The Union Budget 2025-26 provides a historic financial boost for tribal welfare, with a 45.79% increase in funding for the development of 10.45 crore tribal people across India.

Budgetary Support for Tribal Welfare

• Total allocation for tribal development: ₹14,925.81 Cr (2025-26) → 45.79% increase from ₹10,237.33 Cr (2024-25).
• 231.83% rise since 2014-15 (₹4,497.96 Cr) → sustained government focus on tribal welfare.

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Major Schemes & Allocations

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
  • 2025-26 Allocation: ₹7,088.60 crore (nearly double from ₹4,748 crore in 2024-25).
  • Objective: Provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission:
  • 2025-26 Allocation: ₹380.40 crore (up from ₹152.32 crore).
  • Objective: Create year-round income-generating opportunities for tribal communities.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY):
  • 2025-26 Allocation: ₹335.97 crore (163% increase).
  • Objective: Bridge infrastructural gaps in education, healthcare, and employment.
• Multi-Purpose Centers (MPC) under PM-JANMAN:
  • 2025-26 Allocation: ₹300 crore (doubled from ₹150 crore).
  • Objective: Enhance socio-economic support in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) dominated habitations.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)
  • Objective: Saturation of infrastructural gaps in 63,843 villages.
  • Budgetary Outlay: ₹79,156 crore over five years (Central Share: ₹56,333 crore, State Share: ₹22,823 crore).
  • 2025-26 Allocation: ₹2,000 crore (quadrupled from ₹500 crore).

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Constitutional Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes in India

• The Constitution of India does not define ‘tribe’.
• The term Scheduled Tribe (ST) was inserted in Article 342(1).
• Article 342(1): The President may, by public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities deemed to be Scheduled Tribes for constitutional purposes.
• Educational and Cultural Rights of Tribals in India:
  • Article 15(4): Special provisions for the advancement of Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes.
  • Article 29: Protection of tribal identity, culture, and language under the rights of minorities.
  • Article 46: The State must promote educational and economic interests of STs and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
  • Article 350: Right to conserve a distinct language, script, or culture.
• Political Rights
  • Article 330: Reservation of seats for STs in the Lok Sabha.
  • Article 332: Reservation of seats for STs in State Legislatures.
  • Article 243D: Reservation of seats for STs in Panchayats to ensure grassroots political participation.
• Administrative & Economic Rights
  • Article 275(1): Grants-in-aid by the Union Government to States for promoting ST welfare and administration in Scheduled Areas.
  • Article 244(1):
    • Fifth Schedule: Applies to Scheduled Areas in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
    • Sixth Schedule: Governs tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, allowing autonomous district councils (ADCs).
  • Article 16(4): Provides for reservations in government jobs for backward classes, including STs.
  • Article 16(4A): Allows reservation in promotions for STs in government services.

Key Issues Faced by Tribes in India

• Land & Resource Rights: Large-scale development projects, mining, and deforestation have led to forced evictions of tribal communities.
  • As of 2022, only 50% of the 42.76 lakh claims under FRA were approved (Ministry of Tribal Affairs).
• Socio-Economic Marginalization: STs have one of the highest poverty rates in India.
  • Lack of healthcare, clean drinking water, and sanitation in remote tribal regions.
• Educational Gap: High dropout rates in STs due to poverty, lack of schools, and cultural differences.
  • According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes (STs) was 59%, which is significantly below the national average. 
• Exploitation & Bonded Labor: Human trafficking & child labor are major issues in tribal-dominated areas.
  • Many STs are forced into low-paying and hazardous jobs due to lack of economic opportunities.
• Cultural Erosion: Urbanization and modernization are leading to the loss of tribal languages, traditions, and customs.
  • Inadequate representation in national cultural policies and media.
• Lack of Political Representation: Despite constitutional safeguards, ST communities often have little say in policymaking at both national and state levels.

Way Forward for Tribal Welfare

• Land & Resource Rights: Strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 to provide STs with legal land titles.
  • Protection from displacement due to development projects.
• Education & Skill Development: Bilingual education programs to help tribal students learn in their mother tongue.
  • Scholarships & incentives to reduce dropout rates among tribal children.
  • Expansion of EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) to improve educational access.
• Healthcare & Sanitation: Strengthening of health infrastructure in tribal-dominated areas.
  • Special healthcare initiatives for Sickle Cell Disease, malnutrition, and maternal health.
• Women’s Empowerment: Skill development programs for tribal women under schemes like Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY).
  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs) & micro-credit schemes to promote financial independence.
• Cultural Preservation: Encourage tribal art & heritage through TRIFED, Aadi Mahotsav, and cultural festivals.
  • Support for indigenous languages through digital platforms & community-run schools.
• Inclusive Governance & Representation: Strengthen Gram Sabhas in tribal areas for better participation in local governance.
  • Ensure proper representation of STs in policymaking bodies.

