1. Jawaharlal Nehru

Context

● Over the past decade, Jawaharlal Nehru has faced increasing criticism from the ruling government, with many blaming him for India’s present challenges. ● Some scholars, however, defend his legacy.

 

Criticism of Nehru’s Leadership

• In 2014, Madhav Godbole, a former civil servant, wrote The God Who Failed: An Assessment of Jawaharlal Nehru’s Leadership, questioning Nehru’s secular and socialist policies.
• Godbole argued that Nehru’s idea of secularism sometimes appeased Muslims and called for a “more balanced secularism.”
• Many other books have blamed Nehru for numerous present-day issues in India.

An Alternative Perspective on Nehru

• Academic Aditya Mukherjee, in his book Nehru’s India (The Most Definitive Book on Jawaharlal Nehru): Past, Present and Future, presents Nehru’s actions in the historical context of his time.
• Mukherjee highlights the challenges Nehru faced after Independence, including large-scale communal violence and displacement.
• Nehru firmly opposed religious rule and, in his speech on August 16, 1947, emphasized that India would remain a secular state.
• This policy remained in place until the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in 2019, leading to protests like Shaheen Bagh.

Nehru’s Commitment to Scientific Temper

• Nehru strongly promoted scientific thinking and rational inquiry.
• Mukherjee contrasts Nehru’s approach with present-day political leaders who promote mythology as science.
• He criticizes claims that ancient India had advanced medical procedures, such as plastic surgery for Ganesha’s head.
• Mukherjee highlights how some leaders promoted unscientific remedies during the COVID-19 pandemic, like cow dung and urine.

The Political Narrative Against Nehru

• Nehru’s contributions are being ignored in textbooks, and even his image was removed from a historical poster celebrating 75 years of Independence.
• Critics blame Nehru for many of India’s present-day problems, from the Partition to the economic and agricultural crisis.
• Mukherjee refutes these claims, arguing that they stem from propaganda rather than historical facts.

Nehru’s Enduring Legacy

• Similar criticisms of Nehru existed during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure.
• In 2003, Shashi Tharoor noted in Nehru: The Invention of India that Nehruvian ideals had lost appeal, with critics magnifying his mistakes and downplaying his achievements.
• Mukherjee underscores Nehru’s support for freedom of expression, quoting his 1940 speech defending press freedom.
• Historian Irfan Habib, states that Nehru’s name may be removed from institutions, but his contributions will endure as long as truth and reason remain valued.

Art and Culture

1. Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

Context

●        Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to repeal outdated colonial laws, citing the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which was formally repealed in 2018.

 

Analysis of the news:

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

• Enacted by the British, this law allowed authorities to ban plays or performances deemed defamatory, seditious, or obscene.
• It granted magistrates sweeping powers, including search and seizure of performance venues and imprisonment for violations.

Post-Independence Status and Judicial Review

• The law was effectively invalidated in 1956 when the Allahabad High Court ruled it unconstitutional for violating Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).
• While various states had their own versions of the law, many were repealed in subsequent years.

Colonial Laws in Independent India

• Despite constitutional guarantees, several colonial-era laws continued to exist under Article 372, which allowed pre-independence laws to remain in force.
• The presumption of constitutionality does not apply to such laws, meaning they must be defended by the government when challenged.

Government Efforts to Repeal Archaic Laws

• Since 2014, the Modi government has repealed over 2,000 obsolete laws to improve governance and ease of doing business.
• However, some colonial-era laws, like the sedition law (now under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), continue to be retained in modified forms.

2. Begena

Context

●        The begena is an ancient Ethiopian harp used for spiritual music, now gaining popularity in therapy.

 

The Begena:

• Ancient Instrument: The begena is a very old musical instrument from Ethiopia, believed to have come from Israel in ancient times.
• Shape and Size: It looks like a large harp, is about one meter tall, and has a trapezium shape.
• Strings and Material: It has 10 strings, which were traditionally made from sheep’s intestines, and is played with fingers or a small tool.

• Religious Use: It has been used for centuries in Ethiopian churches for prayers and meditation.
• Banned and Revived: It was banned during Ethiopia’s communist rule (1974–1991) but is now becoming popular again.
• Healing Power: Its calming music helps lower stress, improve mood, and even benefits people with memory loss or autism.
• New Uses: Today, musicians play it in hospitals and nursing homes to help patients feel peaceful and relaxed.

 

3. Thakkolam temple

Context

● Thakkolam’s Jalanatheswarar Temple, a historic Pallava-era structure, faces structural damage, urging urgent restoration to preserve Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage.

 

Thakkolam Temple:

 

• Location: Thakkolam (historically known as Thiruvural), Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historical Significance:
  • Built in the 6th century by the Pallavas.
  • Inscriptions from the Chola period provide key historical records.
  • The site of the Battle of Thakkolam (949 CE) between the Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
• Architecture & Inscriptions:
  • Contains 51 inscriptions, including those of Pallava king Aparajita and Chola king Aditya I.
  • Mentions grants of land, gold, and goats to the temple.
• Current Condition:
  • The northern outer wall has collapsed.
  • Temple tank is in a derelict state.
  • Kumbabishekam (consecration) not conducted for over 15 years.
• Cultural Importance: Mentioned in Saivite hymns and has deep religious significance.

 

4. A school closure that must be called out

Context

●  The closure of Maharashtra’s only Gondi-medium school highlights challenges in preserving tribal languages and cultural identity amid bureaucratic hurdles.

 

Gondi Language:

• Spoken by Tribal Communities: Gondi is mainly spoken by the Gond tribe, one of India’s largest indigenous groups.
• Geographical Spread: It is spoken in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Large Speaker Base: According to the 2011 Census, over 9 million people speak Gondi.
• Not in the Eighth Schedule: Despite its large number of speakers, Gondi is not included in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule.
• Oral Tradition: Gondi has a rich oral tradition with folk tales, songs, and religious beliefs passed down through generations.
• Unique Script: It originally had its own script but is now often written in Devanagari, Telugu, or Latin scripts.
• Threat of Extinction: Due to urbanization and lack of formal education, the language is declining.
• Preservation Efforts: Linguists and activists are working to document and revive Gondi through education and literature.

 

5. Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Context

●        The Menhirs of Mudumal in Narayanpet, Telangana, have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

 

Menhirs From Telangana:

• The site is located on the banks of the Krishna River, which separates Telangana from Karnataka.
• Mudumal is a well-known Megalithic site, featuring around 1,200 large menhirs (standing stones) arranged in a structured manner.
• These stones were used for astronomical mapping over 3,000 years ago, marking the positions of constellations like Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, and Taurus.
• The site provides insights into ancient astronomical knowledge and cultural practices of early civilizations.
• The inclusion in the tentative list highlights the site’s archaeological, cultural, and scientific importance in understanding ancient Indian civilizations.

6. Honouring traditions

Context

● The Badagas of the Nilgiris celebrate the Jadayaswamy festival with a procession and firewalk annually.

 

Jadayaswamy Festival:

• The Jadayaswamy festival is celebrated by the Badaga community in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Jackanarai village near Kotagiri.
• It is observed once every year, with participation from eight villages in the region.

• Religious Significance: The festival is dedicated to Jadayaswamy, a deity revered by the Badagas. It symbolizes faith, devotion, and ancestral traditions.
• Main Rituals: A grand procession is organized, where devotees walk together to the Jadayaswamy temple to offer prayers.
• Firewalking Ceremony: A highlight of the festival is the firewalking ritual, where devotees walk barefoot over burning embers as an act of devotion and penance.
• Cultural Importance: The festival strengthens community bonds, preserves ancient customs, and showcases the unique heritage of the Badaga people.

 

7. Thalangara Thopi craft

Context

●  The traditional Thalangara Thopi craft faces extinction as its last artisan halts production amid declining demand.

 

The Thalangara Thopi:

• The Thalangara Thopi is a traditional handmade prayer cap, deeply revered by the Muslim community and recognized as a heritage symbol.
• It has a 200-year-old legacy but is now on the brink of extinction as the last artisan has ceased production.
• The cap was an essential part of Muslim attire, especially during Ramzan, but its demand has significantly declined.
• Traditionally, it is made from pure cotton with minimal machine use, requiring 20 days of meticulous craftsmanship.
• The craft is believed to have been introduced by people from Lakshadweep and was also mentioned by Ibn Battuta in the 14th century.
• Abdul Raheem, a fourth-generation artisan, inherited the craft from his father, Abubakar Musliyar, who made it globally famous.

• Despite being recognized as a heritage item, the cap lacks institutional support for its revival.
• At its peak, the craft supported 40 families, but now it has entirely vanished from production.

 

8. Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversy

Context

●  Violent clashes erupted over demands by Hindutva groups to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb.

 

Analysis of the news:

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Historical Background and Aurangzeb’s Final Years

• Aurangzeb, the longest-serving Mughal emperor, spent his final years in military campaigns against the Marathas in the Deccan.
• He died in 1707 and was buried in Khuldabad (formerly Rauza) in a simple grave, as per his wishes.
• Unlike his predecessors, who have grand tombs, Aurangzeb’s grave reflects both his personal austerity and the declining grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Religious and Political Symbolism

• Aurangzeb is often viewed as a religious hardliner, yet his burial site in the dargah of a Sufi saint reflects a contrast in his religious views.
• His grave, similar to that of his sister Jahan Ara, who supported his rival Dara Shikoh, symbolizes the complexities within the Mughal dynasty.
• The fact that later Mughal rulers did not construct a grand tomb for him also underscores the weakening of the empire.

Modern Controversy and Political Context

• The recent calls for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb stem from a broader ideological movement seeking to rectify perceived historical wrongs.
• Hindutva groups view Aurangzeb as a symbol of oppression, particularly due to his policies against Hindu rulers and temples.
• However, historical narratives are often complex, and using historical figures to justify modern-day conflicts risks distorting historical realities.

Lessons from History

• Aurangzeb’s grave is not just a burial site but a reminder of the Mughal empire’s rise and fall.
• His own reflections in his last letter to his son highlight his realization of the limitations of his rule.
• The current controversy should be viewed in light of historical facts rather than as a tool for political mobilization.
• Understanding history in its full complexity is essential to avoid reducing it to a simplistic narrative of villains and heroes.

9. Rising from the ashes

Context

●  A Theyyam performance at the Kaliyattam festival in Kannur, Kerala, depicts the legend of Kandanar Kelan.

 

About Theyyam:

• Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic dance form from Kerala, particularly popular in the Malabar region.
• It is performed as part of temple festivals, known as Kaliyattam, where performers are believed to embody deities.
• Theyyam combines dance, music, and elaborate makeup and costumes, creating a visually striking performance.
• The performers, often from lower-caste communities, undergo rigorous training and follow specific rituals before the act.
• The themes of Theyyam are based on local myths, legends, and historical events, often depicting warriors, deities, or spirits.
• Drums, cymbals, and folk songs accompany the performance, creating an intense and dramatic atmosphere.
• Some well-known Theyyam forms include Kandanar Kelan, Vayanattu Kulavan, and Muchilottu Bhagavathy.
• It serves both as a religious offering and a cultural tradition, attracting devotees and tourists alike.

 

10. Lapis lazuli: earth’s best blues

Context

● Lapis lazuli, a deep blue rock, has been prized for jewelry, art, and trade for over 6,000 years, especially from Afghanistan.

 

Lapis Lazuli:

• Composition & Color: Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock composed of 25-40% lazurite, which gives it its vivid blue color.
• Mineral Content: It also contains calcite (which can reduce its blueness), pyrites (adding a golden sparkle), diopside, and sodalite in smaller amounts.
• Geographical Sources: Found in Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the U.S., with Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province producing the highest quality lapis lazuli.
• Historical Trade & Use: India imported it from Badakhshan around 1000 BC; it was found in Indus Valley Civilization sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
• Ancient Applications: Egyptians used it for jewelry and eye shadow; in the Renaissance, European artists ground it into ultramarine pigment for paintings.
• Cultural & Artistic Significance: Used for royal ornaments, sculptures, and decorative items throughout history.

Geography

1. El Niño or La Niña?

Context

● India is eagerly awaiting the summer monsoon forecast for 2025, which is crucial for agriculture and water supply. ● The forecast also raises concerns about whether 2025-2026 will be an El Niño or a La Niña year.

 Unexpected Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Patterns

• SST patterns in the tropical Pacific Ocean since early 2024 have evolved in an unusual way.
• Historically, El Niño has been linked to monsoon deficits, while La Niña is associated with above-average rainfall.
• SST patterns in the tropical Pacific Ocean since early 2024 have evolved in an unusual way.
• Initial forecasts predicted a strong La Niña for late 2024, but SST anomalies shifted unexpectedly.
• Instead of cooling in the far eastern Pacific, warm SST anomalies appeared there, while cold SST anomalies moved westward.

The Role of Climate Variability in ENSO Transition

• The ENSO Transition Mode (ETM), a natural climate variability factor, likely influenced this shift.
• ETM may have prevented La Niña from emerging in 2024, despite earlier predictions.

Uncertain Climate Predictions for 2025

• Climate forecasts for summer and fall of 2025 remain mixed.
• Some models suggest a La Niña will form, others predict a neutral year, and one even forecasts a strong El Niño.
• The 2023 monsoon remained normal despite a strong El Niño, partly due to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).

Challenges in Forecasting and Climate Change Impact

• The relationship between ENSO and the Indian monsoon has changed over recent decades.
• Climate models struggle to predict future patterns due to record-high global temperatures.
• Mid-latitude climate changes, jet stream shifts, and pre-monsoon cyclones are further impacting the monsoon’s timing and intensity.

Implications for India

• Farmers remain uncertain about their crop yields, making monsoon forecasts crucial.
• The State and Union governments depend on accurate predictions to plan for possible droughts or floods.
• Climate scientists and the India Meteorological Department continue efforts to improve forecast reliability.
• Early heat waves in 2025 add further concerns about extreme weather patterns.

PYQ: What characteristics can be assigned to a monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?(250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2017)

 

 2. Fijian Iguanas

Context

●        Scientists have discovered that Fiji’s iguanas likely arrived from the Americas by rafting across nearly 8,000 km of ocean, making it the longest-known vertebrate rafting event.

 

Analysis of the news:

                                                                                                                                                                                     Unusual Geographic Distribution

• Fiji and Tonga’s native iguanas pose a biological puzzle, as all other living iguana species are found in the Americas.
• Understanding how these reptiles reached isolated Pacific islands has long intrigued scientists.

Rafting Across the Ocean

• New research suggests that the iguanas’ ancestors likely arrived via rafting, a process where animals travel on floating vegetation across vast distances.
• While invertebrates commonly disperse this way, lizards and snakes—due to their slow metabolism—have also been observed surviving oceanic journeys.

The Longest Known Vertebrate Rafting Event

• Previous studies confirmed iguanas rafting short distances, such as a 300 km voyage in the Caribbean.
• However, the nearly 8,000 km journey to the South Pacific is unprecedented.
• Earlier theories suggested these iguanas were remnants of an extinct group that reached Fiji via land routes through Asia or Australia.

Genetic Evidence and Timing

• By analyzing DNA from 14 iguana species, researchers found that Fijian iguanas are closest to Dipsosaurus, a genus found in the American Southwest and Mexico.
• The genetic split occurred 30–34 million years ago, aligning with the emergence of the Fijian islands.
• During this period, cold polar conditions made land migration implausible, strengthening the case for overwater rafting.

Survival Factors

Several factors made the journey feasible:

• A three- to four-month crossing coincides with iguana hibernation, reducing food needs.
• Floating vegetation provided food for the herbivorous reptiles.

Significance of the Study

• This research reinforces the idea that long-distance dispersal played a crucial role in the evolution of many animal species, challenging prior assumptions about migration and biogeography.

3. New Marine Species Beneath Antarctic Ice

Context

●  A team of scientists has uncovered dozens of new marine species, including giant sea spiders, octopi, and corals, in an unexplored seafloor region left exposed by the massive A-84 iceberg breaking away from the George VI Ice Shelf on January 13, 2025. ● This unexpected find offers rare insights into deep-sea ecosystems beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves.

 

Analysis of the news:

Exploration of the Seafloor

• The 510-sq-km iceberg’s breakaway granted scientists access to a previously unreachable underwater world.
• Using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, researchers explored the seafloor from January 25 for eight days, documenting diverse marine life at depths of up to 1,300 metres.
• This mission was part of Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed deep-sea research initiative.

Life Under the Ice

• Contrary to expectations, scientists found thriving ecosystems beneath the ice shelf, including large corals, sponges, icefish, giant sea spiders, octopi, and a giant phantom jellyfish measuring up to one metre wide.
• Some organisms, like a vase-shaped sponge, could be hundreds of years old.
• Scientists believe they may have discovered several previously unknown species.

A Scientific Surprise

• The discovery is significant because deep-sea ecosystems usually rely on surface nutrients from photosynthesis, which were completely cut off by the 150-metre-thick ice shelf for centuries.
• Researchers hypothesize that ocean currents, glacial meltwater, or unknown mechanisms may be transporting nutrients, sustaining these hidden ecosystems.
• However, the exact process remains a mystery.

Expanding Knowledge of Antarctic Ecosystems

• The findings contribute to growing research on Antarctic marine life, an area first explored in 2021 when the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reported signs of life under the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf.
• As more ice shelves collapse due to climate change, further research could unveil new ecosystems and provide critical insights into deep-sea biodiversity and environmental shifts.

4. Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano

Context

● Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted on March 20, prompting the highest alert and flight disruptions due to massive ash clouds.

 

Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano:

• Lewotobi Laki-laki is an active stratovolcano located in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia.
• It is part of the Lewotobi volcanic complex, which consists of twin volcanoes—Lewotobi Laki-laki (Male Lewotobi) and Lewotobi Perempuan (Female Lewotobi).
• The volcano has a history of frequent eruptions, with the latest major eruption occurring on March 20, 2025.
• During this eruption, it spewed ash clouds over 8 km high, prompting authorities to raise the alert status to the highest level.

• Since March 13, the volcano had experienced dozens of smaller eruptions before the major event.
• Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and disaster preparedness.

5. Hues of the north

Context

●  A stunning display of the northern lights illuminated the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska, due to heightened solar activity.

 

What are Northern Lights?

• The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth’s polar regions.
• They occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• These interactions excite oxygen and nitrogen molecules, producing colorful lights in shades of green, red, blue, and purple.
• The phenomenon is most visible in high-latitude regions near the Arctic, such as Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Sweden.
• Solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, influences the intensity of the northern lights.
• The Earth’s magnetic field directs these charged particles toward the poles, creating auroral displays.
• Auroras are not harmful but serve as indicators of space weather and solar activity.
• The southern counterpart of the aurora borealis is called the aurora australis or the southern lights.

 

6. Collage of galaxies

Context

● The Euclid observatory released a collage of diverse galaxies on March 19, showcasing their structures, interactions, and star densities.

 

 

The Euclid Observatory:

• The Euclid Observatory is a space telescope launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) to study dark matter and dark energy.
• It was launched on July 1, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
• The observatory is designed to create a 3D map of the universe by observing billions of galaxies across 10 billion years of cosmic history.
• It operates from the second Lagrange point (L2), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, for a stable and unobstructed view of deep space.
• Euclid uses a visible-wavelength camera and a near-infrared spectrometer to capture detailed images of distant galaxies.
• Its mission aims to help scientists understand the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe.

 

7. A New UNESCO Report

Context

●  A new UNESCO report highlights the alarming and largely irreversible changes occurring in the world’s mountain ranges due to rising temperatures.

 

Analysis of the news:

                                      

Impact of Rising Temperatures on Mountain Ranges

• These changes, including glacier melting, permafrost thaw, reduced snow cover, and erratic snowfall, are significantly impacting water resources, ecosystems, and human populations.

Glacier Melting: Accelerated Mass Loss

• Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, with the last three years witnessing the largest glacial mass loss on record.
• Since 1975, glaciers have lost over 9,000 billion tonnes of ice, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 metres.
• In 2024 alone, glaciers lost 450 gigatons of mass, with Scandinavia, Svalbard, and North Asia experiencing the highest losses.
• Apart from warming temperatures, glacier melt is accelerated by black carbon deposits from wildfires and dust storms, which darken ice surfaces, increase solar radiation absorption, and hasten melting.

Permafrost Thaw: A Climate Threat

Permafrost—ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years is thawing rapidly due to warming. This is problematic as:

• Carbon Release: Thawing permafrost releases trapped organic carbon, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change.
• Landslides & Erosion: Permafrost stabilizes rock slopes and glacial debris. Its melting increases landslides, rockfalls, and ground instability, posing risks to infrastructure and human settlements.

Decline in Snow Cover & Erratic Snowfall

• Snow cover has been declining in almost all mountain regions, especially during spring and summer.
• Between 1979 and 2022, persistent snow cover decreased globally by 79%, as reported in Nature (2024).

Additionally, erratic snowfall patterns are emerging:

• The elevation where rainfall turns into snowfall is shifting upwards, reducing snow depth and duration at lower elevations.
• More precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, leading to earlier snowmelt and shrinking snow-covered areas.

Significance of These Changes

• Threat to Water Resources

• 2 billion people depend on mountain glaciers for freshwater.
• Melting glaciers cause erratic water flow, disrupting agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.

• Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

• Melting glaciers create unstable glacial lakes, which can suddenly burst, triggering catastrophic floods.
• Over 12,000 deaths in the past 200 years have been attributed to GLOFs, causing massive displacement and infrastructure damage.

• Rising Sea Levels & Coastal Flooding

• 25–30% of global sea level rise is due to glacier melt.
• Between 2006 and 2016, 335 billion tonnes of ice melted annually, raising sea levels by 1 mm per year, threatening millions of coastal inhabitants.

Conclusion

• Given the widespread and irreversible impact of mountain degradation, experts stress the need for global awareness, policy changes, and resource mobilization.
• As climate change accelerates, protecting mountain ecosystems is crucial for ensuring water security, disaster resilience, and global stability.

8. Mass bleaching

Context

● Scientists have recorded an “unprecedented” mass bleaching event off Australia’s western coast, affecting the Ningaloo Reef.

 

Analysis of the news:

• Cause: A prolonged marine heatwave has caused ocean temperatures to rise significantly, leading to coral bleaching.
• Extent of Bleaching: The bleaching is widespread, affecting various coral species and extending deep into the reef, not just the surface.
• Ningaloo Reef: This 300-km-long reef is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Severity: Scientists believe this may be the worst bleaching event in the area since 2011.
• Ocean waters off Western Australia have been up to three degrees Celsius warmer than average in recent months.
• The water temperature surpassed the bleaching threshold in mid-January, as per U.S. NOAA monitoring.
• Impact on Coral: Warm temperatures force corals to expel the algae that give them color, turning them white.

9. Martian Dust

Context

● A study found that Martian dust poses serious health risks to astronauts by causing respiratory issues and exposure to toxic substances.

 

Analysis of the news:

Respiratory and Health Hazards

• The study highlights that Martian dust, due to its fine particle size (about 4% the width of a human hair), can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Unlike Earth’s dust, Martian particles are too small for lung mucus to expel, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases.
• The presence of toxic elements like silica and iron dust further exacerbates health concerns, with silica being linked to lung diseases like silicosis.

Toxicity and Environmental Factors

• Martian dust contains harmful substances such as perchlorates, gypsum, and metals like chromium and arsenic.
• These can lead to severe health complications, including thyroid diseases and lung damage.
• Additionally, Mars’ microgravity and high radiation exposure could amplify the toxic effects, making long-term astronaut missions riskier.

Mitigation Strategies

To counter the hazards posed by Martian dust, researchers suggest several protective measures:

• Nutritional countermeasures: Vitamin C can help mitigate chromium toxicity, while iodine can reduce the risks of thyroid diseases from perchlorates.
• Engineering solutions: Air filtration systems, self-cleaning space suits, and electrostatic repulsion devices can limit dust contamination.
• Preventive measures: Isolating habitats from dust entry and designing effective decontamination protocols will be crucial for astronaut safety.

Significance for Future Missions

• As NASA and China plan human missions to Mars in the next decade, understanding and addressing the impact of Martian dust is critical.
• With no option for an immediate return to Earth, astronauts will need robust health safeguards to ensure their well-being during prolonged stays on the Red Planet.

10. Project to Monitor Tigers Outside Reserves

Context

●  The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is finalizing a project to monitor tigers outside reserves, address human-wildlife conflict, and curb poaching.

 

Analysis of the news:        

Need for the Project

• With nearly 30% of India’s tiger population living outside protected reserves, there is an urgent need for structured monitoring and conservation efforts.
• These tigers face higher risks of poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat fragmentation.

Key Objectives

The project aims to:

• Strengthen monitoring of tigers outside reserves
• Mitigate human-animal conflicts
• Prevent poaching and illegal wildlife trade
• Promote community participation in conservation efforts

Implementation Strategy

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will implement the project across 80 forest divisions in 10 states, prioritizing areas with recurring human-wildlife conflicts like Wayanad (Kerala), Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh).

Funding and Resource Allocation

• The initiative has a proposed budget of ₹176.45 crore until 2026-27, with funding sought from the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

Challenges and the Way Forward

• Human-Tiger Conflict: With 378 human deaths due to tiger encounters since 2020, increased compensation for victims and proactive conflict mitigation measures are necessary.
• Poaching Risks: Cases in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra highlight the need for enhanced patrolling and intelligence-driven wildlife protection.
• Community Engagement: Conservation success depends on local communities’ cooperation through awareness programs and sustainable livelihood options.

Conclusion

• By addressing these concerns, the initiative can strengthen India’s tiger conservation efforts beyond protected reserves, ensuring a balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.

 

11. 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar

Context

● A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing significant destruction in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.

 

Analysis of the news:

Devastation and Regional Impact

• The tremors led to 144 fatalities and collapsed buildings. Neighboring Thailand also witnessed damage, including the collapse of a Bangkok skyscraper, which killed nine people.
• Parts of Northeast India felt the tremors, though no significant casualties or property damage were reported.

Tectonic Causes and Fault Line

• The earthquake resulted from strike-slip faulting between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where these plates move sideways against each other.
• The Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault running north to south through Myanmar, is highly prone to seismic activity.
• Such faults occur when two blocks of rock slide past each other, releasing stored elastic energy and triggering strong earthquakes.

Myanmar’s Seismic Vulnerability

Myanmar frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the Sagaing Fault. Historical data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that since 1900, at least six earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher have struck near this fault line. Notable past events include:

• 1990: A 0 magnitude quake collapsed 32 buildings.
• 1912: A 9 magnitude quake occurred near Friday’s epicenter.
• 2016: A 9 magnitude earthquake hit the region.

One of the most destructive earthquakes occurred in 1839, estimated at 8.3 magnitude, killing between 300-400 people. Experts consider this a potential historical parallel to the recent quake.

12. Search for universe’s first water

Context

●  A recent study suggests that the universe’s oldest stars produced water when they exploded as supernovae.

 

Discovery of Water in the Early Universe

• If confirmed, this could change current theories, indicating that life-supporting planets may have formed billions of years earlier than previously thought.

Formation of the First Stars

• The universe began with the Big Bang around 13.8 billion years ago.
• The first stars appeared a few hundred million years later, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.
• These stars heated surrounding gas and later exploded as supernovae, setting off a cycle of new star formation.

Role of Population III Stars

• Stars are classified into three groups based on their age and metallicity.
• Population III stars were the first stars, made entirely of hydrogen and helium.
• These massive stars burned their fuel quickly and exploded as supernovae, producing oxygen and other elements.

Water Formation in Early Supernovae

• Simulations show that the first supernovae produced the conditions needed to form water between 50 million and 1 billion years after the Big Bang.
• Oxygen expelled from these explosions combined with hydrogen to create water.

Implications for the Universe

• This suggests that water was more abundant in the early universe than previously believed.
• Planets could have formed before galaxies, possibly creating conditions for life much earlier than expected.
• The study supports previous findings that water molecules remain unchanged from their origins as they reach planets.

Indian Polity

 1. Union Cabinet Clears Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Context

● The Union Cabinet approved 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, addressing concerns over government oversight, dispute resolution, and waqf property registration.

 

Analysis of the news:

What is a Waqf Property?

• A Waqf is a property donated by Muslims for a specific religious, charitable, or private purpose. Ownership of the property is considered to belong to God, while its benefits are directed to the specified purposes.
• Establishment: A Waqf can be established through a written deed, legal instrument, or orally.
• Use and Permanence: A property may be recognized as Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over an extended period. Once declared Waqf, the property’s status is permanent and irreversible.

Key Amendments in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Union Cabinet has approved all 14 amendments recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• The Bill, which seeks to modify the Waqf Act of 1995, is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the second half of the Budget session starting March 10.
• The amendments address concerns regarding government oversight, dispute resolution, and representation in Waqf boards.

Extended Timeline for Property Registration

• Initially, the Bill mandated the registration of all waqf properties within six months on a central portal.
• However, an amendment now allows the Waqf Tribunal to grant extensions in select cases where “sufficient cause” is provided.
• Another amendment ensures that waqfs that fail to register within six months can still file legal proceedings if they submit an affidavit explaining the delay.

Revised Role of the District Collector

• Previously, the Bill gave the District Collector powers to determine whether a property is waqf or government-owned.
• This provision faced criticism as it allowed the government to judge its own disputes.
• The JPC accepted amendments to replace the collector with a more senior “designated officer” from the state government for dispute resolution and revenue record updates.

