Category: POLITY

Context: To generate over 3.5 crore jobs in the organised sector between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027, with a special focus on first-time workforce entrants and the manufacturing sector.

Decoding the context:

Incentive Structure

Part A – Incentive to First-Time Employees

• Eligibility: First-time EPFO-registered employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
• Benefit: One month’s wage (max ₹15,000), paid in two instalments:
  • After 6 months of service.
  • After 12 months + financial literacy completion.
• Savings Component: Portion of benefit held in a savings instrument with a lock-in.
• Target Beneficiaries: 1.92 crore individuals.

Part B – Support to Employers

• Eligibility: EPFO-registered employers hiring additional employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
• Benefit Duration: 2 years (extended to 4 years for manufacturing sector).
• Hiring Condition:
  • Firms with <50 employees must hire at least 2 additional staff.
  • Firms with ≥50 must hire at least 5.

Benefit Amount:

• Expected Job Creation via Employers: Nearly 2.6 crore jobs.

Payment Mechanism:

• Employees: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via Aadhaar.
• Employers: Credited to PAN-linked accounts.

Learning Corner:

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

• Launch: 2005
• Aim: Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households.
• Features:
  • Demand-driven scheme for unskilled manual work.
  • Focus on rural infrastructure and water conservation.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

• Launch: 2015
• Aim: Skill development and training for youth to enhance employability.
• Features:
  • Free short-term skill training.
  • Industry-relevant certifications.
  • Target groups: school dropouts, unemployed youth.

Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)

• Launch: 2016 (ended in 2020)
• Aim: Encourage employers to generate new jobs.
• Features:
  • Government paid EPF contributions for new employees.
  • Benefitted over 1.2 crore workers.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY)

• Launch: 2020
• Aim: Promote formal job creation post-COVID-19.
• Features:
  • EPF subsidy for employers hiring new employees.
  • Applicable to workers earning less than ₹15,000/month.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

• Launch: 2014
• Aim: Skill development and placement for rural youth (15–35 years).
• Features:
  • Focus on wage employment.
  • Placement-linked skill training programs.

National Career Service (NCS)

• Launch: 2015
• Aim: Provide employment-related services online.
• Features:
  • Job matching, career counselling, and vocational guidance.
  • Over 1 crore active job seekers.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Navy inducts second indigenous stealth frigate in record time.

INS Udaygiri 

• Inducted on: July 1, 2025
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai
• Project: Second indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A
• Build Time: Delivered in a record 37 months from launch

Project 17A Features:

• Successor to Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates
• Enhanced stealth, sensors, and weapons systems
• 4.54% larger hull than its predecessor
• Equipped with:
  • Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles
  • Medium-range surface-to-air missiles
  • 76mm main gun
  • Close-in weapon systems (30mm and 12.7mm)

Technological and Industrial Aspects:

• Powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion
• Features controllable pitch propellers and integrated platform management system
• 75% indigenous content, with support from over 200 MSMEs
• Employment generated: ~4,000 directly, ~10,000 indirectly
• INS Udaygiri is the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau

Learning Corner:

Project 17A (P-17A)

Project 17A is an advanced warship construction initiative by the Indian Navy aimed at building a new class of indigenous stealth frigates, following the successful Shivalik-class (Project 17).

Key Highlights:

• Total Ships: 7 stealth frigates
• Shipyards Involved:
  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
• Purpose:
  • Enhance the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities
  • Strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing
  • Replace older frigates with advanced multi-role warships

Design & Technology:

• Stealth Features: Low radar, infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signature
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for automation
• Weapons Systems:
  • Supersonic cruise missiles
  • Surface-to-air missiles
  • 76mm main gun, CIWS
• Sensors & Radar: State-of-the-art surveillance and fire control systems

Indigenous Content & Industry Support:

• Over 75% indigenous content
• Support from 200+ MSMEs and multiple Indian defence firms
• Significant employment generation in defence and ancillary sectors

Current Status (as of July 2025):

• INS Nilgiri (lead ship) and INS Udaygiri delivered
• Remaining five ships under various stages of construction
• Entire project expected to be completed by end of 2026

Source: THE HINDU

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context : A UK laboratory has developed a revolutionary air-conditioning technology using a solid, waxy refrigerant, eliminating the need for greenhouse gas-emitting substances like HFCs and CFCs.

