EQUALISING PRIMARY FOOD CONSUMPTION IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIAL ISSUES: THE HINDU
The 2024 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey by NSSO has raised debates on poverty and food security in India.
Poverty Beyond Income
- World Bank Estimate: Extreme poverty in India fell sharply, from over 16% in 2011–12 to just 2.3% in 2022–23.
- Limitations of Income-Based Measures: Traditional poverty measures link income to calorie intake. However, food adequacy involves not only calories but also nutrition and satisfaction.
Thali as a Food Consumption Metric
- A thali, combining rice, dal, vegetables, roti, curd, and salad, provides balanced nutrition.
- Using a cost of ₹30 per thali (Crisil estimate):
- Rural India: 50% could not afford two thalis per day.
- Urban India: 20% faced the same deprivation.
- Indicates deeper food insecurity compared to World Bank’s poverty estimates.
Role and Limits of Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Impact of PDS: When subsidised food is included, deprivation reduces to 40% in rural and 10% in urban areas.
- Concerns:
- Subsidy benefits are unevenly distributed, with richer households also accessing them.
- Rural India continues to face high food insecurity despite PDS.
- Cereal Consumption: Now equal across rich and poor, showing success of PDS but also its limitation since cereals are just 10% of household expenditure.
Pulses Consumption Gap
- Issue: Poor households consume half the pulses compared to the richest groups.
- Why Pulses Matter: They are the main source of protein for many and are expensive.
- Proposal: Redirect subsidies towards pulses rather than continuing excess cereal distribution.
Indian Initiatives
- National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 – Provides subsidised food grains to two-thirds of the population.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) – Free food grain support during and after COVID-19.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan – Focus on nutrition for women, children, and adolescents.
Way Forward
- Restructure PDS – Focus subsidies on pulses and nutrition-rich items while cutting excess cereals.
- Targeted Subsidy – Limit benefits to the poorest households instead of universal coverage.
- Nutritional Security Approach – Move beyond calories to ensure affordable access to proteins, vitamins, and balanced diets.
RANGARAJAN COMMITTEE (2014)
- Urban areas: About 2,100 calories per person per day was considered the minimum requirement.
- Rural areas: About 2,400 calories per person per day was taken as the minimum requirement.
The difference is because rural people usually do more physical work, so their energy needs are higher.
Conclusion:
Equalising food consumption in India requires shifting from calorie sufficiency to nutrition adequacy, with a reformed PDS focusing on pulses and targeted support for the most vulnerable.
INDIA’S FOCUS ON SDG 3
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
India has shown steady progress in the SDG Index, but significant challenges remain in health and nutrition. Achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) continues to be a critical concern, especially due to uneven progress in rural and vulnerable communities.
What are SDGs
- SDGs are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development by 2030.
- They cover key areas like poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, environment, and peace.
- The goals are universal, applying to both developed and developing countries, with a focus on “leaving no one behind.”
- Progress on SDGs is tracked through indicators and reports, guiding countries to align policies for long-term sustainability.
- SDG 3 aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
India monitors SDG progress through:
- NITI Aayog – releases India’s SDG Index and reports.
- MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) – collects and analyses data.
- State governments – prepare action plans aligned with SDGs.
Current Gaps in Health Targets
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 per 1,00,000 live births (target: 70).
- Under-five Mortality Rate: 32 per 1,000 live births (target: 25).
- Life Expectancy: 70 years (target: 73.6 years).
- Health Expenditure: Out-of-pocket spending 13% of total consumption (target: under 8%).
- Immunisation: 93% coverage, still short of universal 100%.
Causes of Lagging Progress
- Infrastructure gaps – limited quality health centres in rural and tribal regions.
- Economic issues – high personal spending on medical care.
- Social and cultural barriers – stigma, poor awareness, and traditional practices restricting healthcare access.
- Nutrition and hygiene – malnutrition, unsafe sanitation, and lifestyle-related diseases.
Key Measures Needed
- Universal Health Insurance: Ensures wider coverage and reduces financial shock from medical expenses. Examples from other countries show strong insurance lowers inequality in access.
- Strengthening Primary Health Care: High-quality Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with proper coordination across care levels. Preventive screening and early disease detection reduce hospitalisation costs.
- Digital Health Solutions: Telemedicine and electronic health records bridge rural gaps. Evidence shows digital platforms improve maternal care and vaccination tracking.
- School-level Health Education: Teaching nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and reproductive health from early years. Builds lifelong healthy habits, reduces maternal and child deaths, and raises life expectancy.
Way Forward
- Embed health education into school curricula for long-term behavioural change.
