ISRO's LVM 3

1. Context

2. About LVM 3

• LVM3 is a dedicated commercial satellite mission of New Space India Limited (NSIL), a central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space, Government of India.
• The 43.5 meter LVM3 weighing around 644 tonnes carried 36 satellites weighing 5,796 kg or about 5.7 tonnes.
• With this launch, LVM3 has made its entry into the global commercial launch service market.
• The LVM3 was conceived primarily for launching geostationary satellites with a payload capacity of 4T, which can be used for launching 6T payloads for LEO.
• The mission is very critical to meet the customer's expectations to launch 36 satellites in 9 phases with precision. The mission was designed in such a way that the C25 stage was to handle this operation using in-house built inertial navigation systems.
• It was the sixth launch of India’s heaviest rocket LVM-3 – which includes the launch of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 – and the second one where it demonstrated the capability of launching multiple satellites in low earth orbit (LEO).

Image Source: The Indian Express

3. About One Web

• OneWeb is a joint venture between India's Bharati Enterprises and the U.K. government.
• The eighteenth launch of OneWeb satellites brought the constellation’s total number of satellites to 618.
• The company intends to use 588 active satellites in its first-generation constellation to provide global connectivity at high speed and low latency. 

4. How did ISRO’s OneWeb launch happen?

• OneWeb was initially supposed to launch its satellites through the Russian Space agency.
• It cancelled the plan after the agency halted the launch amid the Russia-Ukraine war seeking an assurance from the UK government-backed company that the satellites wouldn't be used against them and that the British government would sell its stake.
• India stepped up when we needed them the most. We had a big setback with the Russia Ukraine war-six launches that were contracted and fully paid for was taken out.
• Now, not only OneWeb is struggling to get the money back, but it has also lost 36 satellites, three very valuable, and importantly lost nearly a year.
• Europe's Arianespace was not viable as it had retired its workhorse Ariane5 rocket and there were significant delays with Ariane6.
• SpaceX, despite developing a similar satellite-based network named Starlink, launched some of the OneWeb satellites. And India, through two LVM3 launches, has put in orbit 72 OneWeb satellites.

5. India's plan to increase the Commercial launches

• The launches not only established LVM3 as a commercial vehicle propelling ISRO's entry into the commercial heavier launch market, But it also earned the agency upwards of Rs. 1,000 core.
• The service provided to OneWeb, for which the space agency had to move around a few of its missions, ended up earning it one of the highest revenues.
• And over the years there has been an increase in funds that the space agency has generated.
• The government plans to increase India's 2% share in the commercial market to 10% by 2030 through commercial launches by ISRO and launches offered by private companies like Skyroot and Agnikul, which are in the process of developing their own launch vehicles.
• Keeping the commercial sector in mins. ISRO has also developed small satellite launch vehicles (SSLV), which are meant to provide on-demand launch services commercially.
• It has a low turn around time of days and costs much more than the current workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• Two development flights of the SSLV have been completed, One successful, and one partially successful and it has been inducted into the ISRO fleet.
• Till date, ISRO has launched 384 foreign satellites from the least 36 countries, with at least 10 dedicated commercial missions and several other Indian missions where they were carried as co-passenger satellites.
• The highest number of these commercial launches have been by companies from the United States.

6. Report of the parliamentary standing committee on the budget of the space agency

• A report from the parliamentary standing committee on the budget of the space agency said that there has been an increase in the revenue generated by ISRO’s commercial arm New Space India Limited, created in 2019.
• As per the report, revenue generated by NSIL has increased from Rs 1,731 crores in 2021-22 to a projected Rs 3,509 crores in 2023-24. 
• This was an increase of 100% and the report added that The Committee appreciates the achievements of NSIL in such a short period of time and recommends the Department provide all support to NSIL to enable it to act as an agency of international character and quality.
• But it is not just the commercial arm, the revenue generated by the Department has also increased.
• The committee noted that the revenue generated by the Department of Space increased from Rs 929 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 2,780 in 2022-23.
• This is an increase of nearly 200% and with the budget allocation for 2023-24 being the least in the last three years.

For Prelims

Previous Year Question

CONSUMER RIGHTS

 

 

1. Context

 

Every year, National Consumer Rights Day is observed on 24th December to raise awareness about consumer rights and promote fair trade practices. In this context, let’s know about the history of this day and consumer rights in detail.

 

 

2. National Consumer Rights Day

 

• National Consumer Rights Day in India marks the coming into force of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which received the President’s assent on 24 December 1986. In recognition of this milestone, 24 December is observed every year as National Consumer Day.

• This historic law was enacted to protect the rights of consumers, establish an effective system for resolving complaints related to goods and services, and guarantee fair practices and access to justice in the marketplace.

 

3. Consumer Protection Act, 2019

 

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 superseded the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It identifies offences such as the supply of incorrect or deceptive information about the quality or quantity of goods or services and the publication of misleading advertisements. The Act also lays down measures to be taken when goods or services are found to be unsafe, hazardous, or harmful.

• Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 explains a “misleading advertisement” as one relating to any product or service that:

  • (i) presents an untrue or incorrect description of the product or service; or

  • (ii) offers a false assurance or is likely to deceive consumers regarding the nature, composition, quantity, or quality of the product or service; or

  • (iii) communicates an implied claim which, if expressly stated by the manufacturer, seller, or service provider, would amount to an unfair trade practice; or

  • (iv) intentionally withholds material information.

• Section 21 of the Act outlines the enforcement powers of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) against deceptive advertising. If, after inquiry, the CCPA concludes that an advertisement is false or misleading and prejudicial to consumer interests or violates consumer rights, it may direct the trader, manufacturer, advertiser, publisher, or endorser to withdraw or suitably alter the advertisement within a specified timeframe.

• The CCPA is empowered to levy a fine of up to ₹10 lakh and impose imprisonment up to two years on manufacturers or endorsers responsible for misleading advertisements. For repeated violations, the penalty may increase to ₹50 lakh, along with imprisonment up to five years. Additionally, the authority can prohibit endorsers from promoting any goods or services for up to one year, which may extend to three years for subsequent breaches of the Act.

 

 

4.  Government Guidelines on Misleading Ads

 

• In November last year, the Union government issued fresh norms to curb deceptive advertising by coaching institutes, barring exaggerated or false assurances such as “100% selection” or “guaranteed employment”. These rules were framed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) following a surge in complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline.

• As per the new framework, coaching institutions are barred from making misleading statements about the nature and length of courses, qualifications of faculty, fee details and refund terms, success rates and rankings in examinations, as well as promises of assured jobs or salary hikes.

• The guidelines clarify that the term “coaching” covers educational assistance, academic guidance, structured study programmes and tuition, while excluding counselling services, sports training, and creative or artistic pursuits.

• Coaching centres are not permitted to use the names, images, or endorsements of successful candidates unless explicit written permission is obtained after their selection. They are also required to clearly display disclaimers and fully disclose key course-related information in their advertisements.

 

 

5. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

 

 

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) functions as India’s highest consumer regulatory body. It was constituted under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and started functioning on 24 July 2020.

• The Authority is responsible for overseeing violations of consumer rights, addressing unfair trade practices, and taking action against false or deceptive advertisements that harm the collective interests of consumers and the wider public.

• Powers and Functions of the CCPA include:

  (i) Safeguarding, advancing, and enforcing consumer rights as a collective and preventing their infringement under the Act;

  (ii) Curbing unfair trade practices and ensuring that individuals or entities do not indulge in such practices;

  (iii) Preventing the circulation of misleading or false advertisements for goods or services that violate the Act or related rules and regulations;

  (iv) Ensuring accountability of all parties involved in publishing deceptive advertisements;

  (v) Initiating complaints before Consumer Commissions and examining issues connected to the protection of consumer rights;

  (vi) Advising on the adoption of international agreements and standards relating to consumer protection;

  (vii) Encouraging consumer awareness and supporting research in the area of consumer rights;

  (viii) Providing guidance to Central and State governments and their departments on policies and measures aimed at consumer welfare.

