability to block stolen phones, is undoubtedly useful. The problem lies not in the tool, but in the mandated delivery mechanism. By invoking the amended Telecom Cyber Security Rules and the expansive definition of a “Telecommunication Identifier User Entity,” the government has crafted a legal backdoor to insert its software deep into the personal devices of millions.

The Minister’s subsequent clarification that the app is “not mandatory” rings hollow. When an app is preinstalled by default on every new phone and pushed via updates, the burden of action shifts to the user. For the non-tech-savvy majority, it becomes a de facto permanent fixture. This creates a two-tiered digital reality: the informed who can navigate removal, and the rest for whom state software is a compulsory background actor.

The Privacy Paradox and The Ghost of Puttaswamy

The Supreme Court’s landmark Justice K.S. Puttaswamy judgment established privacy as a fundamental right. Any state intrusion must pass the tests of legality, necessity, proportionality, and procedural safeguards. The Sanchar Saathi mandate stumbles on multiple counts.

· Proportionality & Least Intrusiveness: Is forcing an app onto every smartphone the least intrusive way to achieve fraud prevention? A robust awareness campaign, a voluntary but highly promoted app, and strengthening existing legal and law enforcement frameworks are less intrusive alternatives. The mandate fails this test.
· Lack of Meaningful Consent: The app’s automatic registration—sending an SMS to DoT without explicit user consent—is a blatant violation of the principle of informed consent. It treats citizens as data subjects, not rights-bearing individuals.
· The Surveillance Shadow: The combination of broad permissions (SMS, call logs) and the app’s status as a government platform exempt from key provisions of the Data Protection Act is deeply troubling. It creates a architecture where the state, in the name of security, gains a privileged window into personal communication. The history of mission creep in surveillance tools, both in India and globally, gives little comfort that this access will remain narrowly focused on fraudsters.

The Chilling Effect on Industry and Innovation

The mandate forces smartphone manufacturers, both domestic and global, to reconfigure their operating systems at a fundamental level. As industry voices have warned, this could introduce security vulnerabilities, making devices more, not less, susceptible to bad actors. It also places an unfair compliance burden on companies, distorting the market and potentially stifling innovation. If the government can mandate one app today, what prevents it from mandating others tomorrow?

The Way Forward: Voluntary, Transparent, and Rights-Respecting

The fight against digital fraud is crucial. However, it must be waged without sacrificing the bedrock of a democratic society: personal liberty and privacy.

1. Truly Voluntary Adoption: The government should withdraw the pre-installation mandate. Let Sanchar Saathi succeed on its merits—through public trust, demonstrated efficacy, and transparent operations. A voluntarily adopted, widely used app is far more powerful than a coerced one.
2. Strengthen Procedural Safeguards: Any data collection must be preceded by explicit, granular consent. There must be independent oversight and clear, publicly accessible data retention and usage policies. The source code should be open to audit by credible third parties to allay fears of hidden functions.
3. Focus on Systemic Solutions: Instead of an app-centric approach, the government should double down on strengthening financial and telecom regulations, speeding up cybercrime prosecution, and investing in cyber-police capabilities. Empowering users through education is a more sustainable solution than installing software on their devices.

Security and privacy are not zero-sum games. A policy that erodes constitutional rights to provide safety offers a false bargain. The Sanchar Saathi, in its current mandated form, is a step onto a path where the device in your pocket—the repository of your most private thoughts, conversations, and transactions—ceases to be fully yours. We must demand a security framework that protects us from both criminals and the overreach of the state. The government would do well to remember that in a democracy, the most important system to secure is the one built on public trust.

Onion Sector in India – Price Distress and Policy Challenges

Onion Production in India: An Overview

The onion is not just a vegetable in India;it is a politically sensitive commodity whose price can influence elections. India is the world’s second-largest producer of onions (after China), with an annual production averaging between 25 to 30 million tonnes. This staple is grown across the country but is concentrated in a few key states.

Key Statistics and Regions

· Leading Producers: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar are the top onion-producing states.
· Maharashtra’s Dominance: Maharashtra is the undisputed leader, accounting for a massive share of the national output. Key producing districts include Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune, and Solapur, which benefit from a favourable climate and soil conditions.

Cropping Seasons

India grows onions in three distinct seasons:

1. Kharif (Monsoon): Harvested Oct-Dec. Perishable, not stored for long.
2. Late Kharif: Harvested Jan-Mar.
3. Rabi (Winter): Harvested Mar-Apr. This is the most important crop, constituting nearly 60% of India’s annual production. Rabi onions have a higher dry matter content, making them suitable for storage and supplying the market until the next Kharif harvest.

Persistent Challenges

Despite its massive output,the Indian onion sector is plagued by systemic issues:

· Extreme Price Volatility: Prices swing wildly due to factors like bumper harvests, crop damage from unseasonal rains, and poor storage.
· Massive Storage Losses: A significant portion of the Rabi onion crop deteriorates in traditional storage structures (kanda chawls), leading to wastage and forcing farmers into distress sales.
· Inconsistent Export Policies: The government frequently imposes export bans, minimum export prices (MEP), and duties to control domestic prices. This policy flip-flop damages India’s credibility as a reliable global supplier.
· Rising Production Costs: The cost of cultivation (including seeds, fertilizers, labour, and storage) has skyrocketed, often ranging between ₹2,200 to ₹2,500 per quintal. When market prices fall below this, farmers incur heavy losses.

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The Maharashtra Onion Crisis

The Immediate Cause of the Protests
Onion farmers in Maharashtra,primarily in the Nashik region, began aggressive protests in September 2025. The trigger was a severe crash in prices, where they were receiving a meagre ₹800 to ₹1,000 per quintal—less than half their cost of production.

Why Did the Crisis Worsen?

1. Distress from Stored Stocks: Farmers had stored their Rabi harvest expecting prices to rise later in the year. However, with the onset of the monsoon, these stocks began to sprout and rot, forcing them to sell immediately at any available price.
2. Impact of Buffer Stock Sales: To keep consumer prices in check, the central government directed its agencies—the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF)—to release onions from their buffer stocks into the market at subsidized rates. While intended to help consumers, this move increased supply and further depressed wholesale market prices, aggravating farmers’ losses.

Key Demands of the Protesting Farmers

The farmers have put forth a clear set of demands:

1. Financial Compensation: A relief package of ₹1,500 per quintal to offset their current losses.
2. Halt Buffer Stock Sales: An immediate stop to the sale of NAFED/NCCF onions in cities to prevent further downward pressure on prices.
3. Stable Export Policy: They demand a uniform and predictable export policy to restore trust among international buyers and ensure a steady outlet for their produce.

The Impact of Erratic Export Policies

India’s export policy has directly contributed to the crisis:

· India exported 25.25 lakh tonnes of onions in 2022–23.
· Due to successive bans and restrictions, exports fell drastically to 11.47 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.
· This policy inconsistency has allowed competitors like China, Pakistan, and Iran to capture India’s former market share in key importing countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. Regaining this lost market is difficult.

Suggested Solutions and the Way Forward

Experts and farmers suggest several measures to break this cycle of crises:

· Incentivize Exports: Instead of bans, the government should incentivize exports to regain global market share when there is a surplus.
· Procurement Support: Replicating successful state models, like Andhra Pradesh’s procurement at ₹1,200 per quintal, could provide a much-needed Minimum Support Price (MSP) safety net for farmers in Maharashtra.
· Long-Term Structural Reforms: Investing in modern cold storage chains, promoting Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) for better collective bargaining, and developing varieties with longer shelf lives are crucial for long-term stability.

Conclusion

The protests in Maharashtra are a symptom of a deep-rooted malaise in India’s agricultural policy, which often prioritizes short-term consumer price control over long-term farmer prosperity. The onion crisis underscores an urgent need for structural reforms that balance the interests of both consumers and producers. Without stable export strategies, robust procurement mechanisms, and massive infrastructure upgrades, India’s onion farmers will remain vulnerable to the same volatile markets and policy inconsistencies, leading to recurrent protests and distress.

“India’s $30 Trillion Goal Depends on Women’s Inclusion”

This article argues that India’s ambitious goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047 is unattainable without the full economic inclusion of women. It identifies key problems, proposes a solution via the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index, and outlines necessary systemic reforms.

Key Challenges:

· Low Economic Contribution: Women contribute only 18% to India’s GDP.
· Low Workforce Participation: Nearly 196 million employable women remain outside the workforce, and only 18% of those working are in formal jobs.
· Hidden Barriers: Broad national data often masks specific, systemic barriers that prevent women from participating in and benefiting from economic growth.

The Solution: The Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index Uttar Pradesh has launched India’s first district-level WEE Index to tackle these challenges.Its value is twofold:

1. Makes Gaps Visible: It tracks women’s participation across five key areas (jobs, education/skills, entrepreneurship, livelihood/mobility, safety/infrastructure), revealing hidden problems.
2. Drives Systemic Reform: For example, data on the transport sector led to reforms in hiring women bus staff and building supportive infrastructure like restrooms. It also exposed the gap between high female enrolment in skilling programs and low transition to entrepreneurship or credit access.

Urgent Systemic Reforms Needed: The article calls for two critical changes to scale the index’s impact:

1. Universal Gender-Disaggregated Data: Every government department (MSME, housing, etc.) must collect and use detailed data that tracks not just participation but also retention, leadership, and job quality for women.
2. Reimagined Gender Budgeting: Gender analysis should be applied to all spending across sectors like education, energy, and infrastructure—not just limited to welfare schemes. Effective budgeting is impossible without measuring inclusion.

Conclusion: The WEE Index provides a replicable model for other states.By turning data into actionable district-level plans, India can shift from intent to systemic change. Closing gender gaps through better data, targeted budgeting, and frameworks like the WEE Index is essential to unlock India’s true economic potential and bring women from the margins to the center of the nation’s growth story.

E20 Fuel Rollout: A Milestone with Trade-offs

Introduction

India has marked a significant energy milestone with the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—five years ahead of the original 2030 target. Celebrated as a step toward energy self-reliance and lower carbon emissions, the transition supports sugarcane farmers, reduces the crude import bill, and aligns with the country’s climate goals.

However, this green shift has sparked concerns over reduced fuel efficiency and potential vehicle damage, particularly among owners of older vehicles. As India pushes ahead with ethanol blending, the trade-offs between macroeconomic benefits and individual user impacts are becoming increasingly visible.

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Ethanol Blending: Policy Context

Ethanol, derived from sugarcane, maize, and other biomass, is a renewable biofuel that, when blended with petrol, lowers tailpipe emissions and reduces fossil fuel dependency. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, launched in 2003, picked up pace in the last decade:

2022: India achieved 10% ethanol blending (E10).

2025: Full rollout of E20 nationwide.

The shift aligns with broader renewable energy commitments under the National Bio-Energy Programme and aims to boost domestic biofuel production, reduce oil imports, and promote rural income through crop diversification.

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Environmental and Economic Gains

The E20 initiative promises major environmental and economic dividends:

Crude oil import bill reduction of over ₹50,000 crore annually.

Lower CO₂ emissions, aiding climate commitments.

Increased income for farmers, especially sugarcane growers and feedstock suppliers.

Yet, for vehicle owners, fuel economy and engine health are growing concerns—especially in older or non-E20-compliant vehicles.

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Fuel Efficiency: Mileage Matters

One of the most debated drawbacks of ethanol blending is reduced mileage. Ethanol contains ~30% less energy per litre than petrol, leading to more fuel consumed per kilometre.

Government view: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) claims mileage loss is “marginal”—1-2% for E10 vehicles calibrated for E20, and 3-6% for others.

Expert view: Independent analysts estimate real-world mileage losses of 6-7%, especially in older or non-calibrated engines. This translates into higher fuel costs and more frequent refuelling.

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Vehicle Health: Corrosion and Compatibility

Ethanol’s hygroscopic nature (absorbs moisture from air) raises red flags for long-term engine and component durability:

Metal corrosion: Fuel tanks, lines, injectors, and exhausts.

Rubber degradation: Gaskets, seals, hoses.

Combustion issues: Ethanol alters air-fuel ratios, affecting performance in vehicles without updated ECUs.

Experts warn that older vehicles—especially two-wheelers and entry-level cars not designed for E20—may face increased wear and higher maintenance costs.

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Industry Response: Adaptation in Motion

Automakers are adjusting to the ethanol era:

Hero MotoCorp: Vehicles built before April 2023 may require engine modifications and component upgrades to handle E20 safely.

TVS Motor: Acknowledges ethanol’s corrosive nature and has re-engineered parts for compatibility.

Most new vehicles are now E20-compliant, but service advisories for legacy models are being rolled out to assist consumers during the transition.

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What Lies Ahead: Beyond E20?

With E20 now the national standard, policymakers and industry stakeholders are eyeing higher ethanol blends (E30, E40). But such a move presents significant challenges:

Need for dual-fuel infrastructure at retail pumps.

Retrofitting or phasing out older vehicles.

Greater consumer awareness and regulatory clarity.

Without proper planning and safeguards, further blending could amplify consumer burden—especially for lower-income vehicle owners.

