Where does India stand in tackling TB?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and Technology
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 this week which states that TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infections, claiming over 12 lakh lives and affecting an estimated 1.07 crore people in 2024
Read about:
World Health Organization (WHO)
National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Key takeaways:
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 this week, confirming that TB continues to be one of the most lethal infectious diseases worldwide. In 2024 alone, the illness claimed more than 12 lakh lives and affected an estimated 1.07 crore people.
Countries with the Highest Disease Burden
According to the report, 87% of global TB cases in 2024 were concentrated in 30 high-burden countries. The largest shares were recorded in:
The WHO noted that although progress has been made in detection, treatment, and new technologies, gaps in funding and uneven access to healthcare continue to threaten overall progress.
India’s Position in the Report
- India contributes a major share of the world’s TB cases, yet it has recorded a 21% fall in TB incidence, dropping from 237 per lakh people (2015) to 187 per lakh (2024)—a decline almost twice as fast as the global average.
- The Union Health Ministry highlighted that treatment coverage has risen to 92%, placing India ahead of other high-burden nations.
- In 2025, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of TB cases, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Although these states have the most cases numerically, Delhi shows the highest prevalence rate of TB infection.
Major Challenges
In 2020, India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and set a national target to eliminate TB by 2025, five years earlier than the global target of 2030.
However, this goal has not been achieved. TB continues to create significant health, social, and economic burdens. Key difficulties include:
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High levels of drug-resistant TB
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Inadequate health infrastructure, especially in rural areas
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Socio-economic inequality affecting timely diagnosis and care
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Reports of medicine stockouts, though officially denied
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Shortage of skilled personnel
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Persistent stigma linked to the disease
Global Situation
Globally, between 2023 and 2024, TB cases dropped by nearly 2%, and TB-related deaths fell by 3%. The WHO estimates that timely treatment has saved 8.3 crore lives since 2000.
However, financial support remains a major obstacle. In 2024, only $5.9 billion was available for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—just one-fourth of the $22 billion annual target for 2027. Research funding is also insufficient, reaching only $1.2 billion in 2023 (24% of the target).
On a positive note, innovation has accelerated. By August 2025:
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63 diagnostic tools were under development
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29 TB drugs were in clinical trials (up from just eight in 2015)
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18 vaccine candidates were undergoing trials
Follow Up Question
Mains
1. “India is projected to become the diabetes capital of the world, driven by lifestyle transitions, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to preventive healthcare. In this context, evaluate the public health challenges posed by the rising burden of diabetes and discuss the policy interventions needed to address early detection, affordability, and long-term disease management.”
(250 words)
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
Introduction (30–40 words)
Begin with a data-backed or analytical opening.
Example:
India is witnessing a rapid surge in diabetes, with over 100 million diabetics and 136 million pre-diabetics. This growing NCD burden poses major public health, economic and governance challenges, making India a potential diabetes capital.
Body
A. Public Health Challenges (100–120 words)
Organize into 4–5 clear points:
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Delayed Diagnosis
-
Majority diagnosed only after complications (kidney, eye, cardiac damage).
-
Lack of accessible early-screening tools in rural and semi-urban areas.
-
Lifestyle and Demographic Shifts
-
Urban sedentary lifestyles, ultra-processed foods, rising obesity.
-
Genetic predisposition among South Asians.
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Healthcare Inequality
-
Economic Burden
-
Productivity loss and increased household expenditure.
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Burden on insurance, public health systems and long-term care.
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Low Public Awareness
Conclusion (20–30 words)
End with a forward-looking, governance-focused line.
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Introduction
India today faces one of the world’s largest burdens of diabetes, with over 100 million diagnosed cases and nearly 136 million people classified as pre-diabetic. This rapid surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) threatens not only public health but also economic productivity and long-term development.
Body
- A major challenge is delayed diagnosis, as most individuals are identified only after organ damage—affecting kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves.
- Limited accessibility to screening in rural and semi-urban areas further exacerbates this.
- Rapid lifestyle and demographic transitions, including sedentary behaviour, high-calorie diets and rising obesity, contribute significantly to the disease burden.
