SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION (SIR)
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Rolls is an important exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that the voter lists (electoral rolls) are accurate, updated, and inclusive before any major election or as part of the annual revision cycle.
- In simpler terms, the SIR is a comprehensive verification and correction process of the electoral rolls — aimed at including eligible voters, removing ineligible ones, and rectifying errors in the existing list.
- It is called “special” because it involves an intensified, house-to-house verification and greater public participation compared to the routine annual summary revision
- The purpose of the Special Intensive Revision is to maintain the purity, accuracy, and inclusiveness of India’s democratic process. Clean and updated voter rolls are essential for free, fair, and credible elections, as they prevent issues like bogus voting, disenfranchisement, and duplication.
- In summary, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a focused, large-scale voter verification campaign conducted by the Election Commission to ensure that the electoral rolls are error-free, inclusive, and reflective of the current eligible voting population. It plays a crucial role in strengthening the integrity and transparency of India’s electoral system
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During the Special Intensive Revision, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit households to verify voter details such as name, address, age, and photo identity. This exercise helps identify:
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- Article 324(1) of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) with the authority to oversee, guide, and manage the preparation of electoral rolls as well as the conduct of elections for both Parliament and the State Legislatures.
- As per Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the ECI holds the right to order a special revision of the electoral roll for any constituency, or part of it, at any time and in a manner it considers appropriate.
- According to the Registration of Electors’ Rules, 1960, the revision of electoral rolls may be carried out intensively, summarily, or through a combination of both methods, as directed by the ECI.
- An intensive revision involves preparing an entirely new roll, while a summary revision deals with updating or modifying the existing one
| Aspect | Special Intensive Revision (SIR) | National Register of Citizens (NRC) |
| Purpose | To verify, update, and correct the electoral rolls so that all eligible voters are included and ineligible names are removed | To identify legal citizens of India and detect illegal immigrants |
| Authority / Governing Body | Conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) | Conducted under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) |
| Legal Basis | Based on Article 324(1) of the Constitution, Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors' Rules, 1960. | Governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 |
| Scope | Focuses only on Indian citizens aged 18 years and above who are eligible to vote | Covers all residents of India (or a particular state) to determine their citizenship status |
| Nature of the Exercise | A regular, recurring administrative exercise carried out to maintain accurate voter lists | A special, large-scale verification exercise conducted under specific legal or political mandates. |
| Relation to Citizenship | Does not determine citizenship — only eligibility to vote | Directly determines citizenship status |
One of the major concerns is the erroneous deletion of eligible voters from the rolls.
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Mistakes during house-to-house verification or data entry may lead to legitimate voters—especially migrants, daily-wage workers, and marginalized communities—being left out.
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Such exclusions can directly affect voter participation and undermine the democratic process.
Despite the intensive verification, fake or duplicate names often remain due to poor coordination or outdated records.
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Deaths, migrations, or multiple registrations in different constituencies are not always updated accurately.
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This raises questions about the accuracy and credibility of the electoral rolls.
The SIR is a large-scale field operation requiring trained personnel, coordination among departments, and robust data systems.
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Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are often overburdened with multiple duties and may not have sufficient time or training for thorough verification.
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Limited digital infrastructure in rural areas can also hamper real-time data updates.
Electoral roll revisions, especially when conducted close to elections, can spark political allegations of bias or manipulation.
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Parties may accuse each other or the Election Commission of targeting specific communities or constituencies.
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Even unintentional errors can lead to trust deficits in the electoral process.
Addressing these concerns is vital to maintain trust in the Election Commission and uphold the credibility of India’s democratic system
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For Prelims: Special Intensive Revision (SIR), National Register of Citizens (NRC), Election Commission of India (ECI)
For Mains: GS II - Indian Polity
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Previous year Question1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only
Answer: D
2. Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021)
1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3
D. 2 and 3
Answer: B
Mains
1.To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC CSE 2017)
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HYDROGEN POWERED TRAIN
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The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) project holds strategic importance for Indian Railways, aligning with India’s broader goals to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the adoption of renewable energy sources. Using hydrogen — a much cleaner alternative to traditional fuels — is expected to help decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
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The initiative is spearheaded by the Northern Railway zone and was launched during 2020-21. It comprises two main tasks: transforming two conventional 1600 HP diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-driven units, and establishing a hydrogen storage and refueling station in Jind, Haryana.
