BIHAR’S FINAL POLL LIST
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bihar Assembly elections approaching → Election Commission (EC) undertook Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after 22 years.
- Article 326 of the Constitution ensures universal adult suffrage (18+ years, not disqualified).
- Past concerns: allegations of “Vote Chori” and ghost voters.
- Electoral integrity crucial for India’s democratic credibility → key for Bihar’s politically competitive environment (BJP, JD(U), RJD).
Key Facts / Prelims Pointers
- Final Voter Count (2025): 7.42 crore (post SIR).
- Earlier (June 24): 7.89 crore voters.
- Draft list (Aug 1): 7.24 crore → 65 lakh removed.
- Final adjustments: +21.53 lakh, –3.66 lakh.
- Institutional actors: CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Bihar CEO Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, EC Assistant Director Apurva Kumar Singh.
- Appeal Mechanism: Under Section 24, Representation of the People Act, 1950 → 1st appeal: DM; 2nd appeal: CEO.
- Execution scale: 38 districts, 243 EROs, ~3,000 AEROs, ~1 lakh Booth Level Officers, 12 major political parties, 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents.
- Access: voters.eci.gov.in & download-eroll portal.
- Motto: “No eligible voter left out, no ineligible voter included.”
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Cleansing of rolls enhances transparency & credibility in elections.
- Digital + physical availability → greater voter accessibility.
- Inclusion of marginalised & migrant populations strengthens political inclusivity.
- Confidence-building before elections; reduces Opposition’s claims of fraud.
Challenges / Cons
- 47 lakh+ net reduction in voters since June → may raise suspicion of exclusion errors.
- Ensuring genuine inclusion of marginalised & migrant workers remains difficult.
- Booth-level verification resource-intensive; risks of human error/political bias.
- Digital access gap → rural & elderly voters may struggle.
Long-Term Implications
- Strengthens electoral integrity → key to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
- Reinforces India’s democratic model internationally.
- Prepares institutional ground for Vision 2047: Viksit Bharat with robust governance structures.
- Could set precedent for periodic intensive revisions nationwide.
Way Forward
- Institutionalise 5-yearly intensive revision cycles nationwide.
- Leverage Aadhaar–voter ID seeding with privacy safeguards to reduce duplication.
- Strengthen Booth Level Officer training & accountability mechanisms.
- Use AI & GIS mapping to track migration, urbanisation, and deceased records.
- Expand digital literacy campaigns for rural voters → ensure equitable access.
TRUMP RESPOND TO GAZA CEASEFIRE PLAN
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Israel–Hamas conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians.
- Israel’s military offensive since then has killed over 66,000 Palestinians (UN-verified numbers, majority civilians).
- U.S. President Donald Trump (returning to global spotlight post-2024) has proposed a ceasefire + transitional governance plan for Gaza, backed by Israel.
- The U.S. seeks to assume a direct leadership role in West Asia peace-making, a space traditionally mediated by UN, Arab League, or regional powers like Egypt & Qatar.
- Arab/Muslim nations (Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Turkiye, Qatar) cautiously welcomed U.S. involvement, but Hamas has not yet responded.
Key Facts / Prelims Pointers
- Plan Highlights:
- Ceasefire in Gaza.
- Hamas to release hostages within 72 hours. Disarmament of Hamas.
- Gradual Israeli withdrawal.
- Post-war transitional authority led by Donald Trump himself.
- Stakeholders:
- Supported: Israel, Palestinian Authority, 8 Arab/Muslim nations.
- Opposed: Hamas (yet to respond), Islamic Jihad, Israeli far-right factions.
- Criticism: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it a “diplomatic failure”.
- Humanitarian angle: Gaza reduced to rubble, 66,055 Palestinians killed; millions displaced.
- Location: Gaza Strip – one of the most densely populated areas on earth.
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Could pave way for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
- US reasserts leadership in conflict mediation – potential to balance Israel-Arab relations.
- Support from moderate Arab states signals regional alignment for peace.
- If successful, could reduce risks of regional spillover conflict (Iran, Hezbollah, Houthis involvement).
Challenges / Cons
- Hamas unlikely to disarm → makes plan almost non-implementable.
- Trump’s direct leadership in a transitional authority raises legitimacy concerns under international law.
