Social security for the workers of the unorganised sector as well as the gig workers was the focus area of recently held Chintan Shivir (conference) of Labour Ministers and Secretaries from the Union and State.

Major Outcomes of the Meeting

• Labour Codes: The discussions focused on the implementation of the four Labour Codes.
  • Code on Wages, 2019,
  • Industrial Relations Code, 2020,
  • Code on Social Security, 2020 and
  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
• Social Security for Unorganized Workers: The conference extensively discussed social security for unorganized sector workers.
• Formation of Committees: The meeting resulted in the formation of three committees  to develop a sustainable model for comprehensive social security coverage for workers. 
  • These committees are expected to submit their reports by March 2025. 

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What is Social Security?

• Definition: Social security refers to a system of protection designed to safeguard individuals and households from economic risks and vulnerabilities. 
  • According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), social security is, “The protection provided to individuals and households to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security, particularly in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, invalidity, work injury, maternity, or loss of a breadwinner.”
• Key Components of Social Security:
  1. Health Care Protection: Ensures affordable medical treatment and support.
  2. Old Age Security: Pensions and retirement benefits.
  3. Unemployment Benefits: Financial support during job loss.
  4. Disability and Work Injury Benefits: Compensation for work-related accidents or permanent disability.
  5. Maternity and Family Benefits: Financial and medical support for mothers and families.
  6. Survivor Benefits: Assistance for dependents after the loss of a breadwinner.

Need for Social Security

• Poverty Alleviation: Social security programs help reduce poverty by providing financial support to vulnerable populations.
  • MGNREGA has provided employment to over 110 million rural households since its inception, lifting many out of poverty.
• Poor Working Conditions and Exploitation: Unorganised sector workers face long hours, no paid leave, and unsafe workplaces.
  • The construction sector has one of the highest workplace accident rates, with thousands of deaths annually due to unsafe working conditions.
• Economic Stability:  Social security helps stabilize the economy during downturns. 
  • For example, unemployment benefits allow people to continue spending, which supports businesses and prevents deeper recessions.
• Protection Against Life Risks: Social security protects individuals from unforeseen events such as job loss, disability, or illness, which can lead to financial hardship.
  • The Ayushman Bharat program has led to a 21% reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures and an 8% decrease in the incidence of emergency loans taken for health-related expenses.
• Support for the Elderly: Pensions and retirement benefits provide financial security for older adults who are no longer able to work.

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Initiatives to Improve Social Security

• The Code on Social Security, 2020: The Code consolidates and amends existing social security laws to extend coverage to all employees and workers, including those in the unorganized sector. 
  • It contains provisions for life and disability insurance, health and maternity benefits, provident funds, and pensions.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Launched under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, PM-JAY aims to provide health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. 
• eShram Portal: The government introduced the eShram portal to create a national database of unorganized workers, including gig and platform workers. 
• Social Security Initiative for Gig Workers: The Union Budget 2025 introduced measures aimed at strengthening social security for gig workers.
• MGNREGA: It aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’ by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year for unskilled manual work. 
  • It is considered one of the world’s largest public work programs. 
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM): The scheme provides pension security to unorganized sector workers.
  • Workers aged 18–40 earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month can enroll. They receive a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 after turning 60.
• International Commitments: 
  • India ratified the UN Covenant on Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights, which recognizes the right to social security.
  • India has also accepted ILO Recommendation 202, which outlines the essential components of a Social Protection Floor tailored to national circumstances.

Challenges in Social Security for Unorganized Sector

• Delayed Implementation of the Four Labour Codes: The four new Labour Codes were passed between 2019 and 2020 with the aim of consolidating 29 existing labour laws into a simplified and modern framework.
  • However, their implementation has faced significant delays due to state-level challenges, compliance issues, and opposition from various stakeholders.
• Lack of Formal Employment Records: Most unorganized sector workers lack formal employment contracts, making it difficult to identify and enroll them in social security schemes.
  • Construction workers, domestic workers, and street vendors often work without any formal documentation.
• Low Awareness and Literacy: Many workers in the unorganized sector are unaware of the social security schemes available to them.
• Financial Constraints: Low and irregular incomes make it difficult for workers to contribute to social security schemes.
  • Many workers earn less than the minimum wage and prioritize immediate needs over long-term savings.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex enrollment processes and excessive documentation requirements deter workers from registering for social security schemes.
  • Workers often face difficulties in obtaining necessary documents like Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, and proof of income.

