SUPREME COURT VS CENTRE ON STUBBLE BURNING
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The issue of winter pollution in northern India caused by stubble burning, with the Supreme Court suggesting strict penalties while the Centre favours cooperative solutions.
Stubble Burning
- Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvesting, mainly paddy. Mostly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh during October–November.
Why farmers do it:
- Quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next sowing.
- Lack of affordable alternatives for residue management.
- Pressure of short sowing window between paddy harvesting and wheat planting.
- Rising labour costs and shortage of time for manual removal.
Causes of the Problem
- Paddy–Wheat Cycle: Short gap (10–20 days) between two crops.
- High Cost of Machinery: Machines like Happy Seeder or Super Straw Management System are expensive for small farmers.
- Groundwater Law: Restrictions on early paddy sowing (to conserve groundwater) delay harvesting, further shortening the sowing period.
- Policy Issues: Farmers exempted from punishment under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, limiting deterrence.
- Weak Implementation: State governments struggle to monitor and enforce bans effectively.
Environmental & Health Impact
- Air Pollution: Releases particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
- Smog Formation: Contributes to severe winter haze in Delhi and surrounding regions.
- Soil Damage: Burns organic matter, reducing fertility and increasing fertilizer demand.
- Health Hazards: Causes respiratory problems, eye irritation, and worsens chronic illnesses.
Government Measures
- Subsidy Schemes: Providing machines like Happy Seeder, Rotavators, and Straw Choppers at subsidized rates.
- Promotion of In-situ Management: Machines that mulch crop residue into the soil.
- Ex-situ Utilisation: Encouraging industries (biofuel, biomass energy plants, paper mills) to use crop residue.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating farmers on alternatives to burning.
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Nodal authority for coordination among States.
- State-Level Plans: Punjab and Haryana announced incentives for farmers adopting residue management.
Way Forward
- Combine carrot and stick approach, incentives for compliance, penalties for repeated violations.
- Promote cooperative farming models for sharing costly machinery.
- Strengthen market linkages for using crop residue as raw material in energy and industry.
- Enhance coordination among States to adopt a uniform strategy against stubble burning.
Conclusion:
Stubble burning is a major cause of North India’s winter pollution crisis. While punishing farmers may not be feasible, sustainable alternatives, strong implementation, and a balanced incentive-penalty approach are needed to tackle the issue effectively.
THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY (NLP)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently marked the third anniversary of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), first introduced in 2022, highlighting progress and challenges in making India’s logistics sector globally competitive.
About the National Logistics Policy (NLP)
- Launched in 2022 to transform India’s logistics ecosystem.
- Reduce logistics costs below 10% of GDP, in line with global standards.
- Improve India’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to the top 25 by 2030.
- Create a data-driven decision support system for efficient and integrated logistics management.
Key Achievements So Far
- Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP): Integrated over 30 digital systems through secure APIs.
- LPI Ranking: India ranked 38th out of 139 countries in 2023, moving up six positions since 2018.
- Inland Waterways Growth: Cargo traffic reached 145.5 million tonnes in 2024–25.
- National Waterways: Number of operational waterways increased from 24 to 29.
India’s Logistics Sector Overview
- Valued at USD 215 billion in 2021, expected to grow at 10.7% CAGR till 2026.
- Supports manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and services.
- Covers transportation, warehousing, storage, and distribution, linking producers with consumers across domestic and international markets.
Benefits of Efficient Logistics
- Stronger supply chains: Reduces delays and lead times.
- Better connectivity: Expands market access and regional integration.
- Lower costs: Makes Indian products more competitive.
- Job creation: Expected to generate 1 crore jobs by 2027.
- Economic integration: Promotes seamless flow of goods and services nationwide.
Key Challenges
- High costs: Logistics expenses are 13–14% of GDP, higher than global peers.
- Infrastructure gaps: Lack of adequate warehousing, cold storage, and last-mile facilities.
- Overdependence on roads: Leads to congestion, delays, and higher fuel use.
- Weak multimodal transport: Limited use of railways and waterways.
- Environmental issues: Heavy reliance on diesel trucks raises emissions.
Government Initiatives
- PM GatiShakti Master Plan (2021): Integrates multiple transport modes, involving 57 ministries and 36 states/UTs.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC): Special rail corridors to cut congestion and costs.
- Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs): 35 hubs identified; 5 to be operational by 2027.