 

 

6. Way Forward

 

Consumer rights form the backbone of a fair, transparent, and accountable market economy. With the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority, India has significantly strengthened its institutional and legal framework to protect consumers against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. These measures not only empower consumers with enforceable rights and effective grievance redressal mechanisms but also promote ethical business conduct. As markets become more complex and digitalised, continuous awareness, strict enforcement, and responsive regulation are essential to ensure that consumer welfare remains central to economic growth and good governance

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance For Mains: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Which of the following statements about the 'Consumer Protection Act 2019' is not true? (UGC NET 2020) A.It has widened the definition of consumer B.It provides for E-filing of complaints C.It establishes Central Consumer Protection Authority D.It ignores mediation as an alternate disputes resolution mechanism Answer (D)

Source: Indanexpress

 

 

SUSTAINABLE HARNESSING AND ADVANCEMENT OF NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR TRANSFORMING INDIA (SHANTI) ACT

 

 

1. Context

 

Parliament has brought into force the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act which repeals legislation that governs nuclear activity — the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.

 

 

2. Why is SHANTI significant?

 

 

• The SHANTI framework seeks to open India’s nuclear energy sector to private participation and may also facilitate the inflow of foreign investment.
• At present, the construction and operation of nuclear power plants are restricted exclusively to public sector entities.
• India aims to scale up its nuclear capacity from the existing 8.8 GW—roughly 1.5% of total installed power capacity—to 100 GW by 2047, thereby raising nuclear energy’s share in electricity generation from around 3%.
• Public sector nuclear utilities estimate that they will contribute nearly 54 GW of this expansion, with the remaining capacity expected to come from private players

 

3. What are the major differences in SHANTI?

 

 

• Because of nuclear energy’s association with atomic weapons, the movement and use of nuclear fuel such as uranium are subjected to rigorous oversight to prevent its diversion for the production of weapons-grade plutonium.
• Past disasters—including the 1979 Three Mile Island accident, the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe, and the Fukushima core meltdown triggered by the 2011 tsunami—have reinforced a global culture of caution, leading to stringent controls over every stage of nuclear plant functioning.
• Internationally, there is now broad agreement that in the event of a nuclear accident, the operator of the facility bears the primary responsibility for compensating affected individuals in proportion to the harm caused.
• Such compensation must be provided promptly, without waiting for investigations into causation or fault.
• Subsequently, however, the operator may seek reimbursement if it can demonstrate that the accident resulted not from managerial failure but from defective equipment supplied by another party
• Under the earlier Civil Nuclear Liability framework, operators were permitted to pursue recourse against equipment providers in three situations: first, where an explicit contractual provision existed; second, where the incident was attributable to defects in the supplier’s equipment; and third, where the damage was caused by a deliberate act intended to inflict nuclear harm.
• The SHANTI legislation removes the second ground for recourse. Even after the 2008 Indo-US civil nuclear agreement, which reopened India’s access to uranium supplies and advanced nuclear technology following restrictions imposed after the 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests, reactor manufacturers from the United States and France remained reluctant to enter the Indian market due to the potential exposure to massive liability claims.
• By eliminating this clause—and even removing explicit references to “suppliers”—the proposed framework effectively addresses these concerns

 

4. Will SHANTI spur India’s nuclear vision?

 

