Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Although breeding has declined, experts say there is no immediate cause for concern as the vulture population in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary remains stable, with around 80 vultures recorded. About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is located in Wayanad, Kerala, in the southern trenches of the Western Ghats. Other names: It is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Establishment: Founded in 1973, it was brought under Project Elephant in 1991–92. Area: The sanctuary covers an expansive area of about 344 sq.km. Significance: It forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bordering regions: It is bordered by the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side. Rivers: Important rivers like the Kabini, Cherupuzha, and Bavali flow through the sanctuary. Tribes: Tribes living in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas. Flora: It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and semi-evergreen patches. About one-third of the sanctuary is covered by plantations of teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak. Fauna: It boasts one of the largest populations of Asian elephants and tigers, which are considered its flagship species. Other mammals include leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and jungle cats. Birds: About 216 species of birds, like peacock, owl, babbler, black woodpecker, golden backed three- toed wood pecker, cuckoo and jungle fowl, are found in the area. Source: The Hindu Sky Sting Missile Category: Defence and Security Context: As Prime Minister pays his second state visit to Israel, India is keen to take forward the talks on acquiring the Israeli-origin ‘Sky Sting’ missile for the Indian Air Force (IAF). About Sky Sting Missile: Nature: It is a 6th-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). Development: It is being developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., an Israeli defence technology company.  Compatibility: Weighing between 180-200 kg, the missile is light enough to be carried by aircraft such as the Tejas Mk1A, while also being compatible with Su-30MKI fighters.  Range: It boasts a range of 250 km. AI-driven: Its radio-frequency seeker, supported by AI-driven target discrimination and jam-resistant technology, allows precise early lock-on and robust electronic counter-countermeasures. Propulsion: It features a three-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor, enabling high manoeuvrability and end-game speeds exceeding Mach 5. Real-time communication: A two-way data link ensures real-time communication between the pilot and the missile during engagements. Addresses modern challenges: Designed to provide air forces with a significant tactical edge by allowing pilots to neutralise threats from a safe distance, Sky Sting addresses modern challenges like stealth targets and electronic warfare. Source: Zee News E- Railway Claims Tribunal System Category: Polity and Governance Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Railways launched the e- Railway Claims Tribunal system as reform under Indian Railways’ flagship “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative. About E- Railway Claims Tribunal System: Nature: It enables the end-to-end computerisation and digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal. Objective: It will transform the filing, processing and adjudication of claims by making the process faster, more transparent and accessible from anywhere in the country. Jurisdictional Ease: Claimants can file cases electronically from anywhere, solving the common problem of determining which specific bench has jurisdiction after a cross-state accident. Hybrid Hearings: The system supports hybrid mode hearings (both physical and virtual), aligning with Supreme Court guidelines to reduce the need for physical travel. Paperless Courts: It integrates all 23 benches of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) onto a single digital platform to eliminate physical paperwork. AI Integration: The platform is AI-enabled, designed to automate litigation processes and improve data-driven decision-making. Three components: The platform comprises three core components E-Filing: It helps in 24×7 online filing of claims and legal documents from any location and uploading of petitions, affidavits, annexures and supporting records. Case Information System (CIS): It is a centralized database of all cases for auto-allocation, case registration and real-time tracking from filing to final to final disposal. Document Management System (DMS): It is the digital storage of pleadings, notices, summons, orders and judgements along with digitally signed records About Railway Claims Tribunal: Legal Basis: It is a quasi-judicial body constituted under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987. Jurisdiction: It adjudicates claims for compensation related to: Death or injury in railway accidents and “untoward incidents”. Loss, damage, or non-delivery of goods and animals. Refund of fares or freight. Structure: It is headquartered at the Principal Bench in Delhi with 23 benches across 21 cities. Composition: Each bench comprising a Judicial Member and a Technical Member. Source: PIB State Innovation Mission Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the country’s first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura. About State Innovation Mission: Nature: It is part of the approved Atal Innovation Mission (AIM 2.0) programme, under the aegis of NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM). Objective: It is designed as a long-term institutional mechanism to support States and Union Territories in building robust, inclusive, and context-specific innovation ecosystems aligned with national priorities and local strengths. Mechanism: Under SIM, AIM will work closely with the Government of Tripura to: Design and implement a long-term innovation strategy Strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory support Enable partnerships between government, academia, industry, and civil society Facilitate peer learning and national-level collaboration Support startups with infrastructure, mentorship, and access to funding Focus areas: The mission emphasises inclusion, regional balance, and capacity building across the entire innovation lifecycle– from school education to advanced entrepreneurship. About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Launch: It is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog in 2016. Objective: It aims to create and encourage an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, educational organisations, research institutes, and industries, including MSMEs. Functions: AIM has two functions To promote entrepreneurship by encouraging innovators to become entrepreneurs through financial support as well as mentorship. To promote innovation by creating a platform where ideas are generated through like-minded individuals. Initiatives undertaken: AIM has created four programs to support these functions: Atal Tinkering Labs Atal Incubation Centres Atal New India Challenges, and Atal Grand Challenges. Source: PIB Moist Heatwave Category: Geography Context: Research showed that timings of the moist heatwaves are controlled by the active and break periods of the southwest monsoon and can be predicted weeks in advance. About Moist Heatwave: Trigger: Moist heatwaves are triggered by a combined impact of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels in the atmosphere. Measurement: The best way to measure the combined effect of humidity and temperature is ‘wet bulb temperature’.  Wet bulb temperature: Wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature to which air can be cooled by the evaporation of water into the air at constant pressure. This is a process happening on human skin when people sweat. Accepted level: The globally accepted level for wet bulb temperature that forms the limit of human survivability is 35°C. IMD Criteria for Heatwaves: While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) primarily uses temperature thresholds, moist heat is increasingly factored into “Heat Index” warnings: Plains: Max temperature ≥ 40°C. Coastal Regions: Max temperature ≥ 37°C. Hilly Regions: Max temperature ≥ 30°C. Impact of Moist Heatwaves on humans: When air is already humid, sweat cannot evaporate from skin, leaving the body unable to cool itself. This can lead to heat exhaustion and fatal heatstroke within hours.  It is because high humidity impairs evaporation, limiting the human body’s ability to dissipate metabolic heat and regulate core temperature. In such circumstances, the physiological strain on the human body intensifies, exacerbating the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. A thermoregulatory failure can lead to hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, and fatal heatstroke in extreme cases. Source: Down To Earth (MAINS Focus) International Law Is Not Dead: Resilience Amid Geopolitical Turbulence (UPSC GS Paper II – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora)   Context (Introduction) Rising geopolitical tensions — from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Gaza conflict and U.S.–Iran frictions — have triggered claims that international law is collapsing. However, despite repeated breaches, its norms remain resilient and continue structuring global governance.   Main Arguments   Prohibition on Use of Force Remains Foundational: Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits threat or use of force. Although repeatedly breached — from the Soviet-Afghan war (1979) to Iraq (2003) and Ukraine (2022) — it has survived similar Cold War violations. In 1970, Thomas Franck had declared Article 2(4) “dead,” yet the norm endured. Even powerful states continue invoking legal justifications (e.g., expanded interpretation of self-defence), indicating that legality still matters for legitimacy. Legalisation Creates Accountability Framework: As Monica Hakimi argues, when international relations are legalised, states must justify actions within legal frameworks. Even flawed or contested interpretations reflect the continuing normative pull of law. International law gives weaker states a platform to question powerful actors — through UN forums, international courts, and treaty bodies. A norm-free order would eliminate even this minimal accountability. Present Challenge: Populist-Authoritarian Disregard: Unlike earlier periods where legal reasoning accompanied use of force, today’s authoritarian tendencies show greater brazenness, often sidestepping legal explanation altogether.The threat lies less in violations per se and more in open dismissal of legal norms, which weakens deliberative space. International Law Beyond the UN Charter: Reducing international law to the UN Charter is analytically flawed. Over eight decades, international law has expanded into: Trade (WTO framework) Investment treaties Climate governance (Paris Agreement) Human rights conventions Maritime law (UNCLOS) Civil aviation (ICAO regime) Biological and chemical weapons conventions This demonstrates dense legalisation of global interactions. Silent Functioning of International Law International law operates routinely and quietly  Conclusion of India–EU FTA negotiations reflects continued treaty-making. High Seas Treaty strengthens marine biodiversity governance. Pandemic Agreement enhances global health preparedness. Judicialisation through bodies like the International Criminal Court and regional courts sustains dispute resolution mechanisms. As Philippe Sands notes, much of international law functions seamlessly, enabling global trade, travel, communication and cooperation.   