VACCINATING INDIA – THE CHALLENGE OF ZERO-DOSE CHILDREN
TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU
India had 1.44 million zero-dose children in 2023, the second highest in the world, highlighting persisting inequities in vaccination coverage despite improved immunisation programs.
What are Zero-Dose Children?
- Children who haven’t received even the first dose of the DTP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis).
- Considered a critical indicator of health system outreach and inequality in immunisation.
Trends in India
- In 2023, India had 1.44 million zero-dose children, compared to 2.7 million in 2021 and 1.1 million in 2022.
- In 1992, 33.4% of children were zero-dose; this dropped to 10.1% by 2016.
- However, the percentage rose again post-COVID due to disrupted health services.
State-Wise Distribution
- High numbers seen in: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
- Also in northeastern states: Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh
Inequities in Coverage
- Disparities based on:
- Wealth – high among poor families
- Mother’s education – lower education linked to less immunisation
- Community – Higher in Scheduled Tribes and Muslim households
- Rural-urban and gender gaps have reduced but pockets of exclusion remain.
Challenges
- Migrant populations in urban slums
- Hard-to-reach tribal areas
- Vaccine hesitancy in certain communities
Way Forward
- Targeted campaigns in underserved regions
- Enhance awareness among minority groups
- Strengthen primary health infrastructure
- Work towards WHO’s IA2030 goal to halve zero-dose numbers from 2019 levels in next 5 years
Mission Indradhanush – IMI 5.0 (2023)
Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
Start Year: December 2014
Aim: To achieve full immunization coverage for children under 2 years and pregnant women.
Objectives
- To immunize all children and pregnant women who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
- Focus on high-risk and underserved areas, such as urban slums, remote regions, and tribal populations.
- IMI 5.0 (2023): Focused on zero-dose children and full digital tracking using the U-WIN platform.
Achievements
- Increased full immunization coverage from around 62% (2015) to over 80% in targeted districts.
- Reached millions of children and pregnant women in hard-to-reach areas.
INDIA’S POVERTY RATE BASED ON WORLD BANK ESTIMATES
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The World Bank recently stated that only 5.75% of Indians live in abject poverty as per its updated poverty threshold, showing a sharp decline from 2011 levels.
World Bank’s Findings
Decline in Poverty Rate
- As per the World Bank’s $2.15/day poverty line (PPP terms), India’s abject poverty dropped from 12.2% in 2011 to 5.75% in 2022–23.
- This equates to roughly 77 million people below this threshold, showing significant progress over the past decade.
Change in Estimation Approach
- Earlier poverty lines used lower benchmarks like the Tendulkar method or national consumption surveys.
- Now, the World Bank uses international poverty lines based on purchasing power parity (PPP), making comparisons across countries more uniform.
- For India, the PPP conversion factor means $2.15 translates to about ₹46/day in 2022–23.
Past Poverty Trends
- In 1977–78, over 64% of Indians lived in poverty (by Tendulkar’s estimates).
- In 2011–12, Tendulkar’s method showed 21.9% poor, while World Bank’s international thresholds reported higher estimates (52.5% using $2.15/day and 12.2% using $1.9/day).
How is Poverty Measured?
World Bank’s Method
- Uses international poverty lines based on minimum required income to afford basic needs.
- Adjusts the figure for each country using PPP exchange rates to ensure comparability.
Misconceptions
- The poverty line is not a direct currency conversion from USD to INR.
- For instance, $2.15 ≠ ₹179 (at market exchange rate), but ≈ ₹46 (in PPP terms).
India’s Domestic Poverty Lines
- India’s earlier Tendulkar Committee recommended: ₹17/day for rural and ₹23/day for urban (2004–05 data).
- Later revisions (Rangarajan Committee, 2014) proposed: ₹32/day in rural areas and ₹47/day in urban areas, but these were not implemented officially.
Why This Matters?
- Shows reduction in extreme poverty even with growing population.
- Highlights data challenges, India has not released post-2011 household consumption surveys for poverty estimation.
- Reflects the need for updated domestic poverty metrics aligned with current realities.
Way Forward
- Release latest consumption and income data for accurate poverty tracking.
- Adopt nationally relevant poverty lines while aligning with global standards.
- Strengthen social safety nets and improve delivery in underserved regions.
