9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 10th January, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Section 152 of the BNS

Source: This post on Section 152 of the BNS has been created based on article “Section 152 of BNS should not become a proxy for sedition” published in The Hindu on 10th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS-2 -Polity

Context: The article addresses concerns over the potential misuse of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), enacted as part of India’s new criminal law framework. Although the government proclaimed the repeal of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the author argues that Section 152 of the BNS serves as a proxy for sedition, raising similar threats to freedom of speech and dissent.

What was the context of the Rajasthan High Court’s warning in Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2024)?

1. The Rajasthan High Court cautioned against using Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to stifle legitimate dissent.
2. This follows the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to suspend pending criminal trials under Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) until the government reconsidered the law.
3. The Union Home Minister had earlier proclaimed that ‘sedition’ would be repealed.
4. Section 152 of the BNS criminalises acts exciting secession, armed rebellion, and subversive activities, as well as those encouraging separatism or endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
5. Although the term “sedition” is not used, concerns arise that Section 152 replicates the essence of the repealed provision.

 What are the problems with Section 152 of the BNS?

1. Lack of Definition and Vague Terms

• Section 152 criminalises acts “endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India” but does not define what constitutes such endangerment.
• This vagueness leaves room for expansive interpretation by authorities, potentially stifling dissent.
• For example, criticism of historical or political figures could be construed as threatening unity or integrity.

2. Low Threshold for Offence

• The term “knowingly” lowers the threshold for liability.
• Sharing a post on social media, even without malicious intent, could lead to prosecution if it reaches a larger audience and provokes prohibited activities or feelings.
• Section 152 does not require prima facie evidence of a causal link between speech and its consequences, risking misuse.

3. Chilling Effect on Free Speech

• Section 152 is cognisable and non-bailable, making it prone to abuse like Section 124A IPC.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that from 2015 to 2020, 548 persons were arrested for sedition under Section 124A IPC, but only 12 were convicted.
• Section 152, being broader, poses an even greater risk of misuse.

What are judicial precedents on balancing free speech and national interest?

Consequentialist Approach: The judiciary has emphasized considering the actual impact of speech rather than the speech itself.

1. Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab (1995): Distinguished casual sloganeering from its consequences, requiring a direct causal nexus to determine an offence.
2. Javed Ahmad Hazam v. State of Maharashtra (2024): Judged speech by the standards of “reasonable, strong-minded” individuals, not “weak and vacillating” minds.
3. Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962): Differentiated “disloyalty towards the government” from strong criticism of its policies.

 What is the way forward for Section 152 BNS?

1. Judicial Guidelines: The Supreme Court should establish guidelines for enforcing Section 152, similar to the guidelines on arrests in K. Basu v. State of West Bengal. Clear boundaries for terms like “endangering sovereignty” or “unity” are needed to prevent misuse.
2. Marketplace of Ideas: Drawing from Justice Holmes’ vision in Abrams v. United States, society should allow a free flow of ideas and criticism to foster democratic growth. The focus should be on creating a space where ideas are tested and accepted based on their merit.

 Why is this important?

1. Free expression is vital in a democratic society, especially in the age of social media.
2. Without safeguards, Section 152 risks becoming a tool for suppressing dissent, much like its predecessor, Section 124A IPC.

Accessibility Rules: Moving Towards a Principle-Based Framework

Source: This post on Accessibility Rules: Moving Towards a Principle-Based Framework has been created based on article “We need accessibility rules that are based on principles” published in The Hindu on 10th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS-2 -Polity

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024), which declared Rule 15 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Rules, 2017, violative of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Court criticized the discretionary nature of Rule 15, as it conflicted with the mandatory obligations imposed by the Act to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024)?

1. The Supreme Court invalidated Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules, 2017, as it conflicted with the mandatory provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016.
2. The Court observed that the Rule’s discretionary nature undermined mandatory obligations under the Act.
3. Striking down Rule 15 also nullified the statutory authority of existing accessibility guidelines, prompting the Court to direct the government to create minimum mandatory accessibility requirements within three months.

How Should Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation Be Understood?

1. Accessibility: A right based on universal and standardized provisions ensuring inclusivity across all systems from the outset.
2. Reasonable Accommodation: Tailored solutions addressing specific challenges faced by individuals in specific contexts.
3. Both are complementary and interdependent, forming the foundation for substantive equality.

Why Do Accessibility Parameters Need to Evolve?