Changes in Waqf Board Representation

• The original Bill allowed non-Muslim officials and members in waqf boards, raising concerns about representation.
• An amendment now mandates that the state government’s representative on the Waqf Board must be a Joint Secretary-level officer handling waqf matters.
• Additionally, the JPC approved a provision requiring at least one tribunal member to have expertise in Muslim law and jurisprudence.

Conclusion

• The amendments reflect a balance between government oversight and community concerns.
• While the Bill still enhances state involvement in waqf matters, the revisions address some contentious issues, particularly regarding dispute resolution and legal safeguards for waqfs.
• The final outcome will depend on the parliamentary debate and potential further modifications before its enactment

 

2. What are the issues around delimitation?

Context

● The debate on delimitation has resurfaced as it will be based on the first Census after 2026. ● Concerns arise over its impact on State representation, especially for southern and smaller northern States.

 

What is Delimitation?

● Delimitation is the process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. ● It is carried out by a ‘Delimitation Commission’ set up by an act of Parliament. ● Delimitation was previously conducted based on the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses. ● The number of Lok Sabha seats was fixed at 543 based on the 1971 Census when India’s population was 54.8 crore. ● To encourage population control, the number of seats has remained unchanged. ● The next delimitation is set to be based on the first Census after 2026.

 

Why is Delimitation Being Debated?

• India’s population has grown unevenly in the past five decades.
• Some States, like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, have seen higher population growth compared to southern States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Two key scenarios are being considered for delimitation:
  1. Redistributing the existing 543 seats among the States.
  2. Increasing the number of seats to 848 in proportion to population growth.
• There is uncertainty about whether the allocation will be based on the current share of seats or projected population.

Concerns About Delimitation

• If seats are allocated based on population, southern and smaller northern States may lose their proportional representation.
• This could impact the federal structure and reduce the political significance of States that controlled their population.
• Currently, southern States hold 24% of Lok Sabha seats, which could decline by 5% under the proposed changes.

Possible Solutions

• Fix the number of Lok Sabha seats at 543 to maintain federal balance and ensure fair representation for all States.
• Increase the number of MLAs in each State based on population growth to provide adequate local representation.
• Follow the U.S. model, where the House of Representatives has remained fixed at 435 despite a fourfold population increase.
• Prevent regional disparities by avoiding disproportionate representation shifts that could weaken smaller States.
• Ensure long-term stability by considering that India’s population is expected to peak at 165-170 crore in the next three decades before declining.

Conclusion

• Delimitation must balance democratic representation and federal integrity.
• Fixing Lok Sabha seats at 543 while adjusting State assemblies ensures fairness, prevents regional disparities, and upholds India’s diverse and evolving political landscape.

3. Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill

Context

● Lok Sabha passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill and the Coastal Shipping Bill to strengthen aviation leasing and boost maritime trade.

 

Analysis of the news:

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill: Strengthening Aviation Finance

• The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill aims to safeguard international lessors and financiers from prolonged legal disputes, making India a more attractive destination for aircraft leasing.
• This reform is expected to reduce airfares by lowering leasing costs for airlines.
• Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu highlighted that the bill aligns India with global aviation financing norms, ensuring quicker repossession of aircraft by lessors in case of defaults.
• The move comes in response to past legal conflicts, such as those involving SpiceJet (2015), Jet Airways (2019), and Go Air (2023), where lessors struggled to reclaim aircraft.
• The 2023 case notably led to India’s downgrade in the Cape Town Convention compliance index, increasing insurance premiums for Indian airlines.
• The bill aims to restore investor confidence, making aircraft leasing more cost-effective and supporting India’s growing aviation sector, which has 1,700 new planes on order.

Concerns Raised by MPs

• While the bill received bipartisan support, members expressed concerns over its overriding effect on existing laws, fearing legal challenges.
• Some MPs urged the government to set a clear timeline for implementing the rules.
• Additionally, the issue of high airfares was raised, with calls for new airports, new flight routes, and operationalizing dormant ones.

Coastal Shipping Bill: Boosting Maritime Trade

• The Coastal Shipping Bill seeks to regulate trade within Indian coastal waters, aiming to increase freight movement via shipping.
• Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the need to expand coastal shipping, which currently accounts for just 5% of total freight movement, compared to 40% in the EU.

This bill is expected to:

• Reduce logistics costs, making trade more competitive.
• Lower pollution and road congestion, as roadways (66%) and railways (31%) dominate freight transport.
• Generate employment and income, boosting India’s maritime economy.

With 11,098 km of coastline, India has significant untapped potential in coastal shipping. The legislation aims to create a trade-friendly regulatory framework, making shipping a viable alternative to road and rail transport.

4. SC reaffirmed the fundamental right to free speech

Context

● The Supreme Court reaffirmed the fundamental right to free speech, ruling that poetry, theatre, and satire cannot be criminalized under unreasonable restrictions.

 

Fundamental Right to Free Expression

• The Supreme Court ruled that free speech through poetry, theatre, stand-up comedy, and satire must be protected.
• A criminal case against a public figure was quashed, which accused him of inciting discord through a poem.

Court’s Stand on Reasonable Restrictions

• The Court emphasized that restrictions on free speech must remain reasonable and should not be oppressive.
• Authorities must ensure that such restrictions do not overshadow the fundamental right to free speech.

Role of Free Speech in Society

• Free speech is essential for a healthy and civilised society.
• A person’s views cannot be silenced just because they are disliked by the majority.
• Law enforcement must adopt a strong and balanced approach instead of reacting to every hostile viewpoint as a threat.

Criticism of Misuse of Law

• The judgment stated that the State and police should not misuse their power to target individuals for their opinions.
• Authorities should not act on behalf of those who feel insecure and view criticism as a threat to their position.

Concerns Over Stifling Art and Poetry

• The Supreme Court noted a growing tendency to suppress artistic and poetic expression.
• The poem in question was seen as promoting non-violence, aligning with historical figures advocating peaceful resistance.

5. SC Limits Arrest Powers of Tax Officials

Context

● The Supreme Court restricted the arrest powers of tax officials under the Customs Act and CGST Act, ensuring they follow CrPC safeguards.

 

Analysis of the news:

SC’s Ruling on Arrest Powers

• In Radhika Agarwal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that officials under the Customs Act, 1962, and CGST Act, 2017, exercise powers similar to the police and must be bound by the same procedural safeguards as per the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
• This decision aligns with the court’s broader attempt to restrict the unchecked arrest powers of enforcement agencies, as seen in the Arvind Kejriwal v. Directorate of Enforcement (2025) case concerning the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

Ensuring Due Process in Arrests

The SC emphasized that while tax officials are not police officers, they possess investigative and arrest powers. Thus, their actions must follow CrPC safeguards, including:

• Presenting the accused before a magistrate within 24 hours.
• Informing family members or friends of the arrest.
• Allowing the presence of a lawyer during interrogation.

The ruling ensures that tax officials cannot misuse their powers beyond those granted to regular police officers.

Conditions for Arrest Under Customs & CGST Acts

Under Section 104(4) of the Customs Act, certain offences (e.g., evading duty over ₹50 lakh) are cognizable, allowing arrest without a warrant. The CGST Act, 2017, has similar provisions. The SC ruled that even in these cases, officials must:

1. Possess material evidence justifying the arrest.
2. Clearly record their “reasons to believe” in writing.
3. Provide the grounds for arrest to the accused to facilitate legal defense.

These conditions, initially set in Kejriwal v. ED, have now been extended to tax law enforcement.

Preventing Misuse of Arrest Powers

The SC acknowledged concerns about tax officials coercing businesses into paying overdue taxes under the threat of arrest. It ruled that such coercion is illegal and:

• Victims can seek refunds for tax payments made under duress.
• Disciplinary action will be taken against erring officials.
• The CBIC must issue guidelines to prevent arbitrary arrests.

Conclusion

• The ruling curbs arbitrary arrests under tax laws while maintaining officials’ powers.
• By enforcing CrPC safeguards, the SC aims to protect individuals from coercion and uphold the rule of law.

6. AI in judiciary

Context

● Justice B.R. Gavai expressed concerns about using AI to predict court verdicts, questioning its ability to understand legal complexities.

 

Analysis of the news:

• He emphasized that AI lacks human emotions, moral reasoning, and ethical considerations, which are crucial for justice.
• Speaking at a conference in Nairobi, he stressed that AI should be used only as an aid and not replace human judgment.
• Justice Gavai highlighted that justice requires empathy and contextual understanding, which AI algorithms cannot replicate.
• He warned of risks in using AI for legal research, citing cases where platforms like ChatGPT generated fake case citations.
• The judges urged a cautious approach to integrating AI into the judiciary to avoid potential errors and ethical concerns.

Artificial Intelligence and Judiciary

How Artificial Intelligence Can Help the Judiciary ●  Faster Legal Research – AI can quickly analyze legal precedents, case laws, and judgments, reducing research time. ● Case Management – AI-powered tools can assist in scheduling, tracking cases, and improving efficiency in court administration. ● Predictive Analysis – AI can assess past judgments and provide insights into possible legal outcomes. ● Language Translation – AI can aid in translating legal documents into multiple languages for better accessibility. ● Reducing Judicial Backlog – Automated documentation and analysis can help clear pending cases faster. ● Improved Legal Assistance – AI chatbots can provide legal guidance to litigants, reducing dependency on lawyers. ● Enhancing Transparency – AI tools can ensure fairness by detecting biases in legal judgments. Challenges Associated with AI in the Judiciary ● Lack of Human Judgment – AI lacks ethical reasoning, empathy, and moral considerations necessary for justice. ● Data Privacy Concerns – AI systems handling legal data may pose risks of leaks or misuse. ● Algorithmic Bias – AI may develop biases based on skewed training data, leading to unfair judgments. ● Risk of Fake Information – AI tools have been known to generate false case citations or misleading legal facts. ● Lack of Accountability – AI decisions lack clear responsibility, making it difficult to address legal errors. ● Technological Dependence – Over-reliance on AI may reduce human expertise in legal reasoning. ● High Implementation Costs – Deploying AI in courts requires substantial investment in infrastructure and training.

 

7. Income Tax Bill, 2025

Context

● The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, has sparked concerns over privacy as it empowers tax authorities to override digital access controls like passwords on phones, emails, and social media platforms during search and seizure operations. ● This marks a significant shift in the scope of government powers over private digital data.

 

Analysis of the news:

Expanded Powers Over Digital Access

• While the existing Income-tax Act already allows tax authorities to search premises and seize electronic records, the new bill broadens this by authorizing officials to bypass access controls on digital environments.
• This includes social media accounts, email servers, cloud storage, and even encrypted communication platforms like WhatsApp.
• The bill explicitly allows the government to use password-breaking software or seek assistance from service providers to bypass login credentials.

Legal and Privacy Implications

• Privacy advocates argue that this change creates a legal loophole, as the existing Digital Personal Data Protection Act exempts tax authorities from privacy protections.
• Critics fear that the bill could lead to harassment, excessive government oversight, and misuse of personal data without proper legal safeguards.
• Legal experts point out that the bill represents a notable departure from the current Income-tax Act, which did not cover such extensive digital domains.

Expert and Stakeholder Reactions

• Legal and tax experts have voiced concern over the potential for misuse of power and lack of clarity on safeguards.
• The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has urged the Select Committee of Parliament to incorporate the proportionality principle, ensuring that digital searches are conducted using the least invasive methods, as per the Supreme Court’s 2017 right to privacy judgment.
• Without clear protections, the bill risks facilitating unchecked surveillance and infringing on constitutional privacy rights.

Conclusion

• The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, significantly expands the government’s powers over digital search and seizure, raising critical privacy and legal concerns.
• Stakeholders have called for stronger safeguards to balance enforcement powers with individual privacy rights.

8. Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Context

● The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to streamline immigration and foreigners’ regulations, despite opposition concerns over constitutional violations and lack of appeal mechanisms. ● The bill aims to consolidate and simplify existing laws while giving the government greater authority to regulate the movement and stay of foreigners.

 

Analysis of the news:

Objective and Scope

• The bill seeks to provide the Central Government with powers to regulate:
  • Requirement of passports or other travel documents for entry and exit.
  • Visa and registration requirements for foreigners.
  • Oversight of foreigners’ activities through institutions like hospitals and universities.
• It aims to replace outdated pre-Constitution laws, including:
  • Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
  • Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
  • Foreigners Act, 1946
  • Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

Government’s Justification

• Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai argued that:
  • The bill ensures national security and sovereignty.
  • Reporting of foreign nationals by hospitals and medical institutions is already mandated under an existing order; the bill brings it under formal legislation.
  • It will eliminate overlaps and contradictions in the existing legal framework.

Opposition’s Concerns

• Violation of Fundamental Rights – the bill violates multiple constitutional rights and lacks an appeal mechanism against immigration officer decisions.
• Impact on Talent Inflow – the bill might restrict the inflow of global talent in fields like academics and medical science.
• Superfluous Nature – Existing laws have so far regulated immigration effectively, making the bill redundant.
• Lack of Safeguards – Concerns about potential misuse of discretionary powers and the absence of a grievance redressal mechanism.

Potential Impact

• Positive Impact – Greater clarity and efficiency in handling immigration and foreigner registration issues.
• Negative Impact – Possible misuse of discretionary powers, affecting the rights of foreign nationals and Indian citizens interacting with them.

Conclusion

• The bill seeks to modernize and consolidate existing immigration laws but raises critical concerns over privacy, human rights, and administrative overreach.
• Addressing these issues through parliamentary scrutiny and incorporating safeguards will be key to ensuring a balanced and effective law.

9. Why are electoral reforms necessary?

Context

● The Election Commission (EC) has invited political parties to discuss ways to strengthen the election process. ● This follows concerns regarding electoral roll manipulation during recent assembly elections and duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers in multiple States.

 

Issues in the Voting and Counting Process

• Paper Ballot Demand: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) sought a return to paper ballots, but the Supreme Court dismissed this in April 2024.
• 100% VVPAT-EVM Matching: A demand for full VVPAT verification was rejected, but the Supreme Court allowed burnt memory verification of 5% of EVMs in suspicious cases.
• Electoral Roll Manipulation Allegations: Opposition parties claim fake voters were added in recent assembly elections.
• Duplicate EPIC Numbers: Some voters in different States share the same EPIC number, likely due to past decentralization before the ERONET platform.

Legal Provisions Governing Elections

●  Article 324 of the Constitution: The EC has the authority over the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections for Parliament and State legislatures. ● Representation of the People Act, 1950: Governs the preparation of electoral rolls and the registration process. ● Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Lays down procedures for managing electoral rolls. Evolution of the Voting Process ● 1952 and 1957 Elections: Each candidate had a separate ballot box, and voters dropped a blank ballot paper into their preferred candidate’s box. ● 1962 Election: Ballot papers included names and symbols of candidates for the first time. ● 2004 Onwards: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been used in all constituencies. ● 2019 Onwards: EVMs have been backed by 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips for verification.

 

Issues in the Election Campaign Process

• Inappropriate Campaigning: Some political leaders use abusive language, appeal to caste or communal identities, and make false claims.
• Excessive Election Spending: Candidates exceed legal spending limits, and there is no cap on political party spending. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw an estimated ₹1,00,000 crore in spending.
• Criminalization of Politics: In 2024, 46% (251 MPs out of 543) had criminal cases, with 31% (170 MPs) facing serious charges like murder and kidnapping.

Proposed Reforms in the Election Process

• EVM and VVPAT Improvements
  • Sample size for EVM-VVPAT matching should be scientifically determined at the regional level.
  • If any mismatch is found, all VVPAT slips for that region should be counted.
  • ‘Totaliser’ machines should be introduced to aggregate votes across multiple EVMs before revealing individual candidate counts.
• Addressing Electoral Roll Issues
  • Linking Aadhaar with EPIC numbers can be considered after privacy concerns are addressed.
  • The EC should eliminate duplicate voter IDs across States.

Proposed Reforms in the Election Campaign Process

• Regulating Star Campaigners
  • The EC should have the power to revoke a leader’s ‘Star Campaigner’ status if they violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
  • Political parties should face strict penalties under Paragraph 16A of the Symbols Order for repeated violations.
• Controlling Election Expenditure
  • The law should ensure that financial aid given by a political party to a candidate is counted within the candidate’s spending limit.
  • A ceiling should be placed on overall political party expenditure.
• Tackling Criminalization of Politics
  • Candidates and parties must publicly disclose criminal records at least three times before elections through widely circulated newspapers and electronic media.

Conclusion

• Free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
• Meaningful discussions between the EC and political parties are essential to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

PYQ: In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018)

10. SC to examine petition on CAG appointment

Context

● The Supreme Court will review a plea questioning the Centre’s exclusive authority in appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

 

Process for Appointment of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India

• Authority of Appointment: The CAG is appointed by the President of India under Article 148 of the Constitution.
• Sole Discretion of Executive: The appointment is made solely by the Central Government without any consultation with other institutions.
• Eligibility Criteria: There are no specific qualifications mentioned in the Constitution, but typically, senior bureaucrats from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) are considered.
• Term and Removal:
  • The CAG serves for six years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Removal is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, requiring a special majority in Parliament on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity.
• Oath of Office: Administered by the President before assuming office.
• Independence and Role: Acts as an independent auditor for the financial accountability of the government.

11. Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill

Context

● The Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill to curb student suicides and regulate the functioning of coaching centres.

 

Analysis of the news:

Objective and Purpose

• The Bill aims to address the increasing commercialization of coaching institutes and create a supportive environment for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, IIT-JEE, and CLAT.
• By setting operational guidelines and penalties, the government seeks to reduce student stress and improve overall well-being.

Need for Regulation

• Over the past two decades, Rajasthan has seen an unchecked rise in coaching centres.
• Many of these institutes operate without regulation, making misleading promises of guaranteed success.
• This creates a high-pressure environment, leading to disillusionment and mental distress among students. In extreme cases, this stress has resulted in student suicides.
• The Bill aims to protect students’ interests, provide psychological support, and establish a structured framework for coaching centres.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Mandatory Registration: All coaching centres must register within three months of the Bill’s enactment.
• Qualification of Tutors: Tutors must have at least a graduate degree and a clean legal record.
• Operational Standards:

• Minimum one square meter per student.
• Fire safety, first aid, and medical facilities required.
• Website with details on tutors, courses, fees, and success rates.

• Student Well-Being:

• Weekly off and reasonable class hours (max 5 hours/day).
• Timely completion of courses and remedial classes.
• Mechanism for mental health support and stress management.

• Fee Regulation:

• Pro-rata refund of fees if a student leaves midway.
• No fee increase during an ongoing course.

Penalties and Enforcement

• First Violation: ₹2 lakh fine.
• Second Violation: ₹5 lakh fine.
• Subsequent Violations: Cancellation of registration.

The Bill establishes a State and District-level Authority with civil court powers to monitor and enforce compliance. The state’s higher education secretary and district collectors will lead the authorities, supported by police, psychiatrists, coaching centre representatives, and parents.

Challenges and Omissions

• The Bill dropped the 16-year age limit for enrollment, which was initially included in line with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines.
• Ensuring uniform implementation and monitoring across districts could be a challenge.
• Coaching centres may resist transparency measures and fee regulations.

Conclusion

• The Bill is a comprehensive attempt to regulate the coaching industry, protect students’ mental health, and promote a balanced learning environment.
• Its success will depend on strict enforcement and cooperation from coaching centres.

12.How do habitual offender laws discriminate?

Context

●  The Supreme Court of India has questioned the legality of “habitual offender” laws, calling them “constitutionally suspect.” ● It noted that these laws have been used to target denotified tribes.

 

Current Status of Habitual Offender Laws in India

• As of March 11, 2025, the Government of India revealed that such laws are still in force in 14 States and Union Territories.
• Some States, like Punjab, have stopped using them, while others, like Haryana, have repealed them.
• Gujarat has defended the law, arguing that its intent is not to harass people.
• Some States, like Goa, claim they do not misuse the law because they do not have denotified tribes.

Historical Background

• The classification of communities as “criminal” began in 1793.
• The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 labeled certain tribes as “criminal,” leading to widespread discrimination.
• The Act was repealed in 1952, and affected communities were reclassified as denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes.
• Despite this, various States introduced “habitual offender” laws, focusing on individuals instead of entire communities.

Definition and Application

• A “habitual offender” is defined based on past criminal convictions.
• The law has been used to justify additional restrictions on individuals, including in jail manuals.
• Certain crimes, such as “belonging to a gang of dacoits” or “living on the earnings of prostitution,” have been included under these laws.

Concerns and Calls for Repeal

• Rights groups and commissions have criticized these laws for reinforcing discrimination.
• In 1998, a custodial death in West Bengal led to national outrage and calls for repeal.
• A UN committee in 2007 recommended the repeal of these laws.
• In 2014, a government committee noted that the “habitual offender” label continues the stigma of past criminal tribe laws.

State-Level Responses

• Punjab and Odisha have stopped using the law in the past five years.
• Andhra Pradesh has confirmed that no one in its jails is imprisoned under this law.
• Uttar Pradesh argues that similar provisions exist under the Goondas Act.
• Delhi has the highest proportion of “habitual offenders” in prisons at 21.5%.

Conclusion

• Despite Supreme Court concerns, some States defend the law, while others have discontinued its use.
• The government continues to discuss the issue with States, with no nationwide decision on repeal yet.

13. RTI Act, 2005

Context

● Over 30 civil society organizations have urged the Union government to refrain from weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

 

Analysis of the news:

• The concern arises from an amendment passed in 2023 that limits the disclosure of government-held information.
• The amendment modifies Section 8(1)(j), which currently allows authorities to deny personal information but provides an exception for cases of public interest.
• The 2023 amendment removes this public interest provision, making it harder to access crucial government-related data.
• This change was enacted through the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
• Since the DPDP Act is yet to be fully enforced, activists demand that the 2025 DPDP Rules should not notify this amendment and that Parliament must reverse it.

How RTI Has Been Weakened in Recent Times?

Challenges: ●  The 2019 Amendment gave the government power to fix the tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, reducing their independence. ● Many key RTI posts remain vacant, leading to delays in responding to requests. ● The 2023 amendment to Section 8(1)(j) now allows officials to deny public interest disclosures on the grounds of personal data protection. ● Increasing misuse of national security and confidentiality clauses has led to rising RTI rejections. ● Reports show that RTI applicants and whistleblowers face harassment, discouraging people from using the law. ●  Many states lack digital RTI platforms, making it harder for citizens to file requests and access government-held information. Way Forward: ●  Reverse the 2023 amendment to restore public interest disclosures under Section 8(1)(j). ● Strengthen the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) by ensuring timely appointments and greater independence. ● Increase funding and resources for RTI implementation to prevent delays and backlogs. ● Implement digital platforms for RTI applications in all states to ensure easier access to information. ● Enforce strict penalties for wrongful RTI rejections and protect whistleblowers from threats or harm. ● Ensure greater public awareness and participation in the RTI process to reinforce transparency and accountability in governance.

 

14. NIRF ranking

Context

● The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court restrained the Education Ministry and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the NIRF ranking for 2025. ● The order was issued while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by C. Chellamuthu from Tamil Nadu.

 

Petitioner’s Claims

• The petitioner argued that NIRF rankings lack transparency and are misleading students.
• Institutions self-upload data on parameters like faculty strength, salaries, placements, and research funds without independent verification.
• In contrast, NAAC accreditation follows a rigorous audit process by expert committees.

Key Concerns Raised

• The petitioner requested that NIRF rankings be based on verified government records and that the calculation method be disclosed.
• The court has restrained publication of NIRF 2025 rankings until further review.

 

NIRF Rankings

Importance of NIRF Rankings ●  Benchmark for Higher Education: Helps students and parents evaluate institutions based on standardized criteria. ● Enhances Competitiveness: Encourages institutions to improve quality in teaching, research, and infrastructure. ● Policy and Funding Decisions: Influences government funding and policy formulation for higher education. ● International Recognition: Improves India’s standing in global education rankings. Challenges Associated ● Data Authenticity Issues: Institutions self-upload data without third-party verification. ● Lack of Field Audits: No on-ground evaluation like NAAC, leading to potential data manipulation. ● Overemphasis on Research: Focus on publications and citations may disadvantage teaching-oriented institutions. ● Limited Inclusion of Skill-based Learning: Does not adequately assess practical learning and industry readiness. Ways to Improve NIRF Rankings ● Third-party verification of submitted data for accuracy. ● Periodic on-site audits for comprehensive evaluation. ● Inclusion of industry partnerships and employability metrics. ● Transparent ranking methodology with clear weightage criteria.

 

15. X Challenges Government’s Use of IT Act

Context

●   Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) has contested the Indian government’s application of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, arguing that it bypasses the procedural safeguards outlined in Section 69A, which specifically governs content blocking. ● The legal battle, currently before the Karnataka High Court, raises significant concerns about free speech, intermediary liability, and content moderation in India.

 

Analysis of the news:

Shreya Singhal & Section 69A: The Precedent

• In the landmark Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) case, the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for being “unconstitutionally vague” and for granting excessive power to restrict free speech.
• Post this ruling, Section 69A became the primary legal framework for content moderation, allowing the government to block online information under specific conditions outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution, such as threats to sovereignty, public order, or morality.
• Crucially, blocking orders under Section 69A must include reasons, enabling judicial review.

Government’s Use of Section 79(3)(b)

• The Supreme Court, in Shreya Singhal, also clarified Section 79, which provides a “safe harbour” for intermediaries like X, shielding them from liability for user-generated content.
• However, Section 79(3)(b) holds intermediaries liable if they fail to remove unlawful content after receiving actual knowledge via a court order or a government notification under Article 19(2) grounds.
• Despite this, in October 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a directive allowing blocking orders under Section 79(3)(b).
• In October 2024, MeitY launched the “Sahyog” portal, enabling government authorities to issue and upload such orders.

X’s Legal Challenge

• X argues that MeitY’s move creates an unlawful blocking regime without the procedural protections of Section 69A.
• The company claims Section 79 was never intended to be a blocking mechanism, but merely a liability shield for intermediaries.
• X asserts that any content takedown must follow either the Section 69A process or a court order.
• On March 17, X sought an interim order from the Karnataka High Court against coercive action but was denied by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who left the door open for future legal intervention.

The Grok Controversy & AI Liability

• X’s legal battle coincides with controversy surrounding its AI chatbot, Grok 3, which has drawn government attention for its use of Hindi slang and critical responses.
• While no official notice has been issued, this raises a new legal question: Is X liable for AI-generated content under safe harbour laws?
• Courts may now have to determine whether AI-generated responses fall under third-party content, a crucial issue in the evolving landscape of digital regulation.

Conclusion

• X’s challenge raises critical questions about free speech, government overreach, and intermediary liability in India’s digital space.
• The case’s outcome will shape the future of content moderation, AI regulation, and platform accountability, setting a precedent for balancing state control and digital freedoms.

16. Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act

Context

● Karnataka Assembly passed a Bill granting 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts and approved a salary hike for legislators amid Opposition protests.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                                                                                                          4% Reservation for Muslims in Public Contracts

• The Karnataka Assembly passed a bill granting 4% reservation for Muslims in civil works contracts valued up to ₹2 crore and procurement contracts up to ₹1 crore.
• This amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act extends benefits to Category 2B of OBCs (Muslims), in addition to existing reservations for SCs/STs (24%) and OBCs (19%).
• The government justified the move as a step toward tackling unemployment among backward classes.
• However, the opposition BJP and JD(S) have challenged the bill’s constitutional validity, alleging it promotes polarization and have petitioned the Governor to revoke it.

Salary Hike for Ministers and Legislators

• The Assembly also passed two bills increasing the salaries and allowances of ministers and legislators.
• The Chief Minister’s salary doubled from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while ministers’ salaries increased from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh.
• MLAs and MLCs will now receive ₹80,000 per month instead of ₹40,000.
• The estimated additional expenditure is ₹62 crore annually.
• The government justified the hike, citing rising living costs and the need to provide adequate compensation to legislators.

17. The need for a localised urban agenda

Context

● India is expected to have the largest urban population in the world in the coming years. ● The Central government has led urban development through various key initiatives.

 

The Role of the Central Government

• Urban development is a State subject, but the Centre has influenced urbanization through various centrally sponsored schemes.
• Housing and welfare programs, such as housing schemes and essential services initiatives, have significantly shaped city development.
• Infrastructure and mobility projects, especially metro rail, have been prioritized, consuming a large share of the budget.
• However, these centrally driven missions often take a top-down approach, leaving States with limited flexibility.

Why Does the Centre Control Urban Finances?

• Cities are seen as economic growth engines, making them crucial for national development.
• Infrastructure is considered essential for increasing India’s competitiveness and achieving economic goals.
• Budgetary transfers from the Centre, even when given as grants, come with conditions, limiting the autonomy of city governments.
• Successive finance commissions have imposed requirements, such as increasing property tax collection, to shape urban financial structures.

The Need for a Decentralized Approach

• Different States and regions experience urbanization differently due to factors like migration, economic activity, and demographics.
• A uniform approach does not work because cities have unique needs—some require better housing, while others may need improved sanitation or water supply.
• Current policies often impose solutions that do not align with local priorities.

