Current Affairs 24 February 2026

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Content

Centre Unveils National Counter Terrorism Policy (PRAHAAR)
Neurotoxin (Tetrodotoxin) Suspicion in Kerala Seafood Deaths
On the Independence of the Election Commission of India
C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji): Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
India as a Major Contributor to Global Pesticide Toxicity
India and the International Energy Agency (IEA) Membership Debate
Organ Donation in India: The Deceased Donor Challenge
National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 and Infrastructure Financing

Centre unveils policy to tackle terrorism threats

A. Why in News?

Ministry of Home Affairs released first integrated National Counter Terrorism Policy – PRAHAAR (2026), formalising multi-domain response to evolving terror threats.
Policy recognises threats across land, water and air.
Notes increasing cyber intrusions on power grids and financial systems, especially post-2020 digital expansion.
Emphasises protection of critical sectors contributing >50% of GDP, including power, transport, ports and atomic installations.

Relevance :

GS Paper III

Internal security challenges
Cyber security, drone threats, hybrid warfare
Critical infrastructure protection

B. Threat Landscape

1. Cross-Border Terrorism

India has faced sustained infiltration attempts along LoC and IB, with dozens of infiltration bids detected annually.
Global groups such as ISIS affiliates and Al-Qaeda-linked outfits have attempted recruitment in South Asia.

2. Drone & UAV Threats

Punjab Police reported hundreds of drone sightings (2021–23) near border areas linked to arms and narcotics drops.
Drones enable low-cost asymmetric warfare, bypassing conventional surveillance systems.
India has begun deploying indigenous anti-drone systems by DRDO and private sector firms.

3. Maritime Vulnerability

India’s coastline spans 11,098 km, with 12 major ports and 200+ non-major ports.
Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume moves by sea, making ports high-value targets.

4. Cyber Terrorism

India ranks among top countries facing cyber-attacks on financial and power infrastructure (CERT-In reports).
Rapid digitalisation post-2020 increased vulnerability of UPI, digital banking and smart grid systems.
Hybrid warfare now includes cyber sabotage combined with physical attacks.

C. Legal & Institutional Architecture

UAPA (1967, amended 2019) empowers designation of individuals as terrorists.
NIA Act, 2008 allows Centre to assume jurisdiction over terror investigations across States.
Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) created post-26/11 to integrate intelligence inputs.
India participates in FATF and complies with global anti-terror financing standards.

D. Critical Infrastructure Protection

India’s power sector capacity exceeds 420 GW installed capacity, making grid security crucial.
Aviation sector handles over 300 million passengers annually, creating high-risk nodes.
Atomic energy facilities and space installations represent strategic national assets.
National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) safeguards digital backbone.

E. Governance & Federal Challenges

Law and order falls under State List (List II), complicating centralised counter-terror action.
Variation in policing capacity: metro cities better equipped than smaller States.
Past debate over National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) stalled due to federal concerns.

F. Strategic Significance

Terrorism increasingly linked with organised crime, narcotics trade and encrypted communications.
Recognises shift toward hybrid and grey-zone warfare tactics.
Aligns India with structured CT frameworks like U.S. National Counterterrorism Strategy.
Integrates homeland security with economic resilience and digital security.

G. Challenges

Balancing preventive detention with Article 21 privacy protections (Puttaswamy 2017).
Need for advanced AI-based predictive analytics for early threat detection.
Ensuring judicial oversight to prevent misuse of terror laws.
Funding constraints in upgrading anti-drone and cyber-forensic infrastructure nationwide.

H. Way Forward

Establish federal coordination body with safeguards to respect State autonomy.
Expand coastal radar chain and anti-drone grid coverage along vulnerable borders.
Strengthen cyber forensic labs and digital intelligence capacity.
Conduct mandatory critical infrastructure security audits across sectors annually.
Deepen cooperation with Interpol, FATF and UN Counter Terrorism Office.

I.Prelims Pointers

UAPA 2019 amendment allows individual terrorist designation.
NIA Act 2008 enables central takeover of terror investigations.
India’s coastline: 11,098 km.
NCIIPC protects critical digital infrastructure.
Law and order: State subject under Constitution.

