1. Organ Donation in India: Challenges and the Way Forward – Governance

Why in News?

Despite India witnessing a high number of road accident and ICU-related deaths, the rate of deceased organ donation remains critically low. A recent national survey highlights systemic barriers like inadequate physician training, low awareness, and inefficiencies in brain death certification, all of which impede organ donation.

Key Takeaways

• India ranks 3rd globally in total transplants, but its organ donation rate remains very low.

• Only 1,128 deceased donors were recorded in 2024, mostly from six southern states.

• Living donors (15,000+) far outnumber deceased donors, reflecting poor institutional systems and awareness.

Organ Donation in India – The Numbers

Key Challenges in Organ Donation

1. Low Awareness and Misconceptions

• Many people are unaware of organ donation procedures or fear body mutilation.

• Cultural and religious beliefs create psychological barriers.

2. Family Refusal

• Families often refuse consent, even when the deceased had pledged donation.

• Lack of counselling and emotional support during bereavement exacerbates refusals.

3. Brain Death Certification Issues

• Crucial step for deceased donation.

• AIIMS study:

  • Less than 50% of doctors trained in brain death certification.

  • Though 96% knew of the apnea test, many skipped ruling out reversible coma causes.

4. Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps

• Most government hospitals lack transplant coordinators and standardized ICU protocols.

• Absence of dedicated organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in most states.

Government Initiatives and Reforms

Key Policy Measures

• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO):

  • Central agency to coordinate donations, maintain registries, and promote awareness.

• Removal of Upper Age Limit:

  • Individuals of any age can now register as deceased donors.

• Online Pledge Portals:

  • E.g., Jeevandan (Telangana), ROTTO-NOTTO registry

• Green Corridors:

  • Facilitate faster transport of harvested organs across cities.

Way Forward: A Comprehensive Strategy

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which organization is responsible for coordinating organ transplant activities in India?
A. ICMR
B. National Health Mission
C. NOTTO
D. NITI Aayog
Answer: C. NOTTO

2. Which of the following statements is true regarding organ donation in India?
A. Living donors far outnumber deceased donors.
B. India has more than 30 donors per million population.
C. Only private hospitals can perform organ transplants.
D. Organ donation is permitted only up to the age of 60.
Answer: A. Living donors far outnumber deceased donors.

Mains

1. “Despite advancements in transplant technology, India continues to struggle with low organ donation rates.” Examine the key challenges to organ donation in India and suggest policy-level interventions to address them.

2. “Organ donation is not just a medical issue but also a societal and administrative one.” Discuss how governance reforms and public engagement can improve organ donation rates in India.

2. Preventive Detention and the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 – Polity

Why in News?

Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, while leading protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

This incident has brought fresh attention to the use and scope of preventive detention laws in India and their implications for civil liberties.

What is Preventive Detention?

Preventive detention is anticipatory in nature, whereas punitive detention is reactive.

Constitutional Provisions (Article 22)

• Note: Article 22 is one of the few exceptions to Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty).

Judicial Views on Preventive Detention

National Security Act (NSA), 1980 – Explained

Background

• Rooted in colonial-era laws like the Defence of India Act, 1915.

• Post-independence laws:

  • Preventive Detention Act (1950)

  • Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA, 1971) – repealed after misuse during the Emergency.

• NSA enacted in 1980 to prevent threats to defence, foreign relations, public order, or supply of essentials.

Key Provisions

Criticism and Concerns

• Potential for misuse due to broad and vague powers.

• Lack of judicial safeguards like open hearings or cross-examinations.

• Used against activists, protestors, and dissenters, often leading to debates on civil liberties.

• Undermines the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Under Article 22 of the Indian Constitution, how long can a person be held under preventive detention without approval of an Advisory Board?
A. 15 days
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
Answer: C. 3 months

2. Which of the following laws governs preventive detention in India for reasons related to public order and national security?
A. Armed Forces Special Powers Act
B. National Investigation Agency Act
C. National Security Act, 1980
D. Public Safety Act
Answer: C. National Security Act, 1980

Mains

1. “Preventive detention laws are essential for national security but must be balanced with civil liberties.” Examine the constitutional, legal, and ethical dimensions of preventive detention in India.

2. “The National Security Act, 1980, has increasingly come under criticism for its misuse.” Critically analyse the relevance of NSA in today’s democratic framework and suggest possible safeguards against its arbitrary application.

3. India–EFTA Free Trade Agreement (TEPA) – International Relations

Why in News?

The India–EFTA Free Trade Agreement (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement or TEPA) officially came into effect on 1st October 2025. This is a major step forward in India’s trade and investment diplomacy, offering market access, FDI opportunities, and deeper integration with the global economy.

What is the EFTA?

