FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE IN POSTMAOIST INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
Maoist insurgency in Fifth Schedule tribal areas has declined, but governance challenges remain. The debate now focuses on how to build inclusive and effective institutions in postMaoist regions.
Background
- Fifth Schedule areas (central & eastern India) were the main centres of Maoist activity due to neglect and weak administration.
- The state relied on a twopronged strategy: security operations + development schemes.
- However, governance deficits (justice, representation, service delivery) were overlooked, deepening alienation among tribal groups.
Governance Challenges
- Colonial structures retained: Complex rules and justice systems alienated lowliteracy tribal communities.
- Administrative neglect: Despite constitutional safeguards, tribals faced land dispossession, exploitation, and poor welfare access.
- Weak institutions: Health, education, police, and revenue services remained ineffective.
- Governor’s role ineffective: Constitutional powers to protect tribal rights were rarely exercised.
Lack of Representation
- Outsider dominance: Most officials were nontribal, carrying biases into administration.
- Token institutions: Ministry of Tribal Welfare and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes failed to check exploitation.
- PESA Act (1996): Envisioned selfgovernance through Gram Sabhas, but provisions were routinely violated, especially in land acquisition.
Maoist Mobilisation
- Governance failures created fertile ground for Maoists to mobilise tribals under slogans like “Jal, Jungle, Zameen.”
- Parallel governments provided basic services (schools, health, justice) where the state was absent.
- Tribal frustration and distrust in state institutions drove support for Maoist ideology.
Recent Developments
- Infrastructure push: Roads, electricity, telecom, and welfare schemes improved in affected regions.
- Digital delivery: Cash transfers and technology enhanced service access.
- Persistent gaps: Justice, health, education, and policing remain weak; locals still underrepresented.
- Legal dilution: Forest Rights Act (FRA) and PESA weakened by amendments, judicial rulings, and state resistance.
- CAF Act (2016): Compensatory afforestation undermined tribal livelihoods.
Way Forward
- Strengthen representation: Ensure real autonomy and financial powers to tribal selfgoverning bodies.
- Local participation: Recruit and empower tribal officials in administration.
- Learn from Sixth Schedule: Adopt elements of autonomous councils for genuine selfrule.
- Rebuild trust: Transparent justice, fair land policies, and accountable service delivery.
- New governance charter: Move beyond securitydevelopment approach to inclusive, participatory governance.
Schedule V (Tribal Areas in Central & Eastern India)
- Special Governance: Provides framework for administration of Scheduled Areas with large tribal populations.
- Governor’s Powers: Governor can make regulations to protect tribal land, resources, and culture.
- Tribal Advisory Council (TAC): Must have majority tribal members to advise on welfare and development.
- Development Safeguards: Tribal SubPlan ensures funds and schemes for socioeconomic upliftment of adivasis.
Schedule VI (Tribal Areas in NorthEast India)
- Autonomous Councils: Establishes Autonomous District and Regional Councils with legislative, judicial, and administrative powers.
- SelfGovernance: Councils can make laws on land, forests, customs, and village administration.
- Financial Powers: Councils can levy taxes and manage local resources for development.
- Cultural Protection: Safeguards tribal identity, traditions, and customary practices through selfrule institutions.
Conclusion:
Adivasi alienation in Fifth Schedule areas stems from weak governance and poor representation, not just underdevelopment. PostMaoist India must build inclusive, locally driven institutions to restore trust and ensure sustainable peace.
STRENGTHENING INDIA’S BIOSECURITY FRAMEWORK
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
India’s biosecurity preparedness has come under focus after experts warned about rising biological threats due to advanced biotechnologies, non-state actors, and weak coordination among institutions.
What is Biosecurity?
- Biosecurity refers to measures that prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies.
- It aims to protect human health, animal health, plant health, and ecosystems.
- It includes securing laboratories, controlling access to dangerous pathogens, and preventing deliberate disease outbreaks.
- Biosecurity is different from biosafety: Biosafety prevents accidental leaks of pathogens. Biosecurity prevents deliberate misuse.
