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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 13 OCTOBER 2025

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (NCSC)

 
 
1. Context
 
National Commission for Scheduled Castes submits Report to President of India The reports contain various recommendations on the issues entrusted to the Commission regarding protection of Constitutional Safeguards of the Scheduled Castes as enshrined in Constitution of India
 
2. National Commission for Scheduled Castes(NCSC)
 
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body in India established under Article 338 of the Constitution. It was formed in 2004 to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs), formerly known as untouchables, who are among the most disadvantaged communities in India
 The Commission is mandated to investigate and monitor matters related to the constitutional safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes and to inquire into specific complaints regarding the deprivation of their rights.
 
3. National Commission for Scheduled Castes Functions
 
  • The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in India performs various functions to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • The commission investigates and monitors the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
  • It examines the factors that inhibit the full realization of the rights and safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes
  • The NCSC has the authority to inquire into specific complaints and grievances regarding the deprivation of rights or atrocities committed against Scheduled Castes.
  • It can summon evidence and witnesses during the inquiry process
  • The commission advises the central and state governments on policy matters related to the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes.
  • It recommends measures for the effective implementation of constitutional safeguards
  • The NCSC reviews the progress of the development and welfare programs designed for Scheduled Castes.
  • It suggests measures to ensure that these programs are effectively implemented and reach the targeted beneficiaries
  • Ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
  • Taking steps to prevent atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Castes
  • Overseeing the implementation of reservations in educational institutions, employment, and other spheres for Scheduled Castes.
  • Addressing issues related to the proper implementation of reservation policies
  • Regularly reviewing the working of various constitutional safeguards and provisions for Scheduled Castes.
  • Recommending amendments to existing laws or the enactment of new laws to improve the status and condition of Scheduled Castes
  • The commission submits periodic and special reports to the President of India and to the Parliament on its findings, recommendations, and the overall status of Scheduled Castes
4. National Commission for Scheduled Castes Composition
 

The key features of the composition are as follows:

  1. Chairperson: The Chairperson is the head of the NCSC and is appointed by the President of India. The Chairperson is typically a person who has held a high judicial office or has wide experience in matters related to the Scheduled Castes.

  2. Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson, like the Chairperson, is appointed by the President of India. The Vice-Chairperson assists the Chairperson in carrying out the functions of the commission.

  3. Nine other Members: Appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chairperson.

Current Composition (as of February 17, 2024):

  • Chairperson: Shri Vijay Sampla
  • Vice-Chairperson: Currently Vacant
  • Members:
    • Smt. Sunita Kumari
    • Shri Mukesh Kumar Arya
    • Smt. Paramjit Kaur Kainth
    • Shri Parameswar Naik
    • Smt. Rama Devi
    • Shri Raj Kumar Valmiki
    • Shri Suresh Chandra Ram
    • Shri Shyam Sundar Ram
    • Shri Ishwar Singh
5.National Commission for Scheduled Castes History
 

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has a rich history intertwined with the fight for equality and social justice for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India. Here's a glimpse into its journey:

Early Beginnings (Pre-1987):

  • 1950: The Constitution of India comes into effect, establishing Article 338 mandating the creation of a Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
  • 1950-1987: The Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, a single-member body, investigates complaints of atrocities and discrimination against SCs and STs.

Evolution into a Multi-Member Commission (1987-Present):

  • 1987: Recognizing the need for a more robust mechanism, the 65th Amendment to the Constitution replaces the single-member commission with a multi-member National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

  • 1990: The NCST is bifurcated into two separate commissions: NCSC for SCs and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for STs. This allows for focused attention on the specific needs of each community.

  • 1992: The first NCSC is constituted with Shri S.H. Ramdhan as the Chairperson.

  • Since then: The NCSC has been reconstituted several times, with each Chairperson and Commission contributing to its evolving mandate and achievements.