• Homi Bhabha, regarded as the architect of India’s nuclear energy programme, envisaged nuclear power as a cornerstone of the country’s energy security while also overcoming India’s limited uranium reserves through the eventual use of thorium.
• His three-stage plan begins with the construction of pressurised heavy water reactors that utilise natural uranium (U-238) to generate electricity and produce plutonium as a by-product.
• The second stage involves fast breeder reactors, which are designed to generate additional plutonium and uranium-233 while producing power. In the third and final stage, uranium-233 is combined with India’s abundant thorium resources to generate electricity, creating a largely self-reliant thorium-based nuclear system.
• India has yet to transition fully into the second stage, having only a prototype fast breeder reactor so far. This project, delayed by nearly two decades, was earlier scheduled to become operational in 2025 but has now been postponed further, with commissioning expected in September 2026.
• To meet its near-term nuclear energy targets, India is increasingly exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• These are scaled-down versions of conventional reactors currently deployed in countries such as the United States and France, and they require enriched uranium-235—a resource that India does not possess in sufficient quantities. Like India’s first-stage reactors, SMRs generate various radioactive by-products, including plutonium and strontium.
• SMRs are expected to be manufactured in modular components across multiple locations and assembled at a central site, much like the global production processes used for aircraft or smartphones.
• However, due to their smaller size, they produce less electricity per unit compared to large reactors. They also do not offer a fundamentally superior solution to nuclear waste management, although some designs incorporate enhanced safety features that allow automatic shutdown during emergencies.
• While SMRs may contribute to electricity generation, they do little to advance India’s long-term objective of transitioning to thorium-based nuclear power

 

5. Way Forward

 

Under the previous legal framework, victims of a nuclear incident could seek compensation from the plant operator up to a ceiling of ₹1,500 crore. Any damage beyond this limit was to be covered by the Union government through an insurance mechanism, capped at ₹4,000 crore. The SHANTI legislation introduces a tiered liability structure instead. Operators of facilities with a capacity exceeding 3,600 MW would face a maximum liability of ₹3,000 crore. For plants in the 1,500–3,600 MW range, the liability limit is set at ₹1,500 crore; for capacities between 750 MW and 1,500 MW, it is ₹750 crore; for 150–750 MW plants, the cap is ₹300 crore; and facilities below 150 MW carry a liability limit of ₹100 crore. At present, all nuclear power plants in India have capacities of 3,000 MW or less.

Science Minister Jitendra Singh, who introduced the Bill in Parliament, explained that this differentiated structure was designed to avoid deterring private sector investment. However, during parliamentary discussions, concerns were raised that the actual costs of compensation in major nuclear accidents have historically run into several billions of dollars, far exceeding the proposed liability ceilings

 

 

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: The Hindu

 

 

BIOSECURITY

 

 

1. Context

 

New age biotechnologies endow powers to understand biology better and, consequently, harness biological agents to target humans. Thus, biosecurity measures need to be upgraded.

 

2. What is biosecurity?

 

 

• Biosecurity encompasses the policies, measures, and systems put in place to prevent the deliberate misuse of biological agents, toxins, or related technologies.
• It includes actions ranging from securing laboratories that work with high-risk pathogens to identifying, managing, and controlling deliberately caused disease outbreaks.
• The scope of biosecurity goes beyond safeguarding human health and also covers the protection of agriculture and animal populations.
• Biosecurity is closely related to, but distinct from, biosafety, which focuses on minimizing the risk of accidental release or exposure to harmful biological agents. Strong biosafety practices form a critical foundation for effective biosecurity.
• In response to historical efforts to develop biological weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was adopted in 1975.
• It marked the first global treaty to ban not only the use but also the production of biological weapons, while obligating member states to eliminate any existing reserves.

 

3. Why does India need biosecurity?

 

 

• India’s physical geography and ecological diversity expose it to biological risks originating beyond its borders. Given the country’s heavy reliance on agriculture and its large population base, the potential impact of such threats is particularly severe.
• Although India has not experienced any confirmed biosecurity attack, there have been reported cases involving the suspected preparation of ricin, a toxin extracted from castor beans, for possible terrorist use.
• This episode highlights the growing interest of non-state actors in exploiting biological agents and underscores the need for strong biosecurity mechanisms.
• Moreover, rapid advancements in biotechnology have expanded human capacity to manipulate biological systems, thereby increasing the risk of misuse by malicious actors, including in the development of biological weapons
• In India, institutional responsibilities for biosecurity are distributed across multiple agencies. The Department of Biotechnology is responsible for overseeing research governance and laboratory safety norms.
• The National Centre for Disease Control plays a key role in disease surveillance and outbreak management. Biosecurity related to livestock and cross-border animal diseases is handled by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, while the Plant Quarantine Organisation of India regulates agricultural trade to prevent the entry and spread of harmful pests and diseases.
• India’s legal and regulatory framework on biosafety and biosecurity includes the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which regulates hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005, which outlaws biological weapons.
• Supporting this framework are the Biosafety Rules of 1989 and the 2017 guidelines on recombinant DNA research and biocontainment. In addition, the National Disaster Management Authority has issued comprehensive guidelines for handling biological emergencies.
• At the international level, India participates in key biosecurity-related arrangements, including the Biological Weapons Convention and the Australia Group.
• Despite the involvement of multiple institutions in managing biological risks, regulating laboratories, monitoring public health, and protecting agriculture, India is still in the process of developing a cohesive national biosecurity architecture.
• As reflected in its 66th position on the Global Health Security Index, while India has improved its capacity to detect biological threats, its preparedness to respond effectively to such risks has shown a decline.

 

4. Evolution of biosecurity norms

 

 

The concept of biosecurity has evolved in response to advances in science, experiences of warfare, and emerging global health threats.

• Early Period (Pre-20th Century)
  Concerns over biological harm were largely implicit, with limited regulation. Although the use of disease as a weapon was known historically, there were no formal international rules governing biological threats.
• Inter-War Developments
  The 1925 Geneva Protocol marked the first international effort to prohibit the use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare. However, it did not ban their development, production, or stockpiling, leaving significant regulatory gaps.
• Cold War Era and the BWC (1970s)
  Growing awareness of the catastrophic potential of biological weapons led to the adoption of the Biological Weapons Convention (1972, in force from 1975). It became the first multilateral treaty to comprehensively ban the development, production, acquisition, and stockpiling of biological weapons and mandate the destruction of existing arsenals.
• Post-Cold War Focus on Compliance and Non-State Actors
  With the rise of non-state actors and biotechnology diffusion, biosecurity norms expanded beyond state behaviour. Emphasis shifted to export controls, laboratory security, and prevention of misuse of dual-use research. Initiatives such as the Australia Group strengthened coordination on controlling sensitive biological materials.
• Public Health and Biosecurity Integration (2000s)
  Global disease outbreaks and bioterrorism concerns, especially after the 2001 anthrax attacks, linked biosecurity with public health preparedness. The International Health Regulations (2005) reinforced obligations for surveillance, early detection, and response to biological threats, whether natural or deliberate.
• Contemporary Phase: Technology and Global Governance
  Rapid advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence have reshaped biosecurity thinking. Current norms emphasize responsible research, ethical governance, global information sharing, and resilience against both natural pandemics and intentional biological misuse.

 

 

5. India’s Existing Biosecurity Architecture

 

 India’s biosecurity framework is multi-layered and involves a combination of legal instruments, institutional mechanisms, and international commitments aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats.

Institutional Framework

• Department of Biotechnology (DBT):
  Regulates biotechnology research and oversees biosafety standards, laboratory governance, and compliance with guidelines related to genetically engineered organisms and recombinant DNA research.

• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC):
  Responsible for disease surveillance, early warning systems, and coordination of responses to infectious disease outbreaks.

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW):
  Plays a central role in public health preparedness, epidemic management, and implementation of international health obligations.

• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying:
  Monitors animal health, livestock biosecurity, and transboundary animal diseases that can threaten food security and public health.

• Plant Quarantine Organisation of India (PQOI):
  Regulates the import and export of plants and agricultural products to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and plant diseases.

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
  Issues guidelines and coordinates preparedness and response strategies for biological disasters, including pandemics and bioterror events.

