5th June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Expert Committee Recommends Ending Mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) – Environment

Why in News?

A high-level expert committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood has recommended ending the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in most coal-based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) in India. The rationale is based on low ambient sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels, low-sulphur Indian coal, marginal benefits, and high economic costs associated with FGD implementation.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

FGD is a set of technologies used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the flue gases produced during the combustion of fossil fuels (mainly coal and oil) in power plants.

Purpose & Benefits

• Environmental Protection: Prevents the formation of acid rain, which can cause serious damage to crops, buildings, and water bodies.
• Air Quality Improvement: Intended to reduce harmful sulphur emissions from TPPs.

Common Absorbents

• Limestone (CaCO₃)
• Lime (CaO)
• Ammonia (NH₃)

Types of FGD Systems

1. Dry Sorbent Injection:
   • Cost-effective
   • Less efficient in SO₂ removal
2. Wet Limestone-Based System:
   • Highly efficient
   • Commonly used in large-scale plants
   • Byproduct: gypsum, which can be used in construction
3. Seawater-Based FGD:
   • Uses alkaline seawater
   • Ideal for coastal power plants

Current FGD Mandate in India

• The government had mandated FGD installation in 537 coal-based power units.
• However, as of now, 92% of India’s ~600 TPPs still do not have FGD systems.

Key Findings of the Expert Committee

• India’s SO₂ levels are low: Typically between 10–20 µg/m³, far below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m³.
• Low-sulphur Indian coal: Reduces the necessity for sulphur scrubbers like FGDs.
• Minimal impact on air quality: Studies show little difference in SO₂ levels between plants with and without FGDs.
• FGDs don’t significantly reduce particulate matter, which is a bigger air quality concern.
• Carbon Emissions Concern: FGDs require additional energy, leading to an estimated 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions between 2025–2030 if fully implemented.
• Economic Feasibility:
  • High installation and operational costs
  • Lack of domestic FGD manufacturers
  • Could increase electricity tariffs, affecting consumers and industry

Committee Recommendation

• Exempt up to 80% of TPPs from FGD mandates, especially those that are:
  • Old and nearing decommissioning
  • Use low-sulphur coal
  • Located in areas with already safe SO₂ levels
• Emphasis on cost-benefit analysis and practical feasibility

Implications & Significance

1. Environmental Policy Shift

• Reflects a pragmatic approach in balancing environmental goals with economic and energy security considerations.

2. Economic Impact

• Could help keep electricity prices stable, avoiding burdens on consumers and industrial competitiveness.

3. Focus on Alternative Solutions

• The move might redirect attention towards more impactful air quality measures, like particulate matter control and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Summary

A high-level expert committee has proposed removing the mandatory requirement for Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) in most of India’s coal-fired thermal power plants. With India’s SO₂ levels already below permissible limits, low-sulphur domestic coal, and marginal improvement in air quality from FGDs, the recommendation emphasizes cost-effectiveness, CO₂ implications, and practical feasibility. The report urges a shift towards targeted implementation of FGDs while balancing environmental and economic priorities.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following is used as an absorbent in Flue Gas Desulphurisation systems?
   A. Ammonia
   B. Limestone
   C. Lime
   D.All of the above
   Answer: D. All of the above
   
   
2. Flue Gas Desulphurisation primarily helps in reducing emissions of:
   A. Carbon dioxide
   B. Nitrogen oxides
   C. Sulphur dioxide
   D. Methane
   Answer: C. Sulphur dioxide
   
   
3. The byproduct of wet limestone-based FGD systems is:
   A. Coal ash
   B. Ammonium nitrate
   C. Gypsum
   D. Sulphur trioxide
   Answer: C. Gypsum
   

Mains

1. Discuss the recent recommendation to exempt thermal power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) installation. What are the environmental, economic, and energy security implications of such a policy shift?
   
   
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of Flue Gas Desulphurisation systems in controlling air pollution in the Indian context. Should India continue with its current FGD mandates? Justify your answer with data and environmental rationale.
   
