2. The objective of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India

• A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to establish a consistent set of laws to replace the diverse personal laws associated with different religions. These laws pertain to crucial aspects like marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance. The constitutional basis for the UCC is found in Article 44, which directs the state to "endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." This provision falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy, playing a significant role in governance, even though it is not legally enforceable.
• The inclusion of the UCC provision sparked intense debates during the deliberations of India's Constituent Assembly. There was a profound discussion on whether it should be considered a fundamental right or a directive principle. Opponents raised concerns that implementing a UCC might compromise the rights of religious minorities and erode India's cultural diversity. Some argued that it could conflict with the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 19 (now Article 25) of the draft Constitution.
• While some, like Member K.M. Munshi, advocated for the UCC, emphasizing its potential to promote gender equality and eliminate discriminatory practices against women, others, like Member Naziruddin Ahmad, expressed reservations. Ahmad highlighted the need for community consent for implementing such a uniform set of laws.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, taking a more ambivalent stance, expressed the desirability of a UCC but recommended that it be "purely voluntary" in its initial stages. He argued that since the provision was recommendatory and not mandatory, it should not be imposed on all citizens.
• The matter was ultimately settled with a 5:4 majority vote, led by the sub-committee on fundamental rights headed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The decision was that the establishment of a UCC should not be categorized as a fundamental right.

3. Development of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• In June 2022, the Uttarakhand government established an expert committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to explore avenues for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This initiative to implement a UCC in the state if re-elected. Despite the Chief Minister's announcement in June of that year that a draft UCC was prepared, the committee faced delays in submitting its report. The original deadline in November 2022 was extended multiple times.
• Right from the outset, the proposal encountered opposition from rival political parties, with Congress representatives in the state claiming that the UCC initiative was merely a political strategy to influence voters in the lead-up to the general elections. The tribal community, constituting 2.9% of the population, had not given consent to the UCC. Additionally, the Van Gujjar tribe, a Muslim nomadic group with around 60,000 members, expressed concerns about the proposed law.
• The controversies surrounding community consent and political motivations added complexity to the discussions surrounding the proposed implementation of the UCC in the state.

4. Anticipated Changes in Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The forthcoming draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand is poised to bring about significant changes, primarily focusing on gender equality within legal frameworks. Notable provisions include equal treatment of men and women, particularly in matters related to inheritance. The UCC is expected to eliminate practices associated with marriage and divorce, such as polygamy, iddat (mandatory waiting period for women after the dissolution of a Muslim marriage), and triple talaq. Furthermore, the proposed Code is likely to ensure an equal property share for Muslim women, surpassing the current 25% share stipulated by Muslim personal law.
• Despite these amendments, the minimum age for marriage is anticipated to remain unchanged, with 18 years for women and 21 years for men. The UCC is set to encompass a range of issues, including divorce, marriage registrations, adoption, and provisions for the social security of ageing parents. Additionally, the committee has recommended the mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• In clarifying the intentions behind the UCC, the proposed changes are not geared towards appeasing any specific community but rather aim to empower all sections of society. The implementation of the UCC would not impact reservations, marital rights, customs, or any other class-specific considerations. The emphasis is on fostering equality and empowerment across diverse segments of the population.

5. Supreme Court's Stance on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and Related Petitions

Over the years, the Supreme Court has engaged in discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) through various judgments. However, it has consistently refrained from issuing directives to the government, emphasizing that law-making falls exclusively within the domain of Parliament. In the 1985 Shah Bano Begum case, the Court expressed regret over Article 44 remaining a "dead letter" and urged its implementation. This sentiment was echoed in subsequent cases like Sarla Mudgal versus Union of India (1995) and John Vallamattom versus Union of India (2003).

Petitions for Uniformity in Laws

Between 2021 and 2022, six petitions were filed in the Supreme Court seeking uniformity in divorce, maintenance, and alimony laws, asserting that existing laws discriminated against women and thereby violated constitutional provisions under Article 14 (right to equality) and Article 15 (right against discrimination based on religion and gender). In March of the previous year, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud dismissed these petitions, emphasizing that such matters are within the exclusive legislative purview of Parliament.

Dismissal of Petition Challenging Uttarakhand's UCC Committee

In January of the same year, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Uttarakhand government's establishment of an expert committee on the UCC. The Court highlighted that Article 162 permits the exercise of executive powers, stating, "Article 162 of the Constitution indicates that the executive power of a State extends to matters concerning which the Legislature of the State has power to make laws." The order emphasized that the constitution of such a committee, as per Entry 5 of the Concurrent List, dealing with "marriage and divorce; infants and minors; adoption; wills, intestacy, and succession," could not be challenged as ultra vires.

