CURRENT-AFFAIRS

General Studies Paper – I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

Context

India is undergoing an unprecedented phase of urban transition. Population growth, rural-to-urban migration, economic centralization and rapid infrastructural expansion have burdened metropolitan cities excessively. Consequently, challenges such as air pollution, depletion of green cover, urban heat island effect, congestion, noise pollution, and sedentary lifestyles have evolved into major health crises.

According to the latest assessments by the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become one of the leading causes of death in India. Recently published analyses clearly indicate that Indian cities must now be redesigned not merely as centres of economic productivity, but as health-resilient environments. In this backdrop, the concept of “Heart-Resilient Urban Planning” has entered the centre of national discourse.

Urban Planning in India

For decades, urban planning in India remained largely centred around physical infrastructure development—

• Land-use zoning,
• Expansion of road networks,
• Segregation of residential and commercial spaces,
• Provision of basic services.

However, this model failed to give adequate importance to environmental sustainability, public health, quality of life, active mobility, and green infrastructure. Weak financial capacity of urban local bodies, lack of technical expertise, mismatch between planning documents and implementation have further complicated the situation.

As a result, modern cities are becoming hubs of pollution, congestion, stress, and diseases.

Why in News?

Recent analyses underline the following facts:

• WHO’s latest assessment shows cardiovascular diseases have become a leading cause of mortality in India.
• The incidence of heart diseases is rising alarmingly in Indian metropolitan cities.
• Air pollution, noise pollution, stress, unplanned traffic, and lack of physical activity are key contributors.
• Rising heart disease even among youth indicates a deep urban health crisis.
• “Health Impact Assessment” (HIA) is nearly absent in urban planning processes.

Therefore, “Heart-Health-Oriented Urban Planning” is being viewed as an essential policy intervention.

What is Heart-Resilient Urban Planning?

It is a modern paradigm of urban planning based on the principle that the structure of a city must support the cardiovascular health of citizens rather than harm it.

Key Components:

• Active Mobility–Enabled Cities

• Wide, safe and obstruction-free footpaths
• Interconnected cycling tracks
• Pedestrian-friendly street design

• Robust Green Infrastructure

• Parks, gardens, revival of lakes and rivers
• Urban forests
• Minimum standards for tree cover

• Human-Centred Land Use

• Housing, workplaces, schools, markets kept in close proximity
• Reduced travel time and reduced stress

• Clean and Seamless Public Transport

• Metro, electric buses, BRT systems
• Reduced dependence on private vehicles

• Health-Enabling Urban Environment

• Public spaces for exercise, sports, walking and jogging
• Low-noise, low-pollution areas
• Nutritious and safe food systems

Impacts

• Health Impacts

• Reduction in heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension
• Decline in stress and mental health disorders
• Increase in average lifespan and work productivity

• Environmental Impacts

• Reduction in air pollution
• Decline in heat island effect
• Increased climate resilience

• Economic Impacts

• Lower healthcare expenditure
• Higher productivity
• Creation of investment-friendly, liveable cities

• Social Impacts

• More inclusive, safe and vibrant public life
• Increased community participation

Root Causes of the Problem

• Unplanned, vehicle-centric urbanization
• Financially stressed municipal bodies
• Weak enforcement of pollution regulations
• Limited expansion of public transport
• Loss of urban green cover
• Sedentary and stressful lifestyle
• Fragmentation in policy-making and implementation

Government Initiatives and their Necessity

Major Interventions:

• Smart Cities Mission -walkability, cycling tracks, open spaces
• AMRUT 2.0 - conservation of lakes, parks and green areas
• NCAP - improvement in air quality
• National Urban Transport Policy - priority to public transport
• Green India Mission - afforestation
• Swachh Bharat Mission - improved sanitation and public health

Why Government Intervention is Essential?

• Health is a public good that must be accessible to all
• Urban planning is a multi-sectoral domain
• The private sector alone cannot balance transport, environment and public health

Analysis

The existing structure of Indian cities enhances economic productivity but damages public health. International models such as the 15-Minute City Model, Healthy Cities Framework, and Urban Green Mobility have demonstrated that health-oriented cities are also economically more prosperous.

