How biodiversity impacts every corner of human life.

• Overhunting, ecosystem destruction and climate change caused by human emissions are all contributing to a rapid decline of global biodiversity.
• A new report released by the World Wildlife Fund, an NGO, highlights what humanity is losing as a result.
• From the large whales that mix ocean waters and make them more able to sustain life to tapirs that help the Amazon forest grow and provide rainwater to South America, the planet’s biodiversity is deeply connected to humanity’s well-being.

FISHING AND HUNTING

• Hunting and fishing have been central to cultures throughout human history, and wildlife remains a key source of food and employment for humans.
• Wild animal meat accounts for up to 80% of the animal protein consumed by populations in some rural regions of West and Central Africa, which makes it key both to the local economy as well as to food security, said the WWF report.
• Humans also consume up to 2,500 freshwater fish species, research published in 2023 by the said, and a 2011 report in the Fish and Fisheries journal estimated that marine fisheries provide more than 200 million full-time jobs globally.
• However, a decline in wild animal populations is harming fishing businesses and making less food available.
• A study published in 2021 in Marine Science by researchers in Canada and Germany showed, for example, that cod catches in Eastern Canada reached a peak in 1968, at 810,000 tons, but fell to 10,559 tons in 2019 following a collapse in fishing stocks.

ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERING AND REGULATION

• Biodiversity is also central to ecosystem engineering and regulation – the process by which organisms shape habitats.
• Extinction of one living being often leads to cascade effects that threaten whole ecosystems.
• In grassland ecosystems, hoofed terrestrial herbivores compact the bare ground and soil, altering landscapes and promoting higher biodiversity, a 2024 assessment of research published showed.
• Predators, meanwhile, contribute to keeping herbivore populations under control, limiting the risk of soil erosion from overgrazing, a 2014 report said.
• In the oceans, sperm whales mix water and move nutrients through ocean layers with their large bodies, nourishing ecosystems and providing fishing grounds.
• It is estimated, however, that great whale numbers have declined between 66% and 90% since commercial whaling began about 1,000 years ago, which means that they are making less of a contribution to keeping oceans plentiful.

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

• Biodiversity is essential to keeping ecosystems healthy and able to provide humanity with what are called ecosystem services such as food, crop pollination, soil protection, cooling, fresh water and even leisure.
• Research published in 2020 showed that five out of seven crops studied in the United States already lacked enough pollinators, such as bees, to secure full development.
• This means production would likely be greater if there were more insect biodiversity.
• In the case of the Amazon, a 2019 paper published  by Brazilian researchers found that tapirs distribute seeds over long distances and help speed the recovery of disturbed forests.
• Water from the Amazon forms clouds that pour rain over much of South America, making it crucial for drinking water, agriculture, cooling and protection from wildfires.
• Globally, destruction of natural areas coupled with climate change enabled 4.3 million square km of land (1.7 million square miles), an area larger than India, to turn dry between 1990 and 2020, according to figures released in 2024 by the U.N.
• As the world dries up, it becomes more vulnerable to extreme climate events such as drought and the wildfires that hit South America in 2024 and now are spreading in California.

HUMAN PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

• Biodiversity loss is also connected to humans suffering more from infectious diseases, according to a 2024 assessment of more than 2,900 studies.
• For example, research published in 2011 as part of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity initiative suggested that loss of small mammal species contributes to the spread of diseases such as hantaviruses.
• With less biodiversity, rodents of the same species have more frequent violent encounters in which they contaminate each other, increasing the risk that those diseases spread to humans.
• Hantaviruses may cause serious health issues such as difficulty breathing and kidney failure.
• Biodiversity is also linked to psychological and cultural benefits.
• In a 2013 paper, people exposed to bird sounds told British researchers they felt relief from stress and fatigue.
• Wild animals have also long served as inspiration to humans, featuring in artwork and music, but humanity has been losing that connection.
• A 2018 study published concluded that many human populations are undergoing an “extinction of experience,” as destruction of habitats and concentration in urban areas makes interactions with wildlife more rare.