Proposed Financial Devolution Model

• Around 70% of the Union Budget should be directly transferred to States and city governments, with only 30% allocated for national priorities.
• Cities should have the authority to decide their own spending priorities in key areas such as mobility, sanitation, housing, and water.
• This approach would prevent inefficient spending and ensure funds are used where they are needed most.

The Importance of Local Governance in Urban Development

• National governments should focus on broader policy areas, while local governments should handle urban management.
• Centrally controlled missions often fail to address the real needs of citizens, leading to unused funds or poorly planned infrastructure.
• Strengthening city governments can create a stronger link between the government and the people, improving tax collection and conflict resolution.

Conclusion

• A fundamental shift is needed in how urban development is planned and funded.
• Decentralization can help address the challenges of rapid urbanization while maintaining India’s diverse urban landscape.
• Empowering city governments will lead to better urban planning, improved infrastructure, and a more sustainable future for India’s cities.

PYQ: With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’ (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016)

 

18. Judicial Accountability in Focus

Context

●  Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has initiated a three-member in-house inquiry into allegations against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of currency notes at his residence after a fire incident. ● This internal judicial probe, distinct from the impeachment process, will be conducted by three senior High Court judges.

 

Analysis of the news:                                

Process of Judge Removal

• The impeachment of a High Court or Supreme Court judge is governed by Article 124(4) and Article 218 of the Constitution.
• A judge can be removed by Parliament on grounds of “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” through a motion that requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses.
• Once approved, the President issues the final removal order. However, parliamentary dissolution can halt the process.

Need for an In-House Procedure

• Judicial accountability gaps became evident in 1995 when financial misconduct allegations surfaced against Bombay HC Chief Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee.
• The Supreme Court, in Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee, highlighted the absence of mechanisms to address “bad conduct inconsistent with judicial office” that does not meet the high threshold of impeachment.
• To bridge this gap, in 1997, a five-member committee formulated an in-house procedure for handling complaints against judges.
• It was officially adopted in 1999 to uphold judicial ethics without resorting to impeachment.

Revisions in 2014: Seven-Step Process

Following a sexual harassment complaint against a sitting judge in 2014, the Supreme Court outlined a seven-step in-house procedure in ADJ ‘X’ v. Registrar General, HC of Madhya Pradesh:

• Complaints can be received by the CJI, Chief Justice of an HC, or the President.
• If deemed serious, the CJI may seek a preliminary report from the concerned HC Chief Justice.
• If a deeper probe is warranted, a three-member inquiry committee (two HC Chief Justices, one HC judge) is constituted.
• The inquiry follows natural justice principles, allowing the accused judge to respond.
• The committee submits a report to the CJI, stating whether misconduct occurred and its severity.
• If misconduct is minor, the CJI may advise the judge. If serious, the CJI may recommend resignation or voluntary retirement.

If the judge refuses to resign, the CJI informs the President and Prime Minister, initiating formal removal proceedings.

Current Status of Justice Varma’s Case

• CJI Khanna has already instructed the Delhi HC Chief Justice not to assign judicial work to Justice Varma, signaling a serious investigation.
• If the inquiry finds substantial evidence of misconduct, further actions including impeachment may follow.

Conclusion

• This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to internal accountability while maintaining constitutional integrity.
• The outcome will influence future judicial oversight mechanisms and reinforce public trust in the judicial system.

PYQ: Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? (2024)

 

19. Kerala State Private Universities Bill, 2025

Context

●  Kerala Assembly passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, allowing private universities in the state for the first time.

 

Analysis of the news:

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Government Nominees in University Bodies
  • The bill mandates government representation in key university councils—governing, executive, and academic.
  • The governing council will have three government representatives out of 12 members.
  • The executive council and academic council will also include government nominees in decision-making processes.
• Multi-Campus Universities and Reservations
  • Private universities can establish multiple campuses within Kerala.
  • 40% of seats in each course must be reserved for permanent residents of Kerala, with further SC/ST/OBC reservations within this quota.
• Students’ Council
  • A students’ council headed by the Pro Vice Chancellor will include 10 elected student members, ensuring representation for SC/ST and female students.
• Regulatory Oversight
  • A government regulatory body will oversee private universities, focusing on teaching, research, and development.

Comparison with Other States

• Kerala was the only state without private universities, making this a significant policy shift.
• States like Gujarat (65 private universities), Rajasthan (53), and Madhya Pradesh (53) already have extensive private higher education systems.
• Some states (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat) have overarching legislation regulating private universities, while others (Karnataka) enact separate laws for each university.
• Government control varies: Tamil Nadu mandates 35% seat reservation for state students, while Kerala’s bill stipulates 40%.

Reasons Behind the Decision

• Recommendation of the Shyam Menon Commission (2022), which emphasized making Kerala a higher education hub.
• Kerala has more private than government institutions, but many are substandard, leading students to seek education outside the state or abroad.
• Addressing brain drain and reducing dependency on foreign education were key motivators.

Shift in Left’s Stance on Private Education

• The CPI(M) historically opposed private institutions, citing concerns over commercialization and weakening public universities.
• Previously opposed private polytechnics (1980s), self-financing medical and engineering colleges (2000s), and college autonomy (2014).
• The government argues this move does not privatize education indiscriminately but aims to balance private investment while strengthening public universities.

Challenges and Criticism

• The Opposition (UDF) supports private universities but criticizes the bill for not addressing brain drain and vacant seats in existing colleges.
• Concerns over government interference in university administration through nominee representation.
• Potential risks of commercialization and decline in affordable education if regulations are not strictly enforced.

Conclusion

• The passage of the Kerala State Private Universities Bill, 2025, marks a major policy shift in the state’s approach to higher education.
• While it aims to attract investment, improve education quality, and curb brain drain, its implementation and regulatory framework will determine its long-term success.

20. Judicial Transparency Under Scrutiny

Context

● The discovery of unaccounted cash at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma has reignited concerns about corruption in India’s higher judiciary. ● This incident has strengthened arguments for public disclosure of judges’ assets and liabilities, a move that is currently not mandatory and has been largely resisted by the judiciary.

 

Analysis of the news:

Supreme Court’s Stance on Asset Disclosure

• In 1997, the Supreme Court passed a resolution requiring judges to declare their assets to the Chief Justice, but not to the public.
• In 2009, a voluntary disclosure system was adopted, leading to some judges publishing their assets on the SC website.
• However, this effort has been inconsistent, with no updates since 2018, and the lack of public access to current judges’ declarations.
• Despite a 2019 SC ruling stating that judicial asset declarations are not “personal information,” transparency remains limited.

Lack of Transparency in High Courts

• The situation in High Courts is even more opaque. Out of 770 High Court judges, only 97 (less than 13%) have voluntarily disclosed their assets.
• Most High Courts have resisted public disclosures, with some even explicitly opposing the idea under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Efforts by journalists and activists to access such information through RTI applications have largely been unsuccessful, with courts citing legal exemptions.

Legislative Recommendations and Inaction

• In 2023, a parliamentary committee recommended legislation mandating judges’ asset disclosures, but no concrete steps have been taken to implement it.
• This lack of progress highlights the judiciary’s reluctance to be subjected to the same transparency norms that apply to other public officials.

Comparison with Other Public Servants

• Unlike judges, many public servants, including bureaucrats, ministers, and elected representatives, are required to disclose their assets.
• The RTI Act has played a key role in ensuring government officials declare their assets annually, often making them publicly accessible.
• Politicians must disclose their wealth while filing election nominations, with any discrepancies leading to disqualification.
• This contrast raises questions about why the judiciary remains an exception.

Conclusion

• The reluctance of the judiciary to embrace transparency undermines public trust in the legal system.
• Given the judiciary’s critical role in upholding democracy and justice, ensuring accountability through mandatory asset disclosure is essential.
• Without such reforms, concerns over corruption and lack of oversight in the judiciary will continue to persist.

21. SC Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape

Context

● The Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court ruling that downgraded attempted rape charges, criticizing its insensitivity and legal interpretation.

 

Analysis of the news:                                      

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape

• The Supreme Court (SC) has stayed an Allahabad High Court (HC) judgment that dismissed attempted rape charges against three accused, reducing their offense to a lesser charge under Section 354B of the IPC.
• The SC criticized the ruling for its lack of sensitivity, highlighting concerns over the interpretation of “preparation” versus “attempt” in criminal law.

Distinction Between ‘Preparation’ and ‘Attempt’

The legal debate hinges on whether the accused merely prepared to commit rape or had taken concrete steps toward committing the offense. According to established SC precedents, an attempt requires:

1. Intent to commit the crime.
2. Preparation to commit the crime.
3. A proximate act beyond mere preparation, moving toward actual commission.
   The Allahabad HC ruled that the accused had not crossed the threshold of preparation, citing old English legal precedents. However, the SC noted that such interpretations need a more sensitive and updated approach.

Judicial Standards and Past Rulings

• Indian courts have historically relied on outdated standards, including an 1836 English judgment requiring clear resistance from the victim to establish attempted rape.
• The Rajasthan HC (2024) and SC (2004) have previously reduced attempted rape charges based on this reasoning, raising concerns over the adequacy of legal protections for victims.

Conclusion

• By taking suo motu cognizance, the SC now has a chance to redefine the legal threshold for attempted rape in India.
• This case could set a precedent for ensuring that courts adopt a more survivor-centric and legally robust approach in sexual assault cases.

 

22. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

Context

● The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, has introduced changes that activists argue could restrict public access to information. ● A key point of contention is Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, which amends Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, potentially limiting the scope of information disclosure in the name of protecting privacy.

 

Analysis of the news:

About Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

• The DPDP Act is a legal framework introduced in India to safeguard the personal data of individuals and ensure that their data is shared only with their consent.
• It regulates the processing of digital personal data and outlines various provisions to protect individuals’ privacy in the digital age.
• Applicability:
  • It applies to the processing of digital personal data within the territory of India collected online or collected offline and later digitized.
  • It is also applicable to processing digital personal data outside the territory of India, if it involves providing goods or services to the data principals within the territory of India.
• Evolution:
  • The conceptual basis of the DPDP Act is the report of the Expert Committee set up under the chairmanship of Justice BN Srikrishna, which led to the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Act in 2019.
  • After several iterations and consultations, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was introduced and subsequently passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Changes in Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act

• Previously, Section 8(1)(j) allowed the disclosure of personal information if it was in the larger public interest.
• However, the DPDP Act now simplifies this clause to a blanket exemption for “information which relates to personal information,” removing the public interest justification.
• This significantly broadens the scope for denying access to information.

Concerns Raised by Activists

• Transparency at Risk: Activists argue that this amendment could block access to crucial data related to public servants, government actions, and decision-making processes.
• Weakened Accountability: Details such as the assets and liabilities of public officials, which are currently disclosed in the public interest, may no longer be accessible.
• Loss of Public Oversight: The original RTI Act provided a balance between privacy and public interest. The amendment removes this balance, reducing the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable.

Government’s Justification

• The government argues that the amendment aligns with the need to protect individuals’ privacy, particularly in the digital age.
• However, critics contend that it serves as a tool to curb transparency rather than genuinely safeguard privacy.

 

Governance

 1. PLI 2.0

Context

● The government is considering expanding the PLI scheme beyond incremental sales to include domestic value addition and exports to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

 

Analysis of the news:

Expanding Metrics Beyond Incremental Sales

• The government is considering linking PLI incentives to additional metrics such as domestic value addition and incremental exports instead of just incremental sales.
• This shift aims to deepen India’s manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains, and enhance global competitiveness.

What is the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)?

●  The PLI scheme was conceived to scale up domestic manufacturing capability, accompanied by higher import substitution and employment generation. ● Launched in March 2020, the scheme initially targeted three industries: Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing Electrical Component Manufacturing and Medical Devices. ●  Later, it was extended to 14 sectors. ● In the PLI scheme, Domestic and Foreign companies receive financial rewards for manufacturing in India, based on a percentage of their revenue over up to five years.

 

Challenges in Value Addition and Localization

• Despite the PLI scheme’s success in attracting OEMs and contract manufacturers, value addition remains low across key sectors.
• To increase domestic manufacturing capabilities, deeper integration of local suppliers and component manufacturers is necessary.
• Enhancing localization in electronics manufacturing is particularly crucial to reduce dependence on imports and improve India’s global competitiveness.

Need for Large-Scale Manufacturing and Exports

• A significant hurdle in achieving self-reliance is the lack of large-volume manufacturing, which is essential to lower costs through economies of scale.
• Since India’s domestic market size is relatively small in sectors like telecom and electronics, expanding exports is critical to sustain production at scale and integrate into global supply chains.

Role of Foreign OEMs in Strengthening Ecosystem

• One proposed strategy is to leverage foreign OEMs to accelerate India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
• These firms have well-established supply chains and greater bargaining power with semiconductor and technology vendors.
• Over time, Indian firms can move up the value chain, similar to how Japan, South Korea, and China successfully developed their industries.

Job Creation and Sectoral Performance

• The PLI scheme’s impact on job creation has been uneven. While mobile phones, food processing, and pharma have performed well, textiles and advanced chemical cells have lagged.
• Aligning incentives with domestic value addition and exports could enhance employment generation across sectors.

Way Forward

To maximize the impact of PLI 2.0, India must:

1. Encourage localization of component manufacturing to boost value addition.
2. Expand export-oriented production to achieve economies of scale.
3. Strategically engage foreign OEMs to integrate domestic firms into global supply chains.
4. Enhance R&D investments and logistics infrastructure to improve global competitiveness.

A structured approach in PLI 2.0 could make India a global manufacturing hub, reducing reliance on imports and driving long-term economic growth.

 2. Maharashtra Slum Act

Context

●  The Bombay High Court has initiated an unprecedented review of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971.

 

Analysis of the news:                           

First-of-its-Kind Legislative Review

• Unlike traditional judicial reviews that assess constitutional validity, this review—mandated by the Supreme Court—aims to identify gaps in the legislation affecting slum redevelopment.

Background and Issues Leading to Review

• The review stems from delays in slum redevelopment projects, violating slum-dwellers’ fundamental rights.
• In a 2003 Borivali project, Yash Developers failed to deliver for 18 years, prompting legal intervention.
• Despite repeated Bombay High Court rulings, delays persisted due to loopholes in the law and ineffective oversight by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
• The Supreme Court, recognizing these systemic failures, ordered a performance audit of the Act and a legislative review.

Key Issues Identified for Review

1. Land Identification as Slum: Possible builder influence compromises the independence of the decision-making process.
2. Slum Dwellers’ Identification: Disputes over eligibility lead to prolonged litigation.
3. Developer Selection: Developers manipulate slum dwellers’ cooperative societies to secure projects.
4. Land Allocation for Redevelopment & Sale: Developers prioritize saleable area, often at the expense of slum dwellers.
5. Transit Housing Obligations: Delays in providing transit accommodation force residents into unstable living conditions.
6. Lack of Independence of Authorities: Short tenures and regulatory capture weaken the Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s accountability.

Bombay HC’s Response and Future Proceedings

• On February 14, a special bench noted that Maharashtra is unique in providing free housing to encroachers.
• The court raised concerns over vertical slums, lack of open spaces, and mass housing policies.
• It has sought stakeholder input and will continue hearings on March 18, potentially shaping future slum redevelopment policies.

Conclusion

• The Bombay High Court’s review of the 1971 Maharashtra Slum Act marks a crucial step toward resolving systemic delays and inefficiencies in slum redevelopment.
• By addressing gaps in land identification, developer accountability, and transit housing, the review aims to ensure fair, transparent, and timely rehabilitation of slum dwellers while balancing urban development needs.
• The upcoming hearings will be pivotal in shaping future housing policies in Mumbai.

3. Govt. launches AI Kosha

Context

● The Union government has introduced AI Kosha, a platform for non-personal data to help develop AI models. ● It currently has 316 datasets, mainly for creating or validating language translation tools for Indian languages.

 

 

What is AI Kosha?

• AI Kosha is a government-launched platform that provides access to non-personal datasets for AI development.
• It is part of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to boost artificial intelligence research and innovation in India.
• The platform initially hosts 316 datasets, with most supporting language translation tools for Indian languages.
• It includes health data, census data, satellite imagery, and pollution data for research and development.
• AI Kosha helps start-ups, researchers, and industries by providing structured data for AI model training.
• It aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in AI development and strengthens computing resources with shared GPUs for AI projects.

Significance/Importance of AI Kosha

• Boosts AI Research: Provides essential datasets for training and improving AI models.
• Supports Indian Languages: Aids in developing translation tools for better accessibility.
• Empowers Start-ups: Offers data and computing resources to help new AI businesses grow.
• Enhances Government Data Use: Encourages efficient data sharing among researchers and industries.
• Strengthens India’s AI Ecosystem: Contributes to India’s global AI competitiveness.
• Improves Decision-Making: Helps in policy planning and development using AI insights.
• Encourages Collaboration: Bridges the gap between government, academia, and private firms for AI innovation.

 

4. What does NEP, 2020 state about languages?

Context

● Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the three-language policy under NEP 2020 reignites debates on language imposition, regional identity, and educational flexibility.

 

 

NEP 2020 on Language Instruction

• NEP 2020, which replaced the 1986 education policy, emphasizes the importance of mother tongue or regional languages in education.
• It states that, wherever possible, the medium of instruction in both public and private schools should be in the mother tongue, home language, or regional language until at least Grade 5, preferably till Grade 8 and beyond.
• Even after Grade 8, the local or home language should continue to be taught as a subject whenever possible.
• Research shows that children between the ages of two and eight learn best in their mother tongue, and multilingualism provides cognitive benefits.
• The policy encourages bilingualism, combining the mother tongue with English, to aid better comprehension and learning.

Implementation in Schools

• Some states have already implemented bilingual learning at the preschool level.
• For example, anganwadis in certain regions use textbooks with Hindi and English side by side, along with colorful imagery, to teach alphabets and numbers.

Findings of the AISES Survey on Language in Schools

• The eighth All India School Education Survey (AISES), conducted by a national institution, provides data on language instruction in schools.
• The survey found that the number of schools using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction has decreased over time.
• In 2002, about 07% of schools taught in the mother tongue at the primary stage, which dropped to 86.62% in 2009.
• The decline is noticeable in both urban and rural areas, highlighting a shift toward other languages in education.

Understanding the Three-Language Formula

• The three-language formula was first introduced in 1968, requiring Hindi-speaking states to learn Hindi, English, and a southern Indian language.
• Non-Hindi-speaking states were required to study Hindi, English, and their regional language.
• NEP 2020 modifies this formula, offering flexibility and ensuring that no language is imposed on any state.
• However, the policy encourages the study of Sanskrit and emphasizes classical languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit.

Steps to Promote Regional Languages

• NEP 2020 aims to make high-quality textbooks available in home languages to enhance learning.
• In 2024, digital books were released in 104 regional languages and dialects, including Bengali, Khandeshi, Tulu, Ladakhi, Pashto, Bhili, Dogri, Lahuli (Pattani), and Car Nicobarese.
• The responsibility of translating these materials into local languages is assigned to state-level education councils.
• Some states, such as Assam and Andhra Pradesh, have already introduced bilingual textbooks in science and mathematics, combining English with regional languages like Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, and Telugu.

Challenges in Implementation

• The three-language formula has faced implementation challenges in many states.
• For instance, some states attempted to introduce additional languages but later removed them due to a lack of qualified teachers.
• In certain regions, Tamil was once offered as a second language but was later discontinued due to the small number of Tamil-speaking students.
• Similarly, states like Himachal Pradesh have been unable to offer languages like Telugu and Tamil due to the absence of trained teachers.

Foreign Languages in NEP 2020

• NEP 2020 also promotes learning foreign languages such as Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian at the secondary school level.
• According to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), students must study two Indian languages until Class 10.
• In Classes 11 and 12, students have the option to study one Indian language and one foreign language to enhance their linguistic skills.

PYQ: National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020)

 

5. Railway Connectivity in Meghalaya

Context

● Indian Railways is set to shelve key railway projects in Meghalaya due to strong local opposition over concerns of migration and demographic changes.

 

Analysis of the news:

                                      

Status of Rail Connectivity in Meghalaya

• Meghalaya currently has only one operational railway station at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, which became functional in 2014.
• Apart from this, three railway projects were planned, but due to strong opposition, they have either stalled or are facing uncertainty.

Key Railway Projects and Their Status

1. Tetelia-Byrnihat Line: A 21.5 km railway line sanctioned in 2010 to connect Assam’s Tetelia with Byrnihat in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district. Work on the Assam side is complete, but opposition in Meghalaya has halted progress. The Indian Railways is now considering terminating the project at the Assam border.
2. Byrnihat-Shillong Line: Sanctioned in 2011, this 108.76 km project with 10 stations aimed to connect Meghalaya’s capital. However, resistance from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has kept it in limbo. Funds allocated for land acquisition remain unused, and the state has been asked to return them.
3. Chandranathpur-Jowai Line: Approved in 2023 to connect Assam’s Chandranathpur with Jowai in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, this project is still at the survey stage but already faces opposition from local groups.

Reasons for Opposition

• Fear of Influx: Khasi and Jaintia pressure groups worry that rail connectivity will lead to large-scale migration, threatening the indigenous population.
• Demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP): Protesters argue that without an ILP regime, regulating migration will be difficult, leading to demographic and cultural shifts.
• Security of Land & Identity: Groups fear that the economic and social fabric of the region could be altered without protective mechanisms.

Diverging Opinions on Railway Connectivity

• Supporters’ View: Many argue that railway connectivity would reduce transportation costs, boost local businesses, and make essential goods more affordable in Meghalaya, where road transport makes commodities expensive.
• Garo Hills’ Push for Expansion: Unlike the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, representatives from the Garo Hills are advocating for railway expansion, emphasizing economic benefits and improved logistics.

Government’s Stand

• While Meghalaya’s Chief Minister has assured that railway projects will move forward only with consensus, he has also highlighted their economic necessity.
• The future of rail connectivity in the state remains uncertain, with public sentiment divided between protecting indigenous identity and fostering economic growth.

Conclusion

• Balancing infrastructure development with local concerns is crucial for Meghalaya’s progress.
• While railway connectivity can boost the economy, addressing indigenous communities’ fears through safeguards like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is essential for consensus-driven development.

 

6. The flawed push for a third language

Context

● The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates a three-language policy in schools, raising concerns about feasibility, cognitive burden, and practicality. ● Evidence suggests that focusing on two languages—regional language and English—would be more effective given India’s existing learning challenges.

 

Introduction

• Evidence-based policymaking should rely on data, research, and analysis rather than ideology.
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates a three-language policy but lacks strong evidence to support its effectiveness.

Survey Findings on Language Learning in India

• International Ranking: India performed poorly in the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), ranking 73rd out of 74 countries. India has since withdrawn from PISA, unlike top-performing nations such as Singapore and South Korea.
• National Achievement Survey (NAS): In 2017, only 48% of Class 8 students could read a simple paragraph in their regional language, and 47% could write an essay. The 2021 survey showed slight improvements but still indicated weak learning outcomes.
• Annual Status of Education Report (ASER): In 2018, 27% of Class 8 students could not read a Class 2-level text in their regional language, and this worsened to 30.4% in 2022. English proficiency remained poor, with 53.3% of Class 8 students unable to read simple sentences.
• Lack of Third-Language Evaluation: No national survey assesses proficiency in a third language, raising doubts about its effectiveness.

Challenges in Learning a Third Language

• Cognitive Load: Research suggests that learning a third language while struggling with the first and second can cause mental fatigue, reducing overall learning efficiency.
• Language Similarity Issues: Students whose first language shares similarities with Hindi (such as Marathi or Punjabi) may find learning a third language easier, while others (such as Tamil or Mizo speakers) face additional learning burdens.
• Time Constraints: Practicing three languages reduces the time available for core subjects like math, science, and emerging technologies.

Implementation Difficulties in Schools

• Financial Constraints: Hiring teachers and developing materials for multiple languages is costly, particularly in rural schools.
• Limited Choices for Students: While NEP 2020 allows students to choose their third language, schools often cannot provide many options due to cost constraints. In non-Hindi-speaking States, this often leads to a preference for Hindi or Sanskrit, limiting true linguistic diversity.

Use of Modern Technology

• AI-powered translation tools can help students learn additional languages without the need for rigid classroom instruction.
• Instead of enforcing a third language, policymakers could integrate technology-based language learning solutions for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Lessons from Global Education Policies

• Successful Language Policies: Some countries have chosen a bilingual model instead of a multilingual one to balance economic growth with cultural preservation.
• Economic Impact of English Education: Countries that prioritize English education tend to perform better in higher education, science, and technology.

Challenges in Promoting a Single National Language

• Language Diversity in India: The 2011 Census states that Hindi speakers make up 43.63% of the population, but this figure includes multiple independent languages. Excluding them, true Hindi speakers are around 25%.
• Low Inter-State Migration: 95% of Indians remain within their home States, making regional languages more relevant than a single national language.
• Lessons from History: Countries that imposed a single national language faced resistance and divisions, while India’s multilingual flexibility has contributed to its unity.

Need for a Pragmatic Approach

• Prioritizing Foundational Literacy: Strengthening proficiency in two languages rather than struggling with three can improve learning outcomes.
• Adopting a Two-Language Policy: A focus on English for global competitiveness and regional languages for cultural preservation could be a more effective strategy.
• Policymakers should base decisions on research, economic needs, and educational success rather than cultural or ideological preferences.

Social Justice

 

1. Women’s political participation

Context

● A new study examines women’s increasing voter turnout in India. ●  It explores their political agency, influencing factors, and evolving electoral engagement patterns.

 

Paradox of Women’s Political Engagement

• India has had influential women leaders, yet overall political participation among women remains low.
• Unlike other countries where the gender gap in political participation narrowed in the 1990s, India saw this shift only in the 2010s.
• Women voters are often treated as a single group, ignoring differences in caste, class, religion, and region.

Rising Voter Turnout Among Women

• The voter turnout of women increased significantly in the 2010s, leading political parties to introduce women-focused welfare schemes.
• However, these schemes often frame women as passive beneficiaries rather than active political participants.
• Despite higher turnout, women’s political power remains limited, as their votes are often seen as influenced by welfare benefits rather than independent decision-making.

Beyond Voting: Political Engagement

• Voting is just one form of political participation; involvement in rallies, campaigns, and advocacy is also crucial.
• Women continue to lag behind men in deeper political engagement.
• Only 14% of women report seeking advice from their spouses before voting, showing some independence but still higher than men.

Impact of Caste, Class, and Region on Voting

• Women’s voting choices are shaped by regional, caste, and class factors, not just gender identity.
• In States with strong regional parties, women’s preferences align more with local political movements than national trends.
• The voting behavior of women from different socioeconomic backgrounds varies based on community interests rather than a shared gender perspective.

Women’s Support for Different Political Parties

• One national party has historically received more support from women than men, except in 2014, when its voter base declined.
• Another party has traditionally faced a gender disadvantage but has narrowed the gap in recent years.
• However, much of the increased support from women comes from welfare beneficiaries rather than broader political alignment.
• Region-specific trends show that women’s support for parties varies across different States.

Key Takeaways

• Women’s voter turnout has increased, but their overall political engagement remains lower than men’s.
• Women’s voting behavior is influenced by multiple factors, including caste, class, and regional politics.
• No distinct women’s voting constituency has emerged, as electoral choices remain shaped by broader socio-political factors.

2. The TB crisis and women

Context

● Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in India, with gender inequalities affecting women’s access to diagnosis, treatment, and social support. ● The government has set a target to eliminate TB by 2025, but financial barriers, stigma, and under-diagnosis hinder progress.

 

Challenges Faced by Women

• Women in India struggle with under-diagnosis and financial barriers while accessing TB treatment.
• They face social stigma and discrimination, making their journey to recovery difficult.
• Many women are abandoned by their families and lose their jobs after being diagnosed with TB.
• The burden of household responsibilities and lack of social support often prevents them from seeking timely treatment.

Impact of Gender Norms

• Gender differences affect access to TB-related services in both public and private healthcare sectors.
• Many women ignore symptoms or prioritize family needs over their own health.
• The mental and emotional toll of TB is severe, leading to isolation and depression.

TB Burden in India

• 27% of the world’s TB cases are from India.
• In 2022, 331,000 deaths occurred due to TB, with 23 deaths per 100,000 people.
• 5% of new cases and 13% of previously treated cases are drug-resistant.

Government Initiatives for TB Elimination

• India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global 2030 target.
• The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides ₹1,000 per month to TB patients during treatment.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan offers additional nutritional support through community contributions.

Need for Stronger Implementation

• NGOs urge better implementation of benefit schemes to ensure proper nutrition and medicines reach the poor.
• The government is working on engaging private sectors and raising awareness to eliminate TB effectively.

International Relations

1. US Halts Military Aid to Ukraine

Context

●  The United States has paused military aid to Ukraine following a televised confrontation between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Trump administration. ●  This move signals a shift in US foreign policy, with the White House emphasizing diplomatic solutions over continued military support.

 

Analysis of the news:

Significance of US Aid to Ukraine

• Since the onset of the Russian invasion, the US has been a primary supplier of military aid, contributing advanced weaponry, intelligence support, and logistical assistance.
• Key supplies include Javelin missiles, HIMARS rocket systems, NASAMS air defense systems, and essential provisions such as medical aid and winter gear.
• This aid has been crucial in sustaining Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.