   
3. India’s approach to pollution control in thermal power generation must balance sustainability with practicality. Critically analyze this statement in light of the committee’s recommendation on FGD exemption.
   
   

2. India Plans Gradual Phase-Out of National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) – Governance

Why in News?

The Government of India has announced a gradual phase-out of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a critical public health initiative established in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). This comes a decade after India was declared polio-free in 2014. The move is part of a transition to integrate polio surveillance into a broader public health surveillance system.

What is the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)?

• Established: Late 1990s
• Purpose: Detect and monitor poliovirus transmission across India
• Structure: Operates through over 280 surveillance units, covering every district
• Outcome: Key player in enabling India to be certified polio-free by WHO in 2014
• Partnership: Joint initiative between Government of India and WHO

Details of the Phase-Out Plan

• Start of Transition: June 2025
• Planned Reduction: From 280 units to 140 units by FY 2026–27
• Budget Implication: Gradual withdrawal of financial support
• WHO’s Role: Coordinating the shift while maintaining quality of surveillance

Concerns Raised by Experts

1. Risk of Disease Re-emergence

• Ongoing polio transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, India’s neighbors
• Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) cases have been observed globally, posing a new threat even in polio-free nations

2. Surveillance Gaps

• Scaling down infrastructure could reduce rapid response capability
• Any lapse could delay detection of reintroduction, risking localized outbreaks

3. Impact on Health Workforce

• Thousands of trained field staff may lose jobs or roles
• Many workers now also monitor measles, rubella, COVID-19, and other diseases
• Human resource loss could weaken overall public health surveillance

Rationale for the Phase-Out

• Polio-free status for 10 years has reduced active case risk
• Desire to integrate disease surveillance systems, streamlining public health responses
• Optimization of resources and infrastructure for broader disease control efforts

Global and Regional Context

• Polio remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan
• VDPV is a major concern in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia
• Countries must maintain high surveillance sensitivity and immunization coverage even after achieving polio-free status

Summary

India’s plan to phase out the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) reflects a strategic shift from disease-specific monitoring to an integrated health surveillance system. While this may optimize resources and streamline disease control, experts caution that it could be premature due to persistent polio threats from neighboring countries and the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). A carefully managed transition is essential to sustain India’s polio-free status without compromising public health security.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) in India was primarily established for:
   A. Monitoring malaria and tuberculosis
   B. Conducting child nutrition surveys
   C. Detecting and monitoring poliovirus transmission
   D. Promoting maternal health services
   Answer: C. Detecting and monitoring poliovirus transmission
   
   
2. Which of the following countries still report endemic polio cases?
   A. Nigeria and India
   B. India and Bangladesh
   C. Afghanistan and Pakistan
   D. Sri Lanka and Nepal
   Answer: C. Afghanistan and Pakistan
   
   
3. Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) is:
   A. A laboratory-created virus used for vaccine testing
   B. A mutated strain of the weakened poliovirus in oral vaccines
   C. A virus found only in wild animals
   D. A bacterium that mimics polio symptoms
   Answer: B. A mutated strain of the weakened poliovirus in oral vaccines
   

Mains

1. India is transitioning from vertical disease surveillance systems like the NPSN to integrated health surveillance frameworks. Discuss the merits and risks of this approach in the context of India’s public health priorities.
   
   
2. What are the challenges India may face in phasing out the National Polio Surveillance Network? Evaluate this decision in light of ongoing global poliovirus transmission and the threat of vaccine-derived strains.
   
   
3. Polio eradication in India is a major public health achievement. In the wake of phasing out disease-specific surveillance networks, how can India ensure sustained disease elimination and preparedness for future health threats?
   
   

3. A Decade of Cooperative and Fiscal Federalism in India – Polity

Why in News?