Implications Normative Stability Amid Power Politics:Even in crises, states frame conduct within legal narratives, showing that law retains persuasive authority. Importance for Middle Powers like India:For India, adherence to rule-based order safeguards sovereignty, maritime interests, trade access and diaspora protection. Risks of Norm Erosion:If legality is abandoned, unilateralism may dominate, undermining smaller states’ security.   Way Forward Strengthen Multilateralism: Reinforce commitment to UN Charter principles and dispute resolution mechanisms. Support Judicial Institutions: Engage constructively with global and regional courts to uphold rule-based norms. Promote Legal Diplomacy: Use international legal forums to address global governance challenges (climate, health, cyber norms). Resist Populist Erosion of Norms: Normative advocacy and coalition-building among middle powers can preserve rule-based order.   Conclusion International law is not dead; it is contested. Its resilience lies in its pervasive institutionalisation across global governance domains. Proclaiming its demise risks normalising unilateralism and empowering global bullies, whereas defending it preserves accountability and stability in international relations   Mains Question Despite repeated violations, international law continues to structure global governance.Discuss (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Mark Carney’s Visit: Resetting India–Canada Relations in a Fragmenting Global Order (UPSC GS Paper II – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)   Context (Introduction) Mark Carney’s visit to India signals a calibrated reset in India–Canada relations after the 2023 diplomatic freeze. Driven by economic diversification needs and geopolitical shifts, both middle powers seek to rebuild ties anchored in trade, energy and strategic cooperation.   Key Developments Bilateral goods trade reached $13.3 billion in 2024, despite strained ties. Likely conclusion of a $2.8 billion uranium supply deal for a decade. Reboot of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations aiming to double trade to $60 billion by 2030. Nearly 430,000 Indian students in Canada underline deep people-to-people linkages.   Background In September 2023, relations hit a historic low when then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The fallout included suspension of visa services, recall of High Commissioners and collapse of free trade negotiations. However, changing geopolitical realities — including renewed U.S. protectionism under Donald Trump and economic pressures on Canada — made prolonged estrangement costly for both sides. Quiet engagements at the G7 (Kananaskis, 2025) and G20 (Johannesburg, 2025) laid the groundwork for reconciliation.   Strategic Drivers of the Reset Energy and Nuclear Cooperation: India’s ambition to expand civilian nuclear energy capacity makes Canadian uranium critical. The expected $2.8 billion uranium agreement strengthens energy security and diversifies supply chains. Trade and Economic Diversification: CEPA aims to double trade to $60 billion by 2030. For Canada, facing U.S. tariffs and decertification threats (e.g., aircraft exports), India offers a vast and growing market. For India, Canada provides capital, technology and access to North American markets. Critical Minerals and Green Transition: Canada’s reserves of lithium, cobalt and copper align with India’s EV mobility and renewable energy expansion goals. Canada positions itself as an alternative to China in critical mineral supply chains. Geopolitical Recalibration: Canada’s Indo-Pacific pivot reflects its desire to diversify alliances amid U.S. unpredictability. India’s multi-alignment strategy similarly favours strengthening ties with middle powers to reduce overdependence on any single bloc. Security Dialogue Parallelism: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Ottawa and agreement on a “shared work plan” reflect an approach where security issues are addressed through institutional channels without derailing economic cooperation.   Persistent Challenges Khalistan and Security Concerns:The Nijjar controversy and concerns over separatist activities remain sensitive fault lines. Political Trust Deficit: Though diplomatic channels are restored, mutual trust requires sustained engagement. Trade Negotiation Complexity: CEPA negotiations must address market access, agricultural sensitivities and regulatory standards.   Broader Significance Demonstrates pragmatic diplomacy among middle powers in a fractured global order. Reflects separation of political disputes from economic imperatives. Reinforces India’s diversification of energy and mineral supply chains Highlights resilience of diaspora-led ties in sustaining bilateral engagement.   Conclusion Mark Carney’s visit marks more than a diplomatic thaw; it represents a strategic reset shaped by economic realism and geopolitical necessity. In an era of protectionism and polarisation, India and Canada appear to be transitioning towards a mature, interest-driven partnership grounded in energy security, trade expansion and resilient middle-power cooperation.   Mains Question India–Canada relations have witnessed both diplomatic strain and economic interdependence in recent years. Examine the strategic drivers behind India- Canada ties and discuss the challenges ahead. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: Indian Express  