CONCLUSION:
India’s significant decline in extreme poverty reflects improved economic conditions and targeted welfare policies. However, continuous monitoring, updated poverty assessments, and inclusive growth are essential to sustain this progress.
INDIA’S HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT PROGRAMME
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking a major milestone for India’s space ambitions and human spaceflight plans.
India’s Entry to the ISS
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an IAF officer, flew aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), piloting the mission.
- The mission was launched by Axiom Space from Florida and successfully docked with the ISS on June 27, 2025, over the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Shukla greeted the nation with “Namaskar from space” as the spacecraft orbited the Earth.
Significance for India
- First Indian on ISS: Shukla is the first Indian national to set foot on the International Space Station.
- Precursor to Gaganyaan: He is one of the four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, scheduled no earlier than 2026.
- Strategic Investment: ISRO invested over ₹500 crore in the Ax-4 mission to train and include Shukla and backup astronaut Prasanth Nair, preparing them for future crewed missions.
About Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
- The Dragon Crew Capsule carried four astronauts, including Shukla, and docked at the ISS after 28 hours.
- Live docking coverage was provided by NASA, with final docking completed at 4:15 p.m. IST.
- The team will stay two weeks aboard ISS, conducting research and maintenance.
Scientific Contributions
- The crew will carry out scientific experiments, including eight projects from ISRO.
- These studies are focused on space biology, material science, and space environment, relevant for India’s future human missions.
Global Collaboration
- The mission reflects growing India-U.S. collaboration in space.
- Axiom Space’s partnership enables India to gain experience in human spaceflight operations, prior to its own mission.
Way Forward
- This mission serves as vital training for Gaganyaan.
- India’s participation in international space missions enhances technical capabilities and global visibility in space exploration.
Conclusion
India’s successful participation in the Ax-4 mission marks a turning point in its journey towards human spaceflight. It strengthens India’s readiness for the Gaganyaan mission and deepens its presence in global space missions.
WEST ASIA CEASEFIRE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after months of conflict, raising new challenges for regional peace, future political transitions in Iran, and unresolved crises in Gaza and the West Bank.
Background of the Conflict
- The conflict began with Hamas’ Operation Toofan al-Aqsa in October 2023.
- Over 21 months, Israel carried out large-scale military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
- Iran suffered major losses in its missile arsenal and key personnel, while Israel faced global criticism.
Gaza and Palestinian Crisis
- Gaza faces severe humanitarian issues like starvation, displacement, and civilian deaths.
- The West Bank is under pressure from increased settler violence and political stagnation.
- Any peace effort must also address Palestinian statehood and self-governance.
Iran’s Strategic Importance
- Iran is West Asia’s most populous country and Israel’s main adversary.
- Despite sanctions and war damages, Iran remains a key player in the region’s politics.
- The U.S. and Israel aim to prevent Iran’s nuclear weapons development through sanctions and inspections.
Future of West Asia
- A moderate transition in Iran and responsible actions by Israel and the U.S. could bring stability, lower oil prices, and reduce extremism.
- If not, the region may return to cycles of violence with only short pauses of tense peace.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
- About 20% of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the world’s most crucial energy chokepoints.
- Any disruption here affects global oil prices and energy security, especially for countries like India and China.
- Located between Iran and Oman/UAE, the strait often sees tensions between Iran and Western nations (especially the U.S.) over oil trade, sanctions, and naval presence.
- Iran has previously threatened to block the strait in response to U.S. sanctions.
- To protect oil tankers, Western powers (like the U.S.) maintain a strong naval presence in the region.
- The strait remains a strategic point of contest in geopolitical conflicts involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West.
Conclusion
A stable and cooperative approach by Israel, Iran, and the U.S. post-ceasefire is vital for long-term peace. Strategic patience and inclusive diplomacy will be key to preventing another wave of conflict in West Asia.
VOTER REGISTRATION ISSUES IN BIHAR
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Concerns have been raised about a sudden rise in voter numbers in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, leading to allegations of electoral roll manipulation and renewed debates over transparency in voter registration.
Allegations of Unusual Rise in Voter Numbers
- A sharp increase of over 40 lakh voters was recorded in Maharashtra within five months after the Lok Sabha elections.
- This number was higher than the total voter additions over the previous five years (32 lakh), raising suspicions about its validity.