1. Dynamic Needs: With technologies like AI and IoT, accessibility must adapt to ensure inclusivity in both physical and digital ecosystems.
2. Phased Realization: Accessibility should follow a sliding-scale approach, setting minimum immediate standards while moving towards comprehensive goals, akin to Canada’s roadmap for full accessibility by 2040.
3. Tangible and Intangible Barriers: The RPwD Act recognizes barriers in their broadest form, from physical infrastructure to societal attitudes, making regular updates essential.

How Does Universal Design Broaden the Scope of Accessibility?

1. Universal design caters not only to persons with disabilities but also to vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly.
2. It emphasizes that disability often arises from environmental or situational factors, such as age-related issues, pregnancy, or high cognitive workloads.

What Role Do Social Audits Play in Accessibility Compliance?

1. Social audits mandated under Section 48 of the RPwD Act ensure that schemes and programs meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
2. Challenges: A lack of standardized guidelines, insufficient auditor training, and unclear methodologies lead to inconsistencies between the Centre and States.
3. Solution: Clear guidelines and broader operationalization of audits can identify changing challenges and enhance service delivery.

What Challenges Did Earlier Accessibility Rules Face?

1. Overlapping Jurisdiction: Conflicting mandates across ministries (e.g., sports complexes governed by multiple ministries).
2. Bureaucratic Complexity: Technicalities and contradictions delayed relief for persons with disabilities and increased compliance costs.
3. Lack of Clarity: The absence of streamlined processes made implementation difficult.

What Should the New Accessibility Rules Address?

1. Clarity and Simplicity: Direct, practical rules avoiding bureaucratic complexity.
2. Nodal Authority: Designate regulators or the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to ensure coordination.
3. Immediate and Long-Term Goals: Establish a sliding baseline for accessibility standards to evolve periodically.

Arguments related to Dual Citizenship

Source: This post on Arguments related to Dual Citizenship has been created based on article “Is India open to the idea of dual citizenship?” published in The Hindu  on 10th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS-2 -Polity

Context: The article discusses the complex and sensitive issue of granting dual citizenship to Indians settled abroad, a topic that has long been debated in India but remains unresolved. The conversation revolves around the remarks made by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who acknowledged the challenges of introducing dual citizenship but emphasized that the debate on the matter is ongoing.

1. Divided Loyalties: Both Amitabh Mattoo and Vivek Katju emphasize the risks of dual citizenship creating individuals with divided political loyalties, which could undermine India’s sovereignty. Mattoo explicitly states that political rights, such as voting, should not be extended to individuals with allegiance to another country.
2. Legal and Constitutional Constraints: The Indian Constitution and Citizenship Act make it clear that acquiring citizenship in another country requires renunciation of Indian citizenship. This legal framework underscores India’s stance on political exclusivity and sovereignty.
3. Risk of Foreign Influence: Allowing dual citizenship could inadvertently empower foreign-aligned interests, posing a potential risk to India’s internal political processes.
4. No Precedent for Leadership with Dual Citizenship: Examples like the U.S., where even citizens born outside the country cannot hold certain positions (e.g., the presidency), highlight the rigidity of political rights tied to undivided national allegiance.

Arguments Supporting Flexibility (Though Not Dual Citizenship)

1. Diaspora’s Contribution: The Indian diaspora has significantly bolstered bilateral relations, foreign investment, and India’s global image. Initiatives like the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card offer a bridge without full citizenship.
2. Global Citizenship Trend: With the increasing mobility of skilled workers and professionals, some argue that citizenship laws globally need to adapt to this reality. However, neither Mattoo nor Katju fully endorses this argument for India.
3. Economic Integration: The diaspora’s role in attracting foreign investments (e.g., through tech leaders like Satya Nadella) highlights the economic potential, though they agree this doesn’t justify extending political rights.

Challenges to Implementing Dual Citizenship

• Defining Eligibility: Differentiating between NRIs and PIOs complicates policy implementation. While NRIs retain Indian citizenship, PIOs do not.
• Global Precedents: Few countries with significant diasporas offer dual citizenship without significant constraints or exclusions.

India strengthens ties with Taliban amidst challenges

Source: The post India strengthens ties with Taliban amidst challenges has been created, based on the article “India-Taliban talks — realism in Acting West” published in “Indian Express” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses India’s growing engagement with the Taliban, highlighted by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting. It examines regional tensions, Pakistan’s challenges with the TTP, and India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for strategic cooperation despite non-recognition.
For detailed information on India-Afghanistan Relations read this article here

What was the significance of Vikram Misri’s meeting with the Taliban?

1. Elevated Dialogue: The meeting marked a shift from functional-level talks to senior-level engagement with the Taliban.
2. Geopolitical Context: It came after India condemned Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which killed women and children.

What challenges is Pakistan facing?

1. Taliban Support for TTP: The Taliban supports the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has 6,000–6,500 fighters attacking Pakistan from Afghanistan.
2. Border Tensions: The Taliban refuses to recognize the Durand Line, dismissing Pakistani demands for border crossings with documents.
3. Aggression Allegations: Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, aimed at TTP camps, are labeled as “aggression” by Kabul, straining relations.
4. Backfiring Policies: Pakistan’s past support for the Taliban during the Soviet era has led to threats on its western flank.
5. Internal Instability: Rising TTP attacks fueled by Pashtun nationalism challenge Pakistan’s security.

What is the global response to the Taliban?

1. The Taliban has not received formal recognition internationally.
2. The UN Credentials Committee rejected their recognition request for the fourth consecutive year.
3. Comparisons are made with Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is being engaged by diplomats despite its human rights violations.
4. Links between the Taliban, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and al-Qaeda hinder recognition efforts.
5. Nations like China, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan interact with the Taliban through local missions.
6. After the Taliban’s takeover, India had recalled all its personnel but later restituted its presence in Kabul by dispatching a “technical team” to its embassy in 2022.

What role does India play in Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs?

1. India has provided essential aid like wheat, medicines, vaccines, blankets, and stationery.
2. It sent Covid and polio vaccines, anti-tuberculosis medicines, and surgical items.
3. Rs 200 crore was allocated for Afghanistan in the 2024-25 Union Budget.
4. India supports refugee rehabilitation and Afghanistan’s health sector.
5. Pakistan’s expulsion of 5,00,000 refugees worsened the humanitarian crisis.

How can India strengthen its position in Afghanistan?

1. Leverage Cricket Diplomacy: Strengthen ties by supporting Afghan players in the IPL and fostering youth engagement through cricket.
2. Partner with Iran: Use Chabahar Port for trade and humanitarian aid, collaborating closely with Iran.
3. Resume Development Projects: Capitalize on traditional friendship by reviving infrastructure and development initiatives.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s growing engagement with the Taliban reflects its strategic priorities and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.

Delhi High Court Order State on sexual abuse

Source: The post Delhi High Court Order State on sexual abuse has been created, based on the article “The lack of empathy for survivors of sexual violence, assault” published in “Indian Express” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

Context: The article discusses the Delhi High Court’s order mandating free medical treatment for survivors of rape, child sexual abuse, and acid attacks. It highlights issues like lack of clothes for victims after forensic examinations and urges better support systems.

What Does the Delhi High Court Order State on sexual abuse?

1. The Delhi High Court ruled on December 10, 2024, that all hospitals must provide free medical treatment to victims of rape, child sexual abuse, and acid attacks.
2. Treatment includes first aid, diagnosis, surgeries, counseling (physical and psychological), and family support.
3. Hospitals cannot demand ID proof before providing emergency care to victims.

Denial of free medical treatment is a criminal offense punishable by one-year imprisonment, fine, or both.

4. The Ministry of Health Guidelines (2014) require hospitals to offer free services such as pathology tests, radiology, and medicines.
5. The court highlighted that hospitals routinely deny free treatment, even as courts hear rape and child sexual abuse cases in large numbers, signaling a grave governance crisis.
6. The political class fails to treat sexual violence as a public health issue, ignoring victims’ urgent needs.
7. The ruling emphasizes “therapeutic jurisprudence” to restore victims’ dignity and health.
8. Clothes and personal items seized during forensic investigations must be replaced by the state, ensuring victims are not left vulnerable.

What is the broader significance of the judgment?

The order highlights the need for dignity, safety, and comprehensive care for survivors of sexual violence. It calls for societal and institutional changes to ensure their rights are protected.

Question for practice:

Examine the key directives and broader significance of the Delhi High Court’s order for survivors of sexual violence.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s potential to become a tech-driven economy in 2025

Source: The post India’s potential to become a tech-driven economy in 2025 has been created, based on the article “2025: India’s tech transformation year” published in “Business Standard” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology

Context: The article discusses India’s potential to become a tech-driven economy in 2025. It emphasizes policy reforms, R&D funding, and key areas like AI, cybersecurity, quantum tech, data monetization, semiconductors, space, and air mobility to boost innovation and economic growth.

For detailed information on Digital Economy read this article here

What are India’s Economic Goals for 2025?

1. India aims to become a $4 trillion economy by 2025 and exceed Japan as the fourth-largest global economy.
2. The country’s progression toward becoming the third-largest economy relies on effective use of emerging technologies.

What Are the Key Policy Reforms for 2025?

1. India plans to invest ₹1 trillion in private sector R&D and open up R&D in critical sectors like defense and energy.
2. Other reforms include improving government procurement policies, emphasizing skill development in technologies like quantum computing and cybersecurity, and promoting global trade of local products.

How Will Emerging Technologies Boost India’s Economy?

1. Global Contribution Potential: Emerging technologies could add $29-$48 trillion globally by 2040, presenting a huge economic opportunity for India.
2. Innovation and Jobs: Producing technologies fosters innovation, creates jobs, and reduces import reliance. Example: Dominance in semiconductors and e-commerce by key global players.
3. Multiplier Effects: Technology adoption improves efficiency, boosts productivity, and stimulates innovation across sectors.
4. Geospatial Data Utilization: Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and drone policies support infrastructure and project planning.
5. Cloud Market Potential: Capturing 5% of the global cloud market by 2030 could create a $100 billion industry.

What Specific Technologies Will India Focus On in 2025?

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): India plans to accelerate AI adoption in healthcare, education, and agriculture. It will prioritize subsidized AI models for these sectors and expedite empanelment of vendors for 10,000 GPUs. The focus will also include building localized AI models using API-based access to India’s data assets.
2. Cybersecurity: India will enact stringent cybersecurity regulations for critical sectors like power, transportation, and healthcare. Early implementation of the DPDP Act 2023 and promoting digital forensics with indigenous tools will be critical.
3. Quantum Technologies: A nodal ministry will oversee quantum technologies in defense, healthcare, and finance. Plans include adopting quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography solutions, along with quantum-safe satellite communications.
4. Geospatial Data: India will complete nationwide geospatial data compilation and expand the PM Gati Shakti plan to all projects.
5. Semiconductors: Steps include operationalizing fab projects, incentivizing supply ecosystems.
6. India is set to advance in the drone industry, including setting up vertiports and enhancing air mobility management.
7. In space, steps include finalizing satellite spectrum allocation and promoting private industry participation in satellite services.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s focus on emerging technologies and policy reforms is expected to drive its economic growth and global competitiveness by 2025.

Overview of the GDP Growth Slowdown

Source: This post on Overview of the GDP Growth Slowdown has been created based on article “Decoding India’s growth slowdown” published in The Hindu on 10th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS-3 -Indian Economy

Context: The article analyzes the slowdown in India’s economic growth, as reflected in the first advance estimates of GDP for 2024-25, released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). These estimates show a significant decline in both real and nominal GDP growth rates, raising concerns about the robustness of India’s economic recovery post-pandemic and the sustainability of its fiscal and investment strategies.

What does the NSO’s latest GDP estimate for 2024-25 indicate?

1. The NSO estimates India’s real GDP growth rate for 2024-25 at 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24.
2. This is lower than the 6.5%-7% projection from the Economic Survey (July 2024). Nominal GDP growth is estimated at 9.7%, below the 10.5% expected in the Union Budget.

Why are India’s official GDP estimates questioned?

1. Experts, including the IMF, have flagged issues such as reliance on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as a deflator instead of the Producer Price Index (PPI).
2. This creates discrepancies in constant price GDP estimates, leading to anomalies in high-frequency economic trends.
3. For example, in 2023-24, nominal GDP growth fell from 14.2% to 9.6%, but real GDP growth rose from 7.0% to 8.2%.
4. This was due to an implausibly low GDP deflator (1.4%) despite retail inflation being 5.4%. Such discrepancies cause policy errors and confusion.

How has private investment contributed to GDP growth recently?

1. Despite an 8.2% real GDP growth in 2023-24, private corporate investments remained sluggish, focusing disproportionately on construction-related assets.
2. The private sector’s role in capital formation continues to underperform.
3. The Union Budget counted on a corporate-led capex revival and announced schemes like the ₹2 trillion ‘Prime Minister’s Package for Employment and Skilling.’
4. However, real gross fixed capital formation growth has dropped from 9% in 2023-24 to 6.4% in 2024-25.

How has private investment fared historically?

1. During the UPA era (2004-2014), real private investment grew at over 10% annually, outpacing public investment (9%).
2. Under the NDA (2014-2020), private investment growth slowed to 6.3%, below public investment growth of 6.6%. Post-pandemic, there has been no significant structural shift in private corporate investment behavior.

What do supply-side data reveal about sectoral growth?

1. Quarterly Gross Value Added (GVA) growth has declined since 2023-24. Manufacturing, mining, construction, and services like retail trade, transport, and finance are slowing.
2. The only sector expected to grow faster in 2024-25 is public administration and defense, underscoring the role of public spending.

What is the status of the government’s fiscal position?

1. As of November 2024, only 56% of the ₹25.83 trillion net tax revenue target has been achieved, while non-tax revenues benefited from a ₹2.11 trillion RBI surplus transfer. Capex spending remains below 50% of the budgeted ₹11.11 trillion for 2024-25.
2. Slowing tax revenue growth has disrupted budgetary targets. Maintaining fiscal consolidation would require reduced public spending, further worsening the slowdown.
3. Abandoning fiscal discipline is not feasible due to high public debt and interest obligations.

What is the suggested way forward?

1. The government needs to rework its revenue strategy by enhancing taxation on wealth and corporate profits.
2. This would allow for increased capital expenditure and welfare spending without derailing fiscal prudence.

Earthquakes in Himalayas Threaten Lives and Infrastructure

Source: The post Earthquakes in Himalayas Threaten Lives and Infrastructure has been created, based on the article “Damage control: Adherence to existing regulations can limit the impact of earthquakes” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Disaster and disaster management.

Context: The article discusses a recent earthquake in Tibet that caused damage and deaths. It highlights the seismic risks in the Himalayas, overdue massive earthquakes, and the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure and building codes to limit damage in vulnerable regions.

For detailed information on Restoring the Ecological Health of the Himalayas read this article here

Why are earthquakes in the Himalayas dangerous?

1. Tectonic Plate Movements: The Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate, creating fault lines that store energy.
2. Seismic History: The Himalayas have a history of major earthquakes, like the 2015 Nepal quakes, which killed over 9,000 people.
3. Overdue Earthquake: Scientists warn of an overdue earthquake in the Garhwal-Kumaon range. Data from the last 300 years shows that not all energy in the fault lines has been released. Experts predict a magnitude 8 earthquake in the region.
4. Fragile Infrastructure: Recurrent landslides and glacial lake outbursts damage dams, hydropower projects, and roads.
5. Wide Impact Area: Recent tremors in Tibet were felt in Nepal, Bihar, and New Delhi, highlighting regional vulnerability.

How can we reduce earthquake damage?

1. Build Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure: Follow building codes in the Himalayas and Indo-Gangetic plains to reduce structural damage.
2. Account for Regional Fragility: Consider recurrent landslides and glacial lake outbursts when designing dams, roads, and hydropower projects.
3. Focus on Long-Term Planning: Factor the costs of natural disasters into development plans for the Himalayan region.

For detailed information on NISAR satellite to map Himalayas’ seismic zones read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons why earthquakes in the Himalayas are particularly dangerous and the measures that can be taken to reduce their impact.

India’s Financial Needs for Growth by 2047

Source: The post India’s Financial Needs for Growth by 2047 has been created, based on the article “Financing India’s future growth is a challenge that must be met” published in “Live mint” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- mobilisation of resources

Context: The article discusses India’s need for financial capital to sustain economic growth and achieve development by 2047. It highlights the importance of increasing private investments, foreign capital, and expanding the corporate bond market. It also emphasizes improving investment norms for insurance and pension funds.

For detailed information on Boosting India’s Economy through Innovation and Reform read this article here

What Financial Goals Does India Have for 2047?

1. India aims to become a developed country by 2047, needing a growth rate of 7%-7.5% per year.
   2. The National Infrastructure Pipeline requires an investment of $1.3 trillion, and the energy sector needs $250 billion annually until 2047.
2. The MSME sector requires $1.5 trillion for scaling up and digital transformation.
3. The chief economic advisor estimates that India’s gross fixed capital formation needs to go up from the cur- rent 28% of GDP to at least 35% on a sustained basis.

What is the current status of India’s financial capital?

