Recently,  the WEF article, “India Can Be a Global Pathfinder in Digital Health”, was released, which explores how India’s digital healthcare initiatives position the country as a leader in health technology.

• The report emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships, the importance of interoperability, and the need for robust data governance frameworks.
• It underscores how India’s initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS), can set a global benchmark for digital healthcare transformation.

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About Digital Health

• Digital health is the use of digital technologies to improve health. 
• It includes a wide range of technologies and applications, such as: 
  • Electronic health
  • Mobile health (mHealth)
  • Telehealth
  • Health information technology (IT)
  • Wearable medical devices
  • Software as a medical device (SaMD)
  • Personalized medicine

Digital Healthcare Infrastructure in India

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) 
  • The ABDM, launched in 2021, aims to create a nationwide digital health ecosystem by integrating healthcare service providers and patients through unique health IDs. 
  • Objective: To fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance and health research – spanning both the urban and rural areas so that the communities are Atma Nirbhar in managing such pandemic/ health crises. 
  • Key features of ABDM include:
    • Health ID: A unique identifier for individuals to store and share medical records.
    • Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): A comprehensive database of registered healthcare professionals.
    • Health Facility Registry (HFR): A digital repository of healthcare facilities across India.
    • Unified Health Interface (UHI): An open network facilitating digital health services.
    • Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA): The Mission provides for assisted and offline mode for creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) for areas with limited internet connectivity or hardware or both. 
    • Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS): Incentivizes hospitals, clinics, and healthcare startups to embrace digital technologies, accelerating the transition to a paperless healthcare system.
  • Research and development: Recently, in September 2024, the National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
    • A federated learning platform across a variety of machine learning model pipelines, a quality-preserving database, an open benchmarking platform for comparing & validating AI models, and a consent management system for research under ABDM would be developed by IIT Kanpur.
  • Achievements: 
    • As on January 20, 2025, more than 73 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created successfully
    • There are more than 5 lakh health professionals registered. 
    • Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the top 5 states with Ayushman Bharat account holders. 
    • 49.15% of the total number of beneficiaries are women.
• eSanjeevani Telemedicine Service
  • The e-Sanjeevani platform, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2019, enables remote consultations, reducing the burden on physical healthcare facilities. 
  • The platform consists of two modules:
    • e-Sanjeevani OPD: Facilitating doctor-to-patient consultations remotely.
    • e-Sanjeevani AB-HWC: Connecting Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) with specialist doctors for better healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
• U-Win Portal
  • The U-WIN Portal, launched in October 2024, is developed for the complete digitization of vaccination services, and maintaining vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme. 
  • The citizen-centric services of the digital platform include ‘
    • Anytime Access’ and ‘Anywhere’ vaccination services, 
    • self-registration by citizens using the U-WIN web-portal or the U-WIN citizen mobile application, 
    • Universal QR-based e-Vaccination Certificate and
    • Create their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for themselves and Child ABHA ID for their children. 
  • The portal is available in 11 regional languages, including Hindi. 
  • By November 2024, 7.43 crore beneficiaries have been registered, 1.26 crore vaccination sessions have been held and 27.77 crore administered vaccine doses have been recorded on U-WIN.
• Aarogya Setu App
  • It has been transformed into a National Health App, bringing a whole plethora of digital health services powered by the ABDM
  • Services:
    • Registration for Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).
    • Seamless access to digital lab reports, prescriptions, and diagnoses.
    • Online doctor appointments via e-Sanjeevani OPD.
    • Facility to download or update Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
• e-Hospital Initiative
  • Hospital Management Information System (HMIS): Simplifies internal workflows for government hospitals using a SaaS model.
  • Associated Platforms:
    • e-BloodBank: Comprehensive blood bank management.
    • Online Registration System (ORS): Enables online access to hospital services linked with ABHA.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS)
  • It was launched by the government on 10th October, 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
  • Progress:
    • 53 Tele-MANAS Cells established in 36 States/UTs.
    • Handled 17.6 lakh calls as of January 2025.

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Key Policies Shaping Digital Healthcare