- Strengthen universal health coverage with focus on equity and affordability.
- Enhance PHCs and digital health networks to reach underserved populations.
- Involve parents and communities in shaping awareness and demanding better health standards.
Conclusion
India’s improved SDG ranking is promising, but progress on SDG 3 is uneven. To meet 2030 targets and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the focus must shift to stronger healthcare systems, digital tools, and health education for youth.
INDIA–CHINA RELATIONS AND THE BOUNDARY QUESTION
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
At the SCO Summit in China, India and China agreed to revive trade and connectivity while stressing border peace, sparking debate on whether ties should progress without resolving boundary disputes.
Background of India–China Relations
- 1988 Rajiv Gandhi Visit: Both countries decided to improve cooperation in other areas while keeping boundary talks separate.
- 1990s Agreements: Frameworks were set to maintain peace along the LAC despite unresolved disputes.
- 2020 Galwan Clash: The deadliest conflict in decades disrupted trust and altered the course of engagement.
- 2024 Border Patrol Agreement: Considered an icebreaker, allowing restoration of Indian patrol rights in some disputed areas.
India’s Concerns
- Recurring Border Tensions: Incidents like Galwan highlight China’s aggressive posture.
- Infrastructure Push by China: Rapid military build-up on the Tibetan Plateau compels India to invest heavily in border defence.
- Strategic Rivalry: China often perceives India as a regional player rather than an equal competitor.
- Support to Pakistan: Beijing continues to back Islamabad, complicating India’s security environment.
China’s Perspective
- Article 370 Concerns: Beijing objected to India’s constitutional changes in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Economic Rivalry: China feared India’s alignment with the U.S. could weaken its role in global supply chains.
- Demographic Factor: India’s young population and economic growth are viewed as potential threats.
- Cautious Engagement: While agreeing to patrol arrangements, China shows little intent to resolve the sovereignty issue.
Scope for Normalisation
- Positive Developments: Restart of air connectivity, trade talks, and patrol arrangements.
- Mutual Benefits: India needs access to global markets; China benefits from India’s large consumer base.
- Balancing Act: India must engage while safeguarding sovereignty and strengthening border readiness.
Challenges Ahead
- A new Galwan-like incident could derail the fragile trust.
- China’s growing trilateral and multilateral presence in South Asia (e.g., with Pakistan and Bangladesh) may sideline India.
- Strategic mistrust persists despite economic interdependence.
Conclusion
While normalising ties with China may bring economic and diplomatic benefits, ignoring boundary issues could compromise India’s security. Sustainable engagement is possible only if peace along the LAC is ensured alongside broader cooperation.
INDIA’S RESPONSE TO THE DOHA STRIKE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India strongly criticized Israel’s strike in Qatar, calling it a violation of sovereignty, reflecting its close ties with Doha and the careful balance in its West Asia policy.
Why did India condemn the Doha strike?
- On September 9, Israel bombed a house in Doha where Hamas leaders were meeting, killing several operatives.
- India termed the attack a “threat to peace and stability” and a breach of Qatar’s sovereignty under the UN Charter.
- PM Modi also expressed solidarity with Qatar’s Emir, showing concern for regional security and civilian safety.
How does this differ from India’s past responses?
- Earlier stance: India usually expressed only “concern” or stayed silent when Israel struck Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or even Iran.
- Contrast: In April 2024, after Israel bombed Iran’s Embassy in Damascus, India’s reaction was mild compared to the Doha statement.
- Even Indian military officials had earlier praised some Israeli operations against Hezbollah.
- The Doha condemnation marks a clearer and stronger position.
Why is Qatar treated differently?
- Large Indian diaspora: Over 7 lakh Indians live and work in Qatar, making it a priority for New Delhi.
- Energy partnership: Qatar is one of India’s largest suppliers of LNG, critical for energy security.
- Leadership ties: Strong personal relations exist between PM Modi and Qatar’s Emir.
- Thus, India’s stance reflects strategic and economic considerations, not just principles of sovereignty.
Role of India-Qatar ties
- Qatar ensures steady gas supplies, crucial for India’s economy.
- Both countries share investment and security cooperation.
- Any instability in Qatar directly impacts India’s energy security and diaspora welfare.
Why has India stayed silent on Gaza?
- Despite the high civilian toll in Gaza, India has mostly avoided strong criticism of Israel.
- Occasional remarks called civilian deaths “regrettable,” but New Delhi stopped short of open condemnation.
- India voted in favour of a UNGA resolution on two-state solution, balancing ties with Israel and Arab nations.