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Conclusion

The Union Budget 2025-26 fosters tribal empowerment through enhanced education, economic opportunities, health, and cultural preservation. This comprehensive approach aims to build self-reliant, empowered tribal communities, driving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

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Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to examine the possibility of a separate law for domestic workers.

Supreme Court Directives and observation on Domestic Workers

• Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee: The SC directed the Union government to form an inter-ministerial committee to examine the need for a legal framework to protect domestic workers.
  • The committee will include experts from the following ministries:
    • Ministry of Labour and Employment
    • Ministry of Women and Child Development
    • Ministry of Law and Justice
    • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Purpose of the Committee: The committee is tasked with considering the desirability of recommending a legal framework for the benefit, protection, and regulation of domestic workers.
  • It will focus on addressing issues such as:
    • Exploitation and abuse
    • Low wages
    • Unsafe working conditions
    • Lack of social security
• Timeline for Submission: Required to submit its report to the Union government within six months.
  • Based on the report, the Centre will decide on the necessity of enacting a national law for domestic workers.
• Recognition of Legal Vacuum: The Court acknowledged the absence of a Central law protecting domestic workers, which has led to widespread exploitation and abuse.
  • It highlighted the need for a uniform legal framework to address the vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers, particularly women from marginalised communities.
• Reference to State-Level Initiatives: The Court noted that some states, such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala, have already enacted laws to protect domestic workers.
• Focus on Marginalised Communities: The Court emphasised that domestic workers often belong to marginalised communities (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and Economically Weaker Sections).
  • They are frequently forced into domestic work due to financial hardship or displacement, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

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Who are domestic workers?

• Domestic workers are those workers who perform work in or for a private household or households. 
  • They provide direct and indirect care services, and as such are key members of the care economy. 
• Their work may include tasks such as:
  • Cleaning the house, cooking, washing and ironing clothes, taking care of children, or elderly or sick members of a family, gardening, guarding the house, driving for the family, and taking care of household pets.
• Types of Employment:
  • Full-time or Part-Time: Domestic workers may be employed either full-time or part-time.
  • Live-in or live-out: Workers can either reside in the employer’s home (live-in) or live in their own residence (live-out).
  • Service providers: Workers may be employed directly by a family or through a service provider (e.g., placement agencies).
  • Migrant Domestic Workers: Many domestic workers work in countries where they are not nationals and are referred to as migrant domestic workers.

Statistics and Gender Disparity

• Total Domestic Workers Worldwide: Approximately 75.6 million domestic workers.
  • Gender Disparity: 76.2% of domestic workers are women, with men constituting about a quarter of the workforce.
• Domestic workers in India: According to official statistics, there are 4.75 million domestic workers in India, three million of whom are women.
  • The International Labour Organisation, along with others are firm that the real number is much more, ranging from a wide 20 to 80 million.
• Only 10 states in India have included domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
• Trafficking and Child Labour: India has 12.6 million child domestic workers, 86% of whom are girls (ILO report ).

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Vulnerability of Domestic Workers in India

Economic Vulnerabilities

• Low Wages and Income Disparities: Domestic workers earn significantly less than other informal workers. Many workers are paid arbitrarily based on tasks rather than hours worked.
  • The ILO estimates that domestic workers worldwide earn 56% of the average wages of other employees.
• No Minimum Wage Enforcement: Only 10 states in India have included domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
  • Domestic workers in Karnataka are entitled to minimum wages (Rs 13,413 to 15,086 per month depending on tasks), but most workers never received this wage.
• No Social Security or Job Security: 81% of domestic workers are in informal employment (ILO report), meaning no provident fund (PF), health insurance, or maternity benefits.
  • Pandemic Impact: A study across Kochi, Delhi, and Mumbai (2020) found that 57% of domestic workers were fired without compensation during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Legal Vulnerabilities

• Exclusion from Labour Laws: Domestic workers lack legal recognition under key labour laws:
  • Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (no protection from unfair dismissal).
  • Code on Wages, 2019 (covers domestic work but lacks implementation).
  • Code on Social Security, 2020 (recognizes domestic workers, but is not in force).
• No Written Contracts or Employment Benefits: A 2016 survey in Bengaluru found that only 2% of domestic workers had written contracts, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary wage cuts, unpaid overtime, and sudden dismissal.
• Weak Enforcement of Sexual Harassment Laws: Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 includes domestic workers, but enforcement is nearly non-existent.
  • ILO reports highlight that forced labour, trafficking, and violence are major threats, particularly for live-in workers.