- ULIP Platform: Over 100 crore API transactions recorded in 2025.
- Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV): First university focused on transport and logistics.
Conclusion:
The National Logistics Policy is a key step toward reducing costs, improving connectivity, and making India a global logistics hub, but sustained reforms and infrastructure upgrades are vital for its success.
GOVERNOR’S ASSENT TO STATE BILLS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court, while examining a Presidential Reference on Article 200, directed Governors and the President to decide on State Bills within three months. This has raised questions on whether the judiciary can impose such timelines when the Constitution does not specify them.
Governor’s Role under Article 200
- When a Bill passed by a State legislature is presented, the Governor has four options:
- Give assent.
- Withhold assent.
- Return the Bill (except Money Bills) for reconsideration.
- Reserve it for the President’s consideration.
- Key issue: Can the Governor act in his own discretion or only on the advice of the Council of Ministers?
Legal and Constitutional Views on Discretion
- Constitutional Scheme: Article 163 says Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in cases where discretion is explicitly given.
- Government of India Act, 1935: The provision explicitly gave discretion, but the word “discretion” was deliberately omitted in Article 200 of the Constitution.
- Judicial Interpretation:
- Shamsher Singh (1974): Suggested some discretionary power under Article 200.
- Nabam Rebia (2016): Reaffirmed that Governor is bound by ministerial advice.
- State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu (2025): Held that giving Governors independent discretion would make them “super-constitutional authorities,” halting legislative functioning.
- Commission Reports: Both Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions held Governors must normally follow ministerial advice, with rare exceptions (e.g., when a Bill is unconstitutional).
Time Limit Issue
- Current Situation: Some Governors have kept Bills pending for years, stalling State legislatures.
- SC’s Intervention: Fixed a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act on Bills.
- Union Government’s Argument: No such timeline exists in Articles 200 or 201, so Court cannot impose one.
- Court’s Reasoning: Long delays disrupt the legislative process, which goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Federal Concerns and Remedies
- When Governors delay Bills, it undermines the functioning of elected governments.
- Article 355: Places a duty on the Union to ensure States function according to the Constitution. It could be invoked to prevent Governors from stalling Bills.
- Judicial intervention thus acts as a corrective when constitutional authorities remain inactive.
Significance of Recent Judgments
- Punjab vs Governor (2023) and Tamil Nadu vs Governor (2025) strengthened federalism by limiting Governor’s discretion.
- Supreme Court’s move ensures smoother legislative functioning and prevents misuse of gubernatorial office.
- Judicial creativity has often clarified constitutional gaps—similar to how Article 21 was expanded in Maneka Gandhi (1978).
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s timeline for Governors and the President to act on Bills is a judicial safeguard against legislative paralysis. It reaffirms that Governors are constitutional heads, bound by the advice of elected governments, and ensures that federalism and democratic accountability are upheld.
OUT-OF-POCKET HEALTH EXPENDITURE IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Recent estimates by the National Health Accounts (NHA) suggest a sharp fall in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health in India. However, experts argue these figures may not reflect the ground reality, as they rely heavily on a single survey and overlook key data sources, including the COVID-19 impact.
What is Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)?
- OOPE is the money people spend directly from their pocket to pay for health services.
- In India, it remains the main source of healthcare financing, especially for the poor.
- High OOPE often forces families to:
- Dip into savings or borrow money.
- Sell assets like land or jewellery.
- Reduce food, education, and other essential expenses.
Present Concerns with NHA Estimates
- Declining Trend Reported: NHA shows OOPE dropped from 64% (2013-14) → 39% (2021-22).
- Methodology Issues: Based largely on NSS 2017-18 data, later years are just extrapolations adjusted for inflation.
- Under-reporting: Lower ailment reporting and reduced hospitalisation in NSS round may have created an artificial decline.
- Mismatch with National Income Accounts (NIA) – NIA shows rising household health spending, opposite to NHA’s fall.
Causes of High OOPE in India
- Heavy reliance on private healthcare due to poor public health infrastructure.
- High cost of medicines and diagnostics, with limited price regulation.
- Inadequate insurance penetration, especially in rural and informal sectors.
- Limited coverage and gaps in implementation of government schemes.
- Unpredictable health shocks like COVID-19, increasing treatment burden.
Indian Initiatives to Reduce OOPE
- Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY: Provides free health cover to poor families up to ₹5 lakh.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Supply low-cost generic medicines.