- Israeli far-right factions oppose concessions → internal coalition instability.
- Plan sidelines the two-state solution debate, leaving Palestinian statehood unresolved.
- Perception of U.S.–Israel dominance → could fuel radicalisation across Muslim world.
Long-Term Implications
- If implemented, could reshape West Asian geopolitics, strengthening U.S. over UN as peace guarantor.
- For India: Stability in West Asia critical for energy security, diaspora safety, and trade routes.
- Links to Vision 2047 & SDGs: Peaceful West Asia
* better global energy transition, maritime security in Indian Ocean.
- Risks: Failed diplomacy could worsen global terror threats, refugee crises, and oil market volatility.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat angle: India’s need to diversify energy imports, reduce dependence on volatile Gulf.
Way Forward
- Balanced Diplomacy: India should maintain neutrality – support peace but avoid direct alignment with either bloc.
- Strengthen Multilateralism: Push for UN-led inclusive peace framework instead of unilateral U.S. control.
- Humanitarian Engagement: Expand India’s role in aid, reconstruction, and digital/health infrastructure in Gaza post-conflict (soft power projection).
- Two-State Solution: Reinforce need for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel – sustainable peace requires political resolution.
- Regional Security Cooperation: Work with I2U2 (India–Israel–UAE–U.S.) and Arab partners to ensure West Asia stability and energy security.
INDIA GOT 8% MORE MONSOON RAINFALL THIS YEAR
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Backgroud
- IMD (India Meteorological Department) released monsoon rainfall data for June–Sept 2025.
- Monsoon crucial for Indian agriculture (≈50% gross cropped area rain-fed), reservoir storage, hydropower, rural economy.
- Extreme events reflect climate change patterns: erratic distribution, intense localized rainfall, regional imbalance.
- Linked to ENSO cycle (La Niña/El Niño), monsoon trough shifts, western disturbances.
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- Overall Monsoon 2025: +8% above normal → 93.7 cm rainfall.
- Historical Rank: 5th highest since 2001; 38th highest since 1901.
- Regional Distribution:
- Northwest India: +27% (74.79 cm, highest since 2001, 6th highest since 1901).
- Central India: +15%.
- South Peninsula: +10%.
- East & Northeast India: 80% of normal (108.9 cm, 2nd lowest since 1901).
- Monthly Spread: June +9%, July +5%, August +5%, September +15%.
- Onset: South Andaman Sea – May 13 (9 days early); Kerala – May 24 (before June 1 norm).
- Coverage: Entire India by June 29.
- Storm Systems: 7 monsoon depressions, 1 deep depression (avg. 69 days vs normal 55).
- Outlook: Above-normal October rains (except North/NW India). La Niña forming in Pacific.
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Boosted reservoir levels, irrigation security, hydropower generation.
- Positive for Kharif output & Rabi sowing prospects.
- Early onset aided agricultural planning.
- Regional surpluses strengthen food security buffer stocks.
Challenges / Cons
- Extreme rainfall in North & South India → floods, landslides, infrastructure damage, loss of life/property.
- Regional disparity: Deficit in East & Northeast threatens tea, jute, rice cultivation.
- Urban flooding & drainage failures highlight climate adaptation gap.
- Climate variability complicates long-term crop planning & insurance frameworks.
Long-Term Implications
- Links to SDGs (2 – Zero Hunger, 13 – Climate Action, 6 – Clean Water).
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in food security, but risks of regional crop failure persist.
- Climate extremes → greater pressure on disaster management systems, resilient infrastructure, crop diversification.
- Impacts Vision 2047: sustainable agriculture, water management, food exports, and rural economy resilience.
Way Forward
- Strengthen IMD forecasting accuracy (short, medium & seasonal).
- Region-specific crop diversification & climate- resilient seeds.
- Expand micro-irrigation, watershed management, groundwater recharge.
- Invest in urban flood resilience, early warning systems.
- Enhance crop insurance & MSP flexibility in deficit-hit regions.
- Promote climate diplomacy linking Indian monsoon studies with global climate change negotiations.
BIHAR HAS FEWER PASSPORT AND FOREIGNERS ACT CASES
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Background
- Political Context: BJP foregrounding illegal migration/infiltration issue in Bihar ahead of Assembly polls.