J. Practice Question

Discuss how India’s National Counter Terrorism Policy reflects the shift from conventional to multi-domain security threats. (15M)

Neurotoxin (TTX) Suspicion in Kerala Seafood Deaths

A. Why in News?

Doctors in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (2026) suspect Tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning after seafood consumption at Vizhinjam, causing multiple hospitalisations and two deaths within hours.
Rapid onset of neurological symptoms and respiratory paralysis clinically consistent with TTX exposure, not bacterial food poisoning.
Samples reportedly linked to red snapper (chemmeen/chempalli) sourced from Tamil Nadu coast; fish roe suspected contamination site.
Incident highlights risks from marine biotoxins, extreme heat-stable compounds unaffected by routine cooking.

Relevance :

GS Paper III

Environmental pollution & marine ecosystems
Climate change & harmful algal blooms
Food safety and public health risks

GS Paper II

Public health governance
Food Safety regulatory mechanisms

B. What is Tetrodotoxin (TTX)?

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin, found in pufferfish, certain reef fish, octopus, and marine bacteria.
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (Na⁺ channels) in nerve membranes, preventing nerve impulse transmission.
Estimated lethal dose in humans is approximately 1–2 mg, making it one of the most potent non-protein neurotoxins.
Classified internationally under Schedule 1 chemical threat monitoring categories due to high lethality and no antidote.

C. Prelims Pointers

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) blocks sodium channels in nerve cells.
TTX is heat-stable, not destroyed by normal cooking.
No specific antidote exists; treatment is supportive.
Marine biotoxins often linked to algal blooms.
India’s seafood exports exceed $8 billion annually.

D. Practice Questions

Examine the public health and biosecurity implications of marine neurotoxins in the context of climate change. (15M)

On the Independence of the Election Commission (EC)

A. Why in News?

Opposition alliance proposed motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) amid allegations linked to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Around 65 lakh voter names reportedly deleted during SIR exercise in Bihar(2025), matter challenged before the Supreme Court.
Controversy also surrounds the Chief Election Commissioner and other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Terms of Office) Act, 2023.

Relevance :

GS Paper II

Constitutional bodies
Article 324, 326
Basic Structure doctrine
Electoral reforms

B. Constitutional Foundations of EC Independence

Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections in a permanent Election Commission.
Adult franchise guaranteed under Article 326, forming core democratic principle of universal suffrage.
In Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975), free and fair elections recognised as part of the Basic Structure doctrine.
EC conducts elections to President, Vice-President, Parliament and State Legislatures, underscoring its national constitutional mandate.

C. Appointment Controversy (2023 Act)

2023 Act provides selection committee comprising Prime Minister, Union Minister and Leader of Opposition.
Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) had included Chief Justice of India (CJI) in interim selection mechanism.
Removal of CJI from statutory committee triggered concerns about executive dominance.
Act challenged in Jaya Thakur v. Union of India (2024); next hearing scheduled for March 2026.

D. Tenure & Service Safeguards

CEC holds office for 6 years or until age 65, whichever earlier, under 2023 Act.
Under Article 324(5), service conditions cannot be varied to CEC’s disadvantage during tenure.
Financial independence ensured through charged expenditure on Consolidated Fund of India.
Permanency of EC structure strengthens institutional continuity.

E. Removal Procedure – Strong Constitutional Safeguard

CEC removal follows procedure under Article 324(5) read with Article 124(4) (same as Supreme Court judge).
Grounds limited to proved misbehaviour or incapacity, ensuring high constitutional threshold.
Motion requires:
- Minimum 100 Lok Sabha members or
- 50 Rajya Sabha members (Judges Inquiry Act, 1968).
Speaker/Chairman may admit or refuse motion; if admitted, a 3-member inquiry committee is constituted.

F. Inquiry & Due Process Safeguards

Committee comprises:
- CJI or Supreme Court Judge,
- Chief Justice of a High Court,
- Distinguished jurist.
Charges must be formally framed and communicated to CEC.
CEC entitled to reasonable opportunity of defence, reflecting doctrine of natural justice.
If incapacity alleged, medical board examination mandated.

G. Removal of Other Election Commissioners

Other ECs removable by President on advice of CEC, ensuring internal institutional balance.
In Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1997), SC held CEC cannot act arbitrarily or suo motu in such advice.
Balances executive authority with collegial decision-making within Commission.

H. Multi-Member Commission Structure

EC made permanently multi-member on 1 October 1993.
Validated by Supreme Court in T.N. Seshan v. Union of India (1995).
Under Article 324(3), CEC acts as Chairman in multi-member body.
Collegial structure ensures decisions are consensus-based rather than unilateral.

