AFSPA extended in parts of manipur ,arunachal and nagaland for six months
General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice
General Studies Paper III: Internal Security, Law and Order
Context: The Union Home Ministry has extended AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for six months starting from October 1, 2025.
| Background What is AFSPA?
Definition and Origin: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), is a parliamentary law enacted to grant special powers to the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces in “disturbed areas” to maintain public order and combat insurgency.
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Current Context
Manipur
- Extension Details: AFSPA extended across the entire state except 13 police stations in five valley districts (Imphal, Lamka, etc.), excluding areas like Imphal, Lamka, Jiribam, and others.
- Previous Withdrawals: Fully withdrawn from all valley police stations in April 2023 amid improved security; earlier partial withdrawal from Imphal in 2004.
- Trigger for Reimposition: Ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, leading to President’s invocation of special powers under Section 3 of the Act; hill districts remained under AFSPA for three decades, last notified in September 2024? (text unclear, but extended now).
- Scope: Covers 19 police stations in five districts; out of 19, seven were reinstated post-2023 violence.
Nagaland
- Extension Details: Extended in nine districts, including Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Tuensang station limits of five districts (Kohima, Mokokchung, etc.).
- Specific Imposition: Newly imposed in Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts.
- Duration and Background: Six-month extension; Nagaland has seen phased withdrawals, but border areas remain “disturbed” due to insurgency.
Arunachal Pradesh
- Extension Details: Extended in seven districts: Tirap, Changlang, Longding, Namsai (with jurisdiction in Miao and Changlang police stations), and Chowkham in Namsai district bordering Assam.
- Rationale: Declared “disturbed areas” to empower forces against potential threats in these eastern districts.
Why Needed?
- Law and order concerns: Ongoing ethnic violence and unrest in Manipur and security challenges in border/disturbed districts.
- Central government’s power: Extension based on Section 3 of AFSPA after reviewing law/order situations.
- Recent violence: In Manipur, AFSPA reimposed in valley areas after violence in May 2023 and November 2024.
Criticism and Concerns
- Human rights violations: Alleged cases of fake encounters, torture, disappearances, and excessive use of force.
- Immunity from prosecution: Security personnel have legal protection, leading to lack of accountability.
- Impact on civilians: Arbitrary raids, curfews, and restrictions disrupt normal life.
- Alienation of local population: Perceived as draconian and anti-democratic, fueling resentment.
Arguments in Favour of AFSPA
- Essential for security: Allows swift action against insurgents, protects local communities from extremist violence.
- Deterrence: Prevents escalation of violence, suppresses armed groups, and stabilizes “disturbed” regions.
- Legal safeguards: Extension reviewed periodically; areas removed when situation improves (e.g., AFSPA withdrawn from some Manipur valley districts in 2022–23).
Conclusion: AFSPA extensions remain controversial for balancing state security and human rights.
2. Govt.survey on R&D in india gets weak response from private sector
General Studies Paper III (GS-III): Science and Technology
Context: DST launched a biennial National Survey on S&T Resources in Dec 2024, but private sector response was weak by Sep 2025.
- FICCI workshop in Sep 2025 discussed extending the survey deadline to Nov 30, 2025, to improve industry participation.
- The issue is key as accurate R&D data shapes policies under the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.
Background
- Survey began in mid-1990s, led by NSTMIS under DST, tracks public and private R&D trends.
- Covers ~8,000 entities: public sector, private firms, universities, multinationals.
- Earlier rounds showed 5.55 lakh R&D personnel and mapped global comparisons.
Purpose
- Collects detailed data on R&D investment, workforce, outputs, and institutional capacity.
- Guides policy on GDP share devoted to R&D and innovation strategy.
- Enables global benchmarking of India’s R&D ecosystem.
- Facilitates societal impact assessments and supports new S&T areas.
Current Issue (2024-2025)
- Launched Dec 2024; deadline extended from Sep 30 to Nov 30, 2025 due to low private turnout.
