1) World Consumer Rights Day 2025

GS 3: Economy: Protecting consumer rights

Context

• World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, highlights the importance of protecting consumer rights globally.
• First celebrated in 1983, this day marks President John F. Kennedy’s historic address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first global leader to formally recognize consumer rights.

Theme for 2025

• The 2025 theme, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,’ emphasizes making sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices accessible and affordable for all.
• It calls for stronger consumer protection, ensuring that sustainability efforts do not compromise basic consumer rights and needs. The campaign focuses on the necessary pathways to achieve global sustainable lifestyles.
• The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has introduced various initiatives to empower consumers, enhance grievance redressal mechanisms, and promote market transparency.
• In 2024, key developments included strengthening e-commerce regulations, digital consumer protection, product safety standards, and sustainable consumption practices.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• To modernize consumer protection in the era of globalization and digital markets, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• This law established a three-tier quasi-judicial system—Consumer Commissions at District, State, and Central levels—to provide swift dispute resolution, particularly in cases of unfair trade practices.
• As per Section 38(7) of the Act, consumer complaints must be resolved promptly, within three months if no product testing is required and within five months if testing is necessary. This provision ensures quick and effective justice for consumers.

Consumer Welfare Fund

• The Consumer Welfare Fund aims to support consumer protection initiatives and strengthen the consumer movement in India. Funds are allocated to states/UTs as a one-time grant on a 75:25 basis (90:10 for Special Category states/UTs) to establish a Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund. States use the interest generated from this fund to support projects benefiting local consumers.
• In FY 2024-25, ₹32.68 crore was allocated to states for setting up or enhancing their Consumer Welfare Funds. So far, 24 states and 1 UT have successfully established their Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Funds, ensuring financial support for consumer welfare initiatives.

Strengthening Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Expansion of E-Daakhil for Online Consumer Complaints

• To enhance consumer grievance redressal, the E-Daakhil portal was launched as a cost-effective, fast, and hassle-free platform for filing complaints. This online system eliminates the need for physical visits, offering a paperless and transparent process for lodging and tracking cases.
• Since its launch on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, E-Daakhil has strengthened consumer rights and ensured swift justice.
• Building on this, the government introduced e-Jagriti, a digital platform for case filing, tracking, and management. It enables seamless communication between consumers and authorities, reducing delays, minimizing paperwork, and expediting dispute resolution.
• By automating the grievance process, e-Jagriti enhances efficiency and accessibility, ensuring timely justice for consumers.

Enhancements to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH)

• The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has become a key platform for consumer grievance redressal. To enhance efficiency, NCH 2.0 was introduced with AI-powered Speech Recognition, a Translation System, and a Multilingual Chatbot. It is now integrated with FSSAI and BIS for faster dispute resolution.
• Under its Convergence Programme, NCH has partnered with 1,000+ companies across sectors like e-commerce, travel, FMCG, retail, banking, and telecom to ensure direct and faster resolution of complaints.

Jaago Grahak Jaago Portal and Mobile App

• The Jaago Grahak Jaago online portal and mobile app, launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, help consumers identify potentially unsafe e-commerce URLs.
• These platforms provide real-time alerts, ensuring safer online transactions. They also offer resources and support to help consumers make informed decisions and assert their rights in the marketplace.

Consumer Protection in E-Commerce and Digital Transactions

New E-Commerce Guidelines

• To protect consumers from unfair e-commerce practices, the Department of Consumer Affairs introduced the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules define the responsibilities of e-commerce entities, outlining their liabilities and provisions for consumer grievance redressal.
• Additionally, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, on November 30, 2023. These guidelines regulate 13 deceptive practices in e-commerce, aiming to prevent misleading tactics that exploit consumers.

E-Commerce – Principles and Guidelines for Self-Governance Draft Standard by BIS

• The draft Indian standard on “E-Commerce – Principles and Guidelines for Self-Governance” by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aims to establish a transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly framework for online marketplaces.
• Covering pre-transaction, contract formation, and post-transaction phases, it mandates clear product disclosures, including pricing, seller details, return policies, and data privacy measures.
• The guidelines require explicit consumer consent, prohibit misleading ads, and strengthen grievance redressal under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. To protect consumers, they introduce strict measures against counterfeit products, unfair trade practices, and preferential treatment of sellers, ensuring fair competition.
• They also prevent deceptive pricing, hidden charges, and forced bundling while ensuring secure payments and transparent refunds.
• Additionally, the framework mandates data protection, requiring platforms to obtain explicit consent for marketing and provide accessible dispute resolution. If implemented, these measures will boost consumer trust, promote ethical business practices, and enhance accountability in India’s digital marketplace.

2) India’s MAHASAGAR Initiative: Strengthening Global South Cooperation

GS 2: International Relations: MAHASAGAR Initiative

Why is it in the news?

