daily current-affairs digest

The NSO’s ‘Annual Report on Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) Scheme, 2023-24’ has flagged serious procedural lapses in Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), the backbone of India’s crop production estimates. How Production Estimates Are Derived? Final production = Area under crop × Average yield per hectare.

Key factual points

• The NSO’s ‘Annual Report on Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) Scheme, 2023-24’ has flagged serious procedural lapses in Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), the backbone of India’s crop production estimates.
• How Production Estimates Are Derived?
• Final production = Area under crop × Average yield per hectare.
• Yield is estimated solely through CCEs, where crop from a scientifically selected plot is harvested, threshed and weighed to derive yield per hectare, which is then scaled up to district, state and national levels.
• CCEs are conducted by State Agricultural Statistics Authorities (SASAs), with technical guidance from MoSPI’s Field Operations Division.
• Coverage has expanded from 1.73 lakh CCEs (1973-74) to over 11.62 lakh (2023-24), yet Nagaland and Sikkim still do not conduct Crop Estimation Surveys.
• The Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) scheme was launched in 1973-74.
• Crop yield assessments and the monitoring of CCEs were conducted across 19 states and Union Territories (UTs) maintaining land records.
• Conducting CCEs and compiling the data is the responsibility of the State Agricultural Statistics Authorities (SASAs), while the Field Operations Division under MoSPI provides technical guidance to the states.
• Based on this data, the NSO prepares estimates for the average yield, the statistical error (Percentage Standard Error), and the yield per hectare for 33 major crops.
• These ‘Quick Estimates’ are used to verify the data submitted by the states.
• Procedural Non Compliance: Only 72% of CCEs in 2023-24 were conducted in accordance with the prescribed scientific procedure, whereas 28% exhibited procedural lapses, violations of rules, or other errors.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• CCEs are conducted by State Agricultural Statistics Authorities (SASAs), with technical guidance from MoSPI’s Field Operations Division.
• Coverage has expanded from 1.73 lakh CCEs (1973-74) to over 11.62 lakh (2023-24), yet Nagaland and Sikkim still do not conduct Crop Estimation Surveys.
• The Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) scheme was launched in 1973-74.
• Crop yield assessments and the monitoring of CCEs were conducted across 19 states and Union Territories (UTs) maintaining land records.
• Conducting CCEs and compiling the data is the responsibility of the State Agricultural Statistics Authorities (SASAs), while the Field Operations Division under MoSPI provides technical guidance to the states.
• Based on this data, the NSO prepares estimates for the average yield, the statistical error (Percentage Standard Error), and the yield per hectare for 33 major crops.
• These ‘Quick Estimates’ are used to verify the data submitted by the states.
• Procedural Non Compliance: Only 72% of CCEs in 2023-24 were conducted in accordance with the prescribed scientific procedure, whereas 28% exhibited procedural lapses, violations of rules, or other errors.
• This means that approximately one in four CCEs was not conducted in accordance with the prescribed standards.
• Recording Errors: Serious errors were found in recording ancillary information in approximately 10% of the cases.
• Ancillary details regarding irrigation, seed variety, fertilisers, etc. play a crucial role in subsequent analysis.
• If this information is incorrect, both the analysis and comparison of production could be affected.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

The Ministry of Defence notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), comprising 405 items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore. The list is notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and covers Line Replaceable Units (LRU), sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials for key defence platforms. These include Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters; fighter jets including the Su-30MKIs, Jaguars and MiG-29s; the Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine.

Key factual points

• The Ministry of Defence notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), comprising 405 items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore.
• The list is notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and covers Line Replaceable Units (LRU), sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials for key defence platforms.
• These include Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters; fighter jets including the Su-30MKIs, Jaguars and MiG-29s; the Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine.
• The sixth list marks another step in the Government’s efforts to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• It is expected to strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, promote investment and innovation, and contribute to reducing dependence on imports.
• All listed items must be indigenised within a specified timeframe, once successfully developed locally, they will be procured exclusively from the Indian industry.
• India’s annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
• The milestone represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal year.
• Sectoral Contribution: Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other PSUs accounted for approximately 76% of total production, while the private sector contributed 24%.
• Defence Budget Growth: Increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26.
• India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26.
• Surge in Indigenous Defence Production: 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• It is expected to strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, promote investment and innovation, and contribute to reducing dependence on imports.
• All listed items must be indigenised within a specified timeframe, once successfully developed locally, they will be procured exclusively from the Indian industry.
• India’s annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
• The milestone represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal year.
• Sectoral Contribution: Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other PSUs accounted for approximately 76% of total production, while the private sector contributed 24%.
• Defence Budget Growth: Increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26.
• India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26.
• Surge in Indigenous Defence Production: 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency.
• India targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, reinforcing its position as a global defence manufacturing hub.
• Need for Defence Indigenisation Reforms
• Strategic Autonomy & National Security: Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, especially during crises and geopolitical tensions.
• Addressing Capability Gaps: India faces complex security challenges across borders and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation and agreed to deepen operational cooperation including information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair and logistics support. Historical Linkages of India-Japan Ties The historical links between India and Japan go back to the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism into Japan, which fostered a strong cultural affinity among the Japanese.

