DEMOCRACY’S PARADOX: CITIZENSHIP, IDENTITY AND THE STATE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has started a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. This has triggered a legal and political debate over who has the authority to verify citizenship and how citizenship should be proven in India.
The Citizenship Verification
- In India, passport, voter ID, or electoral roll entry do not automatically establish citizenship.
- Forged documents in the past have created confusion between “proof of citizenship” and “eligibility documents”.
- The SIR has revived questions on how citizenship is confirmed, especially for voting rights.
Legal Concerns about SIR
- ECI’s Authority Questioned: Petitioners argue the ECI cannot decide citizenship; only the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) can.
- Citizenship determination lies with the Citizenship Act, 1955 and bodies such as Foreigners Tribunals.
- No Legal Basis for Mass Verification: Critics say a nationwide SIR is not provided for in existing electoral laws.
- ECI’s Stand: ECI says it is not determining citizenship, only checking eligibility for voter enrolment, which requires confirming citizenship indirectly.
India’s Citizenship Framework
- No Single Proof: India has no universal document that proves citizenship nationwide. NPR (National Population Register) lists residents; NRC (National Register of Citizens) lists verified citizens.
- Burden of Proof: Under existing law, the individual must prove citizenship, not the state.
- Citizenship Amendments: The 2003 amendment created the category of “illegal migrants. The CAA 2019 allows citizenship to certain religious groups from neighbouring countries.
Evolution of Citizenship by Birth
- Before 1 July 1987: Anyone born in India = citizen.
- 1987–2004: One parent must be an Indian citizen.
- After 2004: One parent must be a citizen and the other must not be an illegal migrant.
Administrative Paradox of Democracy
- Local officials—teachers, clerks, police—often decide citizenship status in practice.
- This creates a tension between people as creators of the state and the state deciding who its people are.
- Citizenship, voting rights, and identity are thus shaped by bureaucratic interpretation.
The Assam NRC Example
- Assam has the only draft NRC (2019).
- 19 lakh people were marked as “D” (Doubtful citizens) out of 3.29 crore applicants.
- Heavy dependence on old documents led to exclusion of many, including Hindus—leading the State government to reject the draft.
- Those marked D face suspension of voting rights and review by Foreigners Tribunals.
Conclusion
India’s citizenship system reflects a deeper tension between state authority and people’s sovereignty. The current debate shows the need for a transparent, humane, and consistent framework for citizenship verification in a democracy.
INDIA–RUSSIA SUMMIT 2025
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit was held in New Delhi, marking President Vladimir Putin’s first India visit since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The summit became significant due to its geopolitical timing and India’s attempt to balance ties amid tensions between its major global partners.
Geopolitical Context
- India today faces a complex world where Russia, the U.S., and Europe hold conflicting positions, especially due to the Ukraine war.
- The summit took place at a time when Russia holds a battlefield advantage, Ukraine is facing setbacks, and the U.S. has reduced involvement.
- India’s backing for ongoing peace efforts aligns broadly with U.S. interests.
Diplomatic Significance
- The warm reception to President Putin signalled India’s confidence in continuing a strong partnership with Russia.
- Russia’s large, high-level delegation indicated that India remains central to Moscow’s foreign policy.
- The summit also helped remove doubts globally about India’s commitment to the Russia relationship.
Economic and Trade Pillars
- Programme 2030: A new roadmap was adopted for expanding India–Russia economic cooperation till 2030.
- Settlement in National Currencies: Moving away from dollar-based trade will improve financial autonomy and ensure smooth transactions.
- Focus areas include:
- Removing non-tariff barriers
- Expanding trade beyond energy
- Boosting investments in minerals, fertilizers, railways, pharma
- Target: $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030.
Energy Cooperation
- India is the second-largest importer of fossil fuels, making energy security a strategic priority.
- Russia has some of the world’s biggest oil and gas reserves, making partnership essential.
- Delay or hesitation may allow China or Western companies to dominate Russia’s resource sector.
New Areas of Cooperation
- Maritime Corridors: Chennai–Vladivostok link and the Northern Sea Route are being advanced.
- Arctic Cooperation: Russia will train Indian seafarers for Arctic navigation.
- Skilled Indian Workforce to Russia: A major agreement driven by Russia’s demographic shortages.
- Tourism: Visa easing will encourage people-to-people contact.
Defence, Space and Technology
- Long-standing collaboration in nuclear energy, space missions, and defence production continues.
