25th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 Why in News? The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj recently released the Panchayat Devolution Index, based on a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). Background • The Panchayat Devolution Index was last published in 2014. • The national average score has improved from 39.92 in 2014 to 43.89 in 2024. • India has 2.62 lakh panchayats in 2024, up from 2.48 lakh in 2013-14. Details Study and Index Parameters • The IIPA assessed 172 panchayats across 68 districts on six parameters: 1. Framework 2. Functions 3. Finances 4. Functionaries 5. Capacity Building 6. Accountability • The index scores states from 0 to 100 to evaluate panchayat performance. Top and Bottom Performers • Highest-ranked states: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. • Most improved states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar. • Lowest-ranked states: Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand. • In 2013-14, the top performers were Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh. Women’s Representation in Panchayats • Most states have 50% reservation for women, but seven states/UTs are below this threshold. • Highest women representation: Odisha (61.51%), Himachal Pradesh (57.5%), Tamil Nadu (57.32%). • Lowest women representation: Uttar Pradesh (33.33%), as it follows only one-third reservation. • National average: 46.44% (up from 45.9% in 2013-14). Representation of SCs, STs, and OBCs in Panchayats • SCs: Punjab (36.34%) (Highest) | National average: 18.03%. • STs: Chhattisgarh (41.04%) (Highest) | National average: 16.22%. • OBCs: Bihar (39.02%) (Highest) | National average: 19.15%.   B.) India’s Rising LNG Imports from the U.S. Why in News? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, India's LNG imports from the U.S. increased by over 71% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2024. About LNG • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is created by cooling natural gas to -162°C, transforming it into a liquid state. • It is composed mainly of methane (90%), making it odourless, colourless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive. • India is the fourth-largest LNG importer globally. Why is India’s LNG Dependence Increasing? 1. Diversification of Energy Basket – LNG is a cleaner alternative to coal, supporting India’s energy transition. 2. Government Target – Aims to increase natural gas share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030. 3. Gas-Based Economy – Reducing reliance on imported crude oil by promoting natural gas usage. 4. Climate Change Goals – LNG emits 40% less CO₂ than coal and 30% less than oil, making it the cleanest fossil fuel. Challenges Associated with LNG 1. High Prices & Volatility – Geopolitical events (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war) create supply-demand imbalances. 2. Inadequate Pipeline Network – Limits LNG distribution, especially in remote areas. 3. Limited Storage Capacity – Increases vulnerability to global price fluctuations. India’s Initiatives for LNG • Draft LNG Policy – Encourages LNG adoption in transportation and mining. • Motor Vehicles Rules Amendment (2017) – Recognized LNG as a transport fuel under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.   C.) Black Plastic and Toxicity Concerns Why in News? A study initially claimed that toxic flame retardants in black plastic were leaching into food at hazardous levels. However, the researchers later corrected their findings due to a miscalculation of one of the toxic chemicals. Background • Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste (e.g., computers, TVs, appliances). • These electronics contain brominated flame retardants, antimony, and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, posing potential health risks. Key Takeaways 1. What is Black Plastic? o Dyed with carbon black pigments and used in packaging, electronics, automotive parts, and household goods. o Primarily made from recycled plastic but is difficult to recycle due to toxic additives and sorting challenges. 2. Challenges in Recycling o Not detected by conventional Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) as black plastic absorbs infrared light, making sorting difficult. o Often ends up in landfills instead of being properly recycled. 3. Presence of Toxic Additives o Contains hazardous chemicals like brominated flame retardants, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). o These chemicals can leach into soil and water, causing health risks and environmental damage. 4. Microplastic Pollution o When black plastic degrades, it breaks into microplastics, contaminating water bodies, soil, and food chains. o Microplastics harm marine life and pose health risks when ingested by humans. 5. Link to E-Waste Pollution o Sourced from discarded electronic casings, cables, and appliances. o Improper disposal releases toxic chemicals into air and water, worsening pollution. 6. Landfill and Incineration Issues o Low recycling rates mean most black plastic is dumped in landfills or incinerated. o Incineration releases dioxins and furans, which are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.   