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Way Forward

• Expanding Social Security Coverage: Universal social security under the Code on Social Security, 2020, ensuring access to healthcare, pensions, maternity benefits, and insurance.
  • As of 2024, over 30 crore unorganized workers have been registered on the e-Shram Portal, but only 10% have access to social security benefits like pensions and healthcare.
• Ensuring Minimum Wages and Income Security: Effective implementation of the Code on Wages, 2019, ensuring minimum wages and timely payments.
  • A 2021 report by the ILO found  266 million wage earners are paid less than the minimum wage. 
• Improving Working Conditions and Safety Standards: Enforcement of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, to ensure safe workplaces and regulated working hours.
  • In 2024, over 400 workers died in construction-related accidents, highlighting gaps in safety enforcement.
• Legal Protection and Job Security for Domestic and Gig Workers: Introduction of a Central Law for Domestic Workers, as recommended by the Supreme Court.
  • Regulation of gig economy work, mandating fair wages, social security benefits, and accident insurance.
  • A 2023 study by the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) found that 76% of gig workers earn less than Rs. 15,000 per month.
• Awareness and Strengthening Union Representation: Campaigns to educate workers about their rights under new labour codes and welfare schemes.

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The share of Gender Budget allocation in the total Union Budget has increased significantly in Union Budget 2025-26.

Gender Budget Trends

• Increase in allocation: Gender Budget allocation as a percentage of total Union Budget rises to 8.86% in FY 2025-26, compared to 6.8% in FY 2024-25.
• Total allocation: ₹4.49 lakh crore allocated for women and girls’ welfare in FY 2025-26, marking a 37.25% increase from ₹3.27 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.

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Gender Budget Statement (GBS) Components

• Part A (100% women-specific schemes): ₹1,05,535.40 crore (23.50% of total GBS allocation) by 17 Ministries/Departments and 5 UTs.
• Part B (30-99% allocation for women): ₹3,26,672 crore (72.75% of total GBS allocation) by 37 Ministries/Departments and 4 UTs.
• Part C (below 30% allocation for women): ₹16,821.28 crore (3.75% of total GBS allocation) by 22 Ministries/Departments.

About Gender Budgeting

• Gender is a tool for gender mainstreaming which uses the budget as an entry point to apply a gender lens to the entire policy process. 
• Gender Budget is not a separate Budget and also not about spending the same on women and men
  • Gender Budget covers analyzing various economic policies of the Government from a gender perspective.   
• Function: It is a separate statement (not a separate budget) of the Union budget, it provides an estimate of budgetary allocations and expenditure targeted towards women and girls.
  • It covers analyzing various economic policies of the Government from a gender perspective.
• Rationale behind Gender Budgeting (GB):
• • Equality and Efficiency: Apart from the basic principle of promoting equality among citizens, GB can benefit the economy through efficiency gains. 
  • Keep in Mind the Systemic Differences across Gender: Men and women frequently have different priorities for budgetary policies and a Gender responsive budget can be of great help in addressing women’s concerns from a gender perspective.
• Expectations: When implemented effectively, gender budgeting helps expose how gender inequalities may have inadvertently become embedded in public policies so that resources can be allocated more equally. 
  • It also helps prioritise budget measures that will support the achievement of key gender objectives. 
• The Five-Step Framework for Gender Budgeting by UN Women (refer image)

Evolution of Gender Budgeting

• It was first introduced in 1984 in Australia to evaluate the impact of the national budget on females and the approach was adopted by other countries including Canada, South Africa and Philippines etc. 
• United Nations Beijing Platform for Action: In 1995, it called for integrating a gender perspective into government budget processes.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): In 2015, it called for adequate resources and tools to track budget allocations for gender equality (SDG 5). 
• Addis Ababa Action Agenda for Development: In 2015, it recognised the importance of tracking resource allocations for gender equality and strengthening capacity for Gender Budgeting.
• Women 20 (W20) (an official engagement group to the G20): Founded in Australia in 2014, and it officially began operations in Turkey in 2015.
  • In 2020, it called for greater investment in Gender Budgeting to ensure that fiscal policies advance gender equality in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): The eight MDGs to which the Government of India is a signatory which includes “Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women”.