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Conclusion

The nationwide shift to E20 marks a bold and necessary step toward energy sustainability. Yet, it also underscores the need for balance—between climate goals and consumer costs, between energy independence and infrastructure readiness.

For now, transparency, proactive adaptation, and consumer education will be key to ensuring this biofuel transition is not only green—but also just.

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India and the Future of the Green Revolution: Why CIMMYT Still Matters

India and the Future of the Green Revolution: Why CIMMYT Still Matters

Introduction

In 1968, William S. Gaud of USAID coined the term “Green Revolution” to describe agricultural breakthroughs like India’s adoption of high-yielding wheat varieties. Decades later, the very institutions behind this transformation face new challenges. With the recent closure of USAID under the Trump administration, global research centers like CIMMYT are now turning to major beneficiaries like India for support.

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CIMMYT: The Cradle of Modern Wheat

CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), based in Mexico, has been instrumental in developing high-yielding wheat varieties.

Linked to Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution, it produced semi-dwarf wheat strains such as Sonora 63 and Lerma Rojo 64A, first introduced to India in the 1960s.

Funded initially by the Rockefeller Foundation and Mexican government, CIMMYT came to rely heavily on USAID, which contributed $83 million of its $211 million funding in 2024.

With USAID now dismantled, CIMMYT seeks a larger financial partnership with India.

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Wheat and Rice Research as Cold War Strategy

CIMMYT and IRRI (International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines) were Cold War tools, designed to boost food security in developing nations and curb communist influence.

Their high-yield crops mitigated famines and stabilized political conditions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Borlaug’s wheat varieties transformed India’s yields from 1–1.5 tonnes/ha to 4–4.5 tonnes/ha, while IRRI’s rice strains did the same for paddy fields.

Borlaug was awarded the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for these contributions.

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India’s Green Revolution and its Champions

Indian researchers adapted CIMMYT material into iconic varieties like Kalyan Sona and Sonalika in the late 1960s.

At IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), scientists later developed top-yielding wheat strains like HD 2285, HD 2329, and HD 2967.

In rice, India’s own breakthroughs like Swarna and Samba Mahsuri came from Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University.

IARI also revolutionized basmati rice, producing Pusa Basmati 1, 1121, and 1509, which dominated India’s $5.94 billion basmati exports in 2024–25.

M.S. Swaminathan’s leadership and institutional strength were key to India’s success.

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Why India Still Needs CIMMYT and IRRI

In 2024–25, 6 of India’s top 10 wheat varieties covering over 20 million hectares used CIMMYT germplasm.

The last major India-bred variety, HD 2967, peaked years ago; newer releases rely heavily on international collaboration.

CIMMYT and IRRI’s expertise in climate-resilient crops, gene editing, nitrogen use efficiency, and AI-driven breeding remains vital for future food security.

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Conclusion: Time for India to Step Up

Despite benefitting enormously, India contributed only $0.8 million to CIMMYT and $18.3 million to IRRI in 2024. With USAID gone, India has both the opportunity and responsibility to help sustain these global research institutions.

However, increased international funding must be complementary, not a substitute for strengthening India’s own research system. Strategic investment in science—both at home and globally—is essential for navigating the food security challenges of the 21st century.

Gender Inequality Is Holding India Back. It’s Time to Act

India today stands tall on the world stage—an emerging economic giant, a digital innovator, and the youngest nation by population. These are achievements worth celebrating. Yet, beneath this rising arc lies a sobering truth: India ranks 131 out of 148 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (2025).

This is not just a number. It is a warning.

Despite progress in education and technology, gender inequality continues to undercut India’s development, particularly in two critical areas: economic participation and health outcomes. If this imbalance isn’t urgently addressed, India risks stalling—or even reversing—its hard-earned gains.

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A Crisis in Plain Sight

India’s low performance in the domains of economic participation and health reveals a deep structural crisis. Educational attainment for women has improved, yes—but that progress has not translated into economic empowerment or physical well-being.

Consider the numbers: 57% of Indian women aged 15–49 are anaemic, impairing their ability to learn, earn, and bear children safely. Meanwhile, the sex ratio at birth remains alarmingly skewed, a result of entrenched cultural preferences for sons.

And while women comprise nearly half the population, they contribute only about 18% to India’s GDP. Many are kept out of the formal workforce entirely. Those who do participate earn less than a third of what men earn.

This is not only unjust—it’s economically self-defeating.

A McKinsey Global Institute report once estimated that bridging the gender gap could add $770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. That year has arrived, and the goal has slipped out of reach. Not due to lack of potential—but because of policy paralysis and systemic neglect.

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The Invisible Workforce

What’s even less visible—but equally damaging—is the massive burden of unpaid care work shouldered by women.

According to India’s own Time Use Survey, women perform nearly seven times more unpaid care work than men. This includes cooking, cleaning, childcare, and elder care—labour that keeps families and communities running, but is neither counted in GDP nor compensated in public policy.

This invisibility fuels economic exclusion. It keeps millions of women trapped in cycles of dependency, despite their skills and potential.

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The Clock Is Ticking: Demographic Shifts Demand Action

India’s demographic window is closing fast. The country currently enjoys a young and productive workforce—but by 2050, the proportion of elderly citizens will double. Many will be older women, especially widows, who often face greater economic hardship.

At the same time, fertility rates are falling below replacement levels, suggesting a future decline in the working-age population.

This double demographic pressure—rising dependency and a shrinking workforce—means that India cannot afford to exclude half its population from full economic participation.

Gender equality is no longer a “women’s issue.”
It is an economic strategy. It is a demographic necessity.

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Moving From Slogans to Systems

India does not lack ambition. It has a long list of gender-focused policies, laws, and declarations. What it lacks is implementation, investment, and systemic reform.

Here’s what must change:

Public healthcare systems must prioritise preventive and reproductive health services for women.

Care infrastructure—including childcare, elder care, and maternity support—must be expanded and funded.

Gender-responsive budgeting must become standard practice, guided by real-time time-use and employment data.

Most importantly, women must be positioned as active builders of the economy, not passive beneficiaries of welfare.

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A Call to Action

India’s dream of becoming a global superpower will remain incomplete if it leaves its women behind.

This is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic one. No economy can thrive when it sidelines half its talent, half its energy, and half its voice.

The time for token gestures is over. The time for transformative action is now.

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If India wants to lead the world tomorrow, it must start by empowering its women today.

FATF Flags Rising Misuse of Digital Platforms in Indian Terror Attacks

In a significant global alert, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has revealed how digital platforms—ranging from online payments and e-commerce to VPNs and social media—are being increasingly exploited for terrorist financing. Its latest report, Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks, specifically mentions the 2019 Pulwama and 2022 Gorakhnath Temple attacks as case studies of such misuse.

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🔍 What is FATF?

Full Name: Financial Action Task Force

Established: 1989 at the G7 Summit in Paris

Headquarters: Paris, France (at the OECD)

Members: 39 (37 countries + European Commission & Gulf Cooperation Council)

India: Became a full member in 2010

Primary Objectives:

Develop global policies to combat money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF)

Promote implementation of its 40 Recommendations across jurisdictions

Monitor country compliance through Mutual Evaluations

Identify and list high-risk countries (Grey and Black Lists)

Support legal and regulatory reforms globally

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📱 Digital Tools Misused in Terror Attacks

1. Pulwama Attack (2019)

Misuse: E-commerce

Details: Aluminum powder used in the IED was purchased through Amazon

Terror Group: Jaish-e-Mohammed

FATF Concern: Easy access to dual-use materials via online platforms

2. Gorakhnath Temple Attack (2022)

Misuse: VPNs and Online Payments

Details:

Attacker used VPNs to mask his identity online

Transferred ₹6.69 lakh (~$7,736) internationally via PayPal

Received and sent funds to ISIL-linked individuals

PayPal later suspended the suspicious account

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🧠 Key Observations from FATF Report

Platforms at Risk: Messaging apps, crowdfunding portals, social media, and mobile wallets

State Involvement: Certain unnamed countries reportedly support terrorist networks through funding and logistical aid

Evolving Tactics:

Commodity-based laundering (e.g., oil → gold → cash)

Use of regional hubs, local resources, and self-financed terror cells

Terrorist groups like AQIS operating independently within South Asia

Storage Mechanisms:

Gold/jewellery used by individuals to store and move small amounts of terror funds

Trade-based and informal value transfer systems like hawala

Other Financing Methods:

Wildlife smuggling, human trafficking, narcotics trade

Shell companies, donations, crowdfunding

Ransom, extortion, and misuse of non-profits

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⚠️ A Wake-Up Call for Digital Oversight

The FATF’s analysis underscores the urgency of regulating digital infrastructure to prevent its misuse for terrorism. With decentralized terror networks adapting to modern financial tools, authorities worldwide must ensure stronger:

KYC norms (Know Your Customer)

Monitoring of digital transactions

Real-time data-sharing across borders

Oversight of e-commerce and online marketplaces

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🔚 Conclusion

The Pulwama and Gorakhnath case studies are stark reminders of how technological advancement, while transformative, can also be exploited for nefarious purposes. The FATF’s report serves as a global call to action: digital platforms must be made resilient against terrorist financing through vigilant oversight, policy reform, and international cooperation.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission: A New Era for India’s Human Spaceflight Ambitions

In a landmark moment for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully piloted the Axiom-4 mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which lifted off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. With this mission, Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to cross the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space located 100 kilometers above sea level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla, describing him as the first Indian en route to the International Space Station (ISS), and called the achievement a proud milestone for the nation.

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India’s Human Spaceflight Milestone and the Road Ahead

Shukla’s participation in Axiom-4 marks the beginning of a new phase in India’s space journey, where human spaceflight is expected to become routine, much like India’s established satellite launch capabilities.

Gaganyaan Program: Renewed Urgency and Strategic Vision

While India’s space agency ISRO missed its initial 2022 target for human spaceflight, the Gaganyaan program has injected fresh urgency and strategic clarity into India’s space agenda. The program represents more than scientific ambition; it is a cornerstone of India’s aspiration to achieve technological, economic, and geopolitical advantages in space exploration.

India’s Active Role in the Axiom-4 Mission

Unlike earlier instances where Indian astronauts participated as passengers, the Axiom-4 mission showcased India’s growing technical leadership:

A significant ISRO team, including Chairman V. Narayanan, played an instrumental role in mission planning, operations, and problem-solving.

This mission marks India’s emergence as an equal partner in international human spaceflight efforts, enhancing its credibility within the global space community.

Building Foundations for Future Missions

The experience and expertise gained from Axiom-4 will directly support:

The first indigenous crewed Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for launch by 2027.

Long-term national objectives, including the establishment of an Indian space station and sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040.

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Space: A Strategic and Economic Frontier for India

As space emerges alongside artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and clean energy as a defining technology of the future, its economic and strategic implications cannot be overstated.

India’s Global Space Leadership

India has achieved a strong position among global space powers; however, maintaining this edge demands sustained innovation and competitiveness against established players such as the United States and China.

Unlocking Economic Potential through Space

Despite its technological achievements, India contributes only around 2% to the global space economy, indicating significant room for growth:

Expanding private-sector participation can unlock business opportunities, stimulate investment, and help India capture a larger share of the global space market.

Strengthening the domestic space ecosystem can support high-value industries, generate employment, and foster scientific innovation.

Inspiring Future Generations

Human spaceflight serves as a powerful source of national inspiration:

Shukla’s mission is expected to motivate young Indians to pursue careers in science, engineering, and space technology.

A thriving space sector can drive broader innovation, enhance India’s technological self-reliance, and position the country as a global leader in advanced research and development.

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Conclusion: From Symbolism to Strategic Progress

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey aboard Axiom-4 represents more than a symbolic achievement. It marks the beginning of a new chapter where India leverages space exploration as both a strategic tool and an economic catalyst.

As the nation builds upon this milestone, there lies an opportunity to accelerate space ambitions, foster global partnerships, and cement India’s position at the forefront of humanity’s expansion into outer space.

🌐 Global Gender Gap Index 2025 – Overview

India’s Rank: 131st out of 148 countries (down from 129th in 2024).

Parity Score: 64.1%

Among the lowest in South Asia; only Pakistan (148) and Maldives (138) rank lower.

Index assesses gender disparities across 4 key dimensions:

Economic Participation and Opportunity

Educational Attainment

Health and Survival

Political Empowerment

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🇮🇳 India’s Performance Across Key Dimensions

1. Economic Participation and Opportunity

Score: 40.7% (↑ 0.9 percentage points)

Labour force participation: stagnant at 45.9%

Parity in earned income: ↑ from 28.6% to 29.9%

⚠️ Progress observed, but significant income and workforce participation gaps persist.

2. Educational Attainment

Score: 97.1% (near parity)

Improved literacy & higher education enrolment among women.

⚠️ Educational gains not translating fully into labour market representation.

3. Health and Survival

Score: improved due to better sex ratio and life expectancy parity

⚠️ Overall life expectancy declined for both genders, making gains less impactful.

4. Political Empowerment

Most significant decline

Women in Parliament: ↓ from 14.7% (2024) to 13.8% (2025)

Women ministers: ↓ from 6.5% to 5.6%

⚠️ Second consecutive year of decline; far below 2019’s 30% peak.