India has witnessed a transformative shift in cooperative and fiscal federalism over the past 11 years, marked by greater Centre-State collaboration, fiscal empowerment of states, and institutional reforms. A key driver of this transformation is the “Team India” approach led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to replace top-down governance with collaborative and competitive federalism.

Key Developments and Institutional Changes

1. From Planning Commission to NITI Aayog

• NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, symbolizing a paradigm shift from centralized planning to cooperative federalism.
• Functions as a policy think tank facilitating state-level innovation, flexibility, and tailored development strategies.
• Promotes bottom-up planning and encourages states to take ownership of development goals.

2. Data-Driven Governance

• Programmes like the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme are built on real-time data monitoring, fostering healthy competition among states.
• Encourages states to improve performance on health, education, agriculture, and basic infrastructure.

Fiscal Federalism Reforms

1. 14th Finance Commission Recommendations

• Increased states’ share in the divisible tax pool from 32% to 42%.
• Gave states greater fiscal autonomy to design and implement schemes based on their local needs.

2. GST Council – A Model of Fiscal Cooperation

• The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced in 2017, is administered jointly by the GST Council, comprising both the Centre and all states.
• Ensures joint decision-making on indirect taxation and revenue sharing (approx. 71% of GST revenue goes to states).
• Represents collaborative federalism in fiscal policymaking.

3. Increased Financial Support to States

• Gross transfers to states as a share of GDP rose from 5.2% to 6.5% after 2015–16.
• Includes enhanced grants, loans, and budgetary support under central schemes and special assistance mechanisms.

4. Flagship Programmes with Cooperative Implementation

Examples:

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Collaborative Centre-State initiative delivering tap water to rural households.
• PM Jan Aarogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat): Jointly implemented health insurance scheme, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for millions.
• These programmes demonstrate cooperative and fiscal coordination, significantly enhancing service delivery and infrastructure development at the grassroots.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• India’s quasi-federal Constitution divides legislative and executive powers into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule).
• Though states have autonomy in State List matters, the Centre has financial superiority and uses grants, centrally sponsored schemes, and policy instruments to influence state-level initiatives.
• Over time, the functional overlap has made cooperative federalism essential for governance and development.

Implications & Significance

Strengthened Federalism

• Transition towards “cooperative federalism” (joint planning and execution) and “competitive federalism” (states competing for better outcomes).

Inclusive Development

• Empowered states contribute to localized and contextualized development.
• Helped lift 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty.

Administrative Innovation

• NITI Aayog promotes best practices, real-time dashboards, and peer learning among states.

Summary

India’s federal governance structure has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Driven by the Team India vision, the replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, and enhanced fiscal devolution, the nation has moved towards a more dynamic model of cooperative and fiscal federalism. Programs like GST, Aspirational Districts, and centrally sponsored schemes have not only strengthened state capacity but also promoted development partnerships between the Centre and States, making governance more responsive and inclusive for over 140 crore citizens.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which body replaced the Planning Commission in 2015 to promote cooperative federalism?
   A. National Development Council
   B. NITI Aayog
   C. Finance Commission
   D. Inter-State Council
   Answer: B. NITI Aayog
   
   
2. Under the 14th Finance Commission, the states’ share in the divisible pool of taxes was raised to:
   A. 30%
   B. 35%
   C. 42%
   D. 50%
   Answer: C. 42%
   
   
3. Which of the following is a joint Centre-State institutional mechanism for indirect taxation in India?
   A. Finance Commission
   B. GST Council
   C. Inter-State Council
   D. Fiscal Council
   Answer: B. GST Council
   

Mains

1. Discuss how the replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog marked a shift in India’s federal governance. What are the key features of this shift towards cooperative federalism?
   
   
2. Evaluate the role of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. How has it changed Centre-State relations?
   
   
3. “India’s governance model is evolving from cooperative to competitive federalism.” Critically analyze this shift with examples of key policies and schemes over the last decade.
   
   
4. How have recent reforms in fiscal devolution strengthened the autonomy and governance capacity of Indian states? Examine in the context of the 14th Finance Commission.
   