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Gender Budgeting in India

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) recognized gender budgeting as a tool for women’s empowerment in 2004. 
• The Ministry of Finance mandated the establishment of GB cells in all ministries by January 2005. 
  • The charter on Gender Budgeting cells was issued in 2007. 
• CEDAW Ratification: India ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1993.
• The first Gender Budget Statement (GBS) was published in the Union Budget of 2005-06. 
• Different Stakeholders: There are a range of different actors who can be involved in Gender Budgeting. 
  • Central Level: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
  • State Level: Departments of Women and Child Development, Social Welfare, Finance, and Planning.
  • District Level: Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) coordinates gender budgeting, with at least one gender specialist.
• Role: The gender budgeting framework has helped the gender-neutral ministries to design new programs for women.
  • Over the past two decades, India’s GBS has evolved into a comprehensive document that provides item-wise allocation and expenditure details in a clear, predictable format.

Significance of Gender Budgeting

• Promotes Gender Equality: Gender Budgeting (GB) ensures that financial allocations address gender disparities, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality.
• Informed Policy Choices: GB helps policymakers consider the gendered impact of policies, ensuring that women’s concerns are integrated into financial planning.
• Better Utilization of Resources: A well-designed GB framework enables optimal utilization of resources to bridge gender gaps in education, health, employment, and social security.
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: It aligns with women-specific laws such as the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, by ensuring financial backing for implementation.
• Wider Societal Impact: Studies, including an IMF working paper on G20 countries, have shown that GB leads to gender-responsive programming, positively influencing economic growth and social development.
• Addressing Gender-Neutral Budgeting Pitfalls: Traditional budgeting often ignores gendered impacts. GB ensures that all major budgetary allocations consider women’s specific needs and roles in the economy.
• Transparency and Accountability: GB fosters transparency in fund allocation for women-focused schemes, ensuring accountability in implementation and impact assessment.

Challenges with Gender Budgeting in India

• Ambiguities in Allocation: Discrepancies exist in fund classification. For instance, MGNREGS is underreported in Part B of the Gender Budget, despite women comprising over 59.3% of the workforce.
  • PMAY-G Discrepancy: Although categorized under Part A (100% allocation for women), only 23% of houses have been allotted to women.
• Concentration of Funds in Select Ministries: Nearly 90% of the gender budget is concentrated in a few ministries, limiting its reach across diverse sectors like technology, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
• Long-Term Schemes Diverting Focus: Programs like Ayushman Bharat and Awas Yojana, though beneficial, divert funds from immediate-impact programs like Mission Shakti and female education initiatives.
• Weak Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms: Lack of gender-segregated data hampers accurate measurement of policy effectiveness.
  • UN Recommendation: Calls for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Finance to strengthen sectoral monitoring.
• Technical and Data-Related Challenges: Without granular data, it is difficult to track the effectiveness of GB.
  • NITI Aayog’s 2022 Report: Only 62 out of 119 centrally-sponsored schemes practice gender budgeting, highlighting inconsistent implementation.
• Under-Reporting and Over-Reporting Issues:
  • Over-Reporting Example: PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) allocated 40% of its funds under GB without clear justification.
  • Under-Reporting Example: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) mandates that at least one-third (33%) of its allocation must be reserved for women though the women’s participation has exceeded this threshold, with around 50% of workers being women.
    • The GBS reports 47% of the total MGNREGA budget for women in FY 26.
• Lack of Political Will and Accountability: No mandatory minimum allocation for GB exists, leading to inconsistent support and inadequate monitoring.

Way Forward for Gender Budgeting in India

• Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms: Mandate the creation of GBCs in all ministries and departments at both central and state levels.
  • NITI Aayog should play a proactive role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Gender Budgeting across ministries and states.
• Improve Data Collection and Analysis:Invest in collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data to better understand the needs of women and girls.
  • Conduct gender impact assessments for all policies and programs to ensure they address gender disparities effectively.
• Increase Allocations and Ensure Proper Utilization: Increase the share of Gender Budgeting in the total Union Budget to at least 10-12% to address persistent gender gaps.
  • Monitor the utilization of funds to ensure they are spent as intended and reach the target beneficiaries.
• Expand the Scope of Gender Budgeting: Integrate Gender Budgeting across all sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and rural development, to ensure gender-sensitive allocations in every government initiative.
  • Ensure that marginalized women, such as tribal women, rural women, and women with disabilities, are included in development programs.
• Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Ensure transparency in the allocation and reporting processes by publicly disclosing the methodologies used to allocate funds.
  • Conduct gender audits across ministries to evaluate the effectiveness of the allocated funds and make necessary adjustments.
• Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks: Introduce a Gender Budgeting Act to mainstream gender-based budgeting across all ministries and states/UTs.
  • Ensure that Gender Budgeting aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and other related goals.
• Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment: Expand programs like Stand-Up India and Mission Shakti to promote women’s entrepreneurship and skill development.
  • Provide access to credit and market linkages for women-led businesses.