- Govt bodies 73% response, industry only 35%, MNCs 40%—major disparity.
- DST’s FICCI workshop urged industry to participate to inform national innovation policy.
- The survey backs Union Budget 2025’s emphasis on S&T; funding gaps persist despite new schemes.
Funding Mix — India vs World
- India: R&D spend ~0.64% of GDP; public 64%, private 36%.
- Private sector in-house R&D just 0.3% of GDP, dominated by large firms.
- US, S. Korea, Israel: Private sector share 70–90%, R&D spend 3–5% of GDP.
- China: ~60% private, 2.4% of GDP; Brazil, Indonesia akin to India’s 40% private share.
| Aspect | India | World Average | US/S. Korea Example |
| R&D (% GDP) | 0.64% | 2.5–3% | 3.5–4.8% |
| Private Share | 36% | 60–70% | 70–80% |
| Public Share | 64% | 30–40% | 20–30% |
Industry Concerns
- Firms cite unclear definitions and metrics in survey forms; hesitate to share sensitive data.
- SMEs lack resources/incentives; large firms view survey as time-consuming.
- India’s R&D spend is high for its GDP, but skewed toward public funding; leaders call for more private contributions.
- Some doubt survey insights will yield practical support like tax breaks or easier compliance.
- MNCs worry about revealing proprietary R&D; prefer anonymized data.
Conclusion: The survey highlights poor private sector engagement, distorting R&D data and sustaining a public-heavy funding model.
- Raising private share via deadline extensions, clearer forms, and incentives (e.g., R&D credits) is critical.
- Matching global norms could double India’s R&D/GDP by 2030, driving sustainable tech growth—this needs trust and productive reforms.
3. New farming technology holds potential to stop desertification
GS III: Environment, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Climate change
GS I: Geography (Land degradation, desertification, Indian physical environment).
Context: CUoR researchers have, for the first time, grown wheat in the Thar desert using desert soilification technology.
What is Desert Soilification Technology?
- Overview: Biotechnological technique that turns desert sand into soil-like material supporting crops.
- Technology: Uses polymers and bioformulations to bind sand particles, enhance soil texture, and enable water retention.
- Utility: Aims to combat desertification and promote sustainable agriculture in arid regions.
How Does it Work?
- Polymer-Based Bioformulation: Natural polymers and microbes are applied to sand.
- Cross-Linking Sand: Biopolymers create a network, binding sand grains into a cohesive matrix.
- Water Retention: The matrix retains water, reducing irrigation needs and preventing water loss.
- Microbial Boost: Beneficial microbes are introduced, improving fertility, nutrient cycling, and crop resistance to stress.
- Soil-Like Properties: Resulting medium allows nutrient retention, root growth, and microbial activity like fertile soil.
Key Features
- Sand-to-Soil Conversion: Binds sand into a stable, porous, root-friendly structure.
- Water Efficiency: Boosts moisture retention and reduces irrigation by 30–40%.
- Microbial Support: Stimulates soil microbes for better nutrient cycling and plant health.
- Versatile Cropping: Tested with wheat, bajra, guar gum, chickpea; now being applied to millets, green gram.
- Low Input: Fewer irrigation cycles (3–4 versus 5–6 in conventional wheat).
- Climate Resilience: Enables sustainable cultivation in drought-prone, desert areas.
- Scalability: Model can be used in deserts beyond Rajasthan, including the Middle East and Africa.
| How Bioformulation and Polymer Work
1.Sand Problem: Sand is loose, lacks water/nutrients, and erodes easily so plants and microbes struggle. 2.Polymer + Bioformulation: Polymers bind sand particles into a stable structure, boosting water retention.
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4. Upgrading shipyards
GS papper III -Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Context: The government announced a ₹69,725 crore revival package, replacing the expiring 2015 shipbuilding scheme, to revamp India’s struggling merchant shipbuilding sector.
- Despite earlier subsidies, only a handful of merchant ships were built in a decade, while global yards finish vessels much faster.