• National Health Policy (NHP) 2017:
  • NHP 2017 emphasizes the use of digital technology to enhance healthcare delivery. 
  • It advocates for electronic health records, health information systems, and telemedicine to improve accessibility and efficiency. 
  • Aim: To integrate digital health solutions within the national healthcare framework to address gaps in service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
• National Health Mission (NHM):
  • NHM is a program that works to achieve the goals of the NHP. 
  • NHM provides support for 
    • Improvement in health infrastructure,
    • Availability of adequate human resources in health facilities, 
    • To improve availability and accessibility to quality health care especially for the underserved and marginalized groups in rural areas. 
  • Two Sub-Missions, 
    • The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) 
    • The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
  • The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved continuation of the National Health Mission for another five years.
• Health Data Management Policy (HDM Policy):
  • It was released in Dec 2020 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, outlines data privacy, security, and governance standards for digital health records. 
  • It ensures patient consent, data anonymization, and secure data exchange. 
  • The Policy specifies that no data shall be shared with any other entity including insurance and pharmaceutical companies without consent of the individual
• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
  • The mission was launched by the central government in 2020 to improve healthcare in India by creating a digital health ecosystem.
  • Vision: It aims to make India self-reliant (Atma Nirbhar) in providing universal health coverage. 
  • Alignment: It aligns with the National Health Policy 2017 and the National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB) to create a robust digital infrastructure for healthcare services.
  • Key Components
    • Health ID (ABHA): A unique identifier for individuals to access and store their health records digitally.
    • Digi Doctor: A repository containing detailed information about certified doctors, including qualifications and experience.
    • Health Facility Register (HFR): A centralized database of healthcare facilities across India.
    • Personal Health Records (PHR): Electronic records that store health-related information for individuals.
    • Electronic Medical Records (EMR): A web-based system to store patients’ comprehensive medical and treatment histories.
  • Data Security and Interoperability: The mission uses a federated architecture to ensure data privacy and secure interoperability across the healthcare ecosystem.
• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) that aims to improve health infrastructure and systems across the country which focuses on the primary, secondary and tertiary care services. 
  • Launched to address gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and research. 
    • It also aims to prepare health systems to respond to future pandemics and disasters. 
  • Scheme period: 2021-22 to 2025-26. 

India: Global Leadership and Collaboration in Digital Healthcare

• India as a Global Pathfinder: India is at the forefront of digital health transformation due to its diverse population, robust digital public infrastructure, and innovative private sector.
  • As a key proponent of the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), India promotes global collaboration, interoperability, and equitable access to digital health solutions.
  • India’s Presidency of the G20 Summit 2023 highlighted its role in advancing digital health frameworks for global adoption.
• Replicable Digital Health Models: India’s digital health initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), serve as templates for developing nations.
  • CoWIN Platform: Managed over 2 billion vaccinations and has been adopted by multiple countries for their vaccination drives.
  • e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform: Enabled millions of remote consultations, showcasing telemedicine’s potential in bridging healthcare disparities.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration between the government and private players is essential for innovation and scalability in healthcare.
  • Initiatives like the Digital Healthcare Transformation (DHT) Initiative by the World Economic Forum aim to showcase scalable public-private models for global use.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: India supports cross-border digital health partnerships to:
  • Eliminate redundancies in healthcare technology.
  • Accelerate innovation in AI-driven diagnostics, blockchain-based health records, and telemedicine.
  • Address universal healthcare challenges such as rising costs, unequal access, and chronic disease burdens.
• Scalable and Cost-Effective Solutions: India’s healthcare ecosystem has proven scalable, cost-effective solutions adaptable to other nations:
  • The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) empowers individuals with control over health records.
  • The U-WIN Portal ensures comprehensive vaccination record digitization.
• Recognition of India’s Digital Healthcare Success
  • Global organizations, including the World Economic Forum, acknowledge India’s digital public health initiatives as benchmarks for innovation, equity, and scalability.
  • The DHT Initiative, launched in 2024, emphasizes knowledge exchange and multi-stakeholder engagement to scale impactful digital health solutions globally.
• Future Outlook: India is poised to lead the global digital health movement by focusing on:
  • AI-driven healthcare innovations for early detection and efficient diagnostics.
  • Blockchain technologies for secure and interoperable health data management.
  • Enhanced cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard sensitive health information.

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Opportunities for Digital Healthcare Transformation in India

• Enhanced Accessibility: Platforms like e-Sanjeevani have conducted over 30 crore consultations, bringing healthcare services to remote and underserved areas​.
  • Telemedicine services have reduced the need for physical visits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing geographical barriers.
• Scalable Solutions for Vaccination: The CoWIN platform facilitated the administration of over 2 billion vaccine doses and was adopted by several countries​.
  • It highlights how digital platforms can manage large-scale health initiatives effectively.
• Improved Health Data Management: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) integrates health records through a Unified Health Interface (UHI), enabling secure data sharing​​.
  • Patients now have access to comprehensive health records through platforms like ABHA.
• Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics: Collaboration with IIT Kanpur under ABDM leverages AI for diagnostics, improving early detection in remote areas​.
  • AI-driven initiatives in cancer care in Northeast India showcase the potential for specialized care.
• Economic Benefits through Digital Infrastructure: Digital platforms like Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved citizens ₹30,000 crores on medicines​.
  • Lower treatment costs enhance affordability for low- and middle-income populations.
• Global Leadership and Replicability: India’s CoWIN and ABDM platforms are now global templates, adopted by other nations for vaccination and health record management​​.
  • India’s proactive role in the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) emphasizes its leadership.