India’s challenges include—

• Urbanization occurring before adequate planning
• Limited institutional capacity
• Outdated land-use laws
• Health not treated as a central component of urban planning

However, India also has immense opportunities—
its young population, rapid digitalization, growing investment in green infrastructure, and ability to learn from global best practices strengthen its prospects.

Way Forward

• Formulation of health-based urban policy
• Mandatory Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in every Master Plan
• Adoption of Walkability Index and Green Cover Standards as core planning norms
• Large-scale investment in safe, seamless public transport
• Prioritizing mixed-use development
• Urban heat island mitigation plans
• Green roofs, rainwater harvesting, zero-waste models
• Financial strengthening of municipal bodies-property tax reforms
• Community-based green initiatives  revival of urban commons

Conclusion

India’s future will be determined by its cities, and the sustainability of its cities will depend on their health-oriented structures. Heart-Resilient Urban Planning is not merely a concept but a shared foundation for public health, environmental stability, and economic prosperity. If India undertakes serious and long-term policy interventions in this direction, its cities will not only become liveable but will also strengthen life making it healthier, safer, and more secure.

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

Context

Recently, the Government of India unveiled a comprehensive five-year roadmap—National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2.0 (2025–2029)—to combat the growing global and national threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The new action plan marks a significant step forward in ensuring effective implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach in India’s anti-AMR efforts, placing particular emphasis on inter-ministerial collaboration between the health, agriculture, and environment sectors.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) refers to a condition in which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites gradually evolve and no longer respond to the medicines (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics) that were previously effective in killing or inhibiting their growth. As a result, treating infections becomes difficult, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. AMR is often associated with the rise of so-called “superbugs.”

Why is it in the News?

• New Action Plan (NAP-AMR 2.0): The government launched the revised plan addressing gaps from the earlier version and placing greater emphasis on field-level implementation.
• Rising Mortality: AMR is being termed a ‘silent pandemic’. According to WHO, millions of deaths occur globally each year due to AMR, and the number may surpass deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases in the future.
• India at the Core: Several global reports identify India as a major hotspot for the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
• One Health Focus: The uncontrolled use of antibiotics in livestock and environmental sectors has deepened the AMR crisis, highlighting the need for multi-sectoral solutions.

What is NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–2029)?

NAP-AMR 2.0 is India’s second national action plan to counter antimicrobial resistance. It integrates health, veterinary, and environmental sectors under the ‘One Health’ framework.

• Key Pillars

• Increasing awareness
• Strengthening knowledge and evidence base (surveillance)
• Infection prevention and control
• Rational use of antimicrobial medicines
• Investment in research and development (R&D)

• Need for the New Plan

• Implementation Gaps in NAP-AMR (2017–21): Although the earlier plan improved awareness, institutional and financial structures at the state and district levels remained weak.
• Escalating Threat: India has extremely high antibiotic misuse (over-the-counter sales, incomplete courses), leading to rapidly rising resistance.
• Economic Burden: AMR increases treatment cost and reduces productivity, imposing heavy economic losses.
• One Health Imperatives: AMR is not just a human health concern; antibiotic overuse in animals and antibiotic residues in sewage and water bodies are major contributors. NAP-AMR 2.0 provides a multi-sectoral approach to this multi-dimensional challenge.

India’s Status in Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDROs)

India is considered one of the highest-risk countries for multidrug-resistant organisms globally.

• High Prevalence: Recent reports show that around 83% of Indian patients are infected with multidrug-resistant organisms.
• Prominent Superbugs: Drug resistance in pneumococcal pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and Enterobacteriaceae species (such as E. coli) has reached alarming levels.
• TB Challenge: India faces a severe burden of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), significantly reducing treatment success rates.

Government Initiatives

• Red Line Campaign: Antibiotics marked with a red line in pharmacies to discourage non-prescription sales.
• National Surveillance Programs: Establishment of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (NARS-Net) to collect AMR data from multiple institutions.
• Amendments in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act: Stricter regulations to control the sale of antibiotics.
• AMR Research Initiatives: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is promoting research and development of new antibiotics.

Analysis

NAP-AMR 2.0 is a progressive initiative as it transforms the ‘One Health’ concept from theory into an actionable strategy. However, its success will depend on:

• Financing: Ensuring mandatory financial allocations for implementation at the state level.
• Regulatory Enforcement: Strict control over antibiotic use in agriculture and livestock sectors.
• Public Awareness: Eliminating misconceptions regarding antibiotic use through sustained mass campaigns.

