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CLIMATE EVENTS AND INDIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India recently faced high food inflation and poor crop yields due to the prolonged El Niño event (2023–24). With the emergence of La Niña-like conditions in 2024, there are signs of recovery in agriculture and inflation control.

El Niño Caused Weather Disruptions

  • The El Niño from 2023 to early 2024 was unusually strong and lasted longer than usual.
  • Sea surface temperatures near the Pacific coast of South America rose about 2°C above normal, far exceeding the 0.5°C El Niño threshold.
  • This warming changed global weather, including India’s rainfall and temperature cycles.

Monsoon Failure and Crop Loss

  • India saw weaker monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter rains during this El Niño period.
  • Delayed winters and early heatwaves (March 2024) harmed both kharif and rabi crops.
  • Poor rainfall and heat stress caused low agricultural output, especially in major food crops.

Rising Food Prices and Lower Demand

  • Food inflation stayed above 8.5% from July 2023 to December 2024 — one of the longest high-inflation periods in recent years.
  • Families spent more on essentials, cutting down on non-essential spending.
  • FMCG sector growth slowed, reflecting reduced rural and urban consumption.

La Niña Brings Relief

  • By early 2024, Pacific Ocean temperatures began to cool, pointing towards mild La Niña conditions.
  • This led to improved rains, helping the 2024 rabi harvest and easing food inflation to 2.7% in March 2025 — the lowest in years.

Wheat Output Recovers

  • Wheat stock levels had dropped to a 16-year low before 2024.
  • Favourable weather and better seeds led to a bumper wheat harvest, especially in central India.
  • This helped stabilize market supply and strengthen food security.

Hopeful Outlook for 2025 Monsoon

  • The IMD forecast suggests a 105% above-normal monsoon for June–September 2025.
  • With ENSO-neutral conditions, stable global oil prices, and a weaker dollar, India may see improved terms of trade, aiding growth.

Conclusion:

India’s economy faced stress due to El Niño’s extreme weather, but improving climate trends, strong farming responses, and supportive global factors now offer a chance for recovery in inflation and growth.

WORK IN THE MACHINE AGE – INDIA’S YOUTH AND THE FUTURE OF EMPLOYMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India is facing a major employment challenge driven by youth joblessness and fast-paced technological change. As AI and automation spread, the nature of work is transforming across all sectors.

Visible Job Crisis: Focus on Youth Unemployment

  • India is currently dealing with a serious employment crisis, especially among the younger population.
  • Over 80% of unemployed people are youth, most with secondary or higher education.
  • Shockingly, one in three young people is neither working nor studying.
  • India needs to create around 90 million new jobs by 2030, many of which don’t yet exist.

Invisible Crisis: Changing Nature of Work

  • Beyond job numbers, a deeper issue is emerging — how technology is reshaping work itself.
  • Automation, AI, and data systems are replacing jobs in both low-skill and high-skill professions.
  • Unlike past industrial shifts, this wave affects everyone — from factory workers to analysts and designers.

Tech Disruption: Impacting All Levels

  • Tools like Generative AI now impact not just manual tasks but also roles needing creativity and analysis.
  • This creates a situation where no job is fully safe, forcing people to constantly adapt and upskill.

Importance of Basic Tech and Data Skills

  • Technology literacy is key to understanding and using digital tools.
  • Data literacy helps individuals make decisions using data insights.
  • These skills are the base of “AI literacy”, which is essential for future careers.
  • They must be taught from school to higher education across all subjects.

Joseph Aoun’s Humanics Framework for Future Learning

  • Tech Skills – Knowing how to use and work with machines.
  • Data Skills – Using data to think critically and solve problems.
  • Human Skills – Creativity, empathy, and ethical reasoning that machines can’t replicate.

Role of Micro-Credentials in Lifelong Learning

  • Micro-credentials are short, specific courses that help workers quickly gain new skills.
  • Many global universities are adding them to regular courses — in STEM, business, and humanities.
  • India must shift from degree-only models to flexible learning pathways.

