September 04th Current Affairs
Table of Contents
Operation Sindoor
July 21st Current Affairs Home / Operation Sindoor Why in News? Parliament’s Monsoon Session, starting July 21, 2025, is expected to feature
Alaska Earthquakes
July 21st Current Affairs Home / Alaska Earthquakes Why in News? On July 21, 2025, Alaska Peninsula was struck by
August 2, 2027 Solar Eclipse
July 21st Current Affairs Home / August 2, 2027 Solar Eclipse Why in News? A total solar eclipse is set
India’s milestone in clean energy transition
July 21st Current Affairs Home / India’s milestone in clean energy transition Why in News? India achieved a milestone by
‘Baby Grok’, child-friendly AI app
July 21st Current Affairs Home / ‘Baby Grok’, Child-friendly AI app Why in News? Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has announced
Impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma
July 22nd Current Affairs Home / Impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma Context On July 22, 2025, impeachment proceedings against
NGT looks into proposal to declare higher Himalayas Eco-Sensitive Zone
Relevance to UPSC
- Environment & Ecology (GS-III)
- Highlights the concept, criteria, and significance of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India.
- Underlines the environmental fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem and the need for special protection due to its susceptibility to landslides, glacial lake outburst floods, and flash floods
- Polity & Governance (GS-II / GS-III)
- Demonstrates the role of quasi-judicial bodies like the NGT in enforcing environmental safeguards.
- Illustrates inter-institutional coordination: NGT’s directive to MoEFCC and involvement of state governments (Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand).
- Environment & Ecology (GS-III)
- Disaster Management & Climate Resilience (GS-III)
- Emphasises proactive measures such as early warning systems, hydrometeorological monitoring, and regulation of developmental activities in fragile Himalayan regions.
More About the News
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken up suo-moto cognisance of a Current Science report titled “Need to declare the Higher Himalaya an eco-sensitive zone”. On September 1, 2025, the Tribunal directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) to review affidavits submitted by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand regarding steps taken to protect ecologically fragile areas in the higher Himalayas. A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for November 28, 2025
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Established under the NGT Act, 2010, the National Green Tribunal is a specialized body for swift resolution of environmental disputes. Guided by natural justice rather than strict legal codes, it applies the principles of sustainable development, precaution, and polluter-pays, with key interventions in waste management, floodplain protection, and holding polluters accountable.
Legal & Statutory Provisions
Parent Law: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Key Chapters: Establishment; Jurisdiction & Powers; Proceedings; Penalty; Miscellaneous.
Schedule I Laws (7):
- Water Act, 1974
- Water Cess Act, 1977
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- Air Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002
(Excludes Wildlife Protection Act & Forest Rights Act)
Procedure:
- Sec 19: NGT frames own procedure; not bound by CPC/Evidence Act; guided by natural justice.
- Sec 20: Applies sustainable development, precautionary principle, and polluter-pays.
Appeals: Orders appealable to the Supreme Court.
Powers & Functions
- Original jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial environmental questions & compensation/relief for damage to persons/property/environment.
- Appellate jurisdiction against orders/decisions under the seven listed statutes.
- Enforcement tools: award of compensation, restitution, environmental restoration costs, continuing mandamus for compliance, and directions to authorities (CPCB/SPCBs/ULBs/State departments).
Initiatives / Landmark Works
- Solid Waste Management compliance (OA 606/2018): Pan-India directions to States/ULBs for scientific MSW handling; periodic monitoring & compliance reporting.
- River floodplains protection: Demarcation & physical marking of Yamuna floodplains; recent orders to Delhi & UP for clear, on-ground boundaries to prevent encroachment.
- Polluter-Pays in industry: ₹500-crore environmental compensation on Volkswagen India in the emissions-cheat matter (subsequently litigated at SC).
- Event-related ecological damage: Fine on Art of Living for Yamuna floodplain impact; restoration-oriented compensation.
Challenges of the NGT
- Vacancies & Capacity Constraints
- Frequent shortage of judicial/expert members → delays in disposal.
- Example: Reports of case pendency rising when benches in Bhopal and Kolkata functioned without full strength.
- Enforcement Deficit at State/Local Levels
- Orders often remain on paper due to weak compliance by SPCBs/ULBs.
- Example: Despite repeated NGT directions on Solid Waste Management (OA 606/2018), legacy dumpsites in many cities remain uncleared.
