Governance
Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Framework for India
For Prelims: Digital threats, Artificial Intelligence, Deep fakes, WannaCry ransomware attack, Phishing, Internet of Things, National Cyber Security Policy, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Computer Emergency Response Team - India , Cyber Swachhta Kendra , Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023.
For Mains: Current Major Cyber Threats that India is Facing, Key Government Initiatives Related to Cybersecurity in India.
Why in News?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs underscored the escalating cyber threats in India, calling for greater public awareness, enhanced cyber safety, and stronger digital security as internet penetration and online transactions rapidly expand.
What are the Key Cyberthreats India is Facing?
- Cyber-enabled Financial Frauds: India is witnessing a surge in phishing, ransomware, identity theft, UPI and online banking frauds.
- In 2024, the nation recorded 1.91 million cybercrime complaints, reflecting the scale of digital financial vulnerability.
- Ransomware & Malware Attacks: Hospitals, government databases, and critical private enterprises are prime targets of ransomware and malware.
- The AIIMS Delhi cyberattack (2022) exposed the fragility of health and public service systems.
- Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability: Strategic assets such as power grids, telecom networks, nuclear facilities, and ports face persistent cyber sabotage threats.
- The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant attack (2019) underscored risks to national security.
- Data Breaches & Privacy Risks: Frequent cyber intrusions into government and private sector databases have led to large-scale personal data leaks.
- The Air India breach (2021) compromised information of nearly 4.5 million passengers.
- Deepfa kes & Misinformation: AI-driven deepfake content and fake news campaigns threaten social cohesion, democratic institutions, and electoral integrity.
- The 2024 election campaign saw deepfake videos of political leaders circulating widely.
- Dark Web & Cyber Terrorism: The dark web is increasingly exploited for radicalization, illegal arms/narcotics trade, and terror financing via cryptocurrencies. Such covert networks intensify organized crime and cyber terrorism in India.
What Factors are Undermining the Effectiveness of India’s Cybersecurity Framework?
- Inadequate Legal and Regulatory Framework: Existing laws like the IT Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, lack specific provisions for emerging threats such as AI-enabled attacks and deepfakes.
- Shortage of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals: India faces a massive gap in trained cybersecurity experts to monitor and respond to threats in real-time.
- A report by NASSCOM states thatIndia needs at least one million cybersecurity professionals, but currently has less than half that number.
- Rapid Digitalization and Low Cyber Awareness: As India’s digital ecosystem expands rapidly, the scale and sophistication of cyber threats have also risen in tandem
- Also, India faces weak cyber hygiene among citizens, with many users failing to identify phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and scam calls, while limited digital literacy programs in rural areas further increase vulnerability to cyber fraud.
- Weak Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Power grids, telecom networks, and nuclear plants remain vulnerable due to outdated security protocols.
- At the same time, SMEs and critical sectors in India lack robust defenses, and reliance on imported IT/telecom equipment increases risks of embedded vulnerabilities.
- Fragmented Coordination Among Agencies: Multiple agencies like CERT-In, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre, and private stakeholders operate with limited coordination, causing delays in threat detection and response.
What are the Key Initiatives Related to Enhance Cybersecurity?
- Legislative Measures:
- Institutional Framework:
- Strategic Initiatives:
What Measures Should be Adopted to Strengthen Cybersecurity Framework in India?
- Strengthen Legal & Regulatory Framework: The IT Act, 2000 needs urgent updates to cover AI, deepfakes, and ransomware threats. Strong enforcement of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 with clear accountability is essential.
- Institutional & Audit Reforms: Mandate cybersecurity audits and stress tests in critical sectors like banking, healthcare, and utilities.
- Establish district-level cybersecurity units for localized threat management and strengthen coordination with CERT-In.
- Strengthen Critical Infrastructure: Enforce two-factor authentication (2FA), data encryption, and real-time monitoring systems in critical sectors like banks.
- India should promote Zero-Trust Architecture in critical sectors (continuous verification instead of perimeter-only defense).
- Promote Indigenous Cybersecurity Solutions: India should push for Make in India cybersecurity tools to reduce foreign dependence. Startups developing AI-based threat detection must be supported through funding and incubation.
- Improve Cyber Hygiene & Awareness: Launch nationwide cyber literacy campaigns in regional languages, targeting rural communities, youth, and senior citizens.