I. Electoral Roll Controversy & SIR

Allegations that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) led to deletion of approximately 65 lakh names in Bihar.
Critics argue deletions may disproportionately affect minorities and opposition-supporting voters.
EC maintains revisions are routine exercises under Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Matter sub judice before Supreme Court, reflecting judicial oversight mechanism.

K. Structural Strengths of EC Independence

Constitutional status under Part XV of Constitution.
Removal procedure mirrors that of Supreme Court judges.
Fixed tenure and protected service conditions.
Judicial review available against EC actions.
Institutional legacy of assertive CECs (e.g., post-1990 electoral reforms era).

L. Areas of Ongoing Debate

Composition of selection committee under 2023 Act.
Transparency in electoral roll revisions.
Balance between executive role and institutional autonomy.
Need for greater procedural clarity in large-scale voter deletions.

M. Way Forward

Consider evolving towards a bipartisan or constitutionally entrenched appointment mechanism.
Enhance transparency in electoral roll revision data and audit processes.
Strengthen technological safeguards for voter database integrity.
Institutionalise parliamentary consultations without undermining EC autonomy.
Preserve balance between state authority and citizen liberty, consistent with Basic Structure doctrine.

N. Prelims Pointers

Article 324 – Powers of Election Commission.
Article 326 – Adult suffrage.
Anoop Baranwal (2023) – Interim selection committee ruling.
T.N. Seshan (1995) – Validated multi-member EC.
Removal of CEC similar to Supreme Court judge removal process.

Practice Question

Examine the constitutional safeguards that ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India. Are recent developments likely to affect its autonomy? (15M)

C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)

A. Why in News?

President unveiled bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2026), marking symbolic effort to shed “colonial mindset” in national institutions.
Bust installed at Grand Staircase, replacing statue of Edwin Lutyens, architect of New Delhi.
Event framed within larger narrative of decolonisation of public spaces and institutions.
Rajaji highlighted as only Indian Governor-General (1948–1950) of independent India.

Relevance :

GS Paper I

Modern Indian History
Freedom Movement (Vedaranyam Satyagraha)

GS Paper II

Constitutional transition (Governor-General role)
Early post-independence politics

B. Who Was Rajaji?

1. Early Life & Background

Full name: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1878–1972).
Born in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu.
Profession: Lawyer, freedom fighter, administrator, statesman.
Close associate of Mahatma Gandhi; part of Congress inner circle.

2. Role in Freedom Movement

Participated in Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).
Led Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930) in Tamil Nadu, parallel to Dandi March.
Imprisoned multiple times during freedom struggle.
Advocated constitutionalism and gradual reform.

3. Administrative & Constitutional Roles

Premier of Madras Presidency (1937–39) under Government of India Act, 1935.
Governor of West Bengal (1947–48).
Became last Governor-General of India (1948–1950) after Lord Mountbatten.
Only Indian to hold that office before abolition under Constitution (1950).

4. Role in Post-Independence Politics

Served as Home Minister of India (1951).
Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–54).
Introduced controversial “Modified Education Scheme” (Hereditary Education Policy).
Advocated fiscal prudence and administrative efficiency.

5. Founder of Swatantra Party (1959)

Founded Swatantra Party opposing Congress’ socialist economic model.
Criticised Nehruvian planning and Licence-Permit-Quota Raj.
Advocated:
- Free markets.
- Minimal state intervention.
- Civil liberties.
- Decentralisation.
Swatantra Party became largest Opposition party in Lok Sabha (1967).

6. Ideational Contributions

Advocated “mental decolonisation” and civilisational self-confidence.
Translated and popularised Ramayana and Mahabharata in English and Tamil.
Wrote extensively on ethics, governance and dharma.
Strong believer in moral politics and Gandhian restraint.

7. Views on Partition & Politics

Proposed CR Formula (1944) attempting compromise between Congress and Muslim League.
Supported pragmatic negotiation to avoid prolonged conflict.
Often seen as realist within Congress leadership.

8. Recognition & Legacy

Awarded Bharat Ratna (1954) – among first recipients.
Remembered as:
- Scholar-administrator.
- Liberal conservative thinker.
- Early advocate of economic liberalisation.