4. Aravalli Green Wall Project – Environment

Why in News?

On June 5 (World Environment Day), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch the Aravalli Green Wall Project, a major environmental restoration initiative. The project aims to combat desertification, restore biodiversity, and create a green buffer across the Aravalli mountain range, one of the world’s oldest geological formations.

About the Aravalli Range

• Geological Significance:
  • Formed during the Proterozoic era, the Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges on Earth.
  • Rich in minerals and biodiversity, it significantly shapes the local ecology and climate.
• Geographical Stretch:
  • Spans approximately 692 km, running through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Acts as a natural barrier, preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into the Gangetic plains.
  • Supports diverse flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and endangered.

Aravalli Green Wall Project – Key Features

Objective

• To restore ecological balance and combat desertification through afforestation and ecosystem restoration across the Aravalli region.

Vegetation and Biodiversity Strategy

• Removal of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora, which depletes groundwater and inhibits native vegetation growth.
• Replantation of native species such as:
  • Khair (Senegalia catechu)
  • Ronjh (Acacia leucophloea)
  • Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Buffer Zone Creation

• Establishing a green buffer zone of 6.45 million hectares around the Aravallis.
• Aims to regenerate forest cover, support wildlife, and improve soil and water conservation.

Global Commitments Alignment

• Supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement by:
  • Promoting carbon sequestration through afforestation
  • Contributing to India’s goal of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030
  • Enhancing climate resilience and environmental sustainability

Significance & Implications

Environmental Benefits

• Helps restore degraded lands and halt desertification, particularly critical for eastern Rajasthan and Haryana.
• Supports groundwater recharge and soil fertility improvement.
• Enhances climate regulation, air quality, and temperature moderation.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Protects the natural habitats of various species and supports ecological networks.
• Encourages community participation in conservation through eco-development and afforestation drives.

National & Global Impact

• Contributes to national missions like:
  • National Afforestation Programme
  • Green India Mission
• Aligns with UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Summary

The Aravalli Green Wall Project, to be launched on World Environment Day, is a strategic effort to restore ecological balance across one of India’s most critical and endangered natural landscapes. By replacing invasive species with native flora and creating a massive green buffer zone, the project not only aims to combat desertification but also contributes to India’s international climate commitments. Its long-term success is pivotal for sustainable development, biodiversity preservation, and climate resilience in the region.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Aravalli Range primarily serves which of the following environmental functions?
   A. It prevents glacial lake outbursts
   B. It acts as a natural barrier against the Thar Desert
   C. It facilitates coral reef development
   D. It enhances the fertility of Gangetic plains directly
   Answer: B. It acts as a natural barrier against the Thar Desert
   
   
2. Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species targeted under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, is known for:
   A.Enhancing soil nitrogen
   B. Improving water retention
   DC. Depleting groundwater and outcompeting native flora
   D. Serving as a vital pollinator habitat
   Answer: C. Depleting groundwater and outcompeting native flora
   
   
3. The Aravalli Green Wall Project contributes to which of the following international agreements?
   A. Basel Convention
   B. Cartagena Protocol
   C. Paris Climate Agreement
   D. Kyoto Protocol
   Answer: C. Paris Climate Agreement
   

Mains

1. Discuss the ecological significance of the Aravalli Range and assess the potential impact of the Aravalli Green Wall Project in combating desertification and promoting biodiversity.
   
   
2. How does the Aravalli Green Wall Project reflect India’s commitments under global environmental agreements? Examine its alignment with sustainable development and climate goals.
   
   
3. Evaluate the challenges in implementing large-scale afforestation projects like the Aravalli Green Wall. How can these be overcome through policy, technology, and community engagement?
   
   

5. Appointment and Removal of High Court Judges – Polity

Why in News?