Scale of the Challenge
- India built only half-a-dozen small merchant ships in the last 10 years.
- Domestic yards take 2–3 years per ship, versus 1 year or less at leading international yards.
- Shipowners avoid Indian yards due to high capital lock-in and delays.
Global Shipbuilding Practices
- Nations like Korea, Japan, and China use prefabricated block assembly with massive, 1,000-tonne cranes.
- Efficiency: Global yards launch ships within 3–4 months of keel-laying; completed in a year.
Barriers in India
- Infrastructure lacks scale and modern assembly/crane capacity.
- Weak ecosystem for components and ancillaries hinders smooth production.
- Access to finance and incentives are insufficient, especially for small vessels.
Missed Integration Opportunities
- Green fuel projects in Kakinada/Kochi aren’t connected to green shipbuilding.
- Lack of assured, long-term contracts deters investment in new builds.
Strategic Recommendations
- Develop supply clusters and ancillaries near shipyards for integrated supply chains.
- Build capacity through dedicated training institutions for skilled manpower.
- Synergize green shipping orders with renewable fuel policies to spur demand.
- Secure long-term contracts via state entities to reduce investor risk.
Conclusion and Risks
- The ₹69,725 crore package is a major commitment, but real success needs structural reform, integrated clusters, and strong demand signals.
- The sector’s revival hinges on resolving inefficiencies in infrastructure, finance, and ecosystem support—not just on direct financial incentives.
Value Addition & Policy Data
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5. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
CONTEXT: CCPA fined First Cry ₹2 lakh for misleading price representation and unfair trade practices on its platform.
Case Background:
- Complaint: “MRP inclusive of all taxes” was shown, but GST was added at checkout, misleading on discounts and final price.
- Investigation: Discounts advertised (e.g., 27%) were much lower in reality (18.2%) after GST, violating Section 2(28) and 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Dark Pattern: Practice identified as “drip pricing”, prohibited under 2023 Dark Patterns Guidelines.
- E-Commerce Rule Violation: Breached Rule 7(1)(e), which mandates upfront total price display including all taxes and charges.
About CCPA
- Established under Consumer Protection Act, 2019; operates under Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
- Functions: Protects consumer rights, prevents unfair/misleading practices, initiates class-action suits and imposes penalties.
- Composition: Led by Chief Commissioner and two commissioners (goods/services).
Outcome & Company Action
- CCPA directed First Cry to always display both original and discounted prices inclusive of all taxes and disclose any extra charges plainly.
- First Cry updated its website/app to show final prices transparently; misleading practices now stopped.
- Sets a digital commerce precedent for fair price display and stronger consumer rights.
6. India-EU strategic agenda
General Studies Paper II (GS-II): International Relations
Context: The EU launched a dedicated Strategic Agenda for India ahead of the 2026 summit, marking a shift from past secondary status in the relationship.
- Trade, investment, FDI, and connectivity projects are at record highs, reflecting EU’s intent to place India at the centre of its Asia policy.
Five Pillars of India–EU Agenda
1) Economy & Trade
- EU is India’s largest trading partner; trade reached EUR 180 bn (goods/services).
- EU FDI in India doubled in five years; 6,000 EU firms employ 3 million Indians.
- Key negotiations: FTA, investment protection, GI, air transport, deeper economic partnership.
2) Global Connectivity
- EU’s Global Gateway (EUR 300 bn) aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR, Sagarmala.
- IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor): digital, transport, hydrogen infrastructure.
- Blue Raman cable, sustainable shipping emphasise regional and digital integration.
3) Emerging Technologies
- EU specialises in regulation, green tech, research; India excels in startups & digital innovation.
- Joint platforms for critical tech, AI, climate solutions, and nuclear safety.
- Cooperation in climate AI, language models, and research hubs.
4) Security & Defence
- Regular Strategic Dialogues (2025 onward) on maritime, cyber, defence, and counter-terrorism.