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Conclusion

A stronger Gender Budgeting framework can help India move closer to achieving gender equality and women-led development. By improving transparency, accountability, implementation, and monitoring, Gender Budgeting can become a powerful tool for women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

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A recent study has revealed that the eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh have lost 110 glaciers over a span of 32 years (1988-2020).

Key Findings of the Study

• The study, conducted by researchers from Nagaland University and Cotton University, used remote sensing and GIS technology to track glacier boundaries.
• The number of glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh decreased from 756 to 646 during the study period.
• The total glacial cover shrank from 585.23 sq. km to 309.85 sq. km, a loss of more than 47%.
• Most glaciers are located at an elevation of 4,500–4,800 metres, are north-facing, and lie on slopes of 15°–35°.
• This rapid glacial loss has exposed bedrock and created glacial lakes, raising the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

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What is Glacial Retreat?

• Glacial retreat refers to the process where glaciers shrink as their ice melts faster than new snow accumulates. 
• It is a key indicator of global climate change and is occurring at an alarming rate worldwide, especially in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.

Causes of Glacial Retreat

• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures lead to increased ice melting, surpassing snow accumulation.
• Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Erratic snowfall and reduced winter precipitation slow down glacial growth.
• Black Carbon Deposition: Pollutants from human activities settle on glaciers, absorbing more heat and accelerating melting.
• Geological Factors: Slope, altitude, and rock type influence how glaciers respond to warming.

Himalayas under threat

• The Himalayas, often called the ‘Third Pole’, hold the largest collection of glaciers outside the polar regions. 
  • These glaciers are a crucial freshwater source for over 1.3 billion people in downstream regions.
• Climate studies show that the Himalayas have witnessed a temperature rise of 1.6°C over the past century. 
• The eastern Himalayas, in particular, are warming at a rate higher than the global average, with temperatures increasing by 0.1° to 0.8°C per decade. 
• By the end of the century, the region could see a 5-6°C temperature rise and 20-30% more precipitation.

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Impact of Glacial Retreat

• Freshwater Crisis: The retreating glaciers will severely affect water availability and distribution, impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies.
• Increased GLOF Risk: The formation of glacial lakes increases the chances of catastrophic floods, as seen in the 2023 Sikkim disaster that killed at least 55 people and destroyed a 1,200 MW hydropower project.
• Ecosystem Disruptions: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could destabilize ecosystems and impact biodiversity.

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The Union Finance Minister announced the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till 2028.

Provision in Budget for Jal Jeevan Mission

• The scheme has been allocated Rs 67,000 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26.
• There was a significant reduction in allocation at the revised estimate (RE) stage during the fiscal year 2024-25.

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About Jal Jeevan Mission

• The mission was launched in 2019 to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households.
• It aims to ensure 55 litres per capita per day of safe drinking water by 2024, with the deadline now extended to 2028.
• The National Rural Drinking Water Programme was restructured and merged into JJM.
• Nodal Ministry: The mission is implemented by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Type: Jal Jeevan Mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • The Centre and State funding ratio varies as follows:
    • 90:10 for Himalayan States (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and North-Eastern States.
    • 100% funding for Union Territories (UTs).
    • 50:50 for all other States.
• Objectives & Implementation Strategy
  • Universal Piped Water Access: The mission aims to ensure that every rural household receives tap water by 2028.
  • Community Involvement
    • Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Pani Samitis play a key role in implementation.
    • 50% mandatory participation from women is required in these committees.
  • State Participation: States and Union Territories sign agreements to ensure the sustainability and quality of water services.

Key Achievements Under JJM

• Coverage so far: 15 crore households representing 80 per cent of India’s rural population have been provided access to potable tap water connections.
• States that achieved 100% coverage: Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Telangana, and Mizoram have achieved full coverage.
• Union Territories that achieved 100% coverage: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, and Puducherry have successfully provided tap water to all rural households.