The Union Government is preparing to introduce a motion for the removal of a judge from the Allahabad High Court, aiming to build all-party consensus. This development draws attention to the constitutional procedures and safeguards involved in the appointment and removal of High Court judges, which are designed to uphold judicial independence and accountability.

Constitutional Provisions and Qualifications

Article 217(2) – Qualifications for High Court Judges

To be appointed as a High Court judge, a person must:

• Be a citizen of India
• Have at least 10 years’ judicial office experience in India, or
• Be an advocate in one or more High Courts for at least 10 years

Tenure and Retirement

• High Court judges serve until the age of 62 years
• In case of any dispute regarding the age of a judge, the President of India makes the final determination (Article 217(3))

Appointment Process of High Court Judges

Appointing Authority

• Judges are appointed by the President of India

Consultation Process

The President must consult:

1. The Chief Justice of India (CJI)
2. The Governor of the respective state
3. The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned

Role of the Collegium System

• Consists of the CJI and two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court
• Recommends names for appointment
• Ensures judicial independence from the executive, though it has been debated for lack of transparency

Removal (Impeachment) of High Court Judges

Grounds for Removal

As per Article 217 read with Article 124(4) of the Constitution:

• A judge can be removed only on the grounds of:
  • Proved misbehavior
  • Incapacity

Procedure Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968

1. Initiation of Motion:
   • Signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs
2. Admissibility Check:
   • Examined by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha)
3. Constitution of an Inquiry Committee:
   • A three-member committee is formed consisting of:
     • A Supreme Court judge
     • A Chief Justice of a High Court
     • A distinguished jurist
4. Investigation:
   • If the committee finds the judge guilty of the charges, a motion for removal is taken up by Parliament.
5. Parliamentary Voting:
   • Requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, present and voting
6. Final Removal:
   • If passed, the President of India orders the judge’s removal.

Historical Context and Notable Cases

Despite several attempts, no High Court or Supreme Court judge has ever been successfully impeached in India.

Notable Instances:

• Justice V. Ramaswami (1993): First judge against whom removal proceedings were initiated. The motion failed in the Lok Sabha due to abstention by ruling party members.
• Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Rajya Sabha passed the impeachment motion, but he resigned before the Lok Sabha vote.
• Justice P.D. Dinakaran: Faced serious allegations but resigned before impeachment proceedings concluded.

These cases show that high evidentiary thresholds, political will, and procedural safeguards make judicial removal very difficult, thereby reinforcing judicial security and independence.

Summary

High Court judges in India are appointed by the President, following consultation with the judiciary and executive under Article 217. The Collegium System plays a key role in ensuring judicial independence. Their removal is constitutionally protected and can only occur through impeachment by Parliament for proven misbehavior or incapacity, following a strict procedure under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. Despite several attempts, no judge has ever been impeached, underlining the rigor and sanctity of the process.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution lays down the qualifications for High Court judges?
   A. Article 124(2)
   B. Article 217(2)
   C. Article 233
   D. Article 245
   Answer: B. Article 217(2)
   
   
2. Who appoints High Court judges in India?
   A. Chief Justice of India
   B. Prime Minister
   C. President of India
   D. Governor of the State
   Answer: C. President of India
   
   
3. What is the required majority in Parliament to impeach a judge?
   A.Simple majority in both Houses
   B.Two-thirds of total strength of both Houses
   C.Two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses
   D. Unanimous consent in both Houses
   Answer: C. Two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses
   

Mains

1. Explain the constitutional process for the appointment and removal of High Court judges in India. How does the system ensure a balance between judicial independence and accountability?
   
   
2. Despite several attempts, no judge has been successfully impeached in India. Critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of the current removal mechanism for judges.
   
   
3. Discuss the role of the Collegium System in the appointment of High Court judges. Should India adopt a more transparent and participatory process?
   

6. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) – Polity

Why in News?

The Union Government has invited proposals for establishing District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 underserved districts across 30 States and Union Territories. This is a major step under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which is India’s flagship policy to address drug abuse through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

What is the NAPDDR?