Key Features:

• No Greenhouse Gases: The system avoids harmful refrigerants, significantly reducing emissions.
• Higher Energy Efficiency: Early studies suggest better performance than current AC systems, lowering electricity use.
• Advanced Cooling Materials: Utilizes thermoelectric and barocaloric materials that cool via pressure or electric currents instead of vapor compression.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Targets one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions—cooling systems—by offering a sustainable alternative.
• Scalable Design: Suitable for both residential and commercial use, and can integrate with existing infrastructure.
• Commercial Potential: Seen as a future game-changer for the HVAC industry, aiding global climate goals.

Learning Corner:

HFCs and CFCs

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made chemical compounds primarily used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and in foam production.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

• Composition: Contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.
• Use: Widely used in refrigerators, air-conditioners, and aerosol sprays until the 1990s.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Ozone-depleting substances (ODS): Major cause of ozone layer depletion.
  • Banned under the Montreal Protocol (1987) due to their harmful impact on the stratospheric ozone layer.
• Example: CFC-11, CFC-12.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):

• Composition: Contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon, do not contain chlorine.
• Use: Introduced as CFC substitutes, commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Do not harm ozone, but are potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
  • Targeted for phasedown under the Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol.
• Example: HFC-134a, HFC-23.

Summary Table:

Barocaloric Effect

The barocaloric effect is a thermodynamic phenomenon where certain materials undergo a reversible change in temperature when pressure is applied or released.

Key Features:

• “Baro” = Pressure: The term refers to temperature changes induced by mechanical pressure.
• Solid-State Cooling: Unlike traditional refrigerants that rely on gas compression and expansion, barocaloric materials are solid-state and do not emit greenhouse gases.
• Mechanism:
  • When pressure is applied → material’s structure becomes more ordered → releases heat.
  • When pressure is removed → material absorbs heat → cools down.
• Applications:
  • Potential for eco-friendly refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
  • Can replace polluting refrigerants like HFCs and CFCs.

Advantages:

• Environmentally friendly: No gas leakage or ozone depletion.
• Energy-efficient: Promising for low-power, compact cooling devices.
• Scalable: Can be adapted to both small and large cooling systems.

Current Status:

• Still under research and development.
• Prototype systems have shown promise but need further optimization for commercial use.

Source :  THE HINDU

Category: GEOGRAPHY

Context: India witnessed an unusually early and widespread monsoon in 2025 due to a rare convergence of favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions.

Major Contributing Factors:

• Active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): In mid-May, the MJO enhanced rainfall-supporting convection, helping trigger early monsoon onset and advance.
• Multiple Low-Pressure Systems: Five low-pressure systems formed in June across India, accelerating monsoon progression by drawing in moisture-laden winds.
• Early Onset in Kerala: The monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, eight days ahead of schedule, setting the pace for national spread.
• Strong Somali Jet & Cross-Equatorial Flow: An unusually strong Somali Jet rapidly transported moisture from the Indian Ocean, intensifying rainfall on India’s west coast.
• High Atmospheric Moisture: Elevated global temperatures led to higher moisture in the air, boosting early cloud formation and rainfall.
• Reduced Snow Cover: Less snow over the Himalayas and Eurasia led to higher land heating, strengthening monsoon circulation.
• Favourable ENSO & IOD: ENSO-neutral and neutral-to-slightly-positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions removed traditional hindrances to monsoon progress.