Challenges in Digital Healthcare Transformation in India

• Digital Divide: Despite advances, rural areas often lack reliable internet and digital literacy, limiting access to digital health services.
  • BharatNet aims to bridge this gap, but high-speed connectivity is still unavailable in many remote regions​.
• Fragmented Healthcare Ecosystem: Health data exists in silos, making interoperability a challenge​.
  • Limited integration between private and public healthcare providers slows the transition to a unified digital health ecosystem.
• Privacy and Data Security Concerns: Only 20% of healthcare providers are fully compliant with Health Data Management Policy standards​.
  • The need for strong encryption and consent mechanisms is crucial as digital health adoption grows.
• Low Insurance Penetration: Non-life insurance penetration in India is just 1%, compared to the global average of 7%​.
  • Many citizens cannot afford digital healthcare services due to limited financial coverage.
• Lack of Standardization: Absence of uniform health record formats complicates interoperability and exchange​​.
  • Private hospital chains like Apollo and Max use advanced systems, but data is not portable across providers.
• Resistance to Change: Many healthcare providers still rely on manual processes, finding digital systems burdensome​.
  • Training programs and financial incentives are needed to encourage adoption among healthcare workers.

Way Forward for Digital Healthcare Transformation in India

• Bridge the Digital Divide: Focus on expanding high-speed internet connectivity through initiatives like BharatNet, especially in remote and rural areas.
  • Launch awareness and literacy campaigns to improve digital adoption among underserved populations.
• Strengthen Data Privacy and Security: Implement robust frameworks under the Health Data Management Policy, ensuring patient consent and secure data sharing.
  • Invest in advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive health information against breaches.
• Promote Interoperability and Standardization: Develop uniform standards for health data exchange, ensuring seamless integration across public and private healthcare providers.
  • Enforce the adoption of standards like SNOMED and LOINC to enhance data consistency and usability.
• Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Foster collaboration between government bodies, private hospitals, and health-tech companies to scale innovative solutions.
  • Use successful models like e-Sanjeevani and ABDM as templates for new initiatives.

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• Enhance Capacity Building and Training: Provide healthcare workers with training on digital platforms and tools, reducing resistance to technology adoption.
  • Offer financial incentives to hospitals and professionals for transitioning to digital systems under schemes like DHIS.
• Implementing AI in healthcare: Integrate AI and machine learning for predictive diagnostics, personalized treatments, and efficient resource allocation.
  • Utilize blockchain technology for secure, tamper-proof health records and data interoperability.
  • NITI Aayog is closely working with technology giant Microsoft and the medical start-up Forus Health to develop automated solutions for early detection of diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

India’s digital healthcare transformation holds immense potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. With continued policy support, infrastructure development, and public-private collaborations, the country is poised to emerge as a global leader in digital health. With growing investments in digital health and technological advancements, India’s healthcare system is expected to evolve into a globally recognized model for digital transformation, setting benchmarks for other developing nations.

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), had organised the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

About National Tribal Health Conclave

• This Conclave is an initiative under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
• It is aimed at addressing the critical health and well-being challenges faced by India’s tribal communities.
• Objectives of the Conclave:
  • Facilitate discussions to explore innovative healthcare delivery models for tribal regions.
  • Identify priority areas for policy interventions and research.
  • Develop culturally appropriate health strategies to enhance health-seeking behavior.
  • Strengthen healthcare systems through capacity building, community engagement, and monitoring mechanisms.
  • Create a comprehensive action plan to improve healthcare access and outcomes in tribal areas.

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Key Efforts and Initiatives in Tribal Healthcare

• National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission: It launched to target the eradication of sickle cell anemia by 2047. 
• Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology: Established at AIIMS Delhi, this chair serves as a multi-disciplinary platform for research and data collection on tribal health.
• Centres of Competence (CoC): 15 CoCs have been sanctioned in 14 states to enable advanced and prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, a prevalent genetic condition in tribal populations.
• Collaborative Approach: MoTA is working closely with MoH&FW, MoAYUSH, MoWCD, NHM, AIIMSs, CoCs, ICMR, UN agencies, NGOs, and state tribal welfare departments to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

Healthcare Challenges Faced by the Tribal Communities

• Geographical Barriers: Many tribal communities live in isolated, hard-to-reach areas, making access to healthcare services difficult.
  • Almost 90 percent (89.97%) of the ST population lives in rural areas.
• Limited Health Centers: Few healthcare facilities are available in tribal areas, and existing ones often lack basic resources, medical staff, and equipment.
• Shortage of Healthcare Workers: There’s a significant shortage of trained medical professionals in rural and tribal regions.
• Cultural Differences: Tribal communities may have their own traditional health practices and beliefs, leading to reluctance in seeking modern medical care.
  • Different tribal groups speak various languages and dialects, creating communication challenges with healthcare providers.
• Poverty: Many tribal populations live below the poverty line, making it difficult for them to afford healthcare services and medications.
• • Over 70% of STs lie in the lowest wealth quintiles, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21).
  • Over 45% of members of the STs were living below the poverty line in rural areas and over 25% lived in urban areas, according to the MoTA in its 2021-22 Annual Report. 
• Malnutrition: Poor nutrition due to lack of access to food and education about health often contributes to higher rates of diseases.
• • Although malnutrition among tribal children has shown a declining trend, the prevalence of underweight is almost one and a half times more in tribal children than in the ‘other’ groups.
• Vulnerable to Specific Health Issues: Tribal communities are more susceptible to diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and malnutrition, due to poor sanitation and living conditions.
• • STs account for nearly 50% of all malaria-related deaths in India, despite constituting about 8% of the total population.