- New agreements for intelligence sharing and Indo-Pacific stability; EU-India naval cooperation.
- Defence forums for resilient supply chains and mutual security.
5) People-to-People Ties
- Largest Indian diaspora (825,000, 2023) with EU Blue Cards; 1 million Schengen visas issued.
- Mobility partnerships in education (Erasmus+, skills recognition), research and innovation.
- Talent exchange, skill migration, and recognition of Indian qualifications.
Challenges in Partnership
- FTA talks have stalled due to tariff, IPR, and services issues.
- Regulatory frictions: GDPR, climate-linked CBAM, stringent standards affect Indian exports.
- EU’s emphasis on human rights/political conditions sometimes seen as interference by India.
- EU’s consensus-based decision-making is slower than US/Russia bilateral formats.
- Diverging Indo-Pacific strategies and India’s preference for autonomy in strategic affairs.
Strategic Steps Forward
- Accelerate FTA settlement with flexibility in agriculture, services, and regulatory alignment.
- Institutionalise defence/security partnerships for regional stability in Indo-Pacific.
- Ensure timely rollout of connectivity initiatives and align EU-India projects.
- Balanced cooperation in emerging tech with shared standards, responsible use.
- Enhance educational and migration synergy for mutual workforce and research benefits.
- Maintain high-level summits and sustained political engagement to keep the agenda on track.
Conclusion
- The new agenda signals a move from transactional to long-term strategic partnership across sectors.
- Successful outcomes hinge equally on reforms, project execution, regulatory flexibility, and political will.
- India gains technology, security, and diversified markets, while EU gains a stable partner in Asia’s fastest-growing economy and turbulent world politics.
7. India at the Crossroads: Navigating WTO Pressures After China’s SDT Exit
General Studies Paper II (GS-II): International Relations
CONTEXT: China, for the first time, announced it will voluntarily forgo Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) benefits in future WTO negotiations, despite retaining its developing country status.
- This move isolates India, which continues to rely on SDT for key subsidies and trade protections, and comes amid increasing US-led pressure for WTO reform.
Significance of the Shift
- China is the first major emerging economy to make this move; SDT has been a critical negotiating tool for developing nations since the WTO’s inception.
- India’s position becomes harder to defend, as China’s self-withdrawal weakens collective bargaining for SDT flexibilities.
- Potential loss of SDT could reduce Indian farm subsidies by 20–30% per decade, risking rural incomes and food security.
India’s Historical Gains from SDT
- SDT allowed India to impose high tariffs on sensitive products (e.g. medicines, automobiles).
- Agricultural subsidies and MSP support were protected by SDT clauses.
- Shielded India from disputes and enabled resistance to developed country pressures at the WTO.
New Challenges for India
- If WTO phases out SDT, India may face forced subsidy cuts that threaten food security provisions (like NFSA).
- Reduced subsidies could worsen malnutrition and increase vulnerability for Indian farmers and MSMEs.
- US/EU continue to press India on subsidy reduction, MSP regimes, and global trade compliance.
Strategic Options for India
- Transition towards income support schemes that comply with WTO’s ‘Green Box’ instead of price-based subsidies.
- Focus on research, extension, and sustainability programs to support farmers within WTO rules.
- Negotiate transitional safeguards and seek longer compliance windows for subsidy reduction.
- Defend data sovereignty and bargain for tiered tariffs in upcoming trade agreements.
Strategic Roadmap Ahead
- Gradually liberalise tariffs for non-essential goods, while protecting essentials and food security.
- Scale up MSME global competitiveness using platforms like ONDC.
- Build coalitions (e.g., G33 group) with like-minded nations for collective negotiation at the WTO.
- Implement farm sector reforms to boost productivity and diversify exports.
Conclusion
- China’s step marks a turning point for WTO trade politics, putting India under greater reform and negotiation pressure.
- India must adapt by crafting WTO-compliant support models and harnessing smart diplomacy to secure both farmer welfare and international credibility.