 

6. Way Forward

 

 

An insufficient biosecurity system poses extremely serious risks, with the potential to endanger the lives of billions of people in India. This makes it imperative to establish a comprehensive national biosecurity framework that enables effective coordination among multiple government agencies. Such a framework would also help in systematically identifying gaps in infrastructure and institutional capacity that require urgent attention.

 

 

For Prelims: Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, SCOMET List For Mains: Strengths and weaknesses of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC),  India’s national biosecurity architecture, regulation of biotechnology.

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following pairs: (2020) International agreement/set-up     Subject  Alma-Ata Declaration :     Healthcare of the people  Hague Convention :         Biological and chemical weapons  Talanoa Dialogue :           Global climate change  Under2 Coalition :            Child rights  Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?  (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 4 only  (c) 1 and 3 only  (d) 2, 3 and 4 only  Answer (c) Mains 1.The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)

 

 

Source: The Hindu

 

 

WORLD INEQUALITY REPORT (WIR)

 

 

1. Context

 

The World Inequality Report for 2026, released this week, underscores the widening inequalities not just within a country but also in the world as a whole.

 

 

2. Key takeaways of World Inequality Report 2026

 

 

• Severe Concentration of Wealth: Nearly 75% of the world’s wealth is held by the richest 10%, while the poorest 50% possess just about 2%. An ultra-elite group comprising roughly 60,000 individuals (the top 0.001%) owns wealth that is three times greater than that of half the global population combined. Their share of global wealth rose from around 4% in 1995 to more than 6% by 2025.
• Inequality in Human Capital Investment: Public and private spending on education shows stark disparities. Average expenditure per child in Sub-Saharan Africa is approximately €220 (PPP), compared with €7,430 in Europe and €9,020 in North America and Oceania—over forty times higher.
• Climate-Related Inequality: The richest 10% are responsible for about 77% of emissions linked to private capital ownership, whereas the bottom half contributes only 3%. Paradoxically, populations in low-income countries—who emit the least—face the greatest climate risks, while high emitters are better equipped with financial and technological means to adapt.
• Gender-Based Disparities: On average, women work around 53 hours per week compared to 43 hours for men when unpaid domestic and care work is included. In terms of earnings, women receive about 61% of men’s hourly wages when only paid work is considered; once unpaid labor is accounted for, their effective income drops to just 32%.
• Regional Income Gaps: Average daily income stands at roughly €125 in North America and Oceania, but only about €10 in Sub-Saharan Africa—reflecting a thirteen-fold difference. The income ratio between the top 10% and the bottom 50% further highlights deep inequalities within countries.
• Global Financial System Imbalances: Each year, poorer countries experience a net outflow of financial resources amounting to around 1% of global GDP—three times the volume of total development assistance—largely due to capital flows toward US and European government bonds

 

3. World Inequality Report and India

 

 

• Income Disparities: A significant share of national income—about 58%—is accrued by the top 10% of earners, whereas the bottom half of the population accounts for only around 15%.
• Concentration of Wealth: Nearly two-thirds of the country’s total wealth is owned by the richest 10%. Within this group, the top 1% alone controls roughly 40% of overall wealth.
• Low Female Workforce Participation: Women’s participation in the labor market stands at just 15.7%, placing it among the lowest rates globally.
• Overall Economic Well-being: The average per capita income is close to €6,200 annually (PPP-adjusted), while mean household wealth is estimated at about €28,000 (PPP)

 

 

 

4. What is the World Inequality Report (WIR)?

 

 

The World Inequality Report (WIR) is a flagship global publication that provides a comprehensive assessment of income and wealth inequality across countries and regions over time.

Key points about the World Inequality Report (WIR):

• Produced by: The World Inequality Lab, led by renowned economists such as Thomas Piketty, Lucas Chancel, Emmanuel Saez, and Gabriel Zucman.

• Frequency: Published periodically (major editions in 2018, 2022, 2024, etc.).

• Data Source: Based on the World Inequality Database (WID), which compiles tax records, national accounts, household surveys, and wealth data.

• Coverage: Tracks inequality trends within countries and between countries, covering income, wealth, gender gaps, carbon inequality, and regional disparities.

 

5. What are the Key Policy Recommendations Made in World Inequality Report 2026?

 

 

 

6.India’s Policy Measures to Address Inequality

 

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Provides wage employment and income security to rural households.

• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Encourages self-employment and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and marginalized groups.

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Focuses on enhancing livelihoods and skill development for the urban poor.

• Samagra Shiksha 2.0: Aims to strengthen access, equity, and quality across all levels of school education.

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Promotes financial inclusion by ensuring universal access to banking services.

• Lakhpati Didi Initiative: Seeks to empower women economically by supporting sustainable income generation at the household level

 

7. Way Forward

 

The World Inequality Report 2026 underscores a deeply interlinked challenge spanning economic, environmental, and social inequalities. The evidence suggests that inequality is shaped by policy decisions rather than inevitability. At the same time, the report’s comprehensive policy recommendations, along with ongoing national initiatives, outline a practical and achievable roadmap for creating fairer, more inclusive, and resilient societies

 

 

For Prelims: MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), World Inequality Report (WIR)    For Mains: General Studies-II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan does not include one of the following: (UPSC CSE 2010)  (a) Reduction of poverty   (b) Extension of employment opportunities   (c) Strengthening of capital market  (d) Reduction of gender inequality  Answer (c)  Mains 1. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (2020)

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

BIOREMEDIATION

 

 

1. Context

 

Human waste is leading to a world where access to clean air, water and soil is becoming increasingly difficult. The solution is two-pronged — reduce waste and clean up the waste already made.

 

 

2. What is Bioremediation?

 

• Bioremediation, in simple terms, refers to using biological agents to revive or clean polluted environments.
• It relies on microorganisms — including bacteria, fungi, algae, and even certain plants — to capture, break down, or neutralise hazardous substances like petroleum spills, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals. These organisms treat the contaminants as nutrients, decomposing them into safer end-products such as carbon dioxide, water, and organic acids.
• In some situations, they can also alter toxic metals into more stable, less harmful forms that do not seep into soil or groundwater.
• Bioremediation is generally classified into two categories. In situ bioremediation involves treating pollutants at the site itself, for instance by introducing oil-degrading bacteria directly onto an ocean spill.
• Ex situ bioremediation, on the other hand, requires excavating the contaminated soil or water, processing it at a specialised facility, and then returning it once it is detoxified.
• Contemporary bioremediation blends conventional microbiology with advanced biotechnology.
• Emerging tools allow scientists to study biological systems more precisely, identify molecules with beneficial traits, and reproduce them under controlled conditions — such as in wastewater treatment systems or on farmlands.
• For instance, genetically engineered microbes are being developed to break down stubborn pollutants like plastics and persistent oil residues that natural organisms cannot efficiently degrade

 

3. Significance of bioremediation for India

 

• India’s fast-paced industrial growth has taken a significant toll on the environment. Even though pollution levels are showing gradual improvement, major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna continue to be burdened with untreated household waste and industrial discharge.
• Additional threats — including oil spills, pesticide accumulation, and heavy metals — continue to endanger natural ecosystems as well as human health.
• Conventional methods of environmental clean-up are costly, require high energy inputs, and sometimes generate new forms of pollution.
• In contrast, bioremediation provides a more affordable, scalable, and eco-friendly solution — particularly valuable in a country where large areas of soil and water are contaminated but financial and technological resources remain limited.
• India’s rich biological diversity further strengthens this approach. Native microbial species, already adapted to local climate and conditions such as extreme heat or salinity, often perform better than foreign microbial strains

 

4. India's Position regarding bioremediation

 

 

• Bioremediation is slowly becoming more prominent in India, although much of the work is still at the trial or experimental stage. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), through its Clean Technology Programme, has been funding various initiatives and promoting collaboration between academic institutions, government research bodies, and industry players.
• The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is actively involved in developing and implementing bioremediation-related projects.
• At the Indian Institutes of Technology, scientists have tested innovations such as a cotton-based nanocomposite that can absorb oil spills, and others have discovered microbial strains capable of breaking down hazardous contaminants in soil.
• The private sector is also beginning to participate. Startups like Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) and Econirmal Biotech are providing microbial products aimed at treating polluted soil and wastewater.
• Despite this growth, large-scale deployment still encounters obstacles. Key issues include inadequate understanding of local contamination conditions, the diverse and complex nature of pollutants, and the absence of uniform national standards for bioremediation practices

 

5. Global Scenario

 

• Countries around the world are already incorporating bioremediation into their environmental management systems. Japan uses combinations of microbes and plants as part of its urban waste treatment approach.
• In the European Union, multinational projects are funded to deploy microorganisms for cleaning oil spills and rehabilitating former mining regions. China, under its national soil pollution control programme, has prioritised bioremediation and is using genetically enhanced microbial strains to revive degraded industrial zones.
• For India, the potential is significant. Bioremediation can rejuvenate polluted rivers, recover degraded land, and decontaminate industrial areas, while simultaneously generating employment in fields such as biotechnology, environmental services, and waste-treatment industries.
• It can also complement existing government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, and various clean-technology programmes

 

6. Challenges

 

• Releasing genetically modified organisms into natural ecosystems requires strict oversight to avoid unforeseen ecological consequences.
• If testing is insufficient or containment measures fail, such interventions may create new challenges even as they attempt to address existing ones.
• Meaningful public participation will also be essential to ensure wider acceptance of emerging biotechnologies.
• To expand bioremediation safely, India will need updated biosafety regulations, proper certification mechanisms, and a skilled workforce.

7.Bioremediation - Advantages

Environmentally Friendly

• Uses natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants.

• Breaks down pollutants into harmless by-products like water, CO₂, or organic acids.

• Minimises secondary pollution compared to chemical or mechanical treatments.

Cost-Effective

• Generally cheaper than traditional remediation methods that require heavy machinery, chemicals, or high energy consumption.

• Suitable for developing countries with limited cleanup budgets.

Sustainable and Self-Propagating

• Microorganisms can multiply and continue degradation without continuous human intervention.

• Supports long-term ecological restoration.

Versatile

• Effective against a wide range of contaminants: petroleum oils, pesticides, plastics, sewage sludge, heavy metals (in altered forms), and industrial effluents.

• Can be applied to soil, groundwater, wastewater, marine environments, and sediments.

In Situ Application Reduces Disturbance

• Many bioremediation processes can occur directly at the contaminated site.

• Eliminates the need to transport hazardous material, reducing risk and cost.

 Enhances Soil and Water Quality

• Restores soil fertility by promoting microbial diversity and organic content.

• Improves water quality in rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater systems.

Scalable and Adaptable

• Can be applied on small patches of polluted land as well as large, industrially degraded regions.

• Indigenous microbial strains adapt well to local environmental conditions.

Supports Circular Economy & Green Jobs

• Creates employment opportunities in biotechnology, environmental consulting, waste management, and research.

• Integrates with green technology initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, and waste-to-wealth programmes.

 

 

8. Way forward

 

 

To move forward, several steps are crucial. First, the country must establish uniform national guidelines for bioremediation methods and microbial use. Second, setting up regional centres that bring together universities, industries, and local authorities can improve understanding of site-specific problems and help select suitable technologies. Lastly, engaging the public can build trust and communicate the idea that microbes are valuable partners in environmental cleanup rather than dangers

 

 

 

For Prelims: bioremediation, microorganisms , In situ bioremediation   For Mains: GS III - Environment and ecology

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Bioremediation is most effective in which of the following? (UPSC CSE 2020) A) Solid waste management B) Water purification C) Oil spills D) None of the above Answer (C) Mains 1.Examine the role of bioremediation in environmental sustainability (UPSC CSE GS III 2019)

 

 

Source: The Hindu