IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
National Coastal Mission 2.0: Strengthening Coastal Resilience & Blue Economy
Environment & Ecology
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the implementation guidelines for National Coastal Mission (NCM) 2.0 on 30 September 2026. It seeks to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of India’s coastal regions while promoting the Blue Economy.
Key Facts
- Type: Central Sector Scheme.
- Nodal Ministry: MoEFCC.
- Outlay: ₹767 crore.
- Implementation period: 2025–26 to 2030–31.
- Coverage: 9 coastal States + 4 coastal UTs.
- States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
- UTs: Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
- NCM 2.0 subsumes NCM 1.0, which operated during 2021–22 to 2025–26.
Major Objectives
- Coastal vulnerability assessment and climate adaptation/mitigation.
- Restoration and conservation of mangroves, coral reefs and brackish-water wetlands.
- Pollution management and biodiversity conservation.
- Development of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMPs) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSPs).
- Promote sustainable tourism and resilient livelihoods for coastal communities.
- Support research, capacity building and sustainable Blue Economy activities.
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2317286®=1&lang=1
PM-DHARA Scheme: Green Energy Transmission & Storage
Economy
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved the PM-DHARA (PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access) Scheme on 30 September 2026. It is essentially the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) framework, aimed at strengthening intra-state transmission and integrating large quantities of renewable energy into the grid.
Key Facts
- Total outlay: ₹1,86,405 crore
- Implementation target: FY 2032–33
- Renewable-energy evacuation: Up to 135 GW
- Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS): ₹1,36,378 crore
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): ₹50,000 crore for 50 GWh capacity.
- Central Financial Support: ₹54,082 crore.
- Implementing agencies: State Transmission Utilities (STUs).
- Greenfield transmission projects: Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
- Brownfield upgrades/network strengthening: Cost Plus Basis (CPB).
- Transmission Service Providers will undertake TBCB projects under the Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.
Why is it Important?
Renewable sources such as solar and wind are variable, creating challenges of intermittency, congestion and peak-hour curtailment. BESS under PM-DHARA can store electricity and supply it during non-solar hours, thereby improving grid flexibility and renewable-energy integration.
The scheme supports India’s longer-term target of 900 GW installed non-fossil capacity by 2035.
Sources:
Swyer Syndrome: 46,XY Complete Gonadal Dysgenesis
Science & Technology
Why in News?
Swyer syndrome is a rare difference of sex development (DSD), medically known as 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. It has recently been highlighted in the context of genetic and reproductive health.
Key Facts
- Chromosomal pattern: 46,XY, typically associated with male development.
- However, due to failure of the normal testis-development pathway, the gonads do not develop into functional testes.
- Individuals generally develop female external genitalia and usually have a uterus and fallopian tubes.
- The underdeveloped gonads are called streak gonads and do not produce normal amounts of sex hormones.
- SRY gene: Located on the Y chromosome, it plays a crucial role in initiating testicular development. Variants in SRY account for only a proportion of Swyer syndrome cases; other associated genes include MAP3K1, NR5A1, DHH and CBX2.
- Typical presentation: Often becomes apparent during adolescence because puberty does not progress normally. Primary amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation) is a characteristic presentation.
- Management: Hormone-replacement therapy can induce/maintain secondary sexual characteristics and support bone health. Streak gonads are generally removed because of their increased risk of gonadal tumours.
Sources:
ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026)
International Relations
Why in News?
The 2nd edition of the ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 28 September 2026. It brings together the Indian Navy and maritime forces of ASEAN Member States to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability.
Key Facts
- Full name: ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME)
- Edition: 2nd
- Venue: Subic Bay, Philippines
- Indian Navy ships: INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
- Theme: “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”
- Phases:
- Harbour Phase: Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational synchronisation, sporting and cultural activities, and community engagement.
- Sea Phase: Coordinated maritime exercises and operational serials to enhance practical interoperability.
- Objectives:
- Improve mutual understanding and interoperability.
- Strengthen professional and operational cooperation.
- Promote practical collaboration among India and ASEAN maritime forces.
Strategic Significance
AIME-2026 supports India’s Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. It contributes to India’s broader engagement with ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in maritime cooperation and regional security.