- Healthcare inequality remains prominent: India has a limited number of endocrinologists, uneven diagnostic infrastructure and high out-of-pocket expenditure for chronic treatment.
- The diabetes epidemic also imposes a substantial economic burden, reducing workforce productivity and increasing household and healthcare system costs.
- Low awareness, nutritional illiteracy and social stigma worsen the scenario.
- Addressing this crisis requires a multi-level policy approach. Strengthening early detection through annual screenings, AI-based diagnostic tools and mobile testing units is essential.
- Preventive health campaigns promoting physical activity, dietary awareness and reduced sugar consumption must be prioritised.
- Improving affordability by regulating essential diabetes medicines and expanding NCD clinics under the National Health Mission will enhance access.
- Urban planning reforms that create walkable neighbourhoods and open spaces can encourage active lifestyles.
- Finally, investments in indigenous research, low-cost monitoring devices and telemedicine can revolutionise diabetes management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combating India’s diabetes crisis demands a decisive shift from curative to preventive health systems supported by technology, community participation and stronger primary healthcare
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Prelims
1.Tuberculosis immunization was developed by (TNPSC 2011)
A. Albert Calmette
B. Paul Ehrlich
C. Robert Koch
D. Louis Pasteur
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Answer (A)
The BCG vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin), used for tuberculosis immunization, was developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin. Hence, option A is correct.
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What are the threats from GNSS spoofing?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and technology
Context:
In early November, aircraft flying over Delhi encountered GNSS spoofing or manipulated Global Navigation Satellite System signals, catching pilots off guard as there had been no prior warning of such activity. Such interference is rare, barring at India’s border regions or conflict zones. The government has since ordered an inquiry under the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval-headed National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
Read about:
Global Navigation Satellite System signals
IRNS
Key takeaways:
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are radio signals transmitted from satellites orbiting the Earth, designed to help receivers on the ground determine their exact position, speed, and time.
- Each satellite in a GNSS constellation continuously broadcasts signals that travel through space at the speed of light. These signals carry important information, such as the satellite’s exact location in orbit and a highly accurate timestamp generated by its onboard atomic clock.
- When a GNSS receiver—such as the one in a smartphone, car, or surveying instrument—picks up these signals, it measures how long each signal took to reach it. Because the speed of radio waves is constant, this travel time allows the receiver to calculate the distance between itself and each satellite.
- By computing distances from at least four satellites, the receiver can pinpoint its location on Earth in terms of latitude, longitude, altitude, and precise time.
- GNSS signals operate on specific radio frequencies that help reduce atmospheric interference and improve accuracy.
- However, as these signals travel through the ionosphere and troposphere, they can be delayed or distorted, which is why correction techniques like Differential GPS or satellite-based augmentation systems are used in critical applications such as aviation, military operations, disaster management, and precision farming.
- In essence, GNSS signals act like synchronized pulses from multiple clocks in space. By comparing these pulses, a receiver solves a set of equations that reveal its own position.
- This seamless coordination between satellites and receivers enables reliable navigation, timing synchronization for networks, and countless modern technologies that depend on accurate geolocation
Additional Information
What is GPS spoofing?
- Modern aircraft depend extensively on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for precise navigation, timing, and positional awareness.
- When these satellite signals are altered or falsified, multiple onboard systems can be affected, including terrain-warning alerts, runway safety systems, automatic braking, surveillance tools, and communication channels between the cockpit and air traffic controllers.
- Although spoofing does not instantly endanger an aircraft—because aviation systems are built with layers of backup such as the Inertial Reference System, which can continue providing reliable navigation for several hours even if the primary GNSS fails—it can still pose serious risks.
- These risks arise from reduced situational awareness for pilots, false warnings, and an increased workload. The challenge becomes greater when areas experiencing spoofing are not flagged in NOTAMs, leaving pilots without prior caution.
- A report published in 2024 by the OPS Group—a network of around 8,000 aviation professionals including pilots, flight dispatchers, and air traffic controllers—highlighted the rapid escalation of spoofing incidents.
- While the problem first appeared in September 2023 with only a handful of affected flights, the number reached roughly 300 flights a day by January 2024. By August 2024, the figure rose dramatically to about 1,500 daily.