Social and Workplace Vulnerabilities

• Caste and Gender Discrimination: Domestic work is viewed as “low status” and caste-based, leading to discrimination.
  • Many workers are denied access to household utensils, toilets, and drinking water due to caste biases.
• Harassment and Abuse by Employers: Domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to violence, harassment, and restrictions on freedom of movement. This is especially prevalent among informal workers.
  • In 2024, domestic workers in Karnataka protested against arbitrary dismissals, sexual abuse, and caste-based discrimination.
• Health Risks and Exploitation: Domestic workers are more likely to have long or irregular working hours compared to other workers. 
  • In Mumbai, 40% of domestic workers surveyed in 2020 reported no access to safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vulnerability to Trafficking and Forced Labour

• Trafficking and Child Labour: India has 12.6 million child domestic workers, 86% of whom are girls (ILO report ).
  • In Jharkhand, a trafficking network lures young girls with fake job offers, forcing them into domestic servitude.
• Forced Labour and Debt Bondage: ILO Convention No. 29 defines forced labour as work exacted under menace or coercion.
  • In Kerala and Jharkhand, live-in domestic workers are often trapped in forced labour, as employers confiscate their wages and travel documents.
  • In the Middle East migration route, many Indian domestic workers fall into forced labour due to recruitment agents’ deception.
• Non-Ratification of ILO Conventions: India has NOT ratified ILO Convention 189 (Decent Work for Domestic Workers) or Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour).
  • ILO recognizes domestic work as “modern slavery”, yet India lacks a national law to protect domestic workers.

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Challenges in Legal and Policy Implementation

• Lack of Comprehensive Legislation: Domestic Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Bill, 2008 & 2017 – Introduced but never passed.
  • National Policy on Domestic Workers (2019) – Still in draft stage, awaiting approval.
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Even in states where domestic workers are covered under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, implementation is weak due to lack of enforcement mechanisms.
  • Many workers do not receive legally mandated wages due to their informal status and employer influence.
  • Only 10 states enforce minimum wages for domestic workers, and even where implemented, violations are rampant.
• Legal Ambiguity: Domestic workers are excluded from many major labour laws as “formal employees.”
  • Key labour laws (such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947) do not cover them under the definition of “workman”, making it difficult for them to claim legal rights.
• Lack of Monitoring: Unlike factories or offices, private homes are difficult to regulate, making it challenging for government agencies to monitor domestic workers’ working conditions, wages, and abuse cases.
  • According to the ILO’s 2023 Forced Labour Report, Migrant domestic workers are highly vulnerable to forced labor due to the hidden nature of their work in private homes, making detection and intervention difficult.
• Exploitation by Placement Agencies: Many unregulated placement agencies exploit domestic workers by charging high recruitment fees, withholding wages, and misrepresenting job conditions.
  • According to the “Kerala Migration Survey 2023,” a significant number of domestic workers from Kerala migrating to Gulf nations through placement agencies faced the issue of passport confiscation, essentially trapping them in situations of forced labor
• Insufficient Data: There is lack of reliable data regarding number of domestic workers. There is large variation among estimates, with number of workers varying from 4 million to 50 million.

Way Forward for Protecting Domestic Workers in India

• Enact a Comprehensive Central Law: Recognize domestic work as formal employment under national labour laws.
  • Ensure minimum wages, social security, and written contracts for all domestic workers.
• Regulate and Monitor Placement Agencies: Mandate registration of all placement agencies with state labour departments.
  • Ensure agencies provide employment contracts with clear terms.
• Enforce Minimum Wage and Social Security Provisions: Expand the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to cover domestic workers in all states.
  • Ensure access to Provident Fund (PF), health insurance, and maternity benefits under the Social Security Code, 2020.
• Strengthen Labour Inspections and Grievance Redressal: Empower labour inspectors to monitor private homes as workplaces.
  • Establish helplines and complaint portals for domestic workers to report abuse.
• Ratify ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers: Align Indian laws with global standards for domestic work.
  • Provide weekly rest days, fair wages, and protection from abuse.
• Raise Awareness and Organize Domestic Workers: Conduct awareness campaigns about domestic workers’ legal rights.
  • Support domestic worker unions for collective bargaining and advocacy.
• Strengthen Protection Against Trafficking and Forced Labour: Implement strict penalties for child labour and trafficking.
  • Enhance inter-state coordination to track trafficking networks.
  • Provide rehabilitation programs for rescued domestic workers.

