India’s Goal of 100% Literacy by 2030 – The Bihar Challenge

Why in News?

The national ambition of full literacy faces a major obstacle in the form of Bihar’s non-participation in the Centre’s flagship adult literacy programme, ULLAS.

What is the ULLAS scheme ?

• ULLAS – The ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme was launched by the Union Government in 2022 to address adult illiteracy in a structured and measurable manner.
• Key Features of ULLAS
  • Targets non-literate persons aged 15 years and above
  • Door-to-door identification through surveys
  • Training in basic literacy and numeracy (up to Class 3 level)
  • Focus on functional literacy, including Reading, writing, numeracy and Digital and financial literacy.
  • Assessment through a standardized test
  • Successful learners receive a literacy certificate
• Definition of literate state – The scheme defines a State/UT with 95% literacy as being “fully literate”, acknowledging practical limitations in achieving absolute universality.
• ULLAS Alignment with NEP 2020 – NEP 2020 explicitly calls for:
  • Adult education “as soon as possible”
  • Lifelong learning frameworks
  • Functional literacy beyond rote learning
• ULLAS operationalises these goals by combining literacy with life skills, making it central to India’s education reform agenda.
• Literacy is a foundational pillar of human development and democratic participation.
• It directly impacts employment, health outcomes, gender equality, and economic growth.
• Recognising this, India has committed to achieving 100% literacy by 2030, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-4).

What is the current status of literacy in India?

• PLFS – According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24:
• National literacy rate (age 7+) – 80.9%
  • Male literacy – 87.2%
  • Female literacy – 74.6%
• Fully literate states – Five States/UTs have already declared themselves fully literate under ULLAS:
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Mizoram
  • Goa
  • Tripura
  • Ladakh
  • Several other States and one Union Territory are close to achieving this status.
• Bihar’s Literacy Indicators
  • Literacy rate (2023–24 PLFS) - 74.3%
  • Second lowest in India.
  • Female literacy - 66.1%
• Nearly 2 crore non-literate persons aged 15–59
  • 67 lakh males.
  • 1.32 crore females.
• Historically, Bihar has lagged behind:
  • 2011 Census literacy rate - 61.8% (lowest in India)
  • Persistent gender and rural-urban gaps.
• Given these figures, Bihar carries one of the highest illiteracy loads in the country, making its absence from ULLAS a major concern.

What has been the union government’s response?

• Financial and Administrative Measures
  • ₹35.09 crore approved for Bihar in 2023–24.
  • ₹15.79 crore (75% of central share) released.
• Shortcoming from Bihar – The state did not:
  • Submit annual plans.
  • Transfer funds to the Single Nodal Agency (SNA).
  • Implement programme activities and the Funds remain unutilised.
• Ministerial Intervention – In October 2024, Union Education Minister wrote to the Bihar Chief Minister, highlighting:
  • The urgency of Bihar’s participation
  • The scale of adult illiteracy
  • The risk to India’s 2030 literacy goal
• The Centre also warned of interest penalties due to delayed fund transfers, as per Department of Expenditure norms.

Why has Bihar not joined the ULLAS scheme?

• Bihar’s own scheme – Bihar has cited the existence of its own literacy programme, Akshar Anchal, as the primary reason for non-participation.
• Akshar Anchal Scheme – It is operational for nearly 15 years
• Targets – The scheme targets the following
  • Dalits, Mahadalits
  • Minority communities
  • Extremely Backward Classes
  • Women
• Focus areas
  • Schooling for children (6–14 years)
  • Basic literacy for women (15–45 years)
• Challenges of the scheme – While Akshar Anchal addresses important social groups, it lacks:
  • National standardisation
  • Certification parity
  • Integration with NEP-aligned monitoring mechanisms

What are the broader issues involved?

• Centre–State Coordination – Education is a Concurrent List subject, requiring cooperation rather than parallelism.
• Bihar’s refusal highlights coordination challenges in federal governance.
• Standardisation of Literacy Outcomes – ULLAS provides:
  • Uniform definitions
  • Common assessment frameworks
  • National comparability
• Gender Inequality – With female literacy at just 66.1%, Bihar’s non-participation disproportionately affects women’s empowerment and workforce participation.
• National Credibility – India’s commitment to SDGs and NEP 2020 depends on inclusive participation by high-burden states.

What should be done?

• Cooperative Federalism – Centre and Bihar should explore convergence between ULLAS and Akshar Anchal
• Allow flexibility while ensuring national standards
• Outcome-Based Monitoring – Independent assessments
  • Transparent reporting
  • Integration with Census and PLFS data
• Focus on Women and Marginalised Groups – Community-based learning centres
• Incentives for female learners
• Use of local languages and digital tools
• Political and Administrative Will – Literacy must be treated as a developmental priority, not an administrative formality.

What lies ahead?

• India’s aspiration of achieving 100% literacy by 2030 is both laudable and necessary for inclusive development.
• However, the goal remains unattainable without the active participation of high-burden states like Bihar.
• While state-specific initiatives have value, alignment with national frameworks such as ULLAS is essential to ensure uniform standards, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Resolving the Bihar impasse through cooperative federalism will be decisive in determining whether India’s literacy mission becomes a reality or remains an unfulfilled promise.

Reference

The Hindu| The Indian Express

Cambodia - Thailand Dispute

Why in News?

Recently, the longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into one of the most serious episodes of violence in years, raising alarm in Southeast Asia and globally.

What is the historical context of the dispute?

• Legacy of Western rule – It largely stems from the legacy of colonial-era boundaries drawn in the early 20th century when both countries were under French and Western influence.
• ICJ verdict – The most symbolic flashpoint historically has been the area around the Preah Vihear temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which was the subject of a 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling awarding the site to Cambodia but leaving surrounding terrain contentious.

• Tensions have periodically flared since the early 2000s, with deadly clashes reported in 2008 and 2011, often involving artillery exchanges and mutual accusations of violations.
• Unsolved border issue – While the ICJ ruling has helped clarify title to the ancient temple itself, broader border demarcation remains unresolved, leaving room for recurrent friction.
• Recent clashes – Hostilities reignited on 7 December 2025 when clashes broke out along the shared border, particularly in the Preah Vihear region.
• Both sides accuse the other of initiating attacks, with reports of rocket fire and artillery exchanges.
• Claims of Thailand – Cambodia used rocket launchers that hit civilian areas, leading to the first confirmed Thai civilian death in this round of violence.
• Cambodia response – Denies such allegations and asserts that its forces were responding to Thai aggression.
• Thai military responses have included airstrikes on what it describes as military targets inside Cambodian territory, while Cambodian forces reportedly used BM-21 rocket systems against Thai positions.
• The use of heavy weapons and air power represents a significant escalation compared to past incidents.

What are the impacts of the conflict?

• Casualties – Both military personnel and civilians have been killed or injured. Cambodia reported civilian deaths and injuries, while Thailand confirmed both soldier and civilian casualties.
• Displacement – The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border, forcing entire communities to flee areas of active combat.
• Public Safety Warnings – Foreign governments, including the U.S. Embassy, have issued travel alerts recommending that citizens avoid travel within 50 km of the border, highlighting the unpredictable and volatile security situation.
• In addition to immediate displacement and injury, education and economic activities have been disrupted in affected provinces, with schools closed and communities cut off from normal services.
• Cultural Heritage at Risk – The Preah Vihear Temple, a site of immense historical and cultural significance, is at risk due to its proximity to the conflict zones.
• Damage has been reported to infrastructure associated with the site, prompting concern from outside nations.
  • For instance, the Ministry of External Affairs of India has called for protection of the temple and restraint from both parties, emphasizing its status as a shared cultural treasure.

What are the ceasefire efforts and diplomatic struggles?

• Ceasefire agreement – Both governments had engaged in ceasefire negotiations, including a peace accord signed in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur with the involvement of mediators.
• However, this tentative peace collapsed, with both sides providing conflicting narratives about its existence and terms.
• Thailand’s leadership publicly denied any formal truce despite external claims that a ceasefire had been agreed.
• International mediation — China and the United States have pushed for renewed ceasefire commitments in advance of a special ASEAN meeting, with diplomatic representatives attempting to broker a new cessation of hostilities.
• Cambodia has been less responsive publicly to these overtures, although both nations are participating in regional discussions.
• United Nation negotiation – It has condemned the escalation and expressed concern for civilian safety, while ASEAN members including Indonesia and Malaysia — are mobilizing diplomatic engagement to prevent a full-scale war.

What are the root causes beyond the battlefield?

• Sovereignty and Nationalism – National pride and sovereignty issues play a central role, with both governments tying territorial control to national legitimacy.
• Border Demarcation – Despite decades of dialogue, fully demarcating the nearly 817-km border remains unfinished, making flare-ups more likely when incidents occur on the ground.
• Diplomatic Tools vs. Military Might – Cambodia has indicated willingness to pursue legal avenues including ICJ adjudication on broader boundary disputes.
• Thailand has favoured bilateral talks and resisted broader international judicial jurisdiction.

What are the regional and global implications?

• ASEAN’s Unity and Credibility – Persistent violence tests ASEAN’s ability to manage intra-regional disputes without external intervention.
• Tourism and Economy – Both countries depend significantly on tourism, with border closures and security fears dampening visitor confidence.
• Great Power Diplomacy – The involvement of external powers such as the U.S. and China adds complexity to negotiations, as both seek influence in Southeast Asia.

What lies ahead?

• The December 2025 escalation in the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict highlights the fragility of peace in the face of unresolved historical disputes and rising nationalist sentiment.
• Despite repeated ceasefire talks and diplomatic efforts, mistrust and contradictory narratives have kept hostility alive.
• The humanitarian toll underscores the urgent need for committed negotiation, third-party mediation, and safeguards for civilians and cultural heritage.
• Only sustained diplomacy, backed by regional institutions like ASEAN and the broader international community can hope to prevent a further slide into deeper conflict.

References

1. The Hindu| Cambodia-Thailand Dispute
2. BBC| Border Clashes between Cambodia and Thailand
3. The Hindu| Cambodia-Thailand clash

Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025

Why in news?

The Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill was unanimously passed with support from lawmakers across parties.

• Aim – To punish caste & community-based social exclusion & discrimination carried out by informal bodies like caste or community panchayats.
• Objective – To uphold equality and protect backward and marginalised groups from further exclusion caused by unconstitutional practices.
• 2^nd State – With this law, Karnataka has become the second state, after Maharashtra, to enact a law criminalising social boycotts.

Key Provisions

• Definition – It defines a social boycott as any act or gesture, oral or written, that results in social discrimination among members of a community.
• List of forms of exclusion – It lists 20 forms of exclusion, including
  • Denial of the right to work, hire services, conduct business, or participate in social and religious life on equal terms.
  • Also, interference in marriages or funeral rites, blocking access to essential services, and acts of social ostracism on any grounds, etc.
• Scope of Criminal Liability – It extends criminal liability beyond those who directly impose a boycott to include individuals who encourage, enforce, or use their influence to sustain it.
• Members of any-body who votes in favour of a social boycott will also be deemed to have committed the offence.
• Prohibition on assembling – Assemblies convened to deliberate or plan the imposition of a boycott are declared unlawful.
• Victim to be heard – If the accused is found guilty, the Court must first hear the victim on the sentence before deciding it.
• Offences to be cognizable & bailable – Offences under this Act are cognizable & bailable, and will be tried by a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
• Compounding of Offence – An offence under this Act may be settled if the victim consents and the court grants permission.
• Receiving Complaints – The victim or a family member can file a complaint with the police or directly before a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
• Police Powers – The police are empowered to file complaints on their own initiative (suo motu).
• Social Boycott Prohibition Officer – The State Government may appoint, through an official notification, a Group ‘A’ officer as the Social Boycott Prohibition Officer.
• Punishment – It prescribes imprisonment of up to 3 years, a fine that may extend to Rs 1 lakh, or both, for any person who imposes, causes, or practises a social boycott.

Reference

The News Minute | Karnataka’s Social Boycott Bill

Pamir-Karakoram Mountains

Why in news?

Scientists are studying ice cores from the Pamir Mountains to understand the Pamir–Karakoram anomaly—a rare phenomenon. These ice cores may hold clues to protecting glaciers globally.

• Location – It spans the Karakoram range (Pakistan, India, China) and the Pamir mountains (Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China).
• The Pamir Mountains are known as 'The Roof of the World' & Karakoram is often called the "Backbone of High Asia".
• Pamir–Karakoram Anomaly – A rare climatic phenomenon where glaciers in the Pamir and Karakoram mountains resisted melting and even slightly grew, unlike the global trend of retreat.
• The Pamir–Karakoram region is the only mountainous area on Earth where this phenomenon exists.

Location of Expedition – Ice cores were drilled from the Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, at an altitude of 5,810 m.

• Duration – It is observed from the late 20^th century until around 2018, when signs of decline began.
• Causes – Linked to unique regional climate patterns, including increased winter precipitation, cooler summers, and circulation anomalies that favoured glacier stability.
• UNESCO's List - The Karakorum-Pamir region is part of UNESCO’s Tentative List submitted by China.
• Habitats – High-altitude desert and steppe ecosystems.

Other Features

• Pamir Knot – It serves as a junction for 5 major mountain systems -
  • Himalayas - Extend to the southeast.
  • Karakoram - Radiate southeastward, between the Himalayas and the Kunlun.
  • Hindu Kush - Extends to the west and southwest.
  • Tian Shan - Radiates to the north and northeast.
  • Kunlun - Extend to the east.
• Highest Peaks – Includes K2 (8,611 m), Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495m), Kongur Tagh (7,719 m), Mt. Muztag Ata (7,546 m), and Jiubie Mountains (7,530 m).
• Unique Landforms – Mud volcanoes in Muji Valley, alpine lakes (Kalakule, White Sandy).
• Glaciers – Fedchenko Glacier, which is in the Pamir mountain (the longest outside polar regions) & Siachen and Baltoro glaciers in the Karakoram.
• Other glaciers include the Karakorums, Pamirs, Yinsugaiti (the longest in China), etc.

References

1. The Hindu | Scientific expedition on the ice cores
2. UNESCO | Karakorum-Pamir

SC’s view on Child Trafficking

Why in news?

The Supreme Court of India declared that child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation remain a “deeply disturbing reality” in India, despite protective laws.

Key Judicial Guidelines Issued

• Victim Status – A minor victim of trafficking should be treated as an "injured witness" rather than an accomplice.
• Victim credibility – Testimonies of trafficked children should not be disbelieved for minor contradictions; they must be seen as credible evidence.
• Judicial sensitivity – Lower courts were told not to reject victim testimonies just because of small mistakes, late reporting, or hesitation, since trauma and stigma often affect how victims speak.
• Socio-Economic Awareness – The Courts must consider victims’ social and economic vulnerability, as traffickers exploit marginalised groups.
• Organised Crime Recognition – Trafficking networks use complex, layered structures to recruit, transport, harbour, and exploit minors - making it hard for victims to give a clear, step-by-step account.
• Constitutional rights – The exploitation of children strikes at the foundations of dignity, bodily integrity, and constitutional guarantees.

Child Protection Laws: Trafficking & Exploitation

Constitutional Safeguards

• Article 23 – Prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labour.
• Article 24 – Bans child labour in hazardous industries.
• Article 39(e) & (f) – Directs the State to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
• Article 21 – Guarantees the right to life and dignity, interpreted to include protection from trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Statutory Provisions

• Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
• Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
• The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2022 - 2,878 children were victims of human trafficking, and 83,350 children were reported missing in 2022.

International Commitments

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – ratified by India.
• Palermo Protocol (2000) – obliges states to combat trafficking.
• ILO Conventions – on the worst forms of child labour and forced labour.

References

1. The Hindu | SC: Child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation
2. Ministry of External Affairs | Human Trafficking

ICGS ‘Amulya’

Why in news?

ICGS Amulya is a newly commissioned Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), built by Goa Shipyard Limited.

Key Features

• Design & Build – Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous components, reinforcing Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Class & Series – 3^rd vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs); part of a series of eight.

8 vessels under Adamya class – Active in service: ICGS Adamya, Akshar, and Amulya. Other vessels: ICGS Akshay, Achal, Atal, Ajit and Aparajit.

• Dimensions – 51 metres in length.
• Propulsion – Powered by two 3000 KW advanced diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 27 knots.
• Endurance – Operational range of 1,500 nautical miles, allowing extended missions.
• Armament – One 30 mm CRN-91 gun, two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, supported by an advanced target acquisition and fire-control system.
• Base Location – It is stationed at Paradip, Odisha, operating under the administrative & operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East).
• Name Meaning – Amulya translates to “priceless”, symbolising its value to India’s maritime security.
• Indigenous Shipbuilding – It is fitted with indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/systems, offering superior manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and enhanced performance at sea.
• Multi-mission role – It will undertake a range of missions, including surveillance, interdiction, Search & Rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and pollution response, reinforcing ICG’s role in safeguarding the eastern seaboard.
• Target of ICG – It is projected to reach a strength of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.

References

1. PIB | ICGS ‘Amulya’ was commissioned in Goa
2. TOI | ICGS ‘Amulya’ was commissioned in Goa

Support to Poor Prisoners scheme

Why in news?

The Centre has updated its guidelines to assist poor prisoners who are unable to pay fines, arrange sureties, and in light of the unsatisfactory response from States and Union Territories.

• Launched in – 2023, a centrally sponsored scheme.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
• Aim – To provide financial aid to disadvantaged inmates who can't afford bail or court-imposed fines, helping with their release.
• Implemented through – State/UT Empowered Committees with funds channelled via the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Key Features

• Support Provided – Payment of fines imposed by courts, assistance in arranging sureties for bail.
• Target Group – Prisoners from economically weaker sections who have completed their sentence but remain imprisoned due to unpaid fines or inability to arrange bail.
• Local Committees – District-level "Empowered Committees" (DC/DM, DLSA Secretary, SP, Jail Superintendent) assess and sanction aid.
• Financial Assistance – After verifying the prisoner’s financial status, the committee may sanction up to Rs 25,000 for a convicted person & Rs 40,000 for undertrials to be deposited with the court to enable the prisoner’s release
• Similar provisions apply to eligible undertrial prisoners.
• District-level Empowered Committee – Tasked with scrutinising and approving eligible cases.
• Composition – District-level committee will now include a nominee of the District Collector, the judge in charge of the prison, nominated by the District Judge.
• Procedure for Convicted Prisoners – If a prisoner cannot secure release due to non-payment of fine  -
  • Jail Superintendent must inform the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary within one week
  • DLSA Secretary verifies the prisoner’s financial status
  • The case is recommended to the Empowered Committee
• Exemption –
• Does not apply to persons accused under
  • Prevention of Corruption Act
  • Prevention of Money Laundering Act
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS)
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
  • Any other laws notified later.
• Extended to heinous crimes – including acts of terrorism, offences affecting national security, dowry deaths, rape, human trafficking, and offences under the POCSO Act.

References

1. The Hindu | Centre revises guidelines to help poor prisoners
2. Vikaspedia | Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme