EFFECT OF RISING MILITARY SPENDING
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
At the June 2025 NATO summit, member nations agreed to raise military spending targets to 5% of GDP by 2035, sparking concerns about the impact on global peace, public welfare, and development funding.
Why This Issue Matters
- Military spending has risen sharply worldwide, reaching $2.7 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% jump from the previous year.
- This trend could reduce funding for essential areas like health, education, and climate change, especially in poorer nations.
Global Military Spending Trends
- Highest ever annual increase (2024) since 1988 due to ongoing wars (e.g., Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza).
- SIPRI data shows spending rose to 2.5% of global GDP, compared to 2.1% in 1998.
- Historically, Cold War era had the highest defence share — 6.1% of GDP in 1960.
Top Global Military Spenders
- USA leads at $997 billion, followed by China, Russia, Germany, and India ($86.1 billion).
- NATO members together spend over $1.5 trillion, accounting for 55% of global defence spending.
- Some nations spend a large share of GDP on defence (e.g., Saudi Arabia – 7.3%, Poland – 4.2%, US – 3.4%).
Impact on Public Welfare
- Research shows higher military budgets reduce health and welfare spending, especially in middle and low-income countries.
- Spain rejected the 5% NATO goal, calling it “unrealistic” due to the likely reduction in social benefits.
- Even UN funding is affected: with a $44 billion budget, the UN received only $6 billion, forcing it to cut back.
Humanitarian Impact
- Closure of USAID and reduced foreign aid may lead to 14 million extra deaths by 2030, including 5 million children.
- The Lancet study showed that past health aid prevented 91 million deaths in 20 years.
Effect on Climate Goals
- Increased military activity leads to more emissions.
- NATO’s 3.5% GDP target could cause 200 million tonnes of extra CO₂ annually.
- This undermines efforts to combat climate change and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
India’s Situation
- India spends 2.3% of GDP on defence, but only 1.84% on health, below the 2.5% target of its own policy.
- After Operation Sindoor, an extra ₹50,000 crore was allocated for defence.
- In contrast, Ayushman Bharat health funding was only ₹7,200 crore for 58 crore people.
NATO
NATO is a military alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe formed to protect each other in case of armed attack.
- It was established on April 4, 1949, with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty).
Main Purpose
- To ensure collective defence, meaning if one member is attacked, it is considered an attack on all (as per Article 5).
- Also works on crisis management, cooperative security, and deterrence.
Current Focus Areas
- Tackling new-age threats like cyber attacks, terrorism, and hybrid warfare.
- Strengthening defence spending, partnerships, and readiness in response to modern conflicts like Ukraine-Russia war.
Conclusion
The push for higher military budgets, driven by global conflicts and strategic fears, may come at the cost of health, climate action, poverty eradication, and global peace. A balanced approach is essential for sustainable human development.
THE DARK SIGNS OF RESTRICTED OR SELECTIVE FRANCHISE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Commission of India (ECI) began a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar from June 24, 2025, after two decades. The move has triggered concerns over transparency, potential disenfranchisement, and undue documentation demands.
SIR in Bihar
- The ongoing SIR in Bihar is not just a routine update but involves complete reconstruction of electoral rolls.
- This includes submission of specific documents by all voters to prove their eligibility.
- The abrupt announcement and lack of public awareness have drawn comparisons with demonetisation (2016) and the NRC process in Assam.
Key Issues Raised
- Burden of Proof on Citizens: Citizens are being asked to prove their right to vote by submitting difficult-to-obtain documents.
- This reverses the principle of natural justice – people are treated as ineligible unless they prove otherwise.
- Document Demands: Common IDs like Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Job Card are not accepted. Instead, rare documents like birth certificates, educational degrees, land papers, or passports are required.
- Difficult Timing: The revision is happening in July, a time of monsoon floods and seasonal migration, making it hard for people to comply.
Impact on Migrant Population
- Bihar has high out-migration, with many working or studying outside the state.
- These migrants may be excluded from the voter list if considered as non-residents.
- The disenfranchisement of migrant workers raises concerns of injustice.
Democratic and Legal Concerns
- The SIR undermines universal adult franchise, a basic tenet of India’s democracy.
- Those unable to furnish proof may be treated as second-class citizens — legally Indian, but without voting rights.
- This creates a new category of “citizens without a vote”, vulnerable to exclusion and state control.
Broader Implications
- The ECI has indicated that this Bihar model could be implemented nationwide.
- Such a move may weaken India’s democratic foundation, introducing a restricted franchise system.
UNIVERSAL ADULT FRANCHISE
It means every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or wealth.
- Constitutional Provision: Article 326 of the Indian Constitution provides for Universal Adult Suffrage in elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Voting Age: Initially, the voting age was 21 years.
- Key Amendment: The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years to increase youth participation in democracy.
- Who Can Vote? Any Indian citizen, 18 years or older, not disqualified by law (e.g., due to mental incapacity, crime, or corruption) can vote.
- Who Maintains Voter List: The Election Commission of India prepares and updates the Electoral Rolls regularly.
- Significance: It ensures equality, inclusiveness, and reflects the democratic values of India.
Conclusion
The Bihar electoral revision exercise, under the guise of verification, threatens mass voter exclusion and deepens inequality in electoral access. Careful scrutiny and public dialogue are essential to protect democratic rights.
GENE-EDITED RICE DEVELOPED BY NIPGR
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have developed CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited japonica rice that shows better phosphate uptake and higher yields, potentially lowering fertilizer use.
Why this Issue Matters
- Phosphorus is vital for plant growth, but only 15–20% of phosphate fertilizer is absorbed by crops.
- India imports most of its phosphate fertilizers, raising the need for efficient nutrient usage.
Key Scientific Innovation
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to enhance phosphate transfer from root to shoot in rice plants.
- Scientists targeted the OsPHO1;2 gene, a transporter that moves phosphate from roots to shoots.
- Instead of deleting the whole repressor gene (OsWRKY6), only the 30-base-pair binding site was removed.
- This precise method increased yield by 20–40% even under low phosphate conditions.
Results and Benefits
- More panicles (seed-bearing parts) were formed, leading to higher grain yield.
- No change in seed quality or nutritional value.
- Efficient uptake of phosphate before it binds to other soil elements and becomes unusable.
- Potential for reduced fertilizer use while maintaining or improving output.
Concerns Related to GM Crops:
- Potential risks to human health and environment
- Biodiversity loss due to monoculture
- Contamination of non-GM or organic crops
- Dependence on seed companies for patented seeds
- Ethical and regulatory debates
Future for Indian Agriculture
- Although tested on japonica rice, plans are underway to adapt this to indica varieties commonly grown in India.
- Can improve fertilizer efficiency, reduce dependency on imports, and promote sustainable farming.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS?
Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce traits like pest resistance, drought tolerance, or higher yields. This is different from traditional breeding, as GM technology allows specific genes from other organisms (even unrelated species) to be inserted into the plant genome.
Regulatory Framework in India:
- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the main regulator.
- Field trials and biosafety assessments are mandatory before approval.
GM Crops in India – Current Status
- Bt Cotton
- Status: Approved and widely used
- Purpose: Kills bollworm and other cotton pests
- Bt Brinjal
- Status: Approved in 2009 but not allowed for cultivation
- Purpose: Protects brinjal from fruit and shoot borer
- GM Mustard (DMH-11)
- Status: Approved for limited field trials only
- Purpose: Helps produce high-yield hybrid mustard seeds
- Golden Rice
- Status: Not approved, currently under testing
- Purpose: Rich in Vitamin A to help fight deficiency
Conclusion:
GM crops offer solutions to many agricultural challenges, but India continues to adopt a cautious approach, balancing innovation with safety, public opinion, and food sovereignty.
THE ECI DOES NOT HAVE UNFETTERED POWERS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This move has triggered legal and political concerns about its legality and timing, with multiple petitions filed in the Supreme Court.
Legal Framework for Electoral Rolls
- Article 326 of the Constitution: Grants all adults the right to vote unless disqualified by law.
- Essential Criteria: Must be an Indian citizen and at least 18 years of age.
- Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950:
- Section 19: Voter must be 18+ and an ordinary resident.
- Section 20: Ownership of property doesn’t count as residence; temporary absence doesn’t end ordinary residency.
- Disqualifications include mental unsoundness declared by a court and certain legal restrictions.
ECI’s Powers and Limitations
- Article 324 gives the ECI wide powers over elections, often called a “reservoir of power”.
- However, these powers are not unlimited. The Supreme Court has clarified:
- ECI must act according to law where laws exist.
- It can act independently only when law is silent (Mohinder Singh Gill case, 1978).
Issue with Qualifying Date and SIR
- The ECI’s order uses July 1, 2025 as the qualifying date.
- But under Section 14 of RPA, the valid qualifying date is January 1.
- Section 21(3) allows special revisions only for a constituency or part, not an entire state.
- The term “Special Intensive Revision” is not defined in any election law.
Concerns with Documentation and Procedure
- Citizens cannot be denied registration for not having strict documents.
- Rule 8 of Registration Rules: People must provide information “to the best of their ability”.
- Electoral officers must follow natural justice and not arbitrarily reject applications.
POWERS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
- Conduct of Elections
- Organizes and conducts elections to:
- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies and Councils
- Offices of the President and Vice President of India
- Organizes and conducts elections to:
- Control over Election Process
- Prepares and revises electoral rolls.
- Decides the schedule (dates) for elections.
- Ensures free and fair elections using model code of conduct.
- Recognizing Political Parties
- Grants recognition to political parties as national or state parties.
- Allots election symbols to them.
- Disqualification of Candidates
- Advises the President or Governor on disqualification matters under the Representation of the People Act.
- Monitoring Election Expenses
- Sets limits for election expenditure by candidates.
- Examines financial reports submitted by candidates and parties.
Conclusion
The ECI must uphold the law and not go beyond its constitutional and statutory limits. Oversight and legal compliance are vital to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections.
FOSTERING INNOVATION FROM BUSINESS MODELS TO DEEPTECH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
India is shifting focus from business model-based startups to DeepTech innovation, driven by the need for original technological breakthroughs. The debate was triggered by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks comparing Indian and Chinese startups.
Why This Issue Matters
- Indian startups have largely focused on service delivery innovations like food apps and fintech.
- To become a global tech leader, India must now invest in science-driven, research-based DeepTech ventures.
What is DeepTech?
- DeepTech involves technology rooted in scientific research and engineering — such as material science, advanced electronics, robotics, and drug discovery.
- It focuses on developing new technologies instead of simply repackaging existing tools.
- Example: China’s success in batteries is due to early investment in core chemistry, not just assembling parts.
Key Pillars to Build DeepTech
- Product Mindset: India lacks globally recognized, home-grown products across sectors. A strong product mindset is essential to create original tools and platforms like Google or Android.
- R&D Culture: DeepTech needs a culture of experimentation, persistence, and long-term vision. Founders must have hands-on technical knowledge, not just managerial skills.
- Technical Education: Most colleges focus on using tools, not teaching core concepts. Like MIT or Stanford, Indian institutions must strengthen theoretical and cross-disciplinary learning.
- Government Support: Current R&D schemes are restrictive, helping only incubated startups. Shared testing labs, prototype centres, and relaxed funding norms are needed.
Way Forward
- Encourage founders to become problem-solvers with deep domain knowledge.
- Reform technical education to build creators, not just tool users.
- Expand government support with flexible, quality infrastructure and inclusive policies.
Conclusion
India’s goal to lead in DeepTech demands a complete ecosystem shift — where startups, academia, and the government work together to create homegrown, globally competitive tech innovations.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the DGCA to conduct a full safety audit of all aircraft in India, following serious concerns about aviation safety after a recent Air India crash. The committee also raised issues about airfare surges and tariff discrepancies.
Why This Issue Matters
- A tragic Air India crash with over 240 deaths prompted the committee to question safety systems.
- The PAC has also flagged excessive airfares and unfair pricing practices during peak seasons like the Kumbh Mela.
Concerns Raised by the Committee
- Aircraft Safety: MPs asked who checks airworthiness and how inspections are carried out. The PAC demanded a nationwide safety audit of all operating aircraft.
- Airfare Surge: Instances of skyrocketing ticket prices during festivals and religious gatherings were discussed. Some MPs criticized the DGCA for waiting for airline consensus instead of acting independently.
- Airport Tariffs: Differences in user charges between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airports were questioned. The PAC was not satisfied with AERA’s explanation on how it fixes airport tariffs.
About the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
- A financial committee of Parliament, formed under Rule 308 of Lok Sabha Rules.
- Examines government spending and audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
- Consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).
- Headed by a senior Opposition MP (currently K.C. Venugopal).
ABOUT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
- Help Parliament scrutinize government functioning in detail.
- Types include:
- Standing Committees (e.g., PAC, Estimates Committee)
- Ad hoc Committees (temporary, for specific issues)
- Improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in governance.
Standing Committees (Permanent)
- Permanent in nature – Work throughout the year and are reconstituted annually.
- Examples – Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs).
- Main role – Examine bills, budgets, government functioning, and suggest improvements.
Ad hoc Committees (Temporary)
- Formed for a specific purpose – Dissolved after completing their task.
- Types – Inquiry Committees (for investigations) and Advisory Committees (e.g., Select Committees on Bills).
- Examples – Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) on major issues like scams or policy matters.
Conclusion
The PAC’s intervention reflects growing concerns over air safety and consumer protection in the aviation sector. Strong regulation and oversight are essential to ensure passenger safety and fair pricing in India’s growing air travel market.
SURVEY REVEALS DEFICITS IN STUDENT LEARNING
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB
The latest PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) report has exposed learning gaps among Indian school students in key subjects like language and mathematics, especially in Grades 3, 6, and 9. Some States like Punjab, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh have shown better performance.
Why This Issue Matters
- The findings highlight the urgent need to improve foundational learning among students across India.
- The data provides crucial insights for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 effectively.
About PARAKH RS
- PARAKH RS (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan) is the renamed version of the National Achievement Survey (NAS).
- It assessed over 21 lakh students in Grades 3, 6, and 9 across 781 districts and 74,229 schools.
- Subjects covered:
- Grades 3 & 6: Language, Mathematics, and Environment
- Grade 9: Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science
Top Performing States/UTs
- Grade 3: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala
- Grade 6: Kerala, Punjab, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Grade 9: Punjab, Kerala, Chandigarh
- Kendriya Vidyalayas scored high in Grade 9 but performed poorly in Grade 3 maths.
Key Findings on Learning Levels
Grade 3
- 67% could use enough words for daily conversation.
- 68% sorted objects based on multiple properties.
- Only 55% could arrange numbers up to 99 in order.
Grade 6
- 54% understood the Indian number system.
- Only 38% could solve everyday math problems.
- Only 38% made predictions based on environmental patterns.
Grade 9
- 54% could identify main ideas in news or text.
- 45% understood key ideas of the Constitution and the freedom struggle.
- Only 31% could work with different number sets like fractions and real numbers.
Conclusion
The PARAKH RS report shows that India still faces major learning gaps, especially in foundational numeracy and comprehension. This calls for targeted interventions, teacher training, and curriculum improvements to build strong educational outcomes nationwide.
EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS (EMRS) STUDENTS' SUCCESS IN JEE AND NEET
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Nearly 600 tribal students from EMRS schools across 12 States have cleared IIT-JEE and NEET 2024, marking a significant achievement in tribal education, as noted by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Why this is important
- This is the first time such performance data has been compiled for EMRS students.
- The success shows the impact of targeted support and coaching for tribal students.
About EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools)
- A flagship scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Aimed at providing quality education to tribal children, especially those from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Run centrally through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).
Highlights of the 2024 Results
- 596 students qualified for top entrance exams:
- 218 cleared JEE Mains (25 likely to get into NITs).
- 34 cracked JEE Advanced (18 likely to enter IITs).
- 344 qualified NEET (3 may secure AIIMS admission).
Ministry’s New Outreach Step
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry will handhold these students in applying for government scholarships.
- Earlier, students applied independently, but now the Ministry will track and support them directly.
EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS (EMRS)
Objective:
- EMRS are aimed at providing quality education to tribal children (ST category) in remote and tribal areas, at par with the standards of the best residential schools.
Target Group:
- The schools mainly cater to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, and at least 50% of seats are reserved for girls to promote gender equity.
Fully Funded by Government:
- These schools are fully funded by the Government of India, and managed through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Free Facilities for Students:
- EMRS provide free education, lodging, food, uniforms, books, and other learning materials. The schools are designed to accommodate 480 students from Class VI to XII.
Conclusion
This success highlights the growing potential of tribal youth when given access to quality education, coaching, and post-exam support.