Implications of the Aid Suspension

1. Military Setback for Ukraine – The halt in aid could weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities, making it more vulnerable to Russian advances, especially in critical battlefronts.
2. Increased Pressure to Negotiate – The move is seen as a strategic effort to coerce Ukraine into peace talks with Russia, aligning with Trump’s diplomatic priorities.
3. Strain on European Allies – While European nations contribute significantly to Ukraine’s war effort, their capacity to sustain aid at US levels is limited, potentially forcing a reassessment of their commitments.
4. Geopolitical Ramifications – Russia may exploit this development by intensifying its military offensive, sensing a strategic advantage. Additionally, it could prompt Ukraine to seek alternative alliances for continued military support.

Historical Precedent

• This is not the first instance of Trump leveraging aid to pressure Ukraine. In 2019, he temporarily blocked congressionally approved assistance, seeking political concessions from Zelenskyy.
• The current suspension follows a similar pattern, with broader geopolitical stakes.

Future Outlook

• While European nations may attempt to fill the aid gap, their military production capacities are already stretched.
• Russia, on the other hand, has strengthened its arms supply chains, drawing support from countries like North Korea and Belarus.
• The suspension of US aid may thus accelerate the war’s conclusion on terms unfavorable to Ukraine.

Conclusion

• The US decision to halt aid marks a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict, potentially reshaping the war’s trajectory.
• Whether this will force Ukraine to negotiate or further destabilize the region remains to be seen.

2. PKK

Context

● PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan called on Kurdish fighters to disarm, raising questions about the future of the decades-long conflict with Turkey.

 

Analysis of the news:                                  

The PKK Insurgency and Ocalan’s Call for Peace

• For over four decades, Turkey has battled an armed insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant group advocating for Kurdish rights.
• Recently, PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan called on Kurdish fighters to lay down their arms, but it remains uncertain how impactful his appeal will be or whether Turkey is offering concessions in return.

Who Are the PKK?

• The PKK began its insurgency in the 1980s, originally demanding an independent Kurdish state.
• It targeted Turkish military bases and police stations, leading to intense government crackdowns.
• The conflict later expanded to include bombings in major Turkish cities, causing civilian casualties.
• After Turkey captured Ocalan in 1999, he shifted the PKK’s ideology from full secession to advocating for Kurdish rights within Turkey.
• In recent years, Turkish military operations have significantly weakened the PKK’s presence, especially in southeastern Turkey.

Who Are the Kurds?

The Kurds, an ethnic group of around 40 million people, are spread across Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Despite their large population, they never received an independent state after World War I and have faced political repression across the region.

• In Iraq, Kurds enjoy semi-autonomous rule.
• In Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), influenced by PKK ideology, once helped defeat ISIS but now face uncertainty after Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

Past Peace Efforts and Their Collapse

• Since the 1990s, several attempts at ceasefires and peace talks have failed. A major peace process began in 2011 but collapsed in 2015, with both sides blaming each other.

Uncertain Future

• While Ocalan’s appeal for peace is significant, the long history of mistrust and past failures raises doubts about whether it will lead to a lasting resolution.
• The Turkish government’s response and PKK’s willingness to comply will determine the next chapter of this decades-long conflict.

3. India and Thailand Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership

Context

●        India and Thailand upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation in security, trade, and culture ahead of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                               

Upgrading Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok and announced the elevation of India-Thailand relations to a strategic partnership.
• Modi emphasized Thailand’s key role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, security, and cultural ties.
• A “strategic dialogue” between security agencies was also established, focusing on combating cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration. Thailand was commended for its assistance in repatriating Indian victims of cyber fraud.

Geopolitical Implications: Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Cooperation

• In an indirect reference to China’s assertive presence in the Indo-Pacific, Modi stressed the need for a free, open, and rules-based order, promoting development (vikaasvaad) over expansionism (vistaarvaad).
• He reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting mutual interests in regional peace and stability.

Key Agreements and Areas of Cooperation

During the visit, six agreements were signed, covering:

• Strategic partnership framework
• Digital technology collaboration
• Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat
• Cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
• Trade and investment promotion
• Enhancing ties between India’s Northeast and Thailand in tourism, culture, and education

Cultural and Historical Ties

• Modi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between India and Thailand, referencing the influence of Buddhism, the Ramayana (Ramakien in Thailand), and linguistic ties through Sanskrit and Pali.
• His visit included watching a Ramakien performance, symbolizing the historical bond between the two nations.

BIMSTEC Summit and Regional Cooperation

• Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit, joining leaders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
• A key focus will be the signing of an Agreement on Maritime Cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity and economic progress.
• The summit marks a step toward strengthening multilateral engagement in the Bay of Bengal region.

Conclusion

• India’s engagement with Thailand and BIMSTEC underscores its commitment to regional security, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.
• By upgrading ties to a strategic partnership, India is reinforcing its Act East Policy and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, positioning itself as a key player in regional stability.

4. A brief history of the Russia-Ukraine war

Context

U.S. President Donald Trump has changed America’s policy on the Ukraine war, leading to disagreements between the U.S. and Ukraine. A public dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mr. Trump occurred in the Oval Office, after which the U.S. paused all military aid.

 

How the War Began: A Brief History

• Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, expecting a quick victory.
• Western nations, including the U.S., initially believed Kyiv would fall quickly and vacated their embassies.
• Ukraine, with U.S.-supplied weapons, resisted, forcing the West to intervene.
• The U.S. imposed strict sanctions on Russia and provided military aid to Ukraine.
• By late 2022, Ukraine regained some territories, such as Kharkiv and Kherson.
• In response, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—and called for partial mobilization.
• Russia shifted economic focus to Asian markets, including China and India, to counter sanctions.

Current Status of the War

• By 2023, Russia gradually took control of Ukrainian territories, including Soledar in January and Bakhmut in May.
• In 2024, Russia advanced further, capturing Avdiivka in February, Krasnohorivka in September, and Vuhledar in October.
• Ukraine’s June 2023 counteroffensive failed, as Russia’s defenses remained strong.
• In August 2024, Ukraine briefly seized 1,000 sq. km in Russia’s Kursk region but failed to stop Russia’s advances in the east.
• By early 2025, Russia captured around 4,168 sq. km in both Ukraine and Russia.
• Ukraine increased drone and missile strikes inside Russia but remained on the defensive.

Trump’s Policy Shift

• During his campaign, Mr. Trump promised to end the war quickly.
• After taking office in January 2025, his administration announced that Ukraine would not be a NATO member.
• The U.S. also ruled out any security guarantees for Ukraine.
• Trump held direct talks with Mr. Putin, signaling a reset in U.S.-Russia relations.
• The U.S. now views China as the main global threat and seeks to prevent a strong Russia-China alliance.
• Trump believes Ukraine cannot win the war even with U.S. support and wants Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Europe’s Response

• European nations are struggling with the sudden U.S. policy change.
• In 2008, the U.S. promised NATO membership to Ukraine, but Germany and France were hesitant.
• After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Europe supported peace talks under the Minsk agreements, but they failed.
• Since the war began, Europe has faced economic challenges, including energy shortages and de-industrialization.
• Germany is in a recession for the third consecutive year, and far-right political groups are rising.
• Now, the U.S. is negotiating with Russia without including Ukraine or Europe.
• European countries have held emergency meetings to support Ukraine but lack independent security guarantees.

Ukraine’s Difficult Position

• Ukraine has lost over 20% of its land to Russia and suffered heavy military losses.
• Millions of Ukrainians have fled, and the economy is in crisis.
• Ukraine depends on foreign aid for weapons, and its army is running low on manpower.
• S. officials acknowledge that Ukraine cannot reclaim lost land.
• NATO membership, once promised, is no longer an option.

Conclusion

• Ukraine faces two bad choices: continue fighting and risk losing more territory or accept a U.S.-Russia peace deal on unfavorable terms.
• The conflict highlights how powerful nations use smaller countries in their strategic battles, leaving Ukraine in a vulnerable position.

 

5. USAID Funding Cuts

Context

● The Trump administration’s decision to halt USAID funding as part of its foreign aid realignment will disrupt key health, technology, and environmental programs in India.

 

Analysis of the news:

What is the US Agency for International Development?

• USAID is the primary US agency for global humanitarian and development aid.
• Support: In 2024, USAID was allocated USD 44.2 billion, just 0.4% of the total US federal budget, but accounted for 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.
  • USAID funds healthcare, food aid, disaster relief, and policy advocacy worldwide.
  • Top aid recipients Include Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
• USAID and India: India’s association with USAID began in 1951 with the India Emergency Food Aid Act, evolving over decades from food aid to infrastructure, capacity building, and economic reforms.
  • The agency has been supporting education, immunization, polio eradication, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) /Tuberculosis (TB) prevention.
  • In the last decade, India is said to have received around USD 1.5 billion from USAID (about 0.2 % to 0.4 % of USAID’s total global funding).

Termination of Key Development Programs

• The Trump administration’s decision to halt USAID funding as part of the January 20 Executive Order will disrupt several crucial projects in India.
• Key initiatives such as the development of a secure 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), environmental programs, and numerous health initiatives will be discontinued.
• USAID has played a vital role in India’s health sector, contributing significantly to polio eradication, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis control.
• The sudden withdrawal of funds will leave a critical gap in these areas, affecting vulnerable populations.

USAID’s Role in India’s Development

• USAID has been one of the top contributors to India’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), with a total disbursement of $2.8 billion since 2001.
• The agency provided $228 million in 2022, $175 million in 2023, and $151 million in 2024 until mid-December.
• Post-pandemic, USAID’s support for India increased, particularly in the health sector, where it allocated $148 million in 2022 and $81 million in 2023 to economic recovery funds.

Sector-Wise Impact of Funding Cuts

• Health and Population Programs: In 2024, $80 million of USAID funds went to basic health programs, maternal health, and family planning. In previous years, allocations were even higher, with $140.7 million in 2022 and $120 million in 2023 dedicated to health, including COVID-19 relief.
• Tuberculosis Control: The Breaking the Barriers program, aimed at raising TB awareness in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam, received $7 million in USAID funding. Its closure will halt innovative interventions in these regions.
• HIV/AIDS Programs: USAID has been a major backer of HIV/AIDS prevention through PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). Experts warn that funding cuts could lead to an increase in HIV transmission and fatalities.

Broader Global Consequences

• USAID’s withdrawal will affect not just India but also several underdeveloped and developing nations across Asia and Africa.
• German Consul General Achim Burkart highlighted that the funding cut could have dire consequences, stating that in Zambia alone, 150,000 people require urgent HIV medication to survive.
• The situation underscores the broader responsibility of wealthier nations to support global healthcare initiatives.

Legal Challenge and Temporary Reprieve

• A US Federal Court stayed the executive order on February 13, preventing the immediate halt of all foreign aid.
• However, the Trump administration appealed to the US Supreme Court, arguing that only 500 out of 5,800 foreign aid programs were being retained.
• On March 5, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal in a 5-4 verdict, temporarily allowing the continued flow of some aid. However, the long-term future of US foreign assistance remains uncertain.

Conclusion

• The abrupt cessation of USAID funding will significantly impact India’s health, environment, and technology sectors, particularly programs focused on TB, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.
• While a temporary legal stay offers some respite, the long-term uncertainty of US foreign aid highlights the need for India to explore alternative funding sources and strengthen its domestic healthcare and development infrastructure.

6. Trump Seeks to Renegotiate Nuclear Deal with Iran

Context

● Trump has reached out to Iran’s Supreme Leader to renegotiate a nuclear deal amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and Iran’s economic struggles.

 

Analysis of the news:

Background: The JCPOA and US Withdrawal

• In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with global powers, agreeing to restrict its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
• However, in 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the deal, citing its failure to curb Iran’s ballistic missile program and influence in the region.
• This led to renewed US sanctions and Iran gradually rolling back its commitments.

What was the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)?

● The deal is also known as 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal. ● The JCPOA was the result of prolonged negotiations from 2013 and 2015 between Iran and P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States + Germany). ● Under the deal, Iran agreed to significantly cut its stores of centrifuges, enriched uranium and heavy-water, all key components for nuclear weapons. ● Iran also agreed to implement a protocol that would allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its nuclear sites to ensure Iran would not be able to develop nuclear weapons in secret. ● While the West agreed to lift sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear proliferation, other sanctions addressing alleged abuses of human rights and Iran’s ballistic missile programme remained in place. ● The US committed to lifting sanctions on oil exports, but continued to restrict financial transactions, which have deterred international trade with Iran. ● Nonetheless, Iran’s economy, after suffering years of recessions, currency depreciation, and inflation, stabilized significantly after the deal took effect, and its exports skyrocketed. ● After US abandoned the deal in 2018 and reinstated banking and oil sanctions, Iran ramped up its nuclear programme in earnest, returning to approximately 97% of its pre-2015 nuclear capabilities.

 

Post-Withdrawal Developments

• Despite European efforts to salvage the deal, US sanctions forced companies to exit Iran, weakening its economy.
• Indirect negotiations under Biden failed, while Iran expanded its nuclear enrichment beyond the JCPOA limits.
• By 2023, talks had stalled, with Iran facing economic turmoil, regional tensions, and growing nuclear concerns.

Why is Trump Reconsidering?

• With Iran’s economy in crisis and new diplomatic realignments in the Middle East, Tehran has shown signs of willingness to negotiate.
• Meanwhile, Trump faces a changed regional landscape, where Iran’s growing influence through its proxies, alongside Israel’s declining Arab support, complicates US strategy.

Challenges Ahead

• Despite Trump’s outreach, deep mistrust remains between Washington and Tehran.
• Iran may reject any deal that imposes stricter terms than the JCPOA, while Trump’s willingness to offer concessions remains uncertain.
• The evolving Middle East conflict adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Conclusion

• Trump’s outreach to Iran signals a potential shift in US-Iran relations, driven by Iran’s economic struggles and changing Middle Eastern dynamics.
• However, deep mistrust, Iran’s nuclear advancements, and regional conflicts pose significant challenges to any renewed agreement.

What is the significance of JCPOA for India?

●  Removing sanctions may revive India’s interest in the Chabahar port, Bandar Abbas port, and other plans for regional connectivity. ● This would further help India to neutralize the Chinese presence in Gwadar port, Pakistan. ● Apart from Chabahar, India’s interest in the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC), which runs through Iran, and will improve connectivity with five Central Asian republics, may also get a boost.

 

7. Carney to be next Canadian PM

Context

● Mark Carney has been elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party and will become the next Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau.

 

Analysis of the news:

• Mark Carney has won the leadership election with a landslide victory of 85.9% of the votes.
• Key challenges he faces include S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats.
• Carney has promised to maintain retaliatory tariffs until the U.S. adopts fair trade practices.
• He emphasized Canada’s readiness to defend its sovereignty against external pressures.
• Carney has extensive experience as the former Bank of Canada Governor and Bank of England chief.
• His leadership comes as Canadian nationalism is rising, fueled by tensions with the U.S.
• A federal election is expected soon, where U.S.-Canada relations will be a major issue.

8. PM Modi’s Mauritius Visit

Context

● Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day State visit to Mauritius, where he will be the Chief Guest at the country’s National Day celebrations on March 12. ● This marks his second visit since 2015, reinforcing India’s special ties with the island nation, where nearly 70% of the population is of Indian origin.

 

Analysis of the news:

Historical Ties

• Mauritius has deep historical connections with India, dating back to the 18th century when Indians were first brought as laborers under French rule.
• During British rule, over 500,000 Indian indentured workers arrived between 1834 and the early 1900s, with two-thirds settling permanently.
• The country was among the first to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in 1948.
• Its political landscape has been shaped by the Ramgoolam and Jugnauth families, both of whom have historical ties with Indian leaders.

Strategic Cooperation and Infrastructure Development

• India has played a crucial role in Mauritius’ infrastructure development, including the Agaléga island project, which enhances sea and air connectivity.
• Recently, India and Mauritius jointly inaugurated an airstrip and jetty there, aiding maritime security and economic activities.
• Despite concerns about military intentions, the Mauritian leadership has refuted any claims of sovereignty compromise.

Security and Maritime Cooperation

• Given China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, India is strengthening security ties with Mauritius.
• Both countries are set to sign a technical agreement on white-shipping information sharing, improving maritime security, trade corridor safety, and regional cooperation.
• Additionally, India has been a key partner in disaster relief, assisting Mauritius in crises like the 2020 Wakashio oil spill and Cyclone Chido.

Economic and Trade Relations

• India is one of Mauritius’ largest trading partners and the second-largest source of FDI into India.
• In 2021, both nations signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), India’s first trade deal with an African country.
• Over the last decade, India has provided nearly $1.1 billion in development assistance, supporting projects like the Metro Express and community initiatives.

Space and Capacity Building

• India has collaborated with Mauritius in space research since 1986, and a recent MoU aims to develop a joint satellite.
• Mauritius also benefits from India’s ITEC program, with nearly 5,000 Mauritians trained in civilian and defense sectors.
• Meanwhile, Mauritius hosts around 2,300 Indian students in higher education institutions.

Cultural and Ancestral Connections

• PM Modi’s visit highlights the shared cultural heritage, including Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s ancestry from Bihar, the observance of Maha Shivratri, and the significance of the Ganga Talao pilgrimage site.
• These connections continue to strengthen India-Mauritius ties, reflecting deep-rooted historical, strategic, and economic partnerships.

Conclusion

• PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius reinforces the deep-rooted historical, strategic, and economic ties between the two nations.
• By expanding cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange, India aims to strengthen its role as a key partner in Mauritius’ development while countering regional geopolitical challenges.

What are the challenges in India-Mauritius Relations?

Declining FDI Inflows from Mauritius: The 2016 amendment of the DTAA reduced the attractiveness of Mauritius as an FDI conduit to India. E.g. FDI from Mauritius declined from $15.72 billion in 2016-17 to $6.13 billion in 2022-23, making Mauritius India’s third-largest FDI source after Singapore and the USA. Trade Imbalance & Limited Diversification: India’s exports to Mauritius are significantly higher than Mauritian exports to India. E.g. In 2023-24, India’s exports to Mauritius were $778 million, while Mauritius’ exports to India were only $73 million, leading to a tenfold trade imbalance. China’s Expanding Influence: China has been increasing its economic and strategic presence in Mauritius, challenging India’s influence. E.g. China built the Mauritius Supreme Court and has provided infrastructure loans, raising concerns over debt dependency. Security Challenges: Maritime Issues & Drug Trafficking: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) faces growing security concerns, including drug trafficking and illegal fishing. E.g. Mauritius has been a transit hub for drug trafficking networks in the Indian Ocean, which poses a security risk for India’s maritime interests. Slow Execution of Infrastructure Projects: Some India-funded projects in Mauritius have faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and implementation issues. E.g. The Metro Express Project, a key initiative under India’s $500 million Line of Credit, faced initial considerable delays. Concerns over Chagos Archipelago & Regional Diplomacy: India initially hesitated to support Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Archipelago, a British-controlled territory, due to strategic relations with the UK and the US. Mauritius expected stronger Indian diplomatic backing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but India maintained a diplomatic cautious stance, which led to some diplomatic friction.

 

9. India and Mauritius have decided to elevate ties to enhanced strategic partnership

Context

● The India and Mauritius have decided to elevate their bilateral ties to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” to strengthen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, defense, and emerging technologies. ● This move aligns with India’s strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean region amid growing geopolitical competition.

 

Analysis of the news:

Economic and Infrastructure Cooperation

• India has announced new projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees (₹100 crore) as part of the second phase of community development projects.
• India will also construct a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing India’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
• Both nations have agreed to settle mutual trade in local currency, enhancing financial cooperation.

Capacity Building and Human Resource Development

• 500 Mauritian civil servants will be trained in India over the next five years, fostering knowledge exchange and governance improvements.

Strategic and Technological Collaboration

• The India-Mauritius Joint Vision Document aims to enhance cooperation in space research, artificial intelligence, digital health, ocean economy, pharmaceuticals, ICT, fintech, and cybersecurity.
• Agreements were signed on white-shipping, financial crimes, cross-border transactions, credit facilities, and ocean modeling, strengthening security and financial integrity.

Defense and Maritime Engagement

• An Indian naval ship will make a port call at Port Louis to commemorate Mauritius’s National Day, demonstrating India’s commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Indian defense forces, including a marching contingent, a naval helicopter, and an Air Force skydiving team, will participate in the celebrations, showcasing strong defense ties.

Geopolitical and Strategic Outreach

• Modi’s visit marks a renewed engagement with Mauritius’s new leadership, ensuring continuity in India’s past infrastructure development initiatives.
• India’s strategic interest in countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean is a key factor behind this engagement.
• India’s swift disaster relief efforts during Cyclone Chido, utilizing its facilities in Agalega, highlight the growing humanitarian and security cooperation.

Conclusion

The elevation of India-Mauritius relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership signifies deepening cooperation in economic, technological, security, and geopolitical domains. This move strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region while reinforcing historical and cultural ties with Mauritius.

10. Syria’s new constitution gives sweeping powers

Context

● Syria’s new temporary constitution grants absolute power to interim President Jolani – creating multiple concerns by weakening democracy.

 

Key provisions in Syria’s new temporary constitution:

• President’s Absolute Power: The interim President has full control over the government, including appointing ministers and judges. There is no Prime Minister.
• Five-Year Transitional Period: Elections will be held only after five years, once a new permanent constitution is created.
• Legislative Control: The President appoints one-third of the assembly and forms a committee to select the rest.
• Judicial Appointments: The judiciary is called “independent,” but the President appoints top judges, reducing real independence.
• Islamic Law: Islamic jurisprudence is now the “main source” of law, making religious rules stronger in governance.
• No Minority Protections: The constitution does not protect minority rights.
• Official Language & Religion: Arabic is the only official language, and the President must be Muslim.

11. U.S. strikes on Yemen kill 31

Context

● The U.S. launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis after their attacks on shipping. In response, the Houthis targeted a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.

 

Places In News:

• Sanaa, Yemen – The capital of Yemen, controlled by the Houthis, frequently targeted in airstrikes amid the ongoing conflict.
• Saada, Yemen – A Houthi stronghold in northern Yemen, heavily bombed in past conflicts due to its strategic significance.
• Al-Bayda, Yemen – A central Yemeni governorate, witnessing clashes between government forces, Houthis, and extremist groups.
• Radaa, Yemen – A town in Al-Bayda, previously a battleground for Al-Qaeda and Houthi forces, now under Houthi control.
• Red Sea – A critical global shipping route, currently affected by Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels.
• Gulf of Aden – A key maritime passage linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, facing security threats from piracy and militants.

 

12. India and New Zealand to institutionalise defence, security ties, says Modi

Context

● Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that India and New Zealand will strengthen defence, trade, and counter-terrorism cooperation.

 

Defence and Maritime Cooperation

• India and New Zealand agreed to strengthen and institutionalize their defence collaboration.
• They will enhance joint exercises, training, and port visits.
• A roadmap for bilateral defence industry collaboration will be developed.
• Both navies are working together in the Combined Task Force-150 to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

• The two countries have started discussions on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investment.
• Key sectors for cooperation include dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

Counter-Terrorism and Security Concerns

• India and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to counter global terrorism.
• The leaders referred to past terror attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Christchurch attacks.
• India raised concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in New Zealand, emphasizing the misuse of freedom of speech to glorify terrorism.
• New Zealand acknowledged India’s concerns and assured cooperation.

Diplomatic and Community Engagement

• New Zealand announced plans to expand its diplomatic presence in India by over 60%.
• The Indian community in New Zealand is the third-largest ethnic group and a major contributor to the country’s economy.
• Both countries will celebrate 100 years of sporting relations in 2026.

Complementary Relationship of India and New Zealand:

Why India Needs New Zealand ● Strategic Maritime Partner: New Zealand’s location in the Pacific strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific outreach and maritime security in the region. ● Defence Collaboration: Joint naval exercises and participation in Combined Task Force-150 enhance maritime security. ● Economic Cooperation: New Zealand’s expertise in dairy, food processing, and agritech can support India’s agricultural modernization. ● Educational Hub: Indian students benefit from New Zealand’s high-quality education system. ● Technology and Innovation: Collaboration in areas like clean energy, biotechnology, and AI can enhance India’s technological growth. ● Support in Global Forums: New Zealand’s support can aid India’s global ambitions, including UNSC reforms. Why New Zealand Needs India ● Economic Growth: Access to India’s large market can boost New Zealand’s trade and investment. ● Skilled Workforce: India is a key source of skilled migrants and international students for New Zealand. ● Defence and Security Cooperation: Partnering with India strengthens regional security in the Indo-Pacific. ● Cultural and People-to-People Ties: The Indian diaspora significantly contributes to New Zealand’s economy and society. ● Diversification of Trade: Strengthening trade relations with India reduces New Zealand’s dependence on traditional markets. ● Strategic Partnership: Strengthening ties with India enhances New Zealand’s geopolitical influence.

 

13. Tren de Aragua

Context

● US President Donald Trump invoked an 18th-century law for the first time since World War II to deport 261 Venezuelans, including suspected members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. ● The deportation took place on March 14, 2025, but was halted by a federal court after two planes had already departed. The US government is challenging the court’s decision.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                                                                                                          Origins and Expansion of Tren de Aragua

• Tren de Aragua (TdA) was founded in 2014 in the Tocorón prison in Venezuela, where crime bosses controlled drug and kidnapping operations.
• After Venezuela’s 2017 economic crisis, TdA expanded its influence into Colombia, Peru, and Chile, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and sex trafficking.
• Chile accused the Venezuelan government of colluding with TdA in the 2023 murder of a former opposition officer.

Size and Reach of the Gang

• TdA is estimated to have 5,000 members and generates $10–15 million annually.
• Only a few hundred members are believed to be in the US, out of an 800,000-strong Venezuelan population.
• Despite their small numbers, TdA members have been linked to violent crimes in cities like New York, Florida, and Texas.

US Justification for Deportation

• The White House described TdA as a “direct threat to national security,” citing violent crimes, including the shooting of two New York police officers and forced break-ins.
• In 2024, the Biden administration designated TdA as a “transnational criminal organization” alongside MS-13, offering a $12 million reward for its leaders.

Identification of TdA Members

• US authorities used broad criteria to identify TdA members, including gang tattoos, criminal convictions, and reports from reliable sources.
• Critics argue that these criteria are vague, and mere suspicion of gang affiliation can lead to deportation even if evidence is insufficient for prosecution.

14. Autopen

Context

●  Former US President Donald Trump has declared that pardons signed by current President Joe Biden using an autopen are “void, vacant, and of no further force and effect.”

 

Analysis of the news:

 

What is an Autopen?

• An autopen is a machine that replicates signatures using real ink, allowing public figures to sign large volumes of documents.
• The concept dates back to the 19th-century polygraph, a device used by Thomas Jefferson to duplicate letters.
• Modern autopens use robotic arms to reproduce signatures accurately without direct human involvement.
• US Presidents, starting with Harry Truman, have used autopens for official and ceremonial documents. Barack Obama notably used it to sign key bills when he was not physically present.

Precedents and Legal Validity

• The use of autopens for official documents has historical precedence and is not legally contested.
• Barack Obama’s use of the autopen to sign the Patriot Act extension in 2011 and the Fiscal Cliff Bill in 2013 set modern examples of its legitimacy.
• No legal challenges have successfully overturned autopen-signed documents in the past.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

• US law does not explicitly prohibit the use of an autopen for presidential actions.
• Past court rulings and historical practices suggest that autopen-signed documents are legally binding.
• Trump’s ability to revoke previously granted pardons would likely face constitutional challenges.

15. The complex struggle for ‘Kurdistan’

Context

● The Kurds, spread across multiple nations, have long struggled for statehood. ● Internal divisions and regional conflicts have shaped their uncertain future.

 

Kurdistan:

• Geographical Region: Encompasses parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, though it is not an independent state.
• Historical Context: The idea of Kurdistan emerged after World War I, with the Treaty of Sèvres (1920) proposing Kurdish autonomy. However, it was nullified by the Treaty of Lausanne (1923).
• Iraqi Kurdistan: Recognized as an autonomous region under Iraq’s 2005 Constitution; held an independence referendum in 2017.
• Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava): Declared autonomy during the Syrian civil war, with governance by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
• Political Challenges: Kurdish independence efforts face resistance from Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
• Strategic Importance: Kurdistan has significant oil reserves and a unique cultural-linguistic identity, influencing regional geopolitics.

Kurdish People:

• Ethnicity: Kurds are an Indo-Iranian ethnic group, mainly speaking Kurdish, a language with several dialects.
• Population: Estimated at 30–40 million, spread across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Armenia.
• Religious Diversity: Predominantly Sunni Muslims, with minorities of Shia Muslims, Alevis, Yazidis, and Christians.
• Statelessness: Despite having a distinct identity, Kurds lack a nation-state, leading to ongoing struggles for autonomy.
• Major Uprisings: Kurdish rebellions in Turkey (1925, 1930, 1984–present), Iraq (1961, 1991, 2017), and Syria (2012–present).
• Political Representation: Key Kurdish parties include PKK (Turkey), KDP & PUK (Iraq), PYD (Syria), and PJAK (Iran).
• Persecution: Faced historical oppression, including Saddam Hussein’s Anfal genocide (1988) against Iraqi Kurds.

16. ‘Russia, Ukraine have agreed to end military action in Black Sea’

Context

● Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and on energy sites during talks brokered by the United States.

