1) The Decline of U.S. Soft Power: Impact of Trump’s Policies

GS 2: International Relations: Decline in U.S. Soft power

Why is it in the news?

• Soft power, defined as the use of attraction and persuasion to achieve foreign policy goals, has historically been a key element of U.S. global influence. However, recent policies under President Donald Trump’s second administration are weakening this influence.

An Analysis

Impact on Alliances

• Since World War II, U.S. alliances like NATO and the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network have strengthened its global standing. However, Trump’s unilateral actions and controversial statements are straining relationships with key allies. His territorial claims on Greenland and discussions on annexing Canada have unsettled European partners.
• Additionally, his criticism of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have raised concerns in Tokyo and Seoul. Further, skepticism over the AUKUS security pact has unsettled Australia.
• Moreover, full support of Israeli actions in Gaza has also alienated several Global South nations, questioning U.S. credibility in international groupings like the Quad.

Cuts to USAID and Global Influence

• The Trump administration’s reduction of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has significantly curtailed America’s influence in developing nations.
• Led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk, these cuts have eliminated nearly 83% of USAID programs. While some countries, including India, welcomed the decision, citing concerns over U.S. political influence, the move weakens Washington’s global standing.
• Additionally, the gutting of think tanks like the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Wilson Centre, along with media outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, limits the U.S.’s ability to shape international narratives.

Trade Policies and Protectionism

• Trump’s new “reciprocal tariffs” strategy, set for April 2, marks a departure from the U.S.’s traditional role as a champion of free trade. Historically, Washington promoted global trade liberalization through mechanisms like the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• However, its recent shift toward protectionism, including past Smoot-Hawley tariffs of 1930, risks damaging trade relationships. Countries negotiating trade deals with the U.S., including India, are closely watching how it treats its Free Trade Agreement partners like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Restrictive Immigration Policies

• As a country built by immigrants, U.S. diversity has been a pillar of its global appeal. However, Trump’s recent crackdown on immigration threatens this image.
• Policies like the rejection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, military-led deportations, stricter visa regulations, and proposed restrictions on birthright citizenship have raised concerns globally.
• The increased scrutiny of H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants further diminishes the U.S.’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

Declining Influence in Higher Education

• S. universities have long been a significant source of soft power, attracting students worldwide and producing global leaders. The Higher Education Policy Institute ranks the U.S. at the top for educating world leaders.
• However, Trump’s measures, including arrests and deportations of foreign students involved in protests and funding cuts for universities not adhering to government-approved policies, are likely to deter international students. A similar trend during Trump’s first term led to a decline in U.S. rankings on the Soft Power 30 index.

Conclusion

• Joseph Nye, who coined the term “soft power,” once argued that America’s influence stemmed from a balance of hard and soft power. However, he recently warned that Trump’s transactional approach to power is undermining U.S. global influence. Comparisons have been drawn to China’s aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy, which eroded its global goodwill.
• While Trump’s policies currently have domestic support, factors such as judiciary interventions, shifting public opinion, and the 2026 Senate elections may alter their course.
• India, therefore, should carefully navigate its negotiations with the U.S., ensuring long-term strategic benefits rather than making premature concessions amid America’s shifting global role.

2) India’s Social Security Expansion: Doubling Coverage and Strengthening Welfare

GS 3: Economy: Expanding India’s Social Protection Coverage

Why is it in the news?

• India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, marking a significant expansion in welfare reach, according to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26.
• This progress is attributed to key government initiatives extending benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and employment support to millions.
• As per the Ministry of Labour and Employment, nearly 920 million people, or 65% of the population, are now covered by at least one form of social protection, whether in cash or in-kind, through central government schemes.
• India’s advancements have also contributed to a 5-percentage point increase in global social protection coverage, reinforcing its role in shaping welfare outcomes at an international level.

Overview of the ILO Report

• The World Social Protection Report, published periodically by the ILO, provides a comprehensive assessment of global social protection systems, evaluating their coverage, effectiveness, and impact.
• The 2024–26 edition focuses on universal social protection for climate action and a just transition. For the first time, it incorporates trend data, offering a dynamic perspective on global progress. The report presents extensive global, regional, and country-level statistics on social protection coverage, benefits, and public expenditure.
• A regional companion report for Asia and the Pacific supplements the global findings by highlighting key challenges, priorities, and the link between social protection and climate action.