- Between July 15 and August 15, 2024 alone, about 41,000 flights encountered spoofed signals.
- The report ranked the Delhi region among the top 10 global hotspots for spoofing, alongside areas in Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Russia, Pakistan, Belarus, and Lebanon. Government records show that between November 2023 and February 2025, border regions—mainly around Amritsar and Jammu—reported 465 spoofing or GPS interference incidents, averaging nearly one per day.
- Current spoofing activities are largely linked to military operations, aimed at disrupting enemy drones, precision-guided weapons, or missiles. However, there have also been accusations suggesting that certain spoofing attempts may have been deliberately directed at civilian aircraft, particularly in relation to Russia.
Follow Up Question
Mains
1. Discuss the implications of large-scale GNSS interference on civil aviation safety and national security. What measures should India adopt to strengthen the resilience of its navigation and aviation systems against such threats?”
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
Introduction
Begin with a clear definition that establishes context.
Example approach:
-
Explain what GPS/GNSS spoofing means—deliberate manipulation of satellite navigation signals to mislead receivers.
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Mention the recent surge in spoofing incidents affecting civil aviation globally and in India.
mplications for Civil Aviation Safety
Analyse the risks:
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Incorrect positioning causing pilots to lose situational awareness.
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False alerts and system malfunctions.
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Increased pilot workload and stress.
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Potential mid-air or landing-related hazards.
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Reduced reliability of airspace management.
Use available data: e.g., thousands of flights affected globally, including major incidents around Delhi, Amritsar, and Jammu.
Conclusion
End with a balanced, forward-looking statement:
India must treat GNSS spoofing as a rising hybrid threat. Ensuring resilient navigation infrastructure—through NavIC integration, strong regulatory frameworks, and real-time monitoring—will be essential for aviation safety and national security.
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Introduction
GPS spoofing refers to the intentional manipulation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, causing aircraft to receive incorrect positional data. As modern aviation relies heavily on GNSS for navigation, terrain awareness, runway guidance, and automated safety functions, large-scale spoofing incidents pose emerging risks. Though aircraft have backup systems like the Inertial Reference System, prolonged interference can reduce pilot awareness, trigger misleading warnings, and raise operational workload.
Body
- Globally, GPS spoofing incidents have surged. By 2024, an average of 1,500 flights per day were affected, with more than 41,000 flights spoofed in a single month.
- Regions around Cyprus, Israel, Turkey, Russia and Lebanon reported the highest disruptions. India, too, recorded over 460 spoofing and interference incidents between November 2023 and February 2025, mainly in border regions like Amritsar and Jammu.
- This highlights vulnerabilities in sensitive airspaces where civilian aviation unintentionally overlaps with military electronic-warfare operations.
- Spoofing also raises broader national security concerns. It can compromise navigation accuracy for civil and defence aircraft, disturb communication and surveillance systems, and create openings for hybrid threats targeting critical aviation infrastructure.
- While many spoofing activities originate from militaries attempting to mislead hostile drones or precision weapons, spillover effects on civilian aircraft are increasingly concerning.
- To mitigate these risks, India must strengthen its technological and institutional readiness.
- Key steps include integrating NavIC-based navigation, deploying multi-constellation GNSS receivers, and adopting anti-spoofing authentication systems.
- Improved NOTAM alerts, real-time reporting, coordination between DGCA, AAI, ISRO, IAF and cyber-security agencies, alongside enhanced pilot training and restoration of ground-based navigation aids, will boost resilience
Conclusion
GPS spoofing is an evolving threat that affects both aviation safety and national security. Strengthening India’s navigation architecture, regulatory systems, and inter-agency coordination is essential to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure safe and secure airspace operations
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Prelims
1.In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (UPSC CSE 2018)
1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
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Answer (D)
GPS technology is used in:
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Mobile phone operations for navigation and location-based services.
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Banking operations for precise time-stamping of digital transactions using GPS-based timing.
-
Power grid control where GPS timing helps synchronise grid operations and manage load distribution.
So, all three statements are correct
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Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy
Context:
The government is examining proposals to roll out certain relief measures to boost production in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday
Read about:
What are the Special Economic Zones?
What are the challenges faced by SEZs in India?