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Conclusion

A comprehensive national law for domestic workers is crucial to ensure fair wages, social security, and protection from exploitation. While enforcement challenges remain, the Supreme Court’s directive presents a vital opportunity to formalize rights, redefine power dynamics, and uphold the dignity of millions in this essential yet undervalued workforce.

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A newly detected asteroid 2024 YR4  has slightly more than 1% chance of colliding with Earth in about eight years.

What is the newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4?

• Near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 at the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile.
• Size and Impact Potential: It is as big as a football field, measuring 40 to 100 metres across. 
  • An asteroid this size impacts Earth on average every few thousand years and could cause severe damage to a local region.
• Risk Assessment: Asteroid 2024 YR4 is now rated at Level 3 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale,  a close encounter that warrants attention from astronomers and the public. 

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Asteroids

• Asteroids are ancient space rocks left over from the formation of the Solar System. 
• They are thought to have brought complex molecules, and possibly early life, to Earth billions of years ago. 
• Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, though some travel closer to Earth.

Why Are Asteroids Important?

• Clues to Solar System Formation: They are considered time capsules, preserving materials from the early solar system.
• Potential Resources: Some asteroids are thought to contain valuable resources like metals and water, which could be mined in the future.
• Hazard to Earth: Some asteroids have orbits that bring them close to Earth, and while impacts are rare, they could cause significant damage if they collide with our planet.

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How Often Do Asteroids Crash into Earth?

• Thousands of asteroids enter Earth’s atmosphere every day but most are small and burn up due to atmospheric friction.
• Massive asteroids (over 1 km in diameter) are rare but can cause global disasters.
• • Example: Chicxulub asteroid (66 million years ago) wiped out the dinosaurs and 75% of life on Earth.
• Even some smaller asteroids (around 40 meters wide) can cause significant destruction.
• • Example: The Chelyabinsk asteroid (2013), exploded over Russia, injuring 1,500 people and damaging thousands of buildings.
• The impact of a 40-meter asteroid could flatten an entire city, depending on speed and entry angle.

How Do Space Agencies Plan to Avert Asteroid Crashes?

• Space agencies like NASA are actively developing planetary defense mechanisms to prevent asteroids from colliding with Earth and causing potential disasters.
• The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART):
• • One of the most significant planetary defense missions was DART, a joint project by NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. 
  • It was the first-ever planetary defense test conducted by NASA.
  • In 2022, the DART spacecraft deliberately crashed into an asteroid named Dimorphos. 
    • This impact successfully altered its shape and trajectory, proving that space agencies can redirect an asteroid’s path.
• Other proposed solutions:
  • Laser-based deflection by vaporizing part of the asteroid to create thrust.
  • Gravity tractor, a spacecraft that uses gravity to slowly pull the asteroid off course.

Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)

• ATLAS is an asteroid impact early warning system developed by the University of Hawaii and funded by NASA. 
• It consists of four telescopes (Hawaii ×2, Chile, South Africa), which automatically scan the whole sky several times every night looking for moving objects.  
• ATLAS can provide a warning time depending on the size of the asteroid — larger asteroids can be detected further from Earth. 

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The International Asteroid Warning Network

• IAWN, chaired by NASA, is responsible for coordinating the international group of organisations involved in asteroid tracking and characterisation. 
• If appropriate, IAWN would develop a strategy to assist world governments in the analysis of asteroid impact consequences and in the planning of any necessary mitigation responses.

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Recently, the Union road and highway Minister announced that India will achieve 20% ethanol blending with petrol within the next two months (early 2025).

• The achievement requires the production of nearly 1,100 crore litres of fuel ethanol annually.

What is Ethanol?

• Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from plant-based materials, collectively known as biomass.
• It is primarily produced through:
  • Fermentation of sugars by yeast.
  • Petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration.
• Ethanol is widely used, with over 98% of U.S. gasoline containing some amount of ethanol.
• Common Ethanol Blends
  • E10: Consists of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.
  • E85: A higher ethanol blend, used in flex-fuel vehicles.

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Uses of Ethanol

• Medical Applications: Used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
• Industrial Uses:
  • Serves as a chemical solvent.
  • Plays a role in the synthesis of organic compounds.
• Fuel Alternative: Used as a biofuel, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Sources of Ethanol Production

• Primary Feedstocks
  • Ethanol production will come from:
    • Sugar & high-grade molasses
    • FCI rice
    • Broken rice
    • Maize
  • India’s ethanol distillery capacity has increased to 1,600 crore litres, supported by government incentives and market stability.
• Sugar-Based Ethanol Contribution
  • 400 crore litres of ethanol is expected from sugar in 2024-25.
  • Non-fuel ethanol will be derived from C Heavy molasses, a low-grade byproduct of sugar processing.
• Rice-Based Ethanol Contribution
  • The government reduced FCI rice prices for distilleries from ₹28/kg to ₹22.5/kg.
  • 110 crore litres of ethanol will be produced from FCI rice in 2024-25.
• Maize-Based Ethanol Contribution
  • 400 crore litres of fuel ethanol is expected from maize.
  • Dual-feed distilleries have been set up to use both sugar and maize for ethanol production.