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The estimated cost of the entire project stands at around ₹136 crore. The core design work, testing, and validation are being carried out by the Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) under Indian Railways.
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The train powered by hydrogen will operate between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana, covering two round trips over a stretch of 356 km. The Jind facility will be capable of storing up to 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen.
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Hydrogen-based fuel systems are still a relatively new domain for Indian Railways. Given hydrogen’s high flammability, the project faces numerous technical and safety hurdles. Each modified power car will house 220 kg of hydrogen in specially designed high-pressure (350 bar) cylinders. Ensuring the safety of these cylinders and fuel cell systems requires thorough structural testing and validation.
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As the lightest chemical element, hydrogen is invisible, has no smell or taste, and is extremely combustible. These properties necessitate strict safety protocols in its handling and usage.
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The hydrogen-powered train will be equipped with a range of safety mechanisms, including pressure relief systems, sensors for flame and gas leakage detection, temperature monitoring, and advanced ventilation designs.
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To maintain high safety standards, a German independent agency — Technischer Überwachungsverein Süd (TÜV-SÜD) — has been appointed for auditing. The engineering design and retrofitting are being carried out at ICF Chennai by Medha Servo Drives, a company based in Hyderabad.
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Hydrogen, although the most abundant element in the universe, is not found in its pure form naturally. It must be separated from compounds like water (Hâ‚‚O), which combines two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom. Despite being an environmentally friendly element, the extraction process requires significant energy input.
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The concept of using hydrogen as a sustainable energy source has been around for nearly a century and a half. However, it was the oil crises of the 1970s that sparked serious interest in exploring hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels.
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Hydrogen is classified based on its production methods, often referred to by color labels. The most widely produced form today is grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels without capturing the resulting emissions.
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When hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels but with carbon capture and storage technology, it is known as blue hydrogen. In contrast, green hydrogen is created through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, making it the cleanest variant.
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Green hydrogen offers specific advantages:
(i) It burns cleanly and can significantly reduce emissions across several hard-to-abate sectors such as transport, chemical manufacturing, and the iron and steel industry.
(ii) It enables the productive use of surplus renewable energy that cannot be immediately consumed or stored by the grid
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In 2023, the Union Cabinet gave its approval to the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), acknowledging the pivotal role that green hydrogen will play in helping India achieve energy self-reliance by 2047 and reach its Net Zero emissions target by 2070.
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The mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), identifies green hydrogen as a promising emerging sector. It aims to position India as a leading global center for the production, consumption, and export of green hydrogen and its related products.
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One of the key targets under the mission is to develop the capacity to produce at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by the year 2030
- Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, India is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% from the 2005 levels.
- It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change to limit global warming to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
- At the 2021 Conference of parties in Glasgow, India reiterated its commitment to move from a fossil and import-dependent economy to a net-zero economy by 2070.
- India's average annual energy import bill is more than $100 billion.
- The increased consumption of fossil fuel has made the country a high carbon dioxide (CO2) emitter, accounting for nearly 7% of the global CO2 burden.
- To become energy independent by 2047, the government stressed the need to introduce green hydrogen as an alternative fuel that can make India the global hub and a major exporter of hydrogen.
| Characteristic | Green Hydrogen | Grey Hydrogen |
| Production Method | Electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (solar, wind) | Steam methane reforming from natural gas |
| Environmental Impact | Virtually emissions-free, utilizing renewable energy and water as feedstock | High carbon emissions contribute to environmental degradation |
| Carbon Emissions | No carbon emissions during production or consumption | High carbon emissions during production |
| Sustainability | Represents an end-to-end green pathway for hydrogen production | Contributes significantly to carbon emissions and environmental degradation |
| Purpose | Offers a sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production | Predominantly used in industrial applications |
A hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle operates similarly to traditional cars powered by diesel or petrol, but with a key difference: there are no carbon emissions produced during combustion.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) utilize hydrogen electrochemically by converting it into electricity through a fuel cell. This process involves storing hydrogen in a high-pressure tank and generating electricity, with water being the only byproduct. While hydrogen ICE vehicles don't emit carbon, research suggests that burning hydrogen is less energy-efficient compared to converting it into electricity in a fuel cell.