- Critics argue such a jump is statistically implausible in a low fertility state like Maharashtra where the number of youth turning 18 is steadily declining.
Election Commission’s Stand and Clarification
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has maintained that voter roll tampering is nearly impossible.
- It cited past trends from 2004, 2009, and 2014 where similar voter increases occurred.
- ECI has also stated that political parties could have filed objections through the appeals process during electoral roll publication.
Challenges with Voter List Revisions
- The transition to quarterly revision of electoral rolls (instead of once a year) may have contributed to the increase.
- There are risks of both wrongful inclusions and exclusions, particularly impacting underrepresented or mobile populations.
- Aadhaar seeding in electoral databases has been proposed as a solution, though it raises privacy concerns.
Need for Electoral Roll Transparency
- Experts have demanded machine-readable versions of voter rolls for better analysis and verification.
- Allegations of unnatural voter turnout surges post 5 PM during polling have led to calls for releasing CCTV footage from polling stations for accountability.
- Political parties argue that the onus lies on the ECI to maintain voter roll integrity, not just on party agents.
ECI’s Response: Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- To address credibility concerns, ECI will conduct SIR of electoral rolls, starting with Bihar, to ensure accurate inclusion and exclusion of voters.
- Experts recommend that this should be a transparent and participatory process, involving all stakeholders for public trust.
Article 324 – Superintendence, direction, and control of elections
- Grants the ECI the power to conduct free and fair elections to:
- Parliament,
- State legislatures,
- Offices of the President and Vice-President.
- Includes control over the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
Article 325 – One general electoral roll
- States that no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in the electoral roll on the grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.
- Mandates a single electoral roll for each constituency for all elections to Parliament and State legislatures.
Article 327 – Power of Parliament to make provisions regarding elections
- Authorises Parliament to legislate on all matters relating to elections, including:
- Electoral rolls,
- Delimitation of constituencies,
- Other necessary procedures.
Article 328 – Power of State Legislature to make provision with respect to elections to State Legislature
- Allows State Legislatures to make laws on state-level elections subject to Article 327.
Conclusion
To protect the sanctity of Indian elections, a transparent, data-driven, and inclusive voter roll system is vital. Reforms must balance efficiency with credibility to ensure free and fair democratic participation.
KEELADI EXCAVATION CONTROVERSY
TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN HISTORY: THE HINDU
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) asked archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna to revise his report on the Keeladi excavations. His refusal, followed by his transfer, triggered a political debate in Tamil Nadu over heritage and scientific autonomy.
Background of the Excavation
- The Keeladi site is located near the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
- Excavations began in 2014, led by archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna under ASI.
- Over 7,500 artifacts were found, including urban features like walls, drains, and wells.
Significance of Findings
- Carbon dating confirmed the site is from the 2nd century BCE, linking it to the Sangam era.
- No religious symbols were found, indicating a secular urban civilisation.
- It challenged the idea that urbanisation in India began only with the Gangetic plains.
ASI’s Objection and Controversy
- ASI asked Ramakrishna to revise the report, questioning the dating methods and depth of findings.
- Ramakrishna refused, citing scientific methods like stratigraphy and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry.
- He was transferred from Delhi to Greater Noida, seen by critics as a move to suppress his work.
Political and Public Response
- Political parties in Tamil Nadu accused the Centre of undermining Tamil heritage.
- The Madras High Court intervened earlier, allowing State involvement in excavations.
- The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology published its own report affirming Keeladi’s urban past.
WHAT IS SANGAM AGE?
The Sangam Age refers to the early historic period of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, which is known for its rich literature, culture, and urban civilization. It is named after the Sangams (assemblies) of poets and scholars held in ancient Tamil kingdoms.
Key Features of Sangam Age (in simple points):
Time Period:
- Roughly from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
- Associated with the post-Mauryan period in North India.
Sangam Literature:
- Composed in Tamil, it includes poems, grammar books, and epics.
- Important works: Tolkappiyam (grammar), Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies), and Pathupattu (Ten Idylls).
Major Kingdoms:
- Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties ruled the region and were active patrons of literature and arts.
Urbanization & Trade:
- Evidence of well-planned towns, trade with Rome and Southeast Asia, and use of coins and weights.
- Ports like Kaveripattinam and Muziris were active trade centers.
