Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti

• India reverently celebrates Mahavir Jayanti, a day that resonates with deep spiritual significance and profound peace, as it commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
•  More than a festival, it is a heartfelt tribute to a life devoted to compassion, self-restraint, and truth. In a world often clouded by conflict and chaos, Lord Mahavir’s eternal message of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and inner awakening shines brighter than ever, guiding countless souls toward a more mindful and harmonious existence.
• This year, the spirit of Mahavir Jayanti was powerfully invoked through the inauguration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9.
• "Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of our faith and the essence of life."
• The Navkar Mantra, central to Jain prayer, is more than a collection of sacred syllables, it is a rhythmic flow of energy, stability, and light.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reflecting on his own roots in Gujarat, spoke of how Jain Acharyas shaped his understanding from an early age. This personal connection reinforced his message that Jainism is not merely historical but deeply relevant, especially in an India that seeks to grow without losing its roots.
• This relevance is embodied in the architectural and cultural fabric of modern India, be it the depiction of Sammed Shikhar at the new Parliament’s entrance or the return of ancient Tirthankara idols from overseas. These are not artifacts of nostalgia; they are living symbols of India’s spiritual continuity.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi described climate change as today’s biggest crisis, saying its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries. The Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Lord Mahavir’s timeless teachings align beautifully with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a national call for sustainable living.
• Jainism’s emblem, “Parasparopagraho Jivanam”, meaning the mutual interdependence of all life offers a deeply ecological worldview.

Nine Resolutions for a New India

• In a poetic tribute to the power of "nine" in Indian and Jain traditions, the Prime Minister proposed nine resolutions anchored in the Navkar Mantra, each a commitment to knowledge, action, harmony, and rooted progress. He noted how repeating the mantra nine times, or in its multiples like 27, 54, or 108 represents spiritual completeness and intellectual clarity.
•  First Resolution: Water Conservation- Emphasizing the need to value and save every drop of water.
• Second Resolution: Plant a tree in Mother’s Name- Planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urging everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings.
• Third Resolution: Cleanliness Mission – Understanding the importance and contributing to cleanliness in every street, neighbourhood and city.
• Fourth Resolution: Vocal for Local- Promotion of locally made products, turning them global and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers.
• Fifth Resolution: Explore India- To explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country.
• Sixth Resolution: Adopting Natural Farming-  The Jain principle of “One living being should not harm another”, and for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming.
• Seventh Resolution: Healthy Lifestyle-  Following Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint.
• Eighth Resolution: Incorporating Yoga and Sports- Making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace.
• Ninth Resolution: Helping the Poor- Assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service.
• These resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future.
• Jain literature, etched in Prakrit and Pali, holds profound treasures of thought. The government’s initiative to grant these languages classical status and digitize Jain manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission is a tribute to this ancient wisdom.
• In March 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved projects under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) Scheme for the establishment of ‘Centre for Jain Studies’ in Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore.
• With financial assistance of ₹25 crore, this centre aims to preserve and promote Jain heritage, foster interdisciplinary research, and enhance global understanding of Jainism as a way of life.
•  It will support digitization of ancient Jain texts, facilitate academic research, and serve as a hub for students and scholars to engage with Jain teachings, traditions, and practices, while also promoting community engagement and awareness.
• The Ministry of Minority Affairs in the past also approved a project focused on preserving Jain culture through digitization of manuscripts, knowledge sharing, and promoting interdisciplinary research on Jain traditions.
• A On Mahavir Jayanti in April 2024, a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion of 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.
• As India marches on the path of becoming a developed nation, Lord Mahavir’s message of inner conquest, compassion, and truth offers a guiding light. In the harmony of the Navkar Mantra, in the discipline of the Sadhus, and in the interdependence of life itself, not just for individuals, but for the whole world.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Achieves Historic Growth in FY 2024-25

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reported robust progress in India’s clean energy sector for the Financial Year 2024–25.
• With a record annual capacity addition of 29.52 GW, the total installed renewable energy (RE) capacity in the country has reached 220.10 GW as of 31st March 2025, up from 198.75 GW in the previous fiscal.
•  This performance reflects India''s steady advancement towards the target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, as part of its commitments under the ‘Panchamrit’ goals set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Solar Energy Drives Growth

• Solar energy contributed the most to the year’s capacity expansion, with 23.83 GW added in FY 2024–25, a significant increase over the 15.03 GW added in the previous year. The total installed solar capacity now stands at 105.65 GW.
• This includes 81.01 GW from ground-mounted installations, 17.02 GW from rooftop solar, 2.87 GW from solar components of hybrid projects, and 4.74 GW from off-grid systems. The growth demonstrates continued uptake of solar energy across utility-scale and distributed categories.