- Free Diagnostics and Drugs Programme under National Health Mission.
- Health Insurance Schemes: State-level programmes (e.g., Aarogyasri, Karunya, etc.).
- Strengthening Public Health: Establishing Health and Wellness Centres for primary care.
Way Forward
- Use multiple data sources (NSS, CES, NFHS, LASI, CMIE) for realistic estimates.
- Strengthen public hospitals and primary care to reduce dependence on private sector.
- Expand insurance coverage and ensure cashless treatment across hospitals.
- Control medicine and diagnostic prices through stronger regulation.
- Include COVID-19 data and future shocks in health expenditure reporting.
- Ensure transparent and independent review of NHA estimates to avoid politically motivated interpretations.
Conclusion:
While official data shows a fall in OOPE, other surveys suggest health spending remains a major financial burden for households. A reliable, multi-source health expenditure framework is needed to design policies that genuinely protect people from medical impoverishment.
SUPREME COURT’S INTERIM ORDER ON WAQF (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court, on September 15, 2025, issued an interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, staying some controversial provisions while allowing others to operate. The move came after petitions alleged that the law undermined minority rights and expanded State control over religious endowments.
What is Waqf?
- Waqf refers to a permanent charitable endowment under Islamic law, where property is dedicated for religious or social use.
- The Waqf Act, 1995 regulates such properties, with boards and councils overseeing their management.
- The 2025 Amendment aimed to “modernise” the law, but raised constitutional concerns.
Grounds of Challenge
- Violation of Article 26: Infringement on the community’s right to manage its religious affairs.
- Arbitrary Restrictions: The five-year practising Islam condition seen as discriminatory.
- Executive Overreach: District Collectors deciding property ownership questioned as encroaching upon judicial powers.
- Minority Rights Concerns: Allowing non-Muslims on boards argued to undermine autonomy of religious institutions.
Provisions Stayed by the Court
- District Collector’s Powers: Stopped from unilaterally declaring waqf land as government property.
- Automatic Loss of Waqf Status: Law that stripped property of waqf status during inquiry suspended.
- Five-Year Islam Practice Rule: Put on hold until the government creates a proper verification procedure.
- Cap on Non-Muslim Members: Central Waqf Council restricted to 4 non-Muslims; State boards capped at 3.
Provisions Allowed to Operate
- End of Waqf by User: Properties cannot be deemed waqf solely by long use without formal deed.
- Mandatory Registration: All waqf properties to be listed on a central digital portal for transparency.
- Application of Limitation Act: Disputes over waqf land now subject to a 12-year limitation period like other properties.
Broader Implications
- Judicial Oversight Reaffirmed: Property disputes must remain within courts/tribunals, not with executive officers.
- Balancing Autonomy & Accountability: Order tries to protect minority rights while also endorsing measures for transparency.
- Minority Rights Debate: Raises questions on how far the State can intervene in religious institutions.
- Future Uncertainty: Final judgment may either uphold or strike down more provisions; interim order only a safeguard.
Conclusion:
The SC’s order reflects a cautious approach—checking executive overreach while allowing reforms that ensure transparency. The final verdict will determine the long-term balance between minority rights and State accountability in waqf management.
EU–INDIA PARTNERSHIP: STRATEGIC UPGRADE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The European Union (EU) released a new strategic agenda to strengthen ties with India in trade, technology, security, defence, and climate cooperation. However, Brussels flagged India’s military cooperation with Russia and oil imports from Moscow as challenges to deeper engagement.
Background
- The EU and India are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) along with agreements on defence industry cooperation and exchange of classified information.
- The EU views India as a key partner in shaping a rules-based global order amid geopolitical shifts.
- At the same time, India continues energy and defence engagements with Russia, creating friction with European concerns over the Ukraine conflict.
Highlights of the Strategic Agenda
- Broad Areas of Cooperation: Trade, investment, technology, defence, security, and climate change.
- FTA Negotiations: Ongoing discussions with hopes of concluding by the end of the year; agricultural tariffs and India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) remain contentious.
- Defence & Security: Proposal for greater collaboration in defence industry and sharing of classified data.
- Climate Cooperation: Both sides aim to align on green technologies and sustainable development.