Access to proper sanitation is recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution,

• The Supreme Court  said availability of public toilets is an important duty of the state governments and Union territories and steps need to be taken to ensure that such facilities are accessible to all.
• Issuing a slew of directions on a PIL filed by a lawyer, the apex court asked all the high courts, state governments and UTs to ensure availability of separate toilet facilities for males, females, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country.
• A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan while hearing the plea said public health is of paramount importance and creation of adequate public toilets also protects the privacy and removes the threat to women and transgender persons.
• The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment, declaring that access to clean public toilets is a basic right and essential for human dignity. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to address sanitation issues and ensure that public toilets are available, accessible, and maintained for everyone, regardless of gender or disability.
• "Access to proper sanitation is recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
• This right inherently includes ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all individuals.
• "There is a discernible duty on every State/UT under Part IV of the Constitution to ensure a healthy environment and to continuously strive of improving the public health. Access to justice includes the creation of a pleasant and humanly atmosphere for all the stake holders in the dispensation of justice," the bench said.
• The litigants for fear of sitting in courts for long hours without access to basic amenities should not be forced to refrain from exercising their legal rights, it added.

Key Points of the Judgment:

• Toilets are a “facet of human rights” and the failure to provide these adequately in courts “reflects a deeper flaw in the justice system”.
• Right to Sanitation: The court emphasized that having access to clean and functional toilets is not just a matter of convenience but is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
• This right also includes the need for a safe and hygienic environment, especially in public spaces like courts, tribunals, and highways.
• Gender-Sensitive Facilities: The judgment specifically mentioned the need for gender-sensitive toilets that cater to all people, including men, women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons.
• The court said that States and Union Territories have a responsibility to ensure these facilities are available, accessible, and maintained throughout the year.
• Public Health and Welfare: The judgment also stressed that providing clean public toilets contributes to public health and well-being. It highlighted that the absence of basic sanitation facilities undermines the welfare state model, which is supposed to provide essential services to all citizens.
• The Supreme Court directed that separate toilet facilities be constructed for all genders, especially in courts and tribunal buildings.

Why sanitation should be a basic human right for all?

• According to the World Health Organization, around half the people in the world are in danger of disease because they don’t have access to a clean, safe toilet.
• Close to 494 million people are still forced to defecate in the open.
• WaterAid’s research shows that every two minutes, a child under five dies from a disease linked to unsafe water and sanitation.
• Investment in water and sanitation boosts the economy. A toilet is not just a toilet, it’s also an opportunity-maker, a dignity-provider and a lifesaver.

Eco-Friendly Maha Kumbh 2025: ''One Plate, One Bag'' To Replace Plastic, Green Kumbh, Waste Management 

• The Maha Kumbh 2025 is considered the most important event in this year''s Hindu religious almanac with atleast 40 crore pilgrims expected to attend the event. Under the National Clean Ganga Mission, the authorities in charge of the mega congregation have left no stone unturned to present it as a model example of environmental conservation and cleanliness.
• The National Clean Ganga Mission prioritised maintaining the purity of river Ganga during Maha Kumbh 2025 considering the questionable water quality where millions of pilgrims are taking bath everyday. Besides Ganga, the focus is also on sustainable waste management, and creating plastic-free zones to spread awareness about cleanliness and environmental protection in society.

One Plate, Pne Bag'': An initiative to replace plastic

• In a bid to make Maha Kumbh a plastic-free event, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday launched the ''One Plate, One Bag'' campaign. According to an official of the organization,Murar Tripathi, "Cloth bags and carry bags are being distributed to visitors, with around 70,000 such bags already handed out from six centres. Additionally, he shared that 2 million steel plates and glasses have been collected from across the country,”.
• "These steel plates and glasses are being distributed to all langars (community kitchens) and food outlets within the mela area to replace plastic and thermocol utensils,

Waste management, FRP toilets: Sustainability in focus

• Under the National Clean Ganga Mission, the authorities implemented special cleanliness management measures at a cost of rupees 152.37 crore for Mahakumbh 2025.
• From modern technology to traditional practices- the eco-friendly drive encompasses everything to ensure a clean and sustainable environment.

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets

• The authorities have installed over 28,000 toilets, including 12,000 Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets equipped with septic tanks and 16,100 pre-fabricated steel toilets with soak pits across the fairgrounds.
• These FRP toilets are a part of an eco-friendly approach while ensuring cleanliness. Additionally, 20,000 community urinals have been set up to ensure a comfortable and hygienic experience for devotees while promoting eco-friendly practices.

Trash cans installed to segregate waste

• To ensure effective waste management in the event area, 20,000 trash bins have been installed to help segregate waste at the source. To further streamline waste collection and disposal, 37.75 lakh liner bags have been provided.

