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Economic Survey 2024-25

Context
Recently, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic
Survey 2024-25 before the parliament.

Economic Survey 2024-25: Key Highlights

● GDP & Growth Estimates

○ India’s GDP expected to grow between 6.3% - 6.8% in FY26.
○ Real GDP growth estimated at 6.4% in FY25, aligning with its decadal average.
○ Real GVA projected to grow by 6.4% in FY25.
● Investment & Infrastructure
○ Capital expenditure (Capex) grew by 8.2% (July–November 2024) and is expected to
accelerate further.
○ ₹50,000 crore ‘Self-Reliant India Fund’ launched to support MSMEs.
○ Economic Survey recommends deregulation and sustained infrastructure investment
over the next two decades for high growth.

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● Inflation & External Sector

○ Retail headline inflation declined to 4.9% (April–December 2024).
○ India’s consumer price inflation projected to stabilize at ~4% in FY26.
○ Overall exports increased by 6.0% YoY (April–December 2024).
○ Services exports surged by 12.8% (April–November FY25) from 5.7% in FY24.
○ Gross FDI inflows rose by 17.9% YoY to $55.6 billion (first 8 months of FY25).
○ Forex reserves at $640.3 billion (December 2024), covering 10.9 months of imports and
90% of external debt.
● Stock Market & Financial Sector
○ BSE stock market capitalization to GDP ratio at 136% (December 2024), surpassing
China (65%) and Brazil (37%).
○ Renewable Energy & Sustainability
○ Capacity addition in solar & wind energy grew by 15.8% YoY (December 2024).
● Agriculture & Rural Economy
○ Agricultural sector expected to grow at 3.8% in FY25.
○ Kharif foodgrain production projected at 1647.05 LMT, marking a rise of 89.37 LMT
over the previous year.
○ Growth in agriculture driven by horticulture, livestock, and fisheries.
● Industrial & Social Sectors
○ Industrial sector projected to grow by 6.2% in FY25.
○ Social services expenditure grew by 15% annually between FY21 and FY25.
○ Government health expenditure increased from 29% to 48% (FY15-FY22).
○ Out-of-pocket health expenses reduced from 62.6% to 39.4% during the same period.
● Employment & AI Regulation
○ Unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in 2023-24 from 6.0% in 2017-18.
○ Collaborative efforts between government, private sector, and academia needed to
mitigate AI’s societal impact.

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Union Budget 2025-26

Context
The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented by the Union Finance Minister in the Parliament.

India's Union Budget: Constitutional Provisions, and Process of Preparation

● Article 112: Defines the Annual Financial Statement (AFS), which is the Union Budget of India.
● Article 113: Deals with the procedure for the presentation of Demand for Grants by ministries.
● Article 114: Governs the Appropriation Bill, which authorizes the withdrawal of funds from the
Consolidated Fund of India.
● Article 115: Provides for Supplementary, Additional, and Excess Grants if the initial budget
allocation is insufficient.
● Article 116: Deals with Vote on Account, Vote of Credit, and Exceptional Grants, allowing
expenditure in specific situations.
● Article 265: Ensures that no tax can be levied or collected except by authority of law.
● Article 280: Provides for the Finance Commission, which recommends financial distribution
between the Union and States.

Process of Budget Preparation

1. Pre-Budget Consultations
2. Formulation of Budget Estimates
3. Approval by the Cabinet
4. Presentation in Parliament
5. Parliamentary Scrutiny and Approval: The Budget is discussed in Parliament, followed by:
○ General Discussion (No voting, only debate).
○ Departmental Scrutiny by Parliamentary Standing Committees.
○ Demand for Grants (Detailed discussion and voting).
○ Appropriation Bill (Legal authorization for spending).
○ Finance Bill (Legislation for tax proposals).
6. Implementation

Key Highlights of Union Budget 2025-26

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Major Central Govt Expenditure (Budget Estimates)

Financial Trends

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Major Sources Of Revenue

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Four Growth Engines

1st Engine – Agriculture

● PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Targets 100 low-productivity districts, benefiting 1.7 crore
farmers by improving irrigation and post-harvest storage.
● Rural Prosperity & Resilience Program: A state partnership initiative for skilling, investment, and
technology to address agricultural underemployment.
● Atma Nirbharta in Pulses: A 6-year mission focusing on Tur, Urad, and Masoor, ensuring
climate-resilient seeds and fair prices.
● Procurement Support for Pulses: NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India) to procure
these pulses over the next 4 years.
● Enhanced Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit: Increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore
farmers.
● National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds: Aims to develop 100+ high-yielding and pest-resistant
seed varieties.
● Mission for Cotton Productivity: A 5-year initiative to promote sustainable cotton farming and
enhance Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton production.
● Makhana Board in Bihar: To boost production, processing, and value addition in the Makhana
sector.
● Fruits & Vegetables Program: Enhances supply chain efficiency and market prices for farmers.
● Fisheries Development: A new framework for sustainable fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic
Zone, with a focus on Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
● Urea Plant in Assam: A new facility at Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd (BVFCL)
with a 12.7 lakh metric ton capacity.

