Subsidy for Electric Public Fast Charging Stations

The central government is initiating the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM eDRIVE) scheme to promote electric vehicle infrastructure.

Subsidy Details

• Subsidy of 80% or higher for setting up electric public fast charging stations.
• In exceptional cases, the subsidy could increase to 100%.
• Part of a larger initiative under the Rs 2,000 crore PM eDRIVE scheme.

Target and Allocation

• Focus is on supporting the infrastructure for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
• 48,400 fast chargers will be supported with a budget of Rs 581 crore.
• An additional 22,100 chargers planned for deployment.

This scheme replaces the previous Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of [Hybrid &] Electric Vehicles in India schemes.

Impact of Rupee Depreciation on India's Pharmaceutical Exports

The recent depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has sparked discussions regarding its impact on India's pharmaceutical exports.

• Experts are divided on the immediate effects: 
  • Some believe that annual contracts, which are hedged against currency fluctuations, will see little immediate impact.
  • Others caution that smaller exporters may reduce prices due to the currency benefit, potentially leading to price renegotiations.
• Concerns have been raised about the increased import costs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which could negate any benefits from a surge in exports.
• Last week's currency movement saw the rupee reaching a fresh closing low against the US dollar.

Meeting of Commerce Ministry and Indian Missions

Senior officials from the commerce ministry, along with representatives from the commercial wings of Indian Missions in 20 countries, are set to hold a three-day meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing the export of goods and services.

Participants and Schedule

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will interact with the representatives.
• The meeting will address both opportunities and challenges faced in significant countries.

Key Discussion Topics

• Opportunities and challenges in six focus sectors for goods and services.
• Non-tariff barriers impacting trade.
• Logistics issues related to export and import.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) matters.
• The importance of the Market Access Initiative (MAI).

Export Strategy

• Focus on six key product categories, including engineering goods and electronics.
• Targeted 20 countries: US, Australia, France, China, Russia, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia.
• These countries represent a significant portion of India's total exports.

Participants

• Commerce Secretary.
• Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) .

Export and Import Data

• October 2024 showed double-digit growth in exports.
• November exports contracted by 4.85% year-on-year to USD 32.11 billion.
• Trade deficit reached an all-time high of USD 37.84 billion due to gold imports surge.
• Imports rose 27% year-on-year to a record USD 69.95 billion in November.
• Cumulative data (April-November): Exports rose 2.17% to USD 284.31 billion; imports increased by 8.35% to USD 486.73 billion.
• Trade deficit widened to USD 202.42 billion from USD 170.98 billion (April-November 2023).

Focus Areas for Boosting Shipments

• Targeting 20 countries and six service and manufacturing sectors, including IT/ITeS.
• Services exports reached an all-time high of USD 34.31 billion in October, marking a 22.3% increase year-on-year.

Women Empowerment in IITs

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have witnessed a significant rise in female student enrollment due to a 20% supernumerary quota introduced in 2018. This initiative has gradually increased female representation across various IITs over the past six years.

Implementation of Supernumerary Quota

• In 2018, IITs set aside extra seats specifically for women, following recommendations from a committee led by Timothy Gonsalves.
• Most IITs initially implemented a 14% quota in 2018-19, which increased to 19% by 2019-20, and reached 20% by 2021-22.
• Data from 21 of the 23 IITs indicates a steady increase in female student numbers.

Notable Increases in Female Enrollment

• IIT-Kanpur: Female representation rose from 908 in 2017 to 2,124 in 2024, a 133% increase.
• IIT-Roorkee: Numbers increased from 1,489 in 2019-20 to 2,626 in 2024, a 76.36% jump.
• IITs Chennai, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Kharagpur also showed similar growth.
• IITs Delhi and Bombay surpassed the 20% threshold even before the quota's official implementation in 2017.

Institutional Changes and Initiatives

• IIT Bombay introduced orientation sessions for girls and their parents, boosting female enrolment from 570 in 2017 to 694 in 2024.
• IIT Delhi hosted open house sessions to encourage female student participation.
• IIT Madras shifted its women’s hostel locations for better accessibility, reflecting increased female presence and participation.
• Institutes are promoting gender sensitization and inclusive environments; IIT Roorkee installed security cameras and increased women guards.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

• Despite progress, stereotypes, mentorship gaps, and lack of inclusive spaces persist.
• At IIT Kanpur, space allocation for women's hostels led to concerns over reduced sports facilities.
• Some male professors at IITs remain unaware of behaviors that may make women uncomfortable.
• Institutions are working to improve physical infrastructure, including more residences and washrooms for women.