6. Law Commission's Perspective on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• In 2016, the government sought the Law Commission of India's guidance on formulating a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) due to the diverse personal laws existing in the country. In response, the 21st Law Commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, submitted a 185-page consultation paper in August 2018 titled "Reforms of family law." The paper concluded that, at that stage, the formulation of a UCC was deemed "neither necessary nor desirable." It emphasized that a unified nation did not inherently require "uniformity" and that secularism should not contradict the diverse cultural and religious practices prevailing in the country. While rejecting the immediate need for a UCC, the commission recommended amendments to eliminate discriminatory practices and stereotypes present in the existing personal laws.
• On June 14 of the following year, the 22nd Law Commission, led by Justice (Retd) Rituraj Awasthi, issued a notification seeking input from various stakeholders, including the public and religious organizations, on the UCC. Notably, Justice Awasthi, during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, had ruled in favour of the Karnataka government's order prohibiting the wearing of hijab in educational institutions.
• The Law Commission's transition from deeming a UCC as unnecessary in 2018 to actively seeking public opinion in 2022 signifies a shift in perspective. While the 2018 report emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural and religious diversity, the subsequent move to engage stakeholders suggests a willingness to reconsider and evaluate the need for a UCC, taking into account diverse viewpoints and societal changes.

7. Future Developments in the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Landscape

• Following Uttarakhand's lead, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have also established committees to kickstart the formulation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This push for a UCC was included in the BJP's election manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly polls, although the Congress eventually secured a significant victory in that election.
• The question of whether the central government will propose a UCC on a pan-India level remains a topic of debate. The central government will likely proceed cautiously, observing the outcomes of the initiatives undertaken by individual states. The awaited report from the 22nd Law Commission is anticipated to carry persuasive weight in shaping the discourse.
• The renewed momentum towards a UCC may also be influenced by a pending query before the Supreme Court concerning the "scope and ambit of the right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution." This question originated in the Sabarimala case and was framed by a Constitution Bench for reference to a larger bench. Despite three years passing, there has been no substantial progress on this matter.
• The evolving landscape of UCC initiatives in various states, coupled with the legal and political considerations at the national level, indicates a complex and dynamic situation. The outcome of these state-level efforts, coupled with the pending Supreme Court query, will likely influence the trajectory of discussions on the UCC at both the state and national levels. The UCC debate continues to be shaped by legal, political, and societal dynamics, with potentially far-reaching implications for India's legal framework and cultural diversity.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)

1. Context

2. Consumer Price Index

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly purchased by consumers. It is the most commonly used measure of inflation.
• The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
• The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
• The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
• The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living.
• It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.

3. Wholesale Price Index

• The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is a measure of the change in prices of goods and services at the wholesale level.
• It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the WPI inflation rate.
• The WPI is calculated for 67 groups of commodities, which are further divided into 225 subgroups.
• The weights of each group and subgroup in the WPI are determined by the value of the goods and services produced in each group and subgroup.
• The WPI inflation rate is an important indicator of inflation at the wholesale level.
• It is used by businesses to make pricing decisions and by the government to set monetary policy.

4. Findings of the Report

4.1. Food inflation

• Food inflation in India remained high in August, at 9.94%. This was driven by rising prices of essential food items, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, and oils.
• Eleven of the 12 items on the heavyweight food and beverages group of the CPI logged price increases, with oils and fats, the sole item logging a year-on-year decline in prices, posting its first sequential increase in nine months.
• Vegetables provided some relief, with tomatoes leading an appreciable month-on-month deflation of 5.88% in the 19-member basket.
• However, the cooking staples of potatoes and onions were among the seven items that continued to log sequential inflation (2.3% and 12.3%, respectively).

4.2. Monsoon deficit and rising crude oil prices

• The near-term inflation outlook is also made more uncertain by other factors, including a distinct deficit in monsoon rainfall.
• Besides the overall 10% shortfall, sharp regional and temporal anomalies in rain distribution have impacted either the sowing or the quality of produce of several farm items.
• Kharif's sowing of pulses had, as of September 8, recorded an 8.6% shortfall compared with the year-earlier period.
• Another inflation driver, crude oil, has also seen a steady rise in prices as the output cuts by major oil producers of the OPEC+ grouping start to bite.
• The price of India's crude basket had, as of September 12, climbed 7.2% from the average in August to $92.65/barrel, according to official data.