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Government Initiatives to Promote Ethanol Production

• National Policy on Biofuels (2018)
  • Aims to increase the availability of biofuels.
  • Focuses on enhancing blending percentages with conventional fuels.
• Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)
  • Targets achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.
• PM JI-VAN YOJANA
  • Provides financial support for developing second-generation ethanol projects.
  • Encourages the use of non-food biomass for ethanol production.

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The Department of Biotechnology has launched  its first Ferret Research Facility, the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository to advance maternal and child health research.

• It also signed a crucial technology transfer agreement.

About GARBH-INi-DRISHTI Data Repository

• Developed at: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).
  • THSTI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),  located in Faridabad (Haryana).

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• Purpose: It will provide access to one of South Asia’s largest pregnancy cohort datasets.
• Significance:
• • Contains clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.
  • Empowers global researchers to conduct studies on maternal and neonatal health.
• It is part of GARBH-INi Program, a national initiative for maternal and child health research.

About GARBH-INi Program

• Objective: Enhances maternal and child health research and develops prediction tools for preterm birth.
• Initiative by: Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Part of: Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission; Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI).

About India’s First Ferret Research Facility

• State-of-the-art biosafety laboratory designed for advanced biomedical research using ferrets.
• Strengthens India’s capacity for vaccine development, infectious disease research, and pandemic preparedness.
• Facility Location: THSTI, Faridabad, Haryana.

Why Ferrets?

• Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo):
• • Small, carnivorous mammals from the weasel family (Mustelidae).
  • Domesticated for over 2,500 years and commonly used in biomedical research.
• Ferrets are widely used in biomedical research, especially for:
  • Respiratory diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.
  • Vaccine and drug testing for emerging infectious diseases.
  • Neurological and gastrointestinal studies.
  • Reproductive health and genetic research.
• Reason for Preference: Their respiratory system closely resembles humans, making them ideal for studying airborne diseases.

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About Lactobacillus crispatus

• Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus): A beneficial probiotic bacterium naturally present in the female reproductive and urinary tracts.
  • Helps maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antimicrobial compounds.
• Lactobacillus crispatus & THSTI’s Research: THSTI isolated a genetically defined strain of L. crispatus from Indian women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort.
• Essential for pregnant women as it:
• • Reduces the risk of preterm birth.
  • Prevents infections linked to infertility and pregnancy complications.

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The Union Government has announced a transition from fiscal deficit to Debt-to-GDP ratio as the primary fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27 with an aim to reduce the Debt-to-GDP ratio to 50±1% by 2031.

About Debt-to-GDP Ratio

• Definition: Measures the total accumulated debt of a country, including past and present borrowings, relative to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• In numerical terms, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expressed as a percentage, to illustrate the number of years it would require to repay debt if GDP is dedicated solely to debt servicing
• Indicates:
  • The level of debt compared to the size of the economy.
  • A country’s ability to repay its debt based on economic performance.

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• Formula: 

• Debt-to-GDP Ratio Trends in Global Economies:
  • The global debt-to-GDP ratio in 2023 showed varied trends across economies
  • Advanced economies (AEs) excluding the U.S. saw a 9 percentage point decline to 268% of GDP, driven by reductions in private and public debt.
    • The U.S. contributed to the global reduction, with private debt falling to 150% of GDP, though public debt rose to 123%.
  • Emerging markets (EMs) excluding China experienced a 3 percentage point increase to 126% of GDP, driven by rising public debt.
    • China’s total debt surged to 289% of GDP, with both public and private debt rising significantly. 
  • Low-income developing countries (LIDCs) also saw debt increase to 88% of GDP, primarily due to higher public debt, despite falling private debt.
• Interpretation:
  • High Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Indicates high borrowings, raising concerns about repayment capacity.
  • Low Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Suggests better fiscal health with manageable debt levels.

Debt-GDP Reduction Target

• To achieve the debt-GDP reduction target, the government has outlined three scenarios based on different nominal GDP growth rates:

• This approach allows flexibility in choosing mild, moderate, or aggressive fiscal consolidation, balancing growth needs with debt sustainability.

Significance of maintaining Low Debt-to- GDP ratio: 

• A prudent debt-to-GDP ratio is essential for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring economic resilience.
• Low Debt-to GDP Ratio is necessary to create space for growth-enhancing expenditures, which is critical to achieve the growth ambitions in the broader economy.

