Content
- Delhi govt. to microchip 10 lakh stray dogs for rabies control
- Why does peace seem so elusive to eastern DRC?
- ISRO inks agreement with HAL for transfer of SSLV technology
- India resists full crypto framework, fears systemic risks
- ‘India set to be among top five shipbuilding nations by 2047’
- Himachal declared ‘fully literate’
- Rampant development, not climate, pushing Himalayas to the edge
- Census and Building Geotagging
Delhi govt. to microchip 10 lakh stray dogs for rabies control
Why in News?
- Delhi govt (Development Minister Kapil Mishra) announced plan to implant microchips in ~10 lakh stray dogs (2025–26) with UNDP collaboration.
- Comes after Delhi reported 26,334 dog-bite cases and 49 rabies cases (till July 2025).
- Part of comprehensive rabies control & stray dog management strategy; decision taken ahead of World Rabies Day (Sept 28).
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Implementation of public health and municipal policies; role of local government, SC directives (animal welfare).
- GS III – Science & Technology: Use of microchip technology in public health and urban animal management; data-driven planning.
- GS III – Health: Rabies control, zoonotic diseases, vaccination strategies; public health infrastructure.
Basics
- Microchip technology:
- Tiny electronic chip implanted under animal’s skin.
- Stores unique ID + vaccination & sterilisation history.
- Data can be read via handheld scanner (~₹4,000 each).
- Dog census: First step for accurate planning.
- Pet shop regulation: Mandatory registration to track breeding & sale.
- SC order (Aug 2025): Directed humane management of strays — capture, sterilise, vaccinate, and release back locally.
Overview
- Governance & Monitoring:
- Advisory Board for Animal Welfare → key policy body.
- Local monitoring committees to ensure implementation.
- Social media to boost awareness & citizen participation.
- Public Health:
- Rabies is 100% fatal but preventable → India contributes ~35% of global deaths.
- Vaccination + sterilisation + microchipping = integrated control.
- Cost & Feasibility:
- ~₹200 per chip; civic body tendering worth ₹3.23 crore.
- Bengaluru model: ₹60 crore plan by BBMP for stray management.
- Legal & Ethical Dimension:
- Aligns with Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules & SC directives.
- Balances public safety vs animal rights (ban on mass culling).
- Challenges:
- Execution across 10 lakh dogs in 2 years = logistical hurdle.
- Maintenance of database & scanners’ availability.
- Resistance from local communities & animal welfare groups.
Why does peace seem so elusive to eastern DRC?
Why in News
- June 27, 2025: Rwanda & DRC signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington.
- July 19, 2025: DRC government & M23 rebels signed a ceasefire deal in Doha, mediated by Qatar.
- Despite these agreements, M23 resumed offensives, undermining peace efforts.
Relevance:
- GS II – International Relations: DRC-Rwanda relations, role of U.S. and Qatar in conflict mediation, geopolitical stakes.
- GS II – Security: Regional security, insurgency (M23), ethnic conflicts, peace processes.
- GS III – Economy: Resource curse, minerals (cobalt, coltan) and global supply chains.
Basics
- Conflict background: Rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, subsequent Congo wars, and ethnic rivalries (100+ armed groups).
- M23 rebel group: Tutsi-led militia, accused of atrocities; reportedly backed by Rwanda.
- Significance: DRC has $24 trillion in mineral reserves (70% global cobalt, plus coltan, copper, diamonds, tin, gold).
- Actors:
- U.S. → brokered peace for minerals access, countering China’s dominance.
- Qatar → direct mediation with M23 rebels.
- Rwanda → pressured to sign, accused of backing rebels.
Overview
- U.S. Involvement
- Economic: Access to cobalt & critical minerals; reduce Chinese monopoly.
- Political: Project image as global peace mediator; influence African geopolitics.
- Security: Promote stability to secure mineral trade.
- Qatar’s Mediation
- Neutral bridge with non-state actors (M23).
- Enhanced diplomatic profile as conflict mediator (pattern seen in Afghanistan, Gaza, now DRC).
- Peace Agreement Provisions
- Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM).
- Economic Integration Framework (licit mineral trade).
- Ceasefire, disengagement, disarmament, conditional integration of rebels.
- Challenges & Limitations
- Repeated Ceasefire Failures: M23 resumed violence, 140+ killed in July 2025.