Key takeaways:
Special Economic Zones are designated geographical areas within a country where the economic rules and regulations are different from those in the rest of the nation. These special rules are created to attract investment, boost exports, promote industrial growth, and create jobs.
In an SEZ, companies get a more business-friendly environment. This includes easier laws, better infrastructure, tax benefits, and simpler procedures. The idea is to make it easier and cheaper for companies to manufacture goods or provide services, primarily for export, from these zones.
Key Features of SEZs
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They offer incentives such as tax exemptions, duty-free imports, simplified customs procedures, and relaxed labor laws.
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SEZs are treated like a foreign territory for trade operations—goods entering an SEZ are not taxed like normal imports.
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They are meant to attract both domestic and foreign investment, encouraging industries such as manufacturing, IT, biotech, pharma, and more.
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SEZs help boost exports, generate employment, and develop world-class infrastructure.
-
They operate under a separate regulatory framework, the SEZ Act, 2005 and associated rules.
Purpose of SEZs
The primary aim behind setting up SEZs is to:
-
Increase export earnings
-
Promote rapid industrialization
-
Encourage foreign direct investment (FDI)
-
Create large-scale employment
-
Build modern infrastructure
-
Improve global competitiveness of Indian companies
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.“Critically evaluate the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in promoting industrial growth and exports in India. What challenges have limited their effectiveness, and what reforms are needed to make SEZs globally competitive?” (250 words)
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
Introduction
Begin with a brief and factual definition of SEZs and their purpose.
Approach:
Introduce SEZs as designated zones created to boost exports, attract investment, and generate employment through liberal economic policies. You may briefly mention the SEZ Act, 2005 to anchor the context.
Body
A. Role of SEZs in India’s Industrial Growth and Exports
Explain the positive contributions with balanced analysis.
Approach:
Write about:
Conclusion
Summarize the overall argument and end with a balanced view.
Approach:
Reiterate that SEZs remain important but require structural reforms to remain globally competitive.
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Introduction
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are designated enclaves established to promote exports, attract foreign investment, and generate employment through simplified regulatory frameworks and superior infrastructure. Since the implementation of the SEZ Act, 2005, these zones have formed a key pillar of India’s industrial and trade policy, aiming to integrate the economy with global value chains.
Body
- SEZs have contributed significantly to India’s export growth, particularly in sectors such as IT/ITES, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics manufacturing.
- By offering duty-free imports, streamlined customs procedures, and business-friendly environments, they have attracted both domestic and foreign investments. Successful SEZs—like those in Noida, Sri City, and Visakhapatnam—have become major employment centres and catalysts for regional development through the creation of ancillary industries.
- Despite these successes, several challenges have impeded the full realisation of SEZ potential.
- The phasing out of tax incentives and inconsistent policy changes have reduced investor confidence.
- A large number of approved SEZs remain non-operational due to land acquisition issues, poor connectivity, and underdeveloped logistics.
- Overdependence on IT/ITES has limited diversification into manufacturing.
- Additionally, WTO rules restricting export-linked incentives necessitated policy adjustments.
- Compliance burdens, inadequate integration with domestic supply chains, and infrastructure deficits have further constrained competitiveness.
- To address these issues, India must adopt a modern and flexible framework such as the proposed Development of Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) Bill.
- Strengthened logistics, stable taxation policies, deeper MSME linkages, diversified manufacturing clusters, and green SEZ development are essential to revitalize these zones.
Conclusion
In sum, SEZs remain important instruments for advancing industrialisation, exports, and employment. With targeted structural reforms and long-term policy stability, they can evolve into globally competitive hubs driving India’s economic transformation
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Prelims
1.The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following: (UPSC CSE 2010)
1. Development of infrastructure facilities.
2. Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
3. Promotion of exports of services only.
Which of the above are the objectives of this Act?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (a)
The SEZ Act, 2005 aims to:
-
Develop infrastructure facilities ✔
-
Promote investment from domestic and foreign sources ✔
-
Promote exports of goods and services — not services only ✘
Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect because the Act promotes exports of both goods and services, not services alone.
