R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB batches starting from 4th of July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Cabinet Nod to Job-Linked Incentive Scheme

• Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme: The Union Cabinet has approved an ELI scheme with an allocation of ₹99,446 crore to support employment generation, primarily in the manufacturing sector.
• Incentives for Employers: Employers will receive incentives for up to two years for generating additional employment, with extended benefits for another two years for the manufacturing sector.
• Incentives for Employees: First-time employees will receive one month's wage (up to ₹15,000) in two installments.
• Beneficiaries: The scheme is projected to benefit 1.92 crore first-time beneficiaries and create over 3.5 crore jobs in total.
• Timeline: Applicable to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.
• Union's Skepticism: Trade unions are skeptical, viewing the move as a "deceptive scheme" for transferring public funds to employers.

• Reservation Policy: India's commitment to social justice includes reserving seats for marginalized communities (Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)) in public institutions.
• Vacant Faculty Positions: A recent data from the Union Education Minister indicates 45 central universities have 2,389 vacant SCs, 1,109 STs, and 4,251 OBCs faculty positions.
• Systemic Barriers: Several factors contribute to the unfilled reserved posts:
  • Non-fulfillment of reservation policy by some central universities.
  • Lack of transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.
  • Influence of political affiliations in selection decisions.
  • Difficulty in finding qualified candidates from marginalized communities.
  • Legal challenges and delays in the recruitment process.
• UGC's Shift in Policy: The UGC's 2018 "13-point roster" for faculty recruitment changed the unit of calculation from the university to individual departments, resulting in fewer reserved posts.
• Impact of Vacancies: This impacts the diversity and inclusivity of higher education institutions, perpetuating historical inequalities.
• Addressing the Challenge: The article suggests a multi-pronged approach including strict enforcement of UGC guidelines, regular audits, and transparency in reporting.
• Training Programs: Sensitizing academic leaders to social justice principles and proactive outreach to marginalized communities are also recommended.
• National Education Policy 2020: The NEP 2020 emphasizes multidisciplinary and inclusive education, which should promote greater social justice and public vision.

• Complex Geopolitics: The article analyzes the "great power politics" in South Asia, particularly the triangular relationship between India, the US, and Pakistan.
• Trump Administration's Approach: The Trump administration pursued a transactional foreign policy, valuing immediate gains over long-term strategic alliances, leading to a "dark shadow" over India-US relations.
• US-Pakistan Relationship: Despite tensions, the US continues to engage with Pakistan, viewing it as a "critical ally" for counter-terrorism efforts, with $700 million in security assistance for Pakistan.
• India's Dilemma: India faces a challenge in navigating its relationship with the US, given its fluctuating support for Pakistan and the transactional nature of US foreign policy.
• India's Doctrine on Terrorism: India's approach to terrorism is rooted in a "zero-tolerance" policy, but there's a perceived lack of US solidarity on this front.
• Pakistan's Strategic Position: Pakistan leverages its geographical location to maintain ties with the US, despite concerns about its support for non-state actors.
• India-China-Pakistan Dynamic: The article highlights India's ongoing border disputes with China and Pakistan, contributing to regional instability.
• Balochistan Issue: The human rights situation in Balochistan and the activities of "sub-state actors" are also discussed as factors impacting regional stability.
• India's Foreign Policy: India aims to pursue a "firm, purposeful, and well-calibrated" foreign policy to protect its national interests in a volatile region.
• Economic Leverage: India's growing economic influence is a significant factor in its foreign policy, enabling it to assert its position in global affairs.