Reimagining India’s Education System

  • India should build an education system that promotes adaptability, innovation, and inclusion.
  • Actions needed:
  • Embed tech and data skills early in education.
  • Train teachers to support future-ready learning.
  • Support modular, skill-based credentials.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking.

Conclusion

India’s twin employment challenges — lack of jobs and the evolving nature of work — demand a complete rethink of education and skilling. By building tech-savvy, creative, and lifelong learners, India can prepare its youth for a future filled with uncertainty and opportunity.

TACKLE HEATWAVES WITH SHORT- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

India saw its first major heatwave of 2025 on March 15 — 20 days earlier than in 2024 — underlining the urgent need for strong heatwave response plans and long-term climate adaptation. These extreme heat conditions pose serious risks to human health, economic productivity, and expose deep social inequalities.

Health and Environmental Impact:

  • When the air temperature nears 37°C, the body cannot cool down effectively, causing heat stress.
  • Heat stress may lead to kidney failure, liver damage, brain injury, or even death.
  • Example: In Telangana (2023), several people were hospitalised due to heatstroke during extreme temperatures above 45°C.
  • Humidity and low wind speed worsen the situation.

Socio-Economic Challenges:

  • Farmers cannot work during high heat, causing crop losses and low productivity.
  • Example: Punjab and Haryana saw reduced wheat yields in 2022 due to extreme heat.
  • Livestock deaths impact the rural economy.
  • About 75% of India’s workforce works in heat-exposed sectors like construction and farming.
  • In 2023, India lost nearly 6% of work hours due to heat stress.

Inequity and Vulnerable Groups:

  • Poor people, slum dwellers, migrants, elderly, and women are more vulnerable.
  • Women working in kitchens or with cultural clothing norms face greater heat exposure.
  • Example: In Delhi’s urban slums, households face more heat indoors than outdoors due to poor ventilation.

Gaps in Heat Action Plans (HAPs):

  • India’s first HAP was launched in Ahmedabad (2013).
  • Over 140 cities have HAPs, but most lack proper implementation and coordination.
  • Plans must include humidity, night temperatures, and local heat data.
  • Example: The UK’s Heat Health Alert system factors in both day and night temperature for better prediction.

Long-Term and Practical Measures:

  • Promote cool roofs like white paint on rooftops to reflect heat. Example: Telangana launched a Cool Roof Policy in 2023.
  • Develop green parks, tree planting, and better building materials.
  • Provide drinking water points, ORS sachets, and encourage staggered work hours.
  • Example: Odisha advised construction sites to work only in early morning and late evening during heat alerts.

Conclusion:

With heatwaves rising yearly, India must adopt both emergency and long-term measures that are people-centric, location-specific, and equity-focused to reduce health risks and economic losses.

CALLING OUT AMERICAN TRADE ILLEGALITY

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The U.S. recently announced tariffs that go against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. While many countries have openly opposed this, India has chosen not to speak out, likely due to ongoing trade talks with the U.S. This raises concerns about India’s commitment to a rule-based global trade system.

Global Reaction to U.S. Tariffs

Criticism from Major Countries:

  • Singapore called the tariffs a rejection of the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) principle.
  • Brazil and China said the U.S. violated its WTO obligations.
  • China also imposed counter-tariffs and initiated a WTO dispute.
  • Japan and Canada challenged the U.S. legally and through counter-measures.

Mild Opposition:

  • Countries like Fiji and Italy called the tariffs “unfair” and a “mistake.”

Complete Silence:

  • Some nations, including India, have neither criticized nor challenged the U.S. move.

Why India Remains Silent

Ongoing Bilateral Trade Talks:

  • India is negotiating a trade agreement with the U.S.
  • Fear of harming talks may explain the silence, though this argument is weak.
  • The U.S. continues to criticize India’s tariffs even while negotiating.