Conclusion
The Keeladi issue is not just a scientific debate but a clash of cultural narratives. Balancing academic integrity with heritage pride remains key to resolving such disputes.
RBI’S REVISED PSL GUIDELINES FOR SMALL FINANCE BANKS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased priority sector lending (PSL) rules for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) from FY 2025–26, reducing their overall PSL obligations to improve operational flexibility.
What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)?
- PSL is a mandate from the RBI that requires banks to lend a specific portion of their credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, export credit, and weaker sections.
- It aims to promote inclusive economic development by ensuring credit access to underserved segments.
What are Small Finance Banks (SFBs)?
- SFBs are niche banks licensed by the RBI to serve small and unorganized sectors like small businesses, farmers, and low-income individuals.
- They operate under:
- Companies Act, 2013
- Banking Regulation Act, 1949
- RBI Act, 1934
- Governed by prudential norms applicable to commercial banks, including CRR and SLR requirements.
- Provide basic services: savings accounts, fixed deposits, loans, etc.
Key Features of SFBs
- Capital requirement: Minimum ₹100 crore paid-up equity capital.
- Promoters: Resident individuals/companies with 5–10 years of experience in finance.
- FDI limits: As per RBI’s policy for private sector banks.
- Objective: Increase financial outreach using low-cost, tech-driven models.
RBI’s Recent Changes to PSL for SFBs (March–June 2025)
- PSL Target Revised: PSL target lowered from 75% to 60% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE).
- Allocation Split: 40% must be allocated as per existing PSL sub-sector norms. Remaining 20% can be given to any one or more PSL sectors based on the bank’s focus or strength.
- Rationale: Offers more flexibility to SFBs. Encourages better resource management and risk distribution.
Conclusion
The revised PSL norms provide greater autonomy to Small Finance Banks while maintaining credit flow to key sectors. This move is expected to strengthen financial inclusion without overburdening smaller banks.
THE FIRST QUANTUM COMPUTING VALLEY IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: PIB
India’s first Quantum Computing Valley is set to be established in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, by January 2026, aiming to boost research and industrial growth in quantum technology.
About the Quantum Computing Valley
- The Quantum Valley is a dedicated space for innovation and development in quantum computing.
- It is expected to generate large-scale employment by bringing together researchers, industries, and startups.
- The facility will be open to collaboration with states, government agencies, and educational institutions across India.
- Its broader aim is to ensure that quantum advancements help society at large.
Link to National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- This project aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023 for the period 2023–2031.
- NQM Objective: Develop a strong ecosystem for quantum research and applications in India.
Key Features of the NQM
- Focus on building quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits using platforms like photonic and superconducting technology.
- Promote scientific innovation and R&D in quantum science.
- Push India into the global league of quantum technology leaders.
Importance of the Mission
- Quantum tech can benefit banking, cybersecurity, healthcare, communication, energy, and space exploration.
- It supports national missions like: Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, Self-Reliant India, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Conclusion
India’s first Quantum Computing Valley will be a major step toward building a self-reliant and future-ready tech ecosystem, helping India emerge as a global quantum power.
CENTRE APPROVES SOUTH ASIA UNIT OF INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTRE
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB
The Government of India has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to boost potato farming and food security in the region.
About the Centre
- The CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will be set up in Agra, aiming to support farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, the country’s main potato-growing regions.
- It will also serve the broader South Asia region, promoting cross-border agricultural cooperation.
Objectives of the Regional Centre
- Improve the productivity of potato and sweet potato crops.
- Strengthen post-harvest practices and promote value-added products.
- Help in enhancing farmers’ income, creating jobs, and ensuring food and nutrition security in the region.
Background on International Potato Center (CIP)
- The CIP is a Peru-based research organisation, focused on improving potato and root crop farming globally.
- China already hosts a regional CIP hub — the China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP) — catering to East Asia and the Pacific.
India’s Role in Potato Production
- India is the world’s second-largest potato producer and consumer, after China.
- In 2020, India produced 51.30 million tonnes, while China led with 78.24 million tonnes.
- UP and West Bengal are the top potato-producing states, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.
Conclusion
The Agra-based regional centre will strengthen India’s position in potato research, support South Asian farmers, and help in meeting regional food security goals through innovation and collaboration.