Daily Current Affairs - 30th & 31st October 2025
- TPP
- Oct 31
- 30 min read
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
China has filed a complaint in the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India alleging violation of global trade rules.
The complaint concerns subsidies provided under three Indian Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
These PLI schemes are related to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturing.
China has alleged that the PLI schemes provide financial benefits to companies operating in India.
According to China, these benefits are contingent on Domestic Value Addition (DVA) — i.e., companies must use a certain proportion of locally made goods or components.
China claims such DVA-linked incentives encourage the use of domestic over imported goods, violating WTO rules.
Specifically, China has challenged three PLI schemes under this complaint.
The Three Challenged PLI Schemes
The first scheme aims to incentivise the establishment of Giga-scale manufacturing facilities for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries.
The second scheme pertains to the automobile industry and seeks to promote manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products.
The third scheme focuses on promoting Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing by attracting global EV manufacturers to invest in India.
Basis of China’s Allegation under WTO Rules
China argues that the Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirements in these PLI schemes constitute a “local content subsidy”.
A local content subsidy means a subsidy that is conditional on using domestic goods instead of imported goods.
Such subsidies are prohibited under the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement).
China’s allegation places these Indian PLI schemes under the “prohibited category” of subsidies as defined in the SCM Agreement.
About the SCM (Subsidies and Countervailing Measures) Agreement
The SCM Agreement governs the rules on subsidies provided by WTO member countries.
Article 1 of the SCM Agreement defines a subsidy as a financial contribution by a government or public body that confers a benefit.
The SCM Agreement classifies subsidies into two categories — Prohibited and Actionable.
Prohibited subsidies are those that WTO members must not maintain under any circumstances.
Article 3 of the SCM Agreement identifies two specific types of prohibited subsidies.
The first type includes subsidies contingent on export performance, known as “export subsidies”.
The second type includes subsidies contingent upon the use of domestic goods over imported goods, known as “local content subsidies”.
Apart from these, Actionable subsidies are not outright banned but can be challenged through dispute settlement or countervailing measures if they cause adverse trade effects.
About India’s PLI Scheme
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2020.
The PLI scheme’s primary objective is to boost domestic manufacturing and enhance global competitiveness.
It provides performance-based financial incentives to companies achieving set production or sales targets.
The PLI scheme initially targeted three strategic sectors and later expanded to cover 14 sectors.
These sectors range from electronics and textiles to automobiles and food processing.
Through these schemes, India seeks to attract investment, promote self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and reduce import dependency.
NITI Aayog has released a report titled “India’s Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap to Global Leadership.”
The report envisions a strategic pathway for India to emerge as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
It identifies thirteen high-impact manufacturing sectors that can drive this transformation.
These thirteen sectors are grouped into five core clusters for better coordination and synergy.
The report also prioritizes four disruptive frontier technologies for large-scale adoption.
These four technologies are Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Advanced Materials, Digital Twins, and Robotics.
Frontier technologies refer to cutting-edge innovations that redefine industrial processes, productivity, and competitiveness.
Current Status of India’s Manufacturing Sector
Historically, India’s manufacturing sector has contributed only 15–17% to its GDP.
This contribution is significantly lower than that of East Asian economies during their peak industrial growth phases.
The sector’s low share in GDP indicates the need for structural transformation to achieve global competitiveness.
Structural Challenges in Indian Manufacturing
India faces limited investment in Research & Development (R&D), which restricts “Creative Destruction.”
Creative Destruction refers to the process where innovation replaces outdated technologies and drives growth.
The sector also suffers from fragmented value chains, leading to weak integration, low consistency, and lack of scale.
Regulatory complexity and policy uncertainty further discourage private sector investment and innovation.
These combined challenges limit India’s ability to attract high-value manufacturing and technological advancement.
Opportunity Cost of Inaction
The report warns that failure to adopt frontier technologies in high-impact sectors will have significant economic consequences.
India could potentially lose up to USD 270 billion in additional manufacturing GDP by 2035 if transformation is delayed.
Hence, technology adoption and structural reform are seen as economic imperatives for India’s growth.
Four Pillars of Transformation: Frontier Technology Pathways
The roadmap highlights four frontier technology pathways as the foundation for transforming India’s manufacturing.
These pillars are AI/ML, Advanced Materials, Digital Twins, and Robotics, each with specific industrial applications.
1. Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) involve using algorithms and data to enable machines to learn and make intelligent decisions.
Hyperlocal Demand Intelligence can use vernacular content and regional trends to create real-time demand maps.
Such intelligence can help micro-factories and Tier-2/3 suppliers respond dynamically to local market shifts.
Autonomous Batch Release in pharmaceuticals and chemicals can use regulatory-aware AI agents.
These AI agents can monitor real-time compliance, accelerating batch approval and enhancing global credibility.
2. Advanced Material Science
Advanced Materials are next-generation substances engineered for high strength, light weight, and multifunctionality.