Way Forward

• Development of Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in building well-equipped hospitals, clinics, and primary healthcare centers in tribal regions and aspirational districts.
• Strengthening Human Resources in Healthcare: Hire healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses in tribal areas.
• Promoting Health Education and Awareness: Organize health education campaigns focusing on preventive care, hygiene, and disease management in remote tribal areas.
• Expanding Outreach through Mobile Health Services and telemedicine: Deploy mobile healthcare units to provide essential services like screenings, immunizations, and treatments in remote areas.
• Incorporating Culturally Sensitive Healthcare Models: Respect and integrate traditional healing practices with modern medical systems.
• Encouraging Community Participation: Involve tribal leaders, representatives, and local organizations in planning and implementing healthcare programs.

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The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has launched its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme.

About Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme

• It is a bi-annual internship which aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens.
• Program Objective:
  • To train participants to engage with global internet governance processes.
  • Collaborate with international organizations like 
    • Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), 
    • Internet Society or Information Security Operations Center (ISOC),
    • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and 
    • Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). 
  • Develop domestic talent to address emerging internet governance issues.
• Stipend: Rs. 20,000 per month
  • Support provided for mandatory outreach programs
• Mentorship: Interns will be guided by:
  • Subject matter experts from from International Organizations
  • Special Interest Group members
  • High ranking government officials
  • Faculty advisors from recognized institutions

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Status of Internet in India

• General public access to the internet in India began on 15 August 1995.
• Since then India has witnessed a remarkable surge in internet usage in recent years, reflecting the nation’s rapid digital transformation. 
  • The internet subscriber base now stands at 954.4 million, with 556.05 million in urban areas and 398.35 million in rural areas. 
  • 95.15% villages having access to internet with 3G/4G mobile connectivity
  • As Per a recent TRAI report, the average monthly data consumption of a user reached 20GB as of March 2024, up from just 0.27GB in 2014-15. 
• India’s meteoric rise as a digital powerhouse is a testament to the convergence of affordability, technology and aspiration. 

About Internet Governance

• Internet Governance refers to the development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, and decision-making processes that shape the use and evolution of the internet. 
• Conceptually Internet Governance involves Internet Protocol Addressing (IP Addressing), Domain Name System (DNS), Routing, Technical Innovations, Standardization, Security, Public Policy, Privacy, Legal Issues, Cyber Norms, Intellectual Property and taxation.
• Internet Governance includes following layers:
  • Physical Infrastructure layer
  • Code or Logical layer
  • Content layer
  • Security
• In India, internet governance focuses on ensuring equitable access, promoting digital inclusivity, safeguarding data privacy, and enhancing cybersecurity.

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Internet Governance in India

• India supports a multi-stakeholder approach in matters on Internet Governance. 
• On matters relating to national security, the Government will continue to have supreme right and control. 
• India’s strength in the sector is its industry and human resource which can be leveraged in a multi-stakeholder approach. 
• The multi-stakeholder approach also aligns with the government’s investment strategy for Digital India.

Key Stakeholders in India’s Internet Governance

• Government Bodies:
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): Oversees policies related to digital infrastructure, internet regulation, and cybersecurity.
  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): Regulates internet service providers and ensures fair practices.
• National Organizations:
  • National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI): Manages the .IN domain, promotes IPv6 adoption, and facilitates efficient internet traffic exchange.
  • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Focuses on cybersecurity and responds to threats.
• Private Sector:
  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and tech companies contribute to infrastructure and innovation.

Need for Internet Governance

• Cybersecurity: Safeguard against cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft.
• Content Regulation: Address issues like misinformation, hate speech, and harmful online content.
• Intellectual Property Protection: Combat piracy and enforce digital IP laws.
• Economic Growth: Foster innovation, fair competition, and a thriving digital economy.
• Digital Inclusion: Ensure equitable access to the Internet for marginalized and rural populations.
• Net Neutrality: Guarantee equal access to information without discrimination by ISPs.

Challenges in Internet Governance in India

• Digital Divide: Significant gaps in internet access exist between urban and rural areas.
  • Low levels of digital literacy, especially in rural areas, hinder the adoption of online services.
• Data Privacy and Protection: Rampant data collection by private entities and inadequate regulatory frameworks compromise user privacy.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Growing incidents of phishing, ransomware, and other cybercrimes strain the existing infrastructure.
  • India ranked 5th in the list of most breached countries with 5.3 million leaked accounts in 2023.
• Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability: Sectors like banking, healthcare, and power grids are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.
  • AIIMS Delhi ransomware attack disrupted services for two weeks.
• Misinformation and Fake News: The spread of misinformation on social media and messaging platforms challenges societal harmony.
• Hate Speech and Harmful Content: Addressing issues of online abuse, hate speech, and extremist content requires nuanced approaches.
• Fragmented Legal and Policy Framework: The Information Technology Act (2000) is inadequate for addressing emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.
  • Multiple regulatory bodies often work in silos, leading to inefficiencies in governance.
    • CERT-In for cybersecurity
    • TRAI for telecom
    • RBI for digital payments
    • MEITY for electronic governance
• Dependence on Foreign Technologies: Heavy reliance on global tech giants for infrastructure and services compromises sovereignty.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Uneven distribution of internet exchange points (IXPs) affects the efficiency of data routing.