Green Maha Kumbh'': Environment in focus

• In compliance with the vision of a ''Clean Mahakumbh'', authorities have deployed government agencies, public representatives, and local citizens to ensure the success of this historic event without causing any harm to the environment. 
• As per a press release by the Ministry of Culture, as part of this cleanliness initiative, the Swachhata Rath Yatra was launched today in Prayagraj.
• A national-level discussion will focus on issues related to nature, the environment, water, and cleanliness. Experts will share insights and experiences on maintaining the balance of the five elements of nature and addressing the challenges they face, a release read.
• Additionally, discussions will explore ways to raise awareness among Mahakumbh visitors about environmental protection and cleanliness, as well as the campaigns being undertaken to promote these efforts.

Semi- Dirac Fermion.

• Physicists recently made a significant discovery of a new type of particle called the semi-Dirac fermion. This discovery expands the understanding of particles that can exist under special conditions in certain materials.
• Fermions are particles that make up matter (e.g., electrons, protons), and they obey the Pauli exclusion principle (no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state).
• Bosons are particles that mediate forces (e.g., photons).
• Dirac Fermions: These fermions have mass and are not their own anti-particles. They are often found in materials like graphene (a single layer of carbon atoms).
• Semi-Dirac Fermions: These are exotic particles that behave like Dirac fermions in one direction but don’t have mass when moving in a perpendicular direction. This unique behavior makes them stand out from other known particles.

Discovery Process:

• Material Chosen: The researchers studied a material called Zirconium Silicon Sulphide (ZrSiS), which is a layered crystalline material. This material was chosen because of previous findings suggesting it could host these unusual particles.
• Research Findings: When the researchers applied a strong magnetic field to ZrSiS, they found that the electrons in the material behaved differently than expected. The energy of the electrons (called cyclotron energy) in ZrSiS increased according to a B2/3 scaling, a unique feature associated with semi-Dirac fermions. This behavior was different from the energy scaling in materials like graphene, where the energy increases with the square root of the magnetic field strength (B1/2).
• Quasiparticles: The semi-Dirac fermion discovered is technically a quasiparticle. A quasiparticle behaves like a single particle but is actually made up of many smaller particles or energy packets. For example, protons are quasiparticles made up of quarks and gluons. Similarly, semi-Dirac fermions can behave like fermions, despite their unusual mass properties in different directions.

Why It’s Important?

• New Particle in the Particle Zoo: The discovery of semi-Dirac fermions adds a new and unique "animal" to the subatomic "zoo" of particles that physicists study. The more unusual particles physicists discover, the better they can understand the fundamental laws of nature.
• Condensed Matter Physics: This discovery was made in the field of condensed-matter physics, which studies how matter behaves in different conditions, such as in solids and liquids. Unlike high-energy particle physics, which requires massive machines like the Large Hadron Collider, condensed matter physics can sometimes discover new particles using simpler, tabletop experiments.
• Practical Implications: The study of materials like ZrSiS helps scientists understand how particles behave in strong magnetic fields and other extreme conditions, potentially leading to new technologies and applications in the future.

British Navy arrests 10 Tamil Nadu fishermen near Diego Garcia island

• Even as Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities continue to face challenges owing to the regular arrests of fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy, another group of 10 fishermen from Thothoor village in the state has been allegedly arrested by the British navy near Diego Garcia island in the central Indian Ocean.
• Officials from the Tamil Nadu fisheries department said that the British navy detained the fishermen while they were fishing for tuna in the early hours of Monday, 13 January. The fishermen were reportedly arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
• The fisheries department has already informed the Union ministry of external affairs of the incident. It may be recalled that eight fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy early on 12 January. Two mechanised boats were also impounded by Sri Lankan naval authorities.
• According to the Sri Lankan navy, the arrests were made for allegedly crossing the IMBL and poaching near the Neduntheevu islet in the early hours of Sunday.The fisheries department officials stated that they had issued tokens to 169 mechanised boats from Rameswaram jetty on Saturday morning. These boats were scheduled to return to shore on Sunday evening.
• Sources further added that the arrested fishermen were taken to a naval port in Sri Lanka where they are being questioned. The impounded mechanised boats are also being towed to the port.
• Expressing concern, he stated that it is no longer safe for fishermen to operate in the Palk Bay. “We have not only lost our livelihoods but also our properties to Sri Lankan authorities. Around 270 trawlers have been impounded since 2018. Many fishermen have lost their jobs and are burdened by debts they cannot repay.

Santa Ana Winds: Los Angeles Wildfires  | Know About The Ferocious Wind System

• So far the untamable wildfires in the Palisade neighbourhood of Los Angeles have killed at least two dozen people and burned down thousands of houses, buildings, and other structures.