Learning Corner:

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

• What is it?
  MJO is a tropical disturbance of clouds, rainfall, wind, and pressure that moves eastward around the globe along the equator roughly every 30–60 days.
• How it works:
  It consists of an active (wet) phase that enhances convection (cloud formation and rainfall) and a suppressed (dry) phase that inhibits it.
• Relevance to Monsoon:
  When the active phase of the MJO is over the Indian Ocean, it enhances monsoon onset and rainfall over India.
• Importance:
  MJO is a short-term intra-seasonal factor, unlike ENSO, and can boost or suppress monsoon activity temporarily.

ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation)

• What is it?
  ENSO refers to periodic changes in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, along with shifts in atmospheric pressure.
• Phases:
  • El Niño: Warm SSTs in the Pacific → Weakens Indian monsoon
  • La Niña: Cool SSTs in the Pacific → Strengthens Indian monsoon
  • Neutral: No significant SST anomalies → Normal monsoon behavior
• Impact on India:
  El Niño years often lead to droughts in India, while La Niña tends to enhance rainfall.

Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)

• What is it?
  IOD refers to the difference in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
• Phases:
  • Positive IOD: Warmer western Indian Ocean → Enhances Indian monsoon
  • Negative IOD: Warmer eastern Indian Ocean → Weakens Indian monsoon
  • Neutral: Balanced temperatures → No significant impact
• Relation with ENSO:
  A positive IOD can partially offset the negative effects of El Niño on the monsoon.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, aiming to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse, with a strategic focus on success at events like the 2036 Olympic Games

Key Features:

• Replaces 2001 Policy: Marks a major shift in India’s sports strategy after more than two decades.
• Extensive Consultation: Developed in collaboration with Central Ministries, State Governments, NITI Aayog, sports federations, athletes, and the public.

Five Pillars of NSP 2025:

Strategic Vision:

• Improve governance in sports bodies.
• Expand infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
• Train coaches, referees, and officials.
• Foster entrepreneurship and job creation through sports.

National & Global Ambitions:

• Targets enhanced performance in global competitions, especially the 2036 Olympics.
• Positions India as a host for major international sporting events.
• Promotes health, social inclusion, and economic growth through sports.

Learning Corner:

Major Government Schemes Related to Sports

Khelo India Scheme

• Objective: Revive sports culture at the grassroots level and build a strong framework for talent identification and development.
• Key Features:
  • Annual Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and University Games
  • Scholarships for talented athletes (₹5 lakh/year for 8 years)
  • Creation of Khelo India Centres and State Centres of Excellence
• Target Group: School and college-level athletes

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

• Objective: Identify and support elite athletes who can win medals at the Olympics and other international events.
• Key Features:
  • Financial support for training, coaching, equipment, international exposure
  • Covers both senior and junior athletes
• Administered by: Sports Authority of India (SAI)

Fit India Movement

• Launched: 2019 by the Prime Minister
• Objective: Encourage citizens to adopt fitness as a lifestyle
• Key Activities: Fitness challenges, school certifications, and awareness campaigns

National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)

• Objective: Mobilize private and public sector contributions for sports development.
• Focus: Infrastructure, training, equipment, and welfare of sportspersons

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons

• Purpose: Financial assistance for injured or retired sportspersons, or those facing financial hardship

Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme

• Objective: Nurture talent from tribal, coastal, hilly, and remote regions with natural sporting abilities
• Implemented by: Sports Authority of India

National Physical Fitness Programme (NPFP)

• Focus: Introduced under NEP 2020, this aims to integrate fitness and physical education across schools

Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS)

• Objective: Develop sports infrastructure like synthetic tracks, turf fields, and stadiums in urban areas

Source: PIB

Introduction (Context)

Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy 2025. National Sports Policy is a landmark initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s sporting landscape and empowering citizens through sports. The new policy supersedes the existing National Sports Policy 2001 and lays out a visionary and strategic roadmap to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse.

