Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: Rethinking the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in the context of geopolitics, climate change, and India’s national interest.

Decoding context:

Why IWT Needs Rethinking:

• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) was signed during a time of new geopolitical realities post-Partition.
• Pakistan’s location as a lower riparian state made it vulnerable, prompting a Western-brokered agreement.
• The treaty was never a simple water-sharing agreement but a product of Cold War-era geopolitics involving the World Bank and Western powers.

Climate Change & Hydrological Impact:

• Climate change is a critical factor: altering glacier melt, river flows, and storage needs.
• The treaty does not account for changing water availability or extreme weather events.
• India’s need for more storage capacity and hydropower must be factored into a renegotiation.

Asymmetry in the Treaty:

• Pakistan, as the lower riparian, has veto power over Indian projects on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
• India receives only 20% of the basin’s waters despite contributing significantly to the basin’s geography and climate.
• The treaty is not reciprocal, giving Pakistan more leverage and delaying Indian hydropower projects.

Strategic Need for Renegotiation:

• India must assert its rights and renegotiate on terms that reflect present realities.
• A revised treaty should consider:
  • India’s climatic and developmental needs,
  • China and Bangladesh’s influence on other river systems,
  • The scientific understanding of the Indus Basin (e.g., glaciology, hydrology).

Learning Corner:

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• Signed: 1960
• Parties: India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank
• Objective: Water-sharing of the Indus River System between India (upper riparian) and Pakistan (lower riparian)

Key Provisions:

• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan, with limited use permitted to India (non-consumptive uses like hydropower)
• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India
• Permanent Indus Commission: Established for cooperation and dispute resolution
• Dispute Mechanism: Includes negotiation, neutral expert, and international arbitration

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context: Three out of the four autonomous boards under the National Medical Commission (NMC) — India’s apex medical education regulator — have no presidents.

Current Problems:

• 3 out of 4 boards lack presidents; other members have also resigned or completed their tenure.
• Boards are running in an ad hoc manner, stalling inspections, decisions, and curriculum updates.
• 11 of 18 board posts and 6 part-time posts are vacant.
• Even virtual inspections of colleges are being done by non-technical staff, leading to concerns over quality assurance.
• Lack of official acceptance of resignations has worsened the leadership vacuum.

Consequences:

• New medical college inspections and seat renewals are delayed.
• Academic changes (e.g., curriculum updates on LGBTQ+ issues, ethics) are stalled.
• No full Commission meeting has happened in nearly a year.
• Students and colleges are affected due to regulatory inaction.

Learning Corner:

National Medical Commission (NMC) 

Background:

• Established: September 2020
• By: National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (replacing the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956)
• Objective: To overhaul the medical education system, improve governance, transparency, and eliminate corruption associated with the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Composition of NMC:

• Chairperson
• 10 Ex-officio members
• 22 part-time members
• 4 autonomous boards (very crucial):
  1. Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB)
  2. Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)
  3. Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
  4. Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)

Each board is headed by a President and performs a specialized regulatory function.

Key Functions of NMC:

• Regulate medical institutions, education, and professionals.
• Frame curriculum standards for undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• Grant permission for establishment of new medical colleges and increase of seats.
• Maintain National Register of licensed medical practitioners.
• Ensure adherence to ethical codes of conduct.
• Conduct National Exit Test (NEXT) for final-year MBBS students (will serve as a licentiate exam and PG entrance test).
• Promote evidence-based medical education and practice.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: ECONOMICS

Context : The US House of Representatives has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) imposing a 1% tax on non-commercial overseas remittances, effective January 1, 2026.

Details of the Tax:

• Initially proposed at 5%, later reduced to 1%.
• Applies to cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or informal transfers like through money service providers.
• Exemptions:
  • Transfers under $15.
  • Transfers using bank accounts or US-issued debit/credit cards.

Impact on India:

• India may see a limited impact, as:
  • Most remittances use formal channels, which are exempt.
  • Indian remittances may be frontloaded before Jan 2026.
  • The new tax is milder than earlier proposals.
• According to the Center for Global Development, India will be the second-most affected country after Mexico, but the impact will still be modest.