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is a regional bloc focused on promoting free trade and economic integration outside the European Union (EU).

About the India–EFTA TEPA

Key Objectives and Benefits

1. Market Access

• EFTA offers 100% duty-free market access to India’s industrial and non-agricultural exports

• Tariff concessions on processed agricultural products

2. Investment and Employment

• EFTA countries committed to investing USD 100 billion over 15 years

• Projected to create 1 million direct jobs in India

3. Institutional Support

• EFTA Desk (operational since February 2025) as a single-window mechanism for investor facilitation and support

4. Regulatory Alignment

• Harmonization of product standards and certifications to reduce compliance barriers

What are Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)?

• FTAs are bilateral or multilateral agreements that reduce or eliminate tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers on goods and services.

• Aim to boost trade, attract FDI, and enhance economic cooperation.

India’s Gains from FTAs – With Examples

Concerns with India’s FTAs

Steps India Can Take to Maximize FTA Benefits

1. Enhance Export Competitiveness

• Focus on quality, branding, and innovation

2. Diversify Trade Partners

• Negotiate FTAs with Africa, Latin America, and emerging Asia-Pacific economies

3. Support MSMEs

• Provide better access to credit, digital platforms, and logistics networks

4. Upgrade Infrastructure

• Expand ports, freight corridors, cold chains, and logistics hubs

5. Strengthen Standards Compliance

• Training exporters to meet global product, labor, and environmental standards

6. Embrace Digital Trade Platforms

• Promote e-marketplaces, virtual trade expos, and digital FTA usage portals

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following countries is not a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?
A. Norway
B. Switzerland
C.Austria
D. Liechtenstein
Answer: C. Austria

2. Under the India–EFTA FTA, EFTA countries have committed to an investment of:
A. USD 10 billion over 5 years
B. USD 100 billion over 15 years
C. USD 75 billion over 10 years
D. USD 50 billion over 20 years
Answer: B. USD 100 billion over 15 years

Mains

1. “Free Trade Agreements can serve as catalysts for economic growth, but also pose risks for vulnerable sectors.” Examine this statement in light of India’s FTA with EFTA.

2. “India’s trade strategy needs to balance global integration with domestic protection.” Discuss how FTAs like India–EFTA can be made inclusive and sustainable for all stakeholders.

4. Empowering Women in Agriculture – Economy

Why in News?

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, women’s participation in agriculture has increased significantly.
However, the data also shows that nearly half of these women remain unpaid, exposing persistent gender inequalities in rural and agricultural employment.

Status of Women in Indian Agriculture

Feminisation of Agriculture – Causes

1. Male Out-Migration

   • Rural men are shifting to urban jobs (construction, transport, services), leaving women to manage farms.

   • Women now act as farm managers, cultivators, and labourers.

2. Growth of Contract Farming

   • Labour-intensive sectors (floriculture, tea, horticulture) prefer women for precision work and reliability, albeit at lower wages.

3. Patriarchal Norms

   • Women’s agricultural work often seen as “family help”, not professional labour.

   • Deep-seated gender roles undervalue their economic contributions.

4. Limited Non-Farm Opportunities

   • Low literacy, social restrictions, and limited mobility confine women to agriculture as one of the few viable livelihoods.

Systemic Barriers to Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture

Government Initiatives for Women Farmers

Way Forward: Ensuring Empowerment of Women in Agriculture

1.Guarantee Market Access

• Prioritize women-intensive sectors (tea, spices, dairy, handicrafts) under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

• Facilitate women’s participation in exports, especially in organic and GI-tagged products.

2. Ensure Resource and Land Rights

• Promote joint land ownership and title registration in women’s names.

• Expand women-led FPOs and SHGs for collective strength and better bargaining power.

3. Promote Digital Inclusion

• Expand e-NAM and create AI-driven local language tools like BHASHINI, Jugalbandi, and Digital Sakhi to boost literacy and access to agri-information.

4. Reduce Time Poverty

• Establish creche facilities near farms, ensure clean energy access, and improve drinking water to reduce domestic drudgery.

5. Visibility and Recognition

• Recognize women as farmers, not helpers in official records.

• Use media campaigns and awards to celebrate women role models in agriculture.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims 

1. According to the PLFS 2023–24, what percentage of India’s agricultural workforce is constituted by women?
A. 25%
B. 35%
C. 42%
D. 50%
Answer: C. 42%

2. Which of the following schemes directly focuses on empowering women farmers through skill development and collective action?
A. PM-KISAN
B. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)
C. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
D. PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Answer: B. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)

Mains

1. “The feminisation of agriculture in India represents both an opportunity and a challenge.” Examine this statement in light of the rising participation of women in agriculture as revealed by the PLFS 2023–24.

2. “Women farmers are the invisible workforce of Indian agriculture.” Discuss the barriers they face and suggest policy measures for ensuring their full economic empowerment.