- Systems like BrahMos and S-400 have strengthened India’s security.
- India still depends on Russia for maintaining legacy equipment while moving toward indigenisation.
India–Russia Diplomatic History
Establishment of Diplomatic Ties (1947–1950s)
- India and the USSR established diplomatic relations in April 1947.
- The USSR supported India’s industrialisation through major projects like Bhilai Steel Plant (1955).
Strategic Partnership during Cold War (1960s–1980s)
- India relied on the USSR for defence, energy, and technology.
- Key event: Indo–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation (1971)—critical during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Post-Soviet Reset & Defence Cooperation (1990s)
- After the USSR dissolved in 1991, India quickly recognised Russia.
- Both countries signed the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and expanded defence ties (e.g., BrahMos missile project in 1998).
Elevation to Strategic Partnership (2000s–2010s)
- In 2000, India and Russia launched the Annual Summit mechanism and declared a Strategic Partnership, upgraded to Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010.
- Big projects: Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, S-400 deal, and deepening space & energy cooperation.
Contemporary Phase: Multipolarity & Challenges (2020s)
- Russia became India’s largest oil supplier after 2022 sanctions on Moscow.
- India maintains balancing diplomacy amid Russia–Ukraine war, continuing defence & energy ties while keeping global neutrality.
Conclusion
The summit reflects a modern recalibration of India–Russia ties, keeping strategic interests above global pressures. As global power shifts continue, India aims to stay a trusted partner to both Russia and the West, while securing its long-term national interests.
AI COULD WIDEN INEQUALITIES IN ASIA-PACIFIC
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
A recent UN report warns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may increase economic and social inequality in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights huge differences in AI preparedness, digital access, and skills between and within countries.
Background of the Issue
- Over the last 10 years, the number of AI-based start-ups and overall AI investment has grown sharply across the world.
- The Asia-Pacific region is also adopting AI, but countries begin from highly unequal levels of readiness.
- The IMF’s AI Preparedness Index shows variations from 70% plus in advanced economies to below 20% in fragile states.
Unequal Preparedness for AI
- Better-Prepared Countries: Nations like Singapore, South Korea, and China have strong digital systems, skilled manpower, and robust AI policies.
- Low-Prepared Countries: Many South Asian and Pacific countries lack: Reliable electricity, Data storage systems, Basic internet connectivity, Adequate computing power. These gaps reduce their ability to use AI effectively.
Inequalities Within Countries
- Income inequality is severe, with the top 10% controlling a major share of wealth across Asia-Pacific.
- This means only a small portion of people and businesses can access advanced technologies.
- Digital access is uneven: despite rapid internet expansion, poor communities and rural areas remain far behind.
- Gender Impacts: The UN report warns that women are more vulnerable to job loss from AI-led automation compared to men. Women’s limited access to digital skills worsens this risk.
Hard and Soft Infrastructure Needs
- Hard Infrastructure: Affordable and fast internet for all, Reliable and clean electricity, Cooling systems for data centres
- Soft Infrastructure: Skilled workforce and digital literacy, Strong government institutions, Clear laws on data protection, fairness, and safe AI use
How to Develop Inclusive AI
- Build Equal Access to Digital Infrastructure: Ensure affordable internet for all countries and communities. Example: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, ONDC) shows how low-cost technology can reach millions, unlike AI models accessible only to rich nations.
- Create Fair& Ethical AI Governance: Make global rules for privacy, bias reduction, and responsible AI use. Example: The EU AI Act and UNESCO Ethical AI Framework guide nations to adopt safe AI without geopolitical discrimination.
- Invest in Human Skills Train people—especially women, rural youth, and small businesses—to use AI tools. Example: India’s Bhashini project allows AI to work in Indian languages, ensuring rural users also benefit.
Conclusion
AI can drive growth, but without inclusive policies, it may deepen existing inequalities in Asia-Pacific.
Bridging digital, social, and gender divides is essential for a fair and balanced AI transition.
NEUROTECHNOLOGY & BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
New global developments in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research, including Neuralink’s human trials and China’s Brain Project, have renewed debate on neurotechnology’s future. India is exploring medical, research, and innovation opportunities as neurological disorders rise nationwide.
What is Neurotechnology?
- Neurotechnology refers to devices or systems that interact directly with the brain to record, interpret, or influence neural activity.
- It combines neuroscience, AI, engineering, and computing to understand brain functions or restore lost abilities.
What is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?
- A BCI is a tool that converts brain signals into digital commands that can operate external devices.