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🌏 Regional & Global Comparison

🔸 South Asia

India (131) lags behind:

Bangladesh (24) – major leap (↑ 75 positions)

Bhutan (119)

Nepal (125)

Sri Lanka (130)

Only Maldives (138) and Pakistan (148) rank lower.

🔸 Global Leaders

1. Iceland (top for 16th consecutive year)

2. Finland

3. Norway

4. United Kingdom

5. New Zealand

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📈 Global Gender Parity Trends (2025)

Overall Global Score: 68.8% (strongest post-pandemic improvement)

Workforce Participation (Women): 41.2%

Leadership Roles Held by Women: Only 28.8%

⚠️ At the current pace, full global parity is 123 years away.

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📌 Implications for India

The Gender Gap Index is a crucial economic and social indicator.

WEF stresses that gender parity = stronger, inclusive, resilient growth.

India’s setbacks in political empowerment and limited economic gains highlight the need for:

Gender-sensitive policymaking

Improved institutional representation

Targeted programs for women’s leadership and employment

Free Speech Index and India’s Rankings

A recent global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank, ranked India 24th out of 33 countries on support for free speech, with a score of 62.6. The report, titled “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?”, highlights a mixed global trend where support for free speech is declining, although India presents unique contradictions between public perception and actual free speech conditions.

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Global Trends in Free Speech

Top and Bottom Rankings:

Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest for free speech support.

Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8), despite authoritarian tendencies, ranked high due to public support for free expression.

Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed notable improvements despite ranking lower overall.

India’s Position:

India’s score of 62.6 places it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).

The report reflects a disconnect between public confidence in free speech and the actual legal and political environment.

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Key Findings About Free Speech in India

1. Public Support vs. Reality:

While most Indians express support for free speech, backing for criticizing government policies is significantly lower than the global average.

37% of Indian respondents agreed that the government should prevent criticism of its policies—the highest among surveyed countries (compared to 5% in the U.K. and 3% in Denmark).

2. Perception vs. Global Rankings:

Indians believe that their ability to speak freely has improved, but international assessments indicate weakening free speech protections.

India is categorized as a country undergoing “democratic backsliding” alongside Hungary and Venezuela.

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Challenges to Free Speech in India

1. Legal and Political Restrictions:

Sedition Law:

Section 124A of the IPC (sedition) was removed under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) but replaced with Section 152, which penalizes actions that incite secession, armed rebellion, or threaten national unity.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):

Criticized for being used to silence journalists, activists, and opposition figures.

IT Rules 2021:

Grants broad government authority over social media, raising censorship concerns.

2. Rise in Self-Censorship:

Fear of legal action and online harassment discourages open expression.

Media outlets face pressure from political and economic interests, resulting in biased or cautious reporting.

3. Selective Tolerance for Free Speech:

While free speech is supported in principle, opposition arises when speech challenges political or religious beliefs.

Arrests of activists, journalists, and comedians reflect inconsistent application of free speech protections.

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Way Forward

1. Strengthening Legal Protections:

Repeal or revise outdated sedition and UAPA provisions.

Enhance judicial oversight to prevent misuse of laws against dissent.

2. Promoting Open Debate:

Encourage educational institutions and media to foster diverse discussions.

Political parties should commit to upholding free speech, even when critical of their policies.

3. Enhancing Media and Digital Freedom:

Protect journalists from political and corporate pressures.

Ensure social media regulations do not lead to arbitrary censorship.

4. Aligning Perception with Reality:

Raise awareness about constitutional free speech rights.

Encourage fact-based discussions on government policies and public issues.

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Conclusion:
India’s mixed performance in the Free Speech Index reflects strong public belief in free expression but highlights significant political and legal challenges. Strengthening protections for dissent, reducing political interference, and aligning public perception with reality will be key to improving India’s standing on global free speech metrics.

The Online Gaming Sector: A Growing Opportunity

Online Gaming in India: Challenges and the Way Forward

Introduction

The Indian online gaming industry has seen impressive growth over the last few years, becoming a key driver of the digital economy. With over 650 million smartphone users and a large, young population, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for skill-based gaming.

A PwC report estimated that the sector, valued at ₹33,000 crore in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5%, reaching ₹66,000 crore by 2028.

The industry currently employs around 2 lakh people and is projected to generate an additional 2-3 lakh jobs in the coming years.
However, the sector faces significant challenges due to high taxation and regulatory confusion, which threaten to stifle its growth.

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The Burden of High Taxation

Despite some states like Karnataka and Telangana introducing supportive policies for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector, the overall taxation framework remains burdensome:

A 28% GST on online gaming — the same rate applied to gambling, alcohol, and tobacco — creates an uneven playing field.

This classification ignores the distinction between skill-based gaming and gambling.

A massive retrospective tax demand of ₹1.12 lakh crore has further strained the industry, particularly affecting small and mid-sized companies.

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Legal Confusion: Gaming vs. Gambling

The legal treatment of online gaming has been inconsistent, with several states attempting to ban it by equating it with gambling:

Courts have repeatedly ruled that games of skill cannot be classified as gambling.

In 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the retrospective GST demand, providing temporary relief.

However, the lack of a clear legal distinction between skill-based gaming and gambling continues to create an unpredictable business environment.

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Challenges Faced by the Industry

1. Excessive Taxation

The 28% GST makes Indian gaming companies less competitive globally.

2. Legal Uncertainty

Frequent bans and legal battles discourage investment and innovation.

3. Lack of Distinction Between Gaming and Gambling

Failure to differentiate skill-based games from gambling causes regulatory confusion.

4. Threat to Small Startups

High compliance costs and retrospective tax demands are pushing smaller companies toward closure.

5. Growth of Offshore Illegal Gambling

Strict regulations on domestic firms could drive users to illegal offshore platforms, which are harder to regulate.

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The Way Forward: A Balanced Regulatory Approach

Instead of overregulating, the government should work with industry leaders to create a transparent and supportive framework. A balanced approach would unlock the industry’s full potential while addressing social concerns like addiction and financial security.

Key Recommendations

✅ Rationalize GST rates to distinguish between skill-based gaming and gambling.
✅ Drop the retrospective tax demand to prevent industry collapse.
✅ Create a clear legal framework that defines the difference between gaming and gambling.
✅ Encourage responsible gaming practices through in-app features and self-regulation.
✅ Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to curb illegal gambling without penalizing legitimate businesses.

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Conclusion

India’s online gaming industry is poised to drive significant economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement. However, excessive taxation and inconsistent regulations are stifling its potential. A well-balanced regulatory framework — one that encourages innovation while protecting consumers — will allow the sector to thrive in the global market.

Economy Titbits

If the proposed Trump tariffs hit then Dollar index could cross 115.

– Chinese will depreciate their currency readily & for the rest of the EM’s there would be no choice but to fall in line.
– Rupee which has already crossed 86.5, could then potentially fall to 90 or more.
-These tariffs would be inflationary too. Which would mean FED wont be cutting rates this CY.
– Markets are not factoring in that scenario & everyone is overjoyed with the inflation cooling down.
– Bond yields in US have started to rise & already are at 4.7. This is after FED has cut the rates by 100 bps.
– Greenland, Canada are other variables which will play out. If that happens, the might dollar will soar even further.

Interesting times ahead in the new regime.

The worry is that soon rupee might break 90. Central bank has apparently spent $50 billion dollars defending the rupee but to no avail … now the policy is to let rupee find its own value.

FII are relentless in their selling and have sold almost 45000 cr just this month. That is adding pressure to the Rupee.

With new US govt imposing tariffs , the dollar is likely to strengthen hence further causing pressure on emerging market currencies.

Status of Gig Economy in India

The gig economy refers to a labor market where organizations hire or contract individuals for temporary, short-term assignments instead of traditional, long-term employment. In India, companies like Ola, Uber, Zomato, and Swiggy have played a major role in popularizing this model, offering opportunities for workers in various capacities like deliveries, ridesharing, and other on-demand services.

Gig Worker

A gig worker, as defined by the Code on Social Security, 2020 (India), is someone who works outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship. These workers often operate as independent contractors, online platform workers, or part-time temporary staff.

Size of Gig Economy in India

India’s gig economy has been growing rapidly. A NITI Aayog study estimates that by 2020-21, around 77 lakh (7.7 million) workers were engaged in the gig economy, with that number projected to grow to 2.35 crore (23.5 million) by 2029-30. The work distribution is approximately 47% in medium-skilled jobs, 22% in high-skilled jobs, and 31% in low-skilled jobs.

Average Age and Income of Gig Workers in India

The median age of gig workers in India is 27 years, and their average monthly income is around ₹18,000. A significant portion (71%) are the primary earners for their families, with an average household size of 4.4 members.

Challenges Faced by Gig Workers

While gig jobs provide flexible employment opportunities, they come with significant challenges:

Low wages and lack of job security.

Gender disparity in participation.

No benefits like paid leaves, provident funds, or travel allowances, as gig workers are not considered full-time employees.

These issues have sparked protests from gig workers in companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola, demanding better working conditions.

Steps to Improve Gig Worker Conditions

1. Fiscal Incentives: Encouraging businesses to employ more women in gig roles through tax incentives.

2. Retirement and Social Security: Introducing retirement benefits and insurance policies, as recommended by the NITI Aayog report, to provide gig workers with financial stability.

3. Paid Sick Leave: Platforms should offer paid sick leave and insurance to support gig workers during emergencies.

4. Legislative Actions: For example, the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023 aims to create a social security fund and provide a platform for gig workers to collectively bargain and resolve grievances.

Fairwork India Ratings 2024 report:

The Fairwork India Ratings 2024 report evaluates the working conditions of platform workers across various digital platforms in India.

It highlights that many platforms do not ensure that their workers earn a local living wage and are generally unwilling to acknowledge the collectivization of workers.

The report also discusses potential legislative changes for gig workers in states like Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Key Findings of the Report:

Overall Ratings: No platform achieved more than 6 out of 10 points in the assessment.

The platforms were evaluated on five key principles: Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contracts, Fair Management, and Fair Representation.

Assessment of Fair Pay: Only Bigbasket and Urban Company earned the first point under Fair Pay by ensuring a minimum wage that covers at least the local minimum wage after deducting work-related expenses.

No platform received the second point, which requires proof that workers earn a local living wage after work-related costs.

Evaluation of Fair Conditions: Platforms such as Amazon Flex, BigBasket, BluSmart, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto, and Zomato earned points for providing safety equipment and safety training.

BigBasket, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto, and Zomato were further recognized for offering accident insurance and compensation for income loss due to medical reasons.

Fair Contracts: BigBasket, BluSmart, Swiggy, Urban Company, Zepto, and Zomato were awarded points for making contracts accessible and transparent.

They also had protocols to protect worker data.

Fair Management: Platforms like Amazon Flex, BigBasket, BluSmart, Flipkart, Swiggy, Urban Company, and Zomato provided mechanisms for appeals against disciplinary actions.

BluSmart, Swiggy, Urban Company, and Zomato conducted regular external audits to prevent biases in work allocation.

Fair Representation: Despite a rise in platform worker collectivization over the last six years, no platform showed evidence of recognizing collective worker bodies or unions.

Implications & Future Prospects:

The Fairwork India Ratings 2024 report underscores the growing attention towards gig worker welfare in political and legislative discussions.

However, the report raises concerns about the slow pace of actual implementation.

It calls for a balanced approach where platform companies, government bodies, and worker collectives work together to ensure better standards of living and working conditions for gig workers in India.

Overall, the report serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by gig workers and the gaps that remain in ensuring fair work conditions across digital labor platforms in India.

Judicial Activism in India

Judicial Activism refers to the judiciary’s proactive involvement in interpreting laws and the Constitution to protect citizens’ rights and ensure justice, especially in cases where the executive and legislative branches fail to act. It goes beyond mere interpretation of laws, allowing courts to step in and sometimes guide government action or fill legal gaps.

Meaning and Scope:

Judicial activism allows courts to:

Broadly interpret the Constitution to secure fundamental rights.

Address government inaction and uphold constitutional duties.

Take suo motu actions in public interest, even without formal complaints.

It stems from the idea that courts should actively work to uphold individual rights and democratic principles when other branches of government falter.

Constitutional Basis in India:

Judicial activism in India derives its legitimacy from key constitutional provisions:

Article 32: Provides citizens the right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcing their fundamental rights, forming the basis of Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

Article 21: The right to life has been expansively interpreted to include various aspects of dignified living, such as the right to privacy and health.

Article 142: Empowers the Supreme Court to deliver “complete justice” by passing necessary orders, even in areas where the law is silent.

Notable Examples:

1. Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997): In the absence of laws on workplace sexual harassment, the Supreme Court established guidelines (Vishakha Guidelines), which led to later legislation.

2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): The Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21, establishing that the right to life includes dignity and requires procedural fairness in legal processes.

Impact of Judicial Activism:

Strengthening Democracy: It ensures that government actions adhere to constitutional principles, keeping checks on legislative and executive powers.

Protection of Fundamental Rights: Expansive interpretations of rights (such as in the Puttaswamy case on privacy) have empowered marginalized groups.

Environmental Protection: Landmark cases like MC Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case) have led to stronger environmental regulations.