Steady Rise in Wind Installations

• Wind energy also witnessed sustained progress during the year, with 4.15 GW of new capacity added, compared to 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24. The total cumulative installed wind capacity now stands at 50.04 GW, reinforcing wind energy’s role in India’s renewable energy mix.

Bioenergy and Small Hydro Power Maintain Momentum

• Bioenergy installations reached a total capacity of 11.58 GW, which includes 0.53 GW from off-grid and waste-to-energy projects. Small Hydro Power projects have achieved a capacity of 5.10 GW, with a further 0.44 GW under implementation.
• These sectors continue to complement the solar and wind segments by contributing to the decentralised and diversified nature of India’s energy landscape.

Expanding Pipeline of Clean Energy Projects

• In addition to the installed capacities, India has 169.40 GW of renewable energy projects under implementation and 65.06 GW already tendered.
• This includes 65.29 GW from emerging solutions such as hybrid systems, round-the-clock (RTC) power, peaking power, and thermal + RE bundling projects. These initiatives represent a strategic shift towards ensuring grid stability and reliable supply from renewable sources.
• MNRE under Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi has been taking various key initiatives to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
•  The continued growth reflects India’s commitment to its climate goals and energy security, underscoring the Government’s focused efforts to scale up renewable energy deployment across the country.

Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

• Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India''s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country.
•  The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the "Red Corridor," affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.
• However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy - combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement - has delivered significant success.
• The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31^st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.
• The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli).
•  Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6.
• These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.
• The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.
• Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives

• The government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas.
•  The government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.
• To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.
• The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc.
• On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.
• Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring.
•  The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials.
• The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
• Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
• Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
• Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
• Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
• Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
• Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup.
• Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
• Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
•  The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
• Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
• Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
• Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
• Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.  For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.
• Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.
• October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.

Success Stories

• As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered.
• Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered. On 29^th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20^th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ''Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan''.
• As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue.
• Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.
• In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence.
• However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.
• To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.
• In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045 surrendered.

Conclusion

• India''s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally.
•  The government''s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.

Plastic Parks in India

• The objective is to consolidate and synergize the capacities of downstream plastic processing industry to help increase investment, production and export in the sector as well as generate employment. Under the scheme, the government of India provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs.40 crore per project
•  The Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals is implementing the Scheme for Setting up of Plastic Parks under the umbrella scheme of New Scheme of Petrochemicals, to support setting up need-based Plastic Parks, with requisite state-of-the-art infrastructure, enabling common facilities through cluster development approach, to consolidate the capacities of the domestic downstream plastic processing industry
• A plastic park is an industrial zone specifically designed for plastic-related businesses and industries. It aims to consolidate and synergize the capacities of the plastic processing industry, promoting investment, production, and exports while generating employment.
• These parks also focus on achieving environmentally sustainable growth through waste management and recycling initiatives.
•  Plastic Parks have emerged as an integral part of India’s strategy for managing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and supporting the chemical industry. 10 Plastic Parks have been approved so far in different States

 Background and Objectives

• India stands 12^th in the world export of plastics, as per the 2022 World Bank estimates. It has grown exponentially from 2014, when it was worth just 8.2 million thousand USD, as compared to the 2022 estimates, where it reached 27 million thousand USD. This growth has been a result of the constant efforts by the Indian government to promote the production and export of plastics, like setting up Plastic Parks.
• The Indian plastics industry was large but highly fragmented with dominance of tiny, small and medium units and thus lacks the capacity to tap this opportunity.
• The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals formulated this scheme with a view to synergize and consolidate the capacities through cluster development and enhance India’s plastic production and export capabilities. The scheme has the following objectives:
• Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the domestic downstream plastic processing industry through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.
• Increase investments in the sector through additions in capacity and production, creating quality infrastructure and other facilitation to ensure value addition and increase in exports.
• Achieve environmentally sustainable growth through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.
• Adopt a cluster development approach to achieve the above objectives owing to its benefits arising due to optimization of resources and economies of scale.