Key factual points

• India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation and agreed to deepen operational cooperation including information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair and logistics support.
• Historical Linkages of India-Japan Ties
• The historical links between India and Japan go back to the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism into Japan, which fostered a strong cultural affinity among the Japanese.
• In 1949, after World War II, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru presented a symbol of optimism to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo: an elephant.
• Prime Minister of Japan Nobusuke Kishi visited India in 1957 and Japan gave its first formal yen loans to India in 1958.
• Strategic: India and Japan elevated their relations from a Global Partnership in 2000 to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014.
• Annual summits have been held since 2006.
• The two countries have over 70 dialogue mechanisms, including 2+2 foreign and defence dialogue, economic and security consultations, and cooperation in fields like technology, defence, energy, infrastructure and healthcare.
• There is synergy between India’s Act- East Policy, principle of SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and Japan’s vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), leading to strategic convergence.
• Economic Relations: India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA came into effect in August 2011.
• It covered trade in products and services, movement of persons, investment, intellectual property, customs and other trade-related topics.
• The tariffs on 94% of trade items between India and Japan in 2011 were decreased by 2021.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Prime Minister of Japan Nobusuke Kishi visited India in 1957 and Japan gave its first formal yen loans to India in 1958.
• Strategic: India and Japan elevated their relations from a Global Partnership in 2000 to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014.
• Annual summits have been held since 2006.
• The two countries have over 70 dialogue mechanisms, including 2+2 foreign and defence dialogue, economic and security consultations, and cooperation in fields like technology, defence, energy, infrastructure and healthcare.
• There is synergy between India’s Act- East Policy, principle of SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and Japan’s vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), leading to strategic convergence.
• Economic Relations: India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA came into effect in August 2011.
• It covered trade in products and services, movement of persons, investment, intellectual property, customs and other trade-related topics.
• The tariffs on 94% of trade items between India and Japan in 2011 were decreased by 2021.
• India’s total trade with Japan in FY25-26 is USD 27.48 billion, with Exports of USD 6.04 billion and Imports of USD 21.44 billion.
• In 2024-25, India ranked 18th in Japan’s total trade with 1.4% share while Japan ranked 17th in India’s total trade with 2.1% share.
• India’s primary exports to Japan are Organic Chemicals, Vehicles (Other than railways & trams), Nuclear Reactor, Aluminium and Articles thereof, Fish & other aquatic invertebrates.
• India’s primary imports from Japan are Nuclear Reactors, Copper and Articles thereof, Electrical Machinery and Equipment, Inorganic Chemicals and Iron and Steel

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

The Gaganyaan mission will require India to demonstrate the safe re-entry of a crew module carrying astronauts, making its Thermal Protection System (TPS) one of the most critical technologies for ensuring crew safety during the return journey to Earth. Why is Thermal Protection Critical During Re-entry? Handles extreme heat: During Gaganyaan’s return from LEO, the capsule enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, converting most of its kinetic energy into intense heat.

Key factual points

• The Gaganyaan mission will require India to demonstrate the safe re-entry of a crew module carrying astronauts, making its Thermal Protection System (TPS) one of the most critical technologies for ensuring crew safety during the return journey to Earth.
• Why is Thermal Protection Critical During Re-entry?
• Handles extreme heat: During Gaganyaan’s return from LEO, the capsule enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, converting most of its kinetic energy into intense heat.
• Plasma temperatures can reach 1,800°C, which could damage the spacecraft.
• No room for failure: Once re-entry begins, the mission cannot be aborted, so the TPS must work reliably on its own.
• Protects astronauts: Rapid deceleration makes manual intervention impossible.
• The TPS acts as a passive and failsafe barrier.
• Maintains habitability: It keeps the cabin and the underlying aluminium-alloy/CFRP structure within safe temperature limits.
• What is a Thermal Protection System?
• A TPS is a combination of specialised materials and structures designed to manage the intense heat generated during atmospheric re-entry and prevent it from reaching the spacecraft’s internal structure.
• Types of Thermal Protection Systems: Ablative TPS: The heat shield deliberately sacrifices its outer material to protect the spacecraft.
• Extreme heat causes the material to decompose, erode and form a protective layer.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• No room for failure: Once re-entry begins, the mission cannot be aborted, so the TPS must work reliably on its own.
• Protects astronauts: Rapid deceleration makes manual intervention impossible.
• The TPS acts as a passive and failsafe barrier.
• Maintains habitability: It keeps the cabin and the underlying aluminium-alloy/CFRP structure within safe temperature limits.
• What is a Thermal Protection System?
• A TPS is a combination of specialised materials and structures designed to manage the intense heat generated during atmospheric re-entry and prevent it from reaching the spacecraft’s internal structure.
• Types of Thermal Protection Systems: Ablative TPS: The heat shield deliberately sacrifices its outer material to protect the spacecraft.
• Extreme heat causes the material to decompose, erode and form a protective layer.
• The decomposition releases gases that move outward and create a cooler boundary layer, reducing heat transfer to the spacecraft.
• The Gaganyaan uses an Ablative TPS.
• Examples: Carbon-phenolic, silica-phenolic and PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator).
• Radiative TPS: The material absorbs incoming heat and radiates it back into the surrounding environment, mainly as infrared radiation.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed introducing a Unique Identification (UID) number for doctors, aimed at creating a uniform digital identity for medical professionals and improving transparency in registration and verification. The proposal is significant for strengthening the digital governance of the medical profession. Established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Key factual points