Background

• Sport in India can trace its roots back to pre-historic times, when physical skills that are now foundational to modern sports were then integral to daily life. As hunters and gatherers, humans relied on abilities like archery, wrestling, swimming, and climbing, not for recreation, but for survival. These have now evolved into the individual and team sports that we are familiar with today.

How did sports do post 1947?

• Post the British Raj, India’s prime focus was on rebuilding the nation by addressing poverty, health, and education. Therefore sectors like sports did not feature prominently in the national agenda. Even so, India hosted the first Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951.
• In 1954, the government set up the All-India Council of Sports (AICS) to advise on sports matters, support federations, and fund elite athletes. However, allocations were modest, resulting in athletes missing international competitions due to a lack of financial support. 
• India’s men’s hockey team dominated the Olympics from 1920 to 1980. 
• Indian athletics saw stars emerge such as Milkha Singh (200/400m), Gurbachan Singh (decathlon), Praveen Kumar Sobti (discus and hammer throw), and Kamaljeet Sandhu, the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal at the Asian Games.

When did India’s sports policy begin?

• After 1982 Asian Games, the government had created a dedicated Department of Sports under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. 
• India had launched its first National Sports Policy (NSP) in 1984. The NSP 1984 aimed to improve infrastructure, promote mass participation, and raise standards in elite sports. It also stressed the importance of integrating sports with education, which was formalised in the 1986 National Education Policy. Later, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established to implement policy, and athlete development programs.
• Issues: Sports is a ‘State’ subject in the Constitution and though the Union government had earmarked it a modest budget, the involvement of society and markets were minimal. Policies remained weak, and implementation inconsistent. India’s economy too remained sluggish through the 1980s. 
• However, 1991 marked a turning point, with the emergence of liberalisation. This economic shift coincided with cultural changes. Cable television, global exposure, and a rising middle class brought greater visibility and aspiration for sports. 

How has sports evolved post-2000?

• In 2000, India created a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). A revised National Sports Policy was launched in 2001, setting clearer goals for mass participation and international excellence. This period also saw sports feature in the Union Budget, albeit with a small allocation. India’s Olympic medal tally remained modest, with Rajyavardhan Rathore’s silver (2004), Abhinav Bindra’s gold (2008) and bronzes in boxing from Vijender Singh (2008) and Mary Kom (2012).
• In 2011, the National Sports Development Code (NSDC) was introduced, aiming to regulate and professionalise National Sports Federations (NSFs). It addressed governance, anti-doping, age fraud, betting, gender issues etc. but as always, implementation remained the hurdle.
• Schemes were launched over the years — TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme 2014) provided elite athletes with coaching, nutrition, and infrastructure support; Khelo India (2017) conducted youth talent identification across schools and universities; and the Fit India Movement (2019) promoted physical activity and fitness as a public health priority.

Salient features of National Sports Policy 2025

It aims at reshaping India’s sporting landscape and empowering citizens through sport. Features ae discussed below:

a.Excellence on the Global Stage

• One of the key features of the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is to strengthen the sporting culture from the block level to the national level. 
• The aim is to integrate sports deeply into the fabric of Indian society, ensuring access and opportunities for all, starting from the grassroots levels. 
• The policy lays down the following points:

• • Physical literacy
  • Outreach and awareness
  • Major sporting event
  • Strong sports promotion instututions
  • Athlete-centric sports development
  • Sports personnel
  • Safety, ethics and professionalism
  • Sports science, medicine and technology, research and innovation
  • Rewards and recognition for champion athletes
  • Educational institutes in sports development
  • Strengthening funding mechanism for sports development
  • Talent search and development
  • Sports insfrastructure
  • Districts and states
  • Excellence in para sports

b.Sports for Economic Development

• Sport plays a vital role in economic development, and initiatives involving economic development through sports involve factors like tourism, entrepreneurship and manufacturing.
• The following are some of the strategies the policy lays down that can enhance the impact of sports in economic development.

• • Sports tourism through major sporting events
  • Strong sports equipment manufacturing ecosystem
  • Strong sport startups and an entrepreneurship environment
  • Operational and financial sustainability of hard and soft sports assets
  • Recognition of innovation
  • Global sports destination
  • Sports business advisory groups

c.Sports for Social Development

• Sport can be one of the biggest unifying factors, and the Khelo Bharat Niti suggests using this to promote global peace and mutual understanding. 
• It emphasises equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of background so that they can excel.
• The following are the key points covered under sports for social development:

• • Reduced barriers for participation of underrepresented population group
  • Promotion of indigenous sports and games
  • Underrepresented population talent development initiatives
  • Peace and international cooperation activities through sports
  • Promotion of sports and allied services as a mainstream career
  • Sports volunteering programs

d.Sports as a People’s Movement

• This feature talks about turning sports into a powerful people’s movement by addressing important aspects of physical and mental well-being while also serving as a major leisure and entertainment activity. 
• Sports can improve overall fitness, reduce healthcare costs and promote a healthier lifestyle. Sport can also be helpful for mental health as it can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. 
• The following are the key points by which this can be achieved

• • A fitness ranking and indexing system will be implemented to incentivise educational institutions and workplaces to excel in their sports and physical education programs. Personnel training and certification would be established, as it is a crucial factor to deliver effective physical education.
  • National Sports Federations shall be actively engaged with educational institutions that will promote discipline. Standard Operatoing Procedures (SOPs) would be created for fitness programs for schools, colleges and workplaces.
  • Physical education frameworks will have to be revamped and be in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, which would enhance the quality of physical education.
  • Access to sporting facilities will be improved through guidelines and frameworks that will lead to more public participation and support the establishment of social sport hubs at the block and district levels.

e.Integration with Education (aligned with NEP 2020)

• The policy talks about aligning the Khelo Bharat Niti with the National Education Policy where several key focus areas will be addressed. 
• The main aim is the seamless integration of sports in the overall curriculum which will promote a balanced growth of students.

• • A framework for the active engagement of sports groups and circles in educational institutions will be formulated to enhance the presence and impact of sports in schools.
  • A sports and physical education skill development program for teachers will be framed and facilitated for the effective delivery of sports education.
  • Coordinating with various stakeholders for effective resource delivery. This includes ensuring adequate manpower, securing necessary resources such as playground and implementing school-level programs on a regular basis.

Hence, strategic frameworks have been laid down to advance the sporting ecosystem in India such as:

• Strong professional sports governance, implementation and monitoring
• Technological intervention
• National framework and regulatory bodies
• Private sector engagement

Conclusion

The NSP 2025 is the outcome of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders. The policy is anchored on five key pillars viz. Excellence on the Global Stage, Sports for Economic Development, Sports for Social Development, Sports as a People’s Movement and Integration with Education (NEP 2020).

National Sports Policy 2025 sets India on a transformative path toward becoming a leading sporting nation globally, while creating healthier, more engaged, and empowered citizens.

Mains Practice Question

Q The National Sports Policy 2025 envisions sport as a tool for national development, not merely as competition. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction (Context)

Empowerment begins with access to rights, to services, to protection, and to opportunity. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been at the forefront of this transformation and has integrated technology into its programmes, ensuring that benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently. Digital systems has redefined and democratized these empowerment drives.

The Ministry has also strengthened access to nutrition, education, legal safeguards, and essential entitlements, ensuring that women and children lead healthier, more secure lives

Transformative initiatives

1.Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: 

• It is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at strengthening nutrition and early childhood care and development. 
• It’s an integrated nutrition support program focusing on children (0-6 years), adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. 
• The initiative seeks to improve nutritional and health status, reduce malnutrition, and enhance overall child development.  
• Usage of IT: 

• • Steps have been taken to modernise and empower over 2 lakh Anganwadi centres across India. 
  • These centres are being upgraded with smart infrastructure, digital devices, and innovative learning tools, enabling more effective delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education services.
  • Poshan Tracker has enabled real-time data entry, performance monitoring, and evidence-based policy interventions. Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker. 
  • By equipping Anganwadi workers with smartphones and comprehensive training, the initiative ensures quality service delivery at the last mile.