Key Government Initiatives Expanding Social Security

India’s social protection system has expanded significantly through various welfare programs aimed at providing financial security, healthcare, and food assistance to millions. Some key initiatives include:

• Ayushman Bharat: As of March 26, 2025, 39.94 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), offering free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family. The scheme is accessible at 24,810 empanelled hospitals nationwide.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme provides free food grains to vulnerable populations. As of December 2024, 80.67 crore people receive free food grains, nearly reaching the intended 81.35 crore beneficiaries.
• e-Shram Portal: Introduced on August 26, 2021, the e-Shram portal aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). As of March 3, 2025, over 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered, with 53.68% of them being women.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Launched on May 9, 2015, APY provides universal social security, particularly for the poor and unorganised sector workers. Along with Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), it strengthens India’s social security system. As of December 31, 2024, 7.25 crore beneficiaries have enrolled in APY, with a total accumulated corpus of ₹43,369.98 crore.
• Poverty Reduction: Over the past decade, 24.8 crore people have escaped multi-dimensional poverty due to these social security measures, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of government interventions.

During the 353rd ILO Governing Body meeting in Geneva, the ILO acknowledged that these benefits align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and agreed to consider them in future evaluations.

Conclusion

• India’s progress in expanding social protection highlights its strong commitment to inclusive welfare and economic security. The doubling of coverage, as reflected in the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024–26, demonstrates the impact of key initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, and the e-Shram portal.
• With continued collaboration between the Centre, State Governments, and the ILO, India’s evolving social security framework sets a model for balancing welfare expansion with economic growth.

3) Make in India’s Leap in Electronics Manufacturing & Exports

GS 3: Economy: India towards global electronics manufacturing hub      

Why is it in the news?

• India has made significant strides in electronics manufacturing, particularly in mobile phone production. In 2014-15, only 26% of mobile phones sold in India were locally made, whereas by December 2024, this figure had surged to 99.2%. The country had just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014; today, it has over 300.
• Projections indicate that India’s electronics production will reach USD 300 billion by 2026. Moreover, mobile phone exports have also seen a remarkable increase, rising from ₹1,566 crore in 2014-15 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24, marking a 77-fold jump.
• Additionally, India’s semiconductor ecosystem is witnessing robust growth, with five major projects receiving approvals, totalling an investment of ₹1.52 lakh crore.

The Shift Towards Self-Reliance

• India was once heavily dependent on electronics imports, but the Make in India initiative has revolutionized domestic manufacturing. The government has attracted substantial investments, leading to a surge in production and exports.
• Electronics manufacturing has now surpassed traditional sectors like textiles in growth, positioning India as a global leader in this industry. Expanding factories and strong policy support are driving India toward becoming a major electronics manufacturing hub.

Government Schemes Driving Electronics Growth

Make in India

• Launched in 2014, Make in India was introduced to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub at a time when economic growth had slowed. This initiative aims to facilitate investment, boost innovation, and develop world-class infrastructure.
• As one of the key ‘Vocal for Local’ programs, it has played a critical role in strengthening India’s industrial base and promoting domestic manufacturing.

Mobile Manufacturing Boom

• India’s mobile manufacturing sector has grown rapidly, making it the second-largest mobile producer in the world. In 2014, only two manufacturing units existed, but now the number exceeds 300.
• The share of locally made mobile phones increased from 26% in 2014-15 to 99.2% in 2024. The total manufacturing value of mobile phones has surged from ₹18,900 crore in FY14 to ₹4,22,000 crore in FY24.
• More than 325 to 330 million mobile phones are produced annually, with over a billion devices in use. Exports, which were negligible in 2014, now exceed ₹1,29,000 crore.

Key Policies Supporting Electronics Manufacturing

Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP)

• Introduced in 2017, the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) promotes domestic value addition in mobile phones and their components. This initiative has encouraged large-scale production, attracting significant investments and strengthening the local manufacturing ecosystem.
• Manufacturing has transitioned from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly to Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production, enhancing domestic value addition. SKD refers to products that are partially assembled before shipping, while CKD involves shipping individual components for final assembly in India.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

• To further boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in the mobile phone value chain, the PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing was introduced on April 1, 2020. This scheme offers incentives ranging from 3% to 6% on incremental sales over the base year for eligible companies manufacturing mobile phones and electronic components.
• Budget allocations for the PLI Scheme have seen significant increases, with funding for electronics rising from ₹5,747 crore (revised estimate for 2024-25) to ₹8,885 crore in 2025-26.
• As of February 2025, the scheme has led to a cumulative investment of ₹10,905 crore, production worth ₹7,15,823 crore, exports of ₹3,90,387 crore, and the creation of 1,39,670 direct jobs. The scheme aims to boost production, enhance global competitiveness, and drive economic growth.