1. Public Capital Expenditure: Increased from 3.6% of GDP in 2019-20 to 5.6% in 2023-24, mostly focused on infrastructure development.
2. Private Investments: Indian corporates have reduced their debt-equity ratio from 1.2% to 0.9%, showing financial readiness. Equity fundraising through IPOs, QIPs, and rights issues crossed ₹3 trillion in 2024, a 64% rise from ₹1.88 trillion in 2021.
3. Domestic Savings: Declined from pre-pandemic levels of 20% of GDP to 18%, with more investments going into physical assets.
4. Foreign Investments: FDI remains stagnant at $70-85 billion annually, while private equity and venture capital contribute around $50-55 billion annually.
5. Corporate Bond Market: Underdeveloped, representing only 16% of GDP, compared to the global average of 40%.

How can India secure the financial capital needed for growth by 2047?

Increase Private Investments: Encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs), divestments, and manufacturing incentives. Indian companies are well-positioned, with strong balance sheets and a 64% rise in equity fundraising in 2024.

Attract Foreign Capital: Boost FDI (currently stagnant at $70-85 billion) by improving ease of doing business, contract enforcement, and tariff clarity. Strengthen private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) inflows.

Expand the Corporate Bond Market: Deepen the market, which is currently 16% of GDP, compared to the global average of 40%. Provide quality bonds and attract diverse investors for infrastructure and manufacturing funding.

Reform Insurance and Pension Funds:

• Greater participation by insurance and pension funds can strengthen India’s bond market.
• In the U.S., pension funds typically allocate 40-50% of their corpus to equities, 20-30% to bonds, and 10-15% to private equity (PE), with the rest in venture capital (VC) and real estate.
• In contrast, Indian life insurance funds must invest 50% of their corpus in government securities, while under the National Pension System (NPS), people above 55 years must allocate 75% to government securities. Relaxing these norms in India can allow funds to invest more in corporate bonds, equities, and alternative assets, improving returns for investors and mobilizing greater capital for the economy.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India can secure the financial capital needed to achieve its growth and development goals by 2047.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Future of Jobs Report 2025

News: Recently, World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Future of Jobs Report 2025. 

Key findings of the report 

• The report states that 170 million new jobs will be created by 2030, while 92 million are projected to be displaced. Thus, effectively 78 million new jobs would be created. 
• The sectors that will witness the largest number of new jobs include AI and machine learning specialists, big data experts, FinTech engineers, and farmworkers. 
• Care sector and education sector jobs are also expected to see a significant jump. 
• Though technology skills in AI, big data, and cybersecurity are expected to see rapid growth in demand, human skills such as creative thinking, resilience etc. continue to remain important. 
• Clerical jobs like data entry clerks are expected to see the largest decline in jobs, largely due to automation. 
• The report emphasises that nearly 59% of the global workforce will require upskilling or reskilling by 2030 to remain competitive. 

BHASHINI Initiative

News: The Union Minister of Labour and Employment has launched the Bhashini enabled e-shram portal in all 22 scheduled languages to benefit unorganised workers. 

About Bhashini Initiative 

• It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven tool that aims to transcend language barriers by ensuring that every citizen has access to digital services in their own language.  
• It provides technology translation services in 22 scheduled Indian languages. 
• The initiative was launched in July 2022 under the National Language Technology Mission. 
• It has been developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 
• Salient Features: 
  • Development of a national digital public platform for language to provide universal access to content. 
  • Make Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources available in the public domain to be used by Indian MSMEs, startups and individual innovators. 
  • Promotes citizen engagement to build multilingual datasets through a crowd sourcing initiative called Bhasha Daan. 
    • People can contribute to Bhashadaan through Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, Dekho India.

Miyawaki Technique

News: Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create around 56,000 sq. Meters of dense forests in Prayagraj. 

About Miyawaki Technique

 

• The technique was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s to create dense forests in limited spaces. 
• It is an afforestation technique for cultivating fast growing groves of native plants to create a natural forest. 
• It is also referred to as pot plantation method as it involves planting trees and shrubs close to each other to accelerate their growth. 
• Benefits: 
  • Natural forests created using this technique absorb more carbon, grow faster and support richer biodiversity as compared to traditional forests. Infact, plants grow 10 times faster with this technique. 
  • It has the potential to transform polluted, barren lands into green ecosystems. 
  • It is an effective tool of environmental restoration as it curbs air and water pollution, prevents soil erosion and promotes ecological balance.