WTO Dispute Body Dysfunction:

  • Since the WTO’s dispute resolution system is not working properly, some argue there’s no point in filing a case.
  • However, countries like Canada and China still filed cases to highlight the illegality, even without expecting immediate results.

Need for India to Speak Up

  • Leadership Role for Global South:
    • India often supports multilateralism and WTO rules.
    • By not joining the 40-member statement supporting WTO rules, India missed a chance to lead.
  • Moral and Strategic Duty:
    • Speaking up shows commitment to fair trade.
    • Silent diplomacy weakens India’s position as a global rule-based trade advocate.

Conclusion

India must balance its national interests with global leadership. Publicly supporting trade rules is crucial, especially when powerful nations violate them.

MURSHIDABAD VIOLENCE AND NCW’S RESPONSE

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

Communal violence broke out in Murshidabad, West Bengal, leaving several dead. The National Commission for Women (NCW) reported that women were the most affected and urged the State to restore peace and support the victims.

Background of the Violence

  • Communal clashes occurred in Dhulian and Samserganj on April 11–12.
  • The unrest reportedly started over the Waqf (Amendment) Act and soon turned into religious violence.
  • Three people were killed, including a father-son duo, and 289 arrests have been made so far.

Women: Worst Affected

  • NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited the affected areas and said women lost homes, security, and peace.
  • Many women were forced to flee, including one who gave birth just days earlier.
  • The NCW is preparing a detailed report on the issue.

Political and Administrative Response

  • West Bengal Governor and NHRC also visited the affected families.
  • Trinamool Congress leaders visited victims, but their late response was criticised.
  • The family of the deceased rejected compensation announced by CM Mamata Banerjee.

National Commission for Women (NCW)

  • Established: 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
  • Status: Statutory body, not a constitutional body.
  • Mandate: To protect and promote the rights of women and advise the government on related policy matters.

Conclusion

The Murshidabad violence highlights rising communal tensions and the urgent need for gender-sensitive relief efforts. The NCW’s role underscores the importance of protecting women during conflicts and ensuring accountability.

ARTICLE 142 OF THE CONSTITUTION – POWER AND CONCERNS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Vice-President recently referred to Article 142 as a “nuclear missile against democratic forces,” following its use in a case involving the Tamil Nadu Governor, raising debates on judicial overreach.

What is Article 142?

  • Article 142(1) empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary to do “complete justice” in any case before it.
  • This is an extraordinary power that goes beyond regular laws and procedures.

Purpose and Vision

  • Meant to ensure fair outcomes even when laws or procedures fall short.
  • The provision was introduced by the Constitution’s framers, especially Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, with the idea of making justice more meaningful.
  • It allows the Court to fill legal gaps, interpret laws, or even override them for the sake of justice.

Importance and Impact

  • Used in public interest cases, human rights issues, and situations of democratic failure.
  • Helps the Court act when the executive or legislature fails to act.
  • Often applied in cases involving minority rights, equality, and environmental protection.
  • Has helped the judiciary innovate by laying down guidelines in areas like police reforms or environment conservation.

Concerns and Criticism

  • The term “complete justice” is undefined, leading to subjective interpretations.
  • Critics argue it gives the Court unchecked power, possibly violating the separation of powers principle.
  • There’s a fear that such wide discretion may lead to inconsistent decisions and judicial overreach.

Conclusion

Article 142 remains a powerful tool for justice delivery but must be used with caution. While it empowers the judiciary to act in extraordinary situations, its use should always respect the balance between the three branches of government.

ENSURING A FAIR FEDERAL BALANCE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India’s federal structure, as defined in the Constitution, is being increasingly challenged due to growing interference by the Union government in State matters. The Tamil Nadu government is taking proactive steps to protect States’ rights and revive true cooperative federalism.

Need for a Federal Review

  • The Dravidian movement has always emphasized decentralization for balanced development.
  • Tamil Nadu has now formed a 3-member panel to assess constitutional and policy provisions on Centre-State power sharing.
  • The goal is to push back against growing central control and safeguard State autonomy.

Constitutional Framework

  • India is described as a “Union of States” in the Constitution’s preamble.
  • Powers are divided among the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists in the Seventh Schedule.
  • Despite this, many State List subjects are being increasingly handled by the Union government.

Central Overreach and Issues

  • The Union government, led by the BJP, is accused of:
  • Curtailing State powers by enacting laws on State subjects.
  • Misusing the offices of the Governor and the President to delay or block State legislation.
  • Examples include:
  • Delay in granting assent to Tamil Nadu’s NEET exemption Bill.
  • Withholding ₹2,500 crore in education funds due to Tamil Nadu rejecting the National Education Policy (NEP).

Conflict Over Education Policy

  • Tamil Nadu’s State Education Policy focuses on social equity and access.
  • The NEP is seen as promoting elitism and indirectly enforcing Hindi via the three-language formula.
  • The State has opposed these changes, resulting in funding cuts.

Delimitation Concerns

  • The State warns against a future delimitation exercise that could reduce representation for performing States.
  • Such steps may reward underperforming States and punish successful ones, affecting Southern States the most.

Tamil Nadu’s Broader Fight

  • The State is rallying support from like-minded States to counter the growing centralisation.
  • The goal is to preserve the federal spirit and India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Tamil Nadu believes strong States make a strong India.

Federal

  • Federal refers to a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments.
  • Both levels of government function independently within their areas of jurisdiction, and their powers are usually defined by a constitution.

Example: India, the United States, and Australia are examples of countries with a federal structure.

Federalism

  • Federalism is the principle or ideology that supports a federal system of governance.
  • It refers to a political system in which two or more levels of government share power and authority over the same geographical area and population.
  • The main aim of federalism is to balance unity and diversity, giving autonomy to different regions while maintaining national integrity.

Key Features of Federalism:

  • Dual government (central and state)
  • Division of powers by the Constitution
  • Written and rigid Constitution
  • Independent judiciary to resolve disputes

Bicameral legislature (in many federations)

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu’s move to safeguard State powers is not just a regional concern but a national call to uphold federal values. A balanced Centre-State relationship is essential for true cooperative federalism and inclusive national growth.

COLOSSAL SQUID DISCOVERY – INSIGHTS INTO A DEEP-SEA MYSTERY

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Scientists have, for the first time, captured video footage of a juvenile colossal squid in the deep sea. This rare observation offers valuable information about one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures.

Myth and Reality: Kraken Origins

  • Ancient sailors feared a giant sea monster called the Kraken, often depicted with huge tentacles.
  • The myth was likely inspired by real sightings of large sea creatures like giant and colossal squids.
  • The legend was popularized in literature, like Tennyson’s 1830 poem “The Kraken”.

Why the Colossal Squid is Mysterious

  • Although huge in size, it is rarely seen alive.
  • Scientists mainly studied it through remains found in whale stomachs or caught by accident in fishing nets.
  • These squids live in the deep Southern Ocean, making them hard to observe due to their sensitive eyes and avoidance of light and noise.

Breakthrough Sighting in 2024

  • In April 2024, researchers filmed a juvenile colossal squid at 2,000 feet near the South Sandwich Islands.
  • It was the first time the species was seen alive in its natural habitat, offering clues about its early life and habits.

Physical Features and Growth

  • Colossal squids grow up to 23 feet long and can weigh 500 kg.
  • They have thicker bodies and shorter arms compared to giant squids, which are longer but lighter.
  • Both species grow slowly, unlike typical squid species, and may live up to a decade or more.

Importance of the Discovery

  • Helps understand how colossal squids grow, hunt, and reproduce.
  • Fills gaps between the juvenile and adult stages of this species.
  • Supports marine conservation efforts, especially with threats like deep-sea mining.

Conclusion:

This rare sighting is a scientific milestone that deepens our understanding of deep-sea life and highlights the need to protect these unique creatures from human threats.