Way Forward

• Localization: AMR action plans should be implemented down to state, district, and block levels in regional languages.
• Vaccination: Strengthen universal vaccination programs to reduce infection rates and thereby reduce antibiotic demand.
• Research Incentives: Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) and financial incentives for developing new antibiotics.
• Waste Management: Strengthen waste management from pharmaceutical industries and hospitals, as these are hotspots for AMR spread.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a complex, multi-dimensional challenge that threatens national and global health security. NAP-AMR 2.0 reflects India’s strong commitment to combating AMR. Yet, its success will depend on sincere implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach supported by robust institutional mechanisms and adequate financial resources. The fight against AMR is not merely about preserving the efficacy of medicines; it is about safeguarding the health of future generations.

General Studies Paper-III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Context

In recent years, the nature of cybercrime in India has been rapidly evolving. Beyond traditional forms of fraud, criminals are increasingly using digital platforms to intimidate, confuse, and coerce individuals into transferring money. In this context, a new term has gained wide attention “Digital Arrest.” It represents a modern form of technological fraud and poses serious concerns related to citizen safety, privacy, and public trust.

What is Digital Arrest?

Digital Arrest is a type of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate officials from government agencies such as the police, CBI, NIA, RBI, or cyber cells and convince the victim that he or she is accused of a criminal offence.
After this, the victim is:

• Kept under “virtual custody” through video calls,
• Intimidated and threatened,
• Forced to transfer money from their bank accounts.

Thus, Digital Arrest is a “psychological confinement through deception” where an individual behaves as though they are detained, despite no actual physical arrest.

Why in the News?

• In October 2025, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of digital arrest cases and asked all States/UTs and the Centre to submit responses.
• On 2 December 2025, the Supreme Court ordered that all digital arrest cases across states must be investigated by the CBI, and that state governments must immediately grant consent for such investigations.
• In another case, the CBI in Delhi initiated an investigation into a firm that had purchased nearly 20,000 SIM cards, which were used for cyber frauds including digital arrests.
• Multiple cases in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune involved fraudsters extorting lakhs to crores of rupees by accusing victims of drug trafficking, illegal parcels, or money laundering.
• In Hyderabad, a woman was kept on a video call for 36 hours and defrauded of ₹30 lakh.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs and CERT-In issued repeated advisories urging citizens to remain alert.
• The Ministry of Finance termed this trend an emerging threat to national security and economic stability.

These developments have triggered national debate around the phenomenon of digital arrests.

Social, Economic, and Ethical Impacts

• Social Impact

• Environment of fear and mistrust
• Exploitation of senior citizens and students
• Family and societal stress
• Declining public trust in digital governance

• Economic Impact

• Losses worth lakhs and crores from bank accounts
• Negative impact on digital payment systems
• Rising risk for cyber insurance
• Indirect losses to the national economy

• Ethical Impact

• Misuse of the authority and identity of officials
• Violation of privacy, dignity, and mental well-being
• Manipulation of individuals through fear
• Infringement of constitutional rights

Figures / Statistics

• As per NCRB, cybercrimes grew by 20–25% during 2023–24.
• More than 4,000 cybercrime complaints are filed daily on the national portal.
• Digital arrest-related frauds account for losses worth hundreds of crores of rupees.
• India is among the fastest-growing cybercrime-affected countries globally.

Government Action

• Expansion of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (1930 helpline)
• Establishment of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
• Large-scale raids on illegal call centres
• Strengthening KYC and security norms for digital payments
• Regular advisories issued by CERT-In
• Enhanced international cooperation with Interpol and FATF

Laws and Regulations Related to Digital Fraud in India

• Information Technology Act, 2000
• IPC provisions related to cheating and forgery
• Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023 (regulating spam and illegal calls)
• RBI cyber security guidelines
• Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023
• 1930 helpline & National Cybercrime Reporting Portal

Analysis

Digital arrest cases reveal that criminals are using technological tools, psychological tactics, and social trust to create highly sophisticated fraud mechanisms. The threat is not limited to financial loss but also targets privacy, dignity, confidence, and social security.