C. Constitutional & Political Significance

1. Governor-General Role

Oversaw transition from Dominion to Republic (1950).
Ensured smooth constitutional continuity before office abolished under Constitution.
Symbolised Indianisation of colonial institutions.

2. Economic Thought – Ahead of Time

Opposed excessive state control during Nehru era.
Advocated market reforms decades before 1991 Liberalisation.
Critiqued command economy and centralised planning.

3. Federalism & Decentralisation

Supported strong states within Union framework.
Favoured local governance and minimal bureaucratic expansion.
Ideological precursor to later fiscal federalism debates.

D. Contemporary Relevance

1. Decolonisation Narrative

Replacement of Lutyens’ statue with Rajaji’sbust symbolises:
- Indianisation of public memory.
- Reclaiming post-colonial institutional spaces.

2. Liberal Economic Legacy

His advocacy of free markets resonates with:
- Post-1991 economic reforms.
- Contemporary entrepreneurship-driven growth model.

G. Prelims Pointers

Rajaji was only Indian Governor-General.
Founder of Swatantra Party (1959).
Led Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930).
Recipient of Bharat Ratna (1954).
Served as Premier of Madras Presidency (1937).

H. Practice Question

Discuss the political and intellectual contributions of C. Rajagopalachari in shaping post-independence India. (15M)

India as a Major Contributor to Global Pesticide Toxicity

A. Why in News?

A recent Science journal (2024–25) study calculated Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) across 600+ pesticides in 65 countries (2013–2019).
China, Brazil, U.S., and India together account for nearly 70% of global TAT, indicating concentration of ecological risk.
Despite Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) pledge to reduce pesticide risk by 50% by 2030, toxicity levels are rising.
India’s pesticide regime under Insecticides Act, 1968 criticised as outdated amid expansion of non-agricultural pesticide uses.

Relevance

GS Paper III

Environmental degradation
Biodiversity loss
Agriculture & sustainable farming
Chemical pollution

B. Understanding Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)

TAT measures risk-weighted toxicity, not just volume of pesticide use.
Calculation combines:
- Quantity applied.
- Chemical lethality.
- Toxicity to non-target organisms.
Focus extends beyond pests to pollinators, soil organisms, fish, terrestrial arthropods, vertebrates and aquatic plants.
Provides ecological risk perspective rather than simple tonnage comparison.

C. India’s Position in Global Context

India among top four contributors, together accounting for ~70% of global pesticide toxicity burden.
Major crops driving pesticide use:
- Rice, Maize, Soybean, Fruits and vegetables, Cereals.
Toxicity levels increased in India during 2013–2019 period.
India uses at least 66 pesticides banned in several other countries.

D. Ecological Impacts Identified

Most affected organisms:
- Terrestrial arthropods (including pollinators).
- Soil organisms.
- Freshwater fish.
Pollinator decline directly threatens food security and biodiversity stability.
Soil toxicity undermines long-term agricultural productivity.
Aquatic contamination impacts drinking water and fisheries.

E. Human Health Dimension

Pesticide residues increasingly found in:
- Stored grains, Domestic settings, Public spaces.
Chronic exposure linked to:
- Neurological disorders.
- Endocrine disruption.
- Cancer risks (as per global epidemiological studies).
Expanding “ordinary use” beyond agriculture includes paints, furniture treatments, fumigation.

F. Legal & Regulatory Framework

Insecticides Act, 1968 regulates manufacture, sale and agricultural use.
Act largely focused on farm-level application; limited regulation of household and urban use.
Criticism that Act does not adequately incorporate:
- Environmental liability.
- Long-term ecological monitoring.
- Cumulative toxicity risk assessment.
Proposed Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 aims to:
- Promote safer alternatives.
- Encourage biological and traditional knowledge-based inputs.

G. Policy & Governance Challenges

Fragmented monitoring of pesticide residues across States.
Limited real-time data on pesticide usage by active ingredient.
Weak enforcement of safe handling norms among smallholder farmers.
Subsidy-driven input model rooted in Green Revolution paradigm.
Climate change increasing pest incidence, raising pesticide dependency.

H. International Commitments

India is party to:
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
- Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent.
2022 CBD pact commits countries to reduce pesticide risk by 50% by 2030.
Current trends suggest India not on track for this reduction target.

I. Structural Drivers

High population pressure and food security concerns.
Small landholdings and risk-averse farmer behaviour.
Aggressive agrochemical marketing.
Limited adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at scale.
Inadequate transition incentives for organic or natural farming.