6.Way Forward
 
As per mandate given to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the Commission to present to the President annually & at other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of the Constitutional Safeguards of the Scheduled Castes. The reports may include recommendation for the measures required to be taken by the Union and the States for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes
 
For Prelims: National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Article 338 of the Constitution of India
For Mains: GS II - Indian Polity
Previous Year Questions

1. In 2001, RGI stated that Dalits who converted to Islam or Christianity are not a single ethnic group as they belong to different caste groups. Therefore, they cannot be included in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC) as per Clause (2) of Article 341, which requires a single ethnic group for inclusion. (UPSC CSE Mains GS2 2014)

2. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC CSE Mains GS2 2018)

Source: Pib
 

QUANTUM TUNNELLING

 
 
 
1. Context
 

Particles can sometimes cross barriers they don’t have the energy to climb, like boring through a mountain instead of scaling it first, as per quantum mechanics. This process, called tunnelling, is common in nuclear and atomic physics. The 2025 physics Nobel Prize laureates John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis showed that such behaviour can occur not only in subatomic particles but also in an electrical circuit made of superconductors

 

2. What is Quantum Tunnelling?

 

  • Quantum tunnelling is one of those fascinating phenomena in physics that almost feels like it breaks the rules of common sense. To understand it, imagine a tiny particle—like an electron—approaching a barrier, something it doesn’t seem to have enough energy to climb over.
  • In our everyday world, if you don’t have enough energy to jump over a wall, you simply bounce back. But in the quantum world, particles don’t behave like little billiard balls; they are also described by waves of probability.
  • These probability waves spread out, and some part of the wave can extend into and even beyond the barrier. This means that while most of the time the particle reflects back, there is still a small chance that it will appear on the other side of the barrier without ever having gone “over” it in the classical sense. It’s as if the particle has slipped, or “tunnelled,” through the wall.
  • This strange effect arises because quantum mechanics deals with probabilities and wave functions, not definite paths. The barrier doesn’t completely forbid the particle—it just makes the likelihood of passing through very small, depending on the thickness and height of the barrier.
  • In the real world, quantum tunnelling is not just theory—it plays a role in many important processes. For example, it allows nuclear fusion to occur in the sun, because protons don’t have enough classical energy to overcome their mutual repulsion, but tunnelling lets them get close enough to fuse. It’s also the principle behind technologies like tunnel diodes and scanning tunnelling microscopes
 
3. Applications of Quantum tunnelling
 
 
  • Quantum tunnelling may sound like a purely theoretical quirk of quantum mechanics, but in fact it has very practical and far-reaching applications in science, technology, and even the functioning of the universe itself.
  • For instance, the very reason stars like our Sun shine is because of tunnelling. Inside the Sun, hydrogen nuclei (protons) need to get extremely close together to fuse into helium, but their natural electric repulsion makes this almost impossible at the temperatures present.
  • Classically, fusion shouldn’t occur. Yet, because of quantum tunnelling, protons can “slip through” their mutual energy barrier, allowing fusion to happen, which in turn produces the sunlight and energy that sustain life on Earth.
  • In electronics, tunnelling is deliberately harnessed in devices. Tunnel diodes, for example, use the tunnelling effect to achieve very fast switching speeds and are important in high-frequency applications. Similarly, the flash memory used in USB drives and SSDs relies on electrons tunnelling through insulating barriers to store and erase data.
  • Another remarkable use is the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM), which revolutionized nanotechnology. This instrument brings a sharp tip extremely close to a surface, and electrons tunnel between the tip and the surface. By measuring this tunnelling current, scientists can map surfaces at the atomic scale, even “seeing” individual atoms.
  • Tunnelling also plays a role in quantum computing and superconductivity. In Josephson junctions, where two superconductors are separated by a thin insulating barrier, pairs of electrons can tunnel across, giving rise to highly sensitive devices like SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices), which can detect extremely faint magnetic fields.
  • Even in biology, tunnelling is believed to contribute to enzyme reactions, where tiny particles like protons or electrons tunnel during biochemical processes, making reactions faster than classical chemistry would predict
 