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed introducing a Unique Identification (UID) number for doctors, aimed at creating a uniform digital identity for medical professionals and improving transparency in registration and verification.
• The proposal is significant for strengthening the digital governance of the medical profession.
• Established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• It is a statutory regulatory body for medical education and the medical profession in India.
• The NMC consists of four autonomous boards: Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
• Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB)
• Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)
• Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
• Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
• Regulates standards of medical education.
• Maintains the National Medical Register (NMR).
• Regulates professional ethics and registration of doctors.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• The NMC consists of four autonomous boards: Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
• Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB)
• Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)
• Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
• Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
• Regulates standards of medical education.
• Maintains the National Medical Register (NMR).
• Regulates professional ethics and registration of doctors.
• Promotes quality and accessibility of medical education.
• UPSC may ask about the legal status, composition and autonomous boards of NMC, or distinguish it from the erstwhile MCI.
• The proposed UID can be linked with digital governance, professional registration, identity verification and healthcare regulation.
• Friends of MY Bharat: Connecting Global Indian Youth with Nation-Building

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Syllabus: GS3/Renewable Energy/Infrastructure Insufficient transmission lines have emerged as a major obstacle to India’s rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity. Close to 21 gigawatts (GW), that is about 9% of the country’s installed renewable energy capacity, is currently transferred from plants through temporary grid connections while awaiting dedicated transmission infrastructure.

Key factual points

• Syllabus: GS3/Renewable Energy/Infrastructure
• Insufficient transmission lines have emerged as a major obstacle to India’s rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity.
• Close to 21 gigawatts (GW), that is about 9% of the country’s installed renewable energy capacity, is currently transferred from plants through temporary grid connections while awaiting dedicated transmission infrastructure.
• Of this, around 12 GW faces restrictions on “power evacuation” during periods of peak solar generation.
• Power evacuation is the process of transferring electricity generated at a power plant to the consumption point.
• During the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), around 6,900 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of clean electricity faced restrictions due to a mismatch between the rapid pace of renewable energy deployment and commissioning of associated transmission infrastructure.
• Industry executives also cautioned that these projects could turn into non-performing assets (NPAs) if the government doesn’t address the issue.
• Electricity generated at a power plant has to travel through transmission lines before reaching distribution networks and ultimately consumers.
• The basic chain is: From Renewable Energy Project to Transmission Network to Distribution Network and ultimately to Consumers.
• India’s solar and wind capacity has expanded rapidly, but transmission infrastructure in some renewable-rich regions has not kept pace.
• This is particularly important because India’s major renewable-energy resources are concentrated in specific regions.
• Electricity generated in these regions may have to travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres to reach major demand centres.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Power evacuation is the process of transferring electricity generated at a power plant to the consumption point.
• During the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), around 6,900 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of clean electricity faced restrictions due to a mismatch between the rapid pace of renewable energy deployment and commissioning of associated transmission infrastructure.
• Industry executives also cautioned that these projects could turn into non-performing assets (NPAs) if the government doesn’t address the issue.
• Electricity generated at a power plant has to travel through transmission lines before reaching distribution networks and ultimately consumers.
• The basic chain is: From Renewable Energy Project to Transmission Network to Distribution Network and ultimately to Consumers.
• India’s solar and wind capacity has expanded rapidly, but transmission infrastructure in some renewable-rich regions has not kept pace.
• This is particularly important because India’s major renewable-energy resources are concentrated in specific regions.
• Electricity generated in these regions may have to travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres to reach major demand centres.
• Current Infrastructure for Grid Transmission
• General Network Access (GNA) Framework: It is a temporary arrangement that allows renewable energy plants to use whatever spare transmission capacity is available while they wait for their permanent transmission connection.
• T-GNA projects, however, can schedule power only if spare transmission capacity is available.
• Concerns: During periods of network congestion, long-term GNA projects receive priority, often resulting in curtailment of generation from **T-GNA-**connected plants.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

India’s coconut sector, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural economy and cultural traditions, is steadily evolving from a predominantly traditional farming activity into a diversified, export-oriented industry. It is often described as the “Kalpavriksha” or “Tree of Life” because almost every part of the plant has economic or practical uses. Type of Plant: Coconut is a perennial plantation crop and a monocotyledonous palm belonging to the family Arecaceae.