India’s digital leap—through UPI, digital KYC, and online services—has brought unprecedented convenience, but also heightened risks.
The root causes include:

• Lack of cyber literacy
• Fear of government processes
• Rapid technological changes
• Weak digital discipline
• Limited cyber security training

Way Forward

• Stronger laws and clearer provisions:Digital arrest should be recognised as a distinct cyber offence, with explicit provisions for fake warrants, video-conference arrests, and forced extortion.
• Reforms in SIM and banking regulations: Strengthen SIM issuance policies, tighten KYC norms, secure OTP/digital banking systems, and enhance monitoring of banking fraud.
• Strengthening cybercrime technology and forensics: Improved monitoring of bank accounts, detection of spoofed/VOIP calls, surveillance of phone networks and data traffic, and better interstate and international coordination.
• Public awareness and education: Nationwide cyber literacy campaigns; special attention to senior citizens. Educate people that real police or courts do not arrest via phone/video. Encourage reporting of suspicious calls.
• Citizen support and grievance mechanisms: Strengthen the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), simplify FIR registration, expedite fund recovery, and provide legal assistance.
• Monitoring and periodic review: Annual public reports on the number of cases, recoveries, arrests, trials, and convictions.

Conclusion

Digital Arrest is not just a cybercrime it is a profound crisis of trust between society, governance, and technology. As India’s digital economy grows rapidly, cybercriminals are innovating even faster. Therefore, coordinated efforts among the government, citizens, and digital institutions are essential to build a secure digital India. Cyber awareness, legal reforms, and strong technological safeguards offer the most effective pathway to addressing this emerging threat.

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

References

In India, cess has historically been used as an additional tax for specific purposes, linked to sectors such as education, health, and national security. Special cesses were implemented in 2004 and 2010 for education, and after the India-China war in 1962, cesses were used to augment defense expenditure. In 2014, the Swachh Bharat Cess was introduced to finance sanitation and health programs. Cesses have also been levied on harmful goods such as tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol to cover health and social costs. After the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, the GST Compensation Cess was introduced, which is now being phased out. To compensate for the resulting revenue gap and to finance public health and security programs, the Health and National Security Cess, 2025 is being proposed, targeting products like pan masala, tobacco, and cigarettes. Alongside, the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to amend existing excise duties to strengthen the government’s fiscal control over harmful goods.

What is Cess?

Cess is a tax levied by the central government over and above regular taxes for a specific purpose such as education, health, infrastructure, or national security.

• It is distinct from general taxation, and the revenue collected is used only for the designated purpose.
• Cesses are often levied on harmful products (demerit goods) to protect public interest and offset health and social costs.

Why in the News?

• The government introduced two key bills in Parliament: Health Security to National Security Cess Bill, 2025 and Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
• A new Health & National Security Cess will be levied on products like pan masala, tobacco, and cigarettes.
• The new cess is proposed to make up for the revenue loss from the phased-out GST Compensation Cess.
• The government argues that imposing additional taxes on products that increase health risks is in the public interest.
• The bills were introduced in early December 2025, triggering widespread debate.

Health Security to National Security Cess Bill, 2025

• Levies additional cess on pan masala, zarda, gutkha, cigarettes, and tobacco products.
  Objectives:

1. Provide financial support for public health programs.
2. Mobilize resources for national security and defense expenditure.
3. Ensure revenue continuity after the phased-out GST Compensation Cess.

Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025

• Amends existing excise duties on tobacco and pan masala.
• Strengthens the central government’s fiscal control over “sin goods.”

Potential Impact

• Positive Impacts

• Revenue increase: Provides additional funds for defense and health sectors.
• Health benefits: Higher prices may reduce consumption of tobacco and pan masala.
• Reduced social costs: Potential reduction in public health expenditure related to cancer, COPD, oral diseases, etc.

• Negative Impacts

• Increase in consumer prices
• Risk of smuggling and illicit trade
• Pressure on small traders and local markets
• Disproportionate impact on low-income groups

Support and Opposition

• Support Arguments:

• Higher taxes on harmful products are ethically justified for public health.
• Provides the government with a stable revenue source for defense and public health.
• Global institutions like WHO support “sin taxes.”

• Opposition Arguments:

• Industry bodies claim higher taxes may increase illicit trade.
• Cottage industries related to bidi and tobacco may be adversely affected.
• States have expressed concern that the new cess may reduce their share of revenue.

World Context

• Similar measures have been implemented in many countries:
  • Australia, Canada, UK: High “sin taxes” on cigarettes and tobacco.
  • Thailand: Health Promotion Fund funded through health cess.
  • Philippines: Health Security Cess finances public health programs.
  • USA: State-level tobacco taxes used for health funds.
    India is following this global trend.

Analysis

• The new cess is a significant part of the government’s revenue strategy.
• On one hand, it generates resources for health and security, which are essential for a large country like India.
• On the other hand, excessive taxation may encourage illicit trade, potentially reducing revenue.
• The policy’s success will depend on:
  • Transparent tax collection
  • Control over illegal supply chains
  • Clear framework for revenue sharing with states

Way Forward

• Control illicit tobacco trade: Implement technology-based tracking and tracing systems (T&T).
• Better coordination with states: Ensure equitable distribution of cess revenue.
• Expand health awareness campaigns: Tax increases are effective only if social awareness is raised.
• Alternative livelihood programs for cottage industries: Especially for workers in the bidi sector.
• Transparency in revenue use: Clearly communicate how funds are used in health and security programs.

Conclusion

The recent cess proposals represent a significant step in India’s health and national security strategy. By imposing additional taxes on tobacco and pan masala, the government is not only trying to increase revenue but also take measures to improve public health. However, the long-term success of this policy will depend on controlling illicit trade, cooperation from states, and transparent use of revenue. Balancing these factors will ultimately determine how effectively this cess strengthens India’s broader economic and social policies.

Context

The industrial sector is regarded as the backbone of economic progress in any nation. In a developing country like India, industrial growth not only affects production and exports but also exerts a wide-ranging impact on employment, investments, infrastructure, and overall living standards. To measure this industrial activity, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is used as a key statistical indicator.

What is IIP?

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a crucial statistical indicator that measures fluctuations in industrial activity in the Indian economy.
It assesses production trends across three major sectors:

• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Electricity

IIP is compiled monthly by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and is currently based on the 2011–12 base year. It plays a vital role in industrial policy formulation, investment decisions, fiscal planning, and economic assessment.

Why is it in News?

• As per the data released on 2 December 2025, the IIP growth rate for October 2025 was recorded at only 0.4%, significantly lower than the 4.6% growth observed in September 2025.
• Industrial growth remained almost stagnant in October 2025.
• The electricity and mining sectors witnessed sharp declines.
• Fewer working days during the festive season reduced production.
• The manufacturing sector registered only a modest 1.8% growth.

This sharp decline has raised concerns among policymakers, economists, and industry stakeholders as it indicates emerging challenges within the industrial sector.

Significance of the News

• It serves as an immediate indicator of industrial health.
• It directly impacts the country’s GDP growth rate.
• It influences investor sentiment.
• Employment generation, exports, and production-linked supply chains are affected.
• It guides the government in economic management and policy interventions.

Causes and Impacts of the Decline in IIP Growth

Major Causes

• Decline in the mining sector (–1.8%) – disruptions in production and transport systems.
• Sharp fall in electricity generation (–6.9%) – fluctuations in weather and demand.
• Fewer working days due to festivals – direct impact on production capacity.
• Slow progress in the manufacturing sector – uncertainty in demand and rising costs.
• Supply-chain disruptions – reduced availability of raw materials.

Major Impacts

• Possible decline in GDP growth rate.
• Uncertainty in investment and production plans.
• Slowing down of employment generation.
• Impact on domestic demand and exports.
• Increased pressure on the banking and MSME sector.

Required Measures

• Strengthening Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in the industrial sector.
• Enhancing technological efficiency in the mining and electricity sectors.
• Providing affordable credit and market access to the MSME sector.
• Reducing logistics costs in the manufacturing sector.
• Promoting demand-based production strategies.

Regulation

• Rules, methodologies, and classifications related to IIP are determined by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The framework for industrial production and related policies is governed by the Ministry of Finance and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Analysis

Current IIP data show that India’s industrial sector continues to face both global and domestic uncertainties. The slowdown in manufacturing, along with declines in electricity and mining, can weaken the industrial base. Although long-term trends indicate that India possesses strong industrial potential, short-term challenges highlight the need for targeted improvements in production-centric areas.