- Integrate cybersecurity education in schools and universities, supported by secure infrastructure and staff training, to build digital resilience from an early stage.
Conclusion
Cyberthreats in India have moved beyond mere financial frauds to encompass national security, privacy, and democratic integrity. With the rapid digitization of governance and economy, India’s vulnerability to ransomware, data breaches, deepfakes, and critical infrastructure sabotage has increased manifold. A multi-pronged approach involving robust cyber laws, institutional capacity, public awareness, and global cooperation is essential to secure India’s cyberspace and safeguard its developmental trajectory.
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Drishti Mains Question: With India’s growing digital footprint, cybersecurity threats have emerged as a major challenge to national security, economy, and governance. Examine the nature of these threats and suggest a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India’s cybersecurity framework. |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
Indian Economy
Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework
For Prelims: Reserve Bank of India, Flexible inflation targeting, Monetary Policy Committee, Food inflation
For Mains: Significance of India’s Flexible Inflation Targeting framework, Monetary–fiscal coordination in managing supply shocks
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has affirmed the successful performance of the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework in maintaining price stability. A recent discussion paper from RBI indicated that, since its introduction, inflation remained low and stable, averaging around 4% until the end of 2019.
What is the RBI’s Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) Framework?
- Context: Post the Global Financial Crisis, India experienced a mix of persistently high inflation and sluggish growth, prompting debate on improving monetary policy credibility.
- Urjit Patel Committee Report (2014) recommended adopting Inflation Targeting with inflation as the nominal anchor for monetary policy.
- Adoption of FIT: India formally adopted FIT in 2016 through amendments to the RBI Act, 1934.
- The adoption followed a Monetary Policy Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the RBI in 2015.
- Need for Flexibility: Unlike strict inflation targeting, FIT allows short-term deviations from the target to accommodate supply-side shocks (e.g., food price spikes, fuel volatility), and economic crises (e.g., pandemic, war).
- It provides room to prioritize growth during downturns while returning to the inflation target path over the medium term.
- Target & Tolerance Band: The 4% inflation target with a tolerance band of ±2% balances price stability and growth, aligning with global norms for emerging economies. Since adopting FIT in 2016, inflation volatility has decreased.
- The current band provides flexibility to absorb shocks from food, fuel, and global volatility, with 94% of inflation staying within this range.
- Given India's high food share and potential future volatility, a wider band remains essential for stability.
- The current band provides flexibility to absorb shocks from food, fuel, and global volatility, with 94% of inflation staying within this range.
Key Features of FIT Framework:
|
Component |
Details |
|
Target Metric |
Consumer Price Index (CPI) (headline inflation) based inflation. |
|
Mandate |
Maintain CPI-based inflation target at 4% with a tolerance band of ±2% (i.e., 2%–6%). |
|
Review Period |
Every five years |
|
Accountability Mechanism |
Breach of the target band for 3 consecutive quarters triggers a formal report to the government. |
|
Decision-Making Body |
|
|
First Review Outcome (2021) |
Target of 4%, with tolerance band of ±2% retained for 2021–2026. |
How has the FIT Framework Performed in India?
Successes
- Disinflation Achieved: Average inflation under FIT (2016–2025) was 4.9%, down from 6.8% in the pre-FIT period.
- Anchoring Expectations: FIT helped stabilize long-term inflation expectations among consumers and investors, reducing uncertainty.
- Institutional Transparency: MPC voting, and communication improved RBI’s policy credibility.
- Policy Flexibility: During Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, RBI shifted focus between inflation and growth based on macroeconomic needs.
- Public Accountability: In 2022, RBI formally reported to the Government after breaching the upper band for 5 consecutive quarters.
Challenges
- Exogenous Shocks: Pandemic and global conflicts led to breaches of the upper threshold despite domestic policy prudence.
- CPI Base Outdated: Current base year (2012) does not reflect recent consumption patterns; food weight may be overestimated.
- Periodic Dissent in MPC: Within MPC members, significant voting differences and occasional government interference highlight challenges in reaching a consensus, which impacts the effectiveness of the FIT framework.
What are the Key Debates Regarding RBI’s FIT Framework?
Headline Inflation vs Core Inflation as Target
- Debate: Should the RBI continue to target headline inflation (including food & fuel) or switch to core inflation (excluding food & fuel).
