Defence Forces Vision 2047: Key Highlights
1. Future-Ready, Multi-Domain Military
Aims to transform India’s armed forces into a technologically advanced force operating across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains using AI, drones, and data-centric warfare.
2. Focus on Jointness and Structural Reforms
Promotes integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force through measures like theatre commands and creation of specialized forces such as Cyber, Space, and Drone Commands.
3. Push for Defence Indigenisation
Links military modernization with self-reliance by reducing import dependence, boosting domestic manufacturing, and strengthening the defence industrial ecosystem.
4. Phased Roadmap to 2047
Three-stage plan—Transition (till 2030), Consolidation (2030–40), and Excellence (2040–47)—to build a fully integrated, world-class military aligned with India’s long-term strategic and economic goals.
Washington Consensus: Key Highlights
1. Neoliberal Economic Framework
The Washington Consensus promoted liberalisation, privatisation, and deregulation as a universal model for growth, influencing reforms like India’s 1991 LPG policies.
2. Declining Relevance in Changing Global Order
Rising protectionism, industrial policy revival, and supply chain restructuring have challenged its market-led approach in today’s multipolar and geopolitically fragmented world.
3. Major Criticisms
Criticised for its “one-size-fits-all” approach, rising inequality, financial instability (e.g., Asian Financial Crisis), and limiting policy autonomy of developing nations.
4. Shift to Post-WC Approach
Countries like India are adopting a balanced model combining market reforms with state intervention, focusing on industrial policy, self-reliance, and inclusive global economic governance.
NavIC System Setback: Key Highlights
1. Technical Failure in Navigation System
The Indian Space Research Organisation reported failure of the atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F, raising concerns about the reliability of India’s navigation constellation.
2. About NavIC (India’s Indigenous GPS)
NavIC provides accurate positioning services over India and up to 1500 km beyond, ensuring strategic autonomy after lessons from the Kargil War.
3. Capabilities and Applications
Offers 5–10 metre accuracy, dual-frequency signals (L and S bands), and supports navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking, and mobile integration.
4. Concerns and Future Upgrades
Multiple satellite issues (IRNSS series aging, NVS-02 setback) highlight reliability challenges, pushing India toward next-generation satellites with indigenous atomic clocks and improved compatibility (L1 band).
Food Safety Reforms: Key Highlights
1. Ease of Doing Business Boost
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India introduced perpetual validity of licenses, removing renewal requirements and reducing compliance burden for food businesses.
2. Revised Turnover Thresholds
Registration limit increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore; State licensing up to ₹50 crore, improving regulatory clarity and decentralisation.
3. Relief for Street Vendors & MSMEs
Street vendors under the 2014 Act now get deemed FSSAI registration, enabling instant approval and reducing inspections and paperwork.
4. Risk-Based Inspection System
Technology-driven inspections based on risk profile and compliance history, ensuring better food safety with efficient monitoring.
Transgender Rights Amendment Bill, 2026: Key Highlights
1. End of Self-Identification Principle
The Bill removes the right to self-identify gender, going against the NALSA v. Union of India which upheld gender as a matter of personal autonomy.
2. Shift to Medical Certification
Introduces a mandatory medical board approval for gender identity, raising concerns of clinical gatekeeping and loss of dignity.
3. Narrowed Definition of Transgender
Restricts recognition mainly to socio-cultural groups and biological criteria, excluding gender-fluid and self-perceived identities.
4. Stricter Penalties but Rising Concerns
While punishments for crimes are increased, activists fear misuse, exclusion, and rollback of rights under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Women’s Political Participation in India: Key Highlights
1. High Participation but Low Representation
Women’s voter turnout is nearly equal to men, yet representation remains low (only ~13.6% in Lok Sabha), reflecting a democratic gap.
2. Persistent Structural Barriers
Patriarchal norms, lack of party support, financial constraints, and male-dominated networks limit women’s entry into politics.
3. Policy Support but Implementation Gap
Initiatives like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and 73rd–74th Amendments promote participation, but impact is delayed or uneven.
4. Need for Systemic Reforms
Stronger party-level quotas, financial support, and safer political environments are essential for meaningful representation.
Infrastructure Financing in India: Key Highlights
1. Shift to PPP & Institutional Financing
India has moved from budget-based funding to PPP models supported by institutions like National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and NaBFID.
2. Record Growth in Public Capex
Government capital expenditure has risen sharply, driving infrastructure expansion in roads, railways, airports, and urban development.
3. Innovative Financing Mechanisms
Tools like InvITs, REITs, green bonds, and asset monetization are unlocking private investment and improving liquidity.
4. Challenges & Future Focus
Issues like land acquisition delays, low private participation, and financing risks persist, requiring focus on risk mitigation, green finance, and deeper bond mark
PMJAY & Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Key Highlights
1. High OOPE Despite Insurance
A study by NITI Aayog shows beneficiaries still incur high out-of-pocket expenses, especially in private hospitals (~₹53,965 per hospitalisation).
2. Public vs Private Gap
Treatment in private hospitals costs more than double compared to government facilities, highlighting disparities in implementation.
3. Limited Cashless Benefit
Despite being a cashless scheme, only 35% of patients faced zero expenditure; 65% still paid from their pockets.
4. Weak Financial Protection
The scheme offers only marginal relief compared to uninsured patients, raising concerns about effectiveness of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Small Hydro Power (SHP) Scheme: Key Highlights
1. Boost to Decentralized Renewable Energy
The Union Cabinet approved the SHP Scheme (2026–31) to develop ~1500 MW capacity, focusing on clean and localized energy generation.
2. Targeted Support for Strategic Regions
Special incentives for North Eastern and border areas with higher Central Financial Assistance to promote regional development.
3. Economic & Employment Benefits
Expected to attract ₹15,000 crore private investment and generate significant employment (~51 lakh person-days).
4. Sustainable & Indigenous Growth
Promotes eco-friendly projects with minimal displacement and supports Atmanirbhar Bharatthrough 100% indigenous technology.
World Happiness Report 2026: Key Highlights
1. Top & Bottom Rankings
Finland ranks 1st for the 9th year, while Afghanistan remains last.
2. India’s Performance
India ranks 116th, showing slight improvement but still behind neighbours like Nepal and Pakistan.
3. Key Determinants of Happiness
Rankings based on factors like GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption perception.
4. Social Media Impact Insight
Moderate use (<1 hour/day) improves well-being, while excessive use (2.5 hours/day globally) negatively affects happiness.