J. Critical Evaluation

Strengths

India’s pesticide use per hectare remains lower than some developed countries in volume terms.
Increasing policy attention toward biological pesticides and nano-formulations.
Growing expansion of natural farming initiatives (e.g., Andhra Pradesh model).

Concerns

Toxicity risk rising despite moderate volume growth.
Continued approval of chemicals banned in OECD jurisdictions.
Weak liability framework for environmental damage.
Monitoring largely reactive rather than preventive.

K. Way Forward

Shift from input-intensive to agro-ecological farming models.
Mandate annual public disclosure of pesticide use by active ingredient.
Strengthen Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and bio-control adoption.
Introduce polluter liability and compensation mechanisms.
Align domestic regulation with global best practices.
Invest in farmer training on safe handling and dosage.

L. Prelims Pointers

TAT = Total Applied Toxicity, measures ecological risk-weighted pesticide exposure.
Insecticides Act, 1968 currently governs pesticide regulation.
CBD 2022 target: 50% pesticide risk reduction by 2030.
Major non-target species affected include arthropods, soil organisms and fish.

M. Practice Question

Critically examine India’s pesticide regulatory framework in light of rising ecological toxicity. (15M)

India & International Energy Agency (IEA)

A. Why in News?

At the IEA Ministerial Meeting (Paris, Feb 2026), progress discussed on India’s long-pending request for full membership.
India currently holds association status (since 2017) but lacks voting rights in decision-making.
Full membership requires amendment of IEA founding charter, currently limited to OECD members.
Debate gains relevance amid global energy transition and geopolitical supply shocks post-Ukraine war.

Relevance

GS Paper II

International relations
Global energy governance
Reform of multilateral institutions

GS Paper III

Energy security
Strategic petroleum reserves
Clean energy transition

B. About the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Established in 1974 after the 1973 oil crisis, triggered by Arab oil embargo.
Objective: Ensure collective energy security, stable oil supplies and emergency response coordination.
Operates under framework of OECD.
Members must maintain 90 days of net oil import reserves.
Currently comprises 32 OECD countries.

C. India’s Current Status

India became IEA Associate Member in 2017.
Associates participate in:
- Policy discussions, Data sharing, Energy outlook collaboration.
However, associates do not possess voting rights.
India accounts for nearly 6% of global energy demand and is fastest-growing major energy consumer.

D. Why India Seeks Full Membership ?

To gain decision-making role in global energy governance.
To influence policies on:
- Energy security.
- Critical minerals.
- Clean energy transitions.
India’s energy demand expected to grow by 25% by 2040 (IEA projections).
Ensures voice of Global South in traditionally OECD-centric institution.

E. Structural Barrier – OECD Link

IEA charter restricts membership to OECD countries.
India is not an OECD member.
Granting India membership requires:
- Amendment of IEA’s legal framework, or
- Relaxation of OECD linkage condition.
Brazil (non-OECD) has also expressed interest.

F. Energy Geopolitics Context

Post-2022 Ukraine crisis exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply chains.
IEA coordinated emergency oil stock releases during 1991 Gulf War and 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Energy governance increasingly linked with:
- Climate change commitments.
- Critical mineral supply chains.
- Green hydrogen markets.
India’s role significant as:
- 3rd largest oil importer.
- Major coal consumer.
- Rapid renewable capacity expansion.

G. Strategic Implications

Inclusion of India would reflect shift from OECD-centric energy governance to multipolar architecture.
Strengthens global cooperation on:
- Energy transition finance.
- Data transparency.
- Emergency preparedness.
Aligns with India’s growing influence in G20 and climate diplomacy.

H. Challenges

OECD members may resist dilution of charter norms.
Oil reserve requirement may strain India’s fiscal capacity.
Balancing fossil fuel security with net-zero commitments.
Geopolitical sensitivities involving China (also associate, not member).

I. India’s Energy Transition Profile

Installed renewable capacity exceeds 180 GW (solar + wind combined).
Target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Committed to Net-zero by 2070.
Advocates lifestyle changes through LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative.

J. Broader Institutional Debate

Reflects larger trend of reforming post-1970s institutions.
Similar debates ongoing in:
- WTO reform.
- UNSC expansion.
- Multilateral development banks.
Question: Should global institutions reflect current energy demand realities?