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Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) International Climate Initiative (IKI) Category: International Initiatives Context: Germany and India have launched a new Large Grant project (approx. ₹180 crore) under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) to strengthen India’s climate resilience. About International Climate Initiative (IKI): Nature: The International Climate Initiative (IKI) or Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative is a key financial instrument of the German government that funds international projects focused on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation in developing and emerging economies. Establishment: It was launched in 2008 by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV). Objective: It aims to support partner countries in implementing and ambitiously developing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and achieving goals set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Current lead: Since 2022, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) leads the initiative, working with the Federal Foreign Office and BMUV. Thematic diversity: It focuses on four main areas- Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, Adapting to the impacts of climate change, Conserving natural carbon sinks (REDD+), and Protecting biological diversity. Consortium-based funding: Projects are typically implemented by a mix of NGOs, research institutes, international organizations (like GIZ), and the private sector to ensure multidisciplinary expertise. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA): A core feature is using nature (e.g., forest restoration, wetland protection) to help human communities adapt to climate risks like floods and heatwaves. Innovative financing: It promotes high-risk/high-reward financial mechanisms like blended finance, biodiversity credits, and climate insurance to mobilize private capital. Monitoring and learning: It requires rigorous Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks to ensure that local successes can be scaled up to national or global policies. Source: The New Indian Express Peatlands Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Two lakes (Mai Ndombe and Tumba) in the Democratic Republic of Congo are releasing carbon that has been locked away for thousands of years in surrounding peatlands. About Peatlands: Definition: They are terrestrial wetland ecosystems where waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing, leading to the accumulation of peat (partially decayed organic matter). Formation: Peat forms over thousands of years as the rate of organic matter production exceeds its decomposition due to low oxygen (anaerobic) levels. Coverage: They cover only 3% of Earth’s land surface but are found in every climatic zone, from boreal regions to the tropics. Seepage of carbon: Peat, formed from the accumulation of dead plant material, does not decompose in a water-logged state but when it dries, the organisms that break down plant material revive and the carbon seeps back into the atmosphere. Composition: In cool climates, peatland vegetation is mostly made up of Sphagnum mosses, sedges and shrubs and are the primary builder of peat. In warmer climates graminoids and woody vegetation provide most of the organic matter. Types: Northern and temperate peatlands: Found especially, Europe, North America and Russia where they have formed under high precipitation-low temperature climatic regimes. Tropical peatlands: Found in Southeast Asia, mainland East Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Africa, parts of Australasia and a few Pacific Islands. Significance: Carbon giant: Peatlands store approximately 600 gigatonnes of carbon—more than all the world’s forests combined. Climate regulation: In their natural wet state, they provide a net-cooling effect. Conversely, damaged peatlands contribute about 5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Water security: They hold 10% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater, regulating flows to mitigate floods and droughts. Biodiversity: They support endangered species like the Bornean orangutan and Sumatran tigers. Global conservation frameworks: Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI): A UNEP-led multi-partner effort launched in 2016 to save peatlands. Brazzaville Declaration (2018): A landmark agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, and Indonesia to protect the Cuvette Centrale peatlands. Ramsar Convention: Many peatlands are designated as Wetlands of International Importance. UNEP Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas 2024: Highlights that nearly 