 Santa Ana winds: What is it?

• Santa Ana winds are known as strong and gusty east or north-easterly winds moving in an inland-to-coast direction. The massive strength of the wind facilitates the rapid spreading of the fires
• Although it can occur multiple times in a year, it usually appears during the cooler months, from late September to May, and generally lasts just a couple of days except for a few rare occasions when it prevails for up to a week.
• In the Santa Ana wind system, gusty winds make their movements in a clockwise direction around high-pressure systems. Moving towards the south and west into southern California, they descend over the inland Sierra mountains.
• Upon descending, the air turns drier after losing more moisture and accelerates its speed further as it blows through the valleys and gorges in the area
• Santa Ana is most common in the interior of the western US, centred around the Great Basin, which includes much of Nevada and parts of Utah, Idaho, and southeast Oregon as these are generally dry, desert areas.

Why is it called ''Santa Ana''?

• According to a report by BBC, the origin of the nomenclature somehow is not clearly known. However, it is believed that the name came as the winds stem from the Santa Ana canyon in Southern California''s Orange County.
• Santa Ana winds is also known as "devil wind" or "red wind"

Government of India Launches National Turmeric Board

• Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launched the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad district of Telangana on January 14.
• The National Turmeric Board will help develop new markets internationally to promote exports and double production to about 20 lakh tonnes in the next five years.
• The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership on turmeric related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other Government agencies in development and growth of the turmeric sector.
• There is significant potential and interest world over on the health and wellness benefits of turmeric, which the Board will leverage to further increase awareness and consumption, develop new markets internationally to increase exports, promote research and development into new products, and develop on our traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric products.
• It will especially focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition.
• The Board will also promote quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards. The Board will also take steps to further safeguard and usefully exploit turmeric’s full potential for humanity.
• The activities of the Board will contribute towards greater well-being and prosperity of the turmeric growers through their focussed and dedicated attention to the sector and the larger value addition closer to the farms, which would provide better realisation to the growers for their produce.
•  The Board’s activities into research, market development, increasing consumption, and value addition will also ensure that our growers and processors continue to maintain their pre-eminent position in the global markets as exporters of high-quality turmeric and turmeric products.
• The Board shall have a Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three states (on rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75% of global turmeric production). More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nad
•  Turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’.

Turmeric production in India

•  India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. India accounts for 70 per cent of global turmeric production.
• In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh hectares was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes.
•  More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country.
• The largest producing states of turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• India has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric.
• During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $207.45 million were exported by more than 380 exporters.
•  During 2023-24, 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $226.5 million were exported.
• The leading export markets for Indian turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, the US and Malaysia.
• The government notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board on October 4, 2023. 

What is the purpose of National Turmeric Board?

• The National Turmeric Board will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
• The Board will pay special attention to the welfare of the turmeric farmers spread across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and others. 
•  It will promote research and development of new turmeric products, and will look into the value addition of turmeric related products for marketing abroad. 
•  The Board will also look into creating awareness on the essential and medical properties of turmeric, ways to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets.
• The Board will also ensure quality and safety standards of turmeric production and exports.
• It will provide leadership, augment efforts and facilitate coordination with other government departments/agencies in matters pertaining to the turmeric sector and facilitate growth and development of the turmeric sector in the country.
• It will help bring focus to efforts of tapping the vast potential that exists for increasing trade of turmeric and its products, especially in view of the health and wellness benefits of turmeric.
• Palle Ganga Reddy has been nominated as the Board’s first chairperson and its headquarters has been set up at Nizamabad, Telangana.
• Representatives from the top two turmeric-growing states — Maharashtra and Telangana — and from Meghalaya, which is famous for its Lakadong turmeric, will also be part of the Board.
• With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach $1 billion by 2030.

Trump 2.0: India-US trade & defence ties to grow, focus on China, Quad

• Ahead of Donald Trump’s formal inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47^th president of the US on January 20, eminent diplomats and experts predicted a marked upswing in nearly all aspects of India-US relations and stressed that the China challenge will drive the two countries to intensify collaboration across the spectrum.
• Predicting a rise in bilateral trade and investment, Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, pitched for accelerating negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and termed it as an important strategic priority.
• India should “take a very proactive role” in driving this process forward and leverage its position within the Quad, Mr Aghi said at an interactive online conference, titled “The Trump Card: India’s Choices & Strategy” on January 15.  “If you don’t want a direct trade agreement, let’s focus on doing an FTA between the four Quad countries and create a common market,.
•  He argued that this strategy would allow India to tap into the combined economic strength of the Quad, estimated at $35 trillion, creating a powerful bloc to drive mutual growth and resilience against external challenges.
• In an unprecedented move, incoming U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host foreign ministers from Japan, Australia, and India on the sidelines of President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
• This meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) nations marks an important moment in global diplomacy, signaling that the Quad will remain central to U.S. foreign policy during Trump’s second term.
•  The Quad — consisting of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia — is poised to become an even more significant force in the Indo-Pacific region as tensions with China continue to escalate.