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and Technology
Context:
Amid Chinese restrictions on export of rare earth minerals, some smaller Indian companies are working on indigenous solutions to reduce dependence on imports. Two Bengaluru-based companies — Simple Energy and Chara Technologies — claim to have developed electric motors that eliminate the need for heavy rare earth elements — critical components in modern EVs.
Read about:
What are rare earths?
Why is it called rare earth minerals?
Key takeaways:
- Rare earth elements belong to a broader category of critical minerals and consist of 17 metallic elements positioned in the lower part of the periodic table — from lanthanum (atomic number 57) to lutetium (71) — along with scandium (21) and yttrium (39).
- These elements are known for properties such as high density, elevated melting points, strong electrical conductivity and excellent heat transfer. Based on their atomic mass, they are grouped as either light or heavy rare earths.
- Although required in relatively small quantities, rare earth elements are essential for a wide variety of advanced technologies and everyday products.
- They are used in defence equipment, electronic devices like smartphones and flat-panel displays, as well as in renewable energy components such as wind turbines.
- They also play a key role in robotics, electric vehicles, medical imaging equipment like MRI machines and certain cancer treatment tools.
- India’s growing interest in rare earth capabilities comes at a time when China — which handles more than 90% of global rare earth processing — has tightened export controls amid its trade tensions with the US.
- In April, China imposed restrictions on seven elements: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium, followed by curbs on five more — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium — along with related magnets and materials in October.
- While these curbs have not significantly affected India yet, they have worsened supply chain uncertainties for industries such as electric vehicles and electronics. Some Indian EV manufacturers, including Ola Electric and TVS Motor, are reportedly exploring alternatives that do not rely on rare earths.
- China recently relaxed some curbs on exports of key minerals to the US, though it remains unclear whether this completely reverses the restrictions announced earlier. The US has stated that China has agreed to grant general licences for the export of rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite for American manufacturers and their suppliers.
- As per data from the Ministry of Mines, India imported 2,270 tonnes of rare earth elements in 2023–24 — a 23% rise from 1,848 tonnes in 2019–20 — with China providing 65% of these imports
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.“Discuss the strategic and economic significance of rare earth elements for India. In light of China’s tightening export controls, evaluate the challenges and opportunities for India in securing a resilient rare earth supply chain.”
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
Introduction
Approach:
Begin with a crisp definition + context. Mention their strategic relevance or India’s import dependence.
Sample Introduction:
Rare earth elements (REEs) comprise 17 metallic elements crucial for high-technology applications ranging from electronics and renewable energy to defence systems. India, despite having reserves, remains heavily import-dependent, especially on China, which dominates over 90% of global rare earth processing. China’s recent export restrictions have intensified global concerns regarding supply chain security
Body
A. Strategic Significance of Rare Earth Elements for India
Approach:
Explain relevance to national security + critical technologies.
-
REEs are essential for defence platforms—precision-guided missiles, radars, jet engines, night-vision devices.
-
Vital for India’s renewable energy transition—wind turbines, solar technologies, energy storage and EV motors.
-
Key component for digital economy—smartphones, semiconductors, robotics, MRI systems.
-
Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic sectors
Economic Significance
Approach:
Focus on economic growth, manufacturing, future industries.
-
Critical input for electronics manufacturing, EV ecosystem and high-end industrial applications.
-
Essential for India’s goals in Make in India, semiconductor roadmap, and green energy sectors.
-
Demand expected to rise with 5G, AI-driven automation, and medical devices.
-
India’s import dependence: Over 2,270 tonnes imported in 2023–24, with 65% from China.
Conclusion
Approach:
Summarize India’s position and need for balanced strategic response.
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Introduction
Rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 critical minerals, are essential inputs for modern technologies ranging from defence systems to renewable energy solutions. Although India has considerable monazite reserves, it remains heavily dependent on imports—particularly from China, which controls over 90% of global rare earth processing. Recent Chinese export restrictions have intensified concerns regarding India’s supply chain vulnerabilities.
Body
- REEs hold immense strategic importance for India. In the defence sector, they are crucial for manufacturing radars, precision-guided missiles, jet engines, and night-vision devices.
- Economically, they power high-growth industries such as electric vehicles, robotics, wind turbines, smartphones, electronics, and medical equipment like MRI scanners.