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Way Forward

• Expand Internet Access: Increase the rollout of broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas through initiatives like BharatNet.
• Enhance Digital Literacy: Launch targeted awareness and training programs for marginalized and rural communities.
• Strengthening Data Privacy and Protection: Expedite the enactment of a comprehensive Data Protection Rules that ensures privacy and accountability.
• Promote Data Sovereignty: Mandate the localization of critical data under the Rules and ensure compliance with international standards.
• Build Cyber Resilience: Regularly update the National Cybersecurity Policy to address emerging threats.
  • Strengthen CERT-In capabilities for rapid response to cyberattacks.
• Securing Critical Infrastructure: Conduct regular audits and implement advanced security measures for critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and power.
• Combating Misinformation and Harmful Content: Collaborate with social media platforms to create clear guidelines for misinformation and harmful content.
  • Enforce penalties for those spreading hate speech and fake news while ensuring freedom of expression.

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A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights the alarming rise in nitrogen pollution.

Key Findings of the Report

• Rising Emissions: Humans add 150 teragrammes (Tg)  of reactive nitrogen annually, projected to reach 600 Tg/year by 2100 due to climate change.
• Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): Global NUE declined from 56% (1961) to 40% (1980s) and rebounded to 56% by 2022.
• Main Contributors: Livestock emissions account for one-third of total nitrogen emissions, along with synthetic fertilizers, land-use changes, and manure.
• Regional Impact: Nitrogen pollution is most severe in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia due to extensive fertilizer misuse.
• Crop Variations: NUE varies by crop, e.g., soybeans (80%) vs. fruits/vegetables (14% in 2010).

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About Nitrogen

• Nitrogen in the Atmosphere: Nitrogen constitutes 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, but this nitrogen exists in an inert form that most organisms cannot utilize.

• Reactive Nitrogen: Through natural processes like nitrogen fixation by legumes and industrial methods (e.g., the Haber-Bosch process), nitrogen becomes reactive and usable.
  • The Haber-Bosch process involves the transformation of  Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) via a reaction with hydrogen (H2).
  • This process employs a metal catalyst (iron) and operates under high temperatures and pressures.
  • This has significantly boosted global food production over the past century.
• Negative Impact: Human-driven nitrogen flows have increased tenfold in the last 150 years. Around 80% of reactive nitrogen is lost to the environment annually, leading to soil and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and health issues.

Sources of Nitrogen Pollution

• Agriculture: Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.
  • Livestock emissions, contributing about one-third of global nitrogen pollution.
  • Mismanagement of manure.
• Industrial Activities: Emissions from factories and coal power plants.
• Vehicle Emissions: Nitrogen oxides from exhausts.
• Land-Use Change: Deforestation and habitat alteration.

Impact of Nitrogen Pollution

• Climate Change: Nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas and has a 200-year atmospheric lifetime, contributing significantly to global warming and ozone depletion.
• Biodiversity Loss: Over-fertilization of ecosystems, causing sensitive species to be outcompeted.
  • Creation of oceanic “dead zones” and toxic algal blooms.
• Health Risks: Ground-level ozone and smog caused by nitrogen oxides lead to respiratory diseases.
  • Dangerous particulates from agricultural ammonia emissions exacerbate health conditions.
• Economic Costs: The annual cost of nitrogen resource losses is estimated at $200 billion globally.

International Efforts to Control Nitrogen Pollution

• Colombo Declaration: A global initiative aimed at halving nitrogen waste by 2030.
• • Encourages investment in research and sustainable practices.
• United Nations Frameworks: Integration of nitrogen management in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Multilateral Environmental Agreements addressing nitrogen-related challenges.
• Scientific Collaboration: UNEP supports research on nitrogen sources and mitigation strategies.

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Way Forward for Addressing Nitrogen Pollution

• Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage the use of organic fertilizers, biological nitrogen fixation, and precision farming to minimize nitrogen losses and enhance NUE.
• Adopt Effective Policy Frameworks: Develop region-specific policies to regulate nitrogen use, emphasizing circular bioeconomy approaches and sustainable livestock distribution.
• Enhance Industry Practices: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions during fertilizer production and improve storage, transport, and application processes to minimize waste.
• Increase Awareness and Training: Educate farmers on efficient nitrogen use, manure management, and crop rotation strategies to reduce environmental impact.
• Global Commitments: Align national goals with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Colombo Declaration to reduce nitrogen emissions and meet biodiversity targets.

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The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued fresh guidelines for applying the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) provisions under Double Tax Avoidance Agreements or DTAAs.

Revised Guidelines on Tax Treaty Benefits

• Clarifications: The revised guidelines ensure that past investments under DTAAs with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore are not subject to scrutiny under the PPT rule.
  • The changes apply prospectively and not retrospectively.
• Application: The PPT will apply only to new investments and arrangements that fail the genuine commercial purpose test.