- Arguments for Headline Inflation: Food and fuel account for over 50% of CPI; excluding them would make the target unrepresentative.
- Persistent food inflation can spill into core prices through wages and markups. It aligns with global practice, converges with core inflation over time, and provides clear communication for households and businesses, making it a more representative and effective guide for monetary policy.
- Arguments for Core Inflation: It is more stable and less volatile as it reflects demand-side pressures. Food and energy prices are largely driven by supply shocks and don’t respond well to interest rate changes.
- Targeting core inflation helps avoid overreaction to temporary spikes and ensures better resource allocation by reducing policy distortions.
Point Target vs Range-Only System
- Debate: Should RBI continue with a point target (4%) within a band, or adopt a range-only target (e.g., 3%–6%)?
- Arguments for Point Target: Acts as a clear anchor for inflation expectations. Promotes policy clarity and accountability. Global trend supports point target with tolerance band.
- Switching to a range could be interpreted as a weakening of commitment to price stability. Global investors and markets may view it as signaling RBI’s loss of control or political interference.
- Arguments for Range-Only: Provides greater flexibility in uncertain conditions. Explicit ranges acknowledge forecasting limitations and high global economic volatility.
- It avoids unnecessary policy tightening in short-term overshoots. Can better integrate goals like employment or output growth in times of economic stress.
What Should be the Way Forward for Better FIT Framework?
- Revise CPI Base Year: Update CPI Base Year to reflect structural changes in consumption and improve measurement accuracy.
- Retain Core Tenets: Using the inbuilt adaptability of FIT to respond to shocks without diluting the anchor.
- Strengthen Policy Credibility: Ensuring consistency and avoiding frequent changes to maintain public and market trust.
- Address Food-Energy Shocks: Focusing on better supply-side management since food and fuel dominate India’s CPI basket.
- Government supply-side actions should complement RBI’s tightening to control spillover effects.
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Drishti Mains Question: Q. India's flexible inflation targeting framework has improved monetary policy credibility, yet faces emerging challenges amid a volatile global economy. Discuss |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q 1. The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to (2011)
(A) More liquidity in the market
(B) Less liquidity in the market
(C) No change in the liquidity in the market
(D) Mobilization of more deposits by commercial banks
Ans: A
Q.2 Consider the following statements: (2020)
- The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
- The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
- Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q 3. If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (2020)
- Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
- Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
- Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Q. In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (2022)
(a) Department of Consumer Affairs
(b) Expenditure Management Commission
(c) Financial Stability and Development Council
(d) Reserve Bank of India
Ans: (d)
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (2017)
1. It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.
2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (2019)
International Relations
India - Eurasian Economic Union FTA Negotiations
For Prelims: Eurasian Economic Union, Free Trade Agreement, International North-South Transport Corridor, Northern Sea Route
For Mains: India’s International Trade Policy and Bilateral/Multilateral Agreements, Strategic Economic Partnerships and Geopolitics (Russia, EAEU, BRICS)
Why in News?
India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move that comes after stalled trade talks with the United States and rising US tariff threats.
What is Eurasian Economic Union?
- Nature: EAEU is an international organization for regional economic integration with international legal personality.
- Establishment: EAEU was established via the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (entered into force in 2015).
- Member States: Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.
- Headquarters: Moscow, Russia.
- Objectives: The EAEU ensures free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, promotes coordinated policies, modernizes member economies, enhances competitiveness, and supports stable development to raise living standards.
What is the Significance of EAEU to India?
- Market Access: An EAEU FTA gives India access to a USD 6.5 trillion market, expands exports in textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and electronics, enhances competitiveness against non-market economies, and creates new opportunities for India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Trade Diversification: Partnership with the EAEU helps India reduce dependence on the US and EU markets, especially amid tariff disputes.
- It will strengthen the India–EAEU economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching USD 69 billion in 2024, up 7% from 2023.
- Energy Security: The EAEU offers abundant natural resources and energy vital for India’s growth.
- Through the EAEU, India can secure long-term energy cooperation, with Russia already supplying 35–40% of India’s crude oil imports.
- Connectivity Boost: Cooperation with the EAEU complements International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor, reducing logistics costs and transit time.
What are the Challenges in India- EAEU Engagement?