- As India moves toward clean energy transitions and expands indigenous manufacturing under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, demand for REEs is set to rise sharply.
- However, China’s tightening export controls—limiting supplies of elements like samarium, gadolinium, yttrium, europium, and others—has created significant supply-side uncertainties for India.
- This particularly affects the electronics and EV sectors, which rely on rare earth magnets and components. India also faces domestic constraints, such as limited refining and separation capacity, which restricts self-reliance.
- At the same time, these challenges open new opportunities. India is scaling up exploration under its Critical Minerals Policy and investing in indigenous processing research through institutions like BARC and IITs.
- Collaborations with countries like the US, Australia, and Japan can diversify supply chains.
- Indian companies are also experimenting with rare earth–free alternatives for EV technologies.
Conclusion
Securing rare earth elements is vital for India’s strategic autonomy and economic resilience. By expanding domestic capabilities and building diversified global partnerships, India can strengthen long-term supply chain security and reduce dependency on geopolitically vulnerable sources
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Prelims
1.Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2012)
- China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
- Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
- Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (c)
-
China, which is the largest producer of rare earth elements, imposed export restrictions.
✔ Correct. China has historically dominated global REE production and has restricted exports, causing global shortages.
-
Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
✘ Incorrect.
Rare earths are found in many countries including the US, India, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, and several African nations. The issue is not scarcity of deposits but limited refining capacity.
-
Rare earth metals are essential for manufacturing electronic items, and demand is rising.
✔ Correct.
REEs are used in smartphones, EVs, wind turbines, defence equipment, and many high-tech applications.
Hence, only Statements 1 and 3 are correct
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS I - Modern Indian History
Context:
On November 15, 2025, Jharkhand stepped into its silver jubilee year. The Morabadi ground in Ranchi held a grand celebration, made even more symbolic because this year marked the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the most iconic figure of Adivasi resistance in the subcontinent.
Read about:
Birsa Munda and the Adivasi Mahasabha.
Jharkhand movement
Key takeaways:
- Article 3 of the Constitution grants Parliament the authority to create new States or modify existing ones through a simple majority, without requiring consent from the State(s) affected.
- After the Union government decides to proceed with the creation of a new State and the Cabinet approves it, the President formally seeks the opinion of the concerned State legislature(s).
- A draft Bill is then prepared detailing the proposed State’s boundaries, financial framework, capital, High Court arrangements, and the distribution of assets, infrastructure, personnel, and water resources between the existing and the new State.
- Once the State(s) convey their views, the Bill is introduced in Parliament. It becomes law after being passed by both Houses and receiving the President’s assent, leading to the formation of the new State.
- The journey of the Jharkhand movement extends well beyond the 2000 reorganisation. Scholars trace its roots to long-standing Adivasi resistance against the diku—a term denoting exploitative outsiders.
- However, the movement gained a distinct political platform with the creation of the Adivasi Mahasabha in 1938, which later flourished under the leadership of Jaipal Singh Munda.
- In 1950, the Adivasi Mahasabha evolved into the Jharkhand Party, expanding its reach by bringing together both Adivasi and non-tribal communities linked by shared cultural bonds and common oppression.
- The party’s impressive results in the 1951 and 1957 elections reflected widespread support, yet the 1956 States Reorganisation Commission dismissed the demand for a separate Jharkhand as it did not meet the linguistic criteria. This setback fragmented the movement, eventually leading to Jaipal Singh’s merger with the Congress in 1963.
- A new phase began in 1973 with the establishment of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) by Shibu Soren, in collaboration with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahto.
- This shifted the movement’s centre of gravity from the Adivasi-dominated Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana to industrial hubs like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.
- In these regions, Adivasi identity merged with the struggles of miners and industrial workers, giving the movement a strong class dimension and anchoring the Jharkhand demand in both cultural rights and economic justice.
- Momentum further increased with the formation of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) in 1986 under Nirmal Mahto, inspired in part by the All Assam Students Union. AJSU’s dynamic mobilisation energised the movement, drawing in youth and strengthening organisational capacity.
- After nearly seven decades of collective struggle, Jharkhand was finally created on November 15, 2000, a date that coincides with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda—imbuing the event with deep symbolic value.