India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Development

Semicon India Program

• Launched in 2021 with a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore, the Semicon India Program promotes domestic semiconductor manufacturing through incentives and strategic partnerships.
• The initiative supports semiconductor fabrication (fabs), packaging, display technologies, Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSATs), sensors, and other critical components.
• The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) projects that India’s semiconductor market will grow at 13% annually, reaching ₹8,95,134 crore (USD 103.4 billion) by 2030.
• At the Global Investors Summit 2025, it was announced that India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip would be ready for production by 2025. Several landmark semiconductor projects have been approved, marking a major step forward in India’s self-reliance goals. These include:

1) Micron’s semiconductor facility with an investment of ₹22,000 crore.

2) Tata Electronics’ ₹91,526 crore Semiconductor Fab facility in partnership with Taiwan’s PSMC, with a capacity of 50,000 wafer starts per month.

3) Tata Electronics’ ₹27,120 crore OSAT facility, capable of producing 48 million units per day.

4) CG Power and Industrial Solutions’ ₹7,584 crore OSAT facility in collaboration with Renesas Electronics (USA) and STARS Microelectronics (Thailand), producing 15.07 million units per day.

5) Kaynes Technology’s ₹3,307 crore OSAT facility in Gujarat, with a capacity to manufacture 6.33 million chips per day.

• These projects collectively represent an investment of ₹1.52 lakh crore, solidifying India’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
• The Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) further supports this growth by offering financial incentives of 25% on capital expenditure for electronic components, semiconductor fabs, ATMP units, and specialized sub-assemblies.

Strengthening Semiconductor Manufacturing

• In March 2025, a landmark agreement was signed between India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL), and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited (TSMPL) to establish India’s first commercial semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat.
• This milestone agreement is a major step towards India’s technological self-reliance under the modified semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem program.

Conclusion

• India’s transformation into a global electronics manufacturing hub is a testament to the success of the Make in India initiative. With a combination of robust policies, strategic investments, and an expanding industrial base, the country has significantly enhanced local production, exports, and employment opportunities.
• As India moves towards its USD 300 billion electronics production target by 2026, strong policies and a skilled workforce will continue to drive sustained growth, cementing the nation’s role as a key player in the global electronics and semiconductor industry.

4) NJAC: Why It Was Struck Down and the Possibility of Its Return

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Debate on judicial appointments  

Why is it in the news?

• The recent discovery of currency notes at the residence of Delhi High Court judge has reignited the debate on judicial appointments.
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar referred to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014, stating that judicial appointments would have been different if the Supreme Court had not struck down the law in 2015.
• The NJAC aimed to provide the government a role in appointing judges to the higher judiciary.

Evolution of Judicial Appointments in India

• In 1950, sitting judges of the Federal Court were transferred to the newly established Supreme Court, with Justice Harilal Kania becoming India’s first Chief Justice. For 27 years, the executive played a significant role in appointing judges.
• However, the 1970s saw political interference in judicial appointments, particularly when the Indira Gandhi government superseded senior judges to appoint Justice A N Ray as Chief Justice in 1973 and Justice M H Beg in 1977, bypassing Justice H R Khanna.
• This interference led the Supreme Court to establish the collegium system to safeguard judicial independence.

The Collegium System

• The collegium system emerged through three landmark Supreme Court judgments, known as the First, Second, and Third Judges Cases. Although not mentioned in the Constitution, these rulings interpreted Articles 124(2) and 217(1) to give the judiciary primacy in appointing judges.
• The Supreme Court held that this system was essential for maintaining judicial independence, a fundamental part of the Constitution’s basic structure.
• The SC collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and comprising the four senior-most judges, recommends appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• A three-member collegium, including the CJI and the two senior-most judges of a High Court, selects judges for High Courts. Since 1993, the collegium has functioned as the primary mechanism for judicial appointments.

Introduction of NJAC

• The collegium system has been criticized for its opacity and lack of accountability. To reform judicial appointments, the Narendra Modi government introduced the Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, 2014, and the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014. These laws sought to replace the collegium system with an independent commission.
• The NJAC Act enjoyed broad political support. In Lok Sabha, 367 MPs voted in favour, with none opposing it. In Rajya Sabha, 179 members approved it, with only veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani voting against it.
• Sixteen state legislatures, including those governed by Congress and Left parties, ratified the bill before it received the President’s assent.