- High Trade Deficit with Russia: India’s trade deficit with Russia (the largest member of the EAEU) has surged from USD 6.6 billion in 2021 to USD 58.9 billion in 2024–25, driven largely by hydrocarbon imports.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: A Russia-led trade deal may alarm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Western allies, requiring careful strategic balancing.
- Deepening trade with Russia carries geopolitical risks due to US and EU sanctions over Ukraine, while rising imports could further escalate pressure from US tariffs, which are currently at 50% on Indian goods.
- Domestic Industry Concerns: Cheap imports from Russia and other EAEU countries (oil, metals, etc.) may threaten Indian producers, requiring safeguards or quotas.
- Low FTA Utilization: India’s FTA utilization is low at around 25%, far below the 70–80% seen in developed countries, reflecting underuse of its trade agreements.
- Non-Tariff Barriers: These include bureaucratic delays, complex customs procedures, and regulatory issues that can hinder the free flow of goods and services.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards: Indian agricultural exports often face difficulties due to the strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards imposed by the EAEU countries, making it harder for Indian products to meet market entry requirements.
- Dependency on Dollar: Trade between India and the EAEU still relies heavily on the US dollar, creating uncertainty due to currency fluctuations. Efforts to use the rupee-ruble mechanism are still limited and lack liquidity.
- The absence of efficient cross-border payment systems, especially with Russia under sanctions, increases financial complexities and transaction costs.
How can India–EAEU Engagement Be Strengthened?
- Programme of Economic Cooperation: Finalize and implement the 2025–2030 Programme of Economic Cooperation with Russia and extend it to all EAEU members to strengthen ties in energy, agriculture, industry, education, and culture.
- Diversify Export Mix: Expand into pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, machinery, and services to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
- Financial Mechanism Innovations: Scale up use of local currencies (rupee, ruble). Develop and standardize Local Currency Settlement (LCS) frameworks supported by sufficient liquidity, to reduce dependency on USD.
- Multilateral Economic Outreach: Engage with BRICS, and revive RIC (Russia‑India‑China), and other regional blocs to broaden trade alliances and diversify supply chains.
- Boost Connectivity: Enhance logistics via the INSTC, Northern Sea Route, and Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor.
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Drishti Mains Question: Q. Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of India’s engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in the current geopolitical scenario. |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)
(a) Japan
(b) Russia
(c) The United Kingdom
(d) The United States of America
Ans: (b)
Q. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as(2016)
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
- It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. ( 2020)
Facts for UPSC Mains
India at the Forefront of Global Food Security
Why in News?
India and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Letter of Intent for India to supply fortified rice to vulnerable populations worldwide, using its agricultural surplus to support global food security.
How does India Shape the Global Food Security Landscape?
- Major Global Producer and Exporter: India is a food surplus country today, standing as the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and the second largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, tea, and farmed fish.
- India exports a wide range of products, including milk, pulses, horticulture, shrimp, and spices, supporting global nutrition and generating economic gains.
- Research & Innovation: Indian institutions like Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) share agri-tech, high-yield seeds, and sustainable farming practices with Africa and Asia under South-South Cooperation.
- India as an Architect of Food Security Solutions: Programs like the National Food Security Act (2013), POSHAN Abhiyaan and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana strengthen domestic food security and nutrition, offering replicable solutions for other developing nations.
- Humanitarian Assistance: India provides emergency food aid to countries in crisis, such as Afghanistan, African nations, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, using mechanisms like the WFP for distribution.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) Negotiations: India champions the cause of developing nations’ right to public stockholding, protecting food security of billions.
- Promotion of Climate-Smart Practices: India promotes millets (International Year of Millets 2023) as climate-resilient crops, offering sustainable solutions to global hunger.
Food Security Scenario in India
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 shifted India’s food security from welfare to a rights-based approach, covering up to 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
- Currently, about 80 crore people receive highly subsidized foodgrains.
- Measures like digitizing ration cards and the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme(ONORC) improved transparency, allowing beneficiaries to access entitlements nationwide.
- There was also a growing focus on nutritional security through programs like POSHAN Abhiyaan and bio-fortified crops to address malnutrition and "hidden hunger" by diversifying the Public Distribution System basket.
- Additionally, the government promoted sustainable farming practices through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (organic farming) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture to ensure long-term food security.