- Distrust among parties: DRC accuses Rwanda of continued M23 support.
- Unaddressed root causes: ethnic rivalries, governance gaps, historical grievances.
- Resource curse: illicit mining funds militias; competition over minerals perpetuates conflict.
- Implications for Conflict
- Agreement created illusion of peace; fragile trust easily broken.
- Shows need for comprehensive peace process addressing governance, justice, and inclusion.
- Without sustained commitment, external mediation risks becoming symbolic.
- U.S.–China rivalry over minerals may internationalize the conflict further.
ISRO inks agreement with HAL for transfer of SSLV technology
Why in News
- ISRO signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for transfer of technology (ToT) for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).
- Agreement signed in Bengaluru with participation of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
- Marks the 100th ToT facilitated by IN-SPACe.
- HAL outbid Adani-backed Alpha Design consortium.
Relevance:
- GS III – Science & Technology: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) tech, private sector participation, space tech commercialization.
- GS III – Economy: Boost to indigenous manufacturing, export potential, Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech sectors.
Basics
- SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle):
- Designed for launching satellites up to 500 kg to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 300 kg to Sun-synchronous Orbit.
- Quick turnaround time, minimal infrastructure, and cost-effective for frequent launches.
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): Nodal body promoting private participation in India’s space sector.
- NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd.): ISRO’s commercial arm handling technology transfer and satellite launch services.
- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.): India’s premier aerospace PSU, now expanding into space sector manufacturing.
Overview
- Strategic Significance
- Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling HAL to independently build SSLVs.
- First step in large-scale industry participation in India’s launch vehicle ecosystem.
- Positions India to capture the growing global small-satellite launch market.
- Economic & Commercial Dimension
- Growing demand from startups, universities, and global players for small satellite launches.
- SSLV production by HAL ensures cost-competitive, high-frequency launches.
- Enhances India’s export potential in space technology.
- Institutional Dimension
- Reflects effective coordination between ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
- Demonstrates maturity of public-private partnership in India’s space sector.
- 100th ToT milestone shows scaling up of technology diffusion beyond ISRO.
- Technological Dimension
- ToT includes design, training, and know-how transfer within 24 months.
- HAL to gain capability to independently produce SSLVs after ISRO’s training support.
- Ensures faster turnaround and reduced reliance on ISRO for smaller payloads.
- Geopolitical Angle
- Boosts India’s competitiveness in the $10+ billion small satellite launch market.
- Strengthens India’s image as a reliable launch provider for Global South and beyond.
- Challenges
- Need for HAL to scale up quickly to match private sector agility.
- Ensuring global competitiveness amid rivals like SpaceX (rideshare), Rocket Lab (Electron), and China’s state-backed launchers.
- Balancing commercialisation with national security priorities.
India resists full crypto framework, fears systemic risks
Why in News
- A recent government document (Sept 2025) shows India is leaning towards not creating legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies.
- Instead, it prefers partial oversight, citing concerns that mainstreaming crypto could create systemic financial risks.
Relevance:
- GS III – Economy: Financial regulation, cryptocurrencies, fintech innovation, systemic risk management, RBI’s Digital Rupee.
- GS III – Security: AML/CTF concerns, anonymous digital transactions, investor protection.
Basics
- Cryptocurrency: A digital currency using blockchain for decentralized transactions (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- Stablecoins: Cryptos pegged to fiat currencies (e.g., USD, INR) → less volatile than Bitcoin.
- RBI stance: Sees crypto as speculative, risky, and difficult to regulate effectively.
- Global scenario:
- US: Legal framework for stablecoins, growing institutional acceptance.
- China: Complete ban on crypto, exploring Yuan-backed digital currency.
- Japan & Australia: Building regulatory frameworks, but cautious.
India’s Policy Dilemma
- Regulation risks: Would legitimize cryptos → possible systemic adoption → financial instability.
- Ban limitations: Cannot control peer-to-peer or decentralized exchange (DEX) trades.
- Middle path: Oversight without legislation; avoiding both blanket acceptance and enforceability problems of a total ban.
Concerns with Crypto in India
- Financial Stability: Volatility threatens household savings & banking system.
- AML/CTF risks: Anonymous transfers aid money laundering & terror financing.