D.) India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) Why in News? India-UAE CEPA, signed on 18th February 2022, came into effect on 1st May 2022. It is India’s first full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in a decade and has significantly boosted bilateral trade. Background • CEPA covers Trade in Goods and Services, Pharmaceuticals, IPR, and Investments. • Aims to eliminate tariffs, provide preferential market access, and enhance trade liberalization between the two nations. Significance of CEPA • Boosts trade: Targets US$100 billion in goods trade and US$15 billion in services trade over the next five years. • Employment generation: Expected to create over 1 million jobs for Indian workers. • Zero-duty access: Provides 90% tariff-free exports from UAE to India, benefiting petrochemicals, aluminum, and copper industries. • Support for Indian industries: Helps labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and engineering goods. • Access to GCC markets: Strengthens India's export reach to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Progress under CEPA • Bilateral trade: Increased from USD 43.3 billion (FY 2020-21) to USD 83.7 billion (FY 2023-24). • Export growth: Non-oil exports reached USD 27.4 billion in FY 2023-24, led by refined crude, gems & jewellery, high-tech goods, and chemicals. • MSME benefits: Bharat Mart in Dubai facilitates Indian MSME exports and enhances global trade access. India-UAE Bilateral Relations • Diplomatic ties: Established in 1972. • Trade: UAE is India’s 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination (exports at US$35.62 billion in FY 2023-24). • Defence cooperation: Includes bilateral air force exercise "Desert Eagle" and joint military exercise "Desert Cyclone". E.) The Battle of Karnal (1739) and Nadir Shah’s Invasion Why in News? The Battle of Karnal on February 24, 1739, was a pivotal moment in Indian history, where Persian emperor Nadir Shah decisively defeated the Mughal forces led by Muhammad Shah Rangila. This battle marked the beginning of the end for the Mughal Empire. Background • Nadir Shah, founder of the Afsharid dynasty of Iran, invaded India after conquering Kandahar in 1738. • His army defeated the Mughals in under three hours at Karnal (present-day Haryana), just 125 km from Delhi. • Delhi was sacked, its treasury looted, and thousands massacred. • The Peacock Throne and Koh-i-Noor diamond were taken to Persia, marking a significant loss for the Mughal Empire. Key Takeaways: Decline of the Mughal Empire 1. Structural Weaknesses The Mughal Empire’s decline was not just due to weak rulers but also deeper economic and administrative failures. 2. Excessive Tax Burden on Peasantry • Historian Irfan Habib (The Agrarian System of Mughal India, 1963) argues that high taxes led to peasant revolts, forcing even higher taxation to fund military campaigns, creating a vicious cycle of economic distress. 3. Overexpansion of Mughal Nobility • M. Athar Ali (The Mughal Nobility under Aurangzeb, 1966) highlights how a bloated nobility led to corruption, infighting, and inefficiency due to a shortage of jagirs (land revenue assignments). 4. Religious Policies under Aurangzeb • Jadunath Sarkar argues that Aurangzeb’s oppressive religious policies alienated Hindus, Sikhs, Jats, and Rajputs, leading to widespread rebellions. Nadir Shah’s Invasion By Aurangzeb’s time, the Mughal Empire was already weakened by: • Marathas in the south, • Ahoms in the east, • Jats, Rajputs, Bundelas, and Sikhs in the north and west. Nadir Shah, often called the “Napoleon of Persia”, seized the opportunity. • Route of invasion: Entered through the Khyber Pass, like previous invaders (Alexander, Timur). • Mughal Army Strength: 300,000 soldiers, 2,000 war elephants, 3,000 cannons. • Persian Army Strength: 55,000 highly disciplined troops with modern tactics and weapons. The Battle & Aftermath • Mughals were crushed in under three hours. • Muhammad Shah was captured, and the Persians looted Delhi, committing one of the most violent massacres in its history. • Nadir Shah returned to Persia with immense wealth, while the Mughals lost control over much of their empire. Impact on India • Weakened Mughal authority, paving the way for the rise of the Marathas, British, and regional powers. • Economic devastation due to loss of treasury and trade disruptions. • Political instability that led to British colonization in 1857. F.) Strategic Roadmap for India’s Transformation into a High-Income Country Why in News? A recent report outlines a roadmap for India to transition into a high-income country with a projected GDP of $23–$35 trillion in the coming decades. Key Highlights of the Report 1. Sustained GDP Growth • Targeted GDP growth of 8%–10% through: o Export-led economic expansion o A diverse and skilled workforce o Innovation-driven industrial growth 2. Sectoral Shift in Economic Growth • Services and manufacturing projected to grow at 10%. • Agriculture to expand at around 6% through modernization and technological integration. 3. Renewable Energy Transition • India’s share of renewable energy in overall electricity generation expected to rise from 24% (2023) to 70% (2047). • Key focus on solar, wind, and small modular reactors (SMRs) for energy security. Key Enabling Sectors Driving Growth 1. Electronics & Semiconductor Industry • Near-term focus: AI-driven product simulations. • Long-term vision: Design of quantum computers and brain-inspired neuromorphic chips. 2. Energy Sector • Investment in Microgrids and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for sustainable energy expansion. 3. Chemical Industry • AI-driven molecular design and customized formulations based on consumer demand. • Global Benchmark: China’s chemical parks model for manufacturing consolidation. 4. Automotive Industry • Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and solid-state battery technology for next-gen mobility solutions. 5. Services Sector • Finance & Banking: Blockchain-enabled transactions for greater security and efficiency. • Healthcare: Immersive telepresence treatment for remote medical consultations. Key Recommendations For the Government: • Building export-oriented infrastructure to boost India’s role in global trade. • Strengthening India-centric trade agreements with blocs like ASEAN, EU, etc. to drive international collaboration. For Corporates: • Investing in integrated foundational technology layers for industrial automation and digital transformation. • Example: Implementing real-time data-driven systems on factory floors for enhanced efficiency and production monitoring. Conclusion This roadmap provides a clear strategic direction for India’s economic transformation, emphasizing high-growth sectors, technological advancements, and international trade. With sustained reforms and investments, India could emerge as a global economic powerhouse in the coming decades.