- Strong biosafety systems act as the foundation for effective biosecurity.
Global Evolution of Biosecurity Norms
- The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1975 banned the development, use, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
- It was the first international treaty addressing weapons of mass destruction.
- Although large-scale bioweapons declined, new technologies and geopolitical tensions have increased modern biothreat risks.
Why India Needs a Strong Biosecurity Framework
- Geographic and Ecological Vulnerability: Long borders, high population density, and rich biodiversity increase the risk of rapid disease spread.
- Dependence on Agriculture: Agriculture supports livelihoods and food security. Crop or livestock diseases can cause economic losses and rural distress.
- Threat from Non-State Actors: Terror groups are exploring biological tools, as seen in cases involving toxins like ricin. Bioterrorism poses low-cost but high-impact risks.
- Rapid Biotechnology Growth: Gene editing, synthetic biology, and lab technologies offer benefits but also dual-use risks.
India’s Existing Biosecurity Architecture
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Oversees biotech research and biosafety rules.
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): Disease surveillance and outbreak response.
- Department of Animal Husbandry: Monitors animal diseases.
- Plant Quarantine Organisation: Protects crops from invasive pathogens.
Legal Frameworks
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Biosafety Rules, 1989 and rDNA Guidelines, 2017
- WMD Act, 2005
- NDMA biological disaster guidelines
International Role
- Member of BWC and Australia Group on export controls.
Gaps and Challenges
- No single national biosecurity framework; institutions work in silos.
- Outdated laws not aligned with modern biotech advances.
- Weak coordination under the One Health approach.
- Limited high-containment labs and genomic surveillance.
- India ranks 66th in the Global Health Security Index, showing weak response capacity.
Global Best Practices
- USA: Integrated National Biodefense Strategy.
- EU: One Health–based health security framework.
- China: Strong biosecurity law treating biotech as a national security issue.
- Australia & UK: Unified laws covering synthetic biology and rapid response.
Way Forward
- Create a National Biosecurity Framework with central coordination.
- Upgrade surveillance using genomic sequencing and AI tools.
- Modernise laws to regulate synthetic biology and dual-use research.
- Strengthen international cooperation and data sharing.
Conclusion
India must move from fragmented responses to a holistic, future-ready biosecurity system to safeguard national health, food security, and economic stability.
VB–G RAM G BILL, 2025: HOW IT REPLACES MGNREGA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 has been proposed to replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA.
What is VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025?
- VB–G RAM G is a new rural employment and livelihood law proposed to replace MGNREGA, 2005.
- It aims to modernise rural job creation by linking employment with infrastructure, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
- The Bill stresses technology-driven planning, monitoring, and accountability.
Major Changes Compared to MGNREGA
- Higher Guaranteed Employment: Raises guaranteed work from 100 days to 125 days per rural household per year. Makes higher employment a standard right, not a special exception during disasters.
- New Centre–State Funding Pattern: Ends 100% Central funding of unskilled wages. 90:10 for NE & Himalayan States, 60:40 for other States. This significantly increases the financial burden on States.
- Normative Allocation System: Replaces the demand-driven labour budget system. The Centre will fix a State-wise funding limit in advance.
- This changes MGNREGA from a rights-based scheme to a budget-capped programme.
- Pause During Peak Agricultural Seasons: States must notify up to 60 days during sowing and harvesting when public works will stop.
- Panchayat-Led Planning with National Integration: Works must originate from Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans.
- Plans will be aligned with the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack and PM Gati Shakti. Focus areas include water security, rural infrastructure, livelihoods, and climate adaptation.
Why the Government Wants This Overhaul
- MGNREGA faces issues like misuse of funds, weak asset quality, and poor monitoring.
- Only a small share of households complete 100 days of work.
- The new law aims for better assets, stronger monitoring, and digital transparency.
Expected Impact
On Farmers
- Better labour availability during peak farm seasons.
- Improved irrigation, roads, storage, and water infrastructure.
