1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

India’s $23 Billion PLI Scheme Set to Expire After Falling Short of Expectations

Why in the News?

India's ambitious $23 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, introduced in 2020 to enhance domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China, is set to expire as many companies failed to meet their production targets.

Despite aiming to increase manufacturing’s contribution to GDP to 25% by 2025, it has instead declined from 15.4% to 14.3%. Only 37% of the anticipated production was achieved, with $151.93 billion worth of goods manufactured by October 2024. Delays in subsidy disbursement and excessive bureaucracy hindered its success.

About the PLI Scheme

The PLI scheme was designed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, and create jobs. Initially targeting three sectors—Mobile & Allied Components, Electrical Components, and Medical Devices—it was later expanded to 14 key industries.

Under this scheme, domestic and foreign companies receive financial incentives based on a percentage of their incremental revenue for up to five years.

Performance of the PLI Scheme

• Mobile Phones: A significant success—production surged by 63% from 2020-24, reaching $49 billion. Apple and Samsung dominate exports.

• Pharmaceuticals: Strong growth, with exports nearly doubling to $27.85 billion (2023-24).

• Food Processing: Exceeded production targets, but some firms missed subsidy eligibility due to non-compliance with investment requirements.

• Steel & Solar Panels: Underperforming sectors—14 out of 58 approved steel projects were withdrawn, and 8 out of 12 solar firms are unlikely to meet targets.

• Textiles & IT Hardware: Slow growth, facing competition from China's lower production costs.

94% of the $620 million incentives disbursed (April-Oct 2024) went to pharmaceuticals and mobile phones, highlighting sectoral imbalances.

2. Section 79 of the IT Act

Elon Musk’s X Challenges Indian Government Over IT Act’s Content Blocking Provisions

What is the IT Act, 2000?

The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 is India's primary legislation governing cyber activities, digital transactions, and electronic governance.

It establishes a legal framework for:

• Cybersecurity and protection against cybercrimes

• Digital signatures and electronic authentication

• Data protection and regulation of online intermediaries (social media platforms, search engines, etc.)

The Act was amended in 2008 and 2015 to address evolving cyber challenges.

Legal Framework

• Section 69A – Content Blocking Authority: Grants the government power to block access to online content for reasons related to sovereignty, security, and public order. Requires written orders and procedural safeguards. The Supreme Court upheld it in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015).

• Section 79 – Intermediary Liability ("Safe Harbour" Provision): Protects digital platforms from liability for third-party content, provided they remain neutral hosts.

  • Section 79(3)(b): Platforms lose this protection if they fail to remove unlawful content after government notification.

  • Shreya Singhal (2015) ruling: Clarified that intermediaries must comply only with court or government orders based on Article 19(2) restrictions (national security, defamation, incitement to violence, etc.).

About the Sahyog Portal

An online platform developed to automate the issuance of content removal notices to digital intermediaries under the IT Act.

• Ministry Involved: Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• Objectives:

  • Enable swift action against unlawful digital content

  • Improve compliance with cyber laws

  • Strengthen digital security for Indian users

• Functions:

  • Unites government agencies and online platforms on a single interface

  • Facilitates tracking and enforcement of content removal orders

  • Enhances transparency in digital content regulation

3. Life Under the Antarctic Ice Shelf

Scientists Discover New Marine Species in Antarctic Seafloor Exposed by Iceberg A-84

What is an Ice Shelf?

An ice shelf is a floating mass of glacial ice extending from land over the ocean, sustained by tributary glaciers.

Key Ice Sheets

• Antarctica and Greenland Ice Sheets store two-thirds of the world’s freshwater.

• The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the largest.

Impact on Sea Levels

• Ice sheet growth lowers global sea levels.

• Ice sheet loss contributes to rising sea levels.

Scientific Discoveries Beneath George VI Ice Shelf

• Expedition: Conducted under Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed global deep-sea research project.

• Methodology: A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) explored the seabed 1,300 meters below the surface.

• Findings:

  • A diverse ecosystem, including icefish, giant sea spiders, corals, sponges, and octopi.

  • Potential new marine species.

  • A giant phantom jellyfish measuring up to a meter wide.

  • Thriving life despite isolation from surface nutrients—possibly due to ocean currents or glacial meltwater transporting essential nutrients.

About George VI Ice Shelf

• Location: Between Alexander Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

• Size: 24,000 sq. km (second-largest ice shelf in the region).

• Distinctive Feature: Laterally constrained, unlike most ice shelves that flow freely into the ocean.

• Vulnerability:

  • Situated at a critical climate threshold (-9°C mean annual temperature).

  • Prone to melting from both atmospheric warming and warm ocean currents.

4. Demands for Grants

Lok Sabha Approves ₹50 Lakh Crore in Budgetary Demands for 2025-26

What are Demands for Grants?

Demands for Grants refer to expenditure estimates that require Lok Sabha’s approval under Article 113 of the Indian Constitution.

Scope

• Covers revenue & capital expenditure, grants to states/UTs, and loans & advances.

• Each ministry/department presents separate demands; large ministries may submit multiple requests.

Types of Expenditure

• Voted expenditure: Requires Lok Sabha’s approval.

• Charged expenditure: Includes the President’s salary, judges' salaries, and debt servicing—does not require voting.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 113: No grants can be requested without the President’s recommendation.

• Article 114: Parliament must approve all withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India.

• Article 115: Allows additional funding if initial budget allocations fall short.

• Article 116: Provides for emergency funding measures (Vote on Account, Vote of Credit, and Exceptional Grants).

Voting Process

• Exclusive power of Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha cannot vote).

• Only the votable portion of the budget is subject to approval.

• Individual demands are debated and voted upon.

• Guillotine rule: If time runs out, all pending demands are passed without discussion.

5. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

India Hosts ASEAN Counter-Terrorism Working Group Meeting in New Delhi

About ASEAN

• Established: August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.

• Expanded Membership: Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos & Myanmar (1997), Cambodia (1999).

• Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia.

• Motto: "One Vision, One Identity, One Community."

ASEAN-India Relations

• 1992: India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

• 1996: Achieved Full Dialogue Partner status and joined ASEAN Regional Forum.

• 2012: Established a Strategic Partnership.

• 2009 & 2014: India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements (Goods, Services & Investments).

6. Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA)

During a recent review meeting led by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Army requested the inclusion of additional police station areas in Manipur Valley under the scope of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA).

About AFSPA:
Enacted by Parliament in 1958, AFSPA grants special powers and legal immunity to the armed forces for maintaining public order in designated "disturbed areas."

Key Provisions:

• AFSPA is applicable only in regions officially declared as “disturbed” under Section 2 of the Act.

• Both the State and Union governments have the authority to designate an area as “disturbed,” enabling the enforcement of AFSPA.

• In Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues periodic notifications regarding its enforcement.

Declaration of Disturbed Areas:

• Defined under Section 3, a “disturbed area” is one where military intervention is deemed necessary to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

• Such a declaration can be made due to religious, racial, linguistic, regional, or caste-based conflicts.

• The central government, state governors, or Union Territory administrators have the power to declare areas disturbed for a minimum of three months under the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976.

Special Powers Under AFSPA:

• The armed forces can prohibit gatherings of five or more people, use force, or open fire after issuing a warning if deemed necessary.

• They can arrest individuals without a warrant, conduct searches without prior authorization, and restrict firearm possession.

• Arrested individuals must be handed over to the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances.

• Personnel operating under AFSPA are granted immunity from prosecution unless sanctioned by the Union Government.

Current Enforcement:
Apart from Nagaland, AFSPA remains in effect in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Manipur (excluding Imphal), and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

7. Eurasian Goshawk

A Eurasian goshawk, a medium-to-large bird of prey, was recently sighted by a forest guard at Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

About the Eurasian Goshawk:

• Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis

• It belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes eagles, buzzards, and harriers.

• Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, where it is commonly known as the Northern Goshawk.

Habitat & Features:

• Prefers dense forests, especially coniferous and mixed woodlands.

• Recognizable by short, broad wings and a long tail.

• Exhibits a blue-grey or brownish-grey upper body with dark barring or streaking over a white or grey underside.

• Asian subspecies range from nearly white to almost black.

• Females are significantly larger than males.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Located in Thane District, Maharashtra, about 90 km northeast of Mumbai, in the foothills of the Western Ghats.

• Covers an area of 320 sq. km, divided by the Tansa River.

• Forms the catchment area for Tansa Lake, a key water source for Mumbai and Thane.

• Hosts diverse flora and fauna, including over 200 bird species and animals such as panthers, barking deer, mouse deer, hyenas, and wild boars.

8. Gambhir River

The Rajasthan High Court has sought a response from state authorities regarding alleged encroachments on the floodplain of the Gambhir River, which supplies water to the Ghana Bird Sanctuary.

About Gambhir River:

• Also known as the Utangan River, it is a seasonal river flowing primarily during the monsoon.

• Located in northeastern Rajasthan, it is bordered by the Banganga River Basin (north), Banas River Basin (southwest), Chambal and Parbati Rivers (southeast), and Uttar Pradesh (northeast).

Course & Features:

• Originates from the Aravalli Hills near Hindaun and flows through multiple districts before merging with the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.

• It flows in a south-to-north direction, forming a natural boundary between Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

• Spanning approximately 288 km, it becomes perennial after meeting the Parbati River beyond Dholpur District.

• Serves as a vital water source for Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Major tributaries: Sesa, Kher, and Parbati Rivers.

9. World Happiness Index 2025

India ranked 118th in the recently published World Happiness Report 2025.

About the World Happiness Index:

• An annual report compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

• Rankings are based on self-assessed life evaluations, using data from 2022–2024 and responses to Gallup’s Cantril ladder survey, where individuals rate their life on a scale from 0 (worst) to 10 (best).

Key Factors Considered:

1. Social support

2. GDP per capita

3. Healthy life expectancy

4. Freedom

5. Generosity

6. Perceived corruption

Highlights of the 2025 Report:

• Top 4 Happiest Countries: Finland (1st for the 8th consecutive year), Denmark, Iceland, Sweden.

• Major Rankings: UK (23rd), US (24th), China (68th).

• New Entrants in Top 10: Costa Rica (6th), Mexico (10th).

• Lowest Ranking Country: Afghanistan (147th, previously 143rd).

• Notable Rankings: Palestine (108th, down from 103rd in 2024), Ukraine (111th, down from 105th).

• India’s Ranking: 118 out of 147 countries.

• Neighboring Countries: Pakistan (109), Nepal (92), China (68), Sri Lanka (133), Bangladesh (134).

10. Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

The Indian Navy recently participated in Sea Dragon 2025, a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise.

About Exercise Sea Dragon:

• An annual ASW drill aimed at strengthening maritime security and interoperability among allied nations in the Indo-Pacific.

• Hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

• Focuses on detecting, tracking, and countering submarine threats through theoretical and practical training.

• Includes sonobuoy deployment, tactical discussions, mock drills, and live submarine detection exercises.

Evolution:

• Initially a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Australia in 2019.

• India joined in 2021, and participation has since expanded.

Sea Dragon 2025 Highlights:

• Focused on improving ASW tactics, interoperability, and multinational coordination.

• Included mobile ASW training drills, live submarine tracking, and a competitive ASW phase evaluating participant effectiveness.

• Participating Nations: Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and India (participating for the fourth time).