Advantages of Hydrogen FCEVs Over Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), where the battery constitutes the heaviest part of the vehicle, hydrogen FCEVs are typically lighter. This is because hydrogen is a lighter element, and a fuel cell stack weighs less than an electric vehicle (EV) battery. This feature makes hydrogen fuel cell technology a promising alternative to EV battery technology, particularly for heavy-duty trucks that can benefit from increased payload capacity without emitting smoke from burning diesel.
The Promise of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Research indicates that long-haul FCEVs can carry freight amounts comparable to diesel trucks, whereas long-haul BEVs face a weight penalty of up to 25% due to heavier batteries. Given the imperative to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector while maintaining revenue-generating payload capacity, green hydrogen emerges as a promising solution.
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For Prelims: Green Hydrogen, compressed natural gas, Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles, Grey Hydrogen, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
For Mains:
1. Green hydrogen production utilizes electrolysis, a process powered by renewable energy sources. However, large-scale production of renewable energy also has environmental implications. Discuss the ethical considerations involved in promoting green hydrogen as a sustainable solution. (250 words)
2. India aspires to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. What are the strategic advantages India possesses to achieve this goal? Discuss the policy measures and technological advancements needed to make India a leader in this emerging field. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to 'fuel cells' in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC)
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
2. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2023)
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None
Answers: 1-A, 2-C
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DARK PATTERNS
- Dark patterns, often referred to as deceptive design practices, are intentionally crafted user interface techniques embedded in websites or applications to influence users into revealing personal information or making decisions they would not ordinarily choose. These tactics exploit user behaviour through misleading or coercive design elements.
- Common examples of dark patterns include requiring users to disclose personal details before accessing products or services, making the process of cancelling subscriptions unnecessarily complicated, and using persistent promotional calls or messages to pressure consumers into purchasing products.
- A simple illustration of a dark pattern is a pop-up advertisement that repeatedly appears on a webpage, where the close button ("X") is deliberately made tiny, hidden, or difficult to click. As a result, users may accidentally click on the advertisement instead of closing it, increasing unwanted engagement.
- These deceptive strategies commonly involve manipulative interface designs such as automatic subscription renewals, complicated cancellation procedures, misleading price displays, confusing consent requests, personalised recommendations designed to influence choices, gamification techniques, and behavioural nudges that steer consumers towards decisions that primarily benefit the service provider.
- The expression "dark patterns" was introduced by Harry Brignull, a user experience (UX) designer based in London, in 2010 to describe these unethical design practices
On 1 December 2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) released comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing and regulating the use of dark patterns in digital platforms. The guidelines identify 13 specific categories of deceptive practices that businesses must avoid.
(i) False Urgency:
This practice creates an artificial feeling of scarcity or time pressure to influence consumers into making quick decisions. Examples include falsely claiming that a product is in limited supply or exaggerating its popularity to encourage immediate purchases.
(ii) Basket Sneaking:
Additional products or services are secretly added to a consumer's shopping cart without their explicit knowledge or approval, increasing the final purchase amount.
(iii) Confirm Shaming:
Users are manipulated through guilt-inducing messages or criticism for choosing not to accept an offer, subscribe, or complete a transaction.
(iv) Forced Action:
Consumers are compelled to perform actions they may not otherwise choose, such as creating an account, sharing personal information, or subscribing to a service before accessing desired content or features.
(v) Nagging:
Users are repeatedly interrupted by persistent notifications, reminders, pop-ups, or prompts encouraging them to complete a purchase or engage with a service, even when they have not consented to such repeated interactions.
(vi) Subscription Traps:
Signing up for a service is made simple, while cancelling it is intentionally made difficult through hidden options, multiple procedural steps, ambiguous instructions, or compulsory payment authorisations, including for free trial subscriptions.
(vii) Bait and Switch:
Consumers are attracted through advertisements promoting one product or service, but are ultimately provided with a different or inferior alternative.
(viii) Rogue Malware:
Users are deceived into believing that their device is infected with harmful software through fake security alerts or ransomware messages, prompting them to purchase fraudulent antivirus tools that may actually install malicious software.
(ix) Disguised Advertisements:
Advertisements are intentionally designed to resemble editorial content, news reports, reviews, or user-generated material, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish promotional content from genuine information.
(x) Interface Interference:
The design of a website or application is manipulated to emphasise certain choices while concealing or downplaying other important information, thereby steering users toward decisions that primarily benefit the platform.
(xi) Drip Pricing:
The complete cost of a product or service is not disclosed at the beginning of the purchase process. Additional charges are gradually introduced later, after users have invested time in the transaction. Similarly, products advertised as "free" may require undisclosed in-app purchases or payments for continued use.
(xii) Trick Questions:
Confusing wording, double negatives, ambiguous language, or misleading questions are deliberately used to influence consumers into selecting options they did not intend to choose.
(xiii) SaaS Billing:
In Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business models, recurring subscription payments are collected through billing practices that exploit automatic renewals, making it difficult for users to recognise, control, or discontinue recurring charges
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This legislation replaced the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986, with the objective of expanding the legal framework to address emerging consumer protection challenges. The Act came into effect on 24 July 2020. The primary mandate of the CCPA is to safeguard consumer rights by preventing and addressing unfair trade practices, misleading or false advertisements, and other activities that adversely affect the interests of consumers and the general public. |
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced several measures to prevent the use of dark patterns in the insurance sector and promote fair, transparent, and consumer-friendly practices.
- Insurers and insurance intermediaries are required to provide clear, accurate, and easily understandable information about policy features, premiums, exclusions, terms, and conditions, enabling customers to make informed decisions.
- IRDAI has directed insurers to avoid misleading advertisements, hidden charges, pre-selected options, deceptive consent mechanisms, and other manipulative digital practices that may influence consumer choices unfairly.
- The regulator has also strengthened disclosure requirements, simplified policy documents, and established robust grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure that policyholders can easily resolve complaints.
- In addition, IRDAI encourages insurers to adopt ethical digital interface designs, enhance transparency in online sales, and ensure that customers can purchase, renew, or discontinue insurance products without unnecessary obstacles or coercive practices.
- These initiatives aim to protect policyholders, improve consumer confidence, and promote accountability within the insurance industry.
Ethical Implications
Dark patterns raise significant ethical concerns because they undermine consumer autonomy and exploit behavioural biases for commercial gain.
- Violation of Informed Consent: Users are often manipulated into making decisions without fully understanding the consequences, compromising genuine and informed consent.
- Erosion of Consumer Autonomy: Deceptive interface designs restrict users' ability to make free and rational choices.
- Breach of Trust: The use of misleading tactics damages consumer confidence in digital platforms and online businesses.
- Privacy Concerns: Many dark patterns encourage or coerce users into sharing excessive personal data, threatening their privacy and data security.
- Manipulation of Vulnerable Groups: Children, elderly individuals, and digitally inexperienced users are particularly susceptible to deceptive design practices.
- Unfair Business Practices: Companies employing dark patterns gain an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that follow ethical and transparent practices.
- Lack of Transparency: Hidden fees, disguised advertisements, and misleading interfaces reduce openness and accountability in digital transactions.
Economic Implications
Dark patterns have far-reaching economic consequences for consumers, businesses, and the digital economy.
- Financial Losses for Consumers: Hidden charges, unintended subscriptions, and automatic renewals increase consumer expenditure without informed approval.
- Higher Consumer Complaints: Misleading practices result in increased disputes, refund requests, and litigation, raising compliance and operational costs for businesses.
- Reduced Market Efficiency: When consumers make decisions based on manipulated information, competition becomes distorted and efficient allocation of resources is affected.
- Loss of Consumer Confidence: Declining trust in digital platforms can reduce online transactions and slow the growth of the digital economy.
- Regulatory and Compliance Costs: Businesses may incur substantial penalties, legal expenses, and compliance costs due to stricter consumer protection regulations.
- Reputational Damage: Companies found using deceptive practices may suffer long-term brand erosion, customer attrition, and reduced market value.
- Innovation Disincentives: Firms relying on manipulative designs may prioritise deceptive marketing over improving product quality and customer experience, thereby discouraging genuine innovation.
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For Prelims: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Dark Patterns, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
For Mains: GS II-Government policies and interventions
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INDUS WATER TREATY
1. Context
2. Is unilateral suspension permissible?
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The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) cannot be modified or terminated by one country alone. Article XII explicitly states that the agreement may only be ended through a "duly ratified treaty" mutually accepted by both India and Pakistan.
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India’s reference to placing the treaty “in abeyance” in its communication with Pakistan lacks legal grounding, as international law and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), 1969—which serves as the foundational framework for international agreements—do not recognize this term.
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Under Article 62 of the VCLT, a treaty may be withdrawn from if there has been a “fundamental change of circumstances” compared to when it was first signed.
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Although India is not a signatory and Pakistan has signed but not ratified the VCLT, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its ruling on the Fisheries Jurisdiction cases, recognized Article 62 as part of customary international law—making it applicable even without formal ratification.
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India appears to be appealing to this legal doctrine in its letter, which emphasized that a “fundamental change in circumstances” warrants a reassessment of its commitments under the IWT.
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For instance, in the 1997 Gabcíkovo-Nagymaros case involving Hungary and Slovakia’s dam project, Hungary claimed that evolving political and economic conditions, along with potential environmental risks, justified ending the treaty.
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The ICJ dismissed these claims, asserting that the cited changes were not directly tied to the treaty’s central goal of cooperative energy generation
3.How will this have effect on Pakistan?
- Over 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural activities and nearly one-third of its hydropower production rely on the Indus basin's water resources.
- Despite this heavy dependence, analysts point out that India does not have the extensive water storage facilities or a widespread canal network necessary to retain the vast volumes—tens of billions of cubic metres—of water from the western rivers.
- India’s existing infrastructure primarily comprises run-of-the-river hydropower projects, which are not designed for significant water storage.
- Nevertheless, the primary concern lies in the unpredictability of water flows, which poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s largely agriculture-based economy
4. Applications moved by Pakistan and India earlier
- The World Bank, the third party to the Treaty and the acknowledged arbiter of disputes were, meanwhile faced with a unique situation of having received two separate requests for the same dispute.
- New Delhi feels that the World Bank is just a facilitator and has a limited role.
- On December 12, 2016, the World Bank announced a "pause" in the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.
- The regular meetings of Indus Waters Commissioners resumed in 2017 and India tried to use these to find mutually agreeable solutions between 2017 and 2022.
- Pakistan refused to discuss these issues at these meetings.
- At Pakistan's continued insistence, the World Bank, in March last year, initiated actions on the requests of both India and Pakistan.
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On March 31, 2022, the World Bank decided to resume the process of appointing a Neutral Expert and a Chairman for the Court of Arbitration.
In October last year, the Bank named Michel Lino as the Neutral Expert and Prof. Sean Murphy as Chairman of the Court of Arbitration.
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- They will carry out their duties in their capacity as subject matter experts and independently of any other appointments they may currently hold.
- On October 19, 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs said, " We have noted the World Bank's announcement to concurrently appoint a Neutral Expert and a Chair of the Court of Arbitration in the ongoing matter related to the Kishanganga and Ratle projects".
- Recognising the World Bank's admission in its announcement that "carrying out two processes concurrently poses practical and legal challenges".
- India would assess the matter that "India believes that the implementation of the Indus Water Treaty must be in the letter and spirit of the Treaty".
- Such parallel consideration of the same issues is not provided for in any provisions of the Treaty and India has been repeatedly citing the possibility of the two processes delivering contradictory rulings, which could lead to an unprecedented and legally untenable situation, which is unforeseen in Treaty provisions.
5. Dispute redressal mechanism
- The dispute redressal mechanism provided under Article IX of the IWT is graded.
- It's a 3-level mechanism.
- So, whenever India plans to start a project, under the Indus Water Treaty, it has to inform Pakistan that it is planning to build a project.
- Pakistan might oppose it and ask for more details. That would mean there is a question and in case there is a question, that question has to be clarified between the two sides at the level of the Indus Commissioners.
- If that difference is not resolved by them, then the level is raised. The question then becomes a difference.
- That difference is to be resolved by another set mechanism, which is the Natural Expert.
- It is at this stage that the World Bank comes into the picture.
- In case the Neutral Expert says that they are not able to resolve the difference or that the issue needs an interpretation of the Treaty, then that difference becomes a dispute.
It then goes to the third stage the Court of Arbitration. - To Sum up, it's a very graded and sequential mechanism first Commissioner, then the Neutral Expert and only then the Court of Arbitration.
6. India's notice and its implications
- While the immediate provocation for the modification is to address the issue of two parallel mechanisms, at this point, the implications of India's notice for modifying the treaty are not very clear.
- Article XII (3) of the Treaty that India has invoked is not a dispute redressal mechanism.
- It is in effect, a provision to amend the Treaty.
- However, an amendment or modification can happen only through a "duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments".
- Pakistan is under no obligation to agree to India's proposal.
- As of now, it is not clear what happens if Pakistan does not respond to India's notice within 90 days.
| The next provision in the Treaty, Article XII (4), provides for the termination of the Treaty through a similar process " a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that the purpose between the two governments". |
- India has not spelt out exactly what it wants to be modified in the Treaty.
- But over the last few years, especially since the Uri attack, there has been a growing demand in India to use the Indus Waters Treaty as a strategic tool, considering that India has the natural advantage of being the upper riparian state.
- India has not fully utilized its rights over the waters of the three east-flowing rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej over which India has full control under the Treaty.
It has also not adequately utilized the limited rights over the three west-flowing rivers Indus, Chenab and Jhelum which are meant for Pakistan. - Following the Uri attack, India established a high-level task force to exploit the full potential of the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Accordingly, India has been working to start several big and small hydroelectric projects that had either been stalled or were in the planning stages.
- A river system consists of a river and all its tributaries. The Indus River system is made up of six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Among these, the Indus and Sutlej are antecedent rivers, meaning they existed before the formation of the Himalayas and carved deep gorges as they flowed from the Tibet region. The remaining four rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Beas—originate in India.
- The Indus Basin stretches across four countries: China, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In India, it covers the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Chandigarh, and the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The total drainage area of the basin is about 3,21,289 square kilometers, representing roughly 9.8% of India’s total geographical area.
- The Indus River originates from the trans-Himalayan range near Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, known as Singi Khamban or the Lion’s Mouth. Flowing west, it enters India at Demchok in Ladakh.
- Within India, the river runs for about 1,114 kilometers, flowing between the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. Its main right bank tributaries include the Shyok (originating from Rimo Glacier), Shigar, and Gilgit, while the Zaskar and Hanle rivers are its left bank tributaries. The Indus River travels a total of 2,880 kilometers, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan. The Indus River Dolphin, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily inhabits the Indus.
- The Jhelum River (252 km) begins at Verinag near the Pir Panjal in India, flowing through Wular Lake in Srinagar before entering Pakistan, where it merges with the Chenab near Jhang. The Chenab River, the Indus’s largest tributary, is 1,180 km long within India and originates from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh.
- The Ravi River (95 km) starts from the Kullu Hills near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and joins the Chenab at Sarai Sidhu in Pakistan. The Beas River (354 km) originates from Beas Kund, located at 4,000 meters above sea level near Rohtang Pass. It flows through the Kullu Valley and joins the Sutlej near Harike in Punjab, India. The Harike Barrage, built in 1952, diverts water for the Indira Gandhi Canal system.
- The Sutlej River (676 km) is another antecedent river, originating from Rakas Tal (4,555 meters above sea level) near Mansarovar in Tibet. It enters India near Ropar. India has built several important dams to harness the waters of the eastern rivers, including the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi, the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej, and the Pong and Pandoh Dams on the Beas. These projects, including the Beas-Sutlej Link, the Madhopur-Beas Link, and the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, allow India to utilize nearly 95% of the waters of these eastern rivers.
8. Way Forward
However, India’s projects on the western rivers have been a source of dispute with Pakistan. Significant projects on the western rivers, such as the Salal Dam, the Baglihar Hydropower Project, the Pakal Dul Project, and the Kiru Project, are located on the Chenab River, while the Tulbul Project is situated on the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects have been at the center of objections from Pakistan over the year
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Indus water treaty, World Bank, India and Pakistan, Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, Beas, Chennab, Court of Arbitration, Uri attack, Neutral Expert, hydel projects,
For Mains:
1. What is Indus Water Treaty and discuss India's recent notice and its implications (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutle 2.Consider the following pairs (2019)
Answer (d) Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 5 Answer (a) Mains 1.The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020) |
GYAN BHARAT MISSION
- The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a nationwide initiative focused on preserving, digitising, and promoting India’s extensive manuscript heritage, bridging the gap between age-old traditions and modern technology for future generations.