- Reduced distress migration and farm losses.
On Rural Workers
- More guaranteed work days.
- Faster, transparent digital wage payments.
- Stronger unemployment allowance provisions.
- Creation of durable community assets.
MGNREGA
- Legal Guarantee of Work: Provides 100 days of wage employment per rural household, making it a rightsbased programme under the 2005 Act.
- Inclusive Development: Targets rural poor, especially women, SCs, STs, and marginalized groups, ensuring social security and livelihood support.
- Decentralised Implementation: Gram Sabhas plan and monitor works, promoting participatory governance and strengthening local selfgovernment.
- Asset Creation & Sustainability: Focuses on durable assets like water conservation, irrigation, rural connectivity, boosting agricultural productivity and resilience.
- Challenges & Reforms: Issues include delayed wage payments, corruption, and underutilisation of funds; reforms like DBT, Aadhaar linkage, and digital monitoring aim to improve transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion
VB–G RAM G Bill seeks to modernise rural employment but raises concerns over State finances and dilution of demand-driven guarantees. Its success will depend on cooperative federalism and effective implementation.
THE TRUMP NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY (NSS)
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The recently released National Security Strategy (NSS) of the Trump Administration has raised serious concerns in Europe due to its critical tone towards the European Union and NATO.
What is the Trump NSS About?
- The Trump Administration’s National Security Strategy presents an America First approach focused on trade protectionism, national sovereignty, and reduced global commitments.
- The NSS prioritises U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, gives limited attention to Asia, and largely ignores Africa and Oceania.
- Europe is portrayed not as a strategic partner, but as a region in decline, weakened by migration policies and internal divisions.
U.S. View on Europe
- The NSS warns of Europe’s so-called “civilisational decline”, blaming liberal migration policies, restrictions on free speech, and erosion of national identity.
- It suggests that Europe may lose its traditional character due to demographic changes.
- The U.S. openly supports “patriotic” political forces in Europe, which many see as interference in domestic politics.
Implications for NATO and Security
- The strategy states that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defence.
- NATO is described as an alliance that cannot expand indefinitely, indirectly affecting Ukraine’s membership hopes.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is downplayed, while cultural issues in Europe are framed as the bigger threat.
Why is This a Concern for Europe?
- Europe has long depended on the U.S. for military security through NATO.
- There is no fully integrated European defence system, and joint defence projects often face delays.
- Any reduction in U.S. troops could create manpower and capability gaps.
- Nuclear deterrence and post-Brexit coordination with the UK add further complexity.
Europe’s Possible Responses
- Ignore the NSS and hope U.S. policy changes with time.
- Appease the U.S. leadership through diplomacy and increased defence spending.
- Pursue strategic autonomy, accepting that the U.S. may no longer be a reliable ally.
- So far, Europe has mainly followed the first two options, increasing defence spending while remaining dependent on American systems.
Impact on Global Order
- The NSS questions multilateral institutions and promotes a mercantilist trade approach.
- It signals a retreat from the rules-based international order created after World War II.
- This could encourage major powers like China and Russia to expand influence unchecked.
NATO
Members
- 32 countries are part of NATO (30 from Europe, 2 from North America).
- Founding members were 12 nations including the US, UK, France, and Canada.
- Nuclear powers within NATO: US, UK, France.
- Iceland exception: no standing army, but participates with coast guard and specialists.
Inception Purpose
- Founded in 1949 after World War II devastation.
- Counter Soviet expansion and ensure collective defence under Article 5.
- Prevent revival of militarism in Europe by keeping US presence.
- Encourage European integration politically and militarily.
PresentDay Relevance
- Collective defence remains core (attack on one = attack on all).
- Crisis management: operations in Afghanistan, Libya, and peacekeeping missions.
- Counter new threats like terrorism, cyber warfare, and hybrid attacks.
- Support Ukraine and deter Russia, showing continued strategic importance.
Conclusion
The Trump NSS highlights a growing gap between the U.S. and Europe over values, security, and global responsibility.