- Investor Protection: Sudden crashes (FTX, Terra-Luna) highlight risks.
- Tax & Regulation Gaps: Difficult to monitor decentralized global transactions.
Opportunities if Managed
- Blockchain innovation: Can improve logistics, land records, governance.
- Fintech growth: Stablecoins & CBDCs may foster faster cross-border payments.
- Youth adoption: Rising interest among Indian investors despite risks.
Global Comparisons
- US model: Regulatory acceptance → promotes innovation, but risk exposure.
- China model: Ban + push for state-controlled Digital Yuan.
- India: Hybrid approach → encouraging CBDC (Digital Rupee) while restricting private crypto.
Way Forward
- Strengthen RBI’s CBDC as safe alternative.
- Create international coordination (via G20, FATF) for regulating cross-border flows.
- Develop investor awareness & protection mechanisms.
- Maintain oversight without legitimization until risks are globally addressed.
‘India set to be among top five shipbuilding nations by 2047’
Why in News
- At INMEX SMM India 2025, the Government announced plans to position India among the Top 10 maritime nations by 2030 and Top 5 by 2047.
- India aims to make shipbuilding & repair central to its blue economy strategy under Maritime India Vision 2047.
Relevance:
- GS III – Economy: Maritime economy, shipbuilding industry, employment generation, blue economy.
- GS III – Infrastructure & Security: Indigenous tonnage, naval capacity, strategic maritime logistics.
- GS II/III – Governance: Maritime India Vision 2047, public-private partnerships, cluster development, policy incentives.
Basics
- Shipbuilding = design, construction, and repair of ships.
- Global context: Currently dominated by China, South Korea, Japan.
- India’s status:
- Contributes 4% to India’s GDP.
- Holds ~1% of global tonnage.
- Ranked 16th globally in shipbuilding.
Overview
Government Initiatives
- Shipbuilding Finance Assistance Scheme – long-term financial support.
- Maritime Development Fund ($3 billion) – 45% for shipbuilding/repair, 20% for Indian tonnage.
- National Shipbuilding Mission – capacity expansion & modernization.
- Shipbreaking Credit Note scheme – boost recycling & green practices.
- Upfront subsidies (up to 30%) – for non-conventional (eco-friendly) builds.
- Clusters – shipbuilding and repair hubs to integrate ecosystem.
Strategic Importance
- Economic: Raise contribution from 4% → 12% of GDP by 2047.
- Employment: Expand maritime workforce share from 12% → 25% of global workforce.
- Security: Indigenous tonnage supports naval & commercial needs, reducing import dependence.
- Geopolitical: Enhances India’s status as a maritime power in Indo-Pacific.
- Sustainability: Push for green shipping, ship recycling, energy-efficient vessels.
Challenges
- Competition: China, South Korea, Japan dominate with economies of scale.
- High capital & technology intensity.
- Low domestic demand compared to global players.
- Skill gaps in advanced marine engineering.
- Regulatory hurdles in financing and ease of doing business.
Way Forward
- Public–private partnerships to reduce investment burden.
- Integration with Sagarmala & Gati Shakti projects.
- Skill training under Maritime Skill Development programs.
- Promote green hydrogen, LNG-based, autonomous ships.
- International collaborations for technology transfer.
Himachal declared ‘fully literate’
Why in News?
- Himachal Pradesh declared a ‘fully literate state’ (5th such after Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Tripura).
- Literacy drive under ULAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative of Ministry of Education.
- Achievement: Literacy rate above 95% + functional literacy coverage.
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Implementation of adult literacy schemes, ULAS initiative, functional literacy.
- GS I – Society: Literacy as a social indicator, gender equity, lifelong learning.
Basics
- Definition of Literacy (MoE): Ability to read, write, understand, and perform basic calculations; includes digital/financial literacy.
- Census 2011: Literacy = ability to read & write with understanding in any language (for 7+ population).
- India’s literacy rate (2011): 74% (male 82%, female 65%).
- Adult Literacy Schemes in India:
- 1960s–70s: Targeted adult literacy drives.
- National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Functional literacy.
- National Adult Education Programme (1978): Literacy for 15–35 years.
- Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–18): Literacy + numeracy, esp. for women.
- ULAS (2022): Linked with SDG 2030 & NEP 2020; targets 100% functional literacy.
