1. Electoral Reforms in India: Challenges and the Path Forward – Polity
Why in News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated discussions with political parties to enhance the integrity and transparency of the election process amidst growing concerns over electoral practices.
- Need for comprehensive electoral reforms due to allegations of electoral roll manipulation and EVM transparency issues.
- Current legal provisions governing elections are insufficient to address systemic flaws.
- Proposed reforms focus on enhancing voter verification, regulating election spending, and addressing the criminalization of politics.
Additional Details
The Need for Electoral Reforms
Recent discussions have highlighted critical issues such as unregulated election expenditures, criminalization of politics, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), emphasizing the importance of maintaining free and fair elections as a cornerstone of democracy.
Legal Provisions
- Article 324 of the Constitution – Grants the Election Commission authority to conduct elections.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951 – Governs election processes, voter registration, and candidate eligibility.
- Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 – Outlines procedures for electoral roll maintenance.
Concerns Over EVMs and VVPATs
- Since 2004, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been the standard voting method.
- The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was introduced to increase transparency.
- The Supreme Court mandated verification of 5% of EVMs in each constituency to ensure electoral integrity.
Electoral Roll Manipulation
- Allegations of fake voters being added to electoral rolls have emerged, particularly in Maharashtra and Delhi.
- The ECI is working to link Aadhaar with EPIC (Voter ID) to prevent duplicate registrations.
Rising Election Expenditure
- The 2024 Lok Sabha elections witnessed spending exceeding ₹1,00,000 crore.
- Political parties currently have no spending limit, raising concerns about corporate funding and corruption.
Criminalization of Politics
- The ADR report indicated that 46% of Lok Sabha MPs have criminal cases, highlighting the need for stricter candidate background checks.
Proposed Electoral Reforms
- Enhancing EVM and VVPAT verification for better transparency.
- Linking Aadhaar to EPIC to eliminate duplicate voter registrations.
- Imposing spending caps on political parties, similar to individual candidates.
- Strengthening the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by empowering the ECI to take stricter actions.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Questions on constitutional provisions, ECI powers, and recent Supreme Court rulings on elections.
- Mains (GS-II): Discuss the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in India.
- Essay Paper: Topics related to democracy, electoral reforms, and governance.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- Which constitutional provision empowers the Election Commission of India to conduct elections?
(a) Article 315
(b) Article 320
(c) Article 324
(d) Article 326- Answer: (c) Article 324
- What is the primary purpose of linking Aadhaar with EPIC?
(a) To introduce online voting
(b) To eliminate duplicate voter registrations
(c) To link bank accounts with voter IDs
(d) To allow voting from any location in India- Answer: (b) To eliminate duplicate voter registrations
Mains Questions
- Discuss the major challenges in India’s electoral system and suggest measures for strengthening electoral integrity. (250 words)
- How does political funding influence elections in India? Suggest reforms to enhance transparency in campaign financing. (250 words)
- “Criminalization of politics is a threat to democracy.” Examine the issue and suggest solutions. (250 words)
Final Takeaway
Electoral reforms are crucial for strengthening India’s democracy. While the ECI has taken progressive steps to enhance transparency and accountability, challenges remain, such as high election expenditure, electoral fraud, and the criminalization of politics. A collaborative approach involving political parties, civil society, and judicial oversight is essential to ensure free and fair elections in India.
2. How Climate Change Affects India’s Wheat Production – Environment
Why in News?
- India recorded its hottest February in 124 years, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts even higher temperatures in March.
- Rising temperatures raise concerns about wheat production, particularly in key wheat-growing states.
- Extreme heat during the harvest season could significantly impact food security and the economy.
Additional Details
Major Wheat-Producing States
- Uttar Pradesh
- Largest wheat producer (31.77% of India’s total output).
- Production: 35.34 million tonnes (2023-24).
- Madhya Pradesh
- Second-largest wheat producer (20.98% of national output).
- Production: 22.58 million tonnes.
- Punjab
- Known as the “Granary of India” due to high wheat output.
- Production: 17.74 million tonnes (13.87% of total production).
Agro-Climatic Conditions
- Cool winters and warm summers make these states ideal for wheat cultivation during the Rabi season (sown in November-December, harvested in March-April).