- Allows users to control items such as cursors, robotic arms, wheelchairs, or communication systems through thoughts.
- BCIs can be:
- Non-invasive: EEG headsets placed on the scalp.
- Invasive: Electrodes implanted inside the brain for higher precision.
Applications of BCIs
- Therapeutic Uses: Helps paralysed patients move prosthetic limbs, Assists stroke or spinal injury patients in rehabilitation. Stimulates specific brain areas to treat Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or depression.
- Diagnostics: Records brain signals to study memory, cognition, sleep disorders, or psychiatric conditions.
- Future Uses: Could be used for human enhancement, faster learning, or military communication, but these raise strong ethical concerns.
Why Does India Need Neurotechnology?
- India faces a high and rising burden of neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, mental health disorders, and degenerative diseases.
- BCIs can help restore communication and mobility for patients with paralysis or neurological damage.
- India has growing strengths in biotech, AI, medical engineering, making neurotech a major economic and research opportunity.
Where India Stands
- IIT Kanpur developed a BCI-enabled robotic hand for stroke patients.
- National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) and IISc lead cutting-edge brain studies.
- Startups like Dognosis use neurotech to decode brain signals in animals for cancer detection research.
Global Developments
- U.S. leads BCI research through the NIH BRAIN Initiative and Neuralink’s human implantation trials.
- China’s Brain Project (2016–2030) focuses on cognition research and brain-inspired AI.
- EU and Chile are creating legal frameworks for neurorights and safe BCI use.
Regulatory Needs for India
- Requires strong ethical and data protection rules for neural information.
- Public awareness and dialogue on benefits and risks are essential.
- Different BCI types need separate regulatory pathways depending on their medical or commercial risk.
Conclusion
Neurotechnology offers India a major chance to address neurological illness while driving innovation. With proper safeguards and clear regulations, India can become a leading hub in the global brain-tech ecosystem.
INDIA POST’S DHRUVA FRAMEWORK
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
India Post has proposed the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) to standardise physical addresses through digital “labels.” A draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023 has been released to legally enable this new digital address ecosystem.
What is DHRUVA?
- DHRUVA is a proposed Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI.
- It aims to convert physical addresses into digital labels (e.g., amit@dhruva), which can be shared with public and private platforms.
- It links descriptive addresses with geo-coded DIGIPIN, ensuring accuracy in delivery and service identification.
What is DIGIPIN?
- DIGIPIN is a 10-character alphanumeric digital pin created by India Post based on precise geo-coordinates.
- Every 12 sq. metre area in India has a unique DIGIPIN.
- Useful in areas with unclear or inconsistent descriptive addresses, especially in rural and remote regions.
Components of the DHRUVA Ecosystem
- Address Service Providers (ASPs): They create digital proxy addresses or “labels.”
- Address Validation Agencies: Verify and authenticate descriptive and geo-coded addresses.
- Address Information Agents: Manage users’ consent for sharing address data with platforms.
- Governance Entity: A body similar to NPCI to oversee standards, security, and operations.
Benefits
- Consent-Based Address Sharing: Like UPI tokenises bank accounts, DHRUVA tokenises addresses. Users control who can access their address, for what purpose, and for how long.
- Better Logistics and Deliveries: E-commerce, gig services, courier companies, and India Post can use digital labels instead of long written addresses. Helps ensure precise doorstep delivery.
- Seamless Address Updating: When people move homes, they can simply update their digital label, and all subscribed services shift automatically.
- Service Discovery: Platforms can show what location-based services (health, postal, emergency, government schemes) are available at a user’s address.
Concerns and Limitations
- Data Privacy Issues: Since DHRUVA links addresses to personal information, a strong consent and data protection framework is essential.
- Challenge for Urban Governance: Experts argue it may not fully aid city planning because labels are person-linked, not based on surveyed physical structures.
- If citizens refuse to generate labels, datasets may remain incomplete.
Conclusion
DHRUVA has the potential to transform how India identifies, shares, and verifies addresses in the digital age. However, its success will depend on strong privacy safeguards and widespread adoption across regions and sectors.
DGCA’S HUMAN-CENTRIC AIR SAFETY
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
A series of IndiGo flight cancellations revived debate on the DGCA’s newly introduced pilot fatigue and rest norms. The cancellations were linked to gaps in airline crew scheduling, not the new safety rules, prompting calls to protect the updated framework.
Background
- Aviation safety depends heavily on human physiological limits, especially pilot alertness.