What are India’s Key Food Security Challenges and How can they be Tackled?
|
Challenge |
Measures to Tackle It |
|
Decreasing Per capita Food Availability: 510.1 grams per day per person in 1991 to 507.9 grams in 2021.
|
Improve storage and transportation infrastructure to reduce food waste. Invest in cold chain systems to prevent loss of perishable goods like fruits and dairy. |
|
Rising Vulnerability to Climate Change: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather reduce crop yields and disrupt supply chains. |
Speeding up the implementation of the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Scheme in vulnerable villages. Promote crop diversification and expand drip irrigation to enhance resilience, soil fertility, and yield stability. |
|
Nutritional Challenge: 35.5% of children under age five years are stunted. 67% of children and 57% of women affected by anemia.
|
Fortify foods with essential micronutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Implement iron supplementation programs for women and children. |
|
Public Distribution System (PDS) Issues: 28% of allocated grains failing to reach beneficiaries due to leakage.
|
Implement blockchain and IoT for digital tracking from procurement to distribution. Transform fair price shops into smart shops with biometric and QR code-based quality checks. Strengthen One Nation One Ration Card Plan with centralized databases and migration tracking for seasonal migrants. |
What is the World Food Programme (WFP)?
- Establishment: The World Food Programme (WFP) is a United Nations agency focused on hunger eradication and food security, established in 1961 by the UN General Assembly and Food and Agriculture(FAO).
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
- Approach: Invests in local nutritious food solutions, fortification, and social protection systems.
- Empowers vulnerable communities to withstand shocks via improved livelihoods and climate resilience.
- Builds institutional capacity at the local level and addresses gender inequalities affecting food security.
- Recognition: WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
- India and WFP Collaboration: India, upholding the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family), is collaborating with WFP through initiatives like Supply Chain Optimization, Fortified Rice Rollout, Grain ATMs (Annapurti Devices), Jan Poshan Kendra, Smart Warehousing, and Mobile Storage Units (Flospans), while exploring further avenues for partnership.
Conclusion
India’s efforts to enhance food security contribute directly to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through initiatives like fortified rice, climate-resilient agriculture, and improved nutrition programs, India supports both national and global food security.
Related Keywords for Mains
- “Nutrition Without Borders”: Delivering fortified food to the most vulnerable worldwide.
- “From Entitlement to Empowerment” : Self-reliant food systems.
- “Food Aid is Soft Aid” : Diplomacy through wheat, rice, pulses.
- “Leakages to Linkages”: PDS reforms through JAM trinity.
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Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the four dimensions of food security and assess India’s shift from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation, highlighting its role in global food security. |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (2013)
Rapid Fire
India- US 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue
India and the US held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue (a mid-cycle review of the broader 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue), focusing on advancing a new 10-year defense framework to boost defense production, while also strengthening trade and energy security.
- Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under the US-India COMPACT(Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) framework and reaffirmed their commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific through the Quad.
- It is important as India is set to host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit, with the US, Japan, and Australia reaffirming their commitment to a stronger Indo-Pacific.
- 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: It is an annual diplomatic summit, initiated in 2018, originally between India and the US. It later expanded to include Japan, Australia, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
- The dialogue, involving the Foreign and Defense Ministers of the participating countries, focuses on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared security concerns.
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Read more: India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, US Tariff on Indian Imports |
Rapid Fire
Climate Change & Workplace Heat Stress Report
The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a joint report, Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress, highlighting the escalating global health risks of extreme heat for workers worldwide due to climate change.
Heat- Stress Impact on Workers
- Key Findings:
- Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40–50°C in many regions, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers.
- Worker productivity drops 2–3% per degree above 20°C. Health risks including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney, and neurological disorders, which now impact half the global population, with heat stress spreading beyond equatorial regions.
- Over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat globally, causing 22.85 million occupational injuries annually (ILO).
- Vulnerable groups: Manual workers in agriculture, construction, and fisheries; middle-aged and older adults; low-income populations; children and elderly in developing countries.
- Recommendations: Formulate occupational heat-health policies; raise awareness among workers, employers, and health professionals; engage stakeholders in co-creating locally relevant strategies.
- Implement practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions; leverage technology; promote research and evaluation.
- It aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
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Read More: Heat Waves in India |