What does this mean for India’s West Asia policy?
- India faces a dilemma: balancing close ties with Israel with its deep dependence on Gulf countries.
- The Doha statement shows that when India’s strategic interests (gas, diaspora, regional stability) are at stake, it takes a stronger stand.
- Silence on Gaza, however, risks damaging goodwill with Arab countries.
- The shift suggests India is recalibrating its policy to consider both Israel and the wider Arab world in its West Asia strategy.
Conclusion
India’s sharp reaction to the Doha strike shows that national interest and regional stakes drive its West Asia policy. While it values ties with Israel, its deep economic and energy links with the Gulf ensure that New Delhi cannot afford silence when partners like Qatar are directly affected.
ARMY’S PUSH FOR DRONE INDUCTION
TOPIC: (GS3) DEFENCE: THE HINDU
The Indian Army is rapidly expanding the use of drones and counter-drone systems, aiming to train every soldier as a drone operator.
Background
- The Army has set up drone centres at premier training institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Infantry School (Mhow), and Officers Training Academy (Chennai).
- The idea of “Eagle in the Arm” underlines that every soldier should be able to operate a drone just like a personal weapon.
- Training covers combat, surveillance, logistics, and medical roles, while counter-drone technologies are also being inducted to ensure layered security.
What are Drones?
- Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft operated remotely without a pilot onboard.
- They can be equipped with cameras, sensors, weapons, or cargo systems depending on the mission.
- Classified into types: nano, mini, tactical, medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE), and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE).
Role of Drones in Defence Modernisation
- Surveillance & Reconnaissance: Provide real-time intelligence, monitor borders, and track enemy movement.
- Combat Role: Armed drones and loitering munitions can strike targets with precision.
- Logistics: Transport essential supplies in difficult terrains.
- Medical Use: Deliver medicines, blood, or evacuate small loads during emergencies.
- Counter-Drone Measures: Detect and neutralise enemy drones to protect critical assets.
Other Civilian Applications of Drones
- Agriculture: Crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and yield assessment.
- Disaster Management: Aid in search and rescue, damage assessment, and relief delivery.
- Urban Planning: Mapping, traffic management, and infrastructure monitoring.
- Environment: Wildlife tracking, anti-poaching, and pollution monitoring.
- E-commerce & Logistics: Last-mile delivery of goods and medicines.
Government Initiatives on Drones
- Drone Rules, 2021: Simplified regulations to encourage domestic drone use and manufacturing.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Incentives for drone and drone component makers.
- Drone Shakti Mission: Promotes drone-as-a-service (DrAAS) model and startups.
- Kisan Drone Initiative: Use of drones in agriculture to help farmers with crop spraying and soil analysis.
- Skill Development: Establishment of drone training hubs to create certified operators across sectors.
Conclusion
The Army’s plan to equip every soldier with drone skills reflects the transformation of warfare, where unmanned systems are as vital as traditional weapons. With defence and civilian applications, drones are emerging as a cornerstone of India’s technological and strategic future.
COVID-19 AND ITS HIDDEN IMPACT ON HEART HEALTH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A multinational study (CARTESIAN), published in the European Heart Journal, found that COVID-19 survivors, especially women, show stiffer arteries — similar to ageing five to ten years faster. This raises concerns about long-term heart health globally.
Background
- Nearly 700 million people worldwide have recovered from COVID-19, raising the possibility of a huge long-term healthcare burden.
- The CARTESIAN study involved over 2,300 participants from 18 countries, examining whether the virus leaves lasting effects on blood vessels.
Key Findings of the CARTESIAN Study
- Arterial Stiffness: COVID survivors had higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of stiffer arteries.
- Ageing Effect: This stiffness was equal to arteries of people 5–10 years older.
- Gender Impact: Women were more affected, showing higher stiffness regardless of how severe their illness was.
- Long COVID Link: Symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness were associated with even greater vascular ageing.
Why it Matters
- Stiffer arteries increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and dementia.
- Unlike visible ageing, vascular ageing is hidden and detected only through health complications.
- Even those with mild infections showed signs of premature vascular ageing.
Recovery and Vaccination Impact
- Stiffness did not worsen with time and slightly improved in severe cases.
- Vaccinated individuals showed lower arterial stiffness, especially women.
- However, survivors did not fully return to pre-COVID levels.
Expert Opinions
- Some cardiologists urge caution, pointing out the lack of pre-COVID baseline data.
- Others highlight clinical cases of myocarditis, palpitations, and vascular inflammation linked to COVID, reinforcing the need for preventive care.