K. Way Forward

Gradual reform of IEA charter to allow non-OECD membership.
Creation of tiered voting structures reflecting energy demand weightage.
Strengthening India–IEA technical collaboration in:
- Critical minerals mapping.
- Energy efficiency.
- Clean cooking transition.
Ensure compliance with oil stock norms through strategic petroleum reserves expansion.

L. Prelims Pointers

IEA established in 1974 after oil crisis.
Members must hold 90 days oil reserves.
Operates under OECD framework.
India became Associate Member in 2017.

M. Practice Mains Questions

Examine whether global energy governance institutions need structural reforms to reflect emerging economies. (15M)

Organ Donation in India – Deceased Donor Challenge Analysis

A. Why in News?

In Mann Ki Baat (Feb 2026), Prime Minister highlighted need to expand organ donation awareness, noting rising transplant numbers yet persistent donor shortages.
India recorded 18,911 total transplants in 2024, highest ever, but deceased donor numbers remain disproportionately low.
Deceased organ transplants rose from 9,401 (2023) to 9,410 (2024), yet living donations dominate transplant ecosystem.
Data sourced from National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

Relevance :

GS Paper II

Public health policy
Governance of medical institutions

GS Paper III

Health infrastructure gaps
Insurance & Ayushman Bharat

B. Current Organ Transplant Data (2024)

Total transplants: 18,911 (2024) vs 18,378 (2023).
Living donor transplants: 15,505 (2024).
Deceased donor transplants: 3,406 (2024).
Kidney transplants: 13,476 (largest share).
Liver transplants: 4,901.
Heart transplants: 253; Lung: 228.
Pancreas and small bowel remain rare.

C. Structural Gap – Deceased vs Living Donation

India’s deceased donor rate is approximately 0.77 per million population (pmp).
Comparatively:
- Spain: ~48 pmp.
- U.S.: ~26 pmp.
- China: ~6 pmp.
Living donors account for nearly 80% of transplants, creating medical and ethical stress.
Deceased donor ecosystem underdeveloped relative to global standards.

D. Demand–Supply Imbalance

Estimated 1.75–2 lakh kidney failure cases annually, but only ~13,000 transplants performed.
Approximately 50,000 patients need heart transplants annually, yet only 253 performed.
Liver transplant demand estimated at 25,000–30,000 annually, but ~5,000 conducted.
Indicates massive unmet need in critical care.

E. Legal & Institutional Framework

Governed by Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, amended 2011.
Establishes brain-death certification norms.
NOTTO functions as apex national body for organ allocation and coordination.
Online national registry introduced for transparent allocation.

F. Geographic & Institutional Disparity

States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra show relatively better deceased donation rates.
Northern and eastern States lag significantly.
Urban tertiary hospitals dominate transplant infrastructure.
Rural access to transplant facilities remains limited.

G. Social & Cultural Factors

Lack of awareness about brain death concept.
Religious misconceptions about post-death donation.
Family refusal rates remain high.
Emotional distress at time of consent reduces conversion rates.

H. Ethical & Governance Issues

Risk of commercialisation in living donations.
Need for strict monitoring against organ trafficking.
Transparent allocation mechanisms crucial to maintain public trust.
Balancing urgency, equity and medical compatibility in allocation.

I. Global Best Practices

Spain’s “opt-out” system and transplant coordinators model.
Dedicated ICU-based organ retrieval protocols.
Public campaigns normalising donation culture.
Integrated national transplant registries with real-time tracking.

J. Recent Reforms & Initiatives

Government removed domicile requirement for organ registration.
Introduced common national waiting list.
Digital portal integration to improve allocation transparency.
Public awareness drives via Mann Ki Baat and media campaigns.

K. Key Challenges

Low deceased donor conversion rate.
Limited ICU infrastructure for brain-death certification.
Inadequate trained transplant coordinators.
Logistical challenges in organ transport (green corridors uneven).
Financial burden of transplant procedures.

L. Way Forward

Institutionalise hospital-based transplant coordinators nationwide.
Strengthen ICU infrastructure in district hospitals.
Consider debate on presumed consent (opt-out) with safeguards.
Enhance public awareness through sustained campaigns.
Expand green corridor logistics network.
Increase insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat for transplant procedures.

M. Prelims Pointers

NOTTO = National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation.
THOTA enacted in 1994, amended 2011.
Brain death legally recognised for organ retrieval.
Deceased donor rate in India ~0.77 pmp.

