The growing strain on India’s social fabric due to increasing polarisation and highlights the urgent need to rebuild bridges of trust among diverse communities.

The necessity of bridges in sustaining India’s pluralism

Introduction: India’s Plural Identity

• India’s strength historically lies in its ability to accommodate multiple identities – religious, cultural, and linguistic.
• The increasing polarisation and narrowing of spaces for dialogue have put this balance under stress.

Growing Strain on Social Fabric

• Rising Polarisation:Marginalisation of minorities, especially Muslims, has deepened mistrust.
• Alienation of Communities: Inflammatory rhetoric, unilateral policies, and lack of dialogue reinforce exclusion.
• Institutional Distrust: Declining faith in executive and judiciary due to perceived partiality.

Issues in Policy Implementation

• Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2015: Seen as unilateral imposition without adequate consultation.
• Religious Festivals: Selective state support (e.g., Kanwar Yatra) raises doubts about neutrality.
• Law and Order Concerns: Enforcement agencies often perceived as biased, creating mistrust.

The Challenge of Dialogue

• Despite past attempts at dialogue, there is little structural change in state policy.
• Fear of losing cultural identity and lack of institutionalised consultation hinder bridge-building.

Comparative Perspective

• Other multicultural societies (e.g., Morocco, Turkey, Egypt) also face challenges of balancing plural identities.
• However, India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and fraternity should provide the guiding framework.

Way Forward

• Inclusive Dialogue: Establish structured and continuous engagement forums between state institutions and minority communities.
• Neutral Institutions: Ensure visible neutrality of executive, judiciary, and enforcement agencies to rebuild trust.
• Policy Consultation: All major policy reforms affecting communities must include pre-legislative consultation.
• Civic Nationalism: Strengthen the idea of fraternity and constitutional patriotism over religious or cultural divides.
• Civil Society Role: Encourage inter-community initiatives, cultural exchanges, and trust-building mechanisms.

Recent government guidelines for implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and management of Community Forest Resources (CFRs) have raised concerns of bureaucratic centralisation and inadequate involvement of tribal communities.

Forest Rights Act and Tribal Empowerment

Background

• The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006recognises rights of Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
• Objective: Empowerment, tenure security, livelihood, and sustainable use of forests.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) oversees FRA implementation.

Key Issues in Implementation

• Individual vs Community Rights
  • Emphasis has shifted to individual land rights (pattas), while Community Forest Rights (CFRs) remain neglected.
  • CFRs crucial for collective use of resources such as grazing, minor produce, and sacred groves.
• Bureaucratic Centralisation
  • New guidelines appear to transfer responsibility of CFR management to Forest Department, undermining Gram Sabha authority.
  • Risks perpetuating colonial patterns of forest administration.
• Lack of Statutory Compliance
  • Certificates issued in several states without fulfilling statutory requirements under FRA.
  • Leads to displacement of tribal customary rights.
• Ecological and Social Concerns
  • Weak FRA implementation leads to:
    • Increased forest degradation and fires.
    • Marginalisation of vulnerable tribal groups.
    • Hindrance in achieving sustainable forest governance.

Critical Implications

• For Tribals: Loss of livelihood security, erosion of cultural ties to forest land.
• For Ecology: Forest fires, unsustainable extraction, biodiversity loss.
• For Governance: Duality of authority (FRA vs Forest Department) creates confusion, weakens accountability.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Gram Sabhas: Empower Gram Sabhas with statutory control over CFRs; avoid bypassing tribal consent.
• Capacity Building: Training for tribal communities in sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
• Harmonisation of Laws: FRA must take precedence over older legislations like the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
• Transparency in Clearances: Independent monitoring of forest diversion and rights recognition.
• Ecological Sustainability: Integration of FRA with climate change goals, eco-restoration, and community-based conservation.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen highlighted the significance of migration and diversity in India’s progress, while cautioning against exclusionary practices like forced documentation in electoral rolls.

Migration as Driver of Progress

• Migration has historically facilitated cultural exchange, scientific progress, and economic development.
• Example: Brahmagupta’s mathematical works were translated into Arabic, showing how knowledge transfer occurs through migration.
• Both voluntary and forced migration shape globalization and nation-building.

Diversity as Strength of Indian Society

• India’s pluralism is reflected in its multilingual, multi-religious, and multicultural composition.
• Diversity is constitutionally protected through provisions like Articles 14, 15, 16, 29, 30 (equality, non-discrimination, and cultural rights).
• Diversity fosters resilience, innovation, and inclusivity in India’s growth trajectory.

Concerns over Exclusionary Practices

• Initiatives like Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may disenfranchise vulnerable populations lacking documents.
• Labelling of Bengali-speaking citizens as "Bangladeshis" highlights risks of xenophobia and identity-based discrimination.
• Upholding human rights and equality before law (Article 21, Article 14) is vital for inclusive democracy.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has introduced a FASTag-based Annual Pass Scheme for non-commercial vehicles.

Background on FASTag:

• FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
• It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for direct toll payment without stopping at plazas.

About the Annual Pass Scheme (2025):

• Introduced through amendment in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 via Gazette Notification G.S.R. 388(E) dated 17 June 2025.
• Applicable for non-commercial cars, jeeps, vans.
• Activated on payment of ?3000.
• Validity:One year OR 200 fee plaza crossings (whichever is earlier).
• In closed user systems, entry + exit together count as one crossing.
• Applicable on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) only; States may adopt it with technical support.

Recent Rationalization of Fee (July 2025):

• Toll fee on structures (bridges, tunnels, flyovers) is calculated as:
  • 10 times length of structure + length of road, or
  • 5 times total length of section, whichever is lesser.

Significance:

• Reduces frequent recharge burden on FASTag users.
• Provides cost relief for frequent travelers on NH/NE.
• Promotes digital toll collection and seamless transport.
• Supports government’s push for cashless economy and congestion-free highways.

The Nicobarese Tribal Council has alleged that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration falsely certified settlement of Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims to grant forest clearances for the ?72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Project.

Great Nicobar Island Project

• Proposed mega infrastructure project includes a transshipment port, international airport, power plant, and township.
• Requires diversion of 13,075 hectares of forest land, impacting ecologically sensitive and tribal areas.
• Located in Great Nicobar Island, which is strategically significant due to proximity to Malacca Strait.

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 vs PAT, 1956

• FRA, 2006: Recognises forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes’ rights; diversion of forest land requires Gram Sabha consent after rights settlement.
• Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956 (PAT56): Provides administrator wide authority to restrict land transfer and protect indigenous tribes in A&N Islands.
• Controversy: Administration claims FRA not applicable since PAT56 already protects forests, but FRA has stronger provisions of consent and rights settlement.

Concerns of the Nicobarese Council

• Alleged false certification declaring FRA rights settled, though the process had not even been initiated.
• Gram Sabha consent claimed by administration is disputed, as local Nicobarese were reportedly not part of the meeting.
• Raises critical issues of tribal consent, environmental clearance, and constitutional protection for vulnerable communities (Articles 244, 338A, and Fifth & Sixth Schedule provisions relevant for tribal areas).

India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) with the highest number of votes during the 23rd AIBD General Conference

Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD):

Institutional Background & Establishment (1977):

• AIBD was created under UNESCO to promote broadcasting and electronic media development in the Asia-Pacific.
• It functions as an intergovernmental organization, making it distinct from private media associations.
• The secretariat’s location in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reflects the region’s centrality in Asia-Pacific media cooperation.

Mandate & Objectives:

• Its focus is on building a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment, ensuring regional cooperation and shared standards.
• Key activities include policy advocacy, training, capacity building, and resource sharing.
• It plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in broadcasting across developing member states.

Founding Partners & Membership:

• Founding support came from ITU, UNDP, UNESCO, and ABU, highlighting aUN-led collaborative approach to media development.
• Current membership spans 92 organizations across 44 countries, including both government broadcasters and affiliate bodies from multiple continents.
• Its membership composition ensures cross-regional engagement beyond Asia-Pacific, strengthening global media dialogue.

India’s Role in AIBD:

• India is a founding member, reinforcing its leadership in global broadcasting cooperation.
• Prasar Bharati represents India at AIBD, symbolizing India’s commitment to public service broadcasting.
• India often participates actively in policy discussions and training programs under AIBD, boosting its soft power in media diplomacy.

An IIT graduate, Pratik Radhakrishnan alias Rohan Menon, was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly running a ?65-crore Ponzi scheme involving fake investment promises.

Definition and Characteristics

• Ponzi Scheme: A fraudulent investment scheme promising high returns with little or no risk.
• Key Features:
  • Returns are paid to earlier investors from the money collected from new investors.
  • Requires a continuous inflow of new investors.
  • Collapses when fresh investments stop.
  • Often masked as multi-level marketing (MLM) or direct-selling.

Historical Background

• Named after Charles Ponzi (1919), an Italian swindler in the U.S.
• He promised 50% returns in 45 days using international postal reply coupons.
• Became a symbol of financial fraud worldwide.

Difference Between Ponzi Scheme and MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)

Safeguards in India

Legislative Framework

• Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978
  • Bans money circulation and chit fund-like Ponzi schemes.
  • State governments are primary enforcement agencies.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
  • Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigates Ponzi cases as money laundering offences.
• Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019 (BUDS Act)
  • Comprehensive law to ban unregulated deposit-taking activities.
  • Punishment: 1–10 years imprisonment, fine ?2 lakh–?50 crore.
  • First claim on recovered money: depositors.
  • Provides for repayment/disgorgement mechanisms.

Regulatory Oversight

• RBI: Issues warnings and regulates NBFCs to prevent deposit fraud.
• SEBI: Monitors collective investment schemes and unregulated fundraising.
• State Police & ED: Investigate fraud cases under criminal law and PMLA.

Recent Examples in India

• Saradha Scam (West Bengal, 2013) – multi-crore chit fund scam.
• Rose Valley Scam – Ponzi scheme disguised as real estate and hospitality.
• Pearls Agrotech Scam – raised deposits from farmers promising land ownership.

The Government released updated data (August 2025) on fisheries growth, schemes, and infrastructure projects, showcasing India’s progress as the world’s second-largest fish producer.

Fisheries as a Growth Driver

• Contributes 8% of global fish output; second largest producer worldwide.
• Provides food security, employment, and income for millions, especially in coastal and rural areas.
• Success story of NavkisharGope (Jharkhand) illustrates how PMMSY support transforms livelihoods.

Growth in Fish Production

• Total production: 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) ? 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25) (+104%).
• Inland fisheries: 61 lakhtonnes ? 147.37 lakh tonnes (+142%).
• Shift towards modern, sustainable aquaculture with adoption of new technologies and better value chains.

Government Schemes and Interventions

• Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020)
  • Launched to fill critical gaps left by the Blue Revolution (2015).
  • Objectives: improve production, productivity, traceability, post-harvest handling, fisher welfare.
• Financials:
  • • Projects worth ?21,274.16 crore approved (July 2025).
    • Central share: ?9,189.79 crore; Released: ?5,587.57 crore.
    • Original size: ?20,050 crore (2020–25); Extended till 2025–26.
• Pradhan Mantri MatsyaKisanSamridhiSah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY, 2024–27)
  • Central Sector Sub-scheme of PMMSY.
  • Outlay: ?6,000 crore; Early sanction (April 2025): ?11.84 crore.
  • Focus: formalisation, insurance, institutional credit, quality assurance.
  • Supported by World Bank (?1,125 cr) + AFD (?375 cr).
• National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP, 2024)
  • Developed under PM-MKSSY.
  • Provides digital identity, single-window access to credit, insurance, incentives, and training.
  • 26 lakh+ stakeholders registered by August 2025.
• Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, 2018)
  • Size: ?7,522.48 crore; Extended till March 2026.
  • Provides concessional credit with 3% subvention; credit guarantee up to ?12.5 crore.
  • Target: formation of 12,000 fisheries cooperatives in 10 years.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fisheries
  • Limit raised to ?5 lakh (from ?2 lakh).
  • As of June 2025: 76 lakh KCCs issued; disbursement: ?3,214.32 crore.
• DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA)
  • Focus on tribal empowerment.
  • ?375 crore allocation to fisheries component; support for 10,000 tribal groups & 1,00,000 individuals.

Infrastructure and Technology Development

• Fisheries Clusters and Aquaparks
  • 34 fisheries clusters notified; organic clusters in Sikkim and Meghalaya.
  • 11 Integrated Aquaparks sanctioned (?682.60 crore) for seed, feed, farming, processing, cold storage, marketing.
• Technology-Driven Aquaculture
  • Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS): 12,000 units approved (?902.97 crore).
  • Biofloc Technology: 4,205 units approved (?523.30 crore).
  • Promotes “crop-per-drop” in aquaculture; reduces water use, improves productivity.
• Smart and Integrated Harbours
  • Locations:Vanakbara (Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), Jakhau (Gujarat).
  • Cost: ?369.8 crore (60:40 Centre-State sharing).
  • Features: IoT, AI tools, renewable energy, waste management, eco-friendly design.

Inclusivity and Social Empowerment

• PMMSY provides higher financial support for SC, ST, and women beneficiaries.
• Projects worth ?3,973.14 crore approved for women (2020–25).
• Fisheries interventions aligned with tribal development mission (DA-JGUA).

International Cooperation

• FAO (2025): Technical Cooperation on Blue Ports.
• AFD (2025): Joint workshop on Eco-Fishing Ports.
• External funding supports India’s eco-friendly, sustainable fisheries model.

The Government sanctioned 23 chip-design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, with Vervesemi Microelectronics unveiling its roadmap ICs to accelerate India’s semiconductor self-reliance.

DLI Scheme (Design Linked Incentive):

• Launched under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY.
• Supports domestic startups, MSMEs, and academia for developing chips, SoCs, and IPs.
• 23 chip-design projects sanctioned till Aug 2025.
• 72 companies given access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, essential for chip design.

Associated Programmes:

• Chips to Startup (C2S): Promotes training, research, and innovation in VLSI & embedded system design.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Semiconductors & Display Manufacturing (2021): Complements DLI by supporting manufacturing ecosystem.

Technology Features:

• Embedded machine learning (ML) for self-healing, predictive diagnostics, and fail-safe reliability.
• Enhances power efficiency, yield, and precision.
• Reduces import dependence and promotes “Designed-in-India” branding.

Significance:

• Strengthens Atmanirbharta in semiconductors, a critical sector for electronics, defense, EVs, and AI.
• Boosts fabless semiconductor ecosystem – design in India even without domestic fabrication.
• Aligns with India’s vision to be a global semiconductor design hub.

A new study in Nature warns that climate-driven changes in Antarctica are accelerating, causing rapid sea ice retreat, ice sheet instability, and threats to marine ecosystems, potentially raising global sea levels by metres.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Published in Nature, led by Prof. Nerilie Abram, Australian National University.
• Highlights abrupt changes or “regime shifts” in:
  • Sea ice cover – retreating 120 km on average since 2014.
  • Ice sheets & ice shelves – West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) at risk of irreversible collapse.
  • Regional ocean currents and ecosystems – marine species threatened; emperor penguin chick mortality reported.

Sea Ice Dynamics:

• Floating sea ice melting does not raise sea level, but reduces albedo, accelerating warming.
• Antarctic sea ice has contracted three times faster in a decade than Arctic ice over 50 years.
• Summer ice-free conditions in Antarctica could occur earlier than Arctic.

Ice Sheet and Ice Shelf Concerns:

• Land-based ice sheets contribute directly to sea level rise.
• Complete Antarctic ice sheet melt ? 58 m sea level rise; partial collapse ? ?3 m rise, threatening hundreds of millions in coastal areas.
• WAIS collapse is considered a tipping point, triggered at <2°C global warming.

Ecosystem Impact:

• Loss of sea ice ? mass mortality in emperor penguins.
• Disruption of Antarctic marine ecosystems ? risk of extinctions.

Global Implications:

• Antarctic changes amplify global warming.
• Accelerated sea level rise ? flooding of low-lying areas, coastal cities, and island nations.
• Highlights the urgency for climate mitigation and international action.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to launch over 100 satellites in the next 15 years to strengthen earth observation, communication, and navigation capabilities.

ISRO’s Future Roadmap

• Over 100 satellite launches planned till 2047.
• Focus:Earth observation, communication, navigation, and scientific missions like Chandrayaan, Aditya, and Gaganyaan.
• Increasing role of private sector in space technology, manufacturing, and innovation.

Strategic Importance

• Enhances India’s capability in disaster management, agriculture, weather forecasting, navigation, and national security.
• Boosts India’s role in the global commercial satellite launch market.
• Supports flagship missions such as Chandrayaan-4, Shukrayaan (Venus), Aditya (Sun), and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight).

Private Sector Participation

• Involvement of start-ups and companies in building satellites, launch vehicles, and innovative payloads.
• Part of India’s space sector liberalisation policy (2020) and institutional reforms like IN-SPACe and NSIL.

Challenges

• Need for significant infrastructure expansion, cost reduction, and technological advancement.
• Managing timelines and ensuring mission reliability while competing globally.

Kerala High Court published India’s first AI usage guidelines for district judiciary to improve efficiency while addressing ethical, legal, and procedural risks.

Opportunities and Challenges

• Efficiency Gains: AI tools such as document translation, transcription, and defect identification in filings can enhance speed and efficiency in handling over five crore pending cases.
• Risk of Errors: AI transcription and translation can misinterpret legal terms, names, or context (e.g., “leave granted” mistranslated), and hallucinations in LLMs may produce false information.
• Impact on Judicial Reasoning: Over-reliance on AI risks reducing adjudication to rule-based inferences, overlooking human judgment, contextual relevance, and legal precedents in decision-making.

Ethical, Legal, and Technical Safeguards

• Transparency to Litigants: Courts must inform litigants if AI is used and allow them to opt-out if they have concerns about accuracy or human oversight.
• Critical AI Literacy: Judges, court staff, and lawyers require training in AI capabilities and limitations, facilitated by judicial academies and bar associations in collaboration with AI governance experts.
• Procurement and Evaluation: Standardized frameworks are needed to assess AI reliability, explainability, data management, and suitability before adoption in courts.

Institutional Integration and Oversight

• Role of Technology Offices: Phase III of the eCourts Project proposes dedicated technology offices to guide courts in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing AI tools.
• Human Oversight: AI outputs should undergo verification by trained personnel to prevent errors, ensuring that technology supports rather than replaces judicial reasoning.
• Purpose of AI Adoption: The ultimate aim is to enhance efficiency while preserving nuanced human judgment and the integrity of the judicial process.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the implications of Artificial Intelligence adoption in India’s judiciary. Discuss the ethical, legal, and procedural safeguards necessary to ensure that AI complements human decision-making without compromising justice.”   (250 words)

Recent US policy pronouncements under President Trump have created friction in India–US ties, but analysts argue that long-term strategic cooperation must not be undermined.

Bilateral Trade and Strategic Concerns

• Trade Partnership: The US is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 141.8 billion in 2022–2023, though imbalances and tariff disputes remain.
• Diaspora and Remittances: Remittances from the Indian diaspora in the US, accounting for nearly 30% of total inflows, are vital for India’s economy and any restrictions may sharply affect them.
• Security Cooperation: India and the US have signed key agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA, strengthening defense and intelligence cooperation.

Challenges and Areas of Friction

• Agriculture and Dairy Access: US demands for Indian market access in agriculture and dairy threaten the livelihood of vulnerable Indian farmers.
• Energy Dependence: India faces challenges in reducing reliance on Russian oil while ensuring affordable energy alternatives amid US pressure.
• Technology and Defense Gaps: Despite progress, India seeks clearer frameworks for technology transfer and equitable defense cooperation with the US.

Strategic Outlook and Future Prospects

• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Both nations share concerns about China’s assertiveness and aim to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Pacific strategic framework.
• Multilateral Diplomacy: India advocates moderation in global groupings, including the Quad, to balance strategic ties without alienating other partners.
• Future Engagements: Recent initiatives like US–India iCET and defense cooperation under the 10-year roadmap show potential for resilience despite temporary policy frictions.

Practice Question

“India–US relations have oscillated between friction and partnership, yet strategic convergence in trade, security, and technology makes the relationship indispensable. Critically examine this statement with reference to recent challenges and opportunities.”  (250 words)

The article discusses India’s policy challenge of ensuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) drives inclusive growth by supporting small businesses and workers rather than displacing them.

AI and Employment Landscape

• Growing AI Adoption: Reports suggest AI could potentially add over 105 million jobs and displace 3 million by 2030, making its trajectory critical for India’s future workforce.
• Sectoral Challenges: AI adoption is likely in knowledge-intensive sectors like IT, while low-skilled workers in manufacturing and services face displacement risks.
• MSME Importance: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), if integrated with AI tools, can become engines of employment-rich growth.

Policy Framework and Digital Infrastructure

• Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s AI policy should be anchored in open standards, interoperability, and shared infrastructure to avoid monopolistic lock-ins.
• Innovation Ecosystem: Investments in incubators, accelerators, and mentorship should expand beyond technology hubs to ensure broad-based innovation.
• Inclusive Scaling: Public programmes such as Digital India, Startup India, and Atal Innovation Mission can align AI deployment with long-term employment generation.

Way Forward for Inclusive AI

• Worker-Centric Approach: AI adoption must prioritise skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning initiatives to ensure workers adapt to technological shifts.
• Support for Entrepreneurs: AI policies should foster entrepreneurship and ensure accessibility of digital tools to small businesses for sustainable competitiveness.
• Regulatory Safeguards: Clear governance frameworks are needed to prevent monopolies, ensure data transparency, and make AI deployment equitable.

Practice Question

“Artificial Intelligence is often seen as a double-edged sword for India’s economy. Discuss how policy measures can ensure AI acts as an enabler of inclusive growth, particularly for MSMEs and workers.”   (250 words)