THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE TEHREEK-E-TALIBAN PAKISTAN (TTP)
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Violence in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has sharply risen due to TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) attacks, worsening Pakistan’s security situation and straining its already fragile relations with Afghanistan, which Islamabad accuses of sheltering TTP militants.
Background
- The TTP, an umbrella group of militant factions, has intensified attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return of the Afghan Taliban to power.
- Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing safe havens to TTP fighters, while Afghanistan denies involvement.
Extent of the Conflict
- The year 2024 witnessed the worst violence in a decade, with over 1,600 people killed, including 680 security personnel.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for 94% of the casualties, showing a sharp rise since 2021.
- Pakistan carried out nearly 60,000 military operations, killing about 900 militants, yet the insurgency persists.
TTP’s Demands
- The group seeks to:
- Restore the old Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reversing their merger with KP under the 25th Constitutional Amendment (2018).
- Remove Pakistani security forces from tribal zones.
- Enforce Sharia law across the region.
- Essentially, the TTP wants autonomy over tribal areas, undoing Islamabad’s efforts to integrate them into Pakistan’s political structure.
Key Structural Issues
Colonial Legacy and Governance Vacuum
- The FATA system, created by the British as a buffer zone with Afghanistan, was never fully integrated into Pakistan’s democratic framework.
- Islamabad’s reliance on military control instead of political empowerment fostered alienation, creating fertile ground for militancy.
Civil-Military Imbalance
- Pakistan’s military dominated its Afghanistan policy, prioritising “strategic depth” over internal stability.
- The region’s neglect allowed groups like the TTP to gain influence.
Rise of Afghan Taliban
- After 2001, as al-Qaeda and Taliban elements fled into tribal areas, the TTP emerged to support them.
- The expectation that the Afghan Taliban would restrain the TTP after taking power in Kabul proved misguided.
Inconsistent State Policy
- Pakistan has alternated between military crackdowns and peace talks.
- The 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar prompted a “National Action Plan,” but later governments returned to negotiations, weakening deterrence.
Absence of Political Alternatives
- Pakistan failed to promote democratic forces in tribal regions.
- Movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which could represent youth aspirations, were suppressed.
Current Approach and Its Risks
- Pakistan continues to blame external actors—Afghanistan and India—for its TTP problem, diverting focus from internal causes.
- Border closures, attacks inside Afghanistan, and expelling refugees risk alienating Afghans further and worsening bilateral hostility.
Conclusion
The TTP threat reflects deep-rooted governance failures, civil-military imbalance, and neglect of local political representation. Lasting peace requires Pakistan to strengthen civilian institutions, empower local governance, and engage Afghanistan diplomatically rather than militarily.
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INDIA’S SOLAR POWER OPPORTUNITY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of solar energy, surpassing Japan, and aims to become a global solar supplier, particularly to Africa, to sustain its growing domestic solar manufacturing industry.
Background
- India’s solar power industry has witnessed rapid expansion over the past decade, driven by policy support, technological innovation, and global climate commitments.
- The country’s shift toward renewable energy is central to meeting its Net Zero goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Growth of Solar Energy in India
Rising Production and Capacity
- As per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India generated 1,08,494 GWh of solar power in 2024–25, overtaking Japan.
- India now ranks third globally, behind China and the United States.
- Solar module manufacturing capacity surged from 2 GW in 2014 to about 100 GW in 2025, though the effective operational capacity is closer to 85 GW.
Domestic Installation
- India’s installed solar capacity reached 117 GW as of September 2025.
- Despite progress, the country still faces cost disadvantages compared to China, where modules are 1.5 to 2 times cheaper due to economies of scale and stronger supply chains.
Targets and Challenges
- 2030 Renewable Energy Goal: India aims to produce 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030, totaling around 500 GW.
- Of this, 250–280 GW is expected from solar power, requiring an annual capacity addition of around 30 GW. However, the actual yearly addition remains at 17–23 GW, below the target.