Challenges Under Jal Jeevan Mission

• Budget Constraints: The 2024-25 budget cut significantly impacted the mission’s implementation.
• Infrastructure Maintenance:  Ensuring long-term operation and repair of installed taps and pipelines remains a concern.
• Continuous Water Supply:  While tap connections are being provided, ensuring continuous water flow is the next major challenge.
• Depleting Groundwater Reserves:  Excessive reliance on groundwater sources may lead to depletion and contamination, affecting long-term sustainability.

New Focus Areas Under Jal Jeevan Mission

• Groundwater Management: Implementing equitable and transparent access to groundwater for multiple uses.
• Infrastructure Quality : Emphasis on improving the quality of rural piped water supply systems.
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) : Strengthening the O&M of water supply schemes to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Public Participation (“Jan Bhagidari”): Encouraging community involvement in planning and managing water resources.
• State Partnerships : Signing MoUs with states/UTs to enhance sustainability and citizen-centric service delivery to states which are not covered yet.
• Private Sector Involvement : Encouraging private participation under a common standards framework to improve service efficiency.

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Conclusion

The extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028 reflects the government’s commitment to achieving 100% rural water coverage. The focus must now shift from infrastructure creation to sustainable water supply management. Addressing groundwater depletion, enhancing community participation, and ensuring proper maintenance will be critical in making Jal Jeevan Mission a long-term success.

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Recently, the Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Gyan Bharatam Mission.

About Gyan Bharatam Mission

• Aim:  To survey, document, and conserve India’s vast manuscript heritage.
• Focus Areas: This mission primarily targets manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors to ensure their systematic preservation.
• Objective: To cover over one crore manuscripts, guaranteeing their long-term preservation and accessibility for future generations.
  • Additionally, it aims to promote India’s rich literary and intellectual traditions on a global platform.
• Revival of NMM: Through this initiative, the government is making a significant effort to revive the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), which was launched in 2003 but remained largely inactive.
• Budget Allocation: The financial allocation for the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) has seen a significant increase from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 to accommodate the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
• Implementing Ministry: The Ministry of Culture is responsible for implementing and overseeing the execution of this initiative.

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What are Manuscripts?

• Definition: Manuscripts refer to handwritten compositions that may be inscribed on materials such as paper, bark, and palm leaves.
• Classification Criteria: To qualify as a manuscript, a document must be at least 75 years old and hold scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
• Example: One of the most well-known Indian manuscripts is the Bakhshali Manuscript, dating back to the third or fourth century A.D. This ancient mathematical text, written on birch bark, is considered the earliest recorded example of the use of zero.
• Themes: Manuscripts can cover a wide range of subjects, including history, religion, literature, astrology, and agricultural practices.
• Estimated Count in India: India is home to an estimated 10 million manuscripts written in over 80 ancient scripts.
• Scripts Used: Some of the prominent ancient scripts include Brahmi, Kushan, Gaudi, Lepcha, Maithili, Grantha, and Sharada.
• Language Distribution: Approximately 75% of these manuscripts are written in Sanskrit, while 25% are in various regional languages.

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Other initiatives for manuscript conservation in India

• Asiatic Society of Bengal (1784): Established on January 15, 1784, by Sir William Jones, this institution is a pioneer in manuscript conservation. It actively digitizes ancient manuscripts to ensure their preservation.
• National Library of India, Kolkata: As India’s largest library, it houses approximately 3,600 rare and historically significant manuscripts, contributing significantly to manuscript conservation.
• National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) (2003): Launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, this initiative aims to identify, document, and conserve India’s vast manuscript heritage. It collaborates with various institutions for digitization and preservation efforts.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Centre regarding the use of two highly-invasive and alien fish species for mosquito control.

• The tribunal was hearing a plea regarding the release of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) in water bodies across various states.

About Gambusia Affinis (Western Mosquitofish)

• Common Name : Mosquitofish.
• Purpose : Used as a biological agent to control mosquito larvae.
• Native Range: Mississippi River basin from Central Indiana and  Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico .
• Mosquito Control: A single adult fish consumes 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
• Characteristics: 
  • Habitat: Found in freshwater; tolerates brackish water and high salinities.
  • Adaptability : Survives in low oxygen levels.
  • Reproduction : Breeds throughout summer and are  Viviparous , that is they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
  • Invasiveness: Listed among the 100 worst invasive alien species by IUCN.
  • Historical Use in India: Introduced in 1928 during British rule for mosquito control.
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern.