Criticism:

Judicial Overreach: Critics argue that in some instances, the judiciary has ventured into policy-making, encroaching on the functions of the executive and legislature.

Lack of Accountability: Since judges are not elected, there are concerns about decisions reflecting personal biases rather than democratic principles.

Judicial activism has thus played a crucial role in India’s legal landscape, but it must balance its interventions to avoid undermining the separation of powers.

One Nation, One Election to be implemented in this term

Today’s article discusses the concept of simultaneous elections in India, referred to as “One Nation, One Election,” which aims to synchronize elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

A High-Level Committee (HLC), led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was formed in 2023 to explore the challenges and steps for implementing this idea. The key recommendations of the HLC include:

1. Implementation by 2029: The Constitution should be amended for simultaneous elections by 2029 in two phases—first for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, followed by local body elections.

2. Constitutional Amendments: The committee suggested 18 amendments to enable this, including changes to Articles 83, 172, 324A, and 325.

3. Electoral Logistics: The Election Commission will need to coordinate with state authorities to ensure resources, manpower, and planning for holding elections at all levels.

4. Dealing with Hung Houses: Fresh elections should be held for the remaining term in case of a no-confidence motion, rejecting the German model of a constructive vote of no confidence.

These recommendations aim to streamline the election process and reduce the frequency of elections across the country.

Indian Judiciary

Evolution of the Judicial System

Introduction of the Judicial System: The British colonial administration laid the foundation for the modern Indian judicial system by introducing principles based on Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence. This system was designed to serve the colonial power’s needs.

Royal Charter of 1661: The Royal Charter granted by Charles II in 1661 empowered the Governor and Council in India to adjudicate civil and criminal cases according to English laws, marking the beginning of a formal judicial structure in colonial India.

Regulating Act of 1773: This act established the first Supreme Court in Calcutta with a Chief Justice and initially three judges (later reduced to two), all appointed by the British Crown. This court served as the King’s court and not as a court of the East India Company.

Supreme Courts in Madras and Bombay: Following the establishment of the Supreme Court in Calcutta, similar courts were set up in Madras and Bombay. These courts exercised jurisdiction over British subjects and were separate from the courts for native Indians.

Dual Judicial Systems: During British rule, the judicial system in India operated with two distinct types of courts:

▪️English System of Royal Courts: Operated in the presidencies, applying English law and procedures.

▪️Indian System of Adalat/Sadr Courts: Functioned in the provinces, applying regulation laws and personal laws.

High Court Act of 1861: This act merged the Supreme Courts and native courts (Sadr Dewani Adalat and Sadr Nizamat Adalat) in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras into unified High Courts, creating a more streamlined judicial structure.

Highest Court of Appeal: Under British rule, the highest court of appeal for Indians was the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.

Development of a Unified Court System: Efforts were made by the British to develop a unified court system in India, which aimed to bring uniformity and cohesion in administering justice across the country.

Indian Laws and Courts: Indian laws and courts were primarily designed to cater to the needs of the colonial administration, and Indians did not have separate legal systems of their own.

Government of India Act of 1935 (Section 200): This act established the Federal Court of India, which served as an appellate body between the High Courts in India and the Privy Council in London. It had a special role in interpreting the Indian Constitution.

Limited Power of the Federal Court: The Federal Court had limited power, as it could only issue declaratory judgments and did not have the authority to enforce compliance.

Judicial Review: The Federal Court’s power of judicial review was largely symbolic, with very limited practical authority.

Federal Court’s Continuation: The Federal Court remained in place until 26th January 1950, when the Constitution of independent India came into force, establishing a new judiciary system.

Structure – Three-Tier Division

The modern judicial system in India has a unified structure that consists of three levels:

Supreme Court of India: The apex court in the country, with the highest authority in judicial matters.

High Courts: The High Courts serve as the principal civil courts of original jurisdiction in each state and union territory, as well as appellate courts for lower courts.

Subordinate Courts: These include District and Sessions Courts, which handle both civil and criminal cases at the district level.

The judicial system’s hierarchy allows cases to start from the lower courts and move up to higher courts if needed.

The applicability or jurisdiction of the courts is determined by three main factors:

Pecuniary Jurisdiction: Based on the monetary value of the case.

Territorial Jurisdiction: Based on the geographical location where the cause of action arose.

Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Based on the nature of the legal issue in dispute.

This structured approach ensures that the Indian judiciary remains organized, accessible, and effective in administering justice across the country.

Control of nodal cyber security watchdog CERT-IN

Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN)

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) is an organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. It has been operational since 2004.

As per the Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008, CERT-IN has been designated to serve as the national nodal agency responsible for responding to computer security incidents as they occur and for enhancing the security of India’s communications and information infrastructure.

Functions

Incident Response :

◾Providing technical assistance and advice to individuals and organizations in case of a cyber incident.

◾Coordinating responses to security incidents on the national level.

Cyber Security Awareness and Training :

◾Organizing training programs, workshops, and conferences to educate stakeholders about cyber security threats and best practices.

◾Disseminating information on cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and protective measures.

Vulnerability Handling and Coordination :

◾Identifying and analyzing vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

◾Coordinating with stakeholders to mitigate the impact of vulnerabilities and advising on preventive measures.

Security Quality Management Services :

◾Offering security quality management services, including risk assessment, penetration testing, and security audits.

◾Developing guidelines, standards, and policies for the protection of information infrastructure.

Cyber Threat Monitoring :

◾Continuously monitoring cyber threats to the country’s information infrastructure.

◾Providing early warning and alerts on potential and ongoing cyber threats.

Collaboration and Coordination :

◾Collaborating with domestic and international cyber security organizations, law enforcement agencies, and industry partners.

◾Sharing information and best practices to enhance collective cyber security defenses.

Policy Development and Implementation :

◾Assisting in the formulation of national policies and strategies related to cyber security.

◾Ensuring the implementation of government policies and regulations pertaining to cyber security.

Research and Development :

◾Engaging in research and development activities to innovate and improve cyber security technologies and methodologies.

◾Promoting the development of indigenous cyber security solutions.

Few Notable Works of CERT-IN

◾CERT-In has been involved in high-profile investigations, such as the 2022 cyberattack on AIIMS Delhi.

◾It issued a cybersecurity directive in 2022, requiring VPN and cloud service providers to store customer information for five years.

◾CERT-In handled approximately 1.4 million cybersecurity incidents in 2022, with mitigation of vulnerable services being the most common.

Control of CERT-IN

Two key ministries in India, Information Technology (IT) and Home Affairs (MHA), are in a dispute over control of CERT-IN.

Positions of the Ministries

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): Advocates for CERT-In to come under its control to enhance law enforcement capabilities, particularly in cyberspace, given CERT-In’s technical expertise and the MHA’s enforcement powers. The MHA believes this integration would streamline cybercrime investigations.

Ministry of Information Technology (IT): Argues that CERT-In’s role is technical and extends beyond law enforcement, focusing on incident reporting, malware alerts, and advising on security infrastructure improvements. The IT Ministry emphasizes that CERT-In’s technical functions are distinct from investigative powers, which the MHA holds.

Background

CERT-In, under the IT Ministry, performs technical functions like analyzing and disseminating information on cyber incidents, issuing alerts, and coordinating responses. It does not have investigative powers like search and seizure.

The MHA, through the Indian Cyber-crime Coordination Centre (I4C), focuses on cybercrimes and coordination among law enforcement agencies. Control of CERT-In could provide the MHA with needed technical expertise.

Dispute Highlights an Associated Issue

The dispute is partly due to ambiguous Allocation of Business Rules (AoBR). These rules do not designate cybersecurity solely to any one ministry, leading to overlapping responsibilities among the Prime Minister’s Office, Home Ministry, and IT Ministry. Globally, CERTs can fall under either the Home office or the IT ministry, depending on the country.

Conclusion

The tussle between the IT Ministry and MHA over CERT-In highlights the evolving challenges in cybersecurity management and the need for clear delineation of roles and responsibilities among various governmental agencies.

PLI Scheme for White Goods

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the government will reopen the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods.

What are White Goods ?

White Goods, or Consumer Durables, encompass significant household appliances, including:

▪️Air conditioners (ACs), LED lights, dishwashers,
▪️Clothes dryers, drying cabinets,
▪️Freezers, refrigerators,
▪️Kitchen stoves, water heaters, microwave ovens, induction cookers, and
▪️Washing machines.

India allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the Automatic Route into the consumer durable goods manufacturing industry. The white goods industry in India has exhibited robust growth in recent years, with an estimated market value of US$13.66 billion in the fiscal year 2021.

Within this industry, the most substantial market shares were captured by ACs, refrigerators, and LED products. India’s white goods market is projected to surpass US$21 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11%.

What are PLI Schemes ?

The PLI Schemes are a strategic initiative by the Government of India, aligned with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (or Self-Reliant India). The core objectives of the PLI Schemes are to:

▪️Improve efficiency, foster economies of scale within the manufacturing sector,

▪️Position Indian manufacturers as globally competitive, thereby facilitating their integration into global value chains, and

▪️Foster domestic manufacturing as a catalyst for India’s economic growth and employment generation.

The PLI Schemes involve significant financial allocations, with a total outlay of INR 1.97 trillion (over US$26 billion) for 13-14 key sectors. All sectors approved under the PLI Schemes adhere to a broad framework centered around new and emerging technologies.

What is the PLI Scheme for White Goods ?

The PLI Scheme for White Goods was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7th April, 2021, and was notified by the DPIIT on 16th April, 2021. The scheme is to be implemented over a 7-year period (from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29) and has an outlay of ₹6,238 crore. It is designed to create a complete component ecosystem for the Air Conditioners and LED Lights Industry in India and make India an integral part of the global supply chains. With the launch of this scheme, domestic value addition for white goods is expected to grow from the current 15-20% to 75-80%.

So far, 66 applicants with a committed investment of ₹6,962 crores have been selected as beneficiaries under the scheme. Leading consumer durable brands Daikin, Panasonic, Havells, and Syska are among the beneficiaries of the PLI White Goods Scheme.

Replacing the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with a Producer Price Index (PPI)

What is the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)?

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) represents the price of goods at a wholesale stage, meaning goods that are sold in bulk and traded between organizations instead of consumers. It is used as a measure of inflation in some economies.

How is it calculated.?

WPI is reported monthly to show the average price changes of goods.

The total costs of the goods in one year are compared with the total costs in a base year.

The total prices for the base year are equal to 100. Prices from other years are compared to that total and expressed as a percentage of change.

WPI in India:

Used as an important measure of inflation in India, accounting for the change in the price of goods only.

Published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The current series of WPI, with the base year of 2011-12, is the seventh revision, implemented from 2017 onwards.

Major Components of WPI:

Primary Articles: Subdivided into Food Articles and Non-Food Articles (Oil Seeds, Minerals, and Crude Petroleum).

Fuel & Power: Tracks price movements in Petrol, Diesel, and LPG.

Manufactured Goods: The biggest basket, including Textiles, Apparels, Chemicals, Cement, Metals, Sugar, Tobacco Products, Vegetable, and Animal Oils, etc.

WPI Food Index: A sub-index within WPI, includes Food Articles from the Primary Articles basket and food products from the Manufactured Products basket.

Significance of WPI:

An easy and convenient method to calculate inflation.Fiscal and Monetary Policy changes are greatly influenced by changes in WPI.

Criticism of WPI:

Does not account for inflation at the level of the ordinary public because they do not buy products at wholesale prices.

Excludes the service sector, which covers about 55% of GDP.

Has an inbuilt bias due to double counting of the same product and doesn’t include exports and imports.

What is the Producer Price Index (PPI).?

Definition:

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures wholesale prices from the point of view of producers of goods and services by tracking prices at different stages of production. It looks at inflation from the viewpoint of industry and business, measuring price changes before consumers purchase final goods and services.

Significance:

PPI has replaced WPI in most countries as it aligns conceptually with the internationally agreed System of National Accounts (SNA) to compile measures of economic activity.

Challenges in Shifting from WPI to PPI:

Time-Consuming Process: Addressing the issues of preparing the right samples, assigning the weighting, and deciding on the periodicity (whether monthly or weekly) of the price collection.

Biggest Challenge: Identifying which services to include and determining the correct representatives of the sector.

WPI’s Continued Relevance: WPI is still widely followed as a measure of inflation and is used alongside the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate real GDP from nominal GDP.

Updating Base Year: The government is also working towards changing the current base year of 2011-12 for WPI.

CIL Awards Underground Mines to Private Players to Bolster Revenue Stream

Coal India Limited has awarded abandoned coal mines to private players on a revenue-sharing model to boost domestic production and reduce imports.

23 mines, with a capacity of 34.14 MTPA and reserves of 635 MT, were closed for technical or financial reasons.

The initiative aims for quicker production turnaround and environmental benefits, with a goal to outsource 90% of coal excavation in five years.

Mines will sell coal at market prices through auctions, supporting coal gasification projects.

CIL reported a 7.28% increase in coal production, reaching 160.25MT, and a 27% growth in production from captive and commercial mines.

Revenue Sharing Model for Coal Plants

▪️Structure: Private players operate abandoned or underutilized coal mines on a revenue-sharing basis with CIL.