Lightweight Multi-Functional Composites can be used in railways and defence for strong yet lightweight structures.
These composites can also integrate functions like shielding and vibration damping within the material itself.
Green Catalysts, developed through nano-engineering, can revolutionize chemical manufacturing.
Such catalysts enable low-emission synthesis and improve strategic supply chain resilience in critical industries.
3. Digital Twins
Digital Twins are virtual, data-driven replicas of physical systems that simulate real-world conditions digitally.
They can accelerate R&D in aerospace and defence by enabling virtual design, testing, and validation of aircraft components.
This reduces development time and physical testing costs, improving efficiency.
In heavy industries, Digital Twins can support Predictive Maintenance by creating real-time digital replicas of machinery.
Such predictive tools can detect early signs of equipment failure and extend the operational life of assets.
4. Robotics
Robotics involves the design and use of automated systems to perform precise, repetitive, or hazardous tasks.
Telerobotics enables the remote control of robots in dangerous environments like chemical plants and nuclear facilities.
These systems are supported by 5G networks and haptic feedback technology, allowing safe, real-time operation.
Exoskeletons, a form of wearable robotics, can augment human physical capability in industrial settings.
They help reduce strain and injury risk for workers performing strenuous or repetitive tasks.
The NITI Aayog report emphasizes that embracing frontier technologies is essential for India’s manufacturing transformation.
By integrating AI, advanced materials, digital twins, and robotics, India can move from low-cost manufacturing to high-value innovation leadership.
The roadmap envisions a globally competitive, technology-driven manufacturing ecosystem that enhances resilience, productivity, and sustainability.
NITI Aayog has released two analytical reports focusing on the dynamics of India’s services sector.
The first report is titled “Insights from GVA Trends and State-level Dynamics.”
The second report is titled “Insights from Employment Trends and State-level Dynamics.”
Together, these reports aim to assess the services sector’s contribution to output and employment, while mapping regional variations and future policy directions.
Services at the Core of India’s Employment Transition
The reports highlight that the services sector is central to India’s ongoing employment transition.
In 2023–24, the services sector employed about 188 million workers, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture.
In 2024–25, the services sector contributed nearly 55% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
In comparison, the primary sector (agriculture) contributed 16%, and the secondary sector (industry) contributed 29%.
GVA (Gross Value Added) measures the total output of goods and services minus intermediate consumption, representing the net contribution to the economy.
Despite this high contribution to GVA, the services sector accounts for less than one-third of total jobs in India.
Moreover, most of these jobs are informal and low-paying, reflecting a mismatch between productivity and employment quality.
Employment Landscape within the Services Sector
Over the last six years, the services sector added nearly 40 million new jobs, ranking second only to the construction sector in job creation.
The sector functions as a labour shock absorber, meaning it absorbs workforce displaced from agriculture or manufacturing during economic transitions.
However, the sector is deeply segmented between high-value and traditional services.
High-value services such as Information Technology (IT), finance, healthcare, and professional services are highly productive but generate limited employment opportunities.
On the other hand, traditional services like trade, transport, and personal services are major employers but remain highly informal and low-paying.
The reports observe that India’s transition toward a services-driven economy has been slower compared to peer developing economies.
Employment Profile: Spatial, Gender, Age, and Education Dimensions
The reports provide a granular analysis of employment distribution within the services sector.
Spatially, around 60% of urban workers are employed in services, compared to less than 20% of rural workers.
This reflects the urban concentration of services-based employment due to better infrastructure and digital connectivity.
Gender disparities remain pronounced in the sector.
Only 10.5% of rural women are engaged in services, compared to 60% of urban women.
Persistent gender wage gaps continue to disadvantage women workers across sub-sectors.
In terms of age profile, the sector is dominated by prime-age workers (25–54 years), while youth face job instability and limited upward mobility.
Regarding education, higher educational attainment improves access to service sector jobs, especially in modern industries.
However, even among educated workers, informality remains widespread, affecting job security and earnings.
Overall, 87% of service sector workers lack social security coverage, highlighting weak labour protection mechanisms.
Within rural areas, women earn less than 50% of men’s wages, showing deep structural inequality.
Roadmap for Transformation of India’s Services Sector
The reports outline a strategic roadmap to make the services sector more inclusive, formal, and future-ready.
Formalisation and social protection are proposed for informal, gig, and MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise) workers to ensure income stability.
Inclusive access for women and rural youth is recommended through skilling programmes and digital empowerment tools.
Emphasis is laid on technology-led skilling to prepare the workforce for digital and green jobs of the future.
The reports also advocate for balanced regional growth by developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 service hubs across states.
Establishing state-level service clusters is suggested to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and employment diversification.
The two NITI Aayog reports underscore that India’s services sector is both a driver of growth and a challenge for inclusivity.
While the sector contributes over half of India’s GVA, it remains highly informal and uneven in employment distribution.