- Export Challenges: India exported about 4 GW of solar modules to the U.S. in 2024, largely due to temporary American trade restrictions.
- In contrast, China exported over 236 GW, highlighting India’s limited global presence.
Way Forward: Becoming a Global Solar Supplier
- Africa as a Key Market: India’s outreach to Africa through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) can help open new markets for its solar products.
- Africa’s low electrification and irrigation coverage (only 4% of arable land irrigated) present opportunities for solar-powered rural solutions like pumpsets and micro-grids.
- Leveraging Domestic Schemes: Programmes such as PM-KUSUM (solar for farmers) and PM-Surya Ghar (rooftop solar for urban households) can serve as demonstration models for African nations.
- Strengthening Competitiveness: India must reduce production costs, secure raw materials, and expand technology partnerships to compete with China’s dominance.
Major Solar Power Parks in India (2025)
Solar Park | Location | Capacity (MW) |
Bhadla Solar Park | Rajasthan | 2,245 |
Pavagada Solar Park | Karnataka | 2,050 |
Khavda Solar Park | Gujarat | 1,500+ (ongoing expansion) |
Ananthapuramu Ultra Solar Park | Andhra Pradesh | 1,500 |
Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park | Andhra Pradesh | 1,000 |
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park | Madhya Pradesh | 750 |
Charanka Solar Park | Gujarat | 690 |
Kamuthi Solar Plant | Tamil Nadu | 648 |
Radhnesada Solar Park | Gujarat | 280 |
Ananthapuramu – II Solar Park | Andhra Pradesh | 500 |
Conclusion
By building global partnerships, especially in Africa, and sustaining domestic demand, India can secure the long-term viability of its solar manufacturing industry and reinforce its role as a renewable energy powerhouse.
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THE TAILWINDS FROM LOWER GLOBAL OIL PRICES
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Global crude oil prices have been falling, reaching around $61 per barrel, the lowest in recent months. The decline comes amid a global supply surplus and slowing demand, offering potential economic relief for India — the world’s third-largest oil importer.
Background
- Crude oil remains the most traded commodity globally, with over 100 million barrels produced daily, nearly half of which is traded across countries.
- Despite geopolitical tensions like the Ukraine war and the U.S.-China trade conflict, the oil market is witnessing a sharp drop in prices due to changing demand and supply patterns.
- The current situation represents an ongoing contest between OPEC+ producers and non-OPEC exporters, with consumers benefiting from the price dip.
Global Oil Market Trends
Supply Dynamics
- New extraction technologies such as shale oil, horizontal drilling, and deep-sea exploration have significantly expanded production capacity.
- In the past year alone, global oil production increased by 5.6 million barrels per day (mbpd).
- Of this, 3.1 mbpd came from OPEC+ countries, which lifted COVID-era production curbs.
- The remaining growth came mainly from the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina.
Demand Patterns
- Global demand growth is slowing due to:
- The rise of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in China (where EVs make up nearly 50% of new car sales).
- Sluggish post-COVID recovery in developed economies.
- Climate change commitments reducing fossil fuel dependence.
- The OECD countries (38 nations with nearly half of global GDP) now account for only 10% of the annual oil demand growth.
Divergent Forecasts
- OPEC’s outlook predicts a supply deficit of about 50,000 barrels per day by 2026.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA), however, anticipates a surplus of around 4 mbpd, signaling continued price weakness.
- Most analysts side with the IEA, expecting Brent crude to drop to $50–55 per barrel next year.
Economic Implications for India
Positive Effects
- India’s oil import bill in 2024–25 was $137 billion.
- Each $1 drop in oil prices reduces the current account deficit (CAD) by approximately $1.6 billion.
- Lower import costs ease inflation and subsidy burden, improving fiscal stability.
- Savings allow the government to boost capital expenditure and stimulate growth.
- Reduced dependence on discounted Russian crude may also ease trade frictions with the United States.
Possible Downsides
- West Asian economies, heavily dependent on oil exports, may experience slowdowns, which could impact: Indian remittances, exports, and investments from the Gulf region.
Conclusion
The current oil price decline offers short-term economic relief to India through lower import bills and improved fiscal balance. However, as the oil market is cyclical, prices could rebound with any geopolitical shock or production cut.
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NHAI TO USE 3D SENSORS FOR DETECTING POTHOLES AND ROAD CRACKS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to use 3D laser sensors and data systems to identify potholes, cracks, and surface defects across 23 States covering over 20,000 km of highways.
Background
- The NHAI, responsible for building and maintaining India’s National Highways, is focusing on technological monitoring of road health.
- With increasing traffic and expanding networks, maintaining highway quality has become a key infrastructure challenge.
Key Features of the Initiative
Technology Deployment
- Vehicles with advanced sensors will scan highways using:
- 3D laser-based systems to detect surface irregularities.
- GPS units for accurate location mapping.
- Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to measure acceleration and angular velocity.
- These systems will provide precise and real-time data on road conditions.
Data Collection and Monitoring
- Data will be gathered before and after highway construction, and every six months thereafter.
- It will cover all highway projects ranging from two-lane to eight-lane roads.
- Information will include pavement condition, cracks, and potholes to support preventive maintenance.
Centralised Data Analysis
- The collected data will be uploaded to NHAI’s AI-based ‘Data Lake’ portal.
- A specialised expert team will analyse the information to create actionable insights for:
- Asset management
- Maintenance planning
- Infrastructure upgrades
Additional Efforts by NHAI
- NHAI is identifying accident-prone black spots based on reports from State governments.
- Out of 13,795 black spots identified till March 2025, long-term corrective work has been completed on 5,036.
- The Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) system is also being used to digitally record and monitor road accident data.
Significance
- Enhances road safety and driving comfort.
- Enables data-based decision-making for timely maintenance.
- Supports Government of India’s vision for smart, sustainable, and safe transport infrastructure.
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MANDATORY LABELLING OF AI-GENERATED CONTENT
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, making it compulsory to disclose and label AI-generated or synthetic content on social media platforms.
Background
- The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has made it easy to create highly realistic but fake images, videos, and voice clips — known as synthetic content or deepfakes.
- These manipulations can mislead users, harm reputations, and threaten privacy and public trust.
- There has been increasing public and parliamentary concern over the misuse of such technology.
Key Provisions of the Draft Amendment
- Mandatory Disclosure by Users: Users must declare if the content they upload (text, image, video, or audio) is generated or altered using AI tools.
- Proactive Detection by Platforms: If users fail to self-declare, social media platforms are required to detect and label synthetic content themselves.
- Labelling Requirement: The AI-generated content label should cover at least 10% of the visual area of the content for clear visibility. Applies to all forms of synthetic content, not just photorealistic ones.
Significance of the Move
- Ensures transparency and user awareness regarding authenticity of online information.
- Helps combat misinformation and protect individuals from defamation or privacy invasion.
- Aligns India’s policy response with global efforts to regulate AI-generated content.
Challenges Ahead
- Ensuring accurate AI-detection systems on platforms.
- Balancing freedom of expression with regulation.
- Implementation across multiple languages and formats on social media.
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KERALA TO BECOME THE FIRST STATE FREE FROM EXTREME POVERTY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Kerala will officially declare itself “free from extreme poverty” on November 1, 2025, marking a first in India. The announcement will be made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a public event in Thiruvananthapuram.
Background
- The Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme was among the first Cabinet decisions of the current Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in 2021.
- According to a NITI Aayog study (2021), Kerala already had the lowest poverty rate in India at 0.7% of its total population.
- Building on this, the government identified and targeted families still living in extreme deprivation.
Implementation Process
- Identification of Families: Through detailed field surveys, 64,006 families were marked as extremely poor based on parameters such as food security, housing, health, and income.