Impact of Extreme Heat on Wheat Production
- Reduced Wheat Yield
- High temperatures accelerate ripening, leading to smaller, lighter grains and lower productivity.
- Lower Grain Quality
- Extreme heat can increase protein content but reduce starch accumulation, affecting milling quality.
- Economic Losses for Farmers
- Higher irrigation costs due to increased water demand.
- Heat stress results in low-income returns and higher input costs.
- Disruptions in Procurement & Food Security
- Lower wheat production affects government procurement.
- Potential price fluctuations in wheat-based products (flour, bread, etc.).
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Questions on wheat production, agro-climatic zones, and climate change effects.
- Mains (GS-III): Impact of climate change on agriculture, government food security policies, and mitigation strategies.
- Essay Paper: Topics on climate change & sustainable agriculture.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- Which state is the largest producer of wheat in India?
(a) Punjab
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Haryana- Answer: (b) Uttar Pradesh
- What is the primary reason for the declining wheat yield in India due to climate change?
(a) Increased rainfall
(b) Delayed winter season
(c) Rising temperatures during the Rabi harvest period
(d) Excessive pesticide use- Answer: (c) Rising temperatures during the Rabi harvest period
Mains Questions
- How does climate change impact wheat production in India? Suggest adaptation strategies to mitigate these effects. (250 words)
- What measures should the government take to ensure food security in light of climate-induced agricultural challenges? (250 words)
Final Takeaway
- Climate change poses a severe threat to wheat production, with rising temperatures affecting yields, quality, and food security.
- Policy interventions such as heat-resistant crop varieties, irrigation improvements, and better weather forecasting are needed to mitigate these impacts.
- Sustainable agricultural practices are essential for long-term resilience against climate change.
3. Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP) and its UNESCO Recognition – Environment
Why in News?
- Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), located in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, has been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the ‘Natural’ category.
- The park is known for its unique biodiversity, limestone caves, waterfalls, and dense forests.
- It lies in a historically Maoist-affected region, making conservation efforts crucial.
Additional Details
Geographical Features
- Location: Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
- Named After: The Kanger River, which flows through the park.
- Topography: Includes low flatlands, steep inclines, deep gorges, and limestone caves.
- Major Waterfalls:
- Tirathgarh Falls – plunges 150 feet from rocky cliffs, enhancing the park’s scenic beauty.
- Limestone Caves:
- Over 15 caves, including Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves—famous for stalactites and stalagmites.
Biodiversity of KVNP
Flora
- Moist deciduous forests with dominant species like Sal, teak, bamboo, and medicinal plants.
Fauna
- Major wildlife:
- Carnivores: Tigers, leopards, wild dogs.
- Herbivores: Sambars, barking deer, chital.
- Birds: Common hill myna (Chhattisgarh’s state bird), red jungle fowl.
- Reptiles: King cobra, monitor lizard.
River System
- Kanger River, a tributary of the Kolab River, ultimately feeds into the Godavari River, impacting regional hydrology.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Questions on national parks, rivers, and biodiversity in India.
- Mains (GS-III): Conservation policies, wildlife protection efforts, and environmental concerns related to protected areas.
- Essay Paper: Topics on sustainable ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- Kanger Valley National Park is located in which state?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Odisha- Answer: (c) Chhattisgarh
- Which of the following features is NOT found in Kanger Valley National Park?
(a) Limestone caves
(b) Evergreen forests
(c) Tirathgarh Falls
(d) Presence of Sal and teak trees- Answer: (b) Evergreen forests
Mains Questions
- Discuss the ecological significance of Kanger Valley National Park and the challenges in its conservation. (250 words)
- How does the addition of Kanger Valley National Park to UNESCO’s tentative list impact conservation efforts in the region? (250 words)
Final Takeaway
- KVNP’s addition to the UNESCO tentative list highlights its biodiversity and conservation importance.
- Rich in flora and fauna, it is a key habitat for tigers, leopards, and rare bird species.
- Challenges include Maoist insurgency, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflicts.
- Sustainable ecotourism and community involvement are essential for long-term conservation.
4. RBI’s Sarthi and Pravaah Initiatives – Economy
Why in News?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been awarded the UK’s Digital Transformation Award 2025 for its technological innovations, particularly the Sarthi and Pravaah initiatives.
- Sarthi (launched in January 2023) focuses on internal workflow digitization within RBI.
- Pravaah (introduced in May 2024) enables external users to digitally submit regulatory applications.
- Since the launch of Pravaah, monthly applications to RBI have increased by 80%, reflecting improved efficiency.
Additional Details
Sarthi Initiative
- Meaning: Named after the Hindi word ‘Sarthi’ (charioteer), symbolizing guidance and control.
- Objective:
- Digitizing internal document management for secure storage and quick retrieval.
- Enhancing workflow automation, approvals, and coordination within RBI.
- Features:
- Secure document management – Eliminates paper-based files.
- Data analytics tools – Provides dashboards and real-time reports for monitoring performance.
- Training Module – Sarthi Pathshala:
- An online learning platform for RBI employees.
- Extensive in-person training sessions to ensure smooth adoption.
- Sarthi Mitras:
- Designated experts in each RBI office who assist colleagues with using the Sarthi system.
Pravaah Initiative
- Meaning: Pravaah means ‘smooth flow’ in Hindi, representing the streamlining of external regulatory applications.
- Objective:
- Enables financial institutions, banks, and NBFCs to submit regulatory applications digitally.
- Provides real-time tracking and transparency in approval processes.
- Key Features:
- Integration with Sarthi – Ensures seamless internal processing.
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures – Protects sensitive financial data.
- Real-time tracking and analytics – Enables users to monitor application status online.
- Impact:
- Eliminates delays caused by paper-based submissions.
- Boosts efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Increases RBI’s processing capacity for regulatory requests.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Questions on RBI initiatives, digital governance, and regulatory frameworks.
- Mains (GS-III – Indian Economy): Role of digitization in financial regulation and efficiency improvements in public institutions.
- Essay Paper: Topics on India’s digital transformation in banking and governance.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- What is the primary purpose of the RBI’s Pravaah initiative?
(a) Digital currency management
(b) Processing external regulatory applications
(c) Enhancing mobile banking security
(d) Monitoring financial frauds- Answer: (b) Processing external regulatory applications
- Which of the following statements about RBI’s Sarthi initiative is correct?
(a) It is a blockchain-based payment system.
(b) It allows RBI employees to securely store and share internal documents.
(c) It is a loan disbursement platform for financial institutions.
(d) It enables real-time cross-border transactions.- Answer: (b) It allows RBI employees to securely store and share internal documents.
Mains Questions
- Discuss the role of RBI’s digital initiatives like Sarthi and Pravaah in enhancing financial regulation efficiency in India. (250 words)
- How does digitization of regulatory processes contribute to financial governance and transparency? Illustrate with examples from RBI’s Pravaah initiative. (250 words)
Final Takeaway
- Sarthi improves internal workflow digitization within RBI.
- Pravaah enhances external regulatory processing efficiency.
- Both initiatives reflect India’s commitment to digital governance, improving financial regulation and transparency.
- Recognition through the UK’s Digital Transformation Award showcases RBI’s leadership in financial innovation.
5. PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) – Governance
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education launched PM-YUVA 3.0 on 11th March 2025 to continue fostering young writers in India.
- This edition builds upon the success of PM-YUVA 1.0 (2021) and PM-YUVA 2.0 (2022), which focused on India’s national movement, democracy, and constitutional values.
- The scheme targets young authors under 30 and emphasizes themes like:
- The contribution of the Indian Diaspora in nation-building
- The Indian Knowledge System
- Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)
Additional Details
Background
- PM-YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s National Movement and unsung heroes.
- PM-YUVA 2.0 (2022): Highlighted democracy and constitutional values.
- PM-YUVA 3.0 (2025): Expands to India’s global influence and knowledge systems.
Implementing Agency
- The National Book Trust (NBT), India executes the scheme.
Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Supports youth empowerment through writing and storytelling.
- Encourages creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.
- Enhances India’s global literary presence.
Important Features of PM-YUVA 3.0
- All-India Contest: Runs from 11 March 2025 to 10 April 2025 via MyGov platform.
- Selection Process:
- 50 authors will be selected across three themes.
- Evaluation of proposals completed by May-June 2025.
- Final selection announced soon after.
- Financial Support:
- Each selected author receives ₹50,000 per month for six months (total ₹3 lakh).
- 10% royalty on published books.