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About Poecilia Reticulata Common names: Guppy, Millionfish or Rainbow Fish

• Range: Native to Northern South America and Caribbean islands.
• Habitat: Found in shallow edges of pools and streams.
• Usage: Also used for mosquito larvae control.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

States Involved in Fish Release

• Mosquitofish was released in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Guppy was released in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Odisha.
• Concern: Their widespread distribution  poses risks to local biodiversity.

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Ecological Impact

• Threat to Native Fish : Competes for food and habitat, causing food scarcity for indigenous fish.
• Biodiversity Loss : Can lead to a decline or extinction of native species.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Alterations in food chains affect entire aquatic ecosystems.

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The civil war in Myanmar has led to an influx of refugees into India, particularly along the Moreh border in Manipur.

Refugee Influx into Manipur

• Since January 27, 2025, approximately 260 Myanmar refugees have sought shelter in India.
• Refugees began arriving in batches from January 9, 2025, due to airstrikes conducted by Myanmar’s military.
• Initially, around 100 individuals sought temporary refuge but returned after the bombings subsided.
• Between January 27 and January 29, an intensified conflict in Myanmar resulted in 261 additional refugees arriving in Manipur, who have yet to return.

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Legal Definition of a Refugee

• As per the 1951 Geneva Convention, a refugee is someone who, owing to a well‐founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside their country of nationality and unable or unwilling to return due to such fear.

Lack of Legal Provisions for Refugees in India

• Absence of National, Regional, or International Framework : India and most South Asian nations lack a formal refugee policy, and the government has never officially explained this absence. 
  • Refugee management is handled through ad hoc measures rather than structured legal frameworks.

Reason for Lack of legal provision

• Skepticism Towards the 1951 Refugee Convention: India chose not to sign the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol, fearing international interference in domestic affairs.
  • The Partition of 1947 and its social upheaval did not fit the Convention’s definition of state-sponsored persecution, leading to long-standing skepticism toward global refugee policies.
• Historical Experience of Refugee Crises: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War brought millions of refugees to India, straining resources. India expected international aid but received minimal support, reinforcing its reluctance to depend on global refugee mechanisms.
• Geopolitical and Security Concerns :  Porous borders, demographic shifts, political instability, and internal security threats make India wary of legally binding refugee commitments. Accepting refugees formally could invite international scrutiny on domestic issues.
• Selective Refugee Policy & Political Influence : India grants asylum based on diplomatic and political considerations rather than universal legal principles. The government selectively provides protection, often influenced by religion, nationality, and geopolitical interests.

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India-Myanmar Border Overview

• Total Length : 1,643 km
• Shares border with following Indian states: 
  • Arunachal Pradesh : 520 km border with Myanmar.
  • Nagaland : 215 km border with Myanmar.
  • Manipur : 398 km border with Myanmar.
  • Mizoram: 510 km border with Myanmar.

Manipur’s Borders

• Indian States
  • Nagaland: North of Manipur.
  • Assam: West of Manipur.
  • Mizoram: Southwest of Manipur.
• International Borders
  • Myanmar : South and east of Manipur.

Factors Responsible for the Refugee Crisis at the India-Myanmar Border

• Myanmar Civil War & Military Operations:  Ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military junta and resistance groups, including frequent airstrikes, forces civilians to flee.
• Ethnic Persecution & Violence: Ethnic minorities like the Kuki-Zo face targeted attacks, escalating displacement.
• Political Instability & Insurgencies: The post-coup turmoil has fueled insurgencies, worsening border tensions.
• Unclear Refugee Policy in India : The absence of a formal framework makes managing and integrating refugees difficult.
• Border Clashes & Humanitarian Crisis : Armed conflicts near Manipur and inadequate access to food, shelter, and healthcare exacerbate the crisis.

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Way Forward

• Humanitarian and Security Measures : Set up temporary shelters, provide medical aid, and ensure humane border security.
• Diplomatic and Policy Frameworks: Strengthen diplomatic efforts with Myanmar, ASEAN, and UN agencies; establish a clear refugee policy.
• International and Community Collaboration:  Work with UNHCR and local communities to manage refugee influx and prevent ethnic tensions.
• Long-Term Solutions: Develop rehabilitation plans for economic integration or safe repatriation when conditions improve.
• Conflict Resolution in Myanmar:  India should facilitate peace talks and support democratic restoration to ensure regional stability.