2nd Engine – MSMEs

● Revised MSME Classification: Investment and turnover limits raised, expanding credit
opportunities.

Investment (₹ in Crore) Turnover (₹ in Crore)

Enterprises
Current Revised Current Revised

Micro 1 2.5 5 10

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Small 10 25 50 100

Medium 50 125 250 500

● Micro Enterprise Credit Cards: ₹5 lakh credit facility for 10 lakh micro enterprises, enhancing
financial inclusion.
● Increased Credit Cover for MSMEs: Guarantee cover raised from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, enabling
higher loan access.
● Focus Product Scheme for Leather & Footwear: Expected to generate 22 lakh jobs, achieve ₹4
lakh crore turnover, and boost exports to ₹1.1 lakh crore.
● Toy Sector Development: Cluster-based manufacturing to promote 'Made in India' toys globally.
● National Institute of Food Technology (Bihar): To foster food processing, skilling, and
entrepreneurship.
● Fund of Funds for Startups: Expanded scope with an additional ₹10,000 crore contribution to
support startups.

3rd Engine – Investment

● Urban Challenge Fund: ₹1 lakh crore to develop cities as growth hubs, improve sanitation, and
promote urban redevelopment (₹10,000 crore for FY 2025-26).
● Jal Jeevan Mission: Budget raised to ₹67,000 crore, extended till 2028, ensuring universal piped
water access; 15 crore rural households benefited so far.
● Maritime Development Fund: ₹25,000 crore fund (49% government contribution) for
shipbuilding, ports, and logistics infrastructure.
● Expansion of IITs: Additional infrastructure for 6,500 students, strengthening technical
education.
● PM Research Fellowship: 10,000 fellowships for advanced research at IITs and IISc.
● Day Care Cancer Centers: 200 centers in 2025-26, with district-level expansion over the next 3
years for affordable cancer treatment.
● Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: Digital books in Indian languages to enhance education
accessibility.
● Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat: ₹20,000 crore investment in Small Modular Reactors
(SMRs), with 5 operational by 2033.
○ Amendments to Atomic Energy laws for private sector collaboration.
● UDAN – Regional Connectivity Expansion:
○ 120 new destinations added.
○ Target of 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years.
○ Support for helipads and small airports in hilly and Northeast regions.
● Greenfield Airport in Bihar: Development of new airports and expansion of Patna airport, with a
brownfield airport at Bihta (Patna).
● Western Koshi Canal ERM Project: Financial support for irrigation infrastructure in Mithilanchal,
Bihar.
● Tourism Development: Top 50 tourist destinations to be developed through a state partnership
model.

4th Engine – Export Promotion

● Export Promotion Mission: Sectoral and ministerial targets led by Commerce, MSME, and
Finance Ministries.
● BharatTradeNet (BTN): A digital platform for international trade documentation and financing.
● National Framework for Global Capability Centres (GCCs): Policy incentives for outsourcing
hubs in Tier-2 cities.
● Air Cargo Warehousing: Infrastructure development for high-value perishable exports.

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Indirect Taxes
Rationalization of Customs Tariff Structure for Industrial Goods
● Tariff rates adjusted with appropriate cess to maintain effective duty incidence.
● Only one cess or surcharge will be levied on applicable items.
● Exemption of Social Welfare Surcharge on multiple tariff lines.

Medicine Import
● Duty Relief on Lifesaving Drugs: 36 essential medicines exempted from Basic Customs Duty
(BCD).
○ 6 additional medicines, including those for cancer and rare diseases, subject to a
concessional 5% duty.
● Patient Assistance Program: 37 more medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs
granted BCD exemption.

Support for Domestic Manufacturing and Value Addition

● Critical Minerals: Exemption of BCD on cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, and zinc
to boost availability.
● Textile Sector: Inclusion of two more shuttle-less looms under the fully exempted textile
machinery category to support domestic production.
● Electronic Goods: Rectifying inverted duty structure:
○ Increased BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPD).
○ Reduced BCD on Open Cell and other electronic components.
● Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing: Additional duty exemptions on capital goods for EV
battery and mobile phone battery production.
● Shipping Industry: BCD exemption extended by 10 years on raw materials, components, and
consumables used in ship manufacturing and dismantling.

Export Promotion Measures

● Handicraft Sector: Addition of nine new items to the duty-free inputs list.
● Leather Industry: Full BCD exemption on Wet Blue Leather to encourage domestic value
addition and employment.
● Marine Exports: Reduction of BCD on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) from 30% to 5% to boost
India's seafood exports.
● Railway Goods Maintenance (MROs): Time limit for duty-free import of foreign railway goods
for repairs extended from 6 months to 1 year to promote domestic MRO development.

Direct Taxes
New Income-Tax Bill
● A new bill will be introduced to simplify and streamline taxation, ensuring responsive and
efficient governance in line with the spirit of "Nyaya."

Personal Income Tax

● No Income Tax for annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh, extended to ₹12.75 lakh for salaried
taxpayers with deductions.

Total Income per Annum Rate of Tax

₹ 0 – 4 Lakh NIL

₹ 4 – 8 Lakh 5%

₹ 8 – 12 Lakh 10%

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₹ 12 – 16 Lakh 15%

₹ 16 – 20 Lakh 20%

₹ 20 – 24 Lakh 25%

Above ₹ 24 Lakh 30%

TDS/TCS Rationalization
● Reduction in TDS Rates & Thresholds: Lower tax deduction rates and increased thresholds for
better tax clarity.
○ Senior citizen interest deduction limit increased to ₹1 lakh.
○ TDS on rent raised to ₹6 lakh, benefiting small taxpayers.
● Higher TCS Exemption on Remittances: Under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), the
TCS threshold will rise from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
● Decriminalization of TCS Payment Delay: Relaxation provided for delayed payment of TCS until
the filing deadline, without penalties.
● Encouraging Voluntary Compliance: Time to file updated tax returns extended from 2 years to 4
years for taxpayers who missed reporting correct income.

Ease of Doing Business

● Simplified Transfer Pricing Rules: A new mechanism for determining arm’s length pricing for
international transactions, covering a 3-year block period.
● Expansion of Safe Harbour Rules: Broader scope to minimize litigation and enhance tax
certainty for international businesses.
● Senior Citizens’ Withdrawal Exemption: Withdrawals from old NSS accounts by senior citizens
(post-August 29, 2024) will be tax-exempt.
○ NPS Vatsalya accounts will be treated like regular NPS accounts within prescribed limits.

Employment and Investment Incentives

● Tax Certainty for Non-Residents: A presumptive taxation scheme will be introduced for non-
residents offering services in electronics manufacturing and infrastructure sector AIFs.
● Tonnage Tax Scheme for Inland Vessels: Extended to inland vessels under the Indian Vessels
Act, 2021.
● Start-Up Incorporation Extension: The eligibility period for start-up incorporation extended by
5 years, covering entities incorporated before April 1, 2030.
● Support for International Financial Services Centre (IFSC): Special incentives for ship-leasing
units, insurance offices, and global company treasury centers set up in IFSC.
● Extended Investment Period for Sovereign & Pension Funds: Investment window extended by
5 years for Sovereign Wealth and Pension Funds in infrastructure.

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News in Short
New Ramsar Sites in India Facts
● Total Ramsar Sites in India: 89
Context ● Highest number of Ramsar sites: Tamil
India has added 4 more sites in the Wetland Nadu (20)
list, increasing wetlands tally from 85 to 89, ● Largest Ramsar site in India: Sunderbans
highest in Asia, third globally. (West Bengal)
● Smallest Ramsar site in India: Renuka
New Ramsar Sites in India Wetland (Himachal Pradesh)
● Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
○ It is located in Ramanathapuram
near the Gulf of Mannar on the Ramsar Convention
Central Asian Flyway. ● It is an intergovernmental treaty under
○ Species Found: Painted Stork, UNESCO.
Black Headed Ibis etc. ● Provides the framework for the
● Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu conservation and wise use of wetlands
○ It is situated near Palk Bay. and their resources.
○ It serves as a stopover for ● It was signed in Ramsar(Iran) on February
migratory waders and waterfowl, 2, 1971. (World Wetland Day)
particularly along the East Asia- ● Partners to Ramsar Convention: Birdlife
Australasia Flyway. International, IUCN, Wetlands
○ The sanctuary is home for many International, WWF, International Water
species such as Painted stork, Management Institute, Wildfowl and
Black-headed ibis, Spot-billed Wetlands Trust.
pelican, Oriental darter etc. ● India joined the Ramsar Convention in
● Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim 1982.
○ It is a sacred lake surrounded by
Himalayan forests, important for
migratory birds passing through Crisis in Congo
the eastern Himalayan region.
○ This lake is considered sacred by Context
both Hindus and Buddhists. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have
○ It is also known as Wishing Lake. intensified their offensive in eastern
● Udhwa Lake, Jharkhand Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
○ It is located in Sahebganj District.
○ It is named after saint Uddhava of About M-23
Mahabharat times, a friend of Rebels
Lord Krishna. ● Origin:
○ The Sanctuary has two water Emerged in
bodies: Patauran & Berhale. April 2012
○ It is the First Ramsar site of when
Jharkhand. around 300
soldiers of
the DRC’s
national
army
(FARDC)
mutinied.