Europe now faces a critical choice: continue relying on an uncertain ally or move towards strategic independence to defend the liberal, rules-based global order.
GOOGLE’S PROJECT SUNCATCHER
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research initiative to place solar-powered AI data centres in space from 2027 onwards.
What is Project Suncatcher?
- Project Suncatcher is Google’s plan to build space-based data centres using satellites.
- These satellites will carry Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for running large AI and machine learning tasks.
- Satellites will communicate through laser-based optical links, enabling coordinated, data-centre-like computing.
- Google plans to launch two prototype satellites by 2027, in partnership with Planet Labs.
- Chips are being designed to withstand radiation and extreme space conditions.
Why Move Data Centres to Space?
Rising Environmental Costs on Earth
- AI-driven data centres consume huge electricity and water resources.
- Power demand from data centres is expected to rise sharply by 2030.
- Many centres still rely on fossil-fuel-based grids, increasing carbon emissions.
Abundant Solar Energy in Space
- Space offers continuous and predictable solar power, unlike Earth’s day-night cycles.
- This reduces dependence on unstable terrestrial energy systems.
- The Moon and orbit provide ideal conditions for renewable-only operations.
Greater Stability and Security
- Space-based centres are protected from natural disasters, heatwaves, floods, and earthquakes.
- They are also insulated from undersea cable cuts and terrestrial conflicts.
Data Sovereignty and Legal Advantages
- Many countries impose data localisation laws, restricting where data can be stored or processed.
- Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, no country can claim sovereignty over space.
- This could allow multi-national data hosting from a single space-based facility, though legal clarity is still evolving.
Technological Enablers
- Lower launch costs due to reusable rockets have made space projects more viable.
- Advances in satellite miniaturisation, AI chips, and optical communication support feasibility.
- Experimental payload launches are now commercially realistic.
Key Challenges
- Very high construction and maintenance costs.
- Difficult repairs and possible need for astronauts or robotic servicing.
- Latency issues due to distance from Earth.
- Cybersecurity risks in an untested environment.
What Other Tech Giants Are Doing
- OpenAI’s Sam Altman has spoken of solar-powered space AI systems.
- Nvidia’s H100 GPU has already been tested in orbit.
- Lonestar Data Holdings sent a mini data centre to the Moon.
- Jeff Bezos and Eric Schmidt have supported shifting heavy digital infrastructure off Earth.
Conclusion
Project Suncatcher signals a long-term shift in global digital infrastructure.
While space-based data centres are not an immediate solution, they may become crucial for sustainable, energy-secure AI growth in the future.
U.S.–VENEZUELA TENSIONS AND INTERNATIONAL LAW CONCERNS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, Skipper, in December, triggering sharp protests from Venezuela.
Background of the Issue
- In December, the U.S. intercepted and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker operating in international waters.
- Venezuela described the action as illegal seizure and economic coercion.
- The tanker was part of Venezuela’s long-standing oil supply arrangement with Cuba.
- Cuba resells some oil to third countries, generating revenue critical for its economy.
Venezuela–Cuba Oil Cooperation
- Venezuela has supplied oil to Cuba at highly subsidised rates for decades.
- In return, Cuba has sent doctors, health workers, and security personnel to Venezuela.
- The seizure directly affected Cuba’s economic lifeline, adding to its financial stress.
- The move is seen as targeting both Venezuela and Cuba simultaneously.
U.S. Approach Towards Venezuela
- The seizure follows a series of hostile U.S. actions against the Maduro government.
- These include:
- Economic sanctions restricting Venezuela’s oil exports
- Recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as President earlier
- Alleged covert actions to destabilise the Maduro regime
- The U.S. claims actions are part of a “war on drugs”, but evidence linking Venezuela’s leadership to drug cartels remains contested.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
- Strikes on boats in Caribbean waters and tanker seizure were done without clear Congressional approval.
- Such actions may violate: UN Charter principles on sovereignty, Freedom of navigation in international waters
- Extrajudicial use of force undermines the rules-based international order.