- Book Publications:
- Books will be published and translated into other Indian languages.
- Supports the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.
- Eligibility:
- Applicants from previous PM-YUVA editions are not eligible.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Government schemes, National Book Trust, and NEP 2020 initiatives.
- Mains (GS-I – Indian Society, GS-II – Education Policy): Role of youth in nation-building, literary development, and knowledge dissemination.
- Essay Paper: Importance of literature in preserving cultural heritage and nation-building.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- What is the primary objective of the PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme?
(a) Promote AI-driven book writing
(b) Encourage young authors to explore India’s heritage and modern developments
(c) Train students for digital content creation
(d) Establish a national research center for creative writing- Answer: (b) Encourage young authors to explore India’s heritage and modern developments
- Which organization is responsible for implementing PM-YUVA 3.0?
(a) National Book Trust (NBT)
(b) Sahitya Akademi
(c) Indian Council of Historical Research
(d) University Grants Commission (UGC)- Answer: (a) National Book Trust (NBT)
Mains Questions
- Discuss the role of government initiatives like PM-YUVA in nurturing young literary talent in India. (250 words)
- How does the PM-YUVA scheme align with the objectives of NEP 2020? Examine its potential impact on the promotion of Indian literature globally. (250 words)
Final Takeaway
- PM-YUVA 3.0 is a significant initiative empowering young writers in India.
- It supports emerging authors financially and promotes multilingual literary exchange.
- The scheme aligns with NEP 2020 and contributes to India’s knowledge economy.
- Strengthening India’s literary culture is crucial for preserving heritage and building a global intellectual identity.
6. Cancer Centre at District Hospitals – Governance
Why in News?
- The Union Health Ministry has announced plans to establish cancer daycare centres in all district hospitals across India.
- These centres will provide chemotherapy, counseling services, and necessary medications, with 4-6 beds for treatment.
- Each centre will have an oncologist (or trained medical officer), two nurses, a pharmacist, a counselor, and a multi-purpose worker.
- The initiative was highlighted in the Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on the Ministry’s demand for grants.
- India is expected to have over 14 lakh cancer cases by 2023, with an incidence rate of 100 per 1 lakh people annually.
Additional Details
Key Cancer Initiatives in India
1. National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)
- Established in 1982 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to track cancer trends.
- Provides data for policy decisions and resource allocation.
2. Union Budget 2025-26
- Allocated ₹99,858.5 crore for healthcare, with a significant portion dedicated to cancer care.
3. Daycare Cancer Centres
- 200 cancer daycare centres planned in district hospitals in FY 2025-26.
- Will reduce patient burden on tertiary hospitals and increase accessibility.
4. Customs Duty Exemptions
- 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer medications, are exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), making treatment more affordable.
5. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer (NPCDCS)
- Aims to reduce cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases through early detection and awareness programs.
6. Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- Launched in 2018 to provide universal health coverage, including free cancer treatment for economically vulnerable families.
7. Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
- Provides up to ₹5 lakh in financial assistance for cancer treatment to below-poverty-line patients.
8. National Cancer Grid (NCG)
- Established in 2012 to standardize cancer care across India.
- Treats over 750,000 new cancer patients annually.
Recent Developments in Cancer Treatment
1. India’s First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy – NexCAR19
- Developed in April 2024 as a cost-effective treatment for blood cancers.
- Aims to reduce dependency on expensive imported CAR-T therapies.
2. Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
- Launched in September 2024 to eliminate cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Expansion of ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer)
- Ongoing since January 2025, aiming to improve cancer research and patient care.
Challenges and Implementation Concerns
1. Infrastructure and Rollout Challenges
- 764 district hospitals currently lack cancer daycare facilities.
- 200 centres will be set up in FY 2025-26, with full implementation in three years.
2. Staffing Issues
- Government suggests using existing healthcare staff, but experts recommend new recruitment due to staff shortages.
3. Additional Support Services Needed
- Pain management and palliative care services should be included.
- Training programs for staff to handle chemotherapy side effects.
4. State-Level Implementation
- States with existing cancer care networks, such as Kerala and the Northeast, may find implementation easier.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Government healthcare schemes, National Cancer Grid, CAR-T therapy, NPCDCS.
- Mains (GS-II – Governance & Health, GS-III – Science & Technology):
- Role of government in cancer prevention & treatment.