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● It operates in the eastern regions of the

About
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
Democ
specifically in North Kivu province.
ratic
● The name "March 23" refers to the 23
Republ
March 2009 peace agreement between
ic of
the Congolese government and the
Congo
National Congress for the Defense of the
(DRC)
People (CNDP), a rebel group that later
● Bo
evolved into M23.
rd
● M23 is primarily composed of ethnic
eri
Tutsis and is fighting to protect Tutsi
ng
interests, particularly against Hutu
Co
militias such as the Democratic Forces for
un
the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
tri
es:
Impact of M23's Advance
Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda,
● Population Displacement: The latest
Uganda, South Sudan, Central African
advances of M23 have caused hundreds
Republic and Republic of Congo.
of thousands of people to flee their
● It is the 2nd largest country in Africa. (Largest
homes.
- Algeria).
● Economic Control: M23 has been
● DRC is rich in minerals, such as cobalt, gold
controlling the coltan-mining region of
and coltan.
Rubaya for over a year, generating
● Important River: The Congo River - Africa’s
significant revenue.
second-longest river.
○ The UN estimates that M23 earns
● Its capital, Kinshasa, is located on the Congo
approximately $800,000 per
River.
month through a tax on coltan
production.
○ Coltan is crucial for the Central Forensic Science Lab
manufacture of smartphones and
other electronic devices. (CFSL)

Involvement of Rwanda Context

● Accusations of Rwandan Support: The Supreme Court will await a CFSL report
Congo’s government, the UN, and on the authenticity of audio recordings
Western powers including the United allegedly implicating Manipur CM N. Biren
States, accuse Rwanda of fueling the Singh in the state's ethnic violence.
conflict by deploying troops and heavy
weapons in support of M23 rebels. About CFSL
● Rwanda denies these claims, arguing that ● CFSL is a scientific department that
its actions are defensive and accusing the analyzes crime exhibits for the Indian
DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, which government.
threatens Tutsi communities. ● It is a wing of the Ministry of Home
● Risk of Regional Conflict: Involvement of Affairs and the Central Bureau of
multiple countries into a regional war is Investigation (CBI).
deepening instability in Central Africa. ● Functions:
○ Analyzes crime exhibits for the
CBI, Delhi Police, and other
government departments.
○ Provides expert opinions to the
courts.

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○ Conducts research and

Key Highlights of 20th Livestock Census
development to improve forensic
● The total livestock population in India
science.
stands at 535.78 million, reflecting a
● Disciplines covered by CFSL: Ballistics,
4.6% increase compared to the 2012
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Toxicology,
census.
Explosives, Forensic physics, Forensic
● Cattle contribute the highest percentage
chemistry and Forensic biology.
(35.94%) to the total livestock
● Total CFSL labs in India (7): Delhi, Bhopal,
population, followed by goats (27.80%),
Chandigarh, Kamrup, Hyderabad, Pune &
buffaloes (20.45%), sheep (13.87%) and
Kolkata.
pigs (1.69%).
● States with the highest livestock
21st National Livestock Census populations in India were:
○ Uttar Pradesh
Context ○ Rajasthan
The 21st Livestock Census (LC) of India is ○ Madhya Pradesh
scheduled to take place between October
2024 and February 2025.
PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana
About National Livestock Census
● It is conducted every 5 years Context
(Quinquennial) by the Ministry of In the Union Budget, the Union Finance
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Minister has announced the Pradhan Mantri
Dairying. (First conducted in 1919-1920). Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana.
● The census will be conducted by the
Department of Animal Husbandry & About the Scheme
Dairying (DAHD). ● Objectives:
● What will be covered? ○ Targeting 100 districts with low
○ The census will cover domesticated agricultural productivity, moderate
animals, poultry, and stray animals. crop intensity, and below-average
○ It will include data on the species, credit access.
breed, age, sex, and ownership status ○ Boost agricultural productivity,
of the animals. promote crop diversification, and
○ The census will include data on 15 support sustainable agriculture
species of livestock, including cattle, practices.
buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse ● The programme is motivated by the
and more Aspirational Districts Programme which
○ The census will also include data on was launched in 2018 to “to quickly and
poultry birds, such as cocks, hens, effectively transform 112 most under-
chickens, ducks, turkeys and other developed districts across the country.”
poultry birds.
Key Features
● Post-Harvest Storage Improvement:
Warehousing infrastructure at panchayat
and block levels.
● Irrigation Facilities: Better access to
water resources.
● Credit Availability: Facilitating short-term
and long-term loans for farmers.
● Beneficiaries: Expected to benefit 1.7
crore farmers.