- Overlapping Jurisdiction & Appeals
- High Courts and Supreme Court frequently intervene, causing duplication/delays.
- Example: NGT’s ₹500-crore penalty on Volkswagen India (emission-cheat case) was contested in the Supreme Court, delaying final settlement.
- Limited Statutory Coverage
- Important laws excluded from Schedule I, restricting jurisdiction.
- Example: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 not covered → NGT could not directly adjudicate on certain tiger corridor diversion cases.
- Political & Developmental Pushback
- Orders sometimes clash with large infrastructure projects, inviting criticism.
- Example: NGT’s curbs on Char Dham highway project in Uttarakhand (for landslide risks) faced pushback from government citing national security needs.
- Monitoring & Technical Expertise Gaps
- Limited in-house technical staff; depends on ad-hoc expert committees.
- Example: For Yamuna floodplain encroachment cases, NGT had to rely on joint committees for ground verification, delaying enforcement
Way Forward
- Augment bench strength & expert cadre; strengthen registry & technical secretariat for quicker disposal.
- Deepen “compliance assurance”—link orders with clear metrics, 3–6-month verification cycles, and fiscal incentives/penalties for ULBs/SPCBs.
- Inter-agency data pipelines (CPCB–SPCB–ULBs) with public dashboards; integrate satellite-based compliance checks for mining, waste and floodplains.
The NGT has matured into a keystone institution for environmental governance by pairing flexible procedure with science-backed decision-making. Its effectiveness now hinges on closing the last-mile enforcement gap—through better resourcing, data-rich monitoring, and tighter Centre-State-ULB coordination. As climate risks intensify, the Tribunal’s role in mainstreaming precaution and restoration economics will be central to sustainable development pathways.
ECO SENSITIVE ZONES IN INDIA
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) act as “shock absorbers” around protected areas, buffering ecosystems from unchecked human activities. They aim to balance biodiversity conservation with livelihood concerns of local people. As India faces rapid urbanisation and climate stress, ESZs gain importance in reconciling development with environmental sustainability.
Criteria for declaring an ESZ
- ESZs are ecologically fragile buffer areas notified around Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves) to regulate human activity and conserve biodiversity.
- Usually extend up to 10 km from protected areas, but can vary based on ecological significance.
Legal Provisions for ESZ
- Governed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Supreme Court (2006, 2022): Directed regulation of activities within ESZs (mandatory 1 km ESZ around PAs).
- Notifications issued by MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
- Activities classified into Prohibited, Regulated, and Permissible (e.g., mining prohibited, eco-tourism regulated, agriculture permitted).
List of ESZ Areas in India
- Western Ghats ESZ – Covers Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
- Kaziranga National Park ESZ (Assam) – Restricts mining and industry near rhino habitat.
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve ESZ (West Bengal) – Protects mangroves and tiger habitat.
- Gir National Park ESZ (Gujarat) – Buffers Asiatic Lion habitat.
- Himalayan Regions – E.g., Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh).
Advantages of ESZs
- Biodiversity Protection – Prevents mining/deforestation near core habitats (e.g., Kaziranga ESZ curbing stone mining).
- Buffer against Climate Change – Protects forests and wetlands that act as carbon sinks (e.g., Western Ghats ESZ).
- Eco-tourism Potential – Promotes sustainable livelihoods (e.g., eco-tourism in Periyar Tiger Reserve).
- Disaster Risk Reduction – Prevents construction in landslide-prone zones (e.g., ESZs in Uttarakhand).
- Community Participation – Local communities involved in conservation (e.g., Kerala ESZs integrating farmers in agroforestry).
Disadvantages of ESZs
- Livelihood Restrictions – Farming/mining restrictions affect locals (e.g., protests in Kerala’s Wayanad ESZ).
- Implementation Issues – Illegal mining, construction continue despite ESZ notification (e.g., Aravalli ESZ encroachments).
- Conflict with Development Projects – Hydropower, highways face delays (e.g., Himachal Pradesh ESZ disputes).
- Ambiguity in Boundary Demarcation – Leads to litigation and confusion (e.g., Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling on 1 km ESZ blanket rule).
- Poor Awareness & Consultation – Locals often unaware of ESZ provisions (e.g., Meghalaya ESZ protests over land use).
Way Forward
- Clear demarcation of ESZ boundaries with scientific basis.
- Promote eco-tourism and green jobs to offset livelihood loss.
- Strengthen community-based conservation models.
- Use GIS and satellite mapping for monitoring illegal activities.
- Balance development with ecological security via flexible, region-specific ESZ rules.
Eco-Sensitive Zones are a vital tool for biodiversity protection and climate resilience, but rigid implementation can trigger social and economic tensions. A participatory, region-specific approach—integrating conservation with sustainable livelihoods—will ensure that ESZs truly become zones of coexistence rather than conflict.
Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which of the following is/are correct? 1. The NGT is bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but not by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. 2. The NGT’s original and appellate jurisdiction extends to matters under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 3. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010. Select the correct answer using the code below:
Mains Question
Q. “NGT’s evolving jurisprudence has shifted India’s environmental governance from post-facto compliance to preventative accountability, yet structural enforcement deficits persist.”
Critically analyze (250 words).
GST 2.0 unveiled: Two-slab structure cleared, new rates will come into effect September 22
Relevance to UPSC
- Economics (GS-III)
- Illustrates tax rationalisation and simplification—critical for macroeconomic stability and enhancing ease of compliance.
- Demonstrates how fiscal reforms can influence demand-stimulus, inflation management, and consumption patterns.
- Illustrates tax rationalisation and simplification—critical for macroeconomic stability and enhancing ease of compliance.
- Government Policies & Federalism (GS-II / GS-III)
- Showcases the federal structure in action—GST Council (comprising Centre + states) reaching unanimous decisions, reflecting cooperative federalism.
- Enhances understanding of indirect taxation architecture under GST and its evolution.
More About the News
- The 56th GST Council meeting approved a simplified two-tier GST structure (5% and 18%), scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs—effective September 22.
- A 40% ‘sin/luxury’ slab has been introduced for high-end goods like tobacco, aerated sugar beverages, and premium vehicles.
- Items like UHT milk, paneer, Indian breads, life-saving medicines, and life/health insurance are now exempt or taxed minimally; daily essentials are reduced to 5%.
- The reform is expected to lower inflation, boost consumption, and spur market sentiment, evidenced by a rise in auto and consumer stock indices.
GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced in 2017, is India’s most significant indirect tax reform, replacing a complex web of central and state taxes with a unified system. It is governed by the 101st Constitutional Amendment, ensuring “One Nation, One Tax, One Market.” By subsuming multiple levies, GST enhances efficiency, broadens the tax base, and promotes cooperative federalism. It continues to evolve, with reforms like the 2025 two-tier GST structure making compliance simpler and more growth-oriented.
Evolution
- 2000: Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers set up to design GST model.
- 2004–2006: Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxes recommended GST.
- 2009: First discussion paper released.
- 2011: Constitution (115th Amendment) Bill introduced.
- 2014: Reintroduced as 122nd Amendment Bill.
- 2016: Passed as 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
- 1 July 2017: GST launched across India.
Constitutional Provisions
- 101st Amendment Act, 2016.
- Article 246A: Concurrent powers of Centre & States to legislate on GST.
- Article 269A: Levy & collection of IGST on inter-state trade; apportioned between Centre & States.
- Article 279A: GST Council established.
- Article 366(12A): Definition of GST.
- Article 279: Specifies GST Council’s composition & decision-making.
How GST is Better than the Previous System
- Removes cascading of taxes (tax-on-tax).
- Harmonises multiple indirect taxes into a single framework.
- Ensures seamless Input Tax Credit (ITC).
- Creates a unified national market.
- Promotes transparency and reduces tax evasion via IT-enabled compliance.
Advantages of GST
- Elimination of Cascading Effect – Seamless ITC reduces overall tax burden.
Example: Manufacturer of cars can set off excise + VAT earlier; now integrated under GST. - Unified Market – Promotes ease of doing business across states.
Example: Trucks no longer face multiple state border check-post taxes. - Increased Tax Base & Revenue – More taxpayers brought under formal net.
Example: Small service providers registering on GST portal. - Transparency & Digital Compliance – Online returns, e-way bills, e-invoicing.
Example: Real-time invoice matching reduces fake billing. - Boost to Logistics & Supply Chains – Lower transaction costs.
Example: FMCG companies consolidating warehouses for efficiency.
Challenges of GST
- Complex Compliance for Small Businesses
Example: MSMEs face difficulty in monthly returns & multiple filings. - Revenue Uncertainty for States
Example: States complaining about delayed GST compensation (e.g., 2020 pandemic). - Rate Structure Anomalies
Example: Same product taxed differently in packaged vs unpackaged form. - IT System Glitches
Example: GSTN portal crashes during peak filing dates. - High Reliance on Indirect Taxes
Example: Regressive burden on lower-income groups, as essentials taxed (e.g., mobile recharges at 18%).
Measures Taken to ease up GST Compliance
- Compensation Cess to address state revenue loss.
- E-way bills & e-invoicing to check evasion.
- Rationalisation of rates (merging slabs; exemptions for essentials).
- Simplified compliance for small taxpayers (composition scheme).
- Regular GST Council meetings for cooperative decision-making.
Highlights of GST
- Global Benchmarking: Adopted IT-driven system similar to advanced economies.
- Compliance Simplification: Quarterly filing for small taxpayers.
- Anti-profiteering mechanism to ensure tax reduction benefits reach consumers.
- Cooperative Federalism: Consensus-driven GST Council decisions.
- Transparency tools: GSTN analytics to detect evasion and fake invoices.
Way Forward
- Rationalise tax slabs into a simpler structure.
- Strengthen GSTN infrastructure for smooth filing.
- Improve grievance redressal & support for MSMEs.
- Ensure timely state compensation to maintain federal trust.
- Expand base while keeping essentials zero-rated to reduce regressivity.
GST represents a transformative leap towards an integrated Indian economy, simplifying taxation and enhancing transparency. Yet, challenges in compliance, rate anomalies, and state revenues persist. Addressing these through rationalisation, technology upgrades, and better Centre-State coordination will ensure GST’s long-term stability. As India aspires to be a $5 trillion economy, a robust GST framework will be a key enabler of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following provisions were inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016? 1. Article 246A – Concurrent power of taxation on goods and services. 2. Article 269A – Levy of GST on inter-state trade. 3. Article 279A – Constitution of GST Council. 4. Article 371 – Special provisions for North-Eastern States.
Mains Question
Q. “GST has redefined India’s fiscal federalism and tax structure, but frequent rate changes and compliance burdens dilute its intended benefits.” Critically examine. (250 words)
5 Killed as Bad Weather causes Landslides, Building collapses in Himachal
Relevance to UPSC
- GS-I – Geography & Environment
- Highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan terrain to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods—critical for physical geography and disaster planning.
- Highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan terrain to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods—critical for physical geography and disaster planning.
- GS-II – Disaster Management & Governance
- Shows the urgency of Institutional preparedness—NDRF, SDRF, local authorities—and the need for effective coordination in rescue and relief.
- Shows the urgency of Institutional preparedness—NDRF, SDRF, local authorities—and the need for effective coordination in rescue and relief.
- GS-III – Infrastructure Resilience
- Underscores the importance of drainage systems, slope stabilization, and land-use planning in hilly regions to reduce disaster fallout.
- Underscores the importance of drainage systems, slope stabilization, and land-use planning in hilly regions to reduce disaster fallout.
- GS-I / GS-III – Climate Change Impact
- Reflects intensification of monsoon events in the Himalayas—a stark reminder of climate risks and adaptation needs.
More About the News
- Heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh triggered landslides and a building collapse, resulting in five fatalities, including a 2.5-year-old girl; two individuals remain missing amid ongoing rescue efforts.
- The extreme weather also caused flash floods and blocked four major highways, severely disrupting relief and evacuation operations
Landslides
Landslides are recurrent and deadly hazards, especially in India’s mountainous and high-rainfall regions. Accelerated by climate change and unplanned human interventions, they threaten lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems. India’s multi-tiered response—mapping, early warning, regulations—is evolving but needs reinforcement. A proactive, data-driven strategy with community participation is essential for future resilience.
Trends
Causes of Landslides
- Intense rainfall saturating slopes (e.g., Malin, Pettimudi cases)
- Unscientific construction & hill-cutting (e.g., Ankola NH landslide)
- Deforestation for plantations or tourism (Wayanad landslides)
- Seismic activity inducing slope failures (Himalayas and Western Ghats)
- Rapid urbanization and infrastructure stress (e.g., Mumbai 2021 suburban landslide after heavy rains)
Landslide Hotspot Zones in India
- Northwestern Himalayas – Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Northeastern Himalayas – Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura
- Darjeeling–Sikkim Belt – one of the most landslide-prone belts due to steep slopes + high rainfall
- Western Ghats – Kerala (Wayanad, Idukki, Kozhikode), Karnataka (Kodagu, Chikmagalur, Uttara Kannada), Maharashtra (Konkan region)
- Eastern Ghats – parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu hill tracts
- Union Territories – Andaman & Nicobar Islands (due to tectonic activity + heavy rainfall)
High-Risk Statistic: About 12.6% of India’s land area is prone to landslides, with the Himalayas and Western Ghats accounting for the majority.
Challenges in Managing Landslides
- Data Gaps & Mapping Gaps – Many vulnerable regions still unmapped at fine resolution (e.g., remote Himalayan zones).
→ GSI’s ongoing meso-scale mapping seeks to address this. - Reactive Planning & Poor Implementation – Infrastructure work continues despite monsoon readiness warnings (e.g., Uttarakhand)
- Weak Enforcement in Construction – NHAI’s unscientific hill-cutting triggered repeated landslides on Kullu–Mandi highway.
- Climate Change Intensification – Increased frequency and severity of rain-triggered landslides (e.g., Kerala 2024 death toll >50)
- Loss of Lives & Infrastructure Disruption – Landslides hinder pilgrim routes (Gangotri/Yamunotri), cause casualties and economic strain.
Measures Taken
- Hazard Mapping & Early Warning: GSI’s mapping, LANDSLIP forecasts
- NDMA Strategy: National Landslide Risk Management Strategy covering mapping, monitoring, capacity building
- Technology & Satellite Support: ISRO’s mapping of glacial lakes and NDMA’s joint surveys for cloudburst/flash floods causes
- Community Awareness & Protocols: Landslide-sensitive site audits and predictive modelling in pilot districts.
Best practices to contain landslides
- Slope Stabilization & Bio-engineering – Japan uses deep-rooted vegetation and terracing to stabilize fragile slopes.
- Engineering Measures – Hong Kong’s Slope Safety System applies retaining walls, rock bolts, and drainage networks.
- Early Warning Systems (EWS) – Italy and Japan deploy rainfall threshold monitoring, sensors, and radar alerts.
- Land-use Zoning & Hazard Mapping – Norway prohibits construction in high-risk mapped landslide zones.
- Community-based Preparedness – Philippines trains local communities for evacuation drills and disaster response.
Way Forward
- Scale up fine-resolution susceptibility mapping nationwide.
- Expand LANDSLIP forecasting to all high-risk districts.
- Enforce land-use regulations in high-risk areas; penalise unscientific construction.
- Integrate landslide risk into infrastructure planning and environmental assessments.
- Build community resilience through localized training, early warning alerts, and evacuation drills.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following statements regarding landslide risk in India are correct?
1. According to GSI, around 12.6% of India’s landmass is landslide-prone.
2. The NRSC Landslide Atlas maps only Himalayan landslides since 2001.
3. The ILSM shows that over 50% of Sikkim falls under very high susceptibility.
Mains Question
Q. “India’s rising landslide vulnerability underscores the need for integrated hazard mapping, forecasting, and land-use governance. Critically examine how effectively current strategies address this, and propose ways to strengthen resilience (250 words).”
PM Modi meets global semiconductor CEOs, says India emerging as innovation hub
Relevance to UPSC
- GS-III: Technology & Economic Development
- Emphasizes India’s strategic move to integrate into the global semiconductor supply chain, essential for digital transformation and industrial competitiveness.
- Underlines India’s efforts to attract $18+ billion in semiconductor investments, offering insights into infrastructure facilitation and investment ecosystems.
- GS-II: Governance & Policy Making
- Highlights the role of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and plug-and-play infrastructure models—demonstrating industry-government collaboration and policy innovation for high-end manufacturing.
More about the News
- At SEMICON India 2025, PM Modi met global chip CEOs (ASML, AMD, Applied Materials), who endorsed India as an emerging semiconductor hub.
- Modi stressed reforms in infrastructure, skilling, and innovation, with 10 semiconductor projects worth ₹1.5 lakh crore underway.
- India unveiled its first ‘Vikram’ 32-bit chip, showcasing progress toward tech self-reliance.
SEMICONDUCTORS
Semiconductors are the backbone of modern digital economies, powering everything from smartphones to satellites. In the 21st century, they are not just an industrial input but also a strategic asset influencing global supply chains, geopolitics, and national security. For India, building a semiconductor ecosystem is vital for Atmanirbhar Bharat and reducing dependence on East Asian manufacturing hubs.
Trends in Semiconductors
- Miniaturization – Chips are moving to nanometer scale (e.g., TSMC’s 3nm chips in Apple devices).
- AI-driven Demand – Rising need for high-performance GPUs/AI chips (e.g., NVIDIA chips for GenAI models).
- Automotive Growth – EVs require ~2,000 chips per car (e.g., Tesla using advanced chips for autopilot).
- Geopolitical Shifts – US–China chip war reshaping supply chains (e.g., CHIPS Act in USA).
- Localization Push – Nations diversifying manufacturing (e.g., India’s Semicon India initiative).
Uses of Semiconductors
- Consumer Electronics – Smartphones, laptops (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon chips in mobiles).
- Automobiles – EV batteries, ADAS systems (e.g., Bosch chips in Tata EVs).
- Telecom & 5G – Core of telecom infra (e.g., 5G base stations using RF chips).
- Defence & Space – Satellites, radars (e.g., ISRO’s indigenous semi cryo engine electronics).
- Healthcare – Medical devices & AI diagnostics (e.g., Intel chips in MRI machines).
Impacts of Semiconductors
- Economic Growth – Creates high-value jobs (e.g., Taiwan’s TSMC contributes 15% of GDP).
- Strategic Security – Supply chain dominance is geopolitical (e.g., US sanctions on China’s Huawei).
- Innovation Catalyst – Fuels AI, robotics, IoT (e.g., OpenAI models trained on NVIDIA GPUs).
- Digital Sovereignty – Reduces dependence on imports (e.g., India’s ‘Vikram’ 32-bit chip).
- Global Alliances – Shapes tech partnerships (e.g., Quad cooperation on resilient supply chains).
Challenges for India in Management of Semiconductors
- High Capital Cost – Chip fabs need $10–15 billion each (e.g., Vedanta-Foxconn project stalled).
- Technology Gap – India lacks sub-10nm fabrication tech (e.g., TSMC, Samsung far ahead).
- Skilled Workforce Shortage – Limited semiconductor design engineers (e.g., compared to Taiwan’s talent pool).
- Supply Chain Dependence – Critical raw materials like rare earths imported (e.g., from China).
- Policy & Implementation Delays – Announced projects face slow execution (e.g., Dholera fab delays).
Measures Taken
- Semicon India Programme (2021) – ₹76,000 crore incentives for fabs, design, and ATMP units.
- PLI Scheme for Electronics – Boosting chip-dependent industries.
- ISMC, Vedanta-Foxconn Projects – Ongoing proposals for fabs in Gujarat, Karnataka.
- Chip Design Ecosystem – C-DAC, IIT Madras RISE programme for indigenous design.
- International Partnerships – India–US iCET, India–Japan tech cooperation.
Way Forward
- Focus on niche areas like compound semiconductors and ATMP (assembly, testing, packaging).
- Build human capital through skilling programs in VLSI design.
- Attract global players with predictable policies and tax incentives.
- Develop indigenous R&D for long-term self-reliance.
- Integrate with trusted global supply chains (Quad, EU, US partnerships).
Semiconductors are not just an industrial requirement but a strategic lever of economic and national power. India’s challenge is to move from being a large consumer to a global producer and innovator in chips. With the right mix of policy reforms, partnerships, and talent development, India can emerge as a trusted semiconductor hub in the Indo-Pacific.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following statements about Semiconductors in India is/are correct?
1. The Semicon India Programme provides financial incentives for semiconductor fabs, design, and packaging.
2. India currently produces advanced chips below 10nm scale.
3. Semiconductors are included under the PLI scheme for electronics manufacturing.
Mains Question
Q. The semiconductor industry is often described as the “new oil” of the 21st century. Discuss its strategic and economic significance for India and critically analyze the challenges in building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.
Government tightens norms on use of scribes by persons with disabilities in competitive exams
Relevance to UPSC
GS-II – Inclusive Governance & Social Justice
- Enhances fairness and accessibility in public examinations, reflecting India’s commitment to inclusive policies under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
GS-III – Technology in Governance
- Encourages assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software) to support PwD candidates, illustrating tech-enabled inclusivity in public services.
More about the News
- Mandatory Scribe Pools: Exam agencies (e.g., UPSC, NTA, SSC) must establish their own vetted pool of scribes within two years; privately arranged “own scribes” will be phased out.
- Tech-First Accessibility: PwD candidates are to be offered assistive devices (Braille, large print, screen readers, speech-to-text software) as the primary support; scribes are reserved only for cases where tech is inadequate.
- Transparency & Fairness Boost: The reform addresses concerns of malpractice—like scribes writing independently or colluding with candidates—to uphold integrity in competitive exams
Persons with Disabilities
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) constitute a vulnerable group requiring special protections for full social, economic, and political participation. With India ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), disability rights are now seen as integral to human rights, dignity, and inclusive development.
Who are Person’s with Disabilities (PwD) ?
- Defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 as individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with barriers, hinder full participation in society.
- Categories expanded from 7 (PWD Act, 1995) to 21 disabilities (RPwD Act, 2016).
Critical Data
- 2011 Census: ~2.68 crore PwDs (2.21% of population).
- UN estimate: 15% of world’s population lives with disabilities.
- India fact: 70% of PwDs live in rural areas; literacy rate ~55%.
- Employment gap: Only ~34% PwDs employed vs. ~60% general population.
Constitutional Provisions Related to PwD
- Article 14 & 15: Equality before law; prohibition of discrimination.
- Article 16: Equal opportunity in public employment.
- Article 21: Right to life with dignity.
- Directive Principles: Art. 41 (right to work, education, assistance), Art. 46 (promotion of weaker sections).
- 73rd & 74th Amendments: Local body reservations (in some states).
Non-Constitutional Provisions Related to PwD
- RPwD Act, 2016 – Expands disability categories; 4% reservation in jobs, 5% in higher education.
- National Policy for PwDs, 2006 – Equal opportunities & social security.
- Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, 2015) – Barrier-free access to buildings, transport, ICT.
- Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992 – Standardizes training of rehab professionals.
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Rights-based approach for persons with mental illness.
Challenges Faced by PwD
- Accessibility Barriers – Public transport, schools, workplaces remain largely inaccessible (e.g., poor implementation of Accessible India Campaign).
- Employment Discrimination – Low hiring despite job quotas (e.g., backlog vacancies in UPSC, SSC not fully filled).
- Education Gaps – Limited inclusive schooling and assistive technologies (e.g., only 61% PwD children attend school, 2019 NSSO).
- Social Stigma – Disabilities often seen through charity/medical lens rather than rights (e.g., mental health stigma worsened during COVID-19).
- Implementation Deficit – Schemes underfunded; certification process for disability benefits cumbersome (e.g., delays in Unique Disability ID project).
Government Initiatives
- RPwD Act, 2016 – Rights-based legal framework.
- Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (2015) – Universal accessibility.
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project – Digital ID for availing benefits.
- Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) – Financial support to NGOs.
- Reservation in jobs & education – 4% in central govt jobs; 5% in higher education.
- Inclusive Education schemes – Samagra Shiksha, scholarships for PwDs.
Global Best Practices
United States – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990): Landmark civil rights law ensuring accessibility in public spaces, employment, and digital platforms.
- Japan – Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Focus on integrating PwDs into local communities with accessible transport, inclusive schools, and social participation.
Best Practices in India
Kerala’s “Barrier-Free Tourism Project”: Developed disabled-friendly tourist destinations with ramps, tactile paths, and sign language interpretation.
- Delhi Metro Accessibility Model: Fully accessible stations with lifts, ramps, Braille buttons, and reserved spaces, recognized as a model for inclusive urban transport.
Way Forward
- Universal Accessibility – Ensure barrier-free infrastructure in cities, villages, digital platforms.
- Skilling & Employability – Market-linked training for PwDs.
- Awareness & Social Sensitization – Campaigns to fight stigma.
- Data & Monitoring – Update disability data in Census & NSS surveys.
- Tech & Innovation – Promote assistive devices and AI-driven accessibility tools.
Disability inclusion is not just welfare, but a human rights and development imperative. With strong legal frameworks and global commitments, India must move beyond tokenism to mainstream disability in governance, economy, and society. A future-oriented approach would make India a model of inclusive growth and social justice.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016:
1. It increased the recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 categories.
2. It provides for 5% reservation in higher education and 4% in government jobs.
3. It mandates universal accessibility in public buildings and transport.
Which of the above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Despite progressive laws like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, India’s disabled population continues to face exclusion and stigma. Critically examine the challenges in ensuring inclusion of PwDs and suggest measures for holistic empowerment.