Indian Context
- The study was not South Asia-focused, leaving uncertainty for India.
- India already carries a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease, making the risk potentially more serious.
- Experts stress the need for domestic research to understand the impact on India’s population.
Conclusion
COVID-19 may accelerate vascular ageing, especially in women, raising global health concerns. For India, gathering local evidence is vital to prepare healthcare systems for possible long-term cardiovascular risks.
UPGRADING INDIAN ARMY RADARS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Indian Army has started procuring new-generation radars to counter low-cost drones and improve its air defence network, following lessons from Operation Sindoor, where swarms of drones posed major challenges.
Background
- Radars are critical for Air Defence (AD) as they detect, track, and guide weapons against aerial threats.
- Operation Sindoor revealed gaps in detecting small drones with low radar signatures, leading to accelerated procurement of advanced radar systems.
What the Army is Procuring
- Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWR and LLLWR-E) – upgraded surveillance radars for detecting small, slow-flying aerial threats.
- AD Fire Control Radar–Drone Detector Systems (AD FCR-DD) – mobile radars for identifying and targeting drones.
- Upgraded radars can detect, classify, and guide weapons to neutralize even the smallest UAVs.
Functions of Radars in Defence
- Surveillance: Scans the airspace, not linked to weapons.
- Fire Control: Directs weapon systems to lock and destroy targets.
- Detection Capability: Identifies objects with small radar cross-sections (RCS), such as mini-drones.
Need for Upgradation
- Old radars were effective mainly against large aircrafts, helicopters, or missiles, but less effective against small drones.
- Recent conflicts, including attacks by Hamas in Israel, have shown the danger of swarms of cheap UAVs overwhelming existing AD systems.
- Upgraded radars can track threats from multiple directions and support layered defence.
India’s Air Defence Infrastructure
- India operates long-range missile systems like S-400 and Akash surface-to-air missiles, along with older radars like Rajendra.
- The Akashteer system integrates sensors, radars, and communication networks for seamless control.
- New radars will strengthen this system, ensuring better situational awareness and faster responses.
Importance of Radar Modernisation
- Enhances ability to defend against drone swarms, stealth UAVs, and low-altitude threats.
- Strengthens national security, especially along northern and western borders.
- Supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by involving DRDO and private industry in radar development.
Conclusion
Upgrading radars is essential for India’s modern warfare readiness. By integrating advanced detection and control systems, the Army is preparing to counter evolving aerial threats, especially drone warfare.
GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII) 2025
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The 18th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 was published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
About Global Innovation Index (GII)
- Launched in 2007 and published annually by WIPO.
- Provides comparative data on around 140 economies, measuring their innovation ecosystem.
- Evaluates economies based on inputs (institutions, human capital, infrastructure, business sophistication) and outputs (knowledge, technology, creativity).
Key Findings of GII 2025
- Global R&D Slowdown: Growth in R&D expenditure fell to 2.9% in 2024 (from 4.4% earlier), the lowest since the 2010 financial crisis. WIPO projects further slowdown in 2025 (2.3%).
- Top Performers: Switzerland retained the top spot for the 15th year, followed by Sweden, USA, South Korea, and Singapore.
- China: Entered the top 10 for the first time, becoming the leader among middle-income countries.
- India’s Position: Improved from rank 48 in 2020 to 38 in 2025.
- Strong Areas: Knowledge & Technology Outputs (#22), Market Sophistication (#38).
- Weak Areas: Business Sophistication (#64), Infrastructure (#61), Institutions (#58).
- Highlights: Strong ICT services exports, growing venture capital ecosystem, unicorns, and digital economy growth.
Significance for India
- Reflects India’s resilience in innovation, especially in digital and startup sectors.
- Shows need for reforms in infrastructure, institutional quality, and business practices.
- Demonstrates how India is leveraging ICT exports, fintech, and startups to rise in rankings.
Key Government Initiatives Supporting Innovation
- Startup India (2016): Tax benefits, funding support, and easier compliance.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Encourages innovation via Tinkering Labs, Incubation Centres, and Challenges.
- NIDHI (DST Programme): Supports innovators through idea-to-prototype schemes and fellowships.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, ONDC): Provides scalable platforms for innovation.
- PLI Schemes: Boosts R&D and manufacturing in electronics, semiconductors, EVs, and pharma.
About WIPO
- A self-financing UN agency, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Works to protect intellectual property and promote global innovation.
- Has 194 member states, including India.
Conclusion:
India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index shows strong progress in the digital economy and startups. However, bridging gaps in infrastructure, business sophistication, and institutions is essential to sustain long-term innovation growth.