Process of setting up a Plastic Park

• For the purpose of setting up Plastic Parks, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals seeks preliminary proposals from state governments, highlighting the proposed location, financial details, broad cost estimates etc. Following in-principle approval from the Scheme Steering Committee, the State implementing agency is required to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Department, which is evaluated and final approval is given by the Scheme Steering Committee based on the viability of the proposed project.
• For example, in November, 2020, the Department invited proposals from the state governments for establishing two new Plastic Parks. Proposals were received from the state governments of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (02 proposals), Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. These were examined by an Expert Committee, based on which the setting up of Plastic Parks at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and at Ganjimutt, Karnataka, was approved in July, 2022 and January, 2022 respectively.
• The Government provides grants-in-aid for the establishment of the Plastic Parks. The implementation of these projects as well as the process of getting them populated by industrial units is largely in the hands of the Special Purpose Vehicles set up by the State Government or State Industrial Development Corporation or their agencies.
• The respective States have taken several steps to promote private sector participation in these Plastic Parks, including conducting awareness and sensitization programmes for the industry, providing plots at competitive rates, giving tax incentives etc.
• Under the Scheme, common infrastructure for the sustainability and eco-friendliness of industrial units is provided including effluent treatment plant, solid/ hazardous waste management, facilities for plastic recycling, incinerator etc. Some of the Plastic Parks have also established in-house recycling sheds for recycling of plastic waste.

Other Government Initiatives for promoting Plastic Production in India

• The other initiatives taken by the Government to enhance plastics processing are: 
• Centres of Excellence (CoE): To promote the research and development in polymer and plastics the department has established 13 Centres of Excellence in various national level institutes.
• These CoEs focus on various aspects such as sustainable polymers, advanced polymeric materials, bio-engineered systems, and process development for wastewater management in petrochemical industries. They aim to drive innovation, improve technology, and promote environmentally sustainable development within the sector.
• Skilling of Workforce: Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology is conducting many short term and long-term courses in Plastics processing and Technology to cater to the skilling requirement of the industry.

Indian Plastic Industry and Environment Sustainability

• The Government of India has taken several steps to ensure that the development of the plastic industry is environmentally sustainable and aligned with global sustainability standards.
• The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations for plastic packaging mandate targets for minimum level of reuse, recycling and use of recycled content. This ensures accountability for waste collection, recycling, and reuse. Certain single-use plastics have been banned, with a focus on reducing plastic waste. The regulations also mandate to utilize minimum amount of recycled material in packaging products.
• The Hazardous Waste Management Rules seek to ensure proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and promote waste minimization and resource recovery.
• The Government promotes the adoption of circular economy principles in the plastic industry, including recycling and the use of biodegradable alternatives. In order to promote the latest technologies and products for circular economy, the Department supports and encourages industry in organizing discussions and exhibitions to showcase the latest technologies and machinery for waste management, recycling and up-cycling as well as the innovative products made from recycled material.
• India engages with international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to enable compliance with global sustainability standards. Further, India actively participates in meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which formulates international standards for plastic products. 

Conclusion

• The Plastic Parks scheme, under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, represents a comprehensive and forward-looking initiative that addresses both the industrial growth and environmental sustainability of the Indian plastics sector.
•  By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering cluster-based development, and encouraging private sector participation, the scheme not only strengthens India’s downstream plastic processing capabilities but also attracts investment, boosts exports, and generates employment.
• As India continues to rise in global plastic trade rankings, the Plastic Parks scheme and allied measures will remain crucial to ensuring that this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

 The Magic of Indian Silk

• Silk connects India’s history, tradition and art, evident in iconic silk sarees like Kanchipuram and Banarasi.
• Silk is made from silkworms that eat mulberry leaves. The silkworms spin cocoons, which are then turned into silk threads and woven into fabric.
• India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk globally.
• India''s raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
• The area under mulberry plantations grew from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24.
• Silk is a thread that connects India’s history, tradition and art. From the rich, bright colors of Kanchipuram sarees to the earthy beauty of Bhagalpur Tussar, every silk saree tells a story.
• They are made from pure mulberry silk, woven with care and skill by artisans. This craft has been passed down through generations. As the loom hums with the rhythm of their hands, the silk saree comes to life—not just as clothing, but as a symbol of India’s diverse and vibrant soul, stitched together by the art of silk.
• Sericulture is the process of farming silkworms to make silk. Silkworms are raised on mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun leaves.
• After about a month, they spin cocoons. These cocoons are collected and boiled to soften the silk. The silk threads are then pulled out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric. This careful process turns small silkworms into shiny silk.