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● Budget Allocation: No separate allocation have records of limestone

announced; funds will be managed depositions.
through the convergence of existing ● Avi-Fauna: It houses around 20 migratory
schemes. and 25 resident migratory species.

Gujarat’s 1st Biodiversity India’s Tiger Population

Heritage Site - Inland Increases by 30% in Two
Mangrove of Guneri Decades

Context Context
Gujarat Govt. has notified Inland Mangrove of According to a new study, published in
Guneri in Kutch District as a Biodiversity Science, led by senior scientist Yadvendradev
Heritage Site (BHS). Jhala has found that India’s tiger population
has increased by 30% over the past two
Unique Characteristics of Guneri Mangroves decades.
● It is Gujarat’s first Biodiversity Heritage
Site. It is notified under the Biodiversity
Act, 2002.
● It is located at a distance of 45 km from
the Arabian Sea and four km from the Kori
Creek, where seawater never approaches.
(No direct connection to seawater)
● The site Lacks sludgy terrain, and is
located on flat land like a forest
● It is an Inland Mangroves Site. (Last
remaining inland mangrove site in India).
● Inland Mangroves are found at only 8 Key Findings of the Study
locations worldwide. ● Tiger population growth: 30% increase in
● Limestone the past two decades.
Deposition: ● India’s global share: 70% of the world’s
○ According wild tigers live in India.
to studies ● Global wildlife decline: 73% decline in
inland wildlife populations globally, but India has
mangrove successfully conserved its tiger
s survive population.
in areas ● Protected areas’ role: 85% of breeding
having tiger populations are found in human-free
limestone protected areas.
depositio ● Coexistence with humans: 66 million
n which people share space with tigers, proving
connects that coexistence is possible.
with the
sea bed. Factors Behind India’s Tiger Recovery
○ The ● Legislative Support: India’s strong
limestone provides a continuous flow conservation laws played a major role:
of groundwater to the mangrove ○ Wildlife Protection Act, Forest
ecosystem/vegetation. Conservation Act & National Tiger
○ The Western Kutch and areas Conservation Authority (NTCA)
surrounding the Guneri mangroves ● Economic and Cultural Influence:

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○ Higher recolonization rates in

About Foreigners Tribunals (FTs)
economically stable regions with
● Established by the Foreigners (Tribunals)
less forest dependence.
Order of 1964 under Section 3 of the
○ Tiger decline in poorer regions
Foreigners’ Act of 1946.
with high human-wildlife conflict,
● Purpose: To enable local authorities to
such as Naxal-affected
refer suspected foreigners to tribunals.
Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
● Exclusivity to Assam: Currently, FTs
● Land-Sparing & Land-Sharing Strategies:
operate only in Assam, while other
○ Land-Sparing (Human-Free
states handle illegal immigrant cases
Areas): Protected areas with no
under the Foreigners’ Act.
human presence sustain 85% of
● Composition: Each FT is led by a member
breeding tigers.
from the judiciary, advocacy, or civil
○ Land-Sharing (Coexistence with
service with judicial experience.
Humans): Tigers disperse into
● Case Disposal: FTs must conclude cases
multi-use forests and coexist
within 60 days. Failure to prove
with 66 million people.
citizenship can result in detention and
Sustainable land-use practices
eventual deportation.
and corridors facilitate their
movement and expansion.
Gyan Bharatam Mission
Supreme Court Questions
Assam on Delay in Deporting Context
The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a
Declared Foreigners special mission for the survey, documentation
and conservation of India’s manuscript
Context heritage.
While hearing a petition on illegal immigrants,
SC has questioned Assam on indefinite About Gyan Bharatam Mission
detention of declared foreigners instead of ● It is a special mission for the survey,
deporting them. docu
menta
Directives issued by Supreme Court tion,
● The Supreme Court emphasized that and
once a person is declared a foreigner, conser
they must be deported immediately and vation
cannot be detained indefinitely. of
● It cited Article 21 of the Constitution India’s
(Right to Life and Liberty), reinforcing manus
that indefinite detention is cript
unconstitutional. herita
● The Union Government has been directed ge lying with academic institutions,
to provide: museums, libraries and private collectors.
○ Total number of declared ● Coverage: To cover more than one crore
foreigners in Assam. manuscripts.
○ Details of how many have been ● Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
deported so far. ● A National Digital Repository of Indian
○ The procedure being followed for knowledge systems for knowledge
individuals whose nationality is sharing will be set up.
unknown ● The mission will be executed under
National Mission for Manuscripts
(NMM).

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● Budget Allocation: To accommodate the

Supreme Court's Directive on
new mission, budget allocation for
National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) has Sacred Groves
been hiked from 3.5 crore to 60 crore.
Context
The Supreme Court has ordered the Rajasthan
What is a Manuscript ?
Forest Department to map and classify sacred
● It is a handwritten composition on
groves as ‘forests’ and ‘community reserves’
paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf or
under the Wildlife Protection Act.
any other material dating back at least
75 years that has significant scientific,
About SC Directives
historical or aesthetic value.
● The Supreme Court (SC) of India ordered
● Lithographs and printed volumes are
the Rajasthan Forest Department to map
not manuscripts.
all sacred groves using both ground
○ A lithograph is a print made
surveys and satellite imagery.
using the lithography printing
● The groves must be identified based on
process, which involves drawing
their cultural and ecological significance,
an image onto a stone or metal
irrespective of their size.
plate and then transferring it to
● The court directed that these groves be
paper.
classified as ‘forests’ and notified as
‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife
About National Mission for Manuscript Protection Act (WLPA) 1972.
(NMM) ● This ruling effectively transfers control
● It was established in 2003, by the Ministry from local communities to forest
of Tourism and Culture (GOI). authorities for conservation.
● Objectives: ● The decision conflicts with the Forest
○ Locate manuscripts through a Rights Act (FRA) 2006, which sought to
national-level survey and post- restore control over forest land to gram
survey. sabhas.
○ Document each and every
manuscript and manuscript
Sacred Groves in Rajasthan
repository, for a National
● Sacred groves in Rajasthan, known locally
Electronic Database.
as ‘orans’, ‘malvan’, ‘deo ghat’, and
■ It currently contains
‘baugh’, are community-regulated forest
information on 4 million
patches.
manuscripts making this
● Rajasthan has around 25,000 sacred
the largest database on
groves, covering approximately 6 lakh
Indian manuscripts in the
hectares.
world.
● These groves are traditionally managed
○ Conserve manuscripts
by communities, often linked to local
incorporating both modern and
deities, shrines, temples, and burial
indigenous methods of
grounds.
conservation and training a new
● They serve as biodiversity hotspots,
generation of manuscript
sources of perennial streams and
conservators.
repositories of medicinal plants.
○ To train the next generation of
scholars in various aspects of
Manuscript Studies. About Sacred Groves
● To achieve this mandate, the mission has ● Sacred groves are patches of natural
established more than 100 Manuscripts vegetation protected for their religious,
Resource Centres and Manuscripts cultural or ecological significance.
Conservation Centres all over India.

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● These areas are often associated with ● Restrictions in Community Reserves:

deities, spirits or religious beliefs, and ○ No hunting or harming wildlife.
human interference is generally ○ Any land-use changes require
prohibited or restricted. approval from both the
● India has over 13,000 documented Sacred management committee and the
Groves. State government.
● They are protected under the Wildlife
Protection Act,1972. Conflict Between the Supreme Court Order
● Some Famous Sacred Groves of India: and the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006
○ Living Root Bridges (Jingkieng Jri) of ● The FRA 2006 recognizes the customary
Meghalaya: They are recognized as a rights of forest-dependent communities.
UNESCO World Heritage Site. ● If sacred groves were covered under FRA,
○ Hariyali: This is one of the largest they would be classified as ‘community
sacred groves of India, located near forest resources’ rather than community
Gauchar in Chamoli District of reserves.
Uttarakhand. ● Community Forest Resources (CFR) under
○ Deodar grove: located in Shipin near FRA:
Simla in Himachal Pradesh. ○ Managed by gram sabhas rather
than the Forest Department.
Local Names of Sacred Groves ○ Gram sabhas have statutory
power to protect, regenerate,
State Local State Local
and conserve these forests.
Name Name
○ Communities must develop their
Haryana Kovil Megahala Kaw own conservation plans,
Kadu ya Kyntang supported by the State
government.
Himachal Dev Van Manipur Umang ● By classifying sacred groves as
Pradesh Lai ‘community reserves’, the SC ruling
undermines the traditional governance
Rajasthan Orans Assam Than model and FRA provisions.
● The Union Environment Ministry has
Maharash Devrai Kerala Kavu been asked to map all sacred groves in
tra India and formulate a national policy.
Madhya Sarna, Karnataka Devaraka
Pradesh Dev du International Big Cat Alliance
(IBCA)
Odisha Jahera, Gujarat Sabarkant
Thakuram ha,
ma Banaskant Context
ha The International
Big Cat Alliance
has officially come
What are Community Reserves? into force as a
● Introduced in the WLPA (2002) as a treaty-based
category of Protected Areas (alongside intergovernmenta
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries). l organization
● Community reserves are declared over with its
private or community lands where locals headquarters in
have agreed to conserve wildlife. India.
● A Community Reserve Management
Committee is responsible for overseeing
the management of the reserve.

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About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) ● Reserve the Bill for the President's
● It is a multi-country, multi-agency consideration.
coalition of countries with an interest in ● Return the Bill (unless it is a Money Bill) to
big cat conservation. the legislature for reconsideration.
● Origin: IBCA was launched by the Prime
Minister of India in 2023 during the event
● If the bill passed again, the Governor
‘Commemorating 50 years of Project
cannot withhold assent.
Tiger’.
● Nabam Rebia & Bamang Felix Case 2016:
● Membership: Membership will be open to
The Supreme Court limited the Governor’s
97 “range” countries, which host the
discretionary power under Article 200 to
natural habitat of these big cats, as well as
merely deciding whether a bill should be
other interested nations, international
reserved for the President's consideration,
organizations, etc.
asserting that such actions are open to
● Budgetary Support: Rs. 150 crores for a
judicial review.
period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-
28.
● Objectives: Article 201: Presidential Assent for Reserved
○ Global Conservation of 7 big cats Bills
– Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow ● Grant assent to the Bill.
Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and ● Withhold assent from the Bill.
Puma. ● Return the Bill for reconsideration.
■ India hosts five of these: ● Reconsideration of Reserved Bills:
Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow ○ The legislature must reconsider a
Leopard and Cheetah returned Bill within six months.
(excluding Jaguar and ○ Once passed again, it is presented
Puma). to the President.
○ Prevent Illegal Wildlife Trade by ○ The President is not obligated to
strengthening anti-poaching laws grant assent to a reconsidered
and enforcement. Bill.
○ Financial & Technical Support for
conservation efforts in range and Categories of State Bills Reserved for the
non-range countries. President
● It is the First-ever global alliance for big ● Mandatory Reservation:
cat conservation. ○ Bills that diminish the High Court's
● The alliance has received ratifications powers.
from India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia ○ Bills imposing taxes on water or
and Liberia. electricity under certain
conditions.
○ Bills related to financial
Governor Assent to Bill emergency provisions.
● Discretionary Reservation for Specific
Context Purposes:
The Supreme Court asked what Tamil Nadu ○ To grant immunity from Articles
Governor R.N. Ravi found so “gross” about the 14 and 19 for:
12 Bills the State government sent him for ■ Acquisition of estates.
assent that they were kept pending for over 3 ■ Implementing Directive
years. Principles of State Policy.
○ To resolve conflicts with Union
Article 200: Power of Governor Related to laws in Concurrent List subjects.
Bill ○ For trade and commerce
● Grant assent to the Bill. restrictions needing Presidential
● Withhold assent from the Bill. sanction.

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● General Reservation: Bills that do not fall Dibru Saikhowa National Park for which the
into specific categories but are still extraction proposal was rejected.
reserved by the Governor under Article
200. About Dibru Saikhowa National Park
Various Commissions Recommendations
Commission Recommendations

Governors should act on

ministerial advice under
Article 200, barring
unconstitutional bills.
Sarkaria
Commission Governors should be
impartial, not recently
politically active, and not
members of the ruling party.

Governors should decide on

bills within 6 months.

Governors can be impeached ● Situated in: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia

Punchhi districts of Assam, India.
by the State Legislature.
Commission ● Declared: National park in 1999 and as a
A committee including the Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
state's Chief Minister should ● Geography: Bounded by the Brahmaputra
select Governors. and Lohit Rivers in the north and the
Dibru River in the south.
Governors should decide on ● Flora & Fauna: Originally established to
National
Commission to bills within 4 months. protect the rare white-winged wood duck,
Review the Governors' the park now shelters diverse species
power to
Working of the withhold assent should be such as Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and
Constitution feral horses (descendants of horses
limited to constitutionally
(NCRWC) abandoned during World War II).
stipulated cases.
○ It’s an Important Bird Area with
2nd The Inter-State Council over 300 bird species recorded.
Administrative should formulate guidelines
Reforms for the exercise of governors' Dunki Route
Commission discretionary powers.
Context
Rajamannar Governors should function as A US military plane carrying 104 Indian
Committee on constitutional heads of deportees landed in Amritsar. Many of them
Centre-State states, not as agents of the reached the country through multiple
Relations central government. countries via a ‘dunki route.’

Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Context
Oil India Limited (OIL) has urged the
Environment Ministry to approve an R&D
(research and development) study in Assam's

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About Dunki Route

Why do some Indians undergo the hardship of
illegal migration?
● Lack of Economic Opportunities
○ Unemployment & Underemployment:
Despite economic growth, many Indians,
especially in rural areas, struggle to find
stable jobs with decent wages.
○ Even Developed States Face Job
Shortages: Illegal migrants often come
● It is a term for the journey migrants take
from economically advanced states like
through Latin American countries to reach
Gujarat and Punjab, where lack of high-
the US border.
paying jobs pushes people to seek
● This journey often begins in countries
opportunities abroad.
such as Ecuador, Bolivia, or Guyana,
● Better Income Prospects Abroad
known for their relatively easier visa
○ Higher Wages in Developed
processes for Indian citizens.
Countries: Even low-skilled jobs in
● Travellers face the treacherous Darién
countries like the US, Canada, and
Gap, a forested region between Colombia
UK pay significantly higher salaries
and Panama, known for its challenges
than many professional jobs in India.
including scarce clean water, dangerous
○ Aspiration for Financial Stability:
wildlife, and criminal gangs.
Many illegal migrants hope to remit
● After Panama, the route typically passes
money back home and improve
through Guatemala and into Mexico, with
their family's financial situation.
migrants confronting obstacles like fence
● Social & Peer Pressure
jumping and river crossings, including the
○ Established Migrant Networks:
Rio Grande.
Communities in Punjab and Gujarat have
● The journey can cost between Rs 15 lakh
large overseas populations, making
to Rs 70 lakh, involving dealings with
migration a social norm.
human trafficking rings.
○ Family & Peer Expectations: Success
● Indian agents work in conjunction with
stories of relatives abroad create
traffickers throughout the route to
pressure to migrate, often leading
facilitate the journey to the US.
people to take illegal routes if legal
● Despite the inherent risks and dangers,
options are unavailable.
many migrants undertake this hazardous
● Perception of a Better Life in the West
journey driven by the hope of achieving
○ The "First World Dream": Many believe
the American Dream.
that countries like the US, Canada, and
Europe offer a better quality of life,
education, healthcare, and security.
○ Influence of Social Media & Films:
Western lifestyles, showcased in movies,
social media, and news, make migration
more desirable.
● Legal Migration Barriers & High Costs
○ Stringent Visa Rules: Many Indians fail
to qualify for skilled worker visas,
forcing them to take illegal routes.
○ High Costs of Legal Migration: Student
and work visas require significant
financial investment, which many
cannot afford.

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Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) Santorini Island

● Thousands of residents have fled Santorini after
● It is a multi-disciplinary organization that earthquakes were recorded near the Greek
investigates corporate fraud in India. island for a fourth consecutive day.
● Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate
Affairs. About Aegean Sea
● It was established in 2003 in response to ● It is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea.
major failures in the financial sector, the ● It is located in the East Mediterranean Basin
stock market scam, and the with the Greek peninsula to its west and
phenomenon of vanishing companies. Anatolia to its east.
● SFIO is headed by a Director who is a ● It is connected to the Marmara Sea and the
Joint Secretary to the Government of Black Sea by the straits of the Dardanelles and
India the Bosphorus.
● It has regional offices in Mumbai,
Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. ● Location: It is
● Functions: a Greek Island
○ Detects and prosecutes white- in the South
collar crimes and frauds Aegean Sea.
○ Investigates complex cases with ● It is the
multi-disciplinary ramifications southernmost
○ Investigates cases involving island of the
public interest Cyclades
○ Investigates cases that could group of
improve systems, laws, or islands.
procedures ● It is home to
the Santorini
Caldera, one
of the most
active volcanic
centers in the
South Aegean
Volcanic Arc.
● It is historically
known for the
Minoan
eruption
(around 3,600
years ago),
one of the
largest
volcanic
eruptions in
recorded
history.

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Darien Gap countries.

● It was the First
● The Darien Gap is country to adopt
a dense, lawless Bitcoin as legal
region located tender (2021).
between Panama
and Colombia.
● It is situated in the
narrowest part of
the Isthmus of
Panama.
● It is approximately
160 km long and
50 km wide.
● It is characterized
by thick
rainforests,
swamps, rivers
and rugged
mountains.
● It is a major route
for migrants from
South America,
Africa and Asia
heading toward
the U.S.
● It's one of the
most dangerous
migration routes
in the world.

El Salvador
● Recently USA and El Salvador signed an agreement
regarding deportation of criminals.
● Under this deal, El Salvador will accept deportees
from the U.S., regardless of nationality.
● This includes violent criminals currently imprisoned
in the United States.

● Location: Central
America
● Bordering
Countries:
Honduras &
Guatemala.
● It is the smallest
and most densely
populated of the
seven Central
American

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