The roadmap envisions a formal, technology-driven, and regionally balanced services economy that ensures sustainable employment and equitable growth.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has released a Synthesis Report assessing the collective progress of countries’ climate commitments.
The report focuses on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted under the Paris Agreement (2015).
NDCs represent the efforts by each country to reduce national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.
They are defined under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, which mandates every Party to prepare, communicate, and maintain successive NDCs reflecting increasing ambition over time.
Global Emission Trends and Gaps Identified
The report analyzes NDCs submitted by 64 Parties, representing 30% of global emissions in 2019.
It finds that these NDCs fall short of the emission reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
To achieve the 1.5°C temperature goal, global emissions must be reduced by 60% by 2035.
However, based on current commitments, NDCs are projected to achieve only a 17% reduction in emissions by 2035.
This indicates a 43 percentage point shortfall in the emission cuts required to stay within safe climate limits.
Rising Greenhouse Gas Concentrations
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Greenhouse Gas Bulletin (2024) adds further concern.
It reports that carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) concentrations in the atmosphere reached record-high levels in 2024.
These gases are the three major long-lived greenhouse gases, responsible for trapping heat and driving global warming.
Their continued rise underscores the insufficient pace of global mitigation efforts despite NDC pledges.
Other Key Highlights from the UNFCCC Synthesis Report
The report observes a shift in emission trajectories with the implementation of updated NDCs.
Global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to peak soon, followed by strong reductions by 2035 if all new NDCs are implemented.
There is notable progress in the scope and quality of new NDCs compared to earlier submissions.
About 89% of Parties have now communicated economy-wide emission reduction targets, up from 81% previously.
Economy-wide targets mean that the emission reduction goals cover all key sectors, including energy, industry, transport, and agriculture.
However, the report identifies a “conditionality gap” in many mitigation measures.
Conditionality refers to the dependence of a country’s climate actions on external support, such as finance or technology transfer.
High conditionality is observed for critical mitigation options like afforestation, reforestation, and solar energy expansion.
This indicates that these actions cannot be fully implemented without international financial or technological assistance.
The report also highlights ongoing difficulties in mobilizing private finance for climate projects.
The main barrier to private investment is low profitability in green sectors, which discourages large-scale capital flow.
India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
India submitted its Updated First NDC in August 2022, reflecting enhanced ambition for 2030 targets.
India aims to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% from the 2005 level by 2030.
Emission Intensity means the amount of greenhouse gas emitted per unit of GDP, indicating efficiency in production.
India also targets achieving about 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030.
This includes renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy.
Additionally, India seeks to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover.
A carbon sink refers to any natural system that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, helping offset emissions.
The UNFCCC Synthesis Report emphasizes that current global climate commitments remain insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target.
It calls for urgent enhancement of NDC ambition, especially by major emitters, before 2035.
Strengthening international climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building is essential to close the emission and conditionality gaps.
For India, the updated NDC reflects a balanced approach, combining developmental needs with climate responsibility, aligned with the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has emphasized that relocation of forest dwellers from tiger reserves must be voluntary.
This position is detailed in a policy brief titled “Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights: A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India’s Tiger Reserves.”
The brief has been sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for joint policy consideration.
The document seeks to harmonize wildlife conservation efforts with the rights of forest-dependent communities.
Key Recommendations of the Policy Brief
Relocation of forest dwellers must be voluntary, based on free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
FPIC means that communities must agree willingly, with full knowledge and without coercion or inducement.
The policy explicitly prohibits any form of forced or incentivized eviction of forest dwellers.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, already provides strong safeguards against forced displacement.
Under Section 4(5) of the FRA, no member of a forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe (FDST) or other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs) can be evicted until the recognition and verification of their forest rights are completed.
The FRA’s protection provisions apply equally to National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Tiger Reserves.
The brief recommends creating a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation (NFCCR).
The NFCCR should be jointly developed by the Ministries of Environment and Tribal Affairs to ensure coordination between conservation and community welfare.
Key Challenges in Relocation of Forest Dwellers
The report highlights a fundamental tension between “rights-based” and “protectionist” conservation models.
Traditional conservation approaches often treat Indigenous and local communities as threats to biodiversity.
This perception undermines the inclusive and participatory vision of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Livelihood disruption is a major challenge when forest dwellers are relocated from protected areas.
Loss of access to customary forest resources cuts off vital income sources for Indigenous and tribal communities.
Uneven regional development worsens these challenges.
Forest-rich tribal regions lag behind in infrastructure, education, health, and employment opportunities, compared to high-income states with modern service economies.
Policymakers also face a sustainability dilemma between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 – No Poverty and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
Achieving both poverty reduction and environmental protection requires balanced, inclusive models of conservation.
Path Forward for Inclusive and Sustainable Conservation
The Ministry proposes a “co-management model” of conservation as the path forward.