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Rationale for the Shift to Debt-to-GDP Ratio

• Long-Term Financial Sustainability: Assesses the nation’s ability to manage debt over time.
• More Reliable Fiscal Measure: Captures the cumulative impact of past and present fiscal policies, unlike the annual fiscal deficit, which only measures short-term performance.
• Global Best Practices: Aligns with international fiscal standards, promoting greater flexibility in economic management.
• Enhances Transparency: It encourages shift from rigid annual fiscal targets towards more transparent and operationally flexible fiscal standards.
  • Ensures proper disclosure of off-budget borrowings, reducing hidden liabilities.

Limitations of Debt-to-GDP Ratio

• Ignore Debt Composition: Does not differentiate between internal (domestic) debt and external (foreign) debt.
• Does Not Reflect Fiscal Policy Efficiency: Fails to capture whether government spending is productive or wasteful.
• No Direct Correlation with Default Risk: Some high-debt countries remain solvent due to strong economic fundamentals.

About Fiscal Deficit

• Definition: The difference between total government expenditure and total revenue (excluding borrowings) within a financial year.
• Indicates: The amount of borrowing required to meet government spending needs.
• Formula: 

• Interpretation:
  • High Fiscal Deficit: Suggests the government is spending more than its earnings, leading to increased borrowing.
  • Low Fiscal Deficit: Indicates better financial management, reducing reliance on debt.
• Need of Controlling Fiscal Deficit: 
  • Impact on Inflation: A persistently high fiscal deficit can lead to inflation as the government may resort to printing more money to fund expenditures.
  • Improves Credit Ratings: Lower fiscal deficit demonstrates fiscal discipline, improving India’s credit ratings and reducing borrowing costs.
  • Better Public Debt Management: A lower fiscal deficit helps the government secure cheaper credit in international markets and attract investors.

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Conclusion

• The shift from fiscal deficit to Debt-to-GDP ratio as the primary fiscal anchor reflects India’s commitment to fiscal sustainability and transparency.
• By adopting a structured debt-reduction strategy, the government aims to enhance financial stability, improve creditworthiness, and create fiscal space for growth-oriented investments, ensuring long-term economic resilience and responsible debt management.

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The government in the Budget speech of 2025-26 has announced the setting up of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat for research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

About the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

• Aim: To enhance domestic nuclear capabilities, promote private sector participation, and deploy advanced nuclear technologies.
• Funding: The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors, targeting at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033.
  • Target: India has targeted 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047
• Private Sector Entry: The government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act to facilitate the entry of the private sector in nuclear energy with the motive of,
  • Setting up Bharat Small Reactors,
  • Research & development of Bharat Small Modular Reactor, and
  • Research & development of newer technologies for nuclear energy.

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About Small Modular Reactors

• SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with the maximum power producing capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
  • It is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors (capacities of 500 MW of electricity or more)
• Modular Design: The modular design of the reactors means the systems and components are factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation instead of being constructed on-site
• Application Areas: SMRs targets varied outputs and different applications, such as electricity, hybrid energy systems, heating, water desalinisation and steam for industrial applications.
• Operational Status: SMRs are mostly still under the development stage with just a couple of experimental SMRs being operational right now.
• • Example: Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov (world’s first floating nuclear power plant) is producing energy from two 35 MW(e) SMRs.
• Development Status: More than 80 different designs for SMRs are under development, across the world with countries like the United States, China, Russia and South Korea constructing such reactors. 
• India is developing Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) as part of its energy transition strategy
• Advantages: 
  • Design: SMRs are small and modular in design making them more affordable to build and install at any given location. SMRs offer savings in cost and construction time, and they can be deployed incrementally to match increasing energy demand.
  • Inbuilt Safety Provisions: SMRs are passive systems that rely on physical phenomena (like, natural circulation, convection, gravity and self-pressurization) significantly lowering the chance of unsafe release of radioactive waste in the environment in case of an accident.  
  • Fuel Requirements: SMRs may require less frequent refuelling (every 3 to 7 years) as compared to 1 to 2 years for conventional plants. Some SMRs are designed to operate for up to 30 years without refuelling.
  • Energy Inclusivity: SMRs are better suited for regions inaccessible to clean, reliable and affordable energy providing low-carbon power for industry and the population.
    • It can be installed into an existing grid or remotely off-grid, as a function of its smaller electrical output.

About India’s Nuclear Power Generation Capacity

• Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India.
• Present Status: India’s Nuclear power generation capacity nearly doubled from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8180 MW as of 2025, contributing about 3.11% (as of 2020-21) of the country’s total electricity generation.
• Projected: Nuclear capacity is projected to triple to 22,800 MW by 2031-32 with Nuclear Energy accounting for nearly 9% of India’s electricity by 2047.
• Operating Reactors: India has 23 operating reactors across 7 nuclear power plants, primarily composed of pressurized heavy-water reactors (PHWRs), with some light-water reactors (LWRs)
• Evolution: Electricity production using nuclear energy commenced in October 1969 with the commencement of the two reactors at Tarapur, Maharashtra.
• Ownership: Nuclear power plants in India are owned and operated by the Nuclear Energy Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and it’s fully-owned subsidiary Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI). 
  • Public sector units like the NTPC or NHPC are recently allowed to enter into joint ventures with NPCIL to own and operate nuclear plants.
• Government Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity:
  • Expansion: India targets nuclear energy expansion to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 which includes, 
    • The construction and commissioning of ten reactors, totalling 8,000 MW, across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. 
    • In- principle approval was accorded to set up 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in cooperation with the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Achieving Controlled Fission Chain Reaction: The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 ( India’s third indigenous nuclear reactors) reached criticality recently, marking the beginning of controlled fission chain reaction. 
  • Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor: Progress in the country’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 Mwe) achieving many of the milestones in 2024 like loading of first reactor control rod in 2024.
  • Bharat Small Reactors: The government is actively expanding its nuclear energy sector by developing Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) in partnerships with the private sector
  • New Generation Reactors: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to introduce new nuclear reactors, including high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for hydrogen co-generation and molten salt reactors aimed at utilizing India’s abundant thorium resources.

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The Golden-headed Cisticola , a bird species commonly found in grasslands, was recently discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki.

• This marks the first sighting of the bird in the southern Western Ghats after a long gap, as reported by bird watchers.

About Golden-Headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)

• They are also Known as Bright-capped Cisticola.
• Scientific Family : Belongs to the Cisticolidae family of warblers.
• Diet : Omnivorous, primarily feeding on invertebrates such as insects and small slugs, but also consuming grass seeds.
• Habitat: Usually found in grasslands of mountain ranges.
• Global Distribution: Found in Australia and various Asian countries.
• Distribution in India: Previously recorded in parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northern Kerala.
• Physical Characteristics
  • Breeding Males: Have distinct golden-orange plumage on their head, neck, and chest.
  • Beak and  Markings: Possess pinkish beaks and black streaks on their backs.
  • Identification: Easily recognized by their distinctive call.
• Previous Sightings: The bird was previously observed in the grasslands of Banasura Hills in Wayanad, Kerala.
• IUCN Status : Least Concern.

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About Mathikettan Shola National Park

• Location: Situated in the southern part of the Palakkad Gap, within the Western Ghats of Kerala.
• Named After : The Mathikettan Shola, the largest shola forest in Kerala.
• Ecological Features
• • Shola Forests : Unique to the Western Ghats, characterized by stunted evergreen trees, dense undergrowth, and high rainfall.
  • Vegetation : Comprises evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests.
• Water Sources: Three major streams originate from the Mathikettan hill ranges:
  • Uchillkuthi Puzha
  • Mathikettan Puzha
  • Njandar (tributaries of the Panniyar River).

Significance of Mathikettan Shola National Park

• Last remnant of the original forests of the Cardamom Hill Reserve.
• Cardamom Hill Reserve : A unique region between two plantation holdings in the southern and northern Western Ghats of Idukki.
• Interconnected Reserves: Located between Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park.
• Inter-State Boundary : Shares borders with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Indigenous Tribes : The Muthavan tribe resides near the northeastern borders of Mathikettan Shola.

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State Emblem of India

Context: The Union Home Ministry has instructed states to prevent the improper depiction of the State Emblem of India and ensure the mandatory inclusion of “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari script.

About the State Emblem of India

• It is the official seal of the Government of India.
• Adoption: Adopted on January 26, 1950, from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. 

Usage of State Emblem

• On the Letterheads of the Central Government, State Government and other government agencies.
• On the Currency of India
• On the Passports of India
• The Ashoka Chakra in the National Flag is taken from the National Emblem

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Design Features OF State Emblem

• Adaptation of Sarnath Lion Capital with:
• • Three visible lions, with the fourth hidden from view.
  • Dharma Chakra at the center of the abacus.
  • Animal Depictions on the Abacus:
    • Bull (Right): Represents Taurus, symbolizing Buddha’s birth.
    • Horse (Left): Represents Kanthaka, Buddha’s horse during renunciation.
    • Elephant (East): Symbolizes Queen Maya’s dream of a white elephant.
    • Lion (North): Represents Buddha’s enlightenment and Dharma propagation.
  • Outlines of Dharma Chakras on the extreme right and left of the abacus.
  • Dharma Chakra symbolizes Buddha’s first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)
  • The official emblem does not include the bell-shaped lotus found in the original Lion Capital.
• Motto: “Satyameva Jayate” is inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script.
  • The motto is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad and means “Truth Alone Triumphs”.

Legal Provisions and Penalty

• The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 and State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007 regulate its authorized use.
• Unauthorized use can result in:
  • Up to 2 years imprisonment or
  • A fine of up to ₹5,000.

Beggar-thy-neighbour policies

Context: The article shed light on the economic strategies in which the country tries to improve its economic situation through measures such as  tariffs, currency devaluation, and trade restrictions.

What Are Beggar-Thy-Neighbour Policies?

• These are protectionist economic policies that help one country’s economy at the cost of others.
• Examples:
  • Trade Wars: High taxes (tariffs) or strict limits (quotas) on foreign imports.
  • Currency Wars: Central banks intentionally weaken their currency to make exports cheaper and imports costlier.
• Origins of the Idea
  • The term was introduced by Scottish economist Adam Smith in his 1776 book The Wealth of Nations.

ELS Cotton

Context: Union Finance Minister, while presenting the Union Budget, announced a five-year mission aimed at Improving productivity and sustainability in cotton farming and Promoting extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties.

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What is ELS Cotton?

• ELS cotton has fibre lengths of 30 mm or more, making it superior in quality.
• It comes mainly from the Gossypium barbadense species, also called Egyptian or Pima cotton.
  • Gossypium hirsutum: Makes up about 96% of India’s cotton, with fibre lengths of 25-28.6 mm (medium staple).
• Key Features of ELS Cotton
  • Superior Quality: Produces fine, strong, and smooth yarns, used in premium textiles.
  • Highly Durable: Resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for luxury clothing and home textiles.
• Where is ELS Cotton Grown?
  • Globally: Major producers include Egypt, China, Australia, and Peru.
  • In India: Cultivated in Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), and parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
• Classification: Cotton is divided into short, medium, and long staple based on fibre length.
  • Types of Cotton Based on Fibre Length:
    • Short Staple: Shortest fibre length.
    • Medium Staple: Most cotton grown in India (around 96%) falls here. Typically, fibres range from 25 to 28.6 mm (e.g., Gossypium hirsutum).
    • Long Staple: Longer fibres.
    • Extra-Long Staple (ELS): Fibres are 30 mm or longer. Mostly from the species Gossypium barbadense, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton..
• Why is ELS cotton not grown in India?
• Cotton farmers don’t grow ELS cotton for various reasons
• • Low Yield
    • Medium staple cotton yields 10-12 quintals per acre.
    • ELS cotton yields only 7-8 quintals per acre.
  • Market Challenges
    • Difficulty in selling ELS cotton at premium prices due to lack of strong market linkages.

Fort William renamed Vijay Durg

Context: In a move to eliminate colonial influences within the armed forces, Fort William in Kolkata, has been renamed Vijay Durg.

• Kitchener House has been renamed Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate is now Shivaji Gate.

About Fort William

• Built by: The British in 1781 and named after King William III of England.
• New Name: Vijay Durg, inspired by the historic Maratha fort in Maharashtra, which served as a naval base under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• It serves as headquarters of the Eastern Army Command.
• Decision Finalized: Mid-December 2024, with official announcement pending.
• Significance of Renaming: Symbolizes India’s military heritage and national identity and aligns with the government’s vision of indigenization in defence doctrines, procedures, and customs.

Argentina’s Withdrawal from WHO

Context: The President of Argentina has ordered Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to profound disagreements with the agency’s policies.

Reason of withdrawal from WHO

• Domino Effect of US Withdrawal: The decision follows a similar move by the U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Primary Reason: Differences over health management policies, particularly during COVID-19, which led to unprecedented global shutdowns.
  • Argentina contributed $8 million to WHO’s $6.9 billion 2024-2025 budget, making its financial impact minimal.
• Sovereignty Concerns: Argentina opposes international influence over its national healthcare decisions.

Stryker Infantry Vehicle

Context: Negotiations between India and USA are underway for the deal for co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles.

• Vehicle Test: Stryker’s performance was demonstrated in high altitude conditions of Ladakh between 13,000 and 18,000 feet which also saw the testing of the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

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About The Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles

• The Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III.
• Manufactured By: The Combat vehicle is being manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C) for the United States Army in a plant in London, Ontario.

The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M)

• It is an American-made man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996 and continuously upgraded.
• Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance.
• Manufacturer: Raytheon & Lockheed Martin

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