What is the Quad?

• The Quad is a strategic partnership formed between four democracies: the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. Initially conceived as a response to regional security concerns, it has grown into a broader coalition focused on economic, environmental, and technological issues, as well as security. Although the grouping is often referred to as an “Asian NATO” by critics — particularly in China — it is not a formal military alliance but rather a diplomatic platform for cooperation.
• Quad first emerged in 2007 under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S. President George W. Bush, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Australian Prime Minister John Howard. However, the grouping lost momentum shortly after its inception due to various geopolitical challenges.
• It was not until 2017 that the Trump administration reenergized the Quad, positioning it as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue was initially held at the vice-ministerial level, but in 2019 it moved to a foreign ministers’ level, reflecting the increasing importance of the Quad in global geopolitics.

The Quad’s Role in Countering China

• For China, the Quad has been a long-standing source of concern, frequently viewed as a bloc aimed at containing its growing influence. Chinese officials have long criticized the Quad, labeling it an attempt to form an “Asian NATO” and accusing it of meddling in regional conflicts under the guise of ensuring freedom of navigation. In particular, upcoming joint coast guard exercises by the Quad countries have raised alarms in Beijing, who view them as part of a broader strategy to curb China’s maritime ambitions.
• However, it’s important to note that the Quad is not solely a counter-China alliance. While Beijing’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific is a significant driver of the grouping’s activities, the Quad has increasingly addressed other global challenges, including climate change, technological innovation, and health security.

What to Expect from Trump 2.0 and the Quad’s Future

• Under Trump’s leadership, the Quad is expected to take a more security-focused approach, with an emphasis on burden-sharing among the four nations. The Quad, according to U.S. officials like Rubio, will continue to operate on the principle that all members contribute equitably to regional stability.
• This could translate into more active military and maritime cooperation, though the grouping’s broadening agenda suggests that economic and technological concerns will also remain at the forefront.
• The second Trump administration is likely to intensify the Quad’s focus on countering China. Figures like Rubio and Mike Waltz, both staunch proponents of strengthening U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific, are expected to push for more robust actions in the region.
•  This could include increased military presence, expanded joint military exercises, and more comprehensive diplomatic efforts aimed at isolating China’s influence.
• However, the Quad faces internal challenges, particularly given the varying priorities of its members. India, while a key partner in countering China, has been cautious in its engagement with the U.S. due to its complex relationship with Beijing. Australia, on the other hand, maintains strong economic ties with China, which complicates its position within the Quad.
• Japan, too, faces its own security dilemmas, including territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea.
•  Despite these challenges, the Quad has proven resilient, with each nation acknowledging the need for closer collaboration to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The Quad’s Growing Influence on Global Affairs

• The Quad’s evolution reflects the shifting dynamics of global power. Once viewed primarily as a security bloc, it has expanded its reach to address broader issues such as economic resilience, climate change, and global health. The upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit, which India is set to host in 2025, will be a defining moment for the grouping, as it looks to solidify its role as a central actor in shaping global norms and responses to emerging challenges.
• India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently stated that the Quad has come a long way since its revival in 2017. He noted that the U.S. under Trump has played a pivotal role in reinvigorating the Quad, and that the grouping’s growing influence is now evident in its expansive agenda.
• He also highlighted that despite varying levels of engagement, all Quad nations contribute equally to the partnership, ensuring a fair distribution of responsibilities.
• The upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2025 will likely focus on Indo-Pacific security but will also address broader global issues such as climate change, technological innovation, and economic cooperation. As the Quad’s role expands, it will continue to play a central part in shaping the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific and beyond
•  

Over the past nine years, the transformative program of StartupIndia has empowered countless youngsters, turning their innovative ideas into successful StartUps: PM

• The Prime Minister, marks the Nine Years Of StartupIndia program, today. Prime Minister Shri Modi remarked that over the past nine years, this transformative program has empowered countless youngsters, turning their innovative ideas into successful StartUps.”As far as the Government is concerned, we have left no stone unturned to encourage a culture of StartUps”.