Overview
Significance of Himachal’s Achievement
- Educational success: Literacy rate ~99% (higher than national avg. of 74%).
- Equity factor: Narrow gender gap compared to other states.
- Policy alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) & NEP 2020.
Methodology of Declaring ‘Fully Literate’
- Functional Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted.
- Training via mobile apps, volunteers, or NIOS certification.
- Target: Adults (15+) who missed schooling.
Challenges Highlighted
- Quality vs Quantity: Literacy measured as basic ability to read/write, not comprehension depth.
- Digital divide: Functional literacy now includes digital/financial skills; gaps remain.
- Dropouts & NEP goals: High GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) needed to sustain future literacy.
- Migration & demographic shifts: May distort literacy statistics at local levels.
Comparative Data
- Himachal 95%+ literacy vs national average 74%.
- Kerala still top performer (~96%).
- States with lowest literacy: Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand (Census 2011).
- PLFS 2023-24: Adult illiteracy still at 7.75% (15+) nationally.
Policy Implications
- ULAS = shift from basic literacy → lifelong learning & skill literacy.
- Localised strategies needed (hill states vs BIMARU states).
- Integration with digital India, financial inclusion, and employment-linked literacy.
Rampant development, not climate, pushing Himalayas to the edge
Why in News?
- Punjab floods (Aug 2025): Worst since 1988, caused by Sutlej, Beas, Ravi overflowing.
- J&K floods (Aug 2025): 34 dead after intense rainfall.
- Uttarakhand (Aug 2025): Dharali village wiped out by landslide-triggered deluge.
- Adds to earlier disasters: Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021).
Relevance:
- GS III – Environment & Ecology: Himalayan fragility, landslides, GLOFs, disaster management, climate change vs developmental stress.
- GS II – Governance: Role of judiciary (SC warnings), environmental regulation, EIAs, disaster preparedness.
Basics
- Himalayas: World’s youngest fold mountains, geologically fragile.
- Disaster types: Landslides, flash floods, GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), cloudbursts.
- Climate risks: Himalayan temperatures rising faster than global average → glacier melt + reduced snowfall.
- Vulnerability: Population, hydropower projects, roads, tourism, deforestation add to fragility.
Overview
Climate Change Factor
- Rising Himalayan temperatures → more snowmelt, unstable glacial lakes (25,000+ lakes in 2018).
- Increase in extreme rainfall events → floods, landslides.
- GLOFs threaten downstream settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Developmental Stress
- Hydropower boom: Himachal (1,144 projects), Uttarakhand (40 operational, 87 planned).
- Roads & tunnels: NHAI projects increasing landslide/flood risk.
- Tourism: Expanding hotels, homestays → deforestation, slope instability.
- Schools/hospitals often built on unsafe land → heightened disaster risk.
Governance & Judicial Warnings
- Supreme Court (2025): Warned that Himachal could “vanish” if unchecked exploitation continues.
- Criticized revenue-driven development ignoring ecological sustainability.
- Called out tree felling, unsafe infrastructure, unplanned highways.
Ecological & Social Dimensions
- Deforestation: Removal of deodar trees destabilizes soil → erosion, landslides.
- Local communities: Often excluded from planning; their traditional knowledge underutilized.
- Parallel risks: Khap panchayats/caste councils elsewhere mirror how informal norms without safeguards worsen justice/dignity—parallels drawn for disaster governance.
Way Forward
- Carrying capacity assessment before new projects.
- Independent Environmental & Disaster Impact Assessments (EIA + DIA).
- Nature-based solutions: Afforestation, soil stabilization, river-basin management.
- Climate literacy & community participation in planning.
- Avoid critical infrastructure in unsafe zones.
- Shift from revenue-driven “development” to resilient, sustainable growth.
Himachal declared ‘fully literate’
Why in News?
- Himachal Pradesh declared a ‘fully literate state’ (5th such after Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Tripura).
- Literacy drive under ULAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative of Ministry of Education.
- Achievement: Literacy rate above 95% + functional literacy coverage.
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Implementation of adult literacy schemes, ULAS initiative, functional literacy.
- GS I – Society: Literacy as a social indicator, gender equity, lifelong learning.
- GS III – Education & Human Resource Development: NEP 2020 alignment, digital literacy, skill-based learning.