Criticism of Maduro vs Justification of Force
- Nicolás Maduro is accused of: Election manipulation in 2024, Mismanagement leading to economic collapse
- However, critics argue that: Governance failures do not justify external military or economic coercion. Regime change efforts weaken international norms.
Historical Parallel: Cuba Policy
- The U.S. embargo on Cuba since the 1950s aimed at forcing regime change.
- Similar tools—sanctions, isolation, economic pressure—are now used against Venezuela.
- These policies have failed to produce democratic transitions, but caused humanitarian suffering.
Broader Implications for Global Order
- The actions echo the interventionist spirit of the Monroe Doctrine era.
- If powerful states bypass international law, it risks: Global instability, Selective application of rules
- A consistent and universal respect for international law is essential.
Conclusion
While Venezuela’s internal problems are real, unilateral militarised actions erode global legal norms. Upholding international law equally for all nations is vital to prevent global disorder and anarchy.
CENTRALISED PUBLIC GRIEVANCE REDRESS AND MONITORING SYSTEM (CPGRAMS)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
CPGRAMS has achieved a 74% fall in pending grievances since 2021, showing improved efficiency. The system is being highlighted as a key step in strengthening citizencentric governance.
About CPGRAMS
- Online grievance platform available 24×7 for citizens to lodge complaints related to government service delivery.
- Developed by DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
- Single portal linking all ministries and state departments, ensuring uniform grievance redressal.
- Accessible via web portal, mobile app, and UMANG platform.
Features
- Tracking facility: Each complaint gets a unique registration ID for status monitoring.
- Timebound resolution: Grievances must be addressed within 21 days.
- Appeal mechanism: If dissatisfied, citizens can rate the resolution and file an appeal (enabled if rating is “Poor”).
- Rolebased access: Ministries and states have defined responsibilities for grievance handling.
Exclusions
- Matters not taken up include:
- Subjudice cases or court judgments.
- Personal/family disputes.
- RTI queries.
- Religious issues.
- Issues affecting national integrity or foreign relations.
Present Significance
- Improved efficiency: Sharp reduction in pendency reflects better monitoring and accountability.
- Citizen empowerment: Provides a transparent, accessible channel for grievance redressal.
- Digital governance: Strengthens trust in egovernance and responsive administration.
Conclusion:
CPGRAMS is a vital tool for participatory governance, ensuring citizens’ voices are heard and acted upon in a timebound manner.
PROJECT MAUSAM & MISSION MAUSAM
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently held a national workshop on Project Mausam titled “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region.”
Project Mausam (2014)
- Initiative of Ministry of Culture to highlight India’s maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.
- Objective: Document historical, cultural, and religious interactions across the Indian Ocean world.
- Coverage: 39 Indian Ocean countries identified for collaboration.
- UNESCO Goal: Sites under Project Mausam proposed for transnational nomination to the World Heritage List.
- Research & Outreach: Promotes archaeological studies, seminars, publications, and awareness of shared heritage.
- Structure:
- Project Research Unit – for academic and historical studies.
- World Heritage Nomination Unit – for UNESCO inscription process.
- Implementation: Led by ASI with support from IGNCA and National Museum.
Mission Mausam (2024)
- Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences to strengthen weather and climate services.
- Agencies involved: IMD, NCMRWF, IITM.
- Focus areas:
- Accurate observation, modelling, and forecasting for agriculture, disaster management, rural development.
- Advanced research in cloud physics for weather modification.
- Infrastructure: India’s first cloud chamber being set up at IITM, Pune.
Present Relevance
- Project Mausam: Enhances India’s soft power, maritime heritage recognition, and cultural diplomacy in the Indian Ocean.
- Mission Mausam: Strengthens climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and scientific innovation in weather forecasting.
Conclusion:
Together, Project Mausam and Mission Mausam showcase India’s dual focus on cultural heritage diplomacy and scientific advancement in climate services, vital for both global image and domestic resilience.