What is a startup?

• The definition of startups was modified in 2019 with a view to include more entrepreneurs in its ambit. 
• An entity shall be considered as a startup:
• i) If it is incorporated as a private limited company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013) or registered as a partnership firm (under Section 59 of the Partnership Act, 1932) or a limited liability partnership (under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008) in India.
• ii) Up to ten years from the date of its incorporation/registration.
• iii) If its turnover for any of the financial years since incorporation/registration has not exceeded Rs 100 crore.
• iv) If it is working towards innovation, development or improvement of products or processes or services, or if it is a scalable business model with a high potential of employment generation or wealth creation.
• Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to catalyse startup culture and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
• Startup India has rolled out several programs with the objective of supporting entrepreneurs, and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers.
• These programs are managed by a dedicated Startup India Team, which reports to The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• While the DPIIT heads the initiative, five government departments — the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and NITI Aayog— are primarily responsible for the initiatives under Startup India. 

Achievements

• Startup India has been instrumental in nurturing startups, with DPIIT-recognized startups growing from around 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 in 2025.
• Today, India is the world’s third biggest startup hotspot.
• At the time of Startup India’s launch, startups came up in only 120 districts. Today, there are more than 750 districts boasting startups, and the central government’s goal is to ensure cent per cent district coverage by the end of 2025.
• Over 6 lakh direct jobs have been created through recognized startups, with sectors like IT services, healthcare, and professional services leading in job creation.
• Women entrepreneurs have made significant strides, with 73,151 startups having at least one woman director.
• Unicorns in India have surged as well, going from only eight in 2016 to an impressive 118 in 2024. These unicorns – startups valued at USD 1 billion or more and not yet publicly listed – highlight the remarkable growth of the ecosystem.

Benefits of Startups for the Indian Economy

• Opportunities for Youth: Startups provide a platform for India’s entrepreneurial youth to turn their ideas into reality. This can lead to exponential growth in finances, creating wealth that is closely linked with startup success.
• Wealth Creation: Startups are increasingly seen as a path to wealth creation. As these new businesses grow, they help generate both personal wealth for entrepreneurs and broader economic growth.
• Employment Generation: The establishment of a startup brings with it new employment opportunities. Startups often require a range of talent, leading to job creation across various sectors.
• Catering to Underserved Sections: Many startups are focused on addressing the needs of underserved populations. For example, the rise of e-commerce platforms has allowed traditional artisans and small businesses to reach a wider audience, thus improving their economic position.

Why Startups are Not a Complete Solution to India’s Economic Challenges?

• Short-Term Sustainability: Statistically, a significant number of startups do not succeed and shut down within a short time. This leads to a waste of investment and resources.
• Economic Impact of Failures: The closure of startups can result in the loss of invested capital and jobs, negatively affecting the economy. It can also demotivate other aspiring entrepreneurs, making them hesitant to start their own ventures.
• Disparities in the Startup Ecosystem: Within startups, salary disparities and poor working conditions are common, creating an unequal working environment that affects employee morale and productivity.
• Lack of Regulation: The startup sector is relatively unregulated, which means there are fewer labor laws protecting employees. This can lead to the exploitation of workers who often lack benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans.

Key Challenges Faced by Indian Startups

• Valuation and IPO Issues: Many startups struggle with proper valuation, which affects their ability to secure investments and go public through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The volatile market conditions and shifting investor sentiments in 2023 have exacerbated this problem.
• Access to Capital: Securing adequate funding remains a major challenge for startups in India. The process of raising funds is often difficult and time-consuming, which slows down their growth and hampers innovation.
• Investor Risk Aversion: Due to uncertain market conditions and macroeconomic pressures, investors tend to be more risk-averse, making it harder for startups to attract the necessary capital to scale their businesses.
• Sustainability of Revenue Models: Many startups struggle to find sustainable business models that can generate consistent revenue. Achieving profitability is often a long and challenging process, leading to uncertainty about the long-term viability of these businesses.
• Lack of Support: Startups often lack access to adequate physical infrastructure, technological resources, and mentorship. Additionally, limited networking opportunities hinder the growth potential of many businesses.
• Complex Regulatory Framework: Navigating India''s complex regulatory and tax systems creates significant operational challenges for startups. The bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent enforcement of laws make it difficult for many entrepreneurs to focus on business development.