Under this approach, Indigenous peoples and local communities are treated as stewards and co-managers, not adversaries, of biodiversity.
In-situ development—that is, improving living conditions within the forest landscape rather than through relocation—should be prioritized.
This includes ensuring healthcare, education, drinking water, electrification, market access, and mobility for forest communities.
Such development can enable sustainable co-existence between humans and wildlife.
The policy also calls for integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into official conservation plans.
Traditional ecological knowledge—including practices of resource management, fire control, and biodiversity protection—can enhance the effectiveness of conservation.
The brief recommends introducing conditional fiscal incentives to promote effective FRA implementation.
Central and state government financial transfers should be linked to measurable outcomes in FRA enforcement and co-management performance.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs underscores that human rights and wildlife conservation must advance together, not at each other’s expense.
Voluntary relocation, community participation, and in-situ development form the cornerstone of this balanced policy vision.
The proposed NFCCR framework aims to make India’s conservation policy people-centric, inclusive, and sustainable while upholding both tribal rights and ecological integrity.
The Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was held in New Delhi, bringing together member countries and partners to advance global solar cooperation.
The ISA Assembly serves as the highest decision-making body of the organization, setting its strategic direction and policies.
The session focused on accelerating solar adoption, boosting innovation, and strengthening partnerships to achieve clean energy goals.
About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The ISA is a global intergovernmental organization launched in 2015 jointly by India and France during the COP21 (21st Conference of Parties) in Paris.
It represents the world’s largest treaty-based intergovernmental organization from the Global South.
The Global South refers to developing nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America that seek greater representation in global governance.
The Headquarters of ISA is located in Gurugram, India, marking it as the first international intergovernmental organization headquartered in India.
The ISA currently has 124 Member and Signatory Countries, making it a truly global initiative.
After a 2020 amendment to its Framework Agreement, all UN member states became eligible to join the Alliance, expanding its global reach.
The main aim of the ISA is to ensure clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy access to communities worldwide.
Its goal aligns with promoting sustainable economic growth and improving quality of life through renewable energy.
The mission of ISA is to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.
It also aims to reduce technology and financing costs, enabling scalable solar deployment across nations.
Major Collaborative Initiatives under ISA
ISA drives several global collaborative initiatives to promote solar energy innovation and cooperation.
The SolarX Startup Challenge supports innovative solar entrepreneurs and startups through mentoring and funding.
The STAR-C Initiative focuses on solar technology application, research, and capacity building in member countries.
The Global Solar Facility provides financial assistance and guarantees to scale up solar investments in developing regions.
The visionary initiative “One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” seeks to create a transnational solar power grid connecting countries across continents.
Key Highlights of the Eighth ISA Assembly Session
The session saw the launch of a major new initiative called SUNRISE, which stands for Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement.
SUNRISE aims to promote solar waste recycling, green employment generation, and a circular economy in the solar sector.
A circular economy refers to an economic model where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
The Assembly also witnessed the signing of a Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Procurement Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Under this MoU, 16 SIDS countries joined hands through an ISA–World Bank collaborative platform.
The partnership will enable joint solar procurement, capacity building, and access to affordable renewable energy for vulnerable island nations.
ISA also released two flagship analytical reports during the session — Ease of Doing Solar 2025 and Solar Trends 2025.
These reports evaluate regulatory progress, market trends, and investment opportunities in the global solar industry.
A Global Capability Centre was also unveiled at the event.
The centre aims to create a “Silicon Valley for Solar” in India, fostering innovation, research, and industrial collaboration.
The ISA Academy, an AI-based online learning platform, was launched to build human capacity in solar technologies and management.
The Eighth ISA Assembly reaffirmed the Alliance’s role as a key platform for South-South and global cooperation in solar energy.
The new initiatives — such as SUNRISE, SIDS partnership, and ISA Academy — reflect ISA’s focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and technological innovation.
With its growing membership and ambitious targets, the ISA continues to position itself as a leading force in driving the global clean energy transition.
India’s total installed electricity generation capacity has crossed 500 gigawatts (GW), marking a major milestone in its energy transition journey.
This achievement reflects India’s progress toward its COP26 “Panchamrit” commitments made at the Glasgow Climate Summit in 2021.
India has achieved one of its major COP26 goals — having 50% of its installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 — five years ahead of schedule.
This milestone underscores India’s emergence as a global leader in renewable energy deployment and climate action.
India’s Present Energy Mix
India’s total installed capacity now stands at over 500 GW, divided between non-fossil and fossil fuel sources.
Non-fossil fuels contribute 51% of the total capacity, amounting to 256 GW.
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas account for the remaining 49%, or 244 GW.
Within the non-fossil category, renewable energy forms a growing share of generation capacity.
India’s renewable capacity includes Solar: 127 GW, Wind: 53 GW, and Hydro: 47 GW.
This diversification reflects India’s strategic shift toward clean, reliable, and sustainable power generation.