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About Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs)

• DTAAs are treaties signed between two or more countries to prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
• Avoidance of Double Taxation:
  • These agreements ensure taxpayers are not subjected to taxes on the same income in both the source country (where the income is earned) and the residence country (where the taxpayer resides).
• Income Covered:
  • DTAAs cover various types of income, including business profits, employment income, dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains.
• Guidelines for Taxation: DTAAs specify which country has the right to impose taxes on specific types of income.

Types of Double Taxation Relief

• Bilateral Relief:
  • Provided through DTAAs signed between two countries.
  • Agreements specify tax treatment for particular types of income to prevent double taxation.
• Methods of Relief:
  • Exemption Method: Income is taxed only in one country, while the other exempts it.
  • Tax Credit Method: Taxes paid in the source country are deducted from the tax liability in the residence country.
• Unilateral Relief:
  • Provided by a country to its residents even without a DTAA.
  • Example: Indian residents earning income in a country without a DTAA with India may receive relief under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

About Principal Purpose Test (PPT)

• Definition: PPT is an anti-abuse provision included in many DTAAs to prevent the misuse of tax treaty benefits.

• Objective: Under the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework, PPT assesses whether a business arrangement is genuinely commercial or created solely to avoid taxes.
• Key Mechanism: If the primary purpose of an arrangement is tax-saving, treaty benefits can be denied.

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Significance of the New Guidelines

• Provides legal certainty to investors regarding past investments.
• Prevents misuse of treaty benefits by ensuring compliance with the PPT rule for future investments.
• Aligns with international standards under the OECD’s BEPS framework to combat tax avoidance.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly tax regime.

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Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based DRDO facility, conducted the first successful scramjet combustor ground test.

Significance of the Test Conducted

• This marks a significant milestone in developing hypersonic missiles powered by scramjet engines.
• The test showcased key achievements, such as successful ignition and stable combustion.

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Scramjet Technology Development

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
• Focus: Long-duration supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) technology.
• Technology Highlights:
  • Enables hypersonic speeds (greater than Mach 5).
  • Outperforms traditional air defense systems, making it harder to intercept.
• Global Context:
  • Nations like the US, Russia, China, and India are in a global race to develop hypersonic weapons.
  • Hypersonic missiles deliver rapid and high-impact strikes while evading current air defense systems.

Indigenous Development

• Endothermic Scramjet Fuel: Developed indigenously by DRDL in collaboration with industry partners.
• • Provides dual benefits:
    • Significant cooling improvement.
    • Ease of ignition.
• Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC): Developed using advanced ceramic technology to withstand extreme temperatures beyond the melting point of steel.
  • Jointly developed by DRDL and DST facilities.

About Sramjet Engine

• A scramjet engine is an improvement over the ramjet engine as it efficiently operates at hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion. 

Scramjet Engine Features

• Air-Breathing Engine: Operates without moving parts, handling supersonic airflows at speeds of 1.5 km/second.
• Flame Stabilization: Uses innovative techniques to sustain continuous flames in extreme airflow conditions, likened to “keeping a candle lit in a hurricane.”
• Advanced Computational Tools: DRDO used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict engine performance and refine its design.

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Types of Engines for Missiles

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to explain the delay in notifying the Dhanauri water body near Jewar airport as a wetland. 

Key Highlights of NGT Directives

• Status Report Deadline: The NGT directed the UP government to submit a status report within four weeks on notifying Dhanauri water body as a wetland.
• Delay Clarification: The tribunal questioned the three-month consultation timeline with landowners, despite the decision to notify the wetland already being made.
• Conservation and Land Issues: The wetland spans 112.89 hectares, mostly private land in villages like Dhanauri Kalan and Thasrana, necessitating landowner consultations. The NGT stressed the importance of conserving bird habitats, including for migratory species, amid Jewar airport operations.
• Ramsar Site Potential: The petitioner emphasized Dhanauri’s eligibility as a Ramsar site and bird sanctuary, urging state and central coordination. Future hearings will address these matters comprehensively.

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About Dhanauri Wetland

• Dhanauri Wetland: It is a Bird-watching area located in Dhanauri village in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
• The wetland is already home to 217 bird species.
  • During peak migratory seasons, between November and March, the population of waterfowl reaches up to 50,000.
• It is home to  around 150 Sarus Crane which is also the State Bird of Uttar Pradesh.
• Recognition: It has received recognition as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International and has been documented by the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).

Ramsar Site Designation Criteria

• Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
• Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
• Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
• Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
• Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
• Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
• Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
• Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.

Dhanauri wetland fulfils two key Ramsar site criteria out of nine

• It hosts over 1% of the biogeographic Sarus crane population.
• The area serves as a congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls and various other species.

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What is a wetland ?

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands defines wetlands  as “Areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.”
• Comprise areas that transition between terrestrial (land) areas and aquatic (water) areas.
• Regulatory Framework: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for conservation and management of wetlands in India.
• Recognition of Wetland: By the state government.