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2317206®=3&lang=1
CHIME Telescope: Mapping Hydrogen to Probe Dark Energy
Science & Technology
Why in News?
An international team, including researchers from India’s Raman Research Institute (RRI), has used the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) to make its first standalone detection of the faint radio glow of neutral hydrogen from a period when the Universe was about 5 billion years old. The result opens a new way to study cosmic expansion and dark energy.
Key Facts
- Full form: Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME).
- Location: Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, near Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.
- Type: Interferometric radio telescope.
- It consists of four large curved reflectors and has no moving parts; Earth’s rotation allows it to scan the visible northern sky.
- Frequency range: 400–800 MHz.
- Its primary objective is to map the distribution of neutral hydrogen (HI) across the Universe.
- Hydrogen’s characteristic 21-cm spectral line is redshifted into CHIME’s observing range because of cosmic expansion.
- CHIME can also detect Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and study pulsars.
- The latest result used 94 nights of observations from 2019 and detected hydrogen emission from roughly 9 billion years ago—when the Universe was about 5 billion years old.
- Indian researchers from RRI, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), contributed to the study.
Why Important?
21-cm hydrogen signal → distribution of matter → cosmic expansion → dark energy
The technique can potentially study large-scale cosmic structure without depending on conventional galaxy surveys, providing an independent tool for testing theories of dark energy and galaxy formation.
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2317106®=48&lang=1
(MAINS Focus)
Industry is Growing, But Isn't Creating Jobs
GS III – Economy / GS I – Society
Manufacturing, Employment Generation, and Structural Transformation
Introduction
India’s formal manufacturing sector continues to grow at a healthy pace. In 2024-25, registered manufacturing output grew by 7.8%, employment by 7.2%, and emoluments by 12.08% (Annual Survey of Industries). However, other indicators warrant attention: wages per worker have grown slower than net profit; output per worker has remained roughly the same; invested capital has increased steadily. Most critically, manufacturing in India has not emerged as an engine of mass employment, unlike in Korea and China. The formal sector simply does not provide enough jobs—73.1% of non-farm workers are in informal enterprises (PLFS 2025).
The Employment Paradox
Growth Without Mass Employment
- Organised Manufacturing: Total persons engaged crossed 2 crore in 2024-25 (up from 1.72 crore in 2021-22).
- Labour Force: This is only a fraction of India’s labour force.
- Informal Economy: 73.1% of non-farm workers engaged in informal-sector enterprises (PLFS 2025).
- Unorganised Manufacturing: 3.3 crore employed in unorganised segment (2023-24) vs. 1.9 crore in organised manufacturing (Economic Survey).
Firm Size and Productivity
- Small Firms: Organised manufacturing dominated by small firms.
- Bigger Factories (>100 workers): Employ larger share of workers, pay higher wages, have higher labour productivity (Economic Survey).
- Implication: Structural constraint on job creation and productivity.
Stagnant Indicators
- Wages per Worker: Grown slower than net profit.
- Output per Worker: Roughly the same over the years.
- Invested Capital: Increased steadily.
- Implications: For consumption, investment, and productivity.
The Missed Structural Transformation
Comparison with Asian Economies
- Korea and China: Manufacturing emerged as an engine of mass employment.
- India: Manufacturing contribution to GDP and share in employment has barely budged.
- Missed Opportunity: No avenues for millions entering the labour force each year or wanting to exit the farm sector.
Consequences
- Farm Sector: Low-skilled and unskilled remain on the farm.
- Gig Work: Alternative is gig work—often precarious, low-paid, without social security.
- Employment Challenge: India’s core employment challenge remains unresolved.
Way Forward
Boost Manufacturing as Employment Engine
- Bigger Factories: Incentivise growth of larger factories (>100 workers) with higher productivity and wages.
- Labour-Intensive Sectors: Focus on textiles, leather, footwear, food processing, electronics assembly.
- MSME Clusters: Develop specialised clusters (auto components, pharmaceuticals, electronics) with shared infrastructure.
Improve Wages and Productivity
- Wage Growth: Ensure wages grow in tandem with profits.
- Skill Development: Invest in skilling for higher productivity.
- Technology Adoption: Modernise production; improve output per worker.