4. Quantum Tunnelling and the Light Speed Threshold
 
 
  • Quantum tunnelling and the light speed threshold (the universal speed limit of relativity) seem to be pulling in opposite directions at first glance. Relativity says: no particle carrying information or mass can travel faster than the speed of light in vacuum.
  • Quantum tunnelling, on the other hand, sometimes appears to let a particle “get through” a barrier faster than if it had gone over or around it—almost as if it were cheating the speed limit
  • When a particle tunnels through a barrier, its wave function (the mathematical object that describes its probability of being somewhere) extends into the barrier. If the barrier is thin enough, there’s a finite chance that the particle will show up on the other side.
  • Now, the time it takes for this tunnelling to occur is strange. In some experiments, it looks like particles “emerge” on the other side almost instantly, faster than light could have crossed the same distance.
  • But this doesn’t mean the particle literally travels through the barrier at superluminal speed. Instead, tunnelling is a non-classical process where the concept of a well-defined trajectory inside the barrier simply doesn’t apply.
  • In fact, most physicists say: the particle doesn’t really “cross” the barrier in the ordinary sense—it’s more accurate to say that the probability of finding it on the other side suddenly becomes nonzero.
  • Crucially, no usable information or signal can be transmitted faster than light via tunnelling. This is why relativity is not violated. The appearance of faster-than-light behaviour comes from how we interpret timing in quantum processes, not from actual superluminal motion

 

  • Quantum tunnelling seems to “shortcut” classical paths, giving the illusion of faster-than-light travel.

  • But it does not transmit information or particles in a way that breaks Einstein’s light-speed barrier.

  • It shows us that the quantum world doesn’t follow the same rules of locality and trajectories that we expect in everyday life

 
 5.National Quantum Mission
 
  • The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is an initiative launched by the Government of India in 2023 to advance research and development in quantum science and technology. With a focus on four core areas—Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices—the mission seeks to position India as a global leader in quantum innovation.
  • The mission is funded with an allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore over a span of eight years (2023-2031) and aims to drive both scientific breakthroughs and industrial applications. A key feature of the mission is the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs), each dedicated to one of the key areas, to address specific research objectives and challenges in quantum technologies.
  • The NQM is expected to support a range of applications, from secure communication systems to advanced computing, with the potential to transform fields like healthcare, defense, and cryptography
6. Way Forward
 
Quantum tunnelling, while counterintuitive, does not violate the universal light-speed limit set by relativity. The apparent superluminal effect during tunnelling arises because the process is governed by probability waves rather than classical trajectories. A particle does not physically “travel through” the barrier faster than light; instead, quantum mechanics allows for the possibility of it being found on the other side without following a conventional path. Thus, tunnelling highlights the non-classical, probabilistic nature of quantum reality but preserves the deeper principles of causality and relativity. It stands as a reminder that the quantum world operates under rules that often defy intuition, yet remain consistent with the fundamental laws of physics
 
 
 
 
For Prelims: Quantum computing, supercomputers, Qiskit Runtime, IBM, National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications, superconductors, 
For Mains: 
1. What is Quantum computing? Discuss the need for Quantum Computers in emerging countries like India. (250 Words)
2. What are quantum computers and how are they different from conventional computers? Where does India stand in the race to build quantum computers that can realise their full potential? (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. India's first Supercomputer is  (TSPSC AEE 2015)
A. Aditya
B. Param Yuva
C.  Param
D. Vikram-100
Answer: C
 
2. What is the full form of IBM? (SSC Steno  2017) 
A. International Business Machine
B. Indian Beta Machine
C. Integral Business Machine
D. Internal Beta Machine
 
Answer: A
 
3. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (UPSC 2022) 
A. Cloud Services
B. Quantum Computing
C. Visible Light Communication Technologies
D. Wireless Communication Technologies
 
Answer: B
 
4. Quantum computing uses  (ACC 124 CGAT  2021)
A. Qubit
B. Bits
C. Bytes
D. Qubytes
 
Answer: A
 
Source: The Hindu
 
 

RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT

 

1. Context

The Congress on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of systematically weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act, saying the law was targeted because it enabled citizens to fact-check the Prime Minister’s claims.
 

2. The Right to Information (RTI) Act:

  • The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a landmark legislation enacted in India in 2005.
  • It empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities and promotes transparency and accountability in government functioning.

Here are key points about the RTI Act:

Objective

The primary objective of the RTI Act is to provide citizens with the legal right to request and receive information from government agencies and departments.

Applicability

The Act applies to all government bodies at the central, state, and local levels, including ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, and even non-governmental organizations receiving government funding.

Information Disclosure

It mandates government bodies to proactively disclose certain categories of information to the public, reducing the need for citizens to file RTI applications for routine information.

Request Process

  • Citizens can file RTI applications in writing, seeking specific information. They need to pay a nominal fee with the application.
  • Information must be provided within 30 days (or 48 hours for information concerning life and liberty), failing which authorities must explain the delay.

Exemptions

The Act specifies certain categories of information that are exempt from disclosure, primarily to protect national security, privacy, and sovereignty.

Public Interest Override

Even if the information falls under exempt categories, it must still be disclosed if there is an overriding public interest.

Promoting Accountability

  • The RTI Act is a powerful tool for holding public officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
  • It has been instrumental in exposing corruption, inefficiency, and human rights violations.

Challenges and Amendments:

Over the years, there have been concerns about the Act's effectiveness due to delays, procedural hurdles, and some amendments that activists argue weaken its provisions.

Impact

  • The RTI Act has empowered citizens to participate in governance, making the government more transparent and accountable.
  • It has been hailed as a significant step toward strengthening democracy in India.

Role of Information Commissions

Information Commissions at the central and state levels are responsible for hearing appeals and resolving disputes related to RTI applications.

3. RTI Act Amendment:

  • The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, amended the RTI Act.
  • It changed the prohibition on disclosing personal data from qualified to the total.
  • NCPRI opposed this change, as it hinders social audits and may protect powerful officials.
  • The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, of 2019, gave Union Government unilateral power over information commissioners' tenure and salaries.
  • This raised concerns about their independence and effectiveness.

4. Undermining the RTI Act:

Dependence on Subordinate Rules:

  • The RTI Act's effectiveness relies on subordinate rules set by Union and State Governments.
  • States have autonomy in determining payment methods for RTI applications, causing disparities.

Payment Method Variations

  • Inconsistencies exist in payment methods across states.
  • Example: Tamil Nadu doesn't accept Indian Postal Orders (IPOs), a convenient payment method.
  • Court fee stamps and demand drafts may be less accessible and burdensome alternatives.

Tardy Appointments to Information Commissions

  • Delays in appointing members to Information Commissions, like the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs), erode confidence.
  • Appeals can languish for months or years without resolution.
  • Jharkhand SIC, for instance, lacked commissioners since May 2020, rendering the appeals process ineffective.

5. Online RTIs:

  • Online RTI applications ease accessibility by eliminating the need for uncommon financial instruments.
  • Payment via UPI simplifies the process.
  • Many Indian states lack online RTI portals, limiting access for citizens.
  • Even when available, some state government bodies may not be registered on these portals.
  • The Union Government's RTI portal, launched in 2013, faces usability issues.
  • Account creation, which streamlined the application process, has been removed.
  • Users must now enter personal details for each application.
  • Past applicant data has experienced glitches, with applications disappearing and later being restored.

6. Challenges and Dissatisfaction:

  • Dissatisfaction with the RTI Act's effectiveness is increasing at a fundamental level.
  • More first appeals are being filed, indicating public dissatisfaction with the information provided by public officials.
  • The RTI Act faces structural problems related to institutions and websites.
  • These issues hinder citizens' ability to conveniently access information and file requests.
  • Activists highlight that the weakening of the RTI Act isn't limited to changes in the law's text.
  • It stems from various government institutions' ways of discharging duties, narrowing avenues for information access, and understaffed appellate bodies.
For Prelims: Right to Information Act, 2005, Central Information Commission (CIC), State Information Commissions (SICs), Indian Postal Orders (IPOs), Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023.
For Mains: 1. Examine the impact of recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act on its core principles of transparency and accountability. How can the Act strike a balance between protecting sensitive information and ensuring citizens' access to government-held data?
 

Previous year Question

1. Which of the following is related to the Right to Information Act, of 2005? (UPPSC 2015)
A. Lily Thomas v/s Union of India
B. Nandini Sundar v/s State of Chhattisgarh
C. Namit Sharma v/s Union of India
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Source: The Hindu
 
 

INDUS WATER TREATY

 
 

1. Context

Stalled for nearly four decades, the Sawalkote hydroelectric project on the Chenab river in the Indus basin has received a push, with the Union Environment Ministry’s expert panel on hydropower projects recommending it for environmental clearance, according to minutes of a recent meeting.
 

2. Is unilateral suspension permissible?

 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  •  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.

  • 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.
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.
  • 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.
7. Indus river System
 
  • 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.
Western rivers
  • 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.
Eastern river
  • 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

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)
 
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)

Glacier River
1. Bandarpunch Yamuna
2. Bara Shigri Chenab
3. Milam Mandakini
4. Siachen Nubra
5. Zemu Manas

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)

 
Source: The Indian Express
 
 

INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP)

 

1. Context

As nations grow, their economies undergo a structural change: some sectors lose importance, others gain. Such structural transformation often accompanies long-term economic growth, marked by a progressive shift in the economic structure — from a high reliance on agriculture to increased industrial activity, and ultimately to the predominance of the services sector.

2. About the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

  • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a macroeconomic indicator that measures the changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial goods over some time.
  • It is a composite index that reflects the performance of the industrial sector of an economy.
  • The IIP is compiled and released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in India.
  • The IIP is calculated using a Laspeyres index formula, which means that the weights assigned to different industries are based on their relative importance in a base year. The current base year for the IIP is 2011-12.
  • The eight core sector industries represent about 40% of the weight of items that are included in the IIP.
  • The eight core industries are Refinery Products, Electricity, Steel, Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Cement and Fertilizers.
  • It covers 407 item groups included into 3 categories viz. Manufacturing, Mining and Electricity.
  • The IIP is a useful tool for assessing the health of the industrial sector and the overall economy.
  • It is used by policymakers, businesses, and investors to track trends in industrial production and make informed decisions.

3. Significance of IIP

The IIP is a significant economic indicator that provides insights into the following aspects

  • The IIP reflects the growth or decline of the industrial sector, which is a major contributor to overall economic growth.
  • The IIP measures the level of industrial activity, indicating the production volume of various industries.
  • The IIP serves as a guide for policymakers to assess the effectiveness of economic policies and make informed decisions.
  • Businesses use the IIP to assess market conditions, make production plans, and evaluate investment opportunities.
  • The IIP influences investor sentiment as it reflects the overall health of the industrial sector.

4. Service Sector and IIP

  • The IIP does not include the service sector. It focuses on the production of goods in the industrial sector, such as manufacturing, mining, and electricity.
  • The service sector is measured by a separate index, the Index of Services Production (ISP).
  • The IIP data is released monthly by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in India.
  • The data is released with a lag of six weeks, allowing for the collection and compilation of information from various industries.

5. Users of IIP Data

The IIP data is used by a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • Government agencies and central banks use the IIP to assess economic conditions and formulate policies.
  • Companies use the IIP to evaluate market trends, make production decisions, and assess investment opportunities.
  • Investors use the IIP to gauge the health of the industrial sector and make investment decisions.
  • Economic analysts and researchers use the IIP to study economic trends and develop forecasts.
  • The IIP is widely reported in the media and is of interest to the general public as an indicator of economic performance.

6. Manufacturing Drives Industrial Production Growth

  • Factory output gained on the back of a 9.3 per cent increase in manufacturing, which accounts for 77.6 per cent of the weight of the IIP (Index of Industrial Production).
  • Manufacturing output had grown by 5 per cent in July and had contracted by 0.5 per cent in August 2022.
  • In absolute terms, it improved to 143.5 in August from 141.8 in July and 131.3 in the year-ago period.
  • As per the IIP data, seven of the 23 sectors in manufacturing registered a contraction in August, with furniture, apparel, and computer and electronics among the significant non-performers.
  • Among the performing sectors, fabricated metal products, electrical equipment and basic metals fared better.
  • Garments and chemicals witnessed negative growth. This can be attributed to lower growth in exports as these two are export-dependent.
  • The electronics industry also witnessed negative growth, which again can be linked to existing high stocks and lower export demand.
  • In terms of the use-based industries, consumer durables output returned to positive territory for the second time this fiscal with 5.7 per cent growth in August, reflecting a pickup in consumption demand.
  • However, it came on the back of a 4.4 per cent contraction in consumer durables output in the year-ago period.
  • Primary, infrastructure/ construction, and capital goods recorded double-digit growth rates in August at 12.4 per cent, 14.9 per cent and 12.6 per cent, respectively.
 
For Prelims: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Central Statistical Organisation, 
For Mains: 
1. Discuss the significance of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) as an economic indicator and its role in assessing the health of the industrial sector and the overall economy. (250 Words)
 
 
 Previous Year Questions
 
1. In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries? (UPSC CSE 2012)
1. Cement
2. Fertilizers
3. Natural gas
4. Refinery products
5. Textiles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 5 only       B. 2, 3 and 4 only           C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only         D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
 
Answer: C
 
 
Source: indianexpress
 
 

LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (LFPR)

 

1. Context

In just over a month from now, the residents of Bihar will know who will shape their fortunes for the next five years. And while every election is important, the votes tallied on November 14 could shape the next decade or more, considering the current Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has led the state for nearly 20 years.

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.
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)

Previous year Question

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
 Source: The Indian Express
 
 

RARE EARTH ELEMENTS

 
 
1.Context
 
Ahead of high-stakes US–China trade talks likely later this month, fresh tensions have erupted after China significantly expanded its export controls on rare earths and other critical minerals on October 9. The US has threatened to raise duties on Chinese goods by 100 per cent, triggering a sharp decline in US stock markets on Friday.
 
2.About rare earth metals
 
Rare earth elements or rare earth metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table  the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides, and have similar chemical properties
 
The 17 rare earths are cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y)
 
Despite their classification, most of these elements are not really “rare”. One of the rare earths, promethium, is radioactive
Source:Thermo Fisher Scientific
 
 
3.Applications of rare earths
  • These elements are important in technologies of consumer electronics, computers and networks, communications, clean energy, advanced transportation, healthcare, environmental mitigation, and national defence, among others
  • Scandium is used in televisions and fluorescent lamps, and yttrium is used in drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cancer
  •  Rare earth elements are used in space shuttle components, jet engine turbines, and drones
  • Cerium, the most abundant rare earth element, is essential to NASA’s Space Shuttle Programme
  • In recent years, rare earths have become even more important because there has been an increase in demand for green energy
  • Elements like neodymium and dysprosium, which are used in wind turbine motors, are sought-after more than ever as wind mills across the world continue to grow
  • Moreover, the push for switching from internal combustion cars to electric vehicles has also led to a rise in demand for rare earth magnets made from neodymium, boron, and iron and batteries
 
 4. China's export restrictions and impact on India
 
  • China has imposed restrictions on the export of seven rare earth elements (REEs) — dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, scandium, terbium, and yttrium — which are part of the 17 REEs.
  • The country dominates the global refining of heavy REEs, giving it substantial control over critical supply chains, ranging from consumer electronics to defense. Although these measures do not constitute a complete export ban, they may cause temporary supply disruptions, as exporters navigate the permit process.
  • India may not face an immediate disruption due to these restrictions. Despite government efforts to enhance domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and defense systems, the more sophisticated phases of production largely take place abroad, particularly in China and Japan. Japan, in anticipation of such issues, has already built stockpiles to buffer against REE-related supply shocks.
  • Recognizing the strategic importance of REEs, India is aware that it holds around 6% of global deposits. However, the country’s capacity for mining and refining is minimal, largely due to the environmental challenges associated with such operations.
  • India does extract some light REEs through its state-run firm, Indian Rare Earths Ltd, including monazite from coastal sands in Kerala. Nonetheless, imports still play a role.
  • According to a recent statement by the Ministry of Mines in the Lok Sabha, India imported approximately 2,270 tonnes of REEs in 2023–24. Consequently, the national approach involves a mix of increasing domestic output and maintaining import channels
 
5. Way Forward
 

To support the strategic use of essential resources such as rare earth elements, India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s supply chain for critical minerals by boosting domestic production and establishing alternative international supply partnerships. According to a presentation by the Ministry of Mines in January, global events like China’s export restrictions, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and other geopolitical factors have exposed vulnerabilities in the global critical mineral supply, underscoring the urgency of diversifying sources.

As part of the NCMM, the Indian government plans to oversee or support around 1,200 mineral exploration projects. It also intends to offer exploration licenses to encourage private sector participation and conduct auctions for additional critical mineral blocks

 

 
For Prelims: Applications of rare earths, rare earth elements
For Mains:
1.Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earth elements found in Sweden: Could the discovery change geopolitics?
 
Previous Year Questions
 

1.Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2012)

  1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
  2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
  3. 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

Answer (c)
 
Source:indianexpress
 
 
 

 


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