1) NAKSHA Scheme: Transforming Urban Land Records Through Geospatial Mapping

GS 3: Economy: Digitizing land records

Why is it in the news?

• NAKSHA is a city survey initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), led by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development. The initiative aims to create accurate geospatial maps for towns and cities, enhancing urban land governance.
• Launched as a pilot project in 152 urban local bodies across 26 states, the initiative targets cities with an area of less than 35 sq km and a population under 2 lakhs. The pilot is expected to be completed within a year.
• Using aerial and field surveys integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the project will improve property ownership records, urban planning, and land transactions.

Why is NAKSHA Needed?

• While rural land records have been modernized over time, urban areas still lack updated maps. Several cities, except for states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa, have outdated or unstructured land records, leading to inefficiencies in governance and taxation.
• The idea for NAKSHA was introduced in the 2024 Union Budget, with Finance Minister announcing GIS mapping-based digitization of urban land records. She reiterated the government’s commitment in the 2025 Budget, stating that urban governance, land, and planning reforms would be incentivized.
• She also announced the launch of a National Geospatial Mission under PM Gati Shakti to modernize land records and support infrastructure projects.

Scope and Funding of NAKSHA

• India has 7,933 towns covering 1.02 lakh sq km, and NAKSHA aims to cover 4,142.63 sq km. The pilot project is fully funded by the Centre at a cost of ₹194 crore.
• At the unit level, the survey cost varies based on the technology used:

1) ₹25,000–₹30,000 per sq km for a simple camera

2) ₹60,000 per sq km for a 3D camera

• Once implemented, NAKSHA will digitize urban land records, reduce disputes, enhance property tax collection, improve credit access, and facilitate urban planning. If successful, the project will be expanded to 4,912 urban local bodies across India.

How Will the Survey Be Conducted?

• The survey will employ aerial photography using drones equipped with two types of cameras:

1) Simple cameras

2) Oblique angle cameras (5-camera system with LiDAR sensors)

• These cameras provide 5 cm ground resolution, significantly better than satellite imaging (30 cm for European Space Agency satellites and 50 cm for ISRO satellites).
• The NAKSHA survey will be conducted in three stages:

1) Selection and Aerial Survey – Identifying an area, planning drone flights, and capturing images for data extraction.

2) Field Survey and Draft Mapping – Verifying ground conditions, linking property details (tax, ownership), and creating 2D/3D models with draft land ownership records.

3) Claims and Final Mapping – Addressing grievances, updating ownership details, and publishing the final maps.

• With its structured approach and advanced technology, NAKSHA is set to revolutionize urban land governance in India, ensuring better land management, transparency, and urban development.

2) Madras HC Ruling on Night Arrests of Women

GS 2: Polity and Governance:  Safeguards for arresting women

Why is it in the news?

• The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, in Deepa vs. S. Vijayalakshmi & Others, ruled that the provision restricting the arrest of women at night under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, is directory, not mandatory.
• The case involved the arrest of a woman at 8 PM, initially ruled a violation of Section 46(4) of the CrPC by a single Judge. However, a two-Judge Bench later held that Section 46(4) CrPC is not mandatory, stating that strict adherence could harm public interest.

Safeguards for Arresting Women

• Section 43(5) of BNSS (earlier Section 46(4) of CrPC) provides two safeguards for arresting women:

1) No arrests after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional cases.

2) Prior magistrate approval is required, which must be sought through a written report by a woman police officer.

• However, the law does not define exceptional circumstances. Additionally, as per Section 46(1) proviso, a male officer cannot touch a woman during arrest unless a woman officer is unavailable or circumstances require it.

Key Observations by the Madras High Court

• The Court noted that Section 46(4) CrPC does not specify penalties for non-compliance. If the law was meant to be mandatory, the legislature would have outlined consequences.
• The ruling emphasized that police officers perform a public duty, and strict procedural adherence could allow a female accused to escape if a magistrate is unavailable at night.

Law Commission’s Recommendations

• The 135th Law Commission Report (1989) recommended prohibiting the arrest of women at night, except in extreme urgency, with:

1) Prior permission from a superior officer, or

2) Immediate reporting to the superior officer and magistrate if prior approval was not possible.

• Similar recommendations appeared in the 154th Law Commission Report (1996), leading to the insertion of Section 46(4) CrPC in 2005 with modifications.

Supreme Court’s Stand on the Issue

• The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court directed that no woman be detained without a lady constable or after sunset and before sunrise. However, the Supreme Court observed that strict compliance could be impractical in certain cases.

Impact of the Ruling on Women’s Safety

• The ruling does not invalidate Section 46(4) CrPC/43(5) BNSS but clarifies that police officers must justify non-compliance. While an arrest at night may not be declared illegal, officers must provide an explanation.
• The Court also directed police authorities to define what qualifies as exceptional circumstances through official guidelines.

3) Debate Over the Three-Language Policy in Tamil Nadu

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Concern over three language policy

Why is it in the news?

• The Tamil Nadu government and the Centre are at odds over the three-language formula under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Union government has linked compliance with this policy to the release of funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
• However, Tamil Nadu sees this as a means to impose Hindi and insists on following its traditional two-language policy of Tamil and English.

Constitutional Provisions on Language

• The Constitution designates Hindi as the official language of the Union, while English was initially meant to be used for 15 years post-independence. However, the Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed the continued use of English indefinitely.
• States can adopt their own official languages, and the Union has the responsibility to promote Hindi as a medium of expression across India.

What is the Three-Language Policy?

• First introduced in the NEP of 1968, the three-language formula mandated teaching Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking states. Tamil Nadu resisted this, maintaining its two-language system.
• NEP 2020 continues the three-language approach but does not impose any language on any state. Instead, it allows states and students to choose their languages, provided at least two are Indian languages.

Challenges in Language Education

• Reports by the Annual Status of Education Research (ASER) highlight weak learning outcomes among Indian students. In 2022, nearly 60% of Class V students could not read a Class II-level text, and in 2023, 25% of youth aged 14-18 struggled with the same. Additionally, over 40% in this age group had difficulty reading English sentences.
• Financial constraints also impact education. A 2022 report by the Ministry of Education noted that of the ₹3.03 lakh crore revenue expenditure on elementary education (2019-20), 85% came from states and only 15% from the Centre. Despite a 6% GDP expenditure target in NEP 2020, actual spending on education remains around 4-4.5% of GDP.

Conclusion and the Way Forward

• While English is not an Indian language, its proficiency has given India a competitive edge in global industries. Learning additional Indian languages is beneficial, but given existing learning challenges and financial limitations, schools should prioritize improving mother-tongue and English education along with basic numeracy.
• Even in private schools, where a third language is taught until Class VIII, proficiency remains low.
• Census 2011 data indicates that 26% of Indians are bilingual and 7% are trilingual, with higher percentages in urban areas (44% bilingual, 15% trilingual). With increasing urbanization and migration, these numbers are expected to rise, showing that people learn additional languages based on practical needs.
• A constructive dialogue between the Centre and Tamil Nadu is crucial to prevent funding delays. Given the financial burden on states and regional diversity, greater autonomy in school education policies should be discussed.

4) Gharial Conservation: How Madhya Pradesh Leads the Effort

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: India’s gharial conservation

Why is it in the news?

• Madhya Pradesh CM recently released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in Morena. The state has emerged as a leader in gharial conservation, hosting over 80% of India’s gharials due to decades of dedicated efforts.

What Are Gharials?

• Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are long-snouted, fish-eating crocodilians named after the Hindi word ghara, referring to the bulbous snout tip of adult males. They are sacred in Indian mythology and often depicted as the divine mount of the goddess Ganga.
• Their slender snouts, lined with interlocking teeth, are adapted to catch fish. Males grow between 3-6 meters, while females range from 2.6–4.5 meters.
• Gharials mate from November to January, and sandbanks serve as critical nesting and basking sites. As river levels recede from March to May, females lay eggs in communal nests. They provide parental care for hatchlings in the initial days. These crocodilians play a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystems by cleaning up carrion.

Why Were Gharials Released into the River?

• To strengthen the gharial population, CM released nine males and one female into the Chambal River on February 17. Madhya Pradesh has the highest gharial population in India, with a 2024 census recording 2,456 individuals in the sanctuary.
• India saw an 80% decline in gharials between the 1950s and 1960s. While global populations recovered until 1997, they declined by 58% between 1997 and 2006, with adult numbers dropping from 436 to 182.
• Wildlife experts suggest gharials are likely extinct in Myanmar and Bhutan, with small, uncertain populations in Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh’s upper Brahmaputra.

Threats to Gharials

• Historically, overhunting for skins, trophies, eggs, and traditional medicine led to drastic declines.
• Today, modern threats include dam construction, irrigation canals, river course changes, pollution, embankments, siltation, sand mining, and fishing. Gill nets remain a major hazard, killing gharials even in protected areas.

Conservation Efforts

• Between 1975 and 1982, India established 16 captive breeding and release centres, along with five gharial sanctuaries. Currently, gharials primarily survive in five key refuges:

1) National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS)

2) Katerniaghat Sanctuary

3) Chitwan National Park

4) Son River Sanctuary

5) Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

• Conservation strategies include captive breeding, population monitoring, threat management (such as restricting sand mining), and engaging local communities in habitat protection.
• An MP wildlife officer emphasized key measures like “stronger river protection, better environmental management, sandbank restoration, and community involvement.”

Why is the Chambal Sanctuary Crucial?

• Spanning three states, the Chambal sanctuary protects a 435-km stretch of one of India’s cleanest rivers. Apart from gharials, it is home to over 290 bird species, including the rare Indian Skimmer, which has 80% of its national population in this region.
• The sanctuary has also aided gharial reintroduction in other states. Punjab’s rivers lost their gharial populations in the 1960s-70s. However, in 2017, gharials were sent from Chambal’s Deori Gharial Center to Punjab.
• In 2018, 25 gharials were released into the Sutlej River, followed by another 25 into the Beas River in 2020.

The Way Forward

• Madhya Pradesh’s success in gharial conservation showcases the importance of sustained efforts in protecting endangered species.
• Continued habitat preservation, stricter enforcement against threats, and expansion of conservation programs can further secure the future of these unique crocodilians.

5) US-Europe Rift: Shaping a New Global Order

GS 2: International Relations: Reshaping international dynamics

Why is it in the news?

• The growing divide between the US and its European allies is reshaping international dynamics. President Donald Trump’s proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza and turn the region into a US-controlled “riviera” has sparked controversy.
• Additionally, the US appears to be shifting its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, resisting European efforts to condemn Russian aggression at the UN.
• These moves indicate that the US is acting without direct involvement from the most affected parties—Palestinians and Ukrainians—raising concerns about the future of the global order.

Return to Imperialist Thinking?

• Experts suggests that Trump is attempting a “grand bargain” to reshape world politics by restoring “spheres of influence.” Historically, powerful nations have acknowledged each other’s dominance in specific regions while limiting the autonomy of smaller states.
• This has deep colonial roots, seen in events like the Berlin Conference (1884-85), where European powers divided Africa arbitrarily, and the Yalta Conference (1945), which shaped the Cold War order without input from key European nations like France.
• Trump’s actions in Ukraine and Gaza resemble past imperialist strategies, reinforcing fears of US neo-imperialism. While previous American interventions in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East were condemned as imperialist, Washington’s shift towards isolationism in Europe raises new concerns.
• The “grand bargain” approach could realign global alliances, but historical parallels—such as the failed Munich Agreement of 1938—suggest such deals rarely guarantee long-term peace.

Domestic Politics Reshaping Foreign Policy

• Traditionally, Western foreign policies remained stable despite domestic political changes. However, Trump’s presidency is seen as a significant disruption, akin to Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms in the USSR. His policies challenge the post-Cold War consensus, leading to unpredictability in global affairs.
• Beyond the US, the rise of the far right in Europe is further destabilizing foreign relations. Parties like Germany’s AfD and France’s National Rally challenge the unity of the European Union, affecting security and trade policies.
• Strategic affairs experts refer to this movement as the “Con-intern,” a conservative international alliance opposing liberal globalism. This shift could have lasting consequences for European security and global trade.

India’s Position in a Changing World

• India has successfully navigated a polarized world through its strategy of “multi-alignment,” maintaining ties with Russia, the US, Europe, and the Middle East. However, if a future US administration adopts a zero-sum approach to alliances, India’s balancing act could become more challenging.
• New Delhi’s recent diplomatic moves suggest a cautious approach. By maintaining engagement with both the US and China while abstaining from contentious UN resolutions on Russia and Ukraine, India signals its commitment to neutrality and strategic autonomy.
• In an era of shifting global power structures, India will likely continue its “wait and watch” policy while advocating for stability and peace.

6) UN Vote on Ukraine: A Test for Global Alliances

GS 2: International Relations: US shift in position on Ukraine

Why is it in the news?

• The United States faced diplomatic setbacks at the United Nations as its position on Ukraine diverged from that of its European allies. On February 24, the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the US opposed its European allies’ efforts to condemn Russian aggression at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
• While this shift exposed growing transatlantic tensions, India abstained on both UNGA resolutions, reflecting its foreign policy independence but also its diplomatic constraints.

Key UNGA Resolutions and Their Outcomes

• Ukraine introduced a resolution demanding Russia’s withdrawal, de-escalation, and a peaceful resolution to the war. The US, in contrast, proposed a separate resolution calling for an end to the conflict but without directly condemning Russia.
• Ukraine’s resolution passed with 93 votes in favour, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. The US, Russia, and Israel voted against it, while China abstained.
• When France amended the US resolution to include language blaming Russia for the war, the US itself abstained, and the revised resolution passed with 93 votes in favour, 8 against, and 73 abstentions.
• A similar resolution was later presented at the UN Security Council (UNSC), where Russia vetoed the European amendments. The final UNSC resolution passed 10-0, with five abstentions, including France and the UK.

US Shift in Position on Ukraine

• For the first time since Russia’s invasion, the US voted alongside Russia and against its Western allies in a major break from its past stance. Trump’s outreach to Putin, his dismissive remarks about Ukrainian President, and the exclusion of Ukraine and Europe from US-Russia talks in Riyadh on February 12 indicate a strategic shift.
• Trump aims for a quick resolution to the war in exchange for access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. However, Ukraine seeks firm security guarantees before considering any settlement.
• The declining number of votes condemning Russia—93 compared to over 140 in previous UN resolutions—suggests waning global support for Ukraine. With the US pivoting towards negotiations with Russia, Europe finds itself increasingly isolated in its approach to the war.

India’s Abstentions and Diplomatic Strategy

• India’s decision to abstain was consistent with its past voting pattern at the UN. It has abstained on multiple UNSC and UNGA resolutions concerning the Ukraine war, as well as at international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Trade Organization (WTO), UNESCO, and World Health Organization (WHO).
• India has maintained strategic ties with both Russia and the West while advocating respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.
• PM Narendra Modi’s statement to Putin in 2022 that “this is not an era of war” reaffirmed India’s balanced approach. Despite its neutrality, India condemned the Bucha massacre and supported an international investigation, signalling its nuanced stance on the conflict.
• Recent UN vote reinforced India’s commitment to strategic autonomy. Indian diplomats acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized that it was necessary to maintain foreign policy independence amid shifting global power dynamics.

Subtle Shift in India’s Position

• Amid evolving geopolitical realities, India has slightly altered its framing of the Ukraine war. Indian External Affairs Minister during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, referred to “parties concerned” instead of explicitly mentioning “two parties to the conflict.”
• This shift broadens the scope to include other stakeholders, potentially the US, with or without Europe.
• Previously, India’s stance, as stated by its Deputy National Security Advisor at the Switzerland peace summit in June 2024, emphasized engagement with “the two parties to the conflict.” The new phrasing allows for more diplomatic flexibility as India navigates its relationships with Russia, the US, and Europe.

Conclusion

• The recent UN votes highlight the shifting contours of global diplomacy. With the US repositioning itself on Ukraine, European unity faces new challenges, and India continues its careful diplomatic balancing act.
• By subtly adjusting its language and maintaining neutrality, New Delhi ensures strategic flexibility while advocating for peace in an increasingly polarized world.

7) Establishing Deregulation Commission

GS 3: Economy: Deregulation

Why is it in the news?

• To enhance ease of doing business and minimize bureaucratic hurdles, the Prime Minister of India has announced the formation of a Deregulation Commission.

Deregulation and Its Importance

• Deregulation involves reducing or removing government-imposed restrictions on industries to encourage free-market competition and improve efficiency.
• In India, excessive licensing requirements, bureaucratic delays, and sector-specific restrictions have often hindered the growth of businesses, especially startups and MSMEs.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

• PM Modi emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate outdated compliances through the Jan Vishwas 2.0 initiative, advocating for reduced government intervention.
• The deregulation initiative targets sectors such as banking, energy, telecom, retail, and manufacturing.
• The Deregulation Commission will work to identify and remove redundant regulations.
• The commission will collaborate with existing regulatory bodies like the RBI, SEBI, TRAI, and CERC to boost private investment, cut red tape, and enhance economic competitiveness.

Objectives Behind Establishing the Deregulation Commission

• Reducing Bureaucratic Complexity: India ranked 63rd in the Ease of Doing Business Index (2020) by the World Bank. The commission will focus on simplifying approval processes, minimizing paperwork, and eliminating outdated laws.
• Driving Economic Growth: Sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and the digital economy need quicker approvals and a simplified regulatory framework to sustain growth.
• Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Startups and MSMEs often face regulatory challenges such as multiple clearances, high tax burdens, and rigid labour laws. The commission aims to create a more business-friendly environment.
• Modernizing Outdated Laws: India still follows several colonial-era laws. The commission will review, amend, or repeal outdated regulations to align governance with contemporary needs.
• Attracting Foreign Investment: While India has seen a rise in FDI, sectors like retail, insurance, and e-commerce continue to face restrictive policies. Deregulation will make these sectors more attractive for investors.
• Strengthening Federalism and State Autonomy: Since business regulations differ across states, inconsistencies affect businesses. A central deregulation body will work with state governments to streamline policies and create a level playing field.
• Enhancing Competition and Efficiency: Deregulation leads to lower prices, improved services, and greater productivity by encouraging private sector participation.
• Evolution of Deregulation in India: Economic liberalization policies have progressively reduced state control over industries, facilitated FDI, and promoted private sector engagement in various sectors.

Regulatory Commissions Overseeing Deregulation

Challenges and Drawbacks of Deregulation

• Risk of Market Failures: Unregulated markets can lead to monopolies and financial instability, as seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
• Public Sector Job Losses: Privatization and deregulation have resulted in layoffs in public sector enterprises.
• Regulatory Capture: Private entities may exert undue influence on policies, prioritizing profit over public interest. Some industries, like telecom, have witnessed the rise of dominant players (e.g., Jio).
• Widening Socioeconomic Gaps: Deregulation can concentrate wealth among a few, deepening urban-rural disparities where rural areas receive fewer benefits.
• Environmental Concerns: Rapid industrial expansion has led to pollution, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources, requiring careful regulation.

The Way Forward

• Safeguarding Consumer Rights: Any deregulation must ensure fair competition and consumer protection.
• Preventing Corporate Malpractices: Effective oversight mechanisms are necessary to curb monopolies and unethical practices.
• Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: Sensitive sectors like healthcare and education require regulated market participation to prevent profiteering.

Conclusion

• While deregulation fosters economic growth and ease of doing business, it must be balanced with oversight and public interest safeguards.
• The Deregulation Commission, if implemented effectively, can streamline governance while maintaining accountability and fairness in India’s evolving economic landscape.

8) Three Years of India-UAE CEPA: Achievements and Future Prospects

GS 2: International Relations: India-UAE Relations

Why is it in the news?

• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has completed three years since its signing in 2022, marking a milestone in economic collaboration.

Understanding CEPA

• CEPA is India’s first comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in a decade, strengthening economic ties between two key trade partners. It aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment while covering various sectors such as:
• Trade in Goods & Services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Investment & Digital Trade

Importance of India-UAE CEPA

• Enhancing Bilateral Trade: Aims to raise goods trade to USD 100 billion and services trade to USD 15 billion within five years, reinforcing UAE’s position as a major trade partner.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: Expected to generate over 1 million jobs for Indian workers through trade expansion and market liberalization.
• Preferential Market Access: Offers zero-duty access to 90% of Indian exports, boosting competitiveness in international markets.
• Expanding Regional Trade: Strengthens India’s footprint in the Gulf, Africa, and Europe by using the UAE as a gateway to these markets.

India-UAE Relations: A Broad Perspective

• Political Ties: Diplomatic relations were established in 1972, and both nations continue to strengthen their partnership.
• Multilateral Engagements: India and the UAE collaborate through platforms like I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) and UFI (UAE-France-India). UAE was also a guest country at the G-20 Summit.
• Economic and Trade Links: Bilateral trade has grown from USD 180 million annually in the 1970s to USD 85 billion in 2022-23, making the UAE India’s third-largest trade partner after China and the US. The UAE is India’s second-largest export destination, receiving nearly USD 31.61 billion worth of Indian goods in 2022-23.
• Defence Collaboration: The Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) oversees military cooperation, formalized through a Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2003.
• Nuclear Energy Partnership: In 2024, both countries signed an MoU for civil nuclear cooperation, building on their 2015 agreement on peaceful nuclear energy use.
• Space Cooperation: ISRO and the UAE Space Agency signed an MoU in 2016 to promote peaceful space exploration and joint research.
• Indian Diaspora Contribution: The UAE hosts approximately 3.5 million Indian expatriates, who constitute 35% of its population. Indian workers contribute significantly to remittances, accounting for 18% of total remittances to India in 2020-21.

Challenges in India-UAE Economic Relations

• Trade Deficit: India imports significant oil from the UAE, creating an imbalance despite growing non-oil trade.
• Regional Geopolitical Uncertainty: Political instability in the Middle East can impact economic ties and India’s strategic interests.
• Labor and Migrant Concerns: Ensuring better working conditions and rights for Indian migrant workers remains a key issue.
• Diverging Foreign Policies: India’s ties with countries like Iran and Pakistan sometimes create strategic differences with the UAE.

Way Forward

• Diversifying Trade: Focus on expanding non-oil trade, with a goal of USD 100 billion by 2030.
• Strengthening Security and Strategic Cooperation: Enhance joint efforts in counter-terrorism, regional stability, and defense.
• Improving Migrant Welfare: Implement stronger labour policies to ensure better protection and rights for Indian workers in the UAE.