Key factual points

• India’s coconut sector, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural economy and cultural traditions, is steadily evolving from a predominantly traditional farming activity into a diversified, export-oriented industry.
• It is often described as the “Kalpavriksha” or “Tree of Life” because almost every part of the plant has economic or practical uses.
• Type of Plant: Coconut is a perennial plantation crop and a monocotyledonous palm belonging to the family Arecaceae.
• Coconut is native to the Indo-Pacific region, with its origin commonly traced to Southeast Asia.
• Climatic Requirements: Coconut requires a warm and humid tropical climate for optimal growth.
• It grows best in regions with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C and requires high and evenly distributed rainfall.
• Soil Requirements: Coconut thrives in well-drained sandy loam, alluvial, laterite, and coastal soils.
• Economic and Livelihood Significance
• India holds a prominent place in the global coconut economy.
• The country ranks first in production and third in cultivation area, accounting for 31.24 percent and 17.90 percent of global totals, respectively.
• The coconut sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 30 million people in India, including around 10 million farmers.
• Export Potential: India’s coconut product exports reached ₹7,038.35 crore in 2025-26, registering a 62% increase over the previous year.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Climatic Requirements: Coconut requires a warm and humid tropical climate for optimal growth.
• It grows best in regions with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C and requires high and evenly distributed rainfall.
• Soil Requirements: Coconut thrives in well-drained sandy loam, alluvial, laterite, and coastal soils.
• Economic and Livelihood Significance
• India holds a prominent place in the global coconut economy.
• The country ranks first in production and third in cultivation area, accounting for 31.24 percent and 17.90 percent of global totals, respectively.
• The coconut sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 30 million people in India, including around 10 million farmers.
• Export Potential: India’s coconut product exports reached ₹7,038.35 crore in 2025-26, registering a 62% increase over the previous year.
• MSP for Copra: Copra, the dried kernel of coconut, is among the 22 mandated agricultural crops covered under the Minimum Support Price regime.
• Coconut Promotion Scheme: In order to address pest outbreaks, root wilt disease, and aging plantations, the Coconut Promotion Scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
• The scheme seeks to enhance coconut production and productivity.
• Coconut Development Board (CDB): Established in 1981 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the CDB provides institutional support for the integrated development of coconut cultivation and the coconut industry.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the constitutional legality of polygamy under the Muslim Personal Law. It is the practice of having more than one married spouse — wife or husband. Types: Polygyny: One man having multiple wives.

Key factual points

• The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the constitutional legality of polygamy under the Muslim Personal Law.
• It is the practice of having more than one married spouse — wife or husband.
• Types: Polygyny: One man having multiple wives.
• Polyandry: One woman having multiple husbands.
• Bigamy: Marrying another person while the first valid marriage is still in force.
• In India, monogamy is mandatory under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
• However, polygamy is not prohibited under Muslim personal law.
• According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), polygamy was reported among different religious communities, with higher prevalence in some Northeastern and tribal-population areas.
• The highest prevalence of polygamy was noticed in the Christian community.
• The respective figures for the two communities were 2.1% for Christians and 1.9% for Muslims.
• Only 1.3% of Hindu men have more than one wife.
• Historical and Cultural Reasons of Polygamy

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Bigamy: Marrying another person while the first valid marriage is still in force.
• In India, monogamy is mandatory under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
• However, polygamy is not prohibited under Muslim personal law.
• According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), polygamy was reported among different religious communities, with higher prevalence in some Northeastern and tribal-population areas.
• The highest prevalence of polygamy was noticed in the Christian community.
• The respective figures for the two communities were 2.1% for Christians and 1.9% for Muslims.
• Only 1.3% of Hindu men have more than one wife.
• Historical and Cultural Reasons of Polygamy
• Economic reasons: In rural or agricultural societies, more wives could mean more labour for household and agricultural chores.
• Patriarchal traditions: The importance placed on male heirs and lineage sometimes encouraged men to marry again if their first wife had no children or no sons.
• Religious and customary traditions: Personal laws of some religions and the customs of some tribes in some cases permitted polygynous marriages.
• Social protection: In some pre-industrial and conflict-affected countries, subsequent marriages may provide economic security and social protection for widows or vulnerable women.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.