Economic Role of Silk in Developing India

• India is the second largest producer of silk and also the largest consumer of silk in the world. In India, mulberry silk is produced mainly in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, while the non-mulberry silks are produced in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Orissa and north-eastern states.
• Mulberry silk comes from silkworms that eat only mulberry leaves. It is soft, smooth, and shiny with a bright glow, making it perfect for luxury sarees and high-end fabrics. 92% of the country''s total raw silk production comes from mulberry.
• Non-mulberry silk (also known as Vanya silk) comes from wild silkworms that feed on leaves from trees like oak, castor and arjun. This silk has a natural, earthy feel with less shine but is strong, durable, and eco-friendly.
• India''s raw silk production has experienced steady growth, rising from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
• This growth is supported by the expansion of mulberry plantations from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24, which boosted mulberry silk production from 22,066 MT in 2017-18 to 29,892 MT in 2023-24.
• Total raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
• Exports of silk and silk goods rose from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24.
• As per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) reports, the country exported 3348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24.
• Silk waste consists of leftover or imperfect silk from the production process, such as broken fibers or pieces of cocoons. While it''s regarded as waste, it can still be repurposed to create lower-quality products like silk yarn or fabric, or even recycled into new silk items.

Government Schemes in Silk Development

• Government schemes play a crucial role in the growth of the silk industry in India. These initiatives provide financial support and resources for various activities related to sericulture:
• The Silk Samagra Scheme is an important initiative by the government to improve the sericulture industry across India. Its objective is to scale up production by improving the quality and productivity and to empower downtrodden, poor & backward families through various activities of sericulture in the country.

The scheme comprises four (4) major Components:

• Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives,
• Seed Organizations,
• Coordination and Market Development and
• Quality Certification Systems (QCS) / Export Brand Promotion and Technology Up-gradation.
• Silk Samagra-2 is an extension of this effort with a budget of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. These interventions help improve the entire silk production process, from raising silkworms to producing quality silk fabrics.
• A So far, Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provided in central assistance, benefiting over 78,000 people.
• Financial support has been given to Andhra Pradesh (Rs. 72.50 crore) and Telangana (Rs. 40.66 crore) for the last three years to help with Silk Samagra-2 components.
• In addition to Silk Samagra-2, there are other schemes that support the silk and handloom sector:
• Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): The Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS) with partial modification and renamed as Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) has been approved for implementation during period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. To make available quality yarn & their blends to the eligible Handloom weavers at subsidized rates. Total 340 lakh kg of yarn has been supplied during financial year 2023-2024 under the Scheme.
• National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), running from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aims to support weavers in the handloom sector, including silk fabric producers.
• The scheme takes a need-based approach to foster the integrated development of handlooms and improve the welfare of handloom weavers. It provides support for raw materials, design, technology upgrades, and marketing through exhibitions.
• Additionally, it helps create permanent infrastructure like Urban Haats and marketing complexes, benefiting weavers both within cooperatives and in Self-Help Groups.
• Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector Scheme (SAMARTH): Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it is a demand-driven and placement-oriented program. Extended for 2 years (FY 2024-25 & 2025-26) with a budget of Rs. 495 crore to train 3 lakh people. Scheme focuses on entry-level training, as well as upskilling and reskilling in Apparel & Garmenting, handloom, handicraft, silk, and jute.
• These schemes have helped improve the quantity and quality of raw silk produced, contributing to the growth of the silk industry in India

National Critical Mineral Mission

• The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
• A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines in November 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule I of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957). The inclusion of 24 critical minerals in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) means that the Central Government now has the exclusive authority to auction mining leases and composite licenses for these specific minerals.
• It also recommended setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to regularly update the mineral list and guide strategy.
• Critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage systems. To secure these resources, India launched the NCMM to ensure their long-term availability and processing.
• Critical minerals are essential for a country''s economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities 

Usage of Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are essential components of various clean energy technologies and industries. Their importance can be highlighted across different sectors:

1. Solar energy

• Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels.
• India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals.

2. Wind energy

• Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.
• India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030, necessitating a stable supply of these minerals.

3. Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
• Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India plans to deploy 6–7 million EVs by 2024, leading to increased demand for these critical minerals.

4. Energy storage

• Lithium-ion batteries used in advanced energy storage systems depend on lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

Objectives of NCMM

• To secure India’s critical mineral supply chain by ensuring mineral availability from domestic and foreign sources.
• Strengthening the value chains by enhancing technological, regulatory, and financial ecosystems to foster innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness in mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling.