Impact on Campus Life

• Gender sensitization workshops are now mandatory at IIT Bombay.
• There is an increased female sports culture, with IITs Delhi and Bombay forming their own women's football teams.
• The enhanced diversity has shifted classroom dynamics and perspectives.

Future Directions

• Efforts are ongoing to create more inclusive academic and social environments at IITs.
• Studies are being conducted on women's experiences in STEM fields to further understand and address challenges.

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention

The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhubaneswar on January 9. It is a significant government initiative to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora.

Key Highlights

• The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, will address the gathering virtually as the chief guest.
• President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on January 10 and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
• The award recognizes contributions in fields such as social work, humanitarian efforts, and enhancing India’s global standing.
• This year, 27 individuals and organizations will be honored, from countries including the US, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, and more.

Significance of January 9

• January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in 1915.

Event Details

• The event is scheduled for January 8-10, with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8.
• Participants will include overseas Indians, top businessmen, entrepreneurs, and economists from over 50 countries.
• Theme: "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat".

Objectives

• Offers a platform for dialogue between the Indian government and its overseas citizens.
• Discussions on policies affecting the diaspora, such as visa regulations, investment opportunities, and community welfare.
• Showcases India as a hub for investment, innovation, and collaboration.

Exhibitions

• An exhibition titled ‘Vishwaroop Ram — The Universal Legacy of Ramayana’ will be inaugurated by the PM.
• Another exhibition on the diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat.
• A third exhibition will display rare documents of people who migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.

Growing Strength of Indian Diaspora

• The Indian diaspora now numbers over 35.4 million, with 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15.8 million NRIs.
• The largest groups reside in the US and the UAE, with over 2 million PIOs in the US and more than 3.5 million NRIs in the UAE.
• These communities play a crucial role in India's economy and solidifying ties with these nations.

Inauguration of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS

Prime Minister inaugurated the first section of the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and interacted with children aboard the Namo Bharat Train. The newly opened section connects New Ashok Nagar to the operational segment between Sahibabad and Meerut.

Infrastructure Development

Over the past decade, the Indian government's primary focus has been on infrastructure development.

• Ten years ago, the budget for infrastructure was around Rs 2 lakh crore, now it exceeds Rs 11 lakh crore.
• Emphasis on modern connectivity within and between cities to ensure a dignified life for all citizens, especially the poor and middle class.

Metro Network Expansion

PM  inaugurated a 2.8-km stretch of the Delhi Metro’s Magenta line between Janakpuri West and Krishna Park stations.

• India will have the second-largest Metro network in the world.
• From just 248 km in 2014, the Metro network has expanded by over 752 km in the last decade.
• Foundation stone laid for the Rithala-Narela-Kundli Metro corridor, a future long section of the network.

Economic Development and Public Transport

Delhi CM emphasized the significance of the new projects in advancing economic development.

• Delhi is seen as a model of public transport for India and the world.
• The RRTS is a collaborative project involving the Centre and the governments of Delhi, UP, and Haryana.
• The Delhi government has invested Rs 1,260 crore in the RRTS line to boost the city’s economic development.

Central Ayurveda Research Institute

PM laid the foundation stone for constructing a new state-of-the-art building for the Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Rohini, costing Rs 185 crore.

China's Scrutiny on Technology Exports

China is intensifying its scrutiny over the export of technology critical for battery materials. This move is part of Beijing's strategy to maintain control over a crucial supply chain amidst escalating global trade tensions.

Background and Context

• The Chinese government is considering adding technologies related to lithium refining and battery chemical production to its controlled items list.
• This initiative is seen as a protective measure for innovations developed during China's rise in the global battery and electric-vehicle production sector.

Implications of Proposed Controls

• The proposal highlights the growing competition between China and the US in areas like critical minerals and semiconductors.
• It indicates a strategic move to keep advanced lithium technologies confidential.
• Overseas investments involving such technologies will face stricter regulatory scrutiny.
• The focus will particularly be on processes to produce battery-grade lithium chemicals, such as direct lithium extraction, where China holds significant expertise.

Enhancing Social Security for Unorganised Workers

The Labour and Employment Ministry is set to introduce measures aimed at improving social security coverage for over 380 million unorganised workers in India. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure ease of living for these workers.

Key Measures and Reforms

• Common Application Form:
  • A common application form will be introduced on the e-Shram portal.
  • This form will enable unorganised workers to access benefits from at least 12 social security schemes.
  • Expected to be ready within six months, making e-Shram a one-stop solution for social security benefits as envisaged in the Budget 2024-25.
• Targeted Enrolment:
  • Specific enrolment of gig and platform workers through a dedicated module on the e-Shram portal.
  • Building and construction workers will be brought on board for social security coverage.
• Platform Aggregators:
  • All platform aggregators have been advised to register themselves and their workers on the e-Shram portal for availing social security benefits.