- Public vs. private healthcare challenges in India.
- Advancements in cancer treatment & biotechnology.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following statements about India’s cancer care initiatives is correct?
(a) The National Cancer Grid (NCG) was established in 2012 to provide financial assistance for cancer patients.
(b) The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) provides up to ₹10 lakh in aid.
(c) India’s first indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy, NexCAR19, was developed in 2024.
(d) The Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative was launched to eliminate breast cancer in the Indo-Pacific.- Answer: (c) India’s first indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy, NexCAR19, was developed in 2024.
- Which organization launched the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) in India?
(a) WHO
(b) ICMR
(c) AIIMS
(d) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare- Answer: (b) ICMR
Mains Questions
- Discuss the significance of district-level cancer daycare centres in enhancing India’s healthcare infrastructure. What challenges need to be addressed for their successful implementation? (250 words)
- Analyze the impact of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and NPCDCS on India’s cancer burden. How can the government improve cancer care accessibility? (250 words)
Final Takeaway
- The establishment of cancer daycare centres at district hospitals will increase accessibility and efficiency in cancer treatment.
- India’s first CAR-T therapy (NexCAR19) and Quad Cancer Moonshot highlight global and domestic efforts in cancer care.
- Staffing shortages and lack of palliative care services must be addressed for effective implementation.
- Strengthening primary and secondary healthcare is essential to reduce cancer mortality rates in India.
7. PM Internship Scheme – Polity
Why in News?
- Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently launched a dedicated mobile application for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme to increase participation from companies and provide more opportunities for youth.
- The PM Internship Scheme aims to empower young individuals (aged 21-24 years) from low-income families by offering 12-month internships in India’s top 500 companies.
- The pilot phase targets 25 lakh youth, with a long-term goal of training 1 crore individuals over five years.
- Internships are available across 24 sectors, including oil & gas, energy, hospitality, automotive, banking, and financial services.
Additional Details
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification:
- Passed 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, or Diploma courses.
- Fresh graduates from non-premier institutions are eligible.
- Income & Family Conditions:
- Annual household income must be ₹8 lakh or less.
- No family member should be employed in a government job.
- Exclusions:
- Students from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, or professional courses (CA, MBA, MBBS, etc.) are not eligible.
- Aimed at underrepresented groups to increase inclusivity in skill development.
Objectives & Benefits
- Bridging the Gap: Aligns academic knowledge with industry experience.
- Enhancing Employability: Focuses on job-oriented training.
- Supporting Economic Growth: Builds a skilled workforce for India’s growing economy.
- Boosting Private Sector Engagement: Encourages top companies to invest in skill development.
Relevance for Exam
- Prelims: Government schemes, Skill India, Youth employment policies.
- Mains (GS-II – Governance & Welfare, GS-III – Economy & Employment):
- Significance of skill development programs in economic growth.
- Role of public-private partnerships in workforce training.
- Challenges in ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities.
Possible Exam Questions
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following statements about the PM Internship Scheme is correct?
(a) It is exclusively for engineering and management graduates.
(b) It is open to students from premier institutions like IITs and IIMs.
(c) It offers 12-month internships in the top 500 companies in India.
(d) Only graduates with professional degrees like CA and MBA are eligible.- Answer: (c) It offers 12-month internships in the top 500 companies in India.
- Under the PM Internship Scheme, what is the maximum annual household income eligibility?
(a) ₹5 lakh
(b) ₹8 lakh
(c) ₹10 lakh
(d) ₹12 lakh- Answer: (b) ₹8 lakh
Mains Questions
- Discuss the role of the PM Internship Scheme in addressing youth unemployment in India. What challenges might hinder its successful implementation? (250 words)
- How do skill development initiatives like the PM Internship Scheme contribute to India’s economic growth? Suggest measures to improve their outreach and effectiveness. (250 words)
Final Takeaway
🔹 The PM Internship Scheme aims to bridge the education-employment gap by offering structured internships in 24 industries.
🔹 It prioritizes students from low-income families, ensuring equitable access to job opportunities.
🔹 While the scheme promotes inclusivity, key challenges include outreach, industry participation, and ensuring long-term employment post-internship.
🔹 A robust monitoring and evaluation system will be critical to its success.