- Pilot fatigue has been a major factor in global aviation incidents; thus new rules place human well-being at the centre of regulation.
Why Pilot Fatigue is a Serious Safety Issue
- Pilots work across multiple time zones, twilight schedules, and night hours, disrupting circadian rhythm.
- Altered melatonin levels delay sleep, creating sleep debt.
- Immediate effects include: Slower reaction time, Reduced vigilance and impaired judgment, Microsleeps
- Environmental factors—dry air, dehydration, noise, vibration, low pressure—worsen cognitive fatigue.
- Long-term circadian disruption increases risks of: Hypertension, Mood disorders, Metabolic problems, Gastrointestinal issues
New DGCA Fatigue Rules
- Weekly rest increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.
- Night landings capped—reduced from six to two per week.
- Expanded definition of night duty to restrict flying during biologically low-alertness hours.
- Limits on consecutive night duties to avoid cumulative fatigue.
- Mandatory fatigue reporting by pilots.
- Stronger roster oversight by regulators.
- Framework based on global best practices similar to the U.S. FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency rules.
Why These Rules Matter
- Evidence from Europe and North America shows fatigue-focused rules significantly reduce aviation errors.
- Aircraft have advanced technologically, but human bodies remain vulnerable to the stress of flying.
- DGCA rules help align work cycles with human physiological realities.
Wider Significance
- Similar fatigue risks exist among health workers, railway staff, drivers, police, BPO workers, and journalists.
- These sectors often lack robust fatigue management despite higher health risks during night shifts.
Conclusion
DGCA’s updated norms rightly put human limitations at the heart of air safety. Preserving these rules is essential to reduce operational errors and build a safer aviation ecosystem.
MEASLES
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Global health agencies reported that measles caused nearly 95,000 deaths in 2024, mostly among unvaccinated children under five. The rise in cases highlights low vaccination coverage and gaps in routine immunisation in several countries.
Measles
- Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread through the air.
- It is caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family.
- The disease mainly affects the respiratory system before spreading throughout the body.
Transmission
- Measles spreads through droplets from an infected person while coughing or sneezing.
- The virus can stay active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it extremely contagious.
- Even being in the same room where an infected person recently stayed can lead to infection.
Symptoms
- Early signs appear 10–14 days after exposure and include: High fever, Runny nose, Cough, Red watery eyes, Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- A red rash starts on the face and neck, spreads across the body, and lasts 5–6 days before fading.
Who is at Risk?
- People who are not vaccinated or lack immunity.
- Young children, pregnant women, and malnourished individuals are more prone to complications.
- Measles remains widespread in parts of Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
Treatment and Prevention
- There is no specific antiviral cure for measles
- Prevention depends on the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting immunity.
- India added the measles vaccine to the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
Conclusion:
Measles remains a major global health concern mainly due to gaps in vaccination coverage. Strengthening routine immunisation and public awareness is the only sustainable way to prevent future outbreaks.
COSMIC FILAMENT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Scientists at the University of Oxford have identified a ~50-million-light-year-long cosmic filament containing at least 14 galaxies. This finding gives fresh clues about how the cosmic web guides the growth and movement of galaxies.
Cosmic Filaments
- Cosmic filaments are the largest thread-like structures in the universe forming part of the “cosmic web.”
- They are made of galaxies, gases, and dark matter, stretching for hundreds of millions of light-years.
- These super-structures act as cosmic highways through which matter flows across the universe.
Characteristics
Scale and Structure
- Each filament spans vast distances, making them among the biggest known structures in the cosmos.
- They link massive galaxy clusters, forming a web-like network.
- Filaments separate huge empty spaces known as voids.
Composition
- Built from dark matter, intergalactic gas, and many galaxies.
- They provide a scaffolding that shapes the distribution of matter in the universe.
Formation
Gravity-Driven Process
- Gravity pulls gas, dark matter, and galaxies into elongated, narrow strands over billions of years.
- Filaments form where gigantic sheets of matter intersect and collapse.
Pathways of Motion
- Smaller galaxies and gas streams move along filaments toward larger clusters.
- Filaments act as channels feeding fresh gas into galaxies.
Significance
- Galaxy Growth: Filaments supply pristine gas, helping galaxies form new stars. They influence where galaxies appear and how fast they grow.
- Cosmic Evolution: Studying filaments helps scientists understand the large-scale structure of the universe. They reveal how matter is organised and how it flows across cosmic time.