• Mission Poshan Tracker: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has implemented the Mission Poshan Tracker, a digital platform for real-time data on nutrition and health services.
• Poshan Abhiyaan: This flagship program aims to address malnutrition and improve health outcomes for women and children.
• Technological Interventions: The platform uses smartphones and comprehensive training for frontline workers (Anganwadi Workers) to enhance service delivery.
• Key Achievements:
  • Reduced Maternal Mortality Ratio: Declined from 97 per 1,00,000 live births (2018-20) to 93 (2023-24).
  • Digital Infrastructure: 4 crore women and children have been registered on the platform.
  • Aadhaar Authentication: Mobile-based authentication for service delivery to beneficiaries.
• Transformative Initiatives: The article highlights several initiatives:
  • Saksham Anganwadi Initiative: Upgrading Anganwadi centers with digital infrastructure.
  • Mission Shakti Dashboard: Mobile app and online portal for women's safety and empowerment (addressing violence, protection, and redressal).
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Financial incentives for pregnant women and lactating mothers (over ₹36,000 crore disbursed).
• Transparency and Accountability: The use of real-time data and digital platforms promotes transparency and accountability in program implementation.
• Challenges and Future: While there has been significant progress, the article suggests continuous efforts to address remaining gaps and achieve full empowerment.
• Amrit Kaal: The Ministry's initiatives align with the vision of "Amrit Kaal" for a developed India.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. Rural Demand Distress 

Rural demand in India continues to be sluggish, with industrial production falling for the ninth consecutive month in May 2025. This downturn is attributed to lower off-take for industrial purposes and a slowdown in key sectors like manufacturing and electricity generation. While a pickup is expected during the festival season, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence in rural demand recovery due to the monsoon and Budget 2025 tax breaks.

2. India's Right to Defend Against Terror 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and that Quad members should appreciate this stance. Speaking at the Quad Foreign Ministers-level meeting, he emphasized the need for a "more focused Quad" to "deliver better." He also mentioned India's commitment to a rules-based international order and an Indo-Pacific.

3. GST Revenue Collection at 4-Month Low 

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June 2025 reached ₹1.85 lakh crore, a four-month low. While 6.2% higher than June last year, it's 8.2% lower than May 2025. This marks the lowest growth rate in four years. Despite the overall muted growth, a positive sign is the strong GST collection from regions like Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh.

4. Indian Navy Inducts Second Indigenous Stealth Frigate 

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Udayagiri, the second ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, delivered in 37 months. Simultaneously, INS Tamal, an indigenous multi-role frigate, was also inducted. These inductions mark significant milestones in India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, emphasizing self-reliance and advanced naval technology.

5. Railways Launches RailOne App 

Indian Railways has launched "RailOne," a new app designed to simplify ticket booking and various travel services. Developed by CRIS, the app aims to improve the passenger interface and integrate all passenger services, including a 3% discount on unreserved tickets. It supports daily bookings for 1.5 lakh tickets and 40 lakh inquiries per minute, enhancing travel convenience.

6. Indo-French Army Exercise 'Shakti 2025' Concludes 

The eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise, 'Shakti 2025,' concluded in France. The exercise, which began on June 18, involved over 500 French legionnaires and military personnel, along with a 90-member Indian contingent. This joint exercise was crucial for boosting operational preparedness and fostering strong military cooperation between India and France.

7. Kerala to Brand Munnar as 'Responsible Tourism Destination' 

The Kerala government is working to brand Munnar as a 'Responsible Tourism Destination' by December. The initiative includes sustainable tourism programs, protecting the delicate ecosystem, and promoting gender equality. Munnar, a popular tourist spot attracting 12 lakh tourists annually, aims to be a plastic-free zone, enhancing its appeal as a sustainable and inclusive travel destination.

8. Why is Google Buying Out Some of its Employees? 

Google is reducing its workforce through a voluntary exit program and mandatory hybrid work schedules. This move is part of the company's efforts to reduce its headcount, as a direct layoff would be costlier. Eligible employees were offered buyouts, and remote workers are being asked to return to the office for at least three days a week.

9. A Look at India's Sports Policy Journey 

India's sports policy has evolved since 1947, aiming for a broader socio-economic development through sports. Key milestones include the National Sports Policy of 1986 and the subsequent Sports Policy of 2011. While India has made strides in infrastructure and athlete support, the article examines whether the policies have fully prepared India to host the Olympics.