Learning Corner:

Remittances to India (2025)

India continues to be the top recipient of global remittances, receiving a record $135.46 billion in FY 2024–25, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. These inflows play a critical role in India’s balance of payments, accounting for over 10% of the country’s current account receipts.

Key Source Countries:

• United States (largest contributor)
• United Kingdom
• Singapore
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia

Developed countries now contribute around 45% of the total inflow, while GCC nations’ share has slightly declined due to changing migration patterns.

Trends and Drivers:

• Growth in high-skilled Indian migrants to OECD nations
• Expansion of the Indian diaspora, now exceeding 18 million
• Strong use of formal banking channels
• Increased use of digital remittance platforms

Economic Significance:

• Helps offset trade deficits
• Acts as a stable source of foreign exchange
• Often exceeds foreign direct investment (FDI) in volume
• Supports household consumption, rural spending, and financial inclusion

Source :  THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: CULTURE

Context:Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a visit to Trinidad, called Lord Ram the “divine link beyond oceans” during a community event, referring to the cultural legacy of Ramleela among the Indian diaspora.

Trinidad and Indian Roots:

• Trinidad and Tobago has a population of ~13 lakh, with a large percentage tracing roots to India.
• Indian indentured labourers arrived here between 1838 and 1917, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• They brought with them cultural traditions, especially Ramleela—the dramatic retelling of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas.

Carrying Ram Across the Seas:

• Though they had few possessions, migrants carried texts like the Ramcharitmanas or preserved it in memory.
• This tradition became a symbol of cultural continuity and identity in a foreign land.
• Ramleela was performed in rural settings, often with local Bhojpuri songs and participation of all community members.

Symbol of Identity:

• For Indo-Trinidadians, Ramleela remains a cultural anchor and symbol of ‘Indianness’, even in a Westernized Caribbean context.
• The community continues to absorb and reinterpret Lord Ram’s teachings, reinforcing transnational Indian identity.

Learning Corner:

Ramleela

Ramleela is the traditional, dramatic re-enactment of the life and story of Lord Ram, primarily based on the epic Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas. It is a vibrant form of folk theatre that is especially popular in northern India, performed during the Navratri period, culminating in Dussehra with the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy.

Origins & Significance:

• Rooted in the Bhakti movement, Ramleela gained popularity in the 16th century with the devotional retelling of Ram’s life.
• It is not just a religious event, but also a cultural celebration, combining drama, music, and moral education.
• It reinforces ethical values like dharma (righteousness), sacrifice, and loyalty.

Folk Theatre in India

Folk theatre in India is a vibrant and diverse form of traditional performance art that combines storytelling, music, dance, drama, and rituals to convey moral, religious, and social messages. Rooted in local culture and dialects, folk theatre has historically served as a medium of education, entertainment, and social reform, especially in rural India.

Key Characteristics:

• Oral tradition: Passed down through generations without written scripts.
• Community participation: Performed in open spaces, with active audience engagement.
• Religious and mythological themes: Often based on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Use of local language and idioms: Accessible to rural and semi-literate audiences.

Regional Forms:

Cultural Significance:

• Preserves local traditions, language, and history.
• Acts as a tool for social commentary and political satire.
• Promotes moral and spiritual values.
• Encourages community bonding and collective identity.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: GEOGRAPHY

Context: The Government of India has released long-term vision documents for the aluminium and copper sectors, aiming to boost domestic capacity, ensure resource security, and promote green manufacturing as part of the goal of achieving “Viksit Bharat” by 2047

Aluminium Vision: Key Highlights

• Target: Sixfold increase in production to 37 MTPA by 2047.
• Raw Material Security: Expand bauxite production to 150 MTPA.
• Sustainability: Double the aluminium recycling rate; adopt low-carbon technologies.
• Policy Support: Focus on proven reserves, reform frameworks, and industry collaboration with major players like NALCO, Hindalco, and Vedanta.

Copper Vision: Key Highlights

• Target: Sixfold increase in domestic demand by 2047.
• Capacity Addition: Add 5 MTPA refining capacity by 2030.
• Recycling Focus: Boost secondary refining to reduce import dependency.
• Global Strategy: Secure overseas mineral assets and set up foreign refining facilities.

Strategic Importance

• Clean Energy & Infrastructure: Copper and aluminium are essential for solar, EVs, and power grids.
• Economic Growth: Expected to support construction, transport, and machinery sectors.
• Sustainability: Emphasis on responsible mining and adoption of the 6 R’s of mine closure (Reclaim, Repurpose, Rehabilitate, Revegetate, Remediate, Relinquish).

Learning Corner:

Aluminium and Copper Producing Places in India

India is rich in non-ferrous metal resources, especially bauxite (for aluminium) and copper ore. These resources are concentrated in specific regions, forming the backbone of the country’s aluminium and copper industries.

Aluminium Production (Based on Bauxite Reserves)

Major Bauxite-Producing States:

1. Odisha
   • Largest bauxite reserve holder and aluminium producer
   • Key sites: Panchpatmali (Koraput), Kodingamali
   • Major companies: NALCO, Vedanta
2. Chhattisgarh
   • Reserves in Kabirdham and Surguja districts
   • Key for future expansion
3. Jharkhand
   • Notable areas: Lohardaga, Gumla
   • Hindalco operates mining and refining units
4. Maharashtra
   • Kolhapur district is a key mining area
5. Gujarat
   • Bauxite found in Jamnagar and Kutch regions

Aluminium Smelter Hubs:

• Angul (Odisha) – NALCO
• Jharsuguda (Odisha) – Vedanta
• Renukoot (Uttar Pradesh) – Hindalco
• Korba (Chhattisgarh) – BALCO

Copper Production

Major Copper Ore Producing States:

1. Rajasthan
   • Largest producer of copper ore
   • Key belt: Khetri-Singhana (Jhunjhunu district)
   • Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) is the major operator
2. Madhya Pradesh
   • Malanjkhand (Balaghat district) hosts India’s largest open-cast copper mine
   • Operated by HCL
3. Jharkhand
   • Ghatsila (East Singhbhum district) has long-standing underground mining operations

Copper Smelting Units:

• Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) – Sterlite Copper (closed since 2018)
• Dahej (Gujarat) – Hindalco
• Bharuch (Gujarat) – Birla Copper

Source: THE HINDU

Context

The National Medical Commission (NMC), India’s apex medical education regulator, is facing a leadership crisis with three of its four autonomous boards awaiting presidents for over nine months. This has hampered critical decisions, medical college inspections, and academic governance, raising concerns about regulatory credibility and public health outcomes.

Introduction

The NMC was constituted in September 2020, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI) to bring in transparency, efficiency, and accountability in medical education. It consists of four key autonomous boards:

• UG & PG Medical Education Board
• Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
• Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
• Advisory Board (President: NMC Chairperson)

Significance of NMC:

• Aims to create a transparent, merit-based system of regulation.
• Seeks to align Indian medical education with global standards.
• Promotes uniformity in standards across states and private/public institutions.
• Reduces political interference and corruption seen in the MCI era.

However, persistent vacancies, ad hoc operations, and procedural paralysis threaten the goals of the historic medical education reform.

Key Challenges Faced by NMC

Leadership Vacuum:

• 3 of 4 autonomous boards lack presidents.

• Over 11 of 18 full-time posts are vacant; 6 part-time members have finished their tenure.
• Even the President of NMC and one board president have resigned, but their resignations remain unaccepted — creating administrative ambiguity.

Poor Functioning:

• Boards are working in an ad hoc manner.
• Regular activities like college inspections, seat approvals, and curriculum reforms are delayed or suspended.
• Meetings of the general body of NMC have not happened since late 2023.

Flawed Inspection System:

• Virtual inspections are conducted using CCTV and biometric data.
• These inspections rely on self-declared data by colleges, which are often unchecked or falsified.
• Many inspections are conducted by non-technical personnel, raising questions on validity.

Impact on Medical Education:

• Delay in approval of new medical colleges and seats, affecting student admissions.
• Reforms such as inclusion of gender sensitivity, LGBTQ+ issues, and medico-legal ethics in curriculum remain stalled.

Implications of Dysfunction

• Public Health Impact: India’s push to increase doctor density (WHO standard: 1:1000) is undermined.
• Loss of Regulatory Credibility: Colleges are bypassing NMC’s oversight; potential for regulatory capture and corruption resurfaces.
• Digital Dependence without Checks: CCTV- and document-based inspections lack rigor and can be manipulated.
• Policy Paralysis: Without meetings of the general body, curriculum reforms, disciplinary action, and ethical standards remain on paper.

Way Forward

• Expedite Appointments: MoHFW must prioritise filling board vacancies through meritocratic, time-bound processes.
• Strengthen Institutional Autonomy: Reduce bureaucratic delays; empower NMC for decentralised functioning.
• Transparent, Evidence-Based Inspections: Combine virtual monitoring with randomised physical audits.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consult medical colleges, associations, and civil society for inclusive reforms.
• Capacity Building: Train NMC staff in medical education technology, ethics, and digital evaluation systems.

Conclusion

The NMC was envisioned as a next-generation medical regulator, but its effectiveness now hinges on robust leadership, procedural stability, and accountability mechanisms. Reviving its institutional integrity is essential for India to meet its public health and medical education goals in the Amrit Kaal.

Value Addition

Data Point:

• As of 2024, India had ~1.4 million registered doctors; shortfall still exists in rural and Tier-2/3 India.

• WHO recommends 1 doctor per 1000 people – India still lags in several states.

Q. “The effectiveness of any regulatory body lies not just in its structural design, but in its operational integrity.” Examine the recent challenges faced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and their implications for medical education governance in India. (250 words)

Context

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank in 1960 between India and Pakistan, has come under renewed scrutiny amid evolving geopolitical tensions and climate change impacts.

Introduction:

The Indus Waters Treaty is often hailed as one of the most successful transboundary river agreements in the world, having survived multiple wars between India and Pakistan. However, changing hydro-political realities, increasing water stress, and climate variability have prompted a re-evaluation of the treaty’s relevance. 

Historical Background and Structure of IWT:

• Signed in 1960, the IWT allocates western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
• India can use western rivers for non-consumptive use (hydropower, irrigation) under specific restrictions.
• The World Bank played the role of neutral arbiter, a mechanism still active in resolving disputes.

India’s Concerns:

• Asymmetry in obligations: India, the upper riparian, has limited usage rights, while Pakistan enjoys broader entitlements.
• Diplomatic misuse by Pakistan: Frequent escalation of technical disagreements to political and legal fora (e.g., arbitration on Kishanganga and Ratle projects).
• Climate change impacts: Altered precipitation patterns, glacial retreat, and extreme weather events were not accounted for in 1960.
• “Keeping treaty in abeyance”: India’s current position reflects a calibrated strategic shift, indicating possible withdrawal or renegotiation.

Strategic and Environmental Imperatives:

• Water security is vital for India’s growing agricultural and energy needs, especially in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Need for modernisation of treaty provisions in line with:
  • Climate resilience
  • Technological advancements (e.g., satellite hydrology)
  • Cooperative basin management
• The treaty does not reflect contemporary principles of equitable and reasonable utilisation or integrated river basin development.

Regional and Geopolitical Context:

• China’s upstream role on the Brahmaputra and other rivers highlights the need for a pan-Himalayan water policy.
• Bangladesh’s lower riparian concerns and Nepal’s untapped potential suggest India must also shape broader South Asian hydro-diplomacy.

Way forward:

While the IWT has demonstrated remarkable resilience and stability, its rigidity in the face of new challenges undermines India’s long-term water sovereignty and climate security. A renegotiated or restructured treaty, based on principles of mutual benefit, equitable use, and modern scientific inputs, is essential. 

Conclusion:

India must move from being a passive signatory to a proactive shaper of regional water governance, aligning water diplomacy with national interests and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Important Keywords for UPSC Answer:

• Upper and Lower Riparian Rights
• Hydro-diplomacy
• Water Sovereignty
• Strategic Restraint
• Climate Resilience
• Asymmetrical Treaty Framework
• Transboundary Water Management
• Integrated River Basin Development
• Glacio-hydrological Variability
• Vested Interests and Treaty Abuse
• Cooperative Federalism in Water Governance

Quote for Enrichment:

“Water treaties must reflect hydrological realities, not just historical compulsions.”

Q. “Water diplomacy is the new frontier in India’s foreign policy.” In light of this statement, assess the role of the Indus Waters Treaty in shaping India’s hydro-diplomatic engagements in South Asia. (250 words)

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