Composition of NJAC

The 99th Amendment expanded Article 124 to establish NJAC as a constitutional body. Its composition included:

• The Chief Justice of India as the ex-officio chairperson.
• Two senior-most Supreme Court judges as ex-officio members.
• The Union Minister of Law and Justice as an ex-officio member.
• Two eminent persons from civil society, nominated by a committee comprising the CJI, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. One of these members was required to be from SC, ST, OBC, minorities, or women.

The NJAC Act also allowed any two members to veto a recommendation. Criteria for appointments included seniority and regional representation.

Supreme Court Challenge and Verdict

• The NJAC Act was challenged in the Supreme Court primarily due to its veto provision, which allowed two members to block a recommendation. The court noted that excessive executive influence in judicial appointments could undermine judicial independence, which is a part of the Constitution’s basic structure.
• On October 16, 2015, a five-judge bench ruled 4:1 that NJAC was unconstitutional. Justice J S Khehar authored the majority opinion, with Justices Madan Lokur, Kurian Joseph, and A K Goel concurring. Justice J Chelameswar dissented, arguing in favour of NJAC.

Issues with NJAC

• Critics of the Supreme Court’s ruling argued that a compromise could have been negotiated, particularly on the veto power. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul suggested that the CJI should have been given a casting vote, ensuring judicial primacy while allowing some executive involvement.
• A balanced NJAC, where the judiciary retained predominance, could have been more acceptable politically and legally.

Can NJAC Be Revived?

• The NJAC Act was struck down before it could be tested in practice. The ruling emphasized that judicial primacy in appointments is crucial for judicial independence.
• However, given ongoing debates on judicial transparency and accountability, a restructured NJAC, ensuring judicial predominance while addressing concerns of opacity, could be reconsidered in the future.

Conclusion

• The striking down of NJAC reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in appointments but left unresolved concerns about transparency and executive oversight. While the collegium system remains in place, discussions on reforming judicial appointments continue.
• A revised NJAC model, ensuring a balance between judicial independence and accountability, might be a way forward.

5) Government Strengthens National Cybersecurity Preparedness

GS 3: Internal Security: Monitoring cyber threats  

Context

• The Indian government is committed to ensuring an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), designated under Section 70B of the IT Act, 2000, monitors cyber threats and advises remedial measures.
• Additionally, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) protects critical digital assets, though details of breaches remain confidential for national security reasons.

Key Cybersecurity Initiatives

Strengthening Coordination & Monitoring

• The National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) ensures inter-agency coordination.
• The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) scans cyberspace for threats and facilitates response measures.
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK) offers malware detection and removal tools to citizens.
• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) combats cybercrimes.
• CERT-In operates an automated cyber threat intelligence exchange to proactively share alerts with organizations.

Cybersecurity Policies & Training

• The Cyber Crisis Management Plan aids government and critical sectors in countering cyber threats.
• Regular cyber drills (109 conducted, 1438 organizations participated) assess preparedness.
• CERT-In issues alerts, advisories, and best practices for securing networks and data.
• Security audits by 200 empanelled firms ensure adherence to best practices.
• CERT-In’s guidelines on information security (2023) cover data security, network protection, and access management.
• Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) guidelines (2024) help organizations identify software components and vulnerabilities.
• Training programs (12,014 officials trained in 2024) enhance cybersecurity skills for government and critical sectors.

Collaboration with Private & International Partners

• Cyber Surakshit Bharat (CSB) trains IT professionals in cybersecurity under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
• National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Cyber Security, set up with the Data Security Council of India, fosters cybersecurity innovation.
• CERT-In collaborates with industry partners for threat intelligence sharing and training.
• CERT-In is an active member of global cybersecurity forums like FIRST and Asia Pacific CERTs.
• India has MoUs on cybersecurity cooperation with Bangladesh, Egypt, Estonia, Japan, Maldives, Russia, the UK, and Vietnam.

Conclusion

• India’s cybersecurity framework integrates proactive monitoring, policy enforcement, capacity building, and global cooperation.
• With robust initiatives and strategic partnerships, the government continues to enhance national preparedness against evolving cyber threats.

6) Health Risks of Martian Dust for Astronauts

GS 3: Science and Technology: Risks associated with Martian dust

Context

• A recent study highlights that Martian dust could pose severe health risks to astronauts, particularly respiratory issues and increased disease susceptibility. The fine dust particles on Mars can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, making them a significant health hazard.
• The study, titled Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration, was published by researchers from the University of Southern California, UCLA, the University of Colorado Boulder, and NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

Importance of the Study

• The findings are crucial as space agencies like NASA and the Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMS) plan manned Mars missions in the coming decade. These missions will require astronauts to stay on Mars for extended periods, eventually leading to the establishment of long-duration habitats.
• Given that Mars experiences regional dust storms every Martian year (687 Earth days) and planet-wide storms every three Martian years, understanding the health impacts of Martian dust is essential for mission safety.

Composition and Hazards of Martian Dust

• The study found that Martian dust particles are extremely small, about 4% the width of a human hair. This makes them more dangerous because they are too small for the mucus in human lungs to expel effectively. As a result, these particles can cause lung diseases.
• Additionally, Martian dust contains toxic elements such as silica and iron. Silica exposure is known to cause silicosis, a lung disease that commonly affects coal miners.
• Other hazardous substances in the dust include perchlorates, gypsum, and harmful metals like chromium and arsenic. The effects of these toxins could be intensified by microgravity and radiation on Mars. Radiation exposure, in particular, can increase the risk of lung disease, compounding the harmful effects of dust inhalation.

Mitigation Strategies

• The study suggests several ways to reduce the risks associated with Martian dust. It recommends using Vitamin C to counteract chromium toxicity and iodine to prevent thyroid diseases caused by perchlorates.
• Additionally, technological solutions such as air filters, self-cleaning space suits, and electrostatic repulsion devices could help limit dust contamination. These preventive measures are critical since medical treatment options on Mars will be limited, and astronauts cannot rely on immediate return to Earth for medical care.

7) Masaki Kashiwara Awarded the 2025 Abel Prize

GS 3: Science and Technology: Abel Prize

Why is it in the news?

• Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara has been awarded this year’s Abel Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and is the first Japanese person to be awarded the most prestigious prize in mathematics.
• The Abel Prize, first awarded in 2003, is often regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in mathematics, which lacks a dedicated category. Modelled after the Nobel Prize, it includes a monetary award of 7.5 million kroner (approximately $720,000) and a glass plaque designed by Norwegian artist Henrik Haugan.

About the Abel Prize

• The Abel Prize honours pioneering achievements in mathematics and is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829), who made significant contributions to multiple mathematical fields in his short life.
• Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2002 to mark Abel’s 200th birth anniversary, the idea of the prize was originally proposed in 1899 by Norwegian mathematician Sophus Lie after learning that Nobel’s prizes would not include mathematics. However, this plan did not materialize at the time.
• The prize is awarded and administered by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on behalf of the Norwegian government. Recipients are selected by an expert committee appointed by the Academy, based on advice from the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and the European Mathematical Society (EMS).

The Genius of Niels Henrik Abel

• One of Abel’s most famous contributions to mathematics was proving the impossibility of solving the general quintic equation using radicals, a major open problem that had remained unresolved for over 250 years. He also made pioneering contributions to the study of elliptic functions and discovered what later became known as Abelian functions.
• Despite his mathematical genius, Abel lived in extreme poverty and died of tuberculosis at the young age of 26. His impact on mathematics was so profound that French mathematician Charles Hermite once remarked, “Abel has left mathematicians enough to keep them busy for five hundred years.”

Kashiwara’s Contributions to Mathematics

• Masaki Kashiwara, 78, was awarded the Abel Prize for his “fundamental contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory, in particular the development of the theory of D-modules and the discovery of crystal bases,” according to the Abel citation.
• His research has not only solved long-standing mathematical problems but has also opened new research avenues by linking previously unrelated mathematical fields.
• One of Kashiwara’s major discoveries was crystal bases, which allow mathematicians to replace complex algebraic calculations with simpler graph-based representations using vertices and connecting lines.
• Over the years, his work has significantly transformed and enriched the fields of representation theory and algebraic analysis, establishing new connections and methodologies that continue to influence mathematical research.

8) Concerns Over Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act

GS 2: Polity and Governance: DPDP Act

Why is it in the news?

• The government’s move to implement the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) has raised concerns among activists regarding its potential impact on access to public information.
• RTI activists, including Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, Prashant Bhushan, and Anjali Bhardwaj, also voiced their opposition in a press conference, highlighting the adverse implications of the amendment.

Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act

• The DPDP Act, which received the President’s assent on August 11, 2023, will come into effect once the Rules under it are notified.
• In January 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology invited feedback on the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, with the consultation period ending on February 18.
• The Act aims to regulate the processing of digital personal data while balancing individual privacy rights with lawful data use.
• However, Section 44(3) proposes a modification to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which activists believe will significantly reduce the amount of information government agencies are required to disclose.

Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act

• Currently, Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act states that information related to personal matters can be withheld if it has no connection to public interest or causes an unwarranted invasion of privacy. However, it allows disclosure if a public officer determines that the larger public interest justifies it.
• Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act simplifies this provision to exclude all “information which relates to personal information,” broadening the scope for denying access to crucial data.

Implications of the Amendment

• The balance between a citizen’s right to information and the privacy of individuals, particularly public servants, has been debated extensively. Over the years, multiple rulings by the Central Information Commission and state Information Commissions have relied on interpretations of Section 8(1)(j) to either allow or deny information requests.
• During the RTI Act’s drafting, a Group of Ministers led by Pranab Mukherjee carefully reviewed the exemptions under Section 8(1). The provision included a clause stating that information that cannot be denied to Parliament or a State Legislature should not be denied to the public.
• Activists argue that transparency-related disclosures, such as the assets and liabilities of public servants, serve a legitimate public purpose. However, the proposed blanket exemption of all “personal information” could be misused to deny citizens access to vital details, potentially weakening the RTI framework.

Conclusion

• The modification introduced by Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act has sparked fears that it could severely restrict the RTI Act’s effectiveness. While the government justifies the change as necessary for privacy protection, critics argue that it undermines transparency and accountability.
• The debate over balancing privacy rights with the public’s right to information is ongoing, with activists demanding that the amendment be reconsidered to prevent excessive restrictions on access to government-related data.

9) India’s Bioeconomy: Powering Growth with Innovation and Sustainability

GS 3: Economy: India’s Bioeconomy  

Why is it in the news?

• India’s bioeconomy is projected to surpass $165 billion in 2024, contributing over 4.2% of GDP, according to the India BioEconomy Report by the Department of Biotechnology.
• The sector has the potential to reach $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047, indicating significant growth opportunities.

Harnessing Bioresources

• The bioeconomy involves using biological resources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms in industrial processes. While sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture have long relied on bio-based solutions, newer applications are emerging in areas like biofuels, bioplastics, and sustainable materials.
• Ethanol, produced from sugarcane and corn, is being increasingly used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Advances in biotechnology are also enabling the creation of biodegradable plastics, sustainable textiles, bio-based chemicals, and eco-friendly medicines. Synthetic biology is further revolutionizing the field by developing engineered microorganisms for specific applications.

Rapid Growth and Sectoral Contributions

• India’s bioeconomy has nearly doubled in the past five years, growing from $86 billion in 2020 to $165 billion in 2024. The number of bio-based companies has surged by 90%, from 5,365 in 2021 to 10,075 in 2024, and is expected to double by 2030, generating employment for around 35 million people.
• The industrial sector, including biofuels and bioplastics, accounts for nearly $78 billion, while the pharmaceutical sector contributes 35% of the total value, primarily driven by vaccine production.
• The fastest-growing segment in 2024 is research and IT, covering biotech software development, clinical trials, and bioinformatics, which play a crucial role in drug research and healthcare innovation.

Regional Disparities in Bioeconomy Growth

• The report highlights a regional concentration of bioeconomic activity, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh generating over two-thirds of the total value.
• In contrast, the eastern and northeastern regions contribute less than 6%, pointing to a need for policy intervention to address this imbalance.

Challenges in Sustaining Growth

• While India’s bioeconomy matches the GDP share of the U.S. and China, it lags behind Spain and Italy, where bioeconomy contributes over 20% of GDP.
• Sustaining high growth will require policy incentives, infrastructure development, and scaling up of bio-based industries.

BioE3 Policy: A Strategic Initiative

• To accelerate growth, the government launched the BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) in 2024.
• The policy aims to position India as a global hub for bio-manufacturing and biotechnology research by fostering collaborations between universities, research institutions, start-ups, and industries. It focuses on key areas such as:

1) Bio-based chemicals and enzymes

2) Functional foods and precision biotherapeutics

3) Marine and space biotechnology

4) Climate-resilient agriculture

Regulatory Challenges and Recommendations

• Despite progress, regulatory hurdles remain, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, where the approval of genetically modified (GM) crops is a contentious issue. The report urges regulatory clarity to facilitate innovation in this sector.
• It also recommends launching a National BioEconomy Mission and establishing a single-window regulatory system to streamline biotech approvals.
• Addressing these challenges will be key to achieving India’s ambitious bioeconomy goals and positioning the country as a global leader in biotechnology-driven industries.