Key Concerns Raised by EU
- Russia Factor: India’s participation in Zapad-2025 military drills with Russia. Continued purchase of Russian oil, which EU sees as indirectly enabling the Ukraine war.
- Rules-Based Order: EU insists the partnership must also reflect commitment to international norms, not just trade benefits.
- Tariff Issues: EU highlighted India’s tariff and non-tariff barriers as obstacles to a commercially meaningful trade deal.
India’s Position
- PM Modi welcomed the EU’s roadmap, stressing India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with EU leadership to clarify India’s independent foreign policy stance.
- India balances ties with Russia for strategic and energy security reasons while deepening engagement with Europe.
Broader Implications
- Geopolitical Balance: EU wants to draw India closer to avoid pushing it “into Russia’s corner.”
- Economic Potential: Bilateral trade has grown by over 90% in a decade, but there is scope for much deeper integration.
- Strategic Significance: Strengthened EU–India partnership could become a defining feature of 21st-century geopolitics.
Conclusion:
The EU–India strategic agenda reflects strong mutual interest in cooperation, but differences over Russia and trade barriers need careful navigation to realise the full potential of the partnership.
PM PUSH FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION AMID U.S. TARIFFS ROW
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the first PM MITRA textile park in Madhya Pradesh, urged citizens to adopt Swadeshi products and promote self-reliance. His call came against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. over tariffs.
Background
- India and the U.S. are negotiating a trade agreement, but tariff-related frictions persist.
- At the same time, India is promoting domestic manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- The new PM MITRA park initiative is part of this larger vision to strengthen India’s textile industry and boost exports.
Key Highlights of PM’s Address
- PM urged people to prefer Indian-made goods during festivals and asked traders to sell only Swadeshi products to boost the economy.
- He referred to Operation Sindoor, praising the armed forces for strong action against terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
- The PM launched the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) to promote women’s health through early detection of serious diseases like cancer.
- The women’s health campaign will run until October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti).
- He announced that new GST rates will come into effect from September 22, aligning with Navratri.
PM MITRA Park Initiative
- Vision: Based on the 5F model – Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign.
- Objective: Create integrated hubs for textile production, boosting exports and generating jobs.
- Locations: 7 approved sites – Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Investment: Dhar (M.P.) park has received proposals worth ₹23,000 crore from 114 companies.
Significance of the Move
- Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat and reduces dependence on imports.
- Helps counter external trade challenges such as U.S. tariffs.
- Strengthens manufacturing and exports, especially in textiles.
- Supports women’s health, linking economic growth with social welfare.
- Sends a strong national security message through reference to Operation Sindoor.
Way Forward
- Encourage public awareness campaigns for Swadeshi products.
- Expand PM MITRA parks into global textile hubs with advanced technology.
- Ensure policy stability for long-term investor confidence.
- Balance trade ties with the U.S. while safeguarding domestic industries.
- Scale up women’s health initiatives to district-level hospitals for wider reach.
Conclusion:
PM Modi’s emphasis on Swadeshi, coupled with the launch of PM MITRA parks and health campaigns, reflects a dual focus on economic self-reliance and social empowerment, while navigating external trade challenges.
FRONTIER 50 INITIATIVE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
NITI Aayog has launched the Frontier 50 Initiative under its Frontier Tech Hub to promote the use of advanced technologies in Aspirational Districts and Blocks for faster service delivery and inclusive growth.
About Frontier 50 Initiative
- Launched by NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub.
- Focus: To help 50 Aspirational Districts/Blocks choose practical use cases from a repository and implement frontier technologies for better governance and service delivery.
- Aim: To accelerate development outcomes across Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP).
- Technology Repository: Showcases 200+ impact stories across India in key areas like:
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- National Security
- Objective: To demonstrate how startups and states are using technology to improve livelihoods and scale impact.
NITI Frontier Tech Hub
- A platform set up to anticipate major technology shifts and prepare India for them.
- Works to harness frontier technologies like:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Technology
- Biotechnology
- Brings together experts from government, industry, and academia.
- Focus: Inclusive growth, stronger supply chains, and enhanced national security.
- Vision: To design strategies that support Viksit Bharat @2047.
Way Forward
- Expand the initiative to cover more districts and blocks.
- Ensure capacity building of local officials to use frontier technologies.
- Encourage public-private partnerships for scaling innovations.
- Promote local startups to design region-specific tech solutions.
- Regularly monitor and share best practices for wider replication.