Integration and Data Analysis

• Data Integration:
  • States and union territories are being assisted to integrate their data on building and construction workers (BoCW) with e-Shram for benefit analysis.
  • 10 states have completed this data integration, and 12 have agreements with state health agencies for extending Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Aarogya Yojana benefits.
• Platform Worker Module:
  • A module for verifying platform workers has been developed.

e-Shram Portal as a One-Stop Solution

• The e-Shram portal aims to verify workers' eligibility and ensure the saturation of schemes at state and district levels efficiently.
• A dozen schemes from various central ministries and departments have been integrated, including: 
  • PM-Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
  • PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY)
  • PM Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY)
  • PM Awas Yojana (PMAY)
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

India's Draft Rules for Protecting Privacy

India's approach to protecting privacy through draft rules includes selective dynamic controls, aiming for easier implementation and balancing business and regulatory needs.

Sectoral Requirements and Data Localisation

• The rules involve sector-specific requirements for data localisation.
• There is a focus on critical personal data, like health or finance, which faces less resistance regarding export control.
• Lesser restrictions are placed on less-sensitive information, facilitating digital commerce.

Regulatory Approach

• India's method aligns with a conservative regulatory approach that has been effective over time, avoiding radical changes.
• Data fiduciaries are categorized based on volume and sensitivity of data processed, allowing differentiated treatment.

Implementation and Security Measures

• The phased implementation aids entities in adopting necessary safeguards.
• Security measures include breach intimations and mitigation provisions to protect data integrity.
• Industry is expected to adapt more swiftly compared to government agencies.

Public Scrutiny and Government Carve-outs

• The draft rules aim to establish a framework governing official data collection and processing.
• Basic privacy protection involves declaring data collection purposes and managing consent.

Consent Management and Minors

• Rules regulate consent management through intermediaries to protect consumer interests.
• Parental consent rules for minors might set a precedent for other regions dealing with similar issues.

Stakeholder Engagement and Legal Updates

• Intensive stakeholder engagement led to the scrapping of a previous law and the introduction of a revised version.
• The new law awaits finalization of rules, expected with minor revisions.

Badge Engineering in the Automotive Industry

Badge engineering, a prevalent strategy in the automotive industry, involves sharing a vehicle platform between different brands. This strategy has been notably successful for Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Maruti Suzuki in India.

What is Badge Engineering?

Badge engineering entails the use of a shared platform or vehicle between manufacturers, allowing them to release similar cars with different brand identities.

• The shared vehicles maintain core design and mechanical elements, with tweaks for brand distinction.
• This allows manufacturers to avoid the costs of designing a new model from scratch.

Historical Context and Examples

• Early Examples: General Motors (GM) started sharing platforms among its brands like Oakland, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac as early as 1909.
• In India: The Hindustan Motors Ambassador was a rebadged Morris Oxford. Tata's Indica was sold as the Rover CityRover in the UK.

Benefits of Badge Engineering

• Cost Efficiency: Sharing platforms helps in reducing production costs and increasing economies of scale.
• Market Penetration: Allows brands like Maruti Suzuki to reach premium segments and Toyota to access the lower-end market.
• Consumer Choice: Consumers can choose based on brand loyalty, warranty, and dealership convenience.

‘CCI will Focus on Boosting Enforcement, Leveraging Tech for Fair Competition’

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is focused on enhancing fair competition within the nation by improving enforcement, fostering collaborations, and using technology strategically.

Key Focus Areas

• Enforcement Strengthening: The CCI aims to reinforce its enforcement mechanisms to better manage competition and curb anti-competitive practices.
• Collaborations Enhancement: By enhancing collaborations, CCI intends to foster a more cooperative environment for fair competition.
• Technological Leverage: Emphasizing the integration of technology to ensure a competitive market landscape.

Regulatory Approach

According to CCI's, there is a need for a nimble and proactive regulatory approach to address emerging market challenges, especially those driven by technology and innovation.

Recent Amendments and Initiatives

• Competition Act Amendments (2023): New mechanisms introduced, such as settlement, commitment, and deal value thresholds.
• Balance in Oversight: Striking a balance between effective oversight and a simplified regulatory regime is a priority.

Future Plans and Recruitment

• Hiring Domain Experts: Recruitment in fields like AI, data analytics, and digital markets to stay future-ready and tackle technological challenges.
• Market Studies: Conducting studies on competition issues related to artificial intelligence and renewable energy within BRICS nations.