Basics
- Definition of Literacy (MoE): Ability to read, write, understand, and perform basic calculations; includes digital/financial literacy.
- Census 2011: Literacy = ability to read & write with understanding in any language (for 7+ population).
- India’s literacy rate (2011): 74% (male 82%, female 65%).
- Adult Literacy Schemes in India:
- 1960s–70s: Targeted adult literacy drives.
- National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Functional literacy.
- National Adult Education Programme (1978): Literacy for 15–35 years.
- Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–18): Literacy + numeracy, esp. for women.
- ULAS (2022): Linked with SDG 2030 & NEP 2020; targets 100% functional literacy.
Overview
Significance of Himachal’s Achievement
- Educational success: Literacy rate ~99% (higher than national avg. of 74%).
- Equity factor: Narrow gender gap compared to other states.
- Policy alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) & NEP 2020.
Methodology of Declaring ‘Fully Literate’
- Functional Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted.
- Training via mobile apps, volunteers, or NIOS certification.
- Target: Adults (15+) who missed schooling.
Challenges Highlighted
- Quality vs Quantity: Literacy measured as basic ability to read/write, not comprehension depth.
- Digital divide: Functional literacy now includes digital/financial skills; gaps remain.
- Dropouts & NEP goals: High GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) needed to sustain future literacy.
- Migration & demographic shifts: May distort literacy statistics at local levels.
Comparative Data
- Himachal 95%+ literacy vs national average 74%.
- Kerala still top performer (~96%).
- States with lowest literacy: Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand (Census 2011).
- PLFS 2023-24: Adult illiteracy still at 7.75% (15+) nationally.
Policy Implications
- ULAS = shift from basic literacy → lifelong learning & skill literacy.
- Localised strategies needed (hill states vs BIMARU states).
- Integration with digital India, financial inclusion, and employment-linked literacy.
Census and Building Geotagging
Why in News
- India’s next Census (2027) will be digital for the first time.
- For the first time, all buildings across India will be geotagged to aid data accuracy.
- Geotagging will help in self-enumeration, planning, and workload management for enumerators.
- This follows an evolving trend of using technology for Census operations, building on digital efforts in Census 2011.
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Use of technology in Census operations, data collection, workload management, policy planning.
- GS III – Science & Technology: GIS, geotagging, digital mapping, digital governance.
- GS II – Society: Population enumeration, urban planning, housing schemes (PMAY-Gramin/Urban).
Basics of Census
- Population Census: Conducted since 1872; 2027 will be the 16th exercise and 8th since Independence.
- Data Collected: Housing conditions, amenities/assets, demography, religion, language, literacy & education, economic activity, migration, fertility, etc., at village, town, and ward levels.
- Enumerators: In 2011, 34 lakh enumerators and field functionaries were involved; they used smartphones and tablets.
- Population Figures: India’s population was 1.21 billion (2011); expected to become most populous nation by 2027.
What is Geotagging
- Definition: Marking the latitude-longitude coordinates of buildings on a GIS (Geographic Information System) map.
- Purpose: Pinpoints the precise location of structures, improving accuracy in Census data collection.
- How it works:
- GIS maps capture, check, and display building positions on the Earth’s surface.
- Enables identification of any location by coordinates.
Scope in India
- Census 2011 defined a Census House as:
- A building or part of it used as a separate unit, with a separate main entrance from road/courtyard/staircase.
- Can be occupied or vacant, used for residential or non-residential purposes, or both.
- Statistics: Last Census (2011) recorded:
- 33.04 crore houses, 30.61 crore occupied, 2.47 crore vacant.
- 22.07 crore houses in rural areas, 11.04 crore in urban areas.
How Geotagging Will Be Done
- Phase 1 (HLO – Houselisting Operations): April–September 2026.
- Enumerators will visit buildings in Housing Blocks (HLBs).
- Use Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) and smartphones to mark building locations.
- HLB: Well-defined area in a village/town, clearly demarcated, often with a notional map.
- Categorization: Buildings classified as:
- Residential, non-residential, partly residential, landmark.
Benefits of Geotagging
- Improves accuracy in enumerating houses and households.
- Reduces enumerator workload, as precise locations are pre-mapped.
- Supports planning and policy, especially in urban development and housing programs.
- Scalability: Useful in smaller-scale surveys for schemes like PMAY-Gramin and PMAY-Urban.