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The Union Finance Minister has in the Budget speech for 2025-26, announced at least nine new missions focused solely on the Agriculture sector.

About The New Missions Launched

• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: 
  • The programme is motivated by the Aspirational Districts Programme, which will be implemented in partnership with states.
  • Coverage: The programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters 
  • Funding: The programme will be funded through the convergence of existing schemes and specialised measures benefitting approximately 1.7 crore farmers.

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Figure: Expenditure of Major Items in Budget  2025- 2026

• • Aim: To increase agricultural productivity, adopt crop diversification, improve post-harvest storage after harvest at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities, and provide short-term and long-term credit
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: 
  • Budget: A six-year mission with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the financial year 2025-26
  • Focus: The scheme focuses on attaining self-sufficiency in toor (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and masoor (red lentil).
  • Implementation Agencies: The central cooperative  agencies such as NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation will procure these pulses over the next four years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.
• Establishment of Makhana board in Bihar: 
  • A makhana (foxnut) board will be established in Bihar aimed at boosting production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana, while supporting farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • The board has been allocated Rs 100 crore for FY 2025-26
  • Function: The board will provide training and support to makhana farmers, who will be organised into farmer producer organisations (FPO) and ensure farmers gain access to relevant government schemes.
• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):
  • The Loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. 
    • The MISS Scheme: The farmers engaged in agriculture and other allied activities can acquire Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans up to Rs 3 lakh at a benchmark rate of 9 per cent (A 2 per cent interest subvention on the benchmark rate is provided)
    • An additional 3 per cent concession for prompt and timely repayment further reduces it to 4 per cent per year.
• Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme: 
  • The initiative will be launched in partnership with states and aims to address underemployment in agriculture through investment in skilling and technology
    • Phase I: 100 developing agri-districts will be covered
  • Focus: It will focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.
  • Funding: Global and best domestic practices will be incorporated, and appropriate technical and financial assistance will be sought from multilateral development banks.
  • Aim: The goal is to reinvigorate the rural economy by generating ample opportunities in rural areas to stall out migration.
• Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables and Fruits:
  • This will be launched in partnership with states to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers. 
  • The mission has been allocated Rs 500 crore for 2025-26. 
• Mission for Cotton Productivity:
  • The mission has a lifespan of five-years  with an allocation of Rs 500 crore for FY 2025-26
  • Focus: The scheme focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming while promoting extra-long staple cotton varieties.
    • The scheme is aligned with the integrated 5F vision for the textile sector for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.
• National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds: 
  • This mission will target the commercial availability, development, and propagation of over 100 high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seed varieties released since July 2024.
  • It has been allocated Rs 100 crore for FY 2025-26. 
• Fisheries: 
  • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) received a substantial budgetary increase of 64 percent for 2025-26 
  • Under the PMMSY, The government plans to introduce an enabling framework for the sustainable harnessing of fisheries from India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
• Urea plant in Assam: A plant with annual capacity of 1.27 million tonnes will be set up at Namrup, Assam to further augment the supply of urea and achieve self sufficiency.
• Gene Bank
  • To safeguard genetic resources for future food and nutritional security, the government will establish a second Gene Bank, which will house 10 lakh germplasm lines.

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A series of measures has been announced in the Union Budget 2025 which are aimed at strengthening India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Key Highlights About the Reforms

• The Classification Criteria for MSMEs been Revised:
  • The investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively, to help MSMEs achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital.