- Institutional Context: NCRB’s Crime in India Report 2023 and Prison Statistics of India 2023 provide official crime & prison data.
- Broader Relevance: Links to national security, electoral politics, Centre-State relations, and foreign policy (Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria).
- Related Developments:
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls by ECI.
- Decline in “offences against the State” but rising environmental crimes.
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- Foreigners/Passport Acts Cases (Bihar): 5 (2023), 3 (2022), 1 (2021).
- National Total (2023): 2,290 cases under Foreigners/Passport/Emigration/Citizenship Acts.
- Top States (2023): WB (1,050), Tripura (277),Maharashtra (272), TN (167), Punjab (78).
- Foreign Prisoners (2023): 6,956 (↑10.7% from 2022).
- Convicts 21.5%, Undertrials 74.3%, Detenues 0.4%.
- Convicts nationality: Bangladesh (59.4%), Nepal (13.3%), Myanmar (10.46%), Pakistan (6.5%), Nigeria (3.9%).
- Offences against State (2023): 4,873 cases (↓13.1% vs 2022).
- PDPP Act: 81.9% (3,989).
- UAPA: 15.4% (750 cases, ↓ from 1,005 in 2022).
- UAPA hotspots: UP (224), J&K (178), Manipur (113), Assam (73), Jharkhand (36).
- Environmental Crimes (2023): 68,994 (↑30.4%).
- COTPA: 85.9% (59,279).
- Noise Pollution Acts: 9.6% (6,640).
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Strengthens data-driven policymaking on security, migration, and environment.
- Decline in UAPA cases suggests possible de- escalation of extremist activities.
- Rising focus on environmental crimes → awareness of sustainability challenges.
Challenges / Cons
- Mismatch between political narrative (migration issue in Bihar) vs low NCRB data → risk of politicisation.
- High proportion of undertrial foreign prisoners (74%) → judicial delays, prison overcrowding.
- Environmental offences largely under minor Acts (COTPA, noise) rather than serious ecological crimes.
Long-Term Implications
- Security: Data may shape immigration policy, border security architecture (especially with Bangladesh/Myanmar).
- Governance: Need for faster judicial processes to address undertrials → connects to Vision 2047 goal of efficient justice system.
- Environment: Enforcement of pollution/tobacco laws aligns with SDGs (3: Health, 13: Climate Action, 15: Life on Land).
- Global Positioning: India’s handling of foreign nationals in prisons has diplomatic implications (esp. with neighbours).
Way Forward
- Policy Alignment: Harmonise political narratives with official crime data for credibility.
- Judicial Reforms: Speedy trial mechanisms, legal aid for foreign undertrials.
- Strengthen Border Management: Tech-enabled surveillance, bilateral cooperation (esp. with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar).
- Environmental Crime Framework: Move beyond COTPA/noise → stronger enforcement on air, water, forest violations.
- Integrated Approach: Link NCRB prison & crime data with NITI Aayog’s SDG index for policy monitoring.
A 100 -YEAR JOURNEY AS THE GUARDIAN OF MERITOCRACY
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context
- UPSC marks 100 years of establishment (Oct 1, 1926–2025).
- Origin: Govt. of India Act, 1919 → Public Service Commission set up in 1926 (Lee Commission, 1924).
- Became Federal Public Service Commission under Govt. of India Act, 1935.
- Got constitutional status in 1950 under Article 315–323.
- Symbol of meritocracy, fairness & integrity in governance.
- Global context: UPSC exam is among the largest & most complex recruitment systems worldwide.
Key Facts / Prelims Pointers
- First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker (1926). Headquarters: Dholpur House, New Delhi. Exam Coverage: Civil services + engineering, forest, medical, statistical services.
- Scale: 10–12 lakh applicants annually for prelims; 48 optional subjects; 22 official languages.
- Venues: >2,500 prelim centres across India. Reforms:
- Online application portal.
- Face-recognition tech → prevent impersonation.
- PRATIBHA Setu → job-linkage for interview- qualified but not selected candidates.
- Use of AI & digital technologies under consideration.
- Constitutional Articles: 315–323 (UPSC, State PSCs, functions, reports).
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Guardian of meritocracy & equal opportunity → aspirants from rural/urban, privileged/underprivileged.
- Trust, transparency, fairness → credibility even amid political transitions.