India’s Key Renewable Energy Initiatives
The Government of India has launched several flagship initiatives to accelerate renewable energy growth.
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Solar PV modules are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity and are crucial for solar energy generation.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme promotes installation of grid-connected solar power plants and solarisation of agricultural pumps, enhancing rural energy access.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission seeks to make India a global hub for the production, utilisation, and export of Green Hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, making it a zero-carbon fuel.
The Green Energy Corridor Project is designed to strengthen India’s transmission network for efficient evacuation and distribution of renewable power.
The Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) mandates distribution companies (Discoms) to procure a minimum percentage of power from renewable sources.
Together, these initiatives aim to enhance energy security, create green jobs, and meet India’s net-zero targets.
Key Issues in Renewable Energy Expansion
Despite strong progress, India’s renewable energy sector faces critical implementation challenges.
Grid and storage constraints remain a major concern because renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent and weather-dependent.
This variability necessitates large-scale energy storage systems to ensure grid stability.
Transmission bottlenecks also hinder renewable expansion.
While solar plants can be built within a year, constructing transmission lines often takes up to two-and-a-half years, delaying power evacuation.
Financing risks further affect project viability, as unsigned Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and financially weak Discoms reduce investor confidence.
High import dependence on foreign-made solar modules and critical minerals poses risks to supply chain resilience.
Land acquisition hurdles and inconsistent state-level policies cause procedural delays and increase project costs.
Collectively, these issues slow down the pace of India’s renewable energy transition.
Way Forward for Strengthening Renewable Energy Growth
India needs to prioritise investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to stabilise power supply from renewable sources.
BESS refers to large batteries that store excess renewable energy for later use, ensuring a consistent power supply.
Infrastructure development must be accelerated by fast-tracking the Green Energy Corridor and streamlining land acquisition and approval processes.
Expanding domestic manufacturing of solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen technologies is essential to reduce import dependence.
The government should ensure policy stability and predictable regulations to boost investor confidence in the renewable sector.
Promoting decentralised renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar installations, will strengthen local energy access and resilience.
A combination of strong infrastructure, stable policy, and local innovation can ensure that India meets its net-zero emission targets by 2070 while sustaining economic growth.
Crossing 500 GW of installed power capacity marks a historic achievement in India’s clean energy journey.
With over half of its capacity from non-fossil fuels, India is five years ahead of its COP26 timeline.
By addressing challenges in storage, financing, transmission, and manufacturing, India can consolidate its position as a global renewable energy powerhouse.
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its Sustainable Food Systems Report, assessing the state of India’s soil health based on data from the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme.
The report reveals that Indian soils suffer from widespread nutrient deficiencies, threatening long-term agricultural sustainability.
The analysis is drawn from millions of soil samples tested under the SHC scheme across Indian districts.
Key Findings of the Report
The report identifies severe nutrient deficiencies across multiple soil parameters critical for crop productivity.
Nitrogen deficiency is most prevalent, with 64% of soil samples testing ‘low’ for Nitrogen (N) — an essential macronutrient for plant growth.
Organic Carbon (SOC) deficiency is also critical, as 48.5% of soil samples tested ‘low’ for SOC, which is vital for soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial activity.
The report warns that over 43% of districts classified as ‘very high’ climate risk zones also have low SOC levels, compounding their vulnerability.
Micronutrient shortages are widespread, with 55.4% of samples testing ‘low’ for Boron and 35% testing ‘low’ for Zinc.
These deficiencies indicate imbalanced fertilisation patterns and declining soil biological health.
India’s fertiliser consumption remains heavily skewed towards urea, which constituted 68% of total fertiliser use in 2023–24.
Excessive use of urea (a nitrogen-rich fertiliser) has exacerbated soil nutrient imbalance and acidified farmlands over time.
Implications of Soil Nutrient Deficiencies
Persistent soil nutrient deficiencies pose a direct threat to crop productivity and long-term food security.
Declining soil fertility reduces farmers’ incomes and undermines sustainable agriculture objectives.
Low Soil Organic Carbon reduces the soil’s ability to sequester carbon, weakening India’s efforts toward climate change mitigation.
Nutrient-depleted soils also increase input dependency, leading to higher production costs and lower resilience in farming systems.
Recommendations by CSE
The report calls for expanding the scope of soil monitoring under the SHC Scheme.
It recommends that soil testing should include physical indicators like soil texture and compaction, which affect root growth and water retention.
It also suggests adding biological indicators, such as microbial activity, to better assess soil vitality.
The fertiliser subsidy policy should be reformed to encourage balanced nutrient use rather than excessive dependence on nitrogen-based fertilisers.
The report advocates the use of biochar — a carbon-rich product obtained from organic waste — to enhance soil fertility, moisture retention, and carbon storage capacity.
These interventions can help restore soil balance, improve yield, and make Indian agriculture more climate-resilient.