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• Enhancement of Credit Availability with Guarantee Cover:
  • The credit guarantee cover will increase to improve access to credit, 
    • MSME:  It will increase from 5 crore to 10 crore, leading to additional credit of  1.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years
    • Startups: It will increase from 10 crore to 20 crore,
      • The guarantee fee is being moderated to 1 per cent for loans in 27 focus sectors important for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Exporter MSMEs: It will increase for term loans up to 20 crore.
• Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises:
  • Customized Credit Cards with a 5 lakh limit for micro enterprises registered on Udyam portal will be introduced. 
    • In the first year, 10 lakh such cards will be issued.
• Fund of Funds for Startups: 
  • A new Fund of Funds, with expanded scope and a fresh contribution of another 10,000 crore will be set up.
    • Example: The Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) for startups, supported by the Fund of Funds set up with the government contribution of 10,000 crore have received commitments of more than 91,000 crore. 
  • Deep Tech Fund of Funds: A Deep Tech Fund of Funds will also be explored to catalyze the next generation startups as a part of this initiative.
• Empowering Entrepreneurs: 
  • A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs to provide term loans up to 2 crore during the next 5 years.
• Export Promotion Mission: 
  • An Export Promotion Mission, with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance will be set up
  • The Mission will facilitate easy access to export credit, cross-border factoring support, and support to MSMEs to tackle non-tariff measures in overseas markets.
• Focus Sectors: Targeted policy measures will be implemented in two focus industries to promote employment and entrepreneurship
  • Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors: The scheme will enhance productivity, quality and competitiveness by supporting design capacity, component manufacturing and production machinery for both leather and non-leather footwear.
    • Aim: To generate employment for 2.2 million people, Rs 4 lakh crore in turnover and Rs 1.1 lakh crore in exports.
  • Toy Sector Development: The government plans a dedicated scheme to develop clusters, strengthen skills, and foster an ecosystem for sustainable, innovative, and high-quality toy manufacturing under the ‘Made in India’ brand,  building on the National Action Plan for Toys.

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Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight trials of VSHORADS from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

About VSHORADS 

• VSHORADS is a short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missile system.
  • It can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy enemy aircraft or helicopters.
• Development: Indigenously developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
• Range & Capabilities: Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, making it effective for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
  • Maximum range of 8 kilometres.
  • Can engage targets at altitudes of up to 4.5 km.
• Strategic Importance: Portability and rapid deployment capabilities make it a crucial asset for strengthening India’s air defence.
  • Can be used by all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces i.e. Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Key Technologies Integrated
  • Miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS): A small but powerful technology used to steer and stabilize missiles, spacecraft, and high-speed objects during flight.
    • Consists of tiny thrusters or jet nozzles that help control the missile’s movement in mid-air.
  • Integrated Avionics: Incorporates advanced electronics for precision targeting and enhanced performance.

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Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

Context: Recently, The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme was introduced by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2025-26.

About Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

• It is part of the government’s broader effort to integrate technology into education while promoting linguistic diversity.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
• Objective: To make learning more accessible by providing digital textbooks and study materials in multiple Indian languages.
• The scheme complements the ASMITA initiative, which focuses on developing 22,000 books in 22 Indian languages over the next five year
  • Launched in July 2024 by the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission (UGC).
  • The UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (under the Ministry of Education) are working together on translation and academic writing in Indian languages.
• Key Features of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
  • Access to Digital Textbooks: Students in schools and universities can avail textbooks and other learning materials in digital formats.
  • Focus on Regional Languages: The initiative ensures that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds receive educational resources in their mother tongue.
  • Bridging Educational Gaps: It aims to reduce disparities in access to quality educational resources for students from different linguistic communities.

Deep Ocean Mission

Context: The Deep Ocean Mission’s allocation has been increased by Rs 600 crore in the 2025 Union budget.

• The Deep Ocean Mission has been allocated Rs 3649.81 crore in the Union Budget as against Rs 3064.80 crore in 2024.

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About the Deep Ocean Mission

• The Deep Ocean Mission is a multi-disciplinary program to explore the deep ocean and develop technologies to use its resources to support the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) 
• Components: 
  • Samudrayaan: It is a manned submersible, which will be developed to carry 3 people to a depth of 6000 metres in the ocean with suite of scientific sensors and tools. 
    • Developed By: The Samudrayaan vehicle will be developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
  • An Integrated Mining System: It will be developed for mining Polymetallic Nodules from 6000 m depth in the central Indian Ocean paving way for its commercial exploitation 
    • It will help the Blue Economy priority area of exploring and harnessing of deep-sea minerals and energy
  • Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services Models: It will provide future projections of important climate variables on seasonal to decadal time scales supporting the Blue Economy priority area of coastal tourism.
  • Conservation: Bio- prospecting of deep-sea flora and fauna including microbes and studies on sustainable utilization of deep sea bio-resources will be the main focus.
    • This component will support the Blue Economy priority area of Marine Fisheries and allied services.
  • Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: To explore and identify potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
  • Harness Ocean Energy: Studies and detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plants are envisaged.
    • It will support the Blue Economy priority area of off-shore energy development.
  • Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: To translate research capacity into industrial application and product development in ocean biology and engineering through on-site business incubator facilities
    • It will support the Blue Economy priority area of Marine Biology, Blue trade and Blue manufacturing.

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