- However, even after 25 years, the transformative aspirations that fuelled the movement remain only partially fulfilled
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.Trace the historical evolution of the Jharkhand movement and critically examine how its socio-political objectives have transformed from the early Adivasi mobilisations to the formation of the State in 2000. To what extent have the original aspirations of the movement been realised since Statehood?
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
Introduction
-
Begin by briefly defining the Jharkhand movement as one of India’s longest regional and tribal autonomy struggles.
-
Mention its culmination in the creation of the state of Jharkhand on 15 November 2000 under Article 3 of the Constitution.
-
State that the movement evolved through multiple phases—ethnic, political, and class-based
Body
A. Early Foundations of the Jharkhand Movement
-
Trace its roots to centuries of Adivasi resistance against exploitative outsiders (dikus).
-
Mention the Adivasi Mahasabha (1938) led by Jaipal Singh Munda, which articulated demands for autonomy, dignity, and protection rather than separatism.
B. Post-Independence Phase
-
Transformation of the Adivasi Mahasabha into the Jharkhand Party (1950).
-
Strong electoral performance in the 1950s showing legitimacy of the demand.
-
The State Reorganisation Commission (1956) rejected Jharkhand due to linguistic criteria—leading to fragmentation and eventual merger with Congress (1963).
C. Re-emergence and Expansion of the Movement (1970s–1990s)
D. Path to Statehood
-
Summarise political negotiations of the 1990s leading to formation of Jharkhand on 15 November 2000, symbolically on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.
-
Note constitutional procedure under Article 3—creation through parliamentary approval and presidential assent.
Conclusion
-
Conclude by stating that Jharkhand’s statehood represents a major achievement in federal restructuring, but the foundational goals of dignity, autonomy, and socio-economic justice remain incomplete.
-
Suggest the need for renewed political commitment to inclusive development, tribal rights, and sustainable resource management.
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Introduction
The Jharkhand movement represents one of India’s longest struggles for regional identity, tribal autonomy, and socio-economic justice. Rooted in centuries of Adivasi resistance against exploitative outsiders (dikus), it gradually evolved into a structured political movement. The demand culminated in the creation of the state of Jharkhand on 15 November 2000, in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament to reorganise states. However, the journey toward statehood was marked by shifts in leadership, ideology, and strategies over several decades
Body
- The early phase of the movement emerged through the Adivasi Mahasabha (1938) under the leadership of Jaipal Singh Munda, who articulated a vision of autonomy rooted in dignity, protection, and cultural identity.
- After Independence, it transformed into the Jharkhand Party (1950), gaining significant electoral support. Yet, the State Reorganisation Commission (1956) rejected the statehood demand due to the absence of linguistic homogeneity, causing fragmentation and eventual merger with the Congress in 1963.
- The movement revived in 1973 with the formation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) under Shibu Soren. This phase shifted the focus from ethnic identity to the class struggles of mine workers and industrial labourers in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad—broadening the social base.
- The rise of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) in 1986 further energised the movement by mobilising youth and strengthening organisational capacity.
- After decades of struggle, the state was finally carved out in 2000, symbolically on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.
- Despite statehood, the movement’s core aspirations—tribal empowerment, equitable development, and protection from exploitation—remain only partially fulfilled.
- Issues such as land alienation, resource-driven displacement, and governance challenges persist
Conclusion
Jharkhand’s creation marks a major milestone in India’s federal evolution and acknowledges the historical struggles of its indigenous communities. Yet, the transformative vision that inspired the movement continues to face obstacles. Fulfilling the promise of Jharkhand requires sustained political commitment to tribal rights, inclusive growth, and responsible management of the region’s rich natural resources
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Prelims
1.Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (UPSC CSE 2019)
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A.1, 2 and 3
B.2, 3 and 4
C.1, 2 and 4
D.1, 3 and 4
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Answer (C)
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PVTGs reside in 18 States and 1 Union Territory → Correct
PVTGs are spread across 18 States and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1 UT).
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A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria → Correct
The criteria for PVTG identification include:
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There are 95 PVTGs officially notified → Incorrect
India has 75 officially notified PVTGs, not 95.
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Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the PVTG list → Correct
Thus, Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, making Option C the right answer
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