12% of global peatlands are degraded, with India seeing over 60% degradation in its specific peat-rich areas. Source: DD News RAMP Programme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the Ministry of MSME organised the 5th meeting of the National MSME Council to review progress of World Bank–Supported RAMP Programme in New Delhi. About RAMP Programme: Full form: RAMP stands for Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance. Nodal ministry: It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME). Apex body: The National MSME Council has been set up by the Ministry to work as an administrative and functional body of the RAMP Programme. Tenure: The tenure of the scheme is 5 years (FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27). Association: It is assisted by the World Bank. Key objectives: Improving access to market and credit for MSMEs Strengthening institutions and governance at the central and state levels Improving centre-state linkages and partnerships Addressing issues of delayed payments Greening of MSMEs Sub schemes under RAMP: MSME GIFT Scheme: MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme intends to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit guarantee support. MSE SPICE Scheme: The MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy aims to support circular economy projects which will be done through credit subsidy and will lead to realising the dream of MSME sector towards zero emissions by 2070. MSE ODR Scheme: The MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments is a first of its kind scheme to synergise legal support with modern IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address the incidences of delayed payments for Micro and Small Enterprises. Source: PIB Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Category: Polity and Governance Context: Recently, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) commenced the celebration of its 75th Year of Service at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. About Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): Nature: It is a statutory body formed under the ESI Act 1948. Nodal ministry: It is functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Mandate: It provides various social security benefits like Medical Benefit, Monetary benefits to the workmen and their family working in the private and public sector. Genesis: The first document on social insurance was “Report on Health Insurance” submitted to the Tripartite Labour Conference, headed by Prof. B.P. Adarkar who was acknowledged as Chhota Beveridge. In 1948 Dr. C.L.Katial took over as the 1st Director General of ESIC. Inauguration: The ESI scheme was inaugurated in Kanpur on 24th February 1952 (ESIC Day) by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. Composition: The Union Minister of Labour heads the ESIC as its Chairman. The Central Government appoints a Director General as the Chief Executive Officer of ESIC. Representation: The ESIC comprises members representing crucial interest groups, including employers, employees, the Central and State Governments, representatives of the Parliament and the medical profession. Coverage: It applies to factories and establishments (like hotels, cinemas, road transport, etc.) employing 10 or more persons. It covers employees drawing monthly wages up to ₹21,000 (₹25,000 for persons with disabilities). Key benefits provided: Medical benefit: Full medical care for the insured person and dependents. Sickness benefit: Cash compensation at 70% of wages during certified sickness. Maternity benefit: Paid leave for 26 weeks for pregnancy. Disablement benefit: Continuous monthly payment for temporary or permanent disability due to employment injury. Unemployment allowance: Provided under schemes like Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) and Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (RGSKY). Source: PIB El Nino Category: Geography Context: Researchers at Duke University have identified that ocean salinity can amplify the intensity of El Niño by approximately 20%. About El Nino: Nomenclature: El Niño means “Little Boy” in Spanish. Definition: It is a recurring climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Frequency: It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and typically occurs every two to seven years. Mechanism (ENSO Cycle): Normal conditions: Strong trade winds blow east-to-west, pushing warm water toward Asia and causing upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water off the coast of Peru. El Niño phase: Trade winds weaken or reverse. Warm water flows back toward South America, suppressing upwelling. This shifts the Walker Circulation eastward. Southern Oscillation: The atmospheric counterpart involving a see-saw of air pressure between Tahiti (Central Pacific) and Darwin (Australia). A negative Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) indicates El Niño. Factors impacting El Nino: Trade wind strength: The primary driver; weaker winds trigger the eastward movement of warm water. Ocean-Atmosphere coupling: A feedback loop where warming water further weakens winds, which in turn warms the water more. Thermocline depth: The depth of the transition layer between warm surface water and cold deep-water influences how much heat is available to fuel the event. Impacts on India: Monsoon suppression: El Niño is generally inversely related to the Indian Monsoon. It shifts the descending limb of the Walker Cell over the Indian Ocean, causing high pressure and suppressed rainfall. Agriculture: Leads to lower production of Kharif crops (rice, sugarcane, cotton) and increases food inflation. Heatwaves: Strongly correlated with more frequent and intense summer heatwaves in India. Counter-factors: Not all El Niño years lead to drought. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can sometimes offset El Niño’s negative impact, as seen in 1997. Source: India Today (MAINS Focus) Analysing India’s Cycle of Deprivation and Affluence: Structural Drivers of Income Mobility (2014–2025) (UPSC GS Paper III – Inclusive growth and issues arising from it; GS Paper I – Indian Society: Poverty and developmental issues; Social empowerment)   Context (Introduction) Income mobility analysis for 2014–2025 shows that downward movement across income groups has outpaced upward mobility, especially in rural and socially disadvantaged segments. This signals structural constraints in India’s growth model beyond what poverty and inequality ratios reveal.   Key Data Trends (2014–2025) Share of households experiencing downward mobility nearly doubled from 14% (2015) to 26.8% (2025). Households remaining in the same income group fell from over 70% to below 50%. Upward mobility rose modestly from 14.1% to 23.5%, but consistently lagged behind downward shifts. By 2025, nearly 29% of rural households were worse-off relative to 2014. Downward mobility increased across caste groups, particularly among OBC and SC households, while upward mobility among SCs remained muted. The data indicate that more households are slipping down the income ladder than climbing up, pointing to structural economic and social constraints.   Main Reasons Behind Rising Downward Mobility Rural and Informal Sector Distress:  Nearly 29% of rural households were worse-off in 2025 relative to 2014. With over 80% of India’s workforce informal (Periodic Labour Force Survey), shocks such as demonetisation, GST transition, and COVID-19 disproportionately affected small enterprises, agriculture and migrant labour. Unequal Post-Pandemic Recovery (K-shaped Growth): Organised, capital-intensive sectors recovered faster post-2020, while informal employment lagged. PLFS data show urban unemployment and labour force participation fluctuations during 2020–22, indicating fragile recovery among lower-income groups. District-Level Income Dispersion Statistical findings indicate that higher district-level inequality correlates with greater downward mobility. Concentration of growth in select urban districts restricts mobility in lagging regions. Structural Social Barriers: SC and OBC households experienced sharper downward mobility; Muslim households exhibited weaker upward mobility. Historical asset deprivation, occupational segmentation and unequal access to credit continue to constrain advancement (NSSO and SECC patterns). Low Employment Elasticity of Growth: Economic growth has been driven by capital-intensive sectors (infrastructure, digital services), generating limited broad-based employment. Manufacturing’s share in employment has not expanded proportionately despite policy focus.   Way Forward Boost Employment-Intensive Manufacturing (Economic Survey, PLI Framework): The Economic Survey repeatedly emphasises labour-intensive manufacturing (textiles, food processing, electronics assembly) for job creation. Expanding Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes with explicit employment targets and linking incentives to job creation metrics can improve mobility. Strengthen Rural Incomes through Agriculture Diversification (NITI Aayog, Doubling Farmers’ Income Reports): NITI Aayog and Ashok Dalwai Committee reports stress crop diversification, value addition and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Scaling up FPO coverage (currently over 10,000 FPOs targeted) and improving agri-value chains can stabilise rural incomes. Expand and Modernise Social Protection (World Bank, ILO Recommendations): The World Bank’s State of Social Protection Report highlights the need for adaptive safety nets. Strengthening MGNREGA with timely wage payments (as CAG flagged delays), expanding urban employment pilots, and universalising portable social security under e-Shram (covering 29+ crore workers registered) can cushion downward shocks. Invest in Human Capital (NEP 2020, National Health Policy 2017): India’s public health expenditure (~2.1% of GDP as per Economic Survey) remains modest. Increasing health spending to 2.5% GDP (National Health Policy target) and improving foundational learning outcomes (ASER reports show learning deficits) are critical for long-term mobility. Reduce Regional Inequality (Aspirational Districts Programme): The Aspirational Districts Programme (112 districts) uses real-time monitoring in health, education and agriculture. Expanding this model to “Aspirational Blocks” and linking fiscal transfers to outcome-based indicators can reduce spatial mobility gaps. Improve Access to Credit and Assets (RBI Financial Inclusion Data): Jan Dhan coverage exceeds 50 crore accounts, but credit penetration remains unequal. Strengthening Mudra lending transparency, improving SHG-bank linkages (NRLM), and expanding digital credit infrastructure can help lower-income households invest productively. Strengthen Labour Market Data and Mobility Tracking: Institutionalising panel-based income mobility tracking (through NSSO/PLFS augmentation) can help policymakers identify vulnerable groups early and design targeted interventions.   