▪️Revenue Split: Revenue from coal sales is shared between CIL and private operators based on agreed terms.

▪️Identification of Mines: 23 mines, mostly underground, with a combined capacity of 34.14 MTPA and reserves of 635 MT, were identified.

▪️Operational Mechanism: Private operators (Mine Developer and Operators – MDOs) handle coal extraction and production, with autonomy over technology and methods.

▪️Auction Process: Coal is sold at market-driven prices through an auction process managed by operators on behalf of the authority.

India’s Dependence on Coal for Energy Supply

Despite increasing renewable energy capacity, coal provides around 70% of India’s electricity.

By 2050, coal is expected to account for at least 21% of India’s electricity needs.

Easily Available Source of Power: Alternatives like nuclear energy face high costs and safety concerns.

Developmental Needs: India is projected to have the largest growth in energy demand from 2020 to 2040.

Source of Employment: The coal sector employs around 4 million people directly or indirectly and supports 500,000 pensioners.

Government Revenue: Coal India Limited is a significant revenue source for both state and central governments.

Problems With Coal Found in India

High Ash Content:

▪️Issue: Indian coal has ash content ranging from 20% to 45%.

▪️Impact: Reduces calorific value, increases handling and transportation costs, and results in more waste and pollution.

Lower Calorific Value:

▪️Issue: Indian coal has lower energy content compared to imported coal.

▪️Impact: Requires burning more coal for the same energy output, leading to higher emissions and inefficiencies.

Limited Coking Coal:

▪️Issue: Shortage of high-quality coking coal, crucial for steel production.

▪️Impact: Necessitates imports, increasing costs and dependence on foreign sources.

Environmental Concerns:

▪️Issue: Coal mining and combustion contribute to air pollution, water contamination, and deforestation.

▪️Impact: Adverse health impacts and climate change implications make coal less sustainable long-term.

Types of Coal in India

India has four primary types of coal, categorized based on carbon content and energy potential:

▪️Anthracite: Highest carbon content, highest energy potential.

▪️Bituminous: Lower carbon content than anthracite, used widely in electricity generation and industry.

▪️Sub-bituminous: Lower carbon content than bituminous, used in power generation.

▪️Lignite: Lowest carbon content, used mainly in electricity generation.

India’s Coal Reserves

Commercial coal mining began in 1774 with the East India Company along the Damodar River in West Bengal.

70% of India’s coal supply comes from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.

State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) has a near-monopoly, producing roughly 75% of the coal used in India’s coal-fired power stations.

Distribution of Coal Across the World

Coal is a crucial resource for energy and chemicals.

Proven coal reserves are typically measured in Millions of Tons of Coal Equivalent (MTCE).

Nearly 75% of the world’s recoverable coal resources are controlled by five countries:

United States: ~22%

Russia: ~15%

Australia: ~14%

China: ~13%

India: ~10%

Transformative Legal Changes in India: Evaluating the New Criminal Laws

The recent announcements by India’s Law and Justice Minister and Home Minister mark a significant shift in the nation’s criminal justice landscape. With the National Litigation Policy aiming for governmental efficiency and the introduction of three new criminal laws set to take effect on July 1, 2024, this overhaul raises critical questions about the potential impact on citizens’ rights and the efficiency of the judiciary.

The Core of Criminal Law and Compliance

Criminal law is foundational in safeguarding individuals’ life and liberty, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Traditionally governed by the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC), these legal frameworks are now revised, introducing new crimes and redefining existing ones. The procedural adherence mandated by these laws ensures that deprivations of liberty comply with established legal norms.

Potential Impacts of the New Criminal Laws

1. Increased Complexity and Legal Uncertainty

The National Litigation Policy aims to streamline government litigation and reduce associated costs. However, the new criminal laws complicate this objective by revising almost every section of the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. This overhaul introduces a period of adjustment where legal practitioners and law enforcement must familiarize themselves with new provisions, leading to increased legal disputes and higher legal costs.

2. Burden on Legal Practitioners and the Judiciary

Adapting to the revised laws will impose a significant learning curve on legal practitioners, requiring extensive training and the drafting of new legal strategies. The judiciary, already overburdened, will face a surge in cases as old and new legal frameworks coexist, leading to disputes over applicable laws and procedures. This duality confuses legal proceedings and lengthens the legal process, straining judicial resources.

3. Increased Litigation and Case Backlogs

With over 83,000 criminal cases pending in Indian courts, the introduction of new laws is likely to exacerbate this backlog by an estimated 30%. As practitioners and the judiciary grapple with the new legal landscape, the number of pending cases will surge, causing interminable delays and further straining judicial efficiency.

4. Financial Implications for the Accused

Individuals accused under the new laws will face significant financial burdens. Legal representation will become more costly as lawyers invest time in understanding and arguing the new legal framework’s nuances. This situation disproportionately affects lower socio-economic individuals, potentially compromising their right to a fair trial.

5. Additional Legal Costs for the Government

Increased litigation will require the government to allocate more resources for legal representation and court proceedings, contradicting the National Litigation Policy’s goal of reducing governmental legal expenditure. Funds that could be used for public welfare programs will instead be diverted to manage the increased caseload.

6. Infrastructure Upgrades and Resource Allocation

To handle the increased burden, significant upgrades to the judiciary’s infrastructure are necessary, including hiring additional judges and expanding court facilities. Without these upgrades, the judicial system will become overwhelmed, leading to further delays and inefficiencies. The financial and logistical resources required for these upgrades are substantial and must be carefully planned and audited.

Other Areas of Concern

Dual Systems of Criminal Justice

From July 1, the coexistence of old and new criminal justice systems will complicate legal proceedings. Disputes over which procedures apply will lead to further delays as these issues reach higher courts, compromising citizens’ rights in an unpredictable legal environment.

Disrespect for Judicial Precedents

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, mandates preliminary inquiries in every cognizable offense punishable by three to seven years of imprisonment, contradicting the Supreme Court’s ruling in Lalita Kumari vs Government of Uttar Pradesh (2013). This undermines judicial authority and suggests legislative actions can override judicial protections of liberties.

Risk of Dual Prosecution

Incorporating stringent provisions from the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) into the new laws allows for dual prosecution under different agencies, increasing complexity and potential abuse within the legal system. This threatens citizens’ rights and liberties.

Potential Solutions and Recommendations

To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive judicial audit before the new laws come into force. This audit should assess the potential increase in litigation, necessary infrastructural upgrades, and financial implications for both the government and private citizens. Additionally, phased implementation and extensive training for legal practitioners and judiciary members can ease the transition. Enhanced legal aid services are essential to ensure access to justice for lower-income individuals.

Conclusion

The introduction of the National Litigation Policy, alongside the new criminal laws, presents a paradox. Without a comprehensive judicial audit and thorough evaluation, these laws risk undermining fundamental rights and access to justice. It is imperative to delay their enforcement until their implications are fully addressed, ensuring they contribute positively to India’s legal landscape.

Fire Safety Regulations in India

Background:

The recent fire tragedies at a gaming zone in Gujarat’s Rajkot and a children’s hospital in Delhi have claimed the lives of at least 40 people in a span of 24 hours.

This has shifted the spotlight on fire safety regulations and the need for stringent enforcement of safety measures, particularly in buildings vulnerable to man-made disasters.

According to the latest Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) Report, released by the National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 7,435 people were killed in over 7,500 fire accidents in 2022.

Fire Safety Regulations in India:

Published in 1970, the National Building Code (NBC) is India’s central standard for fire safety. It was last updated in 2016.

It provides detailed guidelines for general construction, maintenance, and fire safety of buildings.

State governments are required to incorporate NBC recommendations into local building bylaws, as fire services are a state subject.

The ‘Model Building Bye Laws 2016’ guide states and urban areas in drafting building bylaws.

Apart from that, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also provides guidelines on fire safety in homes, schools, and hospitals.

About the National Building Code:

The National Building Code outlines measures to ensure fire safety, focusing on measures that can be reasonably achieved.

It defines fire zones, such as residential areas and educational institutions, to prevent industrial and hazardous structures from coexisting with residential, institutional, and business buildings.

The Code also categorizes buildings into nine groups based on occupancy, such as hotels, hospitals, and assembly buildings.

It emphasizes the use of non-combustible materials and minimum 120-minute rating for internal walls in staircase enclosures.

The Code also outlines maximum height, floor area ratio, open spaces, and fire-resistant openings.

The Code emphasizes the importance of flame-retardant electrical installation, with medium and low voltage wiring in separate shafts and false ceilings.

All metallic items should be bonded to the earthing system.

An emergency power-supplying distribution system is recommended for critical requirements, including exit signage, lighting, fire alarm systems, and public address systems.

The Code also recommends technologies for fire protection, such as automatic fire detection systems, down-comer pipelines, sprinklers, fireman’s lifts, fire barriers, and escape routes.

Challenges Associated with Fire Safety in India:

Fire safety rules in all states, including the National Building Code (NBC), are often ignored due to the absence of uniform safety legislation and the NBC being a “recommendatory document.”

Even mandatory certifications are not complied with. Fire safety audits are underutilized due to the failure of local bodies to conduct regular checks and enforce compliance.

Shortage of staff exacerbates the issue, leading to tragic loss of lives in fires like the Rajkot game zone and Delhi hospital fires.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) highlights the need for community resilience and compliance with safety norms.

National Health Claim Exchange

The Health Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are collaborating to launch the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX).

This digital platform aims to enable patients to access quality healthcare quickly and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. NHCX will connect insurance companies, healthcare service providers, and government insurance scheme administrators to streamline healthcare access and claims.

Current Claim Processing

▪️Overview:

Patients currently provide their insurance details or a card issued by a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) or insurance company when visiting a hospital.

For PMJAY beneficiaries, the card is issued by the State Health Agency (SHA).

Hospitals upload documents for preauthorization or claim approval via specific portals.

The claims are authenticated and digitized by the SHA, insurance company, or TPA, and then adjudicated by the relevant team.

Unlike in many developed countries where over 90% of claims are auto-adjudicated, much of India’s process is manual.

▪️Challenges:

Lack of standardization across the ecosystem.

Data exchange is mostly through PDFs or manual methods without established health standards.

Significant variability in processes among insurers, TPAs, and providers.

National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

▪️About:

The NHCX Specification is a communication protocol for the seamless exchange of health claim information among payers, providers, beneficiaries, and other entities.

It is designed to be interoperable, machine-readable, auditable, and verifiable.

The protocol aligns with IRDAI’s goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ and supports streamlined, paperless, and secure interactions between hospitals and insurers.

Industry experts expect it to standardize healthcare pricing, improving efficiency, predictability, and transparency in healthcare costs.

▪️Expected Working:

NHCX will act as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information among healthcare and insurance stakeholders.

It will centralize health claims, reducing administrative burdens on hospitals that currently use multiple portals.

Twelve insurance companies and one TPA have completed integration with NHCX.

New mandates require that all cashless insurance claims be processed within three hours of receiving discharge authorization from the hospital, with a deadline for implementation by July 31.

▪️Incentives under NHCX:

The Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS), introduced in January 2023, promotes digital health transactions and the digitization of patient health records.

Hospitals receive financial incentives of ₹500 per insurance claim transaction through NHCX or 10% of the claim amount, whichever is lower.

Why is NHCX Being Brought In?

Study Findings: The paper ‘Health Insurance Coverage in India: Insights for National Health Protection Scheme’ highlights the role of health insurance in providing healthcare services and reducing high out-of-pocket expenses.

It shows that hospitalization rates are highest for those with private insurance in general, with urban areas seeing higher cases under government-funded schemes and rural areas under private insurance.

Urban areas have higher in-patient cases compared to rural areas.Challenges:

Challenges:

Health insurance represents about 29% of the total general insurance premium income in India.

Improving relationships between hospitals and insurance companies requires digitization efforts, IT system upgrades, and workforce training.

Other issues include discharge delays and miscommunication, complicating the process.

Efficient service delivery is crucial for building trust among policyholders.

The introduction of NHCX aims to address these challenges by streamlining and digitizing the claim process, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of healthcare services in India.

AMRUT Scheme

Around 36% of India’s population is living in cities and by 2047 it will be more than 50%. The World Bank estimates that around $840 billion is required to fund the bare minimum urban infrastructure over the next 15 years. Against this backdrop, the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme was launched in June 2015, with its 2.0 version launched on October 1, 2021.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

AMRUT was launched to provide basic civic amenities to improve the quality of life for all especially the poor and the disadvantaged.

The focus of the Mission is on infrastructure creation that has a direct link to provision of better services to the citizens.

AMRUT 2.0

The target in the second phase of AMRUT is to improve;

⚫Sewage and septic management,

⚫Make our cities water safe cities,

⚫To ensure that no sewage drains anywhere in our rivers’.

In other words, AMRUT 2.0 focused on enhancing sewerage and septic management and to make all Indian cities water secure.

▪️Aim

Providing 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections

100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities by providing around 2.64 crore sewer or septage connections

▪️Principles and Mechanism

AMRUT 2.0 will adopt the principles of circular economy and promote conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies.

The Mission will promote data led governance in water management and Technology Sub-Mission to leverage latest global technologies and skills.

‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ will be conducted to promote progressive competition among cities.

▪️Coverage

Extends coverage from 500 cities under the first phase to 4,700 cities and towns.

It will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas.

Analysis of AMRUT scheme

▪️Performance of scheme

The AMRUT dashboard shows that as of May 2024, a sum of ₹83,357 crore has been dispersed so far.

This amount has been utilised to provide a total of 58,66,237 tap connections, and 37,49,467 sewerage connections.

A total of 2,411 parks have been developed, and 62,78,571 LED lights have been replaced.

▪️Criticism

It is estimated that about 2,00,000 people die every year due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene.

In 2016, the disease burden due to unsafe water and sanitation per person

was 40 times higher in India than in China. This has not improved much.

Huge amounts of waste water and little treatment enhances the vulnerability and incidence of diseases.

Around 21 major cities are going to run out of ground water. In a NITI Aayog report it was stated that 40% of India’s population will have no access to drinking water by 2030.

Nearly 31% of urban Indian households do not have piped water; 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage discharge system.

Average water supply per person in urban India is 69.25 litres/day, whereas the required amount is 135 litres.

Additionally, air quality in AMRUT cities and in other large urban settlements continue to worsen.

A National Clean Air Programme was launched by the central government in 2019, as AMRUT 2.0 focused only on water and sewerage.

Challenges

The AMRUT scheme was fundamentally flawed, adopting a project-oriented rather than holistic approach.

It lacked city participation and was driven by bureaucrats, parastatals, and private companies, with minimal involvement from elected city governments.

Governance was dominated by non-elected officials, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.

The apex committee was headed by the MOHUA secretary, and state

committees were led by chief secretaries.

It excluded people’s representatives and favored a private nexus of consultants and professionals.

Water management in cities must consider climate, rainfall patterns, and existing infrastructure.

Sewage treatment plants are inefficiently designed, with faecal matter traveling longer distances than the average worker’s commute.

Urban planning, driven by private players and real estate developers, often leads to the disappearance of water bodies, disrupted storm water flows, and a lack of proper storm water drainage systems.

Way forward

The scheme needs nature-based solutions and a comprehensive methodology with a people centric approach and empowering local bodies.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Establishment and Objectives:

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a nodal point to combat cybercrime at the national level. Approved by the MHA in October 2018 and inaugurated in January 2020, I4C aims to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. It seeks to foster an ecosystem involving academia, industry, public, and government to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes.

Initiatives: One notable initiative is the Cyber Crime Volunteers Program, which invites citizens passionate about national service to join in combating cybercrime.

Findings of I4C on Transnational Organised Cyber Crimes

Geographical Focus:

A significant number of financial frauds affecting Indians are traced back to cybercrime gangs based in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. These gangs employ Indian job-seekers to defraud their compatriots through various online scams.

Statistical Insights:

▪️Prevalence: 46% of reported cyber frauds from January to April originated in the three mentioned Southeast Asian countries.

▪️Financial Impact: Victims collectively lost approximately Rs 1,776 crores during this period.

Types of Cybercrimes:

Trading Scams:

▪️Modus Operandi: Fraudsters post ads on social media with trading tips, often using images of famous stock market experts and fake articles. Victims are asked to install specific trading apps and invest money, seeing fake profits in their digital wallets but unable to withdraw funds.

▪️Losses: Rs 222 crore lost to 20,043 scams.

Digital Arrest Scams:

▪️Modus Operandi: Victims receive calls about packages containing illegal items, followed by video calls from supposed law enforcement demanding money for resolving the case. Victims are digitally arrested, forced to remain visible to the scammers until demands are met.

▪️Losses: Rs 120 crore lost to 4,600 scams.

Investment/Task-Based Scams:

▪️Modus Operandi: Scammers contact victims via WhatsApp, offering money for boosting social media ratings. After initially receiving small sums, victims are drawn into larger investments with promised returns, which never materialize.

▪️Losses: Rs 1,420 crore lost to 62,587 scams.

Dating Scams:

▪️Modus Operandi: Male victims are seduced by individuals posing as foreign women who later request money claiming they are detained at the airport and need funds for release.

▪️Losses: Rs 13 crore lost to 1,725 scams.

Government Response

The Indian government has set up an inter-ministerial committee involving various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to address the surge in transnational organised cybercrimes. This response underscores the urgent need for coordinated action against the complex and evolving landscape of cyber threats originating beyond national borders.

MSMEs : Backbone of Indian Economy

MSMEs are often called the powerhouse of the Indian economy as they contribute significantly to employment generation, exports, and overall economic growth.

MSMEs reportedly account for more than 11 crore jobs and contribute around 27.0% of India’s GDP.The sector consists of around 6.4 crore MSMEs, with 1.5 crore of them registered on the Udyam portal and employs around 23.0% of the Indian labour force, making it the 2nd-largest employer in India after agriculture.

MSMEs account for 38.4% of the total manufacturing output and contribute 45.03% of the country’s total exports.

Most (90%) of the MSME funding comes from informal sources.

Government’s Initiatives to Boost MSME Sector:

The Government of India has correctly identified MSME ecosystem development as a top priority for achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The ambitious ‘Make in India’ campaign in India aims to propel the country up the manufacturing value chain and position it as a global manufacturing hub.

Production linked incentives (PLI) schemes and the recently launched zero effect zero defect (ZED) certification are assisting in the promotion and growth of the sector.

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is also creating opportunities for self-employment and micro enterprises, with over 7 lakh micro enterprises being helped to become economically viable.

Digital Saksham initiatives, as well as the interlinking of the Udyam, e-Shram, National Career Service (NCS) and Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portals, demonstrate the promise of targeted digitalisation schemes

Understanding the Latest Tax Compliance Guidelines for the MSMEs:

In India, businesses usually record expenses when they happen (accrual basis), even if they haven’t paid for them yet.

However, Section 15 of the MSMED Act 2006, and newly enacted Section 43B(h) of the IT Act says that businesses must pay these MSME Registered Enterprises within 15 days/ up to 45 days if they have an agreement.

If a business doesn’t comply with this regulation, they won’t be able to deduct these payments as expenses in the same year they incur them. This means their taxable income and business taxes could go up.

Also, in case of late payment to an MSME registered unit, the payer will be responsible to pay interest on the amount due.

What are the Concerns Raised by Big Companies and the MSMEs.?

Bigger companies started flagging concerns about ballooning tax liability and many MSME owners reported cancellation of orders due to the new tax clause.

MSMEs also pointed out that big companies are shifting business to unregistered MSMEs, as it lends them the flexibility to not meet the mandatory provision and continue with a longer payment cycle of 90-120 days.

While some MSME associations have approached the Supreme Court against the new norm, the Union MSME Ministry is learnt to have reached out to industry players for solutions.

The Ministry has asked stakeholders to suggest ways to resolve the issues arising from the I-T Act and to recommend possible alternate mechanisms for timely clearance of MSME.

Price Discovery of GOLD

In recent weeks gold has witnessed a phenomenal price increase, with expectations to rise further.

There is a direct relationship between the global price of crude oil and the international price of gold (Positive Correlation).

Contrary to the aforementioned, there is an inverse relationship between the external value of the U.S. dollar and the international price of gold (Negative Correlation). Simply put, whenever global oil prices shot up, the price of gold also rose & whenever the U.S. dollar declined in value against the currencies of its major trading partners, gold appreciated.

Reason Behind These Positive & Negative Correlations:

🪙Rise in international crude oil prices signaled the specter of global inflation. This leads to an increase in the demand for gold as a hedge against inflation.

🪙Gold is a real asset unlike financial assets and hence not subject to loss of value. Similarly, since the global price of gold is expressed in U.S. dollars, its depreciation meant the global price of gold had to rise.

How is Gold Price Determined Globally.?

Gold’s price is determined by supply and demand factors.

Supply Side:

The production of gold by producing countries and the cost of mining gold are factors to be considered on the supply side. Since most of the available gold in the world has already been mined, new production will involve digging deeper into the bowels of the earth, which is expensive, as gold mining is both energy and labor-intensive. So when the prices of crude oil and natural gas rise, it contributes to the rise in the price of gold.

Demand Side:

However more than gold’s supply, its demand contributes to periodic spikes in its price. The demand for gold can be broken up into Institutional, Investor, Consumer and Industrial demand.

🪙It is institutional demand in the form of central banks’ demand for gold that drives its price up to record levels each day. Central banks buy gold to boost their reserve assets, as it is a store of value and forms the basis for the issue of new currency. Faced with the threat of inflation against the backdrop of the current increase in crude oil prices (Brent crude touching $90 a barrel) and geopolitical uncertainty in the wake of the wars in West Asia and Eastern Europe, central banks worldwide, especially the Central Bank of China, are stocking up on gold. Foreign currency reserves in central banks under the current situation are subject to risk and loss of value.

🪙Investor demand comes from individuals as well as institutional investors, who would like to invest in physical gold or their financial derivatives and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a component of their investment portfolio. Return on investment is an investor’s primary concern, but diversification of risk and safety of investment, under uncertain geopolitical and economic conditions is driving demand from this group.

🪙Consumer demand arises from individuals as well as jewelers.

In both China and India, the largest consumers and importers of gold, it is bought as a traditional store of wealth and as ornaments for special occasions. So, consumer demand is mostly seasonal.

Industrial demand is influenced by technology. Gold as a metal is preferred by industry for its intrinsic properties like malleability and conductivity.

How is Gold Price Determined in India?

Demand and Supply:

The demand and supply largely influence the gold rate in the domestic market. The price will be higher when the demand for gold exceeds supply. However, the price will fall if the demand in the market is lower than the supply of gold.

Interest Rate:

The gold loan interest rate in India is monitored and changed by the RBI.

It is done to manage the capital flow in the Indian market. In case of higher interest rates, gold sell-off will be heavy. It leads to increased supply which means higher gold rates. However, the low interest rates increase demand and lower gold prices.

Economic Situation:

People often invest in gold to hedge against inflation and recession.

Any adverse economic factors lead to a fall in the financial market.

In such a situation, investors have limited liquidity and more losses.

That’s why they invest in gold because its demand increases in the domestic market.

Rupee-Dollar Conversion Rate:

If the value of the dollar increases against the rupee, it becomes expensive for India to import gold from international markets.

Therefore, the price of gold also rises considerably in the Indian market.

Mathematical Formula to Calculate Gold Prices:

The gold rate in India can be calculated using two mathematical formulas depending on the purity of gold. The two formulas to calculate gold prices are as follows:

🪙Purity Method (Percentage)

Gold value = (Gold Rate x Purity x Weight) / 24

🪙Karats Method

Gold value = (Gold rate x Purity x Weight) / 100

The Genesis of a Holistic Approach to ‘One Health’

Prologue

The relationship between Humans, Animals, and the Environment has become increasingly interdependent, particularly evident with the emergence of pandemics such as COVID-19.

This interdependence also extends to livestock and wild animals, with diseases such as lumpy skin disease affecting both animal productivity and trade. Recognising these challenges, the Indian government has initiated the ‘National One Health Mission’ to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The National One Health Mission

It is a comprehensive initiative endorsed by Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) in July 2022.

This mission involves 13 ministries and departments, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and others, to take a holistic approach to One Health and pandemic preparedness.

The establishment of a National Institute for One Health in Nagpur is a key milestone in the mission. The institute will act as the coordinating body for national and international activities in the field of One Health.

Objectives and Strategies of The National One Health Mission

▪️Integrated Disease Surveillance

The mission aims to establish a seamless and cohesive surveillance system that monitors health indicators across human, animals, and environmental sectors.By integrating data from these areas, the mission can detect potential health threats early and respond more effectively.

▪️Joint Outbreak Response

A coordinated approach to outbreak response is essential for managing and controlling diseases that can affect humans, animals, and the environment. The mission seeks to establish protocols and frameworks that enable different sectors to work together during outbreaks, sharing resources and information to minimize the impact.

▪️Coordinated Research and Development (R&D)

The mission promotes collaboration across various scientific research institutions and government departments to foster the development of innovative solutions for emerging health threats. This includes the creation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics that are essential for pandemic preparedness and response.

▪️Information Sharing and Communication

Effective communication and information sharing are crucial for a coordinated One Health approach.The mission aims to facilitate seamless data exchange between different sectors and stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and can take timely action when necessary.

▪️Preparedness for Future Pandemics

Building on the lessons learned from past pandemics, the mission strives to develop strategies and frameworks that will enable the country to be better prepared for future health crises.This includes planning for potential pandemics and emerging diseases such as avian influenza or Nipah virus.

▪️Resource Optimisation

By leveraging the resources and expertise of multiple sectors and stakeholders, the mission aims to optimise the use of available resources, including laboratory infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and scientific research capabilities. This collaboration helps in addressing health threats more efficiently and cost-effectively.

▪️Public Health Education and Awareness

The mission includes educating the public about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Raising awareness about One Health principles can promote healthier behaviours and better preparedness for health emergencies.