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018–2025) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its objective is to reduce the demand for drugs, promote awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, and ensure a coordinated multi-agency response to substance abuse in India.

Objectives of the NAPDDR

1. Awareness and Education
   • Promote awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse
   • Target youth, school children, and vulnerable populations
   • Use media, community outreach, and school-based programs
2. De-Stigmatization and Social Reintegration
   • Support acceptance and reintegration of individuals in recovery
   • Address social ostracization through public messaging and community programs
3. Capacity Building and Human Resource Development
   • Train professionals like counselors, doctors, social workers, and law enforcement
   • Build institutional capacities at district and block levels
4. Community-Based Rehabilitation and Whole Person Recovery (WPR)
   • Provide services such as:
     • Early identification
     • Counseling
     • Referral and treatment
     • Rehabilitation and follow-up support
   • Aim for holistic recovery, addressing physical, psychological, and social dimensions
5. Research and Monitoring
   • Facilitate studies, surveys, and documentation on trends, risk factors, and impact
   • Use findings to design data-driven interventions
6. Multi-Agency Implementation
   • Engage with:
     • State Governments
     • Union Territories
     • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
     • Community-Based Organizations
     • Educational institutions
     • Law enforcement and healthcare systems

Funding and Implementation

The scheme provides financial assistance for a wide range of activities and actors:

For Governments

• State and UT administrations receive support for:
  • Awareness campaigns
  • Capacity-building
  • District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs)

For Medical Infrastructure

• Support to government hospitals to strengthen Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs)

For Civil Society

• Grants to NGOs and Voluntary Organizations to:
  • Run Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs)
  • Conduct community outreach and follow-up care

Significance of the 2024 Call for Proposals

• Targets 291 “gap” districts—areas identified as lacking adequate de-addiction infrastructure
• Aims to expand the reach of services and build grassroots rehabilitation networks
• Reinforces community-centric, inclusive, and evidence-based policymaking

Legal and Policy Context

• Complements laws such as:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
• Supports India’s commitments to international drug control conventions and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives (including mental health and substance abuse treatment)
  • SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies

Summary

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is a comprehensive national initiative (2018–2025) aiming to prevent and mitigate drug abuse through education, rehabilitation, capacity-building, and community participation. The recent government call to set up District De-Addiction Centres in 291 districts marks a critical push toward expanding outreach and ensuring localized, accessible services. It reflects India’s growing focus on public health-based, compassionate approaches to substance abuse.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction is implemented by:
   A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
   B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
   C. Ministry of Home Affairs
   D. Ministry of Education
   Answer: B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
   
   
2. Which of the following is not an objective of the NAPDDR?
   A. Promoting awareness about drug abuse
   B. Legalizing controlled use of narcotic drugs
   C. Supporting rehabilitation through Whole Person Recovery
   D. Encouraging community-based treatment models
   Answer: B. Legalizing controlled use of narcotic drugs
   
   
3. Under the NAPDDR, Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) are operated by:
   A. State Police Departments
   B. Government Hospitals only
   C. NGOs and Voluntary Organizations
   D. Ministry of Law and Justice
   Answer: C. NGOs and Voluntary Organizations
   

Mains

1. The success of India’s drug demand reduction strategy depends on inter-agency cooperation and community engagement. Discuss with reference to the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.
   
   
2. Examine the objectives and implementation framework of the NAPDDR. How effective has the plan been in addressing the multidimensional challenge of drug abuse in India?
   
   
3. Evaluate the role of civil society organizations in the implementation of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation services under NAPDDR.
   

7. Integral Humanism – The Philosophy of Deendayal Upadhyay – History & Culture

Why in News?

A major political party is celebrating 60 years of “Integral Humanism” (Ekatm Manav-vad), the ideological framework introduced by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay in 1965. This philosophy remains a cornerstone of nationalist political thought in India and continues to shape developmental and welfare policies, especially those aimed at the upliftment of the most marginalized.