• PM Narendra Modi launched MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025.
• This initiative expands India’s vision for security, economic cooperation, and development across the Global South, reinforcing its leadership in the region.

What is MAHASAGAR?

• MAHASAGAR is a comprehensive strategic framework that builds upon India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, which focused on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It aims to enhance trade, security, and development cooperation across the Global South.

Core Pillars of MAHASAGAR

• Economic Cooperation and Trade Expansion – Enhances trade relations, facilitates commerce, and promotes technology exchange to strengthen economic integration.
• Building Sustainable Capacities – Focuses on infrastructure growth, educational advancement, and economic resilience to support partner nations.
• Strengthening Regional Security – Boosts maritime collaboration, defense cooperation, and strategic partnerships to ensure stability.
• MAHASAGAR aims to reinforce India-led initiatives, counter China’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific, and amplify India’s influence in global platforms like G20, IORA, and BRICS.

How MAHASAGAR Expands on SAGAR (2015)?

• India’s SAGAR (2015) initiative was primarily focused on maritime security and economic cooperation within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• MAHASAGAR (2025) expands this vision to include a broader engagement with the Global South, Indo-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Pacific Island Nations.

Comparison: SAGAR (2015) vs. MAHASAGAR (2025)

Regional Expansion

• SAGAR (2015) primarily focused on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), fostering maritime security and economic cooperation among coastal nations.
• In contrast, MAHASAGAR (2025) extends its reach beyond the IOR to encompass the Global South, including the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, broadening India’s strategic influence.

Strategic Focus Areas

• While SAGAR emphasized maritime security, economic partnerships, and the blue economy, MAHASAGAR shifts towards a more comprehensive approach, prioritizing trade-led development, technology-sharing, and capacity-building.
• This transition reflects India’s ambition to establish itself as a global leader in fostering sustainable economic and security partnerships.

Alliances and Partnerships

• SAGAR built collaborations with key IOR nations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
• MAHASAGAR, however, aims for a broader engagement by including Africa, ASEAN, Latin America, and Pacific Island Nations, strengthening India’s global outreach.

Security and Defense Cooperation

• SAGAR focused on anti-piracy measures, maritime surveillance, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) protection to safeguard regional stability.
• MAHASAGAR, on the other hand, enhances security cooperation through joint naval exercises, cybersecurity initiatives, and expanded defense collaborations, ensuring a more resilient regional security framework.

Economic and Developmental Agenda

• Under SAGAR, India promoted the blue economy, regional connectivity, and trade corridors within the IOR.
• MAHASAGAR takes a more advanced approach by facilitating technology transfers, providing concessional financing, and promoting trade in local currencies to reduce dependency on external financial systems.

Diplomatic Outreach

• SAGAR sought to strengthen regional alliances through forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and BIMSTEC.
• In contrast, MAHASAGAR aims to amplify the Global South’s voice on international platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations, positioning India as a key advocate for developing nations.

Significance of MAHASAGAR

• MAHASAGAR positions India as a key economic and security partner for the Global South.
• By expanding trade, promoting technology-sharing, and enhancing regional security, India aims to strengthen global partnerships, counter geopolitical challenges, and ensure sustainable development.

3) China’s Two Sessions 2025: Economic Strategies, AI Investments, and Technological Priorities

GS 2: International Relations: China’s economic and technological goals

Why is it in the news?

• China’s annual “Two Sessions” meetings, which set government policies and economic targets, concluded on March 11. The meetings brought together the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to discuss economic growth, military spending, and key policy directions. This year, a strong focus was placed on investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maintaining a 5% GDP growth target, amid concerns over slowing economic momentum.

Structure and Significance of the Two Sessions

• The Two Sessions meetings involve nearly 3,000 NPC deputies and over 2,100 CPPCC members from across China, including representatives from Hong Kong and Macao. NPC members are elected through provincial and municipal elections or appointed by institutions like the military for five-year terms.
• While the NPC is often described as a “rubber stamp” body, efforts have been made to increase its role, such as soliciting public feedback on major bills in 2008. However, the NPC’s Standing Committee, a smaller group of around 150 members, plays a more direct role in lawmaking, under the continued control of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
• The CPPCC, on the other hand, functions as an advisory body and includes private individuals, some of whom are not CPC members. Past delegates have included notable figures such as actor Jackie Chan and descendants of leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

Key Economic Announcements

• China’s economy is currently experiencing slower growth due to factors such as a property sector crisis, COVID-19 lockdown impacts, and unemployment. Low domestic consumption has also been a major concern, leading the government to emphasize boosting household demand.
• Chinese Premier Li Qiang acknowledged these economic challenges, particularly sluggish consumption, and promised targeted assistance for fresh graduates, migrant workers, and low-income groups.
• The government set a 5% GDP growth target and increased the debt-to-GDP ratio to 4% (up from 3% last year). Military spending saw a 7.2% rise, maintaining last year’s pace, reaching $245 billion. Additionally, new stimulus measures were announced to encourage domestic spending and economic recovery.
• Amid rising U.S.-China tensions, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including coal, liquefied natural gas, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars, in response to trade measures introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

AI and Technological Innovation as a Strategic Focus

• With a growing focus on reducing reliance on Western technology, China is prioritizing investment in AI and other high-tech sectors. A state-led venture capital fund was launched earlier this month to support AI and quantum technology, aiming to mobilize around 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) over the next two decades.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping held meetings with top industrialists from companies such as Huawei, BYD, and Xiaomi, highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening domestic innovation.
• AI models like DeepSeek, which gained significant market attention, have reinforced the importance of private-sector firms in China’s technological ambitions, particularly in the face of U.S.-China tech competition.
• Local governments have been encouraged to develop AI clusters, robotics hubs, and biotechnology centers, while Xi has stressed the need for a coordinated national STEM talent pipeline. Analysts suggest that China is shifting its economic strategy from heavy reliance on Western trade to fostering domestic technological advancement and innovation-driven growth.

China’s Path Forward

• While the Chinese government remains committed to its economic and technological goals, challenges persist, including economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and the need for structural reforms.
• Whether AI investments and economic stimulus efforts can counteract slowing growth and geopolitical pressures remains to be seen, but China’s leadership is clearly prioritizing self-sufficiency and technological leadership in its long-term vision.

4) India Demonstrates Space Undocking Capability

GS 3: Science and Technology: ISRO’s SpaDex Mission            

Why is it in the news?

• Nearly two months after successfully docking two satellites in space, ISRO carried out its first undocking procedure, making India the fourth country—after the US, Russia, and China—to achieve this capability.
• This milestone marks a significant advancement in India’s space technology and strengthens its future space exploration ambitions.

Understanding Space Docking

• Space docking is a complex process where two fast-moving spacecraft are placed in the same orbit, gradually brought closer, and then joined together. To showcase this capability, ISRO launched the SpaDex mission on December 30, 2024.
• The mission involved two 220-kg satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—placed in a 470 km circular orbit with a small relative velocity between them. Starting from an initial distance of 20 km, the two satellites were progressively brought together and locked using an extended docking mechanism.
• For this mission, ISRO developed its own docking system, inspired by the one used at the International Space Station (ISS). Like the ISS system, ISRO’s docking mechanism is androgynous, meaning both the Chaser and Target satellites have identical systems.
• However, ISRO’s version operates with just two motors, compared to the 24 used in the International Docking System Standard. Once docked, ISRO scientists demonstrated power-sharing capabilities between the satellites and controlled them as a single composite unit. The undocking procedure, executed after two months of extensive ground simulations, was completed smoothly.

Importance of Docking and Undocking

• This capability is crucial for missions involving heavy spacecraft that cannot be launched from Earth in a single mission.
• Since weight is a major constraint in space exploration, spacecraft components are often sent separately and assembled in space—just like the International Space Station was built. The docking-undocking process is also vital for transporting astronauts and supplies to space stations.
• India has ambitious plans, including establishing its own space station by 2035 and sending humans to the Moon by 2040. Mastering rendezvous, docking, and undocking is essential for these missions. Chandrayaan-4, which aims to bring back lunar soil and rock samples, will also rely on this technology.

Historical Milestones in Space Docking

• The United States was the first country to demonstrate space docking during the Cold War-era Space Race. In 1966, NASA’s crewed mission Gemini VIII successfully docked with the Agena target vehicle, commanded by astronaut Neil Armstrong—who would later become the first human to walk on the Moon in 1969.
• The first autonomous docking, where a spacecraft independently finds and attaches to its target without human intervention, was demonstrated by the USSR in 1967 when it successfully docked the Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 spacecraft. China, the third country to achieve this capability, demonstrated unmanned docking in 2011, followed by its first crewed docking mission in 2012.
• With this successful undocking mission, India joins this elite group, reinforcing its position as a key player in space exploration.
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5) PM Surya Ghar: India’s Solar Revolution

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Rooftop Solar Initiative

Why is it in the news?

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has reached a significant milestone with 10 lakh homes now powered by solar energy as of 10th March 2025.
• Launched by PM Narendra Modi on 13th February 2024, the scheme is reshaping India’s energy sector. Each solar installation under PMSGMBY offsets carbon emissions equivalent to planting 100 trees, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainability.

Progress Across States

• Several states have shown remarkable progress under the scheme. Chandigarh and Daman & Diu have achieved 100% rooftop solar targets for government buildings, leading in clean energy adoption.
• States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu have also contributed significantly to the overall installation figures. The government actively monitors state-wise progress to ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme, targeting 1 crore households by 2026-27.

Key Benefits

• The scheme provides free electricity to households through subsidized rooftop solar installations, reducing energy costs. Additionally, it is expected to save the government ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses.
• By increasing the use of renewable energy, the scheme contributes to a sustainable energy mix while reducing carbon emissions, aligning with India’s environmental commitments.

Subsidy Details

The subsidy amount varies based on a household’s average monthly electricity consumption and the suitable rooftop solar capacity:

• 0-150 units: 1-2 kW capacity, subsidy of ₹30,000 to ₹60,000
• 150-300 units: 2-3 kW capacity, subsidy of ₹60,000 to ₹78,000
• Above 300 units: More than 3 kW capacity, subsidy of ₹78,000
• Households can apply for subsidies through the National Portal, which provides information on system sizes, a benefits calculator, vendor ratings, and other essential details.
• The subsidy processing time averages 15 days after a redemption request is made by the consumer. Collateral-free loans at a 7% interest rate are available for residential rooftop solar (RTS) systems up to 3 kW, making solar adoption financially viable.

Impact on Households and the Nation

• The scheme enables households to save significantly on electricity bills and generate additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs. A 3-kW system can generate over 300 units per month, providing reliable energy and potential revenue.
• Additionally, PMSGMBY aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity through residential rooftop installations, boosting India’s renewable energy sector.
• From an environmental perspective, the scheme will generate 1000 BUs of electricity over 25 years while reducing CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes. This shift to solar energy contributes significantly to India’s carbon reduction goals.
• Furthermore, the initiative is expected to create approximately 17 lakh direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, operations, and maintenance, strengthening economic growth and employment opportunities.

Support for Domestic Manufacturing

• Aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the scheme mandates the use of domestically produced solar modules and cells. As of March 2025, over 3 GW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed, with an additional 27 GW targeted by March 2027.
• This initiative is fostering the local production of inverters and Balance of Plant (BoP) components, reinforcing India’s renewable energy ecosystem under the Make in India vision.

Model Solar Village I  nitiative

• The scheme includes a “Model Solar Village” component, aiming to establish one Model Solar Village per district. With an allocation of ₹800 crore, each selected village will receive ₹1 crore in financial assistance. To qualify, a village must be a revenue village with a population of over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states).
• Villages are chosen through a competitive process, evaluated based on their renewable energy capacity six months after selection by the District Level Committee (DLC).
• The village in each district with the highest RE capacity will receive a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. State and UT Renewable Energy Development Agencies will oversee the implementation to ensure effective energy transition.

Conclusion

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative initiative driving India’s clean energy transition. With 10 lakh installations completed and a target of 1 crore solar-powered homes, the scheme is making solar power accessible and affordable.
• By offering substantial subsidies, easy financing options, and a streamlined digital application process, the program ensures that households across urban and rural India can adopt solar energy with minimal financial burden.
• Beyond reducing electricity costs, the initiative is fostering energy self-reliance, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, positioning India as a global leader in renewable energy adoption.

6) PM-YUVA 3.0

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Mentoring Young Authors to Promote Reading and Writing

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) on March 11, 2025.
• This Author Mentorship Program aims to train aspiring authors below 30 years of age to foster a culture of reading, writing, and literature in India while promoting Indian writings globally.

Objectives and Themes

• PM-YUVA 3.0 aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of encouraging youth to engage with India’s rich cultural heritage and the contributions of visionaries in nation-building. The scheme focuses on three key themes:

1) Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building – Highlighting the role of the diaspora in India’s development.

2) Indian Knowledge System – Emphasizing the historical wisdom and modern applications of indigenous knowledge.

3) Makers of Modern India (1950-2025) – Showcasing the impact of visionaries in various sectors over the past 75 years.

• Through these themes, the scheme aims to create a generation of writers capable of articulating India’s progress and cultural identity.

Aligning with NEP 2020

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritizes empowering young minds and fostering leadership qualities through learning ecosystems.
• India, with 66% of its population under 35, presents a vast potential for nurturing creative and intellectual talent. PM-YUVA 3.0 plays a critical role in mentoring young writers who can contribute to knowledge dissemination and national development.

Significance of the Scheme

• The scheme aims to develop a new generation of writers who can articulate the influence of the Indian diaspora across political, economic, and socio-cultural domains. It also highlights the significance of the Indian Knowledge System in preserving historical wisdom and promoting innovation.
• Furthermore, it encourages young authors to explore the contributions of eminent personalities in fields like education, science, economy, and social empowerment, providing a comprehensive narrative of India’s progress.