Key Aspect of the National One Health Mission: Laboratory Network and Technological Integration

▪️High-Risk Pathogen Laboratories

The mission aims to establish a national network of laboratories equipped to handle high-risk pathogens (Biosafety Level 3 and Biosafety Level 4).These laboratories are designed to work with dangerous infectious agents, providing a secure environment for studying pathogens that could potentially cause pandemics.

▪️Collaboration Among Departments

By bringing together laboratories managed by different departments, the mission aims to create a cohesive network that can coordinate and share resources across sectors. This integration helps improve disease outbreak response, regardless of whether the threat originates in human, animal, or environmental populations.

▪️Resource Optimisation

Combining laboratory resources under one network ensures efficient utilization of infrastructure and personnel. This collaboration allows the network to quickly respond to outbreaks and other health emergencies, making the best use of available resources.

▪️Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis

The mission encourages collaboration between experts from different fields such as medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach enables more thorough research and analysis of health threats and their impact across various sectors.

▪️Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are key technologies that the mission integrates to enhance epidemiological capabilities. These technologies can analyse large datasets to identify patterns, trends, and potential health threats, enabling timely interventions and better preparedness.

▪️Disease Modelling

Advanced modelling techniques are used to predict disease spread and potential outbreaks. These models help in planning and implementing targeted measures to control the spread of infectious diseases.

▪️Genomic Surveillance

The mission expands genomic surveillance efforts beyond COVID-19 to include other diseases. By analysing genetic material from wastewater and other sentinels such as livestock and wildlife congregations, scientists can monitor disease prevalence and identify new threats.

▪️Capacity Building

The mission focuses on building the capacity of professionals across sectors in epidemiology, data analytics, and laboratory management. Training and development programs ensure that personnel have the skills needed to effectively use new technologies and methodologies.

The Global Perspective of The National One Health Mission

One Health is a global topic and was endorsed during India’s presidency of the G-20. The mission focuses on building surveillance capacity, analytic capability, and an international network of One Health institutes. One Health extends beyond diseases to include issues like antimicrobial resistance, food safety, plant diseases, and climate change’s impact on health.

Inference

One Health is not just limited to diseases rather it concerns wider aspects such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, plant diseases and the impact of climate change on all of these. Intersectoral topics such as One Health require close engagement of not just different governmental agencies but also non-governmental organisations, academia, the private sector and also citizens. Such an approach focused on an actionable framework will further the goal of moving closer to the clarion call of ‘One Earth, One Health’ and ‘Health for All.’

Intersectoral topics such as One Health require close engagement of not just different governmental agencies but also non-governmental organisations, academia, the private sector and also citizens. Such an approach focused on an actionable framework will further the goal of moving closer to the clarion call of ‘One Earth, One Health’ and ‘Health for All.’

Representative Image from Internet (Open Source)

CDP-SURAKSHA

The government has come up with a new platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) — the Centre’s initiative to promote horticulture crops. The platform is known as CDP-SURAKSHA

The CDP-SURAKSHA is essentially a digital platform. SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”The platform will allow an instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Features

The CDP-SURAKSHA has features such as:

▪️Database Integration with PM-KISAN

▪️Cloud-based server space from NIC

▪️UIDAI validation

▪️eRUPI integration

▪️Local Government Directory (LGD)

▪️Content Management System, Geotagging, and Geo-Fencing.

Comparison from the Old System

In the old system, a farmer had to buy planting materials on their own. They would then have to approach the officials concerned for the release of the subsidy.The CDP-SURAKSHA platform, however, will provide subsidies to farmers upfront, at the time of purchasing the planting material.Vendors, who will supply planting materials to farmers, will receive their payment only after farmers verify the delivery of their orders.

Need

Horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA), making a substantial contribution to the Indian economy.The total production of horticulture crops has also spiked in recent years. While in 2010-11, it stood at 240.53 million tonnes, the number rose to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.

Horticulture Cluster Development Program (CDP)

The CDP is part of NHB’s (National Horticulture Board) central sector scheme.It aims to develop and grow horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.

The program is designed to leverage the geographical specialization of horticulture clusters and support the horticulture value chain from preproduction to marketing activities.

Objective

▪️Increase exports of targeted crops by about 20%.

▪️Create cluster-specific brands to improve the competitiveness of cluster crops.

▪️Reduce harvest and post-harvest losses by developing, expanding, and upgrading the infrastructure for post-harvest handling of produce,

▪️Boost farmers’ income

Current Status

So far, 55 horticulture clusters have been identified, out of which 12 have been selected for the pilot. These clusters are in different stages of development.Four more clusters — a floriculture cluster in West Bengal, coconut clusters in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and white onion clusters in Gujarat — are also in the pipeline.

Future Goal

According to the government, about 9 lakh hectares of area will be covered through all 55 clusters, covering 10 lakh farmers.

It is estimated that the initiative will attract private investment of Rs 8,250 crore, in addition to the government’s assistance, which is fixed according to the size of the cluster.

The Assistance include:

Up to Rs 25 crore for mini cluster (size up to 5,000 ha),

Up to Rs 50 crore for medium clusters (5,000 to 15,000), and

Up to Rs 100 crore for mega clusters (more than 15,000 ha).

e-RUPI

e-RUPI is basically a digital voucher which a beneficiary gets on his phone in the form of an SMS or QR code.It is a pre-paid voucher, which he/she can go and redeem at any centre that accepts its.

e-RUPI should not be confused with Digital Currency launched by RBI. Instead, e-RUPI is a person specific, even purpose specific digital voucher.

Benefits

▪️For Consumers

e-RUPI does not require the beneficiary to have a bank account, a major distinguishing feature as compared to other digital payment forms.

It ensures an easy, contactless two-step redemption process that does not require sharing of personal details either.

Another advantage is that e-RUPI is operable on basic phones.Hence, it can be used by people who do not own smart-phones.

▪️For the Sponsors

e-RUPI is expected to play a major role in strengthening Direct-Benefit Transfer and making it more transparent.Since there is no need for physical issuance of vouchers, it will also lead to some cost savings as well.

▪️For the Service Providers

Being a prepaid voucher, e-RUPI would assure real time payments to the service provider.

CDP Officially Logo: Internet (Open Source)

Education Budget is Residual Budget Traditionally

India’s education budget to be at 6 per cent of GDP set out in the National Education Policy 2020.

While the Indian government has promoted the 2023 national education budget as the country’s highest ever, government education spending as a percentage of GDP has stayed the same for the last three years.

Total education expenditure as a percentage of all government expenditure has increased slightly but remains lower than the percentage share in 2019-20.

This is likely to be due to low contributions towards the education sector from states, affected by their poor fiscal health and lower devolution of taxes received from the centre.

The national education budget however does not represent India’s total planned education expenditure. Allocations are also made at the state level and these must be combined together to provide a full picture.

According to Economic Survey 2022-23, total education outlay, including both national and state level expenditure, added up to 2.9 per cent of the country’s 2022 GDP – a proportion that has remained constant for the last four years.

The proportion of total annual education spending has been around 10 per cent of total government expenditure across all sectors and dropped to below 10 per cent since 2020-21.

Impact of 43(B) changes for Businesses who are dealing with MSME and the benefits MSME enjoys.

Understand the Impact of 43B changes for Businesses who are dealing with MSME and the benefits MSME enjoys

Exploring the recent amendment to Section 43B of the Income Tax Act – a pivotal development impacting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) and their collaborators.

Section 43B Overview:

Section 43B of the Income Tax Act is a provision that deals with certain expenses that can be claimed as deductions by businesses or professionals while computing their taxable income. However, these expenses can only be claimed in the actual payment year, not in the accrual year.

The payment must be made on or before the due date of filing the return of income for that year. And in cases amount due to small enterprises shall be paid on or before the time limit specified by The MSMED Act. The proof of payment must be furnished along with the return

Recent Amendment:

The latest amendment in Section 43B, specifies that payments to micro or small enterprises must adhere to Section 15 of the MSME Act, 2006. Deductions will be allowed only if payments are made within the stipulated time frames.

Payment Terms for MSME Suppliers:

· Micro: Pay within 15 days

· Small: Pay within 30 days

· Medium: Pay within 45 days

Compliance Requirements:

Auditors are now tasked with ensuring compliance with Section 43B and reporting on it in the Tax Audit Report.

Impact on MSMEs:

· This amendment serves as a protective measure for MSMEs, addressing the longstanding issue of delayed payments.

· Buyers now must settle payments within the specified time frame to claim deductions, easing financial strains on MSMEs.

Impact on Buyers:

· Entities collaborating with MSMEs need to adapt to the new regulations.

· Timely payments are now not just a good practice but a regulatory necessity for claiming deductions.

· The burden of delayed payments is shifted, emphasizing fair and prompt dealings.

Conclusion:

The Section 43B amendment is a positive stride towards supporting MSMEs and fostering a more equitable business environment. It promotes responsible financial practices and ensures timely settlements, benefiting both small enterprises and their collaborators.

Key Takeaways:

Deduction Conditions: Payments to MSMEs must align with Section 15 of the MSME Act.

Auditor Role: Verification and reporting of compliance are pivotal for audits.

MSME Resilience: The amendment strengthens the financial resilience of micro and small enterprises.

Buyer Accountability: Collaborators must adapt to ensure timely payments for deduction eligibility.

The amendment brings about a paradigm shift in how payments to MSMEs are treated, creating a more supportive ecosystem for these crucial contributors to the Indian business landscape.

No more spam SMS from companies

Companies that send promotional SMS will have to obtain your consent before sending you any SMS.

You can now check which companies can/cannot send you an SMS.

Earlier, your service provider (eg- Airtel) would not know which companies are allowed to send you a message.

So any random company could send you a promotional message and you could not do anything but get annoyed.

With the implementation of the Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) process, the companies will ask for your consent for any promotional messages.

You will get an SMS with the common short code “127xxx” with the company name and other details asking for your consent.

Only upon receiving consent, the service provider (eg- Airtel) will allow these companies to send you any further SMS and calls.

You can check all the blocked/unblocked companies from your service provider app.

Yesterday companies from the banking, insurance, finance and trading sectors were instructed to onboard the process.

We should expect companies from other sectors to be onboarded by 30th Nov 2023.

This is a great initiative to stop all the pesky calls and SMS.

With the government getting such initiatives, it might actually reduce the number of frauds through such SMS.

‘One Nation, One Student ID’

Stemming from the new National Education Policy of 2020.

Several state governments requested schools to seek parental consent for the creation of a new student identity card known as the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR).

Under the initiative, each student would get a lifelong APAAR ID, making it easy for learners, schools, and governments to track academic progress from pre-primary education to higher education.

APAAR would also serve as a gateway to Digilocker, a digital system where students can store their important documents and achievements, such as exam results and report cards.

The goal behind introducing APAAR is to make education hassle-free and reduce the need for students to carry physical documents.

The vision is to create a positive change, allowing state governments to track literacy rates, dropout rates, and more, helping them make improvements.

APAAR also aims to reduce fraud and duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, trusted reference for educational institutions.

Every individual will have a unique APAAR ID, which will be linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), which is a digital storehouse that contains information on the credits earned by students throughout their learning journey.

If the student changes schools, whether within the state or to another state, all her data in the ABC gets transferred to her new school just by sharing the APAAR ID.

Students won’t need to provide physical documents or transfer certificates

To sign up for APAAR, students will have to provide basic information such as name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph. This information will be verified using their Aadhar number.

Students will need to sign a consent form, and they can choose to either accept or decline sharing their Aadhar number and demographic information with the Ministry of Education for creating the APAAR ID.

For minors, parents will have to sign the consent form, allowing the Ministry to use the student’s Aadhar number for authentication with UIDAI.

Registration for creating an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.

What if people are using your name to buy SIM cards ?

🔴To date, the government has:

– Blocked ~66,000 fraud WhatsApp accounts

– Blacklisted ~67,000 SIM card dealers

– Registered ~300 FIRs against fraudsters

– Blocked ~8 lakh payment wallet accounts used for fraud deals

– Deactivated ~52 lakh phone connections obtained by fraud means

– Blocked ~17,000 mobile phones that were either lost or stolen.

🔴To stop SIM fraud, the government has also come up with-

– Strict checks like police verification for vendors of SIM cards

– No bulk purchase for individuals and strict KYC for businesses.

– Compulsory registration of PoS

– Improved KYC for buyers to avoid misuse

🔴What if people are using your name to buy SIM cards?

The government has introduced a portal named Sanchar Saathi, where you can find and report fraud numbers registered under your name!!

How to check:

1) Visit https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in/telecomUser/

2) Log in through OTP

3) Select the fraud number if any

4) Select ‘Not My Number’ and Report !

India Ageing 👴🏾

The India Ageing Report 2023 released recently by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS).

The report used the latest data available from:

◾The Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), 2017–18,

◾Census of India,

◾Population Projections by the Government of India (2011–2036).

◾World Population Prospects 2022 by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The report projects that the number of people aged 60 and above in India will double from 149 million in 2022 to 347 million in 2050.

Key highlights of the report;

Projection of the elderly population in the country
The decadal growth rate of the elderly population of India is currently estimated to be at 41%.

With this rate, the percentage of elderly population in the country is projected to double to over 20% of the total population by 2050.

By 2046, the elderly population will likely have surpassed the population of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.

🔴Population of people aged 80+

The report projected that the population of people aged 80+ years will grow at a rate of around 279% between 2022 and 2050 with a predominance of widowed and highly dependent very old women.

🔴Vulnerabilities of elders

More than 40% of the elderly in India are in the poorest wealth quintile, with about 18.7% of them living without an income.
Such levels of poverty may affect their quality of life and healthcare utilisation.

🔴Higher life expectancy of women
The data showed that women, on average, had higher life expectancy at the age of 60 and 80, when compared to men — with variations across States and Union Territories.
The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been climbing steadily since 1991, with the ratio in the general population stagnating.

Right to Repair ✊

Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs launced The ‘Right to Repair’ portal.

The ‘Right to Repair’ framework allows consumers to repair products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether and encourages sustainability.

Under this regulatory framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than depending on original manufacturers.

Sectors for Implementation:
**Farming Equipment
**Mobile phones/ Tablets
**Consumer Durables
**Automobiles/Automobile Equipment

Right to Repair will assist in achieving the targets under LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

The idea originally originated from the USA where the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act 2012, required the manufacturers to provide the necessary documents and information to allow anyone to repair their vehicles.

Consequences for Late Filing of Income Tax return after the Due Date

1) Penalty:
The maximum penalty of Rs 5000 is levied if you file your ITR after the due date i.e. after 31st July and before 31st December.

However there is a relief for small taxpayers, If their total income does not exceed Rs 5 Lakh, the minimum penalty levied for delay will be Rs 1000.

2) Interest on Unpaid Taxes:

Apart from the Penalty, interest will be charged under Section 234A at 1% per month or part thereof on tax due until the payment of taxes.
It is important to note that you cannot file ITR unless you pay taxes. The interest calculation under the said section will start from the date falling immediately after the due date.

3) Unable to Set Off losses:

Losses incurred are not allowed to be carried forward to subsequent years. You cannot set off these losses against future gains if the return has not been filed within the due date. However, if there are any losses under House Property, carry forward is permitted

4) Delayed Refunds:

In case you’re entitled to receive a refund from the government for excess taxes paid, you must file the returns before the due date to receive your refund at the earliest.

5) Prosecution & imprisonment:

If a taxpayer fails to file their income tax return, they will receive a notice from the Income Tax Department under Section 142(1), 148, or 153A. Failure to file even after receiving these notices can result in prosecution under Section 276CC of the Income Tax Act for tax evasion.

The penalties for tax evasion exceeding ₹25 lakh include a penalty for not filing an ITR and imprisonment of at least 6 months, which may extend to 7 years. For other cases, the prescribed penalty is imposed along with imprisonment of at least 3 months, which can be extended up to two years.

It’s always better not to wait for the last day to file Tax Returns as Income Tax Portal works slowly due to heavy traffic. Last year 72 lakhs returns were filed on the last day i.e. 31 July. Let us see if the record is broken and it may cross 1 crore this year.

Did 13.5 crore Indians really exit “poverty” in 5 yrs as some of the reporting around Niti Aayog data suggests ?

Did 13.5 crore Indians really exit “poverty” in 5 yrs as some of the reporting around Niti Aayog data suggests ?

No — and this needs some unpacking.

Things we need to know:

1. This has nothing to do with any “resilience” of India’s poor during the pandemic because the data is based on NFHS 2019-21, for which survey fieldwork was completed in 22 of the 36 states/UTs by Feb 2020.

2. It’s ‘multidimensional’ poverty (more on that in my explainer today), NOT poverty.

It’s only a *complement* to poverty data, as Niti Aayog itself says.

3. Poverty remains a monetary measure, on which we lack official data since 2011-12.

4. No index is perfect: the selection, definition, weighting of criteria can always be debated.

Yet, indices can help — as long as (and only if !) we know what they mean and what they don’t.
The data is about ‘multidimensional poverty’ — a mix of 12 indicators across health, education and living standards.

MDP is a global measure used by UNDP since 2010, and Niti Aayog created an Indian version (with tweaks, hence not comparable) in 2021.

10 Mistakes Taxpayer make while filing Income Tax Returns

1. Wrong ITR

Selecting the wrong ITR may lead to notices and later revision. Many Salaried file ITR 1, however, they are liable to file ITR 2

2. Not claiming Interest Deductions

Few Miss to claim 80TTA and 80TTB deductions

3. Two salaries- Disclose only 1

In a few cases when you have received a salary from more than one employee, you need to disclose all your salary income

4. Forget to disclose Shareholding/Directorship Pvt. Ltd

Holding Shares in Private Limited or Directorship needs to be Disclosed

5. Not disclosing foreign A/C shares etc.

Disclosure of foreign assets in ITR is mandatory for resident taxpayers who own specified foreign assets

6. Not checking AIS/TIS Reconciliation

A few times Income as per AIS / TIS income additional details are not checked and updated

7. Not claiming Senior citizen Medical expense

Senior Citizens who do not have Mediclaim Insurance can claim a 50k deduction on expenditure incurred on Medical Treatment

8. Deduction not claimed in Form 16 can be claimed while ITR filing

80C, 80D to 80U can be claimed. HRA can be Claimed but LTA cannot. Be sure of what can be claimed and what cannot

9. Not verifying ITR-30 days

ITR uploaded but not Verified within 30 days makes it Invalid

10. Maintain documents and evidence-10 years

Its good practice to maintain all exemption and deductions claimed documents as evidence for 10 years

MPs/MLAs Say They Don’t Need To Pay Tax Or Have No Income

24% India’s MPs/MLAs Say They Don’t Need To Pay Tax Or Have No Income

Only quarter of 4,848 MPs/MLAs declare income more than Rs 10 lakh, means 75% of MPs and MLAs nationwide declared annual incomes less than Rs 10 lakh

Around 35% of lawmakers said their annual income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh

40% have declared annual income between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.

As many as 1,141 (24%) MPs and MLAs claimed exemption from income tax or have no income at all.

Highlights of weak correlation existed between the assets and incomes of MPs and MLAs.

1) 38% (912 of 2,410) legislators with assets more than Rs 2 crore declared family incomes of less than Rs 10 lakh.

2) Of 1,079 lawmakers with assets in the range of Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore, only 44% (474) declared incomes more than Rs 10 lakh.

3) 22% (255 of 1,651) with assets between Rs 2 crore and Rs 10 crore declared incomes less than Rs 2.5 lakh.

4) 41% (891 of 2,155) with assets between Rs 2 crore and Rs 30 crore declared incomes less than Rs 10 lakh.

5) Of 156 lawmakers with household assets more than Rs 50 crore, 10 declared incomes less than Rs 10 lakh.

6) Of 75 legislators with assets more than Rs 100 crore, four reported incomes less than Rs 2.5 lakh.

7) 7% (106 out of 1,470) with assets less than Rs 1 crore declared annual incomes more than Rs 10 lakh.

8) As many as 2,410 elected representatives (MPs/MLAs) declared household assets of more than Rs 2 crore, of which 912 (out of 2410, 38%) disclosed family incomes less than Rs 10 lakh.

Source: India Spend 2017-18 Data

An explainer on Time-of-Day electricity tariff

Central Government Amends Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 by Introducing Time of Day (ToD) Tariff and Simplification of Smart Metering rules

Power Tariff to be 20% less during Solar Hours, 10%-20% Higher during Peak Hours; Consumers to benefit from effective utilization of ToD provision.

Introduction of Time of Day (ToD) Tariff : Rather than being charged for electricity at the same rate at all times of the day, the price you pay for electricity will vary according to the time of day.

Under the ToD Tariff system, Tariff during solar hours (duration of eight hours in a day as specified by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission) of the day shall be 10%-20% less than the normal tariff, while the tariff during peak hours will be 10 to 20 percent higher.
ToD tariff would be applicable for Commercial and Industrial consumers having Maximum demand of 10 KW and above, from 1st April, 2024 and for all other consumers except agricultural consumers, latest from 1st April, 2025. Time of Day tariff shall be made effective immediately after installation of smart meters, for the consumers with smart meters.

“The TOD tariffs comprising separate tariffs for peak hours, Solar hours and normal hours, send price signals to consumers to manage their load according to the Tariff. With awareness and effective utilization of ToD tariff mechanism, consumers can reduce their electricity bills. Since solar power is cheaper, the tariff during the solar hours will be less, so the consumer benefits. During non solar hours thermal and hydro power as well as gas based capacity is used – their costs are higher than that of solar power – this will be reflected in Time of Day Tariff. Now consumers can plan their consumption in order to reduce their power costs – planning more activities during solar hours when power costs are less.”

How much Gold Jewellery and Ornaments you can hold legally without proof ?

As per many High Court Judgements, & CBDT Instruction No 1916,

Married Women – 500 grams
Unmarried Women – 250 grams
Male Member – 100 grams

For example, in a family consisting of a Father, Mother, Married Son & his Wife and unmarried Daughter, total 5 members can hold
2 Married Women – 500 *2 = 1000 gms
2 Male Members – 100*2 =200 gms
1 Unmarried Woman = 250*1 =250 gms
Total = 1450 gms of Gold Jewellery

The CBDT guidelines in Instruction No 1916 define the limits for Search operation and seizure and not for assessment, however, various High Court rulings considering Indian Traditions and Customs are of the opinion that such holding found in possession will not be questioned for its source and acquisition.

The quantities specified in the instruction are to be treated as reasonable and therefore explained and should not be the subject matter of additions during assessments

As per Hindu Tradition, gold is given as streedhan or inherited via Will or else received as gift during marriage or other occasions as customary practice since time immemorial. Many times the invoice or proof of buying is not available. In such cases, the limits as mentioned above can be assumed as reasonable as per Hindu traditions and the status of the family.

Note the above limits are applicable only for Gold Jewellery in the form of ornaments and not for Gold coins or bars.

Further, there is no ceiling or limit upto which you can own Gold Jewellery and Ornaments or Gold Coins or Bars provided it is acquired from the explained source of income and inheritance (Eg proof like bills and Will), meaning legitimate holding of Gold to any extent is permissible and protected.

ITR filing :An understanding of AIS, TIS, and 26AS

Taxpayers before filing your Tax Returns, you should know what is AIS, TIS, and 26AS, along with the difference between them and what to do in case of discrepancies.

The AIS is a detailed statement that lists all of your financial transactions for a given financial year like interest, dividends, stock trades, mutual fund activities, international remittance details, etc. A taxpayer can download data in formats of PDF, JSON, and CSV.

The objectives of AIS are:
• Display complete information to the taxpayer with a facility to capture online feedback
• Promote voluntary compliance and enable seamless prefilling of return
• Deter non-compliance

The information shown on AIS is divided into two parts-
Part-A: General Information
It displays general information, including PAN, Masked Aadhar Number, Name of the Taxpayer, Date of Birth/ Incorporation/ Formation, mobile number, e-mail address, and address of Taxpayer.

PART- B: TDS/TCS Information
TDS / TCS deducted
SFT Information: Statement of Financial Transaction Code and Information
Payment of Taxes: Details of Taxes paid
Demand and Refund

You will be shown various details within the Taxpayer Information Summary such as,
• Information Category
• Processed Value
• Derived Value

Further, within an Information Category following information is shown:
• Part through which information received
• Information Description
• Information Source
• Amount Description
• Amount (Reported, Processed, Derived)

Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) is information category-wise aggregated information summary for a taxpayer. It shows the processed value and derived value under each information category (e.g. Salary, Interest, Dividend, etc.)

Difference Between AIS And Form 26AS:
At present, Form 26AS primarily displays property purchases, high-value investments, and TDS/TCS transactions carried out during the financial year.

Elsewhere, AIS is a much more detailed comprehensive statement.

In Case You Have An Error In AIS
To submit the feedback in the AIS section, the AIS Consolidated Feedback file (ACF) gives the taxpayers a facility to view all their AIS feedback

Click on the relevant information category, and choose the button ‘Optional’ to submit the feedback.

Do note that the information in the AIS will be displayed only after the reporting entities furnish the information to the I-T department. There may also be instances when the data of a particular period is not updated.

Taxpayer Should Refer To AIS At The Time of Filing of ITR ?

Form 26AS vs AIS, the taxpayer can rely on the information displayed in Form 26AS for the return filing, or actual detail as per transaction in the bank which is true and correct.

Revise Returns if later found AIS information.

If you have already filed your ITR and then found additional information in the AIS, you can file a revised return based on the information displayed in the AIS.

Featured

Let the Voters 🗳️ Be Aware

Welfare Schemes influences India’s elections.

Do they aid development..?

Handouts containing subsidize policies are thrown around in an attempt to attract votes, but do they come at the opportunity cost of long-term investment in public goods or basic entitlement of citizens.

Are the political parties are legally bound to fulfill their Manifesto/Campaigning promises..?

No political party is addressing concerned basic issues with Health, Education, Poverty eradication, Social Security, Natural Justice, Corruption, etc & concrete viable policy initiatives for them.

The manifesto consists of freebies which is sweet poison for voters & promises which is not going to be true.- (parties are not accountable for this)

Campaigning is going on the basis of blame game & historical events which are not going to change the aforementioned issues.

It is the election of the largest 🇮🇳 democracy.

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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