Who Was Deendayal Upadhyay?

• Born: September 25, 1916, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• Died: February 11, 1968 (under mysterious circumstances at Mughalsarai railway station, now renamed Deendayal Nagar)
• Affiliations:
  • RSS Pracharak (full-time volunteer)
  • Co-founder and ideologue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
  • President of BJS (precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party)
• Legacy:
  • His birth anniversary is observed as Antyodaya Diwas (since 2014)
  • Known for coining “Antyodaya”, the idea of serving the last person in the queue

Integral Humanism: An Overview

• Introduced through four lectures in Mumbai in 1965
• Aimed to provide a distinctive Indian socio-political and economic model, rejecting both Western capitalism and communist socialism

Core Tenets

1. Holistic Development of the Individual
   • Focus on body, mind, intellect, and soul
   • Individual is not just a material being, but a spiritual and social entity
2. Synthesis of Material and Spiritual
   • True development is both economic and moral
   • Emphasis on spiritual values and cultural ethos rooted in Indian tradition
3. Chiti (National Ethos or Soul)
   • Described as the defining spirit of the nation, guiding its moral compass
4. Dharma (Not Religion, but Righteous Duty)
   • Ethical base of national life
   • Maintains social harmony and justice
5. Decentralization and Swadeshi
   • Advocated self-reliance, local production, and minimal central control
   • Emphasized village-based economy, rejecting large-scale Western industrial models
6. Antyodaya (Upliftment of the Last Person)
   • Every economic policy must be evaluated by its impact on the most marginalized
   • This idea inspired key welfare schemes in India

Policy Influence and Inspired Schemes

Deendayal Upadhyay’s principles have influenced many government schemes focused on inclusion, self-reliance, and rural development:

1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana – Subsidized food for the poorest households
2. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana – Rural electrification
3. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM – Empowerment of rural poor through self-help groups
4. Startup India & Make in India – Echo his Swadeshi and self-reliance principles

Philosophical and Cultural Significance

• Advocated for “global good through Indian values”
• Rejected blind imitation of Western ideologies, urging a return to Bharatiya traditions of balanced living
• Viewed the family and community as essential institutions for human development
• Supported need-based industrial ownership rather than fixed ideological positions (capitalist vs. socialist)

Summary

Integral Humanism, proposed by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay in 1965, is a uniquely Indian political philosophy advocating holistic, spiritual, and culturally grounded development. It emphasizes upliftment of the weakest sections (Antyodaya), self-reliance (Swadeshi), decentralization, and moral governance rooted in Dharma and Chiti. Celebrated today through multiple welfare schemes and policy frameworks, his vision continues to shape inclusive, value-based development in India.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The term Antyodaya, central to many Indian welfare schemes, was first coined by:
   A. Mahatma Gandhi
   B. Vinoba Bhave
   C. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
   D. Ram Manohar Lohia
   Answer: C. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
   
   
2. Which of the following is not a principle of Integral Humanism as advocated by Deendayal Upadhyay?
   A. Material progress through consumerism
   B. Spiritual and moral development
   C. Holistic development of body, mind, intellect, and soul
   D. Self-reliance through Swadeshi
   Answer: A. Material progress through consumerism
   
   
3. The philosophical term Chiti, as used by Deendayal Upadhyay, refers to:
   A. Political will of the masses
   B. Industrial policy of the nation
   C.Soul or ethos of the nation
   D. A system of revenue collection
   Answer: C. Soul or ethos of the nation
   

Mains

1. Evaluate the significance of Antyodaya as a guiding principle in Indian social and economic policy-making.

2.What is Integral Humanism? Discuss its core principles and relevance in contemporary India.

3. Examine the contributions of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay to Indian political thought. How has his philosophy influenced current public welfare policies?

4. “Integral Humanism offers a third path to development distinct from both capitalism and socialism.” Critically analyze this statement with reference to the Indian context.