Formalisation
- Ease of Doing Business: Simplify compliance for small firms.
- Credit Access: Improve access to affordable credit for MSMEs.
- Social Security: Extend to informal workers, gig workers.
Policy Coherence
- Industrial Policy: Align Make in India, PLI, MSME Development (Amendment) Act.
- Trade Policy: Leverage FTAs for market access.
- Infrastructure: Timely infrastructure, predictable regulation, easier credit.
Conclusion
India’s manufacturing sector is growing but is not creating mass employment. Output, employment, and emoluments have grown; but wages lag profits, output per worker is stagnant, and the formal sector employs only a fraction of the labour force. Manufacturing has not emerged as an engine of mass employment, unlike in Korea and China. Without such avenues, the low-skilled and unskilled remain on the farm or engage in gig work. India’s employment challenge requires boosting labour-intensive manufacturing, incentivising bigger factories, improving wages and productivity, and formalising the informal economy. Industry is growing—but it must also create jobs.
Practice Question
- India’s manufacturing sector is growing but has not emerged as an engine of mass employment, unlike in Korea and China. Critically examine the employment challenge in India’s manufacturing sector and suggest measures for job-led growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
Dignity by Design: Innovation Reshapes India's Public Toilets
GS II – Governance / GS III – Infrastructure
Urban Sanitation, Public Infrastructure, and Inclusive Design
Introduction
India’s cities have significantly improved public sanitation through the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on 2 October 2014, promoting better access, cleanliness, safety and ODF, ODF+ and ODF++ standards. The Toilets 2.0 initiative (2022) further focused on making public and community toilets safe, clean and user-friendly, while the SBM Toilet Locator helps citizens find nearby facilities. Today, innovation includes scrap buses converted into women’s toilets, plastic waste used in construction, and smart toilet lounges, making sanitation more inclusive and sustainable.
New-Age Toilets: Innovative Sanitation Models in India
- Bengaluru: A scrap KSRTC bus at Majestic was converted into a women-only toilet with Indian/Western commodes, sanitary napkin vending, incinerator, mother-care and diaper-changing facilities, and solar sensor lights.
- Navi Mumbai: Aspirational Toilets at Koparkhairane use recycled plastic, bottles, caps, keyboards and scrap metal, serving 8,000–9,000 visitors daily with facilities for women, children and persons with disabilities.
- Bhopal: Freshrooms use a DBOT-PPP model, offering sensor toilets, showers, lockers, Wi-Fi, cafés and accessible facilities, demonstrating financially sustainable public sanitation.
- Karad: A dedicated system for segregation, collection and treatment of sanitary waste processes 300–350 kg daily, with high-temperature incineration and real-time emission monitoring.
- Tirupati: Pink and universal toilet complexes serve thousands of pilgrims daily, incorporating separate facilities, accessibility features, child-friendly fixtures and systematic cleaning.
Significance: These models integrate gender-sensitive sanitation, recycling, technology, accessibility and safe waste management into urban public infrastructure.
Road Ahead
Beyond Building Toilets
- SBM-U 2.0 Focus: Keep toilets clean, safe, inclusive, and sustainable.
- Innovation: Scrap bus, recycled plastic, sensor-based fixtures, high-temperature incinerator.
- Partnerships: Private operators, hospitals, communities.
- Workers: Dedicated workers and caretakers give facilities life every day.
The Direction
- Every Citizen: Whatever their gender, ability, or location, deserves a clean and dignified toilet.
- From Markets to Monuments: Indian cities are turning this promise into reality.
Conclusion
As the Swachh Bharat Mission completes twelve years, the direction is clear: from basic access to dignity, safety, and innovation. Cities like Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, Bhopal, Karad, and Tirupati are demonstrating how public toilets can be transformed—using recycled materials, smart technology, inclusive design, and community partnerships. Every citizen, whatever their gender, ability, or location, deserves a clean and dignified toilet. From markets to monuments, Indian cities are turning that promise into reality.
Practice Question
- Innovation and inclusive design are reshaping India’s public toilets, moving from basic access to dignity, safety, and sustainability. Critically examine the initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 and their potential for scaling up across Indian cities. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2318095®=3&lang=1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2318140®=3&lang=1