India''s exploration efforts

• Under NCMM mission, GSI has intensified its exploration programs. In the 2024-25 field season, GSI has taken up 195 projects, including 35 in Rajasthan, focused on identifying and assessing critical mineral deposits. The mission seeks to minimize import dependency by enhancing domestic exploration and mining efforts.
• More than 100 critical mineral blocks are set to be auctioned, and exploration will be expanded to offshore regions rich in polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), nickel, and manganese.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, follows the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) classification and Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015, to carry out exploration activities for critical minerals. Earlier in 2021-22 and 2022-23, GSI conducted reconnaissance surveys for rare earth elements (REEs) including neodymium in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan. Additionally, the Department of Atomic Energy discovered around 1,11,845 tonnes of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in Balotra, Rajasthan.
• To speed up projects, a fast-track regulatory approval system will be introduced. A new Exploration Licence (EL) will encourage private sector participation. Recovery of minerals from secondary sources like fly ash, tailings, and red mud will be promoted through relaxed rules and incentives. Efforts will also focus on trace mineral assessment, development of processing parks, and increased involvement of state governments and PSUs in the critical mineral value chain.

Acquisition of assets abroad

• India will invest in exploring and acquiring critical mineral assets in resource-rich countries. PSUs and private firms will be supported through funding, guidelines, and inter-ministerial coordination. Public-private partnerships will be promoted, and infrastructure support will be ensured with MEA’s help.

Key International Initiatives

• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) signed an agreement with CAMYEN SE, a state-owned enterprise in Catamarca, Argentina, on 15th January 2024 for lithium exploration covering 15,703 hectares.
• KABIL also signed an MoU with the Critical Mineral Office (CMO), Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISER), Government of Australia, in March 2022.
• Due diligence is underway for selection of lithium and cobalt projects in Australia for strategic investments through off-take arrangements.
• With a processing capacity of 6 lakh tons per annum, IREL produces key minerals like ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and garnet. It also operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Chatrapur, Odisha and a Rare Earth Refining Unit at Aluva, Kerala. The company has been making profit consistently since 1997-98, with a peak turnover of over ₹14,625 million in 2021-22, including ₹7,000 million in exports.
• IREL is focused on expanding its production capacity, supporting value chain industries, and advancing R&D through its facility in Kollam, Kerala.

Conclusion

• India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), achieve 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
•  To achieve these climate goals, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) plays a vital role by building a resilient and self-reliant ecosystem for critical minerals.
• The mission focuses on boosting domestic production, encouraging private sector participation, strengthening international partnerships, and streamlining regulations to ensure a steady supply of minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

Why NREGA wage rates should be revised

• To The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj tabled its report on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) on April 3.
• Among other things, the report took note of the “failure of [NREGA] wages to keep up with inflation” and that wages “remain below subsistence levels, making it difficult for workers to sustain themselves”. This, the Committee said, led to the scheme failing to meet its objective of providing economic security to the most vulnerable rural poor in the country.
• With over 25 crore registered workers, NREGA is the largest employment guarantee programme in the world. It provides up to 100 days of work annually to rural households.
• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), which implements NREGA, notified the state-wise daily wage rates for Financial Year (FY) 25-26 in the last week of March. These vary from Rs 241  in Nagaland to Rs 400 in Haryana, with the national average wage standing at Rs 294, a modest 5% increase from FY 24-25.
• NREGA wage rates have long been a point of contention, with the Parliamentary Committee, worker unions, and civil society actors advocating for a higher wage rate for over a decade.
•  The main concerns with the NREGA wage are its increasing distance from the notified minimum wage rate, the discrepancies in state-wise wages, and its poor inflation indexation.