- UPSC as a level playing field → enhances social mobility.
- Large-scale logistics handled with efficiency & precision.
- Reforms like PRATIBHA Setu → reduce aspirants’ opportunity cost.
Challenges / Cons
- Over-centralised & highly competitive → stress & coaching-dependency.
- Mismatch between skills tested & governance needs (rote vs applied knowledge).
- Rising socio-economic inequality in preparation access.
- Need for continuous tech adaptation without compromising integrity.
- Backlogs & delays in some recruitment cycles.
Long-Term Implications
- Aligns with Vision 2047 → building capable governance machinery.
- Ensures Atmanirbhar Bharat by nurturing skilled administrators.
- Supports SDGs (esp. SDG 16 – strong institutions, peace, justice).
- Enhances India’s global image as a nation with transparent recruitment.
- Adoption of AI/digital reforms → model for other institutions worldwide.
Way Forward
- Exam Reform: Balance between academic knowledge, practical governance, and ethics. Inclusivity: Expand outreach, scholarships, and digital access for rural/remote aspirants.
- Skill Alignment: Synchronise exam patterns with governance challenges (AI, climate change, urbanisation).
- Institutional Autonomy: Further insulate UPSC from political or external pressures.
- Continuous Tech Upgrade: AI, digital verification, transparent evaluation without diluting fairness.
- Mental Health Support: Mechanisms to reduce aspirant stress.
RECLAIM THE DISTRICT AS A DEMOCRATIC COMMONS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Background
- Rising fragmentation & polarisation in global public life amid technological, ecological, and demographic upheavals.
- India’s youth bulge: 65% of population under 35 years vs. aging global demography → unique opportunity & challenge.
- Unequal development: Cities (3% land) → 60% GDP, districts under-utilised.
- Centralised governance model → top-down schemes, digital delivery, cash transfer politics * weakening local agency.
- Need for district-first democratic engagement to unlock demographic dividend and prevent political fatigue.
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- Demography: 65% Indians < 35 yrs.
- Mobility: 85% Indians remain in district of birth.
- Urban dominance: Cities cover 3% land but contribute 60% GDP.
- Consumption issue: Corporate profits rising but wages stagnant → weak domestic demand.
- Governance structure: MPs chair district-level committees for central schemes.
- Current model: Welfare via cash transfers > employment generation.
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- District-first democracy → decentralisation, local accountability, tailored development solutions.
Youth engagement: Reclaim districts as democratic commons, not just administrative units.
Transparency & accountability → tracking outcomes district-wise.
Strengthens grassroots democracy, reduces policy- design vs lived-impact gap.
Mobilises civil society + private actors + MPs for collaborative district outcomes complex.
Political will deficit: Centralisation often suits ruling governments → resistance to decentralisation.
Short-term populism (cash transfers) vs. long- term structural reforms.
Long-Term Implications
- Vision 2047: Empowering districts critical for becoming a developed, inclusive nation.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: District-level innovation & production can drive self-reliant growth.
- SDGs: Aligns with decentralised governance, localised action, inclusive growth.
- Global positioning: India can showcase a democratic model of decentralised development.
- Failure risks wasting demographic dividend & hollowing out democracy.
Way Forward
- Strengthen District Planning Committees (DPCs) & empower local bodies (73rd/74th Amendments spirit).
- Institutionalise district-level scorecards for tracking youth employment, education, innovation.
- Enhance fiscal federalism: targeted funds for lagging districts.
- Public-private partnerships at district level to boost jobs & skills.
- Shift from entitlement delivery → opportunity creation.
- Encourage youth-led civic innovation platforms in districts.
- Foster district-first democracy → MPs, civil society, corporates as co-stakeholders in development.
MORE WOMEN JOIN THE LABOUR FORCE,BUT ARE THEY REALLY EMPLOYED?
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) indicates women actively employed or seeking work.
- Historically low in India; fell from 31.2% (2011- 12) → 23.3% (2017-18), now risen to 41.7% (2023-24).
- Rise mainly driven by rural women, amid barriers in wage employment and earnings. India’s workforce: self-employed, regular salaried, casual workers (NSSO data tracked).
Key Facts/Data (Prelims Pointers):
- Rural FLFPR rise: From 2017-18 to 2023-24. Sectoral shift: Rural women in agriculture increased 71.1% → 76.9%; decline in secondary/tertiary sectors.