Infrastructure Developments in India-China Border Areas

New Projects Approved by India's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)

• Firing Range in Sikkim
  Location: Yongdi near the India-China border, Sikkim.
  • Altitude: Nearly 15,000 feet, the highest in India.
  • Size: 2,000 meters long, impacting 87 hectares of forest area.
  • Features: Natural funnelled area providing cover and minimizing hazards.
  • Purpose: Operational necessity due to heavy calibre equipment induction and border sensitivity.
  • Environmental Concerns: Proximity to high-altitude lakes and the Lanchen river, potential vibrational impacts.
  • Conditions: Daytime firing only, monitoring systems, waste disposal protocols.
• Hydroelectric Plant in Arunachal Pradesh
  Project: Halaipani HEP (16 MW) in Anjaw district.
  • History: Planned since the late 1990s, construction began in 2004-06, halted in 2012 due to a cloudburst.
  • Project Type: Run-of-the-river, using Halai river water.
  • Area: Spread over 4.75 hectares.
  • Expected Outcome: Significant electricity generation for the region.

Strategic and Environmental Considerations

• Strategic Importance: Enhanced operational readiness due to proximity to the India-China border.
• Environmental Safeguards: FAC's approval includes strict conditions to mitigate environmental impact.

Front-Running in the Stock Market

The practice of front-running has come into focus.

What is Front-Running?

Front-running is an illegal activity involving the purchase of stocks based on unpublished information about large transactions that could influence stock prices. This allows those with insider information to gain profits by acting on the information before the market reacts.

How Does Front-Running Work?

• Institutional investors like foreign funds, mutual funds, and hedge funds initiate large trades.
• Insiders and brokers are privy to these trades' size and execution price.
  • For example, a broker aware of a client's order to buy many shares may purchase shares before executing the order.
• Once the client's trade is executed, the insider sells the shares at a higher price for profit.

Why is Front-Running Illegal?

• Creates an unfair advantage and manipulates market prices.
• Undermines trust in financial markets.
• Violates fiduciary duty, where brokers or advisors must prioritize the client's interest.

Difference Between Front-Running and Insider Trading

• Front-running involves breaching fiduciary duty by profiting off client information.
• Insider trading involves using non-public insider information by executives or employees.
• Both are prohibited by Sebi, but insider trading does not require a fiduciary breach.

Analysis of India's Forex Reserves Policy

The unexpected nature of global political and economic developments, as highlighted in Oscar Wilde’s play, is a fitting backdrop for discussing India’s approach to foreign exchange reserves in the wake of Donald Trump's presidency and potential protectionist policies.

Potential Trade War and Economic Impact

• Higher tariffs: Expected to disrupt multilateral trade, affecting not only China but also allies like Canada, Mexico, and BRICS members.
• US Dollar Strengthening: Likely to impact India's trade deficit and inflows, as investors may seek safer havens.

Role of Forex Reserves

• Purpose: Primarily to finance the Current Account Deficit (CAD), which is the excess of imports over exports.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Provide insurance against sudden shocks or reversal in inflows.
  • Reduce BoP crises likelihood and preserve economic stability.

Challenges with Holding Large Reserves

• Opportunity Cost: Reserves must be invested in low-yield avenues like US Treasury bills, yielding less than Indian securities.
• Limited Assurance: Large reserves do not guarantee resilience, as evidenced by the dollar's weaponization post-Russia-Ukraine war.

Current Reserve Policy Debate

• Import Cover Strategy: Traditional approach focused on maintaining three months of import cover.
• Exchange Rate Volatility: Post-reform, focus shifted to smoothening exchange rate fluctuations.
• Intervention Effects: Despite interventions, the rupee's depreciation suggests a need to reassess reserve use.

Policy Alternatives

• Reserves Composition: Consider holding more gold and less US dollars.
• Rupee Depreciation: Evaluate the benefit of allowing the rupee to reflect its Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) instead of using reserves to support it.

In conclusion, the notion of being prepared for unexpected global shifts calls for a thorough review of India's forex reserves policy to ensure it aligns with contemporary economic challenges.

India's Healthcare Crisis: Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

India is experiencing a significant healthcare crisis characterized by an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This has resulted in a growing financial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.

Statistics and Current Scenario

• NCDs accounted for approximately 65% of all deaths in 2022, up from about 50% in 2010-13.
• One in four adult men are hypertensive, and one in eight are diabetic.
• Breast, lung, and cervical cancer diagnoses are increasing, with median diagnosis ages occurring earlier than global averages.