How NREGA wage rates are decided

• Section 6 of the Act provides two methods for calculating NREGA wage rates.
• Section 6(1) empowers the Centre to notify the wage rate notwithstanding the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (MWA). The notified wage, however, cannot be lower than Rs 60.
• Section 6(2) states that until the Centre notifies a wage rate, the state’s minimum agricultural wage rate shall be taken as the NREGA wage rate.
• From 2005 to 2009, NREGA wages were equal to the minimum agricultural wage rate of each state. However, the concurrent upward revisions of states’ minimum wages led to an increasing financial burden on the Centre, which foots the entire NREGA wage bill.
• This prompted the Centre to cap the NREGA wage rate at Rs 100 in 2009. Now, workers in some states were being paid less than the statutory minimum wage, in violation of the MWA. Moreover, capping the wage rate meant that the wages in real terms would actually decline over time.
• The Rs 100 cap was subsequently challenged in court. The Karnataka High Court in 2011 upheld the supremacy of the MWA, and directed the Centre to pay no less than the prevailing minimum wage in each state. The Supreme Court upheld this order in 2012.
• In 2010, the Central Employment Guarantee Council, a statutory advisory body on MGNREGA, set up a Working Group on Wages under eminent economist Jean Dreze. The Dreze Committee recommended a return to Section 6 (2) for setting NREGA wages. As an emergency measure, it also suggested indexing the wage rate to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Workers (CPI-AL) to ensure that the “frozen” Rs 100 wage would at least be revised upwards with inflation.
• Nonetheless, in December 2010, the Centre decided to go ahead with delinking the NREGA wage rate from the minimum wage.
• However, it did index the wage rate to the CPI-AL from FY 2011-12. This is how NREGA wage rates are calculated even today. The MoRD notifies annual rates for each state indexed against the CPI-AL with 2009 as the base year.
• As a result, NREGA wage rates are lower than the minimum agricultural wage rate in nearly every state
•  Over the years, the Centre has set up multiple committees to examine the NREGA wage rate (or wage rates in general). But it has thus far ignored their recommendations.
• THE MAHENDRA DEV COMMITTEE (2014) had two main recommendations. First, that the NREGA wage be no less than the state’s minimum wage, and second, that the wage be indexed to CPI-Rural (CPI-R), instead of CPI-AL, with the base year being updated from 2009 to 2014.
• The Ministry of Finance rejected the recommendations saying that the fiscal burden of doing so would be too high.
• THE NAGESH SINGH COMMITTEE (2017) said that linking NREGA wages to state minimum wages was not necessary, but recommended shifting from CPI-AL to CPI-R. Notably, unlike the Mahendra Dev Committee, this committee consisted solely of government representatives, and did not include independent economists and union representatives.
• The MoRD in 2019 stated that it had accepted the Nagesh Singh Committee recommendations, but in 2021 announced that it will continue with the CPI-AL. No explanation has been given for this yet.
• THE ANOOP SATPATHY COMMITTEE (2019) recommended a National Floor Wage of Rs 375 per day (based on July 2018 prices). This would serve as a minimum benchmark for wages across states and sectors, including in NREGA.
• In FY 25-26, only 2 states, Goa and Haryana, have a NREGA wage above the recommended floor wage of Rs 375. Adjusting for inflation, this rate would be even higher today.

Key issues with NREGA wage rates

• The most pressing issue with the NREGA wage today is its increasing divergence from the minimum wages for each state. In FY 25-26, the difference between the MGNREGA wage and the state minimum agricultural wage is as high as Rs 241 in Sikkim. The largest difference in FY 20-21 was Rs 119 (in Kerala).
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee has repeatedly criticised the MoRD for this, highlighting the increasing cost of living and noting that the “abysmally low” wages are one of the reasons for worker drop-outs from NREGA.
• The second major issue is the disparity in NREGA wages across states, which the Standing Committee has described as “beyond comprehension”, and a violation of Article 39 of the Constitution which provides for equal pay. In FY 25-26, NREGA wages in Haryana and Nagaland differ by as much as Rs 159.
• The MoRD’s response to these concerns has consistently been that NREGA is a fall-back option for employment, and that each state has the ability to increase the wages, over and above what the Centre offers, paying the difference from its own coffers. Only Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha have exercised this option.
• Then there is the issue of indexation. CPI-R, which covers households of all rural labourers, is considered a broader and more representative index than CPI-AL, which covers only agricultural households.
• Additionally, the MoRD has continued to use 2009 as the base year for indexation, when NREGA wages were capped at Rs 100. The MoRD agreed that the wage rate is “not commensurate with market rates”, but “a conscious decision has been taken so far not to do that”.

A lofty vision, unfulfilled

• NREGA was implemented at a time when the daily wage for casual rural/agricultural workers was very low, and workers had next to no bargaining power. Its vision was to ensure livelihood security by providing dignified employment.
• Multiple studies have found that rural wages have increased as a by-product of NREGA. Over the years, NREGA has repeatedly served as a lifeline for the rural poor. This was particularly obvious during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Supreme Court in Sanjit Roy vs State of Rajasthan (1983) had ruled that payment of less than the minimum wage amounts to “forced labour”, punishable under Article 23 of the Constitution. The Standing Committee has echoed this sentiment, recommending that “at least Rs 400 per day should be provided, as the current wage rates are inadequate to meet even basic daily expenses”.
• As long as workers do not receive fair wages, NREGA’s vision of a right to dignified work will remain unfulfilled.