• Recognised with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also supports Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi, providing digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education.

2.Supplementary Nutrition Programme:

• The Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) is a key component of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, aiming to address malnutrition among women and children by providing nutritious food supplements. 
• This program focuses on bridging the gap between the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Average Daily Intake (ADI) of beneficiaries.
• Usage of IT:
• To reduce leakages in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, a facial recognition system has been introduced to ensure that eligible beneficiaries alone receive nutrition support.

3.Steps for women safety

• The SHe-Box portal provides single-window access to every woman to lodge complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It enables online redressal and tracking. 
• The Mission Shakti dashboard and mobile app provide integrated assistance to women in distress, connecting them to the nearest one-stop centre, now operational in nearly every district. 

4.Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a government of India scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers for their first living child. 
• The scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, provides cash benefits to compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and early motherhood, promoting better health and nutrition for both mother and child. 
• Usage of IT: 

• • PMMVY is a fully digital programme — leveraging Aadhaar-based authentication, mobile-based registration, doorstep assistance from Anganwadi/ASHA workers, and real-time dashboards. 
  • A dedicated grievance redressal module and citizen-facing portal ensure transparency, trust, and accountability, strengthening the government’s commitment to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

Data: Access to digital in India

According to the first Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey:

• At the all-India level, 76.3% of households have broadband Internet facilities. In rural areas, 71.2% of households have the facility, while in urban areas, 86.5% do. This data shows the deep penetration of the Internet in India. But there are variations across States, castes, gender, and class.
• In some States, more than 90% of the households have a broadband connection. These include Delhi, Goa, Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. But in some other States, fewer than 70% have a broadband connection. These include West Bengal (69.3%), Andhra Pradesh (66.5%), Odisha (65.3%), and Arunachal Pradesh (60.2%).
• There are also significant variations within caste groups on the issue of broadband connectivity at home. In households in the general category, 84.1% have broadband connection, while the numbers for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are 77.5%, 69.1%, and 64.8% respectively.
• The majority of the households have broadband connectivity, OBC, SC, and ST communities are still significantly behind households in the general category in this aspect.
• According to the CAMS report, 94.2% of rural households and 97.1% of urban households have mobile or telephone connections in their households.

Outcomes of the digital initiatives

• The latest reports from the Health Management Information System of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reveal that:

• • The Sex Ratio at Birth has increased from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24). 
  • The Maternal Mortality Rate has declined to 97 per 1,000 births (2018-20) from 130 per 1,000 births (2014-16).

• Digital transformation has played a key role in child protection and welfare. Under the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Ministry has strengthened the adoption ecosystem through the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System). This ensures a more transparent, accessible, and efficient adoption process.
• Digitisation has also improved monitoring of child care institutions, foster care placements, and statutory support structures under the Act. Platforms developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights are tracking violations of child rights. The Mission Vatsalya dashboard strengthens convergence and coordination among various child welfare stakeholders.

Conclusion

India’s drive to digitize and democratize welfare services for women and children has yielded significant gains in transparency, accountability, and outcomes. However, to fully realize the promise of a “digitally empowered Bharat,” it is essential to bridge infrastructure gaps, strengthen data safeguards, and invest continuously in capacity building. Integrated governance, sustained funding for technology refresh, and community-centric sensitization efforts will be critical to overcoming the remaining challenges.

Mains Practice Question

Q Critically analyse how digital technologies have transformed the delivery of welfare services for women and children in India. Discuss the impact on access, transparency, and outcomes. (250 words, 15 marks)

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