Economic Impact

• The Union Budget for 2024 allocated ₹87,657 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
• Household health expenditure still drives nearly 50%+ of the spend, one of the highest globally.
• The World Health Organization projects the economic burden of NCDs in India to surpass ₹280 lakh crore by 2030.

Preventive Measures and Policy Recommendations

Proactive prevention is essential to control healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. Key recommendations include:

• Regular screenings for high-risk individuals to reduce incidence of serious conditions.
• Current health checks in metro cities cost anywhere between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000.
• Tax incentives and subsidised screenings are crucial policy tools.
• The current ₹5,000 tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act for health checks needs revision to at least ₹15,000.

Three-Pronged Approach to Preventive Care

1. Strengthen Early Intervention:
   • Enhance capabilities through Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres.
   • Utilize AI-enabled imaging for affordable mass screenings.
2. Improve Screening Adoption:
   • Encourage insurers and private providers to offer subsidised screening for individuals aged 40-60.
   • Consider funding from healthcare cess and proposed 35% GST slab on tobacco and sugar products.
3. Increase Tax Deduction Limits:
   • Further incentivize comprehensive health checks by increasing the tax deduction limit.

By prioritizing preventive care over reactive treatments, India can achieve a healthier and more economically resilient future.

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025

The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, represent a significant step toward enforcing the fundamental right to informational privacy for Indians, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017).

Background and Context

• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act was passed over a year ago, and the draft rules aim to enforce it.
• The seven-year delay in implementing these rules coincides with rapid digitization, impacting data privacy concerns.

Key Provisions of the Draft Rules

• Online services must communicate the purposes of data collection to users.
• Establish safeguards for children's data online.
• Formation of the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI).
• Set standards for government agencies to be exempt from the Act's provisions.
• Outline procedures in case of personal data breaches by data fiduciaries.

Concerns and Criticisms

• The proposed DPBI's institutional design concerns remain unresolved, potentially unrealistic for subordinate legislation.
• The government has conducted the rule-making process in secrecy, limiting stakeholder engagement.

Recommendations for Transparency and Participation

For legislation with high stakes for individual users and technology firms, an open deliberative process is crucial. This includes:

• Facilitating equal participation of industry associations and the public with transparency into differing viewpoints.

Long-term Goals and Urgency

• The government needs to adhere to principles of minimizing data collection, promoting disclosures, penalizing neglect, and discouraging surveillance.
• Timely implementation is essential for regaining public confidence in data protection commitments.

India's Geopolitical Landscape and Challenges in 2025

India stands at a significant crossroads in its history, characterized by strong economic growth and political stability amidst a shifting global economic and geopolitical landscape. While India currently projects an atmosphere of peace, it faces numerous external challenges that could disrupt this stability.

Global Political Challenges

• Global Conflicts: The year 2024 witnessed global political uncertainties with multiple concurrent conflicts, particularly in Europe and West Asia.
• Ongoing Conflicts: The Gaza conflict and the Ukraine situation pose potential threats to global peace.

India-China Relations

• Recent Developments: Recent border negotiations and disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh have taken place.
• Continued Challenges: Despite these negotiations, the border conflict remains unresolved, requiring ongoing vigilance by India.
• Chinese Influence: China is strengthening its security cooperation with the Global South, potentially outflanking India.
• Strategic Moves: China's diplomatic activities, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, have aimed to diminish India's influence.

Regional Dynamics in South Asia

• Bangladesh Political Changes: The ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime has raised questions about India's neighborhood policy.
• Regional Isolation: India appears isolated in the region, with emerging regimes in neighboring countries displaying hostility or lukewarm relations.
• Pakistan and Afghanistan: Pakistan remains adversarial, and Afghanistan is not a major focus for India currently.
• Bhutan's Changing Stance: Bhutan is balancing its relations with China under its current king.

West Asian Developments

• Syria's Political Shift: The ouster of the Assad regime and the rise of the Sunni group 'Hayat Tahir al Shams (HTS)' mark significant changes.
• Implications for India: The change in Syria could affect India's relations and influence in the region, given its Shia and Sunni populations.
• Regional Power Shifts: The decline in Iran's influence and the rise of Israel and Türkiye as major players are noteworthy.

Digital Threats

• Rising Cyber Threats: There is an increasing threat from cyber attacks, with a notable rise in incidents during the latter part of 2024.
• Infrastructure Risks: Convergence of technologies poses unprecedented risks to national infrastructure.
• Exponential Increase: Cyber threats are expected to grow significantly during 2025 and beyond.