UPSC GS Paper 3

India’s crude oil transition: Challenges and Opportunities

India is gradually reducing its dependence on Russian crude amid global geopolitical pressures, but a complete halt remains unlikely due to discounted pricing, refinery compatibility, contractual commitments, and structural reliance of certain facilities. While increasing imports from the US and exploring options like Venezuela support diversification and reduce sanctions risk, higher logistics costs and limited alternative capacity pose challenges. India’s current strategy focuses on market-driven diversification, maintaining strategic autonomy, and strengthening long-term energy security through a broader supplier base and accelerated clean energy transition.

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Bharat-VISTAAR: Opportunities, Challenges, and Way Forward

Bharat-VISTAAR is a multilingual AI platform aiming to transform Indian agriculture by combining AgriStack farmer data with scientific inputs from ICAR. It promises personalized advisories and higher incomes, but its impact depends on bridging the digital divide, safeguarding data privacy, and strengthening last-mile extension support.

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CONFLICT BETWEEN ETHANOL BLENDING AND FOOD SECURITY

The Economic Survey 2025–26 flags a conflict between energy and food security as ethanol incentives drive maize expansion at the cost of pulses and oilseeds. This shift risks higher imports and price volatility, prompting calls to prioritise second-generation biofuels and raise food crop productivity.

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INDIA'S CONSUMPTION RECOVERY

India’s consumption recovery appears uneven and fragile, as recent improvements have been driven more by lower inflation, tax relief, and credit expansion than by strong wage growth. Rural demand has benefited from easing price pressures, while urban spending remains constrained by modest income growth and rising living costs. Increasing household debt and cautious consumer sentiment further highlight the structural weakness in demand. Sustainable consumption growth will depend on broad-based increases in real wages, better employment opportunities, and stronger household financial stability rather than temporary policy stimulus.

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EU’S REGULATORY REGIME IS INDIA’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE

The India–EU FTA promises tariff gains but faces stiff non-tariff barriers like CBAM, EUDR, and CSDDD, raising compliance costs for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs. To prevent green protectionism from eroding benefits, India must push mutual recognition, strengthen domestic capacity, and build global coalitions for a fair partnership.

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Urban Sewage Fuels Drug-Resistant Bacteria

A Nature study flags India’s sewage systems as hotspots for antibiotic-resistant superbugs. With a 72% treatment gap, untreated wastewater spreads AMR, endangering public health and the economy. Tackling this demands a One Health approach integrating sanitation upgrades, environmental regulation, and wastewater surveillance.

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INDIA AIMS TO DEVELOP 100 GW OF HYDRO PUMPED STORAGE BY 2047

The CEA’s roadmap targets 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage by 2047 as India’s main grid-scale storage to integrate 500 GW renewables. Despite cost, gestation, and clearance hurdles, policy support, PPPs, and faster approvals can make HPS vital for energy security and Net Zero goals.

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NATIONAL PROGRAMME ON ADVANCED CHEMISTRY CELL BATTERY STORAGE

ACC battery PLI scheme is faltering, achieving just 2.8% of its 50 GWh target after four years. Rigid value-addition norms, weak ecosystem support, and design flaws demand a reset toward an integrated value-chain strategy, from minerals to recycling, aligned with global best practices.

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GROUNDWATER CRISIS: CHALLENGES, SCHEMES, WAY FORWARD

Groundwater crisis, driven by over-extraction, pollution, and weak governance, threatens food and water security. While Atal Bhujal Yojana and NAQUIM signal a demand-side shift, long-term sustainability needs integrated governance, tech adoption, and rationalised farm-energy subsidies, as urged by the Mihir Shah Committee.

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Dam Safety in India: Challenges & Way Forward

India’s aging dams pose serious safety risks, with most over 25 years old. The Dam Safety Act, 2021 creates a national framework, but climate stress, weak operations, and interstate disputes limit impact. Effective enforcement, modernization under DRIP, risk-based planning, and advanced technology are vital for water and citizen security.

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DIGITAL ARREST: THE MODERN - DAY CYBER SCAM

India faces a rise in “digital arrest” fraud where scammers impersonate officials to extort money through fear and isolation. Data leaks, low digital literacy, and cross-border crime fuel it. Despite I4C and helpline 1930, stronger laws, policing, global cooperation, and public awareness remain essential.

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TIGER GLOBAL TAX RULING EXPLAINED

The Supreme Court ruled that Tiger Global’s gains from selling its Flipkart stake are taxable in India, applying GAAR and the substance-over-form principle. The verdict denies treaty benefits to sham structures, strengthens India’s anti–tax avoidance stance, and underscores the need to balance tax sovereignty with investor confidence.

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