5. India’s Evolving Strategy to Prevent Crowd Disasters – Governance

Why in News?

A crowd crush at a political rally organized by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, led to the tragic death of 41 people.
Following the incident, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a one-member commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the causes and recommend measures for preventing such disasters in the future.
The government also intends to formulate new regulations for managing large public gatherings based on the commission’s findings.

Key Takeaways

• A judicial commission was formed to probe the tragedy and suggest preventive measures.

• Tamil Nadu plans to introduce new laws regulating public events and gatherings.

• The incident has reignited a national conversation on crowd safety and management reforms.

India’s Evolving Framework for Crowd Management

1. National-Level Measures

a) Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D)

• Released Comprehensive Guidelines on Crowd Control and Mass Gathering Management (June 2025).

• Emphasizes preventive crowd control, risk mapping, site design, and law enforcement coordination.

b) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• Continues to enforce its 2020 Crowd Management Framework, focusing on:

  • Pre-event risk assessment

  • Defined entry/exit routes

  • Real-time monitoring

  • Communication systems and emergency protocols

c) Indian Railways Safety Manual (Revised 2025)

• Introduced crowd control mechanisms at 60 major railway stations, including:

  • Holding zones and dispersal areas

  • Crowd density monitoring using CCTV and sensors

2.State-Level Reforms

3. Common Gaps

• Most crowd management measures are advisory, not statutory.

• Reactive enforcement after disasters instead of proactive planning.

• Inter-agency coordination (police, fire, health) often remains weak.

• Lack of uniform national law for mass gathering management.

Scientific Principles of Crowd Management

Safety Advice for Individuals in Crowds

• Move diagonally toward less dense areas—avoid opposing crowd flow.

• Protect breathing space by keeping forearms across the chest.

• Avoid rigid barriers and steep slopes.

• Do not stop for dropped items or videos.

• If knocked down, roll sideways, shield head/neck, and get up quickly.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which agency released the Comprehensive Guidelines on Crowd Control and Mass Gathering Management in 2025?
A. NDMA
B. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)
C. NDRF
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: B. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)

2. According to scientific research, crowd risk escalates significantly when density exceeds:
A. 3 persons/m²
B. 5 persons/m²
C. 7 persons/m²
D. 10 persons/m²
Answer: B. 5 persons/m²

Mains

1. “Crowd disasters in India highlight a governance gap between advisory frameworks and enforceable safety laws.” Discuss the need for a national legal framework for crowd management in India.

2. “Scientific crowd management is essential to balance public safety with democratic freedom of assembly.” Examine the role of technology, institutional training, and local administration in preventing crowd disasters.

6. Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) – Economy

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a new six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to strengthen the oversight, governance, and supervision of India’s payment and settlement systems.
This move is part of RBI’s broader effort to enhance transparency, regulatory clarity, and consumer protection in the digital payments ecosystem.

Composition of the PRB

Decision-Making Process:

• Decisions are taken by majority vote.

• In case of a tie, the Chairperson (RBI Governor) or Deputy Governor exercises a casting vote.

Predecessor Body: BPSS

• The PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), which was previously functioning as a committee of the RBI’s Central Board.

• The transition aims to strengthen independence, efficiency, and accountability in managing the rapidly growing digital payments sector.

Legal Authority of the PRB

• The Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) provides the statutory basis for the PRB.

• The PRB is responsible for:

  • Regulating and supervising payment systems in India.

  • Authorizing and licensing operators of payment systems.

  • Ensuring security, interoperability, and innovation in digital payment infrastructure.

Key Regulatory Functions

About the PSS Act, 2007

• Empowers RBI as the regulatory authority for payment and settlement systems.

• Defines key entities like:

  • Payment system operators (e.g., UPI, NEFT, card networks)

  • Clearing and settlement agencies (e.g., CCIL)

• Provides legal backing to RBI for:

  • Granting licenses

  • Framing operating guidelines

  • Imposing penalties for non-compliance

Significance of the PRB Formation

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) has been constituted under which Act?
A. Banking Regulation Act, 1949
B. Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
C. Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
D. Finance Act, 2016
Answer: B. Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

2. Which of the following statements about the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) is correct?
A. It functions under the Ministry of Finance.
B. It is chaired by the Deputy Governor of RBI.
C. It replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).
D. It includes no representation from the Central Government.
Answer: C. It replaces the BPSS.

Mains

1. “The creation of the Payments Regulatory Board reflects India’s commitment to secure, inclusive, and technology-driven financial governance.” Examine the significance of this reform in the context of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

2. Discuss the role of the Reserve Bank of India in ensuring the stability and security of India’s digital payment ecosystem. How will the Payments Regulatory Board enhance this framework?