- Support and Rehabilitation: 3,913 families received new houses, and 1,338 families were provided land. 5,651 families were granted financial aid up to ₹2 lakh for home repairs.
- Essential documents (like ration cards, Aadhaar, or voter IDs) were issued to over 21,000 individuals lacking them.
- Comprehensive Micro Plans: Each family received a customised micro-plan addressing both short-term and long-term needs. The initiative was inclusive, involving all local bodies, irrespective of political affiliation.
Outcome
- Out of 64,006 identified families, 59,277 have been lifted out of extreme poverty.
- Some families were untraceable due to migration or death of lone members.
- The government continues to track and support remaining households.
Definitions in Simple Terms
Poverty
- General poverty means lacking income or resources to meet basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare.
- It is usually measured by income or consumption levels.
- In India, poverty lines are based on monthly per capita consumption expenditure (e.g., Tendulkar Committee).
Extreme Poverty
Institution Definition
UN / World Bank Living on less than $2.15/day (PPP) — reflects severe deprivation
India (Kerala benchmark) Living on less than ₹180/day/person — unable to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare
- Extreme poverty implies chronic hunger, poor health, and no access to basic services.
Multidimensional Poverty
Institution Definition
UNDP (Global MPI) Poverty measured across three dimensions: health, education, and living standards
India (National MPI by NITI Aayog) Uses 12 indicators under health, education, and standard of living to assess deprivation
Key Dimensions:
- Health: Nutrition, child mortality
- Education: Years of schooling, school attendance
- Living Standards: Electricity, sanitation, drinking water, housing, cooking fuel, assets
Latest Stats (2025)
- Extreme Poverty in India: Declined sharply; Kerala to be declared free of extreme poverty on Nov 1, 2025.
- Multidimensional Poverty: 135 million people exited MPI poverty between 2016–2021. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have highest MPI levels.
Significance
- Kerala becomes the first Indian State to eradicate extreme poverty through a localized, welfare-driven approach.
- It showcases the success of grassroots governance, inclusive planning, and social equity policies.
- The model can serve as a replicable framework for other States to eliminate poverty sustainably.
Conclusion
Kerala’s achievement reflects the power of targeted welfare and community-led governance in eradicating deep-rooted poverty. It sets a strong example for other Indian States to pursue inclusive and sustainable development.
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INDIA UPGRADES MISSION IN KABUL TO FULL EMBASSY
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India has officially upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul into a full-fledged embassy, marking the restoration of formal diplomatic ties with Taliban-administered Afghanistan.
Background
- India shut down its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 after the Taliban takeover led to the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government and a breakdown in security.
- To maintain limited engagement, India later deployed a Technical Mission in June 2022, primarily to oversee humanitarian aid and consular services.
- This upgrade comes soon after Qatar also re-established its full diplomatic presence in Kabul, introducing its ambassador and special representative.
Key Developments
Restoration of Diplomatic Links
- India’s Technical Mission has now been converted into a full embassy with the appointment of a Chargé d’affaires (CDA) to represent India officially.
- The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the embassy will focus on humanitarian aid, development cooperation, and capacity building for Afghan citizens.
Taliban’s Response
- Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen welcomed the move, stating it will “build trust, enhance trade, and promote regional peace.”
- Another spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, also appreciated India and Qatar’s diplomatic initiatives as positive steps for Afghanistan’s global engagement.
Strategic Significance
- The decision reflects India’s pragmatic foreign policy of re-engaging with Afghanistan while balancing humanitarian concerns and regional security.
- It also opens space for India to counter Pakistan and China’s influence in the region and re-establish people-to-people and development ties.
Significance
- India’s return marks a shift from isolation to cautious engagement with the Taliban regime.
- It reinforces India’s role in regional peace, stability, and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Conclusion
India’s diplomatic revival in Kabul underscores its intent to stay engaged with Afghanistan’s evolving political reality while supporting the Afghan people through development and humanitarian cooperation.
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