- Unpaid work trends:
- Domestic duties fell 57.8% → 35.7%.
- Helpers in household enterprises rose 9.1% * 19.6%.
- Own-account workers/employers rose 4.5%M * 14.6%.
- Earnings: Real earnings declined for all categories except casual workers.
Critical Analysis: Opportunities / Pros:
- More rural women engaging in productive activities beyond household chores.
- Increase in self-employment may foster entrepreneurial skills.
- Potential for women’s economic empowerment if linked to skill development
Challenges / Cns:
- Majority of new participation is unpaid or low- income self-employment.
- Wage employment and secure jobs for women have not expanded.
- Rise in FLFPR may mask vulnerability and income insecurity.
- Difficulty in separating domestic duties from household enterprise work.
Long-Term Implications:
- Without better employment opportunities, gains in FLFPR may not translate to economic security.
- Affects gender equality, poverty reduction, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) targets.
- Could influence rural development, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Vision 2047 goals if women remain in low-income sectors.
Way Forward:
- Promote wage employment and formal sector jobs for women.
- Strengthen skill development and entrepreneurship support for rural women.
- Improve data classification to distinguish unpaid domestic work from productive work.
- Introduce income support, social security, and safety nets for self-employed and household enterprise workers.
A PLAN BUILT ON SAND
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 21- point peace plan for Gaza and Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
- Comes amid U.S. claims of “ending wars” (Ukraine, Middle East, India–Pakistan tensions).
- Broader context:
- Ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas-Israel hostilities, repeated failed peace initiatives in Middle East.
- Arab states’ nuanced support; Israel’s conditional acceptance; Hamas rejection.
- Trump’s political ambition to project himself as a “peace president.”
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- Plan highlights:
- Immediate ceasefire.
- Exchange of hostages (Israel) and prisoners (Palestine).
- Phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Humanitarian aid delivery.
- Governance by internationally supervised Palestinian technocratic committee under a “Board of Peace.”
- Hamas disarmament with amnesty.
- Pathway to conditional Palestinian statehood.
- Supported (partially) by: Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE.
- Israel: Not rejecting plan, but threatens military action if Hamas resists.
- Hamas: Rejects plan → “tilted towards Israel.”
- Parallels drawn with Trump’s failed Ukraine peace overtures.
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Potential opening for peace dialogue in a long-deadlocked conflict.
- Arab states’ cautious endorsement signals rare diplomatic convergence.
- Could revive multilateral engagement in Middle East peace efforts.
- Humanitarian relief and reconstruction framework for Gaza.
Challenges / Cons
- Legitimacy deficit – Hamas excluded, Palestinians see it as biased.
- Disarmament/demilitarisation logistically and politically contentious.
- Risk of Israel citing Hamas non-compliance to abandon commitments.
- Trump’s lack of diplomatic patience, long-term engagement.
- Fragility of ceasefire/prisoner exchanges without political consensus.
Long-Term Implications
- Test case for U.S. role as global mediator → credibility at stake.
- Arab states balancing domestic opinion (support for Palestine) with U.S. ties.
- Israel-Palestine deadlock → impact on regional stability, energy security, terrorism.
- If successful, could strengthen U.S. soft power → link with Vision 2047 global order.
- If it collapses → reinforces image of U.S. decline in conflict resolution.
Way Forward
- Ensure inclusive dialogue (Hamas, Palestine Authority, Israel).
- Prioritise humanitarian aid + reconstruction before political final settlement.
- Establish credible international oversight (UN, Arab League, Quartet).
- Promote confidence-building measures: sustained ceasefire, monitored disarmament, economic cooperation.
- India’s angle: Support multilateral peace effort, maintain balanced ties with Arab states & Israel.
PREVENT THE ATROCITY
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Backgroud
- Rising atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs) remain a major social justice and governance challenge in India.
- NCRB data highlights increasing violence against STs, reflecting both conflict-related spikes (e.g., Manipur) and entrenched social bias in states like Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Rajasthan.
- Tribal welfare schemes exist, e.g., PM JAN-MAN and DAJGUA, but atrocities continue, revealing implementation gaps.
- Political accountability and inclusive governance are critical to address structural discrimination.
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- NCRB 2023 data: Crimes against STs increased 28.8% from 2022.
- Manipur conflict: Cases jumped from 1 (2022) → 3,399 (2023).
- State-wise concern: MP (highest cases in 2022), Rajasthan (3rd highest in 2023).
- Population: STs form 21.1% of MP’s population (2011 Census).
- Charge-sheeting rates: MP – 98.4%, Rajasthan – 42.3%.
- Political context: BJP in MP; Congress (earlier) in Rajasthan; new BJP government in Rajasthan (2023).
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Schemes like PM JAN-MAN and DAJGUA provide platforms for tribal outreach and grievance redressal.
- Rising awareness and reporting may indicate better visibility of tribal issues.
- High charge-sheeting rate in MP shows potential for strong legal enforcement where political will exists.
Challenges / Cons
- Entrenched social bias against tribals persists. Political photo-ops (e.g., CM inviting culprit) insufficient for systemic change.
- Low charge-sheeting in Rajasthan signals weak administrative follow-through.
- Conflict zones (Manipur) exacerbate violence.
Long-Term Implications
- Social exclusion and unchecked violence threaten inclusive growth and Viksit Bharat vision.
- Hinders SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
- Weak tribal integration affects Atmanirbhar Bharat, as social marginalization limits human capital development.
Way Forward
- Strengthen law enforcement and judicial follow- up on atrocities.
- Scale up sustained social awareness, sensitization, and anti-bias campaigns.
- Improve tribal governance mechanisms in conflict and high-atrocity regions.
- Ensure political accountability and transparent monitoring of tribal welfare schemes.
- Promote inclusive development policies linking tribal welfare with economic and educational opportunities.
C FOR CHALLENGES
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Background
- Cancer is an emerging public health challenge globally and in India, with rising incidence and mortality.
- India faces late diagnoses, uneven access to care, and avoidable complications, straining the healthcare system.
- Public health infrastructure, preventive care, and awareness remain inadequate, contributing to modifiable risk-driven cancers.
- Global context: While incidence/mortality lower than global average, population growth and ageing make cancer a pressing concern.
Key Facts / Data (Prelims Pointers)
- Cancer incidence in India: 84.8 per 1,00,000 (1990) → 107.2 per 1,00,000 (2023) → ~1.5 million new cases annually.
- Cancer mortality: 71.7 per 1,00,000 (1990) → 86.9 per 1,00,000 (2023) → ~12.1 lakh deaths annually.
- Preventable/modifiable risk factors: ~70% cases linked to tobacco, air pollution, obesity, poor diet, alcohol, HPV/hepatitis B infections, high blood sugar.
- Technological interventions: Tele-oncology, mobile vans; Punjab: AI-enabled breast & cervical cancer screening; Karnataka: AB-ArK scheme oncology procedures increased 6× in 6 years.
- Advanced therapies: CAR-T therapy (NexCAR19) available but expensive.
- Data gaps: Cancer registry voluntary, patchy screening programs, weak linkage to treatment.
Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros
- Preventive focus can reduce cancer burden significantly.
- Technology-driven models (AI screening, tele- oncology) improve early detection and access.
- Vaccination (HPV, Hep B) and lifestyle interventions can curb preventable cases.
- Strengthening registry & mapping cancer hotspots aids evidence-based policy.
Challenges / Cons
- Late diagnosis and uneven access worsen outcomes.
- High cost of advanced therapies limits equitable access.
- Weak health infrastructure and low public awareness impede preventive measures.
- Data gaps prevent timely policy adjustments.
Long-Term Implications
- Strengthening cancer prevention & care aligns with Vision 2047: healthier, productive population.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat via domestic healthcare innovations (CAR-T, AI tools).
- Contributes to SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing by reducing premature mortality from NCDs.
- Enhances India’s global healthcare leadership via tech-driven oncology solutions.
Way Forward
- Make preventive care central: expand awareness, regulate risk factors, invest in clean air/water.
- Scale up HPV & Hepatitis B vaccination programs nationwide.
- Strengthen cancer registries and build a national cancer map for hotspot-based resource allocation.
- Expand AI and tele-oncology programs, ensuring integration with treatment pathways.
- Promote affordable access to advanced therapies like CAR-T through subsidies and domestic R&D.
- Enhance clinical trial infrastructure and real- time data monitoring for responsive policy- making.
RBI CHANGES LOAN RULES
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context
- RBI allows banks to reduce the spread component on existing loans before 3 years to benefit borrowers.
- Aims to enhance monetary policy transmission, which had been limited under the earlier framework where spreads could be changed only once in three years.
- Spread = additional percentage banks add to benchmark rates (repo-linked or MCLR) considering credit risk, operating cost, and tenure.
- Part of broader reforms since 2019 EBLR (External Benchmark Lending Rate) introduction, linking loans to repo/T-bill rates for better interest rate transmission.
Key Facts / Prelims Pointers
- Effective date: October 1, 2025
- Scope: Existing borrowers; spread may be reduced earlier than 3 years on non- discriminatory, justifiable grounds.
- Repo rate cut: 100 bps between Feb–Jun 2025. Weighted average lending rate on fresh loans fell 53 bps; overall transmission on outstanding loans = 49 bps.
- Floating → Fixed option: Banks may allow personal loan borrowers to switch to fixed rates at reset; discretion lies with lenders.
- Loans to jewellers: Banks now allowed to grant working capital loans to jewellers using gold as raw material; tier-3 and tier-4 urban co-op banks included.
Critical Analysis – Opportunities / Pros
- Improves borrower benefits and customer retention.
- Strengthens monetary policy transmission, aligning outstanding loan rates with repo rate cuts.
- Encourages competitive lending, improving credit access and efficiency.
- Flexibility to switch floating to fixed rates offers personalised borrower solutions.
- Enables industrial credit for jewellers, promoting MSME and sector-specific growth.
Challenges / Cons
- Banks’ profitability may be affected if borrowers switch to fixed rates during low interest cycles.
- Requires careful risk management by banks to avoid financial strain.
- Potential implementation disparities across banks; need for non- discriminatory application.
Long-Term Implications
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by improving credit availability and affordability.
- Aids Vision 2047 economic inclusivity goals by strengthening retail and MSME financing.
- Aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) by supporting industrial and small business financing.
- Enhances financial sector deepening and borrower-centric banking reforms.
Way Forward
- RBI to monitor transmission effectiveness on outstanding loans.
- Banks to strategically manage spread reductions and fixed rate options to safeguard profitability.
- Encourage uniform implementation across banks, including co- operatives, for equitable borrower benefit
- Periodic review of policy to support monetary policy cycles and sector- specific credit needs.
AMAZON RAINFOREST TRESS GETTING BIGGER
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context & Background
- The Amazon rainforest, spanning 9 South American countries (≈60% in Brazil), is the world’s largest tropical forest and a key carbon sink.
- Known as the “lungs of the planet,” it absorbs CO2 and produces oxygen; stores ≈150–200 billion tonnes of carbon.
- Deforestation and climate change pose global environmental, ecological, and climate security risks.
- Study published in Nature Plants (Sep 25, 2025) by ~100 scientists from 60+ universities
Key Facts/Data (Prelims Pointers):
- Trees’ average diameter increased ≈3.3% per decade across 188 permanent forest plots (~12,000 m² each).
- Monitoring period: up to 30 years.
- Cause: Rising atmospheric CO2 (up ~20% in last 30 years) → “carbon fertilisation effect.”
- Benefits: Larger trees absorb more carbon.
- Caution: Deforestation still causes major biodiversity and carbon loss.
Critical Analysis: Opportunities / Pros:
- Enhanced CO2 absorption helps mitigate climate change.
- Demonstrates resilience of old-growth forests to rising CO2.
- Supports global carbon sink strategies and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Challenges / Cons:
- Carbon fertilisation does not offset deforestation and habitat loss.
- Planting new trees cannot replace centuries-old biodiversity and carbon storage.
- Long-term forest health may still be threatened by logging, fires, and land conversion.
Long-Term Implications:
- Protecting and restoring Amazon critical for global climate stability.
- Insights can inform nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration (aligned with SDG 15: Life on Land).
- Strengthens global case for sustainable forest management, climate finance, and biodiversity treaties.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen international cooperation to curb deforestation.
- Integrate findings into carbon accounting and climate policy.
- Promote conservation of old-growth forests alongside sustainable reforestation.
- Enhance monitoring networks to track forest health and carbon dynamics.