Way Forward

• Promoting technological upgradation, automation, and digital manufacturing.
• Encouraging private investment and expanding PPP models in the electricity and mining sectors.
• Developing seamless trade policies, faster approval mechanisms, and industrial clusters.
• Addressing financial and technological constraints faced by MSMEs.
• Improving transparency of IIP data, real-time monitoring, and forecasting mechanisms.

Conclusion

The recent decline in IIP reflects structural challenges inherent in India’s industrial sector. It is imperative for the government, industry, and policymakers to strengthen production capacity, infrastructure, and the investment environment. With timely and effective interventions, India can not only overcome short-term industrial sluggishness but also consolidate its position as a global manufacturing hub.

Context

India is facing a severe environmental crisis due to rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and population growth. Rivers are polluted by industrial effluents, soils are accumulating heavy metals, and groundwater quality is consistently deteriorating. Traditional cleaning technologies are often expensive, energy-intensive, and environmentally incompatible. In such circumstances, bioremediation is increasingly being seen as a sustainable, cost-effective, and scientifically sound solution, which is why it has prominently appeared in policy discussions and news reports in recent months.

What is Bioremediation?

Bioremediation is a process in which microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae), plants, or their enzymes are used to degrade, neutralize, or stabilize toxic chemical substances in contaminated soil, water, groundwater, or air.

• It converts pollutants into less harmful compounds such as water, carbon dioxide, or simple organic acids.
• It has two major types:
  • In-situ bioremediation: Treatment at the contaminated site itself.
  • Ex-situ bioremediation: Removal of contaminated materials for treatment at a specialized facility.

This technology is becoming a key pillar of modern scientific approaches to environmental protection and restoration.

Why in News?

Recently, in various cities and industrial zones:

• Biological cleaning of drains,
• Revival of toxic water bodies,
• Treatment of heavy-metal contaminated soils,
• Pollution control in rivers

have increasingly adopted bioremediation methods. Government agencies, research institutions (such as CSIR-NEERI and IITs), and urban bodies are rapidly integrating these technologies. Hence, bioremediation has become highly relevant for environmental governance, public health, and sustainable development.

Importance of Bioremediation

• Environment-friendly technology: Nature-compatible and safer than chemical treatments.
• Low cost and energy-saving: Suitable for large-scale applications.
• Improves soil, water, and groundwater quality.
• Reduces the likelihood of recontamination by permanently degrading pollutants.
• Useful for restoration of industrial sites and urban water bodies.
• Provides long-term ecosystem protection amid rapid urbanisation.

Steps Taken by the Government of India

• Use of bioremediation technologies in cleaning programmes for the Ganga and other rivers.
• Research on biological agents and bioreactor technologies by CSIR-NEERI, DBT, and IITs.
• Promotion of biological treatment of drains and sewage by municipal corporations.
• Inclusion of biofilters and microbe-based solutions in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Development of bioremediation protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for industrial zones.

Challenges and Limitations

• Diversity of pollutants: Suitable microorganisms may not exist for every chemical.
• Slow process: Especially for complex organic chemicals and heavy metals.
• Environmental factors: Temperature, pH, and water availability affect outcomes.
• Weak regulatory frameworks and monitoring: Standards are often poorly implemented.
• Lack of awareness among local communities.
• Site-specific technical challenges in in-situ methods.

Analysis

Given the scale of pollution in India, bioremediation is becoming an essential technology. It is more sustainable and cost-effective compared to conventional chemical treatments. However, its success depends on strong research capabilities, standardization, site-specific solutions, and long-term monitoring. With scientific coordination, enhanced local-body capacity, and adequate resources, bioremediation can bring a significant transformation in India’s environmental management.

Way Forward

• Promote research on microorganisms suited to local conditions.
• Create strong monitoring and standardisation frameworks.
• Build capacity and provide training to urban local bodies.
• Adopt PPP models with biotech start-ups and private-sector players.
• Develop GIS-based real-time monitoring systems for rivers, drains, and industrial sites.
• Conduct public-awareness campaigns and community participation initiatives.

Conclusion

Bioremediation provides India with a scientific, sustainable, and future-oriented technology to address environmental challenges. Under current conditions, it can prove extremely useful for the restoration of rivers, soils, groundwater, and industrial areas. If the government, research institutions, and civil society work together to implement it widely, India can take a significant step toward a cleaner environment and sustainable development.