Conclusion The rise in downward income mobility between 2014 and 2025 reflects structural vulnerabilities in employment, regional development, and social equity. Evidence from labour surveys, district inequality patterns, and sectoral performance suggests that inclusive growth requires employment-centred industrial policy, robust social protection, and sustained investment in human capital to restore upward mobility and social stability.   Mains Question The rise in downward income mobility in India during 2014–2025 reflects structural constraints in the growth process. Analyse the key economic and social factors responsible and suggest evidence-based policy measures to strengthen inclusive mobility. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Modi’s Visit to Israel: Strategic Outreach Amid West Asian Fault-lines (UPSC GS Paper II – International relations: India and its neighbourhood; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)   Context (Introduction) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 24-hour visit to Jerusalem marked a significant upgrade in India–Israel ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership”, but raised concerns over India’s calibrated position on Palestine amid deepening geopolitical tensions in West Asia.   Setting the Tone: Key Outcomes Upgrade of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. Signing of 15+ MoUs, including a critical technologies partnership in AI, agriculture, culture and education. Agreement to facilitate 50,000 Indian workers in Israel over five years. Revival emphasis on I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-U.S.) and IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).   Main Arguments Strategic Deepening of India–Israel Ties: The visit demonstrated strong political signalling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally escorted Mr. Modi throughout the visit, underscoring Israel’s diplomatic emphasis. The partnership expands beyond defence into emerging technologies, workforce mobility and regional economic initiatives. Timing and Political Context: The visit occurred amid Israel’s growing international isolation over high civilian casualties in Gaza (over 72,000 deaths reported) and controversy over West Bank settlement plans. Several European nations, including Germany, France and the U.K., have publicly criticised Israel’s policies. For Mr. Netanyahu, facing elections and scrutiny over governance and security lapses in 2023, the visit carries domestic political value. India’s Position on Palestine: In his Knesset speech, Mr. Modi referred only indirectly to Palestinian sovereignty, endorsing the U.S.-led Gaza Peace Initiative and the two-state solution. However, he did not explicitly reference civilian casualties in Gaza. This marks a nuanced but visible shift from India’s historically vocal support for Palestinian self-determination. The absence of a concurrent visit to Palestine contrasts with India’s earlier diplomatic balancing. Regional Implications: India reaffirmed commitment to multilateral initiatives such as: I2U2 grouping (India-Israel-UAE-U.S.) IMEC corridor linking India to Europe via West Asia This signals New Delhi’s belief in regional economic integration despite heightened polarisation and security tensions, including possible U.S.–Iran conflict risks.   Concerns and Strategic Risks Erosion of Strategic Autonomy: A perception of “standing firmly with Israel” may affect India’s ties with Arab states and Iran, which expect balanced engagement. Energy and Diaspora Stakes: West Asia accounts for a major share of India’s energy imports and hosts over 8 million Indian expatriates; regional instability carries economic and humanitarian implications. Diplomatic Credibility: India has traditionally supported a two-state solution rooted in international law. A perceived dilution could weaken India’s moral positioning in multilateral forums. Regional Polarisation: If conflict escalates (e.g., Israel–Iran confrontation), India may face pressure to take sides, affecting trade corridors and connectivity projects like IMEC.   Way Forward Reaffirm Two-State Solution: Publicly reiterate support for Palestinian sovereignty consistent with UN resolutions and India’s historical position. Parallel Outreach to Palestine and Arab States: Follow-up diplomatic visits and humanitarian engagement to restore calibrated balance. Preserve Strategic Autonomy: Maintain multi-alignment by deepening ties with Israel while sustaining strong partnerships with Gulf states and Iran. Safeguard Connectivity Initiatives: Ensure IMEC and I2U2 projects remain economic platforms insulated from geopolitical tensions. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Support ceasefire efforts, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and dialogue mechanisms to reinforce India’s image as a responsible global actor.   Conclusion While the visit significantly strengthens India–Israel bilateral engagement, its broader impact will depend on how effectively India preserves its traditional diplomatic balance in West Asia. Sustaining strategic autonomy while advancing economic and technological partnerships remains the key test for Indian foreign policy.   Mains Question India has recently upgraded bilateral ties with Israel however critics have raised concerns regarding India’s traditional West Asia policy. Critically examine (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu