• Accurately assessing income and wealth inequality in India is challenging, primarily because official surveys tend to overlook individuals with extremely high earnings and assets.
• To address this gap, researchers from the World Inequality Database (WID), under the leadership of economist Thomas Piketty, have used a broader set of data—including tax filings, national surveys, and rich lists—to develop more representative estimates of inequality in the country. Their findings reveal a stark contrast to the more optimistic picture presented by the World Bank.
• According to WID estimates, India’s Gini coefficient for pre-tax income in 2022–23 stood at 0.61. This places India among the most unequal nations globally, with 170 out of 218 economies reporting lower levels of income inequality.
• The scenario for wealth distribution is even more skewed. India’s wealth Gini is estimated at 0.75, suggesting a more severe concentration of assets than income or consumption. While this is a high figure, several countries still have even greater wealth inequality; in fact, 67 nations report a lower wealth Gini than India.
• The trends are also concerning. Income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has increased notably from 0.47 in 2000 to 0.61 in 2023. Wealth inequality has also risen, albeit less dramatically—from 0.7 in 2000 to 0.75 in 2023—largely because the baseline level of concentration was already high. These patterns clearly contradict the notion of declining inequality suggested by the World Bank.
• Moreover, the Gini coefficient, while widely used, tends to obscure the extreme accumulation of wealth by a small elite. It reflects the overall distribution but doesn’t indicate how much wealth is held by the richest few. When we focus on the top 1%, the inequality becomes even more pronounced.
• In 2022–23, the top 1% of adults in India owned nearly 40% of the country's net personal wealth. Only four countries—Uruguay, Eswatini, Russia, and South Africa—exhibited greater concentration among the wealthiest

• FASTag is a digital toll payment mechanism jointly overseen by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The FASTag is typically affixed to a vehicle's windshield and was initially introduced in 2014 as a test initiative. It became compulsory for toll collection across all national highways in 2021.

• The system operates using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which enables interaction between the FASTag and electronic sensors at toll booths. As a vehicle passes through a toll gate, the toll fee is automatically debited from the associated bank account or digital wallet linked to the FASTag.

• RFID is a form of wireless identification that comprises tags and reading devices. It uses radio waves to relay details such as identification or status of an item or person to a nearby reader—either handheld or installed at fixed locations like structures or poles. These tags can include encrypted data, unique serial numbers, or brief descriptors. Some tags, particularly those used in the aviation sector, can store large volumes of data.

• RFID tags are categorized into three types: passive, semi-passive, and active. Active RFID tags have their own power source, typically a battery, allowing them to send signals periodically or when they detect a nearby reader. In contrast, passive RFID tags lack a power source and rely on the electromagnetic energy emitted by the reader to function. These passive tags are the type employed in the FASTag system. Semi-passive tags have internal circuitry and power, but still depend on the reader’s signal to respond.

• RFID systems function through an antenna and a microchip, which together communicate with a reader by emitting radio signals. These systems operate at various frequency bands including low (LF), high (HF), and ultra-high frequencies (UHF). The signals received from the tags are then decoded into usable information by a computer system

ANPR FASTag System (AFS) is an advanced toll collection mechanism that integrates Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag infrastructure to enable seamless and contactless toll payment.

Unlike traditional FASTag systems, where RFID tags on a vehicle's windshield are scanned by sensors at toll plazas, AFS uses high-resolution cameras to automatically read vehicle registration numbers. These cameras are equipped with software that captures and processes images of license plates as vehicles approach toll booths or designated gantries.

The ANPR system cross-verifies the vehicle’s registration details with the FASTag database, which includes the vehicle’s number and linked payment account. Once a match is found, the toll amount is automatically deducted from the corresponding FASTag wallet or bank account—without requiring a physical RFID scan.

Key Features:

• Contactless Tolling: Vehicles don’t need to slow down or stop for RFID scanning.

• No Tag Dependency: Even if the FASTag is damaged or unreadable, the toll can still be collected using the vehicle’s number plate.

• Real-time Verification: AFS enhances enforcement by checking vehicle compliance (e.g., tag validity, blacklisted status) in real-time.

• Reduced Congestion: Faster vehicle movement through toll plazas due to camera-based number recognition.

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), officially known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is a satellite-based navigation network developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to function independently and consists of seven satellites. Of these, three are positioned in geostationary orbit, while the remaining four occupy inclined geosynchronous orbits, catering to both civilian and military requirements.

• The concept of having India’s own satellite navigation system emerged after the 1999 Kargil conflict, during which India’s defence forces were denied access to the US-based GPS. In response, India launched its first satellite under this initiative, IRNSS-1A, on July 1, 2013.

• With the launch of IRNSS-1G on April 28, 2016, the seventh satellite in the series, ISRO declared the IRNSS constellation complete. However, from mid-2016 onward, several satellites experienced failures due to malfunctioning rubidium atomic clocks. Out of the 11 satellites launched under the ₹2,250 crore NavIC project (including replacements), only five are currently fully functional, according to ISRO.

• NavIC delivers two distinct services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for general and commercial users, and the Restricted Service (RS), which is encrypted and intended solely for military and strategic applications. These services cover the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas.

• Although global satellite systems such as GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China), and QZSS (Japan) are available, India pursued its own navigation system to ensure uninterrupted and reliable service, especially for defence operations where strategic autonomy is crucial.

5. Applications of RFID Technology

 

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has become increasingly prevalent across numerous industries due to its ability to automatically identify and track objects, animals, and people using electromagnetic fields. Here are the key applications:
• RFID tags enable real-time inventory tracking, reducing stockouts and overstocking. Major retailers use RFID to monitor product movement from warehouses to store shelves, automatically updating inventory systems. This technology also powers anti-theft systems and enables faster checkout processes through bulk scanning
• The technology provides end-to-end visibility in supply chains, allowing companies to track shipments, monitor temperature-sensitive goods, and verify authenticity. RFID helps optimize warehouse operations through automated sorting and reduces manual scanning errors in distribution centers
• Hospitals use RFID for patient identification, medication tracking, and equipment management. The technology helps prevent medical errors by ensuring patients receive correct medications and dosages. It also tracks expensive medical equipment and monitors the location of patients, particularly those with conditions like dementia.
• RFID-enabled key cards and badges control building access, replacing traditional keys. The technology provides detailed audit trails of who accessed which areas and when, enhancing security in corporate buildings, government facilities, and residential complexes
• Electronic toll collection systems like E-ZPass use RFID to automatically charge vehicles passing through toll booths. Public transportation systems employ RFID in contactless payment cards for buses, trains, and subways.

 

For Prelims: NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) For Mains: GS III - Science and Technology

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

 

 

 

1. Context

 

The attacks by the US on Iran’s three nuclear sites – Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow – have triggered numerous concerns, including the risk of radiation leaks, with the UN’s nuclear watchdog saying that craters caused by ground-penetrating US bombs were visible at Fordow.

 

2. Nuclear Technology

 

• Nuclear technology stands out as a transformative and often debated advancement in the modern era. It centers on manipulating atomic nuclei through two main processes: nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
• In nuclear fission, a large atomic nucleus breaks apart into smaller nuclei, frequently accompanied by radioactive decay, where unstable heavy elements gradually transform into lighter ones.
• Conversely, nuclear fusion involves the combination of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, often described as a constructive or generative reaction.
• Both fission and fusion release tremendous amounts of energy. Although nuclear fusion is still largely confined to experimental research, nuclear fission has been widely utilized since its discovery in 1938 by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann.
• Its earliest and most impactful use was in the development of nuclear weapons by the United States under the Manhattan Project, employing elements like uranium and plutonium.
• These weapons were deployed during the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, marking the onset of what came to be known as the atomic or nuclear age

 

3. Nuclear technology in various sectors

The catastrophic devastation experienced by Japan during World War II spurred a global movement to channel nuclear technology toward peaceful and beneficial uses. In today’s world, nuclear technology finds itself at a pivotal juncture—while it offers significant advantages, concerns over its weaponization and potential misuse remain pressing. The major areas where nuclear technology proves beneficial include:

• Energy and industrial use – Nuclear energy is a dependable, long-term source of electricity that contributes to energy security while maintaining a low carbon footprint. As per the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 2024 report, nuclear power capacity worldwide reached 392 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2023, generated through nearly 440 operational reactors. Beyond electricity, nuclear power supports various industrial activities, including district heating systems and seawater desalination.
• Agriculture and food production – Nuclear techniques contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity and food security. They are used for the early diagnosis of animal diseases, better soil and water resource management, and environmentally sustainable pest control strategies like the Sterile Insect Technique. Additionally, crop irradiation helps improve resistance to diseases and ensures the safety of food products.
• Healthcare advancements – The use of nuclear science in medicine has significantly strengthened healthcare systems. Tools like PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) are pivotal for medical imaging, while radiotherapy and radioisotope therapies are essential for targeted cancer treatment and management.
• Defense and strategic balance – In the defense domain, nuclear capabilities are key to deterrence strategies, supporting geopolitical stability and acting as a tool for maintaining strategic balance among nations. Their very existence reduces the chances of full-scale or nuclear wars due to the principle of mutually assured destruction.
• Environmental and climate impact – Due to its low greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy is recognized as an important contributor to global climate objectives. Acknowledging this, 22 countries (later rising to 31) signed a declaration at COP 28 to triple nuclear energy production by 2050. Moreover, nuclear power delivers high energy output with minimal land usage compared to several other renewable sources

 

4. International regulatory framework

 

• Global efforts to regulate nuclear technology began in 1957 with the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which serves as a platform for promoting the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
• A major milestone followed in 1970 with the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is centered around three key pillars: preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, encouraging nuclear disarmament, and fostering the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• Under the NPT, Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) are assured the right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful uses, provided they refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear arms.
• Another significant international agreement is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, which prohibits all nuclear explosions across all environments, whether for civilian or military purposes.
• Further strengthening the legal framework, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into force in 2021. It is the first legally binding international treaty to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons, covering their development, testing, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and use, including any threats of use.
• Other important non-proliferation mechanisms include the Zangger Committee—also known as the NPT Exporters Committee—which maintains a ‘trigger list’ of sensitive nuclear materials requiring safeguards, and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), formed in 1975. The NSG is a consortium of nuclear-exporting nations working together to curb nuclear proliferation by regulating the export of nuclear-related materials and technologies

 

5. India's nuclear program

 

• India launched its nuclear energy programme in 1954 with a distinctive three-phase plan tailored to maximize the efficient use of its limited uranium resources and abundant thorium deposits through progressive nuclear technologies.
• The programme's first phase relies on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which operate on natural uranium. The second phase introduces Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), using plutonium and uranium-238 derived from reprocessed spent fuel.
• The final phase envisions advanced nuclear reactors that will primarily utilize thorium, aiming to establish long-term energy independence for the country.
• India has successfully commercialized the first phase with operational PHWRs. The second phase was officially launched in 2024 with the commissioning of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. This reactor is expected to use a combination of thorium and uranium, tapping into India's substantial thorium reserves.
• In the Union Budget 2025–26, the government unveiled the ‘Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat’ and allocated ₹20,000 crore towards its implementation. A key focus of the mission is the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are intended to help the country reach its ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 in a more secure and environmentally sustainable manner.
• To advance this goal, the government is fostering partnerships with the private sector and strengthening international civil nuclear cooperation with nations like the United States, Russia, and France.

 

6. Regulation of Nuclear Technology in India

 

 

• India has put in place a robust legal and institutional structure to oversee the use of nuclear technology. As per the Indian Constitution, 'atomic energy' is listed under the Union List, granting the central government sole authority to legislate in this domain.
• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up in 1954 and functions under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Commission, which serves as the principal policymaking body for nuclear affairs in the country.
• To further solidify regulatory control, the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 replaced its 1957 predecessor. This legislation empowers the central government to oversee all aspects of atomic energy, including its production, development, and disposal.
• The Act also authorizes the government to formulate rules and establish agencies for its effective implementation.
• Using these legislative powers, the government has enacted regulations focusing on radiation safety and nuclear waste disposal. It also created the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring nuclear safety standards across the country.
• Additionally, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) handles the planning, building, and operation of nuclear power stations. Recognizing the risks involved in nuclear activities, the government passed the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act in 2010. This law enforces strict liability on nuclear operators, holding them accountable for any damage caused, irrespective of fault

 

7. Way forward

 

While nuclear technology is often praised for being a clean energy source with multiple advantages, it also presents several critical challenges. Incidents such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards. Additionally, issues like health hazards from uranium mining and the long-term management of radioactive waste continue to pose serious concerns.

In countries like India, the application of nuclear technology in areas such as agriculture and healthcare is still in its early stages and demands greater investment in research and innovation. However, with the implementation of well-framed policies, robust safety mechanisms, and international collaboration, nuclear energy can be effectively utilized to address global energy needs and contribute to scientific and technological advancement in a responsible and sustainable way.

 

 

For Prelims: Nuclear Waste Management, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, uranium, plutonium For mains:  1. Discuss the challenges associated with nuclear waste management in the context of India's nuclear energy program. How can these challenges be addressed effectively? (250 Words) 2. Ethical considerations play a crucial role in nuclear waste management. Discuss the ethical concerns surrounding the potential for environmental injustice and the responsibility of nations in dealing with nuclear waste.(250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions 1. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this on text, what advantage, does thorium hold over uranium? (UPSC 2012) Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium. Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium. 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. Which among the following has the world’s largest reserves of Uranium? (UPSC 2009) (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) Russian Federation (d) USA Answers: 1-D, 2-A

Source: Indianexpress

SHIPKI LA PASS

 

 

1. Context

 

Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La pass, a motorable mountain pass in the Kinnaur district, to domestic tourists, a step which locals hope will revitalise tourism and trade.

 

2. Shipki la pass

 

• Shipki La is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled in the Himalayas, this pass stands at an elevation of around 4,720 meters (15,500 feet) above sea level and serves as one of the few points where India shares a border with Tibet (now part of China). Though less known to the general public, Shipki La has strategic, historical, and geographical importance.
• The pass lies on the ancient trade route that connected India with Tibet, and for centuries, it was used by local traders to carry goods like wool, salt, and dry fruits. Even today, the traditional barter trade is allowed between the tribal communities on both sides of the border, although under strict regulation and with limited access.
• Geographically, Shipki La is located on the Sutlej River's path, which enters India from Tibet through this pass. This makes the region important not just for trade and connectivity, but also for hydrological and strategic concerns, especially in the context of water sharing and national security.
• Due to its strategic location, Shipki La is controlled by the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and civilian access is highly restricted. It is one of the designated border trading points between India and China, although regular trade is minimal and largely symbolic because of ongoing geopolitical tensions and lack of formal infrastructure.
• The harsh terrain, sparse vegetation, and extreme weather conditions make Shipki La a challenging region to inhabit or traverse. However, its significance lies not in tourism but in its geopolitical role, its connection to ancient trade networks, and its role in cross-border relations.
• Thus, Shipki La is more than just a mountain pass—it is a living reminder of India’s historical ties with Tibet, a strategically vital location in modern geopolitics, and a region shaped by centuries of cultural and economic exchange

 

3. Historical significance

 

 

• Long before modern national boundaries and geopolitical rivalries came into play, the Shipki La Pass in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh functioned as a crucial corridor for trade between India and Tibet (now under Chinese control).
• Perched at an altitude of 3,930 metres, this pass has been part of formal trade records since the 15th century, although oral traditions suggest its use goes back even further.
• Local legends recount that the trade relationship was solemnized through a traditional vow shared by communities on both sides: “As long as the waters of Kailash Manasarovar do not dry up, a black crow does not turn white, and the towering Rijo Pugal peak remains unflattened, this pact shall endure.” This vivid, symbolic oath reflected a deep-rooted and lasting connection that thrived for generations—until it was eventually strained by shifting political dynamics
• The flourishing trade that once passed through Shipki La was gradually brought to a halt by a series of geopolitical developments. The initial disruption occurred after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, with further setbacks following the Doklam standoff and the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the route has remained closed to commercial activity ever since

 

Recent Controversy   The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh recently launched a new initiative allowing tourists to access Shipki La without the previously required permits. Now, Indian citizens can visit the region simply by presenting their Aadhaar card—a decision that has sparked hope and enthusiasm throughout the area. The people of Kinnaur, especially those belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, have long-standing cultural and economic ties with communities across the border in Tibet. Historically, trade in the region was dominated by the Bushahr State (present-day Rampur in India) and Guge in Tibet. In light of this shared heritage, the Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association, headquartered in Reckong Peo, has officially requested the reopening of the Shipki La trade route. In response, the Chief Minister has pledged to raise the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs

 

 

4. Goods and trade

 

• The trade that once flourished through Shipki La involved a wide variety of valuable goods exchanged between India and Tibet.
• From Tibet, Indian traders imported highly profitable items like wool, along with pack animals such as horses, goats, and sheep. Other key imports included yak and goatskins, yak hair—often used to make ropes and saddlebags—religious artifacts like prayer wheels, thangkas, rosaries, and ritual bowls, as well as natural resources like borax, turquoise, and gold.
• In return, India exported a range of agricultural products including barley, wheat, rice, millet, lentils, chickpeas, and cooking oil, along with dried fruits, vegetables, spices, tobacco, timber, metal utensils made of copper and brass, and iron tools.
• Among these goods, gold and turquoise held special cultural significance, particularly for the Kinnauri community.
• These materials were essential to the traditional jewellery worn by Kinnauri women, which kept demand high and sustained local artisan traditions. The trade was more than just economic; it deeply influenced local culture, craftsmanship, and even food habits, becoming a part of the community's identity over generations.
• While trade through India's three land routes with China—including those in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand—may not constitute a large share of overall bilateral commerce, the real promise lies in the opportunities for local connectivity and development.
• Reopening the Shipki La route could significantly reduce the travel time from Delhi to Mansarovar by nearly two weeks, transforming the landscape for religious tourism and trans-border movement. Such a step could generate employment for local youth, drive improvements in transport and hospitality infrastructure, and boost regional commerce.
• Moreover, this initiative could carry strategic weight, acting as a grassroots form of diplomacy. Rather than relying solely on state-level negotiations, reopening Shipki La could foster mutual trust at the community level and lay the groundwork for future peace-building.
• For a region that is often overlooked in national policymaking, such local engagement has the potential to redefine its place in cross-border relations and development

 

5. Cultural significance

 

In contrast to the India-Pakistan border, where many families are linked by blood ties, the India-China border near Shipki La is characterized more by cultural similarities and shared ways of life than by common ancestry. Communities on both sides are largely pastoral, and there is a notable overlap in surnames—such as Namgyal, which is common in both Leh and across the Tibetan plateau.

Religious and cultural bonds remain strong as well. The people of Upper Kinnaur and the adjoining Tibetan region largely practice Buddhism, preserving a sense of spiritual and civilisational unity that transcends political boundaries. This connection is reflected in monastic customs, traditional festivals, and oral traditions, all of which continue to echo a shared past.

The reopening of Shipki La, therefore, could represent more than just a regional initiative. It has the potential to serve as a powerful example of diplomacy rooted in development and cultural heritage, highlighting how ancient ties can help bridge modern divides

6. Important Passes of the Himalayan range

The formidable Himalayan ranges, a natural barrier and the crown of the Indian subcontinent, are threaded by a network of high-altitude passes. These "La" in Tibetan, have for centuries been the arteries of trade, culture, and strategic movement, shaping the history and economy of the regions they connect. From the icy heights of the Karakoram to the lush green valleys of the Northeast, these passes are vital lifelines, each with its own unique story and significance

 

For Prelims: Sutlej River, Tibetan Plateau, India-China border, Buddhism    For Mains: GS I - Shipki la pass, Cultural and Civilizational Ties

 

Source: The Hindu