- The programme has been sanctioned a budget of ₹482.85 crore for the period 2024–31, and already, more than 44.07 lakh manuscripts have been catalogued in the Kriti Sampada digital repository.
- The Gyan Bharatam Conference, serving as the first international forum under this initiative, brought together scholars, policymakers, and cultural custodians from across India to deliberate on strategies for manuscript conservation and digitisation.
- The event witnessed the participation of over 1,400 youth and 500 delegates, reflecting the growing commitment of India’s younger generation towards safeguarding its intellectual legacy.
- Leveraging advanced digital technologies and AI tools, the Mission aims to make India’s manuscript heritage accessible to a global audience. For centuries, India’s civilization has been a cradle of knowledge — from gurukuls that nurtured generations of thinkers to ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, which attracted scholars from across the world.
- These traditions, preserved through manuscripts, monuments, and cultural practices, continue to define India’s intellectual identity.
- Envisioned as both a tribute to India’s civilisational wisdom and a forward-looking national movement, the Gyan Bharatam Mission aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” — aspiring to establish India as a true Vishwa Guru, blending the timeless wisdom of its past with the innovative spirit of its future
3. Vision and Objectives of Bharat Mission
- India’s rich cultural and intellectual tradition finds expression in its vast repository of manuscripts—estimated to exceed five million works.
- These invaluable texts encompass a wide array of disciplines including philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, literature, arts, architecture, and spirituality.
- Composed in diverse scripts and languages, they are preserved across temples, monasteries, Jaina BhandÄras, archives, libraries, and private collections, forming an extraordinary testament to the BhÄratÄ«ya JñÄna ParamparÄ (Indian Knowledge Systems).
- Together, they highlight the unbroken continuity of India’s civilisational thought and learning traditions.
- The Gyan Bharatam Mission provides a comprehensive framework to revitalise and promote this manuscript legacy by integrating preservation, digitisation, research, and global outreach. The Mission’s vision extends beyond conservation — it seeks to transform manuscripts into living sources of education, cultural identity, and scholarly innovation
Key Components of the Mission1. Identification and Documentation: 2. Conservation and Restoration: 3. Digitisation and Repository Development: 4. Research, Translation, and Publication: 5. Capacity Building and Skill Development: 6. Technological Innovation: 7. Public Engagement and Incentives: 8. Global Collaboration and Educational Integration:
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- A manuscript refers to any handwritten work created on materials such as palm leaves, birch bark, fabric, paper, or even metal, that is at least seventy-five years old and possesses significant historical, intellectual, scientific, or artistic importance.
- Unlike printed texts or administrative documents, manuscripts preserve the essence of human knowledge across diverse fields — including philosophy, medicine, astronomy, literature, and the arts.
- They exist in hundreds of Indian and regional languages, written in numerous scripts, with certain languages appearing in multiple scripts — for example, Sanskrit written in Devanagari, Oriya, and Grantha forms.
- Recognising the need to safeguard this vast intellectual heritage, the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 as a dedicated national repository to protect and promote India’s manuscript wealth. Since its inception, NMM has played a pivotal role in conserving and documenting the nation’s traditional knowledge systems.
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Key achievements of the Mission include:
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- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 serves as a strong foundation for the Gyan Bharatam Mission, sharing its vision of nurturing India’s cultural and intellectual roots.
- By advocating instruction in the mother tongue or regional language up to at least Grade 5, NEP 2020 enhances conceptual understanding while ensuring that children remain connected to India’s linguistic, cultural, and civilisational identity.
- The policy further underscores the promotion of Indian languages, arts, and heritage, recognising the importance of reviving traditions and conserving cultural knowledge for future generations. This approach directly complements the Gyan Bharatam Mission’s objective of preserving manuscripts as living repositories of India’s ancient wisdom and intellectual continuity.