Ramsar Convention

• Named after Ramsar in Iran where the convention was ratified in 1971 which came into force in 1975.
• Three pillars of the Convention are:
• • Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands.
  • Designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management.
  • Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species

Ramsar Sites of India

• As of August 2024, India has 85 Ramsar sites which is highest in South Asia.
• Tamil Nadu with 18 sites has the most Ramsar sites in India followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
• These sites play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and ensuring sustainable use of water resources.
• The addition of Dhanauri to this prestigious list would further solidify India’s commitment to wetland conservation, supporting its diverse birdlife and ecosystems.

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Montreux Record

• Maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
• Register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
• Two wetlands in India are currently on the Montreux Record:
  • Keoladeo National Park; Rajasthan
  • Loktak Lake; Manipur

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The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed local bodies in five districts of Tamil Nadu to develop an action plan to rejuvenate the polluted Vaigai River.

About Vaigai River

• Location: The Vaigai River flows through Tamil Nadu.
• Origin: It originates from the Varusanadu and Megamalai hills of the Western Ghats.
• Periyar Dam Contribution: The river receives a major feed from the Periyar Dam in Kerala.
  • Water is diverted from the Periyar River in Kerala to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu through a tunnel across the Western Ghats.
• River Basin Geography:
  • South and West: Flanked by the Western Ghats.
  • North: Surrounded by the southern slopes of the Palani Hills (Kodaikanal Hills), Sirumalai Hills, and Alagar Hills.
  • In its central reaches the Vaigai flows eastward into the Vaigai reservoir at Narasingapuram.
  • East: Drains into the Bay of Bengal via the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.

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• Waterfalls: The Vattaparai Falls are located on the Vaigai River.
• Main Tributaries: Tributaries include Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, and Upparu.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  • The Vaigai River is mentioned in Sangam literature and is also known as Kritamaala for encircling the city of Madurai like a garland.
  • It is referenced in the Thiruvilayadal Puranam, emphasizing its historical connection to the Pandya kingdom.

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Celebrations marking 10 years of the BBBP  will continue from January 22 to March 8, International Women’s Day.

• The event will also showcase the launch of Mission Vatsalya  for development and child protection priorities and Mission Shakti portals for women’s safety, security and empowerment.

About BBBP Scheme

• It was launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, by the Prime Minister as a flagship Scheme.
• Aim: To combat sex-selective abortion and improve the declining child sex ratio, which was 918 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011.
• Collaborative Initiative:
  • Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Education.
  • Later, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Minority Affairs were added as partners.
• Type of Scheme: Centrally sponsored, with no provision for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or the creation of capital assets.
• Allocation for Districts Based on Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)
  • SRB ≤ 918: ₹40 lakh per year.
  • SRB 919–952: ₹30 lakh per year.

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• • SRB > 952: ₹20 lakh per year.
• Inclusion in Mission Shakti: BBBP is part of the ‘Sambal’ vertical of Mission Shakti, which focuses on women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
• • Mission Shakti has two sub-schemes: 
  • Sambal: Safety and Security
  • Samarthya: Empowerment

Eligibility Criteria for Beneficiary Under the Scheme

• The family should have a girl child below 10 years of age.
• There should be a Sukanya Samriddhi Account or SSA which has been opened in any Indian bank, in the name of the girl child in the family.
• The girl child should be a resident Indian. 
• NRI citizens do not possess eligibility for the BBBP scheme.

Main Objectives of BBBP 

• Improve Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Aim to improve SRB by 2 points every year.
  • Enhance Institutional Deliveries: Sustain institutional deliveries at 95% or above.
• Increase Enrolment and Skilling: Achieve a 1% annual increase in secondary education enrolment and skilling of girls and women.
• Reduce Dropout Rates: Minimize dropout rates at secondary and higher secondary levels.
• Promote Menstrual Hygiene Awareness: Raise awareness about safe menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

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Achievements of the Scheme

• Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Improved nationally from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
• Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): Increased from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 78% in 2023-24.
• Institutional Deliveries: Rose from 61% in 2014-15 to 97.3% in 2023-24.
• Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Reduced from 130 deaths per lakh live births in 2014 to 97 deaths in 2023.
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Declined from 39 deaths per 1,000 live births to 28 during the same period.

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The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has recently introduced the tiered framework for licensing and exporting Artificial Intelligence chips.

• Objective: To ensure the AI chip technology does not reach the ‘countries of concern’ or U.S. adversaries and ensure that model weights are stored outside the U.S. “only under stringent security conditions”.

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Highlights of the Tiered Framework

• The new regulations update existing rules for export, re-export and transfers (in-country) by segregating countries into three tiers (each tier harbouring different rules for licensing and authorisation).
• The First Tier: There will be NO restrictions for the export, re-export or transfer of advanced computing chips to 18 U.S. allies and partners, including
  • Australia, Belgium, Canada, South Korea, U.K. and Japan etc
• The Second Tier: It introduces caps on volume and exemptions based on specifications alongside mandatory authorisation and licensing. India is put under this tier.
  • There will be a country-specific cap on computing power equivalent to 50,000 advanced GPUs (worth about $1 billion).
    • However, the cap could be doubled if these countries sign a pact with the US to uphold strict security standards.
• The Third Tier: It includes arms-embargoed countries, such as North Korea, Iraq, Iran and Russia, among others. These countries will have NO access to the technology.