4.3. RBI measures to control inflation

• For the RBI, the latest inflation data further roils its interest rate calculus.
• Unless CPI inflation decelerates by an incredible 250 basis points in September to a 4.33% pace, price gains are certain to substantially overshoot the monetary authority's 6.2% forecast for the July-September quarter, leaving it with few real options to achieve its medium-term price stability goal of 4% inflation.
• As the RBI has been at pains to stress, failure to anchor inflation expectations risks hurting growth.

5. About the sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• The sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a subset of the CPI that includes goods and services that change prices relatively infrequently.
• These goods and services are thought to incorporate expectations about future inflation to a greater degree than prices that change more frequently.
• Some of the items included in the sticky CPI are Rent, Housing costs, Utilities, Education, Healthcare, Transportation, Household furnishings and appliances, Personal insurance, Recreation, and Miscellaneous goods and services. 
• The sticky CPI is often used by economists to measure inflation expectations.
• This is because prices of sticky goods and services are less likely to be affected by short-term changes in supply and demand, and are therefore more likely to reflect changes in inflation expectations.
• The sticky CPI is also used by central banks to set monetary policy.
• This is because the central bank wants to make sure that inflation expectations are anchored at a low level.
• If inflation expectations start to rise, the central bank may raise interest rates to bring them back down.

6. How India’s retail inflation is measured?

• India's retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by urban households.
• The CPI is calculated by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every month.
• The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular month to those of the same in a base month.
• The base month is usually the previous year's corresponding month. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
• The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services, Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
• The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
• The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living in India.
• It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.

7. Calculation of Inflation

• Inflation is the rate at which the prices of goods and services increase over time.
• It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to the prices of the same basket of goods and services in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the inflation rate.

There are two main ways to calculate inflation

1. Consumer Price Index (CPI): The CPI is a measure of the change in prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly purchased by consumers. It is the most commonly used measure of inflation.

The CPI is calculated by the following formula:

CPI = (Cost of a basket of goods and services in current period / Cost of a basket of goods and services in base period) * 100

2. Producer Price Index (PPI): The PPI is a measure of the change in prices of goods and services that are produced by businesses. It is used to track inflation at the wholesale level.

The PPI is calculated by the following formula:

PPI = (Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the current period / Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the base period) * 100

 

For Prelims: Consumer Price Index, Wholesale Price Index, Inflation,  retail inflation, Producer Pirce Index, National Statistical Office, OPEC+, Crude oil, Kharif season, Monsoon,  For Mains:  1. Analyse the factors contributing to high food inflation in India in recent months. Discuss the impact of high food inflation on the Indian economy and suggest measures to mitigate it. (250 words) 2. Explain the concept of sticky inflation. What are the various factors that contribute to sticky inflation? Discuss the implications of sticky inflation for the Indian economy. (250 words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2015) A. Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only B. The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation C. Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation D. Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation   Answer: C   2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010) 1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only. 2. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI gives less weight to food articles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only       B. 2 only       C. Both 1 and 2          D.  Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: C   3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020) 1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. 3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 and  2 only       B. 2 only       C. 3 only           D. 1, 2 and 3   4. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? (UPSC 2011) 1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30. 2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change. 3. The food supply chain has structural constraints. Which of the statements given above are correct?  A. 1 and 2 only          B. 2 and 3 only        C. 1 and 3 only          D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: B     5. The Public Distribution System, which evolved as a system of management of food and distribution of food grains, was relaunched as _______ Public Distribution System in 1997. (SSC JE EE 2021)  A. Evolved         B. Transformed      C. Tested            D. Targeted   Answer: D   6. Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, up to what quantity of rice and wheat can be purchased at a subsidised cost? (FCI AG III 2023)  A. 35 kg          B. 40 kg          C. 30 kg           D. 25 kg           E. 50 kg   Answer: A   7. As per the the National Statistical Office (NSO) report released on 7 January 2022, India's Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at ___________ per cent (in first advance estimates) in the fiscal year 2021-22?  (ESIC UDC 2022)  A. 17.6 per cent     B. 9.5 per cent     C. 11 per cent        D. 9.2 per cent   E. None of the above   Answer: D   8. The main emphasis of OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is on which of the following? (UKPSC 2016) A. The production of petroleum B. Control over prices of petroleum C. Both (a) and (b) D. None of the above   Answer: C   9. In the context of global oil prices, "Brent crude oil" is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? (UPSC 2011) 1. It is a major classification of crude oil. 2. It is sourced from the North Sea. 3. It does not contain sulfur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 only    B. 1 and 2 only        C. 1 and 3 only         D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: B   10. The term 'West Texas Intermediate', sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of (UPSC 2020) A. Crude oil   B. Bullion         C. Rare earth elements       D.  Uranium   Answer: C   11. With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019) 1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest. 2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds. 3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane. 4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased. Which of the statements given above are correct?  A. 1 and 3 only        B.  2, 3 and 4 only        C. 2 and 4 only         D. 1, 2, 3 and 4   Answer: A

 

Source: The Hindu

 

 

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

 

 

 

1. Context

 

The government on Monday introduced a new Bill in the Lok Sabha called the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, which will allow private participation in India’s highly restricted nuclear power sector.

 

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

 

INSURANCE REGULATORY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF INDIA (IRDAI)

 

1. Context

The proposed amendments to the insurance law — Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025 — significantly strengthen the enforcement and supervisory powers of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), giving it wider authority to crack down on violations by various insurance intermediaries.

2. Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India or the IRDAI is the apex body responsible for the regulation and development of the insurance industry in India.
• It is an autonomous body.
• It was established by an act of Parliament known as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, of 1999. Hence, it is a statutory body.

3. IRDA Functions

• Its primary purpose is to protect the rights of the policyholders in India.
• It gives the registration certificate to insurance companies in the country.
• It also engages in the renewal, modification, cancellation, etc. of this registration.
• It also creates regulations to protect policyholders interests in India.

4. What does the new IRDAI rule say?

• IRDAI has asked insurance companies, including life and non-life, to fix an overall cap on commission to agents, brokers, and other intermediaries, giving more flexibility to insurers in managing their expenses.
• This means the regulator has replaced the earlier cap on different commission payments to various types of intermediaries with an overall board-approved cap which should be within the allowed expenses.

5. What is the Objective?

The rationale of the regulation is to enable and provide flexibility to the insurers, both life and general insurers to manage their expenses within the overall limits based on their gross written premium to optimally utilize their resources for enhancing benefits to policyholders.

6. How will this move benefit insurance companies and agents?

• The insurance sector participants have welcomed the change in the regulation and termed it a major reform.
• They said the removal of the cap on commission payments will positively impact the sector.
• Currently, the limit of EOM in the general insurance business is 30 percent, and in health insurance is 35 percent.
• The insurance companies are paying insurance intermediaries a commission of 15 percent of the total premium business they are bringing in.
• The new regulation has removed the cap. However, the overall limit of EOM will remain.
• With the new regulations, an insurance company can pay a higher commission to an agent if the business brought in is good and claim-free.
• The liberty to give a commission to an agent is left to the company.
• The new norms will facilitate greater product innovation and the development of new product distribution models and lead to more customer-centric operations.
• It will also increase insurance penetration and provide flexibility to insurers in managing their expenses. Overall, it will smoothen adherence to compliance norms.

7. What benefit will consumers get?

• Post the changes in regulations, insurance agents are likely to be more interested in selling insurance products and explaining policy details to consumers beforehand.
• The claim ratio of these agents will also be better.
• When claim outgoes are within the overall manageable limit, an insurance company may not increase the premium, which will be beneficial for consumers.
• This move will also help in increasing insurance penetration as agents will get higher commissions.
• IRDAI said the regulation will come into force from April 1, 2023, and will remain in force for a period of three years thereafter. 

8. What do Expenses of Mangement mean?

• Expenses of Management (EOM) include all expenses in the nature of operation expenses of general or health Insurance business and commission to the insurance agents or insurance intermediaries.
• It also includes commission and expenses on reinsurance inward, which are charged to the revenue account.

For Prelims

For Prelims: Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, of 1999, and Expenses of Management (EOM).

Source: The Indian Express

 

Previous year Question

 

1. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) Act was passed in the year? (TNPSC Group -1, 2014) A. 1986 B. 1991 C. 1999 D. 2005 Answer: B   2. IRDAI has set up a panel under whose chairmanship to examine the need for standard cyber liability insurance product? (CGPSC Civil service 2020) A. Pravin Kutumbe B. P. Umesh C. K. Ganesh D. T. L. Alamelu Answer: B

 

 

CYCLONES

 

 

1. Context

 

Rising global temperatures, rapid urbanisation, and deforestation exacerbated the impact of floods triggered by cyclonic storms in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand last month, leading to the death of at least 1,600 people in the four countries, according to a new study. While Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka on November 27, Cyclone Senyar made landfall first on November 26 in Indonesia and then in Malaysia on November 27.

 

2. What is a Cyclone

• A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters. Essentially, it is a system of high-speed winds rotating around a low-pressure area, with the winds blowing counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• According to the World Meteorological Organization, “Tropical cyclones are one of the biggest threats to life and property even in the formative stages of their development.
• Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are generally associated with rain or snow
• They include several different hazards that can individually cause significant impacts on life and property, such as storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lighting.
• Combined, these hazards interact with one another and substantially increase the potential for loss of life and material damage.”
• Cyclones occur chiefly in the middle and high latitude belts of both hemispheres. In the Southern Hemisphere, where most of the terrestrial surface is covered by the oceans, cyclones are distributed in a relatively uniform manner through various longitudes
• Characteristically, they form in latitudes 30° to 40° S and move in a generally southeasterly direction, reaching maturity in latitudes around 60°. 
• Cyclones that form closer to the Equator (i.e., at latitudes 10° to 25° north and south over the oceans) differ somewhat in character from the extratropical variety. Such wind systems, known as tropical cyclones, are much smaller in diameter. 
• Whereas extratropical cyclones range from nearly 1,000 to 4,000 km (620 to 2,500 miles) across, tropical cyclones typically measure only about 100 to over 1,000 km in diameter.

 

 

PC: Brittanica

 

3. Types of cyclones

3.1.Tropical Cyclones

Cyclones developed in the tropics region (the majority confined to 10⁰– 30⁰ N and S of the equator) are called tropical cyclones.

• tropical cyclones have a thermal origin, and they develop over tropical seas during certain seasons. Pre-existing low pressure, large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C, and the presence of the Coriolis force are a must for tropical cyclone formation.
  
  
• At these locations, the local convectional currents acquire a whirling motion because of the Coriolis force generated by the earth’s rotation. After developing, these cyclones advance till they find a weak spot in the trade wind belt.
  
  
• Tropical cyclones always originate in large water bodies.

3.2.Temperate Cyclone

Temperate cyclones (Mid-Latitude cyclones), also known as Extratropical cyclones, are active over the mid-latitudinal regions between 35° latitude and 65° latitude in both hemispheres.

• They have a dynamic origin and cyclone formation is due to frontogenesis (interaction of cold and warm fronts). When the warm-humid air masses from the tropics meet the dry-cold air masses from the poles and thus a polar front is formed as a surface of discontinuity. The cold air pushes the warm air upwards from underneath. Thus, a void is created because of the lessening of pressure. The surrounding air rushed in to occupy this void and coupled with the earth’s rotation, a temperate cyclone is formed. 
• Temperate cyclones can originate on both landmass or water.

4.How do cyclones form?

 

• A tropical cyclone originates in a region of low pressure, typically accompanied by clusters of thunderstorms. For this disturbance to evolve into a full-fledged cyclone, certain atmospheric and oceanic factors must align.
• The most crucial among these is a sufficiently warm sea surface — generally above 26.5°C — extending to a depth of around 50 metres. Moist air over such warm waters rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds, releasing latent heat in the process.
• This released heat warms the surrounding air, causing it to rise further and pull in more moist air from below, creating a self-sustaining cycle of convection.
• Another vital requirement is an unstable atmosphere, meaning that once air begins to rise, it continues to ascend instead of being forced downward. Additionally, the Coriolis effect — caused by Earth’s rotation — must be strong enough to induce a spinning motion.
• Because this effect is minimal near the equator, cyclones seldom form within about five degrees of latitude on either side of it.
• Low vertical wind shear is also necessary; if wind speed and direction differ greatly between the lower and upper atmosphere, the cyclone’s circulation can become disorganized and lose strength.
• As the system intensifies, a clearly defined centre known as the eye may develop. This calm, cloud-free zone is encircled by the eyewall — a ring of towering thunderstorms producing the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
• Near the surface, air spirals inward toward the low-pressure centre and ascends sharply at the eyewall, while at higher altitudes it spreads outward, completing the cyclone’s circulation pattern

5. How are cyclones named?

Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). There are six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five TCWCs.

As an RSMC, the IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, after following a standard procedure. The IMD is also mandated to issue advisories to 12 other countries in the region on the development of cyclones and storms.

 

 

For Prelims:  Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World For Mains: General Studies I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 and 3 Only C. 2 Only D. 1 and 3 Only Answer (C) 2.In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclones do not originate. What is the reason? (UPSC Prelims GS1, 2015) (a) Sea surface temperatures are low (b) Inter-tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs (c) Coriolis force is too weak (d) Absence of land in those regions Answer (a)   1.Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (GS-1, 2014) 2.The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? (GS-1, 2013)

Source: indianexpress