- A transformative aspect of NEP 2020 is its formal inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into mainstream curricula — enabling students to engage with India’s contributions in science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and literature.
- This integration aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering youth to act as custodians of heritage, combining traditional insights with technological and scientific innovation.
- Together, NEP 2020 and the Gyan Bharatam Mission aim to transform India’s timeless wisdom into the foundation of a modern and progressive future
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For Prelims: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), Gyan-Setu AI Innovation
For Mains: GS II - Governance
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Previous Year Questions
1.Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: (2011)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer (c) 2. Which of the following characterize/characterises the people of the Indus Civilization? (2013)
Select the correct statements using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only Answer (b) |
LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (LFPR)
1. Context
2. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)?
- The labor force participation rate (LFPR) is a measure that refers to the percentage of the working-age population (typically defined as individuals aged 15 years and above) who are either employed or actively seeking employment.
- It is a commonly used indicator to understand the level of engagement of a country's population in the labor market.
- To calculate the LFPR, the number of individuals in the labor force (which includes both employed and unemployed individuals actively seeking work) is divided by the total working-age population and multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage.
- The labor force includes people who are currently employed, as well as those who are unemployed but actively looking for work.
- It does not include individuals who are not in the labor force, such as students, retirees, homemakers, or individuals who are not actively seeking employment.
- The LFPR provides insights into the proportion of the population that is economically active, which is important for assessing the level of labor market engagement, estimating potential labor supply, and evaluating changes in workforce dynamics over time.
3. LFPR and Unemployment Rate in India
- Unemployment Rate: The percentage of people who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate): The percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
- Importance of Unemployment Rate: Commonly used to assess the stress in the job market.
- India's Unique Situation:
- Low LFPR: India's LFPR has been consistently lower than the global average.
- Falling LFPR: India's LFPR has been declining over time.
4. Significance of LFPR
- Developing Economy Concern: A low and falling LFPR is unfavorable for a developing economy like India.
- Lack of Job Opportunities: Workers may opt out of the labor force due to prolonged unemployment and discouragement.
- The unemployment rate alone is insufficient to gauge India's labor market situation.
- LFPR provides a more comprehensive understanding of labor market engagement and workforce dynamics.
5. Falling LFPR
- India's LFPR has been continuously decreasing since 2016-17.
- Reached its lowest level in 2022-23.
- Despite fast economic growth (e.g., GDP growth of 7.2% in 2022-23), LFPR has been declining.
6. Low Female LFPR
- Female LFPR in India has dropped to just 8.8% in FY23.
- More than 90% of working-age women in India do not actively look for jobs.
- Significantly lower LFPR among women indicates gender-related challenges in accessing and participating in the labor market.
7. Key Observations
- The falling LFPR contradicts the country's economic growth rate.
- Female LFPR is particularly concerning, with a vast majority of women not seeking employment.
- Low LFPR and low female LFPR signify potential issues with job availability, gender inequality, and labor market participation in India.
8. Comparison of Labor Force Participation Rates in India and Other Countries
- CMIE vs. ILO: CMIE's measure of assessing the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is more stringent than that of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- India's LFPR: CMIE estimated India's LFPR at 40% for 2022, while the ILO pegged it at 49%. Both measures indicate a low LFPR compared to other countries.
- Higher LFPR in other countries: According to the ILO model, several Latin American and Asian economies have significantly higher LFPRs than India.
- Indonesia had an LFPR of around 67% in 2022, while South Korea and Brazil had rates as high as 63-64%. Argentina, Bangladesh, and the Philippines recorded LFPRs in the range of 58-60%. Sri Lanka had over 51% of its population in the labor force.
- In contrast, India had less than half of its working-age population either employed or actively seeking employment, according to the data.
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For Prelims: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Labour force participation rate (LFPR), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Unemployment rate.
For Mains: 1. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and discuss the factors that have contributed to the Low LFPR in India? (250 Words)
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Previous year Question
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1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (UPPSC 2019)
Assertion (A): The labour force participation rate is falling sharply in recent years for females in India.
Reason (R): The decline in labour force participation rate is due to improved family income and an increase in education.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer: C
2. Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to the periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India
2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector
3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
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