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About Advanced Computer Chips and AI Model Weights

• Advanced Computing Chips are chips used in advanced computing systems, such as supercomputers and advanced artificial intelligence (AI).
• Enforcement: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce controls the export of advanced computing chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. 
• Application: 
• • Military: They are used in military systems, including weapons of mass destruction, radar, and signals intelligence 
  • Human rights: Advanced computing chips are used in facial recognition surveillance systems that can be used to repress and surveil minorities and political dissidents 
  • Advanced analytics and Machine learning: Advanced computing chips are used in advanced analytics applications and for machine learning 
• AI Model Weights: AI models are software programs that comprise a series of mathematical operations. 
  • They are numerical parameters within an AI model that help determine the model’s outputs in response to inputs. 
• The weights for advanced AI models can be produced only by computationally intensive model training that can take months.

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A Black Hole named ‘LID-568’ has been found feeding on a surrounding cloud of matter at almost 40-times faster showing Super -Eddington Accretion properties.

About the Research

• Subject: A detailed analysis  of the effects of  ‘LID-568’ exceeding the eddington limit on its neighbourhood was the subject of the study.
  • LID-568’ is a low-mass supermassive black hole existing  just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang.
• Conducted By: The study was conducted by a team of international researchers led by International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab astronomer Hyewon Suh. 

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• Satellite Data: The total light coming from the black hole and its mass was measured using observations from theNASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray observatory.
  • ‘LID-568’ was first observed through Chandra X-ray observatory, as it was exceptionally bright in X-rays
• Finding:
  • Exceptional Feeding Rate:  ‘LID-568’ black hole was feeding on a surrounding cloud of matter at almost 40-times greater than the upper Eddington limit.
    • Until now,  super Eddington Accretion was observed and limited to a factor of two or three at most.
  • Distance: LID-568 is now the most distant super-Eddington black hole which was found. Previously the most distant of these other black holes was around 2.3 billion light years from earth. 
  • Galaxy Outflow: The LID-568’s galaxy was producing few new stars as outflows could be preventing matter from accumulating in enough quantities to form stars 
    • Outflows are a  result of the black supermassive hole driving powerful streams of material outward from the centre.
• Significance:  The discovery may provide insights into the genesis and growth of supermassive black holes as it suggests that large black holes could have put on a significant fraction of their weight during short-lived episodes of rapid feeding. 

About Eddington Limit

• The Eddington limit is the maximum luminosity an object can emit before the force of radiation overcomes gravity.
• It is the rate at which a black hole feeds on matter.
• The Eddington limit applies to stars, accretion disks, and other objects in space. 
• Named: This limit is named after the English astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington and relates to how brightly a black hole can shine.
• Hydrostatic Equilibrium: The Eddington limit is a balance between the outward force of radiation and the inward force of gravity. This balance is called Hydrostatic Equilibrium.
• Concept: 
  • The matter collects around the black hole and gets packed into the disc, it heats up and emits radiation, especially X-rays.
  • The force of radiation generates an outward pressure capable of counteracting the gravitational pull of the black hole. 
  • When this radiation pressure balances the force of gravity, the black hole will stop accruing the matter. 
• Super -Eddington Accretion: When an object exceeds its Eddington limit, the radiation pressure forces material away from it, instead of allowing it to fall in. 
  • Causes: A stellar object can show Super -Eddington Accretion when, 
    • Non-spherical geometry: The geometry of the star or black hole can cause it to exceed the Eddington limit
    • Instabilities: Instabilities in the star or black hole can cause it to exceed the Eddington limit
  • Theories: Few theories try to explain how black holes can exceed the Eddington limit, including,
    • Geometrically  thick accretion disks, powerful black hole jets, and black-hole mergers.

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India to Achieve ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ Mission This Year

Context: Recently, the 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) was held in Patna. 

Main Points from the AIPOC conferences

• One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ Mission: There is a resolution of integrating all legislative bodies by this year (2025). 

About One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ Mission

• This mission brings all legislative bodies of India—Parliament, state legislatures, and local government bodies—onto a single digital platform.
  • It uses E-Vidhan and Digital Sansad platforms to provide the proceedings of all legislatures on a single digital platform.  
• Nodal agency: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
• Aim:
  • To share legislative data and practices in real time.
  • To promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in legislative work.
• Features of the Platform:
  • Integrated Digital Platform: Combines Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies on one platform for smooth data sharing and better coordination.
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence: Uses AI to simplify legislative work, analyze data, and help in better decision-making.
  • Real-Time Information: Provides live updates on legislative activities like debates, bills, and discussions, making the process transparent and easy to follow.
  • Paperless Legislatures: Reduces the use of paper by digitizing legislative records, supporting eco-friendly practices.
  • Public Accessibility: Makes legislative information available to the public, encouraging people to participate and ensuring accountability.

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