About the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, 2015
The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The scheme aims to assess soil fertility and provide farmers with crop- and nutrient-based recommendations.
It measures 12 chemical indicators of soil health.
These include Macronutrients — Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S).
It also covers Micronutrients — Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Boron (B).
Additionally, it assesses soil reaction indicators such as pH (acidity/alkalinity), Electrical Conductivity (salinity), and Organic Carbon content.
The scheme enables targeted fertiliser use, reducing input waste and promoting sustainable soil management.
Recent Policy Update
Since 2022–23, the Soil Health Card Scheme has been merged into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as a component under ‘Soil Health & Fertility’.
This integration under the RKVY Cafeteria Scheme allows for better coordination between soil testing, nutrient management, and agricultural development programs.
The merger ensures that soil health monitoring becomes a core element of holistic agricultural planning across Indian states.
The CSE report underscores a serious soil nutrient crisis that could undermine India’s agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
Addressing this requires a shift from chemical-intensive practices to data-driven, balanced, and organic approaches.
By reforming fertiliser policies, expanding soil monitoring, and integrating sustainable practices, India can restore soil vitality and ensure long-term food and environmental security.
The Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme is a demand-driven scheme implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
The scheme operates as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) — an umbrella program aimed at modernising food processing and reducing agricultural wastage.
The ICCVAI Scheme addresses significant post-harvest losses in perishable commodities, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fisheries, across India.
The scheme adopts a farm-to-consumer approach, ensuring that perishable produce maintains its quality and value throughout the supply chain.
Key Objectives of the ICCVAI Scheme
The primary objective of the scheme is to build a seamless cold chain infrastructure that connects farmers directly with consumers.
It aims to reduce post-harvest losses by promoting scientific preservation, efficient storage, and temperature-controlled logistics.
The scheme focuses on value addition by extending the shelf life of agricultural produce through processing and packaging innovations.
It also seeks to ensure a steady supply of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products for consumers throughout the year.
Through these measures, ICCVAI promotes food security, price stability, and farmer income enhancement.
Key Components of the ICCVAI Scheme
The scheme supports creation of integrated cold chain infrastructure from production points to retail outlets.
It includes farm-level infrastructure, such as pre-cooling units, which help remove field heat immediately after harvest to preserve freshness.
It promotes establishment of processing centres that convert raw agricultural products into value-added items like juices, frozen foods, or dairy products.
Distribution hubs are developed as centralized storage, consolidation, and dispatch centres to ensure efficient movement of produce.
The scheme also supports refrigerated transportation, enabling temperature-controlled logistics from farms to markets.
Together, these components create a seamless cold chain ecosystem, minimising spoilage and improving profitability.
Eligibility for Establishment of Food Processing Units
The scheme allows participation from both individuals and organisations engaged in agricultural or food processing activities.
Eligible individuals include farmers and entrepreneurs who wish to set up cold chain or processing facilities.
Eligible organisations include Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
It also covers private firms, companies, corporations, cooperatives, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involved in agri-value chain development.
This wide eligibility ensures inclusive participation from stakeholders across India’s agricultural ecosystem.
Key Government Initiatives Complementing the ICCVAI Scheme
Several complementary government initiatives strengthen the objectives of ICCVAI by supporting cold chain and infrastructure development.
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) provides financial assistance for creation of cold storages up to 5,000 metric tonnes (MT) capacity.
The National Horticulture Board (NHB) supports the construction or modernisation of larger cold storage facilities with capacities ranging from 5,000 MT to 20,000 MT.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) facilitates term loans of up to ₹2 crore with an interest subvention of 3% per annum, promoting investment in agri-logistics.
The Operation Greens Scheme complements ICCVAI by covering fruits, vegetables, and shrimp for price stabilization and post-harvest loss minimization.
These initiatives collectively strengthen the national cold chain network, enabling efficient supply chains from farm gate to consumer plate.
Overall Significance
The ICCVAI Scheme plays a crucial role in transforming India’s post-harvest management ecosystem.
By integrating infrastructure development, processing, and value addition, it helps reduce food wastage and enhance farmer incomes.
It aligns with India’s broader goals of doubling farmers’ income, improving food safety, and promoting agri-export competitiveness.
Through synergy with related schemes like PMKSY, AIF, and Operation Greens, ICCVAI contributes to building a resilient, efficient, and sustainable food value chain across India.
Recurrent strikes and protests by frontline health workers under the National Health Mission (NHM) and state-level ASHA and Anganwadi unions have exposed deep structural weaknesses in India’s primary healthcare system.
These protests reflect widespread workforce discontent, arising from issues of low remuneration, job insecurity, and rising work burden.
India’s primary healthcare network depends heavily on three key cadres of community-based workers — Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Community Health Officers (CHOs).
Key Cadres Supporting Primary Healthcare
Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) were introduced under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme in 1975.
Their primary role is to deliver nutrition, maternal health, and child health services at the community level.
They are paid a fixed honorarium, which is not a formal salary and lacks social security benefits.
ASHA Workers (Accredited Social Health Activists) were launched under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005.
Their main role is community mobilisation, awareness generation, and acting as a vital link between the health system and rural households.
They are compensated through incentive-based payments, which depend on specific tasks like immunisation, institutional delivery, or family planning promotion.
Community Health Officers (CHOs) were introduced in 2018 as part of the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) initiative under NHM.
They provide expanded primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and basic curative care.
CHOs are employed on a contractual basis, often supplemented by performance-based incentives.
Key Workforce Challenges in Primary Healthcare
Expanding responsibilities have increased workload without adequate compensation or institutional support.
New duties such as population enumeration, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening, and palliative care have been added to existing roles.
However, remuneration and resources have not been proportionately increased, leading to fatigue and demotivation among workers.
Poor remuneration and lack of protection continue to be major concerns.
Most frontline workers face low and irregular payments, with no formal social security or health insurance.
Many operate in unsafe field conditions without protective equipment or risk compensation.
Despite performing essential state functions, they are still classified as “volunteers” rather than formal employees.
Unionisation and strikes have emerged as a growing trend across states.
ASHA and Anganwadi unions in states such as Kerala and Haryana have intensified demands for regularisation, fair wages, and better working conditions.
The rise in collective action indicates deep dissatisfaction within the system’s most critical workforce segment.
Vacancies in regular posts further strain the system.
Nearly 10–15% of Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) posts and 20–25% of doctor positions at the primary care level remain unfilled.
These vacancies overburden existing contractual and community workers, lowering overall service quality.
The growing trend of contractualisation reflects a shift towards cost-cutting and administrative flexibility.
However, contractual employment lacks job security, career progression, and cadre structure, discouraging long-term workforce commitment.
Implications for the Health System
These structural workforce issues threaten the delivery of essential primary healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved regions.
They undermine India’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
The imbalance between responsibilities and recognition risks creating a demotivated and unstable healthcare workforce.
A balanced and sustainable workforce model is essential to strengthen India’s primary healthcare system.
This model must ensure transparent recruitment, fair and timely remuneration, and adequate social protection.
It should also promote continuous capacity building, career progression, and formal recognition of community health workers.
By addressing these workforce challenges, India can build a resilient, equitable, and people-centred primary healthcare system.
The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Peace and Stability to strengthen regional cooperation.
The declaration aims to implement joint projects and activities under the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028).
These projects are aligned with the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future vision, which outlines long-term regional development and integration goals.
About East Asia Summit (EAS)
The EAS is a leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, political, and economic issues in East Asia.
Its main objective is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through multilateral engagement.
The EAS was established in 2005, with the first Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It is an annual meeting of Heads of State or Government from participating countries, facilitating high-level consultations.
Members include all ASEAN Member States and key partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United States, and Russia.
The Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Central Pay Commissions are bodies that review and recommend changes in pay, pensions, and service conditions of Central Government employees.
The 8th CPC is a temporary body consisting of a Chairperson, one Part-Time Member, and one Member-Secretary.
The Commission is required to submit its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution.
While making recommendations, it will consider economic conditions, fiscal prudence, the cost of non-contributory pension schemes, state finances, and pay structures in Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and private sectors.
The recommendations of the 8th CPC are expected to take effect from 1 January 2026.
Scientists in Brazil have launched the AmazonFACE project near Manaus to study the response of the Amazon rainforest to future atmospheric CO₂ levels.
AmazonFACE aims to simulate the atmosphere of the future and assess how tropical forests adapt to rising CO₂, temperature, and humidity.
The project seeks to understand carbon uptake capacity, which is the forest’s ability to absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
It also studies photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert CO₂ and sunlight into energy.
Forest resilience, or the ability of the forest ecosystem to recover from environmental stress, is another key focus.
Continuous monitoring of CO₂ absorption is carried out every 10 minutes to track changes and analyze forest responses in real time.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released funds for Red Sanders cultivators, promoting the sustainable use of India’s biological resources under the ABS framework.
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) refers to how genetic resources are accessed and how the benefits from their use are fairly shared between users and providers.
ABS is globally covered under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty for conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use, and equitable benefit sharing.
The Bonn Guidelines and Nagoya Protocol (2010) provide detailed procedures for implementing ABS at national and international levels.
In India, ABS is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which regulates access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Cyclone Montha has made landfall on the Bay of Bengal’s coast.
The name “Montha” means a fragrant flower in Thai.
Cyclone Montha is a tropical cyclone, which is a rapidly rotating storm.
Tropical cyclones are non-frontal low-pressure systems that originate over tropical oceans.
Tropical cyclones are known by different names in different regions: Hurricanes in the Atlantic, Typhoons in the Western Pacific and South China Sea, and Willy-willies in Western Australia.
For a tropical cyclone to form, the sea surface temperature must be higher than 27° C.
The formation of tropical cyclones also requires the presence of the Coriolis force, which is an effect of Earth’s rotation causing moving air to deflect.
Additionally, a pre-existing weak low-pressure area is necessary for a tropical cyclone to develop.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2025.
The Amendment Rules, 2025 introduce specific provisions for packages containing medical devices.
This aligns the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which regulate packaged goods, with the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, which govern the manufacture, import, and sale of medical devices.
Under the amendment, the requirement to make mandatory declarations on packages remains applicable.
However, the specific font size and dimensional standards prescribed under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 shall apply to medical device packages instead of those under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
The amendment aims to ensure regulatory harmony, reducing compliance ambiguity, and enhancing consumer protection in the healthcare sector.
Researchers have identified five carbon-rich compounds surrounding a nascent star called ST6 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).
This discovery could shed light on how life’s building blocks formed in the universe’s infancy.
The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, meaning it orbits our galaxy.
The LMC floats in space nearly 200,000 light-years from Earth, with a light-year being the distance light travels in one year.
This dwarf galaxy appears prominently in the southern nighttime sky, spanning about 20 times the apparent diameter of the full Moon.
Within the LMC, vast clouds of gas slowly collapse under gravity to form new stars
The Supreme Court (SC) has recently clarified that the Doctrine of Merger is not of rigid and universal application.
The Doctrine of Merger is based on the rationale that there cannot be more than one operative decree at a given point of time.
It applies irrespective of whether the appellate court has affirmed, modified, or reversed the decree of the trial court.
This means that after a higher court gives its verdict, the lower court’s decision merges into that ruling and is no longer treated as a standalone judgment.
The purpose of the doctrine is to maintain the decorum of the hierarchy of courts and tribunals.
It also ensures finality in judicial decisions, preventing conflicting rulings.
In State of Madras v. Madurai Mills Co. Ltd., the SC held that the doctrine of merger applies depending on the nature of the appellate or revisional order.
Its application also depends on the scope of statutory provisions that grant such jurisdiction to higher courts, where jurisdiction means the authority to hear and decide a case.
The Cabinet Secretary recently chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) regarding cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.
The NCMC has been given statutory status under The Disaster Management Act (Amendment) Act, 2025, meaning it is formally recognized by law.
It serves as the nodal statutory body to handle major disasters that have serious or national ramifications, ensuring a coordinated response.
The Cabinet Secretary serves as the Chairperson of the NCMC.
Other members of the NCMC are those notified by the Central Government, as per the provisions of the law.
The NCMC has the power to evaluate preparedness for any disaster or emergency situation, assessing readiness at national and state levels.
It also coordinates and monitors national disaster response efforts, ensuring effective management and timely action during emergencies.
The World Inequality Lab recently released the World Inequality Report 2025, also referred to as the Climate Inequality Report 2025.
The report highlights disproportionate emissions from wealth ownership, showing that the top 1% of the population contributes 15% of global consumption-based emissions.
It also finds that the top 1% accounts for 41% of emissions arising from private capital ownership, where private capital refers to wealth invested in assets like companies, real estate, and stocks.
The report reveals extreme emission inequality, as the per capita emissions of the top 1% are 75 times higher than those of the bottom 50% by consumption.
Another key finding is the concentration of industrial emissions, with around 100 companies responsible for 71% of industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, where GHG emissions are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
Google has achieved a verifiable quantum advantage, demonstrating that its quantum processor “Willow” outperforms the fastest supercomputers.
The research team detected faint “echoes” of scrambled data, proving that information is retained through entanglement.
Quantum information scrambling refers to the rapid spread of information across a quantum system, making it inaccessible to local measurements, where local measurements are observations on individual particles or qubits.
The mechanism of scrambling distributes quantum data among particles through entanglement, hiding information globally rather than erasing it.
An analogy for this is a drop of dye dispersing in water, where information initially stored in one qubit (quantum bit) gets spread across many qubits.
The significance of this phenomenon lies in demonstrating a verifiable quantum advantage and enhancing our understanding of quantum technologies
The UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2025 highlights the challenges and needs in climate adaptation worldwide.
The report identifies a finance gap, showing that developing nations face an adaptation shortfall of $310–365 billion per year by the mid-2030s.
Currently, global adaptation finance stands at only $26 billion, which is far below the required funding.
The report also points to an implementation lag, where most nations have adaptation plans, but execution and quality remain weak.
It calls for urgent action, including a major scale-up in finance, deployment of innovative tools, and stronger resilience planning, where resilience planning refers to strategies to withstand climate impacts.
Regarding India, the country has advanced its National Adaptation Fund and developed State Action Plans.
Despite these efforts, India remains highly vulnerable to heat stress, erratic monsoons, and coastal flooding, highlighting the need for enhanced adaptation measures.
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