 

Analysis of the news:

• The negotiations took place in Riyadh, where U.S. officials met separately with delegations from both countries over three days.
• Both sides committed to ensuring the safe navigation of commercial vessels and preventing their military use.
• The United States will explore ways to enforce a ban on strikes against energy infrastructure in both countries.
• Russia stated that the agreement would only take effect if sanctions on its agricultural sector were lifted.
• The United States pledged to help restore Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports to global markets.
• Ukraine’s president acknowledged the agreement but expressed concern that lifting sanctions could weaken international pressure on Russia.

Geopolitical Importance of Black Sea

● Global Trade & Economy: The Black Sea is a critical maritime route for transporting oil, grain, and other goods between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. ● Food Security: Ukraine and Russia are major grain exporters, and disruptions in the Black Sea impact global wheat and corn supplies, raising food prices. ● Energy Transit: Pipelines under and around the Black Sea transport natural gas to Europe, making its security vital for energy stability. ● Geopolitical Stability: Control over the Black Sea influences power dynamics between NATO, Russia, and regional countries. ● Military Balance: A militarized Black Sea risks conflict escalation, affecting global security. ● Tourism & Fisheries: Coastal economies depend on tourism and fishing, requiring open sea access for sustainability.

 

17. Signal App

Context

● Top Trump administration officials mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing classified war plans before strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

 

Analysis of the news:

Signal and Its Features

• Signal is a widely used encrypted messaging app offering secure text, voice, and video communication.
• It employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access messages.
• The app also includes features like automated message deletion and minimal data collection, enhancing privacy.

Security Vulnerabilities of Signal

While Signal is considered more secure than conventional messaging apps, it is not entirely immune to hacking. Security risks include:

• Desktop Syncing: Messages stored on linked desktops or laptops are vulnerable to malware attacks.
• Impersonation Attacks: Hackers, such as Russian-linked spies, have attempted to gain access by posing as trusted contacts.
• Unsuitability for Classified Data: Due to its storage risks, Signal is not accredited for classified government communications. Sensitive data should ideally be shared in Secure Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) to prevent leaks.

Use of Signal in the US Government

• Despite its risks, Signal has gained popularity among US officials, especially following Chinese cyberattacks that compromised telecommunications networks.
• Government employees across federal, state, and local levels reportedly use Signal, with some accounts registered to official government numbers.
• While convenient for quick notifications, it should not replace secure communication channels for classified information.

18. Israel passes law enabling political control over judicial appointments

Context

● Israel’s parliament passed a law expanding the power of elected officials in appointing judges.

 

Analysis of the news:

• The law is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, which have faced massive protests.
• The Israeli Supreme Court and Opposition parties strongly oppose these reforms, calling them a threat to democracy.
• The new law changes the composition of the judicial selection committee, giving the government more control.
• It replaces the previous system, where judges, lawmakers, and bar association representatives had more balanced influence.
• Critics argue that this law undermines judicial independence and strengthens the executive’s power.
• A legal challenge has already been filed to oppose this legislation.

 

Indian Economy

1. India must hasten reforms to speed up growth: World Bank

Context

The World Bank report highlights that India must grow at 7.8% annually to achieve high-income status by 2047, requiring major economic reforms and investment growth.

 

India’s Path to Becoming a High-Income Country by 2047:

Growth Target and Challenges

• India needs to grow at an average rate of 7.8% over the next 22 years to achieve high-income status by 2047.
• The World Bank states that while this target is possible, achieving it requires major economic reforms and their effective implementation.
• India’s past growth rate of 6.3% from 2000 to 2024 provides a strong foundation for future progress.

Global Integration and Lessons from Other Nations

• Countries like Chile, Korea, and Poland successfully transitioned to high-income economies by deepening their integration into the global economy.
• India can follow a similar path by accelerating reforms and building on past achievements.

Key Requirements for Economic Growth

To reach high-income status, India must:

1. Ensure faster and inclusive growth across all States.
2. Increase total investment from 33.5% of GDP to 40% by 2035.
3. Raise labor force participation from 56.4% to above 65%.
4. Boost female workforce participation from 35.6% to 50% by 2047.
5. Accelerate productivity growth to sustain long-term development.

Four Key Areas for Policy Action

1. Increasing investments in infrastructure and industries.
2. Creating better job opportunities to support workforce expansion.
3. Encouraging economic transformation through trade, technology, and industrial growth.
4. Enabling States to grow together for balanced national development.

India’s progress in these areas will determine its ability to achieve the high-income status by 2047.

2. Country’s real GDP grew by 6.2%

Context

The country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.2% in the third quarter (October-December) of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

 

Analysis of the news:

• Comparison with Previous Periods: This marks an increase from 5.6% in the previous quarter but is lower than the 9.5% growth recorded in the same quarter of 2023.

• Key Growth Drivers: The economic rebound was driven by improved GST collections, higher public spending, increased electricity generation, and recovering exports.
• Government and Private Consumption: Government spending surged by 8.3%, while private consumption grew by 6.9%, contributing significantly to overall growth.
• Export Growth: Exports rose by 10.4%, a sharp improvement from the 3% growth in the same period last year.
• Imports Decline: Imports fell by 1.1%, partly due to the depreciation of the rupee.
• Investment Slowdown: The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (investment rate) grew by 5.7%, down from 9.3% in the previous year’s third quarter.
• Growth Target for Full Year: To achieve the annual GDP target of 6.5%, the economy needs to grow by 7.6% in the fourth quarter.

3. Urban cooperative banks urgently need to get their act together

Context

● The ₹122-crore embezzlement at NICB’s Mumbai branches over six years highlights severe failures in internal controls, compliance, audits, and oversight in urban cooperative banks (UCBs).

 

Problems with Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)

• Fraud and Mismanagement: UCBs have frequently faced financial irregularities, including frauds such as the ₹122-crore scam at New India Cooperative Bank (NICB) and the ₹6,250-crore Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank scam.
• Weak Governance: Many UCBs suffer from poor internal controls, ineffective boards, and conflicts of interest, leading to financial instability.
• Dynastic Control: Some UCBs are controlled by family-dominated groups, affecting decision-making and increasing the risk of corruption.
• Inadequate Oversight: Internal audits, risk management mechanisms, and statutory audits often fail to detect irregularities in time.
• Liquidity Issues: Many UCBs lack the financial strength to withstand economic shocks, affecting depositors’ confidence.
• Delayed Action: Authorities often act only after large-scale frauds are exposed, leading to depositor panic and financial instability.

Way Forward

• Stronger Regulatory Oversight: The RBI should enhance supervision, conduct more frequent inspections, and enforce strict compliance measures.
• Governance Reforms: Improve board accountability, implement independent audits, and eliminate dynastic control.
• Timely Intervention: Early detection of financial stress can help prevent large-scale frauds and protect depositors’ money.
• Revival Strategies: Encourage mergers with financially sound entities, including small finance banks and NBFCs, to ensure stability.
• Deposit Protection: Ensure prompt disbursal of insured deposits and consider innovative rescue models like Unity Small Finance Bank.

4. The Smoot-Hawley Act

Context

● Trump’s tariff announcements draw comparisons to the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Act, raising concerns about a potential global trade war.

 

Analysis of the news:

The Smoot-Hawley Act and Its Impact

• The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 aimed to protect American farmers and businesses by imposing high tariffs on 20,000 imported goods.
• However, instead of aiding economic recovery, it triggered a global trade war, leading to retaliatory tariffs from major partners like Canada and Europe.
• This caused a sharp decline in U.S. exports (by 28-32%), worsening the Great Depression rather than alleviating it.

The Scale of Trump’s Tariffs

• President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, which apply indiscriminately across industries, are drawing comparisons to Smoot-Hawley.
• Trade experts argue that these tariffs could have a more significant impact than those of the 1930s, given the scale of modern global trade, where S. imports constitute 14% of GDP, three times the share in 1930.

Potential for a Global Trade War

• The broad application of tariffs increases the risk of retaliation from major economies, potentially shrinking global trade and causing economic instability.
• Historical lessons from the Great Depression highlight the dangers of protectionist policies, yet the current scenario suggests a possible repeat of those economic setbacks.

Policy Shifts and Economic Ramifications

• In the past, the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 reversed Smoot-Hawley’s damage by allowing the U.S. President to pursue bilateral trade deals.
• Today, experts warn that Trump’s tariff policies, if not adjusted, could destabilize global markets and hinder economic growth, much like the trade wars of the early 20th century.

5. Trump’s Tariffs on Remote Islands Leave Experts Baffled

Context

● Trump imposed tariffs on remote and uninhabited territories, including Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands.

 

Analysis of the news:

Uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands Targeted

• The Heard and McDonald Islands, one of Australia’s most remote external territories, have been subjected to a 10% tariff by the Trump administration.
• These volcanic islands, located in the Southern Ocean, are largely uninhabited and have seen no human presence in nearly a decade.
• With no known exports to the United States, the rationale behind this tariff remains unclear.

Other Australian External Territories Affected

• Three other Australian external territories—Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, and Norfolk Island—have also been included in the tariff list.
• Norfolk Island, home to about 2,000 residents, faces an even steeper tariff of 29%, significantly higher than mainland Australia.
• Local authorities expressed confusion, as the island has no apparent trade relationship with the US and does not impose tariffs of its own.

British Indian Ocean Territory Also Impacted

• The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), including the strategically important Chagos archipelago, has also been hit with a 10% tariff.
• Notably, the largest island, Diego Garcia, houses a joint US-UK military base but has no civilian trade activity.

Unexplained Trade Policy Decisions

• The tariffs on these remote and largely uninhabited territories raise questions about the reasoning behind the US administration’s trade policies.
• Given that these regions have minimal or no exports to the US, the move appears symbolic or miscalculated rather than economically significant.

 

6. IRCTC and IRFC Attain Navratna Status

Context

● The Indian government granted Navratna status to IRCTC and IRFC, enhancing their financial and operational autonomy.

 

Analysis of the news:

 

Navratna Status and Eligibility Criteria

• Navratna status is the second tier of the ‘Ratna’ classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), positioned between Maharatna and Miniratna.
• To qualify, a CPSE must have a composite score of 60+ across six financial and performance indicators, along with an “Excellent” or “Very Good” MOU rating in at least three of the last five years.
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance grants this status.

Financial Standing of IRCTC and IRFC

• IRCTC, which manages online ticketing for Indian Railways, had an annual turnover of ₹4,270 crore, a profit of ₹1,111 crore, and a net worth of ₹3,230 crore in FY 2023-24.
• IRFC, responsible for raising extra-budgetary resources for Indian Railways, reported a turnover of ₹26,644 crore, profit of ₹6,412 crore, and a net worth of ₹49,178 crore.
• These figures highlight their strong financial performance, justifying their Navratna elevation.

Benefits of Navratna Status

• Navratna companies enjoy greater financial and operational autonomy.
• They can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without government approval.
• They gain flexibility in forming joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions, allowing them to compete with private players.
• Additionally, they can expand internationally and attract more investors due to their improved financial credibility.

Other Navratna CPSEs in Indian Railways

Before IRCTC and IRFC, five other railway CPSEs held Navratna status:

1. Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) – Freight transport and multimodal logistics.
2. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) – Railway infrastructure development.
3. RITES Ltd – Transport infrastructure consultancy.
4. IRCON International Ltd – Railway and highway construction.
5. RailTel Corporation of India Ltd – IT and connectivity services.

With this addition, all seven listed CPSEs under Indian Railways now have Navratna status, reinforcing the sector’s financial and strategic importance in India’s economic growth.

7. Five years on, the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic still lingers

Context

● Five years later, COVID-19 is still affecting the world economy. It has changed debt levels, inflation, jobs, travel, and how people shop.

 

Impact on Debt and Inflation

• Governments borrowed money to support welfare and livelihoods, increasing global debt by 12 percentage points since 2020.
• Emerging markets saw even steeper increases in debt levels.
• Inflation surged, peaking in many countries in 2022, driven by post-lockdown spending, government stimulus, and supply shortages.
• Central banks raised interest rates to control inflation, but responses varied by country.
• Sovereign credit ratings declined due to economic shutdowns and rising debt, with global credit scores still lower than pre-pandemic levels.
• Emerging market nations suffered even greater declines in their credit ratings.

Labour Market and Travel Changes

• The pandemic caused millions of job losses, especially affecting women and low-income workers.
• Employment recovered but shifted towards the hospitality and logistics sectors due to growing retail delivery demand.
• Women’s workforce participation dropped in 2020, as they were overrepresented in hard-hit sectors and took on more childcare responsibilities.
• Travel and leisure habits changed, with work-from-home reducing city commutes despite a return to pre-pandemic travel levels.
• The airline industry suffered $175 billion in losses in 2020 but rebounded, with 2 billion passengers expected in 2025.
• Hotel prices remain above 2019 levels, especially in Oceania, North America, Latin America, and Europe.
• Office vacancy rates have increased due to more remote work and flexible job arrangements.

Rise of the Digital Economy

• Online shopping surged during lockdowns and has remained stable post-pandemic.
• Retailers expanded both online and offline shopping spaces, with physical selling space in Europe increasing by nearly 1% from 2022 to 2023.
• Digital and delivery firms saw major growth during the pandemic, though some lost appeal over time.
• Retail investors contributed to 27% of stock trading in December 2020, with online trading platforms becoming popular.

 

8. End of cheap palm oil?

Context

● Cooking oil prices are expected to stay high due to stagnating production and increased use of palm oil for biodiesel in Indonesia. ● Palm oil, widely used in food and personal care products, makes up over half of global vegetable oil exports and has been a cost-effective option for years.

 

Impact of Indonesia’s Biodiesel Push

• Indonesia raised the mandatory palm oil blend in biodiesel to 40% in 2024 and plans to increase it to 50% by 2026.
• By 2030, Indonesia’s palm oil exports could fall to 20 million metric tons, a sharp drop from 5 million in 2024.
• Reduced exports and floods in Malaysia have driven palm oil prices higher than soybean oil, making buyers reduce purchases.

Rising Costs for Consumers

• In India, the largest vegetable oil importer, crude palm oil prices have been higher than soybean oil for six months, sometimes by over $100 per ton.
• Palm oil, which was $500 per ton in 2019, now costs $1,185 per ton.
• High vegetable oil prices increase inflation risks in many countries.

Slowing Palm Oil Production

• Indonesia and Malaysia, the top producers, have slowed expansion due to deforestation concerns, lack of land, and ageing plantations.
• Global palm oil production growth has dropped to 1% annually over the past four years.
• Labour shortages, low replanting rates, and tree diseases are further reducing yields.

 

India and Palm Oil Imports

Need for Imports: ● India is the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils, with palm oil accounting for over 60% of total imports. ● Domestic edible oil production is insufficient, meeting only 30-40% of demand, necessitating imports. ● Palm oil is widely used in cooking, processed foods, cosmetics, and industrial applications. ● It is preferred due to high yield per hectare, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. ● Indonesia and Malaysia supply over 90% of India’s palm oil needs. ● Fluctuations in global palm oil prices impact inflation and food costs in India. ● Import dependency exposes India to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. Lack of Self-Sufficiency: ● India lacks self-sufficiency in palm oil due to limited domestic production and dependence on imports. ● Oil palm cultivation is restricted to a few states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast. ● Farmers prefer traditional oilseeds (mustard, soybean) due to longer palm growth cycles (4-5 years). ● Environmental concerns, land availability, and water requirements limit large-scale expansion. ● Yield per hectare is lower compared to Indonesia and Malaysia. ● The absence of strong processing infrastructure affects domestic production. ● Climate conditions in many Indian regions are unsuitable for oil palm cultivation. Steps Taken by the Government and Way Forward: ● Launched National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021 with ₹11,040 crore to boost domestic production. ● Target to increase palm oil cultivation to 10 lakh hectares by 2025-26. ●  Financial assistance for farmers and incentives for palm oil processing units. ● Custom duty adjustments on palm oil imports to manage inflation and supply. ● Focus on North-East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands for oil palm expansion. ● Promoting research and high-yield palm varieties. ● Encouraging contract farming and private sector participation in palm oil production.

 

9. Is rising consumer credit cause for concern?

Context

● A recent report by the RBI highlights rising household debt, increasing consumer loans, and potential economic risks, especially for lower-income borrowers.

 

Rising Household Debt in India

• The Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2024 highlights the increasing stock of household debt in India.
• Household debt has risen from 6% of GDP in June 2021 to 41% in March 2024, and further to 42.9% in June 2024.
• While India’s household debt is lower than many emerging economies, its steady increase raises concerns.

Shifting Use of Borrowed Money

• Debt is generally taken to acquire assets, but household asset holdings have declined from 4% of GDP in June 2021 to 108.3% in March 2024.
• This suggests that more loans are being used for consumption rather than asset creation, which could indicate economic weaknesses.

Health of Borrowing and Borrowers

• Despite rising household debt, several factors indicate that the borrowing structure remains healthy.
• The rise in overall borrowing is due to an increase in the number of borrowers, rather than increased debt per borrower.
• The proportion of sub-prime borrowers (those with lower credit ratings) has declined, while prime and super-prime borrowers now hold nearly two-thirds of total household debt.
• Super-prime borrowers, who have the highest credit quality, are borrowing more but mainly for asset creation rather than consumption.

Impact of Consumer Borrowing on Credit Growth

• Since the pandemic, borrowing by individual consumers has been a key driver of credit growth.
• In response to this surge, regulatory measures were introduced in September 2023, slowing credit growth.
• The slowdown has led to a shift towards healthier borrowers, reducing risky lending.

Rising Consumption Loans and Income Inequality

• The share of loans taken for consumption has increased over time, with lower-income households borrowing mainly for daily expenses.
• Households earning less than ₹5 lakh per year mostly take unsecured loans (e.g., credit card debt) for consumption, while wealthier households borrow for housing.
• About 50% of loans taken by sub-prime borrowers are for consumption, whereas 64% of loans for super-prime borrowers are used for asset creation.

Rising Debt Stress for Lower-Income Groups

• Personal and credit card loan defaults increased in September 2024 compared to September 2023, signaling financial stress among lower-income borrowers.
• Many borrowers who have credit card or personal loan debt also have housing or vehicle loans.
• A default on one loan leads to all loans by the borrower being classified as non-performing loans (NPLs), increasing financial risks.
• If unsecured loans face growing defaults, it could create broader economic weaknesses.

Concerns About Household Debt and Economic Growth

• The increase in unsecured consumer loans could indicate that households are facing income insecurity post-pandemic.
• Alternatively, financial innovations like credit cards may be encouraging more borrowing.
• A higher share of consumption loans means fewer assets are being created, while household debt continues to rise.

Effects on Economic Growth and Multiplier Effect

• Lower-income households contribute more to economic growth because they spend a larger share of their income.
• However, if they are burdened with debt, a part of their income goes into loan repayments rather than consumption.
• This reduces the income multiplier, meaning that economic growth generated from the same level of investment is lower.
• When poorer households face high debt, policies like income tax cuts may not have the intended positive impact on economic growth.

Conclusion

• While the shift towards prime borrowers suggests a healthier loan portfolio, rising consumer debt remains a concern.
• Policymakers must monitor unsecured loans and rising consumption debt to prevent future economic instability.

 

10. Reform-FDI tango in insurance

Context

● Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech this year, proposed increasing FDI in insurance companies to 100% ● The final policy details will be clear after amendments to the Insurance Act and Foreign Investment Rules, 2015.

 

Condition on Investment of Premium

• The 100% FDI limit applies only if all premium funds are invested within India.
• Since insurers cannot invest policyholders’ funds abroad, further clarification is needed.

Past Changes in FDI Limits

• In 2015, the FDI limit increased from 26% to 49%, but insurers had to remain Indian-owned and controlled.
• In 2021, the limit rose to 74%, removing the Indian ownership condition.
• Companies with over 49% FDI must have Indian resident directors and key management personnel (KMPs).

Impact of FDI in Insurance Intermediaries

• Increased Foreign Investment: Raising the FDI limit to 100% allows more foreign companies to invest in Indian insurance intermediaries.
• Technology and Expertise: Foreign investors bring advanced technology, global expertise, and better management skills.
• More Competition: New players entering the market increase competition, leading to better services for customers.
• Improved Efficiency: Advanced technology and global practices improve operational efficiency.
• Increase in Foreign Interest: Strict rules on profit repatriation and transactions have discouraged some foreign investors.
• Sector Growth: More investment can help expand the insurance sector, benefiting the economy.

11. Time to float more Indian ships

Context

● India’s heavy reliance on foreign shipping increases trade costs and supply chain risks. ● Strengthening the domestic fleet through Bharat Container Line (BCL) aims to enhance India’s maritime security and economic resilience.

 

Urgency for India to Strengthen Its Shipping Industry

• The ongoing Red Sea crisis and the US decision to impose tariffs on Chinese ships highlight the need for India to build a strong domestic shipping fleet.
• A self-sufficient fleet will reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies and help India manage global maritime crises more effectively.
• The government’s plan to launch Bharat Container Line (BCL) is a step in this direction.

Impact of the Red Sea Crisis and US Tariffs

• The Israel-Palestine conflict and attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have forced ships to take a longer and more expensive route via the Cape of Good Hope.
• These disruptions have increased delays and costs in global trade.
• The US plans to charge Chinese-owned and China-built cargo ships over $1 million per port call, further straining global shipping costs.

India’s Heavy Dependence on Foreign Ships

• India relies on foreign ships for transporting its cargo, including trade with the US.
• Nearly 30% of the world’s major shipping fleets are Chinese-owned.
• Maritime transport handles 95% of India’s trade volume, but India has only about 1,500 ships, with fewer than 50 container vessels mainly operating along the coast.

High Shipping Costs for India

• India’s shipping expenses amount to $90 billion annually, making it the second-largest import cost after crude oil.
• The country also depends on leased containers, particularly from China.

Challenges for Bharat Container Line (BCL)

• Even with 100 vessels, BCL will remain a small player in global shipping.
• The competition in the Asia-Pacific region is intense, and market consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is expected.
• The initiative is seen as India’s attempt to create an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Ship Building Industry in India

Importance of Building a Domestic Shipping Industry ●  Having a strong home-grown shipping industry will reduce India’s vulnerability to global trade disruptions and trade wars. ●  Limited competition in the container trade leads to price fixing, which India cannot control due to its reliance on foreign carriers. ●  A larger fleet will help secure India’s supply chains and reduce transportation costs. Challenges in Shipbuilding and Proposed Reforms ● Indian shipyards need better automation and efficiency to compete with China. ● The inverted duty structure in GST is causing financial stress for shipyards by blocking working capital. ● Major shipyards have large unutilized tax credits, affecting their financial health. ● Essential materials like ship-grade aluminum and specific steel are not produced in India, requiring costly imports. ● There is a demand for a policy to scrap vessels older than 25 years to boost new shipbuilding.

Steps to Boost India’s Shipbuilding Industry

• The government has announced a ₹25,000 crore maritime development fund and an ₹18,090 crore shipbuilding financial assistance policy.
• Removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on shipping operations can encourage investment in vessels.
• Shipbuilding can generate employment since it has a high direct-to-indirect job creation ratio of 1:5.

Conclusion

• Strengthening India’s shipping industry is crucial for economic security and reducing dependency on foreign fleets.
• Government policies and investments in shipbuilding can improve competitiveness and lower costs.
• Addressing structural issues in the shipbuilding sector will be key to making India a major player in global shipping.

12. Revised MSME classification criteria

Context

● The government has revised MSME classification criteria, increasing investment and turnover limits, effective April 1, to support business growth and expansion.

 

Revised Classification Criteria for MSMEs

Enterprise Type	Old Investment Limit	New Investment Limit	Old Turnover Limit	New Turnover Limit
Micro	₹1 crore	₹2.5 crore	₹5 crore	₹10 crore
Small	₹10 crore	₹25 crore	₹50 crore	₹100 crore
Medium	₹50 crore	₹125 crore	₹250 crore	₹500 crore

 

 

13. India losing 3% of GDP to road accidents

Context

● Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted India’s annual road accidents, economic losses – and government measures to improve road safety and assist victims.

 

Analysis of the news:

• India loses 3% of its GDP annually due to approximately five lakh road accidents, according to the Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
• The country records around 4,80,000 road accidents each year, resulting in 1,88,000 deaths, mostly among individuals aged 18 to 45.
• Around 10,000 children below 18 years old also lose their lives in these accidents, raising serious safety concerns.
• Poorly detailed projects are cited as a major cause of road accidents in India.
• The minister emphasized the need for better road safety measures and technology interventions to reduce accidents.

To encourage bystanders to help accident victims, the government has introduced a ₹25,000 reward for those assisting victims.

 14. How futures thinking can help Indian businesses navigate uncertainty

Context

● Over the past few years, unexpected events like a pandemic, wars, and economic instability have significantly impacted global industries.

 

Rapid Disruptions in Global Business

• In 2025, businesses face increasing geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains, and the fast-paced development of artificial intelligence.
• Traditional strategic planning, which relied on historical data and gradual adjustments, is no longer effective in addressing these rapid disruptions.

Challenges for India in a Changing World

• India’s efforts toward digital transformation and self-reliance in key industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles are taking place in a highly uncertain global environment.
• The government’s push for securing critical minerals is crucial to reducing supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Businesses need to understand that dependence on foreign supply chains increases the risk of unexpected disruptions.

Adopting a Foresight-Based Approach

• Businesses should expand their analysis to include economic, political, social, and environmental trends to ensure long-term success.
• Ignoring environmental and social factors, such as climate change and migration, can lead to sudden disruptions, affecting profits.
• Decision-makers should integrate various trends rather than analyzing them in isolation, as multiple factors often interact in complex ways.

Understanding Indirect Impacts

• Many businesses only consider direct impacts of trends but fail to assess their indirect consequences.
• For example, biodiversity loss directly affects agriculture, but it also leads to rising food prices, impacting household spending and overall economic stability.

Moving from Reactive to Proactive Strategies

• Companies often focus on responding to immediate risks rather than addressing underlying causes.
• Instead of just securing alternative suppliers, businesses should contribute to long-term resilience, such as improving water management in drought-prone cotton-producing regions.
• Whether it is ensuring resources for India’s energy transition, strengthening supply chains, or improving food security, businesses that anticipate and adapt will be better prepared for future uncertainties.

15. India’s Bioeconomy Surges to $165 Billion

Context

●  India’s bioeconomy reached $165 billion in 2024, with significant growth potential, prompting policy initiatives to enhance biotechnology-driven industries.

 

Analysis of the news:                   

Current Value and Growth Projections

• India’s bioeconomy has been valued at over $165 billion in 2024, contributing 4.2% to the national GDP.
• According to the India BioEconomy Report, this sector has the potential to expand significantly, reaching $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
• This growth is driven by advancements in biotechnology, sustainable bio-manufacturing, and increased industrial applications of biological resources.

Utilization of Bioresources

• Bioeconomy involves the use of biological resources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms for industrial and commercial purposes.
• While sectors like healthcare and agriculture have historically relied on bioresources, newer applications include biofuels, bioplastics, sustainable textiles, and bio-based chemicals.
• Technologies like synthetic biology and precision biotherapeutics are expanding the role of biotechnology in pharmaceuticals and industrial processes, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Expanding Industrial and Regional Footprint

• India’s bioeconomy has almost doubled in the last five years, with the number of bio-based companies increasing by 90% since 2021.
• The industrial sector leads in value generation ($78 billion), followed by pharmaceuticals, primarily vaccines (35%).
• Research and IT, including biotech software and bioinformatics, emerged as the fastest-growing segments in 2024.
• However, regional disparities exist, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh contributing over two-thirds of the sector’s value, while eastern and northeastern states account for less than 6%.

Challenges and Policy Interventions

• Maintaining high growth rates will require increased innovation, better infrastructure, and policy reforms.
• Addressing regional imbalances and regulatory hurdles, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, is essential.
• Countries like Spain and Italy derive over 20% of their GDP from bioeconomy, indicating the need for India to scale up its efforts.

BioE3 Policy and Future Strategy

• To strengthen its position as a global bio-manufacturing hub, India launched the BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) in 2024.
• This policy aims to boost R&D, encourage bio-industrialization, and support advancements in bio-based chemicals, functional foods, marine biotechnology, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• The report also recommends setting up a National BioEconomy Mission and a single-window regulatory mechanism to streamline biotech innovations and unlock the full potential of India’s bioeconomy.

Conclusion

• India’s bioeconomy is on a strong growth trajectory, driven by biotechnology innovations and increasing industrial applications of bioresources.
• However, to sustain this momentum, addressing regional imbalances, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure gaps is crucial.
• Policies like BioE3 and the proposed National BioEconomy Mission can help India emerge as a global leader in bio-manufacturing and biotechnology-driven industries.

16. Green iron is a prize worth billions, winning is the trick

Context

● Decarbonizing the steel industry is crucial for reducing global carbon emissions. ●  Transitioning to green steel using hydrogen-based technologies requires massive investments, international collaboration, and government incentives to ensure economic viability.

 

Steel Industry and Carbon Emissions

• The steel industry contributes 7% to 9% of global carbon emissions, making it the largest industrial emitter.
• The main source of emissions is converting iron ore into pig iron, which relies heavily on coal.
• Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires transforming this process.

Technological Solutions and Emission Reduction

• New technologies can reduce carbon emissions to 300 kg per ton of steel, down from the current 2 tons per ton of steel.
• These technologies involve using green hydrogen instead of coal.
• Though steel will not be completely emissions-free, emissions can be significantly reduced.

Investment and Infrastructure Requirements

• Transitioning to green steel requires massive capital investments and cheap green energy.
• Governments must coordinate policies and incentives across resource-producing and steel-making countries.
• Hundreds of billions of dollars are needed to build the required energy and processing infrastructure.

Economic Potential of Green Iron

• Australia’s current iron ore exports are worth $85 billion, while metallurgical coal adds $34 billion.
• Converting to green iron could increase export value to $252 billion per year.
• A 40% conversion by 2050 could still generate $110 billion annually.

Commitments from Stakeholders

• Steel mills in China, Japan, and South Korea must commit to buying green iron.
• They must switch to electric arc furnaces, which do not require coal for smelting.
• Mining companies must invest in renewable energy and hydrogen production.

Role of Governments and Market Challenges

• Green steel is more expensive to produce than traditional steel.
• Governments must introduce carbon taxes or subsidies to encourage the transition.
• Consumer demand alone may not be enough to drive change.

Need for Transition

• The transition to green steel requires strong initial efforts to gain momentum.
• Collaboration among miners, steel producers, and governments is essential.
• If successful, this shift could create a more sustainable and profitable steel industry in the long run.

Environment

1. New jumping spider species

Context

●        Researchers from the University of Kerala discovered two new jumping spider species from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first record of the Epidelaxia genus in India. ●        This finding extends the genus’ known range beyond Sri Lanka, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

 

Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov.

• Discovered in Kulathupuzha, Kollam, during a field expedition in December 2022.
• Males measure 39 mm in length.

• Identified by a brown carapace with a yellow-brown stripe.
• Females feature a yellow triangular-shaped mark on the prosoma.
• Unique copulatory organ traits distinguish the species.
• Highly adapted to the dense foliage of the Western Ghats.
• First recorded instance of the Epidelaxia genus in India.

Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov.

• Discovered in Kulathupuzha, Kollam, in April 2023.
• Males measure 57 mm, while females measure 3.69 mm.
• Males have a pale brown band along their bodies.
• Females exhibit a yellow triangular-shaped mark on the prosoma and white orbital setae around their eyes.
• Unique reproductive structures in both sexes.
• Inhabits the Western Ghats’ dense foliage.
• Previously, the Epidelaxia genus was thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka.

2. PM Modi Chairs NBWL Meeting

Context

●  PM Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting at Gir National Park, announcing key wildlife conservation initiatives, including Project Cheetah expansion and new plans for lions, gharials, and the Great Indian Bustard.

 

Analysis of the news

Expansion of Project Cheetah

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the expansion of Project Cheetah to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.
• This move aims to strengthen cheetah conservation efforts and expand their habitat beyond Kuno National Park.

Project Lion and Asiatic Lion Population Estimation

• The government allocated ₹2,900 crore for Project Lion over the next decade to increase the range of Asiatic lions across Saurashtra.
• Additionally, the Asiatic Lion population estimation will begin in May 2024 as part of regular conservation efforts.

Great Indian Bustard and Gharial Conservation

• A National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Plan was announced, though its integration with the existing recovery plan remains unclear.
• The Gharial conservation project aims to address the declining population of this critically endangered crocodilian species.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

• A Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management will be set up at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore.
• It will provide advanced technology, surveillance systems, and capacity-building for field practitioners to mitigate conflicts.

First Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report

• Modi released the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, revealing 6,327 river dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins, emphasizing the need for focused conservation efforts.

Use of Technology in Wildlife Conservation

• The PM stressed the need for remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning to tackle forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He also emphasized documenting traditional knowledge related to forest and wildlife conservation.

Community Participation in Wildlife Conservation

• Modi highlighted the crucial role of local communities, such as the Maldharis, in lion conservation and called for community-driven conservation efforts beyond government initiatives.

International Leadership in Big Cat Conservation

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), launched in 2023, was reviewed, with Modi urging India to continue leading global efforts in big cat conservation.

Conclusion:

• The NBWL meeting, chaired by PM Modi, reaffirmed India’s commitment to wildlife conservation through new initiatives and expanded projects.
• Emphasizing community participation, technological advancements, and strategic funding, the government aims to enhance biodiversity protection while addressing human-wildlife conflicts effectively.

 3. The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

Context

● TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee alleged voter list manipulation through duplicate EPIC numbers.

 

Analysis of the news:                                 

Background on EPIC and Electoral Roll

• The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a voter ID issued under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, to prevent impersonation.
• It serves as an identity document but does not guarantee voting rights, which depend on inclusion in the electoral roll.
• Since 2017, EPICs have been generated through the EC’s ERONET portal, which aims to ensure unique EPIC numbers for all voters.

TMC’s Allegations

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission (EC) and the BJP of manipulating the voter list by assigning duplicate EPIC numbers to fake voters.
• She has called on party workers to verify the electoral roll, citing similar alleged irregularities in Maharashtra and Delhi.
• The TMC claims that non-residents are being brought in to vote using duplicated EPICs, raising concerns about electoral integrity.

Election Commission’s Clarification

• The EC acknowledged that duplicate EPIC numbers exist but denied the existence of fake voters.
• It explained that before ERONET’s implementation, states independently issued EPICs, sometimes using the same alphanumeric series, leading to duplication.
• However, each voter is only allowed to vote in their designated polling station, preventing multiple voting.
• The EC has pledged to rectify duplicate numbers by issuing unique EPICs through an updated ERONET 2.0 system.

Key Takeaways

• While duplicate EPIC numbers exist due to legacy issues, they do not necessarily indicate electoral fraud.
• The EC’s commitment to rectification through technological updates could enhance the transparency of voter registration.
• However, political parties remain skeptical, necessitating vigilance to ensure a fair electoral process.

4. Olive Ridley Turtles

Context

●  Nearly seven lakh Olive Ridley turtles laid eggs at the Rushikulya rookery in Odisha’s Ganjam district between February 16 and February 25, marking a significant return after no mass nesting occurred in 2024. ● This event highlights the importance of conservation efforts and favorable environmental conditions for these endangered marine species.

 

Analysis of the news:                              

About Olive Ridley Turtles

• Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, named after their olive-green shells.
• They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Despite their abundance, their population has declined by 50% since the 1960s due to egg collection, habitat destruction, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

Arribada: The Unique Mass Nesting

• A distinctive feature of Olive Ridleys is their synchronized mass nesting, known as “arribada,” where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
• Odisha’s coast, particularly Rushikulya and Gahirmatha, is one of the world’s largest arribada sites, alongside Mexico and Costa Rica.
• Favorable beach conditions, low wind speed, and moderate waves make these sites ideal for nesting.

Factors Behind the Large Nesting in 2025

Experts attribute the high nesting numbers to multiple factors:

1. Favorable Weather – Low rainfall in February prevented beach erosion, creating more nesting space.
2. Beach Gradient – A lower slope this year made it easier for turtles to access nesting areas.
3. Optimal Nesting Timing – Mid-February nesting increases hatchling survival rates, reducing losses due to high temperatures and coastal erosion.

Conservation Status of Olive Ridley Turtle

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
• CITES: Appendix I

5. India’s First Dolphin Census

Context

● India’s first detailed dolphin population survey recorded 6,324 Gangetic dolphins across the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins and three Indus dolphins in Punjab’s Beas river.

 

Analysis of the news:

About Gangetic Dolphin:

• It is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Common Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
• Scientific name:Platanista gangetica
• The Gangetic Dolphin has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• Description:
  • A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River dolphin.
  • It feeds majorly on fishes and is are usually found in counter-current systems of the main river channel.
  • Its eyes lack lens, and as a result, this species is also referred to as the “blind dolphin”.
  • They have a highly developed bio-sonar system that facilitates them to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
  • Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I
  • CITES: Appendix I

Dolphin Population Estimates

• The survey found 6,324 Gangetic dolphins spread across the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins and three Indus river dolphins in Punjab’s Beas river basin.
• Conducted over two years (2021-2023), the survey covered 8,406 km of river stretches, providing the first comprehensive population estimate for India’s river dolphins.

Regional Distribution

• Ganga Basin: 5,689 dolphins, with 3,275 in the main stem and 2,414 in its tributaries.
• Brahmaputra Basin: 635 dolphins, with 584 in the main stem.
• Beas River (Punjab): Only three Indus dolphins were recorded.

Among states, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number (2,397), followed by Bihar (2,220) and Assam (635).

Key Findings and Trends

• Bihar’s dolphin population thrives due to deeper water levels and suitable river morphology, particularly in the Chausa-Manihari stretch.
• UP’s Chambal River (Bhind-Pachnada) recorded the highest concentration of dolphins, whereas the Narora-Kanpur stretch had an alarmingly low presence.
• The survey emphasized the impact of river depth, pollution levels, and tributary confluences on dolphin habitats.

6. What is carbon intensity?

Context

● Carbon intensity measures emissions per output, helping track environmental impact and climate change progress.

 Carbon Intensity:

• Carbon intensity measures how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) is emitted for a specific activity.
• It helps track emissions from industries, services, or entire countries.
• Different sectors measure it based on their output, like steel production or insurance claims.
• Governments track carbon intensity using GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions.
• It adjusts existing economic metrics to include environmental impact.
• Lower carbon intensity means producing more with fewer emissions.
• It is crucial in fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gases.

7. How the Wallace line explains the difference in species across continents

Context

● The Wallace Line marks a distinct boundary between Asian and Australian species, highlighting biodiversity shifts due to historical continental movements and environmental factors.

 

What is the Wallace Line?

• The Wallace Line is an invisible boundary between Asia and Australia, separating distinct species on either side.
• It runs between Bali and Lombok, and between Borneo and Sulawesi, marking a shift in biodiversity.
• This concept helped establish modern biogeography, the study of species distribution.

Wallace’s Findings on Sulawesi

• Sulawesi, despite being close to Borneo, has a mix of Asian and Australian species.
• It hosts unique species like tarsiers, lowland anoa, mountain anoa (Asian origin), and dwarf cuscus (Australian marsupial).
• The island’s biodiversity puzzled early researchers as it contained species from multiple regions.

Geological History and Species Migration

• The Malay Archipelago has over 25,000 islands, shaped by past continental movements.
• Millions of years ago, Australia drifted from Antarctica and moved northward, forming volcanic islands.
• Changing sea levels, monsoons, and climates influenced species migration and adaptation.
• Asian species could migrate through tropical islands, but Australian species faced barriers due to cooler origins.

Current Relevance of the Wallace Line

• Modern research shows that the Wallace Line is a simplified concept; species movement depends on deeper environmental factors.
• Advanced technology, like evolutionary modeling, helps understand species adaptation.
• The Indo-Malayan region faces rapid habitat destruction, making species conservation a priority.
• Rather than redrawing boundaries, efforts should focus on protecting biodiversity from climate change and deforestation.

 

8. Arctic Ice Melt to Spark Geopolitical Tensions

Context

● India’s top polar research official warned that the Arctic Ocean’s summer ice melt will intensify global geopolitical competition and impact India’s climate and monsoon patterns.

 

Analysis of the news:  

Emerging Geopolitical Importance of the Arctic

• With the Arctic Ocean predicted to become ice-free during summers in the coming decades, the region is poised to become a hotspot for international geopolitics.
• Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), highlighted that melting sea ice will expose vast untapped mineral and fishery resources and open new maritime trade routes like the Northern Sea Route, attracting strategic interest from major global powers.

About the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

● It is an autonomous research institute established in 1998. ● It is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean realms. ● It is tasked with planning and executing polar expeditions and scientific research in Antarctica, Arctic, Himalayas and the Southern Ocean. ● It is the nodal agency for planning, promoting, coordinating, and executing the entire gamut of polar and southern ocean scientific research in the country and the associated logistics activities. ● It also undertakes research on some of the country’s strategically vital projects like mapping of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), continental shelf margins and the Deep Ocean Mission. ● The Center maintains a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to help guide and concentrate the research activities. ● Location: It is located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, and was formerly known as the National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR). ● Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.

 

Impact on Global and Indian Climate Systems

• Meloth emphasized that polar regions, especially the Arctic and Antarctica, play a crucial role in global climate regulation.
• Melting Arctic sea ice can alter monsoon patterns in India, increasing the unpredictability and extremity of rainfall.
• Additionally, Antarctica holds about 70% of the world’s freshwater in frozen form, and large-scale melting could raise sea levels by up to 60 metres, with disproportionately higher impacts in tropical coastal regions like India.

India’s Strategic Interest and Scientific Presence

• The remarks come as India reflects on its pioneering polar research legacy. Officials at NCPOR marked 25 years of the institution by recalling India’s first Antarctic expedition in 1981 and the establishment of Dakshin Gangotri station in 1983.
• India’s early scientific presence has now matured into a strategic imperative, as access to polar regions becomes synonymous with geopolitical influence.

Call for Preparedness and Global Cooperation

• Meloth underscored the need for India to gear up to be part of international frameworks that determine access and resource sharing in the Arctic.
• As global competition intensifies over control of polar resources, India’s sustained investment in polar research and policy alignment will be critical to safeguard its climate interests and strategic ambitions.

Conclusion

• Melting polar ice has far-reaching global impacts, especially on climate, sea levels, and geopolitics, making India’s proactive polar engagement crucial for environmental security and strategic preparedness.

9. What is carbon intensity?

Context

● Carbon intensity measures emissions per output, helping track environmental impact and climate change progress.

 

Carbon Intensity:

• Carbon intensity measures how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) is emitted for a specific activity.
• It helps track emissions from industries, services, or entire countries.
• Different sectors measure it based on their output, like steel production or insurance claims.
• Governments track carbon intensity using GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions.
• It adjusts existing economic metrics to include environmental impact.
• Lower carbon intensity means producing more with fewer emissions.
• It is crucial in fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gases.

 

10. India’s 58th Tiger Reserve

Context

● The Centre has declared Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as the 58th Tiger Reserve in India. ● This is the ninth tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

 

Madhav National Park:

• Location: Situated in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, in the Chambal region.
• Establishment: Declared a national park in 1958.
• Area: Covers approximately 375 sq km.
• New Status: Declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve and Madhya Pradesh’s 9th in 2024.
• Tiger Population: Currently home to five tigers, including two cubs.
• Reintroduction Efforts: Three tigers were introduced in 2023, and two more may be added.
• Flora and Fauna: Rich biodiversity, including leopards, wolves, hyenas, chinkaras, sambar, and various bird species.
• Historical Significance: The park was once a royal hunting ground for the Gwalior dynasty.
• Water Bodies: Includes the Sakhya Sagar Lake, supporting aquatic life and bird species.

 

11. Global coordination can trump efforts to undercut climate predictions

Context

● In the second term of the President of the United States, several hundred employees of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were fired. ●  This decision raised concerns among the climate community as NOAA plays a key role in weather and climate services.

 

Weather Forecasting and Climate Predictions

• Weather forecasting requires understanding global patterns, while climate predictions focus on long-term meteorological changes.
• Climate projections provide possible scenarios for the future and are coordinated by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• Every few years, the IPCC compiles simulations from different climate models to produce an assessment report, with the most recent report issued in 2021-2022.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

● NOAA is a U.S. federal agency under the Department of Commerce, responsible for monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions. ● Established in 1970, it plays a crucial role in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, ocean research, and fisheries management. ● It operates key organizations like the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in US. ● NOAA manages satellites, radar systems, and ocean buoys to collect environmental data. ● It supports global climate studies, including contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). ● NOAA’s research helps in disaster preparedness, marine conservation, and understanding climate change impacts.

 

Need for Global Coordination in Climate Predictions

• Climate predictions require accurate models based on global observational data, including information from weather stations and satellites.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) oversees global coordination for these efforts, as no single country has enough data collection capabilities.
• Different climate centers use varied methodologies for data assimilation, and combining predictions from multiple centers improves accuracy.

Challenges in Climate Predictions

• Political decisions, such as the reduction of NOAA’s workforce, could impact global climate prediction systems.
• There is a need for a globally coordinated system to ensure that predictions are accurate and not affected by political instability.
• A well-organized global effort would lead to better forecasting models and improve responses to extreme weather events.
• Existing climate models do not provide sufficient detail for regional and local adaptation efforts.

Challenges in Long-Term Climate Projections

• Climate projections currently focus on predictions up to the year 2100, but experts suggest focusing on shorter, socially relevant timescales of a few decades.
• Existing models consider factors such as energy innovation, population growth, and climate policies but do not account for political disruptions, such as the downsizing of NOAA.

Need for Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Climate prediction centers must justify their funding through cost-benefit analyses rather than assuming their value is self-evident.
• If some prediction centers perform better with fewer resources, their efficiency should be studied and replicated.
• The IPCC should also conduct a cost-benefit analysis to ensure climate centers remain resilient despite financial constraints.

Conclusion

• A globally coordinated climate prediction system is necessary to ensure reliable and resilient forecasting.
• Delays in strengthening prediction efforts may lead to vulnerabilities and funding cuts for climate research centers.

12. Air pollution will lower India’s solar generation capacity: study

Context

● A study found that air pollution and climate change will reduce solar panel efficiency in India, impacting the country’s renewable energy goals.

 

India’s Solar Energy Goals

• India is the fifth-largest producer of solar energy in the world.
• The country aims to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Plans include installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with one-fifth from solar power.
• India is promoting the development of solar parks and rooftop solar installations.

Challenges to Solar Energy Production

• Solar photovoltaic energy depends on weather and climate conditions.
• Air pollution and climate change reduce the efficiency of solar panels.
• Rising temperatures negatively impact solar panel performance.

Study on Solar Panel Efficiency

• A study examined the effect of climate change on solar panel efficiency in India.
• It found that solar energy production is decreasing due to air pollution and higher temperatures.
• India has around 300 sunny days per year, but their quality is declining due to pollution.
• Global dimming and brightening trends affect solar radiation levels on the earth’s surface.
• Factors like clouds, aerosols, and particulate matter influence solar energy absorption.

Data and Research Findings

• The study used data from 1985 to 2014 to predict changes from 2041 to 2050.
• It relied on global climate models and NASA’s CERES project.
• Solar panel efficiency is expected to drop by 2.3% in the second scenario.
• A minimum of 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity could be lost annually.
• Rising temperatures were the biggest factor reducing efficiency.

Regional Variations in Solar Potential

• Some regions, including parts of Northeast India and Kerala, may have increased solar potential due to reduced cloud cover.

Recommendations for Improving Solar Efficiency

• Government Action: Policies should focus on reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change.
• Technological Innovations: Improvements in solar panel design can help maintain efficiency.
• Public Participation: Individuals can contribute by adopting electric vehicles and using public transport.
• Environmental Efforts: Planting trees and raising climate awareness will enhance sustainability.

Conclusion

• Effective policies and their proper implementation are crucial for maintaining solar energy production.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will improve both air quality and solar power generation.
• Better site selection and resource allocation can help optimize solar energy use in India.

PYQ: India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020)

 

13. Mycelium bricks

Context

● Mycelium bricks offer a sustainable alternative to traditional clay bricks, reducing carbon emissions while facing challenges in durability, moisture resistance, and scalability.

 

Mycelium Bricks: A Sustainable Alternative

• Composition: Made from fungal mycelia combined with agricultural waste like husk and sawdust.
• Production Process: The material grows and solidifies within a few days, forming a lightweight, fibrous structure.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional fired clay bricks.
• Thermal Insulation: Provides good heat insulation, making it energy-efficient for buildings.
• Fire Resistance: Naturally fire-resistant but requires treatment for prolonged durability.
• Challenges:
  • Weaker load-bearing capacity compared to concrete.
  • Absorbs moisture, making it unsuitable for damp environments.
  • Susceptible to termites and biodegrades within a few years.
• Future Potential: Can be improved with non-toxic flame retardants, UV-protective coatings, and better manufacturing infrastructure.
• Applications: Used in interior panelling, liquid filters, sports equipment, and electronic circuit boards.

14. How climate change is affecting India’s wheat production cycle

Context

● Climate change is negatively impacting India’s wheat production by causing heat stress, yield loss, and economic challenges.

 

Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production Cycle

1. Rising Temperatures and Heat Waves

• India recorded its warmest February in 124 years, leading to concerns about wheat production.
• Above-normal temperatures in March coincide with the wheat harvest season, affecting grain quality and yield.

2. Impact on Growth Stages

• Vegetative to reproductive stage: High temperatures cause early flowering, reducing the grain-filling period.
• Grain filling stage: Heat stress lowers starch accumulation, resulting in lighter grains and poor milling quality.

3. Delayed Sowing Due to Monsoon Shifts

• A warming Indian Ocean alters monsoon patterns, delaying kharif crop harvest and rabi sowing.
• Late sowing leads to crop maturity during early heat waves, impacting yields.

4. Lower Productivity and Economic Consequences

• Heat stress reduces grain weight, leading to lower market prices for farmers.
• Farmers may resort to excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, increasing costs and environmental damage.

5. Adaptation and Mitigation Measures

• Need for heat-resistant wheat varieties, early sowing strategies, and improved weather monitoring.
• Policies should support financial compensation, crop insurance, and sustainable resource management.

15. New Study Challenges Miller-Urey Hypothesis

Context

● A new study suggests that water sprays from crashing waves and waterfalls, rather than lightning, may have triggered the formation of organic compounds essential for life on Earth.

 

Analysis of the news:           

 

The Miller-Urey Hypothesis

• The Miller-Urey hypothesis, proposed in 1952 by Stanley Miller and Harold Urey, suggests that life on Earth began through a lightning strike that triggered chemical reactions in the early Earth’s atmosphere.
• Their experiment demonstrated that applying electricity to a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen could produce organic compounds like amino acids—key building blocks of life.
• While groundbreaking, the hypothesis faced criticism over the years due to doubts about the frequency of lightning strikes and the rapid dispersion of organic compounds in open oceans.

Findings of the New Study

• A new study published in Science Advances challenges the Miller-Urey hypothesis by suggesting that life could have emerged from water sprays rather than lightning.
• Led by Stanford University chemist Richard Zare, the study showed that when water droplets split, they develop opposite charges—larger droplets carry positive charges, while smaller ones carry negative charges.
• When these charged droplets come close, tiny sparks, termed “microlightning,” are produced, mimicking lightning formation in clouds.

Chemical Reactions from Water Spray

• The researchers demonstrated that spraying water into a mixture of nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia produced organic compounds like hydrogen cyanide, glycine, and uracil.
• These compounds are essential for life, indicating that crashing waterfalls, breaking waves, or even splashes against rocks could have generated the conditions needed for life to emerge—without relying on external lightning.

Significance of the Study

• This discovery suggests that microlightning from water sprays could have been a more consistent and widespread source of organic compound formation than lightning strikes, offering a more plausible explanation for the origin of life on early Earth.

 

16. Kerala Protests Against Offshore Mining

Context

● Kerala witnessed protests against the Centre’s plan for offshore mining off its coast, citing threats to fisheries and marine ecosystems.

 

Analysis of the news:

Background and Legislative Context

• The protests in Kerala stem from the Centre’s decision to allow private sector participation in offshore mining through the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act).
• The Act was amended in 2023 to introduce competitive auctions for offshore mining of resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand.
• In November 2024, the government auctioned 13 offshore blocks, including three off the Kerala coast.

Proposed Mining off Kollam Coast

• A Geological Survey of India (GSI) study identified approximately 745 million tonnes of construction-grade sand off the Kerala coast, with 300 million tonnes in the three blocks off Kollam.
• The proposed mining depth ranges from 48 to 62 meters.
• Since these blocks lie beyond 12 nautical miles, they are under the Centre’s control as per the OAMDR Act.

Fishermen’s Concerns

• Damage to Fisheries – Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank) is a productive fishing ground. Mining could reduce marine catch by clouding the water and shrinking the euphotic zone, where photosynthesis occurs.
• Sediment Plumes – Mining could trigger sediment plumes that spread over large areas, harming fish and marine ecosystems.
• Toxic Release – Mining could release harmful substances into the sea, affecting aquatic life.
• Safety Threat – Large mining vessels could disrupt fishing activities and pose safety risks to fishermen.
• Loss of Revenue – All mining royalties will go to the Centre, leaving the state without any direct financial benefit.

Union Government’s Stand

• The Centre maintains that the mining blocks are outside the state’s jurisdiction and that 130 marine protected areas have been excluded from the mining zones.
• An Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been set up to mitigate environmental and livelihood impacts, with coastal states as stakeholders.

Political and Environmental Fallout

• Kerala’s Assembly passed a unanimous resolution against the mining plan, citing ecological and livelihood threats.
• Protests by MPs and state legislators in Delhi highlight the growing political resistance to the Centre’s push for private sector-led offshore mining.

Conclusion

• The proposed offshore mining off Kerala’s coast has sparked strong opposition due to its potential environmental and economic impact on the fishing community.
• While the Centre emphasizes regulatory safeguards and mitigation measures, Kerala demands the plan’s withdrawal to protect marine biodiversity and fishermen’s livelihoods.

18. India’s Power Grid Faces Instability

Context

● India’s aggressive push for renewable energy, especially over the last decade, has led to grid instability due to the lack of adequate energy storage systems. ● The slowdown in thermal power expansion has further weakened grid resilience, making power shortages more likely during non-solar hours, particularly in the summer months when electricity demand peaks.

 

Analysis of the news:

Thermal Power Constraints in Non-Solar Hours

• While India has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity, with over 165 GW excluding large hydro, coal-based thermal power has only marginally increased to 220 GW.
• Unlike renewables, thermal plants provide crucial baseload support and can be ramped up as needed.
• However, with most thermal plants already running at high capacity, there is little room to compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind generation, leading to potential power shortages.

Projected Power Shortages in Summer 2025

• India’s peak power demand has surged from 169 GW in 2018-19 to a projected 270 GW in 2025.
• The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) has warned of significant power deficits during non-solar hours, particularly in May and June 2025.
• The risk of unmet demand ranges from 15-20 GW, with a high likelihood of supply shortfalls, necessitating emergency measures like forced load shedding.

Need for Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

• To address grid instability, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has called for co-locating energy storage systems with solar projects.
• However, India’s installed storage capacity remains minimal—less than 5 GW as of 2024.
• While battery energy storage system (BESS) prices have dropped, their deployment has been slow, with India requiring 208.25 GWh of storage by 2030.
• Timely commissioning of storage solutions is crucial to balancing intermittent renewable energy generation.

Challenges in Thermal Power Expansion

• To counter supply shortages, the government is considering invoking Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to mandate higher operation of imported coal-based plants.
• However, high costs and policy missteps, such as discouraging new thermal projects in the 2017-22 National Electricity Plan, have led to stagnation in coal-based capacity.
• Delays in under-construction thermal plants due to theft, fires, and raw material shortages have further aggravated the situation.

Way Forward

• India must adopt a balanced approach, integrating renewables with adequate energy storage and maintaining sufficient thermal capacity to ensure grid stability.
• Policy adjustments, faster deployment of BESS and pumped storage plants, and strategic use of coal-based power during high-demand periods are essential for managing the growing energy demand efficiently.

19. As ice frozen for millennia thaws, Kashmir wakes up to new risks

Context

● A new study has found that thawing permafrost in the Kashmir Himalayas could affect 193 km of roads, 2,415 households, 903 alpine lakes, and eight hydropower projects.

 

What is Permafrost?

• Permafrost refers to ground that has remained frozen for at least two years.
• It stores large amounts of organic carbon, which is released as methane when it melts, worsening climate change.

Extent of Permafrost in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

• Permafrost covers 64.8% of the total geographic area of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• 7% of this area has continuous permafrost, 23.8% has discontinuous permafrost, and 14.3% has sporadic permafrost.
• The Ladakh plateau has the highest permafrost coverage (87%), while the foothill plains of Jammu, Shigar Valley, and Siwaliks do not have any permafrost.

Main Causes of Permafrost Degradation

• Rising surface temperatures due to global warming are the primary cause of permafrost melting.
• Human activities such as deforestation, land-use changes, and wildfires impact permafrost stability.
• Infrastructure development, including roads, dams, and real estate projects, disturbs permafrost.
• Tourism and related activities increase environmental pressure in these regions.

Potential Risks and Hazards

• Thawing permafrost threatens thousands of glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas.
• In Jammu & Kashmir, 332 proglacial lakes have been identified, with 65 posing a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Melting ice in steep mountain regions can trigger avalanches and landslides, similar to past disasters in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
• Permafrost degradation may also impact groundwater reserves and river flow.

Need for Sustainable Planning

• Future road construction should consider permafrost presence to prevent long-term damage.
• Environmental impact assessments for hydroelectric projects must account for permafrost-related risks.
• Settlements in permafrost-rich areas, including military infrastructure in Ladakh, face increased risks.
• Installing in-situ monitoring systems, such as data loggers, can provide accurate temperature data for better permafrost monitoring.

20. Glaciers losing ice at record levels around the globe: UN

Context

●  According to the UNESCO report State of the Cryosphere 2024 released on March 21, glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, contributing to rising sea levels.

 

Key Findings of the Report:

• Record Ice Loss: Glaciers have lost 9 trillion tonnes of ice since 1975, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters.
• Acceleration of Melting: Five of the last six years recorded the largest losses, with 450 billion tonnes of ice lost in 2024 alone.
• Sea Level Rise Contribution: Melting glaciers are a major contributor to sea level rise, putting millions at risk of floods.
• Water and Energy Impact: Glacial loss threatens hydroelectric energy and water availability for billions.
• Mountain Communities at Risk:1 billion people face hazards like avalanches, landslides, and flash floods.
• Regional Impact: East Africa’s Rwenzori Mountains may lose all glaciers by 2030, worsening local conflicts over water.
• Urgent Action Needed: Climate change mitigation is crucial to slowing glacier loss and its global consequences.

21. Indian Cities’ Heat Action Plans Lack Long-Term Strategy, Study Finds

Context

● Most Indian cities’ Heat Action Plans (HAPs) lack long-term strategies and effective implementation, increasing the risk of heat-related deaths.

 

Analysis of the news:

What is a heat action plan?

• Aim– Its aim is to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heatwaves.
• Mapping Heat Risks-They give an overview of each region’s heat conditions, showing past heatwaves, trends in summer temperatures, land surface temperature, and more. Then, they assess vulnerability to identify areas needing urgent attention and plan a response.

Lack of Long-Term Planning

• The study highlights that most Indian cities have focused primarily on short-term emergency measures like access to drinking water and work schedule adjustments.
• However, long-term strategies, such as improving cooling infrastructure and electricity grid reliability, are either missing or poorly implemented.
• This gap in planning increases vulnerability to future heat waves.

Limited Implementation and Institutional Constraints

• Even when long-term measures exist, their execution is weak due to institutional constraints.
• Poor coordination between municipal, district, and state government departments hinders effective action.
• Additionally, inadequate funding limits the ability to implement comprehensive heat resilience strategies.

Health-Focused Approach Over Prevention

• The study finds that most HAPs emphasize health system responses rather than preventive measures.
• Expanding urban shade and green spaces is often undertaken without targeting the most heat-exposed populations, reducing the effectiveness of such initiatives.

Rising Heat-Related Deaths

• The increasing trend of heat-related deaths underscores the urgency of strengthening heat resilience strategies.
• While reported deaths dropped in 2024, data inconsistencies and underreporting raise concerns about the actual impact of extreme heat events.

Need for Comprehensive Action

• A holistic approach is needed to enhance preparedness.
• This includes integrating urban planning with climate adaptation, improving inter-departmental coordination, and ensuring adequate funding for long-term resilience measures.

22. Early alert for forest fire

Context

● Germany has introduced ‘Silvaguard’, an AI-based autonomous drone system for early forest fire detection, enhancing wildfire prevention and environmental protection efforts.

 

About ‘Silvaguard’:

• Silvaguard is an autonomous, AI-based drone system designed for early forest fire detection and suppression.
• It is developed by Dryad Networks and works in combination with the Silvanet system, a solar-powered wireless network.
• The Silvanet system enables communication in remote forest areas where mobile network coverage is unavailable.
• Silvaguard uses AI-powered sensors to detect wildfire smoke and differentiate it from other sources like vehicle emissions, reducing false alarms.
• Once a fire is detected, AI-driven drones autonomously assess and help suppress the fire, ensuring a rapid response.
• The system significantly reduces fire response times, helping to prevent large-scale forest destruction.
• Silvaguard has successfully detected unauthorized wildfires within minutes, proving its efficiency in wildfire management.

Science and Technology

1. First-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’

Context

ISRO’s Aditya-L1’s SUIT payload captured the first-ever solar flare ‘kernel’ image, providing new insights into solar activity and energy dynamics.

 

First-Ever Image of Solar Flare Kernel:

• India’s first space-based solar mission, Aditya-L1, has made a significant breakthrough by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel.’
• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) payload recorded this image in the Sun’s lower atmosphere, specifically in the photosphere and chromosphere.
• On February 22, SUIT observed an 3-class solar flare, one of the most intense solar eruptions, in the Near Ultraviolet wavelength (200-400 nm), marking a first in solar observations.

What is a Solar Flare ‘Kernel’?

● A solar flare ‘kernel’ refers to the brightest and most concentrated region of a solar flare, observed in the lower layers of the Sun’s atmosphere, such as the photosphere and chromosphere. ● It is the initial point of intense energy release during a solar flare, associated with rapid plasma heating and particle acceleration. ● Studying kernels helps scientists understand the mechanisms behind solar eruptions and space weather effects.

 

Scientific Significance of the Discovery

• This discovery confirms that flare energy spreads across different solar layers and influences plasma temperature in the corona.
• The study also revealed that localized brightening in the lower atmosphere corresponds to an increase in plasma temperature in the corona.
• This confirms the link between flare energy deposition and temperature evolution, providing crucial insights into the physics of solar flares.

Aditya-L1 Mission: Key Information

● India’s First Solar Mission: Launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated space-based mission to study the Sun. ● Orbit and Location: On January 6, 2024, it was successfully placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth. ● Objective: To study solar activity, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and their impact on space weather. ● Scientific Payloads: Carries seven payloads, including the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) for observing the Sun in near-ultraviolet wavelengths. ● Importance: Enhances India’s solar physics research and contributes to global space weather forecasting.

2. New ‘Einstein ring’ in nearby galaxy

Context

● The Euclid space mission recently discovered an Einstein ring in galaxy NGC 6505, 590 million light-years away.

 

Gravitational Lensing and Einstein Rings

• Massive objects like galaxies bend light from distant objects, creating a lensing effect.
• Sometimes, the bent light forms a circular pattern called an Einstein ring.

Einstein Ring

● An Einstein Ring is a cosmic phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. ● It occurs when light from a distant object, like a galaxy or star, passes through a massive foreground object, creating a circular ring-like structure. ● The foreground object acts as a gravitational lens, bending and magnifying the background light. ● A perfect Einstein Ring forms when the observer, lens, and background object are perfectly aligned. ● The first Einstein Ring was discovered in 1998, over 80 years after Einstein’s prediction. ● It helps astronomers study dark matter, cosmic expansion, and distant galaxies.

 

Discovery of a New Einstein Ring

• The Euclid space mission recently discovered an Einstein ring in galaxy NGC 6505, 590 million light-years away.
• This ring was initially detected in an unfocused image during early mission testing.
• The ring’s existence was later confirmed with clearer images.

Euclid Space Mission

● Launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on July 1, 2023, to study the dark universe. ● Primary goal is to investigate dark matter and dark energy, which together make up 95% of the universe. ● Equipped with a 1.2-meter telescope, it captures high-resolution images and spectra of distant galaxies. ● Operates from the Sun-Earth L2 orbit, about 1.5 million km from Earth. ● Expected to map billions of galaxies, creating a 3D cosmic map spanning 10 billion years. ● Mission duration is six years, with potential extensions based on scientific findings.

 

Significance of Gravitational Lensing

• Light bends due to the distortion of spacetime by massive objects, as predicted by the general theory of relativity.
• Gravitational lenses can magnify and distort distant galaxies, creating multiple images.

Scientific Importance of the Discovery

• The new Einstein ring helps scientists study the universe’s expansion and dark matter.
• Dark matter, which makes up 30% of the universe’s mass-energy, interacts only through gravity.
• Euclid aims to discover 100,000 gravitational lenses, though finding similar nearby rings is unlikely.

3. Planetary parade: worlds on show

Context

● In a small window of time around February 28, seven planets aligned in the night sky, creating a rare spectacle.

 

What is Planetary Parade?

• A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets align in the night sky as seen from Earth.
• These alignments happen because all planets orbit the Sun in the same plane, called the ecliptic plane.

• The planetary parade on February 28, 2024, involved seven planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
• Closer planets were visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune required telescopes.
• Parades involving three or four planets occur every few years, but seven- or eight-planet alignments are rare.
• The next major planetary parade will happen in 2040, involving six planets.
• These events are visually spectacular but not scientifically significant.

4. In a first, private spacecraft lands upright on moon

Context

● Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, supporting NASA’s Artemis program and commercial lunar exploration.

 

Analysis of the news:

• Firefly Aerospace’s Successful Lunar Landing: The U.S. company landed its Blue Ghost Mission 1 on the Moon on March 3, 2024.
• First Upright Private Landing: Unlike the previous private mission, which tipped over, Blue Ghost remained stable and upright.
• Landing Site: Touched down near Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium on the Moon’s northeastern near side.
• NASA Partnership: Part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to support Artemis missions.
• Scientific Goals: Carrying 10 instruments, it will study lunar soil, radiation, and navigation.
• Future Lunar Missions: Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander to attempt a southernmost landing on March 6.

 

5. Space Debris

Context

● On December 30, 2024, a 500 kg metal object fell in Kenya, identified as a part of a space-bound rocket. ●  Similar incidents in the U.S. and Australia highlight the growing problem of space debris.

 

Space Debris and Legal Issues

• There is no universally accepted legal definition of space debris in international treaties.
• The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space defines space debris as non-functional man-made objects in orbit or re-entering the atmosphere.
• Legal disputes focus on whether debris qualifies as a “space object” under the 1972 Liability Convention.
• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds states responsible for all national space activities, including private entities.
• The 1972 Liability Convention imposes absolute liability on states for damage caused by space objects on Earth.

Challenges in Legal Enforcement

• Despite legal provisions, enforcement is difficult due to diplomatic negotiations and prolonged settlements.
• A past case of a Soviet satellite crash in Canada in 1978 resulted in years of negotiations, securing only half of the cleanup cost.
• Identifying the origin of debris adds complexity, making liability enforcement challenging.

Growing Risks of Uncontrolled Reentries

• Recent incidents include a rocket fragment falling in Poland and a massive rocket stage plunging into the Pacific Ocean.
• Many older rockets lack controlled reentry mechanisms, increasing the risk of debris falling unpredictably.
• The rapid expansion of satellite constellations, with over 100,000 satellites expected by 2030, will worsen the issue.

Need for Stronger Regulations

• Current space regulations lack mandatory oversight for reentries unless damage occurs.
• Global agreements must enforce controlled reentries and impose penalties on non-compliant actors.
• National governments should require companies to adopt debris mitigation strategies.
• Improved tracking systems can enhance monitoring and predict reentries.
• Sustainable space practices, such as reusable rockets and debris-neutral technologies, should be incentivized.
• The 1972 Liability Convention should be updated to include an independent international tribunal with enforcement powers.

Conclusion

• Space debris poses a serious risk, and voluntary guidelines are insufficient.
• Strong global cooperation, enforceable laws, and accountability mechanisms are needed to prevent future incidents.

Space Debris Mitigation Initiatives by Space Agencies

NASA (USA) ● Orbital Debris Program Office – Monitors and studies space debris. ● RemoveDEBRIS – Aims to test debris removal technologies like nets and harpoons. ISRO (India) ● Project NETRA – Early warning system for tracking space debris. ● Cartosat Satellites – Help monitor debris in orbit. ESA (Europe) ● ClearSpace-1 – First active debris removal mission, planned for 2026. ● e.Deorbit – Aims to remove defunct satellites. CNSA (China) ● Space Debris Action Plan – Develops mitigation measures. ●  Active Debris Removal (ADR) Studies – Research on debris-cleaning methods. JAXA (Japan) ● Kounotori Experiment – Uses electrodynamic tethers to deorbit debris.

 

6. ‘Endogamy key cause of population-specific diseases’

Context

● A recent study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) found that endogamy (marrying within small communities) is a major cause of population-specific genetic diseases in India. ● Researchers discovered many disease-causing genetic variants, some unique to specific groups.

 

 

Impact of Endogamy on Population-Specific Genetic Diseases in India

• Genetic Variants: Endogamy leads to a higher prevalence of disease-causing genetic variants, some of which are unique to specific communities.
• Hereditary Diseases: Many population-specific hereditary diseases in India are linked to novel genetic mutations due to inbreeding.
• Case Study – Ankylosing Spondylitis: The study found a high incidence of ankylosing spondylitis in the Reddy community, linked to a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.
• Drug Response Variability: Genetic variations influence how different populations respond to common drugs.
• Need for Genetic Screening: Findings highlight the importance of genetic screening, counseling, and personalized medicine to improve health outcomes.
• Research by CSIR-CCMB: The study by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) emphasizes the impact of endogamy on genetic diseases and drug metabolism.

7. Global Obesity Crisis

Context

●  A Lancet study predicts that over half of the global adult population and one-third of children will be overweight or obese by 2050, with India seeing a significant rise.

 

Analysis of the news:

Current Trends in Global Obesity

• Over half of all adults (380 crore) and a third of all children and adolescents (74.6 crore) worldwide are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050.
• In 2021, 45% of the global population (211 crore people) was overweight or obese.
• India ranks among the top countries, with 18 crore people classified as overweight or obese, and this number is expected to rise significantly by 2050.

Obesity in India

• India is witnessing a rapid increase in obesity rates across all age groups.
• The country may surpass China in absolute numbers in some obesity-related metrics by 2050.
• Urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increasing consumption of processed and calorie-dense foods are key contributors.

Defining Obesity and New Medical Criteria

• Traditionally, obesity is classified based on Body Mass Index (BMI):
  • Overweight: BMI 25-30
  • Obese: BMI >30
• The new definition of obesity includes parameters such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and metabolic dysfunctions.
• “Clinical obesity” now includes physical symptoms, while “pre-clinical obesity” identifies at-risk individuals before major health issues arise.

Impact of the Obesity Epidemic

• Rising Childhood Obesity – The number of obese children and adolescents is growing, increasing future adult obesity rates.
• Increased Risk of Lifestyle Diseases – Higher chances of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer at younger ages.
• Healthcare Burden – Aging populations with obesity require expensive treatments and more surgeries.
• Higher Infection Vulnerability – Obese individuals face greater risks of severe diseases and complications.
• Double Burden of Malnutrition – Many low-income countries face both under-nutrition and obesity, leading to long-term health risks.

Causes Behind the Obesity Epidemic

• Dietary Changes – Growing reliance on high-calorie, processed foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Market Influence – Multinational food corporations shifting focus to developing nations, where regulations are weaker.
• Urbanization & Sedentary Lifestyles – Reduced physical activity and increased fast-food consumption.

Solutions

• Strengthening Local Food Systems – Supporting traditional food markets to compete with large food companies.
• Government Regulation – Taxing unhealthy foods and restricting aggressive marketing of junk food.
• Healthcare Investment – Expanding obesity management and treatment facilities.
• Policy Implementation – Encouraging national-level action plans to tackle obesity, especially in low-income countries.
• Medical Advancements – Increasing access to new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs (e.g., semaglutide), while addressing cost and availability challenges.

8. Hantavirus

Context

●  Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home, with autopsy results confirming her death due to hantavirus and his due to heart disease.

 

Analysis of the news:           

 

What is Hantavirus?

• Hantavirus refers to a family of rodent-borne viruses that can cause serious illnesses in humans.
• These viruses are transmitted through rodent urine, feces, and saliva but do not spread from person to person.

Types of Hantavirus Diseases

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) – Found in the Western Hemisphere, mainly transmitted by deer mice.
2. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – Found in Europe and Asia, causing kidney-related complications.

Symptoms of HPS

• Early symptoms: Fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.
• Advanced stage: Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and lung fluid buildup.
• Mortality rate: 38% of patients with respiratory symptoms die from the disease.

Is There a Cure?

• There is no specific cure or treatment for HPS. Early detection, respiratory support, and antiviral drugs may help manage symptoms.

Prevention Measures

Experts recommend:

• Using gloves, N95 masks, and wet paper towels to clean rodent droppings.
• Avoiding brooms and vacuums to prevent aerosolization.
• Disinfecting surfaces with bleach solutions or commercial disinfectants.

The tragic case underscores the deadly risks posed by hantavirus and the importance of rodent control and hygiene in affected areas.

 

9. Genetically-Engineered Bananas

Context

● Scientists have developed a new genetically-engineered banana with a longer shelf life that resists browning, addressing food waste concerns. ● UK-based biotech company Tropic claims their bananas stay fresh and yellow for 12 hours after peeling and are less prone to damage during harvesting and transportation.

 

Analysis of the news:

                                                                                                                  

Why Do Bananas Turn Brown?

• Bananas ripen due to ethylene, a natural plant hormone.
• Unlike other fruits, they continue producing ethylene even after being harvested, triggering the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which reacts with oxygen to cause browning.
• Bruising accelerates ethylene production, further speeding up the process.

How Was a Non-Browning Banana Created?

• Scientists disabled the gene responsible for PPO production, preventing browning while allowing natural ripening.
• A similar genetic modification was used in Arctic apples, approved for commercial sale in the U.S. since 2017.
• The technique has also been applied to tomatoes, melons, kiwifruits, and mushrooms.

Why Is This Important?

• Bananas are highly perishable, with nearly 50% of the global crop wasted annually. In the UK alone, around 1.4 million edible bananas are discarded daily.
• Reducing banana waste can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as food waste significantly contributes to global warming.
• Tropic estimates that their non-browning bananas could cut CO₂ emissions equivalent to removing 2 million cars from the road annually.

 

10. Ancient Tool Use

Context

● A recent study published in Nature suggests that our ancient ancestors were using bone tools at least 15 million years ago, pushing back previous estimates by nearly a million years. ● The oldest known stone tools, dating to 3.3 million years ago, further challenge long-standing beliefs about tool-making as an exclusively human trait.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                      

Historical Perspective on Tool Use

• For much of the 20th century, tool-making was considered a defining characteristic of the genus Homo.
• British paleoanthropologist Kenneth Oakley (1949) emphasized the ability to shape tools as a uniquely human trait, while Louis Leakey’s discovery of Homo habilis (the “handy man”) in 1964 reinforced the belief that tool-making set humans apart from other species.

Evidence from Non-Human Primates

• Observations of chimpanzees by Jane Goodall in the 1960s challenged these assumptions.
• She documented chimps using sticks to fish for termites and modifying objects to serve specific purposes.
• Further studies revealed that capuchin monkeys unintentionally produce stone flakes similar to those crafted by early humans, and even create rudimentary wooden spears.

Reevaluating Human Superiority

• Findings from Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy, 3.2 million years old) suggest that even early human ancestors had hand morphologies suited for tool use.
• Archaeological discoveries in Ethiopia (2010) provided concrete evidence of stone tools used for cutting meat over 3.39 million years ago, while 3.3-million-year-old stone tools found in Kenya (2015) reinforced the idea that tool-making predates the genus Homo.

The End of Human Exceptionalism?

• The notion that tool-making is exclusive to humans is increasingly being challenged.
• Studies indicate that even the last common ancestor of great apes (13 million years ago) likely possessed dexterity and used tools.
• This growing body of evidence underscores that humans are not as distinct from other species as once believed, reshaping our understanding of evolution and intelligence.

11. Chandrayaan-3 Findings

Context

● New analysis of data from Chandrayaan-3’s ChaSTE instrument suggests that water-ice on the Moon may exist beyond the polar regions. ● Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, observed that temperature variations in higher latitudes indicate conditions favorable for the presence of water-ice in inclined, shadowed areas, similar to those in the poles.

 

Analysis of the news:       

What is the Chandrayaan-3 Programme?

● Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission and second attempt at achieving a soft landing on the moon’s surface. ● On July 14, 2023, Chandrayaan-3  took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The spacecraft seamlessly entered lunar orbit on August 5, 2023. The historic moment unfolded when the lander made a successful touchdown near the Lunar south pole on Aug 23, 2023. ● Mission Objectives : To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and To conduct in-situ scientific experiments. ● Components: Chandrayaan-3 is a three-component mission consisting of a Propulsion Module, a Lander Module, and a Rover Module. The Propulsion Module : It will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit.This propulsion module has Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit. The Lander Module: The Lander Module (Vikram) is carrying a scientific payload that includes a suite of instruments to study the lunar surface and atmosphere Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature; Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring the seismicity around the landing site; Langmuir Probe (LP) to estimate the plasma density and its variations. A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is accommodated for lunar laser ranging studies. The Rover Module:The Rover Module(Pragyan) is carrying a suite of instruments to study the lunar surface and subsurface which includes Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of landing site.

                                                              

Temperature Variability and Lunar Composition

• ChaSTE provided the first on-site temperature measurements near the Moon’s polar regions, revealing extreme differences—nearly 60°C—between the surface and the sub-surface (just 10 cm below).
• These findings highlight the Moon’s poor heat conductivity, which has implications for its geological evolution and potential human habitation.

Chandrayaan-3’s Key Observations

• The Vikram lander, which landed at about 70° South latitude, recorded significant temperature variations over short distances.
• A sun-facing slope showed a surface temperature of 82°C, while a nearby flatter area measured 59°C.
• Such variations suggest that even non-polar regions might create micro-environments suitable for water-ice accumulation.

Potential for Water-Ice Accumulation

• The study proposes that locations with slopes greater than 14° in high-latitude areas (60-80° North or South) might have conditions similar to permanently shadowed polar craters, making them potential sites for water-ice deposits.

Implications for Future Exploration

• These findings suggest that high-latitude regions could be strategic locations for resource scouting and future lunar habitation.
• Unlike polar regions, these areas pose fewer technical challenges for exploration while still offering scientifically valuable insights.

12. New Method to Extract Urea from Urine

Context

● Scientists have discovered a new method to extract urea from urine, enabling wastewater treatment and sustainable fertilizer production through percarbamide formation.

 

A New Method to Extract Urea from Urine

• A new electrochemical process can extract urea from urine in solid form.
• This method converts urea into a crystalline compound called percarbamide.
• It helps in both wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Importance of Urea in Agriculture

• Humans consume nitrogen from food and excrete it as urea in urine.
• Urea is nitrogen-rich and can serve as a natural fertilizer.
• Efficient extraction methods have been lacking, limiting its agricultural use.

The Potential of Pee-cycling

• An adult produces 450-680 liters of urine annually, containing essential nutrients.
• This amount of nutrients can grow wheat for a loaf of bread daily for a year.
• Extracting these nutrients can reduce waste and benefit agriculture.

The Scientific Process Behind Extraction

• Urea forms bonds with hydrogen peroxide, creating percarbamide, a stable solid.
• This solid releases oxygen steadily, making it useful in chemical reactions.
• Researchers used graphitic carbon catalysts to achieve nearly 100% purity in extraction.

Benefits and Future Applications

• The process enables slow nitrogen release for better crop growth.
• It connects wastewater treatment with sustainable agriculture.
• Researchers aim to expand this method to improve resource recycling.

 

13. Bharti to bring in Starlink’s satellite net services to India

Context

● Bharti Airtel has signed a distribution agreement to sell SpaceX’s Starlink services in India, aiming to expand high-speed satellite Internet connectivity to rural areas. ● However, Starlink must secure approvals from the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs before launching operations.

 

What is Starlink?

• Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, a company founded by Elon Musk.
• It aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access globally, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• The network consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to ensure fast and reliable connectivity.
• Users access the service through a Starlink dish and router, which connect to the satellites.
• It supports applications such as online streaming, gaming, video calls, and remote work.
• Starlink is expanding worldwide and requires government approvals before operating in specific countries.

Other similar services:

● OneWeb (UK) – A satellite internet service backed by Bharti Enterprises and the UK government, aiming to provide global broadband coverage through low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. ● Amazon’s Project Kuiper (USA) – A satellite broadband initiative by Amazon, planning to deploy 3,236 satellites to provide high-speed internet. ● Telesat Lightspeed (Canada) – A LEO satellite network by Telesat to offer high-speed broadband for businesses and governments. ● Viasat (USA) – Provides satellite-based internet services using geostationary satellites for rural and remote areas. ● HughesNet (USA) – A geostationary satellite internet service focused on North and South America.

 

14. Nigeria moves to tame the largest cryptocurrency market in Africa

Context

● Parliament of Nigeria is regulating its large cryptocurrency market to ensure legal clarity, combat fraud, and establish a structured framework for digital assets.

 

Growing Crypto Adoption in Nigeria

• Nigeria is one of the largest cryptocurrency markets in the world.
• In 2023 and 2024, Nigeria ranked second globally in crypto adoption, following India.

Regulatory Efforts and Challenges

• Nigerian authorities are working to regulate the cryptocurrency market to provide legal clarity.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted initial approval to two cryptocurrency exchanges.
• The government is facing challenges due to widespread fraud and scams in the sector.

Future Regulatory Framework

• Nigeria’s parliament is discussing an investment and securities bill.
• If passed, the law will create a structured regulatory framework for digital currencies.
• The goal is to ensure investor protection and market stability.

15. AI chatbot to help victims of digital sexual violence

Context

● Two women from Mexico and Ecuador, after struggling for recognition as online sexual violence victims, inspired an AI chatbot aiding abuse survivors.

 

About OlimpIA:

• OlimpIA is an AI-powered chatbot that provides legal advice and emotional support to victims of online sexual violence.
• It operates through WhatsApp and is available in several dozen languages, making it accessible to a wide audience.
• The chatbot was inspired by the experiences of two women from Mexico and Ecuador who faced digital sexual violence.
• It was developed in Mexico in collaboration with the technology company AuraChat.Ai.
• Since its launch in September, OlimpIA has increased its capacity from 100 to over 1,300 consultations per month.
• It aims to connect victims with police and officials to reduce the risk of further abuse.

 

16. Jio Inks Deal With SpaceX

Context

● Jio Platforms has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India, following a similar deal by Bharti Airtel. ● The deal depends on SpaceX securing government approvals, with both companies previously differing on spectrum allocation methods.

 Analysis Of the News

• Aim: The partnership aims to expand broadband access across India, especially in remote areas, by integrating Starlink with Jio’s existing services. Jio will sell Starlink equipment through its retail and online stores while also supporting installation and activation.
• Regulatory Clearance: SpaceX is awaiting security clearance from the Indian government for Starlink’s operations.
• Spectrum Allocation Debate: Jio previously advocated for an auction-based spectrum allocation, while SpaceX preferred administrative allocation, which the government has now adopted.
• Service Expansion: The agreement enables Jio to offer Starlink solutions through its retail and online platforms, improving connectivity in remote areas.
• Strategic Collaboration: The partnership will integrate Starlink’s satellite network with Jio’s digital infrastructure, complementing JioFiber and JioAirFiber services.
• Future Cooperation: Both companies are exploring additional areas of collaboration to enhance India’s digital ecosystem.
• Significance: This partnership aims to bridge India’s digital divide by leveraging Jio’s vast mobile network and Starlink’s satellite technology to provide high-speed internet across urban and rural regions.

17. Aditya-L1 mission

Context

● On July 5, 2024, scientists observed a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using Aditya-L1’s VELC, improving understanding of solar magnetic instabilities.

 

Observation of a Flareless CME

• This observation provides crucial insights into magnetic instabilities that cause both flares and CMEs.
• The results of this study will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Importance of CME Monitoring

• With the sun approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, CMEs are expected to become more frequent.
• The continuous monitoring of the sun with VELC will provide valuable data for both Indian and global scientific communities.
• The unique design of VELC helps in studying CMEs close to the sun’s surface, improving understanding of their association with solar flares.

Nature of CMEs and Solar Flares

• Solar flares and CMEs are powerful explosions on the sun caused by magnetic reconnection.
• Solar flares release energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from heated plasma.
• CMEs involve the massive ejection of plasma and magnetic fields, weighing about a trillion kilograms and moving at speeds up to 3,000 km/s.
• The connection between CMEs and solar flares is not yet fully understood, making continuous observation essential.

About Aditya-L1 Mission:

● India’s First Solar Mission: Aditya-L1 is India’s first space mission dedicated to studying the Sun. ● Location: Placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth. ● Main Goal: To study the Sun’s corona, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar winds. ● VELC Instrument: The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) observes solar activity and helps predict space weather. ●Continuous Sun Monitoring: The L1 position allows uninterrupted observation of the Sun without Earth’s shadow. ● Scientific Importance: Helps understand solar storms and their impact on satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.

 

18. Indian Researchers Identify Genetic Cause for Early Lung Cancer Relapse

Context

● Indian researchers have identified a genetic cause for early relapse in lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. ● This discovery could change treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                                                                                                 Discovery and Its Significance

• The study focused on mutations in Tumour Suppressor Genes (TSGs) alongside the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene, which is known to drive cancer growth.

Key Findings

• The study analyzed data from 483 lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations and found that those with additional TSG mutations had significantly shorter survival rates.
• Patients with both EGFR and TSG mutations had an average overall survival of 11 months compared to 99.3 months for those without TSG mutations.
• Progression-free survival was also shorter, indicating faster relapse.

Mechanism of Resistance

• The research showed that mutations in 17 key TSGs drive resistance to EGFR-targeted treatments.
• Genetic sequencing of tumor samples before and after relapse confirmed that these mutations became more dominant over time, explaining the early relapse.

Role of Liquid Biopsy

• The study used liquid biopsy, which detects cancer-related DNA fragments in the blood, to track genetic changes during treatment.
• This allowed researchers to monitor tumor evolution and identify mutations contributing to drug resistance.

Implications for Treatment

• Identifying TSG mutations early can help doctors adjust treatment strategies, potentially improving survival rates.
• Targeted combination therapies may be developed to overcome resistance and delay relapse.

19. Birefringence

Context

● Birefringence is a property of some materials that bend light differently in different directions.

 

Concept of Birefringence

• It occurs because these materials have different crystal structures along different directions, making them anisotropic.
• When light passes through a birefringent material, it splits into two rays, each traveling at a different speed and in a different direction.
• This happens because the material has two different refractive indices instead of one.
• Examples of natural birefringent materials include mica and quartz, while synthetic ones include barium borate and lithium niobate.
• External factors like stress, electric fields, or magnetic fields can also change a material’s birefringence.
• The bending of light depends on the light’s direction and its polarization, which refers to the direction of its electric field.
• LCD screens, medical microscopes, optical switches, waveplates, and high-power lasers use birefringent materials for various optical applications.

 

20. Chandrayaan-3 data

Context

● Scientists using Chandrayaan-3 data found large temperature variations on the moon’s surface – suggesting more areas may support stable water ice beneath the surface.

 

Moon Water as a Key Resource

• Countries like the US, China, Russia, and India are planning long-term moon missions.
• Water on the moon is essential for astronauts’ survival and can also be used as fuel for space missions.
• A recent study has found that water ice on the moon is more accessible than previously believed.

Temperature Studies by Chandrayaan-3

• Understanding the temperature on the moon is important to estimate water availability.
• The study used data from the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3, which landed on the moon in August 2023.
• The study focused on temperature variations up to 10 cm below the lunar surface.

Use of RTD Sensors for Temperature Measurement

• The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) onboard Vikram measured the lunar surface temperature.
• A probe with 10 highly accurate temperature sensors was used.
• The data was collected for about 10 Earth days, from August 24 to September 2, 2023.

Temperature Findings and Implications

• The surface temperature at the landing site reached 82°C during the day.
• At night, the temperature dropped drastically to -181°C.
• These extreme temperature variations suggest unique thermal properties of the moon’s surface.

New Findings on Water Ice Distribution

• Earlier, scientists believed water ice was stable only at the moon’s poles.
• The study found that certain high-latitude areas could also support water ice at shallow depths.
• This means water can be accessed in more locations, making future moon missions easier.

Future Implications

• The findings help in planning future moon exploration and human settlements.
• Understanding moon thermophysics will improve water ice mapping for future missions.
• The research supports the long-term goal of using the moon as a base for deep space missions.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

● Mission Overview: Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar exploration mission, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ● Objective: To demonstrate a soft landing, conduct in-situ scientific experiments, and study the moon’s surface and thermal properties. ● Launch & Landing: Launched on July 14, 2023, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, successfully landed on the moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023. ● Key Components: Includes a Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, but no orbiter. ● Scientific Contributions: Measured lunar surface temperatures and found extreme variations. Detected sulfur and other elements on the moon’s surface. Provided insights into water ice distribution in shaded lunar regions. ● Significance: Made India the first country to land on the moon’s south pole and the fourth to achieve a soft landing (after the USA, Russia, and China).

 

21. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return from the ISS

Context

●  Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return from the ISS was delayed for over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing Starliner.

 

Analysis of the news:                                                                                                                                       Unscheduled Delay in Return

• American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that had carried them there in June 2024.
• Originally planned as a week-long mission, the return was delayed after Starliner was deemed unsafe for the trip back.

Rescue by SpaceX Dragon

• Although the Starliner itself returned safely to Earth in September 2024, Williams and Wilmore remained on the ISS until an alternative spacecraft became available.
• A SpaceX Dragon, which had brought four astronauts on a routine mission, is now bringing them back along with two other astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, who have completed their missions.

Record-Breaking Duration

• Williams and Wilmore’s 286-day stay is among the longer missions in space, though not the longest.
• Soviet cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest continuous stay at 438 days.
• US astronaut Frank Rubio recently completed 371 days at the ISS, while Russia’s Oleg Kononenko holds the cumulative record with 1,111 days in space over five missions.

Boeing’s Test Mission Challenges

• The mission was Boeing Starliner’s first attempt to carry humans under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to enable private companies to handle astronaut transport to free NASA for deep space exploration.
• Despite initial helium leaks and in-flight issues, Starliner reached the ISS safely but was deemed unfit for the return journey.

Strategic Implications for NASA

• The delay allowed NASA to observe how human bodies respond to extended stays in space, particularly for astronauts who had not trained for such long missions.
• This data will be valuable for future long-duration missions, including NASA’s plans for a permanent facility on the Moon.
• The physiological and psychological responses of Williams and Wilmore will contribute to ongoing research on the impact of low gravity and prolonged space travel.

22. DNA polymorphisms

Context

● DNA fingerprinting is widely used for forensic investigations, paternity tests, ancestry tracing, disaster victim identification and crime scene analysis. ● This article details DNA fingerprinting using STRs, PCR, electrophoresis, and polymorphisms.

 

What is DNA?

 

• DNA is present in almost all cells of the body, such as skin, blood, and bones.
• Each person has 46 DNA molecules: 23 from the father and 23 from the mother.
• DNA is packed into chromosomes, with chromosome 3 containing 6.5% of total DNA.
• DNA remains intact for thousands of years, with some samples preserved for 65,000 years.

DNA Polymorphism

● Definition: DNA polymorphism refers to variations in DNA sequences among individuals in a population. ● Cause: It occurs due to mutations, insertions, deletions, or duplications in the genetic sequence. ● Types: Includes Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). ● Significance: Helps in forensic identification, ancestry tracing, and disease research. ● Example: Differences in STR lengths among individuals form unique DNA fingerprints.

 

What are STRs (Short Tandem Repeats)?

• STRs are short sequences of DNA bases repeated multiple times.
• These sequences vary among individuals, making them useful for identification.

How is DNA copied?

• Scientists use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to make copies of specific DNA segments.
• PCR involves heating, cooling, and using enzymes like DNA polymerase to replicate DNA quickly.

What is a DNA fingerprint?

• A unique DNA profile is created using capillary electrophoresis, which separates DNA based on size.
• This fingerprint can be obtained from teeth, bones, blood, saliva, and skin cells.

Uses of DNA Fingerprinting

• Forensic investigations – Identifies suspects using DNA from crime scenes.
• Disaster victim identification – Helps recognize remains at disaster sites.
• Parentage testing – Establishes parent-child relationships.
• Organ donation matching – Confirms compatibility between donors and recipients.
• Solving old cases – DNA from archives helps resolve past crimes.
• Exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals – Clears innocent people of false charges.

23. Sonic Weapons

Context

● Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic denied allegations that his police used a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade on March 15. ● Serbian law prohibits the use of sonic weapons for crowd control.

 

Analysis of the news:

What are Sonic Weapons?

• Sonic weapons, or acoustic weapons, emit highly amplified sound waves over long distances.
• They can deliver both painful audible and inaudible sounds, or act as loudspeakers.
• First used for crowd control in the 1990s, the US military deployed them in Iraq in 2004.

How Sonic Weapons Work

• Sonic weapons use transducers to convert energy into sound waves, creating a concentrated and directional sound beam.
• Police officers can control the sound’s frequency, volume, and duration, targeting specific areas or individuals.

Types of Sonic Weapons

1. Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD): Manufactured by Genasys Inc., it can project sound up to 160 dB over 8,900 metres. Sounds above 120 dB can cause hearing damage, and over 140 dB can cause pain.
2. Mosquito: Emits high-pitched sounds audible mainly to younger people (under 30) due to age-related hearing decline.
3. Infrasonic Weapon: Emits low-frequency sounds that can cause pain and disorientation. Its weaponisation remains limited.

Health Effects of Sonic Weapons

• Exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing ears), headaches, nausea, vertigo, and even bleeding from the ears.
• Earplugs can reduce noise by 20–30 dB, but may not prevent injury at high decibel levels.
• Sonic weapons pose a risk to both protesters and bystanders due to their indiscriminate nature.

4. Tata Comm unveils AI cloud service Vayu

Context

● Tata Communications Limited has launched Vayu, an AI-powered cloud solution for enterprises.

 

About Vayu:

• It aims to address high cloud costs, multi-cloud complexities, and AI infrastructure challenges.
• Vayu integrates Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, AI platform, security, and cloud connectivity.
• It offers 15-25% cost savings compared to large cloud providers.
• No data egress charges or hidden fees ensure transparent pricing.

25. Majorana 1

Context

● Microsoft announced a new quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, claiming it could solve industrial-scale problems within years.

 

Majorana 1: Key Information

• Introduction: Majorana 1 is a quantum computing chip developed by Microsoft, designed to accelerate advancements in quantum computing.
• Purpose: It aims to enable quantum computers capable of solving complex industrial-scale problems in a shorter time frame.
• Technology: The chip is based on Majorana particles, a unique type of subatomic particle with unusual properties.
• Unique Feature: Majorana particles are their own anti-particles, meaning two of them annihilate each other upon interaction.
• Scientific Significance: If successful, Majorana 1 could contribute to more stable and error-resistant quantum computing.
• Future Impact: Majorana 1 could revolutionize computing by overcoming current quantum error limitations.

26. AI Appu to tutor children in India

Context

● Rocket Learning, a Bengaluru-based ed-tech non-profit, has launched Appu, an AI-powered tutor for early childhood education.

 

About Appu:

• Supported by Google.org, Appu was developed with a $1.5 million grant.
• It is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years to provide personalized learning
• Piloted by thousands of children, it aims to reach 50 million families by 2030.
• The initiative includes government-run Anganwadi centres and pre-schools.
• 85% of brain development occurs by age six, making early education crucial.
• Appu seeks to enhance India’s IQ, leverage its demographic dividend, and bridge the AI divide.

27. Matsya-6000 Submersible

Context

● India completed wet testing of the Matsya-6000 submersible, marking a major step in its deep-sea exploration capabilities.

 

Analysis of the news:

India’s Milestone in Deep-Sea Technology

• India recently completed wet testing of the Matsya-6000 submersible, marking a significant step toward deep-sea exploration.
• Capable of reaching depths of 6 km, this technology will enhance India’s ability to explore underwater mineral resources and strengthen its maritime capabilities.

Matsya 6000 Features

• It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including advanced life support systems, navigation equipment,robotic arms for sample collection, and high-resolution imaging systems.
• Matsya 6000 will house a 2.1-metre internal diameter Titanium alloy personnel sphere to safely carry humans to a 6000 m depth.
• The Titanium alloy personnel sphere is being integrated in collaboration with ISRO.
• The manned submersible will also be “equipped with subsystems for buoyancy management enabling descent/ascent, power, and control systems, maneuvering propellers, subsea intervention manipulators, navigation and positioning devices, data and voice communication systems, on-board energy storage batteries, as well as systems for emergency support.
• The submersible is designed to enable continuous operations at 6000 m depth for up to 12 hours with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours for conducting deep water observation and exploration.

Global Deep-Sea Developments and Strategic Concerns

• China’s unveiling of a deep-sea cable-cutting device highlights growing underwater security threats.
• With nations increasing oceanic activities for economic and strategic reasons, deep-sea technology is now a crucial aspect of global power dynamics.

Challenges in Deep-Sea Operations

• Technological Barriers: Developing sound communication, pressure-resistant vessels, and low-frequency wave transmission requires advanced R&D and high investment.
• Extreme Conditions: The ocean depth in India’s EEZ reaches 3,741 meters, requiring specialized materials and engineering solutions.

Importance of Deep-Sea Capabilities for India

• Economic Potential: The ocean offers valuable resources such as minerals, oil, gas, and marine biodiversity.
• Security Considerations: Undersea cables facilitate global communication and financial transactions. Protecting them is essential for national security.
• Scientific and Environmental Research: Deep-sea mapping contributes to climate studies and disaster preparedness.

Strategic Steps for India

• Strengthening R&D: India must invest in deep-sea science centers and technology development.
• Institutional Reforms: Upgrading the Department of Ocean Development to a full-fledged ministry can accelerate progress.
• Mission-Mode Execution: A ten-year plan with clear objectives, funding, and accountability is needed.

The Dual-Use Nature of Deep-Sea Technology

• Deep-sea equipment has both civilian and military applications.
• India must ensure technological advancements align with national security interests while fostering economic growth.

Conclusion

• India’s advancements in deep-sea technology, including the Matsya-6000 submersible, mark a significant step toward harnessing oceanic resources and strengthening maritime security.
• However, to compete with global powers and address emerging threats like undersea infrastructure vulnerabilities, India must accelerate research, invest in deep-sea capabilities, and establish a dedicated ocean ministry.
• A strategic, well-funded, and time-bound approach will be crucial for securing India’s interests in the evolving blue economy and maritime domain.

28. Gaia Space Observatory

Context

● ESA’s Gaia space observatory, which mapped the Milky Way for over a decade, was officially shut down on March 27, 2025.

 

Analysis of the news:

Gaia Mission: A Revolutionary Space Observatory

• Launched in December 2013, the Gaia mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way.
• Over a decade, Gaia took 3 trillion observations of 2 billion stars and objects, significantly advancing astronomical research.
• The mission officially concluded on March 27, 2025, with the spacecraft being passivated to ensure it remains inactive.

Scientific Contributions and Discoveries

• Gaia fundamentally transformed our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure, evolution, and future trajectory.
• It revealed that our galaxy’s disc is warped and wobbles, likely due to past collisions with smaller galaxies.
• The mission also led to the discovery of a new class of black holes, unseen through traditional methods, and mapped over 150,000 asteroids, some potentially hazardous to Earth.

Post-Mission Plans and Data Utilization

• Though Gaia’s active operations have ended, data analysis continues. A substantial portion of its findings is yet to be processed, with additional releases planned in the coming years.
• The ESA will release its next dataset in 2026, covering the first five-and-a-half years of observations, while a final dataset will be available by the decade’s end.

Gaia’s Legacy and Future of Astrometry

• Despite its extensive contributions, Gaia has mapped only 2% of the galaxy’s estimated 100 billion stars, leaving vast areas still unexplored.
• However, the mission has set a foundation for future space telescopes, enhancing our capability to study cosmic evolution, black holes, and planetary threats.
• Gaia’s success underscores the need for continued investment in astrometry and deep-space exploration.

29. Studio Ghibli’s Art Style

Context

● OpenAI’s recent upgrade to ChatGPT-4o introduces a native image generation capability, allowing users to create highly detailed and photorealistic visuals. ● Among the most replicated artistic styles is Studio Ghibli’s distinctive animation, raising questions about AI’s role in artistic expression and intellectual property.

 

Analysis of the news:

What Makes Studio Ghibli Unique?

• Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli is known for its hand-drawn animation, vibrant color palettes, and minimal reliance on computer graphics.
• Its films, such as Spirited Away and The Boy and The Heron, are celebrated for their deep storytelling, feminist themes, environmental messages, and anti-war sentiments.

Miyazaki’s Legacy and Views on AI

• Hayao Miyazaki, often compared to Walt Disney, has voiced strong opposition to AI-generated art.
• In a 2016 interview, he called AI animation an “insult to life itself,” criticizing its lack of emotional depth and understanding of human pain.
• His views highlight the ethical concerns surrounding AI in creative fields.

Ethical and Legal Questions

• AI’s ability to mimic artistic styles raises concerns about artistic integrity, copyright infringement, and the future of human creativity.
• While AI can democratize art, it also challenges the boundaries of originality, ownership, and the role of artists in a world where technology can replicate their signature styles effortlessly.

Agriculture

1. India’s Agricultural Trade Surplus Shrinks

Context

● India’s agricultural trade surplus has shrunk due to a sharp rise in imports, particularly of edible oils and pulses, while exports have grown at a slower pace.

 

Analysis of the news

Narrowing Agricultural Trade Surplus

• India’s agricultural exports rose by 6.5% in April-December 2024, surpassing the 1.9% overall merchandise export growth.
• However, agricultural imports surged by 18.7%, leading to a reduced trade surplus of $8.2 billion, down from $10.6 billion in the same period last year.
• This trend reflects India’s growing dependence on imported agricultural commodities, particularly edible oils and pulses.

Impact of Global Commodity Prices

• The agricultural trade surplus has fluctuated over the years, largely influenced by global price trends.
• A decline in international commodity prices between 2013-14 and 2019-20 reduced India’s export competitiveness while making imports cheaper.
• However, post-pandemic disruptions and geopolitical events like the Russia-Ukraine war led to a rebound in global prices, boosting exports to $53.2 billion in 2022-23.
• With global prices stabilizing in 2023-24, India’s exports have moderated, impacting the trade balance.

Key Export Drivers and Declining Sectors

 

• Strong Performers: Rice, spices, coffee, and tobacco exports have remained strong, benefiting from global supply shortages and India’s dominance in key markets.
• Declining Commodities: Marine products and sugar exports have seen a decline, with the latter impacted by government-imposed restrictions to control food inflation. Wheat exports have almost stopped due to domestic supply concerns.

Surge in Agricultural Imports

• Edible Oils: A major contributor to rising imports, with spending expected to be the highest since 2021-22 due to global price fluctuations.
• Pulses: A poor domestic harvest in 2023-24 has pushed imports past $5 billion for the first time.
• Spices & Cotton: India has become a net importer of pepper and cardamom, despite leading in other spices. Similarly, from being a major cotton exporter, India is now a net importer due to declining domestic production.

Conclusion:

• India’s agricultural trade dynamics highlight the need for strategic policies to boost exports and reduce import dependency.
• Enhancing domestic production of key imports like pulses and edible oils through technological interventions and improved productivity is crucial.
• Additionally, ensuring stable trade policies can prevent abrupt export restrictions that disrupt India’s competitive edge in global markets.

2. Byadgi chilli

Context

● Byadgi chilli farmers are facing financial distress as prices have plummeted due to oversupply, stockpiling, and stricter export regulations.

 

Byadgi Chilli: Key Information:

Origin & Cultivation:

• Grown primarily in Byadgi, Karnataka, and surrounding regions.
• Cultivated in well-drained red and black soil under warm climatic conditions.

Characteristics:

• Known for its deep red color and wrinkled appearance.
• Mild in spiciness but rich in color due to high pigment content (Capsanthin).

Agricultural Practices:

• Requires moderate irrigation and well-managed pest control.
• Harvesting takes place from December to March.

Economic Importance:

• Widely used in spice blends, oleoresin extraction, and food coloring.
• Major export commodity, but recent price fluctuations have affected farmers.

Challenges:

• Price volatility due to oversupply and stockpiling.
• Export rejections due to pesticide residue concerns.

3. US Seeks Greater Market Access

Context

●  The US is seeking greater market access for its soyabean, corn, and cotton in India, pushing for tariff reductions and relaxation of import restrictions.

 

Analysis of the news:

           

 US Agricultural Exports and Market Focus

• The US is a major exporter of soyabean, corn, and cotton.
• With declining demand from China, the US seeks to expand its market in India.
• However, India maintains high import tariffs and strict regulations on genetically modified (GM) crops, creating barriers to US exports.

India’s Growing Feed Demand

• A USDA report predicts rising Indian demand for feed due to increasing consumption of milk, eggs, fish, and meat.
• Domestic corn and soyabean meal consumption is projected to rise sharply by 2040 and 2050, making India a potential major importer.
• However, current imports remain minimal due to high tariffs and regulatory constraints.

Challenges in US-India Trade

• Tariff Barriers: India imposes a 45% duty on soybean and 50% on corn, limiting US exports.
• GM Crop Restrictions: India bans GM imports, further restricting US access to the market.
• Uncertain Consumption Growth: While India’s feed demand is growing, it may not match USDA projections, as past imports of feed ingredients have been limited.

Cotton: From Exporter to Importer

• India was a leading cotton producer and exporter but is now becoming an importer due to stagnant GM crop approvals and pest resistance.
• The US sees this as an opportunity to increase its cotton exports, especially if India removes the 11% duty on imports.

Conclusion

• While India holds potential as a major market for US corn, soyabean, and cotton, regulatory and tariff barriers remain significant.
• Any trade policy changes, particularly under the Trump administration’s stance on reciprocal tariffs, could impact future agricultural trade dynamics between the two countries.

4. Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

Context

● The government has announced the launch of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines, improving livestock health and reducing farmers’ expenses.

 

Analysis of the news:                                  

Concept and Inspiration

• The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is modeled after the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), which provide affordable generic medicines for humans.
• Similarly, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will supply cost-effective, high-quality generic veterinary medicines to farmers and livestock owners, reducing their financial burden on animal healthcare.

Objective: Enhancing Livestock Health

• This initiative is part of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), which has a total budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-26, with ₹75 crore allocated specifically for Pashu Aushadhi Kendras.
• It aims to prevent and treat livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Lumpy Skin Disease, and others, thereby improving productivity and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for farmers.

Importance of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

• India has a livestock population of 535.78 million, with 79 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak).
• Diseases severely impact their productivity, leading to economic losses for farmers.
• While vaccination drives have been implemented, affordable access to veterinary medicines remains crucial for disease management and prevention.

Implementation and Operation

• The cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) will run these stores.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will soon release operational guidelines to ensure smooth implementation.

Incorporating Traditional Medicines

• Apart from modern generic medicines, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will also sell ethnoveterinary medicines, which are based on traditional and indigenous knowledge.
• The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has identified various formulations using natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, tulsi, garlic, cumin, and jaggery to treat ailments such as mastitis, fever, diarrhoea, bloating, and FMD lesions.

Disaster and disaster Management

1. Avalanche hits BRO project site

Context

● A glacier avalanche struck a BRO project site in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, trapping 22 workers under ice. ● Indian Army and ITBP, are conducting rescue operations despite adverse weather conditions.

 

Causes of Glacier Avalanches:

Glacier avalanches occur due to a combination of natural and environmental factors. These include:

• Heavy Snowfall and Ice Accumulation: Excessive snowfall increases the weight of glaciers, making them unstable.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Rapid warming weakens ice structures, leading to cracks and eventual collapse.
• Seismic Activity: Earthquakes and tremors can trigger ice breakages, causing large avalanches.
• Glacial Meltwater: Water from melting glaciers reduces friction, making ice more prone to sliding.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures accelerate glacial melting and increase avalanche risks.
• Steep Slopes and Gravity: Glaciers on steep terrains are naturally prone to collapse under their weight.

Ways to Prevent Glacier Avalanches

• Early Warning Systems: Implementing satellite and sensor-based monitoring to detect glacial movements.
• Controlled Blasting: Triggering small avalanches in a controlled manner to prevent massive collapses.
• Reducing Climate Change Impact: Cutting carbon emissions to slow global warming and glacial melting.
• Restricting Construction: Avoiding infrastructure projects in high-risk avalanche-prone zones.
• Snow Barriers and Retention Structures: Building walls and barriers to stabilize slopes.
• Public Awareness and Training: Educating locals and workers about avalanche risks and emergency responses.
• Improved Forecasting: Using meteorological data to predict heavy snowfall and potential avalanche conditions.

Internal Security

1. What are the different risks and rewards of using UAVs?

Context

● Two Chinese UAVs were seen near Okinawa, prompting Japan to respond. ● However, UAVs are usually seen as less threatening than fighter jets due to their unmanned nature and limited combat capabilities.

 

Why Are UAVs Seen as Less of a Threat?

• UAVs are generally considered less dangerous than fighter jets because most of them are used for surveillance rather than combat.
• Even armed UAVs have limited capabilities compared to fighter jets.
• Since UAVs do not carry pilots, they are seen as less of a direct instrument of state power.
• The risk of human casualties is eliminated, making UAV missions more acceptable.
• Losing a UAV is financially less burdensome than losing a manned aircraft.

Examples of UAV Incidents and Reactions

• In 2019, a surveillance UAV was shot down over a strategic waterway, but there was no major military response.
• In 2023, another UAV was downed by a military force, but again, no significant retaliation followed.
• These incidents show that UAVs, even when targeted, do not escalate tensions in the same way as fighter jets.

Encouraging Risk-Taking Behavior

• Since UAV incursions do not lead to major military responses, countries are more willing to use them near foreign territories.
• UAV missions are less risky and cost-effective, making them an attractive option for surveillance and border monitoring.

Challenges for India

• UAVs are frequently used to smuggle arms and drugs across India’s western border, without official accountability.
• Using costly missiles to destroy UAVs is not a sustainable approach.
• UAVs are also being deployed near India’s eastern borders for surveillance, raising security concerns.
• India needs a cost-effective strategy to counter UAV incursions without escalating tensions.

Future Considerations

• As UAVs become an integral part of military operations, India’s defense strategy must evolve accordingly.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

●  A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a pilotless aircraft controlled remotely or autonomously – used for surveillance, combat, and various civilian purposes. Advantages of UAVs: ● Lower Risk to Human Life: Since UAVs are unmanned, there is no risk to pilots in dangerous missions. ● Cost-Effective: UAVs are generally cheaper to produce and operate than fighter jets. ● Versatile Uses: They can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, and logistics. ● Stealth Capabilities: Smaller UAVs can operate undetected, making them effective for intelligence gathering. ● Longer Endurance: Some UAVs can stay in the air for extended periods without refueling. Challenges of UAVs: ● Security Threats: UAVs can be used for spying, smuggling, and cross-border incursions. ● Limited Combat Ability: Most UAVs have lower firepower compared to manned aircraft. ● Vulnerability to Jamming: They can be disrupted by electronic warfare. ● Ethical Concerns: UAV strikes raise moral questions regarding civilian casualties. ● Escalation Risks: Increased UAV use could provoke conflicts between nations.

 

2. India-African exercise, IOS Sagar

Context

● Against the backdrop of rising security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy is enhancing maritime cooperation with African nations. ● A key initiative is the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), a multinational naval exercise with 10 African countries.

 

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar:

• Objective: IOS Sagar is an initiative to strengthen cooperation between India and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations in maritime security and capacity building.
• Deployment: The offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna will be deployed in the Southwest IOR from April 5 to May 8, 2024.
• Participating Countries: A combined crew of India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC)—Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
• Strategic Importance: It aligns with India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the IOR under the MAHASAGAR initiative.

Miscellaneous Schemes

1. Electronics component manufacturing Scheme

Context

● The Union Cabinet approved a ₹22,919-crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme for six years.

 

Analysis of the news

• The scheme aims to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing sector beyond semiconductors and IT hardware.
• It focuses on manufacturing passive components and sub-assemblies to boost domestic value addition.
• Unlike previous production-linked incentive schemes, incentives will be based on factory turnover and employment creation.
• The scheme targets investments worth ₹59,350 crore and production valued at ₹4,56,500 crore.
• It aims to generate 91,600 direct jobs in the electronics sector.
• The focus areas include sub-assemblies such as display and phone camera controllers.
• Bare components like circuit boards, hardware enclosures, and lithium-ion batteries are also covered.
• The initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.

2. NCLAT cuts CCI fine on Google to ₹217 cr.

Context

● The NCLAT upheld a penalty on Google for abusing its dominance in digital payments and the app store market but reduced the fine to ₹216.69 crore. ● It ruled that Google must allow alternative payment systems.

 

 National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT):

• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) was established under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It serves as an appellate authority for orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
• NCLAT also hears appeals against decisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
• It was constituted on June 1, 2016, to streamline corporate dispute resolution in India.
• The tribunal is headquartered in New Delhi.
• It consists of a chairperson, judicial members, and technical members.
• Its rulings can be challenged only in the Supreme Court of India.
• The tribunal plays a crucial role in corporate insolvency resolution and competition law enforcement.
• It aims to ensure faster resolution of corporate disputes and protect stakeholders’ interests.

 

Reports/indexes

1. UN report finds women’s rights were ‘weakened in a quarter of countries’

Context

●        The report is titled “Women’s Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing,” highlighting setbacks in gender equality due to democratic backsliding and conflicts.

 

Important Findings of the Report

• A report by UN Women states that women’s rights regressed in about one-quarter of countries worldwide.
• Factors responsible include climate change and weakening democratic institutions.
• Anti-rights groups are actively opposing gender equality efforts.

Challenges in Implementing Women’s Rights Policies

• Many countries report difficulties in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, a key global framework for women’s rights since 1995.
• While progress has been made, setbacks in gender equality continue.

Progress and Remaining Gaps

• Women’s representation in parliaments has doubled since 1995, yet men still make up about 75% of parliamentarians.
• Social protection benefits for women increased by one-third between 2010 and 2023, but two billion women and girls still lack such protections.
• Gender employment gaps have remained unchanged for decades, with 63% of women aged 25-54 in paid jobs compared to 92% of men.

Increase in Gender-Based Violence and Conflict Impact

• Conflict-related sexual violence has risen by 50% in the past decade, with 95% of victims being children or young women.
• In 2023, 612 million women lived within 50 kilometers of an armed conflict, a 54% increase since 2010.
• At least 53% of women in 12 European and Central Asian countries have faced online gender-based violence.

Steps Suggested for Gender Equality

• Promote equal access to new technologies like AI.
• Take measures to address climate-related gender injustices.
• Invest in poverty reduction strategies.
• Encourage women’s participation in public affairs.
• Strengthen actions against gender-based violence.

 

2. India takes 24th spot in free speech survey

Context

● The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank, conducted a global survey on support for free speech in October 2024. ● The report, titled ‘Who in the world supports free speech?’, ranked India 24th out of 33 countries surveyed.

 

Analysis of the news:

• The survey found that support for controversial speech is declining globally, even in democratic nations.
• Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest, while India scored 62.6, placing it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
• Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) saw the most improvement despite ranking low.
• Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government restrictions and public attitudes.
• 37% of Indian respondents supported government prevention of criticism, the highest among all countries surveyed.
• Democratic backsliding was noted in India, Hungary, and Venezuela, where public support for free speech was high, but actual protection was low.
• Indians perceived improvement in free speech, though global rankings suggest a declining trend in India’s freedom of expression.