N. Practice Question

Examine the structural challenges in expanding deceased organ donation in India. (15M)

National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0

A. Why in News?

Finance Minister announced that NMP 2.0 (FY26–FY30) aims to mobilise ₹16.72 lakh crore, exceeding the ₹10 lakh crore target in Union Budget 2025–26.
NMP 1.0 (FY22–FY25) reportedly achieved annual targets, with monetisation proceeds peaking around ₹3.87 lakh crore (FY22).
Second phase aligns with Asset Monetisation Plan 2025–30, expanding scope to logistics parks, ropeways, warehouses and digital infrastructure.
Policy intended to unlock value from brownfield public assets, not new asset privatisation.

Relevance :

GS Paper III

Infrastructure financing
PPP models
Fiscal policy & FRBM
Logistics competitiveness

GS Paper II

Governance reforms
Public asset management

B. Conceptual Framework – What is NMP?

Launched in 2021, NMP aims to monetise operational public assets to fund fresh infrastructure creation.
Monetisation differs from privatisation:
- Ownership remains with government.
- Private sector operates assets for fixed tenure under PPP contracts.
Anchored in National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) vision.
Implemented via concession models like Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT).

C. Performance of NMP 1.0 (FY22–FY25)

Total targeted mobilisation: ₹6 lakh crore.
Annual realisation ranged between ₹1.4–3.8 lakh crore.
Major contributors:
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- Power Grid Corporation.
- Railways freight corridors.
Monetisation through:
- Asset leasing.
- Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
- PPP concessions.

D. NMP 2.0 – Sectoral Focus (FY26–FY30)

Highways: ~₹2.77 lakh crore.
Railways: ~₹2.62 lakh crore.
Power: ~₹2.77 lakh crore.
Oil & gas pipelines: ~₹1.54 lakh crore.
Warehousing & storage: ~₹1.8 lakh crore.
Telecom: ~₹4.8 lakh crore (largest component).
Airports, ports, ropeways and tourism assets included.

E. PPP & Financial Instruments

Monetisation via:
- Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
- Direct asset leasing.
NHAI’s TOT model auctions operational highways.
BSNL tower monetisation part of telecom asset strategy.
Assets remain government-owned; private players gain operational rights.

F. Economic Rationale

Helps bridge infrastructure funding gap estimated under NIP (~₹100+ lakh crore).
Frees up public capital for greenfield projects.
Reduces fiscal pressure and public debt burden.
Encourages long-term institutional investors like pension and sovereign wealth funds.
Enhances asset efficiency and service quality via private management.

G. Governance & Fiscal Context

Proceeds credited mainly to:
- Consolidated Fund of India.
- Or respective ministry allocations.
Asset monetisation mandated under FRBM discipline and capital expenditure push.
Aligns with government’s emphasis on capital expenditure multiplier effect.

H. Key Concerns & Criticisms

Risk of underpricing strategic public assets.
Potential tariff hikes affecting users (e.g., highway tolls).
Limited domestic long-term institutional investor base.
PPP models historically faced issues of contract renegotiation and litigation.
Revenue projections sensitive to economic cycles.

I. Strategic Significance

Promotes infrastructure-led growth model.
Supports logistics efficiency, reducing India’s logistics cost (~13–14% of GDP).
Enhances competitiveness under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Enables development of multi-modal logistics parks and ropeways in hilly regions.

J. Ropeways & Logistics Parks – Emerging Assets

Ropeways align with National Ropeways Development Programme (Parvatmala).
Logistics parks support:
- Multi-modal integration.
- Warehousing modernisation.
- Supply chain resilience.
Critical for achieving India’s manufacturing and export ambitions.

K. Way Forward

Strengthen transparent asset valuation mechanisms.
Improve contract design to minimise renegotiation risk.
Develop domestic infrastructure bond markets.
Expand role of InvITs and REITs.
Ensure user interest protection through regulatory oversight.

L. Prelims Pointers

NMP launched in 2021.
Monetisation ≠ privatisation.
TOT = Toll-Operate-Transfer model.
InvITs allow pooled investment in infrastructure assets.
NMP 2.0 target: ₹16.72 lakh crore (FY26–FY30).

M. Practice Question

Evaluate the role of the National Monetisation Pipeline in financing India’s infrastructure ambitions. (15M)

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